Shade:
The mood was going downhill at the speed of a submarine being sunk. First I'm deprived of sweets, then there's a g...n(!) who has trouble introducing himself, and then it turns out that this "person" is also my teacher! Well, that's just fucked up! By the way, I really confused him with a reptile. I've never met a reptile before. And he had such a face that you couldn't tell if he was a reptile, a mammal, or some other shit. But the fact that he mechanically corrected me, clearly shows that this mistake is quite common. But okay, that doesn't make me feel any better.
«Shade! - Feng shouted at me.
«Hey, Feng. What do you want?
«Master Qiqun was looking for you. I think your master came to see you.
«I know. I've already met him.
«And-and-and-and-and-and... How? - Zeng asked, "They say he studied under Master Cicuna and recently became a master!
«He's an Argrnar, not a master," I said, confusing the twins.
«Huh?!
«Shade sent him and then slapped him in the face," Ves replied, hiding a smile with her hands.
«How do you know?
«I saw it.
«Were you watching?
«No. I went to apologise and there you were with that lizard.
«A mammal. It's a mammal.
«Oh, it's a mammal. It's growing.
«Okay, hold on. What do you mean, "apologise"? - I objected, arms at my sides and looking at Vessira with an eagle eye.
«Well... It's not my fault they were so tasty! In fact, you should have hidden them better.
«You can hide them from you... - I mutter quietly, - With your sense of smell.
«Well, I'm sorry, - they clung to my hand like a life preserver, and looked into my face with such devoted eyes that I was speechless. Shit, the cat from "Shrek"! And I'm not kidding. His pupils dilated, his lips folded, his cheeks tensed, and his fur stood up a little, and seemed to glisten. Mlya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya... Not fair! Hold on, Shade. Hang on!
«Weight...
«М? - and those innocent, innocent eyes.
«It's sneaky.
«But effective! - I got licked on the cheek.
«Aren't you embarrassed by the audience? - Zeng asked.
«I don't care.
«He said it all," Wes added, rubbing the top of her head against my chin.
«I give up," I exhaled and put my arm around the bastard!
«Yes!
«But I'll remember that.
«No.
«By the way, do you know who's gonna have what teachers?
«Yes\Ra,'' the people answered at once. All except Ves, who was smiling mysteriously.
«Ves?
«You won't believe who's going to teach me.
«Surprise me.
«Your mum.
«Wha--what?! - I jumped up and down.
«Yeah. I haven't met her yet, but Master Qikuna said she'll definitely want to take me on as an apprentice. Isn't that great?
«Y... yeah," I replied in a hoarse voice. Man, I can't even imagine what this is going to be like.
***
The next takeda flew by like the wind, so fleeting was it. With time running out, I crammed my schedule with Wes. Seriously, I'd lose my self-respect if I didn't pay attention to this cutie. And we'll be apart for at least a year unless we cross paths somewhere.
«What's up, Shade? It's time to leave the temple behind and move on," Master Qikuna said, smiling.
«Yes, Master. Thank you for the guidance," I bow respectfully and turn to my mother. - Don't fail," she said, tapping me lightly on the chin with her index finger and then giving me a light flick on the nose with the centre finger. It was a familiar gesture... She always used it when I got upset. She'd lift my head up and give me a little smack. And it worked.
«Okay, Mum," I turn round and walk back to the boys.
«What's up? Here we go," Feng said with a sigh.
«Three years have flown by," Zeng smiled.
«Yui-rigea.
«Gris is right. We'll get back together just as we left it," Lina said.
«Well, if that's the case, then let's see you later, shall we? - The guys smiled, and I looked at the frowning Wes. - Well, why did you hang up your nose?
«I don't want to leave.
«Come on, it's only for a year or two. And we can always get in touch," I copy my mum's gesture to Wes. I lift her head up and pinch her nose. It's phenomenal, and it works! A smile creeps onto her lips and a light comes on in her eyes. A second, and she's hanging around my neck.
«How cute... k- gh!" Zeng commented, which got an elbow from Lina.
«Take care of yourself," they whispered in my ear.
«What's the matter with me?
«You're bound to get in somewhere," she rubbed my cheek.
«Huh. You be careful, too," she licked my lips goodbye, then let go and took a step back.
«Good luck, guys.
«Come on, Shade.
Turning around, I walk over to the silently waiting 'teacher'.
«That's touching.
«Shut up, Irbis. You're not much better than us, even though you're a Master.
«Do you want to test it?
«Some other time.
«All right, I won't torture you. You're within your rights. From this day forward, your path lies on a path of danger. The walls of the temple will not protect you now, so let's see what you've learnt.
«Mm-hmm.
«Let's go.
«Spaceport?
«Yes. We're going to Chicago. The council is concerned about the unrest there, we need to understand what's going on.
«We're going to get there on foot?
«Yeah. Or not?
«No, why not? I've been wanting to put my skills to the test.
***
Later, on the road:
«...death will find you in the desert. Thirst, monsters, sun, fear. They go with you everywhere.
«What are you humming? - Irbis interrupted me.
«I heard a song in the temple once. It came to mind.
«Hmm... Then please, louder. I love it too.
«Louder? In the silent desert?
«Why not? Oops! - he stops abruptly and looks ahead. And in front of us, a munkle emerges from the sand. A big lizard-like or cat-like thing with movable spikes. - Can you figure it out for yourself, or do you want me to help?
«Ф! - I pass my hand and a wave of force is sent into the thing. A touch, and the wave hits the creature in the face, breaking some of its teeth. The next wave, sent at the same time, breaks its neck, and the creature falls dead on its stomach.
«Not bad..." he stated. - Not bad at all. You've got enough dope in you for a whole team.
«Thank you," I bow jokingly.
«He's still alive," I said, as if to prove his point, as I saw the creature start to rise.
«Unexpected.
«A special skeleton, plus Force resistance and regeneration. You'd have to damage its brain to kill it. The creature, by the way, is very fond of Force wielders.
«R-rghar!!! - I jumped away from the slamming teeth, but the claws still got me, leaving light scratches on my arm right through the armour. It's a good thing it hit me lightly, I've got more scars than I can count.
«Have you read up on Tython's flora and fauna?
«In general terms.
«How did they let you out of Padawan Kesh?! - Irbis was outraged, jumping calmly beside him. Not even a muscle flinched on his face, as if this was his routine.
«And I missed him safely! - when I landed, I drew my blade. - And I learnt this! - A dash, a swing, and the blade plunges straight into his forehead. Blood spurts from the wound, a glow appears and then fades. The beast's eyes fade and it falls to the sand.
«Not bad... Honestly, I wasn't expecting that.
«You thought I'd be asking for help?
«Yeah.
«No way! - I draw my sword and shake off the blood.
«I wouldn't get too excited if I were you," he silently points his hand in the direction where five more flintknappers are rushing towards us. - There's more to come.- You've got to be kidding me.
«So, here we go, - he defiantly took out a notebook with a pencil and silently scribbled something.
***
- My thoughts were racing at the speed of light as I dodged the tail of one of the flintlocks.
«Irbis, this isn't training, this is survival!
«Wrong, my padawan. This is a test! You're taking a practice exam on what you've learnt," the geezer declared importantly, standing aside and not even trying to help.
«Are you kidding me?!
«A little bit.
«A-a-argh...
Clang! - A jaw snapped close by.
«Irbis, ragnhar art tarnarok!
«But-but-but, please don't use that kind of language. Less talk, more action, my rambunctious apprentice. And yes, you're being bypassed!
«Fuck you!
In response, he just scribbled something in his notebook again. Ooh, raghnar, I'll remember that!
***
«Oh..." I fall to the sand without strength, using my blade for support. And only one of them, the other one was eaten and I have yet to retrieve it.
«So. The assessment is on a ten-point system," Irbis began, flipping pages in his notebook. - Your movement was an A. You attack - well done, fast and clear, you don't stand still, and your movements are full of grace, but you evade attacks very badly. Sword swordsmanship is a four. If you were a human being, you would have crushed him, but to use techniques against a monster, designed against humanoids... - he shook his head. - But you adjusted quickly, so you got a bonus point for that, four points in total. Next, tactics. That's a bold stake, for there were no tactics at all.
«Stupid animals, what tactics?!
«That's right, Shade. Stupid beasts. You could've outsmarted them and trapped them, but instead you went straight ahead.
«Says the guy who stood on the sidelines the whole fight.
«So, who's the student and who's the teacher?
As I pulled a fang from the flint lizard next to me, I smiled at Irbis.
«No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
«He was eaten with my sword!
«It's my own fault, I should have been more tactful," he shrugged.
«Irbis, what the hell is tactics when you're fighting alone against such a crowd?! Where's a clear field and there's not even cover?
«If you want to live, you have to learn to spin," he retorted, scribbling something down again. - By the way, I give you a six for strength. You hit with heart and with a guarantee. But still... no-no-no!
«If only there was something else to pass," I muttered, dropping my fang. - How am I supposed to fight them?! - In response to my shout, Irbis silently, with a wave of his hand, pulled his sword out of its sheath with the Force and threw it at the creature's head. Another second and the sword moved to the next one. Two seconds, two critical strikes.
«So?
«Well done, I have to admit. Didn't think to use swords like that, yeah. And the teacher's face shows visible emotion for the first time. And specifically, in this case, a smirk. - So what now?
«Let's go find the next ones.
«Wait... You dragged us on foot for this on purpose?!
«Yeah. I have to train you, but what do I do if you don't understand?
«Yeah... Yeah... You're not a teacher! I don't even have the words to express my outrage.
«That's right. Less talking and more listening. And then maybe something will come out of you.
«Gr-r-r-r-r-r..." My teeth gritted, my hands clenched into fists, and an animal growl began to come from my throat. I kicked the fang under my feet, but Irbis dodged it.
«Learn to be calm, Padawan, it will come in handy. Better yet, read the codex at your leisure.
«You know where I'm gonna shove it?
«Yeah. Come on, the sooner we leave the desert, the sooner we can get to Chikaga.
Great Power, who did you give me as a teacher?!
***
Yay! Spaceport. I'm so glad to see it. I'm shocked at myself. After two weeks in the desert, I can't stand the sight of those flintlocks and mankles. Every day, they climbed and climbed, climbed and climbed, provided that we were on a conditionally SAFE route. And it wasn't enough to see these things, but for a change, we regularly came across pendleys.
Pendleys are big birds. They take off in the morning and fly high into the sky. They are a real disaster for aviation, for their claws tear the plating like paper, and the birds themselves are quite large. So, if such a thing swoops down on you, at best you'll be able to bounce away, and at worst you'll be either crushed, or pierced by a claw, or, if you're particularly unlucky, taken alive to the nest. You'll have to see, though. The chance of staying alive after such a kidnapping increases many times over, but at the same time, if this possibility is not present, there will be no easy death. You will be eaten alive, and long enough to keep the food fresh, so to speak. You call that horror? No, this is Tython. And it's far from certain that the Force can help you, because if you use it too much, you'll cause a storm that will kill both you and the beast.
Unfortunately, not all Je'daii are as tight with their training as I am. Thinking Tython a safe, ordinary home, they only realise their mistake when they become wanderers. I was prevented from making that mistake by my mother, describing the local essence of life in colourful detail. "If you don't eat you, they will eat you."
In theory, my teacher and I shouldn't have walked at all, especially through the desert, but that sadist just wanted to evaluate and chase me, for which I now particularly dislike him. If it wasn't for Master Tsikuna's request, I would have kicked him, because in pure physics without using the Force I can beat even the Master.
What is the most interesting, on my remark about inhuman conditions of training, Irbis answered the following:
A - I am not a human, but a future Je'daii.
B - The Force will reveal itself only to those who are trained and ready to absorb such power. Both the light and the dark side.
«I don't know without you," I snort, crossing my arms over my chest. - Will you say something clever, if only to justify your status as a teacher?
«Oh, please. In Qigong Kesh, you learnt how to wield power as part of yourself, but you should have started with Akar Kesh, because you have a problem with balance. You don't even try to hold back, you're always making noise, fussing, not controlling your emotions....
«You're wrong, Irbis," I interrupt the master.
«М?
«I'm perfectly in control of myself.
«I hadn't noticed.
«You see, the thing is... Every action of mine, it is meaningful. I don't go with my emotions, like when I punched you in the face. I knew what it would lead to, I knew what I was doing, and I did it consciously. The other thing is, I enjoy it.
«Shade, are you all right in the head? - The Master looked at me with a very, very peculiar look.
«What are you talking about?
«Oh, right. I forgot you're an Aero. No more questions. So, you're saying you're perfectly in control of yourself?
«Well, fine or not, I don't know, but in control, yes. I see the Force a little differently, and it helps me get along with it.
«Share?
«I believe that the Force is always with us, it's inside us, it can't be taken away or blocked. And in order to get along with it, you should first of all find contact with the energy that is inside you, and then "get in touch with the world", as a well-known meditation master likes to say.
«Hm... - I was again met with a glance, but this time it was thoughtful.
«What?
«Nothing. But if you say you get along well, then why don't you get in touch with some form of Force manifestation?
«Why would I? They're one, they're both an integral part of me. Why would I divide them?
«That's an unusual answer. So you're saying you don't divide the Force into sides?
«No, I do, of course, but I try to draw from both sides at once, not one by one. It evens out the negative effect of both sides.
«How?!" Irbis exclaimed, piquing my interest.
«How what?
«How do you do it?! They're two opposite energies, they can't be combined! It takes Je'Daii years to learn how to alternate them properly, and they need a lot of self-control, and you tell me you're free to use both at once!
«Well, not fluently. Still, I can't use something out of the ordinary just physically, for that I just lack this very self-control.
«But still, it's a fact.
«I'll take that as a compliment.
«So you don't immerse yourself in the Force like the others do?
«No. I don't have to, it's with me and inside me, I'm one with the Force. Why immerse yourself in something that's already part of you? - I added after a pause, holding out my palms: "Like hands," and twirled them, causing Master's eyelid to twitch.
«You're the strangest Je'Dayi I've ever met in my life.
«Weirder than Mum?
«Yes!
«I'm honoured.
And so, word by word, we made our way to the spaceport. Once we found a free transport to Chikagu, we bought tickets and I could breathe a sigh of relief. Civilisation, yay, yay, yay, yay. No, there's civilisation here too, and it's advanced, but at least they won't try to eat you where we're going.
But the ship we were travelling on didn't inspire much confidence in me. It looked more like a hybrid of a familiar rocket and a futuristic spaceship. What can you do, civilian models were very different from military ones.
***
«What's up, kid? Welcome to Chicago. The planet of crime. - Irbis clapped me on the shoulder, and in the meantime, the ramp lowered and I saw... a regular city. Wheeled cars, then gravity-cushioned vehicles, occasional airplanes, and crowds of people, all of whom smelled all sorts of emotions. I even cringed a little from such cacophony, I'm not used to such crowds. - Don't get lost, this place isn't much safer than Tython.
«Hmm? - I raised an eyebrow questioningly.
«Fangs and claws there, weapons and deception here.
«Nice... Very nice.
«Let's go.
We headed through that crowd straight to the site of the... er... taxi? Well, worlds change, traditions remain.
«Where are we going? - I'm looking at Irbis.- We're going straight to the Shi clan house, because that's where the pressure is concentrated.
«How about a little bit more?
«Shade, our job is to find out what this is all about. All I know is that the Shi Clan has been under a lot of pressure from some pretty powerful Minds. Except the clan has friends who are just as powerful. So if a fight breaks out, it's gonna be the whole planet. Our job is to prevent that fight from happening.
«That's just great.
«What do you want? The planet is ruled by powerful clans. Each clan has its own territory, its own laws and its own agenda. If this place goes up in flames, it's gonna burn like hell.
Yeah. It's a nice planet, I can't say. By the time we got to the taxi, two empty wallets had been stolen from the teacher. Back on the ship, I saw him making notes and scattering them over the empty wallets, just for fun. Should I do the same thing? Because it's very interesting how the thief will react when he sees his trophy, hehe.
Meanwhile, we reached the car park and after puzzling the taxi driver, we headed towards the Shi clan's house. As I looked out the window at the city, I was quietly amazed. The level of gangsterism was sickening. Whoever wants to do what they want to do, does what they want to do. No, there is, of course, a kind of police, but they are not enough, and secondly, they should survive.
«While flying, get it into your head: HERE, you can't just take anyone's word for it. Always read your communication partner's emotions. Never take your hand far away from the blade and be prepared for a fight. The wallet, I think you've already guessed it.
«Already hid it.
«Next. You keep your mouth shut and keep your mouth shut. Don't get into any more fights, understand? - The last one was said in a tone of voice like I was just trying to get in a fight. But...
«I get it. But no promises.
«Well..." He grimaced and clenched his fist at that statement, but he exhaled immediately. - They've imposed a pupil!
«You're telling me, I have to teach you everything. You're very green, - at that moment the taxi stopped.
«Shut up. - he gritted his teeth. - And don't push me. You know what, though, go check out the perimeter.
«Okay, boss," I snorted, jumping out of the transport.
Straightening my blades, I look after the departing transport. I was dropped off just before the gates closed, leading to a section of the local clan's palace-fortress.
«"To look round, you say? Okay, I'll look around," I turned around and headed into town. Let's see where we're going.
Walking among the people, I felt a kind of deja vu. It was like I was back in the anthill I was used to. Everyone was flying somewhere, someone was swearing, someone, on the contrary, was kissing in a corner, and someone was inviting visitors to his establishment. On the average there were three and five-storey houses, but there were also high-rises. The city itself reminded something of futurism. It was a hybrid of our 21st century and future cyber-punk, but in a down-to-earth and neat version.
The sentients themselves were dressed in whatever they wore. Balaclavas, jackets, T-shirts, boots and something that looked like trainers. (And I'm like that, barefoot in windbreakers, I blend in, yes.) But all of them had one thing in common - a blaster on their hip. It was also very common to see some sort of equipment. Unlike me. No weapons but swords, and light armour of original design made of a mixture of steel and chitin.
The emotions of the whole lot were... It was just something with something! Deception on rage, and intrigue at the helm. The desire to fuck my neighbour is in the air, as if I could touch him. I honestly have no idea how they get along here.
«Hey, stranger. Are you Je'Daiy? - I was called from the side by a Sith surrounded by a couple of Twi'leks.
«Sort of, why? - I look at the new face with interest. I don't feel threatened.
«What are you doing here? Your brother is not a frequent visitor here.
«Tourism, excursions, all that stuff," I say with a vague hand. - It's very interesting to see civilisation, you know. I've never seen such pandemonium.
«Ha! Going out, are you?
«Yeah.
«How would you like to walk to a bar?
«Only if you're buying.
«You've got a nerve," Sith said. - Come on, it's not far.
As I joined the group, I squinted at their weapons. Blasters, firearms, all have knives, and some have something that looks like a machete. Distant.
«What, you like it? - A green Twi'lek, wearing heavy armour and carrying an automatic rifle behind his back, followed my gaze.
«Interesting. We don't carry such weapons on Tython. And you're the local law enforcement, I take it? - I'm pointing to the clan insignia on my shoulder.
«Heh, you could say that.
«In that case, would you mind filling a stranger in on the local situation?
«М?
«What you can do, what you can't do, where you can and can't go, where you should stay away from?
«What am I, some kind of information centre?
«No, but I thought honourable people would explain to a visitor the lay of the land. Or am I wrong? - I raise an eyebrow, and nudge his thought with a little suggestion.
«Heh. All right, look...
So, as we walked to the bar, I tried my best to rattle this gang for information. Eloquence may not be my talent, but even so, I was able to learn a lot of new and relevant things. I could say that they explained to me how to behave in this society that lives "by the rules". Yeah.
Strangely enough, I was allowed into the bar without any problems, though the guards were squinting. They don't like Tytonians here. They don't, and that says it all. I wonder why?
We sat down at one of the tables and the men ordered drinks. I didn't worry that they wanted to poison me; the three of them reeked of interest, slight tension, and some uncertain desire to offer me something, or to fuck me, but not a threat.
«Your drinks, gentlemen," the human girl put the mugs and a bottle of purple booze on the table. I can't get used to their clothes... They look civilised, but they seem a bit fantasy-like, don't they? Or medieval... Though, I can't talk about it, I'm like a mummy myself.
«So you're passing through here? - specified the Sith, pouring alcohol.
«Sort of. Men, if you want something from me, say it directly, I'm not a fan of beating around the bush.
«Huh! Anyway, do you want to make a little money? - came up with an unexpected offer.
«М?
«It's not a dusty job, you just have to chop off a head and that's it. М?
«Do I look like a mercenary? - I throw my arms out to the side defiantly.
«Well, more like a maniac," he scratched his chin as he examined my face. - And in general, from you everything can be expected. But it's not an order for murder, it's more like... - Sith twirled the shot glass with the drink, - a preemptive strike in self-defence.
«What's the details?
«Let's just say one clan wants to hurt another clan. You might not even have to kill anyone, because your mere presence is already... having a positive effect in resolving the conflict.
«Hmm.
«Only the boss will give you further details, sorry, but that's not our level.
«Then what's this all about? - I put my hand round the table.
«Well... Bringing in a likely ally is worth a lot, isn't it? - I winked and downed my drink.
I grin and take a swig of the drink. It's a little viscous, twenty degrees, no higher, a little bitter. It's not bad.
«Somehow I think there's something you're not telling me. I don't think every fighter of yours is going to approach the first Tythonian he sees with such an offer.
«You're right. It's just that we saw which car you got out of and where it went. And like I said before, you may seem strange, but you also make an impact.
«I see. Anyway, guys, thanks for the offer, I'll definitely think about it, but for now, I want to walk around and look around. If that's all, then I'll go, - I finish my shot glass in a gulp, put it on the table with a clap and look at the xenos.
«If you think about it, come here," I was handed a sheet with an address. What made me tense was that it wasn't the Shi clan house. Did that mean I was being subtly dragged to the other side? Hmm...
I don't know what the hell was going on with all this intrigue and conspiracy. But before I could finish my thought, I saw a low, cloaked silhouette flicker among the visitors. The emotion was one of fear and tension mixed with anger, and the figure was constantly looking round. There was no doubt that it was either a child or a teenager, but what was he doing here? It wasn't an age-appropriate establishment.
Putting a Force mark on the figure, I used my Force vision to see where it would go. Nestled in an inconspicuous corner, the figure lurks, trying not to draw attention to itself. It's getting interesting... Listening to the Force, I see the figure glowing a little brighter than the others, and the emotions are cleaner.
«Guys, I've been thinking... How about we do it again? - I thoughtfully assess this strange figure with the help of the Force as I look at my drinking companions with my eyes. - So to say, to getting acquainted. I'm Shade," and at the same time I give them a light suggestion to make them agreeable.
«Heh. Sugar," Sith introduced himself as he poured another round.
«Taurus.
«Starissk.
So, looking at the figure that interested me, I listened to the stories of this trio in half an ear and kept the conversation going... Yes, guys, you are completely right, there are a lot of faggots nowadays, they all want to fuck you. No, I'm not a hitman, deal with them yourself. Even for money. Hmm... Well, for that kind of money, I'm willing to think about it. Look, can we change the subject to something more pleasant?
So, while I'm just droning on and on, I'm looking behind me through the Force. The conversation had to stop when the figure got caught, and one of the guards dragged the figure to the exit with a growl: "Get out, you little thing".
«Okay, guys, again, nice to meet you. I'll be there if you need me. Good luck to everyone, - I saluted and got up from the table.
I got an answer from the unsteady, tipsy voices. I slipped between the customers and left the bar. Judging by the mark, the figure lurked between the houses in a nook. I walked down the street for a moment, turning around to look at the narrow passageway and the furniture piled there. With my Force vision, I took a quick look around for other lifeforms, but no, there was only one.
«Hey," I walked around the furniture and peeked around the corner where the figure lurked. When I lifted my head, a pair of cute red eyes stared at me. As it turned out, it was a pretty girl, about fourteen years old, if you count the old meaning, who had been hiding under the cloak all this time. Greyish skin, scarlet pigments, twee'lech herself.
But here her eyes begin to widen, and real Horror slips into her emotions. The girl's (or is it still a girl?) hands immediately reach back, but I rush to reassure:
«No, no, don't be afraid. It's okay, I won't hurt you," I kneel down, right in front of the squatting girl. I try to convey the sincerity of my words through the Force. She froze, and the panic that had been growing slowly began to fade away. It's good to be Je'Daye! The Force is our everything. - What is your name, Sunshine?
«Hadiya.
---
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