Chapter four: The Force Guides Me

I hear the alert of the hyperdrive indicating we are approaching our destination and I head over to the cockpit, Darryl following closely behind. He flips a switch as he sits down in the pilot chair and we disengage from hyperspace, Lothal pulling up into view. There are grey clouds covering most of the planet but I can see blue from the oceans of water and greenish brown from the lands surrounded by it. A sudden burst of energy hits me, and I stumble back a little holding my head, grabbing the comm’s chair to keep myself from falling over. Darryl quickly comes over to me, placing his hand on my back.

“Are you okay?” he looks at me with concern. I shake my head but the energy surge doesn't fade away. I turn my head to look out the view port and I see a pillar of light coming from the top crest of the planet. I tilt my head to the side and walk closer to the viewport. Darryl watches from where he is standing, confusion seeping from him.

“Do you see that?” I ask, a whisper going through my head, telling me I need to go there.

“See what?” Darryl asks as he walks up next to me to see through the viewport. “All i see is a possible storm moving in.” I look over at him and then back at the planet, the pillar of light still there. The force must be really strong there... Or an old temple maybe there... I have to check it out.

“I...” How can I even begin explaining this to him? I’m not even sure what it is myself. I let out a sigh and sit in the co-pilot chair. “I’m fine. Let’s land the ship near a market.” He looks at me for a bit, I hear his thoughts of wanting to ask if I am sure I’m alright, and what exactly I saw but instead, he silently goes to the pilot chair.

Darryl starts up the landing sequences as soon as he sees a nearby settlement and we land in a ship yard and he turns to face me. I'm hitting a couple of buttons to shut off the ship and try to ignore the feeling of his eyes drilling into me but he continues. Chewing the inside of my cheek and let my shoulders drop a little, then turn to look at him. He raises an eye brow, indicating he wants me to tell him what I saw.

“I got a surge of... energy when we pulled from hyperspace.” I attempt to explain. He puts a hand to his chin and looks at me again, wanting me to continue. I sigh. “As a species, my people can see the force, you knew that right?” He nods his head. “Well, sometimes we can see where a lot of force gathers up and shines through our sight like no other but it’s hard to tell if it’s the force or not because the force isn’t just one color, at least not to us.” I stand up, going over to the exit ramp. I turn around and look at him. “I saw a pillar of white light shooting out from the planet. I’m not sure where though. It didn’t exactly point to one spot.” He gives me a puzzled look and then nods his head, getting up and coming with me to the exit ramp ladder.

“Well, before we leave this ship, what did you decide?” He catches me off guard, then I remember to what he is referring too. I give him a neutral look. I hadn’t really thought about it...I do enjoy his company... and being on this journey was starting to get lonely... Plus, there is something about him that makes me want to trust him, even though I have seen him lie a couple of times already. I get a tingling sensation in my stomach and remember my feelings when he first asked me if I wanted his help.

“I believe it would be a good idea if we travel together. Even if there are bounty hunters after both of us.” I smile at him. He smiles back at me and then takes both of my shoulders with his hands, looking straight at me.

“Then I will help you find this pillar of white light. Even if it takes us years.” He lets go of my shoulders and I groan at the thought of being somewhere for years.

“I doubt it would take years.” He laughs at me and goes down the ladder and I follow after him. The ramp opens up and we start walking out, the sky slightly grey but the air feels warm.

“We should fix the ship and find that tracking beacon before we go anywhere. Just so that bounty hunter doesn’t try to find us again.” I nod in agreement and start to climb the ship. Darryl stays on the ground and walks off to somewhere underneath the ship. I walk around on the topside of the ship and notice that it is in need of some parts desperately. I look at the laser turret and suck in some air through my teeth. It took a real beating from that asteroid and laser bolts.

“I’m so sorry Dauntless...” I say quietly to the ship. I keep walking around to see if I can find the tracker.

“Get... Off... My... Ship!’ I hear Darryl struggling. I walk over to the edge of the ship to where I heard his voice and lean over. I see him trying to pull something off the hull of the ship and with one last tug, he stumbles back a little holding something small in his hand. He throws it to the ground and shoots at it, the thing blowing up into tiny pieces. “There. One problem slightly solved.” He looks over in my direction. “Let me guess. We need parts?” I nod my head, pursing my lips together. I can feel the frustration wave off of him. “Well, lets’ karking hope the shops here have it.” I do a flip off the ship, landing and looking at him.

“Are you okay? You seem really frustrated all of sudden.” I ask, trying to stay calm to hopefully calm him down. He huffs and points to something closer to the ramp. I see a similar thing of what he pulled off and go over to it.

“They are about five others. Damn bastard probably threw a bunch in hopes that if I found one, I would think it was the only one. Ugh!” He throws his hands up in anger. I let out a calm sigh and cast out my sight, trying to focus on the tracking beacons. I slowly bring my hand up and in one swift movement, I pull them all down. I close my hand into a fist and they all shatter. He looks at me then at the destroyed tracking beacons then back at me, his frustration slowly leaving him. “Remind me not to make you mad.” I smile, putting my hand back down.

“Lets’ head into the market.” I walk towards the blast doors and Darryl is walking up beside me, putting on his hat. We reach the market place and I look around for the clothing vendor.

“I’m gonna get some supplies and search for the parts we need.” He points his thumb in the direction that leads down an alley way and that’s when I notice the town is very busy; flags strewn up in all sorts of places and a message on the holo board that says ‘Happy Harvest! Lothal Days are here!’

“Lothal days?” I look back at Darryl and he shrugs his shoulders.

“Must be in the middle of a festival.” He smirks. “Lets’ meet back up here after we are done, okay?” I nod my head and he begin to walk down the alleyway. I start wondering the streets, passing by a cantina and notice a bounty board broadcasting all available bounties. I don’t recognize a lot of the faces but then my face passes by and my heart sinks. Is Aydgage looking for me now? Why doesn’t he just use the force to search for me? I bite my lip, suddenly feeling exposed. I pull my hood up and continue to look for a clothing shop. After walking for a bit, I finally find one and walk into it. I look around and a small framed human female walks up to me.

“So rare to find a Miraluka here on Lothal.” she smiles slightly, wearing a uniform that matches the shops theme and she tilts her head to the side. “Are you a Jedi?” She slightly narrows her eyes but still seems inviting.

“Oh, no. I’m a...” Shoot, what should I say? “ cargo hauler. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Miraluka cargo hauler? That’s weird.’ My parents thought so too but I wanted to do something different.” I give a false smile and she nods her head, still smiling but her eyes go soft. I see what Darryl means now. “ I’m just looking for some new clothes. This is my only other pair of clothing at the moment. My other pair got... damaged.”

“Perfect! Let me help you!” She quickly walks off and starts grabbing cloths off the shelves and grabbing pairs of boots, going to a changing room. Putting the clothes down in the changing room, she motions her hands to come over to the changing room and I walk over quickly. “Just let me know if any don’t fit.” She cheerfully says. I’m a bit stunned that she actually believed me right away. I shake my head and close the door to the changing room. Wow, she got me a lot of clothes... I start putting on the clothes and they fit surprisingly well. They also vary in different styles, some being for cold weather, some for hot weather, and even some for sand storms. Hmm... how would she know I would be at all those types of places though? Suspicion raises up in my head then I let out slow breath. I did just tell her that I was a cargo hauler. Could mean smuggler here or something. I look at myself one more time in the mirror and smile. She is good nonetheless. They fit very well... but will I be able to afford these? I didn’t bring a whole lot of credits with me. Just enough to get one or two outfits. I put on the clothes I came in with and grab the other clothes, walking out of the changing room. I walk over to the counter and she smiles at me again. “How did you like them? All of them fit, right?”

“They were all perfect. I was just wondering though... Do you sell cloth visors here?” Remembering the scorched one I am wearing. She frowns a little.

“I’m so sorry. We don’t see those here.” She perks up a little. “But they do sell them at a shop just a couple of meters from here. It’s between the food supply vendor and speeder rental shop.” I nod my head.

“Great, thanks.” I start pulling out the clothes I liked the most. “I would like these ones.” She gives me a quizzical look.

“Do you not like the others?” She seems a little... hurt almost.

“Oh no, no! I love them. I just don’t have a whole of credits.” She smiles again and starts grabbing all the clothes and putting them into a bag for me. I’m about to say something but she says something before I can.

“Oh nonsense. It’s Lothal days! Everything in town is discounted! My store gives a 40% discount! And I know the life of a cargo hauler isn’t always pleasant but looking good shouldn’t be taken away.” she gives me a small smile and then taps on her data pad . “That will be 250 credits.” I hand her my cred stick. “Thank you for coming in and purchasing during Lothal days! I threw in some hair accessories as well.” She winks at me and hands me the bag and my cred stick. I take the bag but leave the stick.

“Keep the change. There isn’t much left on it but it should be enough for a tip. You know, for helping me out.” I nod my head at her.

“Oh, I can’t accept that.” she says stunned.

“Please, it would be my pleasure.” I smile shyly at her and she nods her head, waving bye to me and I walk out of the store. After walking towards where the store assistant directed me to, I feel something tug at the back of my head. I turn around and there is a tendril on the ground, calling me to follow it. The tendril reminds me of the pillar of white light I saw before we came to the planet and then I realize, this must be the path of which it wants me to follow. I want to follow it, I feel it tugging at my body to start walking but then I feel someone's hand on my shoulder and I turn around again, seeing that it was Darryl. He is carrying a bag and holding onto a small blue metal box. He smiles at me.

“There you are. You took forever.” I feel like I took forever. Shopping for clothes is such a trying experience.

“ Yeah, I’m sorry. Did you wait long?”

“A little but it’s fine. I got you something. Here” He gives me the box and I take it.

“What is it?” I ask, smiling. I start to pull the top off and inside is a piece of purple cloth that looks thin and is folded up. I part my lips a little, taking it out and looking at it. The cloth feels smooth and silky. It has patterned look that shimmer in a variety of blues, teal and green that swirls in no discernable pattern. I tilt my head to look at Darryl again. “Oh Darryl, you didn’t have to.” I smile.

“It wasn’t a big deal, I just thought you could use a new one.” He winks at me, then he puts his hand behind his head, seeming embarrassed. “You know, to disguise you more. I figured you might be discovered wearing that one. It looks like a one of a kind.” he motions his hand to my current cloth visor and I nod my head, remember something Ly’lis had said about it being design after of her family crest flag.

“You’re right.” I nod my head at him. “Could you help me put it on?” I hold it him and he puts his bag down, taking it from me. I turn around, putting the bag and box down. Stand back up, I take off my current one and hold still as he ties the new one on. After he finishes, I turn around and look at him. “How do I look?”

“Better.” He smiles at me again. “It reminds me of the sky near my family's home at night time and an aurora borealis would come through on Csilla.” he gives me a cheeky look. “Cilla. I like that. That’s what I’m gonna call you.” I shake my head, smiling though.

“Alright, I will allow that nickname.” I feel the force tugging at me again and i look towards the tendril and watch as it pulses slowly. It looks like it leads outside of the city.

“You okay? Whatchya looking at?” Darryl asks, catching my attention again.

“I may know the path to that pillar of light I was talking about earlier...” I say slowly, picking up my bag and the box.

“How so?” he curiously asks, also picking up his bag. I purse my lips together, trying to figure out how to explain it to him without sounding like I am some sort of drugged up lunatic.

“The force likes to give a lending hand sometimes. I know that sounds weird but it has its own will.” I sigh I’m not sure I even understand that part. “ Like with how I can see that pillar of light all the way from space? I mean, yes, I have a special type of vision that would allow me to see that but others would just get a... feeling, a sense of purpose to go there. With me though, I can see that I need to go there. Now, I can see the path to there. Almost like a rope leading me to where I should be.” He nods slowly.

“Then let's follow it, but first, we need to take our stuff back to the ship. I have a speeder bike on there that we can use so we don’t have to use the ship.” I nod my head in agreement and start heading to the ship with Darryl. He clicks in two buttons when we arrive the ship, one pulling down the normal ramp we use, and another comes down off to the left side of the ship, being a little smaller. We both walk up the bigger ramp and I climb up the ladder to put my stuff in my room. Darryl, however, stays down, putting his stuff near the locker that holds his gear and leaves, going towards the other ramp. I climb down and he has a two-person speeder out in front of the ramp. He gives me a cheeky grin. “Shall I drive, or you?” I push out my lips, wrinkling my nose and I walk over to the speeder, getting in the driver seat. He clicks the buttons and the ramps go up and he climbs onto the back, placing his hands on my back. He seems a bit nervous and I hear him form a thought but he quickly dismisses it.

“You don’t have to come with, ya know?” I say before starting the engine. He lets out a quick breath.

“I know, I want to. Gotta make sure you don’t get yourself killed.” He tries to tease but I can also tell he is being serious.

“I can take care of myself.” I retort back, revving the engine a little to make sure it’s running okay.

“Obviously.” He deadpans, and he throws the thought, or more like memory, of finding me in my ship, half dead. I grit my teeth. How dare he use my ability against me. I throw the bike into gear and push forward, the bike whooshing quickly out of the hanger bay doors into the open field. Darryl grabs my waist quickly from the sudden movement then laughs. “I’m gonna keep that in mind now. I can throw thoughts at you.” I scoff. This man is going to drive me insane. He pulls his arms away and I can feel where they were, a heat coming to my cheeks. Yep, definitely will drive me insane. One way or another.

I follow the tendril of the force, going through a lot of mountain terrain. After what feels like hours of nothing but mountains, we come across an open plain field. The pillar of light coming into view and fading as we get closer to what looks like a Jedi temple. It is made out of stone, having four small spires surround a very tall and large spire that has odd, faded carvings in it. Once we get close enough, I stop the bike and get off, Darryl getting off as well. I look at the carvings more and realize that they are actually an old Jedi written language, that was lost as time went on. That’s the same language in which I saw the research in.

“So, this is a Jedi temple huh? Looks kind of... small?” Darryl walks up next to me, looking at the temple. “I mean as in, how did it fit some many people?” I turn to look at him.

“Actually, this temple is more of a ‘vision’ temple.” I point to one of the carvings on the wall. “You see that carving?” He nods his head. “It means a master and their apprentice may enter together.” I point to another one continuing my explanation. “the apprentice will journey through alone to learn more of themselves and the force. The master will wait.” I purse my lips together. “I may have a problem though. I'm not a master nor an apprentice. And my master is unavailable at the moment.”

“So, this might be an impossible temple to get into?” Darryl asks, folding his arms across his chest. I bite my lip, trying to read more of the carvings but they are too faded for me to understand.

“I don’t know. It is possible. I just...” I look at the sky, the pillar being very bright and strong. I get a sudden urge that I need to go into the temple. “It’s calling to me. I know that I need to get inside somehow...” The entrance to the temple starts to open slowly, I get down to a defensive stance, my hand at my hip to grab my lightsaber and Darryl hovers his hand over his pistol. We see a figure walk out, wearing long dark grey robes, the hood up and the sleeves encasing their folded-up arms. I keep my stance. “Who are you?” The figure gets closer and then puts out their hands; looking old and frail. They slowly reach up towards the hood and pull it down, revealing a very old male human. His hair is white but neatly cut to just above his ears, his eyes are a bright blue but time has not been kind to them. His cheeks are sunken in and he feels different in the force; like he is there but also isn’t there.

“Welcome Mikacele . I have been expecting you.” His voice sounds... younger than I was expecting. I slowly get out of my defensive stance, the force whispering in my ear to trust this man. He looks so old but sounds so young. How can that be?

“ How did you name my name?” I ask cautiously. He smiles at softly.

“I know everyone's name who seeks knowledge and clarity. I guide the masters and their apprentices to here and allow them to discover their way in. Those who come alone are greeted by me so I can allow them in. I protect this temple from those who seek to use the knowledge it shares for destruction, though that has not happened yet.” He raises an eye brow, still smiling. “I even know your companions name. Darryl Trileav or known on Csilla, D-”

“Ah, ah, ah.” Darryl gets out of his defensive stance. “We get it.” he gestures his hands to stop the old man. The old man smiles, bowing slightly.

“Yes, of course Darryl. I know of your past as well. Both of your pasts and what you seek.”

“But Darryl isn’t a Jedi?” I tilt my head to the side.

“Tsk, I thought you would have found out by now. I’m a Jedi in secret.” Darryl elbows me and I let out an annoyed huff. The old man just chuckles softly.

“You are right. He is not a Jedi but he echoes in the force. He too is seeking knowledge and clarity.”

“Ha, good one. But I'm not seeking knowledge, especially not from a Jedi temple. And I've met clarity, we didn’t get along.” the old man just smiles.

“We shall see young Darryl.” He looks over at me. “I am called Tre’Koven , and I am here to start your journey for what you seek in the temple. Young Darryl must stay here though.” I look at Darryl and he gives me an understanding look. I look back at Tre’Koven and nod at him. He bows towards Darryl and walks back to the temple.

Following after him, I feel a surge of force energy rush at me as we walk closer to the temple entrance. The door closes behind us with a thud and I look around. The inside appears well taken care of with tall grey stone pillars and three doorways behind them. I look back at Tre’Koven and he stands there with a neutral face. I know the force is telling me to trust him but it hasn’t been exactly forthcoming with me lately...

“ I sense conflict in you, young Mikacele . You do not trust me because I look human and appear old yet sound young.” Tre’Koven says, almost as if he read my thoughts. “Allow me to ease your troubling mind. I was human, a very long time ago but after some...unwanted witchcraft of an old rival, I was summoned and have kept to the temple after defeating my rival to make sure it does not go corrupt again.” I tilt my head to the side. Is that even possible? Summoning the dead? A temple being corrupt ?

“ Who was your rival? How did they bring you back?” Tre’Koven takes in a steady breath and looks off in the distance, pain flashing across his eyes.

“A very long story to which I will keep short by saying she turned to follow a cult called the ‘ Nightsisters ’ and ‘ Nightbrothers ’.” He looks back at me. “They are a cult whom use the force in corrupt and twisted ways. Bringing forth creatures that are distorted hybrids , beings who are dead and dabble in ways to live forever.” I gape at the thought, being stunned.

“I have never heard of them, ever. Why wasn’t I warned about them? What happened to them?” A billion questions go off in my head and I can think of only those ones to say out loud to him. Tre’koven smiles sadly.

“The Jedi order created the cult. Not on purpose but vicariously. It is something they are ashamed of and try to hide the fact that it happened. It is actually why I left the order.”

“Wait, if you left the order, then why do you guard this Jedi temple?”

“A question in which I will answer once you find your answer in the temple.” He gestures his hand out and I turn around. “Once you are finished, you will appear back here. Be mindful of your surrounding and know this. Your ability to use the force may not work in your vision. May the force watch over you.” I want to turn around and see that Tre’Koven is giving me an encouraging smile but I know that I have to stay my path and move forward.

I walk forward, going through the center doorway and for a while , there is nothing but cavernous walls but then I hear a scream bounce off the walls. I cringe and cover my ears but move forward. The scream slowly turns into my name being seductively said. I put my hands down and look around, trying to recognize the voice. When I look forward again, the scene has changed and I am in the middle of the council chambers. The room has the chairs for the council members but they are empty. Pillars stand in between each of the chairs and a stone sits in the middle of the room.

“Hello?” my voice echoes in the empty room. I walk around and hear the doors open, seeing Master Dauula walk in. He is reading a book and looks up, smiling once he sees me.

“Little one. You are alright I see. Have you found your way to the first book?” He says with his quiet demeanor.

“Yes, master.” I nod my head, smiling a bit. “At least, hopefully.” I tilt my head to the side and shrug my shoulders. Master Dauula gives me a stern look.

“Never question yourself. Believe in your path and follow what you know is right. You will come to understand in time.” He walks towards a doorway on the other side of the room. Should I follow him, ask him how is he doing? I shake my head. No, he is just a vision. I must remember that. I look towards where he is going. But what if he is leading me to the book? I am about to follow but something beckons me towards a different doorway that appears just in front of me. I swallow back the urge to follow him and go towards the new door. ‘ believe in your path.’ I hear master Dauula’s voice echo through my head.

The door slides open and reveals kyber crystals everywhere in a very rocky cave. All of them colorless and do not sing to me. They just pulse with an empty glow but somehow, I feel that I will be wanting to come here again. I’m just not sure where ‘here’ is. I purse my lips, and then sigh. I’m sure the force will show me where I need to go when the time comes. I walk forward through the kyber crystal cave and hear the muffled sound of a water fall. Following it, I squeeze through a slim crack in the wall of the cave and eventually come out into a large cavern.

The cavern itself is smooth and has two levels to it, the waterfall being at the top level. The bottom level has a lake in which the waterfall cascades into, moss scattered all across the top. There is a rocky surface along the waterfall looking to be my path to the top level. Heading that direction, I begin my ascent to the top. Hauling myself over the ledge I see another lake, glowing a deep purple and much larger than the one below. In the center sits a small island with an object resting on the shore. I stare at the object on the island feeling a strong urge to get it, that it wants me to grab it. I strip down to my undergarments and jump into the lake, feeling warmth from it. I swim to the island and the item comes better into view, just a simple satchel. Finally reaching the island, I walk towards it, kneeling to pick it up.

“My, my . I remember the last time you took off that much clothing. Do you remember? We had decided to go swimming at the pond near the temple.” I freeze, stunned at the voice. Is this part of my vision. Should I turn around? I get the sense that this is definitely not part of the vision and need to turn around . Standing back up, I turn to see Aydgage standing at the shoreline of the lake. He looks paler, black lines are just forming from his eyes and they seem to glow now. His clothing not standard Jedi robes anymore, being black and brown in color. They seem even more... sinister than a Mandalorian executioner. I swallow, tightening my jaw.

“ Aydgage ...” I say softly.

“I knew I would find you eventually. It was hard to find you at first but then...” He starts to pace, putting his hands behind his back. “You shined so brightly through the force that I knew I had to come and find you.”

“How are you-”

“In this vision of yours?” He interrupts me, stopping to face me. His face trying to soften but the black lines are making that impossible. “ Oh, my little bird, there is so much I have been taught that would have even the most studied Jedi envious of me. Darth Revan has shown me secrets that have been lost to the Jedi a long time ago. And he is willing to show all of the Jedi, if they were just willing to accept it.” He chuckles a little manically, a sickening feeling crawling over my skin. “It was so hard at first to find you. Always pulling away just before I could finally get into your vision.” I gasp quietly, realization hitting me. My other visions... my headaches... He was making my visions come to me... making me cut myself off from the force. Or maybe... the force was trying to protect me? Allowing me to pull away from the vision?

“ Why?” I say, pushing the fear of him invading my mind at a moment's notice away.

“Why?” He laughs darkly, “ Because I love you Mikacele .” his face grows serious. “I need you. Haven’t I plainly shown that to you?” He puts out his hand towards me. “We can become the most powerful dark Jedi the galaxy has seen. Bringing the Jedi order down to its knees and allowing the Sith Empire to grow and control the system.” He has a longing in his eyes, the same longing I saw when I left the Jedi temple. I want to look away but instead stay my ground.

“ Aydgage ... why did you turn? Why did you kill Reneji ? Is this really what Revan has taught you?” I pled.

“He was in the way of me obtaining my power, the fool.” He hisses, looking at his hands then back at me. “Revan said the only way for me to fully accept the power he has shown me was to kill another Jedi. So, I did, and I enjoyed it.” His smile being dark. “ Reneji was weak.” He throws his hand to the side in anger. “Said to us that this wasn’t the way of the Jedi.” He mocks Reneji’s voice and then scoffs. “If power isn’t the way of the Jedi, then I am glad to be rid of them.” He paces again. “The Jedi have what is coming to them and no one can stop us.” He stops pacing, looking at the ground in front of him. “Oh, my little bird.” He looks at me again, trying to show a gentle face. “Let me show the power of which Revan has shown me.” He throws out his arm and i feel myself start to move. My arms pinned to my side and I struggle to get free. Panic rising No, this isn’t right. I can’t move!

“ No, please! Aydgage , put me down!” I scream. Aydgage grips me by the throat, without putting pressure to choke me though, and closes his eyes. I feel dark tendrils slither into my mind and I grit my teeth, trying to resist.

“Don’t resist dear. I will find where you are.” The tendrils grow into thick branches, tearing down my barriers and pain sears all over my body. I moan loudly at the pain and Aydgage almost seems to enjoy it. He is going through my memories, trying to figure out where I am. I try to block him out, but fail. I curl my hands into fists, still trying to resist by blocking my memories I have of Darryl, knowing very well that he would use him against me. May even become jealous of him. A howl then echoes throughout the cavern and Aydgages turns his head to see a large deep purple wolf spring from the lake. It lands near us, growling at Aydgage . He lets go of me, turning his hand at the wolf to throw it but it jumps at him, grabbing him with its massive mouth and teeth. I hear Aydgage yell in pain as the wolf jumps into the lake, disappearing.

The cavern becomes silent and I lay there, stunned and panting. What was that? I put my hand to my throat, the feeling of Aydgage hand still lingering there. I feel invaded...violated. Where did he learn that? Why did he do that... I let out a shaky breath, unsure if I can get up. I slowly rise to my feet, going over to the lake and start to swim back to the island, trying to shake the feeling off. I will be okay... I need to just... focus. I walk up the island again, going over to the satchel and kneeling next to it. I hesitate for moment. What if this isn’t the book? What if it’s something else? I shake my head to get the doubt out of my mind and reach into the bag, pulling out a leather-bound book. I look the book over, seeing an ancient language etched on the front of the book and on the spine. It is smaller than I was expecting and off-white in color. I stand up and the vision shimmers away, being back in the main hall where Tre’Koven is waiting for me. I look down at myself, seeing my clothes back on and then look at Tre’Koven , holding the book in my hand. He nods at me and smiles.

“Welcome back, young Mikacele. It seems you have found what you are looking for.” He tilts his head to the side a little, concern coming to his face. “But it seems that something is troubling you?” I look at the ground, the feeling of my mind being torn into coming back.

“Is it possible for someone to... come into your vision with a vision of themselves?” Tre’Koven gives me a stern look.

“Everything is possible with the force. It depends on the level of skill of the person who can use it and how in tune they are with the force. Why do you ask?” I swallow, turning my head up to look at him.

“My old friend came to visit me.” I clutch the book a little harder. “I knew right away he wasn’t really part of my vision... then he started talking to me... told me of the power he has gained from following... someone at the temple who brought back from the war ‘teachings’ to make the Jedi more powerful.”

“The reason you started your quest.” He calmly says to me. I nod my head. “And what do you think now?”

“I think...” I stop to think. What do I think? When Aydgage used his powers on me, it felt wrong. A void incapable of light to touch. He wasn’t acting like himself either... As if he was acting on raw primal power and emotions instead... something that Aydgage normally doesn’t ever do... “ I think Aydgage has fallen from his path.” I stand a little taller. “And I believe I need to stay on my journey, stay to the path that I have paved to find these books. To learn more about the force and what it teaches without being controlled by the thought of becoming powerful.” Tre’Koven smiles.

“Good, you have taken a step towards understanding what the books will teach you.” He puts his hands on my shoulders. “something else is troubling you. What else happened?” Feelings of unease and violation come to the surface. I look away.

“He invaded my mind, trying to figure out where I am. I’m not sure what he got and I'm worried that he may come here and discover the secrets that this temple still holds.” I try to not sob when I say that. My throat tightening a little. Tre’Koven lets go of my shoulders and folds his arms across his chest.

“Ah. He used that technique.” He pursues his lips together and I look back at him.

“What do you mean? You have seen this before?”

“Yes. A race strong in the force, much like your race, called ‘ Sith ’ used the force for dark purposes. They didn’t care for the other beings, just as long as they got what they wanted and they became corrupt because of it. They are a violent race, using methods not approved by the Jedi Order and thus were not allowed to join. That’s when they created their own Order, calling it the Sith Empire.” Wait, that’s where that name comes from?

“ What happened to them?”

“They disappeared. No one really knows for sure what happened.” I put a hand to my chin, looking down a little.

“Revan must have found something of theirs during the Mandalorian war... and become corrupted.” I look back Tre’Koven. “Is he trying to corrupt the Jedi temple?” He shrugs.

“You will have to find that out. Continue on your journey to find the answers you seek.” I nod my head. I feel a bit uneasy, knowing that this journey, this quest, will be difficult. Especially with Aydgage hunting me down through my visions.

“What will you do if he comes? How will you protect the temple against my old friend and his followers?” He just looks at me.

“Allow me to first show you why I was put in charge of this temple.” He stretches out his arms, energy coursing through the temple and I feel the ground start to shake. He puts his arms back into his robes. “I protect the force to keep it at balance. To keep it in harmony.” He bows to me and I bow back. “Remember young Mikacele . There is no good without evil, but evil must not be allowed to flourish. The force is what keeps us balanced.” He nods again and disappears into the temple as it shakes more. I have no time to think about what he says and rush out, trying to avoid some large rocks from falling onto me. I tuck and roll out the door and look over at the temple. W atching it sink into the ground, the ground still shaking. Sadness washes over me and I stand up.

“Cilla!” I hear Darryl's voice coming closer. I turn around and he grabs my arm. “Come on! The whole place is coming down!” He runs back towards the speeder; it being much farther away than I thought. He gets on in the driver seat and I sit behind him. He starts up the speeder and drives off, the ground no longer shakes the further away we get. I want to look back but I know if I do, I'll only come up with more questions that I wanted to ask Tre’Koven . So, instead I just gently place my head on Darryl’s back, feeling very tired suddenly.