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MillionNovel > Stranded in a Magical World with my Lightsaber > Chapter XVII Part II

Chapter XVII Part II

    The memory shifts, subtle but distinct; a change of time, and I notice that Ryu''s posture has changed. He sits more upright, his gaze cautious as he surveys the room. The door to the chamber hisses open, and in walks a small figure, tapping a walking stick against the floor with each deliberate step.


    The creature—no taller than Nikko—carries an air of wisdom that feels ancient and profound. Its wrinkled green skin and large, pointed ears seem out of place with its small size, but its presence fills the room in a way that commands attention. The sharp, inquisitive eyes study Ryu, and there is a seriousness in the air, heavy and almost suffocating.


    Nikko tightens her grip on my arm, her eyes wide as she watches the small figure approach. Even Llamiryl, normally calm and composed, looks intrigued, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observes the creature.


    The figure stops in front of Ryu, leaning slightly on the walking stick, its gaze never leaving him. The room falls into a heavy silence, the weight of the moment hanging thick in the air.


    "A mystery, you are, Ryu Chikara," the figure finally says, its voice soft but filled with quiet authority. There is no mistaking that this being carries great power.


    Ryu shifts slightly in his seat but keeps his gaze steady. "Who are you?" he asks, his voice firm, though I can sense a hint of curiosity in his tone.


    The small figure nods, as though expecting the question. "Master Yoda, I am," he says, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studies Ryu. "Of the Jedi Council, I am."


    Yoda''s words reach me with no understanding, and judging by Nikko''s confused glance, she doesn''t understand either. But the way he speaks, the authority in his tone, tells me everything I need to know—this being is someone important, someone powerful. And yet, I can''t help but feel a sense of calm in his presence, despite the tension filling the room.


    Ryu, however, remains quiet, his gaze steady but wary.


    "Master Va''Ruun sensed the truth in you," Yoda continues, his voice calm but probing. "But no records of you, there are. Hmm?"


    Ryu''s brow furrows slightly. "Then why are you here?" he asks, his voice steady but laced with suspicion. "If Master Va''Ruun already believes me?"


    Yoda hums softly, tapping his walking stick lightly on the floor. "Wanted to see for myself, I did. Sense much in you, I can." His voice softens, but there''s an edge to it. "Pain. Death. Guilt, you carry. Hmm?"


    I see Ryu tense, his body stiffening slightly. His gaze sharpens, but he doesn''t respond immediately. The tension between them is palpable, and I feel my heart race as I watch them.


    "What do you mean?" Ryu finally asks, though there''s a hint of defensiveness in his voice.


    Yoda''s gaze doesn''t waver. "Run from it, you do," he says, his tone quiet but firm. "Your past... cannot escape it, can you?"


    Ryu''s jaw clenches, and I can see the frustration building in him. He looks away for a moment, as though trying to gather his thoughts. "I''m trying to atone for my past," he mutters, his voice low but resolute.


    Yoda nods slowly, as though he understands more than he''s letting on. "Good, you try to do. Honorable, that is. But not enough, it will be. Guilt, always with you, it will stay. No running from that. Hmm?"


    I can see the tension in Ryu''s body increase, his hands balling into fists on his knees. His voice comes out sharper now, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Then what should I do?"


    Yoda tilts his head slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Ask for answers, you do," he says, his voice oozing with a kind of ancient wisdom that reminds me of something August might say. "But answers, always you will seek, if that is your path. Never satisfied, always searching."


    Ryu''s gaze hardens, his jaw tight as he looks away, refusing to respond.


    Yoda takes a small step forward, his voice gentle but filled with quiet power. "A question, I have. Your past, you hide from it. But why?"


    Ryu''s shoulders stiffen, and I see the internal battle playing out across his face. He doesn''t want to answer. "That''s not important," he mutters, dodging the question with a frustrated edge.


    Yoda taps his walking stick again, the sound echoing softly in the room. "Important, it is. The past shapes you, hmm? What happened, Ryu?"


    There''s a long silence, and I can see Ryu wrestling with himself. He doesn''t want to speak, doesn''t want to relive whatever it is that haunts him. But Yoda''s gaze remains steady, unmoving, waiting for the truth.


    Finally, Ryu speaks, his voice quiet, heavy with guilt. "I... I served under a Sith Lord," he admits, his eyes still cast downward. "I was his apprentice. I did things I wish I could forget."


    Yoda listens in silence, his face unreadable but his eyes sharp, taking in every word.


    Ryu continues, though his voice falters. "I tried to leave, make my own choices but he had control over me. More than I realized. I''ve been trying to make up for it ever since."


    "Running from it, you are," Yoda says softly. "But the past, always with you, it stays."


    Ryu''s gaze drops further, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the admission. "I thought I could outrun it," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I couldn''t."


    Yoda taps his walking stick lightly again. "Live with it, you must. The guilt, always there it will be."


    Ryu looks up, his face pained. "I''m trying. I''m doing what I can. I''m trying to do good."


    Yoda nods but takes a deep breath, disappointment flickering in his eyes. "Doing good, honorable it is. But not enough, it will be. Always searching for redemption, you are. But that, only lead to more questions, it will."


    Ryu''s expression hardens again, frustration clear in his eyes. "So what should I do?"


    Yoda tilts his head, his gaze thoughtful. "Ask for answers, you should not. Look inside, you must."


    Ryu clenches his jaw, his hands tightening into fists again. He''s wrestling with something deep inside, and I can feel the weight of his struggle.


    After a long pause, Yoda continues. "A Jedi, do you think you should become, hmm?"


    Ryu shakes his head firmly, almost instinctively. "No. That path is not for me. I''m an Acolyte of the Force. I walk between the light and the dark."


    Yoda hums softly, his eyes narrowing. "A dangerous path, that is. But walk it, you can."


    Ryu''s face softens, but the conflict remains clear.


    Yoda taps his walking stick lightly once more. "Perhaps... a guardian, you could be. Protect this temple, hmm? Balance, you seek. A guard, you could become."


    Ryu''s eyes widen slightly, hesitation flashing across his face. "A Temple Guard?" He shakes his head again, more slowly this time. "I don''t deserve to be associated with the Jedi."


    Yoda''s expression sharpens, and his voice becomes firmer. "History with the Jedi, you have. Hmm? Sense it, I do."


    Ryu clenches his jaw, clearly refusing to answer, but Yoda presses on.


    "Running from it, you are. A guardian, you could be. Live with your past, not run from it."


    The silence between them stretches long and heavy, the weight of Yoda''s words sinking into Ryu. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Ryu speaks, his voice low and uncertain. "I... I don''t know."


    Yoda steps closer, his gaze soft but firm. "The path, not always clear. But find it, you must."


    After another long pause, Ryu finally nods. "I''ll... consider it."


    Yoda smiles softly, the kind of smile that holds decades of wisdom. "Good. Consider it, you should. A wise choice, it could be."


    As Yoda turns to leave, the room begins to fade and we find ourselves back in the endless hallway once again, the shadows enveloping us. But Yoda''s words echo in my mind, leaving me with a strange sense of peace mixed with uncertainty.


    ?????


    The air grows impossibly heavy, the cry of the Shadowfell piercing through everything. Nikko whimpers beside me, her grip on my arm tightening as she doubles over, clutching her head. Even Llamiryl, usually composed and strong, falters, her face strained, her breaths coming in sharp gasps.


    "I will find it... the source of his guilt," the Shadowfell''s voice growls, each word dripping with malevolent wisdom. "And when I do, Ryu will fall... and he will be mine."


    I try to shake the words from my mind, but they cling to me like a sickness, crawling into every corner of my thoughts. I can feel its grip tightening around my heart, squeezing the hope from my chest. Nikko lets out a pained gasp, clutching at her head as she struggles beside me.


    "N-Nikko..." I whisper, reaching out to her, but my own strength is waning. The voice continues to pour venom into my thoughts, tearing at my resolve.


    "You think he''s changed?" the Shadowfell mocks, its voice filled with a dark, twisted wisdom. "Ryu has not changed. He walks the path of light for now, yes... but the darkness within him... it festers, waiting for the right moment. One moment of weakness, and it will consume him again."


    Nikko cries out in pain, her hands trembling as she presses them against her head, her tail flicking erratically behind her. I can feel her agony, as if it''s mirroring my own. Even Llamiryl, standing strong, winces, her body trembling under the assault.


    "He is still the same," the voice hisses, as if it knows every fear I have ever harbored. "The darkness, Talia... it never truly leaves. It waits... waits for the moment when Ryu falters. All it takes is a little push. And when he falls... it will be because of you."


    The words burrow into my mind, deep and vicious. My knees buckle under the weight of them, and I feel myself collapsing, barely managing to catch myself on the cold, stone floor. I clutch my head, my fingers trembling as the pain intensifies.


    "No... no, he''s not..." I whisper, but my voice is weak, almost lost in the onslaught of the Shadowfell''s taunting.


    Nikko whimpers beside me, and I look at her, seeing the fear and agony mirrored in her wide, tear-filled eyes. Her small body shakes with pain, and I feel helpless, completely powerless to protect her.


    Llamiryl''s face is tense, her hands balling into fists tightly as she fights the assault, but even she seems to struggle under the weight of the Shadowfell''s words. "Ryu will fall, Talia. You know this. Deep down, you know. You are not strong enough to stop it. He will become the monster again, and it will be because you failed him."


    I try to scream, to fight, but the pressure in my head grows unbearable. My vision swims, the world around me blurring. Nikko''s cries echo in my ears, and I want so desperately to reach out to her, to pull her close and shield her from this torment, but I can''t. My body feels heavy, weighed down by the sheer force of the Shadowfell''s attack.


    "He was always mine, Talia," the voice whispers, cold and final. "And he always will be. You cannot save him from himself. No one can."A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    A final wave of crushing pain surges through me, and I scream, collapsing fully onto my hands and knees. The darkness presses in on all sides, suffocating me, pulling me down. I can''t breathe, I can''t think. All I can hear are the mocking words, the fear that maybe... maybe it''s right.


    Then, as suddenly as it began, the assault stops.


    The pressure lifts, and the air feels lighter, though the damage is done. I fall to my knees, gasping for breath, my body trembling uncontrollably. My head throbs with pain, and I feel like I''ve been hollowed out, emptied by the cruel force of the Shadowfell''s words.


    Nikko collapses beside me, her small form trembling as she clings to my arm, her breathing shallow. Even Llamiryl is shaken, her face pale as she leans heavily against the wall, her breaths labored. The hall is quiet again, the Shadowfell retreating, but the echoes of its taunting words still ring in my mind.


    The pain vanishes like a fading nightmare, leaving only the echo of what was. I hold Nikko tightly against me, feeling her trembling, trying to steady both of us after the onslaught we''ve just endured. The air feels lighter, almost surreal after the crushing weight of the Shadowfell''s attack.


    "Are you alright?" Llamiryl asks, her voice strained but regaining strength. I glance up at her. She stands tall, though I can see the tension in her posture.


    I nod, still catching my breath. "I''m okay," I say, my voice calmer than I feel. I look down at Nikko, brushing her cheek softly. "Are you okay?" I ask her, my heart still racing from the pain we both felt.


    Nikko winces slightly, but then she nods. "I''m fine," she whispers, her voice shaky, but I can see her trying to be strong. I give her a small smile, pulling her close once more for reassurance.


    Llamiryl takes a deep breath, her expression thoughtful. "We''re getting close," she says, her voice resolute despite the exhaustion. "The Shadowfell... it''s getting close too."


    I swallow, the weight of that truth sinking in. "Do you think something happened at the temple?" I ask, my mind already racing with possibilities. My thoughts are filled with Ryu and what he might be facing.


    "I''m not sure," Llamiryl admits. "I can see so little... The Shadowfell''s presence is pushing me back." She shakes her head, frustration flickering in her eyes before she composes herself once more.


    I sigh, looking down at Nikko, who grips my hand tightly. "We''ll be okay," I murmur softly to her, trying to push away my own fears. "We just need to keep going."


    Nikko nods, her grip loosening but still firm. Llamiryl steps forward, her eyes narrowing as she summons another door before us. It hums with energy, glowing faintly as it solidifies into place.


    After making sure Nikko truly is alright, I step forward, following Llamiryl. Together, we walk through the door into the unknown, the weight of what lies ahead pressing on my mind, but with determination burning beneath it.


    The memory shifts, and we find ourselves in a vast room—its design sleek, precise, and almost serene, yet there''s an underlying sense of discipline in the air. The room has clean, polished wooden floors, and across the walls are racks of weapons, elegantly displayed and well-maintained. Large windows let in natural light, softening the otherwise strict atmosphere of the place.


    The walls are adorned with what I assume are symbols of the Jedi—foreign to me but carrying a sense of history and authority. The open space at the center of the room is divided into sections, mats spread out in neat rows, clearly meant for sparring. It''s pristine, everything in its place, everything organized, and yet there is an intensity about this space that makes it clear it''s a place of training, of preparation.


    Around the room, several figures stand, all dressed in identical robes, their faces hidden beneath helmets that resemble the guards we had seen earlier. Each carries themselves with a certain weight, their movements deliberate, purposeful, and all are watching the center of the room.


    Two Temple Guards are engaged in a duel, both wielding double-bladed yellow lightsabers. The hum of their weapons fills the room as they clash, sparks flying with every strike. Their movements are sharp, quick, and yet fluid—like a dance, but with a deadly edge. Both combatants seem evenly matched, neither gaining ground over the other, their blades spinning and twirling with precision.


    I scan the room, trying to figure out which one is Ryu. But with all the guards wearing the same robes and masks, it''s impossible to tell. They all move with the same fluidity, the same discipline, except for slight differences in height.


    Suddenly, one of the combatants takes a swift swing. The other dodges effortlessly, stepping to the side, and with a graceful leg sweep, trips the first. The fallen Guard crashes to the ground, their lightsaber clattering out of their hand. The victor steps forward, their lightsaber aimed at the chest of the fallen Guard, but they don''t strike.


    A figure steps out from the side—one of the Guards watching the fight. Their robes are slightly different, perhaps indicating they are in charge here. They raise their hand toward the victor. "And the victor is... Ryu," the leader announces, their voice clear and steady. There are a few cheers from the other Temple Guards, though it''s more respectful than celebratory.


    I feel my breath catch in my throat. Ryu? I glance at the victorious figure, shocked at how much he seems to fit in with the others. How long has it been? How much time has passed? I look over at Llamiryl, but she offers no answers, her gaze as unreadable as ever. Even Nikko, standing beside me, seems impressed.


    Nikko looks up at me, her eyes wide and sparkling with pride as she watches Ryu. "He''s really strong, isn''t he?" she whispers, her voice filled with awe. "I knew Papa was a good protector, but now... he''s like a protector for everyone." She squeezes my hand gently, her excitement bubbling over. "He''s like a... a real hero, just like in the stories!"


    Ryu shuts off his lightsaber and steps forward, offering his hand to the fallen combatant. The other Guard takes it, pulling themselves up with a grumble.


    "What a nuisance," the fallen Guard mutters, brushing off their robes. "I hate losing to you, Ryu."


    Ryu simply shrugs in response, his silence as calm as ever.


    The Guard shakes their head, though there''s no malice in their tone. "I really hate that silent treatment of yours, Ryu," they say with a sigh before stepping back to join the others.


    The leader steps forward again, their voice commanding attention. "Next! Majel."


    Another Temple Guard steps forward, their movements sharp and eager. They grab their folded lightsaber, snapping it into place with practiced ease, both ends igniting with a bright, yellow glow. The room hums with the energy of their weapon.


    Ryu does the same, igniting his double-bladed lightsaber, the yellow light reflecting off the polished floors. The two Guards face each other, both taking fighting stances.


    The leader raises their hand. "Begin!"


    The fight starts with a flurry of movements, both combatants evenly matched. Their lightsabers clash in midair, the bright yellow blades spinning and slicing through the air with incredible speed. Majel moves with precision, their strikes calculated and forceful, but Ryu is faster, dodging each strike with fluidity, his movements almost graceful as he counters.


    For a moment, it seems they are perfectly equal, their skills mirroring one another. They step around each other in a circle, blades locked, the tension building as they look for an opening. Majel presses the attack, their lightsaber spinning in a series of rapid strikes, but Ryu remains calm, deflecting each blow with smooth, measured movements.


    Then, in a single, well-timed maneuver, Ryu steps aside just as Majel lunges forward. Using the momentum against them, Ryu sweeps low, tripping Majel and sending them stumbling forward. Before they can recover, Ryu swings his lightsaber, stopping just short of their chest.


    "The victor is... Ryu," the leader announces, the words filled with respect.


    Majel quickly gets up, brushing off the defeat. "One day, I''ll beat you, Ryu. You''ll see," they say with a grin beneath their mask, the determination clear in their voice.


    I can''t help but chuckle softly, remembering Marla''s sparring match with Ryu, Majel mirroring her words.


    The leader steps forward, their voice carrying throughout the room. "That concludes today''s training. Dismissed."


    ?????


    The memory begins to shift again, the training room fading away as the next part of Ryu''s journey pulls us forward and we are swept through a series of rapid, fragmented moments, each one revealing Ryu standing in different areas of what must be the grand temple. There is a quiet intensity to these memories, a stillness that fills each space Ryu inhabits, and yet it''s clear how important his presence is in these parts of the temple.


    The first scene opens in a long, dimly lit hallway, the air cool and heavy with silence. Ryu stands near a large doorway, his posture rigid, his double-bladed lightsaber folded at his side. He''s watching over what seems to be a heavily secured area, though I can''t tell what''s behind the door. The area itself is beautiful, lined with tall columns that reach up to the ceiling, and the walls are adorned with intricate carvings that seem to depict a history I can''t begin to understand. Jedi pass by occasionally, their robes flowing as they move through the temple with a sense of calm purpose, and Ryu stands among them, silent and watchful.


    The next scene flashes before us—Ryu now stands in front of a row of cells, the energy barriers glowing faintly, casting a strange light on the stone walls. He escorts a figure—hooded and bound—from one cell to another, his steps slow and deliberate, but he never says a word. The prisoner glances back at him, but Ryu''s face remains hidden behind his mask, giving nothing away. Other temple guards are present, but Ryu doesn''t acknowledge them. He simply completes his duty with silent efficiency, guiding the prisoner with a firm hand.


    We''re swept to the next memory—this time, Ryu is standing in an enormous room, bathed in a soft glow of natural light filtering through high, arched windows. The room is lined with rows of statues, each one imposing and regal, towering over the open space. Ryu stands near one of the towering statues, his stance calm, and as Jedi move in and out, performing their duties, he remains motionless, observing. The temple itself feels ancient, the air thick with the weight of history, and I can''t help but marvel at the vastness of it all. The statues are grand, each one a reminder of the Jedi Order''s storied past, though I don''t understand their significance.


    Another flash, and we see Ryu in a small meditation chamber, kneeling on the floor, his lightsaber placed before him. The room is simple, almost austere, with soft light from candles illuminating the space. He meditates in silence, the air around him still, and though he''s surrounded by other temple guards, none of them speak. There''s a sense of calm and control in his posture, his head slightly bowed, as if he''s seeking clarity in the quiet. But even in this moment of peace, Ryu doesn''t utter a single word.


    The next memory rushes in—Ryu is sparring once again, back in the training room. His movements are sharp, precise, but he still doesn''t speak. His opponent swings their lightsaber in a wide arc, and Ryu sidesteps effortlessly, his body moving with fluid grace. He counters with a quick strike, and their lightsabers clash, the room echoing with the familiar hum of the weapons. The other guards watch in silence, as if observing a ritual. The fight ends with Ryu victorious, his lightsaber shutting off with a snap-hiss as he steps away without a word, simply nodding to the one he defeated.


    The silence that follows each memory is haunting. Ryu moves like a ghost through the temple, a silent protector, always present but never fully engaging with the world around him. His role as a guardian is clear, but the lack of connection to those around him feels heavy.


    As the memories continue to shift, I catch glimpses of the outside world through windows in the temple. The city stretches out beyond the temple walls, and each time I glance out, I''m struck by its scale. Coruscant is nothing like I''ve ever seen before. The buildings are impossibly tall, reaching far beyond what seems natural, and the city itself seems to stretch on forever. A world of metal and glass, with flying ships darting between towers. But it''s mostly cloudy, the skies covered in thick, gray clouds. One day, as I stare out the window, I see a storm rolling in—black clouds heavy with rain and lightning cutting through the sky like jagged blades.


    It makes me wonder, does this world even have seasons? Is it like Alderaan, with its gentle springs and harsh winters, or like Aranthia, with its vibrant summers and frozen peaks? I can''t tell. The weather here seems unchanging, the constant haze of clouds making it hard to grasp the passage of time. Days blur together, and I wonder how long Ryu has been walking these halls.


    Nikko squeezes my hand again, pulling me out of my thoughts. "Papa looks so serious," she whispers, her wide eyes staring at Ryu as he stands guard once more. "But he''s doing something really important, right?"


    I nod, though I can''t help but feel the weight of the silence that surrounds him. He''s always been a protector, but now... now it feels different. He''s taken on a role that goes beyond what I''ve seen him do before, and yet, there''s something distant about it. Something that feels like it''s pulling him away, even if he''s standing right in front of us.


    The memories continue to shift, each one showing Ryu in different parts of the temple, always standing guard, always silent. The temple itself is mesmerizing—a place of history and power, its halls filled with Jedi of all kinds, each one moving with purpose. But as we follow Ryu through these moments, it''s clear that his role here is solitary, and I can''t help but wonder what this means for him.


    The memory unfolds before us. It''s night, and the sky is a blank canvas of thick clouds—no stars, no light breaking through. There''s a deep silence in the air as we find ourselves on a balcony overlooking a vast expanse of Coruscant. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and patterns, symbols I don''t recognize, but there''s a beauty here, even in the stillness of the night.


    Ryu kneels with nine others—Temple Guards. They are all meditating, their yellow double-bladed lightsabers folded and clipped to their belts. They stand still, unmoving, their robes gently swaying in the light breeze that passes through. I scan the group, but I can''t tell which one is Ryu. They''re all dressed the same, their faces hidden beneath those faceless masks, their forms disciplined and indistinguishable.


    The silence feels almost sacred.


    Suddenly, the doors behind them slide open with a jarring sound, and the peace is shattered. Figures in white armor storm through, weapons raised, their helmets smooth, emotionless. I gasp, jumping back as the first shots ring out—blue beams of light that crackle through the air. My heart races, and beside me, Nikko shrieks, clutching my arm tightly.


    The first two Temple Guards don''t even get a chance to react. They fall, their bodies crumpling to the ground as the blue beams of light cut through them mercilessly. The third tries to ignite their lightsaber, but it''s too late. A shot hits them in the chest, and they collapse with a heavy thud.


    Ryu—whoever he is among them—along with the remaining guards, ignites their yellow blades in unison, the room suddenly bathed in the eerie glow of their lightsabers. They move swiftly, deflecting the blaster fire with precision. The blue beams bounce off their weapons, some ricocheting into the walls, others hitting the white-armored soldiers. One by one, the soldiers fall, their bodies thudding against the ground.


    But it''s relentless. More of the soldiers pour in through the doors. There''s no stopping them. The remaining Temple Guards hold their ground, their lightsabers spinning in the air, but the tide is turning against them.


    "Llamiryl!" I cry out, my voice shaky. "What... what are they?"


    She''s silent for a moment, her eyes narrowed, focusing. "I''m... I''m trying to understand," she whispers, her voice tight. "Those are soldiers... of the Republic I think. But something''s wrong. This is... this isn''t just an attack. It''s an execution."


    My heart skips a beat. The Republic? Execution? But why? My eyes dart to Nikko, who''s clinging to me, her eyes wide with terror. "Why would they attack?" she whispers, her voice trembling. "Why are they killing them?"


    I have no answers. The fear in her voice mirrors my own. I hold her tighter, my pulse racing.


    The guards push forward, cutting through the soldiers with sharp, fluid movements, but it''s clear—they''re outnumbered. There''s no end to the storm of blue blaster fire.


    One by one, the guards fall, the blaster fire too much to hold back. I can''t even tell if Ryu is still among them. The scene is a blur of blue light, yellow blades, and the relentless sound of death. Bodies, both soldiers and Jedi alike, litter the ground, the air heavy with the scent of burning metal and charred flesh.
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