Shade “Phew!” I wipe the sweat from my forehead.
I didn’t know running away and hiding from a Cathar was this hard, even a half-breed.
Their sense of smell is considered one of the best, same as their hearing.
I won’t even mention their endurance and agility.
So hiding in the Force didn’t hel-l-l-p me at all.
Stop!
I sense vibrations behind me.
No sooner do I turn around than someone pounces on me and immediately locks my arms against my chest.
“Gotcha!” “uck!” “You’re not getting away now!” Ves was breathing heavily, but a victorious smile played on her lips.
“How?!” “Force Blink.” I shift my gaze to the end of the corridor.
To cover the distance from my tracker, she would’ve had to move much faster than we’d been taught.
Focusing on this little face’s emotions, I realize HOW badly I am caught.
Her instincts had kicked in again, making her hunt me like a cat chasing a mouse.
The process gave her immense pleasure, and now that she’d caught me, she clearly wasn’t going to stop.
And given that she has no brakes now, and won’t develop any for the next taked, I’m genuinely getting scared.
“Shade?
Ves?” asked Zeng, standing a meter away from us.
Looking up, I notice Ramira next to him.
On the other side stood Feng with some Twi’lek girl behind him.
Next to them stood Lina, accompanied by some guy, seemed like from the senior class.
“Guys!” I said, happy to see them as if they were my own.
“Help!
I’m about to be killed!” I cry for help, but the moment the twins take a step toward me, Ves raises her eyes to them.
The guys freeze in place, then take an equal step back.
“Oh, Shade, I just remembered — we were offered to go see a show.
It’ll be in the main square in an hour.
Stop by if you want.” And they made themselves scarce.
“Traitors!” I shout after them.
“I’ll remember this!” “Well, darling, here we are alone again.” She licked my lips, and her free hand reached for the buttons.
Okay, looks like I have no choice.
I release a light Force pulse, and Ves falls unconscious onto my chest.
Thank you, Mom, for the lessons…
who knew how I’d end up using them.
“Phew.
I have a feeling these are going to be a long two weeks,” I comment, lifting the girl in my arms.
How did she manage before?
Though…
I think I saw her taking some pills.
Hmm…
Shaking myself off, I push the thoughts aside and focus on Ves herself.
Instincts layered over her own feelings and spiced with teenage hormones…
brr…
a nasty cocktail.
She could’ve actually gone for the guys too — in the sense of removing the obstacle — and then continued her business with me…
right in the hallway.
“No, no, no!” I shake my head again.
“Hell no!
No way those thoughts.” But I made a mental note.
For the next couple of weeks…
no, three, absolutely no more pranks like that; otherwise, she’ll lose it again, and not necessarily her.
I’m not made of iron either, and when you have a treasure like this in your arms, all sorts of bad thoughts creep into your head whether you want them to or not.
“Oh, for the love of — !” This little minx has finally broken my self-control.
If up until now I was somehow holding on, thanks to training, now…
well, fine, it’s a natural process, and an almost…
no, just a positive one.
Yes.
That’s a different matter; let’s look at the picture from that angle.
Besides, I have to be honest with myself at least.
I liked her!
A lot.
The thing is, I was deliberately pushing myself away.
Mmm, yeah.
“Where’s Ves?” Lina asked when I came to see the others.
“Resting.
Got a little tired.” And before my eyes, a picture surfaced of her even in her sleep reaching her little hands toward me, and if she reached me, she’d squeeze them so tight you couldn’t pry them off.
Though, I have to admit, when she sleeps with a smile like that, the cuteness meter steadily climbs.
“R-our?” Gris shook me by the shoulder.
“It’s fine.
Just spaced out a bit.” “I can even imagine what over,” he said, looking at that smug face of his, and for some reason I wanted to punch him.
“Ow!” “Thanks, Rami.” “Anytime.” The girl beamed a radiant smile, while the guy demonstratively pouted.
“So what kind of show is it?” “Ir-iru ea-e-ur.” “No idea, huh?
Figures.” “Shade, what does that eternal ‘figures’ of yours mean?” “It’s a vegetable.
An all-knowing one.” “Actually, Masters from other temples have arrived.
Each of them will be demonstrating their skill,” Lina chimed in.
“How do you know?” “I asked.” She shrugged.
“Unexpected, right?” “Indeed.” The Masters at the show they put on for us truly commanded respect.
The Master from Vur Tepe demonstrated to the audience a blade made of special steel and his skill in wielding it.
The Master from Kaleth displayed unique knowledge of history, tactics, and ancient teachings.
Few appreciated it, but I clearly saw the great value of that knowledge.
No — that knowledge was priceless!
History teaches, and they are the ones who can help with that.
Ancient teachings can unlock some details of current questions, and tactics — the ability to plan a sequence of correct actions that will lead you to victory.
In short, it develops the thinking muscle.
I made a mental note that I absolutely had to visit Kaleth in the future.
And I also wanted to stroll through the Old City — I was curious what Father had dug up there.
And the Order of the Stargazer was worth looking into too; even though the Tythonians don’t like them, and the dislike is mutual, those folks might possess some special knowledge.
Father didn’t communicate with them for nothing, did he?
Next was the Master from the Temple of Bodhi.
The Temple of Art.
He performed with a group of guys and girls who executed various dances to music.
To be honest, these ones pleased everyone.
The guys were drooling over the female part, and the girls were sighing at the sight of the “manlier” guys.
Their movements were mesmerizing, creating the illusion of a single living…
mechanism?
Mmm, more like a figure.
And it was breathtaking.
I could see firsthand how a pretty Sith girl, to the rhythm of drums and string instruments, sang of the ancestors, infusing each word with the Force.
It flowed through the air like an invisible light breeze, penetrating the very depths of the soul and stirring them.
I caught myself feeling goosebumps running down my spine and a slight smile shining on my lips.
Then there was another performance…
or rather, an exhibition.
During it, works of art created within the walls of the Temple of Bodhi were shown to music.
Here I couldn’t hold back and was among those who gave the masters a standing ovation.
Elegant white sculptures, made with filigree precision, perfectly followed the contours of the body.
Both female and male.
Everything was within the bounds of decency, but great Force, some sculptures were teetering on the edge of outright erotica.
The female ones, in particular.
The paintings, on the other hand, placed greater emphasis on history.
They depicted various scenes from the past, recreated from chronicles.
Professionally recreated, I must note.
And all this goodness resonated with the Force to one degree or another.
Mmm, I don’t think I’ll be able to achieve that — I’m not an artist, after all.
But I’m definitely copying a couple of motifs for myself, like that hard drum rhythm laced with strings — mag-ni-fi-cent, you could even march to that.
Next came a master from Anil Kesh.
The Temple of Science.
He demonstrated unique Force techniques and also explained on his fingers how they were developed.
He showed several interesting mechanisms, like a mobile holodrone.
It’s a little ball that flies wherever you tell it to and then plays a holo-message.
The temple also works with alchemy and various living creatures.
He even brought a couple of critters with him, just to show what little monsters these science maniacs could come up with.
And of course, they were the freakiest things you’d be hard-pressed to find on Tython.
Didn’t expect anything less; as if we didn’t have enough wildlife.
After that came a representative from the Temple of Mahara Kesh.
The Temple of Healing.
This individual right before the crowd’s eyes healed a series of fatal wounds on a chimera provided by the previous participant.
And then he spent a long, tedious time preaching about the value of the Healing Force.
Everyone was moved, especially Ramira.
She was absolutely burning with the desire to get into that temple, though it was understandable.
Stav Kesh.
The Temple of Martial Arts.
The master from this temple demonstrated a whole set of combat techniques to the kids, both hand-to-hand and with weapons.
And while the performance was spectacular, I wasn’t particularly impressed.
What they showed in the demonstration were, shall we say, “mediocre” moves.
Mom taught me to strike to kill.
If not to kill, then at least to incapacitate.
So if I do end up there, I’ll skip the beginner course.
At minimum.
Actually, the healers look much more interesting — the ability to heal yourself on the battlefield is priceless.
Or the Temple of Knowledge?
Hmm…
The last to perform was a master from Akar Kesh.
The Temple of Balance.
The master from this temple didn’t show any special tricks.
Didn’t put on a show, didn’t make pretty speeches.
No.
He simply and directly stated that messing with the Force was bad business.
And then he explained the consequences of delving too deeply into one side or the other.
He explained it clearly, with examples on a holoprojector.
Even I was shaken, and I actually knew about the consequences of using only one side, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
I could also see how a pretty Sith girl, to the rhythm of drums and string instruments, sang of the ancestors, putting power into every word.
The Force flowed through the area like an invisible light breeze, penetrating the very depths of the soul and stirring them.
I caught myself getting goosebumps running down my spine, with a slight smile on my lips.
Then there was another performance…
or rather, an exhibition.
It showed works of art created within the walls of the Temple of Bodhi to music.
Here I couldn’t hold back and was among those giving the masters a standing ovation.
Elegant white sculptures, made with filigree precision, perfectly followed the contours of the body.
Both female and male.
Everything was within decency, but great Force, some sculptures were on the verge of outright erotica.
The female ones, in particular.
The paintings, on the other hand, placed more emphasis on history.
They depicted various scenes of the past, recreated from chronicles.
Professionally recreated, I must note.
And all this stuff resonated with the Force to one degree or another.
Mmm, I don’t think I can achieve that — I’m not an artist, after all.
But I’m definitely copying a couple of motifs for myself, like that hard drum rhythm with a touch of strings — mag-ni-fi-cent, you could even march to that.
Next, a master came out from Anil Kesh.
The Temple of Science.
He demonstrated unique Force techniques and explained on his fingers how they were developed.
He showed several interesting mechanisms, like a mobile holodrone.
It’s a little ball that flies wherever you tell it to and then plays a holo-message.
The temple also works with alchemy and various living creatures.
He even brought a couple of creatures with him, just to show what little monsters these science maniacs can produce.
And of course, they were freaks you wouldn’t find on Tython.
Didn’t expect anything less — as if we didn’t have enough wildlife.
After him came a representative from the Temple of Mahara Kesh.
The Temple of Healing.
This individual right before the crowd’s eyes healed a series of fatal wounds on a chimera provided by the previous participant.
And then he spent a long time droning on about the value of the Healing Force.
Everyone was moved, especially Ramira.
She was absolutely burning with the desire to get into that temple, though it was understandable.
Stav Kesh.
The Temple of Martial Arts.
The master from this temple demonstrated a whole set of combat techniques to the guys, both hand-to-hand and with weapons.
And while the performance was spectacular, I wasn’t particularly impressed.
What they showed in the demonstration were, shall we say, “mediocre” moves.
Mom taught me to strike to kill.
If not to kill, then at least to incapacitate.
So if I end up there, I’ll skip the beginner course.
At minimum.
Actually, the healers look much more interesting — the ability to heal yourself on the battlefield is priceless.
Or the Temple of Knowledge?
Hmm…
The last to perform was a master from Akar Kesh.
The Temple of Balance.
The master from this temple didn’t show any special tricks.
Didn’t put on a show, didn’t make pretty speeches.
No.
He simply and directly stated that messing with the Force is a bad idea.
And then he explained the consequences of delving too deeply into one side or the other.
He explained it clearly, with examples on a holoprojector.
Even I was shaken, and I actually knew about the consequences of using only one side, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
As it turned out, those who went too far into the Light became phlegmatic vegetables who couldn’t care less about anything, while those who delved into the darkness turned into genuine maniacs whose bodies decayed right before your eyes.
As became clear a little later, the Master had started from the final stage and then gradually demonstrated the process of change, pausing to highlight details from which one could tell how far the process had progressed and whether it could be reversed.
Interestingly, by all points, it turned out that I had gone far into both darkness and light.
A paradox, isn’t it?
The guys understood it too and glanced at me suspiciously, but kept quiet.
After the presentation, our group approached the Master to clarify this point.
“Master Yum!” “Yes?” he turned his attention to our group.
“Tell me, what if a single being exhibited some of the listed traits from each side?” I asked him.
“That doesn’t happen,” he replied reassuringly, but seeing our faces, he clarified, “Or do you know something like that?” “The thing is, one of our acquaintances can easily flare up and punch someone in the face.
He’s also not known for a gentle temperament, and sometimes it’s very hard to hold a conversation with him, especially when he’s in a bad mood — though fortunately, that’s rare.
But at the same time, he’ll help someone in need without asking for anything in return and never refuses to help if asked,” Feng explained.
“And his composure is something to envy.
In very rare cases.” “How interesting…
but is that a problem?
Is he changing?
Has he developed dark circles under his eyes, or has his voice changed?
What’s wrong with him?” “No, Master.
He remains himself,” Ramira spoke up.
“His voice is clear, melodious — pleasant to listen to, especially when he’s swearing in his native language.” She snorted into her fist, and the guys started smiling.
I gradually began to blush.
“His face is handsome, and his character stays at the same level.” “Then you have nothing to worry about.
Your friend is simply being himself.
He’s not trying to act like someone else — he just shows his true self.
That’s all.
As for his sharpness, it’s most likely related to his age,” he looked over our group and smirked.
“If that’s everything, then I must be going.
All the best.” The Master gave a slight bow, and we returned it.
“Thank you.” “All the best, Master.” “Good luck, padawans,” he winked at me one last time and left.
“Well, are you satisfied?” Lina asked.
“Yeah.
Alright, shall we go?” “Grooo, i-auu.” “Yes, Gris.
We wouldn’t mind a bite either,” I led our group to the cafeteria.
Too bad Ves couldn’t see this — the show was really interesting.
* * * A little later, in a small, cozy girl’s room: We-e-ell.
Who would’ve thought.
No, honestly, I’d never have believed in the sincerity of Ves’s complexion if I hadn’t known the reason.
“And then…” she squeaked softly.
“And then you reached for the fastenings on my clothes, right in the corridor, and I had to knock you out.” After these words, Ves, crimson as a boiled lobster and completely disheveled, finally crawled under the blanket.
I melancholically unwrapped a chewy bar.
Why?
Because I was holding back my inner amusement!
Basically, this conversation started when Ves hadn’t shown up for classes for three days, and I, alas, don’t possess telepathy.
At least not the way she does.
That damn Ramira kept quiet but gave me side-eye.
So I made the most obvious but necessary decision — to visit her.
But to my surprise, I found her trembling, pale, and terrified.
After I managed to more or less bring her around, I heard such a torrent of self-criticism that I got worried about her mental state.
And then I listened to her request to recount everything she’d done.
So to speak, to be sure.
Well, I recounted it.
And now I’m witnessing the aftermath.
“Such shame…” she whispered from under the blanket for the…
hundred-somethingth time.
No.
This won’t do.
“Is it shame?” I asked melancholically and took a bite of the bar.
I know self-criticism is good, but there’s a limit to everything.
And I won’t let her sink that low.
“Aren’t you mad?” came her surprised voice.
“At wha?” “Well…
I…
you…
so suddenly…
literally made you.
And then…
chased you…
almost did it in the middle of the corridor…” the last part was said very quietly.
If I didn’t have the Force, I wouldn’t have heard it.
“Honestly, it’s actually good that it came over you,” I confessed honestly, mysteriously examining the bar.
This sweet thing helps me gather my thoughts morally, because if I look at her now, I definitely won’t hold back and will start smothering this embodiment of kawaii.
“M-m-m?” A pair of tearful eyes peeked out from under the blanket, hope shining in them.
Don’t smother!
Don’t smother, I said!
Shade, keep yourself together.
“As awkward as this sounds…” I swallow another piece and set the treat aside.
“But it’s not just that I like you.
There’s something more here.
So there can be no question of any offense,” I glance at her, automatically stroking my cheek.
“Can this be called love?
I don’t know.
But either way, I’d never have admitted it even to myself, let alone to you.” “Why?!” she exclaimed in surprise, fully emerging from under the blanket.
“Because I wasn’t joking back then.
I really don’t know how to get along with girls.
Being friends and dating are two different things.
And I also feel kind of awkward when the conversation goes in that direction.” Yeah, a girl comes up to you and you say you’re going to die in two years, so there’s no point in starting a family.
Freaking fantastic!
Just frea-king fan-tas-tic!
I must have gotten some kind of moral trauma.
Or am I just making excuses for myself?
“But you confessed to me!” “Because you started it first.
And you started it in a way that I just couldn’t say ‘no.’ Didn’t want to.” “And now?” “Now I don’t want to at all!
Am I some kind of fool to turn away from such a treasure?” I exclaimed sincerely, turning fully toward her, and grabbing her hands, pulled her closer.
“In that sprint, you showed your true self.
The one you tried to hide behind the mask of a calm and steady lady.
Playful, frisky, yet soft and so cute that I just want to smother you with cuddles.” “Smother me with cuddles?” Ves raised her eyebrows in confusion.
“Yep.
Look,” and laying this miracle on my lap, I demonstrated what I meant.
Ah-h-h-h, what bliss…
what pure bliss!
“Well, I thee, you really like thith,” I nodded in agreement, still grinning like an idiot.
“Okay, enough,” she grabbed my hands and sat up herself, looking into my eyes.
“Are you sure you’re not mad?” she asked, getting almost nose-to-nose.
“This is…
such shame.” In response, I just silently licked her nose, then stood up and headed for the door.
Damn, what a contagious thing!
After my action, Ves wiggled her nose so adorably and looked after me with such surprise that I barely held back from laughing out loud.
And only behind the door did I realize that I’d forgotten the bar!
“Whatever.
Still ten minutes before the bell.
I think I’ll make it…” nodding to my own thoughts, I rushed toward my stash of this ‘Sweet Joy.’ And ‘Sweet Joy’ in the literal sense, because these kid’s bars are actually called that.
Vessira I silently stared at the closed door through which Shade had just left.
Expecting anything from him, up to a full-blown scandal, I was genuinely shocked by this reaction.
Since childhood, I was raised to keep my emotions inside, showing only what was necessary, nothing more.
I was taught to keep my instincts under strict control.
I was told that to preserve honor and have a chance of finding a good husband, I couldn’t let my instincts run free.
Except in battle.
But Shade…
from the very beginning, he was himself.
He was genuine.
He laughed sincerely, cursed, and worried…
it was all real.
And surrounded by the guys, he becomes even more uninhibited.
His jokes take on more meaning, and he lets himself act outright silly.
He lives every day as if it were his last.
And it shows.
The other thing is that if you sit with him tête-à-tête, you can see a completely different guy.
Calm, collected, one who hides all the pain deep in his heart.
Maybe something happened to him?
Perhaps he was on the verge of death but survived.
On Tython, that could easily have happened.
And if so, it explains a lot.
Especially those…
feelings hidden deep inside.
But…
why did he take my breakdown so lightly?!
I shamed myself and almost shamed him in front of the whole Temple, and he…
was just happy!
Or does he not care at all?
Aaarrgh, this is so hard!
But…
I really did have a lot of fun.
Maybe…
this is exactly what I was missing?
The chance to be myself?
Not to be afraid to show myself, not to be afraid of being judged by others.
Just like Shade — he doesn’t care at all about anyone else’s opinion.
Suddenly, the bar caught my eye.
Strange.
It’s meant for kids, but Shade’s always eating them.
Mom used to say that snacks like this weren’t worth my attention.
Not anymore, apparently.
Hmm…
out of curiosity, I pulled the bar toward me and sniffed it carefully.
Nothing special about it.
The smell is pleasant, sweet.
I try to take a bite and freeze.
“M-m-m-m…” oh, it’s so delicious!
It melts right on the tongue.
No wonder Shade gobbles them up.
Togruta, like Cathar, have incredibly sensitive taste buds, especially when it comes to sour and sweet things.
Want more!
“M-m-m-m…” More!
“Nom!
Nom, nom, nom…” Yes.
He’s right.
You can’t ignore such little things.
Life is definitely more interesting with them!
And tastier too.
“Oh!” I don’t notice as I finish the last bite.
“U-u-u-u…” So tasty.
And so little.
Where can I get more?
They’re impossible to find in the Temple, and on Tython in general such bars are rare — at least, I’ve only seen them a few times in my life.
Hmm…
but Shade gets them from somewhere, right?
Exactly!
“Shade!” * * * A few days later.
The cafeteria Master Irbis of the Noghri race I slowly stepped away from the serving station with a full tray of food.
How long had it been since I was last in this place?
Five or six years.
And despite that, nothing had changed.
The same as before: groups of students with their masters, rangers, and wanderers getting their lunches.
Some were rushing somewhere, others gesturing animatedly as they shared their impressions.
“Ah…
nostalgia,” I whispered, remembering my own training.
I wonder how Master Tsikuna is doing?
And where even is she?
I came to meet my new student, and she’s not here.
Oh well, who am I to judge her?
I wonder who they’ll assign to me?
I hope someone calmer — then I’ll be able to teach them a lot, especially in terms of meditative techniques.
Ah!
My first student…
how exciting this is.
It feels like just yesterday I was studying under Master Tsikuna myself…
Shaking myself out of it, I walked along the tables looking for a seat when something caught my eye: a half-breed Togruta was sitting alone at one of the tables.
The surprisingly familiar pigments on his face were practically screaming that I’d seen something similar somewhere before, but where…
and there aren’t that many half-breeds among them — you could count them all.
Hmm…
The guy’s face expressed such universal sorrow that I couldn’t help but want to ask what was wrong.
But that wasn’t the strange part.
The strange part was that all the students gave him a wide berth, and only a few greeted him cordially as they passed by.
And those were students.
The Masters kept even farther away and tried not to catch his eye at all — now that was genuinely strange.
If this half-breed had fallen to one of the Force’s sides, he wouldn’t be sitting here.
If he’d done something outrageous, again, he wouldn’t be sitting here.
Overall, he didn’t make the impression of a troublemaker or a scoundrel — quite the opposite: he had a rather charming appearance.
So why was everyone avoiding him?
Curiosity got the better of me, so I headed straight for him.
As soon as I approached, I had one more question.
The guy was radiating intense longing and unhappiness, which led to one conclusion: either he didn’t know how to shield his emotions (which was unlikely, since that’s taught even at Padawan Kesh), or he simply didn’t want to.
“May I?” I drew his attention and pointed to the seat across from him.
The half-breed, not taking his eyes off his plate, gave a slight nod.
I sat down, arranged my utensils, and started eating while carefully observing my counterpart.
But after a few minutes, I couldn’t hold back and asked…
“Padawan, what happened that’s got you so down?” “I got eaten out…” he replied monotonously.
“What?!” My eyebrows shot up.
He got eaten out?
How?
Maybe I misheard?
“Someone ate through my supply of favorite bars, which was meant to last a whole takeda.
And one specific person wiped out that supply in one sitting.
Where’s the justice in this world?!” Thump!
— he dropped his forehead onto the table.
“So, you’re this upset over some candy bars?” I couldn’t believe my own auditory organs.
Getting THIS upset over…
over…
candy bars?!
“They’re not just candy bars!” he suddenly exclaimed, jumping up.
“They’re ‘Sweet Joy’ bars!
My favorite treat!
And who the heck are you, old man?” Oh.
The kid’s not as simple as he seems.
He sees a Master sitting in front of him but doesn’t care at all.
“First, calm down.
Right now you’re overflowing with emotions, and that’s not good.
It can att…” “I don’t give a damn!
I’ll repeat: who are you and why are you bothering me?” What?
How dare this brat raise his voice at a Je’daii Master?!
“Alright,” I put down my utensils and started applying the Force.
“I see you have no manners whatsoever.
So…” Wait!
“Where are you going?!” I was genuinely stunned when this wrong padawan just gathered his things and walked off.
“I don’t talk to morons.” “…” I gasped quietly, amazed at the sheer audacity and immeasurable rudeness of this padawan!
And apparently sensing something, he stopped and explained: “I asked — twice, mind you — who you are and why you picked on me.
And instead of an answer, I got some crap!” “Because if you, you little runt, had studied the Code, you’d know that when talking to a senior, you should introduce yourself first!” I jumped up.
“Where’s the senior here?
Point with your finger — I don’t see one.” “You-u-u-u…” “I-I-I-I.
Listen, you reptile…” “Mammal!” “Don’t care.
I don’t like you.
So back off,” said this…
this…
I was speechless with indignation!
“And yes, using the Force against an opponent in the Temple is forbidden,” he added calmly, turning away.
But he was right there.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and composed myself.
“Alright.
Listen up and remember, smart guy, or else…” as soon as I opened my eyes to ‘pass sentence’ on this insolent fool, I noticed a fist.
A moment later, it connected with my forehead, knocking me to the floor.
“Using the Force is forbidden.
But physical force — that’s perfectly fine,” he added, flexing his fist.
And I don’t even know what stunned me more.
The fact that a padawan had attacked a Master, or the fact that I hadn’t sensed his approach.
Was he even a padawan?!
Meanwhile, this guy calmly picked up his empty tray and walked away.
“Stop right there!
I’m not done with you.” “Well, I’m done.” “I’ll show you!” I launched myself, immediately next to him.
“Master, haven’t you had enough?” he asked with obvious mockery.
A deathly silence fell over the room.
No one dared to intervene.
“Oh, I’ve been looking for you,” came a painfully familiar voice.
Turning, I saw Master Tsikuna walking right toward us.
Judging by the half-breed’s face, he was just as surprised as I was.
“I see you’ve already met.” “Huh?” “What?” “Come along,” she turned and took a couple of steps, but…
“What’s the matter?” “Master Tsikuna, what exactly is this individual?” the padawan asked directly, pointing at me.
“How dare you speak to a Master in that tone…” “Later, Shade,” the Temple Master waved it off.
What?!
She didn’t react to that?
“Master Tsikuna, but…” She raised her hand.
“Later!
Both of you come with me.
I’ll explain everything now.” Exchanging far-from-friendly glances with the padawan, we silently followed her.
* * * A few minutes later, in the Temple Master’s personal office “So.
I’m very glad you’ve met and even found common ground,” she began.
At these words, the guy made a show of grimacing, and though I inwardly shared his opinion of him, unlike this insolent fool, I kept my face straight.
“Shade, you know the practical training is coming up soon, right?” The padawan nodded.
“Well then, allow me to introduce you to Master Irbis.
You’ll be going through this path with him.” The guy started cursing quietly, and from the sound of it, not in Togruti.
“Master Irbis, I present to you your new student — Shade Aero.
In a takeda, you’ll take over his training instead of me.” Strangely enough, for the first time in a long while, I also felt like cursing.
“But Master!” we both exclaimed.
“This decision wasn’t made by me, but by the Council.” We stood there with our mouths hanging open.
“Well then, Shade, you may go to your classes.
Master Irbis, I’d like you to stay.” “Of course.
All the best, Master Tsikuna,” the padawan bowed politely and walked out the door.
I didn’t understand — why was this insolent brat behaving like that now?
Trying to curry favor?
It didn’t seem so.
Did she have some leverage over him?
That seemed more likely.
But that didn’t seem like Master Tsikuna.
“Irbis?” she called out to me after the door closed.
“Teacher, if this is a joke, it’s not funny at all.
Where did you even find this wretched excuse for a padawan?” Strangely, I felt a thirst for blood coming from somewhere.
And notably — it was my blood.
“Irbis.
First, I strongly advise against speaking about him like that for your own safety.” My eyebrow went up in surprise.
Was there someone even the Temple Master was so wary of?
“Second, do you remember Aala?” “Hmm…
Your friend?
Of course I do!
She’s the first Je’daii I know who eliminates threats so radically.
Brr…
I wouldn’t want to run into her.” “That’s unlikely, since her last name is Aero.” “So?
Wait!” It dawned on me.
“That kid’s name is Shade A…
a-a-ah?!” My face slowly fell.
“Yes.
He’s her son.
And note — her only one.” I paled.
That explained the kid’s behavior.
Knowing Aala, I can safely say he’s still behaving well — she nearly dishonored me.
And how did anyone find the psychopath who took her as a spouse?
Doesn’t matter, I’ll think about that later.
Right now, I was concerned about why this spawn of hell had been stuck on me specifically.
So I asked Tsikuna.
“As I said, it was the Council’s decision.
You’ll take him on as a student for a period of one to two years.
This will be fieldwork for him.
And don’t make such a face.
Shade isn’t as bad as he seems.
Yes, he’s insolent, a bit aggressive, and willful, but at the same time, he’s quite kind and responsive.
And if you become an authority figure for him, he’ll definitely listen.” “But how do I become that authority when he tells me to go to hell?” “That’s your concern, but I’ll give you a hint.
He doesn’t divide beings into categories — he always looks at your personal qualities and draws conclusions.
So I recommend temporarily putting aside the Code and trying to talk to him at least as an equal.” “But he’s a padawan!” “You yourself only recently attained Master status, so…” “Yes, Teacher.” “But in general…
he’s a very interesting Togruta worth paying attention to, Irbis.
His views and aspirations deserve to be noticed.
Now go.
If you want, you can stay in your old room — it’s still free.” “Of course, Teacher.
All the best.” Bowing, I left her office.
To think — my first student, and who?
The son of the most unhinged Togruta woman.
It seems the Force decided to test me.
Well…
we’ll see.
* * * In the office after Irbis left “I still think this was a very stupid idea.
They’ll kill each other before they come to an agreement,” a new voice with slightly rasping tones rang out in the room.
“Perhaps,” came the calm reply.
“But it’s out of our hands now.
This is their path.
Perhaps they will find common ground after all.” “We’ll see.
Tsikuna, remind me — who was that girl chasing after Shade?” “Vessira.
From his cohort.
Calm, quiet, caring…” The Togruta raised an eyebrow.
“…at least, that’s how the Masters describe her,” the Sith quickly added.
“Interesting.
Has a mentor been assigned for her yet?” “No.
Not yet.” “Then assign one,” the Togruta nodded seriously.
“Tell me more about her.”
It all helps promote the story.