Open Yavin IV Deeper than Scars

[Drastus Drahr]

Yavin-Jedi Temple
"Felix's Room"
​

It had been almost a weeks since the events of Ajan Kloss. Due to some sneaky manuevering, some rather diplomatic discussion, and a whole lot of elbow grease, Drast had managed to get not only Xiann into the adjoined room, but Lani's bacta tank as well. The former had recovered physically, but she was far from the same girl he remembered. The latter, was still healing, and was the sole cause of his sleepless nights replaced by hours of prayer. When he wasn't training or doing missions for the Order, he was watching them. The room that he had claimed was Felix's had been converted, by him, into a room for both girls. He had attained beds, dressers, anything he could before he moved them into it.

He had told Xiann that she could enter his room or knock on his door whenever she needed him. Or comm him. He didn't care. For them, he never entered without a knock and an affirmation for entry. He even went so far as to hang a blanket around Lani's tank so that only her face was visible. Was it excessive? Sure. But when she woke up, he didn't want her to think that he was stealing looks or anything. He had so much to say to her, and though he would say it through whispers of the Force, he never truly knew if she heard.

Today was no different. He had already returned from his daily run and showered and approached the closed adjoined door. He would offer up a knock. "Xiann? You all good in there?"

@Xian @Catbert

 

[Xiann]

Xiann was resting her head against the glowing container that was Lani’s Bacta Tank. The cold vibrations of the device help to calm her nerves, though she would prefer a large alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately alcohol was rare in the temple, and Drast was doing his best to keep what little there was away from the Twi’lek. She knew he was only looking out for her, but still couldn’t help but feel annoyed every time he refused to tell her.

A knock at the door, followed by Drast asking after her caused her to roll her head on the tank and stare at the door as if she was trying to see through it. No such luck. She slowly pushed herself away from the tank and shuffled to the door, pressing the button to open it.

Drastus would be welcomed with possibly the weakest smile Xiann had ever made. She straightened out the clothes she had borrowed from the temple, it’s long sleeves and flowing robe covered almost every inch of her now heavily scarred skin. She still wore a bandage over her right eye to cover the only scar the robes could not. The wound itself had fully healed, but she could not bring herself to look at the injuries, let alone let anyone else see them.

“Hey, Drast. I’m doing ok.” Her voice was steady and monotone, devoid of it’s usual bounce, joy and confidence. She turned to the side to invite him in, “Lani is still dreaming away.” She stepped away from the door and lowered herself to sit on her bed. “How is your training and missions going?”

Spoiler

@Rhogar @Catbert

 

[Drastus Drahr]

And with what was the weakest smile she ever fielded, he'd offer her one of his brightest. "You're looking vibrant as ever, Xi." He would step in, and look around. Based on the way the blanket was settled, it looked like she was back to resting her face against the glass.

His heart broke every time he saw them. He had been unable to join them, the actual fighter of the trio, and sure he wasn't all-powerful, but maybe he could have gotten them out of there. He'd give her hand a squeeze before shutting the door behind him.

"Still sleeping, huh?" He'd make his way over to the tank, sitting where Xiann had been only moments prior, his back against the tank. "How about you? You been able to sleep?"

He removed a small cannister of burn cream and set it down beside him. "Eh, it goes. We'll see the next time I'm in a scrap. I'll be heading out with Master Tionson soon for some mission. The Masters don't want me sulking around the Temple to watch you two too much, I guess."

@Xian @Catbert

 

[Xiann]

Xiann let out a half heart laugh, “Sure, I sleep. Get a full 15 minutes a time.” She rolled onto her right side, continuing to face Drast and Lani. “These beds are more comfortable than I’m used to. I’ll adjust soon enough.” The beds were very much more comfortable than her usual sleeping spots, but it was the constant nightmares that stopped her from resting properly. She just didn’t want to admit it to Drast, even though he could probably guess. The guy was already worried enough about her, not to mention how he must feel seeing Lani the way she was.

The Twi’lek smiled lightly at the mention of Master Tionson’s name, possibly the first time she’d genuinely smiled for a while, small as it was. “I like Master Tionson. He’s very kind.” The smile faded quickly though when the mention of the Masters brought up the fact she still had to find someone to train her properly. A task she was not looking forward to. Master Tionson already had Rishe as an apprentice. “Does Master Forge have an appren- No, nevermind. I doubt she’d accept me after what happened.” She turned her head to bury more of her face into the soft blanket, wondering if Master Forge could ever forgive her.

@Rhogar @Catbert

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Yeah, my mattress is hard as a rock. I wanted you two to be comfy." He admitted. "Ya know, I get it. Took me a long time to not be embarrassed by my scars. To not be scared of others seeing them."

Like Lani, Xiann had been privvy to a near fully exposed torso as well as all the nasty scars that went with it. "It took Master Zurast to help me find my strut again. And if you know, you ever want to have a real talk, I'm here, Xi."

His head would lean back against the tank. "I just wish she would wake up." He mused before he gave her question some thought. "I don't think she does.. and I think you should hunt her down and ask her. You guys have an event to help the bond form. If she's angry? Eat the osik with your head held high and prove her wrong."

@Xian @Catbert

 

[Xiann]

Xiann mumbled into her blanket when Drast offered a sympathetic ear. As much as she felt like nobody would understand what she was going through, she knew he would. He was good looking, he got scars and he was confident again. Despite knowing this, she didn’t feel like talking just yet.

Rolling her face again to look towards Drast and Lani, “I hope she wakes up soon too. I have so much to say to her. You do too I imagine.” She let out a small huff as she rolled fully onto her back to look at the ceiling, “So much for no sentimental attachments, huh.”

After a brief pause to collect her thoughts she spoke about the Masters again, “Well, even if she wouldn’t want me as an apprentice I still need to track her down to apologize. Not that I expect her to accept it, but still.”

@Rhogar @Catbert

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast would turn a bit, his forehead pressing against the cold glass of the bacta tank. He would allow his thoughts to carry from him to her, hoping the Force was actually keeping them connected. He even tried to stay as positive and upbeat as possible around Lani, thinking that maybe enough cheer would make the Zeltron wake up.

After a few moments he would push himself to his feet and walk over to where Xi was laying, before he sat down on the floor, leaning against the bed. He reached up and grabbed her hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "You're one of my best friends Xi, and I love you lots. I thank the Old Gods, that you're at least still alive." He sighed, still squeezing her hand as his head laid back against the bed. "Yeah, so much to say. Well, I'm kriffed then." he said with a laugh.

Now that he was this close, Xiann would actually see that he was letting his appearance go. The once crisp shaving of the sides and back of his head were now starting to fill in and the once well-kempt goatee was starting to get stubble around the rest of the jawline. He was even just wearing a normal white tee under his training vest as regular clothing now instead of his usual button up shirt and fancy vests.

"Tell ya what, I will try my best to get her to come here, yeah? You can apologize, you can talk to her, whatever. How's that sound?"

@Xian @Catbert

 

[Maiko Sigur]

Finding his way back to the Jedi Temple at Yavin IV had been few and far in between with a Master who wanted him to learn about the galaxy firsthand and during those rare times, Maiko would always found the peace and quiet he missed about the temple. This time, however, was different – far from the rarities he enjoyed every single time he set foot on the temple he called his third home.

Master Alex had kindly dropped the young Padawan off on the Temple before she set out with Jedi Master Max Tionson. The two Jedi's return to Ajan Kloss set Maiko on edge, his extreme worry for his Master extending to Master Tionson's. He was considerate enough to give his own Master some space when she and Master Tionson finally returned, but Maiko knew well enough that it was his gnawing worry that kept him from going to her. He'd heard about the injuries Master Tionson had received on Ajan Kloss, and he worried too deeply that he might find his Master bearing the same wounds – whether if it was physical or not.

His worry and fear for his Master strengthened the same emotions he felt even before she left. Shortly after he was dropped off into the Temple, he'd caught wind of some Jedi and Padawans who ventured into Ajan Kloss before Master Alex and Master Tionson could purge the Darkness that plagued the Temple there, and Maiko had been horrified to learn that Xiann and Lani were the Padawans he'd heard about.

He might not have the bonds of camaraderie the two girls shared with Drastus but Maiko still saw them as his friends. And he felt like an absolute fool for delaying his visit like what he was doing with his Master, so the young Padawan decided to pack his own doubts away and told himself that now was the time to pay the girls a visit.

It was easy to find himsel standing in front of Drastus's dormitory door, but knocking to announce his presence – if they hadn't picked up on his worry and pain through the Force – was an entirely different story. One hand raised to chest level, Maiko would rap at the door with his knuckles apprehensively.

He had heard that Xiann could move around despite the injuries she sustained, but Lani– Lani was in a bad shape, and had to be put in a bacta tank to help her heal.

Maiko knew that his presence on Ajan Kloss would not change a thing – heck, he might even be injured like them or worse, dead. But a stubborn part of him wished that he had been there, as much as he wished to be there for Masters Alex and Tionson. If he had been there, maybe he could have–

The young Padawan knocked on the door again and, in a meek, apprehensive voice, announced himself.

"Drastus? It's– It's me, Maiko. Can I come in? I would like to– to see Xiann and Lani, if that's alright?"

With that he would drop his hand, clenching it into a fist while the other found purchase on the front of his tunic.

@Rhogar @Xian @Catbert

 

[Xiann]

Xiann sighed and groaned to sit up as Drast squeezed her hand, “Well, even after she wakes up, she’ll need rest for a while. She couldn’t get away from us talking to her even if she wanted to.” As she sat up she let her hand rest on top of his unkempt hair, letting it slip down to his cheek and pulling his head to rest against her leg, “You’ll need to shave this off before she wakes up too. Ladies don’t like being stabbed when they kiss the one they love.”

Her attention was suddenly drawn by a knock at the outer door and she physically recoiled a bit at the thought of someone else seeing her. Then came the second knock accompanied with a voice this time, she looked down to Drast, “Maiko?” It took her a moment to remember the youngling from the party who danced like noodles in a fan and made the divine cookies.

“I got it.” The Twi’lek rolled back onto the bed so she could reach one of the drawers in the cabinet next to it. Pulling the drawer open Drast would see it was full of electronic devices with no casings. Some looked like standard devices that had been stripped down, others were made from the stripped parts and one that looked suspiciously like a lightsaber hilt. “Here it is.” She pulled out what looked like a remote control with a multitude of buttons on it, pressing one opened the door to their room, then she pressed another and the main outer door opened. “Before you ask, I’m an engineer. I make things to try and cope.” She kept her head down on the bed, trying to hide behind Drast’s new moptop for as long as possible. “I hope he brought cookies.”

@Rhogar @Catbert @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast sighed as she moved. "Ya didn't have to get up, Xi.. Besides.. I don't think she loves me, I don't think she even likes me, in that way. She seemed convinced it was the pheromones.. but uh.. that's wrong.."

He wasn't used to anyone touching him, especially since the girls got injured. So he fought every ounce of flinch at the initial head pat before she caressed his cheek and pulled his head back down onto her lap. It was oddly comfy and his eyes would close in this newfound feeling. "I get it.." he grinned. "I'll get back on it. At least I haven't stopped working out.."

He actually almost fell asleep. Almost. He didn't even make out the words said or that any had been spoken. It wasn't until Xiann began to move, that he stirred. "Hmmm? Up. I'm up. Yup." He was missing some context to the situation but something that did make sense was Xiann had found a way to control Drasts door. The door in his room.

As the door opened, revealing an empty room for Maiko, Drastus would call out. "Come in! Interior door!" Maiko was here? How did Maiko know Drast was taking care of the girls? Then again, who didn't?

He would then give Xi some side eye. "Hacking my room, huh? Oh well, that's pretty cool."

@Forsythe Crowholde @Xian @Catbert

 

[Maiko Sigur]

Maiko didn't have to wait long as the door slid open, but he refrained from entering upon seeing that Drastus's room was empty. The older Padawan's voice floated off somewhere within the room, however, and he tentatively took a step inside upon receiving the invitation to enter.

The young Padawan kept himself closed off from the Force as much as he could so as not to overwhelm his friends with the sheer worry he felt for them. Drastus might not have been at Ajan Kloss with Xiann and Lani, but Maiko could only imagine the pain he must be feeling for the girls. Part of him also felt that the older Padawan must have been feeling a right amount of guilt for not being there for Xiann and Lani – they were the DLX Crew, after all, and as much as Maiko knew about a group of friends ready to defend one another he also knew it was not inappropriate to assume what the older teen felt.

For someone who had so willingly placed him under their wing of protection, Maiko felt that it was his duty to support Drastus in return. Not as an obligation, no – simply because it was what friends do for one another.

Maiko slipped further into the room until he reached the interior door. Hesitantly, he crossed the threshold and finally caught sight of the once flamboyant and rambunctious trio of friends. Only then did his worry turn entirely into something else. It wasn't pity, no – he knew well enough that most people were highly averse to being looked at with such emotion.

Sympathy and pain flashed in his brown eyes as his gaze swept from Drastus, to Xiann, and finally to Lani. His friend looked like he hadn't been sleeping properly for days. The light he'd seen and felt from Xiann had been diminished, the confidence with which she held herself when he first met her seemingly wiped away, and Maiko could never bear to imagine the fear and horror she must have felt back on Ajan Kloss. The blanket covering the bacta tank and, mercifully, most of Lani hid the extent of her injuries from Maiko, and somehow he knew that she must be feeling the same as Xiann if only she was conscious. But he wouldn't call the Zeltron's state of unconsciousness a mercy – sometimes it was more merciful to have to spend many sleepless nights than being trapped in your own head without any hope for recourse.

The young Padawan stood awkwardly by the doorway, hands on his sides clenching and unclenching into fists to hopefully stave off his anxiety. He tore his gaze off of Lani to regard both Drastus and Xiann with a weak smile.

"How are–"

He stopped midway, feeling stupid for even asking about their wellbeing. Sure, they could say that they were fine, but it felt wrong to the young Padawan. Instead, he shuffled inside and leaned against the wall.

He felt terrible for not bringing anything with him. What kind of an awful visitor was he if he couldn't even give them a gift or something?

Eventually, Maiko did end up asking the one question he was trying to avoid, feeling all the more awkward for his perceived blunders. "How are you two?"

And, feeling a sudden surge of courage despite his shortcomings, he quickly followed up with a rueful, "I-I want an honest answer, please. Thank you."

@Rhogar @Xian @Catbert

 

[Xiann]

Xiann sat up from the bed as Maiko entered, placing the remote on the pillow. She gave him a weak smile as a greeting. It was better than the one she gave to Drast earlier as his visit had cheered her up a little, and now she had another visitor. “I am still sore, but by and large I am healed.” She touched the bandage over her right eye with her hand, “Though, I’m afraid the pretty face you know isn’t around anymore.” The other hand, now resting on Drast’s shoulder, clenched bunching up the clothes over his shoulder slightly.

The Twi’lek lowered her hand and gestured towards Lani in her tank, “Lani is still sleeping. Healing steadily. Luckily we’ve had Drast here to provide what we need. I don’t really feel up to going out just yet.” She slowly released her grip on Drast’s clothing, and scruffing his hair slightly, before turning her attention back to Maiko, “And what about you young Maiko? How goes your training and missions? You’ve been away a while, you’ve got to keep us up to date on your escapades.” She smiled at him again.

@Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde @Catbert

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Stop, Xi, you're still pretty." Drast mused with his eyes closed, his hand patting hers that was now on his shoulder, covering the clenching hand from view. He'd offer a shrug as he stretched, his eyes now opening to glance at Maiko. "I'd get up to hug ya, but I'm just genuinely tired." he offered. "Barely sleep, barely eat, but I wouldn't say it's a conscious decision, just as the body needs it."

Groaning he'd pat the ground beside him. "C'mon, tell us how you're training is going." as he spoke, his eyes would drift back to Lani. Maybe, just maybe, they could spur enough positive energy to wake her up. "Just call me Cinderfella. I cook, clean, sometimes do nails." he'd say with a laugh.

@Catbert @Xian @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Maiko Sigur]

A soft, appreciative smile lit up Maiko's features as he listened to his friends' response to his query. He was grateful for their honesty, and he was beginning to feel that maybe there was something he could do to help them, to show his support on their path to recovery. Not just as an aspiring healer, but a concerned friend.

Yes, he could do those.

He took a step forward, then another, in response to Drastus's invitation. The young Padawan sat beside his friend, but he was facing the bed and – by extension – Xiann. Maiko would stretch out a hand to gently take hers in his, his touch light and unobtrusive. His thumb would brush over her knuckles in a comforting touch, and he would reach out to her through the Force in assurance.

"I agree with Drast, Xiann," he told her kindly, smiling softly up at her. "I'm not gonna tell you that beauty is skin deep because you might refute that, but please believe me when I say that you are pretty, Xiann. You really are, and no amount of bandages or scars will ever change that."

Honesty was always something he could easily put forth on the table and Maiko hoped that she would believe his words, even a small part of her would do. He couldn't even lie to save his life, and attempting to do that now would only cause more pain and self-doubt. And being a painfully honest kid Maiko knew that it was what the Twi'lek needed. That, and a supportive friend in the form of Drastus. The young Padawan could only hope that he could be that for her as well – and to Lani as well, once she woke up.

His free hand would find Drastus's shoulder, and Maiko's concerned gaze alighted on him this time. He could feel Drastus's worry for the girls through the Force – for someone who felt so strongly it was loud to him, and a little alarming given the older teen's verbal response to his question.

No, Maiko wouldn't chastise him for something that was barely out of his control. The young Padawan had an inkling of Drastus's feelings for Lani, and combined with his worry for his friends' well-being Maiko would not blame him for nearly neglecting his own. He couldn't say he knew well enough how Drastus felt, but the Force was kind to him and thus had given young Maiko a glimpse. Drast didn't need someone scolding him right now. Like Xiann, he needed someone who would support him unconditionally.

And that was what Maiko was here for.

He felt ashamed that he couldn't do it for his Master who had experienced something worse as well, but maybe helping his friends could open his eyes on how to help and support her as well.

"If you ever need someone to remind you, Drastus, please know that I'm here," he advised his friend gently. "In fact, you can just barge in on my room and demand for food, and I will cook something for you. For you and Xiann. Name it, and I'll hit the kitchen right away. Of course I'll need a recipe for some dishes I don't know, so..."

The young Padawan trailed off with a self-conscious chuckle, his ears turning pink with sudden embarrassment. Maiko cleared his throat and would pat Drastus's shoulder while he brushed a thumb on Xiann's knuckles.

I'm here for you, alright? he would reach out to the three of them through the Force, his kind, soft gaze finding Lani. I'm here for you three. Always.

Please wake up, Lani. Drast and Xiann miss you.

Maiko grinned at Drastus's little joke before tilting his head to the side like a puppy at their questions about his training and travels. His thoughts immediately went to Master Alex and he quickly shut down the negative emotions that rose in his mind, mindful not to let his friends feel nor be affected with them.

"Well, things were– have been going pretty smoothly," he replied with a small smile. "Master Alex has been taking me to different planets so I can better learn how the galaxy works... The last mission we've been into was on Uba IV. The people there were being plagued by an unknown illness, and Master and I found out that it wasn't caused by a virus but a disturbance in the Force."

"As for my training, um... Master is teaching me not to control the Force but to work with it. To follow where it guides me. I told her I want to be a healer, and my first patient as a Padawan learner had been none other than her," he continued, chuckling fondly at the memory of their first meeting. "But since she's been undertaking some missions where she can't take me with her yet, I have been spending some time meditating and training with other padawans. I hope–"

The smile on Maiko's face dimmed a little, but it remained there rather stubbornly. "Well, I hope I can be as strong as you guys so I can finally join my Master on most of her missions. I know she worries for my safety so she doesn't always bring me with her, but I worry about her just as much. She's my Master, and..."

Blinking, his smile turned apologetic. No, he would not think of Ajan Kloss nor what had been Master Alex and Master Tionson's mission there. He came here to visit his friends, not dump his worries and fears on them. They already have problems of their own, and he would feel awful for being an additional burden to them.

@Xian @Rhogar

 

[Xiann]

Xiann couldn't help but smile slightly when the guys both protested her claims that her looks were gone even though neither of them had actually seen under her bandages yet. The smile only widened when Maiko threw out the open invitation to his kitchen. “Oh, you may regret saying that. I still remember those cookies you brought when first we met.” While the lure of delicious treats was enough to entice her, truth be told she needed to start leaving the room every so often.

She listened as the young padawan told them of his training and missions, though it was obvious he was skipping parts. The Twi’lek leaned forward and squinted her uncovered eye accusingly, “While you may be able to convince Lani with that, both me and Drast are experienced with those trying to hide things from us. I do hope you’re not holding out on us because you think we’re too weak.” She leaned back again her smile returning slightly, “Come on, tell us your worries. Who knows, maybe we can help.” The youngling had offered them a sympathetic ear so it was only fair they did the same for him, plus she would welcome the distraction from her own insecurities.

@Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Despite how exhausted Drast looked, he'd still sit up straight and look fully invested in Maiko's tales of adventure. Maiko was doing good, he was learning, and one day, he'd make a fine Knight. Drast would roll his shoulders, leaning back again, his head against Xiann's lap. "Yeah, Maiko, share the worries too. It's what friends do, yeah? I keep the playbook to bs under my pillow." he added with a tired laugh.

"You're still young, give it time and they'll bring you along for their dangerous ops." Drast would say with a nod. "As much as we hate to hear it, sometimes the Masters know best. Sometimes. But, if you ever tell Master Sati I said that, I will give you the noogie of a lifetime."

@Xian @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Maiko Sigur]

As much as he didn't want to be a burden to his friends, Maiko couldn't find it in himself to refute their words. Xiann's comments about the cookies and Drastus's "threat" about the noogie made the young Padawan's face light up with a smile. The Force swirled gently around him and, by extension, his friends. He glanced over at Lani again, hoping that her two close friends' presence could reach her through the Force and bring her comfort – and even bring her back to the waking world.

Maiko's focus shifted back to Drastus and Xiann, and his smile dimmed a little as he lowered his gaze. He didn't want to dredge up the horrible experience Xiann and Lani had gone through nor Drastus's worry and fear when he saw what happened to the two girls. Heck, he didn't even want to think of Ajan Kloss. But the jungle moon was somewhere his three friends and his own Master saw and experienced something horrible, and it extended to him and Drastus as someone who survived in the sacking of the temple.

"I know. I understand," he told the two quietly, but without even a sliver of negative emotion. "Thank you, both of you."

The young Padawan took a deep, fortifying breath to calm himself. He would share what was troubling him, but no way in heck was he going to cry about it. It wasn't a matter of being seen as weak, but of worrying his friends even further with his tears. He tried to block any further sadness and fear he felt to prevent his friends from sensing them, and once he was done he began to spill what was on his mind and heart.

"Master Alex went back to Ajan Kloss with Master Tionson sometime..." he trailed off, glancing at Xiann before gently squeezing her hand in his. "...after you returned here on the Temple. They went there to purge the curse that's been plaguing the temple after the– the Sith attack. They were able to lift the curse, but everything comes with a price, right?"

Worry and guilt gnawed at the young Padawan, prompting him to stop but he persevered. "They returned, successful in their mission but... injured. There are physical injuries, yes, but those can heal. Limbs can be replaced." He was in no way downgrading Master Tionson's injury. Maiko was just stating a fact, but even that tasted bitter on his tongue. He felt horrible for even saying that.

But if there was one injury the Knight and the Master shared, it was beyond physical. Maiko couldn't imagine the horrors Master Alex faced with Master Tionson, let alone fathom them. At least not yet. He was yet to see his Master, and the thought alone made him all the more guilty.

"But what they must have witnessed, what the Curse must have made them feel – what it left in their hearts and minds... I know I would only be a burden if I had been there with them, but I still can't stop wishing that I was. For the two of them. And now that they're back– now that she's back, I–"

He wasn't going to cry. No. Never. He blinked away his tears and quickly wiped them away with his sleeve when some stubbornly rolled down his reddening cheeks.

"I haven't even visited Master Alex once because I'm stupid and I'm scared of what I might see and feel. I'm scared that the Curse might have left something so horrible to her in retaliation and I won't be able to help, to heal her!"

One of his worst fears came out in the open.

"I don't want to lose her. I already lost Master Atuvrak to the Sith, and I won't– I can't–!"

Maiko shut his mouth, ducking his head in a mix of shame and fear. The Jedi taught him to accept loss, that no one was ever truly gone. But he was still quite new to the Order, and that particular teaching hadn't really sunk in yet. The young Padawan understood it on some level, but after being faced with the very real threat of almost losing Master Alex?

Another swipe of his sleeve to his tear-streaked face, and Maiko would lift his gaze to Drastus and Xiann, equal parts apologetic and embarrassed.

"I'm sorry!" he apologized sincerely. For what, though? For sharing his problems they were willing to help with, or for being an awful Padawan to his Master?

@Rhogar @Xian

 

[Xiann]

Xiann smiled sympathetically as the young Maiko shared his worries with them, lightening the load on his shoulders slightly. When he began to struggle and hold his emotions she released his hand and ran her fingers through his hair, “I understand how you feel kiddo. I haven’t visited Master Forge yet. Perhaps later we should go visit them both together? Maybe with some of your delicious snacks.”

The Twi’lek leaned back slightly, pulling her hand back, “And as for… that place, yes everything has a price.” She slowly reached up to the bandage covering her eye, pausing for a moment before letting out a sigh and removing it revealing the scar beneath. Something she hadn’t even shown Drastus yet. The scar ran from about halfway down her cheek up to her eye and the same distance above it, and at its widest was about two centimetres across, “This is part of my toll for my overconfidence. We went to that cursed place even after being warned not to, this is what happened when we didn’t listen to the wisdom of the Masters. Along with the others, there is also Master Forge’s arm that she lost trying to protect us.”

The woman took Maiko’s hand again, “We all make mistakes. We all pay the price. We pray the price isn’t too steep.” She dropped her head slightly, still slightly uncomfortable showing the scar, “And when it is, we learn our limits.” Squeezing the young Maiko’s hand and patting Drast gently, “You two have done nothing, yet you sit here trying to pay the price anyway. Don’t waste your time worrying about what you can’t change, worry about what you can. So don’t apologize for your concern, make sure you keep up your training.”

She smiled widely at the pair, feeling the closest to her old self than she had since leaving that accursed planet, “Then you can be who you were meant to be. Drastus the Impenetrable Shield and Maiko the Handsome Chef. What do you think of that, my brave boys?”

@Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast's head would bob as Maiko spoke. His fears, his worries, they were experienced by every Padawan at least once. He'd then straighten in his spot, before tapping his chin. "Sugar Cube, here's the thing. That fear, those worries, every Padawan has them about their Master. Every single one. Caring for someone isn't a weakness, it's a strength. It adds to the why, the why we fight, the why we can't give up. Pain, is part of life, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. The Mandalorians believe it, and I see it with the Jedi." He would let out a sigh, he was starting to feel tired.

"I still do what I can for the Order, and for any friends, but that still includes you and Lani, Xi."

@Forsythe Crowholde @Xian

 

[Maiko Sigur]

They listened to him without scorn nor judgement, only acceptance and understanding in his moment of vulnerability. Maiko showed his appreciation by listening to his friends' advice and taking them to heart. They were older, and the gap in their ages – no matter how small – belied any outsider thought of Drastus nor Xian being inexperienced still with the way of life. The two have seen and experienced more than what Maiko ever had, and in his eyes how they came out of those experiences made them strong. Maybe stronger than they once have been.

Their words were as valuable as his Master, and Maiko kept them close to his heart.

Xiann's hand on his, and Drastus's protective presence grounded Maiko in the present, and he was more than grateful that he met them. That they called him a friend. Right now it was all he ever wanted, to help and be helped. His gaze found Lani, and he couldn't help but think, We're really lucky to have these two beside us.

Sugar Cube? Maiko was used to the nickname and had long accepted it the first time he and Drastus were officially introduced back in Raxus Prime. Handsome Chef, on the other hand...

Face turning red at the title-slash-compliment, the young Padawan shyly averted his gaze with a chuckle.

"Now I regret bringing nothing but myself here," he began shyly in an attempt at light-hearted joking. "I shall bake a cake and visit again tomorrow to make up for that title!"

He knew he really wasn't the best at making jokes, but he hoped that his meager attempt would coax even just a smile from his friends.

Maiko then gazed at Xiann, focused not only on her acquired scar but the entirety of her face. She was pretty without the scar, yes, but for him it did nothing to diminish her beauty. She was still – and would always be – the friendly and pretty Twi'lek who had danced with him, who laughed not at him but with him, and the one who had felt secured in his hold while they danced. Brown eyes found Drastus next, who looked exhausted at the moment but had always been a protector, who took Maiko under his wing without question, who stayed and cared for his best friends in their time of great need.

Maiko felt truly grateful to have met them.

"I'll be a healer," he replied to Xiann's earlier question. "It's what and who I always wanted to be. I'm not great at it yet, but I'll get there." Maiko smiled at the two, gently squeezing back Xiann's hand with his own while the other found Drastus's shoulder. "Now, I will do my best to help you. And to help bring Lani back. There's... There's not much that I can do for now, at my skill level, but I will do my best."

Turning to look at Drastus, Maiko advised hin with a kind smile. He pushed calm and peace through the Force, extending it both to Xiann and Lani. Ajan Kloss had been a horrible experience, and the young Padawan would help by hopefully pushing away any nightmare that might haunt his friends while he was present. Nope, no bad dreams for these three, not on Maiko's watch.

"You should get some rest, Drastus," he gently told the older boy. "I'll be here with Xiann and Lani when you wake up."

@Xian @Rhogar