All Paths lead to a choice

[Jexz Kira]

Time: Late Morning
Weather: Sunny and Clear

The Journey to Tython had taken a lot less longer than the boy had expected. He sat next to a window on the transport ship. The tickets had plummeted in price lately after the news from the republic. Not that such things ever bothered him anymore, life was always dangerous in the end. The still-healing injury on his arm was a testimony to that after the encounter on Ossus, he still couldn't get the memory of that day out of his mind, it was burnt in there along with the saber burn to his arm. He had at least managed to pick up a more fitting cloak that he kept wrapped around his tattered clothing, the last bit of clothing the man who had started his journey had given him. Funny how things seem to end up the same way, just like when he was found by that man who gave him some proper clothes to wear instead of his rags he had been wearing now he was once again in rags.

He didn't have many credits to this name, the encounter with the sith had seen to that previously and the hand out he had been given were starting to run low. But what he had left allowed him a simple choice, a choice to head to Tython a place he had never been or to head to Ord Mantel and continue trying to become a smuggler. For some unknown reason, something in him told him to go to Tython.

Through the flight and travel, he had been practicing placing a bubble around himself with the limited force experience he had, But he had soon stopped when they entered the atmosphere of the planet. Like with all planets to him he could feel it to a degree. The warmth of this planet and the calmness was something truly unique. It was almost like floating in a warm water that washed any aches and pains away.

The transport landed as a few people shuffled off the ship, welcomed by some guards that seemed to be keeping an eye out for any trouble. As Jexz shuffled through the collection of people his eyes caught that of one of the guards who simply looked at the boy with a frown for a moment before a smile appeared on his face and giving him a nod.

Strange man, Jexz though, he had no idea why the man had simply looked at him and not even bothered to harras what obviously was a beggar or street rat passing through an active area. The next few moments passed in a blur of going down metal ramp ways and stone steps leading out into a path road, in the distance he could see the tip of a structure. But his eyes trailed away towards the greenery of the planet.

Not knowing where he was going he began to walk towards the forest area, the sound of water heard in the distance. As the boy emerged from the trees and rich green life of the small forest he was welcomed by the sight of a lake, with a tumbling waterfall at the back.

He continued to walk forwards towards the water, not that he could swim, not paying much attention to where he was going as he bumped into a stack of rocks. They had been perfectly balanced one on top of another, the bump was enough to cause the four stacked rocks to begin to fall.

Without thinking he reached a hand forwards towards the three rocks that fell, the forth already being on the ground. All three rocks held midair for a few moments, as he slowly lowered them to the ground. Pulling his hand back into his body, the look of uncertainty across his face. Doing things like this had started to become too easy and happen too frequently now.

Jexz sat down on the ground and began to pick up one of the rocks, carefully positioning it onto the bottom rock, nudging it slightly back and forth with his hands trying to find the perfect balancing point. When it fell he would pick it back up and start again. ​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

As the transport drifted slowly down towards Tython soil, Master Austin Wolfe stood resolutely at the head of a squad of Temple Guards. The moment the ship had exited hyperspace, the Jedi were aware of its presence and Austin volunteered to go address the issue. It wasn’t an armed vessel, and likely not a threat — but it didn’t hurt to be careful. The ship landed, steam billowing out with a loud hiss, and the exit ramp opened up with the passengers ready to exit. Austin approached with the Temple Guards, and he noted with some curiosity that there were also guards aboard the transport. In fact, this entire situation was highly abnormal — for decades, everyone stayed away from Tython as it was riddled with Dark Side abominations, and only a year or two ago was it cleansed by the Jedi Order. As the passengers were about to disperse, Austin stopped in front of them all, the Temple guard making a half-circle around the visitors.

”Ladies and gentlemen,” he began cordially, ”I appreciate your interest in visiting Tython, however this is a Jedi world — and as such, visitors are currently not welcome.” The newcomers and guards stood awkwardly, a few of them murmuring and others beginning to shuffle back onto the ship. Regardless of whether they were outcasts, refugees, or tourists, the Jedi Order alone inhabited Tython. Perhaps that would change someday, but not today.

A young boy wrapped in a cloak slipped away from the crowd, but it did not miss Austin’s eye. Something about the boy’s presence in the Force was familiar to the Master, but he couldn’t quite place it. Stepping back and leaning closer to one of the Temple Guards, Austin spoke in a low voice to the masked Jedi. ”Make sure they are all on board. I’m going to speak to the little one over there — wait for my command.” Nodding in assent, the Temple Guards enforced Austin’s command as he strode toward the lake where he’d last seen the cloaked boy.

He happened to find the young one just as he knocked over the pile of rocks, but then displayed aptitude in the Force. Perhaps Austin had met him before. Approaching further so that he was within earshot, Austin finally recognized who it was. ”I see you made it off Jedha before the temple was bombed, Jexz.” He came up next to the boy and peered out across the water. ”It has been some time since we last met in that marketplace.”

@Jexz​

 

[Jexz Kira]

Jexz had been continuing to try and stack the rocks back into place nudging them slightly before he heard a voice, it caused a minor jump from him. He hadn't managed to escape completely unnoticed from the port like he had planned to, was that really a bad thing though he mulled over.

Looking over at the man that stood by him it took a moment or two for him to recognize the face as well as the voice as he smiled a bit turning back to the rocks to continue to try and stack them

"You were the Doctor on Jedha, did that man ever get control over his leg again?"

He paused for a few moments as he stopped stacking the rocks now, he was thinking back to the marketplace on Jedha. It seemed so long ago now. He smiled some in the thoughts and the memories before taking in a slow deep breath

"I heard about Venatus, I am sorry for your orders loss he seemed like a good man. I guess in part I owe my thanks to your order. My time on Jedha taught me a lot, some of it saved my life"

"I managed to get off Jedha my next few places I ended up were not so pleasant or people so nice"

He reached over to his left arm and began to rub slightly at the injury that was still throbbing there. Things had changed, he was doing his best to not feel scared about everything or lost. Maybe that was the reason why he had chosen not to head to Ord Mantel when he had the chance.

In his moment of thinking on the past and the fear that came with it, he felt around him for a few moments, at the planet and the feeling that he got from it. It was a comforting act that he had the habit of doing these days. The more childlike and illogical side of his reasoning blamed the Jedi for what had gone on to him, but the more rational side saw it differently. Jexz pushed up to his feet going to move towards the water, keeping his back turned to Austin. He took in a slow deep breath that he exhaled somewhat staggered.​

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

-Music-
​

You have fought for Aliyah, our last descendant...

Tython was more than just a calling. After their chance meeting on Ossus, Aliyah had made up her mind about the young boy. He would be a Jedi. Venatus wanted to adopt him when they met in the marketplace, it was something they'd talked about, and she was actually the one to tell him to let the boy choose where he wanted to go. But after seeing what he could do in person, there was no doubts in her anymore. But... there was something else. Aliyah could feel it coming, all of her visions stopped at that moment in time.

A crossroads, something major, something she might not survive. Kathry was already going to be a Phoenix, if she chose to become a Jedi, the notes she left behind would give her the paperwork of the name change. She was here to give the boy his adoption papers too. If he accepted them, he'd be a part of their family too, and she could go forward knowing there was always another Phoenix. Because the Phoenix could never die. Aliyah was in her ceremonial robes today, and she didn't have her weapons on her. She didn't have anything on her except for a roll of papers in her hands.

...with courage and with sacrifice.

Jexz was here, she knew because she could sense his presence, and it happened to coincide with a bunch of guards lead by Master Wolfe marching out to meet an unidentified vessel. She was happy he came, walking up to them as Jexz apologized for Dad's death. A pit formed in her stomach. The Guards started dealing with the vessel gently, they weren't here to hurt people, they just wanted to make sure everyone was accounted for, didn't put up a fuss and left the planet safe.

"Jexz. Master Wolfe. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with him, urgently. You can stay if you'd like, but this may take a bit of explaining." Turning towards the boy, she smiled, happy he was still practicing with his abilities. Hopefully that little fight taught him how to control them better. "It's no coincidence you're here. This, I don't know... it feels like the Force might actually have a plan after all. I know we haven't known each other very long, so this is going to come across really weird, but... I went ahead and adopted you. I have the paperwork right here, everything is paid for, and I'd be considered your Guardian from here on out."

The virtues of a leader. The qualities of a hero.

She handed him the bundle of paper with a gentle sigh. This was the weirdest thing she'd ever done. But she meant it, in a way. She'd always wanted a kid, she could never have one, but she'd always dreamt about it. And, with this, she could segway into the next point of conversation. Joining the Jedi Order. If he opened the papers, it would read something like this:

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION

This is to certify that
Jexz Kira
has been formally adopted into the
Most Ancient and Noble House of Phoenix
by
Jedi Knight Alius Phoenix
On this third day of October, 6647 BBY (Year Subject to Change)​

The second piece of paper was a little more crumpled, and was another point of conversation: a Name change. Of course, he could keep his old name and still be a part of their House Family, same way he could refuse to be adopted. But... she hoped that he'd hear her out. It read:

CERTIFICATE OF CHANGE OF NAME

Previous Name: Aliyah Coven
New Name: Alius Phoenix

Children's names changed:
From: Jexz Kira
To: Jexz Carthus Phoenix
From: ----
To: ----
From: ----
To: ----

Given under my hand on this third day of
October, 6647 BBY (Year Subject to Change)​

The name of Phoenix is not found or claimed:

It is earned.

@Jexz @Vosrik

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Smiling and chuckling, Austin replied to Jexz. "Galahad? It has not healed, but he has learned to live with his infirmity. He carries a staff now to assist him in his travels." The doctor nodded solemnly when the young one offered his condolences for Venatus. In truth, Austin did not know the Knight very well — but well enough to know that he was a good man at heart. Brave, determined, and filled with the Light. The Master knew that Venatus died a Jedi's death, sacrificing himself in service of the Order and all those they served.

Jexz got up suddenly, moving towards the lake. Austin was about to stop him to say something, but was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Aliyah. He remained silent as she spoke, revealing that she actually went ahead and adopted the young boy. Leaning closer to the Knight, Austin whispered in a low voice to her. "I was going to offer him the choice — that he either had to leave or join the Order. But, with this turn of events, perhaps it is better if you do so." Smiling and nodding as he glanced over the papers, Austin looked back towards the Temple Guards standing by the transport. They awaited his command.

"Well, if you have this under control, then I will leave this in your capable hands, Knight Phoenix," Austin commented aloud. Bowing his head in farewell, he returned to the Temple Guards. One of them approached. "Master Wolfe, there was another visitor who wandered off. We cannot say for sure, but his description matched that of a Jedi who used to be in the Order. He is heading towards the Academy." Austin nodded in thought. "Very well. Send this transport away, and I will meet this other newcomer at the Academy."

"Yes, Master Wolfe," the Guard replied, his face imperceptible underneath the mask. It struck Austin that Galahad used to be one of these Jedi — emotionless, steadfast, completely devoted to the Order. The transport lifted off into the air as the Temple Guard sent them away, and the Jedi boarded their own ship to return to the Academy.

Exit Thread​

@Jexz @Autumn's Firefly​

 

[Jexz Kira]

Smiling a bit at the comment that the man had at least learned to live with his injuries was something good to hear. Though he had not really gotten to know the man he knew what it was like when someone got such an injury. He had seen it all too many times when the labourers had suffered a loss of a limb. How often they had turned to things to relieve the pain such as spice or other means, almost losing themselves in the process.

"That's good news, glad he is managing then by the sounds of it"

The sudden movement and arrival of Aliyah caught him by surprise as he turned from the lake looking over towards her. A smile came back to his lips, he was genuinely glad to see that she was alright after all that had happened on Ossus. Reaching over her rubbed his arm again taking in a deep breath about to say something before hearing her say there was something urgently she needed to speak to him about.

A frown appeared on his face, what had gone on. Was it something to do with the two Sith they had encountered. His mind was already on the worse possible scenario, but his brow raised at the comment of it being no coincidence that he was here.

But finally, a level of shock at the comment about being adopted, slowly he took the papers from her, unrolling it as he blinked looking down at the papers. Squinting for a few moments trying to read the words on the paper. Taking in one part at a time, reading it much like a person learning to read would breaking it up bit by bit.

He remained silent for a long time as he tried to read the document

“……Car…..thus…….Carthus Pheonix ?”

He said almost asking as he looked at Aliyah again looking back down again at the papers that he was holding. Truth be told that was all that he could really say now. He couldn’t find the words, everything seemed to stop for a few moments. It only seemed like last week he was begging in the streets on Ryloth, now he had been adopted and not only that but was a force user.

After a few moments he finally spoke again

“I….me? but why?.......I mean I am honoured and all and yes somewhat shocked and to be honest not too sure what to say. My guardians or parents don’t tend to have that much luck in life”

His thoughts turned back to the man that had saved him from Ryloth and how he had vanished presumed dead, his birth Mother completely gone from his life having been told she died because of him and then……. then there was his Birth father. The man that had died in the fire that left Jexz scared.

Those thoughts caused a pang of guilt, the thought on his father caused a momentary flicker in guilt, disgust and anger but he soon pushed it aside​