If We Don't Rise, We Fall (Felicity)

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth sat quietly after the rations had been sorted out to the refugees of the latest Reaver attacks and she sighed softly before looking to the young blonde that had brought her this far.

"Felicity, I told you I would help you, train you. But I also came along with the intention of making sure you found your mother again. I do have news on that front. There are portals in which we can cross over to where the rest of the people in the galaxy are. Trapped in the netherworld." It all sounded half insane if you asked Coryth, but none the less it was where they were now.

"Are you ready to go? Because we need to move quickly if there is to be any hope."

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

The blonde had helped to pass out the rations to each and every citizen gathered underground. The attacks had passed. It was over. The people would soon be allowed to return home. But she could see the heartbreak in the eyes of her people. Mothers missing children, husbands missing wives, and then there were the little ones without mom or dad. Like her. She'd done her duty here, simple as it was, she had still done it. It was what Mother would have wanted from her.
Now she needed to do something for herself. In many ways, she was still a frightened child, reaching for her parents to hold her up. She was young. Sixteen was not too old to miss mom and dad.

"But Owain..." she looked around, knowing full well he would not be here. She was worried about him. He had not turned up, and it frightened her. [member="Owain"] promised. He said he would meet her planetside, and he had not. Did he get caught up in the attack? Was he hurt somewhere? Or worse? Her heart drummed like thunder in her chest at the very thought. Her first real love, could she honestly lose him that soon?

"Where is this portal?" she asked, forcing herself not to think about it. She couldn't. There was too much else to think about. A whole Galaxy to think about. Besides, if Owain was dead somewhere, she was sure she would know. Somehow, she would just know.

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth sighed, "We can wait, a little longer. But it's pushing it." Spoken firmly, as she looked over the young woman.

"With the reports I've received, there are two. One on Alderaan and another Dathomir." Beyond the knowledge she had little idea of what effects the portals would have on them. No knowing that Alderaan would pull you into a rage unlike any other, until you killed another being. And Dathomir, would bring you into an endless sadness, until you explained why you were sad to another being. Those costs, the price to pay she had no idea about, for reports didn't detail such things. No one had returned that she knew of, but there had been rumors.

[member="Felicity Mason"] | [member="Owain"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

A little longer. Was that fair? Could she really wait? But if she wanted, and she missed her chance she would never forgive herself. And she'd never forgive herself if something awful happened to Owain either... She bit her lip, looking around. She'd put everything aside for this mission, and she knew she would do it again in a heart beat.

"Very well," she sighed at last, "Let's go. Dathomir is closest, isn't it?"

She was just guessing, of course, from what rough memory she had of the Galaxy's size. In truth, she could hardly remember the location of her own planet.

[member="Coryth Elaris"] [member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Owain blinked. It was day. Oh right. He had slummed it. Standing up and stretching, he felt something crick in his skeleton, before looking about and blinking. Oh. The Theed starport. Wait...how had he gotten here again? He rmemebered washing his equipment of blood, and then walking into the streets of Theed...he must've gone on autopilot again and made it back to the safest place he knew. Felicity was...somewhere. Probably in the palace. But he had come here. Why? Probably becuase some aprt of him knew it was best the girl stayed ignorant of his...other side. The part that was cold, ruthless and unfeeling. The part that wasn't him and yet was. It helped him cope with his life. SIghing, the raven ahired boy ran a hand through his hair as he tried to figure out what to do next.

Oh right.

He reached into a pouch and fished out his comm-unit, somehting his uncle had given him. A spare he had said. Belonged to someone named Rooks. But he was gone now. A friend of his uncles? He thought so - the older Barnabus had seemed wistful when that name had been mentioned. Still, he turned the device on, hoping Felicity still had hers. No messages from her. That was...disappointing. Then again he was sure she had had other concerns on her mind.

Hey Songbird, he quickly wrote out. In the Theed Starport. I'm fine by the way. How are you doing?

Short, sweet, simple. The thought the girl would be unable to answer for any reason never crossed his mind.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"Yes, Dathomir would be." At least Coryth was fairly certain it was. It had been a long time since she had gotten out the galaxy map.
"Alright." A sigh came, "You have your own ship, if I remember correctly? Because I am far from a pilot and rely on Firemane folks to get me about." A pilot she was not, and she didn't own a ship. The Master relied on others to get about. A strange quirk perhaps, but Coryth was a strange woman.

"If so, do you mind if we use it?" She said as she rose slowly to her feet, cane in hand. The redhead still limping and relying on it for the moment.

[member="Owain"] | [member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Her ship. Well, no. Daddys ship. She just knew how to fly it. Really, it wasn't so hard when one obeyed the rules of flight. Of course, when she thought of it that way, it made sense that Daddy kept crashing the poor thing. He didn't obey anyone or anything.

"Yeah. We can. We'll-"

Something beeped on her belt. Felicity blinked, confused. Her com? She picked it up. She hadn't been able to get a signal for hours down here. Why now all of a sudden? She checked the message, her heart almost jumped out of her chest. Owain!

"It's from Owain!" she read the message again, then again, then clutched her com unit to her chest, "He's alive! He's at the starport! It's perfect!"

It was where the ship was parked. She could not have asked for a better situation than this. Quick as lightning she replied.

Owain, wait for me. We're coming to meet you. She paused before adding, I'm so happy you're okay.

[member="Coryth Elaris"] [member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

The starport was slowly emptying of people, now that the danger had passed. Many had fled here seeking shelter, and were now returning home. Owain stayed to one side, sitting against a wall and idly watching everyone passing. All these people...Felicity's people. Urgh. She would give them everything. The boy closed his eyes and breathed out. No, no need to feel...hmm. What did he feel? Angry? Jealous? Sad? It all still felt like a void. Ah of course. The last remains of his detached self hadn't completely let go of his mind yet. Owain took a deep breath and focused on a happy memory. Out drinking with Felicity. Yes. Her first taste of alcohol. Her rising to his unspoken challenge.

His lips quirked into a brief smile involuntarily. Ah yes. It was all back now. He let a full smile form on his face as he shook his head, his comm-unit beeping. He idly checked it, unsurprised to find a message from the blonde princess of Naboo. Then his eyes narrowed as he frowned.

Who's we? he typed. And I take it you're in one piece? Unlike last time Theed had been assaulted. That's all he knew regarding the piece of missing ear she felt so self-conscious about.

[member="Coryth Elaris"] [member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Her comm beeped again almost immediately and Felicity answered just as fast. Oh. She forgot to mention- what if he got the wrong idea? For a sixteen year old girl, her first love was everything. She didn't want to ruin this.

Yes, I'm fine. With Master Elaris. Been worried about you. Where have you been?

She was worried that she might sound like a mother bantha fussing over him, but it had been hours. The sun had gone down and risen again. Did he get lost? That didn't seem like him at all. She typed out three important words almost in instinct, but before she pressed send, she bit her lip and erased it. She was far too much of a coward for that.

[member="Owain"] / [member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"Excellent, Felicity." Said with a soft smile. "Would you mind, leading the way."

A nod followed. "I'm am glad to hear he is safe and well." At least he was okay and had survived all the events on Naboo of late.

Siobhan is going to kill me by the time this is over. I'm supposed to be taking things easy and here I am heading off to the Netherworld. Thought to herself, knowing that would not be a pleasant conversation when she returned to Kaeshana.

[member="Felicity Mason"] | [member="Owain"]

 

[Owain]

Another immeidate reply. The girl seemed eager ot make up for lost time. Owain smiled warmly at the thought as he read her message. Ah of course, the short woman who was a space wizard.

Right, he typed back. Will be waiting at the spaceport then. Been busy helping the anti-invasion effort. You?

Best not tell her what he had actually been upto. He doubted the blonde would appreciate his bloody handed approach to protecting what she treasured.

[member="Coryth Elaris"] [member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

"I am too," she murmured as she showed Master Elaris out of the shelter and back onto the streets. One of her brothers Jedi firends had offered to come with her when she went to rescue mom and dad. She should probably let him know where they were headed, in any case. Now that the signal was back and she could get a message out again, she sent off a quick message to [member="Castiel Lennox"]. Then her comm beeped again as she walked, keeping a slow pace so as not to lose [member="Coryth Elaris"].

I've been helping the civilians in the shelters, she replied to [member="Owain"] as she walked. And missing you badly, she admitted, blushing as she typed it out and hit send.

 

[Avo]

Romping through the galaxy in one of those age-old Venators might have been seen as something only those for a bad taste in fashion did, but now was the perfect time to be rocketing towards the Omega Protectorate's sector of authority. During one such journey to that world, an old friend by the name of [member="Cyril Grayson"] had requested assistance during their hour of need - and Castiel had come as quickly as possible. However, that was several months ago and the good 'ol Graug-boy was probably busy doing better things.

As the Jackal passed through the eternal spirals and cascading lights of hyperspace, he was alerted to an incoming message. "Yes?"

The comms officer piped up once again, pulling his headset half off. "It's from a Felicity Mason, Princess of Naboo." A couple of nearby crewmen shot glances and wry grins at their leader: the Prince of Thyrsus. An icy-cold glare sent them retreating back to their work as if nothing had even happened.

"What does it say?"

"She needs help," the man said, drawing closer, "She said she's looking for her mother now."

General Lennox sighed and rubbed a palm across his pale cheek. "Set a course for Naboo, move fast." The armored Thyrsian took a look around at his uniformed personnel. "And inform the Sun Guard to gear up and prepare to roll."

"Aye, sir."

[member="Felicity Mason"], [member="Owain"], [member="Coryth Elaris"]​

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth limped along as fast as she could manage. Still leaning heavily upon her cane as she did so. It was the best she could manage under the circumstances. At least once on board the ship, the trip would give her time to rest her wounds and ease the pain she still felt from her injuries on Sullust. She did catch Felicity sending out a message or two and did wonder who she was contacting if it was just Owain, or if there was someone else as well. A sigh came as they made it to the spaceport and Coryth only hoped they'd get to Felicity's ship soon so she could sit down and get the weight of her leg. Shouldn't be making this trip. I gave my word and I am honor bound to keep it. You and your honor, it gets you into far too much trouble. Yes, yes I know... I'll survive. I always do.

"Is anyone else joining us on this trip? Or is it just you, me and Owain?" The question she had to ask.

[member="Castiel Lennox"] | [member="Felicity Mason"] | [member="Owain"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Felicity may not be a girl with many friends, but she had more contacts than she might ever need for any situation. Her portable comm unit was full of names that she could reach day or night. It just did nothing for her when half the Galaxy was missing and she couldn't get a decent signal.

"One of my brothers Jedi friend has offered his help," she replied with a little smile, "I thought it might not hurt to have another space wiza- Err, Jedi involved. Who knows what we'll run into."

Besides... Felicity had no intention of letting Master Elaris come through the portal with them. She owed the woman everything already. How could she ask her to risk herself any more than she already was? But Felicity needed her to come along, if only because she knew where she could find the portal. The girl put away her comm as they approached the star port, one hand going to the porcelain pendant at her throat, while she waved for [member="Owain"] with the other. After all this worry, there he was. Alive. She had to resist every urge not to run at him and throw her arms around him. She could kiss him all day if he let her. Could, but she wouldn't. She wanted to impress Master Elaris. She doubted the Jedi Master would be very impressed by such a display of affection.

[member="Coryth Elaris"] [member="Castiel Lennox"]

 

[Avo]

If they were going somewhere else rather than just sitting on Naboo, wouldn't it just be easier to meet up where they were going? If little Felicity had discovered her mother on Naboo then she would have just summoned the entirely of he Royal Security Force to rescue her beloved Queen. Castiel was a bit on edge at being requested so hastily with little information, but he simply dealt with it. The galaxy needed someone and regaining a leader to revive hope within her nation was just one step.

Besides, he knew about the Nether already. They had those "warp gate-like things" spread about the galaxy like hay in a needlestack. The Jedi General would merely send a message and meet her there.

<<Where are we headed, Princess? I know it's not on Naboo, so I'll just meet you there.>>

Not the most princely thing to do, but he wasn't an avid fan of wasting gas. #StayGreen


[member="Felicity Mason"], [member="Coryth Elaris"], [member="Owain"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Another beep. She fished out her comm again, resisting the rising urge to smack her face with her palm.

Idiot! You're so stupid, Felicity!

She paused where she was, sending a quick reply; -Dathomir-.

Owain... was probably not going to be a fan of this Jedi Prince. He was older, true, much older, but he was a very good looking man. Even the young Princess had noticed. He truly looked like a Prince. Like one from a fairy story.
...And then there was Owain. Her [member="Owain"] . She teased him a lot, or at least had when they were younger. Calling him 'Crow', making fun of his nose, his hair, anything. He was not an unattractive boy now that he was a little older, at least not in her eyes, but compared to [member="Castiel Lennox"] he was still just a boy.

 

[Owain]

He saw the two women enter, and lazily stood up form his seat by the wall, striding over with an easy grin on his face. Inside, he felt somewhat self-conscious. He knew he had washed all the blood off himself, but there was still that worry that he had missed a spot. Owain quelled that feeling as best he could as he threw a lazy salute at the princess. "Hey Songbird," he greeted, resisting the urge to sweep her into a hug. Not in front of the space wizard. "I take it you're Elaris?" he continued, glancing at the redhead limping along next to Felicity.

Huh. So even Jedi were weak on occasion. Good to know.

"So...what's going on?"

[member="Felicity Mason"] [member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

The girl stood awkwardly in front of her boyfriend, feeling her hands itch with the desire to touch him. She could at least hold his hand, couldn't she? After all the worry he put her through? She decided after a moment that hand holding was entirely appropriate and reached out to lace her fingers in his. It wasn't like the Jedi Master would have no idea what these two meant to each other. She was a Space wizard. Space wizards knew everything.

"We're going to find mom and dad," she answered, looking to Master Elaris with a tiny smile before she started walking to where she knew her Fathers ship was parked. "There's a way to them, or so Master Elaris believes. A portal on Dathomir."

It never occurred to her for a second that Owain might be less than enthused about going with her. After all, what had he lost here? Nothing. A few meals maybe? A standard sleep schedule. But he still had his Uncle. He had everything he needed. Why should he want to come with her?

[member="Owain"] / [member="Castiel Lennox"] / [member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Avo]

It didn't take long for the crew of the Jackal to receive the Princess's message and immediately begin altering their destination. Castiel was already a bit under stress at having recently been engaged in evacuation and stability operations across Republic space.

"Let the Princess know I'm on my way," he sighed, retiring to his captain's chair.

The Duty Officer merely nudged his elbow and offered a cup of StimCaf. "Can do, boss. Just relax a bit," he grinned, "We're all stressed too."

[member="Felicity Mason"], [member="Owain"], [member="Coryth Elaris"]​