Ask Coruscant Gifts and Curses II

[Faen Akatosh]

A Star Wars Story​

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After recent events, primarily concerning those that concerned Arctus on Yavin IV, Faen finally found the time to keep his word and get the man a dog. Or a Rancor. Or whatever his Besalisk friend had in stock today. Really, the point was to get Arctus a companion that would comfort the Jedi during distressing times as Boy did for Faen. Boy also did a little bit more than that, being an excellent blood-hound and a great guard dog, but those traits had to be worked on over time.

The streets of Coruscant were as beautiful as ever, even if the two Jedi weren't particularly aloud on the planet. Faen had made sure to leave his lightsaber in his ship and only kept his stun-gun on him (though it was technically still illegally modified). The Seer also wore a fairly nice black suit with a dark purple floral tie. Faen always liked looking spiffy, even if he was doing something casual. Boy happily padded along by his side, eager to smell all the new smells, but knew better than to wander off.

"Well, Arctus," He patted the Jedi on the shoulder. "Today is kind of a big day. One might even say it is just as important as finding your kyber crystal..." He spoke in a mockingly mystical tone and held a wise gaze before cracking and chuckling at his gesture. "I'm only kidding," He chuckled again before walking down the street. "It's much harder." He teased.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Coruscant, the scene of the crime.

Well, not so much as a crime but a simple meeting between two friends with an equally simple endeavor. Now that he thought about it, picking a possible companion out of the many was no simple task – but Arctus supposed that he could simply trust the Force in choosing a loyal companion like Faen had with Boy.

Since Jedi were not allowed in New Republic territories (and not that Arctus himself had always been spotted outside of Yavin IV clad in anything overtly Jedi), the Corellian donned a more causal attire than his fellow Light Sider. Arctus wore a grey long-sleeved shirt with its sleeves rolled up, a couple of paracord and wood bead bracelets on each wrist, a pair of dark jeans, and boots. The man carried no other weapons aside from a sheathed vibroblade tucked to one boot, not really expecting to run into trouble and also not actively (nor passively) looking for one. To any onlooker the pair of Jedi probably looked like a pair of mates out for a drink, which suited Arctus just fine because he would surely ask Faen out for drinks later, if the Seer would like.

Unlike their previous meeting back on Yavin IV, the former smuggler's personality and behavior became much lighter and unburdened. There was no doubt that Faen had greatly helped the Padawan gain not only more self-confidence but also a sense of inner peace. Since that day Arctus found the absence of the voices in his head comforting, but he was also ready to face them should they ever find a way to return.

The Padawan let out an amused chuckle at Faen's imitation of a mystic. He walked beside the Seer, mindful not to accidentally bump against anyone. Of course the ever loyal Boy trudged beside his master, the reptilian hound bouncing with every excited step.

"So I've heard!" he exclaimed, hands flying energetically before he shoved them in his pockets. "I've been lookin' forward to this, to be honest."

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

It was good to see Arctus at ease with himself. That meant there had been good progress following their meeting on Yavin. Maybe his future companion, whatever it may be, would give him the same comfort Boy did for Faen. Sometimes it was hard for the Seer to imagine the events after Denon without Boy. Though falling to the Dark Side probably still wouldn't have happened, the Massiff still made it that much easier to find the right path. Speaking of which...

"Arctus, what do you plan on doing after becoming a Knight?" There were plenty of options within the Order, but Faen had a feeling he knew which one Arctus would thrive in. Becoming a Shadow was out of the question, the Diplomatic Corps and agriculture groups might prove to be a bit boring, which left becoming a Justicar or a Seer. Many thought that the path of the Seer was more boring than politics, but there were too many experiences Faen had as a Seer that he wouldn't give up for all the credits in the galaxy.

"No need to get anxious about it, I just want to know if you've thought about your future." The Seer would give the Padawan a friendly smile. "It could also make a certain future decision a little easier." Owning a Massiff worked pretty well for Faen. Boy was very friendly and seemed to put the stressed at ease a bit, which made counseling and psychology a lot easier for both parties. The reptilian dog was also pretty well equipped for the drastic and harsh environments of the many systems of the galaxy, so traveling wasn't ever a problem either.

"I'd recommend a Rancor if you're planning on becoming a Justicar." Faen teased in a whisper.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

The Padawan shoved his hands in his jeans' pockets, brows furrowing slightly at the inquiry about his plans after being Knighted. Truth be told Arctus had been planning on making a formal announcement about undertaking the Jedi Trials to assess himself about Knighthood, and Faen himself had voiced support for the Corellian, so the question didn't surprise him. When he spoke, he made sure to have his words only heard by the Seer – Arctus didn't want to get mobbed by anti-Jedi supporters this early on their trip to Coruscant.

"Initially, I planned on signing up with the Knights overseeing the Temple younglings," he began, and though the void left by the kidnapped younglings during the failed Yavin invasion from long ago sent a pang of pain in his heart still, Arctus now knew not to let it overtake him. "I mean, I still plan on doing that, but then there's the option of becoming a Shadow or a Justicar." Here, he couldn't help but snicker. "Can't imagine myself being a proper Shadow, though. I'd be a shit one, and Force help us if someone suggests I take up on the role."

Taking on covert missions, planting himself behind enemy lines as a spy or a saboteur? Arctus believed he could somehow pull those, but to be an actual Jedi Shadow? Kriff, he didn't have any idea which among the Jedi were part of the group which was a good thing. Come to think of it, he didn't really know if the Jedi Shadows were actually a real thing. It was probably for the best that he remained unaware about them just in case he found himself being interrogated by the enemy.

Shaking off the thought before things became morbid, Arctus offered Faen an easy smile as the latter assured him to not get anxious over his future prospects. As the topic of choosing an appropriate companion was made even more clear, the Padawan's anticipation only grew. Though when the Knight joked about getting a Rancor for when Arctus planned to be a Justicar, the Corellian couldn't help the booming laugh that escaped him, prompting the gazes of passersby to fall upon the pair of incognito Jedi.

"I'll need a bigger ship if that's the case!" he teased right back with an amused grin. "Not that I'm planning to actually get a Rancor, mind you. Hah!"

The pair strolled the streets without difficulty, bereft of anything overtly identifying them as Jedi as they were. Neon lights washed over their path and the crowd of people they waded in. Arctus made sure not to distance himself from Faen. Force knew at trouble would quickly find the Padawan should he get separated from the Knight.

"So, where exactly is your friend located?" he soon asked the half-Morellian, eagerness bleeding into his voice. Arctus looked around, trying to pinpoint a place that looked as though it would sell or put up critters for adoption.

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

"That would be an admirable position, Arctus." Faen smiled at the thought of Arctus hanging out with all the younglings. It would be a great job for the Padawan and a great benefit for the younglings who would come to know him. "Becoming a Shadow requires close encounters with the Dark Side. Though I do not doubt your abilities, I feel that it would be rough on your own." Then the Seer began to contemplate something he hadn't thought of in a long time. It had been quite some time since he was took that life up and he wasn't sure he would do it again.

"If you should become a Shadow, so will I." Faen began, taking a more serious tone. "We'll do it together as brothers in the Force." And he'd leave it at that. The Knight knew that most Shadows either disappeared or left the Order entirely. Though their job was immensely difficult, most worked by their lonesome. Maybe, if Faen and Arctus ever decided to take that path, being partners would benefit their mental wellbeing rather than diminish it.

"He's just around the corner..." They pair of Jedi and their reptilian companion would pass another block before taking left onto a dead end street. At the end of the street, bright neon yellow letters hung above a shop labeled, 'Roody's Rowdy Rascals'. The business was a mostly honest one, with Roody giving close friends serious discounts, but it had been doing pretty well for an exotic pet shop. Roody was a Besalisk zoologist who traveled all over the galaxy to discover new species and help save endangered ones. He owned a sanctuary out on Chandrila but this starter shop was always his first home.

Upon entering the building, the pair would be greeted by the howls, barks, hisses, and snarls from all the numerous creatures inside. The smaller animals were kept closest to the front doors and the gradually got bigger the further back you went. Some creatures had entire pens suited to keep them comfy and calm.

"Mista' Akatosh!" Cried a fit looking Besalisk who was watering an Anooba pen in the back. "It's nice to see you again, Roody! I've brought a friend with me to look around." Faen let Boy go off running to the Besalisk, who caught the Massiff in his huge arms and chuckled heartily as Boy began licking Roody's face. "Have at it! Everythin's seventy-five percent off righ' now as long as I get to spen' some time wit' Boy, hahaaa!"

"Well, Arctus, you heard the man," He patted the Padawan on the shoulder. "And that's a deal not to be wasted."

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Close encounters with the Dark Side, huh? Arctus was no stranger, but the knowledge alone prompted yet another reason not to stray into the path of the Shadows. He respected the Jedi who walked that path, and even though he could see himself as one Arctus honestly couldn't see himself thriving in that kind of work. To face the Dark Side head on, and to be constantly tempted by It... meeting with Faen on Yavin had strengthened the Padawan, but the dangers of falling were still there, simply biding time. Arctus resolved not to fall, but he knew proving to do so won't always be so easy.

Faen's next words earned him a look of surprise from the Padawan. Arctus had held on to the half-Morellian's offer of help, but he didn't expect for the latter to shed the mantle of Seer to be a Shadow. And he would do so should Arctus aimed to be a Shadow himself. He couldn't help the sliver of worry that flashed in his eyes. The Padawan was grateful for Faen's support, but he also didn't want the man to shed his principles and visions for Arctus' sake. The least the Padawan wanted was for Faen, or any of his friends, to immediately drop anything just so they could help him. If he had remained his selfish self during his days as a smuggler he probably wouldn't have minded – he would have exploited their eagerness, even – but he wasn't that man anymore. Or at least he tried not to be every single day.

"Shadow, Seer... wherever our paths lead, we'll be brothers in the Force, yeah? Always," he assured Faen with a fraternal smile. Arctus had determined that day on Yavin that he would be a good friend to Faen, and that remained strong.

The half-Morellian seemed to struggle with his own demons, as Arctus had seen and felt on their meeting and subsequent battle with the Dark Side that day on Yavin IV. He'd heard what It said to Faen, heard It taunt the Seer. And as much as Faen offered Arctus both his help and support, Arctus was more than willing to give the half-Morellian the same. Faen was kind, and he deserved the same kindness he freely offered upon others.

The Padawan kept these thoughts and promises to himself for the time being as he walked alongside Faen and Boy. Bright neon yellow lights immediately caught the Corellian's attention, eyes narrowing a bit to read the sign above the shop. Rose gold crept on the corners of his vision as he opened himself up into the Force, both Faen and Boy's signatures mingling into a single color that overpowered the rest of the living.

He followed Faen inside the establishment, his vision in the Force suddenly bombarded by the myriad of colors and life inside the place. Arctus paused, closing and rubbing his eyes in an attempt to dial down (so to speak) his connection to the Living Force. He had been so used to only viewing the colors of sentients through the Force, that looking now on the wildlife had sent his senses – more so his vision – going haywire. Who knew non-sentient creatures shone brighter than sentients? Maybe because animals were more attuned to their instincts?

Arctus missed the Besalisk's greeting entirely, his focus inwards as he tried to tone down what he could see through the Force. The colors gradually dimmed until his focus returned to the physical plane. The Padawan was greeted with the sight of creatures both large and small. Only when Faen spoke to him again did he turn to finally acknowledge the half-Morellian's friend.

"Oh, hey! I'm Arctus. Nice to meet ya, Mister Roody," he told the Besalisk, a chuckle escaping him as Boy leapt into the latter's arms. At the mention of the discount, however, the Corellian's eyes widened along with his smile. "No way, really? Cool beans!"

Childish wonder shone in the Padawan's eyes as he gazed around, beady to lamp-like eyes peering back at him curiously as he began to wander around. The shop held a variety of exotic animals, making Arctus feel as if he was way in over his head all of a sudden. How could he pick one out of so many?

"Man, I... I don't even know where to start," he exclaimed, trying not to feel a little too overwhelmed. "Faen suggested an Anooba and joked about a Rancor, but I wanna check my options, too." He turned to Roody with a smile. "Any suggestions, Mister Roody? I'll take anything as long as they'd easily fit in my ship!"

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

"Oho! We don't sell no Rancors anymo', heheh, but I got some puppa's in the back!" Roody chuckled before setting Boy down, who was still overjoyed to see the Besalisk. "You wanna get'em young so you can break'em right, yuh'know?" The Besalisk folded his lower arms and stretched his upper ones. "If yuh don't like no dog, jus' hollar! Faen's got a bias bigga' than the Empire's naval fleet, hahaaa!" Roody winked at the Seer who only laughed in response.

"He's wrong, actually," Faen smirked. "It's bigger than the whole galaxy." Boy padded around Faen before lying down at his feet, gaping his powerful jaws in a big yawn. "Don't worry about not making an immediate connection. I didn't have one when I found Boy. I just decided to take him in and eventually our bond grew into what it is now. It's like a normal relationship, honestly. Just needs work and patience." He didn't want Arctus to be discouraged if he couldn't find anything that immediately drew him in.

"Oh, I love these buggers so much! They look jus' like their momma..." Roody was holding a trio of Anooba pups in his arms. One had charcoal black skin, ashy grey fur, and golden yellow eyes. The middle one had grey skin, white fur mottled with bits of black, and had bright blue eyes. The last one had grey skin and black fur with patches of grey and white, and it's eyes were yellow like the first one's.

"See one yuh like?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus drew a gusty sigh of relief, cracking another grin at Roody's assurance about Rancors. Looking back on his days as a smuggler, the Padawan had a nasty encounter with a Rancor which involved the death of another criminally-inclined Rodian he once worked with. Needless to say the Corellian was measurably relieved that the prospect of glimpsing one was now out of the picture.

At the mention of dogs and puppies, Arctus' grin morphed into a full-blown sunshiny smile. He adored canids, memories of Shadwell the senior pug immediately rising to the forefront of the Padawan's mind. Though Roody didn't seem to be selling standard dogs given the Besalisk's speciality in handling and rehabilitating exotic animals, Arctus found himself already being sold at the prospect of meeting canid pups regardless of their species.

"Well, now, that makes two of us!" he merrily told Faen. Then, he assured the Knight, "I'm not, don't worry. Your relationship with Boy taught me as much. I wish to have a bond with a companion like you two have. You guys are cool."

His attention was swiftly drawn to the Besalisk who returned with a trio of Anooba puppies in his arms. At the sight of the pups Arctus melted, the Padawan quickly zeroing towards Roody and the precious bundles in his arms. The Padawan lifted a hand towards the Anooba puppies, letting each cub have a sniff. Almost immediately the puppy with the black fur with patches of grey and white playfully nipped at the man's fingers, eliciting a surprised yelp from Arctus.

"Aww, ya nippity nip, nip, little guy," gushed the Padawan, both hands now busy giving the pups a fuss but his attention was commandeered by the one that continued to nip at his fingers. Glancing at Roody, he replied, "One? I think I'm in love with all three..."

Almost an understatement of the century. Almost. Practicality nudged at the Padawan, his thoughts homing in on family. Perhaps it would be prudent to acquire all three and assign the other two to Mum and the triplets, and to Dad and Nathanael. The puppies would make good companions and guards after they were trained and grown. Come to think of it, another pair of dog-like creature fit the criteria...

"Got a Barghest by any chance, Mister Roody? Or a Charhound?"

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

"Yes I do! Up over by thuh reptilian egg section. Good guard dogs, they are! It's why I keep 'em around the eggs." Roody said proudly. "Oh! Speakin' of eggs, I managed to grab some dragon eggs a few days ago! Nearly cost me an arm and a leg- but it was worth it. Got Arkanian dragons... Krayt dragons- basically, if it got dragon in the name, I got it, heheh." This did peak Faen's curiosity, but he was very okay with just Boy to look after. An entire dragon seemed to be a bit of a hassle once they got too big.

"Thank you, Roody. You're adventures need to be documented, my friend, I'm not sure anyone has had the experiences you've had."

"Aw, shucks... You sound like me motha'. I jus' dun have no time! Maybe when I get ol' n' stuff, and my adventurin' days are ovah, I'll sit down and wri' to me heart's content."

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

The Anooba puppies were undeniably cute and would make for great companions, but Arctus was glad that there were more additional options for him to choose from a variety of canid creatures. The Barghest, for one, would make a very intimidating guard dog with its six red eyes and monstrous appearance. Imagining it going on walks with Mum would be a bit hilarious, but appearance-wise he knew the Barghest would be loyal to her and the triplets if given proper training and enough love. The same could be said for a Charhound. Their fiery breaths could come handy in a pinch–

Arctus nearly got himself a whiplash from craning his neck too fast to give Roody a look of utter incredulity. Dragon eggs?! The Besalisk had freakin' dragon eggs in the shop?!

He knew he just turned down a Rancor for the creature's immensity, but acquiring a dragon opened an entirely new prospect in the Padawan's mind. If a dragon guarded the Temple on Yavin IV... and if said dragon saw the Jedi enclave as a home to be protected, the Jedi as family...

Arctus looked up at Roody with fire in his eyes and a bright, boyish smile on his face.

"I, erm, I've decided on getting the Anooba puppy with black fur with patches of grey and white and yellow eyes, a Barghest and a Charhound each – for my family back in Chandrila. I'm having them move there permanently after that crazy Killik attack on Corellia. And... And one Arkanian dragon egg."

He could handle an Anooba, for sure. But an Arkanian dragon? It posed a challenge more than the Anooba, but if it meant having another companion not just to guard your back, but people you wanted to protect as well? Arctus wouldn't mind being jokingly called Father of Dragon(s?) or Beast Master or something.

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

Faen was taken aback by the last bit of Arctus's request, though Roody only grinned with glee. Now this would be a true testament of the Padawan's patience. Raising a dragon was no task to take lightly, but the Seer felt the Padawan's determination. So, Faen trusted Arctus, but wouldn't be apposed to assisting the man if he asked. Roody gave quick nod before making his way back to the eggs.

"Well then," Faen gave Arctus a warm smile. "A dragon will be... a lot. You continue to surprise me, Arctus." Faen wouldn't ask for another companion himself as he was still quite content with the company of Boy. The Massiff was enough for now, but the thought of owning a dragon did amuse the Seer to no end. What a creature it would be a sight to behold, being, one day, big enough to be ridden. But how would Faen go about transporting such a beast? Maybe it wouldn't be able to travel so easily with him. Nevertheless, a dragon was still a dragon.

"Here you are!" Roody arrived, holding the small Anooba pup in one hand, the leashes to both a Barghest and a Charhound in two other hands, and finally, a small egg in the palm of his fourth hand. "Be extra careful with the pupper. The egg is hardy, but don't rough house wiff'it. These two are decently trained, but they'll need consistency for about a month to listen to yuh properly an' all. Anythin' else?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

He might have bitten more than he could chew, but Arctus was a determined man and seeing the task of raising both a dragon and a puppy as a challenge only further stoked the Corellian's anticipation. The Padawan returned Faen's smile with a bright grin as he listened to the latter speak. Though it was not his intention to surprise, the bearded Padawan's ears burned a light pink nonetheless in a mixture of humility and embarassment.

Arctus had also surprised himself the moment he thought about acquiring an Arkanian dragon egg aside from the three canines he already planned on acquiring. The dragon would be more for the protection of the Temple on Yavin IV more than for himself, and he wondered if he would be able to pull off training the dragon to handle such a task. Instead of balking at the prospect, however, the Padawan felt all the more eager for the egg to hatch.

Then came the matter of handling the Anooba puppy. The canid would be a constant companion from now on, and though Arctus knew how he could be attached so easily sometimes he reminded himself that the puppy would definitely be feeling the same towards him. He'd already fallen in love at the Anooba pup's first playful bite. Still, the little one needed serious training if it grew not just an attachment but also a desire to really stick around the Padawan wherever he went. His mother and younger brothers could perfectly handle the Barghest and Charhound, so he wasn't overly fussed about leaving the two hounds to his family – but he would help them train the creatures, of course.

Then thoughts of transporting a grown-up dragon crossed Arctus' mind. He paled for a moment before letting out a resigned smile.

"I think I'm gonna be needing a bigger ship four or five years from now," he joked at Faen and Roody in a tone of mock defeat. First he took the leashes of the Barghest and the Charhound, securing them on each sides of his belt like he'd seen dog walkers did. Patting the dog-like creatures on each their heads, he turned his attention on the Anooba puppy and the Arkanian dragon egg.

"Noted, Mister Roody," he assured the Besalisk with an honest smile this time. Carefully he took the Anooba puppy in his arms first, letting the little one settle in the crook of one arm. The puppy let out an excited yip, nudging Arctus' chin with the top of its head. Next he gently scooped the Arkanian dragon egg with his free hand, the Corellian blinking in slight surprise at the weight and subtle heat of the egg. The Padawan marvelled at the way the tiny, reddish-brown scales shimmer underneath the shop's lights.

"I'm happy with these guys," Arctus replied after making sure that each creature – one still unhatched notwithstanding – were all accounted for as he subtly brushed each dog's minds through the Force, letting calm and trust slowly wash over them. His intentions weren't to intrude but to be a slowly growing solid presence they could easily recognize and trust. "About the payment, I can transfer credits right now."

He'd only brought credits enough to purchase one creature, but with the addition of the Arkanian dragon egg and the Barghest and Charhound... Lucky he'd saved up a lot during his smuggling days, and ending up depositing them not just in a singular bank, but quite a few.

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

"Ey! Faen's here, so everythin' will be discounted, bud. Enjoy you're lil companions!" Roody chuckled and didn't even take half of what the price actually was, maybe taking a few credit chips. Faen couldn't help but chuckle after Roody gave him a big four-armed hug. The Besalisk really was good guy. If only everyone in the galaxy was as charitable as Roody, then maybe there wouldn't be need for two Jedi to hide their identities within a government that has no war with their people.

---

After loading up the ship, Faen sighed as he sat back in the pilot's seat of the cockpit. Too, much was going on with the Seer and he didn't want Arctus to get caught up in it. With the mission back on Orismer Prime...the discovery of one of his brothers...the way Faen allowed himself to use the Dark Side. The fact that it didn't bother him as much as it should have meant that Faen needed to figure this thing out.

"Arctus... I'm going to be taking a leave from the Jedi for a time." He said seriously. "It's partly why I wanted to take you here. I don't think our paths will cross for quite some time, I'm afraid." Could Faen tell the Padawan of what he encounted in the Outer Rim? No... No, Faen didn't want to risk dragging Arctus into the mess the Seer got himself into. "There's just some things I... I need to take care of..." His visions were growing more prominent- more vivid in the destruction brought about by Faen. He couldn't let any of it happen.

"You are a good man, Arctus. And the galaxy needs more people like you in it. Never forget that, my friend."

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus couldn't wrap his head around what was happening - at least not yet. He had expected for the Besalisk to accept payment (as was discounted given Faen's friendship with the merchant), but Roody took even less than what the Padawan was going to pay for the creatures he was currently fighting the urge to fawn over. The Corellian couldn't help but stare at the Knight and the Besalisk with wide eyes, his expression a mix of surprise, sudden shyness, and wonder. He felt like a kid getting an early Life Day present, and though he wanted to press on with paying the agreed upon price he felt that there was no winning against Roody's kindness. Arctus could only make a mental note to lend the Besalisk a helping hand if the latter ever found himself in trouble.

The Padawan hoped that no harm would come the Besalisk's way, but the galaxy wasn't exactly a kind maiden these days.

"Thank you, Mister Roody," he earnestly told the merchant. "I promise I'll take good care of these guys. My family and I will."

--

Already the Anooba pup proved to be a clingy little guy, refusing to leave Arctus' side as he secured the Barghest and the Charhound in Faen's ship. Looking after these new friends would no doubt keep the Padawan occupied on their trip back to Yavin. He found an empty satchel on one of the lockers and had asked Faen if he could borrow it. With a firm but kind command to the older canid creatures to behave and stay put in the cabin, the Corellian made his way towards the cockpit, yet to be named Anooba pup in one arm while the Arkanian Dragon egg was nestled in the satchel.

"Hey, Faen," the Padawan began as he stepped into the cockpit, hazel grey gaze landing upon Faen who was already seated on the pilot seat. Arctus took the seat next to him and shot the half-Morellian a grateful smile. "Thanks for-"

He blinked as Faen's words cut through his own, brows knotting with worry as the Knight expressed his desire to (temporarily?) leave the Order. The younger man's seriousness brooked no argument, and Arctus was left to lend the half-Morellian an ear as he continued to speak. Though Arctus hadn't known Faen as long as he did with Ruz and Clo, he couldn't help but harbor fraternal feelings for the Seer. The Knight was one of the few people who had willingly and sincerely expressed their desire to help the Padawan, and hearing Faen speak now about leaving stung. It probably shouldn't be hard to hear and accept the half-Morellian's words now given the length of time Arctus knew the former, but Arctus was the kind of guy who didn't bother with time as long as the other person was sincere about their intent - whether if it came to friendship or not.

For someone who had been troubled for the majority of his life, Arctus knew if someone was struggling with personal problems. Adjusting the cub in his arms, the Padawan placed a firm but comforting hand on Faen's shoulder, prompting the Seer to look at him so he would be able to see the understanding smile on the Corellian's face.

"I understand. I won't pry with your personal affairs if you don't want to talk about it right now, but remember: If you need help or anything, just call, alright?" Arctus gently told Faen. "Call me and I'll do everything in my power to help you. Not because I simply want to repay your kindness, but... more so..."

He squeezed the Seer's shoulder, the Padawan's warmth and sincerity bleeding through the Force.

"We're friends, yeah? And you keep saying that the galaxy needs me. Well, it needs the both of us here, got it?"

Any word Arctus spoke with kindness, he meant it. And he hoped that Faen would see the way Arctus did. They were two grown men trying to be kind every day, and the Padawan hoped that their kindness would leave a mark on the galaxy someday.

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

"Thank you, Arctus." Faen was nearly brought to tears with the sheer amount of authentic love that flowed from the elder man. "I found something... Um, and it's...well, it's changed me. My brothers are still alive and I need to find them." The Seer's face became much more serious and darkened a bit.

"You remember that day on Yavin when we first met? After we finished our...uh, session, heheh, I had these visions..." Faen tried his best to perk up, but even as he was saying all of this aloud he was debating whether or not Arctus should know. "Now, at first I couldn't interpret them very well, but now they're all much more clear. It isn't...isn't great, is what I'm trying to tell you. I think that finding my brothers is key to stopping the madness of it all... So that's what I'm going to do."

The Order needed Faen at his best, and he didn't think he could be the Seer they needed until he figured out his future. Maybe then, he could return a better Jedi. Maybe then, he could return a better friend. But for now... For now he needed to find what remained of his family.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Faen's gratitude was reciprocated and accepted with a genuine, warm smile from the Padawan. At the mention of finding 'something' that had changed the Knight, Arctus's expression morphed into curiosity and concern. What had Faen found? The Padawan wouldn't pry unnecessarily, but he felt that if he asked the Seer would either answer truthfully or choose to deflect the question for the Padawan's sake. Was it something dark, or...?

That's good news! was Arctus's initial response to news of Faen's brothers, but the change in the Knight's expression kept the Padawan's mouth shut, demeanor now matching that of the Seer's. He was brought back to that fateful day, his fear of hurting the man who simply wanted to help him resurfacing. Perhaps it was luck or the will of the Force Itself that Arctus hadn't gotten wind of the half-Morellian's visions. And with the way Faen briefly described what the visions entailed, the Padawan's suspicions have all been confirmed. Concern shone in his eyes as he listened to the younger man speak.

"Why do I feel like this is something you'll say you need to do on your own?" mused the Corellian, mind going back earlier when his friend opened up about taking some time away from the Order. A small smile smoothed the Padawan's expression, free hand now scratching the sleeping Anooba pup behind the ears. "And at the risk of sounding like a broken record: You call me when you need a hand, yeah? Or maybe just a listening ear. Either way I'm down. Not everything can be solved by thinking that this burden and that's meant only for your hands. Learned that the hard way..."

And it was true. If he hadn't reached out for help, and had Faen not answered the Padawan's plea, another bit of Arctus's soul would've been chipped and claimed by the Dark Side. He didn't know the full depth of what Faen was going through, or what the Knight's visions and the status of his brothers meant. All Arctus knew was that he would come running to Faen if the latter called, much like what the former would do for those he truly cared about.

"If you choose to walk alone, I won't hold it against you. But remember that I'll always be there with you in spirit. And once you're done with this journey? You better expect that I'll be waitin' for ya 'cause I sure will."

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

Arctus was a wonderful man who was going to do and become great and wonderful things. Faen couldn't bare the thought of ruining any of that with the petty artifact he'd been wearing around his neck. It begged to be worn on the finger, but the Seer declined. Not yet. Not until he understood it better. Not until he knew how to destroy it.

"Thank you, Arctus. I really do hope you understand how grateful I am to have met you." And Faen meant it. Maybe...maybe there were a few people he could trust? Quin was certainly no exception- he had been with Faen when they found it. "I just... I don't want to ruin anything... It's this blasted ring-" The Seer reached for the necklace beneath his shirt and snapped it off, holding the golden Ring in front of the Padawan. "It looks small...but it carries and enormous weight... It's a beacon of darkness that draws in those who seek more power through the Dark Side. Worst part is... I don't know how to destroy it. I believe that maybe my lost brethren might know how... Maybe they can..." A sigh escaped the Knight and he winced, tucking the Ring back under his shirt.

"It can't be destroyed by a Jedi, Arctus..." Faen sighed again. "It needs to be destroyed with the Dark Side- with a Sith... By the Force... I can't even believe the words that are escaping me right now..." If it wasn't obvious, the Seer was fairly distressed. This artifact was the source of his peril and all he wanted was for it to be destroyed. "Even when it's not with me... It begs to be returned to me. It gives me nightmares I can hardly bare... I can't sleep or eat because it spoils everything with it's need to be basked in blood..."

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

He still didn't have a clue as to what was weighing Faen down, and as much as he wanted to help Arctus also didn't want to make the Knight feel pressured into sharing what was troubling him. But there were no merits to simply letting the Seer face his problems if the Padawan could do something to help, let alone leave Faen to his thoughts and negative feelings. The half-Morellian had quicky become someone Actus truly respected and admired. If there was anything he could do, if he could help–

Of course he was grateful to have met Faen as well, and yet before Arctus could assure the younger man the Knight began to speak of a ring, one hand reaching for the cord of his necklace. As soon as that flash of molten yellow caught the Padawan's gaze Faen's words suddenly became dull, muted. Arctus stared openly at the golden trinket Faen was showing him, gaze transfixed at the plain band of gold. It was a nice ring, was what the Corellian would've commented but through the Force he could tell that something was off about it. Though he couldn't hear the Knight's words, frustrated yellows and anxious umbers lanced through rose gold that was Faen in Arctus's eyes through the Force. The Ring, on the other hand...

Black pretending to be white.

Desire ignited somewhere in the back of the Padawan's mind, the one Thing he'd banished with Faen's help come back to tempt him again. Arctus was intimately familiar with the Dark Side's voice, familiar with It's seductive promises. Now It whispered at him to take the Ring, a conduit of power, from the Knight, so the Padawan could use it to protect the people he loved. It promised him strength, power, the assurance that he would be untouchable and nor would his loved ones. It promised him that with the Ring in his possession he would be someone so great yet terrible to behold in the battlefield, and that his enemies would cower and quiver before him. No one would be able to hurt Clove and Ruzaan again, no one would take from Indy again. His family would be safe.

It promised the eradication of grief. Arctus would never lose anyone again, ever, if he could just take the Ring for himself.

Faen Akatosh won't, can't ever, wield Me the way you will, Arctus.

Unconsciously, Arctus lifted a hand to reach out to Faen. For a second it would seem that the Padawan's hand was following the Ring as the Knight hid it from view again. It would seem that he had been enthralled, but the haze was gone as soon as Arctus blinked, the desire glinting in his eyes replaced entirely by utter concern. His hand found purchase on Faen's shoulder, grip tight but not enough to hurt. The half-Morellian would feel Arctus's hand trembling as the Padawan's gaze found the former's troubled face.

"The Grandmaster... the Council..." he muttered weakly, trying his damnedest not to let his gaze stray back to the Ring now hidden from view. Hazel grey remained fixed upon Faen, and with a tremble in his voice Arctus told the Knight, "Y-You gotta tell them. I don't know what that thing is, but Faen–" Arctus swallowed the lump in his throat. "You can't have that– that thing to destroy you."

Though he lacked full understanding as to what the Ring might be, Arctus was certain about two things: It was Evil, and that it would destroy Faen if he decided to keep it.

@Charles

 

[Faen Akatosh]

"Forgive me..." Faen was filled with regret. He should have kept this thing hidden. It was no surprise or secret that the artifact had grabbed the Padawan's attention. The familiar glint in his eyes... The darkness the Seer had thought he had extinguished on Yavin... it was back. Because of him. Because he thought he could master his will over his own demons. The Seer was a failure of a Jedi- how could anyone as respectable as him bring such a thing as the Ring to a Padawan?!

Your fellow Light Bearers will scorn you for this. Your misery will know no end. Succumb to your Salvation- set these pointless quarrels aside.

It felt... so enticing. The thought of just letting go and free falling- but Faen knew better. Dropping to a knee, the Seer couldn't help but sob. What a pathetic mess he was- how embarrassing it was to associate himself with a man as bright and faithful as Arctus. Faen Akatosh wanted to crawl into a black pit and never come out. Faen Akatosh was dying and seeked liberation and the only thing this galaxy was offering him in return was the Ring and it's ceaseless taunting.

@Forsythe Crowholde