Ask Family Reunion

[Indy Sati]

She had kept away from most of the Order, and the galaxy, for a month now. She had heard about Drastus, had seen Felix, and kept in contact with Arctus. All three of them were the only people she had left, and she failed all three of them. She was so confident in her teaching, so proud in the face of what she had in the galaxy, that losing both Max and Roland had been twice as difficult to bear through.

Seeing them both openly mocked on public Holonet with Max's head and Roland's helmet had only made it worse.

She spent many hours meditating alone on the beaches of Corsin. She had been receiving dreams, and though Jedi Master Voran expressed interest in pursuing elements of those dreams, they would have to wait. She had to amend her mistakes with those she considered her family, even beyond the roles of Padawans.

She had lost quite a bit of weight, almost to the point of seeming gaunt. Violet hair was pulled back into a simple braid, but a single streak of it was a pale lavender. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, but golden eyes blazed bright, and despite her thin build, she was never more firmly rooted in the Force. She had never felt so aware, nor so strong, and back on Yavin, she hesitated, before advancing to one of the training rooms.

All three would be summoned. They had work to do.

@christhebetrayer @Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus feared that the strong but gentle woman who found him on Onderon was lost in her grief, and even if the two of them remained in contact with each other he knew that he could never put a stop to the worry reserved for Indy and her absence from the Order.

She was one of the few, main reasons why he joined the Order and why he stayed despite still feeling out of place in the Temple. People here were nice and accepting as opposed to the discouraging words of the poisoned voices in his head. And while they weren't as loud as they once have been they remained ever present, only cowering, cursing, into the deepest recesses of his mind whenever he remembered the kind words Indy gave him when they first met.

He had kept his word about helping himself control and get rid of the Darkness that clung to him. It had tempted him when faced with the klikniks while helping Jedi Master Venn with his orchard, when the former smuggler moved to defend his fellow Padawan Ruuzan. Being reminded of the younglings had brought Arctus back to his senses. He avoided being alone after that incident, often signing up for classes and even taking interest into joining missions set up by Knights and Jedi Masters themselves. He had to help, had to play his part.

The galaxy was currently in a huge mess right now and he determined to be of help even in the tiniest ways. It was the least he could do to give back to Indy's kindness and the Jedi Order's acceptance of someone broken like him. It was the least he could do to show them that he was helping himself mend and begin anew.

Heart in his throat Arctus followed the pull of the Force as it guided him to where Indy was. They kept close contact with each other but he missed her greatly. He shouldn't be nervous but he couldn't help himself – she was her friend but also the Jedi Master who had taken him under her wing to be her Padawan. He'd heard tell of some of his Padawan learners undertaking dangerous missions without their Master's approval, and he couldn't help but think back on stuff he'd signed up for. Helping with the establishment of a Jedi base on Endor. Stealing back a crystal from a pirate group. Each mission had their own fare share of dangers, and he wondered if he would get chewed out for joining them. He was a grown man, sure, but the Jedi Order had a hierarchy he now belonged to, with rules he had to comply with. Arctus was aware that he wasn't the only Padawan learning under Indy's tutelage – there were two others before him, young men who had been her Padawan much longer than he was. Word was that they were on Denon during the Sith invasion, and despite not having officially met Padawan Felix and Padawan Drastus the former smuggler still felt worried for the two.

Maker, he really couldn't help but act like an older brother to people younger than him. Perhaps some might consider it weird. Creepy, even. But it was a part of him long buried by years of leading a shitty life, only managing to resurface in the presence of children who reminded Arctus of his own younger brothers and how he helped his mother raise them in an absent father's stead.

He was in too deep in his own thoughts that he realized a tad too late that he had already stepped inside a training room and was now standing a few feet away from the woman who found him and offered him nothing but kindness.

She had changed – evidently lost weight, and dark circles were under her eyes. But despite the change in her physical build there was a certain strength to her, in the way she held herself and the gleam in her golden eyes. Arctus was worried, and he was not. Crossing the distance between them, the former smuggler hesitantly placed a hand on Indy's shoulder and squeezed gently.

"Indy," he began, the corners of his lips tugging upwards in a soft smile that reached his eyes.

The words I missed you remained unspoken, but the feeling was loud and clear in the Force. She had been grieving, that much Arctus knew, having been familiar with the feeling as well despite the differing context. And he would be here for her, offering her his own support and whatever comfort he could give – no matter how seemingly small it might be.

He wouldn't be here if not for her, and Arctus was determined to be a Padawan she would be proud of, someone who could support her along with his fellow Padawan learners when all else failed.

@Killa Ree @Rhogar @christhebetrayer

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drastus had been in his little hideout on Yavin, having abandoned his room in the temple shortly after Denon. He was doing what he always was, training. He had accomplished much as a Padawan, though he couldn't help but feel that Denon would overshadow that. His holopad would chime and he paused in his strike, beskad in one hand and his ivory saber in the other. He deactivated the saber and set the blade on his rack as he moved to the datapad. "Master Sati?" he'd say aloud. He hadn't heard from or seen her in quite some time and it left a bitter taste in his mouth that she had seen Felix and apparently stayed in contact with the old man.

He grabbed a towel from his table and would quickly wipe away the sweat before pulling his training vest on. She wanted to meet and it would no doubt go poorly for him. After all, she had taken him in when he had no one and all but cast him aside in recent months. Any other older Jedi Masters he had to take comfort in were either dead, gone, or far too busy to help the sinking Padawan. Once the vest was fastened, he would tug on his harness holding his scabbard and lock it into place, before returning his beskad to its home.

A final glance to the small alcove, and he was enroute to the meeting place. He had no doubt in his mind that he had been more active in missions than the other two Padawans, but he was also well aware that he had often left without her approval, something he had to do in order to contribute as her digs often kept her away or far too busy to communicate. His boots hitting the concrete of the temple floor would pull his attention back to the present. He was angry with her, frustrated. She had abandoned him and Felix after Tionson's death, a death they were almost present for. She had left them to grieve. And now she was likely summoning them to dress them down for their failures.

Master Sati alone, would probably sense the same anger she felt from him on the first day they met. It would precede him into the training room, though when he saw his Master, her current physical condition, she would feel it dissipate. He had hoped for some time since Denon she would finally seek him out, check in on him, and it never came. But of course, the old man was there. Indy. The famililarity they shared was both baffling and at the same time almost disrespectful to Drast. "Master Sati." he'd correct Arctus. Though his heart pained with hers over the loss of Master Tionson, it too was fleeting.

It wasn't lost on him either that the familiarity also meant she must have kept in contact with him as well. So her choice to refrain from contact with Drastus was a conscious decision and the clarity that accompanied that revelation would steel his heart for what lay ahead. That knowledge would also reopen some old wounds, ones that found closure under her guidance. He must have been broken for her to cast him aside so willingly. He knew the path he was veering towards would get him in trouble.. but for now, now he would listen to what she had to say. Take whatever words she had for him with grace, and hopefully move forward.

His gait would bring him to stand a meter before his Master, which he offered her a respectful bow of the head, his eyes flitting from her to Arctus, who he would nod to. Like Master Sati, he would look different from their last meeting. One side of his face was sporting the healing remains of burn scars exclusive to something explosive and that would continue along that visible side of his body. "It's good to see you again, Master." He'd offer his trademark grin, now tinged by the fresh scars.

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @christhebetrayer

 

[Felix]

It had been some time since their short and emotional conversation after Denon, he had one more shot, one more fuck up and he was no longer her padawan.

Since then he had thrown himself into his own training, determined to improve and prove himself, it had been a mixed bag so far. he had no doubt that Sevrin had informed Indy what had happened with him and Crix on that mission, he regretted what he did, he just hoped she would understanding.

Felix had never seen Indy ook so gaunt, so... frail before, a pang of sadness hit him as he realised that he probably added to her grief, but her eyes, her eyes were the same, bright and bold as they always had been.

"Master" is all Felix would say in getting, his hands clasped in front of him, his thumb rubbing the back of one of his hands. waiting for indy to speak.

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @Rhogar

 

[Indy Sati]

She looked at each of them in turn. Sensing Arctus' presence first, she glanced back at him, and seeing his expression, feeling his emotions run through the Force, she gave a small smile and lightly patted his hand. As before, as always, he put other people first. She had heard of all he had done for the Order, for such a short time already, and she was proud of him. But before she could answer, a second voice corrected him.

Drastus.

Drastus, the one Padawan she couldn't get in contact with. Ironically enough, they both had what was at once the same problem, but for differing reasons. She had originally not contacted him out of hurt that he had ignored her orders, and then, admittedly, she withdrew in her grief and left him at the mercy of other masters. Out of all her Padawans, he needed her the most. But he was also the most emotional, the most ambitious... and the one she failed the most. "It's alright, young Padawan. It's good to see you both too."

And then...

Felix.

He wasn't her first Padawan, but he was the first she had let down, possibly almost as much as Drastus. When she scolded him for the events at Denon, at the time she thought she had been fulfilling her duties as a Master, but it was all pride, all shame that talked with her mouth, and she regretted hurting him when he was just recovering, himself.

Steeling herself, she knew what had to be said, what she would have to do. Stepping free of Arctus' hand, she regarded the three of them. They weren't boys anymore. They needed her, and she broke her promise to them. Taking a fortifying breath and grounding herself within the Force, she knelt before all three of them, sinking to her knees and giving a low bow.

"I failed, and broke my promises to all of you."

The words were quiet, golden eyes resting on each of them. "I made promises I couldn't keep. Regardless of what happened... there are no excuses for what I have done. Forgive my blindness, and losing my path, abandoning you all. You were under my charge, and I wasn't worthy of it." Though it was meant for all three of them, she stared at Drastus first and longest, meeting his eyes.

She could feel the slight tang of tears in the back of her throat, but she wouldn't break down. Not yet. "I hope you three can forgive me. I... don't deserve you."

She was still kneeling, but her expression was... warm. Gentle, even. She had promised them and then broken that trust. She didn't expect immediate forgiveness for her fall. But she waited to hear them all out, in their turns.

@Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde @christhebetrayer

 

[Arctus Friers]

The soft smile on Arctus's face would be replaced by a slightly embarrassed expression upon hearing his fellow Padawan's correction. The former smuggler foolishly didn't count on one of the two younger Padawan learners walking in on him calling the Jedi Master by her first name with utter familiarity, and he felt like an idiot for not setting an example and acting his rank.

Indy's words of affirmation were his saving grace but it didn't lift his embarrassment easily. Felix's arrival spared Arctus's thoughts from devolving, and his attention was immediately ripped from his own internal conflict. Hazel grey eyes fell upon the dark-haired Padawan, his gaze turning soft at the way Felix held himself. There was no mockery nor an attempt at teasing to lighten the mood on Arctus's face, and he fought the urge to lay a gentle and supportive hand on the young man's – and even Drastus's – shoulder.

He'd been that age once. And most young men would shrug off that kind of support in order to be seen as tough, as a grown adult capable of making decisions for himself. Arctus had been on that phase once. He wouldn't be surprised if his fellow Padawans were currently in that same phase.

Ah, but he shouldn't really assume things about them. These two young men were better than him. So he kept his thoughts and concerns to himself, gaze finding Indy's once more when she moved away from his touch. The way she regarded them sent a foreboding feeling in the former smuggler's chest, and he had to fight every instinct to stop her when she sank to her knees and bowed her head low.

The rational part of him won against the one filled with concern. He knew that this was something Indy wanted– needed to do. She needed to do this – both as Master and friend not just to him, but more so for Drastus and Felix. She needed to say these things, and who was he to stop her? And so from one responsible adult to another who was finally coming to terms with accepting what responsibility truly meant, Arctus stepped back and stayed his hand, respecting Indy's actions and words and letting her do what she needed to.

His heart still stung at the words she spoke, though. Because she really didn't need to apologize for to him. His fellow Padawans needed to hear it. But he didn't. She had nothing to apologize to him. He understood her plight, or so he liked to think. And even if he didn't he would still offer patience and understanding. He'd learned that a Jedi's life was sacrifice, and seeing Indy grieve made Arctus understand that, even just a tiny bit.

"I wasn't worthy of your care, and yet you took me in," Arctus began once she finished, returning the warmth in her gaze. He'd forgone worrying how his fellow Padawans would react to his next words, but he just knew that Indy needed to hear them out. She'd done so much for him, and his turn to return her kindness would never end. "I hurt you when we first met, remember? And yet... you took me in. Offered me this." Hands gestured widely to the room, speaking about the Jedi Order as a whole. "A chance for someone haunted by the Dark Side to redeem himself."

Arctus floundered for a few seconds, torn between offering her a hand so she could stand once more or allow her to do it herself when she deemed fit. He decided to keep the thought to himself again, out of sheer respect for her.

"I don't deserve you, or any of the salvation you freely gave me. But I want to; I want to be deserving of this chance. I know you've heard this for a hundred times, but I will work hard to deserve your kindness, Master. To deserve the chance you gave me." Smiling softly, Arctus went down on one knee. "If it's forgiveness you seek, then you have mine." Sincerity bled in his voice and through the Force. He wasn't forgiving her because he felt obliged to do so, nor because the one who asked for it was one of the few people who saved him.

He forgave her because he understood.

@Killa Ree @Rhogar @christhebetrayer

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast would turn his head to glance at Felix as he entered. The pair had seen each other a few times since Denon, and though Drast would never forgive himself for driving the speeder, he was just grateful his fellow Padawan had survived. More importantly, he was happy he would bear the worst scars from the incident. He would offer a smile and the nod of his head to Felix, before his gaze drifted back to Master Sati.

He wanted to forgive her, to make it easy. But something about what she said or did caused his soul to rage. When she had left him, he had buried himself in the memories of his father. The grueling discipline that his father had believed in, the traditions.

Drastus, our word is our bond. Without it, we're nothing. Drast could hear his father's voice ring in his head. He was young then.

And though her gaze stayed on him the longest of any of the Padawans, he had known he was the target regardless. He hated to see her like this, on the ground and on her knees. Dejected. Though her tone was pleading, her eyes were. He could see the tears threatening to form.

Without it, we're nothing.

Drastus would sigh, of course the old man would throw himself at her forgiveness.. He wasn't even wronged, she hadn't broken her word to him. There was a short inhalation, something he had learned to do for calming his emotions.. Something he had learned from her. his eyes filled with a pain of his own as he spoke up.

He would stand a little straighter, his shoulders pulling back in resignation. She had broken her word.. What would this new word have over her to keep her from breaking it again? Nothing. He had looked to her like a mother, that was a mistake. Not because of her failures, but because every woman before in that role, had died and he'd lost enough. "Master.. I can forgive you.. Just not now.." He could feel a part of him break, so he quickly turned away to head for the door.

He would stop if and only if, Master Sati called out to him..

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @christhebetrayer

 

[Felix]

Felix didn’t know what he was feeling right now as his master debased herself to the three of them, asking forgiveness for promises broken but he didn’t feel she had broken any promise to him, for him it felt quite the reverse, it was him who had broken promises and trust on that fateful day.

But didn’t seem he was alone in that feeling, he didn’t know alot about Arctus he hadn’t really interacted with him before but his words rang true with Felix. When she made Felix her apprentice he wasn’t expecting it or deserving of it yet she did anyway.

Felix would get down onto his knees and kneel like Indy, "Before I met you I felt lost, forgotten… left behind but after Dathomir you accepted me as your padawan, even knowing the poetional trouble I could be, you put your trust in me and I betrayed that, it’s i should be asking forgiveness."

He had a long while to think about Byblos, to learn from it and its consequences, consequences he would have to live with the rest of his life.

"all I want... is to make you proud"

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @Rhogar

 

[Indy Sati]

Out of all of them, she knew it would be hardest to reach Drastus. She heard his words, and watched him turn away, and her own voice came out low, reaching him just as he would halfway get to the threshhold.

"Drastus."

She slowly stood, staring at him with a firm expression. "I may not yet earn your forgiveness, but I will. But there is more I have to say, so please stay."

With that, she would look at Arctus and Felix next, and hesitate, then give a slow sigh, and a tired smile. "...My boys. I don't deserve you."

She offered her hands to both of them, and looked at Drastus. "We finish your training. We have a lot to learn together... but by the end of this year, I want the three of you to be prepared for what's ahead. We'll be leaving in four hours."

@Forsythe Crowholde @Rhogar @christhebetrayer

 

[Arctus Friers]

The former smuggler listened to his fellow Padawans' words, keeping his thoughts to himself still. Arctus wouldn't presume to know the inner workings of Indy's bonds and relationships with both Drastus and Felix, nor would he even assume that he could entirely help all three of them into fixing what was broken in said relationships. He still hoped that he could be of help even in the smallest ways, even if it was the last thing he would ever do given how fucked up the galaxy currently was.

No, I don't deserve you was what he wanted to say but the oldest of her Padawans didn't want to be repetitive. He'd already said his piece, and for Indy's peace of mind he wouldn't dare speak about himself so lowly in the next foreseeable future. He already had a baggage of self-loathing and if he added self-pity into the mix it wouldn't paint a pretty picture – and quite possibly undermine what the Pantoran Jedi Master did for him. Arctus rose to his feet when Indy did, and would offer a kind hand to Felix as she called for Drastus who was ready to leave the room.

What was there to say to a person he never really interacted with, at least not yet? Already Arctus could feel the strain of apprehension as he glanced over at Drastus, the former smuggler's expression neither accusing nor mocking. There was not an ounce of pity in his gaze nor expression, only a faint spark of hope that the younger Padawan might be able to find it in himself to forgive Indy. He didn't know the full extent of Drastus nor Felix's guilt about certain things and decisions they made without Indy's approval, and being older than them really didn't give Arctus the right to intervene. Age wasn't something he could use against any of them, and he didn't plan on using them in circumstances such as this.

And based on his fellow Padawans' progress – barring what unfolded on Denon – the former smuggler wouldn't be surprised if he'd be the only Padawan left under Indy's guidance by the end of the year. Both Drastus and Felix had been in the Order far longer than he did, and, Maker willing, they would be Knights by then.

The pair of young men wouldn't know it just yet, but Arctus... believed in them. Believed in the good they could and would bring not just to the Order but to anyone they would meet. A confession he thus far had only shared with Indy.

To be prepared for what was ahead. A look of solemn determination crossed Arctus's face as he dipped his head in a respectful bow to his Master and friend. She'd given them four hours to prepare, enough for Arctus to pack his things and say his goodbyes to the other Padawans who befriended him, the Knights and Masters whose classes he'd been attending, and the younglings who had him wrapped around their tiny fingers.

The last one was going to be painful. He could already feel his chest tighten with anguish at being parted from the children who helped him find peace and belonging in the Temple. Mindful of the turmoil of emotions within him, Arctus kept a tight rein over them and made sure that none slipped through the Force.

"I'll meet you in the hangar," he softly told the three, offering them each a reassuring smile before Arctus would turn back and head for the door.

[Exit Thread (unless stopped)]

@Killa Ree @Rhogar @christhebetrayer​

​

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast was halfway to the door, halfway to closing it and never looking back. It's what the anger in him wanted to do, to leave, to curse the very temple he stood in and never look back.

"Drastus. I may not yet earn your forgiveness, but I will. But there is more I have to say, so please stay."

Her voice would give him pause and his eyes looked to a freedom he may very well never live to see. It was hard to determine your course when you were filled with anger, a fact that would surprise the young man as he had already made peace with his demons. Perhaps, there was one he had yet to face, perhaps in time, he would. There would come that silent sigh again, before he pivoted on his feet to look at her. "Yes, Master." his hands would clasp behind her back as he waited for her to finish speaking.

She expected to complete his training by the end of the year? That was bold, though, he had felt he learned much from Max when she was away on digs, teachings he hoped would surprise her. Everywhere he went, he tried to learn something new, so as to become more than the scalpel that he was. Unsure if she was finished with their 'briefing', he would stay put until she actually dismissed him.

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @christhebetrayer

 

[Felix]

A tepid smile pulled at the edges of Felix’s lips as indie spoke. He accepted both indie’s and Arctus’ hands up standing with them Felix’s hands nervously fidget with each other, he wanted to hug her but he didn’t know if it would inappropriate or not.

Go back and forth on the decision, he finally decided. Stepping forward and one would wrap over one of her shoulders, while another one would wrap under her armpit, both meeting at the middle of her back. Her head next to his he would whisper two words into her ear "thank you” it wasn’t a thank you for anything specific but a thank you for everything she had ever done for him. He would hold there for a second before stepping back and flashing her a soft smile.

He would leave to pack stuff for their journey, following Arctus out and to his own room. Leaving drastus and indy alone with each other.

[Exit Thread]​

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @Rhogar

 

[Indy Sati]

She knew none of them were happy with her orders. And orders they were. She didn't soften her words. She begged forgiveness, and though she would have wanted it, she didn't expect to earn it like that. Respect was earned over time. And she would get it, or she wouldn't. But Drastus wasn't some naive child. He wasn't a blind follower. He asked questions, he charged ahead of the curve and got caught in his own consequences. On one hand, she was proud. But on the other...

He had to slow down.

She waited until both Felix and Arctus left. She wanted to come up to him, to smooth the hurt she could see so clearly in his eyes... but later.

She took a deep, steeling breath. Crossed the distance, and stood at his back.

Stepped around him, and wrapped her arms around him. It was a full embrace, unashamed, unabashed. Unseen, tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Her voice was soft in his ears. "I'm so proud. So proud of you."

And then she released him, turning away. She wouldn't let him see her like this, just another person in the galaxy for a moment. She was a Jedi Master. She had to prove herself. Be above the rest. Become an example.

She began to walk to the temple hangar to prepare... but her feet felt like lead. This was the beginning of a long journey, and there was the chance none of them could come back from this.

//End Thread