Magical World

[Reggie Faayare]

"It is indeed. Never know when you'll have to hide away on a moments notice."

While Reggie wasn't as experienced as other Padawans, he has come a long way from when he first started out. His progress was clear by the new things he had learned over the years, including what he's learned recently.

Reggie gave Flinx his full attention when he began talking about him being a Miraluka and about the beast companions he adopted.

"I have always found that the Miraluka's ability to see through the force as extraordinary. You and other Miraluka's have a inherent connection to the force and that was what intrested me so much when I started researching Miraluka's long ago."

The research he was talking about was conducted a few months after he became a Padawan. Reggie then realized that he could be making things awkward for Flinx, scratching the back of his head out of embarrassment. He didn't know if his new friend was uncomfortable or not, but Reggie didn't want to take the chance of offending him in any way.

"Uh, you said that you have three beast companions? I would surely like to meet them whenever the chance arises."

The Padawan then waited for the food to arrive, knowing that it probably wouldn't take too much longer for the family(and guests) to get ready to eat.

[member="Flinx Kalith"] [member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

The conversation that went on between Flinx and Reggie was only noticed by one person. Her oldest son. He was very much like Seo in personality and kept quiet far more than speaking. However, he looked almost nothing like her. She was light skinned and had blond hair. Aodhan had darker skin and very dark, almost black hair. About the only thing that indicated he was her son was his eyes, they were the same golden hue hers were.

As they gathered around the table to eat, Seo would introduce her family to Flinx and set some of the food in front of him. On the desert world, the food was different than on other worlds. Seo, know how to cook and usually made something from here when she was on her own.

Looking at Reggie as he finished his comment to Flinx, she nodded slightly and provided both of them with a fruit drink.

"I've met his beasts, or two of them at least. There is a very large one that can pull a wagon and then the others are smaller."

At the talk of animals, Flinx would hear the giggles of three young girls. All their eyes were on him and the oldest leaned in to speak to him.

"What are they and their names?"

[member="Reggie Faayare"] [member="Flinx Kalith"]

 

[yancep96]

Flinx would blush a bit, not used to being the center of attention, or at least the center of sentient attention. He would first address Reggie.

"Reggie, contrary to popular belief we Miraluka have varying degrees of sensitivity to the force like every other being. While yes, every Miraluka has some connection to the force, in order for us to see, just as other beings even within the same species have varying degrees of eyesight, we have varying degrees of proclivity to the force. I just so happen to have a aptitude with beasts and seeing the residual force signatures of the past. I'm proficient in other things however we can discuss myself later."

Then Flinx felt a particular gaze lock onto him, so he softened himself visually and turned to the young Linn. He tried to make himself approachable for the teen.

As he heard the giggle of Seo's sisters he would smile and produce a pocket holoprojecter clicking it on he would have the images memorized in order. It was a practiced movement since he had to warn the port workers and dock hands about his friends on his vessels.

"The oldest is a Vornskr, I adopted as a puppy while I was stranded on Myrkr. I named him Thanatos. He has a venomous barbed tail and can use the force to hunt his prey, only the ysalamiri with their force canceling bubbles can hide from the vornskr."

He clicked the device to the next looping video of a white creature that had some black plates covering its shoulders and forelegs as well as its neck. "This is shadow, a Maalraas. She is a very protective girl, and she has the ability to conceal herself using the force. She uses force misdirection and force concealment to hide form sight. In the wild she would use this to hunt, but for me she uses this to scout and protect me who she has kinda adopted me as her cub when I rescued her from some poachers."

He would click to the last image in his file. "My last companion is Jake the Jakobeast. He helps with the heavy lifting and honestly is an all round softy. I keep his hair short but this was when we were out in the snow. Thankfully I trained him out of force shoving stuff around the ship, but it comes in handy when I need him to clear a path."

[member="Reggie Faayare"]
[member="Seo Linn"]

(I do not own any of the art. To any onlookers that are concerned.)

 

[Reggie Faayare]

Reggie listened as Flinx explained that Miraluka's had varying degrees of force sensitivity, just like other beings. He was under the impression that all Miraluka were very strong in the force, but now he had to change those previous assumptions, which he did willingly.

Hearing the giggles of the sisters made Reggie smile, realizing that their interest had been peaked when Flinx was talking about his beast companions. His interest was peaked as well, the Padawan leaning in when Flinx took out a holoprojector to show them images of the beasts. Reggie hadn't seen any of the creatures before so seeing, so he would make a mental note to find out more about these creatures in his spare time.

the Vornskr that was named Thanatos was a deadly hunter indeed. A venomous barbed tail and the ability to use the force were amazing assets the creature had. He could only guess what other advantages Thanatos had while hunting, and was assured that it was galaxy's best friend like other pups! Well, not so puppy anymore but the saying still applied.

The next companion, Maalraas, seemed to be able to protect its caretaker best by surprising or redirecting anyone who comes after them. A very interesting and loyal creature indeed.

The final companion Jake, who could be seen as a strong beast just by looking at him. Big and strong looking creature that would intimidate many other beings.

All of his companions were fascinating beasts that were great companions. The fascination that Reggie had was clear, but he looked at the sisters to see if they were as fascinated as him.

[member="Flinx Kalith"] [member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

Seo had already met his companions and knew their names so when he started telling his sisters about them, she would eat her food as she talked with her parents. Giving them an update on a few things, mainly about how their other grandson was doing and what her current mission was.

Nobody else in her family had indicated they were Force-sensitive, there was a chance her other son wouldn't be one either. He did have a different father than Aodhan though and Mereel was a user. So time would tell on if he would or not. As an infant, very few displayed it so early and so far he had not. Reggie might be the only person that wasn't in her family that even knew of Eirian.

She had been pregnant with him when they met and now he was a few months old. At the moment he was being cared for by his father and after this mission was finished, she would return to him. Seo was very thankful to have such an understanding partner and wouldn't have it any other way.

When Flinx was finished with his story, she ended the more serious conversation with her parents and turned to the rest of her family.

"Maybe someday, you girls can meet them. If Flinx agrees that is."

Their eyes grew wide at the though and were filled with excitement. Aodhan, being the typical teenager he was looked Flinx up and down and nodded slightly before speaking.

"Why does an adult need protection? You should be able to survive on your own or die. It is how this world is."

[member="Reggie Faayare"] [member="Flinx Kalith"]

 

[yancep96]

Flinx thought long and hard on the young man's question.

"I am a force user, and so is your mother. A wise old Jedi once said 'For my ally in the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we…not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you. Here, between you…me…the tree…the rock…everywhere.' I am bound by my bonds to those who rely on me and those who I rely upon. I go where the force leads me."

Flinx's countenance darkened a bit. "Though I am unsure I am worthy of putting myself in the same category of Jedi as Reggie and your mother. Where they reside in the light and root themselves firmly there, I walk a lightsaber's edge. I am a Grey. I take all of the force, for the force is neither good nor bad, it just is. What one does with it decides its morality. This is why I am tracking down some of the first peoples that studied the force and tried to understand it. These are the Je'daii."

Flinx waited to gauge their reactions.

 

[Reggie Faayare]

The reactions that the sisters gave when told they may be able to meet Flinx companions someday was nice. Reggie was always happy to see people joyful and excited, believing that the people in the galaxy needed more joy. The Padawan started to eat some of his food, which was enjoyable as always.

He looked up from his plate when Aodhan spoke about Flinx surviving on his own without assistance from others. Reggie disagreed with this though, believing that the galaxy was more than just about surviving or falling into a grave. Flinx's response was insightful and gave him information on his views on the force. He agreed with a lot of what Flinx said, believing that the force surrounded everything and guided us if we allowed it to.

Hearing that Flix was a Grey Jedi was what interested him the most though. Reggie's view on good or bad weren't always lightside or darkside, understanding that a person's actions are what decide who they are. Even so, Reggie did believe that the darkside corrupted people who used it for long periods of time, and his desires are what tether him to the lightside. His search for the ancient Je'daii, those who came before the current orders that used the force, was something that he himself would also be interested in doing.

"The Je'daii believed that balance was important, frowning upon those who stuck too close to one or the other."

The Padawan said this as he put his silverware down, his focus completely on the subject at hand now.

"That's about all I know about them, but they have interested me for quite a long time. Though I admire your resolve to search for the beliefs of the Je'daii, whereas I have not put forth such effort."

Reggie's words alone would let everyone know that he was interested in Flinx's goal, and would like the opportunity to join him in his task. Knowledge on the Je'daii and their studies on the force didn't come by everyday after all.

[member="Flinx Kalith"] [member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

The teen boy was not quite as well trained in keeping what he thought or felt hidden like his mother and grandparents. While he was learning, he was still a teen. With that in mind, how he reacted to Flinx's well-meaning words and advice...were just that of a typical teen.

What he was trained in was being an assassin and he quite often brought this training home with him. Letting out a grunt, he decided not to take any action at this time, but he could certainly speak his mind. His tone was very vicious and if words alone could cut, these would.

"You three have your ally in the Force. I do NOT and never will. My allies are my family. SHE leaves me behind all the time, following this mystical Force's call. When will I have a role in her life? If you think my mother is some sort of pure Jedi, you don't know her very well. Did you know she murdered my father in cold blood?"

Reggie already knew of her past and what happened to her when she was a child from her parents. Flinx did not know though and Aodhan hoped to instil a bit of mistrust within the small party around her. It might also be clear he was jealous of a few things.

The Force they had and he did not as well as just the fact she kept them company and did not include him in her life as often. After he spoke, he looked coldly at Flinx, Reggie and Seo. Even though his family was present, that didn't stop him from finishing what had been started.

"I challenge you. Without the protection of your...beasts, to fight me. First blood."

[member="Reggie Faayare"] [member="Flinx Kalith"]

 

[yancep96]

"Very well then." Flinx would allow the force to fill him as he saw this, boy's, anger. "There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. Outside, now." Flinx would stand and bow respectfully to his hosts. "I am sorry but your grandson appears to need a lesson, and it seems he has chosen me to be the teacher." He would turn and walk outside nodding to Reggie, "Please join us, if it isn't too much trouble."

Walking outside Flinx pulled out his lightsaber, firing the extension he drags it in a large circle roughly five meters in radius. He stands there patting his person looking for a knife, Feeling none he would key in a dial in his duel phase light-pike. the ice blue hue dimmed and the hum softened as he set his pike to a training setting.

Once he sees the fiery aura of the boy approach, he steps into his ready stance, feet shoulder width apart, left hip forward, slimming his profile to only his left side. He had most of his weight on his back foot but could easily lunge forward. His pike tip settled in line with his left thigh and the shaft was leveled across his body with his right forearm resting along the blunt end of the staff portion, elbow even with the end. He had dropped into the moving meditation of the Force and had widened his senses to take in the environment around himself.

"To first blood, however in my case, it will more likely be the first burn. You must learn that there are machinations in the cosmos beyond any one being's control. Yes your mother has done things in the past you don't believe in, yes she is gone all the time, Yes you can be angry, but blind anger leads only to pain and suffering. You could be training and eventually support your mother in her duties, but in your current state, you bring her nothing more than stress and worry. You think you are a man, then stand and accept that whatever the outcome of this match, you must make a change in yourself, soon."

 

[Reggie Faayare]

The events that were beginning to unfold wasn't what Reggie expected. Aodhan mentioning some of Seo's past was surprising. Reggie had already heard of the Knights past from her parents, so the information didn't surprise him. What did take him off guard was how Aodhan had mentioned it in order to plant the seed of mistrust for those who didn't know.

The challenge that Aodhan put up was an interesting development, but one that the Padawan thought needed to be avoided. While fighting can help with some situations, this one he thought needed to be handled differently.

"Aodhan, wai-"

Flinx had accepted the challenge before the Padawan could try to stop them. This squashed the resolve he had to prevent the challenge, seeing that Flinx was technically above him in rank and age which warranted respect in the decision. If Seo said something it'd be different, but Reggie is just a Padawan.

Reggie nodded when Flinx asked for him to join them outside, getting up from the table and becoming a spectator. He hoped that it wouldn't get hectic during the battle, but he knew that Flinx wouldn't do anything to seriously harm Aodhan. What Flinx was saying tothe young man was harsh, but could be what's needed for him to hear.

[member="Flinx Kalith"] [member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

Seo could have put an end to things before Flinx accepted the challenge of her son. After he did that though, there was nothing else but to go outside with the rest of them. On the bright side of things, at least Aodhan had issued only a blood drawing challenge and not something that would kill her friend.

He as her son and yet there were times when she didn't feel like he was. This was one of them. Something like this had happened before with Mereel. That challenge had almost gotten him killed. Aodhan had shot him with darts that made him groggy and slow to react to the anoobas. It could have easily gotten Mereel killed but he had survived. Upon their return to her home, a conversation had happened and once again he had been left behind on Lorrd.

Here they were again having a conversation that brought them outside and for almost the same reason. Maybe she should really consider involving him more in her life and travels. Seo was scared though. She lived a dangerous life at times and did not want to put her son into that same kind of position.

Following them all out, she knew he must have some trick up his sleeve. He had way too much confidence for that not to be the case.

Though Reggie had attempted to stop Aodhan, he waved his friend off. Their relationship had started off almost as rough as this one. It was how Aodhan was. Pushing away people or trying to start fights. Time had passed and he actually liked Reggie now. However, that friendship wasn't going to get him to back down from his challenge.

The boy did not grab his rifle from behind the door and Seo nodded at that. It appeared that maybe he really was learning to better control his temper.

At home she was more expressive in her body language and spoke a little more, but not at the moment. She followed her family out and took up a position between them and her son. What he felt he needed to prove was beyond her, but some lights were starting to come on in her mind. After today, she vowed to include him more in her life and not leave him behind all the time.

Stalking out of the house like a silent wind, Aodhan had something on his wrist and fired it at Flinx as soon as he stepped into the circle. That wasn't the only weapon he had, but if it connected it would make quick work of this fight.

[member="Reggie Faayare"] [member="Flinx Kalith"]

 

[yancep96]

Flinx stood there watching the young man approach. He had already entered his meditative state so he let the force guide his movements. He saw the movement of the boy's arm and heard the discharge of the projectile. Using his robes he caught the projectile, shifting it away in his robe as he feigned being hit. He swept back as he leaned on his pike. He said nothing just worked to prepare to fight the younger boy.

 

[Seo Linn]

"You're faking."

Aodhan stopped in his advance and did not get any closer to Flinx.

"I would not suggest trying to do that again."

He had studied the effects of that dart on people. Knowing how one should react to it and the way this man had not was a clue. Not moving any closer, he waited now to see what the old man would do.

Back when Reggie had first joined his family, even they had differences they had worked out. However, because their ages were so similar, the transition from Aodhan being hostile to something of a friend hadn't taken long. Even the encounter between him and Mereel had gained Mereel the respect of the boy. What had been a murder attempt had failed had ended up cementing Mereel into his life.

The next move was up to Flinx and the teen watched for any tells he had.

[member="Flinx Kalith"] [member="Reggie Faayare"]

 

[yancep96]

Flinx sighed and with a flick of his hand the dart rose into the air beside him and shattered the liquid falling onto the sand. The solid components of the dart were still suspended as Flinx kept his eyeless stare at the boy. ”You do not know the power you toy with, youngling.” Flinx sent the pieces to bury in the sand dune nearby.

He then threw his senses out to the boy wrapping the boy in the force. The boy would almost feel like a mountain of quilts were being wrapped around him to immobilize him. Meanwhile, Flinx started to circle the boy. ”I see that even though you have been trained you still have much to learn. You pick fights you can't win and then try to cheat your way to victory.”

The pressure would be lessened but it would feel to the boy like he was suspended in a bacta tank, the air would seem viscous like honey.

 

[Seo Linn]

Getting Flinx to admit his deception felt wonderful to Aodhan, even if it was a small victory. At least in the teen's mind, it seemed that way to him. Even if he had failed to accomplish disabling Flinx, he had needed to defend himself.

Suddenly finding himself wrapped up within the Force, the boy shuddered. Just like his mother, he did not like the feeling of being touched by it. However, some of what Flinx said wasn't entirely accurate.

"No, using the Force is cheating. I was trying to level the field and allow us to fight on equal ground!"

The boy might not be able to use the Force himself, he had some training on how to resist a few attacks. He wasn't able to close the distance between them entirely, but through sheer willpower alone, Aodhan did have some movement. Obviously, Flinx anticipated this and changed the atmosphere around him and he started coughing. It felt like he couldn't breathe with the air becoming so thick.

Seo was clenching and unclenching her fists as she watched all this happen. Her son had gotten himself into this position but she did not want to see him actually harmed. The thought did cross her mind to step in but the lesson wouldn't be learned by Aodhan if she did. She also knew if Flinx wanted him dead, then he would already be.

[member="Flinx Kalith"] [member="Reggie Faayare"]

 

[yancep96]

Flinx walked up to the boy and eased the constriction on his body functions so he could breath. He stood just millimeters in front of Aohdan. He took out his small hunters knife and sliced his own hand then sliced aohdan’s hand as he pressed them together “I was like you not too long ago. I trusted no one and I had no parents. I killed my father and had to leave my mother. We are not that different. We have no quarrel you and I. I don’t expect you to like me all the time, but I do expect to have a fair chance to earn your trust. Now we are blood brothers by the old laws. I will care for you and your family as if they were my own and I hope one day you too will see me as family.” Flinx released Aohdan and hugged him warmly not caring if the boy attacked him now, he had said his peace and shown the boy a better path. At least he hoped the boy saw it.

 

[Reggie Faayare]

Reggie was taken by suprise when Aodhan fired a projectile at Flinx when he stepped into the ring. He soon was impressed when he didn't fall for the miraluka's feint. The Padawan knew that he was skilled, but the act of preventing the object from hitting and tricking the opponent in thinking otherwise was done well. The move could have tricked Reggie if he wasn't focused.

Flinx calling Aodhan out about his actions made Reggie think a bit. While the Padawan wouldn't resort to such tactics, at least he didn't think he would resort to such, Aodhan was at a disadvantage. Aodhan was a resourceful and intelligent person, but a non-force user will always find it difficult to fight a force user in a one on one. To counteract that, they have to use whatever skills and resources at their disposal to win. Reggie understood that.

When the Padawan noticed that Flinx had restricted Aodhan's breathing, he looked over to see if Seo would stop the fight or if she wanted him to do so. Seeing that she wouldn't move to stop it yet made the Padawan sit back and watch even though he wanted to step in. He noticed how Seo clenched and unclenched her fist every once in awhile, realizing that this was even harder for her to watch. Reggie has put himself in harms way before to stop conflict, almost losing his life the first few months he had become a jedi to stop a fellow Padawan from putting himself in danger. This was different though. There was a reason Flinx and Seo didn't object Aodhan's request, so the Padawan trusted his superiors.

What happened next made Reggie sigh, not realizing that he had been holding his breath for a short while. Flinx may not have had the intent to harm Aodhan, but Reggie still had trouble just sitting back and watching. He crossed his arms and smiled, taking in what he had witnessed as a learning experinece for himself, and hoped that Aodhan had learned something from his encounter with Flinx.

[member="Flinx Kalith"] [member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

There was a fire in Aodhan's eyes when Flinx stepped up close to him. He might have been beaten by the Force user, but he wasn't ready to admit the defeat yet. He wasn't released from the hold and when his hand was grabbed a knife he had hidden fell to the ground. If he had been able to move, that knife would have been planted into the body of his opponent.

The deal had been to the first blood and when Flinx cut his own palm, he lost the fight. He had not drawn the blood first and it had been done by his opponent. What victory he might have had was stolen from him. Flinx also cut his palm and he got an odd look from the doing that action. Still filled with the want to fight, he listened to the story he was told and lifted his chin showing his stubbornness. His eyes glanced at Seo and then back at Flinx.

"She killed my father. As a child, younger than me even. Why can't I do the same?"

Lowering his eyes for a moment, he looked at the sand between them and back up. Stiffening up when Flinx hugged him, he remained in that stance until he was let go. A change would be noticed though, he was no longer going to attack him. Their duel had been decided and that was that. Aodhan had lost and the fight was over. He had enough honour to not break his word.

Bending over, he said nothing in reply to Flinx and picked up the knife he had dropped. His move wasn't filled with any hostility and he merely replaced it in the sheath on his side. Turning to return inside, he might have lost the duel, but he didn't hold it against the older man.

"Food is getting cold."

With those as his last words, he started walking back into his home. The door was left open behind him to indicate the unspoken welcome.

Seo walked over to Flinx and looked at him rather oddly. Placing her mouth next to his ear, she whispered a question only he could hear.

"Did you just propose?"

The manner in which he had adopted Aodhan and her family indicated that. It would be how her family would see it as well. Looking at Reggie, she motioned him over and offered him a hug. He had spent the last few months with her family and in a way, he was like a brother to her and was welcome anytime.

[member="Reggie Faayare"] [member="Flinx Kalith"]

 

[yancep96]

(Sorry phone wigged out)

 

[yancep96]

Flinx sighed, he had strayed to close to the dark he had let too much power through and now he was being asked if he just proposed. He just wanted to meet seo’s family but had netted himself in a marriage situation, if Aohdan didn’t like him as a friend then he was going to hate him as a stepfather. He opened his mind to seo letting her into his center where he was trying to quiet his mind. Mentally he said. “Yes, but not as I intended it... I wanted to make him see I wasn’t the enemy” Flinx turned his face to her so she could see his body language matched his words. “But I did wish to propose sometime on this trip. I’m tired of being alone.”