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"Hey... what are you doing out here?" Kavar asked approaching the small boy, "Shouldn't you be inside where it's safe?"
The boy didn't answer and continued staring up at the stars, "Can you understand me? Do you speak Basic?"
The boy still didn't move or answer. He continued to ignore the young Jedi Padawan.
"My name's Kavar." He introduced himself.
Unsurprisingly the boy stayed quiet.
Kavar sat down next to the boy, "It's dangerous to be out here alone. There could be beasts out there who could attack."
The boy still didn't acknowledge his presence. Internally Kavar sighed. Was it possible the boy didn't speak Basic? If that was the case then how was he going to help him and his companion?
"What's your name?" Kavar tried.
Finally the boy moved his gaze from the stars to look at Kavar. His head turned to the side and his eyes bore into Kavar.
"I'm sorry I'm bothering you," Kavar apologized, "I'm trying to find the right words in this language. My friend says I talk too fast."
This time the boy just blinked at him. Kavar wasn't sure what the boy was thinking about or if he was even thinking about anything.
"Are you hungry?" Kavar tried again and waved his hand towards the supplies on the ground.
The boy stared at the items for a few seconds before turning back to look at the sky. Kavar looked around. The forest surrounding them was dark and ominous. He was surprised the boy had come this far alone. He could feel the Force in the boy. He was strong in it, maybe even stronger than Kavar. But he had no way to tell until the boy was old enough to wield a lightsaber.
"I'm Kavar." Kavar repeated.
There was a sudden rustling in the undergrowth. The boy didn't even react. He didn't move at all. He was like a statue. Kavar didn't know whether or not to be concerned.
"Hey..." He placed a hand on the boys shoulder only for him to throw himself away from Kavar.
The boy's blue eyes narrowed into a glare and Kavar held his hands up in surrender.
"Hey, I'm not going to hurt you. It's dangerous out here. There are animals and beasts that will attack you."
The boy bared his teeth and growled, a very animalistic sound.
Kavar sighed, "I don't think you understand Basic."
What was he supposed to do? His Master wouldn't be happy about this. In fact he was sure she would lecture him. But how could he have known the boy didn't speak Basic. This moon was supposed to be deserted.
He heard the rustling of the leaves again and he saw the boy's eyes narrow and a feral look crossed his face. Another face of a boy this one even dirtier than the boy he was trying, failing,to communicate with.
The new boy looked around his age, maybe younger, and his dirty brown hair was tangled and messy. He looked more like a beast than a child.
The boy's gaze focused on Kavar and the boy's eyes narrowed and he growled. The one closest to Kavar let out a whistle and it seemed to calm the newcomer.
Kavar felt a pang of sadness for the two boys. They must have been out here alone for a long time. They'd probably had to learn to live like the beasts, scavenging for food, defending themselves from any threat, and learning to use the Force on instinct.
He reached out his hand to the newcomer and smiled, "It's okay, I'm a friend."
The boy growled and snapped his teeth. His mouth was stained red with blood. Had he killed a beast? Was he eating the meat raw?
"Hey, are you hungry?" Kavar slowly took out a piece of meat from the pile of supplies and the boy's eyes instantly lit up.
Kavar tossed the meat towards him and he caught it, tearing into it like an animal. The original one now glanced at him with an odd look. He didn't seem to understand why the newcomer had accepted food so quickly.
"It's food." Kavar said slowly.
He reached towards the food and took another piece of meat and offered it to the first one. The boy took the meat but he didn't eat it. He stared at it for a moment before putting it in his pocket. Kavar frowned. It must have been a long time since he'd last had a proper meal.
"You could stay here," offered Kavar waving his hand at the camp.
He didn't think the two would leave the moon. Not without someone to convince them too and his Master didn't plan on leaving anytime soon.
The two boys stared at him for a moment. They looked at each other and exchanged a series of whistles and clicks. It was like a different language.
After a moment the second boy nodded. He looked up at the stars and clicked. The first boy whistled in agreement. Kavar wondered what they were saying. Were they agreeing to stay? Or was this a conversation about something else?
"I'll bring some food tomorrow," said Kavar, "and I'll try to learn your language."
Both boys turned to look at him. The first boy pressed his hand to his chest and repeated a single sound, "Lu-kas."
"Lukas?"
The boy nodded and pointed to the other, "Mat."
Kavar nodded, "Alright, Lukas and Mat."
Kavar went to bed that night with a sense of accomplishment. The two would stay at camp or nearby. His Master would be proud. He wasn't sure how they would get back to Coruscant but his Master would figure out a way.
In the morning, Lukas and Mat had vanished, and there were no signs of them being in the area. When he mentioned it to his Master she simply smiled and told him the two were Force sensitive. Of course they had the ability to hide themselves and their presence. She said it was likely they had returned to their home and they would come back once they'd calmed down.
Kavar thought about returning to the site every day but his Master didn't allow him. He was forced to sit through lessons, training, and more lessons. He was only allowed to leave supplies out for them.
It was nearly two weeks before his Master finally relented and allowed him to search for the two boys. But she didn't accompany him, instead she was waiting by the ship for his return.
He wasn't sure where to start. He was certain the boys would have run back to their home but he had no idea where their home was. He tried calling out their names and whistling. Nothing worked.
After a while of wandering he stumbled upon a small cave. The smell of meat was strong and there were bones strewn around the entrance. He approached slowly and cautiously. There was a small fire inside and the boys were both sleeping on the floor.
The boys were both covered in dirt and dust and there were some leaves and twigs sticking out of Lukas' hair. It was almost endearing.
Lukas opened his eyes and immediately glared at him. He whistled sharply and Mat woke up with a start. He jumped to his feet and snarled. Kavar noticed he was carrying a crudely made knife and was brandishing it like a vibroblade.
"Hey, it's just me." Kavar raised his hands.
The boy stopped snarling and stared at him. He tilted his head to the side and blinked. Kavar pulled out some of the food he brought with him.
"Hungry?"
The two boys shared a look. Mat put his weapon down and Lukas crawled forward. He grabbed a handful of meat and tossed a piece at Mat. He whistled and clicked at Mat and he responded in the same fashion. Then Mat sat down and ate. Lukas stayed standing and watched him with a curious expression.
"I wanted to check up on you," Kavar explained.
He was worried the two would have gotten hurt or attacked. Maybe he should have left the two alone. Maybe he was interfering with their lives. He didn't know.
"I can leave you alone, if you want." Kavar stood and the two boys exchanged a glance. Lukas whistled and Mat responded.
Kavar turned to leave when Mat spoke, "Stay."
Lukas was staring at him with a thoughtful expression. He whistled a few times and clicked. Mat nodded.
"Okay." Kavar sat down.
He watched the two eat and decided to try and learn their language. If he could understand what they were saying it would make communication easier.
"Lukas, Mat." He gestured to each of the boys then to himself, "Kavar."
"Ka-var." Lukas repeated, stumbling over the unfamiliar word.
"Kavar." He pointed to himself.
"Kav-ar." Lukas clicked.
"Close enough." Kavar smiled.
He spent the rest of the day teaching them Basic and trying to learn their language. Neither of the boys really cared about Basic and they didn't seem interested in learning. They did seem interested in food though.
"Lukas, Mat, hungry?"
The two boys looked at him and whistled. He wasn't sure if that meant they were hungry or not.
"Want some?" Kavar gestured to the food.
They let out another whistle but didn't take the flood. Maybe it meant, No? Kavar was unsure how long the two would allow him to stay. They'd been tolerant of his presence for the last few hours and hadn't asked him to leave. Maybe they were starting to trust him.
He spent the rest of the day helping the two boys. He gathered up their bones and buried them. The two had a large pile and were in the process of digging a hole. He didn't know how they had gotten so many bones.
Kavar wasn't sure how he would explain all this to his Master. It was bad enough she didn't let him return until a few days later, but he wasn't sure she would allow him to continue to see them.
When his Master asked how it had gone he told her everything. How they'd accepted the food and hadn't threatened him, how he'd learned their language, and how they were letting him visit.
She was silent for a long time before asking, "And did they say anything about leaving?"
"No, not yet."
"Then go and speak with them. They might have changed their minds."
He was grateful to his Master for not getting mad. She hadn't told him not to visit and was giving him the opportunity to talk with them.
"Thanks." He headed out of the ship and his Master smiled.
The next time he visited the two boys were excited to see him. Lukas whistled loudly and Mat grinned. He hadn't seen either of the boys smile. Lukas grabbed his arm and pulled him into the cave. He was surprised they were so friendly.
The boys had built a small fire pit and were cooking something. He wasn't sure what it was but it smelled delicious.
"What's this?" He asked gesturing to the food.
Mat handed him a piece and he took it. It was warm and smelled wonderful.
"Meat." Lukas grinned, "Kavar, eat."
"Eat." Mat parroted.
It was just as delicious as it smelled. The two had really improved their cooking skills.
"It's good."
The two boys smiled proudly.
"How did you get the meat?"
"Hunt." Lukas held up the crudely made spear and pointed it at him.
"That's a spear. A weapon."
"Weapon." Lukas nodded, "Protect."
"Good, but be careful." Kavar wasn't sure if it was such a good idea for the boys to have weapons.
They were so young. Even the apprentices in the Temple weren't allowed training sabers until they were older.
Lukas frowned, "Weapon."
"Yeah, it's a weapon, but be careful."
Kavar watched as they looked at the weapon then at him. Then back at the weapon. They didn't understand.
"Weapon." Lukas insisted and Mat nodded.
"Yeah, it's a weapon," he insisted, "But you could hurt someone."
The two boys stared at him.
"Hurt." Lukas repeated, "No hurt. Protect."
"Yes, but be careful. Okay?"
"Careful." Lukas agreed.
"Yes, careful," Kavar wasn't 100% sure they understood what he was requesting of them.
Mat nodded, "Careful."
Still he received an agreement and if it came to it he could help.
"Okay, now that that's settled, can we eat?"
The two boys nodded.The three of them ate together. It was a lot of food, more than Kavar thought the two could eat, and they finished every bite.
"You've got quite the appetite," Kavar commented, "And you can hunt, cook, and clean up. You two are very smart."
"Smart." Lukas repeated and looked to Mat who nodded.
"Yep, you're smart." Kavar said, "Do you think you're ready to come with me? To the Jedi Temple?"
"Jedi." Lukas looked confused.
"It's where I live. It's safe, and there are other people who are like us."
"Us?"
"Yes, you and me." Kavar explained.
"People?" Lukas looked skeptical.
"Yes, there are many people. And it's not dangerous, you'll be safe."
"Safe?" Lukas glanced at Mat.
Mat shook his head, "No."
"Yes." Kavar insisted, "It's safe. I promise. I'll keep you safe."
The two looked unconvinced. Lukas whistled and Mat nodded.
"Not safe," Lukas said, "People bad."
"What?"
Had they been hurt by people? That would explain why they were so far out of the way. If it wasn't for the rare plants he and his Master may never have come.
"People bad." Lukas said again.
"Some are, yes," Kavar agreed, "But not all. We're not bad."
"You," Lukas insisted, "You, good. People bad."
"Yes, me and the people at the Temple."
Lukas still looked doubtful. He glanced at Mat and clicked.
"Lukas." Mat said, "Mat, no. Lukas, yes."
"But-"
"No, Mat no. Lukas, yes."
"Wait." Kavar interjected, "Are you saying that only one of you will come?"
Mat nodded, "Yes. Lukas, yes. Mat, no."
Lukas growled in their language and Mat growled back. They argued and whistled. Kavar didn't know how to respond.
"Both come," Lukas snapped, "Both."
Mat growled back, "No. Both not safe. Lukas, yes."
"Okay." Kavar held his hands up, "Let's calm down."
Lukas let out a snarl and gained his feet. He stood glaring at Mat.
"No. Both." Lukas growled, "Both."
"Lukas, yes." Mat growled back.
"No. Both."
"No, Lukas, yes. Mat, no."
Lukas snarled and stomped his foot, "Mat, yes." Lukas insisted.
"Okay." Kavar stepped between them, "How about we discuss this later?"
Mat shook his head and clicked, "No. Lukas, yes. Lukas go."
Lukas snarled, "Both. Both."
"Alright, fine," Kavar said, "Let's talk about this later."
"Both." Lukas said, "Both."
"I hear you," Kavar tried to keep the two calm, "I do. I'll ask my Master about it. Okay?"
"Ask." Mat repeated.
"Yes, ask," he promised, "Later. When it's time."
"Later." Lukas nodded.
"Good."
"Both." Lukas said again, "Both."
Kavar nodded, "Both."
At least he hoped that they would be able to get them both. He was glad the boys had a connection. Even if it meant they had to stay here a while longer. He would need to speak with his Master about this. When he returned to the camp she was waiting for him.
"How did it go?" She asked.
"I got them to agree to come, sort of."
"Sort of? Either you did or you didn't Kavar."
"Only one can come," he explained, "One stays. But they don't like it. They keep insisting they come together."
"I see." His Master sighed, "And why can't they both come?"
"They're worried about the people."
"I see," she said as she looked at the sky, "They think we're dangerous."
"Yes, tried to I tell them not to worry," Kavar explained, "That we're not like other people, but they were adamant about it."
"Hmm, I see." She tapped her fingers on the control panel, "And why can't they both come? Did they tell you?"
"They're scared for each other."
His Master raised an eyebrow, "That's interesting. Maybe I could speak with them? Do you think they will talk to me?"
"I think so." Kavar nodded, "It would help if you could learn their language."
"Language?"
"They use whistles and clicks and other sounds to communicate. I taught them a little bit of Basic but they're not very interested in it."
"Well, then, teach me."
It was a simple task and his Master was a quick learner. She picked up the language faster than he did and even used the Force to make the process easier.
"Very well, I will go and speak with them."
"Thank you, Master."
"Don't thank me yet, young one. There is no guarantee they will change their mind."
Kavar had hope, however small, that his Master could convince them. Lukas and Mat were smart, strong, and stubborn. He could only imagine what she would do.
He led his Master to the cave and to his horror the cave was covered in blood. There were bodies of beasts scattered around and the smell was overwhelming.
"Lukas! Mat!" He called out.
There was no response. Where were the boys? Were they alright? Had they been attacked by one of the creatures of the moon? Did they need help?
He heard a noise from behind the cave. It was Lukas. He was dragging a large beast behind him.
"Lukas." Kavar let out a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness."
Lukas grinned, "Lukas, good."
"Yes, very good." Kavar agreed, "Are you hurt?"
"No."
"Did you kill that beast yourself?" If he did it was extraordinary.
"No." Lukas shook his head, "Lukas, no. Mat, good."
"So you and Mat killed it?" He asked.
That made more sense. They were young and would have a harder time killing something so large alone. Though he was surprised he were able to move it around so easily.
"Yes. Kill, hunt. Food."
"I see." Kavar felt a little guilty about being afraid.
"Mat, good." Lukas repeated, "Food."
"Yes, food. Very good. But we need to talk."
"Talk?" That's when Lukas noticed his Master. He snarled and dropped the carcass.
"Lukas, it's okay. She's a friend."
"Friend." Lukas didn't seem to believe him.
"Yes, friend."
Lukas glared at his Master and whistled. A few seconds later Mat appeared. He was covered in blood and was dragging another beast.
"Hello, Mat." His Master greeted.
Mat stopped and stared at her.
"She's a friend." Kavar explained.
"Friend." Mat repeated and turned to Lukas, "Friend?"
"Friend." Lukas reluctantly agreed.
"Very good," his Master smiled, "Now, we need to talk."
The two boys shared a look, then Lukas spoke, "Talk. Talk, what?"
"We want you both to come with us. To the Temple."
"Temple." Mat repeated and here they went again, "No."
"We want both of you to come," insisted Kavar's Master, "You'll be safe."
"Safer."
"Yes, safer," she reassured them but Kavar wasn't sure it was working.
If anything Mat was tenser than he had been before. Lukas didn't look any better. His eyes darted around looking anywhere but Kavar.
"No." Mat shook his head, "People, bad."
"Not all people are bad," calmly replied Kavar's Master, "We are not."
"People bad." Lukas echoed.
"Then why are you helping us? We're people."
"Friend," said Lukas with a frown.
"Yes, we're friends," said Kavar with just a hint of hurt.
"Friends, good." Lukas nodded.
"People, no."
"Why not?" Asked Kavar.
"Hurt." Lukas pointed to his own shoulder and then to his cheek.
"Where?" Kavar moved forward and touched the area on Lukas' body.
"No, no, no." Lukas stepped back.
"No," Kavar agreed as he stepped back giving the younger boy space.
"No hurt. Hurt, no. Bad."
"Did the people do this?"
"Yes." Lukas nodded, "Bad."
"How did they do this?" Asked his Master.
Lukas just stared at them. He made a clicking sound followed by several whistles. They were answered by Mat but Kavar wasn't sure what they were saying.
"Gone," spoke Matt this time.
"The people are gone," said his Master nodding her understanding.
"Yes. No hurt. Good."
"You're afraid they'll hurt you again."
"Hurt." Lukas nodded.
"Yes, but we won't hurt you."
"No hurt?" Lukas didn't sound sure about that.
"No, we won't hurt you."
"Promise."
"I promise."
"Mat, yes." Lukas turned to his companion, "Come."
"No."
"Come."
"No."
"Come." Lukas repeated and clicked. Then he whistled in their language.
"Lukas, no."
"Mat, yes."
"No."
"Please, Mat." Lukas clicked.
"Come." Mat reluctantly agreed.
"Good." His Master said, "Now, it's time to leave. You can get cleaned up and eat proper food. And you'll be safe."
"Clean, food. Good."
"Very good." His Master agreed, "Now, let's go."
"Okay." Lukas and Mat both grabbed their belongings and followed his Master and Kavar.
It wasn't long before they arrived at the ship. Trying to convince Lukas and Mat to get in the shower was an adventure.
"Water, no." Lukas clicked, "Water, no. Dirty."
"It's not dirty." Kavar explained, "It's clean."
"Water, no."
Kavar wanted to bang his head into the wall. It was so difficult getting them to understand.
"Come on, Lukas, get in the shower."
"No."
"Get in the shower."
"No."
"You need to take a bath."
"Bath."
"Yes, a bath."
"Bath, no."
"Please, just get in the shower."
"No."
"Why not?"
"Dirty."
"I told you it's clean."
"No."
"Lukas."
"No."
"Get in the shower."
"No."
Kavar was close to ripping his hair out. He wasn't sure why Lukas was being so difficult.
"Lukas, just get in the shower."
"No."
"Look, Mat's in there."
Mat was in fact in the shower. How his Master had pulled that off Kavar didn't know.
"Mat, no. Water, no."
"Lukas, come on."
"No."
"Just get in the shower."
"No."
"What do you want then?"
"Shower, no."
"Fine, no shower."
"Kavar!" His Master shouted from across the room, "Just let him wash off in the sink. The water is clean and the soap won't hurt him."
"Okay, okay."
Kavar was surprised to find his Master helping Mat dry off and teaching him how to use a towel.
"See, like this." His Master said as she dried Mat's hair.
"Dry."
"Yes, it dries your hair. Makes it soft."
"Soft."
"Yes, soft."
Mat ran his hand over his head and looked amazed, "Soft."
"Very good."
"Now, you're all clean."
"Clean."
"Yes, clean."
"Clean." Mat repeated.
"Lukas, now."
Lukas stared at his Master and at Mat. He shook his head.
"Shower, no."
"Then, you can wash in the sink."
"Wash."
"Yes, wash."
"Sink, no."
"It's okay." His Master said, "Just like this."
She grabbed a cup and filled it with water, "First, put your hair under."
"Under."
"Yes, under."
Lukas ducked his head and his hair was wet. Kavar watched as his Master walked the younger boy through it.
"Now, use the soap."
"Soap."
"Yes, soap."
Lukas grabbed the soap and squeezed it into his hand. Then he rubbed it in his hair.
"Good?"
"Good."
"Now, rinse it out."
"Rinse?"
"Yes, rinse."
Lukas ducked his head again and shook his hair out.
"Good," this time it was said with a grin.
"Now, let's dry off."
"Dry."
"Yes, dry," his Master praised quietly, "You did a very good job."
"Good," Lukas seemed almost proud of himself.
"You can do this anytime you need to wash."
"Wash, good."
"Yes, it's good."
"Now, it's time for bed."
"Bed."
"Yes, bed."
"Okay."
Lukas whistled and Mat whistled back. Kavar and his Master watched as the two talked in their language. They were only able to understand bits and pieces of it.
"Bed, good."
"Very good."
"You can sleep here."
"Here? Not out?"
"Yes, here."
"With Kavar?"
"Yes, with Kavar."
...
Only years later did Kavar find out that Lukas did speak Basic. He just chose not to.