Chapter I: Treading the Path
May the Force be With You: Path of the Knight
Chapter I: Treading the Path
"To be Jedi is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle, or the night, Padawan: but choose!"
--Yoda--
Perspective: Alex Clearleaf
All I could feel was a gentle gust as the wind flowed from behind me, the calm heat of the sun pouring down upon the field as I sat in the center a large rock serving as my seat.
“…focus, let go of distractions, feel the force flow through you…” I thought to myself.
For the past hour or so, this was all that I did, letting go of the world and its distractions, and yet I felt a serene connection the peaceful atmosphere, and the calmness of the environment only helped with my meditation.
“…Focus…breathe…center.”
This was the mantra I’d been repeating to myself for the past hour, my mind clearing itself of distractions, my body relaxed itself of any stress, my breathing clear and smooth as I slowly lifted my left arm in front of me. Though my eyes were closed, I could feel the Force flowing through my arm and into the several the stones that were laid out in front. Each of them weighed around five to ten pounds each.
“…Focus…breathe…center.”
Steadily, one of the stones began to levitate, feeling the weight through the force, I breathed steadily to reaffirm my concentration. Being a fairly light stone I focused my attention on one of the other stones and like the first, it too began to slowly levitate, adding on more weight to my exercise.
My focus was now becoming more challenging as I focused on two objects simultaneously. But I couldn’t ease up here, with a deep breath I placed my attention on another of the stones like the first two, it began to rise steadily. The weight of the exercise was now tripling from before, but I wasn’t done yet, my focus now had gone towards the fourth stone, steadily it began to rise.
The weight of the stones began to test my concentration; my focus had been divided into lifting the stones, maintaining focus, and trying to lift the fifth and final stone that still remained stationary.
“…Focus…” I said mentally, forgetting about the cumbersome weight of the stones
A slight rummage stirred from the ground.
“…breathe…” breathing in methodically, gaining focus.
The stone began to slowly lift from the earth, rising and becoming almost weightless, my task was almost complete…just a little more.
*Knock*“Alex.”
“Hang in there, just a bit more.” I said, my heart rate elevating as sweat trailed down my face.
*Knocking* “Alex!!”
“Only a few more inches…” I said my attention all on the stone.
*Louder Knocking*“Alex!!!”
“…One... more…inch.”
*Very Loud Knocking*“ALEX!!!”
My eyes opened at the loud bang of wooden door, with it my focus had now all but vanish on the stones, now where once there was a quiet clear field now was the guest room, sunlight shining through one of the windows which I had opened prior my meditation, the stones or should I say books which I had focused were now sprawled about the floor, sighing I picked up the tomes placing them on the table before speaking.
“Hang on for a sec.” I said placing the last book on the table before getting dressed, my outfit for the day for the was simple tan colored buttoned collared shirt underneath it a brown t-shirt which was fully revealed, a pair of denim jeans with a black belt and finally my moccasins back from home.
Most of this and several other clothes that I had now owned had been hand crafted, courtesy of Rarity who been more generous to give me several outfits to wear aside from the one I had from when I first arrive.
Upon opening, stood my humble host and friend Twilight, she was wearing what looked like a traditional school uniform, a dark mulberry colored long sleeved sweater with it her cutie mark emblazoned, underneath it a white long sleeve shirt, both having the sleeves rolled up towards her elbows. Followed by a plaid skirt with perfect creases, it was the same color scheme as that of her mane. She gave me a relieved smile before speaking.
“Sorry about waking you Alex, I know that you like to sleep in, but I have some rather interesting news.”
“It’s alright Twi; I’ve been up for some time doing some morning meditation. What’s up?”
“Well, The princesses have been given approval by the royal treasury for a commission for you to have own home.”
“That’s great, I mean not that I don’t like staying with you and Spike, but I don’t want feel like a mooch. It just unfitting for someone who’s a Jedi Knight.” I replied.
In seriousness, I still didn’t consider myself a true Jedi Knight. I mean I was stoked about the fact that I’m guardian of peace and justice, being able to study and understand the force is already something that I’ve enjoyed immensely.
“Don’t feel guilty Alex, I was more than happy to let you stay here. You're more than welcomed to stay for as long as you need.” Twilight replied smiling back.
“Thank you for the hospitality, Twilight I really appreciate it, but I really don’t won’t to impede your studies.”
“Oh you don’t have to worry about me. In fact, there is another thing I want to ask you.”
Before I could reply a growl could be heard from my gut, causing Twilight to giggle.
“Why don’t we have breakfast before we talk, I’m pretty sure that your hungry considering the monstrous growls from your stomach.” Twilight spoke jokingly.
My stomach proceeded to agree with Twilight’s statement by growling once again in anticipation.
“Well I can’t argue with that logic, alright then.”
I have to hand it to Spike; the little drake knows how to make pancakes like a boss. I wonder how he learned to make something so good. I thought as I took the last bite out of the breakfast pastime.
“You’ve done it again Spike, these pancakes are delicious.”
“Well I try, besides who do think makes sure that Twilight actually gets the necessary requirements to function.” The hatchling retorted.
“Hey I’m not that hopeless I can still take of myself, may I also remind you of who raised a certain baby dragon.” Twilight spoke.
“Alright, I get it but you do tend to forget to actually take time to enjoy some my cooking.” Spike said taking the now emptied plates into the kitchen.
Twilight’s lavender fur darkened as she blushed. “Alright Spike I understand, maybe I do need to take time to consider my own well-being.”
I only chuckled at the moment; both Twilight and Spike were pleasant company in the last few weeks. They made my stay at the library quite interesting, Spike reminded me all too well of Leon, Though he was young, Spike was quite intelligent for his age then again living with a bookworm unicorn would do that.
He’s also mature considering that he’s a baby by dragon standards, willing to assist Twilight selflessly and loyally without a thought of being rewarded all simply he felt that it was something he could do for the mare that essentially raised him. His usefulness was definitely noticeable not only was he organized, he was talented at cooking, cleaning and able to become Twilight’s personal instant messenger, he was well rounded in writing too.
However he was at times just a kid, he is quite funny at times making jokes here and there from time to time, his quite obvious puppy-love crush on Rarity which I’m not going to say isn’t possible but then I can only imagine how that would work, and then there was the whole several hour bubble baths Twilight told me about.
I can only imagine how that even works.
Yet still I can see why Twilight and many of the mares in town love him so much. I even admit the little guy was growing on me too.
“So Twilight, now that we’re finished with breakfast what was that you wanted to talk about.” I spoke.
“Oh right, I was going to ask you Alex what exactly are the main focuses on your Jedi training.”
I thought about the question for a second before replying.
“Hmm well if I was to say what a Jedi mainly focuses on it really boils down to three things, Physical fitness, strengthening, and cleansing one’s body as a means to serve the force through a vessel. Meditation to ensure that one’s mind is clear and to keep their spirit strong and disciplined, finally there is research and educating oneself both outside and inside the ways of Force. One can apply their natural interests and talents by learning other things outside from understanding the force.” I explained
Twilight face seemed to take a special interest in the last thing I said, before she spoke.
“Really is that all, nothing else added towards your regiment?”
“Aside from adding more time to one’s forte as a Jedi whether they focus on physicality, meditative ability or balance between the two, nothing really different, why do you ask?” I asked my eyes closing in relaxation.
Twilight fidgeted in place before speaking in a nervous voice. “Well we’ve been thinking about it and we want you become the Knight you were destined to be so…” she took a pause before speaking again. “We all agreed to ask if you would let us help you with the training.”
Immediately my eyes opened with shock, this was surprising to say the least. I knew the girls cared about my new life here in Equestria and wanted me only to succeed. They were there when I was knighted by the Princesses, and each of them gave their own blessing to my new career. I never thought they take so much interest into it, they were my friends, yes, and they wanted to help me become a Jedi, yet the only thing I could think of is how?
“Twilight, I-I don’t know to say, I really appreciate everything you’ve all done for me so far really I do, but I can’t accept this.
Twilight gave me a worried look before speaking, “But why not, we know that in the last few weeks you’ve dedicated yourself into training, but as friends we all want you to succeed and as Equestria’s sole human and Jedi Knight if I may add would it not be beneficial to receive some help from those who offer it.”
“Yes, but I mean what can you can you guys do to supply help to me?” I asked.
Twilight smiled humbly before speaking. “Well that where we come in, from what you’ve told me, we all can provide something to help you. In fact the main focuses of your training could be fulfilled with all of us working with you.”
I listened to Twilight’s words, she did have a point it wouldn’t hurt to have training partners but still.
“Okay Twilight, let’s say I do agree to go on with this, how would you all help me?”
“Alright let’s use an example, say you wanted to train physically and you wanted to increase your strength and fortitude, Applejack could help you by providing you a regiment with such necessity.” Twilight explained.
It made sense, Applejack and her family were known for their tiresome farm work which required strength and longevity. I saw what she was getting at yet…
“So basically, you all individually help with a focus on my training right?”
“That the idea.” Twilight replied.
Looking at it now, I understood each of the girls would somehow help me in my training. I was still wary about the idea, but what do I really have to be wary of, honestly. If my friends were offering to help me, then who was I to deny it they had already shown they’d cared about me and only wanted the best for me, so maybe I should return that gratitude.
...Maybe, I should return that trust.
I gave a short chuckle before smiling replying to Twilight.
“Alright you win Twilight, so when does this helpful training begin.”
Twilight smiled before replying back. “I’m glad you accept, Sir Clearleaf your training begins today in fact, I hope you're prepared, things are about to…interesting.”
