Avatar the Last Airbender: Jedi Outcast - Book 1 - Prodigal Butcher

Chapter 16 - Nightmares and Convictions

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Chapter 16 - Edit

The distant figure of Haru gradually vanished from their view, melting into the expansive canvas of the sky above. It was as if he'd become a mere wisp, an ethereal specter, as they ascended toward the heavens. Ben, along with Katara, Sokka, Momo, Appa, and the Avatar himself, Aang, pressed onward, driven by the unyielding pursuit of finding Aang a master in the art of waterbending.

Leaning against Appa's saddle, Ben allowed the cool currents of air to wash over him, a fleeting respite for weary eyes. A week had elapsed since they'd razed the labor camp and liberated its imprisoned souls. A week since the heart-wrenching loss of Haru's father, a week during which Ben had initiated Haru into the Jedi ranks.

Ben had taken it upon himself to be Haru's mentor. He'd delved into the annals of Jedi lore, sharing the profound histories and traditions of the order. He'd imparted the secrets of lightsaber combat, guided him in harnessing the Force, and even led him through a series of meditative exercises aimed at calming the tempest within. Haru proved to be an astute pupil, gifted with a natural affinity for the Force and a remarkable aptitude with the lightsaber.

Yet, lurking beneath that veneer of progress, Ben couldn't help but detect the shadows of inner turmoil within Haru. The lad bore the weight of his father's death as a personal cross, believing that his own inadequacy had doomed his parent. The anger and guilt, like smoldering embers, refused to be extinguished.

Ben grappled with the quandary of how to guide Haru through this tumultuous journey. He'd initially been hesitant about allowing the young apprentice to join Team Avatar but eventually relented, acknowledging the potential peril in caging Haru's restless spirit.

Haru's farewell words still echoed in Ben's mind. "I am needed elsewhere," he'd said, a forced smile concealing the pain beneath. "Master, I believe we must walk separate paths... at least for now. I must learn about who I am within the Force. To become stronger..."

The parting words had the air of nobility about them, yet Ben could see through the veneer. Beneath the surface, Haru was far from fine. "Damn it," Ben muttered under his breath. He knew Haru needed help to move beyond his inner torment.

In the end, Haru had chosen to travel with the liberated workers, aligning himself with the burgeoning revolution and the Earth Kingdom. He'd vowed to continue his training and seek out others with a connection to the Force, steering them toward Benjamin's guidance. "This world needs more Jedi," Haru had proclaimed before departing, a truth Ben couldn't deny.

The legend of the Jedi and the ancient truths of the Force would inevitably resurface. There was no escaping it, and with the looming war between the Fire Nation and the other nations, the battle between the Sith and the Jedi drew ever nearer. Ben set his resolve to focus on his training, scouting for individuals like Haru, and honing them into allies. This mission was a key factor driving their next destination.

"Guys," Ben began, his voice laden with apology, "I'm sorry once again. This notion of a 'laborer'... it might just be hearsay." He tried to voice his concerns, but his companions brushed them aside.

Katara waved off his misgivings, engrossed in her waterbending studies from the precious scroll they'd secured. Sokka chimed in with reassurance. "No need to worry, Ben. Seriously, we have time to train Aang and investigate this rumor."

Aang, still holding Appa's reins, pivoted around to inquire, "What rumor was that again?"

Once they'd returned to the mainland, Ben engaged the laborers in earnest discussions about the Force. He fired off a barrage of questions, conducting impromptu tests to detect any latent Force sensitivity among them. His efforts, however, yielded little fruit until a solitary laborer came forth with a curious tale.