fandomhigh | Meditation and the Art of Kicking Ass [Thursday, September 4, 2014]

Anakin was back in the center of the room, looking...damp and not entirely serene. Teaching guided meditation when ice water kept dropping from nowhere was going to be a challenge. At least today he was more prepared for it: there was a pile of fluffy towels tucked into the corner of the Danger Shop to dry off anyone who got hit with a sudden deluge (assuming that the water wouldn't also hit the towels).

"Hello," Anakin said, gesturing for the students to join him on the mats. "The very first lesson in meditation is to learn how to concentrate on your own breathing without listening to every stupid thought your brain tosses at you. Sit down and make sure you're comfortable, then start counting your breaths. We're not trying to control them or hold them--just focus on how your body is working." He closed his eyes. "Breathe in, then out and count your breath silently to yourself. When you get to ten, start ove-eeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEE SITHSPIT."

Guess who just got drenched, kids. Go on.

Glaring at the ceiling, Anakin blew out a frustrated breath. "Then start again. Stang."

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"It's the power that links all things together," Anakin said. "It surrounds us and penetrates us. It's created by life itself. A Jedi is trained to harness and use that power to help other beings."

Or to throw Star Destroyers around, which was fun too. Shh.

And that was more of what Johnny would want to hear if he wanted to believe that his roommate was kinda evil. Which he didn't.

"Oh, cool. Cool," Johnny said. "Now, hypothetically, if there were some kind of, I don't know, let's call it an empire... Is that something you think the Jedi might rebel against or betray? And if they did, I'm sure they would have a very good reason."

Was Johnny ready to flame on depending on Anakin's reaction? Of course. He had no idea how the next couple minutes might go. It would be a shame to lose the hat, of course, but priorities.

Anakin sighed heavily. "You've met Miss Jade?"

"Oh, so you know about her. I have no idea how I was going to talk around who told me stuff," Johnny said with at least a little relief. "She's my roommate. And she said the Jedi were 'wiped out,' which was weird since, you know, I'm in your class."

Anakin nodded. "She's from a time slightly after mine. Politics have gotten a little...dark. The Jedi were exterminated by the Emperor of her Empire."

And Anakin himself. Cough.

"Why were they killed?" Johnny asked. Because even if he didn't support the slaughter of a whole group of people, maybe there was some kind of almost justifiable reason? Maybe?

"Power," Anakin said shortly. "There's a light side and a dark side to the use of the Force. The Jedi used the light side...and lost."

"And the Empire is all about the dark side?" Johnny checked. ""And because they won, they get to say they're the good guys and normal people like Mara believe it. I think I've got it."

Anakin nodded. "Exactly. If it makes you feel any better, they don't stay in power very long."

"What does that mean for loyal empire people like Mara? I mean, she seems pretty decent even though she likes the evil guys. When the Empire goes away, people like her are okay, right?" Johnny asked. And then something dawned on him. "Wait a second, I thought you said she's from after your time."

"Timelines from my galaxy have gotten very tangled here," Anakin explained. "I've met several of my grandchildren--they keep me up to date on what happened after I left. Mara will be all right, but she's in for a nasty shock in about a decade."

"This place is nuts, even by my standards," Johnny said, rolling his eyes. "Oh, wait, if Mara ends up falling in love with me because she's spent too much time around me and can't help herself, is that going to screw up your future history forever? If so, I'll be sure to lay off the charm."

It sounded like that might be a genuine question. Or it could be a joke now that he was a little more comfortable with the situation. There was no real way of knowing.

"It would definitely change some things," Anakin said wryly.

"Can't say more than that, got it. I'll try to be less appealing to her," Johnny said. "I always try not to mess up history whenever I deal with time travel."

Anakin laughed. "I appreciate it. Feel free to stop by if she gives you more things to question."

"Will do," Johnny said. "And thanks. At least now I ind of know what I'm in for."

"Kind of is better than not at all," Anakin agreed.

Meditation and the Art of Kicking Ass [Thursday, September 4, 2014]

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