Public Shadows of Light

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Sen Kai

Title: Shadows of Truth

The air inside the Sparring Arena of the Jedi Shadow Temple on Kashyyyk was thick with anticipation. Towering trees loomed outside, their leaves whispering secrets that only the Force could understand. The arena itself was a coliseum, its smooth surfaces marred only by the echoes of countless trainings and duels fought by those who had come before. Today, however, it would bear witness to something new.

Aric Siasides stood at the edge of the practice grounds, feeling the weight of his freshly bestowed title as Jedi Master settle uneasily upon his shoulders. Surrounded by the verdant beauty of the temple — the rich green hues, the intricate woodwork adorned with glowing inscriptions — the arena felt almost labyrinthine compared to his own emotions. He was not used to being the center of attention, let alone a mentor. His reputation as a Jedi Knight who fought more like a Sith was well-earned, but still, he longed to be something different today.

As the sun filtered through the arboreal canopy, illuminating the polished floor, shadows danced at the corners of the arena, echoing the conflict within him. Aric inhaled deeply, the scents of earthy moss and damp bark grounding him. “Today is different,” he muttered to himself, his gravelly voice barely perceptible over the distant calls of creatures in the trees. “Today, I teach.”

The doors to the arena whooshed open, and a dozen younglings, each no older than twelve cycles, poured in. Their eager faces represented hope and potential, while beneath the gleaming arrogance of youth lay uncertainty. Aric felt an acute pang of discomfort as bright eyes swept over him, each a window revealing unfathomable desires to become Jedi Knights — robed figures of benevolence and compassion. The sort of heroes he had never quite understood or aspired to be.

“Welcome,” Aric began, his voice sharp but low, slicing through the excitement like a vibroblade. “I’m Master Siasides.” He glanced at the floor, grimacing internally. Words didn’t come easy to him; small talk was an ill-fitted garment, one that constricted him uncomfortably. But he pressed on. “If you’ve come seeking glory and heroism, you should probably turn back now. The path of a Jedi is not paved with light and laughter.”

A smattering of nervous laughter floated among the younglings, quickly silenced by the glint in Aric's eyes. “You are here to learn about shadows. Yours, the ones you project, and the ones lurking in the galaxy. Prepare yourselves, because we will confront the darker truths of our existence.”

A small boy with bright blue hair, who had been observing from the back, raised his hand. “But Master, do we not want to become a beacon of light?”

Aric’s mouth tightened into an almost imperceptible frown. “Sith and Jedi share a common foundation—power. What distinguishes us is our intent. Light is born from the shadows, just as our duty lies in the defense against them. You must learn that the truth hurts, but it is your greatest weapon.”

Aric gestured for them to gather closer to the center of the arena. The practice area had been marked with symbols — concentric circles, spirals, and jagged lines — representing the myriad paths of the Force, its darkness and light figuratively intertwined. It was not merely a battleground but a canvas for the different shades of understanding that could exist within every individual.

“Today’s lesson is simple: you will fight, but not each other.” He paused, savoring the look of confusion on their faces. “You will confront your own limitations. If we are fortunate, your shadows will emerge.”

With that, Aric gave an abrupt command: “Pair off!” The children scrambled into groups, their exuberance punctuated by giggles and whispers, the fear of confrontation dulled by their innocence. It wasn’t long before Aric stood before them, arms crossed, a sentinel of conviction and truth.

As the younglings began their sparring, they faced the most formidable opponents of all — themselves. Two of the more aggressive students, akin to natural-born warriors, clashed fiercely, their moves fluid and unyielding. Yet, it was the pair in the corner, a timid girl with a lisp and a boy with wilting shoulders, who ultimately caught Aric’s attention.

Their blades clashed awkwardly, more a clumsy dance than a duel. Frustration clouded their connection to the Force and to each other. Aric could almost see the shadows of self-doubt swirling around them, threatening to fully engulf their spirits.

“Focus!” Aric barked, the gruffness of his voice mirroring the gothic echoes of the distant jungle. “Your thoughts shape your actions; don’t allow doubt to dictate your movements.”

As the session progressed, Aric found himself unwittingly leaning in, gripping the railing of the arena, his own shadows wrestling with an emerging instinctive attachment to these children. He admired their determination, yet the truth remained — they needed more than encouragement. They needed direction.

Finally, he called for a halt. “Gather around.” As the children assembled, panting and flushed, Aric searched their faces. A mixture of excitement, confusion, and a hint of disappointment greeted him.

“You need to know that your shortcomings do not define you. Failure is an essential lesson, one you must greet with open arms.” He stepped forward, his own shadow falling boldly over the bright-eyed younglings. “Every master was once an apprentice, every Jedi once a child lost in the dark. You are not alone here.”

The esteem in their eyes dazzled him, a flicker igniting deep within his own. Aric realized, in that moment, how much he craved the connection — even as it terrified him. Perhaps teaching wasn’t about molding them into paragons, but about peeling away the layers, revealing truth and strength along the way.

As the class concluded, excitement bubbled anew. The students were sharing their thoughts, laughing about blunders and mistakes as they filed out of the arena.

“Master Siasides,” called the boy with blue hair as he paused at the exit, “thank you for today!”

Aric felt the warmth of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth — a mere shadow of a grin, but it was there. “You’ll find that the shadows are better faced with a friend at your side,” he replied, watching as they vanished into the verdant corridors of the temple.

With the sun beginning to dip and shadows elongating, Aric leaned back against one of the arena's walls. Though he would never be truly comfortable in the role of a mentor, it seemed he was beginning to understand. Perhaps being a Jedi Master was less about refusing the shadows and more about embracing them — shaping a brighter future amid darkness.

As he prepared for what lay ahead, he felt a sense of purpose settle in, albeit a reluctant one. After all, the path of a Jedi was a path illuminated in chiaroscuro, deeply rooted in the truth that shadow holds.

 

[Sen Kai]

Sen had come and immediately he knew that he was in the right place, a coliseum rather than some tree of serenity or ivory tower. He stood and listened arms crossed, his sacred robes falling down, and his Tuskan Mando Mask watching Mater Aric Siasides instruct these Younglings. The words that this Master uttered stirred something in the Shadow Aspirant, that Jedi Path was not one of perpetual light, rather it is to as Master Yoda once said, "to be candle in the Dark." (Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes). Only a Jedi Shadow was called to appear as the Dark, to blend into greater of the two that governed the Universe, for out there among the stars, the vastness of space, the darkness expanded further and covered more distant than light could ever touch.

Sen watched with interest as this Master trained Younglings to face their shadow selves. An intiguing notion, most Jedi only had one particular moment of this in the Trial of Shadows, when they often faced their darkness and tamed it. The truth is this galaxy was not so pristine or organized, one could be a faithful Jedi and fall to the dark side as so many had in eons past. There was no garantees, the Jedi Path was hard, this was fundmental point Master Siasides was driving home to these Younglings. Heroes died, the Light dimmed, and Darkness often did win, to join the fight was an uphill battle, and to as Master Jinn had said, "I do not choose the Light to win some cosmic struggle, I choose the Light because it is the Light." (Claudia Gray, Master and Apprentice). It had to be enough, and to maintain the lamp meant often it had to be carried in the mud, and even at times be cloaked in a shade, in the shadows to achieve greater good.

This was why Sen had come, to dedicate himself to this Hard Path. He was doing it not to fufill some grand destiny, nor to prove to himself that he could have saved His Tribe, this was his choice, to become a Shadow and he needed a Shadow Master to show him how. So stepping forward he approaching the other Younglings, the tallest he was and old by comparison, and yet he would rather be derided for becoming a disciple now if it meant he could do some actual good in the galaxy, get his hands dirty in the filth and probably be buried riven in scars and a body broken from sleepless nights and bones stilled by time.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Sen Kai

Title: Shadows of Truth

The afternoon sun filtered through the towering ancient trees of Kashyyyk, casting dappled shadows throughout the massive halls of the Jedi Shadow Temple. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and distant flora, the harmonious sounds of native wildlife mixing with the echoing footsteps of students and masters. In the center of the Sparring Arena—a grand circular arena housing both spectators and trainees—stood Jedi Master Aric Siasides, feeling every bit the uncertainty of his new role.

Aric was no gentle soul. His appearance bore the mark of a warrior, a gruff visage reminiscent of those who tread the darker paths of the galaxy. He had sharp features and piercing eyes, the kind that hinted at a lifetime of battles fought and truths uncovered. Many who crossed his path often wondered if he had embraced some stray aspect of the Dark Side, for his honesty was often laced with a harshness that left others recoiling. Yet, beneath the tough exterior lay a heart burdened by unyielding compassion—a dichotomy that defined him as a master.

As he strode across the polished stone floor, the whispers of younglings resonated in his ears. They played games and tried to emulate the movements of their masters, their laughter filling the arena with the innocence he had once cherished. But today, the joy felt hollow as he stood amongst them, now tasked with nurturing the next generation. The responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.

He glanced toward a secluded corner of the arena. There stood Sen Kai, a hybrid of Tusken Raider and Mandalorian heritage, a figure of mystery. The young man wore an eager yet guarded expression, a distillation of his unique lineage that made him more than a curiosity; he was a walking enigma. Aric had sensed the curiosity radiating from Sen Kai even during his lessons, observing the fluidity and raw power of the younglings without offering a single critique. Those watchful eyes had lingered—questions unasked, untold stories hovering like specters in the air.

Aric decided to carve out a moment of solitude, seeking the familiar comfort of meditation. He retreated to the center of the arena, folding himself into a lotus position upon the smooth stones. Closing his eyes, he focused on the Force, searching for Sen Kai’s aura, a vibrant swirling mass of strength mixed with uncertainty. As the calming energy began to envelop him, he felt the ebb and flow of the Force stirring, like tides that shaped the shores of an unseen ocean.

As he drifted deeper into meditation, Aric found himself traversing the boundaries of time—past, present, and future intertwining. He recalled the day he'd received the call to become a master, the weight of the decision sinking into him like a stone in deep water. Nevertheless, he had accepted, understanding that a voice unwavering in truth was often louder than one swathed in gentleness.

The stillness of the arena began to shatter, and he sensed Sen Kai approaching. The hybrid’s footsteps were hesitant, a stark contrast to the rambunctious energy of the younglings who peppered the arena just moments before. Aric opened his eyes, resting his gaze upon the young warrior.

"Master Siasides," the voice of another Knight, Yoni Bucket began, his voice steady, yet tinged with apprehension. "Is it true that you teach not just with lightsabers, but with words that cut deeper than any blade?"

Aric smirked, a rare expression softening his otherwise blunt demeanor. "It's absolute truth that carries weight. Slicing through deception is more potent than any saber strike."

The young man's brow furrowed, clearly wrestling with his own thoughts. "But does the truth not wound? To be honest… is it not a double-edged sword? You might break spirits just as easily as you might free them."

"A hard lesson,” Aric replied, drawing his voice into a low rumble. “The truth can indeed wound, but in time, it heals. It forges resilience where comfort breeds complacency." He gestured toward the sparring grounds, now devoid of students, save the two of them. "Tell me, what do you desire, Sen Bucket? Not the expectations of others, but the truth of your own heart. Will you allow Kai here to actually approach me and speak on his own?"

He did not pay attention to Sen Kai at the moment, not out of disregard, but because he was making a point to Bucket. Kai could have shifted uncomfortably, pulling at his own robe or looked on proudly, the Master would not know. “I want to excel, to harness the power within me. Yet…”

“Yet you fear the truth of who you are,” Aric interjected, his tone neither scornful nor patronizing, but a mirror reflecting Bucket’s own struggle, for he was an Echani whose bloodline traced all the way back to the days of Atris. “Understand that the journey is yours alone. You wield the right to choose the path ahead.”

Silence permeated the arena; even the distant calls of wildlife seemed to hold their breath as Aric's words settled upon Bucket, and hopefully Sen Kai like a cloak. Aric was aware that this young man stood poised at a precipice—his choice echoing beyond the confines of this arena.

“The truth will reveal itself in time,” Aric continued, an air of solemn resolve infused in his tone. “Embrace your heritage. Use it to drive you, to shape your understanding of the Force. Those who only seek power without purpose are doomed to fall.”

For the first time, a flicker of understanding ignited within Sen Kai, a fire slowly igniting in a hearth that once felt cold and empty. The young man nodded, acknowledgment threading through the stillness of contemplation.

“Then let us begin again,” he said, resolving to shape his words into vows of purpose. “Teach me, Master Siasides.”

Aric’s eyes were steely yet soft, for in that moment, he saw not just a pupil, but a fellow wanderer navigating the complex web of life. The truth he often wielded like a blade now became their bond—a promise that they would journey together through the shadows of uncertainty.

“Then rise, Bucket,” he replied, unfurling from his lotus position, steadying himself. “Let’s embrace what lies ahead, and wield the cutting edge of truth together, but later, I am about to have a conversation with Sen Kai here, and while you may not have done so intentionally, you’ve interrupted that.”

As the amber sun began to dip below the treetops, casting streaks of gold across the Sparring Arena, they stood side by side—master and apprentice, shadows together moving into the challenge of light, it just might be a good day after all.

 

[Sen Kai]

TAG: Aric Siasides

The Tuskan Mando watching intently as the Master Jedi took his place in the middle of this arena, not to draw kyber, rather to draw as curtain the Force itself in meditation. Sen did not hasten to speak, he knew that the place the Master was to be respected. For the Tuskan, meditation came more difficutly, for when he did bend his knees and stilled his mind, he saw the past, the pain of his loss rising as spring from his soul and bubbling over. He much preferred mediation with a blade in hand, feeling with each stroke of the saber a release as his soul was one with the edge, cutting not as foes seen, rather unseen. The dark side preyed on loss and the fear thereof, the former was the door he had to guard as securely as his weapon protected his body. This was a reason he had come to The Master, the shadow of grief that loomed inside him was not dispelling, no matter how much he tried, the weight of loss was a burden that held him as an anchor to the dock, making the ship of his soul stand idle at the shoreline.

When a Jedi Knight interrupted The Master, the Shadow Aspirant was hopeful he may speak with Master Siasides. All that he had said to the Younglings was as honey to his lips, for Sen never believed the Jedi Way was any easier than the Way of the Manda, that sacrifice and heavy choices were not only commonplace, but one had to accept the hardness, the rock that was this life of being a paladin of the Light. The galaxy was stirring with the sabers of the Sith, and blood was beginning to fall on many systems. The Jedi needed warriors, no doubt, though to be a Jedi Shadow was more than being a knight, it was a calling to face the dark side at its most primordial, not in cloak of mystics and on thrones, but in the day to day, in every face, and in the seedy places that Guardians and Consulars did not prefer to call their arena. It was there Sen wanted to do battle, to fight the injustice by becoming it, to blend in and remain a rock that could break open rivers of light upon those in perpetual darkness. Though there was a cost, his loss had taught him that. Any path was fraught with suffering, to accept this was crucial, though when one had attachments it was a far harder affair to master.

All of these thoughts were racing in the Tuskan Mando who seeing the Knight depart, began to approach, his sacred robes flowing, and his mirror mask reflecting the light pouring into the arena. On the outside he shone brightly, though he had not come for appearances, he came to go deeper, and he needed a guide. Walking in front of the Master, he sat down, crossing his legs and laying his arms on the arching knees. He did not utter a word, merely looking at Him in the eye, he could see a fortitude, a strength, and he sensed his own soul was sand to this Man's Iron. This was what he wanted, to become unshakable, to become a Rock.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Sen Kai

The Shadow Within

The Sparring Arena of the Jedi Shadow Temple on Kashyyyk sat beneath the sprawling canopy of ancient trees, their thick foliage filtering the sunlight into golden streams that danced across the ground. The circular arena, reminiscent of a grand Coliseum, echoed with the whispers of past battles—memories clinging to the air like the mist from the nearby waterfalls. Aric Siasides, a figure draped in dark robes, sat at the center, his presence commanding and intimidating. With his rugged features and a demeanor that could only be described as "brutally honest," he was more Sith than Jedi in his approach. He preferred clarity over niceties and truth over comfort, a belief that shaped his tenure as both a warrior and a Master. Why is this being revisited?

He was in the middle of his first afternoon teaching, already completed a class of younglings on stealth techniques at the Shadow Temple, and beneath his gruff exterior lay a fierce loyalty to the Order and a desire to guide his students through the harsh realities of life as Jedi Shadows. This role was not merely about wielding a lightsaber or mastering the arcane arts; it was about facing darkness on its terms, in its most primal form and beating it at its own game. Yet now, as he closed his eyes and sank into a lotus position, he felt an unfamiliar weight—a presence in the arena.

The Tusken/Mandalorian hybrid, known as Sen Kai, was lingering on the periphery, observing the lessons. Sen's hybrid lineage had no doubt birthed enough conflict within him to last a hundred lifetimes. Aric did not presume to know the ways of Tuskens, or Mandalorians other than his own experience and research, but he knew what he saw. For those akin to the likes of Sen, focus came easier with a blade in hand, feeling the sabers' hum synchronizing with their heartbeat. But today, the air crackled with unresolved grief—a shadow that seemed to cling to him like a second skin.

Aric was a visage of the mastery in the older man's posture, an unyielding strength enveloped in a cloak of calm. In the silence of the arena, Aric remained still, drawing upon the Force. He searched the depths of his own soul and extended his awareness to the aura of Sen, who was kneeling before him, a vessel of conflict and potential. He sensed the storm within him, a struggle with grief that threatened to transform him into something unrecognizable. Sitting at Aric's feet, Sen was mirroring his position, crossing his legs and resting his hands on his knees. Their eyes locked, and the unseen world between them began to thrum with tension.

"What is it that you seek, young one?" Aric's voice, deep and filled with an undercurrent of authority, broke the silence. His gaze remained steady, the weight of his scrutiny demanding honesty.
"Is it to learn how to face your shadows," he asked, his voice quieter than he intended. "I sense pain, loss—I feel it clouding your soul. Do you prefer the blade to this stillness, or do you understand that you must learn to confront what lies beneath?"

Aric regarded him thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "Pain is an anchor, Sen. It keeps you grounded, yes, but it also binds you. My apologies for presuming how you feel, but your surface thoughts are all but projecting onto me. The trick lies in acknowledging it without letting it define you. What you fear will always find a way back if you do not confront it."

Aric's brow furrowed as he processed Sen's words. "You are not alone in your suffering," he said slowly. "Every Jedi carries loss. Each one of us walks with ghosts at our side. The distinction lies in how we choose to acknowledge them. You can let them weigh you down, or you can allow them to become a part of you, a source of strength rather than fear."

The weight of the Master's words settling over the air like a shroud. Aric continued, "It is not about erasing the past; it's about forging it into your future. What do you fear the most, Sen?" He asked. "Knowing fear is valid," Aric replied, his tone softening. "Remember, strength does not lie in denial. It lies in acceptance and action. Your pain transforms into compassion when you channel it. That is the path of a Jedi Shadow."

"Now close your eyes." Aric's voice took on a soothing rhythm as he continued, "Breathe deeply. Let the breath wash over the pain, give it space to exist without overpowering you. Meditate on your loss, confront it. In this moment, allow it to teach you rather than harm you."

In the quiet of the arena, shadows stretched and danced, intertwining around the two figures lost in their meditation. The sun dipped lower, casting long shades that mingled with whispers of the past—each a reminder of battles fought, both inner and outer. And as Aric Siasides remained a steadfast rock before Sen Kai, he knew that more than lessons in lightsaber combat or mastery of the Force, it was this—this laboring through sorrow—that would forge true Jedi Shadows.

 

[Sen Kai]

The Tuskan Mando allowed the silence to speak between them for a time, he felt now was the necessary time. Taking his hand he released the pressure valve beneath and took his mask off to reveal a face, one riven with the pain. His eyes glowed as the sky, and his hair curly black as shadow. The Master had asked him, "what do you seek?" It would not do to lie, or project an answer that one wanted to hear, even if he succeeded, which he was rather certain he could not do with this Man of Iron, it would only do him a disservice.
"Master, I wish to be free of this pain.. not to forget, for I cannot.. love was there, but to have the strength to bear it and not become molded by it for malevolent ends. I know the darkness wishes to use it.. I choose to submit to any training you can provide to help me confront this shadow of my past."
His words about every Jedi carriying lost, having ghosts was the first time he had heard anyone acknowledge a fact that some seeked to sweep away with haste. Because of his talents in the Force there was prepensity to move on, to cease wasting time stilled by his mourning. Though he knew The Force could not be used as some tourniquet, that avoidance which Master Aric Siasides was speaking of would be to his deteriment. This idea that he could use this loss, rather than avoid it or try to drown it was a new concept to him, though it rang true as he heard the Master speak. When asked to close his eyes, he did so, which now thanks to his mask being removed was easy for the Master to tell.

What did he fear? The answer was there, loud as the roaring of waters.
"I fear becoming a slave to my loss, even believing that in name of those I lost I am doing something noble in intent, which will grow into something malignant to others. I fear that I will try to prove myself a savior.. to help others not have the same fate and become a false messiah.. and awake one day to realize I have allowed all my potential, all my purpose become defined by a trauma, when the Will of the Force may have had other plans.."
This confession made him shake, his very torso seemed to draw in as his breaths became laborious. It was as if he was purging liquid lead as he coughed, bowing his head before the Master. The weight of the shadows that came out in his tongue was as if a serpent was coming out of his very mouth, and this made him hunch over. He had heard the darkness preyed upon secrets and unconfessed fears, he sensed with this simple exercise of confessio that was true. The weight was not gone fully, though he did sense some relief, as if he could breath a little better.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Sen Kai The Shadow Within
In the dimly lit Sparring Arena of the Jedi Shadow Temple on Kashyyyk, the ambient humidity clung to the air, intermingling with the scent of earth and carbonite that lingered from previous training sessions. Tall trees arched over the arena, their gnarled roots weaving into the stone floor, forming a mosaic of nature mingled with the engineered. This round, Coliseum-style chamber had witnessed countless bouts—sparks of light clashed against shadows, victory had danced hand in hand with defeat, and destinies had shifted under its ancient gaze.


Aric Siasides sat in the center of the arena, his rugged figure etched with the weight of solitude. Time had shaped him into a grizzled warrior; every crease of his weathered face told a story of battles fought, not just against the minions of darkness, but within himself. The once vibrant energy of youth had been dulled by loneliness, passion tempered into a cold, gruff determination. Yet today, something new brewed—a flicker of purpose sparked behind his tired eyes as he prepared to guide the lost.


Across from him sat Sen Kai, a unique amalgamation of Tusken Raider resoluteness and Mandalorian resilience. Her posture was tense, muscles strung tight in the wake of unspoken turmoil. The scars etched on her skin mirrored the shadows in her heart—a reminder of love and loss that had coiled around her soul like a ravenous serpent.


He listened, the voice a blend of steel and vulnerability,

"Master, I wish to be free of this pain.. not to forget, for I cannot.. love was there, but to have the strength to bear it and not become molded by it for malevolent ends. I know the darkness wishes to use it.. I choose to submit to any training you can provide to help me confront this shadow of my past."

Aric lowered his gaze to the ground, contemplating the words as he felt the weight of their implications settle upon his shoulders. He could see the storm of emotions swirling within Kai, a tempest capable of ripping apart anyone who dared confront it unprepared. Darkness sought to twist pain into revenge; it was a temptation he recognized far too well.


"You wish to confront your past," he said gruffly, finally meeting the gaze with steady intensity. "Pain is a crucible, and many are forged by it into weapons of the Dark Side. But to conquer it, you must learn to wield it as your shield and not your sword."


Truth is, he had not trained many, a Master of a few, but that was by choice. His price has been high. Would he guide the potential? He clearly did not wish to follow the path of vengeance."


The tension in Kai’s words and thoughts resonated within him, evoking memories of lost friends and fleeting love. His frequent silence grew louder, an echo of regrets that haunted him since he had deemed isolation a necessary cloak. But this hybrid—this brave warrior—had asked for help. For the first time in years, Aric felt the stirring of a connection that threatened to crack the shell of his solitude.

"Let us begin, then," Aric declared, channeling the resolve that had kept him centered through the toughest of trials. "We will face your memories head-on, beginning with the source of your pain. It may not be what you expect."


Aric leaned back, fingers interlaced before him as he considered the weight of Sen Kai's words. They had spent a few minutes discussing techniques and philosophies, but nothing had struck Aric quite like the raw honesty in his student’s admission. The young Tusken-Mandalorian hybrid’s voice had carried both the fire of resolve and the chill of trepidation.

"I fear becoming a slave to my loss, even believing that in name of those I lost I am doing something noble in intent, which will grow into something malignant to others. I fear that I will try to prove myself a savior.. to help others not have the same fate and become a false messiah.. and awake one day to realize I have allowed all my potential, all my purpose become defined by a trauma, when the Will of the Force may have had other plans.."

“I fear becoming a slave to my loss,” Sen Kai had said, the gravity of his sentiment weighed heavily in the air. “Even believing that in the name of those I lost, I am doing something noble in intent… That will grow into something malignant to others. I fear that I will try to prove myself a savior… to help others not have the same fate and become a false messiah… and awake one day to realize I have allowed all my potential, all my purpose become defined by a trauma, when the Will of the Force may have had other plans…” Strong weighted words.


Sighing softly, Aric felt the stirrings of the Force enveloping them both. It was an intimate embrace, as if the galaxy had taken a moment to listen. The silence stretched between them, punctuated only by the distant sounds of padding feet and clanking weapons from other training sessions. Life continued outside their bubble, but for Aric and Sen Kai, this moment was suspended in time.


“Sen,” Aric began, his voice gravely yet soothing. “The fears you express are not uncommon among those who walk the path of the Jedi. Pain and loss, they are burdens we carry, but they do not define us. You speak of becoming a false messiah and it frightens you—it should. The consequences of acting out of guilt or fear can lead us astray, as the Dark Side thrives on such emotions. But I want to remind you of something essential.”


He paused, searching Sen Kai's eyes for understanding. They were dark and stormy, a reflection of his turbulent past. With a gentle tilt of his head, Aric gestured to the expansive arena, to the very ground that had witnessed countless struggles.


“This arena has seen both triumph and failure,” Aric continued. “Every Jedi who has walked this ground has faced their demons, met them head-on, and often fell. But each fall is an opportunity for growth—a chance for redemption. When you experience loss, it’s natural to want to build something in its void, to seek purpose in the shadows they leave behind. Yet, you must summon the courage to confront your fear head-on. Do not let it dictate your path.”


Aric drew closer, the gravel of his being softened by the sincerity of his words. “Loss will always be part of your story, but it need not be the entirety of it. Do not shy away from your pain; instead, let it be a teacher. Grief has the potential to be a fire that fuels your compassion. When harnessed, it can connect you with others, fortifying you in your resolve to genuinely help those who suffer. But you must take care, as the line is fragile—the path from compassion to savior-complex can be perilously thin.”


“The true mark of a Jedi,” Aric continued, more emphatically, “is not how we rise above our struggles, but how we honor them. A Jedi does not seek power. We wield influence not as a means of salvation for others but as a guidepost to light their path through the darkness. Understanding this can illuminate the shadows where fear lurks.”


Silence enveloped the arena again, heavy yet reverberating with newfound meaning. Sen Kai's gaze drifted towards the training dummies lining the arena's edge—a reminder of the countless hours spent honing skills.


Aric let out a soft chuckle, a gruff sound that felt foreign on his tongue, yet comforting. “Failure is inevitable; it is how we learn. Even I have failed, time and time again. But in every setback, I found lessons that forged me into the Jedi I am today. What matters is not the failures you accumulate, but how you respond to them. A true collector of wisdom instead of a mere gatherer of successes.”

“A collector of wisdom…” interesting, but true words


“It is a process, my young friend,” Aric said, a paternal warmth in his gruff exterior. “Grief, loss, fear—they are not shackles, but elements of the human experience, part of a larger tapestry. You may feel that your scars are a source of weakness; I tell you, they are markers of strength, milestones toward your growth. Wear them with pride, for they remind you of your journey and your potential to shape the destiny of those who look to you for guidance.”


As they held each other's gaze, an unspoken understanding flickered in the air. Out in the galaxy, darkness lurked around corners decision-makers never saw. Sen Kai was not a false messiah, nor a slave to his past, but instead a beacon waiting to shine his light.


Aric looked up and symbolically reached to the arena’s edge and drew upon the ambient energy around them, calling forth the tendrils of the Force. As he ignited his lightsaber—a deep green hue that painted the arena in an ethereal light—he prepared the space for what was to come. The training would be rigorous, fracturing their very souls to reshape them anew.


“Now,” Aric said, his tone shifting back into that of a mentor, “let’s see what you’ve learned. Grab your lightsaber, and let’s put these words into action.”


Together, they would prepare to dance with shadows in this sacred space, the legacy of the Force stretching before them like an infinite horizon—a testament to their evolving journey together. And in each clash of blades, they would pathways not only toward victory but also through tribulations, illuminating the way ahead in their fight against the Dark Side.


Together, they will dance upon the edges of shadows, their blades weaving through the air like whispers of a long-forgotten song. Aric will push Sen Kai, provoking him to unleash the fury her memories ignited. With each clash of their sabers, heartache will hopefully spring forth, manifesting as raw energy through strikes.


That was the plan, but it would begin by accepting and addressing the pain being combatted.


“Accept it, embrace it!” he shouted above the chaos. “If you suppress the pain, it will consume you! Only then can love transform sorrow into strength.”


In that sacred arena of the Jedi Shadow Temple, their hearts intertwined through scars and strength, Aric understood that teaching could be as transformative as learning. Here, amidst the ancient trees and whispers of time, he no longer felt like a solitary figure lost in the vast galaxy. Together, they formed a new light, defiant against the encroaching darkness.

 

[Sen Kai]

TAG: Aric Siasides


Sen was pleased that this Master who in the short period of exchange and observing his teaching of the Younglings had proven he was the Guide he needed most. He could not go to a Jedi as doctor to heal this pain, he needed someone who guide him through it and as Aric was saying use as a shield.

When Aric said,
"Let us begin, then," Aric declared, channeling the resolve that had kept him centered through the toughest of trials. "We will face your memories head-on, beginning with the source of your pain. It may not be what you expect."
The Tuskan Mandalorain felt the Force take hold of him in embrace and he saw not Tamar and the Tuskans, rather he saw a child on Mandalor being pelted with rocks by other Foundlings shouting,
"Sorcerer! Sorcerer! Burn him! Burn him!"
The Child he knew, who's head marked in blood, and who then was taken into his hut, where his Father scolded him.
"How could you open yourself to that magic?! The Jetiise are our older enemy! You have embraced the enemy of the Way, the gods of Mandalor are offended!"
The Father then stormed out, moving through the flap of cloth to meet a crowd with Beskcads, and spears. The Mother took her child and said softly,
"Sen.. your father is afraid.. he is harsh because you are going to need to be stronger than any Mandalorian."

Sen came out of the memory and gasped, he felt his entire body shaking as he bent his head down. He had heard what Master Siasides had said despite this traveling inside, particlarly this statement that seemed to remain fixed in his mind,
"The true mark of a Jedi," Aric continued, more emphatically, "is not how we rise above our struggles, but how we honor them. A Jedi does not seek power. We wield influence not as a means of salvation for others but as a guidepost to light their path through the darkness. Understanding this can illuminate the shadows where fear lurks."
It was here he saw the difference, not savior, guide, just as he was seeking from Aric to be his guide through this pain, Jedi were guides of light, holding candles in the dark to show the way, though there was difference between lighting the path and trying to be the Light itself. The Force was the Light, not him. In these words of the Master he felt a measure of peace, so profound, it eased him some more. It was becoming abundantly clear that he had come to the right Master.

"Master Siasides.. I will accept the pain.. though I need help.. I see as you said it does not begin at the Dune Sea, it tracks back to Mandalor. I see something.. a need, a desire for a tribe, and twice I have been rent asunder from brotherhood. Does this mean I must not expect this of the Jedi? Am I repeating a pattern of dependence? Forgive me.. all you have said I am soaking in as ground that has waited long for the rains. I do not wish to hasten your instruction, I am spouting as geyser things that are supressed inside.. as you warned they will destroy me.. I do not want to implode.. I want to become a Stone, and when the time comes a guide."

Coming to Kashyyyk had been the right decision. Had Sen gone to any other temple, any other Enclave, he would have missed the opportunity to learn from Master Siasides, to be trained in how to confront pain. He knew that the path would not be pleasent, and that his very soul would feel as a rag strained in a bucket, twisting and dropping with great resistance the drops of his traumas. The stakes were high, he knew the dark side was lurking, "prowling as lion looking for someone to devour." The surest way into its jaws was suppression, he knew this because it had not worked and because Aric who was a seasoned Master, who he could see in his face and those eyes was speaking not from platitudes in some Sage book of the Jedi Archives, but from experience. Sometimes candles needed to light one another, to help create a clear path through the dark, and he felt for first time that his wick had been trimmed, and another was taking their flame to light his as they were about to begin navigating the Valley of Shadow.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Sen Kai The Shadow Within
The air in the Shadow Temple on Kashyyyk was thick with tension. Shadows danced along the walls as Jedi Master Aric Siasides stood in the sparring arena. His presence was commanding, a blend of gruffness and wisdom. Today, he faced a unique challenge. In front of him was Sen Kai, a Mandalorian/Tusken hybrid, seeking guidance. They have had a good conversation to this point but the true challenge the initiate faced was revealed.

Sen Kai was shifting nervously. His past was a tangled mess of loyalty and loss. He had wandered alone for too long. The idea of becoming a Shadow was appealing. Yet, the weight of his history pressed down on him. He wanted brotherhood. He wanted a tribe. But could he find that peace as a Jedi?

Aric studied him closely. “You think shadows are free from darkness?” he asked bluntly. “Every Jedi has a past. Every warrior carries their burdens.” He paused, letting the words sink in. “You have to confront yours. Only then can you find your place.”

He watched Sena Kai for a moment for any signs of whether he was “getting it”. “Chains can bind or they can lead,” Aric replied. His voice was firm. “You must decide. What do you want more? The comfort of your old life or the challenge of a new one?” He stepped closer, eyes locked on Sen Kai. “You can’t erase the past, but you can shape your future.”

“When you accept this, then you must train,” Aric said, a hint of approval in his tone. “Face your fears. Embrace your past. Use it. Transform it into your strength.” He gestured to the arena. “Show me you’re ready.”

With renewed determination, he stepped into position. The sparring match continued. Each clash of their sabers would echo in the vast arena. Aric nodded, a rare smile breaking through his stern demeanor. “Acceptance comes from within. Your journey won’t be easy. But if you commit, you will find your tribe among the Jedi. You will carve your own path.”

 

[Sen Kai]

Master Aric Siasides was presenting the Tuskan Mando with The Choice. It was in these words from the Noble Warrior that he began to understand, The Past had shaped him, he was who he was because of it, those chains had led him here. He took a deep breath, the Force was moving around them, meeting in the middle almost as a storm ready to rise, though it did not, this was the conflict, the shadows casting shape, and Sen decided he must give answer to The Master,
"I accept the Challenge.. the past is gone, it has played its part, I seek to shape the future, those shadows and learn to become One."

As he made his declaration he felt a change, the wind between them went still, and the chaos in his soul went still for a moment. The Tuskan Mando then taking up is mask, looked into the reflective mirror of his mask.
"I caste aside the comfort.. though may I keep the markings that tell the road I have trod? My robes and this mask will be reminders of the burdens I must carry, as I in my training I learn to the lift the burdens of others."

Sen felt a renewed purpose, the offer that Master Siasides had made was not as some Jedi had. He was not promising heroism or an end to pain, rather the ability to surmount it, to become a Shadow in the Force, able to go where the Light was needed most. It was a great calling, though a hard one, Jedi who chose the path of sage or peace keeper had trials, they faced off with the Darkness in their perspective circles. The Shadow on the other hand had to a times behave as the Darkness, appear to be one of those foes, so as to uproot the greater ones hiding from the frontlines. While the Guardian cut down with kyber, the Consular sought clarity in gardens, The Shadow went into the slums and darkest parts of the galaxy, to shed some light and rescue the captives who had long been forgotten. It all sounded heroic, but it was hard work, and the training he needed to undergo would test him in spirit, in body, and mind. He would have to go through trials meant to break any Jedi, and he had accepted the Challenge...

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Sen Kai
The Shadow Within

In the shadowy depths of the Shadow Temple on Kashyyyk, the air hummed with tension. Lights flickered, casting eerie shapes on the walls. The sparring arena lay bare, a circle of ancient stone worn smooth by countless battles. Here, Jedi Master Aric Siasides stood, arms crossed, observing his new student with a keen eye. Before him was Sen Kai, a young male with the rugged features of a Mandalorian and the wild spirit of a Tusken. Today marked a turning point. Today, Sen Kai had taken his first step toward becoming more than just a warrior.

The young hybrid stood breathless, sweat glistening on his brow. He had just completed his first sparring session with one of the temple's training droids. The droid had fallen, but the victory felt hollow. It wasn't the battle that mattered; it was the journey ahead. Aric’s voice broke the silence, gruff and straightforward. “You’ve done well, Sen Kai. But this is just the beginning.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “You must understand, the path ahead is long and filled with challenges you cannot yet imagine.”

Aric was watching Sen Kai as he continued, “Discipline is key. You will face trials that will test not only your skills but your very will. Prepare yourself. The galaxy is not kind to those who do not adapt.”

The weight of Aric’s words settled heavily on the air.

“Remember that failure is part of the journey,” Aric replied, his tone steady. “You will stumble. You will fall. But it’s what you do afterward that counts. Every setback is a lesson, every bruise a teacher. This is not a path for the weary or those who must be taught in a classroom.” He stepped closer, his gaze piercing. “You are not alone in this. The Force binds us all. Use it. Trust it.”

Aric sensed the shift in energy. “Remember this moment when doubt creeps in. Keep pushing forward. Your past is a part of you, but it does not define your future. A future which we will meet again soon, but not until you are ready to call this session “a day”.” The shadows of the temple no longer felt as ominous. With each step, he embraced the journey ahead, knowing he could guide and a path to forge. The future awaited, and he was prepared to meet it head-on.

 

[Sen Kai]

The Shadow Initate drank in the teaching of the Master ( Aric Siasides ), that failure was not the enemy. So many Jedi had been stymied by the oppression of having to appear perfect, to be paragons of the virtue, when the truth is as the Master was not relating, the bruises and misteps were teachers that were invaluable. As a Tuskan and Mando he believed this, to know it was The Jedi Way as well, the Way of the Shadow gave him greater confidence that he made the right choice, to take on this challenge. As the Master mentioned disicipline, the Maskless Warrior bowed his head,
"The past is part of me, what concerns us is the future, I understand Master. I confess for the first time since Mandalore I feel harmony within.. all that you have said has alleviated my doubts, this is the Path I have longed for though it was only shadow then, one I feared I was forging of my own will. Knowing you have uttered thus, I can be certain it is the Will of the Force."

This session had been full of enlightenment, and self discovery. Sen had come seeking a solution, and answer for how he was to serve, and now he found it. These Jedi were unlike those he had known, here there was a place for the mess, for the past, and for bruises, they were not to be denied with suppression or purged in some sort of meditation; they coexisted as a necessary paradox, what has been connecting with what is now and what will be, for The Force was present in all three, the past, the present, and the future. It was sensitives as they that simply had to cross these thresholds of time, and meet whatever challenges the Light was asking them to face. That was what it meant to be a Jedi, to face the shadows, and to bring light to them no matter how deep the shadows went. They were as Master Siasides said earlier, be guides, helping others stumbling in the dark, not play at gods or behave as if their piety in Ashla made them superior, no that sin of pride had felled many Jedi. No they were guides, candles in the dark trying to give people hope, while retaining their own in a galaxy that was growing darker by the day...