The sunlight on Coruscant glittered through the wall of reflective windows in the Jedi Temple. Tall ceilings and brightly lit rooms were almost as common as hidden alcoves and shadows were throughout the crowded home base of the Jedi. On that average afternoon, the sun was exceptionally bright. At least, it had seemed that way to the small youngling who couldn't help but look outside the Temple windows.

All day, flashes of images had been nudging their way into her head, and she wasn't quite sure what they would mean. But she knew that at least one persistent vision sent small bursts of terror into her heart.

She saw a figure, one cloaked in darkness with haunting yellow eyes. He'd appeared in her dreams dozens of times, and each time, she could only think one word. Death. Death. Death. Whoever the figure was, he meant nothing to her but a figure of death incarnate.

These nightmares had plagued her for a week and had ensured she was running on less sleep than usual. Thus, she found herself enchanted by the light outside, with an uncomfortable feeling in her chest.

"Initiate Flare, what are you staring at?"

Indaria turned to one of her favorite teachers with a tentative smile, mildly bashful that she'd been caught not paying attention, but not at all worried. Although she shouldn't have favorites, he was by far her favorite teacher. He never missed a trick, and that was especially true when it came to the young girl he'd just addressed. He favored Indaria as much as she'd favored him. They just seemed to understand each other.

"Nothing," she answered honestly. "I was...deep in my own thoughts, Master. I am sorry."

"While your apology might be placated here, it will do you no good if you are to be distracted in the outside world, where your distraction could lead to more dire consequences or could cost you your life." Master Dooku, a tall human man, was one of the milder Jedi Masters. His hair and beard were white, and his deep-set eyes were piercing in all that they saw.

"Yes, Master," Indaria accepted the criticism with a bowed head.

Bena Miffe, a female Besalisk, with yellow eyes, green skin and four arms, chuckled a bit at Indaria's censure. She sent the older girl a harsh glare when Master Dooku turned around, which Bena reciprocated. Bena was, unfortunately, one of the more popular females in their initiate group, and the only member of the Clan that Indaria didn't get along with. Indaria gathered that Bena had been at the top of their class before Indaria arrived, but Indaria...well she'd unknowingly came in and took her spot. Well, that was just too bad, wasn't it?

The rest of the lesson continued as normal. All of the initiates returned to observing the two visiting Masters who'd graciously given their time to demonstrate a new form of lightsaber usage for them to observe. Indaria made herself pay attention, although her eyes would occasionally flutter closed, fighting off her desire to sleep. It was a relief when, some time later, the lesson came to an end and the clan was dismissed for their meal.

"Indaria," her Master caught her attention as she began to leave. She turned to find Master Dooku looking down at her with a kind smile, one that was gentle and even. "You were distracted today. That was most unlike you."

"I do apologize, Master. I- I've struggled sleeping."

"Are there problems with your fellow Initiates?"

"None keeping me from sleep Master. It's just...nightmares. I've been having nightmares."

He nodded gravely, "I see. Everyone does have nightmares, you know? Worries that we don't let ourselves have during waking hours that manifest themselves in our sleep. As a Jedi, it is a part of our training to learn how to let go of these worries altogether, to center ourselves and be present in the living Force."

"These...these feel different Master. These aren't worries I've ever had. I can't explain it, but each night in my dreams...I've seen a man. I don't know what race of beings he comes from, but his eyes are yellow, and he hides his identity behind a black hood. He stalks the streets of Coruscant, and he hunts. At the end of each dream, I'm left knowing that he brings nothing but death to me and those I know."

"Do you fear death, Indaria?"

"No, Sir," she shook her head, knowing she spoke the truth. Her fear, if she thought too deeply about it, was failure. She couldn't fail those who had placed their hopes and trusts in her, she wouldn't do such a thing. "I do not fear him, I just-I know he is more than my mind. He is...real. He is a danger."

"Many Jedi have been documented to have visions. Visions of the past, the present, and the future. They are gifts, but they can also serve as warnings. More than that, every Jedi who receives such visions should be cautious. For, if we become so concerned with horrible visions of the future, we may miss the opportunity to change such a result in the present."

"Then...you think what I have seen...it's a vision of the future?"

"I would hope, Indaria, that you are seeing a past that is long behind us, but given the recent happenings, I cannot help but feel that you are seeing the present or a future."

"What, then, should I do Master?"

"The Jedi...they do not often look kindly on such visions. Even less so to those who choose to act on them. It is now up to you, Initiate Flare, to meditate. Seek the truth, as often, such visions are clouded by oneself. You must train so that you might one day, understand how such visions should be interpreted."

"But Master, what about the man I saw? He's dangerous. Surely, we should warn someone about-"

"I will think on what to do, little one. If necessary, we will take your visions to Master Yoda together."

Indaria looked up at him trustingly, but also with the instinctive knowledge that he knew more than he was letting on. "This man with yellow eyes, do you know of him?"

The older man couldn't help but smile, despite the fact that he should be anxious that Indaria saw so much. He liked the child, despite his resolution not to become attached to anyone. Despite his work to keep a distance from these younglings who he felt were being lead down a path that might very well destroy them if the Senate had its way.

"There have been whispers throughout Coruscant," he told Indaria. "Nothing known for certain. Now, I believe it is time for your dinner."

"Yes, Master Dooku. Thank you."

"You are welcome Indaria. Please, come to me the next time you are plagued by such nightmares. Don't suffer needlessly. Off you go."

She nodded and did as he bid her. She allowed herself to be comforted by the older man and his surety and knowledgeable ways. Master Dooku was widely respected and while he mostly taught lightsaber combat to older Initiates and younger Padawans, this past year, he'd been assigned her Initiate Clan. From the very first day, the two had an immediate understanding of each other. He was her mentor, and he listened to her struggles as she adapted into this new place. He offered advice on getting along with her fellow clan members and he kept her on the track to becoming a great Jedi.

He had her complete trust.

Other than the rare altercation with Bena, Indaria had settled into her Initiate Clan with the same affinity that she had found with school. In that, while her instructors found her to be a bright and eager to please student, her social skills left much to be desired. She found it easier to avoid those around her than to acclimate to their social groups. Well, correction, all but two. Bena and her animosity were a bit of a nuisance, and the other...well the other initiate might just be a sort of friend.

The problem with that friendship though, is that when she got the sudden urge to run about in the middle of the night, he was more than likely going to be there. Indaria didn't know if that was because he was attached to her, or if he was just hungry, because on nights like this one she often caught him on his way back in as she made her way out. The odds were fifty-fifty either way really.

"No," Indaria hissed at the little green baby who now waddled after her. She was in her darkest set of robes and had been very careful not to let the solid heel on her boots touch the ground as she'd snuck out of the dormitory, she shared with four other girls. All these precautions only to be caught twenty feet away from the door, down the hallway towards the window she used to escape to the rooftop. "Go back to bed, Grogu. You'll just slow me down."

Grogu, while her age, was of the same alien race as Master Yoda. He was tiny and green, wrinkly with big ears. He would remain small for quite some time to come, which in Indaria's opinion, only meant that he would remain a little terror that much longer. He was forever sneaking up on people and causing trouble. He also never seemed to stop eating, which was the only reason she refused to sit right next to him at mealtimes. The only time she'd done so, she'd turned to adjust her robes only to look back at her food and find it gone with Grogu's mouth full. At least if she sat across from him, she'd have a few extra seconds to snag the stew back from him when he inevitably tried to steal it.

That wasn't the worst of it though. He was a baby, really, so he was completely distractable. He'd always end up wandering off whenever the Masters had them go on different adventures around the Temple and Coruscant. Indaria, seeing that he was wandering away towards some unknown place or towards food that was in the possession of a gargantuan alien that they really didn't want to encounter alone, she felt the need to grab him. Which means that Indaria would wander off. Thus, causing her to get into her fair share of trouble.

She really liked Grogu even if he frequently got her lectured by their Masters. Still, she needed him to go away. She'd had a bad day and needed to clear her head. It should have been a good day really. She'd surpassed most of her classmates in her usage of the Force. In combat, she was nearly unmatched. Still, on this, what would have been her eighth birthday, she missed her mother. She found herself, more than she ought, seeking out this bundle of ragged clothes and the cool metal she hid inside. Away from prying eyes, she traced the engraved lines of the Flare signet. She might have been a good initiate, but she continuously broke one rule.

Jedi, she learned, could not have attachments.

Indaria was going to be a great Jedi. She'd decided that from the moment she'd been let into the Order. Her Masters mostly agreed. She just had to let her mother go, as her mother had let her go. As her mother had asked Indaria to let her go. So, Indaria would continue her path. She just needed time to recenter herself, time without nightmares of figures with yellow eyes. The best place to do that, she'd discovered, was not during meditation with the other initiates, but to focus on the roof in the open air. It helped her think and become one with the Force.

Despite living with four girls, Indaria felt quite alone. The girls were nice, besides Bena, not rude or anything. They'd even offered for her to join in with their group on occasion, but...it was awkward. These kids had known each other from infancy. Indaria's sudden presence was a sudden screech into a well-oiled droid, and she didn't like the pressure that she felt that came with trying to figure out where she fit. So, she fell back into the old habits of isolating, and had found that it worked out better that way.

Well, isolating for herself and one clingy, green baby.

"Go back Grogu," she ordered again, and his dark eyes merely blinked up at her, not at all willing to do what she'd asked. In fact, he just smiled and cooed softly at her, ensuring her that he had every intention of following her. Which would mean that she'd inevitably get caught because for such a small baby, he was fast and got into everything. Which would mean that she'd be chasing after him all night. Which mean that they would get caught and she would get in trouble. Again.

A great Jedi...with a long record of disobedience.

"How about this," she whispered, "if you go back, I'll give you my dessert for the next week."

Two blinks. This was going to hurt.

"Fine. Dessert for two weeks. Final offer."

That was a large sacrifice. The food in the canteen at the Jedi Temple was... palatable at best. However, twice a week they served treats, things that were specialties from dozens of different planets in the galaxy. She knew that next week the canteen worker had mentioned the possibility of serving Uj'alayi. Uj'alayi was a traditional Mandalorian sticky cake infused with nuts, fruit, and syrup. A delicacy that Indaria looked forward to, to combat her homesickness. So, giving it up, well it was a sacrifice that only proved how desperately she depended on these nightly excursions to calm her mind.

The wee alien waved his three fingers in acceptance and made his way back to the dorm room. Only then did it occur to her that Grogu was returning to the dorms, not coming from them as if he'd heard and followed her. That's when she caught the lumps in his robe pockets that she just knew were eggs. Or cookies. Or whatever else he'd scrounged up from the kitchens. That little sneak. She repressed her amusement, although the grin was there, ghosting at her lips.

Shaking herself back to her current mission, she continued down the hall towards the general direction of the Jedi archives. She'd planned to go directly to the roof, but the Force was stirring, and told her not to. If she'd learned anything in her time at the Temple, it was to listen and follow where she was lead. So, she did.

In the halls and staircases between the dorms and the Archives, she encountered four different Sentinel Guards. Indaria was careful to not release the slightest of breaths until they were out of sight. On nights like these, Indaria completely hid her connection to the Force, as she'd done before. She'd only release it when she knew she was about to get caught. The guards were good, and they'd have felt her coming otherwise. Indaria had always been impressed. These faceless warriors wandered the perimeter and the halls in dark robes and masks. Once, when she'd asked Master Dooku why the guards wore masks to shield their identities, he explained to her that it was because being a temple guard transcended individuality. Protection and Justice are faceless and meted out equally. Indaria didn't quite understand, but she accepted his answer as one to be thought over.

It was a longer trip that night. The Jedi archives were on the other side of the building from the initiate dormitories. The path was familiar to her, as she'd made a point to explore every single floor of the Temple. While she knew the building still held secrets, this place that she now resided had become comfortable to her. She knew it well and would navigate it easily and nightly, like she had the streets and rooftops of the Low District. She was about to enter the hall that was directly in front of the archives when she heard it.

The smallest whisper in the chamber, fabric meeting fabric, hit her ears. An impossible sound it would have been to hear for one who was not aware of their surroundings as the youngling was. Indaria, felt a chill begin at her neck. No sound followed for a long moment, which sent her being alight. Someone was there, and they were doing their best to be as quiet as Indaria was, which could only mean that they, like her, weren't supposed to be there. She stood, unmoving, waiting to hear it again. She held her breath when she realized that her breathing had quickened. Then, she slowly let it out as she heard the fabric move again, and this time, a tiny squeak of a shoe against the floor. This intruder was good, but he wasn't as good as her. Cautiously, she crept forward to the corner of the hall and peaked around.

There was a figure there. Not in the middle of the hall or even right in front of the door, as for all the noise they made, they weren't complete amateurs. Instead, they stood in the shadows to the right of a side entrance to the Jedi Archives, the door of which, Indaria immediately noted to her horror, was ever so slightly ajar, being held open by the arm of the intruder. The entity as a shadow was dressed in a black cloak, concealing all features so that Indaria couldn't even be sure if it was human or not. She didn't believe it to be a droid, for there had been no tell-tale sounds of metal. She watched, as this figure gradually moved the arm holding the door. Instead of opening it...they closed it.

The mysterious figure moved swiftly then, taking what appeared to be a small box and placed it into one of the pockets of his robes.

An intruder and a thief.

Then, with little hesitation he swept his cloak up, and made his way through the halls. He was going to escape, she realized, feeling the presence of the Temple guards on the other side of the building. He was going to escape, and she had no idea what he had taken, but it couldn't be good. She couldn't let him escape. She couldn't. So, knowing what she needed to do, headless of her own safety, she did as he did. She kept to the shadows and light on her feet, she pursued.

He was fast, she realized quickly, nearly too fast, but, gentle as she could, she opened herself up to the Force and allowed it to push her forward to make her faster. Within a short period of time, the figure had escaped from one of the many windows, effortlessly sliding down the smooth glass and then elegantly landing on his feet at the bottom. Wary, she waited until he was distracted, moving farther away, until it was safe enough for her to allow the Force to help her do the same.

Indaria had no idea, however, that someone else had spotted her. Another figure in the shadows, and they were pursuing her. Just as quietly and as stealthily as she sought to pursue the thief. She followed and followed. The darkly cloaked figure never revealed himself even as he made his way through the more crowded streets of Coruscant. He blended into the crowds at first, until he chose a random alleyway to dart through.

Indaria was brave, but she wasn't stupid. She was careful, peering into the enclosed space rather than blindly running in. She watched as the figure, one she was sure was a man now, after having watched him so long and so closely, patted his pocket in reassurance, before lowering himself into a hole, disappearing from sight.

He was going to the lower levels of Coruscant City, she realized. A crowded place where those of nefarious motives hid themselves in the masses. It was a crime ridden place, perfect for someone audacious enough to steal from the Jedi Temple. Still, that surely wouldn't be this individual's last stop. It was too close. Too close to the Order and the Senate. They couldn't hope to get away with this right under their very noses? They just couldn't. Right?

After an appropriate wait, she followed again. Bracing herself over what appeared to be an entrance into the city's sewers, she braced herself against the smell, and jumped. Despite her best efforts, a small splash echoed into the space as she landed in about an inch of water. She caught her breath a the sound, but was relieved to hear the rushing of the water pass at her feet, the sound surely covering whatever disturbance she'd made. Still, unwilling to take the chance, she proceeded gradually, cautiously, anticipating a possible attack. For now, the cloaked figure was not in sight, and she didn't know if she'd been heard.

As she tread through the tunnel, for the first time, she rethought her choice to go off on her own. This person was skilled, skilled enough to have avoided capture into and out of the Temple. Skilled enough to have navigated the archives alone. Perhaps she should have risked his escape to go for help. Maybe...

But just as she was beginning to despair, she peered around the next corner and saw him. The cloak she'd been after all night was striding without haste towards the sewers exit. The curved tunnel opened out into the side of a dilapidated building, hidden and yet the entrance was illuminated by the city lights. In this way, the figure could not hide, and she was them clearly. She hadn't failed. Not yet anyway.

That's when it happened. When she made her mistake. She lifted her foot, wet from the running water and heavier than she was accustomed to, and went to step forward. However, she miss-stepped, and in the process, gently kicked forward a piece of unseen debris. The resulting clink would have been nothing to a passerby or an inexperienced street thief. It would have been a trick of the ear or the movements of sewer vermin. But this was no amateur.

He'd heard her. Like a serpent, the being whipped his head around and it was all she could do to duck out of the way before she was spotted.

But then she had an idea. This figure...he was doing what she'd always done. He was leading her to the crowds, intending to be lost in the masses of bodies. Well, two could play at that game.

Being often more isolated inside the Temple than she would like, her curious nature threatened to overwhelm her sense of duty. She saw numerous big- headed Biths, and sharp teethed Barabels, and Trandoshans just ready to pick fights. Thinking quickly, she did a quick glance down at her robes, for too well did they distinguish her as a Jedi initiate. Moving quickly through the throngs she scanned the area, looking for some way to disguise herself. In the distance, she saw a group of children, humans and Sullustans. They were fighting each other. Continuing to look, she saw one market vendor, one who sold some type of grog soup, had their back turned helping customers. On the stall, was a worn piece of gray cloth, holey and dirty.

Another glance ensured that the thief hadn't gotten away, but she had to move fast. Slipping into the crowd, careful to avoid bumping into any number of the aggressive species who appeared to be itching for a fight, she made her way to the stall. Fingers stumbling a bit, she untied her robes belt. Then, without stopping when she she grabbed the cloth where it was discarded on top of crates and disappeared back into the throngs of people.

Now she was nearly running, but not enough to cause a commotion. Without being noticed, she passed the thief in the street, gunning for the group of children. She wrapped the cloth, around herself and then tied it off with her belt. In seconds, she'd managed to make her way to the kids, and picked up one of their discarded cloaks, successfully managing to cover her face and arms.

She had only one chance to do this, and she prayed to the Force that her half-baked plan would work and that she wouldn't get herself killed.

Then, just as the darkly cloaked figure passed within five feet of her, she ran out into the throngs, purposefully knocking into an aggressive looking Barabel.

"Sssssssss!" It angrily hissed at her, pulling her up by the front of her newly acquired cloak, but she made her eyes wide, welled them up, and looked as innocent and pathetic as she possibly good. Disgusted with her, but unwilling to fight her, the creature threw her away...directly into the cloaked thief from the temple.

It all happened so fast, that she began to hyperventilate, her fear not an act. She ignored her clammy hands as she flailed her arms out, pushing away from the stranger.

"Sorry sir," she spoke in a thick accent, mimicking the kids who were still fighting but were now retreating down the alley.

She wanted to look up, but that would be a mistake. If she saw the face, then sure, she might be able to identify the culprit, but it would do so much more than that. It would ensure that the thief would see her face. It would delay her escape. So, despite her desperate urge to know who would dare steal from the Jedi, she had to let that go. Still, she had a few more things to do before she could head back.

So, instead, she ran off down the alleys, only cutting away from the group of children once she was out of sight. Unwilling to be a thief like the one she'd just encountered, she threw the cloak back at the group, hitting one boy in the face. Then when she made it out of the alley, watching the dark figure retreat, she couldn't risk it. He'd go after the children if she left it at that. So, before she could think better of it, she found the group that contained the angry Barabel, and launched a piece of trash from the ground at his head before ducking away.

This had the desired affect, and perhaps, worked too well. The Barabel had turned to find the culprit, but unable to, his companions had laughed at him. This resulted in the Barabel hitting all of them, who knocked into more unsavory creatures, who knocked into others...and so on. She'd created pandemonium, but before she slid back to the stall to deposit the cloth she was relieved to see that the cloaked figure was getting knocked around in the distance.

Patting the right pocket of her robe, Indaria now carried the missing cube that had been stolen from the Jedi Temple. She'd been able to slip it out of the figure's pockets in their interlude. Still, she wasn't safe yet. She had to get back to the Temple and tell the Masters all that had happened. Sure, she would definitely get into trouble, but...really could they blame her for sneaking out? Who knew what information this cube contained? It could mean life and death for the Republic itself.

She had to put as much distance between herself and the market as possible. So, she ran away from the pandemonium as fast as she could, using her dark robes to blend into the shadows, but not needing to be as careful now that she wasn't stalking prey. Speed was her ally now. So, taking a notch from her old excursions, she jumped and made her way up to the rooftops. She was flying again, and after all of that, Indaria couldn't help but let out a bit of a laugh. She'd done it! She thought she was doing rather well...

...until another cloaked figure dropping right in front of her. Indaria abruptly stopped, her heartbeat nearly thumping out of her chest as she narrowly avoided a collision. Although this new figure, while cloaked like the other had been, had her face revealed.

The woman was human, on the taller side, and slim. Her cheekbones could cut glass for all that her face had faint lines of age, and her brown eyes narrowed into slits that made Indaria rethink every action she'd taken up until now. Like the bandit, this woman wore deep black, although her garb was noticeably dusty as if she had recently been on a planet with more natural terrain than Coruscant. Her black hair was shiny and pulled back from her face in a severe hairstyle that Indaria herself used on occasion. It was simple and ensured that not a strand of hair would come undone in the case of a tussle.

Indaria took all of this in about the stranger in less than three seconds, and only relaxed slightly when she saw a brown and black cylinder clipped to the woman's waist. A lightsaber. The woman was a Jedi, although not one that Indaria had ever met before. The figure recognized Indaria as a Jedi Initiate on sight with her robes.

"I'm Jedi Master Liang Min," her voice was low and sharp enough to cut the small girl in half if she so desired.

"Hello, Master Liang," Indaria greeted the older woman with a quick bow of respect. Then, remembering the warning she'd been given by Master Jinn, she gently released the hold she'd had on her connection to the Force, allowing for just enough of it to be emitted from her so as not to draw suspicion. If she noticed the change in the air, Master Liang Min did not give it away. "Initiate Indaria Flare. I-"

"And what, I ask, has you jumping across rooftops in the middle of the night like this?"

"Master-" Indaria began, but stopped. She should just accept her fate. She was dead. Or homeless. What had she been thinking?

"What has you causing Pandemonium in this lower sector of Coruscant? Starting fights?"

Nothing. She had nothing to say for herself.

"Or even why you followed a stranger into the sewers?" Well, she had an answer for that!

"Master Liang," the young girl began earnestly, "I saw a man leaving the temple. I was following him."

"Is it so uncommon to be leaving the Temple?"

"No, but...Master, he did not belong in the Temple."

"And you know this?"

"I do."

"How?"

"I'm unsure Master, but he was carrying something...something from the Archives. I couldn't...he couldn't just leave with it Master."

"And what," the Master asked, "were you going to do about it?"

"Well, I retrieved it."

Her eyebrows raised, "You retrieved it?"

"Yes," she held out the box. "See?"

"I do see." Master Liang gave nothing away in the tilt of her head or shifting of her stance, however Indaria thought she saw her eyes darken at the sight of the small silver box.

"So..." the girl looked around awkwardly. "I should probably go back to the Temple. I'm sure I'm missed."

The older woman smiled, "Then by all means, lead the way, youngling. We shall go together."

"Together?" Indaria was ashamed to say that her voice squeaked at the statement that shouldn't have been so unexpected.

"Yes," Master Liang smiled, all teeth but Indaria thought she heard just a touch of fondness in her tone. "Together."

"Yes, Master."

On the way back, Indaria had thought the Master would be one of two ways. She thought that Master Liang would lecture her about the wisdom and safety of her adventure, taking extra pains to ensure that Indaria was aware of how many rules she broke in the process. Or, that the trip would be filled with painful silence. However, the Jedi Master pleasantly surprised the anxious child.

"Where do you hail from, Indaria Flare?"

"I was taken in by the Jedi almost two years ago, Master. I'm from Mandalore."

"An outer rim planet," she remarked thoughtfully, "and yet you sounded just as if you were from Lower Coruscant earlier." Indaria's eyes widened, had Master Liang seen everything? Well, not everything, as she hadn't known the thief had stolen from the Archives, but she'd seen everything that Indaria had done since leaving the Temple.

"I-" the girl stuttered over her words, realizing that she was treading dangerous ground. "I've always been good at that. At picking up accents. Some of the older students are nice enough to talk to me in their native tongues and I like to learn how they talk. I like to think I'm adept at learning new languages."

"A useful skill for a Jedi," Master Liang nodded. "Communication is a strength, and you honor others by wishing to learn their native languages. It is, unfortunately, something others often overlook, given the growing universality of Common."

Indaria had nothing to say to that. She simply loved learning about different people, different languages, and different ways of living. She'd been so confined for her young life, first in the brothel and then in the Temple. While the Jedi were a multi-cultural entity, so much of their teachings were based on letting go of who you had been, and where you were from, to become a consular of the galaxy. She understood that goal, and supported it even, but shouldn't the purpose of so many entities mean embracing differences? Shouldn't the Jedi be taking the strengths of each society and embracing them all in order to become the most effective peacekeepers they could be?

Indaria didn't know. She truly didn't. What she did know was that these people had given her a home and a future. So, she'd take whatever punishment she'd receive this night, and she'd not complain.

"How did you come to be in pursuit of this thief?"

"Well," Indaria only hesitated a moment. A Jedi would not lie to a Master. "Sometimes I struggle to find peace, Master. My mind is everywhere all at once and I- I'll miss Buir. So, to let her go and to find balance in the Force, I go out at nights, and I meditate. It truly does help me. I want to be a good Jedi, I just...I just need the extra time."

Indaria waited with bated breath for the scolding, but it did not come. She hadn't ever dared mention her mother since coming to the Temple. Missing Buir...it was a weakness. Her weakness. It was, possibly, the one skill that initiates such as Bena succeeded at more than her. They could let go...because they'd never known their parents love in their living memories. She did know, even though, ever so slowly, those memories threatened to fade.

That's when Master Liang's thoughts took a turn that Indaria truly hadn't expected.

"What, young Flare, did you notice about the figure you pursued?" Indaria was careful with her answer, eager to prove that it hadn't just been luck that had gotten her through the night alive.

"He wished more for his identity to remain anonymous than he wished to be successful with his mission. He reached for a weapon at his hip, I saw a bit of silver, but then he dropped his hand and made a quick escape like I'd planned to. He wished to fight, he was trained to fight, but this time he did not. I...I'm not sure what that means. Perhaps he was like me, and knew time for escape was precious or maybe...he feared people would recognize who he was?"

The master hummed, "Who he was, maybe, or even...what he was."

"What do you mean by that?" Indaria couldn't stop herself from asking.

"I'm unsure youngling," she admitted. "But this little adventure of yours, while successful, has given rise to many disturbing questions that the Councils must consider."

The girl nodded in agreement. Whatever she had in her pocket was important then. She patted it, ensuring it was still there.

"Come youngling. We'll take one of the air taxis back to the Temple. I want to get there before the morn."

After her grand adventure, as Master Liang called it, Indaria was lead up to the chambers of the Jedi High Counsel. There sat the members who she hadn't seen since they'd agreed to let her into the Order. More than that, Indaria recognized Master Cin Drallig, the head of Temple Security, and in the center of it all, Grandmaster Yoda.

"Why have we been called here?" Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, an aged Cerean, called attention to the confused and sleep deprived Masters.

"Breach, there has been," Yoda informed them all. "Archive, breached it was. Stolen, important artifact." At that jarring news, pandemonium the likes of the lower Coruscant market, threatened to break out, at least until the sight of little Indaria Flare shocked them into silence.

"Surely Master," Coleman Trebor, a wise, male Vurk interjected, "That we aren't to believe that this youngling broke into the Temple Archives."

"No," Master Liang came forward with a short bow, and turned to Master Yoda, "It is as I relayed to you, Master."

"Come, young Flare," Master Yoda beckoned. "Long tale you have. Begin." Brushing past the reasons for her being out so late, Indaria told the Council in detail what she'd done. Then, once her tale had finished, she pulled the cube from her pocket and gave it to Master Yoda.

"Thanks we have to give you, youngling. Lessons, you have when light comes. Master Liang will see you back."

Not willing to delay her departure, Indaria bowed, and all but ran away.

Days later, Indaria had thought that was the end of it. She hadn't encountered any of the Council again outside of her lessons, and none had sought her out. Surely, that meant that she could forget about punishment. At least, she'd thought so, until one day, in the middle of mediation, Indaria was called away.

"Come with me, youngling," Master Yoda called, interrupting the class. He stood beside Master Dooku, who appeared rather amused at the happening, gesturing for Indaria to follow him.

She did as directed, ignoring the suspicious looks from the other initiates in the room. Perhaps they believed she was getting into trouble, and well, Indaria feared they could be right. Unlike Master Dooku or Master Liang, Master Yoda did not seek to converse with her during their walk. Indaria could feel her nerves begin to erupt and forced them away, certain the Master could feel her anxiety and knowing he'd disapprove of it.

Master Yoda led her from the Academy training rooms, passing the archives and to an elevator. With a few pushes of the control panel, it was programmed to take them to the top of the highest tower in the Temple. This was a section of the Jedi Temple that Indaria had never been to before, but she knew better than to ask where they were going. If Master Yoda wanted her to know before they got there, he would have told her.

The ride up was swift, and the doors opened to a large room that was not unlike the place the Jedi High Counsel resided in. In fact, this room was nearly identical with its floor to ceiling windows and circular structure. All around the circle were seats, seats that were completely empty, but one.

"Welcome, youngling," the being in the center of the circle said. He was a male Baragwin, a race of short, upper standing reptilians who were known for their hunched backs, large heads, and unique skin colors. This Baragwin sported dark gray, wrinkled skin and while his hunch had initially given Indaria the impression that he was scrutinizing her, his yellow eyes were surprisingly kind. "I am the Caretaker of First Knowledge, Master Vilbum."

Indaria bowed respectfully before him. The Caretaker was the leader of the Jedi High Council of First Knowledge. From what little Indaria knew, Master Vilbum had the job of overseeing the entire Jedi Academy, including the initiates. Perhaps she was here to be punished after all.

"Initiate Flare," Master Yoda began, "Brought you here, I did, to demonstrate for Master Vilbum."

"What do you wish me to do, Master?" Indaria asked, eyes wide giving away her worry despite herself.

"I have heard," Master Vilbum explained, "that you have a unique ability. Master Yoda and Master Liang Min have said that you can make it appear as though you do not have the Force at all."

"Oh," Indaria nodded softly, wary. She'd been lead to believe, from Master Jinn that she should not demonstrate such a skill, but Master Yoda was the Grandmaster of the Jedi. Surely, if it were unsafe for her to do so, he would not have brought her here to show this giant being. "Yes, Master."

"A gift, it is," Yoda said gently. "Rare it is. Useful in battle. Dark hides, often. Need too, perhaps, the light should."

Indaria had a heavy feeling in her stomach, but she nodded anyway. Dark hides. Light may need to hide too. Battle. Yoda was talking about battle. Was battle a worry? As far as Indaria knew, there were no major wars going on. The Sith, the dark users of the Force, they were gone. It was all peaceful in the Republic, Indaria thought, except for the occasional skirmish or the complete control the Hutt cartel had on most of the Outer Rims.

"Demonstrate this gift, please," Master Vilbum instructed kindly but firmly. "You show a bit of fear, youngling. Fear leads to the Dark Side. Calm these nerves with the living Force."

"Yes Master," Indaria took a deep breath, fighting those nerves back. Only once she was calm, when she had complete control of her body and her emotions, could she do as instructed. Then, once she became oriented, once she felt each and every bit of energy around her, she pulled it all back into her. Hiding it.

Catching eyes beyond her, the two Masters nodded to each other, and Master Vilbum called for her attention.

"Astounding," he spoke gently. "Unusual that you possess this skill naturally, when Masters of far greater power have struggled to accomplish this very thing for generations. More interesting, that it is a gift most often associated with Dark users of the Force, and yet, despite the anxiety I sense in you, your heart remains light. Unselfish. Yes," Master Vilbum agreed, as though he'd been debating with himself. "It is a skill that has been used by our enemy, but it is not a skill that is inherently evil. Many things in this universe require secrecy."

Indaria kept quiet. Her mind was whirling at what Master Vilbum was saying. Her skills were used by the Sith? Yet, he claimed she was still good, and secrets? More secrecy? She didn't understand.

"Jedi Initiate Flare, have you given any thought as to where you'd be placed in the Order when you became a Padawan?" The sudden, at least to her, change in conversation startled her out of her many questions and opened her up to dozens more.

"I cannot say that I have not thought of it, Master, but I also cannot say that I have come to a conclusion as to what path I should take," she answered as honestly as she could. This answer earned her smiles from these two beings in the room with her, the most powerful living Jedi in the universe.

"Initiate Flare, you remember Master Liang?" Vilbum asked.

"Yes, Master."

"She has proposed to make you her Padawan," that news startled Indaria, as she'd thought that the severe woman had considered her a nuisance. Still, her heart let out a surge. A padawan! She'd become a padawan! The next step to becoming a Jedi. "Are you aware of what she does?"

"No Master."

"A Jedi Sentinel can go many ways. Your ability, it could mean great things. Shall I tell you?" Indaria was quiet for a minute. 

Sentinels were a different type of Jedi. They weren't like the Guardians on the High Council, but rather they were beings like Vilbum, or Master Drallig the head of Security, or Master Quist, the Chief Librarian of the Archives. Sentinels were beings who lived in a world apart from most of their compatriots. They learned languages, technologies, skills, and even crafts. Sentinels could be artisans, or peacekeepers, representatives,  Temple Guards...or even...the Investigators and more feared than all of those, the path of Sentinels was the path of the Jedi Shadows.

"Yes, Master," Indaria nodded, stunned but resolved. Beyond the trio, the sunlight was still glittering in the windows, but the girl's mind was no longer wandering into the world beyond. She was completely present. "I'd like for you to tell me."

Master Vilbum smiled, and gestured for her to take a seat. Behind her, Master Yoda made his leave, the door closing behind him with a loud thump. 

Indaria Flare's path was just beginning. 

Hello Lovely People!

When I did the math during the Mandalorian...I knew I had to include Grogu. Sorry *not really* if it doesn't completely track but I regret nothing about this inclusion. I have a reason for it and it brings me joy. Also, this is the miracle of fanfiction (mwahahahaha) even though I usually go out of my way to be canon compliant when canon hasn't been changed by the presence of my OC. As it is, we know that Anakin and Grogu are actually the same age, even though our little green baby is still a baby. Logically, that would mean he'd be in the newborn-like stage longer, but since we know nothing about their species *yet* I'm fudging things for the sake of entertainment. I have nothing else to say except I love the baby your honor. 

I hope you love Master Liang as much as I do. I just felt like I needed a powerful woman to help build up a powerful woman and frankly I might have gotten carried away by her aura of I'm-A-Queen-Bow-Before-Me. I mentally cast her as the fabulous Constance Wu, but you can choose who you feel fits the bill.