Kian Shekk

Kian wants some sympathy…and a nomination. So, for your enjoyment, here is a story about Kian to get some sympathy…and a nomination.

Kian giggled and raced after the darting girl. The green and tan walls around blurred past into a splash of color, sweat beaded on his forehead and he struggled for breath. But he wouldn’t stop. He wouldn’t let a girl beat him - least of all Kim.
His youthful scream echoed down the hall as Kian struggled to gain ground on his playmate. Kim was sly and swift, while Kian much taller and thicker, yet still the frame of a seven-year-old. Around sharp corners and narrow passageways they dashed - startling the troubled old Jedi pondering around the halls as they flew past.
But it wouldn’t last - not with Kian’s reputation on the line! He bit his lip and surged forward, bringing to mind his father’s often repeated words. Use the Force, Kian, use the Force. He reached deep within, ignoring the physical exertion of the moment. He fumbled for the inner feeling - then suddenly his body sprang to life with new vigor. His feet hardly touched the floor as he shot ahead, cutting corners close and making quick work of long halls and steep stairs.
Kim shrieked, just as Kian leapt forward and tackled her to the ground.
“Aha!” He laughed, a pompous grin spreading over his childish face as he rolled off of Kim. “I gotcha!”
Kim pushed Kian further with a mock frown. “Cheater,” she murmured, yet couldn’t contain the giggles rising up within herself.
Kian shook his head, suddenly solemn. “Nuttuh! I won-ed fairly-and-squarely!”
Kim opened her mouth to protest - but only a squeak came out, and she froze like a rock. She quickly lifted herself off the ground, dusting her robes, and straightened, her face a mask of complete soberness.
Kian scrambled to his feet as well, for though he had not seen what caused the change of attitude in his friend, he knew immediately the only Jedi that could put a happy girl to shame without a single word uttered. Kian hung his head as he stood perfectly straight before the glaring eyes above.
“Sorry, Master Djo,” Kian and Kim echoed.
Kian didn’t dare raise his head, but out of the corner of his eye he could see Kim had. She was staring straight up at the old Jedi. Kian shivered. He wouldn’t dare do that - Djo-im’s eyes were like bonfires, they raged uncontrollably, they scorched hearts and happiness alike. Strict as the saber, the middle-aged Jedi was a stubborn, bold man - already on the Council as a Master. Even Younglings knew Djo - they knew who he was, and who he wasn’t. He wasn’t a kind, loving Jedi. He was a master of war. He wasn’t a man to be questioned by anyone but another Master on the Council - or Kian’s father. He was an aggressive soldier - he was dangerous. But not brute force alone. Though strict to the Order, even Younglings knew Djo - they knew he reeked with danger. He never shirked anything in war, possibly even to the extent of using the Dark Side . . . But was it true? A common rumor, yes, but he couldn’t be trusted if-
Kian was wrenched out of his thoughts as Djo stepped forward, and, with the tips of his fingers, raised Kian’s chin. “Kian,” his teeth snapped as he inspected the Youngling with his harsh voice and harsher eyes. “Kian and Kim, go to your clan house immediately. Do you know what could have happened if you were caught out here when the blast doors sealed? The Sith are coming!”
Kian and Kim’s eyes met worriedly. Sith? their minds echoed in unison.
Djo pushed the Younglings down the hall towards their clan house. “The Sith, you hear?! Move, move, move!”
“Yes, Master Djo-im!” they murmured, already racing as fast as their weary feet could take them. They exchanged fearful glances all the way back. Something deep was amiss.
At the clan house blast door, Kian’s father stood with shoulders thrown back and a powerful gaze extending over the room, dotted with other Jedi. He smiled at his son and Kim as they came nearer. He kneeled and patted their shoulders. “There’re the rascals! Now get inside quickly.” His eyes fell upon Kian, and the blue fire in them seemed to sink to a dull grey. “When in times of trouble, use the Force, Kian, use the Force.”
Kian’s lips parted slightly, before his father slapped him on the shoulder reassuringly once more and disappeared into the midst of a group of other Jedi. He stared after his father a moment longer. Kim hesitated, but grabbed hold of Kian in a moment and pulled him inside the clan house room. She didn’t notice his childish face creased with worry.
(—Warrior of Aror)

Dmitri Pendragon
Blog Moderator