Chapter Text
This is a non-commercial fanfiction inspired by Star Wars, which is the property of Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company. I do not claim ownership of the universe or original characters.
"The galaxy is divided for an eternity, you must understand..."
The voice was calm but burdened. It belonged to Siyos Dash-Vi, a Jedi Master dressed in modest robes. His long brown-grey hair flowed softly in the sea breeze as he walked along a white beach, the great Jedi capital city far behind them.
His Padawan, Kasin Seraval, trailed behind him, unconcerned. His eyes were fixed on the towering skyline in the distance — tall spires, busy skyways, and ships darting in and out like insects to a hive. The city's faint noise still reached them even here, on the peaceful coast.
"But why, Master?" Kasin asked.
"Why are the Sith not simply Jedi?" Siyos replied, gazing at the endless ocean to their left.
The sand beneath their feet was soft and pale, the air cool and gently stirring. Overhead, seawings circled — sleek, long-winged birds native to Tython's shores — crying out as they searched for prey.
"I don't get it," Kasin said, brows furrowed. "I like being a Jedi. Fighting for good is... pleasing. I can't relate to corrupting others like the Sith do."
Siyos smiled faintly.
"You understand more than you think, Padawan."
He watched as a seawing plunged into the waves and emerged with a wriggling fish. One of the twin suns was hidden behind cloud cover, casting long shadows across the sand.
"Some things are simply the way they are," Siyos continued. "And questioning them endlessly can lead us down dangerous paths — chasing answers that were never meant for us to uncover. We can either fight against the dark... or be consumed by it."
Kasin was distracted — he had just watched another seawing dive for fish, Siyos noticed and using the Force, he sent a subtle warning to the fish. It darted away, evading capture.
"Master Siyos! That wasn't fair," Kasin exclaimed with a playful grin.
Siyos's expression darkened slightly.
"You must remember, Kasin — the Force is not on our side. Nor the Sith's. It simply is. Uncontrollable. Unbiased. It may have been its will to warn the fish, not mine."
He turned to the sea, his eyes deep and unreadable.
"What I'm telling you is this: always hope that the Force is with you... but never assume it serves you."
The horizon stretched far into a deep blue sky, as infinite as the Force itself. Siyos turned his gaze back toward the capital city — a majestic marvel of white stone towers and regal Jedi citadels. Vessels weaved gracefully through the skies, carrying out duties in a galaxy constantly in motion.
"Kasin," Siyos said quietly, "what is your full name?"
Kasin raised a brow. "Kasin Seraval. Why?"
"Don't talk — just answer."
Kasin, rolling his eyes, replied with a joking bow:
"Affirmative, Master."
But Siyos didn't laugh. His eyes were still on the capital. The breeze pulled at his long hair as he asked again:
"What planet are you from, Kasin Seraval?"
The Padawan hesitated. It wasn't that he didn't know — the question just felt heavier than usual.
"I was born on Vanth, Master. Raised there until I was sent to the academy for Force sensitives."
"Wait," Siyos interrupted calmly. "Only answer what is asked."
He turned to face his apprentice fully, a rare seriousness in his voice.
"You left your home to follow the Jedi path. To become a guardian of peace and balance. You understand this?"
"Yes, Master," Kasin replied firmly.
"Then understand this too," Siyos continued, stepping closer. "Not the entire galaxy lives by the standards of Tython. And not all can be saved. Do you know why?"
Kasin nodded slowly. The transition from a humble farmer's world like Vanth to the splendor of the Jedi capital had taught him much.
"Maybe it's because peace and balance matter more than material. That's what we try to bring, isn't it?"
Siyos's gaze lowered. He seemed... disappointed.
"Soon, we'll join the others in battle — on Darwush. Your first conflict against the Sith." He placed a hand on Kasin's shoulder, anchoring him in the moment.
"I trust you, Padawan. But trust alone won't protect you. The Sith are dangerous. They twist the Force to fuel their own power. They shed their humanity in the process."
Kasin's eyes lit up with conviction.
"I'm ready, Master. I won't let you down."
"Good," Siyos said with a smile. "But tonight, get some rest. And maintain your saber properly this time — no Sith fears a Padawan with a broken blade."
Kasin's face flushed red.
"That was an accident!"
Siyos walked ahead, his voice carried on the wind.
"That's what worries me."
The seawings shrieked overhead as another wave crashed against the shore — the future drawing closer. Siyos stopped walking. The sea wind caught his robe, brushing it against his legs like a warning whisper from the Force. He stared out across the ocean, but his thoughts were not on the waves — they were on the weight of what lay ahead.
"Kasin," he said, turning to face his Padawan, his voice low, firm. "When we enter the battlefield, you must follow my lead — without hesitation."
Kasin tilted his head, selfassured. "Master. I got this. I always do. If the Sith show, I'll cut them down before they draw breath. I've beaten three masters in training. What chance do some shadows have against me?"
"This will not be like the skirmishes we've faced before. Not smugglers. Not beasts. These are Sith." His voice darkened, shaped by memories. "They don't just fight with sabers or strategy. They carry the Force like a storm within them — wild, violent, corrupt. Sometimes... their presence alone can pull you from yourself."
He stepped closer, his gaze fixed, serious. "They speak, and your thoughts shift. They look at you, and fear roots itself in your heart. They do not break you with strength — they bend you with doubt."
Kasin hesitated. The breeze rustled between them. Then, calmly, he placed a hand on Siyos's shoulder.
"Master... I trained under you — one of the Jedi Dynasty's best. I know who I am. I know what we're about to face." He smiled softly. "I am not afraid. They can come!"
"Sith don't rise in sunlight, Kasin. They rise in blind corners. In pride." Siyos said quietly
Kasin laughs "Come on, Master. Don't tell me you fear I'll fall to the Dark Side? Master, I am not one of these weak ones."
Siyos pause, then softly "I don't fear that you might lack strength, no... I fear you'll meet them with a smile."
Then, with a flick of his wrist, he ignited his lightsaber — the familiar hum breaking the stillness between them.
"See?" he said with a grin. "See? Saber works. That means the Sith had better stay hidden in their shadows — because this time, I'm bringing the light."
Siyos couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. For a moment, the tension eased. But behind his eyes, the shadow of war still lingered.
Kasin's saber worked — for now. But it was the fire in his eyes that worried Siyos most. Pride burned brightest before the fall.