Ether's Judgement Chapter IV
There was a problem, though; he was still dead, and there was no known way to bring him back. As the reality of this truth settled in, a feeling of helplessness washed over Caltin like a tidal wave, threatening to drown him in despair. The warmth of Alyscia’s presence offered fleeting comfort, but it couldn’t erase the cold grip of loss that had wrapped itself around his heart.
Father, listen to me, Alyscia urged, her voice steady despite the turbulence surrounding them. You may not be able to change the past, but you can forge a new future. Every choice you make from this moment will ripple through the lives of those you love. They depend on you now more than ever.
Caltin’s mind raced, grappling with his emotions. The visions of his son and wife haunted him, their struggles twisted in agony. Could he really make a difference? You make me sound like I am some “cape and tights” holo-movie hero. How can I fight for them when I couldn’t even protect them? Stand for them? Stand with them? Stand up to those against them? You know what I mean… he questioned, frustration mingling with a level of sorrow.
You must confront the darkness within yourself, she replied firmly. It won’t be easy, but acknowledge your fear and grief; don’t let them consume you. Use them as fuel. Let your heart be your strength rather than your weakness.
At that moment, he realized that Alyscia was right. He couldn’t change what had happened, but he could channel the pain of his losses into determination, everything he put others through, himself through, it could all be some level of inspiration. It was a difficult truth to accept, but he understood that dwelling in sorrow would only keep him from moving forward. What if I fail? he asked, vulnerability threading through his voice.
Then you fight again, and again, and again. That’s what you do. That’s what we do; we rise. You taught me that if the cause is just, to never give up on it. I know you are not meant to be here right now, and I am not leaving until this mistake was made right, or I have exhausted everything possible and impossible. We fight for each other, for hope, and for love. You have the strength of the Force behind you. You carry my light, along with your memories, she said, her eyes radiating a fierce determination that sent a jolt of energy through him and there was the smirk.
Caltin felt a flicker of hope ignite in the depths of his being, a renewed resolve forming within him. Perhaps it wasn’t about bringing back the dead, but honoring their legacy by continuing the fight. The galaxy was still in peril, and he would not let fear dictate his path any longer. He looked at Alyscia, whose presence now felt more solid, a guiding star in his darkest hour smiling in regards to her last words.
There you go again using that rock solid logic I taught you. I won’t let you down, he vowed, the weight of his promise hanging in the air. With a gentle smile, Alyscia began to fade, the vibrant colors of the ether swirling more rapidly around them.
You can’t let yourself down. Remember, even in darkness, the light remains. Let it guide you. Her voice echoed softly in the distance as the world around him began to shift, the memories of laughter and love illuminating the shadows of grief. As Caltin stood alone once more, he carried her spirit with him like an eternal flame. He would honor his family's legacy, fight against the darkness that threatened their future, and ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. The trials ahead were daunting, but with each step, he felt the light within him growing stronger.
Caltin's heart raced as he struggled against the tides of despair that threatened to pull him under. The luminous ether around him seemed to ripple with energy and potential. Alyscia stood before him, her radiant form flickering like a candle in a storm, and he could feel the weight of her gaze piercing through the veil of sorrow that enveloped him. He was still in the Ether, and he did not accept it. No, Alyscia. I won’t accept this, he declared, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. There has to be a way—a way to reach them, to go back. You can guide me, can’t you?
Alyscia’s expression shifted, a mixture of sadness and pride reflecting in her eyes. Father, I want nothing more than to help you, but the paths of the living and the dead are different. Each choice shapes what is to come, and choices have consequences, even the unintentional ones.
But I can't let it end like this, he replied, desperation lacing his words. Connel… Chrysa… it’s bad enough I lost you… I can’t allow what could happen. They deserve a chance to fight, to live—as I once did.
Alyscia stepped closer, her warmth flooding the space between them. First of all, you never lost me. You allowed me to live a full life, have children, GRANDchildren, a Legacy you have met through Jax Thio, Joran Del-Finn . You have the power to change their fates just as you did mine, but it starts with you. You must reconcile with your past and embrace the strength remaining within you. You are a Jedi Master, you did that without a special connection, you did that without any special actions. You did that by being you. Your journey isn’t about finding them in the ether; it’s about reclaiming the light you’ve forgotten.
Caltin’s mind raced as he remembered the teachings of the Jedi, the connections they forged not just with one another, but with the living Force. You’re telling me… that I need to reach within myself? To utilize the connection I still have with them?
Exactly, she affirmed, her voice unwavering. Their lives are intertwined with yours, and the Force flows through them as it does through you. Trust in that bond. Fight to protect what is still yours while still coming to terms with what you lost. The vibrant ether around them shimmered in response to his mounting resolve, colors swirling like galaxies being reborn.
Caltin took a deep breath, centering himself, drawing forth the memories, the laughter, the warmth of family. He felt them brush against his heart—their joys, their sorrows—each drawing him closer to the light. Then I will do it, he vowed, the fire inside him igniting with purpose. I will reach out to them. I refuse to let fear dictate my journey any longer. With a determined resolve, he closed his eyes, anchoring himself in the essence of the Force.
He envisioned Connel, brave and valiant, and Chrysa, whose love could light the darkest moments. He calibrated his emotions, focusing on the threads of hope that wove through the pain like golden strands of light. Alyscia, guide me, he whispered, tapping into the cosmic dance that enveloped them. Help me connect—help me bring them back into my heart.
In the heart of the ether, as the luminous colors pulsed with life, Caltin opened himself to the depths of the moment, willing to reach beyond the confines that once held him captive. He drew upon his memories, the love he had for them, and the strength of the Force that hummed just beyond his fingertips. The barrier started to waver, and for the first time since the dark day he lost it all, hope sparkled anew. In that pivotal instant, he was determined: the trial before him was not just a challenge—it was a promise to honor his family's legacy, a chance to heal the fractures that grief had carved into his spirit. Breath caught in his throat, he felt the shifting shadows around him swell as if affirming his resolve. Caltin was not done fighting, and this was only the beginning.
With his determination ignited, Caltin focused on reaching out to Connel, pouring every ounce of love and strength into his son's name, letting its resonance fill the ether around him. He felt a flicker—the faint spark of his son’s awareness. Connel! Hear me! he called out, urging the connection to solidify. He could see the Shadow stop and look around, his mind racing, . But just as swiftly, the flicker waned, slipping through his grasp like water between his fingers. Frustration tightened in his chest. He tried again, this time extending his reach to Michael, his distant nephew. Michael! It’s Uncle Caltin! he exclaimed, but the response was no stronger. The connection flickered a moment longer before fading into silence. Each failed attempt sent waves of despair crashing over him, gnawing at the hope he had just rekindled.
No! he shouted into the void, the echo of his voice swallowed by the swirling ether. Every name he called out, every bond he attempted to reach felt like a missed opportunity, slipping just out of reach. The illumination around him dimmed with each lost connection, and shadows threatened to close in on his resolve. Desperation clawed at him determination bowled him over. There had to be someone who could hear him.
Then it struck him: his wife, Chrysa. The thought sent a jolt through him, a reminder of the bond they shared that had once transcended the vastness of space and time. Chrysa! he beckoned, heart soaring with the possibility that their connection could overcome the darkness enveloping him. He reached out with every fiber of his being, focusing on her presence, her warmth, the love that had once anchored him in the storm.
He felt a flicker again, but this time, it steadied, a glimmer of something strong and unwavering. Chrysa! Please, I need you to hear me! In that moment, he felt her, but… it was different. It was as if she reached through the barrier with more than just spirit; she pulled on the thread that connected them, pulling him back toward her. A warmth enveloped him, stronger than the Force, a palpable bond tethering them together.
Father, listen to me, Alyscia urged, her voice steady despite the turbulence surrounding them. You may not be able to change the past, but you can forge a new future. Every choice you make from this moment will ripple through the lives of those you love. They depend on you now more than ever.
Caltin’s mind raced, grappling with his emotions. The visions of his son and wife haunted him, their struggles twisted in agony. Could he really make a difference? You make me sound like I am some “cape and tights” holo-movie hero. How can I fight for them when I couldn’t even protect them? Stand for them? Stand with them? Stand up to those against them? You know what I mean… he questioned, frustration mingling with a level of sorrow.
You must confront the darkness within yourself, she replied firmly. It won’t be easy, but acknowledge your fear and grief; don’t let them consume you. Use them as fuel. Let your heart be your strength rather than your weakness.
At that moment, he realized that Alyscia was right. He couldn’t change what had happened, but he could channel the pain of his losses into determination, everything he put others through, himself through, it could all be some level of inspiration. It was a difficult truth to accept, but he understood that dwelling in sorrow would only keep him from moving forward. What if I fail? he asked, vulnerability threading through his voice.
Then you fight again, and again, and again. That’s what you do. That’s what we do; we rise. You taught me that if the cause is just, to never give up on it. I know you are not meant to be here right now, and I am not leaving until this mistake was made right, or I have exhausted everything possible and impossible. We fight for each other, for hope, and for love. You have the strength of the Force behind you. You carry my light, along with your memories, she said, her eyes radiating a fierce determination that sent a jolt of energy through him and there was the smirk.
Caltin felt a flicker of hope ignite in the depths of his being, a renewed resolve forming within him. Perhaps it wasn’t about bringing back the dead, but honoring their legacy by continuing the fight. The galaxy was still in peril, and he would not let fear dictate his path any longer. He looked at Alyscia, whose presence now felt more solid, a guiding star in his darkest hour smiling in regards to her last words.
There you go again using that rock solid logic I taught you. I won’t let you down, he vowed, the weight of his promise hanging in the air. With a gentle smile, Alyscia began to fade, the vibrant colors of the ether swirling more rapidly around them.
You can’t let yourself down. Remember, even in darkness, the light remains. Let it guide you. Her voice echoed softly in the distance as the world around him began to shift, the memories of laughter and love illuminating the shadows of grief. As Caltin stood alone once more, he carried her spirit with him like an eternal flame. He would honor his family's legacy, fight against the darkness that threatened their future, and ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. The trials ahead were daunting, but with each step, he felt the light within him growing stronger.
Caltin's heart raced as he struggled against the tides of despair that threatened to pull him under. The luminous ether around him seemed to ripple with energy and potential. Alyscia stood before him, her radiant form flickering like a candle in a storm, and he could feel the weight of her gaze piercing through the veil of sorrow that enveloped him. He was still in the Ether, and he did not accept it. No, Alyscia. I won’t accept this, he declared, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. There has to be a way—a way to reach them, to go back. You can guide me, can’t you?
Alyscia’s expression shifted, a mixture of sadness and pride reflecting in her eyes. Father, I want nothing more than to help you, but the paths of the living and the dead are different. Each choice shapes what is to come, and choices have consequences, even the unintentional ones.
But I can't let it end like this, he replied, desperation lacing his words. Connel… Chrysa… it’s bad enough I lost you… I can’t allow what could happen. They deserve a chance to fight, to live—as I once did.
Alyscia stepped closer, her warmth flooding the space between them. First of all, you never lost me. You allowed me to live a full life, have children, GRANDchildren, a Legacy you have met through Jax Thio, Joran Del-Finn . You have the power to change their fates just as you did mine, but it starts with you. You must reconcile with your past and embrace the strength remaining within you. You are a Jedi Master, you did that without a special connection, you did that without any special actions. You did that by being you. Your journey isn’t about finding them in the ether; it’s about reclaiming the light you’ve forgotten.
Caltin’s mind raced as he remembered the teachings of the Jedi, the connections they forged not just with one another, but with the living Force. You’re telling me… that I need to reach within myself? To utilize the connection I still have with them?
Exactly, she affirmed, her voice unwavering. Their lives are intertwined with yours, and the Force flows through them as it does through you. Trust in that bond. Fight to protect what is still yours while still coming to terms with what you lost. The vibrant ether around them shimmered in response to his mounting resolve, colors swirling like galaxies being reborn.
Caltin took a deep breath, centering himself, drawing forth the memories, the laughter, the warmth of family. He felt them brush against his heart—their joys, their sorrows—each drawing him closer to the light. Then I will do it, he vowed, the fire inside him igniting with purpose. I will reach out to them. I refuse to let fear dictate my journey any longer. With a determined resolve, he closed his eyes, anchoring himself in the essence of the Force.
He envisioned Connel, brave and valiant, and Chrysa, whose love could light the darkest moments. He calibrated his emotions, focusing on the threads of hope that wove through the pain like golden strands of light. Alyscia, guide me, he whispered, tapping into the cosmic dance that enveloped them. Help me connect—help me bring them back into my heart.
In the heart of the ether, as the luminous colors pulsed with life, Caltin opened himself to the depths of the moment, willing to reach beyond the confines that once held him captive. He drew upon his memories, the love he had for them, and the strength of the Force that hummed just beyond his fingertips. The barrier started to waver, and for the first time since the dark day he lost it all, hope sparkled anew. In that pivotal instant, he was determined: the trial before him was not just a challenge—it was a promise to honor his family's legacy, a chance to heal the fractures that grief had carved into his spirit. Breath caught in his throat, he felt the shifting shadows around him swell as if affirming his resolve. Caltin was not done fighting, and this was only the beginning.
With his determination ignited, Caltin focused on reaching out to Connel, pouring every ounce of love and strength into his son's name, letting its resonance fill the ether around him. He felt a flicker—the faint spark of his son’s awareness. Connel! Hear me! he called out, urging the connection to solidify. He could see the Shadow stop and look around, his mind racing, . But just as swiftly, the flicker waned, slipping through his grasp like water between his fingers. Frustration tightened in his chest. He tried again, this time extending his reach to Michael, his distant nephew. Michael! It’s Uncle Caltin! he exclaimed, but the response was no stronger. The connection flickered a moment longer before fading into silence. Each failed attempt sent waves of despair crashing over him, gnawing at the hope he had just rekindled.
No! he shouted into the void, the echo of his voice swallowed by the swirling ether. Every name he called out, every bond he attempted to reach felt like a missed opportunity, slipping just out of reach. The illumination around him dimmed with each lost connection, and shadows threatened to close in on his resolve. Desperation clawed at him determination bowled him over. There had to be someone who could hear him.
Then it struck him: his wife, Chrysa. The thought sent a jolt through him, a reminder of the bond they shared that had once transcended the vastness of space and time. Chrysa! he beckoned, heart soaring with the possibility that their connection could overcome the darkness enveloping him. He reached out with every fiber of his being, focusing on her presence, her warmth, the love that had once anchored him in the storm.
He felt a flicker again, but this time, it steadied, a glimmer of something strong and unwavering. Chrysa! Please, I need you to hear me! In that moment, he felt her, but… it was different. It was as if she reached through the barrier with more than just spirit; she pulled on the thread that connected them, pulling him back toward her. A warmth enveloped him, stronger than the Force, a palpable bond tethering them together.
