Sanders Sides One Shots: Volume 2 [COMPLETED]

Strong With The Force: Part 1 (No Ship)

March 1st, 2020
A/N: This is a Star Wars AU because I'm on a Star Wars kick and can't stop thinking about it. This takes place during the Clone Wars because it's the easiest point in the timeline to insert Jedi original characters or in this case, cross-over/AU characters.

Roman's breathing was even and steady as he sat cross-legged. He let his mind wander to wherever it wished to go. He allowed the Force to guide his thoughts. As a sense of calm washed over him, visions became clear.

He could see the war front. Clones and droids falling to the ground, action dust and blaster fire, and the battleships on both sides holding nothing back. Roman flinched but remained in control, determined to prove himself skilled enough to control his emotions. He watched the soldiers die and buildings fall, but kept calm and breathed out slow. The voice of his master broke him from his concentration momentarily.

"Good, but you've been exposed to the war many times," Master Ron Vin stated. "You must master your control of your emotions when there is a more personal risk at stake."

"I'm not sure I understand Master," Roman said, opening his eyes. The Jedi was sitting cross-legged on his own meditation pedestal. His expression was unreadable as he stared at his Padawan. "I don't have attachments to risk. You know this, Master."

Master Vin looked unimpressed by his attempt to convince him of this. "You cannot lie to me, my young Padawan. I know that you possess attachments."

"But- I've no romantic feelings or engagements with anyone!" he protested.

"Attachments are not limited to romance, Roman. You should know better than to say something to ignorant, though perhaps you're in denial. You have attachments, but they do not take the form of a romantic interest," his master scolded. "Allow me to show you."

Roman swallowed uncomfortably but closed his eyes and tried to reconnect with the Force. He could see the war again, but this time he saw his civilian friend Patton Valentine. He was crying and screaming out for help as his peaceful village was destroyed. The Padawan reeled back in shock and felt anger coarse through his veins. Determination to save his friend washed over him and in that moment he knew he could fight a thousand battle droids alone.

"Your passion and anger is too strong," his Master snapped, pulling him from his thoughts. He opened his eyes with a gasp. "You must control yourself."

"I'm trying Master, but I can't help my passion," Roman said in a feeble attempt to defend himself. "I'm not sure I understand what I'm doing wrong. All being have emotions and that's unable to be changed. I can control them though, I wouldn't rush into battle just because I want to. I'm not that reckless!"

Master Vin's gaze narrowed. "Your statements prove otherwise. This way of thinking is a path to the Dark Side. A Jedi does not feel passion or allow their emotions to cloud their judgement as you have shown yourself to do. I think we're done for the day."

The Padawan sighed and stood up, knowing better than to argue with his Master. Perhaps he's right about me, he thought as he walked through the Jedi Temple. If Jedi aren't meant to feel emotion or passion, then I'm a pretty lousy Jedi. Sometimes it feels as though I can't stop my passion no matter what it's about, and my temper is hardly easy to control.

He was pulled from his thoughts as he bumped into someone. "Apologies, Master," he rushed out, backing. "Oh- Master Skywalker- I'm so sorry!"

"It's quite alright," the general said, nodding to him. He then frowned and looked him up and down. "I sense a great deal of uncertainty and frustration within you. I take it you had a hard time with your training today, Padawan?"

"I find it difficult to control my passion and emotion," he admitted. "It seems impossible."

Anakin chuckled a little. "I understand your struggle, but know that nearly everyone in this Temple has experienced what you're going through. It comes with great practice and patience to learn to control your emotions."

"But how am I supposed to just... not feel?" Roman questioned.

"You can't, and you shouldn't be expected to not feel emotions," Master Skywalker told him. "You are allowed to feel whatever you feel. It's how you act on those feelings that dictates how well you control them."

The Padawan nodded in understanding and smiled a little. "Thank you Master Skywalker," he said with a grateful bow of his head.

"You're welcome," he replied.

He then nodded to him and continued on his way leaving Roman standing alone in the hallway of the Jedi Temple. Anakin Skywalker was known to be a bit different from the other Jedi, but Roman found that his advice was much easier to understand than his own Master's sometimes. The Padawan just hoped he didn't let anyone down.