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Fire and smoke, smoke and fire. They surrounded him, engulfed and clouded his vision. He could hear the shouts, cries, and moans of people but whether they were fallen warriors or the souls of the damned, that was anyone's guess. He could hear explosions, no see them inching closer and closer to his position The situation seemed hopeless as he looked all around, but just as the thick gray smoke threatened to consume him he saw her. A warrior vixen adorned in a light beige tunic standing tall and unafraid of the chaos around her. She was a deep pure white color and only accented by bright yellow fur stripes across her arms and legs.

He felt a connection to her, not one out of love or lust but as if he had known her in a previous life. She reached for her belt and held up some object. He strained his eyes to see what it was through the smoke but to his surprise a beam of light emitted. It was yellow like the streaks on her body. She pointed the light weapon towards the far east and to his surprise soldiers emerged from the hazy battlefield ready and willing. She said something but he couldn't hear her over the cheering and roaring of the army. She lifted her arms and then beckoned for the soldiers to charge headfirst into the haze.

The army roared once more and ran head first into the cloudy miasma. He watched in awe as the fighting continued all around, but was interrupted by the snowy vixen calling to him. "Move Javari! Come on we're almost to the ridge!!" He began running after her though why he was unsure. He wasn't a warrior, he couldn't fight, and his name was not Javari. He was running to his death he was sure.

"That's good Javari! We're right he- WATCH OUT!!" He looked up and was greeted by the sight of a missile bearing down upon him. There was no time for a final prayer, no last words, only instant vaporization. He looked off to the right and caught a fleeting glimpse of the Icy vixen running towards him but it was too late . . . His word went white.

"AAAAHHH!!" He screamed as he shot up in his bed. Thick beads of sweat matted his fur as he frantically panted for air. He took in his surroundings and sighed in relief. "It's alright Ky'ulla . . . You're home."

"The same nightmare again Ky'ulla?" Ky'ulla paid little mind to voice and asked "Unfortunately. How could you tell?"

"Just because I'm in sleep mode does not mean my audio receptors stop working. Are you certain you won't see an Imperial physician?"

"Wha?! CT-9 are you insane?! If I told a doctor what was going on they'd think I was crazy and lock me up."

"Well personally if it means I can get adequate rest then I'm not object to that." Ky'ulla looked to CT-9 and smiled. CT-9 was a repurposed Republic era scout droid and a snarky one at that. The four legged droid was modeled after a Loth cat and despite being mechanical, CT still took pleasure in feline tendencies like grooming and napping. "Come on CT we're cutting it close for the morning brief!"

"Slow your roll you scatterbrained fox. I'd advise you to at least comb through that shag you call fur!" Ky'ulla started intently at his reflection in the mirror. His fur was a stark white, the exact same shade as the vixen from his dreams. He took the comb and gently ran it through the fur on his arms before pausing. He had vibrant lime green stripes on his arms and legs in the exact same places as the dream vixen. Ky'ulla sighed then turned his blue eyes to CT-9 asking

"You think she's real CT?" The feline droid let out a deep purr as if he were loading a response then said "My logic processors would dictate that I tell you no. Though I've been around for awhile and I've seen my fair share of events that contradict logic. Perhaps she is real and you're unearthing some repressed memory?"

"Repressed memory? Hmm possible but as far as I can recall I've never been in some major battle."

"Keyword repressed Ky'ulla. You wouldn't have remembered anyhow . . . Oh splendid! Your head trauma is about to make us late for the morning brief!" The droid then turned and started off, but not before Ky'ulla took off after him yelling "Why do you care!? You're just going to fall asleep during it!"

The duo made it to the briefing room without further incident and took up seats in the very back. Ky'ulla pulled out his holopad and began writing a few starter notes before the platoon leader showed up. CT-9 pawed at the ground before lying down and said "My sensors indicate your rising heart beat. Please tell me you aren't getting excited again."

"Sorry CT I can't help it! I've got a feeling that today's finally the day!"

"Finally the day that what? That Sargent lets you work in the motor pool? I calculate an 83.67% chance of being told no."

"Oh in the 80% range today huh? That's better than last week's 94.32% failure rate."

"Well your optimism is infectious I suppose and what's a fool without hope?" Ky'ulla rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the front where the Platoon leader was preparing to speak. Sargent Rioux was a burly no nonsense grizzly bear that had seen his fair share of action during the clone wars. He had shot down every single duty or transfer request Ky'ulla had sent but the fox had hope for today.

"Alright everyone shut your muzzles and open your ears! It's that wonderful time again . . . Duty call!" CT-9 casually looked at Ky'ulla and shook his head saying "Just stop now. We're not getting to work on TIE fighters." Ky'ulla ignored the droid and fidgeted impatiently as the Sargent continued down the duty list. "Jorvantu and Juzante! You two will take the Northern square and relieve last night's fire guard."

"OoOh CT he's on the K's!!" CT said nothing only began stretching before they had to depart. "Now . . . Ah yes Ky'ulla! You're on . . Field equipment maintenance duty! You all have your assignments now see to them. Dismissed!" As the ensemble of soldiers, workers, and technicians dispersed CT placed a comforting paw on Ky'ulla's knee.

The upset fox shook his head and said "I'm going to talk to him." CT watched as his master made his way down towards the podium and obediently followed close behind. The sargent stood fast by the podium answering a few of the straggler's questions. Once the last animal had their question answered Ky'ulla bolted over asking "Can I please be reassigned to the motor pool!?" The Sargent kept his gaze on his holopad and replied "Ah Ky'ulla. Not happy with your current assignment I take it?"

"Sargent with all due respect I was at the top of my class during my time at the Imperial Technical Academy! I aced every exam and outperformed my peers in countless evaluations! With my scores I should have been an engineer for capital ships or at the very least a flight systems technician!" The grizzly bear seemed unfazed and replied "Yet here you are replacing the fuel cells in old scanner equipment." Ky'ulla's fur bristled at the comment but he kept his composure replying

"Yes that's just it! My skills are going to waste here and you know it. Every transfer request I put in you reject . . ." The Sargent finally looked up from the holopad and turned his gaze to Ky'ulla saying "I'll tell you what I tell every other sleemo who thinks they can get off this rock with a slip of paper. Sometimes life deals you a bad hand, you can either fold or make the best of it." Ky'ulla scoffed and replied "Or maybe life dealt you a great hand but everyone around you just cheats?" The Sargent smirked replying "Get to work. Those cells won't replace themselves." Ky'ulla growled lightly as his superior casually walked away.

"Let it go Ky. We have work to do . . ." The disgruntled fox shook his fist angrily but ultimately listened to his droid companion. "There's always tomorrow . . ."

"CT . . . I hate this planet. Bingar can bite my tail." The four legged droid chuckled and replied "What's the matter? Too much sand?"

"No I'm just frustrated my talents are going to waste on this desolate rock. I have old schoolmates who are striking it big at major Imperial installations and there's me! Doing busywork day in and day out!"

"Be thankful we're somewhere quiet and away from insurgent activity. I survived one conflict, not exactly thrilled to be engaged in another." Ky'ulla's ears perked up at CT's grumbling. He was no stranger to the fact that his droid had survived the clone wars but CT-0 rarely ever talked about the conflict. It seemed like even droids could have bad memories.

"What was it like during the clone wars?" CT didn't make eye contact only kept his focus out the window as the troop transport drove on. "CT? Are you okay?" The droid again did not make eye contact, but he did respond saying "We're at the first radar relay. I'll stop the transport." Ky'ulla grimaced but didn't press further, only grabbed his tool bag. The troop transport slowly pulled off to the side of the relay beacon and stopped. The duo hopped out and made their way towards the beacon with a slow stride. Neither were in much of a mood talking.

CT-9 stepped to the malfunctioning beacon and huffed saying "Wonderful! Some how some way this relay got damaged. Is there an ion capacitor in your tool bag? This one here looks like some cretin took a swipe at it." Ky'ulla nodded and jogged back to the troop transport saying "If the relay housing is damaged than we're gonna need much more than a capacitor."

"Correctly assessed but we'll need to replace the capacitor before the housing. Did you bring the extra housings?"

"Of course CT! You know me better than that! That's a medium housing yes?"

"Yes but make sure the ******" Ky'ulla's ears perked up in confusion. CT-9's voice was drowned out by a soft yet firm humming. The fox brushed his ears then asked "Do you hear that CT?" The droid tilted his head in confusion and replied "My audio receptors do not detect any significant noises. What are you hearing?" Ky'ulla closed his eyes and focused on the noise. "It's a low humming CT. It's kind of hard to explain but the best way to describe it is like the sound a generator makes when in low power mode." The droid began scanning the immediate environment and replied "Nothing is coming up on my sensors Ky'ulla. It's just us out here."

Ky'ulla shook his head and strained his ears again. It seemed as if the noise was omnipresent, calling to him from all directions. "It's close! I can feel it now."

"You can feel the imaginary sound now? I hate to break the parameters of my programming but I am most certainly now recommending you for a physician." Ky'ulla closed his eyes and as if by instinct he raised his arm. CT-9 watched on with intrigue as his master stumbled around blind while swatting the air.

"I-It's pulling at me! I can feel it literally pulling my arm!"

"And what is this . . . 'force' pulling at you?" Ky'ulla ignored him and continued following the mysterious pull. "Are you really going to wander blindly into the arid desert unarmed and alone?" Ky'ulla made no effort to stop and replied "Well I'm not 'wandering' per say, I've got a good feeling about where I'm going. And I'm not alone I've got you!" CT-9 grumbled but followed obediently but not before jabbing "Yes I am an excellent navigator, but do not be upset if I don't save your tail from ruffians. I'm the last of the CT units and I deserve to be preserved!"

The duo continued their impromptu mission through the desert, only stopping to rest for a spell. As Ky'ulla walked his mind seemed to wander. Along with the pull he was following he could also hear small cobbled up voices. The voices seemed to be getting louder but he still couldn't make any of them out. "Your heart level is rising again. What's the matter?'

"I'm hearing voices now. They're loud and discordant, none of them are understandable either . . . It's disturbing."

"This whole event is disturbing. Hopefully today'll be the end of this."

"Speaking of the end, I think we're here. The pull is incredibly strong now, I don't even need to close my eyes or hold up my a hand." CT-9 ran ahead and carefully peered over a small sand dune. The droid scanned the environment and replied "Well you led us to a small abode of some kind. Your pull still aggravating you?" Ky'ulla confidently pointed to the small home and said "It's coming from there for sure." the duo exchanged affirmative nods then made their way towards the home.

CT-9 protectively took the lead and said "Be on your guard. If this dwelling was built so far from the main city then you can be sure they won't be friendly to strangers . . . especially Imperials." Ky'ulla nodded in agreement and replied "Don't worry about me CT. Just make sure you stay out of harm's way. Wouldn't want one of the last CT units to be damaged." CT-9 scoffed and pressed forward to the door saying "I hope this diversion is worth your time. There's still relays to repair." Ky'ulla ignored the droid's whining and stepped inside as well.

The dwelling was primitive for lack of better words. Just a simple room furnished with a small table, a fold out, cot, and a plain dresser drawer. The entire structure seemed to be an abandoned cave that some hermit had taken residence in. "hmm it's uhhh . . . simple?" CT-9 scoffed and replied "Simple? No this is beyond simple. It's primitive! You drug me to the middle of nowhere for nothing!"

"No not nothing . . . This!" Ky'ulla stepped up to the small table and snatched a small cube. The fox triumphantly held up the object saying "Ha! See I told you I wasn't going crazy! This thing is what's been pulling me!"

"You don't even know what it is!" Ky'ulla scratched his chin as he examined the object. It was a small thing, no larger than the average power cell. Perfectly cub shaped and beautifully decorated. Gold trimmings and etchings adorned each face, giving the cube a mysterious and aged appearance. Ky'ulla tried twisting and turning the object in hopes of activating it but to no avail.

"It's got weight to it CT. Solidly built as if something's inside but there's no opening to it."

"It could be a compact warhead or some type of arcane treasure!"

"What makes you say that CT?"

"Whoever lives here probably didn't want whatever that it to fall into the hands of Imperials like us."

"You're absolutely correct you intruding slimes!" Ky'ulla and CT-9 both flashed concerned looks toward each other before turning and facing the voice. Standing by the doorway was a less than opposing looking fennec fox. The tiny fox pushed past the threshold and scowled up at Ky'ulla. "unhand my property Imperial Dogs!" CT-9 bristled up at the insult and prepared to pounce but not before Ky'ulla stepped in saying "ma'am we're really sorry for intruding, we truly meant no harm!" The fennec said nothing only continued scowling.

"Look I know you won't believe this but I heard this . . . thing calling me! I could feel it pulling me even when I was far away! I wish I could explain it better but I'm struggling to find the words." The fennec's harsh gaze was replaced by an intense stare. Ky'ulla's eyes met hers and as their gazes intensified CT chimed in saying

"Let us go Ky'ulla. She's staring at you like you're a crazy person." The two foxes ignored the feline droid and kept staring until Ky'ulla got a chill up his spine. His eyes grew wide as he excitedly replied "I-I felt her! She believes me!" CT-9 shook his head and latched onto Ky'ulla's sleeve saying "Okay that's enough! You are seeing a physician now!" The CT unit drug Ky'ulla outside but the fennec fox called out saying "Calm yourself droid. Your master is right . . . I do believe him." Ky'ulla ripped his sleeve from CT-9's jaws exclaiming "See?! I told you I wasn't insane! I knew I was feeling something, can you feel it too ma'am?"

"Shiiva. My name is Shiiva young one and yes I can. What you are experiencing is something very special. I believe you are experiencing an awakening within the force, a very rare phenomenon in this day and age."

"What's the force?" Shiiva scratched her chin then motioned for the duo to follow her outside. The fox and droid exchanged confused looks but ultimately obeyed and followed. The fennec walked over to a semi buried rock and sat atop saying "Come. Sit down for awhile." Ky'ulla nodded and sat down in front of her saying "Now please . . Tell us about the force." Shiiva smiled then patted her knee replying "As you wish. The force is an energy that binds all living things together. It's everywhere you see but beyond that . . . It's a source of power."

"Wait hold on . . . Power? What kind of power?"

"the power to see what others can not, The power to go where normal animals can only dream, and the power to do what no animal can do. Though such power comes at a cost." Ky'ulla childishly scooted closer and peered up at Shiiva with bright eyes and asked "w-what cost?"

"When one becomes a willing servant of the force they open themselves up to its agenda. What that agenda is? No one may truly know but I do know a force sensitive when I see one. The force beckoned to you and against all logic you answered the call."

"It felt like . . . the natural thing to do." CT-9 huffed indignantly and said "Can we go now? You two have prattled long enough about mystics and relics of the past." Shiiva chuckled and replied saying "Hmm a mouthy droid this one is. It's funny droid, CT units are now considered relics along with us 'old mystics.' It would appear to the larger empire you've out served your purpose."

"Hmpfh! Well that makes two of us then Jedi. It seems we're both relics of the Old Republic now." Shivva nodded solemnly and patted CT's head affectionately.

"The Jedi!? I read a few historical pieces on them during the academy. They were considered violent and barbaric cultists that laid waste to the old republic! Records show they would go around kidnapping children and slaughtering their mothers!" Shiiva and CT-9 exchanged disapproving looks before the droid said "I served under the Jedi during the clone wars. They were noble servants of the Republic and excellent battlefield commanders." The droid's eyes flashed as he pulled up a recording from his memory banks. Ky'ulla watched intently as a strong looking wolf warrior stood firmly planted in the middle of a battlefield. He held no fear even as blaster fire flew all around him.

The warrior barked orders at his subordinates then unclipped his own weapon, a small hand held cylinder. As the weapon ignited Ky'ulla curiously asked "what is that thing? I saw a warrior use it in my dream last night."

"Your dream you say? Hmm interesting indeed. But to answer your question that 'thing' is a lightsaber, the weapon of a Jedi. They are fine tuned instruments and symbols of the order. During the Jedi Order's prime there were thousands of us protecting the galaxy . . . now we are few."

"What happened then?! How'd so many Jedi disappear?!" Shiiva closed her eyes and inhaled sharply replying "Maybe one day I'll regale you with the full story, but in short? The Empire saw the Jedi as a threat and eradicated them. Now the few of us left wander the galaxy in hopes of preserving the ways of our fallen order." Ky'ulla sat back and did his best to process all he had learned. From the mysterious force to the fall of the Jedi, it was all a whirlwind of information. Ky'ulla then thought back to himself and how he had even gotten here and asked

"So what does this all mean for me? Why was I led here to you? Am I-I . . . a Jedi!?"

"I do not truly know child. I can sense the force is strong within you, but that alone does not make you a Jedi or even means you should be one. There is a burden one takes on when becoming a servant of the light side. It is not something to take lightly. Ky'ulla looked up at Shiiva and confidently said

"I think this was meant to be. I was just a child when the Old Republic was falling, I never knew anyone who had ties to it. I grew up in an Imperial child care facility, learning about the Empire and Emperor at a very young age. But throughout all of that I always had this . . . feeling in me. When I was in the Imperial Academy my test scores alone should have landed me a job on Coruscant, but by some strange incident I was sent here. I believe I was sent here for a reason, this can't all be a coincidence!"

Shiiva scratched her chin and murmured to herself quietly. CT-9 padded over to Ky'ulla and sat next to him saying "Apologies for not telling you about the clone wars Ky'ulla. With what was happening it seemed . . . Inopportune." Ky'ulla raised an eyebrow and replied "You knew I was force sensitive?"

"I admit I had been suspicious for some time now. You shared some quirks and tendencies with the Jedi I had encountered before, namely the vivid dreaming."

"But you kept trying to get me to go see a doctor! Why didn't you just tell me?! Why the secrecy?!"

"When the Empire took over Lor'Xium many traditional scout droids like the CT units were retired in favor for the probe droids. A few of us were retained for service and we were supposed to have our memory wiped . . . Though I never had mine wiped. The information within my data banks is now considered blacklisted. If it's discovered within me all that happens is a memory wipe but for you? I do not wish for any harm to befall you Ky'ulla, that is why I never told you the full extent of my service in the clone wars. The truth is a dangerous cross to bear nowadays, you accept this path and you'll make enemies."

The fox twiddled his thumbs absentmindedly as he said "I'm positive this is what I'm supposed to do here! Shiiva don't you agree?" The quiet fennec looked to Ky'ulla then sighed saying "I do believe you were brought here for a reason, but are you certain this is the path you want to take?" Ky'ulla stood to his feet and nodded vigorously saying "I'm certain this is what I'm supposed to do . . . To learn the ways of the Jedi!" Shiiva chuckled at his enthusiasm then replied

"Well Ky'ulla if you believe this meeting was by the will of the force then so do I. Perhaps it is time for the Jedi to make a return." Ky'ulla excitedly bounced up and down and asked "So what's my first lesson then!?"

"To open yourself up to the force. Tell me young one, how did you find my abode?"

"I told you the cube called to me! It was like a pull guiding me."

"Ah and how did you follow the force? What did you do padawan?" Ky'ulla tilted his head in confusion and asked "I uhh . . . Well I closed my eyes and held a hand out. When I dud that I felt the pull narrow and become more focused."

"Yes! What you experienced was a call and response in the force. The force called to you and when you focused your efforts you responded back. That's why you were able to find the 'cube' as you call it." Ky'ulla tossed the object up and down a few times then asked "What is this? I can still feel it calling to me." Shiiva slid off her seat then grabbed the object from him. The Jedi master placed it upon the rock and said

"Focus your energy upon it again. I want you to let yourself go and commune with it." Ky'ulla raised an eyebrow but said nothing in return. He closed his eyes and raised his arm once again. He didn't understand why he was focusing on the cube, but he did as he was told and relaxed his body. Ky'ull could feel the object shaking and becoming jittery but he maintained his focus.

As he concentrated on the cube CT-9 couldn't help but say "He's floundering with it . . ."

"Quiet droid! Let your master focus!" Ky'ulla tuned the bickering duo out and focused on the discordant voices coming from the cube. The longer he meditated the more clear the voices became. Ky'ulla could feel the cube becoming lighter and lighter before he could barely feel it at all. The cube floated gently in the air, spiraling around as it reacted to the force. Ky'ulla concentrated a bit harder and in turn twisted the cube apart. As it opened the cobbled up voices Ky'ulla heard earlier became crystal clear. The trio all sat and listened as the cube spoke saying

"This is Master Obi Wan Kenobi. I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic, have fallen with a dark shadow of the Empire rising to take their place. This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi. Trust in The Force. Do not return to the Temple...that time has past. And our future is uncertain. We will each be challenged. Our trust. Our faith. Our friendships. But we must persevere. And in time, a new hope will emerge. May the Force be with you, always."

As the message ended Ky'ulla opened his eyes in shock to the site of the floating and dismantled cube. With a shaky voice he asked "d-did I d-do that?!"

"Yes padawan. You are quite strong in the force, but you will need training to hone your abilities. You are like unrefined beskar. Strong, raw, powerful but not serving a purpose in that current form. I will not lie to you, I did not expect you to open the holocron. You surpassed my expectations hahaha!"

Ky'ulla reached out and reassembled the holocron, bringing it to his lap he asked "So this 'holocron?' Is it a message box?" Shiiva reached out with the force and plucked the object from his lap saying "Holocrons are repositories for information, only accessible to a Jedi. You must be aligned with the light side of the force to open one." The fox pondered what she had told him then asked

"So what if I couldn't have opened the holocron? Or what if you didn't believe me!? What would you have done to me!?" The Jedi master only grinned in response as she walked back to her cave.

"Wait Shiiva!"

"That is 'Master' to you padawan."

"oh . . . Wait Master! Where are you going?!" Shiiva stopped walking and turned back saying "Home. I need rest if I am to take on an apprentice, come back tomorrow and your path to becoming a Jedi will begin." Ky'ulla and CT-9 exchanged looks of excitement and dread respectively. The force sensitive fox was beyond excited, but his droid was less than thrilled. CT-9 turned away and started making his way back to the troop transport saying "I hope you know what you're doing 'Master Jedi.'" Ky'ulla looked back towards the cave and replied

"Yea CT me too . . ."