MATTEO: Life and Death

Chapter 44

The relationship between Master and apprentice requires many things. Firstly patience , secondly cooperation , and thirdly and lastly listening. It is through such a relationship that a bond is formed , a bond that should be nurtured and cared for. It is from this relationship that everything depends - the way to treat and teach the young force apprentice. Some relationships evolved into a brother-younger brother or Father/Mother-son/daughter relationship. This was rare in the Order. Masters preferred to teach their students and not babysit them. In war there was no time for love. Such did not exist. A Padawan was supposed to learn what he was supposed to learn and then be appointed as a Jedi Knight and sent to the front as a general. War . . . War never changes.

The training room

Arla Jareni was practicing with her student Damian Rees. They had a lot of catching up to do. Jareni trained her student as best she could. She taught him the same way as her master. She knew , it would be difficult. Al e, after all, nothing in life is easy. She remembered how young Damian had nightmares about Order 66. He remembered how he sensed the death of his friends through the Force. He couldn't sleep at night. He tried to forget but the nightmares kept coming back. Always.

Damian fought with his master using training lightsabers. He wanted to improve his form III Soresu. He succeeded in perfecting Form I and II. He wanted the next one. Arla wanted to deny it , but when she noticed his progress , she knew she couldn't let go. She perceived that her student wanted too much. She felt the darkness approaching him. She felt how Damian with small steps was approaching the dark side of the Force. She knew that she could not let that happen. She blocked his attack and, using the Force, snatched away his lightsaber.

"That's enough for today. Let's go meditate." She said. Anger began to rise in Damian's eyes. The spark of the dark side slowly began to ignite. He clenched his hands forming fists.

"No," he denied. "I want to continue the fight. I want to master Soresu to perfection. I want to be like Master Obi-Wan!"

"I said No!" Jareni growled. "I'm your master and I decide what you will be how much your training will last. Let's go. Now!"

"Then I'll at least practice on the hologram," the Padawan didn't let up.

"No, that's it for today!" Jareni shouted at him. She had lost control of herself. She didn't want to do it. She closed her eyes seeking peace in her body. Damian stomped his foot like a small child. He moved away from her.

"Give me a break! You are not my mother , walking creed!" he muttered at her. Jareni felt a strong sting in her heart. How can he talk like that. She couldn't believe it. She remembered him calling her 'mom'. The pain in her heart grew. Arla left the training room with tears in her eyes, unable to believe what her student had said to her.

Matteo was in his quarters playing a game. He had rarely played this form of free gameplay lately. He was playing Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare. He was doing very well. He was taking down his enemies just like in real life. His tactics were very effective. His favorite was changing weapons instead of reloading. He was more effective than ever.

While he was playing, Arla entered the room. She wiped her tears before entering Shepard's room. She didn't know where to start. What was she supposed to say first? She was putting together sentences in her head when she stood before him. Matt paused and looked at the Umbarian.

"Hey Arla. What brings you to me?" He asked. Arja looked at him with a sad face. Matt read her face and sensed her emotions. He put his hand on her knee in comfort. "Hey , you can tell me everything.

Arla looked at him. "Damian has rebelled. He doesn't listen to me. He called me a walking chalkboard. Really , I can't believe it. So many years I've been taking care of him. He has been my padawan since I chose him. I wanted to be proud of him. But the end of the war and Order 66 changed our plans. After we said goodbye on Umbara. I trained Damian as best I could. He's been studying too hard lately. He tries to be the best." she admitted frankly.