Episode I
THE LUST AWAKENS
Having defeated the Last Order and overcome the lure of her Grandfather Rey Skywalker is now free to roam the Galaxy.
But in spite of her victory Rey is lost; driven by feelings she cannot explain.
Searching far and wide for a Jedi that can help her, Rey will be changed forever....
...
Climbing the final few steps of the ruined temple, Rey was glad to have reached the end of her long quest: This would begin to make things right.
Entering the grand hallway bright light shone on her back, the brunette's footsteps echoing around the massive columns that stretched into the darkness beyond. Moving deeper into the temple, Rey allowed her instincts to guide her passage. Finding a small anti-chamber she paused, sensing both light and darkness inside. Fingering the blaster strapped to her thigh, the young Jedi entered warily.
Flickering candle light illuminated the walls within; ancient script decorating every stone surface. Stepping around a raised podium Rey's eyes searched the dim space before her gaze finally fell on a glowing shrine. There stood a cloaked figure faced away from the young Jedi; as if waiting on her arrival.
Approaching wordlessly Rey withdrew the lightsaber from her belt, holding the weapon aloft as a sacred offering. For several moments she held still, arm extended; waiting impatiently for her new Master to turn around and greet her.
Twisting on the spot the figure threw back her ragged hood, the Jedi finally revealing her face:
"Ahsoka Tano??"
Shocked to discover the legendary female warrior, Rey gawped at the beautiful being before her. Taken aback, she flinched as the woman snatched the lightsaber from her grasp.
Bowing her head Rey attempted to respectfully introduce herself; nervous hazel eyes glancing up at the Jedi as she spoke:
"I am Rey... Rey Skywalker: I have come to seek your guidance."
Turning the handle over in her grip, Ahsoka eyed the girl suspiciously:
"How did you find me?"
"I went to the planet Tython and found the Seeing stone-"
"-You reached out through the Force?" Cocking her head Ahsoka raised an eyebrow: "Impressive for a youngling."
"Well no... A local Mandalorian told me you were on Calodan. But I still found you here!"
Shaking her head the ageless Togrutas began to circle Rey. Admiring her poise and grace the brunette watched on hopefully, appraising the woman as she too was appraised:
The Jedi had blue-white montrals that draped down the front of her cloak. These beautiful soft horns sprouted from Ahsoka's head; framing her bright orange face. Finally meeting those piercing blue eyes however Rey swallowed hard, intimidated by her legendary companion. As placid as she might seem this warrior was a powerful duellist. Provoked she would be a fierce opponent:
"Who sent you?"
"Nobody!" Rey exclaimed innocently: "I just want your help!"
Ahsoka eyed the girl disdainfully: So, this was the new generation that had awoken within the Force? The hapless brunette wore a criss-crossing white wrap that was only bound at her hip, allowing the wispy fabric to hang down around her legs. Beneath she wore a simple tunic and pants that just reached her thighs. The girl's garments were impractical, exposing much of her vulnerable flesh as well as those lithe curves; practically screaming virtue and naivety to the experienced warrior. This was the costume of a child, not a true Jedi. And yet beneath it all Ahsoka sensed a hidden darkness:
"You wish for me to complete your training?"
"Yes, I still have much to learn-"
"-clearly; only an idiot would hand over her weapon to a complete stranger."
Rey bit her lip, watching as Ahsoka playfully twirled the lightsaber between her orange fingers. In retrospect, giving away her weapon was not her best decision:
"I-I need a teacher..."
Contemplating the youngling before her Ahsoka frowned:
"What do you actually know of the force?"
Attempting to remember what Master Luke had taught her Rey frowned:
"Its a power that Jedi have, that let's them control people and, make things... float??"
Ahsoka shook her head; Shirking the cloak from her bare orange shoulders the graceful being allowed it to fall around her ankles; revealing the traditional but practical garments to the watching girl. Wearing a tight grey tanktop and matching loose pants, a thick belt held the warrior's matching lightsabers; this was how a true Jedi dressed.
Contemplating the girl Ahsoka sighed; Rey was far too old to be trained. Beyond certain years a child's mind became clouded by hormones that unbalanced their connection to the Force. Already from their brief encounter the Jedi could tell the girl was reckless, short-sighted! Shaking her head wearily Ahsoka made up her mind:
"Forget what you think you know..."
Gesticulating to the podium in the centre of the chamber, Ahsoka instructed the brunette simply:
"Sit here, legs crossed."
Obeying the orange woman's gentle instruction Rey took her position; folding her bare legs beneath her whilst striking a dignified meditative posture.
Stepping up behind the waiting girl, Ahsoka placed her hands on the brunette's temples; reaching out through the force to read Rey's thoughts:
"Hmmm... an unconventional lineage; You are born of darkness..."
Clenching her jaw, Rey felt uncomfortable with the woman trawling through her mind; knowing that no Jedi would want to teach the heir to Palpatine. Nodding she tried to tell Ahsoka what she wanted her to hear:
"I wish to grow beyond my ancestors; become stronger with the light!"
Probing the girl's thoughts Ahsoka cocked her head, sensing a lie and the arrogance that caused it. And beneath all that... an underlying weakness:
"Tell me Rey; are you still a virgin?"
Blushing, Rey was mortified by the question, spluttering indignantly:
"Why should that matter?!"
Stroking the girl's dark hair, Ahsoka ran her orange fingers through the loosely furled buns at the back of her head:
"Strength without experience can be very dangerous... easily corruptible."
Placing her hands on her shoulders the Jedi massaged the girl's taught muscles:
"You must relax; let go of your fear and embrace your feelings."
Confused, Rey twisted back to face the Jedi above:
"What feelings??"
"This shall be your first lesson."