Ask Coruscant Parade Of A Lifetime

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Spoiler: Music

General parade music

The ballet section

The streets and skies were ablaze with color at the end of each Life Day celebration, as parades with floats, fireworks, and dancers made their way into the night sky. This year's Life Day was no different. Coruscant, once again, put together another stunning parade, this time focused entirely around Life Day itself. Wookies in classic robes, Life Day orbs, Life Day Sugar fairies, you name it and it was there.

Some weren't thrilled to see such Life Day-inspired floats; after all, it wasn't Life Day anymore. But it was a sight to behold for many. Clove was a part of that same group, although she didn't watch this year's parade from the sidelines. No, this year she was one of the dancers invited and taught by the ballet she had joined in order to prepare for the New Alderaan ballet university; this performance was her way of showing the university that she was ready. And after a lot of preparations, Clove, together with a group of nine other girls, lifted herself in her outfit and leaped up the float in the highest spirit. The float was regally themed, with plenty of white and gold arches, just like her gown. And, in the midst of a sea of screaming rainbow hues, the float was a welcome sight.

The float came to life, and the ten girls began to dance on the tips of their toes; from a distance, it appeared as if they were floating above the stage. Hundreds of little warm lights twinkled in the sky, illuminating their every movements.

It would be an understatement to say Clove was in her element. Every graceful sweep of the arm or toe hop looked effortless, as if she had been born to do it. Of course, she and anybody Force Sensitive knew better. The Force flowed through her body, and even though she wasn't actively using it, she couldn't deny that, like any other Jedi, the Force was assisting her in many subtle ways. Add a dash of Jedi training and a passion for music, and you've got the makings of a fine dancer.

So it was difficult not to be sad when the Parade came to an end and the float came to a halt. It had all come down to this one performance after months of training, and now it was done over in a matter of an hour. Clove took off her pointe shoes and put on some ordinary slippers instead, feeling somewhat empty. With those shoes in hand, she bid her goodbyes to the other dancers and walked into the dark night, leaving behind the music of the festivities. Snowflakes swirled in the hair and dropped on her nearly pink-colored skin and white fluffy dance outfit. It was a cold night.

Her ship to Yavin IV wasn't scheduled to leave until the next day, so she was stuck on Coruscant for the time being.

The half-Sephi didn't know what to do, so she did what she usually does when she's down: she went window shopping. Her steps led her along a street lined with closed stores, the light from their windows lighting the sidewalk and exposing the most beautifully adorned display windows.

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[Bir Vuul]

“I said drop it! It’s mine!” cried out a downtrodden drifter as he was pulled into the street while holding tightly to a large frozen fish, a mysterious figure in a tattered black cloak pulling from the other side. Most citizens of Coruscant gave the altercation a wide berth, unwilling to involve themselves in a problematic situation that was not their own. The homeless of Coruscant would always struggle to keep what little they had, a common scene the lower one went on this ecumenopolis world. Hardly a dilemma worthy of much attention to the common men and women.

”You do not deserve this, my friend! No, no, not at all!” Bir exclaimed, fingers digging into the scaly flesh as he pulled with every ounce of might he could muster. Being kept away from the freezer that maintained a frigid temperature, the fish soon began to thaw. It’s skin would once more grow clammy and wet as it would be fresh from the waters of Manaan, slipping from the beggar’s fingers. Falling to the ground, fish in hand, the manic Kel Dor scurried to his feet and soon melted away into the crowd with his prize.

”You’re safe now, I swear! No need to be frightened! No need to be fearful!” Bir cackled to himself as he stroked the carcass in his arm. It would take some time, climbing to some of the higher levels of Coruscant, but he would eventually find himself approaching a large pool and fountain. Kneeling down, the Kel Dor slid the dead fish into the water while his cheeks turned upwards in a wide grin of pride. ”Much better, yes? Yes, yes! Much better, indeed!” he elated, clapping his hands before spinning on his heels to return to the lower levels, only to be distracted by a scene of elegance he had not seen in years.

He had been entirely unaware of the parade that had been scheduled on this day, floats decorated in beautiful designs gliding above him and the others in the crowd. His hands clasped together at his chest as he looked upward in awe, bouncing from one foot to the other to the festive melodies that rained down across each of those in attendance. Fireworks crackled and sparkled in the twilight, dancers performing spectacular acts both above and on the platform below, truly a sight to behold.

Then came a float that stood out from the rest. White and gold, regal in both appearance and performance, Bir could not pry his gaze away. He had always been a fan of the performing arts, having some experience himself, so as his eyes fell to the dancers that moved eloquently across it’s podium he soon took notice of the standout performer. Her movements were so precise, so perfectly enacted, one would suspect she had been performing for years beyond her time. Bir was enamored by her talent and as the parade came to an end, he found himself woefully disappointed.

Walking the streets of Coruscant, searching for an alley to call home for the night, the Kel Dor would soon curl up at the side of a dumpster whilst recalling the performance he had observed. How envious he was that those above had lived his dream. Closing his eyes in preparation to fall asleep, Bir would find himself fantasizing of what it must have been like to perform before such a vast audience though soon a ripple in the Force snapped him awake. Shrouded eyes turned and there he saw the woman he had observed earlier in the day, peering through shop windows as she strolled in the night. Jumping to his feet and approaching Clove, though leaving a respectful distance between them, he would clasp his organic hand around his metal wrist behind his back and peer into the same window that had caught her eye.

”Stunning, isn’t it? Yes! Yes! Absolutely brilliant!” Bir declared, followed by a soft maniacal chuckle as he peered into the stained glass.

@LilyNion​

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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People walking near her didn't bother her because they were usually going about their own business. So, despite Clove's sensitive hearing, footsteps were usually a sound she drowned out unless she was in a dangerous situation. And the lovely, albeit somewhat deserted street with a plethora of lovely and colorful windows, wasn't one of them.

So when a single pair of footsteps approached her, the half-Sephi paid no attention. Her large brown eyes were fixed on a window with a lot of stained glass, which reflected an array of warm lights on top of a hand full of jewelry and a mannequin dressed in a white dress made of what she assumed to be tulu. When the Kel Dor finally declared how incredible it was, his voice barely registered. No, it was the soft maniacal chuckle that jolted her out of her wonder.

Startled, the girl jumped the slightest bit, before turning on the ball of her feet towards the man. Her eyes visibly scanned the figure before determining he wasn't a danger, and her shoulders gradually relaxed. He had to be a local, living in Coruscant's slums, or something similar to that. It would explain the eerie laugh. "Oh, I'm sorry! You scared me for a moment there."

Now, what was it he had said? Oh, right, he described the window as "stunning" and "brilliant." Wait. Someone else enjoyed window shopping as well?! The girl's cheeks flushed with excitement, and her ears twitched.

"I agree! I really like how the stained glass brings the plain white dress to life. Makes it so much more magical, don't you think?" More snowflakes began to float gently through the night sky, landing on both the half-Sephi and the Kel Dor now that they were standing still. "If I may be so impolite as to ask, what brings you here? Is it the pretty windows as well?!"

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[Bir Vuul]

For Bir, social interactions were rare. He was the walking and talking epitome of lunacy, a fact that often resulted in him becoming a shunned pariah amongst his peers. Most, if not all, of his time was spent in solitude with no other company than that which resided in his own mind. For this young woman to not immediately put distance between them, to not speak to him as though he were a filthy beggar was… refreshing. Excitement began to brew for he had not known just how desperate he had become for something as simple as conversation. The subject mattered not, he was just happy to speak.

”Illusions! Tricks of the eye! Beauty beyond comprehension! The mind opens when one looks upon art!” Bir rambled quietly yet excitedly, unaware that his choice of words made little sense in his jubilation. After all, she had only asked about how the window transferred it’s range of color upon a white dress. To Bir, it was indeed mesmerizing but putting such into comprehensible words was difficult. Catching his slip up, he began to reign himself in though a single full body twitch could be seen, like the shudder of a speeder dropping down a gear. Coughing into his hand softly and taking a deep breath, he looked back to Clove with a beaming grin. ”It is indeed pretty, yes! Yes, yes!”

As the snow began to descend upon the streets, the tattered black cloak Bir wore soon became spotted with white. Glancing back inside the store at the dress Clove had mentioned, he stared at it for a moment and wondered how difficult it would be to examine it more closely. Part of him simply wanted it for himself. Another part just wanted to see what else existed within these walls.

”Impolite? Rude? You are not being such a thing, my friend! A thousand times no! I live here! There! Wherever I may find myself is my home!” Extending his arms, Bir spun so as to express that everything that surrounded them was home to him if he so chose. Energies ran high within the Kel Dor at any given time, off-putting to most yet it was undeniable that the crazed Kel Dor had a zest for life and could find joy in even the littlest of things. Even sleeping in the shadow of a dumpster. "The shop windows are but an added benefit of my home for the night!"

”It is I who must apologize, indeed I must!” Bir declared as he came full circle to face Clove once more. Leaning into a deep bow with one arm pulled across his chest, the other pointed out and away from his body, the Kel Dor continued. ”I am Bir! Bir Vuul, indeed I am! Introductions! Introductions! Who are you, madame?”

@LilyNion​

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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He was an oddball, but he didn't scare her away or ruin her mood. It was almost endearing to watch him ramble on so excitedly, yet in such a hushed tone. His admiration was genuine. Even his shudder, followed by a cough, was not cause for concern; he had to be cold. "It sure is!"

To be honest, Clove found it pleasant and even relaxing to have someone to talk with. Coruscant had never appealed to her because it felt so far removed from life. Buildings as tall as the eye could see, factories with smoke and pipes, and dull grey or brown everywhere you looked. If you ignored the shopping and club districts, that is, because those two districts were a visual feast of art and color. So, having someone to socialize with was more than welcome, especially after the emptiness that followed the parade.

The half-Sephi's head tilted to the right as he revealed he didn't have a home. No, that was incorrect. His home was the entire world of Coruscant. Normally that thought would break her heart, but Bir's energy forbid her from feeling sad. He looked happy, no, more than happy; he was enjoying life to a point even she couldn't beat. And so, instead of sadness, she felt a strange sense of admiration for the Kel Dor. A desire to let go of everything that was holding her back from happiness and live life to the fullest, just like him. "Well, thank you! I must say, you have a lovely home. One of my favorite parts of town has to be the shopping district!"

Clove was already smiling from ear to ear by the time he came face to face with her and took a deep bow, her nose scrunching slightly as a result. "There is nothing to apologize for!" To match his more dramatic bow, the girl extended her right leg backward and bent through both knees until her right shin rested on the floor and her left leg bent completely forward. Her right hand rested elegantly against the middle of her chest, while her left arm gracefully extended into the air. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bir Vuul. My name is Clove Vanhoop!"

The girl rose from her curtsy with a bright smile and a sparkle in her eyes. "Would you like to join me for a walk past the other windows? Also, are you cold? Because I might have something warm in my bag."

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[Bir Vuul]

”Surely I would, my newest friend! Clove! My newest friend, Clove! I would be delighted! Yes! Delighted, delighted, delighted!” Bir exclaimed, bouncing softly from one foot to the other whilst clapping his hands together softly. Then her offer of ‘something warm’ was finally heard. Ceasing his springing, cheeks sagging partnered with a soft stammer. Never before had someone been so kind as to make such an offer to him willingly nor without a snide look of contempt. For a moment, he wasn’t sure what to say. Surely he had begged, grovelled and pleaded for many things in his life since his mind fractured but to simply accept something offered that had not been requested was….strange.

”No, no! I am quite alright!” Bir fibbed while forcing himself to shut the cold of the night from his mind, not from pride but rather just being glad he was not alone. Well, perhaps from a slight amount of pride. ”Come! Come! There is much to see! Much for me to show you! Come!” he continued excitedly, waving for her to follow as he darted off down the street.

Stores of a great variety lined this particular Coruscanti street, from the dress shop prior to toy emporiums, food vendors and anything else one might be able to imagine. Yet even on the world that never sleeps, most if not all had been closed for the evening. Bir would dart from one window to the next, muttering excitedly of the things he saw before finally coming to a stop outside one particularly noisy pane of glass.

”So feisty and furious! Who hurt you, my furry little friends?!” Bir exclaimed with both hands pressed firmly against the glass with his face only a few centimeters away. On the opposite side of the pane, a litter of adolescent Loth Kittens who’s fur collectively stood on end as they hissed incessantly at their newest guest. ”What’s this? Fresh air?! Perhaps! Perhaps!” Bir stammered before turning to Clove, under the assumption she had kept up with his manic pace. ”So sad! Imprisoned! Caged! Freedom stolen and forced to live behind glass and bars! I pity them!” he rambled, the irony of his own mental chains entirely lost on him in the moment.

@LilyNion​

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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"Okay, okay! I'm right behind you!" Clove gave Bir a warm smile, though she wasn't sure if he was actually okay with the cold. Something about the change in his expression, the way his springing came to a halt and he stammered a little. No, he wouldn't accept it even if he was cold. She wasn't in a position to push it any further, though. So she cheerfully accepted his denial and began following him down the street.

A happy hum escaped her lips without her even noticing she was doing it. The cold wind caressing her violet pink cheeks and nose as snowflakes danced their own ballet through the sky was strangely relaxing, especially when shared with a new 'friend.' The Coruscanti street they were strolling down was stunning, especially for Coruscant's standards. Everywhere they turned, a new window with a different arrangement of colors, lights, and objects greeted them. Clove joined in with his excited muttering, occasionally pointing to something she particularly liked.

But then Bir came to a halt in front of a new display window, and the girl had no idea why. However, when he started talking about furry little friends, her ears finally picked up on the hissing and growling noises. She turned to the window, confused, and found herself face to face with the Loth kittens.

Her fingers ran aimlessly over the glass, and the corners of her mouth drew down. It wasn't unusual for animals to be kept as pets or cattle, but these kittens were so tiny and innocent. They didn't deserve to be imprisoned in this manner. As he began to speak to her, her gaze was drawn back to Bir. She had some difficulties understanding the precise meaning of his words, but she got the gist of it.

And Clove agreed. Her heart was broken by the sight of these Loth cats. She wished to free these kittens from their cages. But how? She couldn't break in because she was a Jedi. It would be a bad idea to break any laws! They could, however, construct a scenario in which the kittens could flee without jeopardizing the building or anyone inside. There would be no breaking of the law.

... Minus the anti-stealing law.

"... Hey, Bir. Do you think they should be free? They should, right?" Clove took a moment to think before turning her entire body towards the Kel Dor. "Listen, I know how to get the kittens to come to us on their own. We just need to find a path for the Loth cats to leave without breaking the door down. Any suggestions?"

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[Bir Vuul]

Bir paid Clove no attention at first, his sole focus being the litter of loth kittens contained beyond the pane of glass that divided them. He could feel the uncertainty and fear emanating forth from the small creatures though he remained unaware that it was simply due to his own presence rather than any concern of being captive within the pet shop. The attendance of the half-Annfyn did soothe the demeanour of the litter, however, a select few of the kittens looking upward to Clove with saucer eyes and unheard purrs beyond the glass whilst the remainder placed as much distance between them and the pair in the street.

In the back of his psyche began a war of mental fortitude, two versions of himself pitted against one another. Most times the crazed alter ego was behind the reigns of his mind but it was partnered with a soft influence of the man he once was. It was an exhausting endeavour that often resulted in the goodness of his past succumbing to the insanity that held tightly to control but the thoughts of lunacy that were harboured within stirred the dormant Padawan to life.

”So soft… So small… So succulent,” Bir thought to himself before the faint words of his alter ego echoed in the distance.

”Just leave them alone… Please…” the voice pleaded, begged, implored.

Behind his goggles, the beady black eyes of Bir clenched shut as the two personas debated in silence until finally, one prevailed.

"Listen, I know how to get the kittens to come to us on their own. We just need to find a path for the Loth cats to leave without breaking the door down. Any suggestions?"

Bir’s eyes opened once again, his leathery cheeks turning upwards into a massive grin. He knew what he needed to do. With his hands still pressed against the glass, he turned to face upward at the Padawan standing beside him as he crouched.

”Of course they should be free! Freedom! It is all anyone wishes! Freedom to do as they wish without the hands of others dictating their lives! Bir began excitedly, his smile never faltering. ”Free them we must! Yes! Yes! Let them roam the streets of Coruscant to the fate that awaits them!” he continued before looking back to the litter.

Clove rightfully wanted to find a quiet way to release the captive felines but Bir was not a man of subtlety nor of patience. With a menacing and maniacal chuckle, the Kel Dor decided to act.

”Why delay?!” The Force pulled inward and permeated his very touch, exuding outward into the glass he rested his open palms on until the pane shattered and cascaded around he and Clove. Pulling his hands back and clapping rapidly with delight as both creatures and alarms wailed, he looked to his unwilling partner in crime with his still beaming grin then turned back to the kittens. Reaching over the tops of their confinements, he began plucking the kittens out and handing them off to Clove before standing with an armful of furious furballs of his own.

”Run! Run, my dear friend!” Bir laughed as he began to scurry away down the street.

@LilyNion

Spoiler

Sorry for the delay. Not entirely happy with the end result of the post, but you've waited long enough lol

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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"Why delay?!"

Clove's eyes widened as she felt the Force swirl through Bir's body before crashing into the window, shattering it into a thousand pieces. All she could do was turn her head away from the window as the rain of glass fell on her. Bir clapped excitedly like a child on Life day, about to open their presents, as she stared into nothingness, trying to make sense of the situation.

He wielded the Force. And a powerful one at that, he shattered the window like it was nothing. And he clearly didn't care about the law.

And Clove just became his accomplice.

The screams of terrified kittens, combined with the screeching alarm, jolted her out of her trance, especially when said kittens were shoved towards her. Clove's arms were covered in kittens by the time Bir finished, one fluffier than the other. Before she could say anything, the Kel Dor had begun to run away down the street, abandoning her while encouraging her to run.

Clove grabbed her bag of credits with the Force and threw it all into the pet shop without thinking. While it would not cover all of the damages, it would cover a significant portion. It was the least she could do. Then she turned on her heels and began to chase Bir, all the while clutching the furballs as tightly as she could.

"Bir!" The girl shouted into the night sky while chasing him, hoping he'd eventually come to a stop.

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