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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    Va''Ruun nods. "That is correct."


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


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


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


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


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


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


    ?????


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


    It''s August''s.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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