Meditation Training (Flashback Chapter)
[Here is a Flashback Chapter, something I said I was going to use to explain Nathans time at Tython. We're at a point in the story where I can start doing this.]
~~~(POV: Nathan Opal)~~~
~~~(Location: Tython, Jedi Academy)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 9 and a half)~~~
It's been hard since mom and dad have left me, and I try my best with these classes. It's hard adjusting my life... "Opal, are you listening?" My thoughts are interrupted by the teacher of this class outside. Master Caleb is trying to explain to us how Meditation and pulling The Force into ourselves work. He's very patient with all of us.
My eyes meet his, and I can see he's waiting for my answer. "Sorry, Master Caleb... I was distracted by my thoughts..." The other younglings around me have been doing things longer than I have, but I'm slowly getting used to how things work here. Dorwill and Keilara are in different rows in front of me, and they're the only friends I've made so far.
Master Caleb turns around and heads to the stone platform in front of us. He sits down and crosses his legs. "Today, we're going to put what we've taught you about Meditation into practice. This is one of the most important lessons you'll have. Meditation is important for every Jedi's relationship with The Force." The Force... Something still mysterious to me...
People tell me my connection is strong, and I've experienced some things in my life. The Force is still confusing to me, though... I've only been consciously practicing my powers for about a month now. "People connect to The Force at different rates and levels when they first start. It could be quick, and it could take you a long time." The other younglings around me are nervous.
They're not the only ones. I've lost control of my powers on Alderaan and Tatooine... I don't want that happening here... "Now, younglings, take a comfortable and relaxed pose while sitting and close your eyes." The rest of the kids around me follow his instructions, and I look around as I'm the last one left. Master Caleb sees me and encourages me to try with a nod.
Here goes nothing... I settle into a relaxed state, and I close my eyes. There is the soft grass below me and the sounds of the wildlife and forests of Tython that surround all of us. My mind is relaxed, and I try to connect to The Force. In an instant, I'm filled with a familiar feeling. One that I've had on Tatooine and Alderaan. The feeling gets deeper and deeper.
The noise from Tython drowns out into silence, and the feeling continues to grow. My heart rate slows, and I feel everyone around me. Some are connecting to The Force, and others have yet to connect. My eyes open, but I'm met with a strange and scary sight. I'm no longer on Tython. I'm on a lush and green world. A place that feels familiar to me.
The Force is telling me to move forward, and I do. After a few minutes of walking, I see a massive clear and beautiful lake. My eyes land on a white-haired woman sitting on the edge of the stream leading into the lake. She lifts her head in alarm and turns her body around to see me. I'm far away from her on a hill, but I can make out her features perfectly.
She starts running towards me. She's completely nude. Before she can get halfway to me, the world fades away at speeds I can't tell. The best description I can give is the same look you get from hyperspace. The last thing I saw was her crying face and tears running down her cheeks as she reached out. My eyes jolt open as I take a deep breath.
I sit up in the bed that I'm in, and something must've happened. My head feels light, and I feel sick. The next thing I know, I'm filling up a waste bin with vomit. The door to the room hisses open, and I see Master Caleb and Master Max come into the room. Master Max is in a far fouler mood than I've seen him in the time that I've had him as a teacher.