[ON HIATUS] Follow Your Heart | An Alternate Star Wars Story

A Master's Advice

Warmth surrounded you within your subconscious. You could feel the universe around you like a fish felt ripples in a lake. Whilst you had no perception of your surroundings, you felt the Force energy of everything flowing through you. You could feel as Younglings dreamt of being powerful and wise Jedi Masters. You could feel the Temple Guards as they calmly walked the halls of the Temple. You could feel as the Great Tree outside rustled and waved in the winds of the city surrounding you. But something else lurked. Deep in the distant city, a cold presence hid itself away. You couldn't identify its origin or form, only the fear that radiated off of it. It made you uneasy, as though it were a predator and you its prey. You felt your own sleeping body stirring in discomfort as this source of darkness lay waiting. It didn't sense you, you knew that much. But still, you couldn't escape the feeling of being watched. But something else existed in this plain too. Something soothing, something inviting. Slowly, you began to ignore the shadowy presence, instead yearning for this new light that enveloped your mind. Again, its source wasn't clear, but it felt much closer. What was strange was how familiar it felt, how recognisable. Yet equally, you had no idea what it was you were experiencing. Only that its presence calmed you, made you feel at peace with the galaxy once more. You wanted nothing more than to bask in this enigma. But soon you began to feel your connections waver, as you began to wake up. You fought the temptation to open your eyes, but eventually your mind became too active, causing you to sit yourself up and let your dreams vanish into void.

You sat in your bed alone, as you did every morning. Dawn has broken, streaks of light breaking through your window. You rubbed your eyes, taking in a deep breath. You tried to recount your dream, but everything was a blur. All you could remember was the two most prominent aspects: the inviting light and the fear-inducing shadow. Not wanting to dwell on your inability to remember, you stretched your arms up into the air. The feeling of your muscles loosening relaxed you, causing you to let out a heavy yawn. You decided you wanted to speak with your Master before meeting with Ahsoka at noon. You wanted to confide with him about your meditations, rather than be forced to dwell on it alone. You got up from your bed, tidying it with the Force, before changing into your robes and exiting your room. Most Jedi were awake at this point, with several Younglings making their way to the mess hall. As you began to make your way down the halls as well, your mind deviated back to your meditations and dreams. You pondered over these feelings you had uncovered over the past days. Part of you feared that it was you use of emotions that had triggered the shadows you sensed, as it stated in the Jedi Code: 'There is no emotion, there is peace'. Though throughout your training with Master Koth, he had always taught you that the Code was a text that came from an Order that had existed many generations before and that he believed it should be revised. His argument was that if one was to separate themselves from emotion, they were no better than a droid.

As you continued to ponder, you felt a small bump in your side that brought you back to reality. You turned to see a young human Padawan looking up at you. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," he said sheepishly. You smiled, kneeling down, meeting him at eye level and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No need to apologise my friend," you replied in a soft tone. "You're not hurt, are you?"
"No, not at all."
"Good." You stood, taking your hand off of the Padawan's shoulder. At that moment, other Padawans his age began passing, calling out to him.
"Come on Cal! Hurry up!" they said loudly as they hurried by.
"Coming! Good day, sir." said Cal as he bowed to you. You smiled, bowing back to him.
"Good day to you, Cal. Now go on, don't let me keep you." With that Cal made his leave, joining his friends. You chuckled softly to yourself, remembering similar days. You entered the mess hall as you reminisced about older days. The thoughts almost distracted you from the rather bland breakfast that was common at the Temple. You ate your food relatively quickly and disposed of your tray. Normally you'd spend time interacting with your fellow Jedi, but not today. Today you wanted to meet with your Master as soon as possible, your mind engulfed in your recent experiences. You exited the hall, making your way to the upper floors of the Temple where Eeth Koth resided. The wall was uninterrupted, giving you the time to level and clear your thoughts before meeting your Master. When you arrived at his quarters, you could sense that he was meditating, though not deep within his own subconscious. You knocked on his door. "Enter, (Y/N)," you heard him speak from the other side, prompting you to do as requested.

Master Koth's room was larger than yours by a margin. Whilst his bed contained the same full sheets and blankets as yours, the centre of his room was decorated with the Jedi Insignia, where he sat in meditation as the sun shone in from the window behind him. He didn't open his eyes, nor speak a word. Through the silence, you sat down in front of him, taking deep, controlled breaths. "I sense you have made discoveries my Padawan, and with them curiosity has welcomed you," the Master said, finally breaking the silence. "Tell me all you wish to share."
"I have explored these new feelings and emotions, Master Koth," you said in a soft tone. The atmosphere of the room was calm and relaxing, a feeling you didn't want to ruin. "They seem both random and precise, I cannot explain them. They're positive, warm and inviting. Though at the same time they carry a sense of mystery and unknowing." Eeth was silent as he studied your words, clearly examining them with a great there. You patiently waited, your mind remaining as balanced as his. It would be a few long beats before he spoke again.
"Be wary of these developments, my apprentice. Yet do not fear them or shut them out. Your emotions are strong and guide you. So long as you can balance them, they will carry you well."
"Master, why are most Jedi taught to cut themselves off from emotion?" This question brought with it another silence as Koth searched for the best answer he could provide. Eventually, he found one.
"Many Jedi Masters believe that emotions make a person susceptible to corruption, both from other beings and the Dark Side of the Force. I disagree, as you know, instead believing it is the inability to understand the emotions of yourself and those around you that leads to such corruption."
"What are these new emotions?"
"I cannot be the one to tell you. To understand, you must learn for yourself." Whilst he had provided some answers, failing to answer this one was a bit disappointing to you. Though you didn't argue or push further. You knew Master Koth was telling you this for good reason.

"Is that all?" he continued.
"No, Master. In my dreams last night I sensed something else. Something darker, colder. It was faint, far away. Yet it radiated such fear." You felt as Koth shifted, seemingly more concerned.
"Do you sense danger?"
"I do not know, Master." Koth opened his eyes, shortly followed by you doing the same. He remained seated, but looked at you directly.
"Thank you for telling me this (Y/N). Not many would be so open, I'm glad you trust in me. See what you can learn about this darkness, but do not endanger yourself. Understanding its origin may prove vital to you in the future." You nodded, bowing to him and standing.
"Yes Master Koth. That is all. If I may be excused, I told Ahsoka I would join her today. She wants to spend time outside the Temple."
"I understand," Eeth replied, a smile appearing on his face. His eyes changed, becoming visibly happier. "Enjoy yourselves and tell Young Tano I hope she is recovered soon."
"As you say. Goodbye Master." With that you took your leave, closing the door to the room behind you.

After your discussion with Master Koth, you had spent the rest of the morning training. You had encountered Barriss Offee during your session, who agreed to duel with you. She had grown very skilled with a lightsaber, her offensive almost breaking your guard as you fought. But this wouldn't last, as you were able to pull off a lucky strike and disarm her. "Damn," she exclaimed as her blade flew into your hand and retracted. You smiled, handing it back to her.
"You're good Barriss. I got lucky." She smiled, graciously taking back the weapon. You bowed to one another, saying your goodbyes as you left for your room. You didn't want to keep Ahsoka waiting for much longer. Once you returned to your quarters, you changed your attire from your robes to more causal clothing. After changing to a white shirt, blue trousers and black boots, you attached your lightsaber and comm to your belt for emergency, completing the outfit with a brown jacket that covered your equipment. Finally you left your room and began to make your way to the front of the Temple where Ahsoka was waiting for you. As you descended the steps, you saw the silhouette of a Togruta sitting on a perch. She was wearing a white t-shirt and her old white leggings, complete with matching boots and a grey poncho that sat over her shoulders.

You came to her side, earning a smile once she saw you. "Sorry if I kept you waiting," you said as you took a place next to the perch. She shook her head, jumping down to her feet.
"Not at all," she assured. "I'm just glad you agreed to this."
"A chance to get out of this Temple with a close friend, how could I say no?" you said, the pair of you laughing softly as you began to walk down to the transport station at the foot of the Temple. "So where are we going?"
"You'll see," Ahsoka replied with a smile as she led you.

Hi there! Hope you're doing well! This was a little bit of a filler chapter, but I figured I would use it to show the strength of the bond your character shares with Eeth Koth. It plays into the narrative much later on, so establishing it early is important for me. See you soon!