The Academy's meditation chambers and their usual silence stood in stark contrast to the turmoil happening within my mind. No wonder I couldn't concentrate. So, instead of trying to force it, I walked out, heading to do what I decided to do earlier. After a brisk walk, I stood outside the door to Ben Skywalker’s quarters, my hands clasped tightly, rubbing knuckles, feeling nervous as I hesitated to knock. Seeking help wasn’t something I was used to... Back home, it was looked down upon if I couldn't solve something by myself. Still, this place was different, and I knew that I couldn’t keep this to myself any longer.

Taking a steadying breath, I tapped lightly on the door. It slid open almost immediately, revealing Ben seated cross-legged on a simple mat, his blue eyes serenely observing me. I had a feeling he already knew I was there before I even knocked.

“Kael,” He said, motioning for me to step inside. “I’ve been expecting you.”

I blinked in surprise, but then I took control of my emotions and entered, bowing slightly before sitting across from him. The room was surprisingly sparse, with only a few personal touches. I noticed a small holoprojector displaying a serene mountain range on the back wall, a weathered datapad on a low table, and Ben’s lightsaber resting beside it.

“You knew I was coming?” I asked hesitantly.

"Well," Ben’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Not precisely. But I’ve sensed your unrest these past few days. I thought you might come to me or any of the other Masters when you were ready to open up about it.”

"I... see.." I nodded, my shoulders relaxing slightly. Of course, they noticed it... That's good. “I… I don’t know where to start. Something’s been happening. The way the others look at Vila and me… it’s different. And I… I don’t know what to do about it. I know why; I just don't know how to deal with it.”

Looking at his face, his eyes studied me for a long moment before leaning forward, resting his hands lightly on his knees, speaking in a quiet, calming voice.

“You’re perceptive, Kael. That’s part of what makes you unique. With your natural ability in the Force, this was bound to happen. It is best to let it play out in a controlled environment where we can help.”

"Controlled... environment?" I asked as I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“The Masters are aware of what’s happening,” Ben continued calmly. “We’ve seen Iowi’s influence growing in the past years. We were letting it happen, testing his capabilities as a leader, but so far, it seems like he will fail his last test... especially after organizing his group’s subtle attempts to plant doubt against you.”

"Wait..." My heart sank suddenly, remembering how my Father loved to teach me and my brothers back home. Setting up ploys and pitting us against each other. “You’ve allowed it? Why?”

Looking at him, Ben’s expression softened, and he sat back, folding his arms before his chest, probably sensing my emotions fluctuate back and forth.

“Because this is an important lesson, Kael. For everyone involved. The Jedi path isn’t just about mastering the Force or learning combat. It’s about navigating the complexities of trust, deception, and self-awareness. Everything that we, as Jedi, will face when we travel the Galaxy. This situation is a crucible—for you and Vila, for the other Padawans, and especially for Iowi.”

“A test,” I repeated, the word feeling heavy on my tongue. It just... It didn't taste right. “But it feels so… personal. Like they’re judging me for something I didn’t do!”

“And that’s part of the lesson,” Ben said gently, responding to my raised voice without matching it. “The doubts they feel come from within themselves. It’s easy to trust when everything is clear and simple. But when uncertainty clouds their perceptions, that trust is tested to its limit. As Jedi, we can tell when someone who can't use the Force lies to us. When they deceive us. We are used to the fact that other Force-users can't read us, only if they are stronger than us in the Force. But, before you? They are laid bare open, like regular people before us. And they can't handle it. As for you, it’s an opportunity to learn to deal with it now instead of letting it fester until much, much later, when you are older and unable to adapt to it in time. This is the time to learn, Kael. You must show them who you are through your actions, not just your words, so they no longer fear your ability, and they won't harbor doubts towards you in the future when your powers bloom to their fullest.”

"I... I..." I looked down at my hands, turning the explanation over in my mind. It... It made sense. I could understand it and... “And Vila?" I looked back up at him, "She’s taking this hard. She feels like it’s a betrayal!” I exclaimed, worried.

“That’s her test,” Ben answered. “To find a balance between her passion and her patience. She has issues with trust, and it is a given, knowing her background. But she can't react to all negativity with aggression. She needs to learn to deal with it. To channel her frustration into something constructive. And for Iowi…” Ben paused, his gaze growing distant. “He’s on his own path, trying to reconcile his sense of duty with his need for control. Whether he succeeds or fails will depend on his ability to see beyond his own perspective. So far...” He shrugged, "It doesn't look good."

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"But... Master Skywalker..." I took a deep breath after a minute of silence, playing his words back in my mind, starting to see the lesson behind them. “I… I just don’t know if I’m strong enough to handle this.”

"And you don't need to." Ben leaned forward again, his voice kind, looking to hold my gaze while explaining. “You’ve already proven your strength, Kael. Coming to me for help is a sign of it. Being too proud to ask for support—that’s not the Jedi way. By seeking me out, you’ve shown humility and courage. Those are traits of a true Jedi.”

"I..." The words settled over me like a warm blanket, easing some of the tension in my chest that refused to leave in the past days. I felt... relieved, and it was such a good feeling. “Thank you, Master Skywalker.”

"You don't have to." Ben nodded. “Now, let’s talk about your gift and how to master it. Your ability to sense emotions, to connect with others so naturally… it’s powerful, but it can also be a burden if left unchecked. I understand what that’s like.”

"Really?" Suddenly, after feeling relieved, my curiosity was instantly piqued. “You do?”

"Yes." He whispered, closing his eyes for a moment as he straightened his back slightly. “When I was your age, I struggled with something similar. During the Yuuhzan Vong and then the Second Galactic Civil War, I was often surrounded by turmoil—family conflicts, battles, and the betrayal of people I trusted. I was sensitive to it all, and it almost overwhelmed me. I had to learn to control it, to separate my feelings from the emotions of those around me. There was a time in my early years when I fully cut off myself from the Force before my Uncle helped me reopen to the Galaxy.”

“How did you do it?” I asked, leaning forward, wanting to know more.

"It wasn't easy." Ben’s smile returned, faint but encouraging. “Through focus and discipline. Meditation was key. I had to train myself to recognize what I was feeling versus what I was picking up from others. I learned to control it, to contain it, and to focus it on one point and not let it be active all the time. I’ll teach you the same techniques, but it will take time and practice. Are you ready for that?”

"Yes!" I nodded firmly. “Yes, Master. I’m ready.”

“Good," Ben said, standing up and motioning for me to follow him. "We’ll start now. Come with me.”

Ben led me to one of the smaller meditation chambers, one that was separated from the others, its circular walls adorned with calming murals of flowing rivers and open skies. The air was cool and still, the perfect environment for focusing one's mind.

“Sit,” He instructed, settling onto the floor before me. Without hesitation, I mirrored him, crossing my legs and resting my hands on my knees in the usual, learned position.

“Close your eyes,” He continued, his voice firm. “Breathe deeply. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Let the Force flow through you, but don’t try to grasp it. Just let it flow.”

I obeyed without thinking, my breaths slowing as I settled into the rhythm dictated by him. At first, the noise of my thoughts about the whole incident was overwhelming, threatening that I would fail to meditate again, but with Master here, I felt that, gradually, the stillness of the room began to seep into me. Then, my awareness expanded outward, a steady tide of sensation flowing through my body.

“Now,” Ben continued, “focus on yourself. What are you feeling?”

"Angst." I hesitated before answering, but honesty was a must right now. “Worry. Confusion. A little… anger.”

“Good,” Ben spoke. “Acknowledge those feelings, but don’t hold onto them. Let them pass like leaves on a river. Now, reach out to the Force. What do you feel around you?”

Listening, I took another breath, extending my awareness outward farther than ever before. The emotions around me were subtle, like faint ripples on a calm pond.

“I feel calm. Stillness,” I answered quietly. “And you… Master Skywalker. You’re steady. Grounded.”

“That’s right,” Ben whispered, his tone approving. “But remember, when you’re sensing others, it’s not about absorbing their emotions. It’s about understanding them without letting them overwhelm you. Currently, your senses are brash and without control, and you are intruding on others' feelings. That is why the others feel you are trying to manipulate them. You need to learn how to use your ability so they don't perceive it that way. Let’s go deeper. This time, I want you to feel the difference between my presence and yours. Separate them. Where does yours end, and mine begin? When you manage that, your own won't rush into the others, forcing them to start resisting yours. As a Jedi, we must respect every living being boundaries.”

Listening to him, I suddenly understood. No wonder they felt like that if my presence was like being pushed on them, like being bumped into in a crowded corridor. Wanting to do well, I furrowed my brow, focusing more intently. Ben's steady presence in the Force was a reassuring beacon, and as I tried and examined it, I began to notice the subtle boundary between our energies. My own presence felt lighter and more uncertain, while Ben’s was firm and unwavering, deep like an ocean.

“I can feel it,” I murmured. “There’s a difference. You’re… solid. And I’m…”

“Shifting,” Ben finished for me. “Your awareness is strong, but it’s unfocused. That’s normal for someone still learning. With time, you’ll learn to anchor yourself without losing that sensitivity. Now, let’s try something new. Focus inward again. Find that shifting energy within you and try to hold it steady.”

Following his instructions, my breaths became deep and more even as I turned my focus inward. The shifting energy Ben described was like a restless current running through me, unlike his. Very much so. Slowly, I tried to visualize it settling down, becoming calm and centered. The process was difficult, my concentration wavering on multiple occasions, but Ben’s steady guidance brought me back each time I faltered.

By the end of the session, I felt a newfound clarity, as though the weight I felt carrying had been lifted. The restless current within me had not stilled entirely yet, but even now, I managed to sense a kind of peace I hadn’t felt in weeks.

“You’ve made a strong start,” Ben said as we finished. “But this is just the beginning. Keep practicing, and you’ll find your balance.”

"I..." I murmured before standing up and bowing deeply. “Thank you, Master. I won’t let you down.”

"Don't let yourself down." He smiled as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’ve already shown you’re on the right path, Kael. Trust in the Force. It will guide you. As for Iowi and your situation... If the others think it has to stop, the Masters will step in. Until then, it is up to you and the Padawans to experience it and learn from it.”

"I understand." I nodded my head, looking into his eyes, and I meant it.