Jedi Twilight (Jedi Outcast Series)

Chapter VII

In the weeks following Order 66, K'Kruhk and the Jedi found refuge on an unnamed jungle planet in the Outer Rim. They quickly set up an enclave where they use it as a base to train. One day, Katooni was climbing a tree after seeing some fruit. The fruit is beyond her reach.

Katooni: Almost there.....

As she reaches out for the fruit, K'Kruhk calls out to his apprentice.

K'Kruhk: Padawan. Come down from there.

Katooni: But I can almost reach the fruit!

K'Kruhk: And if you fall, I can almost save you. Come down.

Katooni: Yes, Master K'Kruhk.

The Tholothian Jedi Padawan listened to her master's words and climbed the tree. When she joined her master's side, she noticed a full satchel bag on the Whiplid's back.

Katooni: Were you able to find anything, master?

K'Kruhk: Yes, my Padawan Learner. Enough food for everyone.

K'Kruhk and Katooni then began making the journey back to camp. Meanwhile, Serra and Sha Koon along with the rest of the Kybuck Clan were setting up the enclave's defenses. Zatt and Ganodi were working on repairing the light damage on the Jedi Transport Shuttle

Zatt: Hey Ganodi, could you pass me the hydrospanner? 

Ganodi: Sure thing. 

Ganodi then grabs the hydrospanner and hands it to Zatt. The Rodian girl looked out into the distance while the Nautolan boy was working on the shuttle. 

Ganodi: What do you think's out there? 

Zatt: Wildlife mostly. The ship hasn't detected any outposts since we arrived. 

Ganodi: You think the Clones will find us out here?

Zatt: To be honest, I don't know. If they do, I'm sure Master K'Kruhk will think of something. I mean he's gotten us this far. 

Ganodi still held out fears of being discovered by the Clones. Meanwhile, Gungi and Byph were keeping watch of the enclave's perimeters. As they kept watch, Gungi couldn't help but feel homesick about his homeworld of Kashyyyk. The Ithorian then noticed the silence from his Wookie friend.

Byph: <Is something wrong, Gungi? You seem quiet.>

Gungi: <It's nothing Byph. I'm just having memories about my village back on Kashyyyk.>

Byph: <I remember hearing about the battle that was taking place there. I heard Master Yoda was leading defense.>

Gungi: <I....I hope Master Yoda is well. I hope Kashyyyk is well.>

Suddenly, Gungi and Byph heard something approaching them from the jungle. The two Jedi Younglings reached for their Lightsabers. As they were about to activate them, K'Kruhk and Katooni emerged from the jungle. 

Gungi: <Master K'Kruhk! Katooni! You're back!>

Byph: <Are you two okay?>

Katooni: We're fine Byph. 

K'Kruhk: The Force was with us. 

K'Kruhk and Katooni then entered the enclave and met with Serra and Sha Koon who were meditating. Upon sensing K'Kruhk's presence, Serra and Sha Koon stopped meditating and approached the Jedi Master. 

Serra: How was your hunt, Master K'Kruhk?

K'Kruhk: My Padawan and I were able to gather some food from the jungle without much trouble. 

Sha Koon: That is good to hear. 

K'Kruhk then hands the satchel to Serra. Afterwards, K'Kruhk takes his Padawan to his tent. He could tell she was still troubled. 

K'Kruhk: What troubles you, my Padawan?

Katooni: It's....it's about Petro, Master K'Kruhk.

K'Kruhk: Be mindful of your thoughts, Katooni. They betray you. You must trust in the Force, my Padawan Learner. 

Katooni couldn't help but worry about Petro. She cared deeply about Petro. She didn't know what had happened to him and that ate at her. K'Kruhk could feel the pain she was in. He sat next to her and placed an arm on her shoulder. 

K'Kruhk: I understand your pain, my Padawan. These are difficult times we are in. There will be many trials ahead. The road will be long and hard for us. But we must persevere. We must place our trust in the Force and let it guide us as it always has.

Katooni took note of K'Kruhk's words. She wondered what Petro would do if their roles were reversed. Knowing him, he would probably search the entire Galaxy for her and his friends. Despite this, Katooni wasn't Petro. Despite wanting to search for Petro, she didn't want to endanger her friends and comrades. There was too much at stake. As far as she knew, they were among the last of the Jedi Order. Katooni decides to put her personal feelings aside for the greater good. Though the sadness that lingered didn't go away.

Katooni: I....I understand, Master K'Kruhk. 

K'Kruhk looked to his Padawan and saw a tear fall down her face. K'Kruhk could feel the sadness that had fallen on the young Tholothian.

K'Kruhk: All will be well, my Padawan. Trust in the Force. It will guide us. It will guide Master Hett and Petro. 

Katooni: Yes, Master K'Kruhk. 

K'Kruhk smiled upon his Padawan as he got up. He looked outside the tent to see Serra and Sha Koon gathering the Kybuck Clan for training. It reminded the Whiphid Jedi Master of the times before Order 66. 

K'Kruhk: You are strong in the Force, Katooni. In time, you will become a great Jedi even in these dark times. You and your clan have experienced more trials and tribulations than any other Jedi at your age I know. Yet despite this, not once did you give up. I am proud of you all.  

Katooni: Thank you, Master K'Kruhk. I won't let you down! We won't let you down!

K'Kruhk smiled upon the determination of his young Padawan. Despite everything that had happened to them, Katooni managed to overcome her fears. 

K'Kruhk: I do not doubt that, my Padawan Learner. 

K'Kruhk smiled at his Padawan. Despite the Dark Times that lie ahead, K'Kruhk was confident of the Kybuck Clan's ability to face this darkness with clarity.