𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱☪ - Taegyu

Episode I

–At 7, he had all the rights to dream big.

Rarely, a 7-year-old had all his path mapped out clearly in his little head and here's Taehyun– determined to become a Jedi. He was ready to take on challenges with unshakeable ambition despite his young age, always imagining himself wielding a lightsaber and using the Force to battle evil, just like his father and those heroes in his favorite holovids.

Today was a momentous day for him. Mouth agape, little Taehyun gazed in amazement at the towering spires of the Jedi Temple, its shining white stones glowing with a vibrant energy. His heart filled with wonder as he approached the entrance, seeing his father in traditional Jedi robes waiting there with a smile.

"You are about to embark on a difficult journey, one that will test your strength, your courage, and your faith. But I believe in you." Master RM said, placing his hands on Taehyun's shoulders. "The Force is strong with you. Remember our teachings and always follow the light."

Taehyun's eyes misted with tears of joy and pride. "I will, father," he said firmly. "I will do my best to honor the Jedi Code and make you and mum proud."

Master RM chuckled, ruffling Taehyun's hair fondly. "I am already proud of you, my son. May the Force be with you. Now go– adventures await you within these hallowed halls!"

Laughing, Taehyun nodded and squared his shoulders. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. It was time.

As Taehyun stepped through the massive entrance of the temple, he gasped. The foyer opened up before him like an expansive cavern, sunlight filtering through arched windows.

Carvings and statues of past Jedi Masters decorated the walls, reminding all who entered of the noble legacy they now pursued. Colorful tapestries depicted famous battles and moments of triumph, inspiration for the trials ahead.

Taehyun walked through a towering door that led him to a spacious hall. He joined a group of young children of all species, known as younglings, who would also begin their training in this Jedi journey. Growing up, they would become a Padawan, an apprentice of a Jedi and break through different trials before officially granted a title of Knight.

Though he was thrilled to start a new chapter of life, excitement and nervousness churned within the young boy when surrounded by strangers. Some of them had already been making friends with others, and some gave him a side-eye when he entered, perhaps recognizing him as the son of a famous Jedi Master.

A pang of discomfort arose– What if they saw me as privileged? No, the least he wanted was to be judged by his father's reputation, given that he couldn't get away from his identity.

An internal crisis that seemed phenomenal as so could also be distracted by a crying figure in the corner.

The boy wasn't sure of their gender, not like it's bothering Taehyun (except he didn't want to misgender a stranger). All he knew was that they were human, like him.

This youngling had a pretty and delicate appearance– long lashes that blinked away their crystal tears, pouty peach lips and long dark hair that enveloped their round little head. Sitting sprawled on the floor, their expressions were all sullen like a teddy bear abandoned by its owner, which Taehyun found really cute.

Justice in him wouldn't let a discouraged soul be casted aside. He squatted before them and spoke gently. "Hey, are you okay? What happened?"

They looked up, eyes red and puffy cheeks stained with tears. "...the son of sinners," The boy sobbed while mumbling. "Perhaps they are right... I do not deserve to be here-"

Taehyun grasped his shoulder firmly and said, "Don't listen to them! You are chosen by the Jedi Order for a reason, just like me. We will be good Jedis together!"

The other boy's eyes shone with hope at Taehyun's words, boosting his confidence when he needed it most. Captivated by the stars in his dilated pupils, Taehyun almost forgot to introduce himself. "My name is Taehyun. What's yours?" The boy wiped away his tears and replied, "I-I'm Beomgyu–"

"    ​​ !" A Rodian child (a reptile species with green skin and antennae) suddenly huffed at them in a language they did not recognize. And then a few other younglings crowded in, not looking particularly friendly.

"Leave us alone." Taehyun stood his ground.

"It would ruin your reputation to be associated with him." One of them who seemed to speak human language stepped up.

Taehyun refused to back down. "I won't look down on him just because of something his parents may or may not have done. That's not the Jedi way."

The bullies scoffed.

"He is a disgrace to our training clan."

Their insults stung Taehyun like a blaster bolt, as if it had swung at him, not on the other boy. Plus the way Beomgyu looked away and scooted to the back as far as possible.

How would someone as adorable as him be labelled as a disgrace?

Taehyun's anger began to boil over these uncivilized younglings. But then he remembered the teachings– giving in to his negative emotions would only lead to the dark side. He took a deep breath to calm himself down.

As Taehyun tried to reason with the bullies and tell them to leave, one of them stepped forward and threw a punch at him. Taehyun perceived the incoming attack and reflexively ducked, narrowly avoiding it.

"Stop it!" Taehyun shouted.

The bullies just laughed. "You're as weak as your friend." They all surged towards Taehyun at the same time, aiming to take him down, and something strange happened–

Suddenly, the bullies were hung in the air when Beomgyu lifted his hand, manipulating them with invisible energy. They were thrown off their feet and fell hard to the ground. All of them looked up at Beomgyu in shock while scrambling away.

"Woah..." Taehyun watched in amazement, awed at Beomgyu's strong connection with the Force. "Am I still eligible to be your friend?" Half-jokingly, he asked the other boy who was gazing at his own palms, clearly not believing in his true potential.