𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱☪ - Taegyu

Episode XVII

Beomgyu entered the palace, its hall echoing with memories of old battles. Pillars lay broken on the ground, and the hollow space was strewn with debris. 

Ryujin walked beside him. "Come. I want to show you something." She led him through a series of corridors.

They halted before a pair of sleek, metallic doors with intricate engravings that glowed faintly. Ryujin pressed her hand to a biometric scanner, and the doors slid open, revealing a room filled with the remnants of their childhood. Beomgyu stepped inside, his eyes scanning the familiar yet distant surroundings. Holo-discs, advanced toys, and old data pads were scattered around, covered in a fine layer of dust.

"This was our room," Ryujin's voice tinged with sadness. "Do you remember?"

Beomgyu walked over to a crib in the corner, filled with toys he had once used to entertain baby Ryujin. 

"You were just a baby," Beomgyu said, looking at Ryujin. "I used to play with you here, keep you entertained while Father told me to protect you and our planet."

Ryujin smiled softly. "You always took care of me."

Beomgyu's gaze drifted around the room, the memories flooding back more clearly now. "I wanted to be a good King," he murmured. "I only wanted to become a Jedi after the Jedi Order took me away from here. They told me I had talent, but deep down, I just wanted to be there for Taehyun."

When his thoughts drifted to Taehyun, a pang of pain shot through him. How much must Taehyun loathe him now? He could imagine his anger and disappointment, being betrayed by the boy he loved. Taehyun would never forgive him.

Ryujin watched his brother closely, sensing his internal struggle. She placed a hand on his shoulder, making contact with him for the first time. "When we unite the galaxy, you can invite Taehyun to join us. You can marry him, brother. He's part of your destiny."

Beomgyu frowned at her. "Do you really think so?"

Ryujin assured him with a nod. "Anything is possible with the power of the Force."

Beomgyu took a deep breath before he glanced around the room once more, seeing not just the shadow of childhood, but the foundation of the future. He would reunite the galaxy, starting from his own planet Mirth. And maybe, just maybe, one day he could find his way back to Taehyun.

With renewed determination, Beomgyu turned to his sister. "Show me the rest of the palace. I need to remember everything."

With Ryujin's guidance, Beomgyu returned to the throne room, its massive doors already ajar. As they entered, the sight of the Sith lounging on the throne greeted them. The dark figure rose, stepping aside and gesturing to the throne as Beomgyu approached.

Beomgyu stared at the Sith, his gaze hardening. He couldn't discern whether this man saw him as the true King, or a tool for his ambition. He stood where he was and refused to sit on the throne.

Ryujin spoke up to fill the gaps for his brother, "Our parents turned to the Empire for greater power to reunite the galaxy, but the Jedi executed them. Without a King, civil wars emerged on our planet for decades. Rhysio-" She took a look at the Sith before elaborating, "Rhysio, a Sith now, was once our parents' loyal servant. You remember him-"

"I don't," Beomgyu interrupted her. Whatever identity of the Sith, his rage upon the pain the Sith had caused to Taehyun still burnt him alive.

"Rhysio became an apprentice of the dark side of the Force. He obtained the power, but he did not forget his promise to our father. So he came back to Mirth and trained me, but realized I wasn't the one. Now he fulfills his purpose to empower you, Beomgyu, to rule the universe because our father failed."

"I guess the Sith is more interested in conquering the galaxy than me," Beomgyu scoffed. "I just want to be a good king for my people and protect them."

"The Jedi implemented their own justice, freeing our planet from the Empire, but what's the outcome when people have free will?" The Sith waved a hand, and a hologram map flickered to life– displaying on the wall were scenes of various civil wars ravaging their planet.

Violence unfolded before Beomgyu's eyes: soldiers clashing in blood, homes reduced to rubble, women and children crying in despair. Beomgyu's heart ached as he saw the suffering and chaos.

"They need a King," the Sith concluded. "They would only listen to one true ruler."

"Will they stop fighting if I order them to?" Beomgyu asked, gripping his fists tight.

"Not only our planet," the Sith replied, a cold smile playing on his lips. "The whole universe shall listen to your command. This is who you are."

.･:*:･ﾟ'✭,'✫'ﾟ･:*:･˙

Climbing the mountains, Taehyun made his way to Master 8's home, a serene and secluded retreat nestled in a forest. The structure resembled an ancient Eastern temple, with weathered stone steps leading up to a pagoda. Lanterns hung from the trees, swaying gently in the breeze, casting soft, warm light over the dim pathway. The scent of pine and incense, and the soft murmur of a nearby stream added to the peaceful atmosphere, which created a sense of calm over Taehyun, despite the turmoil within.

He entered the pagoda, seeing Master 8 sat cross-legged in meditation by the center of the main hall.

"Master 8," Taehyun began, his voice came out shakier than he intended. "I– There are so many voices in my head."

Master 8 opened his eyes and regarded Taehyun with a knowing gaze. He did not speak immediately but instead, rose to his feet and lit up the candles surrounding him one by one.

"Do not judge your thoughts, Padawan," Master 8 said quietly. "Thoughts are not your enemies, but a compass, taking you closer or further from your purpose."

Taehyun was taken aback by the gentle response. He had expected reprimand for his actions during the encounter with the Sith.

"I'm so sorry for being an ass all the time. I should have listened to you. This is all my fault," Taehyun apologized, regretting his past.

Master 8 continued to light the candles gracefully. "It is through mistakes that we learn and grow."

Taehyun watched his Master, a realization dawning on him– he had always complained about Master 8's strict and introspective nature, but it was these very qualities that made him a strong Jedi Master. His power came from within, a strength born of discipline, patience and self-awareness– qualities that Taehyun himself had yet to embody. He started to see why the Jedi Order had paired him with Master 8.

"I have to become the strongest," the boy declared. "A stronger form is what I need. Master 8, you are a master of all forms."

Master 8 paused, then demonstrated a simple but profound use of the Force, reigniting a flickering candle flame to burn brighter. He then gestured for Taehyun to try.

Taehyun focused, reaching out with the Force. He willed the flame on the candle to grow, but in his eagerness, he used too much force. Instead of thriving, the flame extinguished entirely.

"I'm truly a loser," Taehyun muttered in frustration.

Master 8 shook his head. "A more aggressive form will not aid you, Padawan, unless you have overcome the judgment within yourself."

Taehyun looked at his Master, desperate for guidance. "How do I overcome it?"

Master 8's eyes softened. "Meditate under the waterfall until I meet you there after three days. Do not attempt to empty your mind. Do not judge your thoughts and emotions. Observe them as if they are clouds drifting by the wind. When the clouds are cleared, you shall be able to see what it is that you're seeking. If a stronger form is your answer, come again."

(A/N: 'Mirth' is an original planet, I just made it up

Oh god, it took me this long to update I'm sorry

But I'm determined to finish it

Thank you for still tuning it, I hope you enjoy this and what's coming after)