Ask Yavin IV It Goes Without Saying...

[Ruzaan Kai]

Elidan's arms supporting him as he stumbled over a tree root was enough to inform Ruzaan that the other padawan wasn't agnry with him anymore, and soon the two had a theory of what exactly was going on. Ruzaan didn't really know what electromagnetic waves were, but he had to agree with Elidan's assessment; it was difficult to concentrate when they were close to the machine. [Yes, I felt nervous and aggressive] he replied to the half-Sephi's question, naming his feelings. [We can't just leave that machine there, we've got to do something!]

But the question of what exactly to do eluded him; getting close would subject them to the machine's awful influence, not to mention that they'd almost certainly attract the attention of the half-dozen klikniks currently swarming around the area.

[Do you have any ideas?] he asked his friend, hoping that Elidan had one that was less risky than what he'd just thought up.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

If Ruzaan was also affected by this mysterious machine, this means that this thing could be more dangerous than he thought. Elidan wondered if they were affected by it only because they were Padawans. Because if even full trained Jedi could be affected by this machine, this thing could be a danger for the entire Order. Was it something made by the Sith?

“Yes, we need to find a way to destroy it.” they needed to eliminate this machine as fast as possible. Who knows what the long term exposure to it could do to the klikniks. These creatures were still living beings, they deserved respect and to live at peace.

Elidan didn’t have any idea of what they could do to destroy the machine. They couldn’t approach it or they would lose control and the klikniks would attack them. He didn’t know if Ruzaan felt this way, but the hal-Sephi couldn’t even focus on using the Force. Even calling the Knights to help was risky. What if they also become aggressive?

Then he remembered something, but he would need Ruzaan help. “Master Voran taught me how to ask for the help of nature when I’m in trouble. Maybe I could make some roots to sprout and crush the machine.” he explained to the Togruta, he could do it without needing to be inside the clearing. But this plan also had its risks.

“I, I never used it this way before, only to practice moving small branches. I don’t know if I’ll be strong enough to do it, I’ll probably pass out.” he pulled out his Datapad and showed the Togruta how he could call the Temple with it. “If it happens, you will need to call Asadra.”

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

[No way!] Ruzaan replied, a sudden surge of worry and protectiveness giving life to his objection of Elidan's plan. [You've already passed out once today, and I don't want that to happen again]. He also didn't want to get in more trouble, which is exactly what would happen if he had to call Asadra and explain to her why Elidan was unconscious... if he could even figure out how to use the half-Sephi's datapad. Ruzaan genuinely felt bad shooting down Elidan's idea- it was certianly a better plan than what he'd come up with- but the Togruta felt deeply responsible for this mission because it had been his crazy idea in the first place. No, he wouldn't put Elidan in harm's way if he could help it.

His mind flashed back to his overhead view of the machine from atop the tree branch, the details muddled thanks to the awful sound emanating from it. It had a purple glow around it, as if it was ray shielded, so hitting it with a lightsaber wouldn't work. Ruzaan's eyebrows knitted together as a seed of an idea popped into his head; Elidan's mention of moving branches combining with Ruzaan's recollection of his position above the machine.

[Elidan, do you know how energy shields react to organic objects? What if we dropped the branch I was climbing on top of the machine?] he asked, glancing over at his friend. His training lightsaber had been stuck on lethal mode since Felucia, so it could cut through wood if given enough time.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

Elidan felt worry and protectiveness coming from Ruzaan through their bond. The half-Sephi didn't know how to react to that. He knew that Zana and Asadra felt this way about him, but It was strange to feel these feelings coming from someone. Their mental bond seemed to make it more vivid and real, it was as if he was also feeling it. He was grateful for the Togruta being concerned with him.

"Fine, but we will need a new plan." the half-Sephi had decided to agree with his friend. He didn't want to make the other concerned. However, they would still need to find a new way to destroy the machine. They couldn’t let it there, making the klikniks suffer and endangering the life of the other Jedi.

Ruzaan's suggestion about dropping a branch over the machine could work. Elidan knew that normally energy shields didn’t stop organic objects from passing through it. However, there were some that could burn said object before it could pass. This was the reason why it was dangerous for someone to touch this type of thing.

However, the branch wasn't a person. It could really work. "I think that it’s a good idea. Normally, energy shields only provide protection against blaster fire. I think a branch falling over it could be considered a melee attack. Even if it makes the branch burn when it passes through the shield, it would still destroy the machine." he explained to Ruzaan. "This is a clever idea." the half-Sephi smiled at his friend.

"But we need to think how to cut the branch, because the machine was also affecting us." the last thing that they needed was losing focus and entering in some rage rampage. The klikniks were still there and they would kill them if they had the chance.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan was grateful for Elidan's understanding of how energy shields worked; the half-Sephi certainly knew more about technology than he did. Ruzaan had suggested the idea of dropping a tree branch on the machine more out of a "big thing hit small thing" approach than anything else, and he was relieved to hear that it just might work.

Next came the question of how to implement the idea. Fortunately, cutting through the branch would be relatively easy; Ruzaan's double-bladed training lightsaber had been stuck on lethal mode since the Battle of Felucia, as the Togruta didn't know how to switch it back. [My lightsaber should cut through the branch without a problem] he told Elidan.

Getting close enough to cut through the branch without succumbing to the machine's influence, though, would be difficult. Memories of the unpleasant sound made him wince. He lacked a true understanding of how the waves worked, assuming that their influence was tied to the sound that the machine made. [I'm afraid I can't cover my montrals. Maybe you can plug your ears with something?] he said, looking over at Elidan's face. The moonlight filtering unevenly through the trees and illuminating the boy's serious expression made Ruzaan wish that he could capture the moment with a photo or a drawing.

Thank the Force he wasn't doing this alone. [It was also really helpful hearing your voice through our bond- I think that snapped me out of it] he admitted. [Maybe we can take advantage of that?] he asked his friend.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

Elidan agreed with his friend. They could use their lightsabers to cut the branch. He knew how to change his own saber from training to lethal mode, so they could also use his if Ruzaan’s weapon was stuck in the training mode. However, the half-Sephi doubted that he would be able to climb on the tree like how the Togruta did.

The boy knew how to climb on a tree. After all, when they met Elidan was perched in the branch of one. However, he wasn’t agile like Ruzaan. He would need some time before being in position to cut the branch, having the risk of losing his balance and falling in the middle of the klikniks.

When Ruzaan said that it was Elidan’s voice that made his snap from the machine’s influence, the half-Sephi smiled. “I’m happy to have been able to help you.” even if they only met yesterday, he felt that the Togruta had already become someone special to him. Someone that he could trust and that he wanted to protect.

After they discussed all their options that they had, the half-Sephi thought about what could be their best course of action. After some minutes thinking, Elidan finally had some ideas. “I think that we have two options. I could use some pieces of tissue from my robes to cover my ears. Then I could try to climb on the tree and cut the branch. However, I’m not agile like you, so I would need some time to climb and to be in position to do it.” he omitted the part where he could lose his balance and fall in the middle of the klikniks.

“The other idea that I had was that you were going to do it. I would still remain with my ears covered, but I would be hidden in the bushes, using our bond to help you stay calm and focused. Which one do you prefer?” both ideas were risky. However, Elidan hoped that Ruzaan would want to go with the first one. He didn’t want his friend to get hurt, preferring to suffer the consequences of their plan on his place.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

To Ruzaan, the choice was simple. [I like the second idea better] he replied. [I'm not good with a datapad, so this way you can call for backup if we need it.] Plus, it keeps you out of harm's way he thought but didn't broadcast to his friend. Ruzaan had never been particularly cautious when it came to placing himself in potentially dangerous situations, but the moment one of his friends was threatened...

[Are you ok with that?] he asked. [I think both ideas are good; mine included me drawing the klikniks away to give you a clear approach, but that wouldn't help with the waves or anything] he admitted. Strategy under pressure was not his strong suit, he realized. Thankfully Elidan seemed more adept at making plans.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

"Ok, we will use the second idea." even with him agreeing with Ruzaan, Elidan still preferred the first idea. He was afraid that he would not be able to snap the Togruta from the machine's influence again. The half-Sephi didn't want his friend to get hurt.

However, the Togruta was right. If something happened, they would need to call the Temple as fast as possible. Since Ruzaan didn’t know how to use his Datapad, Elidan would need to do it. The half-Sephi decided that he was going to teach the other boy how to use it when they returned to the Temple. After all, it was important for a Jedi to know how to use this type of technology.

After Ruzaan mentioned his other plan, Elidan stared at him. "We will go with the second plan." If he did it, the half-Sephi would not be able to climb the tree. He would be more concerned with his friend being chased away by a bunch of crazy klikniks.

The half-Sephi tore two pieces of tissue from his robes and put them on his ears, covering the entrance of his acoustic duct. When they were well covered, to the point of Elidan not being able to hear the sounds around him anymore, the auburn-haired boy turned to Ruzaan. "We need to go now." then he would start to walk back to the clearing.

This time, when they reached the bushes near the clearing, Elidan would not hear the annoying sound coming from the machine. The idea of covering his ears had worked. He would carefully watch his friend's reaction. If Ruzaan started to show signs of losing control, the half-Sephi was prepared to hold his hand and talk to him through their bond. "I'm here, Ruz. Focus on my voice, ok?"

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Spoiler

Rolled a 61 to execute Ruz's part of the plan

The plan was agreed upon, and soon the Padawans were in place. Elidan looked a little funny with bits of cloth stuck in his ears, but then again it was for good reason, so Ruzaan didn't comment. Instead, he focused on not succumbing to the irritating noises emanating from the machine he was slowly approaching, gritting his teeth against its influence. Just when he thought he couldn't take it any longer he heard Elidan's reassuring voice in his head, temporarily cutting through the noise produced by the machine. As Ruzaan once again began scaling the large tree branch atop the clearing, he found it slightly easier to stay focused on the task at hand.

Elidan, by virtue of being connected to Ruzaan through the Force, would sense the battle for dominance raging within the Togruta's mind. It was not unlike witnessing a cowboy riding an unbroken bronco, as the young padawan struggled to gain the upper hand against the debilitating mental effects of the machine. Indeed, it would've been a losing battle if not for Elidan's presence, and after what felt like an eternity Ruzaan had ignited his double-bladed lightsaber and quickly cut through the branch.

CRASH! The heavy branch fell squarely onto the machine, overloading the ray shield protecting it and crushing the delicate electronics underneath to bits. Immediately, the awful sounds ceased and Ruzaan let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding as the pressure inside his head eased as well. Tension drained out of his body, but chittering sounds from around the clearing told him that the half-dozen klikniks in the clearing were now very much aware of his presence. Internally, the Togruta cursed. He'd been so focused on the machine that he'd forgotten all about the large, territorial bugs; it was anyone's guess how they'd react to his presence.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

Elidan watched Ruzaan climb on the tree. Through their bond, he could feel how the Togruta was struggling with the machine's influence, trying with all his strength to not surrender to the violence. These feelings made the half-Sephi fear for the safety of his friend any wrong step and Ruz could fall in the mandible of the klikniks.

“I'm with you, don't forget that. I know that you can do it.” the half-Sephi would say through their mental bond. He would also say other things, always encouraging Ruzaan to continue moving toward the branch. The Togruta would feel feelings of friendship and trust coming from the auburn-haired boy.

He hoped that by constantly reminding the Ruzaan of his presence, he would be able to resist the machine more successfully. It seemed to be working, because soon Elidan saw the Togruta ignite his lightsaber and cut the branch, making it fall directly over the machine, crushing it. Elidan smiled. He was right, the energy shield wasn’t strong enough to block it.

Immediately after the machine was crushed, Elidan could feel the tension that was tormenting Ruzaan disappear. He slowly pulled the tissues from his ears, being relieved when he didn’t hear the annoying sound anymore. Then he felt the Togruta become apprehensive. Turning to the tree where his friend was, the half-Sephi saw with horror how the klikniks where starting to surround it and the creatures were staring directly at the Togruta.

Elidan picked his lightsaber from his belt and was already prepared to run there and save his friend. However, the klikniks would suddenly turn their heads toward another direction and start to walk. When the last of the creatures left the clearing, the half-Sephi approached the tree and looked at Ruzaan. “Are you fine?”

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Seconds ticked by as Ruzaan felt every eye in the clearing (each belonging to a hostile kliknik) fixate on him; there were too many for him to fight and it only now occurred to him just how ineffective his lightsaber would be against their acid attacks. At least Elidan was safe, and that thought comforted him as he stared down at the half-dozen klikniks surrounding the branch he was standing on.

But before he could warn Elidan to run, the klikniks suddenly turned and march off into the jungle. Elidan would feel shock and then a growing sense of unease through their Force bond as the Togruta processed the strange scene. A few moments later, Ruzaan hopped down out of the tree he'd scaled and landed next to his friend. [That was odd] Ruzaan thought, still not sure what to make of the kliknik's behavior as he stared off in the direction they bugs had gone. [And if I remember correctly, that's not even the way towards the nest you were talking about. Where could they possibly be going?]

Slowly, he stepped forward into the clearing, half expecting the klikniks to come charging back, but no such unwelcome surprise came. Only the fizzling of ruined electronic components disturbed the peaceful night, and after a few more moments Ruzaan's voice echoed in Elidan's head. [What next? Do you want to go back, or...?]

The question hung for Elidan to inspect as he wished. Going back now would make sneaking back in easier, but apparently there was more to this mystery than either Padawan had anticipated.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

When Ruzaan landed next to him, Elidan felt relieved. The Togruta was safe and didn't get hurt. He couldn't believe that their crazy plan had worked. It could have ended terribly wrong. His friend could have fell in the middle of the klikniks and ended being killed. The half-Sephi should stop thinking about it, the other boy was safe now and the machine was destroyed. Everything ended well.

He shared with the Togruta the same feelings of unease. Where the klikniks went? Ruz was right, they didn’t go in the direction of the nest. Perhaps they should go after them. What if there were other machines around here? It was a danger for the Jedi and the common people that lived at Yavin IV.

The half-Sephi walked toward where the destroyed machine was. He kneeled to look better at it. Elidan wasn't very good with engineering, these classes weren’t his favourite. However, he made efforts to pay attention during them. During these classes, he never heard about a machine like that before. It seemed to be very advanced. He picked his Datapad and started to take pictures of it. Who could have built it?

Elidan looked at Ruzaan. "Do you think that there could be another machine?" if there was another one, they should find it. "I think that we should go after the klikniks to see what is happening. But first I'll send a message to Asadra." he don’t know if the Togruta would like it, but they would need help. The half-Sephi felt that they were dealing with something big.

"The adults need to know what is happening. What if we find who built the machine? I don’t think that they would be nice people." If Ruzaan agreed, Elidan would send a message to his therapist telling what happened. He would also send the pictures that he took of the machine. Maybe someone at the Temple could know what it was.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

The destroyed machine offered Ruzaan no further clues as he inspected its remains along with Elidan. The insides of machines like this were even more confusing to the Togruta than the outsides of them, and with a sigh he admitted that he had no idea what he was looking at. If only Xian were here...

Ruzaan was about to suggest calling his friend- she'd certainly be down for a late night, unsanctioned adventure- but Elidan had a different Twi'lek in mind and suggested calling Asadra. Ruzaan couldn't stop a look of dismay from crossing his face at the suggestion.

[If you tell Asadra, she'll just order us back to the infirmary] he replied, trying to control feelings of concern welling up inside of him. They'd come too far to stop now! [And we'll be in even more trouble than we already are if we don't have answers for the council tomorrow morning!]

Once again, he felt bad speaking against Elidan's idea; he recognized that it was probably the safest decision, but if they could solve the mystery then perhaps the council wouldn't be as angry at them... or so he hoped. Ruzaan jerked a finger in the direction the retreating klikniks had taken, and offered a compromise. [How about we go find out where they went and then decide what to do?]

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

Elidan stared at Ruzaan. He wasn't wrong, if he told Asadra about what happened, she would order them to return to the infirmary. However, the half-Sephi feared that if they continued following the klikniks, the two would stumble into something far more dangerous that they would not be able to deal with alone.

However, he didn't want to get into an argument with Ruz. They didn't have time for it, the klikniks would continue moving and they would lose their tracks. The half-Sephi also believed that the Togruta wouldn't wait for the adults to arrive there and would run after the insectoids, even if he was alone. This way, for the sake of his friend, Elidan would agree with him.

"Fine, we will go after the Klikniks." this way he could maintain Ruzaan safe. "But if we find something worse there, we will call the adults. Ok?" with him talking this way, Elidan feared that the Togruta would think that he was a coward, but he wasn’t this way. He only was careful. "I only don’t want you to get hurt." the half-Sephi didn't notice that he had said that part through their bond.

After taking some more pictures of the machine, Elidan would walk toward the path that the klikniks had taken. He wasn’t a tracker, so he had no idea of what they should follow. "Can you find their path?" he said to Ruzaan. Since Togruta mentioned that he used to hunt in Shili, the half-Sephi believed that his friend would be able to easily track the creatures.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

For a moment, Ruzaan feared that he'd pushed Elidan too far; belatedly, he realized that he'd been taking a very active role in the decision making process, perhaps at the expense of his friend. Certainly, his behavior was unlike that of many Togruta, and as Elidan hesitantly agreed to go along with Ruzaan's plan he vowed that he would work harder to listen to the half-Sephi's ideas; cooperation and teamwork built strong bonds. Unfortunately, that conviction would not last.

Elidan's next comment about keeping Ruzaan safe caught him off guard, and the half-Sephi would recognize surprise and embarrassment flowing back through their bond... along with a growing sense of indignation that quickly boiled over into resentment. [Why does everyone think that I can't take care of myself?] he snapped back, the late hour and his frayed nerves adding sharpness to his tone. First Atris, then Arctus, Hrimfaxi, probably Clove, and now Elidan... did everyone think he needed to be coddled? Such thoughts overlooked the many times where he had needed the support of others, but his anger was roused at Elidan as Ruzaan mistook his friend's genuine concern for doting.

[Look, you can follow me, or go back or tell Asadra, or even tell the council; I don't care!] he said through their bond, his jaw setting in determination. [But I'm going to figure out what's going on with those klikniks.] Eyes flashing, Ruzaan abruptly turned and marched off in the direction that the klikniks had scuttled, leaving Elidan to decide what he would do next.


@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

Suddenly, Elidan felt the embarrassment and indignation coming from the Togruta through their bond. He was confused. Why the Togruta was acting this way? The half-Sephi only wanted to keep his friend safe. He couldn't tolerate seeing someone that was important to him dying again.

He knew that Ruzaan could take care of himself. He saw the Togruta attack a swarm of furious klikniks, climb on a tree while a machine was disturbing and most of their actions so far were his plans. Elidan thought that his friend was someone very brave, smart and practical.

The half-Sephi wanted to be this way too. Perhaps if he wasn’t so analytical and unsure, Elidan could have helped save his friends back in Ajan Kloss. A part of him knew that it was impossible, a youngling could do anything to fight the Acolytes. However, his mind still used these arguments to torment himself.

After the Togruta basically screamed at him through their bond, Elidan felt tired and frustrated. While he saw Ruzaan walk away, the half-Sephi also became afraid for his friend's safety. It was as if it was the last time that he saw the other boy.

Before Ruzaan could go away, Elidan ran toward him and held his arm. "I know that you can take care of yourself! Was thanks to you that we saved Krift and destroyed the machine. I think that you are someone very capable and brave!" now he was the one screaming through their bond.

"But, you are my friend and I care for you! I don’t want to see you dying like what happened with everyone in Ajan Kloss!" the Togruta would be able to feel Elidan's pain and sadness through the bond. This connection would also start to be full with glimpses of the massacre that the half-Sephi saw when he was still a youngling. Ruzaan would be able to see them as if they are his own.

"If something happens to you, it will be my fault! It's always my fault..." now Elidan was crying, he didn't want Ruzaan to die. They could have only met yesterday, but the hal-Sephi already cared for the Togruta. "I know that you could do it alone, but I need to go with you! It's the only way for me to stay calm." he looked at his friend's eyes, his own eyes full of tears. He probably looked like a madman, talking about things that had no sense. But it was how he felt at the moment.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

If left to his own devices, Ruzaan would've strode off into the forest and eventually come to terms with his emotions before realizing that he'd been a jerk to Elidan and trying to apologize to his friend. Instead, his exit was stayed by the half-Sephi's hand on his arm. Ruzaan still pulled away from the contact, but he couldn't escape the torrent of words, emotions, and images that poured out from Elidan through their bond. Those stopped the Togruta dead in his tracks.

Such was the intensity of the half-Sephi's outburst that Ruzaan took several deep breaths to calm himself until he was convinced that the memories that Elidan had shared were not happening right now, in front of them. Accompanying each scene was an overpowering feeling of helplessness and frustration; Elidan's own feelings, Ruzaan realized, his heart pounding in his chest. Tears were coursing down Elidan's face, and Ruzaan's mind raced as he tried to determine what to do or say next. Elidan would feel the Togruta respond positively to the assertation that they were, indeed, friends, but there would also be doubt burrowing its way through Ruzaan's mind as the Togruta realized that Elidan's problems were bigger than Ruzaan could handle.

Doubt would be quickly replaced with resolution as Ruzaan made a decision. [All right. Let's go] Elidan would hear, and Ruzaan would lead them out of the clearing. Originally, they headed in the direction that the klikniks had taken, but Ruzaan was counting on the fact that Elidan might not notice the gentle corrections he made to their course so that they gradually looped back towards the temple. Ruzaan would travel in silence and if Elidan didn't say something along the way about their course, the pair would soon recognize the sprawling shape of the Jedi Temple looming up at them out of the darkness.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

While Ruzaan stayed in silence, Elidan calmed down. Now that he had stopped crying, the half-Sephi felt ashamed for having a breakdown in front of the Togruta. He was blushing and the point of his ears were twitching. His friend probably thought that he was an idiot. What type of Jedi was he? Crying like a baby and sharing his problems to the others when no one asked for it.

When he felt doubt coming through their bond, Elidan thought that it was Ruzaan thinking what he should do with the half-Sephi. He would understand if the Togruta decided to not be his friend anymore. He had shared with the other boy so many of his traumatic memories that he would not be surprised if Ruz was mad because of it.

Elidan only nodded when Ruzaan said that they should go. The half-Sephi would follow the other boy while they walked after the klikniks. This time he stayed in silence, thinking about what the Togruta could be thinking about him. The auburn-haired boy’s mind was showing the worst scenarios to him, where Ruz would scream at him or run away. He wasn’t always pessimistic, but sometimes it was impossible for him to not be one.

After they were walking for some time, Elidan noticed that they were returning to the Jedi temple. The half-Sephi took it as confirmation to his fears, Ruzaan was probably going to left him there and then go alone after the klikniks and he would never come back. He would lose another friend and it was all his fault. “It’s all my fault.” without him noticing, this thought would go through their bond, together with his fear.

“Why are we going back to the Temple?” he asked Ruzaan, the fear was still flowing from him. “Don’t you, don’t you want my help anymore? Was it because I showed you these memories? I’m sorry! It was an accident.” the Togruta would be able to feel how insecure Elidan was. If he turned to look at the half-Sephi, Ruz would notice that his ears were flattened. “Don’t leave me at the Temple so you can go after the klikniks alone, please.”

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

[It's all my fault]. The words would once again be transmitted through the bond Elidan and Ruzaan shared; the bond was the one consistent thing in a night full of surprises. Ruzaan wanted to stop and try to correct the half-Sephi then and there, but decided against it; he still felt awful about how he'd treated his friend earlier, and didn't want to get into another argument with Elidan.

Ruzaan's hopes of shepherding Elidan back to the temple without the latter picking up on their path were dashed, and Ruzaan could feel the fear pulsing out from his friend like a crackling wave. Ruzaan sighed reluctantly and turned to face his friend, knowing that Elidan deserved an honest answer. How receptive the half-Sephi would be to that was another question entirely, and Ruzaan quickly noted his friend's flattened ears; on his planet, they were the sign of a frightened and cornered animal.

This would be tricky. Ruzaan respected Elidan and cared about his friend, which made the conversation even more difficult.

At least one of Elidan's questions was easily answered. [I'm not leaving you and going off on my own] he said, honestly. He'd considered that idea on the way back, but had quickly rejected it. [We're both going back]. As much as it pained him to leave his burning questions about the kliknik's behavior unanswered, it was the right call for; Elidan's sake.

Ruzaan paused to collect his thoughts before continuing. [And don't worry about showing me the memories. What you experienced was awful, but if sharing them helps you, then share away]. The Togruta suppressed a shudder as he recalled one or two of the most unpleasant scenes and emotions, but Elidan lived with these memories... no wonder he was mute. [If you don't listen to anything else I say, just know you aren't alone when facing them]. That was a core belief in Togruta society, and Ruzaan still found it true since becoming a Jedi; problems are easier to tackle with a community supporting you.

Now for the hardest part. [And... I owe you an apology] Ruzaan said finally. [I shouldn't have yelled at you, and I'm also sorry for dragging you along on this adventure and probably getting you into more trouble]. Genuine regret would be present through their bond as Ruzaan grappled with the knowledge that he'd put Elidan into more danger than he'd realized; his ignorance of Elidan's mental state had pushed the half-Sephi into reliving his trauma. [So... yeah]. Boy, was he articulate.

@LouJoVi

 

[Elidan]

Elidan felt dejected. What he did was so stupid, it was no surprise that Ruzaan wanted to go back to the Temple. He was once again showing the other boy his problems. By now the Togruta probably noticed that the half-Sephi was a nuisance and that he would only cause problems if they went after the klikniks together.

However, when the Togruta started to talk, Elidan stared at him, confused. Ruzaan was so excited to go after the klikniks, the half-Sephi didn't understand why he would want to return to the Temple with him. Maybe the other boy was concerned with him. Once again the auburn-haired boy thought that he was stupid. His breakdown had made Ruz abandon his plans. Idiot!

Then, Ruzaan continued to explain why he changed his mind. He didn't seem to be mad and the half-Sephi could feel that he was being sincere. Now Elidan understood that the Togruta cared for him. However, he still felt guilty for having made the other boy give up his plans.

"I'm sorry, too. I overreacted." Elidan gave a weak smile at the other Padawan. He had read how many describe the Sephi as cold and detached, but he was so different. Perhaps it was due to his traumas. "You didn't drag me. I came after you because I wanted to." I wanted to make you stay safe. This part was left hidden in a corner of his mind. He was still afraid that it would make Ruzaan mad again. "Let's return to the temple."

They would continue walking toward the Jedi Temple. Elidan would remain in silence thinking about what happened. While he was still feeling ashamed for his breakdown in front of Ruzaan, the half-Sephi also felt happy for having another friend that cared for him.

He would also not admit, but a part of him once again thought that the Togruta was a bit cute when he was trying to apologize to him.

@SlagathorTheUnknown