The suns were still low in the sky when Varan and Asa set out from Aurora's Reach, the air thick with dust from the dry winds that always seemed to swirl over Batuu's arid landscape. It was early, the morning still cool, but the day would soon grow hot. Hekka, the Lurmen rancher who had called on them, was already waiting outside his modest homestead. His sharp ears twitched in anticipation, a clear sign of both the urgency of the situation and his frustration.

For the last few days, something had been stealing his herd of Moochers. At first, it had been one or two animals at a time—no more than a slight inconvenience. But now, entire sections of the herd had gone missing, and it was no longer something Hekka could handle on his own. Moochers were tough, hardy animals, grazing on sparse shrubs and dry grass. They weren't easily frightened. So whatever was taking them, it was something dangerous.

Varan had taken the job without hesitation. He didn't like the idea of leaving Asa behind—her abilities were growing stronger, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep her sheltered from danger—but he also knew that she needed experience in the field. This would be a relatively easy job, a chance for her to practice staying calm in the face of uncertainty. Plus, the added bonus: the rancher was paying well.

"You've come just in time," Hekka greeted them, his eyes scanning the horizon. "I've been looking for them for days now. I'm afraid something bigger is out there—something that knows how to take them without leaving a trace."

Varan nodded, scanning the terrain around them, already thinking about their approach. He glanced down at Asa, who was watching the landscape with that steady, perceptive gaze she had when she was deep in thought.

"We'll track them down, Hekka," Varan said, giving the rancher a reassuring nod. "We'll get your herd back."

The search had already stretched into the late evening by the time they set out into the dry, rocky plains. Asa stayed a few steps behind Varan, her senses alert to every sound, every subtle shift in the Force. The wind swept through the barren landscape, rustling the sparse vegetation and carrying the scent of sagebrush.

Varan kept his eyes on the ground, scanning for tracks, while Asa extended her mind into the Force, seeking any trace of the missing herd. The Moochers were intelligent creatures, sensitive to their surroundings, and Asa knew that by tapping into the Force, she could sense them more clearly.

"Over here," Asa called softly, pointing to a small ridge in the distance. "They're nearby. I can feel them."

Varan paused, his eyes narrowing in the dimming light. "Are you sure?"

Asa nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure."

As they carefully made their way through the rocky terrain of Batuu's rugged landscape, Asa couldn't help but feel an odd sense of connection to the land around her. It had been growing stronger with every day she spent with Varan, every new task they undertook. There was something deeply calming about nature here—the wind, the rocks, the sprawling plains. It was as though she could feel the pulse of the planet itself, and it made her more attuned to the animals and life surrounding them.

They reached a shallow valley where the Moochers were last seen. Varan and Hekka took positions to scan the area, eyes keen for any signs of the herd. Asa, however, closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. She felt the Force stir inside her, like a quiet current beneath the surface, guiding her. She wasn't just looking for tracks; she was listening, sensing, reaching out to connect.

The Moochers, she knew, were calm and peaceful creatures. They weren't the type to wander off on their own, especially without a clear reason. Something must have spooked them. Asa's brow furrowed slightly as she walked ahead, feeling the tug of the Force lead her to a rocky outcrop. As she approached, she could sense them—though they were far off, she could feel the Moochers' presence. Their hooves clicked softly on the stone as they grazed nearby.

Varan had been scouting the opposite side of the valley but caught a glimpse of Asa standing still, her head tilted slightly as if listening to something beyond the wind. He paused, watching her curiously. Asa's connection to the Force was still growing, and he had seen her accomplish things beyond her years, but he was still getting used to how naturally she could sense and interact with the living world around them.

Asa opened her eyes and nodded, turning back to the group. "They're over there." She pointed towards a thicket of bushes and trees, where the Moochers were grazing quietly.

Varan moved to follow, but Asa raised a hand to stop him. "Wait." She could feel it now—the Moochers were uneasy, but something else was wrong. Their nervous energy was unlike their usual calm.

The Moochers were not just hiding or staying still—they were being wary, as if something had been stalking them. Asa, already aware of the natural instincts of animals, immediately extended her senses outward. The Moochers had not wandered off; they were trying to stay safe, staying close together in a group. They were not far away, but something was spooking them.

She knelt low to the ground, pressing her palm against the dry earth. She felt the subtle vibrations in the ground as the animals moved. The herd was here, but they were skittish, unsure, looking over their shoulders nervously.

"I'll try to calm them," Asa murmured, more to herself than to Varan.

Varan raised an eyebrow but said nothing, knowing that Asa's connection with animals was unique. He had seen her do things with the Force that sometimes seemed like magic, but it was never just that—it was patience, understanding, and deep empathy.

Asa stood up slowly, her hands relaxed at her sides. She didn't speak; instead, she focused on reaching out to the Moochers through the Force. She allowed herself to tap into their feelings, focusing on their sense of unease. She could feel their trembling limbs, the twitching of their shaggy ears, the way they grazed but constantly glanced around, looking for danger.

At first, Asa didn't force anything. She simply stood there, radiating calmness and compassion. Slowly, the Moochers began to relax. She reached out gently, her eyes soft, almost like she was speaking to them without words. It's okay. You're safe. The Moochers were sensitive, and they responded to her presence. She could feel the shift in the air around them as their anxiety began to ease. They lowered their heads to the grass, their muscles relaxing, their movements slower, more deliberate.

Asa smiled faintly. "There you go." She kept her distance, letting the Moochers adjust to her presence. The herd began to move toward her slowly, their large, expressive eyes glancing at her curiously but no longer in fear.

Varan watched the whole thing, his jaw slightly slack in amazement. He had always known that Asa was different, but seeing her calm an entire herd of animals without lifting a finger, without needing to do anything more than stand still and project calmness—it was a quiet display of her growing connection to the Force. He was impressed, but his admiration was tempered by a flicker of worry. There was still so much he hadn't fully understood about her abilities, but he knew better than to interrupt her now.

As Asa gently walked closer to one of the Moochers, she reached out, her fingers brushing the thick, shaggy fur on its back. She spoke softly, almost cooing, as the creature stood still, accepting her touch. "Good boy," she whispered, scratching the animal behind the ears, just as one might do to a domestic creature.

Hekka, who had been watching from a distance, blinked in surprise. "I've never seen them so calm, especially with everything that's been happening lately." He couldn't believe how smoothly things had turned around. The Moochers, normally so skittish and easily startled, were now docile under Asa's touch.

Varan finally stepped forward, his voice low but still tinged with a trace of disbelief. "You've got a way with them, Asa." He couldn't help but admire her control. She had done more than just calm the Moochers—she had formed a bond with them, something he hadn't expected from someone her age.

Asa didn't look up immediately, still focused on the Moocher in front of her. "They just needed to know they're safe," she said quietly, her fingers gently scratching the animal's ears. "It's not hard to show them that."

Varan could only nod, still impressed. He knew that this was just one more step in Asa's growth—one more piece of the puzzle that was becoming clearer with each passing day. She wasn't just his Padawan; she was someone who could see the world in ways he couldn't fully comprehend. She had the ability to reach out and connect with life in a way that was powerful and calming. It wasn't something you could teach—it was something Asa had naturally.

Just as he was about to speak, Asa stood up slowly, looking in the direction of the rocky outcrop where she'd sensed something else watching them. "There's something else. I'm going to see if I can help." Her tone was different now, more serious, though still calm.

Varan looked at her, his instincts telling him to caution her, but instead, he just nodded. "Be careful, Asa."

With a quick glance at him, Asa started walking toward the brush, her presence radiating a quiet dominance. The Moochers, once nervous and skittish, had fully relaxed, grazing peacefully as if the earlier tension had never existed.

As Asa approached the thick brush where she could sense something larger, something watching them, she felt the air around her shift. The calm energy she'd exuded to the Moochers wasn't enough for whatever was hiding in the shadows of the rocks and trees. This wasn't just any animal—it was something more dangerous, something that was trying to keep its distance but was still close enough to make her senses tingle.

Varan, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, instinctively moved closer to her, his hand hovering near his lightsaber, but he didn't draw it. Instead, he watched Asa carefully, waiting for her to act. She had been calm with the Moochers, but this was a different beast entirely.

Asa continued to walk slowly, her posture still relaxed, but her every step was measured. She wasn't just walking into danger—she was walking with a purpose. With each step, she reached deeper into herself, focusing on the Force. She could feel the tension in the air, the undercurrent of threat from the creature in the brush. It was large, its presence powerful, but its anxiety mirrored that of the Moochers earlier. It wasn't attacking, but it was poised to do so if it felt cornered.

She took another step forward, her breath steady and calm. In the distance, she could see the large, shaggy form of the young Braga Bear, its dark eyes glinting from behind the thick foliage. Its size was intimidating, but there was no aggression in its posture—not yet, at least. Its large claws dug into the earth beneath it as it crouched low, watching her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. The bear wasn't just a predator—it was scared, confused, and uncertain.

Asa had faced her share of dangers, but what she felt now wasn't the same as the dangerous encounters they'd been through before. This wasn't about fight or flight; it was about understanding. She could feel the bear's conflict. It was hungry, but it wasn't in full hunting mode. Something had caused it to hesitate, and that hesitation was giving her an opening.

Her movements were slow, deliberate. She extended her arms slightly in front of her, palms open, fingers spread just enough to make herself appear less threatening. With a soft voice, she called to it, her tone gentle but commanding.

"It's okay," she whispered, almost to herself. "You don't need to be afraid."

The bear's amber eyes narrowed as it studied her, its large nostrils flaring as it took in her scent. It was a wild animal, but Asa's presence wasn't an immediate threat to it. It could sense something in her, something calm and steady, and that gave it pause. Her connection to the Force was like a quiet beacon to the creature, something that told it she wasn't a danger—she was simply... there.

As Asa crouched down, her eyes still locked on the young Braga Bear, Varan's hand instinctively moved to his lightsaber hilt, hidden beneath his jacket. He wasn't sure what to expect. The situation had escalated quickly, and this was a dangerous predator. He was ready to intervene if it attacked. But before he could make a move, the rancher, Hekka, held up a hand, stepping in front of him with a quiet but firm voice.

"Wait," Hekka said, his eyes trained on Asa and the bear. "Don't rush in. Something's happening here."

Varan, still unsure, didn't move. His eyes darted between Hekka and Asa, who was now getting even closer to the bear, her voice soft but clear. It was as if she was speaking to the bear, not just in words, but in a way that was unexplainable—gentle yet firm.

The bear's large, amber eyes were fixed on her, its powerful body still and watchful. Her heart beat steadily in her chest as she regarded the animal, the pull of its hunger and instinct obvious. She could sense its need, but also its uncertainty. It was hungry, and it was here because it saw the Moochers as a potential meal. But Asa wasn't about to let that happen.

She spoke softly, but with a firmness that came from a deep, quiet confidence. "I know you're hungry," she said, her voice steady and calm. The words came naturally, though there was a quiet, inexplicable connection between them that made the moment feel like more than just a conversation. "But these Moochers aren't for you."

The bear's large ears twitched at her words, its nostrils flaring slightly as it took in her scent. It didn't make any move toward the herd, but it stayed where it was, watching her carefully, its hunger still palpable.

"You need to go find something else," she added, her tone softening as she placed a hand on her hip. She wasn't commanding the bear. She was simply offering it a way out, a path forward where it wouldn't need to fight or cause harm. The Force thrummed quietly in her, a subtle but steady hum that seemed to carry her words, amplifying the connection.

The bear seemed to hesitate for a moment longer, its gaze shifting from Asa to the Moochers. But Asa stood her ground, her presence quiet but strong. There was no fear, no hesitation in her—just a sense of understanding, a feeling that she wasn't a threat to the creature.

The bear let out a low rumble, but it wasn't a growl. It was more of a sigh, and it turned its head slightly, as if considering her words. Asa took another step forward, her hand still hovering near it, and gently extended a finger, offering a soft scratch along its broad neck.

"Good boy," she murmured, her voice as gentle as the touch. The bear's body tensed for a brief moment, but then it relaxed into her hand, its soft fur rustling under her fingertips.

At that moment, Varan stood a few paces back, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and disbelief. He had heard of Jedi who could connect with animals through the Force, communicate with them in a way that was almost instinctual. But what Asa was doing was... something more. It was raw, untamed, and completely natural. It wasn't like the careful, disciplined teachings of the Jedi that he had known. Asa was simply—being herself.

As the bear finally seemed to acknowledge Asa's presence and turn away from the Moochers, Varan took a hesitant step forward. His gaze flicked from Asa to the bear, then back to Asa again, trying to wrap his mind around the surreal moment. "What... what did you just do?" His voice was soft, almost awestruck.

Asa turned to him with a small, bright smile, looking slightly bewildered herself. "I don't really know," she admitted, glancing back at the bear as it took a few steps backward, retreating into the brush. "I just felt it. Its hunger... I could feel how scared it was. So I just... told it to go somewhere else."

Varan frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in thought. "You... you connected with it," he said slowly, then added, almost to himself, "That's what I've heard Jedi can do. But I didn't think... I didn't think it would be like this."

Asa blinked, not fully understanding. "Like what?"

Varan hesitated before speaking again, his voice still carrying a hint of disbelief. "I've heard of Jedi using the Force to communicate with animals, to calm them or make them understand... But what you just did was... different. You weren't just commanding it. You were talking to it. You got it to understand without... without fear."

Asa paused, considering his words, and then gave a small shrug, her lips curling into a playful smile. "I don't know how I did it. It just... felt right."

She looked back at the spot where the bear had disappeared into the underbrush, its powerful form now just a faint shape in the distance. "I think he'll be alright."

Varan nodded, his expression softening, though there was still a hint of concern in his eyes. "You've got a rare gift, Asa," he said quietly, his tone sincere. "You handled that better than I ever could have expected."

For a moment, Asa just stood there, feeling a quiet warmth spread through her at his words. But then her gaze shifted back to the brush, where the bear had disappeared, and she grinned at Varan, her playful side returning. "You think we could keep him?" she asked, her voice light and teasing, though there was a glint of genuine curiosity in her eyes.

Varan couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're joking, right?"

Asa shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, if we're going to be working around here a lot, I wouldn't mind having a companion. A really big one."

Varan smirked, shaking his head again. "I don't think the ranchers would appreciate us showing up with a bear"

Asa laughed, but her smile faded a little as she looked toward the distant hills, where the bear had disappeared. "I was just kidding. But I kind of feel bad for it, you know? It's just trying to survive out here, like everyone else."

Varan paused, his voice softer now as he regarded her thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get that. But sometimes, survival means knowing when to let go, too." He glanced toward Hekka, who had been quietly watching from the distance, still holding the Moocher herd in place.

Hekka caught his gaze and gave a subtle nod, confirming that everything was calm again. With the bear gone, it seemed like the herd was safe for now.

"Well, I think that's enough excitement for today," Varan said, trying to bring the mood back to something more manageable. "Let's get the Moochers back to their pen and make sure no one else comes sniffing around."

As they started walking back toward the herd, Asa couldn't help but glance one last time toward the brush, a soft smile still tugging at her lips.

After the incident with the Braga Bear, Asa and Varan had managed to guide the Moochers back to the pen and ensure everything was settled. The rancher, Hekka, had offered his thanks, but Varan noticed the slight glint of curiosity in the Lurmen's eyes. As they worked their way back to Hekka's small ranch house, the air was thick with an unspoken understanding, and Varan could feel the weight of Hekka's gaze, as if the rancher was processing something deeper.

Once the animals were safely corralled, Varan took a slow breath and made his way to the edge of the pen, where Hekka was adjusting some equipment, giving him a moment of quiet.

"Impressive work back there," Hekka said after a moment, his voice casual but his eyes still keen with observation. "Not many people can handle themselves like that with a predator. Not even the seasoned hunters around here."

Varan gave a slight shrug, though there was a flicker of tension behind his eyes. "I've seen a few things. Not my first run-in with dangerous wildlife."

Hekka seemed to weigh that for a moment before speaking again, his tone more thoughtful this time. "I've heard tales... stories about Jedi and their ability to connect with creatures. To calm them, influence them, and communicate with them. Some say it's a rare gift. Others say it's the Force itself guiding them." He paused, letting the words hang in the air for a moment before adding, "I never put much stock in such things. But that girl of yours... She's got a way with animals, too."

Varan stiffened slightly at the mention of Asa, but his expression remained neutral. He wasn't surprised that Hekka had pieced things together, even if it was only a hunch. Word traveled quickly in places like these, and Hekka had been around long enough to recognize the oddities of certain abilities.

"It's... not what you think," Varan said, his voice steady but low. "But yes, Asa has some unique skills. She's not just a regular kid, Hekka. She's been through a lot."

Hekka tilted his head slightly, his large eyes narrowing in curiosity, but he didn't press further. Instead, his tone became quieter, more reflective. "I don't need to know the whole story, Varan. But if you've got a little one out here with abilities like that, you've got to be careful. The world's a dangerous place for people like her."

Varan's gaze flickered over to Asa, who was now talking animatedly with the Moochers, giving them another round of pats and scratches. His heart tightened slightly, but he didn't let it show.

"I know," Varan replied softly. "I'm doing my best to make sure she stays safe. But you've seen how she is. She doesn't want to hide. She wants to help."

Hekka was quiet for a moment, then gave a short nod. "She's got spirit. I can see that." Then, after a pause, he added with a knowing look, "You're not just a couple of wanderers, are you? I've heard about the Jedi... They're not just some old myth, are they?"

Varan's eyes flashed for a brief second, the weight of the question hanging in the air. He considered the Lurmen for a long moment, wondering how much Hekka truly understood. Finally, Varan spoke in a calm, measured tone, keeping his voice low. "What you saw today, Hekka... It's not something I can explain easily. There's a lot you don't know, and I'd rather keep it that way. It's safer for everyone."

Hekka studied him for a long moment, his large ears twitching as he processed Varan's words. The Lurmen was intelligent, keen-eyed, and had a way of reading people that was hard to fake. He could tell Varan wasn't being entirely forthcoming, but he didn't press. Instead, he gave a subtle nod, acknowledging Varan's request without outright questioning it. "I understand. Your secret's safe with me. But just so you know... you're not fooling anyone around here. People talk, especially in places like this."

Varan exhaled, relieved but also wary. He appreciated Hekka's discretion, but he knew that the more time they spent in the open, the more likely it was that their past would catch up to them. The idea of Asa's abilities getting out was his greatest fear—he couldn't let the Empire find her.

"Thank you," Varan said finally, his voice steady. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention it to anyone else. It could cause problems."

Hekka's eyes softened, and he offered a smile that was surprisingly warm. "I'll keep it quiet. But... if you ever need help with anything out here, you know where to find me."

Varan gave a small, appreciative nod. "I will."

As they stood there for a moment longer, the sounds of Asa laughing in the distance seemed to bring some calm back to the conversation. Varan watched her carefully, as if weighing the risks of keeping her in the dark about so much. But he knew he had no choice. As long as she was with him, he had to protect her, no matter the cost.

The silence between him and Hekka was comfortable now, a mutual understanding settling between them. Without another word, Varan turned and made his way toward Asa, knowing full well that this quiet was temporary. They couldn't stay hidden forever. But for now, they were safe.

And that had to be enough.