maskormenacelogs | Meditation Retreat to Japan!

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Meditation Retreat to Japan!

WHO: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker
WHERE: Mount Koya, Japan!
WHEN: The last two weeks of May.
WHAT: Two Jedi go on a spiritual pilgrimage to relax and clear their minds in Japan.
WARNINGS: None!

It shouldn't be a big deal, but traveling to the other side of the planet was nothing less than chaotic. Obi-Wan has traveled greater distances through the galaxy and never had to deal with so much. Thankfully, he had gone out earlier in the month and scoped things out before taking Anakin along. If he hadn't, it would be the blind leading the blind. He is glad he now had some knowledge of what to expect with his friend being with him.

Obi-Wan gave Anakin all the ins and outs of plane travel. From getting tickets to having to remove practically everything they had on them to be scanned before getting on the plane. Then there was of course the curious looks they got. But worst of all was the actual flight. Obi-Wan hated that part most of all. Flying was bad enough, but doing so in such a primitive airship was almost more than he could tolerate. And for such a long time at that. Not to mention the hassle of changing planes. From flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, to Dallas/Forth Worth, and then the many hours to the Narita Airport in Tokyo. Being crammed in these things was far from comfortable, especially for hours on end. Anakin would unfortunately have to deal with a slightly grumpy Jedi Master the entire way.

His mood would lift considerably though when they touched down in Japan. Oh sweet solid ground, how he loves you.

They stayed a night in Tokyo, with Obi-Wan showing Anakin a few of the sights before it got dark and they had to rest. A few Japanese people, including a couple police officers, recognizing Obi-Wan from his previous trip and stopping them for conversation. Obi-Wan impressing a few of them when he turned off his device's translator and spoke to them in the conversational Japanese he had picked up.

The next morning would find them at the train station, where they got on a bullet train, or a Shinkansen as it was called in the native language. Obi-Wan was much more at ease on this trip that spanned a few more hours as they rode it to Osaka. The Jedi Master pointing out Mount Fuji to Anakin as they passed it. Once they arrived in Osaka, they transferred to one of the slower trains that would take them to the Mount Koya area. Effectively spending the entire day on trains, which ended with a cable car taking them up the mountain.

It was evening by the time they arrived at the temple they were to stay at. Greeted by friendly monks who offered them dinner and showed them to their room. One of them inviting them to morning prayers tomorrow. To which Obi-Wan politely and gratefully accepted. It was then that they could finally start to relax and get a restful night of sleep to start their two week long hiatus from the rest of the world. Though not without Obi-Wan taking Anakin's device from him first. He wanted his student and friend to not be distracted in the least while they were here. Though there was the promise that he could check once every evening.

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Planes were quite boring compared to spaceships and Anakin spent the flight fidgeting and looking out the window. The sky was beautiful - a mixture of colors that reminded him of Naboo - yet that only served to remind him of her. His heart ached in his chest, feeling more like a rock than ever. She wouldn't even let him touch her - much less live with or near her - and he missed what they had fiercely.

He liked keeping busy for that reason and travel of this magnitude was good for keeping his mind focused on something else. Obi-Wan's ill-temper actually amused him and he was reminded of a far more innocent time. His poor Master would never understand the wonders of flight.

"Close your eyes and try to sleep, Master. The time will pass quicker if you do."

However he was glad Obi-Wan was awake to point out Mount Fuji. Earth had some spectacular sights and Anakin could feel himself growing fond of Japan already. The bullet train - to the surprise of no one - was more his speed and he grinned the entire ride. Of course that expression faltered and then disappeared on the slower trains. All of them should be that quick!

Meeting the monks wasn't unlike encountering fellow Jedi - or Jedi in general since Anakin couldn't really use that title anymore. He was grateful to them and he ate well for perhaps the first time in awhile.

"If there's an emergency, you have to promise to tell me."

Those were his only conditions about his communicator. Everything else would have to wait and since they were destined for an early morning, he let himself fall onto his bed with a small sigh.

Edited 2019-05-18 00:03 (UTC)

The Jedi Master did take Anakin’s advice, especially when they were over the Pacific Ocean. The thought of them falling from the sky only to drown was hardly something he wished to dwell on. Thus he spent time in meditation to help him to relax, which led to him taking a nap for a few hours. But all was well on the trains and Obi-Wan tried to engage his friend in conversation and even told him a couple stories from his youth. Pretty much relating how his rebellious nature led to him rebelling against his own rebellious master, which resulted in him becoming the model Jedi he was now. He suspected Yoda might have had a hand in pairing them to that end.

Obi-Wan was glad to see that Anakin was already acclimating well. His healthy appetite at dinner was encouraging. In the privacy of their room though, he knew they could be more at ease and speak openly. It was a nice room, and was in traditional Japanese style with a few modern comforts. Which included a television. Their beds though were, of course, on the floor. Obi-Wan’s boots left at the door as he kneeled and unfolded the bedding.

“Of course I will,” Obi-Wan assured Anakin as he straightened out his floor mat.

“Though I’m certain the world can survive without Anakin Skywalker for a couple weeks.”

The words were said lightly with humor. Obi-Wan has certainly recovered completely from his grouchy flight, and was delighted to be here.

Edited 2019-05-18 01:09 (UTC)

"You'd think so." but then Luke was Force choked by an ancient Sith Lord or Kylo Ren was involved with someone who manipulated everyone's dreams or Leia was feeling the weight of this world on her shoulders so much so that she was ready to snap. Then, of course, there was Padmé who was grieving over what he had done and what she - and they - had lost.

Anakin worried that if he wasn't there for them if they called, they would simply learn to live quieter lives without him. There was still a part of him that was desperately selfish and as much as he hated it, he couldn't release it either.

The beds were fine with him. He rolled his out - and since he had left his shoes at the door - he was able to stretch out and place his hand behind his head. It was then he realized he was still wearing his mechno-arm. That wasn't something that was easy to sleep with and he usually removed it.

He sat up and pushed up his sleeve, frowning faintly as he disconnected it.

"I love all of them. But you know that's a dangerous emotion with me."

In a way, this somewhat reminded him of their days during the Clone Wars. Particularly the campaigns that they fought in together. The fact that they had to stay in close quarters, and had a few quiet moments here and there just to talk. Granted, this was much more comfortable than those moments.

With his bed in order, Obi-Wan sat upon it cross-legged and facing Anakin as he sprawled out. He knew Anakin's worries, but he hoped he could allow himself to relax and put them aside for at least a little while.

"I know you do, and fundamentally, there's nothing wrong with that."

Despite what misconceptions there were about the Jedi, or what some of the Jedi believed, Obi-Wan had his own point of view.

"You're not the only Jedi that has ever loved you know. I loved Qui-Gon, he was like a father to me. Every Padawan has some sort of feelings toward their master. Then there was Satine, and of course, you."

He had needed conversations like this for a long, long time. No one could replace Obi-Wan or what he meant to him. He could have told the Council he didn't want to teach him and they probably would have agreed that was for the best. But instead he had taken him on, ignored the naysayers and treated him like family.

The reason Sidious had been able to encourage him to feel so much hate for Obi-Wan was because Anakin loved him that much. It was nice to hear that he wasn't alone in seeing the other man as family.

"I think it's stupid to deny yourself that. You're not really human if you don't love or at least care about someone." he frowned sadly at his Master, "I'm sorry about Satine. You should have had time with her."

They should have had conversations like this more back home. However, times had been busy and to be truthful, neither of them had been completely open with each other. This was something Obi-Wan wanted to change, now that he had the opportunity.

"Is it though?"

It was easy to see Anakin's strong feelings on the matter. However, Obi-Wan wanted to challenge his friend's thinking.

"The world at large would say that, yes. Many do not understand the way of the Jedi, and the responsibility we have to others instead of ourselves. Feeling emotions is not the problem. It's what we do with them. How we allow them to affect us. Whether we control them, or let them control us."

His comments about Satine though drew a small, sad smile.

"We were two different people leading very different lives, Anakin. To be together would have required great sacrifice. I'm grateful for the time I did have with her."

Edited 2019-05-20 14:53 (UTC)

"Hm?" he sets his mechno-arm aside and lets his sleeve fall, "I guess I let them control me."

It was absurdly obvious now that he had space to see. In the moment, however, it had felt right to fight for everything he wanted. It had felt necessary, actually, and that was frightening. Anakin didn't want to feel that way ever again.

"You were able to let her go and be grateful for...knowing her. I wasn't able to do that with Padmé. Just thinking about her dying, it..." his lips tightened and he grew pale, "It reminded me of losing my mom."

Obi-Wan nodded quietly at Anakin's own conclusion. It was important for him to make this realization himself rather than having it told to him.

His gaze then tilted down, allowing a little bit of his grief to show at the subject of the only woman he had ever loved.

"It wasn't easy, it never is."

Even now, there were moments where he was reminded of her. Could feel the touch of her hand on his cheek, and hear her voice in his mind. There was still grief that had yet to completely pass.

"Letting go is needed in order to heal, and that's true for not just Jedi. Fear is what hinders that."

He had gone ballistic after losing Shmi; was it any wonder that he had done likewise when he realized he would lose Padmé too? Anakin had felt someone trying to hold him back then and he knew now it was Master Qui-Gon. By killing the village, he had set a dangerous precedent.

"I'm filled with fear." so much so that he sometimes wondered if there was room for anything else, "I know what's right and what's wrong, but I'm so scared that I stop caring. I just want it to stop."

Blinking out of his thoughts, he focused again on Obi-Wan.

"We need connections to stay whole, but they become our weaknesses. As long as she is with me - as long as Luke, Leia and Kylo are connected to me - they are in danger. How do I protect them without making it worse?"

Edited 2019-05-20 15:49 (UTC)

Breathing in deeply, Obi-Wan straightened up as he listened to Anakin. He knew that his friend's fear ran deep, and the questions he had were valid ones. But they could not easily be answered, at least not right now.

"This is something we will address while we are here."

One step at a time. It would have to be a process over more than just one conversation.

"For now, I think it's best we get some sleep."

He watched Obi-Wan, at a loss. But that was nothing new. He had been lost for months and, frankly, he was exhausted beyond rational thought. Instead of fighting it - because that got him nowhere - he laid down with a sigh.

"If I can come back from everything, there is hope for anyone, isn't there?"

The point of this trip was so that Anakin would find himself again. That was the goal. But he would have to be patient, and even now this was an exercise in that.

Deciding to lay down as well, Obi-Wan let out a soft sigh. Anakin’s question causing a few memories to float through his mind. Back home, he had lost hope in him, but here and now he believed differently.

“Yes, I would like to think so.”

It didn’t mean that someone would, but it showed that there was hope ok the possibility.

"I am sorry, Master." his voice softened as he began to relax, letting himself believe that they would find a solution, "I know it isn't fair that I make this monumental mess and you have to come in and clean it up."

Thinking about it any other way was a waste of time. Anakin wanted to face the truth now without flinching and that would require a lot of practice.

Another smile played on Obi-Wan’s lips as he lifted his hand and switched the light off with a subtle movement of his fingers. Leaving them bathed only in moonlight from the windows.

“I’ve been cleaning up your messes since you were nine, Anakin. This is indeed the most monumental one yet.”

After a beat he then added.

“But to me, it is worth the effort.”

His guilt made his chest tighten and he couldn't, for the life of him, think of how he would repay Obi-Wan. There were things he needed to make right with him too. The entire process felt like standing before an erupting volcano and trying not to be burned to a crisp.

"Why?"

Was that love? Surely there was an end to even strong emotions if a crime was awful enough.

Obi-Wan wasn't looking to be repaid. All he wanted was for everything to be made right. Even if it wouldn't be in their galaxy, at least not in his time, there was opportunity to do so here.

Again there was a few moments of silence from Obi-Wan as he looked for the words to say. Eventually deciding there was only one way to respond if he was to be honest.

"Because I love you."

It was said softly, but the words were clear. He had never said as much to Anakin, not until he had gone so far astray that there was no going back. That should not happen again.

The depth of that emotion would never cease to amaze him. Nothing else could last a lifetime; nothing else could continue after death. Anakin felt his face burn, silenced by his embarrassment and something much stronger. Sidious had taken that unspoken emotion and twisted it so very well.

"I love you too, Master." and that love had begun early - the moment Obi-Wan had told him he was willing to train him. Never speaking it aloud had been a mistake; he had taken it for granted. Never again.

Edited 2019-05-22 15:58 (UTC)

Hearing those words moved Obi-Wan in a way that he wasn't sure he could describe. Anakin's final words to him on Mustafar came to mind far more often than cared to admit, and also tended to be part of his nightmares.

But now, maybe.. just maybe, those words could override that. He hoped so.

Blinking back a bit of moisture in his eyes, the Jedi Master decides to rest on that note.

"Good night, Anakin."

The next day would find the two men waking up early, enjoying a breakfast with the monks and participating in morning prayers as was their routine.

Afterward, a request was made to use one of their meditation rooms, which was granted. Obi-Wan and Anakin finding themselves in a simple space with polished wood floors. Sitting cross-legged on mats upon the floor, the Jedi Master decided to start his former Padawan from the very beginning.

"I know meditation doesn't always come easy to you, Anakin. However, mastering it will help you greatly with control of your emotions. As you know, meditation is one of the core principles of the Jedi Code. If you faithfully practice, you will be able to achieve greater inner peace, and harmony with the Force."

That didn't mean everything would be perfect of course, but it would make life easier for him.

"Since you are obviously so out of practice, you will be starting at the initiate level. Which means five sessions each day. Depending on your progress, you will move to the Padawan level and so on. I want you to get to the point where meditation is as natural to you as breathing. That is the level all Jedi aspire and must reach before achieving mastery."

Peace and harmony, for him, felt like stars too distant for any ship to reach. Obi-Wan seemed to radiate those concepts and Anakin had often been jealous - and frustrated - that he couldn't match him. But maybe that was the place to start. Why was he jealous? Why couldn't he be happy - and ultimately at peace - with himself?

"Master, I don't trust myself." and he never truly had. Oh he could fake it better than anyone and take absurd risks, but he did those things to prove himself; to prove his skill.

"Do you think meditation can help?" he shifted and settled into the same position as Obi-Wan, trying to mirror him, his brow furrowing. Would the Force reveal who he should be at long last? Or would he remain in a fog, stuck at a crossroad with no guide?

"I do," Obi-Wan said with certainty.

"You allow your emotions to control you. Once you learn to let go of them, the burden will be easier. That's not to say there will never be difficulty, but meditation is a tool."

Anakin always had a guide, in both the Force and in Obi-Wan. He just need to actually put them to use and stop relying on himself.

"Your trust should not be in yourself Anakin. Instead, put that trust in the Force."

Letting go was terrifying, yet he reminded himself, sharply, of the vision of Padmé dying. He had tried to save her with his emotions; he had tried to be powerful enough to overcome death, but that was beyond his reach. Even if Sidious knew how to save someone, it likely meant sacrificing someone else. That wasn't overcoming death; that was murder.

He inhaled deeply and rested his arms on his legs. It was time to let go.

"What if the Force wants to kill Luke or Leia? Am I supposed to accept that?"

Now that was a question. One that he wasn't at all surprised to hear. However, this was not just a yes or no question. Thus Obi-Wan leaned forward, resting his own arms on his knees and making eye contact with his apprentice.

"The will of the Force is something we will never fully comprehend, Anakin. There is a reason for everything."

Before Anakin could interrupt though, he went on.

"That's not to say you shouldn't try. To not do your best. However, some things are beyond the control of one man. The sooner you realize that, the more at peace you will be."

Obi-Wan breathed in and then let it out again.

"It was the will of the Force that Qui-Gon perished. It led me to training you. It was the will of the Force that Satine died. That the Jedi Order was destroyed. All of this has been painful, yes, but all of it was out of my control. Perhaps it can be changed, I don't know. There may be something we are meant to learn here. All we can do is follow the guidance of the Force as best we can. If it is their time, your time, or mine, then there is little to be done for it unless a way is revealed. Though we hardly have that to worry about as this world brings us back."

Obi-Wan had experienced being brought back after all.

A reason for everything. Of course. He wanted to argue, to fight against the bonds that held them all, but that had ended so well before, hadn't it. Anakin bit his tongue and waited for his Master to continue.

"Death is still...painful. Awful." he didn't know how to expand on that because it was basically the worst even if the victim could be - or, rather, was - revived. But Obi-Wan knew all about that, didn't he. Anakin felt himself growing hot in anger all over again.

"It was difficult for you, Master. Don't lie to make it all sound better." his gaze hardened, "I know death is horrible - and not just for those left behind. I won't ever treat it lightly or like it's just...falling asleep or something. If the Force wants that for us after all we've tried to do, it's hard for me to stomach."

"Anakin," Obi-Wan said firmly. "Just because I can keep my composure, does not mean I am lying."

He was somewhat offended by that accusation, but not enough to become sharp.

"You have never experienced the sudden break in a Force bond from death. When Qui-Gon died, it was agony, but I couldn't let it cripple me. I had to stay strong, for you."

He let that sink in Anakin's mind for a moment before continuing.

"Death is hard, but you must not forget, that the Force is what grants us life in the first place. All life must end Anakin. No one lives forever. At least, not in this plane of existence."

"Okay, then you are belittling it to make me calmer." he grumbled, not really meaning to offend his dear Master. Rather, he wanted Obi-Wan to...

He didn't even know. Be less strong? Yet he needed him to be strong. It was confusing.

"I was close to my mother." Anakin had been in agony then too, but instead of pulling himself together and using the experience to grow, he had massacred a lot of people.

"Life is easy to take away too. It's too easy for me, especially when I'm angry."

Okay, Obi-Wan is now a little amused at that. “Is it working?”

His amused tone vanished again though as Anakin brings up his mother. “I know.” He would certainly never belittle Anakin’s feelings regarding her, even though Obi-Wan had never met her. Though Shmi had been a stumbling block for Anakin emotionally since the beginning. It was why the Order had never taken initiates that old before.

“Then let your feelings be a reminder. That is why the Jedi hold all life as sacred, and only kill when necessary. Remember your pain before you take a life, because in so doing, you inflict that pain on someone else.”

The Jedi Master then straightened up.

“Now, meditate on that.”

He huffed and narrowed his eyes. If he said 'yes', Obi-Wan would keep his emotions hidden from him; if he said 'no', his Master might feel discouraged.

"I want to know how you really feel." he answered at last, straightening his back so that his meditative pose was more proper. Obi-Wan's words resonated deeply with him - he hadn't considered the pain of others - but if he opened himself to it, it felt like the Force was screaming.

"...yes, Master." his eyes fell shut and he listened for the notes of pain in the Force. They weren't his; they weren't caused by him, but they were there nonetheless. Why strengthen their number?

Obi-Wan was silent, watching Anakin as he settled into meditation, his words lingering in his thoughts.

I don’t think you do.

The Jedi thinking this to himself before closing his eyes and letting out a slow calming breath. Allowing himself to let go of his feelings and empty his mind. His sole focus being on the man across from him and monitoring his progress.

Since they were trying to repair the damage he had done to himself and the damage Sidious encouraged, Anakin let the Darkness he had acquired break free. Obi-Wan would be able to sense it with ease for it was a black-hole of anger, pain and despair.

Any objects in the room would begin to shake as he thought of what he had done and who he was destined to lose.

Sense it he did, and his brows furrowed slightly. The darkness was repulsive to him. Ever since he first sensed the exuding evil from Darth Maul, he recoiled from such things. But he didn’t move or flinch.

“Yes, acknowledge your feelings Anakin. Consider why you have them.”

There was pause, though he didn’t want Anakin to get so far he damaged this place.

“Now let it go. Surrender your feelings to the Force.”

The Dark was repulsively appealing - so much so that even when he saw it for what it was, his sight no longer blinded by pride or arrogance, he was drawn to it. Anakin clenched his teeth, frowning intensely.

"Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace...a larger view of the Force. Be careful of the Jedi, Anakin. Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi! Learn to know the dark side of the Force, and you will be able to save your wife from certain death."

Sidious's voice had infiltrated his mind and nearly poisoned his heart. But there was Light still and Anakin reached for that beam, remembering what it felt like to be calm. The Force was so much greater than him. It was time he gave himself over to it.

"I was ignorant. I was so tired of fighting and losing those I loved..."

No one would follow the dark side if it wasn’t appealing. Obi-Wan would be lying if he said he hadn’t felt it’s pull on occasion himself. But he had too often seen the effects it had, and was too well connected with the light. Not that he could never fall, but it wouldn’t come easily.

“We were at war. A war that we should have never been involved in,” Obi-Wan said quietly. “Over the thousands of generations of Jedi, you would not be the first who has struggled. Perhaps now you can better understand our principles and why we have them,”

Breathing in and out again, Obi-Wan centered himself and softly began reciting the mantra he and Anakin both knew well.

“There is no emotion, there is peace.”

"How could we not be involved? Seeing people suffering and dying... It should bother us."

Shouldn't it? Anakin did understand keeping a certain distance and remaining unbiased. Once emotions were involved, all reason usually disappeared. But still.

"I don't know how not to care." he fell silent and focused on his breathing, listening to the mantra and opening himself to the Light and Dark within him.

Peace. A balance. I can tell you what I believe: I believe you will bring balance to the Force. That you will face your demons and save the universe.

"I have to kill Vader, Master."

"Of course it should," Obi-Wan said, hiding his slight annoyance at Anakin's arguing and releasing it into the Force.

"Not getting involved head on does not mean that one does not care. The Jedi were the keepers of peace in the Galaxy, Anakin. We were not meant to be soldiers in a political game."

He sighed softly as Anakin then went to another tangent and brought up Vader.

"There is a darkness in all of his, Anakin. You can not entirely kill him any more than he apparently could not kill you. However, you can control him. Suppressing and controlling the darkness in one's self is an ongoing battle that every Jedi struggles with. It's this discipline that our Order is centered on for the betterment of all."

The annoyance didn't miss his notice and he felt instantly bad. He breathed deep and chastised himself. I can't fix everything. I can't do everything. It's okay when things are out of my control. I need to do what I can; that is all.

"I don't think I would want to fight you if you were a Sith Lord, Master." he tried for some levity, his lips twitching, "I'm going to sound crazy if I start calling the Darkness in me by a name, aren't I."

"I didn't want to fight you," Obi-Wan says softly. He did, but he had never wanted to. There was a difference between want and obligation.

He chuckled lightly though at what was said next though.

"Perhaps. Darth Vader was an identity given to you. Named or not, the darkness within us all is still the same. It comes in the form of anger, selfishness, and fear."

"But you are losing focus my friend."

"But you weren't a Sith Lord. I was." he whispers, relaxing when he hears the laughter, "All the things Sidious told me to give into."

What a fool he had been. Anakin glances at Obi-Wan and winces.

"Sorry, Master."

With some effort, he settles himself again, focusing on the Force, letting himself not feel and fret and struggle for once.

"Leave it in the past, Anakin. Focus on the now."

He could understand Anakin's feelings, but he was immersing himself in an endless cycle of self-pity and guilt. Obi-Wan had to pull him out of it if they were to make any progress.

So with a nod, he continued with his meditations as well, drawing in a deep breath and letting it out again.

"There is no ignorance. There is knowledge."

The past. The past. It keeps trying to devour him, but he is faster than it and he has all the support he needs.

Controlling his breathing, he lets himself move beyond the guilt and the pity. The tangle of his emotions begins to release him, the strands breaking, one by one. First, the grief over losing his mother... Over leaving her in the first place. Then his fear over watching someone he loves die again.

None of it has a hold on him.

Guilt follows - the guilt over killing his fellow Jedi and the younglings. He can't bring them back by torturing himself; he has to find another way of remembering them. They belong in the Light; their lives can carry on through him and others.

There is silence as Anakin begins to let go. A feeling of peace settling upon the room and the two men sitting within it.

With his friend releasing his tension, guilt, and pain, Obi-Wan felt that he could begin to do the same. Thus he followed suit and began to focus on his own feelings instead of Anakin's. To release his own guilt in failing the one person he devoted everything to. His deep pain over the losses he had suffered.

Emptying his mind of thoughts, his struggles, and worries. Only the words that were second nature to him.

"There is no passion. There is serenity."

Anakin moves from his seat across from Obi-Wan to sitting beside his friend. The sense of peace is profound and he feels like he could drown in it without any struggle. But when he is closer to the other man, he notices that there is something else mixed in with the harmony.

Forgiveness.

He touches their shoulders together, sharing the warmth he feels as the Force seeks to mend the wounds that have been festering for years.

There is a moment where Obi-Wan is jarred slightly from his meditation, and that's the moment that Anakin sits next to him. Feeling light touch of his shoulder against his own. A surge of emotion flowing through him.

There's a touch of a smile on his lips, and he leans against Anakin only a little. An acknowledgement of the man next to him, and of his feelings.

"There is no chaos. There is harmony."

After a few days of solid meditation, Obi-Wan believed that Anakin was ready for the next phase of their trip here. Once breakfast and morning prayers with the monks and their own meditation session, the Jedi Master led his student to a quiet clearing not far from the temples. It was peaceful here, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees, and birds singing among their branches.

“I want to go over some lightsaber forms with you,” Obi-Wan told his companion as the leisurely walked to the center of the clearing.

“You favor Djem So, which you employ as a means to channel your emotions with brute force, particularly anger.” Obi-Wan had never particularly liked Anakin’s choice in that regard, but it had served him well during the Clone Wars. Now, however, things were different and he believed Anakin needed to adjust.

“The Way of the Krayt Dragon has little use here, particularly if you are going to overcome your tumultuous feelings. If you are looking for calm and peace, your blade must reflect that as well.”

Coming to a stop, Obi-Wan then turned to face his friend.

“So, it is my belief that you should become more familiar with Soresu.”

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Meditation Retreat to Japan!

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