The memory shifts, and at first, everything is a blur. Shapes and colors swirl together, leaving the world around me indistinct, as if I'm looking through fogged glass. But then, slowly, the scene sharpens, and I see Ryu.

He's in a cell—simple, bare, cold. The walls are smooth, the light dim, and in place of a door, a red barrier hums quietly, flickering with energy. It looks almost like mana to me, glowing softly, holding him in place. My eyes immediately fall to Ryu, sitting on the floor in the center of the room. His wrists are bound together, but the cuffs... they're strange. There's no chain, no metal link. Instead, a glowing link of what looks like mana holds the cuffs together, pulsing softly between his hands.

I feel a wave of relief wash over me, my breath escaping in a soft sigh. "He's okay," I whisper, my voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and concern. I knew he'd survive, but seeing him like this—bound, contained—still sends a shiver through me. There's something unsettling about it.

Beside me, Nikko grips my arm tightly, her eyes wide with concern as she stares at him. "He looks okay... but why is he imprisoned up like that?" she asks softly, her voice trembling slightly.

"I don't know," I admit, my eyes drifting back to the strange cuffs. The way they glow, the way they seem to pulse—it doesn't look like anything I've seen before. There's something about this place that feels... off. Not wrong, but unfamiliar. Foreign.

Outside the cell, two figures stand guard. The two guards stand tall, draped in flowing robes of deep beige and white, their hoods pulled low over their masked faces. Their masks are featureless and smooth, except for narrow slits that emit a faint golden glow, giving them an eerie, distant presence. The robes fall loosely around their bodies, but beneath, I can see hints of plated armor covering their chests and forearms, adding a layer of protection beneath the fabric. Their stance is rigid, with their arms clasped behind their backs, exuding a quiet but formidable authority. The contrast of the simple robes and the intimidating masks makes them both mysterious and imposing.

I narrow my gaze, and that's when I notice it—on each of their belts, they carry lightsabers. But they're not like the one Ryu wields. These lightsabers look folded, compact, as if they can snap into place in an instant. The realization sends a chill down my spine. Whoever these guards are, they must be powerful if they carry weapons like that. And yet, there's something different about them, something less sinister than what I've encountered before.

I glance around, taking in more of the area beyond the cell, visible through the flickering red barrier. The space is vast, almost like a hall or an atrium. Smooth stone walls, high ceilings, and pillars that stretch upwards, giving the room an imposing, but not oppressive, atmosphere. The air feels calm here, though it carries an undercurrent of power—something ancient, something that demands respect. It's a temple, I realize. But not like the one I've seen before, not like the forbidding, dark halls that belonged to Ryu's former master. This place feels different, more serene, as if it was built for reflection and peace, not domination or fear.

Still, the quiet power in the room makes me uneasy. The energy here is foreign, and though it's not malevolent, it's strong enough to make me feel small, insignificant. I glance at the two guards again, their statuesque forms unmoving, the faint glow of the red barrier reflecting off their masks. They don't seem hostile, but their presence, the way they stand so still, so focused, makes my skin crawl.

Ryu stirs, his eyes slowly opening as he comes to. He blinks, his gaze unfocused at first, but then his surroundings come into focus. His eyes dart around the cell, taking in the red barrier, the smooth walls, the cold floor. His movements are slow, lethargic, as if he's just waking from a deep slumber.

Then he notices the cuffs. His eyes narrow slightly, his brow furrowing as he lifts his bound hands, staring at the glowing link between them. He tugs lightly, but the cuffs don't budge, the glowing energy holding them firmly in place. I can see the tension in his face, the confusion in his eyes.

His gaze shifts toward the barrier, and then to the two figures standing just outside his cell. His expression hardens slightly, his eyes flickering with recognition—but of what, I don't know.

Nikko leans closer to me, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think he knows where he is?"

"I'm not sure," I answer, my heart beating faster as I watch Ryu. He doesn't look hurt, but seeing him restrained like this, in a place that feels so foreign, fills me with unease.

Ryu's breathing steadies as he scans the room once more, his eyes lingering on the two guards outside. He seems calm, though I can sense the tension in his posture, the quiet strength that always resides in him, ready to act if necessary.

My stomach twists as I watch him, the uncomfortable weight of the situation sinking in. He's survived—yes—but seeing him bound, trapped in this strange cell, makes her worry. What could this place be? Why is he restrained like this?

"Ryu..." I whisper softly, my voice filled with concern, though I know he can't hear me.

Footsteps echo softly through the temple's stone corridors, the sound growing closer. I turn, my breath catching as a figure approaches. He looks human at first, tall and composed, his robes a simple tan color that falls neatly around him. But it's his face that strikes me. His skin is a deep blue, unlike anything I've ever seen, with a neatly trimmed beard that extends slightly longer than usual, the various ends tied together in small, intricate braids. His dark blue hair contrasts sharply against his vibrant skin, pulled back away from his face, giving him a regal, almost alien air.

But it's his eyes that stop me cold. They're red—vivid, glowing red. They pierce through the dim light of the temple, burning with intensity. I glance at Nikko, who looks up at the man with wide eyes, and even Llamiryl, who has seen many strange things, seems momentarily taken aback by his appearance.

He approaches the cell, and I notice the lightsaber dangling from his belt, the metallic hilt swaying slightly with each step. Could he be a Jedi? I wonder, the thought sending a surge of curiosity through me. He stops before Ryu, his eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing him.

"You are finally awake," he says, his voice calm but commanding. With a simple wave of his hand, the red barrier that has held Ryu captive disappears, vanishing without a sound.

"Come. We have a lot of questions for you."

Ryu gets to his feet, his movements slow but deliberate. He casts a glance back at the two guards, who fall into step behind him, their arms still clasped behind their backs, ever watchful. The man leads the way, his steps sure, and Ryu follows, his expression unreadable but focused. The guards, their masks expressionless, trail closely.

As they move through the temple halls, I can't help but take in the surroundings. The walls are smooth and pristine, carved from light stone that glows faintly in the soft light filtering through the high, arched windows. The architecture is elegant yet minimalistic, the lines clean, the curves gentle. Each step echoes quietly, giving the space a reverent, almost sacred feeling.

The air feels thick with a kind of quiet power, though it's not oppressive. It's calm, like the stillness before a storm, charged with an energy that feels ancient and serene all at once. I see figures moving in the distance—Jedi I presume, though I don't know if that's what they are. They walk with purpose, their robes flowing behind them, lightsabers clipped to their belts. Some are human, others... not. Creatures with scales, horns, and even fur pass by, each of them focused, their presence striking yet strangely peaceful.

Nikko clings to my arm, her eyes wide as she takes in the scene. "What is this place?" she whispers, her voice filled with awe. Even Llamiryl, usually so composed, seems quietly struck by the sheer variety of beings and the atmosphere around us.

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, something catches my eye—a long window that stretches across the hall as we pass. My breath hitches as I look out. What lies beyond is... unbelievable. A city. But not just any city—this place stretches on forever. Buildings rise from the ground like towering spires of glass and metal, their surfaces gleaming under the endless sky. Speeders and ships zip through the air, crisscrossing each other as they navigate the vast space between the skyscrapers.

It's unlike anything I've ever seen. The city on Alderaan was breathtaking, yes, but this... this is something else entirely. There is no end to it, no horizon. It just goes on and on, stretching as far as I can see, a never-ending sea of structures, lights, and motion.

I hear Nikko gasp beside me, her fingers tightening around my arm. "It's... it's so big," she whispers, her voice tinged with disbelief. I can't help but nod. "I've never seen anything like this," I murmur, my eyes wide, unable to tear my gaze away from the window.

Llamiryl steps closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as she takes in the sight before us. "This... this is a city?" she asks softly, her tone filled with equal parts wonder and confusion. "It stretches beyond reason."

The man leading Ryu stops at a grand door, the smooth surface gleaming under the dim light. He presses a button on the side, and the door slides open with a soft hiss. Inside is a small chamber, simple but elegant, with a desk positioned near the center and chairs on each side. But it's the window that catches my attention again—a large, grand view of the sprawling city beyond, even more imposing from this height.

The man gestures to one of the seats. Ryu glances around briefly before stepping forward and sitting down, his eyes still scanning his surroundings. The man stops and turns to the two guards. "Wait outside," he orders calmly.

The guards do not respond but immediately take their positions by the door, their stances unchanged as the door slides shut behind them. He then takes his seat across from Ryu, his red eyes focused, calm, and calculating.

The man leans back slightly, his red eyes locking onto Ryu. "I am Jedi Master Thas Va'Ruun," he introduces himself, his voice calm and measured. "You must have a lot of questions. As do I."

Ryu watches him carefully, his posture still tense. Va'Ruun gestures toward the cuffs binding Ryu's wrists. "I apologize for the uncomfortable situation you have found yourself in." He waves his hand, and with a faint click, the cuffs unlock and fall onto the desk with a soft thud. Ryu rubs his wrists, rotating them slowly. His expression remains calm, though a hint of curiosity glimmers in his eyes.

Va'Ruun continues, his tone unchanged. "Do you know where you are?"

Ryu's gaze shifts toward the large window, taking in the view beyond. "Coruscant, right?" he asks, his voice steady.

Va'Ruun nods. "That is correct."

Ryu's eyes flicker with understanding as he continues, "Then this must be the grand Jedi Temple. Never been on Coruscant before, but I've heard the stories... a city that sprawls across the entire planet. Truly a wondrous sight."

As Ryu's words hit, I feel my own breath catch in my throat.

"A city that spawns the entire world?" Llamiryl's voice echoes my thoughts, her tone disbelieving.

She steps closer to the window, eyes wide as she stares out into the seemingly endless expanse of cityscape. Nikko and I follow her gaze, both of us transfixed by the sight before us. Towers and structures rise from every corner of the world, stretching endlessly into the sky. Speeders zip through the air, weaving between the spires with precision and speed.

"It... it never ends," I whisper, still unable to wrap my head around the enormity of it all. The city on Alderaan was beautiful, yes, but this... this is something else entirely. A planet consumed by its own creation, a world of metal, light, and movement as far as the eye can see. The realization that this is an entire planet filled with life, with structures that pierce the heavens—it's overwhelming.

Llamiryl places a hand against the glass, her voice soft. "Truly fascinating," she says, her usual composed tone tinged with wonder. I can only nod in agreement, my eyes still drinking in the sight.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We all turn our attention back to Va'Ruun and Ryu as the conversation resumes.

Va'Ruun inclines his head slightly. "You are correct," he says. 'Do you know your name? Remember who you are?"

Ryu straightens slightly in his chair, his composure returning. "Of course I do. My name is Ryu Chikara. Now I have a few questions for you." He pauses, his voice calm but direct. "How long have I been frozen in carbonite? What's the situation with the Sith Empire? And... what will happen to me?"

Va'Ruun raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Ryu's mention of the Sith. "Sith Empire?" His voice carries a note of curiosity. "Why would you mention them?"

"Because of the war?" Ryu's expression shifts, confusion creeping into his features. "How long have I been drifting?"

Va'Ruun strokes his neatly braided beard, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Tell me the last thing you remember, and perhaps I can answer that question for you."

Va'Ruun listens intently as Ryu calmly explains what led him to this moment. We watch as Ryu begins to recount the events that led him here: the battle on Alderaan, the harrowing escape, and the desperate decision to be frozen in carbonite to survive. He speaks with a quiet composure, leaving out the more personal details of his confrontation with his master, focusing only on the essential facts.

I can feel the weight of his words, the years of struggle condensed into a few moments of explanation. As Ryu speaks, I sense a growing tension in the room, a realization that something is not quite right, and it isn't just the distance between the past and present.

Va'Ruun leans forward, stroking his braided beard, his expression contemplative. "If what you say is true, Ryu, then what I am about to tell you will bring you great unease," he says, his calm voice cutting through the air.

Ryu's eyes narrow slightly, his confusion visible even before the words hit him.

"The attack on Alderaan... that happened over three thousand years ago," Va'Ruun continues.

The air in the room seems to still. I feel my own breath catch, the shock hitting me like a wave. Beside me, Nikko's small hand tightens around my arm, her eyes wide with disbelief. Llamiryl gasps softly, her usually controlled demeanor faltering.

Ryu's expression mirrors my own feelings. His jaw drops, his eyes wide as he stares at Va'Ruun. "Three... three thousand years?" he stammers, his voice barely audible. It's clear from his face that the full weight of those years is crashing down on him, his mind reeling.

Va'Ruun nods, his voice still calm. "Yes, three thousand six hundred years actually. The Sith Empire is no more. Haven't been, for thousands of years."

I watch as Ryu's expression shifts, disbelief giving way to confusion, then to something closer to fear. "How?" he asks, his voice shaky, though he tries to maintain his composure. "Are the Sith no more?"

"They haven't been seen in over a millennium," Va'Ruun replies, his tone patient. "The Jedi Order believes them to be extinct, though some still think they are in hiding. If they are, their numbers are few."

Ryu is silent for a moment, his brow furrowing. "But how could an empire like that simply... be defeated?"

Va'Ruun strokes his beard again, his eyes thoughtful. "The records are vague on the Sith Empire's defeat. But after the death of their emperor, it is believed that their downfall came from within—greed, lust for power... their own undoing."

Ryu shakes his head slightly, as if trying to make sense of it all. I can see him clinging to reason, trying to ground himself amidst the shock. But then a small, faint smile tugs at the corners of Ryu's lips, but it's a fleeting thing, barely noticeable before his expression returns to one of deep contemplation.

Va'Ruun leans back, studying Ryu carefully. "As for you, you were found by scrappers deep in the Mid Core," he explains.

Va'Ruun leans back slightly, stroking his beard as he studies Ryu. "There's something else you should know, Ryu. You've been in recovery for some time—five years, to be exact," he says, his voice calm but filled with a deeper gravity. "After the scrappers found you, you spent those years submerged in a bacta tank. It was the only way to reverse the damage caused by being frozen for so long."

I watch as Ryu's expression changes, shock creeping into his eyes again. "Five years...?" he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper.

Va'Ruun nods. "Yes. You are extremely fortunate to have survived the freezing process. Most don't last more than a year or two without severe complications, and you were frozen for thousands of years." He pauses for a moment, allowing the weight of that revelation to sink in before continuing. "Your time in carbonite nearly killed you. But thanks to the bacta treatments, your body was able to heal."

I can see Ryu trying to absorb the magnitude of what he's been through. His brow furrows, and he rubs his wrists absentmindedly, still processing the news. I feel a surge of sympathy for him—how could anyone grasp being out of the world for that long?

"The fact that you survived this long is nothing short of a miracle," Va'Ruun adds, his tone softening slightly.

Ryu, clearly shaken by the revelation, lowers his gaze for a moment. I can see the weight of everything—the years lost, the unknown future—pressing down on him, but his demeanor remains calm as he continues to gather himself.

"They discovered this on your person." He reaches behind him and places Ryu's lightsaber gently onto the table. The familiar hilt, though well-worn, shines under the dim light.

I see Ryu's eyes flicker toward the weapon, relief washing over him for the briefest moment. Va'Ruun picks up the lightsaber and with a sharp hiss, ignites it. The yellow blade hums to life, casting a warm glow across the room.

"At first, we assumed you were Sith, given the kind of ship you were found on," Va'Ruun explains. "But this... this tells me otherwise." He deactivates the lightsaber and places it back on the table, his red eyes narrowing slightly. "You aren't in our records, and you certainly aren't a Jedi." Va'Ruun leans forward slightly, his gaze sharp. "So, what exactly are you?"

For a long moment, Ryu is silent, his eyes lingering on the lightsaber. I watch as he draws in a slow, deep breath, as if preparing himself. Then, after a pause, he speaks.

"It is true," Ryu says, his voice calm yet measured. "I am not Sith, nor am I a Jedi. I am an Acolyte of the Force, though I fear I may be one of the last."

Va'Ruun's eyes narrow, his curiosity piqued. "Acolyte? That is a Sith term for apprentice, is it not?"

Ryu shakes his head, and I can see him preparing to explain. "In a way yes," he begins. "But the term Acolyte has a deeper meaning. An Acolyte is not bound to either the light or the dark. We walk the line between both, seeking balance... wisdom."

Va'Ruun strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Interesting," he says, his voice calm but curious. "I've heard of such beings—those that walk between the light and the dark. The council has often referred to them as Gray Jedi."

Ryu offers a small smile, though his eyes remain serious. "I prefer Acolyte of the Force," he replies, the words carrying a sense of quiet pride.

Va'Ruun chuckles softly at that, the sound echoing lightly in the chamber. "Acolyte of the Force it is, then," he says, a hint of amusement still in his tone. Ryu smiles in return, but his expression quickly shifts as his thoughts seem to turn elsewhere, darker and more personal.

"What of my Master?" Ryu asks, his voice growing more solemn. "He was with me on that ship. I'd like to know what state he was found in."

Va'Ruun's expression shifts as well, becoming more serious, more empathetic. He reaches behind him, pulling something from beneath his robe. As he brings it forward, I immediately recognize the shape of the object—a lightsaber hilt. But it's not just any lightsaber. I know this one.

It's August's.

A cold realization hits me, and I glance at Nikko and Llamiryl. They've recognized it too, their eyes wide. Va'Ruun gently places the lightsaber on the table between him and Ryu.

"All we found were a set of clothes, a walking staff, and this lightsaber on one of the beds," Va'Ruun explains, his tone now filled with quiet sympathy. "I'm sorry for your loss. It seems your Master is now one with the Force."

I watch as Ryu takes a deep breath, his eyes lingering on the lightsaber. His shoulders tense, and I can tell he's holding back the emotion that threatens to break through. His chest rises and falls with slow, deliberate breaths, his gaze not wavering from the weapon on the table.

"I am grateful," Ryu says, though his voice wavers slightly. "His loss hurts yes, but I am glad he is one with the Force." His words are steady, but there's a heaviness to them, a sadness he's working hard to keep under control. A part of me aches for him—August was more than just a mentor, and it's clear Ryu is processing the loss with a quiet strength.

Va'Ruun nods, his expression understanding. "What happens to me now?" Ryu asks after a long pause, his voice soft but direct.

"That," Va'Ruun says, leaning back slightly in his chair, "will be up to the council. I will report what you have told me, and they will decide. Perhaps you will be allowed to stay here, to serve a higher purpose."

Ryu's eyes flicker with curiosity, but also caution. "Stay here?"

Va'Ruun nods once. "Yes. But that decision is not up to me." He stands, gathering both Ryu's lightsaber and August's. The weight of the moment is heavy as Va'Ruun approaches the door. "Please, wait here," he adds, his tone respectful but firm.

With a wave of his hand, the door slides open silently, and Va'Ruun steps out, the two lightsabers in hand. The door shuts behind him with a soft hiss, leaving Ryu alone with his thoughts—and us watching, unseen.

I exhale, the tension in the room palpable even though it's a memory. Ryu, even though calm on the outside, carries a storm within. Nikko, her grip still firm on my arm, glances at me with wide eyes, as if looking for reassurance. But I, too, feel the weight of everything hanging in the air.

"Is... is he going to be imprisoned again?" Nikko whispers, her voice filled with concern. I don't have an answer for her.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory shifts, subtle but distinct; a change of time, and I notice that Ryu's posture has changed. He sits more upright, his gaze cautious as he surveys the room. The door to the chamber hisses open, and in walks a small figure, tapping a walking stick against the floor with each deliberate step.

The creature—no taller than Nikko—carries an air of wisdom that feels ancient and profound. Its wrinkled green skin and large, pointed ears seem out of place with its small size, but its presence fills the room in a way that commands attention. The sharp, inquisitive eyes study Ryu, and there is a seriousness in the air, heavy and almost suffocating.

Nikko tightens her grip on my arm, her eyes wide as she watches the small figure approach. Even Llamiryl, normally calm and composed, looks intrigued, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observes the creature.

The figure stops in front of Ryu, leaning slightly on the walking stick, its gaze never leaving him. The room falls into a heavy silence, the weight of the moment hanging thick in the air.

"A mystery, you are, Ryu Chikara," the figure finally says, its voice soft but filled with quiet authority. There is no mistaking that this being carries great power.

Ryu shifts slightly in his seat but keeps his gaze steady. "Who are you?" he asks, his voice firm, though I can sense a hint of curiosity in his tone.

The small figure nods, as though expecting the question. "Master Yoda, I am," he says, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studies Ryu. "Of the Jedi Council, I am."

Yoda's words reach me with no understanding, and judging by Nikko's confused glance, she doesn't understand either. But the way he speaks, the authority in his tone, tells me everything I need to know—this being is someone important, someone powerful. And yet, I can't help but feel a sense of calm in his presence, despite the tension filling the room.

Ryu, however, remains quiet, his gaze steady but wary.

"Master Va'Ruun sensed the truth in you," Yoda continues, his voice calm but probing. "But no records of you, there are. Hmm?"

Ryu's brow furrows slightly. "Then why are you here?" he asks, his voice steady but laced with suspicion. "If Master Va'Ruun already believes me?"

Yoda hums softly, tapping his walking stick lightly on the floor. "Wanted to see for myself, I did. Sense much in you, I can." His voice softens, but there's an edge to it. "Pain. Death. Guilt, you carry. Hmm?"

I see Ryu tense, his body stiffening slightly. His gaze sharpens, but he doesn't respond immediately. The tension between them is palpable, and I feel my heart race as I watch them.

"What do you mean?" Ryu finally asks, though there's a hint of defensiveness in his voice.

Yoda's gaze doesn't waver. "Run from it, you do," he says, his tone quiet but firm. "Your past... cannot escape it, can you?"

Ryu's jaw clenches, and I can see the frustration building in him. He looks away for a moment, as though trying to gather his thoughts. "I'm trying to atone for my past," he mutters, his voice low but resolute.

Yoda nods slowly, as though he understands more than he's letting on. "Good, you try to do. Honorable, that is. But not enough, it will be. Guilt, always with you, it will stay. No running from that. Hmm?"

I can see the tension in Ryu's body increase, his hands balling into fists on his knees. His voice comes out sharper now, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Then what should I do?"

Yoda tilts his head slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Ask for answers, you do," he says, his voice oozing with a kind of ancient wisdom that reminds me of something August might say. "But answers, always you will seek, if that is your path. Never satisfied, always searching."

Ryu's gaze hardens, his jaw tight as he looks away, refusing to respond.

Yoda takes a small step forward, his voice gentle but filled with quiet power. "A question, I have. Your past, you hide from it. But why?"

Ryu's shoulders stiffen, and I see the internal battle playing out across his face. He doesn't want to answer. "That's not important," he mutters, dodging the question with a frustrated edge.

Yoda taps his walking stick again, the sound echoing softly in the room. "Important, it is. The past shapes you, hmm? What happened, Ryu?"

There's a long silence, and I can see Ryu wrestling with himself. He doesn't want to speak, doesn't want to relive whatever it is that haunts him. But Yoda's gaze remains steady, unmoving, waiting for the truth.

Finally, Ryu speaks, his voice quiet, heavy with guilt. "I... I served under a Sith Lord," he admits, his eyes still cast downward. "I was his apprentice. I did things I wish I could forget."

Yoda listens in silence, his face unreadable but his eyes sharp, taking in every word.

Ryu continues, though his voice falters. "I tried to leave, make my own choices but he had control over me. More than I realized. I've been trying to make up for it ever since."

"Running from it, you are," Yoda says softly. "But the past, always with you, it stays."

Ryu's gaze drops further, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the admission. "I thought I could outrun it," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I couldn't."

Yoda taps his walking stick lightly again. "Live with it, you must. The guilt, always there it will be."

Ryu looks up, his face pained. "I'm trying. I'm doing what I can. I'm trying to do good."

Yoda nods but takes a deep breath, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "Doing good, honorable it is. But not enough, it will be. Always searching for redemption, you are. But that, only lead to more questions, it will."

Ryu's expression hardens again, frustration clear in his eyes. "So what should I do?"

Yoda tilts his head, his gaze thoughtful. "Ask for answers, you should not. Look inside, you must."

Ryu clenches his jaw, his hands tightening into fists again. He's wrestling with something deep inside, and I can feel the weight of his struggle.

After a long pause, Yoda continues. "A Jedi, do you think you should become, hmm?"

Ryu shakes his head firmly, almost instinctively. "No. That path is not for me. I'm an Acolyte of the Force. I walk between the light and the dark."

Yoda hums softly, his eyes narrowing. "A dangerous path, that is. But walk it, you can."

Ryu's face softens, but the conflict remains clear.

Yoda taps his walking stick lightly once more. "Perhaps... a guardian, you could be. Protect this temple, hmm? Balance, you seek. A guard, you could become."

Ryu's eyes widen slightly, hesitation flashing across his face. "A Temple Guard?" He shakes his head again, more slowly this time. "I don't deserve to be associated with the Jedi."

Yoda's expression sharpens, and his voice becomes firmer. "History with the Jedi, you have. Hmm? Sense it, I do."

Ryu clenches his jaw, clearly refusing to answer, but Yoda presses on.

"Running from it, you are. A guardian, you could be. Live with your past, not run from it."

The silence between them stretches long and heavy, the weight of Yoda's words sinking into Ryu. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Ryu speaks, his voice low and uncertain. "I... I don't know."

Yoda steps closer, his gaze soft but firm. "The path, not always clear. But find it, you must."

After another long pause, Ryu finally nods. "I'll... consider it."

Yoda smiles softly, the kind of smile that holds decades of wisdom. "Good. Consider it, you should. A wise choice, it could be."

As Yoda turns to leave, the room begins to fade and we find ourselves back in the endless hallway once again, the shadows enveloping us. But Yoda's words echo in my mind, leaving me with a strange sense of peace mixed with uncertainty.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The air grows impossibly heavy, the cry of the Shadowfell piercing through everything. Nikko whimpers beside me, her grip on my arm tightening as she doubles over, clutching her head. Even Llamiryl, usually composed and strong, falters, her face strained, her breaths coming in sharp gasps.

"I will find it... the source of his guilt," the Shadowfell's voice growls, each word dripping with malevolent wisdom. "And when I do, Ryu will fall... and he will be mine."

I try to shake the words from my mind, but they cling to me like a sickness, crawling into every corner of my thoughts. I can feel its grip tightening around my heart, squeezing the hope from my chest. Nikko lets out a pained gasp, clutching at her head as she struggles beside me.

"N-Nikko..." I whisper, reaching out to her, but my own strength is waning. The voice continues to pour venom into my thoughts, tearing at my resolve.

"You think he's changed?" the Shadowfell mocks, its voice filled with a dark, twisted wisdom. "Ryu has not changed. He walks the path of light for now, yes... but the darkness within him... it festers, waiting for the right moment. One moment of weakness, and it will consume him again."

Nikko cries out in pain, her hands trembling as she presses them against her head, her tail flicking erratically behind her. I can feel her agony, as if it's mirroring my own. Even Llamiryl, standing strong, winces, her body trembling under the assault.

"He is still the same," the voice hisses, as if it knows every fear I have ever harbored. "The darkness, Talia... it never truly leaves. It waits... waits for the moment when Ryu falters. All it takes is a little push. And when he falls... it will be because of you."

The words burrow into my mind, deep and vicious. My knees buckle under the weight of them, and I feel myself collapsing, barely managing to catch myself on the cold, stone floor. I clutch my head, my fingers trembling as the pain intensifies.

"No... no, he's not..." I whisper, but my voice is weak, almost lost in the onslaught of the Shadowfell's taunting.

Nikko whimpers beside me, and I look at her, seeing the fear and agony mirrored in her wide, tear-filled eyes. Her small body shakes with pain, and I feel helpless, completely powerless to protect her.

Llamiryl's face is tense, her hands balling into fists tightly as she fights the assault, but even she seems to struggle under the weight of the Shadowfell's words. "Ryu will fall, Talia. You know this. Deep down, you know. You are not strong enough to stop it. He will become the monster again, and it will be because you failed him."

I try to scream, to fight, but the pressure in my head grows unbearable. My vision swims, the world around me blurring. Nikko's cries echo in my ears, and I want so desperately to reach out to her, to pull her close and shield her from this torment, but I can't. My body feels heavy, weighed down by the sheer force of the Shadowfell's attack.

"He was always mine, Talia," the voice whispers, cold and final. "And he always will be. You cannot save him from himself. No one can."

A final wave of crushing pain surges through me, and I scream, collapsing fully onto my hands and knees. The darkness presses in on all sides, suffocating me, pulling me down. I can't breathe, I can't think. All I can hear are the mocking words, the fear that maybe... maybe it's right.

Then, as suddenly as it began, the assault stops.

The pressure lifts, and the air feels lighter, though the damage is done. I fall to my knees, gasping for breath, my body trembling uncontrollably. My head throbs with pain, and I feel like I've been hollowed out, emptied by the cruel force of the Shadowfell's words.

Nikko collapses beside me, her small form trembling as she clings to my arm, her breathing shallow. Even Llamiryl is shaken, her face pale as she leans heavily against the wall, her breaths labored. The hall is quiet again, the Shadowfell retreating, but the echoes of its taunting words still ring in my mind.

The pain vanishes like a fading nightmare, leaving only the echo of what was. I hold Nikko tightly against me, feeling her trembling, trying to steady both of us after the onslaught we've just endured. The air feels lighter, almost surreal after the crushing weight of the Shadowfell's attack.

"Are you alright?" Llamiryl asks, her voice strained but regaining strength. I glance up at her. She stands tall, though I can see the tension in her posture.

I nod, still catching my breath. "I'm okay," I say, my voice calmer than I feel. I look down at Nikko, brushing her cheek softly. "Are you okay?" I ask her, my heart still racing from the pain we both felt.

Nikko winces slightly, but then she nods. "I'm fine," she whispers, her voice shaky, but I can see her trying to be strong. I give her a small smile, pulling her close once more for reassurance.

Llamiryl takes a deep breath, her expression thoughtful. "We're getting close," she says, her voice resolute despite the exhaustion. "The Shadowfell... it's getting close too."

I swallow, the weight of that truth sinking in. "Do you think something happened at the temple?" I ask, my mind already racing with possibilities. My thoughts are filled with Ryu and what he might be facing.

"I'm not sure," Llamiryl admits. "I can see so little... The Shadowfell's presence is pushing me back." She shakes her head, frustration flickering in her eyes before she composes herself once more.

I sigh, looking down at Nikko, who grips my hand tightly. "We'll be okay," I murmur softly to her, trying to push away my own fears. "We just need to keep going."

Nikko nods, her grip loosening but still firm. Llamiryl steps forward, her eyes narrowing as she summons another door before us. It hums with energy, glowing faintly as it solidifies into place.

After making sure Nikko truly is alright, I step forward, following Llamiryl. Together, we walk through the door into the unknown, the weight of what lies ahead pressing on my mind, but with determination burning beneath it.

The memory shifts, and we find ourselves in a vast room—its design sleek, precise, and almost serene, yet there's an underlying sense of discipline in the air. The room has clean, polished wooden floors, and across the walls are racks of weapons, elegantly displayed and well-maintained. Large windows let in natural light, softening the otherwise strict atmosphere of the place.

The walls are adorned with what I assume are symbols of the Jedi—foreign to me but carrying a sense of history and authority. The open space at the center of the room is divided into sections, mats spread out in neat rows, clearly meant for sparring. It's pristine, everything in its place, everything organized, and yet there is an intensity about this space that makes it clear it's a place of training, of preparation.

Around the room, several figures stand, all dressed in identical robes, their faces hidden beneath helmets that resemble the guards we had seen earlier. Each carries themselves with a certain weight, their movements deliberate, purposeful, and all are watching the center of the room.

Two Temple Guards are engaged in a duel, both wielding double-bladed yellow lightsabers. The hum of their weapons fills the room as they clash, sparks flying with every strike. Their movements are sharp, quick, and yet fluid—like a dance, but with a deadly edge. Both combatants seem evenly matched, neither gaining ground over the other, their blades spinning and twirling with precision.

I scan the room, trying to figure out which one is Ryu. But with all the guards wearing the same robes and masks, it's impossible to tell. They all move with the same fluidity, the same discipline, except for slight differences in height.

Suddenly, one of the combatants takes a swift swing. The other dodges effortlessly, stepping to the side, and with a graceful leg sweep, trips the first. The fallen Guard crashes to the ground, their lightsaber clattering out of their hand. The victor steps forward, their lightsaber aimed at the chest of the fallen Guard, but they don't strike.

A figure steps out from the side—one of the Guards watching the fight. Their robes are slightly different, perhaps indicating they are in charge here. They raise their hand toward the victor. "And the victor is... Ryu," the leader announces, their voice clear and steady. There are a few cheers from the other Temple Guards, though it's more respectful than celebratory.

I feel my breath catch in my throat. Ryu? I glance at the victorious figure, shocked at how much he seems to fit in with the others. How long has it been? How much time has passed? I look over at Llamiryl, but she offers no answers, her gaze as unreadable as ever. Even Nikko, standing beside me, seems impressed.

Nikko looks up at me, her eyes wide and sparkling with pride as she watches Ryu. "He's really strong, isn't he?" she whispers, her voice filled with awe. "I knew Papa was a good protector, but now... he's like a protector for everyone." She squeezes my hand gently, her excitement bubbling over. "He's like a... a real hero, just like in the stories!"

Ryu shuts off his lightsaber and steps forward, offering his hand to the fallen combatant. The other Guard takes it, pulling themselves up with a grumble.

"What a nuisance," the fallen Guard mutters, brushing off their robes. "I hate losing to you, Ryu."

Ryu simply shrugs in response, his silence as calm as ever.

The Guard shakes their head, though there's no malice in their tone. "I really hate that silent treatment of yours, Ryu," they say with a sigh before stepping back to join the others.

The leader steps forward again, their voice commanding attention. "Next! Majel."

Another Temple Guard steps forward, their movements sharp and eager. They grab their folded lightsaber, snapping it into place with practiced ease, both ends igniting with a bright, yellow glow. The room hums with the energy of their weapon.

Ryu does the same, igniting his double-bladed lightsaber, the yellow light reflecting off the polished floors. The two Guards face each other, both taking fighting stances.

The leader raises their hand. "Begin!"

The fight starts with a flurry of movements, both combatants evenly matched. Their lightsabers clash in midair, the bright yellow blades spinning and slicing through the air with incredible speed. Majel moves with precision, their strikes calculated and forceful, but Ryu is faster, dodging each strike with fluidity, his movements almost graceful as he counters.

For a moment, it seems they are perfectly equal, their skills mirroring one another. They step around each other in a circle, blades locked, the tension building as they look for an opening. Majel presses the attack, their lightsaber spinning in a series of rapid strikes, but Ryu remains calm, deflecting each blow with smooth, measured movements.

Then, in a single, well-timed maneuver, Ryu steps aside just as Majel lunges forward. Using the momentum against them, Ryu sweeps low, tripping Majel and sending them stumbling forward. Before they can recover, Ryu swings his lightsaber, stopping just short of their chest.

"The victor is... Ryu," the leader announces, the words filled with respect.

Majel quickly gets up, brushing off the defeat. "One day, I'll beat you, Ryu. You'll see," they say with a grin beneath their mask, the determination clear in their voice.

I can't help but chuckle softly, remembering Marla's sparring match with Ryu, Majel mirroring her words.

The leader steps forward, their voice carrying throughout the room. "That concludes today's training. Dismissed."

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory begins to shift again, the training room fading away as the next part of Ryu's journey pulls us forward and we are swept through a series of rapid, fragmented moments, each one revealing Ryu standing in different areas of what must be the grand temple. There is a quiet intensity to these memories, a stillness that fills each space Ryu inhabits, and yet it's clear how important his presence is in these parts of the temple.

The first scene opens in a long, dimly lit hallway, the air cool and heavy with silence. Ryu stands near a large doorway, his posture rigid, his double-bladed lightsaber folded at his side. He's watching over what seems to be a heavily secured area, though I can't tell what's behind the door. The area itself is beautiful, lined with tall columns that reach up to the ceiling, and the walls are adorned with intricate carvings that seem to depict a history I can't begin to understand. Jedi pass by occasionally, their robes flowing as they move through the temple with a sense of calm purpose, and Ryu stands among them, silent and watchful.

The next scene flashes before us—Ryu now stands in front of a row of cells, the energy barriers glowing faintly, casting a strange light on the stone walls. He escorts a figure—hooded and bound—from one cell to another, his steps slow and deliberate, but he never says a word. The prisoner glances back at him, but Ryu's face remains hidden behind his mask, giving nothing away. Other temple guards are present, but Ryu doesn't acknowledge them. He simply completes his duty with silent efficiency, guiding the prisoner with a firm hand.

We're swept to the next memory—this time, Ryu is standing in an enormous room, bathed in a soft glow of natural light filtering through high, arched windows. The room is lined with rows of statues, each one imposing and regal, towering over the open space. Ryu stands near one of the towering statues, his stance calm, and as Jedi move in and out, performing their duties, he remains motionless, observing. The temple itself feels ancient, the air thick with the weight of history, and I can't help but marvel at the vastness of it all. The statues are grand, each one a reminder of the Jedi Order's storied past, though I don't understand their significance.

Another flash, and we see Ryu in a small meditation chamber, kneeling on the floor, his lightsaber placed before him. The room is simple, almost austere, with soft light from candles illuminating the space. He meditates in silence, the air around him still, and though he's surrounded by other temple guards, none of them speak. There's a sense of calm and control in his posture, his head slightly bowed, as if he's seeking clarity in the quiet. But even in this moment of peace, Ryu doesn't utter a single word.

The next memory rushes in—Ryu is sparring once again, back in the training room. His movements are sharp, precise, but he still doesn't speak. His opponent swings their lightsaber in a wide arc, and Ryu sidesteps effortlessly, his body moving with fluid grace. He counters with a quick strike, and their lightsabers clash, the room echoing with the familiar hum of the weapons. The other guards watch in silence, as if observing a ritual. The fight ends with Ryu victorious, his lightsaber shutting off with a snap-hiss as he steps away without a word, simply nodding to the one he defeated.

The silence that follows each memory is haunting. Ryu moves like a ghost through the temple, a silent protector, always present but never fully engaging with the world around him. His role as a guardian is clear, but the lack of connection to those around him feels heavy.

As the memories continue to shift, I catch glimpses of the outside world through windows in the temple. The city stretches out beyond the temple walls, and each time I glance out, I'm struck by its scale. Coruscant is nothing like I've ever seen before. The buildings are impossibly tall, reaching far beyond what seems natural, and the city itself seems to stretch on forever. A world of metal and glass, with flying ships darting between towers. But it's mostly cloudy, the skies covered in thick, gray clouds. One day, as I stare out the window, I see a storm rolling in—black clouds heavy with rain and lightning cutting through the sky like jagged blades.

It makes me wonder, does this world even have seasons? Is it like Alderaan, with its gentle springs and harsh winters, or like Aranthia, with its vibrant summers and frozen peaks? I can't tell. The weather here seems unchanging, the constant haze of clouds making it hard to grasp the passage of time. Days blur together, and I wonder how long Ryu has been walking these halls.

Nikko squeezes my hand again, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Papa looks so serious," she whispers, her wide eyes staring at Ryu as he stands guard once more. "But he's doing something really important, right?"

I nod, though I can't help but feel the weight of the silence that surrounds him. He's always been a protector, but now... now it feels different. He's taken on a role that goes beyond what I've seen him do before, and yet, there's something distant about it. Something that feels like it's pulling him away, even if he's standing right in front of us.

The memories continue to shift, each one showing Ryu in different parts of the temple, always standing guard, always silent. The temple itself is mesmerizing—a place of history and power, its halls filled with Jedi of all kinds, each one moving with purpose. But as we follow Ryu through these moments, it's clear that his role here is solitary, and I can't help but wonder what this means for him.

The memory unfolds before us. It's night, and the sky is a blank canvas of thick clouds—no stars, no light breaking through. There's a deep silence in the air as we find ourselves on a balcony overlooking a vast expanse of Coruscant. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and patterns, symbols I don't recognize, but there's a beauty here, even in the stillness of the night.

Ryu kneels with nine others—Temple Guards. They are all meditating, their yellow double-bladed lightsabers folded and clipped to their belts. They stand still, unmoving, their robes gently swaying in the light breeze that passes through. I scan the group, but I can't tell which one is Ryu. They're all dressed the same, their faces hidden beneath those faceless masks, their forms disciplined and indistinguishable.

The silence feels almost sacred.

Suddenly, the doors behind them slide open with a jarring sound, and the peace is shattered. Figures in white armor storm through, weapons raised, their helmets smooth, emotionless. I gasp, jumping back as the first shots ring out—blue beams of light that crackle through the air. My heart races, and beside me, Nikko shrieks, clutching my arm tightly.

The first two Temple Guards don't even get a chance to react. They fall, their bodies crumpling to the ground as the blue beams of light cut through them mercilessly. The third tries to ignite their lightsaber, but it's too late. A shot hits them in the chest, and they collapse with a heavy thud.

Ryu—whoever he is among them—along with the remaining guards, ignites their yellow blades in unison, the room suddenly bathed in the eerie glow of their lightsabers. They move swiftly, deflecting the blaster fire with precision. The blue beams bounce off their weapons, some ricocheting into the walls, others hitting the white-armored soldiers. One by one, the soldiers fall, their bodies thudding against the ground.

But it's relentless. More of the soldiers pour in through the doors. There's no stopping them. The remaining Temple Guards hold their ground, their lightsabers spinning in the air, but the tide is turning against them.

"Llamiryl!" I cry out, my voice shaky. "What... what are they?"

She's silent for a moment, her eyes narrowed, focusing. "I'm... I'm trying to understand," she whispers, her voice tight. "Those are soldiers... of the Republic I think. But something's wrong. This is... this isn't just an attack. It's an execution."

My heart skips a beat. The Republic? Execution? But why? My eyes dart to Nikko, who's clinging to me, her eyes wide with terror. "Why would they attack?" she whispers, her voice trembling. "Why are they killing them?"

I have no answers. The fear in her voice mirrors my own. I hold her tighter, my pulse racing.

The guards push forward, cutting through the soldiers with sharp, fluid movements, but it's clear—they're outnumbered. There's no end to the storm of blue blaster fire.

One by one, the guards fall, the blaster fire too much to hold back. I can't even tell if Ryu is still among them. The scene is a blur of blue light, yellow blades, and the relentless sound of death. Bodies, both soldiers and Jedi alike, litter the ground, the air heavy with the scent of burning metal and charred flesh.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We follow the remaining guards as they move through the temple, trying to hold their position, but it's chaos. More and more soldiers appear, their white armor gleaming under the temple lights. They fire without mercy, their blaster rifles sending out rapid volleys of blue beams that scorch the walls and floors.

Behind them, I catch glimpses of devastation—dead Jedi, children of varying races running, their eyes wide with fear, and more soldiers marching through the halls like an unstoppable tide. The center of the temple is a battlefield. Lightsabers clash with blaster fire, and the screams of the fallen echo in the distance. It's horrific. The very heart of the Jedi Order is being torn apart, and we're powerless to stop it.

"Llamiryl!" I shout again, desperate for answers. "What is this? Why are they doing this?"

She grits her teeth, her face pale. "I don't know," she whispers.

My eyes dart around the temple, the walls that once felt like a sanctuary now nothing but a graveyard. I can barely breathe. This is a nightmare.

As we move deeper into the memory, the remaining Temple Guards—now only six—fight desperately to survive. They cut through the soldiers, but they're attacked from all sides. I can barely keep up with the scene, my eyes darting everywhere, watching in horror as more and more guards fall. The blue blaster fire is relentless, and the guards can only deflect so much. The sound of lightsabers crashing and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground fills the air.

We're nearly at the end of the hall when I realize... Ryu is the last one standing. The last of the Temple Guards. It hits me like a punch to the gut. "That's Ryu," I whisper, the realization dawning on me, my voice thick with emotion.

Nikko stares up at me, her eyes filled with fear and confusion. "Papa?" she whispers. "Is he... is he going to be okay?"

I can't answer. My throat feels tight, and my chest is heavy. All I can do is watch as Ryu fights on, his lightsaber spinning in a blur of yellow, deflecting the blaster fire with practiced precision. But the soldiers in white keep coming, their blue beams lighting up the temple like bolts of lightning in a storm.

Ryu pushes forward, trying to reach a group of Jedi in the distance. They're cornered, fending off a squad of soldiers, but before Ryu can reach them, they fall—cut down by the relentless blaster fire. My stomach churns as I watch him, helpless, deflecting the beams too late. He doesn't stop. He moves forward, cutting down soldiers as he goes, his movements precise, controlled.

Suddenly, a familiar figure appears ahead—Jedi Master Va'Ruun. Relief washes over me, Nikko, and Llamiryl.

"Master Va'Ruun," Ryu calls out, his voice shaky but strong.

Va'Ruun turns, his green lightsaber ignited, fighting off the remaining troopers. "Ryu? Am I relieved you are still alive," he says, his voice tight with exhaustion.

Ryu blocks another volley of blaster fire before asking, "What is going on Master? Why are the clones turning on use?"

Va'Ruun grimaces, deflecting another shot. "I don't know. The Clone Troopers just suddenly started pouring in from every entrance."

Their conversation is cut short as more clone troopers round the corner. They fight back, their lightsabers deflecting the blue beams with swift precision, but Va'Ruun is hit in the shoulder. He stumbles, clutching the wound, but doesn't falter.

"Ryu, we must save as many younglings as possible," Va'Ruun says through gritted teeth, his green lightsaber flashing as he takes down two more troopers.

"Are you suggesting we should flee?" Ryu asks, his voice filled with tension, his lightsaber still spinning through the air as he blocks another barrage of fire.

Va'Ruun nods, his face grim. "The clones are too many. I sense this is happening all over the Galaxy. I fear, this will be the end of the Jedi Order."

Ryu hesitates, his movements slowing for just a moment. "Master, I swore an oath to defend this temple with my life. I will not abandon it."

Va'Ruun's face softens, but there's a weight in his words. "You also swore to defend the Jedi, and now your duty is to save and protect as many younglings as you can."

My heart pounds in my chest, the scene playing out like a tragedy we can't stop. Llamiryl, Nikko, and I are left on the edge, not knowing what will happen next. My heart pounds in my chest as I glance around. Bodies—Jedi and soldiers alike—litter the floor. The once-pristine temple is now a war zone. The air is thick with the acrid scent of burning flesh, metal, and despair.

"What of the Council? Where are they?" Ryu asks, his voice tight with urgency. I can feel the tension in him. He's doing everything he can to hold it together, but I see the weight of this devastation pressing down on him.

Va'Ruun looks grim. "Master Yoda is on Kashyyyk, Master Kenobi on Utapau. Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Aayla Secura... all of them are scattered across the galaxy, leading clone forces in battle."

Ryu tightens his grip on his lightsaber. "And the others?"

Va'Ruun sighs, frustration evident. "Masters Mace Windu, Saesee Tiin, Agen Kolar and Kit Fisto—they left the temple before the attack to confront Palpatine. I haven't been able to reach them or the other council members. All communications are being jammed."

I feel my stomach drop. This is much worse than I thought. The weight of it is pressing down on me, suffocating. I glance at Nikko, who's trembling beside me, her small fingers gripping my arm tightly. "Why... why would they do this?" she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sounds of battle.

"That leaves only Master Shaak Ti. Where is she?" Ryu asks.

"I don't know. I haven't come across her. I hoped you did. She could be anywhere. I hope she is still alive."

My heart sinks further. I glance down the hallway, hoping—praying—that we'll find some sign of hope, but it's just more destruction.

"What about the younglings?" Ryu asks, his tone growing more desperate. "Where would they be hiding?"

Va'Ruun's eyes harden with resolve. "In case of an attack, they are to hide in the Council Chamber."

"Then we must go there," Ryu says, determination clear in his voice. I can feel his resolve strengthening, even as everything around us crumbles.

Va'Ruun motions forward. "Let's go."

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We follow them as they rush through the temple, their lightsabers blazing a path through the chaos. My heart is racing, my pulse thundering in my ears as more soldiers pour into the halls, firing blue beams of light that crackle through the air. Ryu and Va'Ruun deflect them effortlessly, but there's so many of them. Too many.

I stumble as I step over the body of a fallen Jedi, my stomach churning at the sight of their lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling. This place that was once so peaceful, so serene, is now a graveyard. I want to scream, to run, but I can't. I have to keep moving.

"Papa will save them, right?" Nikko's voice trembles as she clings to me. "He'll save the younglings... won't he?"

I squeeze her hand, though I'm not sure if it's to comfort her or myself. "He will," I whisper, though I can barely believe the words myself. The temple is falling apart around us, and I don't know if how Ryu can make it out of this alive.

Ahead of us, Ryu and Va'Ruun fight off wave after wave of those soldiers, their lightsabers flashing in the dimly lit halls. The walls bear the scars of battle, the once smooth stone now riddled with burns and cracks. I see Jedi cut down, younglings sprawled dead across the floor, trembling in fear. It's a nightmare. One I never imagined could be real.

Finally, it seems we are nearing the Council Chamber, a large spiraling stair case climbing up the inside of a large tower. My heart leaps with a flicker of hope. Maybe... maybe they'll find survivors. Maybe they can save them.

But then, a figure steps in from behind..

At first, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Va'Ruun even lowers his lightsaber slightly, his posture softening. "Am I glad to see you are alive," he says, almost sounding relieved. But something feels wrong. There's an overwhelming darkness surrounding this figure.

I watch as the man in dark robes steps forward. His face is sharp, intense, and for a moment, I think he's human. But his presence... it's cold. His eyes, though focused and unwavering, have a terrifying emptiness in them. They burn with something I can't describe. And before I can make sense of any of it, the man's lightsaber ignites with a hiss—a blue blade.

I scream as the man drives the blade straight through Va'Ruun's chest. Va'Ruun gasps, his green lightsaber shutting off. I see the shock in Va'Ruun's eyes as he staggers backward. There's no time to react—no time to stop it. With a single motion, the man pulls his lightsaber back and then, with horrifying precision, beheads Va'Ruun in one fluid movement.

The Jedi Master's body crumples to the ground, his head rolling to the side. My breath catches in my throat.

"No! No!" I can barely recognize my own voice as it leaves me, but it's too late. The man, whoever he is, has already turned his attention to Ryu.

"Papa!" Nikko cries out, her voice breaking. Her hands are shaking so hard she can barely hold on to me.

Ryu doesn't hesitate. He charges at the man, his yellow lightsaber igniting as he swings at him, but the figure blocks the attack with terrifying ease. The clash of lightsabers echoes through the hall, the blue and yellow blades dancing through the air, but the man is too strong.

Ryu fights with everything he has, but it's like battling a storm. The man's movements are fluid, precise, and before Ryu can land another blow, the figure slices Ryu's lightsaber in half. The yellow blade flickers and dies as the pieces fall to the ground.

I barely have time to react before the man raises his hand, and with a single, powerful motion, he sends Ryu flying back with the Force. Ryu slams into the wall with a sickening thud, and I feel my own body flinch in pain as I watch him collapse to the ground.

Everything blurs. The memory flickers, becoming fuzzy, the edges of the scene darkening as if the world itself is crumbling. For a moment, there's nothing but blackness.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

And then, just as quickly, the memory snaps back into focus. The hallway is empty now. The man is gone. All that's left is the lifeless body of Master Va'Ruun and Ryu lying unconscious against the wall.

I collapse to my knees, my chest heaving with shallow breaths. "He... he just killed him," I whisper, my voice breaking.

Nikko clutches at my side, her tears staining my robes. "Papa..." she sobs, her voice desperate.

I want to comfort her, to tell her everything will be fine, but I don't know. I don't know if anything will ever be fine again.

The memory sharpens as Ryu, still dazed, rises to his feet. He stumbles forward, his gaze locking onto the lifeless body of Master Va'Ruun. He crawls over, letting out a heavy sigh as he places his hand on Va'Ruun's chest. For a moment, he lingers there, as if absorbing the reality of the loss. But then, he jerks his head toward the hallway, eyes focused. I feel it too—the realization that hits him like a lightning strike.

The younglings.

Without a word, Ryu springs to his feet and takes off, sprinting up the stairs. I barely have time to process before I find myself running after him. Nikko and Llamiryl are right behind me, but I can feel the panic rising in all of us. We rush up the steps of the grand tower, the sound of Ryu's footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls.

Finally, the massive doors of the Council Chamber slide open with a hiss, and we all come to a halt.

My breath catches in my throat.

The chamber—so grand and magnificent, with towering columns, a circle of chairs of various sizes in the center, and wide windows offering an awe-inspiring view of Coruscant's endless cityscape—is a scene of devastation. Younglings, tiny and fragile, are strewn across the floor, their lifeless bodies scattered like broken dolls. The large circular windows at the top of the temple frame the horrific sight. Beyond the temple's peak, the vast, sprawling city stretches on endlessly, its lights twinkling far below, oblivious to the slaughter happening inside. Fires burn, licking the outside of the temple and smoke rises high in the sky.

Ryu's gaze falls over the younglings, and I can feel his devastation. He collapses to his knees, the weight of failure crashing down on him. He was too late. My chest tightens painfully, and Nikko clings to me, her small hands trembling. "No..." I whisper, my voice barely audible. "The children..."

Ryu clenches his fists, his entire body trembling with rage. But before he can react further, several white-armored soldiers run into the chamber, their blaster rifles raised. Ryu doesn't even hesitate.

He stretches out his hand, and I watch in horror as the lead soldier's hands fly to his throat, choking as he's lifted into the air. One by one, the other soldiers follow, their bodies convulsing as they're dragged into the air by some invisible force. Their helmets tilt upward, hands clawing at their throats, but there's no mercy in Ryu's gaze. With a flick of his wrist, he sends them crashing through the wide window, their screams vanishing into the void as they plummet to their deaths below.

I take a sharp breath, stunned. I've seen Ryu fight before, but this... this is different. The fury radiates off of him like a storm, but something changes. His breathing slows, and Llamiryl, standing beside me, whispers, "He's trying to calm himself... not to give in to his anger."

Ryu reaches behind him, and I gasp when I see what he pulls out. It's his lightsaber—the one I've seen him wield so many times before. He stands tall, posture stiff, the anger still simmering beneath the surface. But he's fighting it. I can tell.

The temple has gone deathly quiet. Too quiet. No more blaster fire, no more cries of terror. Just an eerie silence that feels like the calm before another storm.

Ryu moves now, silently and with precision, his body low as he slips through the temple halls. He moves like a shadow, avoiding any remaining soldiers as we follow closely behind. The hallways, once vibrant and alive with the presence of the Jedi, are now filled with death. Bodies of Jedi lie scattered, some still clutching their lightsabers, others broken and motionless.

Nikko squeezes my hand, her grip tight with fear. The silence presses down on me, thick and oppressive, as if the entire temple itself is holding its breath.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Finally, Ryu reaches an exit—a side passage leading out of the temple. But something stops him. A figure stands in the doorway, tall and unmoving. My heart pounds as I realize it's one of the Temple Guards, his double-bladed lightsaber resting on his belt. Before him lie the bodies of more Jedi, cut down by what I can only assume is betrayal.

The Temple Guard tilts his head, as if studying Ryu. Then, to my shock, the guard speaks. "I'm surprised one is still alive," he says, his voice calm, almost amused. There's a pause, and then his head tilts further. "Wait... is that you, Ryu?"

"Majel?" Ryu's voice is filled with disbelief. His grip tightens around his lightsaber, and I can feel the tension building between them. "What are you doing?" Ryu demands, his voice low and dangerous.

Majel laughs softly. "Picking the right side, of course."

A cold chill runs down my spine. Majel... one of Ryu's comrades... betrayed them all?

"I've always hated the Jedi," Majel continues, his voice dripping with bitterness. "They preach about balance and peace, but all they do is hold us back. My talents were wasted, my potential squandered. I was never given the chance to prove myself."

I feel my stomach churn at his words. How could someone like him turn against everything he once stood for?

Ryu steps forward, his lightsaber still in hand. "You betrayed us. You betrayed the Jedi."

Majel shrugs, his face hidden behind his mask, but the casualness of his posture infuriates me. "The Jedi are weak, Ryu. Blind to the truth. I've seen the way things are. This was inevitable."

"How could you?" I whisper, my voice barely audible over the tension crackling between them. I feel sick to my stomach, knowing that someone could betray their own like this.

Majel's gaze narrows as he steps closer, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "You're not like the others, Ryu. You are far stronger than them yet you are held back like me. You must feel the same I do."

I feel the tension building, my heart pounding in my chest. There's something chilling about Majel's tone, something dangerous.

He gestures to the dead Jedi around them, his hand sweeping in an almost mocking manner. "Join me, Ryu. Together, we can hunt down the remaining Jedi. Your talents won't be wasted anymore. You don't belong with them. Use your powers for something greater instead watching over old relics. What do you say, my friend?"

My stomach twists as I glance at Ryu, wondering if he's even considering it. The silence between them is heavy, the weight of it pressing down on me.

But then Ryu takes a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling with the decision he's made. "I don't walk that path anymore," he says quietly, though his voice is firm. "The Jedi gave me purpose."

Without hesitation, Ryu steps forward and takes a fighting stance, igniting his yellow lightsaber with a sharp hiss. The glow illuminates his face, casting long shadows across the temple's cold walls.

"I will do what I must, to do right. If it means fighting you, then so be it." Ryu says with a deep breath.

Majel lets out a sigh, almost regretful, as his own double-bladed lightsaber ignites with a menacing hum. " Very well," he says, his tone devoid of emotion.

And then they're on each other.

The clash of lightsabers is deafening, the yellow blades sparking violently as they collide. Ryu moves with fluid grace, every strike and parry precise, while Majel counters with equal skill. They are perfectly matched, their movements almost like a deadly dance.

Ryu presses forward, his strikes faster and more aggressive, but Majel spins his double-bladed weapon with expert precision, blocking each blow. The fight is a flurry of light and motion, each strike met with an equally powerful counter.

Majel swings low, aiming for Ryu's legs, but Ryu leaps into the air, flipping over the attack and bringing his blade down toward Majel's shoulder. Majel spins, blocking the strike, and counters with a powerful horizontal slash. Ryu barely manages to deflect it, his feet sliding across the floor as he regains his balance.

"You're wasting your potential, Ryu," Majel calls out, his voice calm despite the intensity of the fight. "You know you are wasted with them."

Ryu remains silent, not responding as he swings his lightsaber toward Majel's chest. Majel blocks it easily, the two locking blades for a moment, their faces inches apart. "You're better than this," Majel hisses, his voice low.

Ryu pushes him back with a grunt, breaking the lock and launching into another series of strikes. Their lightsabers blur as they clash again and again, neither gaining the upper hand. The tension is palpable, every move charged with deadly intent.

Then, just as Majel lunges forward, aiming a strike at Ryu's chest, Ryu rolls to the side, dodging the blow. He rises quickly, turning back toward the exit—but before he can react, the sound of blaster fire fills the air.

I gasp as more of those white-armored soldiers storm into the chamber, their blasters raised. Blue bolts of energy streak through the air, heading straight for Ryu.

Ryu spins, his lightsaber a blur as he deflects the bolts with precision, sending them ricocheting back toward the troopers. One of the bolts strikes Majel in the arm, and he lets out a sharp grunt of pain, his grip faltering for a moment.

Seizing the opportunity, Ryu reaches out with the Force, sending a powerful wave that knocks the troopers and Majel back, their bodies crashing into the walls. The troopers are thrown off their feet, their weapons clattering to the ground.

Without wasting another second, Ryu turns and runs, shutting off his lightsaber as he runs for the exit. The troopers shout, scrambling to get back on their feet, but Ryu is already gone.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory shifts, and we find ourselves standing in the crowded streets of Coruscant, rain pouring down relentlessly, bouncing off the metal surfaces of droids and the slick pavement. Ships buzz overhead, their lights piercing through the dark, clouded sky. All around us, beings of every imaginable kind press in, the street filled with the murmur of conversation and the hum of activity.

Then everything stops. A flicker of light draws my attention, and a massive hologram appears on the side of one of the towering structures. A figure, draped in dark red, regal robes, materializes before us. The entire crowd falls silent, eyes fixed on the man whose presence commands immediate attention.

I hear someone nearby murmur, "That's Chancellor Palpatine."

My stomach twists. The man's voice booms through the streets, and it chills me to the bone.

"The Jedi Rebellion has been foiled," the man announces, his tone calm yet filled with undeniable power. His face is lined with deep scars, the toll of conflict clear on his features. He pauses as applause from within the hologram echo across the street.

"The remaining Jedi will be hunted down... and defeated!"

The words hit me like a blow. I can feel Nikko tense beside me, her small hand tightening around mine.

"The Jedi..." she whispers, her voice trembling. Llamiryl, standing stiffly beside us, says nothing, but her eyes are wide with shock.

I can hardly breathe. Rebellion? Hunted down? What is happening?

The man pauses, and his face hardens as he continues, "The attempt on my life... has left me scarred... and deformed."

I gasp, remembering Master Va'Ruun's words. He said some of the Jedi Council went to confront this man—Chancellor Palpatine.

"But I assure you. My resolve has never been stronger!" Palpatine continues.

Was this the result of their attempt? My mind races, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. Is this why the temple was attacked? Is this why those soldiers turned on the Jedi?

"In order to ensure the security... and continuing stability," the Chancellor's voice rises with authority, reverberating through the street, "the Republic will be reorganized... into the first... Galactic... Empire!"

The Galactic Empire? The words send a shiver down my spine. It sounds too familiar, too much like the Sith Empire. I glance at Llamiryl, who meets my gaze, and I can see the same realization dawn on her face.

"For a safe... and secure... society!" Palpatine declares, his words punctuated by the deafening silence of the crowd.

Nikko looks up at me, her face filled with confusion. "What does that mean? The Republic is gone?" she asks, her voice small and scared.

I don't have the heart to answer her. My throat feels tight, and I can't stop the sinking feeling in my chest. The Republic... gone? Replaced by this... Empire?

The crowd around us stirs, and then, to my horror, many begin to cheer. A loud, resounding applause fills the air as countless beings raise their voices in support of this new Empire. My heart sinks even further as I see the faces of those celebrating this announcement, as if they have no idea what this means, no idea what they're supporting.

As the crowd erupts into cheers, the man in the hologram raises his arms, embracing the adulation of the masses. His dark robes billow slightly with the movement, and a faint, unsettling smile curls at the corners of his mouth. The sound of the applause swells, echoing through the streets, while the rain continues to fall, almost unnoticed by those lost in their celebration.

Yet, I also notice confusion and uncertainty in others. Some remain silent, looking around as though they too, are trying to understand the gravity of what has just been declared.

"How can they cheer for this?" I whisper, more to myself than to anyone else. The thought of the Republic, the hope it represented, being swept away in a moment like this feels unreal.

Llamiryl shakes her head slowly, her voice quiet and filled with disbelief. "This... this is a nightmare."

Nikko squeezes my hand, her voice trembling as she asks, "Is this... is this the end?"

I don't know what to tell her. The sight of the crowd cheering for this so-called safe and secure society while I feel nothing but dread makes me feel like we've lost something vital—something that can't be recovered.

The words echo through the street, but they feel hollow. I can't believe it. Not after everything we've seen, after everything we know is happening. How can there be peace in something born from so much destruction?

The crowd continues to cheer, but all I can do is stand there, gripping Nikko's hand tightly and feeling the weight of the truth pressing down on me. The Republic is gone. The Jedi are being hunted. And now, I fear Ryu will have had faced something far, far worse.