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Harmony
Apr 15, 2013 7:31:22 GMT -8
Post by Whill Sahn on Apr 15, 2013 7:31:22 GMT -8
*There is a great light side presence here, the jedi that have died are drawn to this place for it's peacefulness and nourishing atmosphere.*
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Harmony
Apr 24, 2013 16:58:08 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2013 16:58:08 GMT -8
Fragments.
That's all there was due to the explosive nature with which young being had exited the land of the living.
But slowly the fragments began to merge slowly retaking the astral form of a tiger. It would seem until he was ready to proceed and move on, he would be stuck within this representation of his original terrestrial form.
As enough fragments gathered together so that a face was formed, the still small creature cried out
... Mew?
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Dragus
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Harmony
Apr 25, 2013 9:36:15 GMT -8
Post by Dragus on Apr 25, 2013 9:36:15 GMT -8
It started as a quiet buzz, then shortly became more of a resounding hum. Light zipped across the endless expanse of the realm, streaking like a shooting star. In an instant it stopped, exploding in a bright flash of a pearlescent brilliance. As the flash faded, a radiant figure began to take form. He was short, no more than a meter tall, though height had little meaning in the afterlife. His fur was of the glossiest chestnut hue, covering him head to pawish toe. He wore nothing save a simple hood, though that too had a pure luster. In his hand he held a staff that might have once been Felucian cherry, but was now constructed from the dreams of children. He was an Ewok Shaman and it had been many years since his passing.
"Yub nub." Said the Ewok knowingly, offering the astral tiger a warm smile. Then with the agility of a wokling half his years, the Shaman leaped atop the tiger, mounting it as though it were a mighty steed. He pointed his staff ahead, and as though on command, the whole universe stretched out before them.
"High hoe!"
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Harmony
Apr 25, 2013 20:03:31 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2013 20:03:31 GMT -8
it would have been easy to say that the task was easy. but for the young tiger who had not fully formed itself, it found itself squished under the weight of it cargo trying to encourage it's guide off of its back. Trying to roll the cargo over was the next tactic... but assuming neither idea encouraged the shaman to remove itself from Puck's back... the creature would lay down and rest until the ewok got bored of using Puck as it's mount
...MM... ...ew...
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Dragus
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Harmony
Apr 26, 2013 3:58:04 GMT -8
Post by Dragus on Apr 26, 2013 3:58:04 GMT -8
So far his magical astral flight around the netherworld had not gone as expected. His faithful steed, the tiger pup he had just found, was proving less of a mount and more of a squished kitty. The Shaman grumbled, placing the tip of his staff on the ground for support, then hefted himself up from Puck's back with a groan. It was more for show that anything else. Though his joints creaked like an old tree in a strong wind, age really had no bearing in this realm, nor did the Shaman's decrepitude. "Okay, kitty. You're not the riding kind of cat." His age wizened features scrunched as he thought. After a moment an idea came to him, and as though on cue, a light-bulb materialized from thin air above his hood cloaked head.Reaching into the satchel on his hip, the Ewok rummaged about, eventually withdrawing a bottle of growth potion. With the staff in his other hand, the Shaman tapped the soft cloud like ground in front of Puck, causing a small water bowl to pop into existence. He then uncorked the potion and poured the contents into the bowl. It smelled like milk and cinammon, even though again, smell was one of those senses that really had no place in the afterlife.The Shaman motioned to the bowl. "Drink, kitty."
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Harmony
Apr 26, 2013 11:28:21 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2013 11:28:21 GMT -8
The little tiger began to drink a small portion of the milk in the dish in front of it... And it smelled good, after consuming a small amount, Puck noticed that he had grown to the size slightly larger that formerly. However, the more he grew, the more obvious the areas from this astral form that were missing. Stepping back after it seemed he looked only a year or so older. The tiger willed shook and willed all of its little energy to its core...meeeew...Suddenly there was an explosion of astral energy, seconds later the form was gone. It was weird to behold, until you figure that the tiger was trying to reach further portions of its energy being. But as the tiger was 'gone' the stars themselves began to swirl around the shaman, and form a cart for the shaman to ride in. As the shaman got in the cart, astral energy swirled into the form of the lovable tiger to pull the cart... Now, more complete and able to speak its thoughtsHiya... I'm puck
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Dragus
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Harmony
Apr 26, 2013 12:19:50 GMT -8
Post by Dragus on Apr 26, 2013 12:19:50 GMT -8
Now it was the Shaman's turn to be surprised. When the cart manifested in a flash of light, his first response was to blink, but any due shock was quickly replaced with that same wizened and warm old smile of his. Quick as a fiddle the Ewok hopped up onto the cart, shifting back and forth as he made his little tooshy comfortable. Then with a tap of his staff on the magic cart, he signaled for Puck to begin moving. They had the entire cosmos to work their way across and it was going to take a heck of a long time to cover that distance, assuming one subscribed to the idea that time existed in this of all places. In any event, there was lots to do.
"Howdy, Puck." Replied the Shaman softly. "My name's Graybeard, former Ewok Shaman of Bright Tree Village."
Putting one grey paw beneath his furry chin, the Ewok stroked his beard thoughtfully, pondering his status aloud.
"Hmm, well I suppose I'll always be a Shaman, but lately I've taken to Dream Sifting. Not quite as prestigious, but just as satisfying if I do say so myself."
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Harmony
Apr 26, 2013 21:53:41 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2013 21:53:41 GMT -8
And off the pair went. It started out at a slow pace, as the hitch was new to puck, and felt uncomfortable to him... But after realizing that weight was another thing that had no presence in the netherrealms, the pace became faster. Going on some form of unnatural energy, Puck crossed untold distance in only observational moments.
After what felt like hours, The pace slowed as Puck tired out.
misser Gwaybeawd, whewe awe we going
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Dragus
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Harmony
Apr 29, 2013 5:16:59 GMT -8
Post by Dragus on Apr 29, 2013 5:16:59 GMT -8
It had seemed like a while since they had set off, so when the tiger pup stopped, Graybeard figured it was as good a time as any other to take a break. He rubbed his furry palms together, rapidly materializing an animal skin bladder full of elderberry juice. Popping the cork, he took a swig of the sweet smelling liquid, then placed the bladder on the cart beside him. Placing a hand over his brow, the Shaman peered into the expansive realm around them, seeking out a familiar sight.
"We're looking for waypoints; connections to the living realm. You see, when people sleep their minds form a sort of psychic bridge, allowing them to intercept dreams. Good dreams come from Harmony, where we are now. Nightmares..." He shuddered. "...come from Chaos. As a Dream Sifter, my job is to find these waypoints and sprinkle them with Harmony, allowing good dreams to flow. At the same time, if I come across any bad dreams, I try to chase them away. It is not always easy, but doing the right thing rarely is."
With his staff he motioned to the area all around them, waving the gnarled oak at the cosmos.
"You see those stars? Each of those is a waypoint. The brightest stars belong to children, because their ability to imagine is practically endless. Unfortunately they also have the highest risk of coming under attack from nightmares. There are too many waypoints for my old furry legs to get to in time, so I tend to focus on the ones belonging to children." He looked down at Puck and smiled. "But now that I have a strong kitty such as yourself to help me out, we'll make much better time. Breaks over, time to get moving. I think I can see the first waypoint just ahead."
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Harmony
May 1, 2013 21:47:22 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 1, 2013 21:47:22 GMT -8
uhh... okies...
he didn't say it at first, but Puck really didn't like it here, for one reason. Daddy wasn't with him. He did not know why he had not made it back with the same energy he set out with... but in the pit of his... translucent and astral soul, there was a pit longing to see daddy.
But like the ewok said, they had a job to do, So puck set off for the closest "waypoint" in the distance. one that seemed to be twinkling... it appeared odd to Puck that a single star could be twinkling... which at first made the tiger apprehensive that the dreamer was at risk of dying in their dream... then the tiger remembered one of the lessons that Daddy had tried to impart on him... that a twinkling star was often two stars in binary orbit.
Binawy waypoint?
As the pair got closer the "stars" turned into waypoints that took the shape of the heads of the dreamers. One of the two was a boy who appeared to have spiky Black hair and chocolate eyes, while the other was a girl who bore fiery red hair and eyes that were Seafoam green. puck noted that although these faces looked like teenagers, their waypoints glowed brightly, as if some maleficiant force refused the two the ability to age and mature to their middle teens, leaving them temporally as mid-teenagers, but emotionally like 10-year olds. Puck noted also that there were flares from one waypoint that impacted the other... perhaps the two were having the same dream in different roles. looking at his guide to unhook him, Puck mused
What do we do now mistew Gwaybeawd?
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Dragus
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Post by Dragus on May 3, 2013 3:31:03 GMT -8
Graybeard hopped down from the cart, then unhooked Puck from the reigns. Taking his staff in hand, the elderly ewok hobbled towards the two waypoints, stroking his chin fur as he did so. These were among the most odd waypoints he had seen as of yet. At first glance he wasn't sure what to make of them.
"I'm not sure, Puck. There is something unusual about these waypoints. Look at the dreamers." He said, moving the staff between the teenage boy and girl. "They shouldn't be that bright. Teenagers usually only dream about fornica...well, perhaps you are a little young for that conversation. Point being, something isn't quite right here."
The Shaman looked down at his hip where his satchel rested. He patted the animal hide bag before unfastening the clip and retrieving his bag of Harmony dust.
"Don't worry, we'll figure this out. You look for clues while I prepare to douse them in happiness. But don't touch them, otherwise you might end up drawn into their dream. Depending on what it is, you might not want to get stuck there."
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2013 7:40:05 GMT -8
As He was unhitched, two thoughts came to puck's mind. first SLEEP!!! ok, so the tiger was a little lazy. give him a break, he had covered an innumerable distance in this after… place.
The other thought was to explore the dream. he had not yet seen a dream from an audience seat. most times, in the land of the living, dreams would be nonsensical when they were "Remembered" the next morning. Finally, his curiosity got the better of him… and Puck crept toward the two waypoints.
Getting closer, Puck tried to remain in true center, he did not know what was going on, but he did not want to get sucked into either one of the of the dreams… but instead, the flare appeared to be a mirror, the dreams were the same, yet there was just enough differences that both of the dreamers seemed to be in troubles.The Dream took place on a bridge on the (upstream/downstream) side of the bridge, the (young Black haired boy/young red haired girl) stood looking upset and scared as the (young red haired girl/Young black haired boy) stood in the middle of the road focusing not on them but on the sweet Auburn Haired (Boy/Girl) standing fondly at their side.
"It is not that i don't like you (Satoshi/Kasumi), I just found love with (Ziggy/Fleura). I have known you for a long time, but when i met (Ziggy/Fleura), something just clicked… it just felt right, you know? I hope we can still be friends…"
But it seemed that when the Auburn Haired (Boy/Girl) looked at the (young Black haired boy/young red haired girl), the Auburn Haired (Boy/Girl) displayed a look of pure contempt for the respective dreamers. Each step that the Dreamt "Couple" took toward the (Boy/Girl) on the ledge, the (Boy/Girl) took a step backwards and toward the edge where their grave would be (Into the mouth of a hunger Sea Dragon/ Over the edge of a giant waterfall). Puck quickly backed away from the dream.Gweybeawd! The Dweams awe Pawwellel. they awe dweams of wejection, where the other pewson is happy with anothew pewson. The Dweamews awe in Dangew of falling to theiw doom!
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Dragus
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Post by Dragus on May 4, 2013 6:47:41 GMT -8
Graybeard stood beside Puck, watching the dream unfold with part curiosity and part concern. His beady black eyes looked from the couple down to the sea dragon, then back to the couple again. Falling in ones dream was typically associated with drifting into a deeper layer of sleep; however, the dragon potentially represented a nightmare. If the couple fell, they might enter into another dream, one even worse than the one they were already in. This wasn't just a case of sprinkling a little harmony dust over the waypoint. If they wanted to help the two dreamers, they'd have to get directly involved.
The Shaman tapped the bottom of his gnarled staff on the fluffy ground upon which they stood, eliciting a sharp 'crack'.
"Remember what I said about not getting too close? Forget it. We're going in."
Sticking his hand into the pouch, Graybeard withdrew a handful of harmony dust and sprinkled it over Puck.
"Beware, Puck. Once we enter a dream, the rules of that dream universe will apply." His face scrunched. "It'll be dangerous, but it doesn't look like there is much choice. Come on!"
And without further adieu, Graybeard leaped at the waypoint and was instantly sucked into the dream. The mirror end that allowed Harmony to look in the dream shimmered, then showed the Ewok Shaman materialize out of thin air above the bridge, landing on the ledge with his two furry feat.
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Harmony
May 4, 2013 10:52:57 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 4, 2013 10:52:57 GMT -8
Something was different. when he had observed the dreams he could see the two dreams in parallel. but, now that he was in one of the dreams he saw the girl backing up toward the edge, but he could not see the boy doing the same. it threw the little tiger for a loop. then he considered the possibilities. scurrying over to where the other dreamer would be standing, the form of the sea dragon was translucent against the water.
have'ta do something…
he tried to ram into the figmented couple… but he felt like he ran into stone. then puck attempted to bite the leg, and his jaw flew through the leg as if it was biting at air. puck came to an idea.
We has to break the miwwuh. the dweams awe the same fwom othew points of view. we bweak the veil… the dweamuhs might be shocked out of theiw dweam...
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Dragus
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Harmony
May 8, 2013 10:04:53 GMT -8
Post by Dragus on May 8, 2013 10:04:53 GMT -8
Break the mirror? It was just so crazy it might actually work. Graybeard had to reassess his opinion of Puck. Oh, he found the little tiger cub a pleasant enough traveling companion, especially as he pulled the cart so the Shaman didn't have to walk. But he hadn't considered that the cub might actually be clever as well. This place kept getting stranger and stranger.
Graybeard nodded, stroking his furry beard once before hefting his staff over his head. He allowed the heavier gnarled head of the wooden stick to slip over his shoulder and behind his head, then leveled the thinner tip at the mirror, squinting his old wizened eyes as he lined up his shot. Then in one feat of considerable strength, the ewok hurled his staff towards the mirror, whispering a prayer to all the ewok deities as he did so.
"May this shot be true." He whispered at last, focusing his magics on guiding the staff towards its target.
The staff glowed as it neared the invisible barrier, disappearing in a brilliant ball of pearlesent white light. Then, in one breathtaking moment, the staff struck its target...and rebounded. It clattered to the ground, not far from Puck's current position, seeming to have had no effect at all. Graybeard scowled and put a furry paw to his head, looking closer. It was so small it was near impossible to see, but there was a miniature fissure in the mirror, created where the staff had cracked against its surface. The Shaman's eyes widened in realization and he jabbed his paw towards the staff, shouting at Puck.
"It's working! The staff, Puck. Use the staff!"
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Harmony
May 15, 2013 20:08:21 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 15, 2013 20:08:21 GMT -8
Time was running short. i had to break the barrier, but as i ran to it… i slipped through to the other side… guess it is part of being an astral being. i had to figure a way to break the barrier. but i didn't have enough mass to affect it… but the staff… i had no way to pick it up. but then a thought occurred to me'Beware, Puck. In here, the rules of that dream universe will apply.'
Between the staff and the new rules… i figured it out. If i could transform using the staff, i could adjust to bend the rules to my whimMEOW!!!My particles flew apart. but when they reformed, they had a golden plating on top of them. I had Thunder Armor. using my powers i forced the staff and Greybeard out of the dream as i dashed to the barrier. then pouring every ounce of my being into one blast attack, i charged the wall, and attacking myself as the wall fractured, i hoped i got out before the dreams crumbled
…
it seemed like an hour before i meowed again… things seemed like normal… i was "Astral" again, and I saw Greybeard standing above me.Did... did it work?
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Dragus
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Harmony
May 23, 2013 9:28:23 GMT -8
Post by Dragus on May 23, 2013 9:28:23 GMT -8
With a slow nod of his furry head, Graybeard acknowledged the cat, leaning on his staff as he spoke softly.
"Indeed, Puck, we did it. Or I should say, you did it. For a second there I was worried..." He winked. "...but only for a second. Anything can be accomplished when people work together, and you and I make for a decent team, if I do say so myself. Which I do."
He looked around, noting that they were both back where they started, standing atop a sea of clouds, the cosmos stretched out before them. There was a twinkle in the elderly ewok's eye, and a wry grin spread over his face. Scrunching his beady little nose, Graybeard plunged his staff forwards, swirling the gnarled end around in the air, motioning towards the great beyond.
"But there is still more work to be done, more dreams to be checked upon, and more harmony dust to be sprinkled. While you were passed out I sensed a stirring in the ethereal realms. Something has awoken in chaos, an evil presence the likes of which I have not sensed in a long time. I fear that as a result more nightmares will appear, assailing the peaceful slumber of innocent dreamers. You and I must keep up our vigil, Puck, for the consequences of failing in this duty are far worse than I care to imagine." He skipped a step. "Now come on, up you get. You've slept long enough. Well, perhaps you deserve a little break."
With a child like innocence, the elderly Shaman scooped Puck up and deposited the tiger cub on his back, performing the best approximation of a piggy back ride as he could manage. Then, with speed and strength of a wok many years younger than Graybeard appeared to be, the Shaman set off, skipping off across the cosmos with Puck in tow. They flew for a ways, each skip carrying them for what seemed like kilometers. Sometimes Graybeard's feet wouldn't even touch the ground. He'd just tap his staff into the clouds and off they'd go again, soaring through the skies of tra-la-la-la-land.
Eventually they slowed, Graybeard's rickety old knees bending as they descended, absorbing their landing as much as the clouds beneath his fuzzy feet. He lowered Puck to the ground and then motioned forwards, pointing one thick finger towards a materializing image ahead. It was another waypoint, a glimmering window that revealed ones dreams. Yet this window was covered in something, or rather, wrapped. Coiled around the glass pane was a serpent, large and black, with glistening scales and beady red eyes. It hissed and snapped its fanged mouth, dripping beads of poison onto the waypoint. Every time a bead hit the window, bats appeared on the other side, squawking and shrieking as they flapped about the dream's of some unwary soul.
"Get down." Cautioned Graybeard, lowering himself to the fluffy ground and bunching a pile of clouds in front of himself to hide them from sight. He turned his head, regarding Puck, his voice lowering into a whisper. "See, what did I tell you? Nightmares are everywhere these days. That one looks particularly nasty. There will be no dream hopping this time, just a straight up brawl. I hope those teeth of yours aren't just for show, little one, because we are going to need them."
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Harmony
Jun 5, 2013 20:40:08 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2013 20:40:08 GMT -8
Puck didn't know what to do… he had been trapped in a situation that would not allow him to change and change back
I no knows what i could do… every time i gain a power, i gwow oldew. and since we no in a dweam, me might not change back… we need to dwaw them into a dweam.
To prove its point, puck noticed that as he ran towards the nearest dream world, the electric based agility enhancements allowed puck to pick up speed even though he had given up his thunder armor. in it's heart of hearts... the little tiger hoped that something within this dream world would let the tiger gain the advantage it would need to beat the opposing Nightmarish creatures of Chaos
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Harmony
Jan 13, 2015 20:56:25 GMT -8
Post by Jamie Daniels on Jan 13, 2015 20:56:25 GMT -8
The days went by for Jamie in the land of Harmony. And they were good days, no suffering, no pain, no sorrow... no visitors, but that was okay. He still interacted with many of the other occupants of Harmony, and they were fun to talk to, especially the older Jedi who had many years of experience. Admittedly, not a day would go by when he wouldn't think of Morgie, the lock of hair over his heart there on his white-and-silver robes as a constant reminder of his special visitor.
Was she having a good life? Was she doing fine? He assumed so, for he hadn't seen her since that day. Which, of course, was a good thing, for it meant she continued to live, and hadn't yet suffered his cruel fate. In fact he had not seen anyone he recognized here, which was only more good news. Some company would have been nice, but he couldn't expect anyone to have enough time to visit him constantly, nor did he wish any of them to die only so he would have someone familiar to spend time with here.
But as he was taking a delightful stroll through a clearing in the middle of Harmony, a flash of bright light obscured his vision. He squinted and shielded his eyes, then, when he lowered them, two forms had materialized, similarly dressed in white-and-silver robes, facing away from him. They appeared to be girls judging by their hair, one blond and one brunette, the latter seeming strikingly familiar...
Morgie, where are we? The blond one asked, clearly in complete surprise, but the name she had spoken confirmed Jamie's suspicions.
Morgie? he asked.
We're— the girl who was presumably Morgie had began to answer, before hearing her name spoken and turning. Jamie! she cried out excitedly, running towards him.
It was her! Jamie laughed happily and ran towards her, meeting her halfway in an embrace. I'm so glad to see you! Look, the hair you gave me is still here, see?
He pointed to the lock on his chest, which Morgie looked around for, then beamed excitedly when she saw it and looked bac up into his face. Yay! I'm glad! I'm sorry I didn't come visit you before... I didn't know if I could, since I didn't know how I did it before. But I figured it out! Well, kinda... And I brought someone else, too! You remember Michelle, right?
Jamie was about to say that it was okay that she hadn't come to visit him, and that he was just glad to see her. She definitely looked a little older, but only a little. Before he could reply, however, she had indicated the blond girl she'd brought with her, asking if he'd remembered Michelle. His eyes widened and he looked up at the other girl, who was staring back at him in awe. There was no mistake about it, that was definitely Michelle. Last time he'd seen her, she'd been very little, and now she looked a few years older than Jamie. He released Morgie, who knowingly stepped to the side, as he began to approach her. Michelle? he asked, as though he could hardly believe it was her.
J-Jamie? she responded, seemingly in similar disbelief. Her voice... it had been so cute and high-pitched when he last heard it, and now it sounded so mature by comparison.
But her recognition confirmed it was her, and Jamie smiled, stopping a few feet from her. It's so good to see you again! He wanted to hug her, though admittedly he seemed a little unsure considering how much older and taller she was now, and how long it had been.
Michelle seemed in complete awe still, before looking past Jamie. Morgan... y-you brought me to Harmony?
Morgan? Oh, Morgie! Morgan must have been her real name, and Morgie a nickname. He looked over his shoulder, seeing Morgie approach them, beaming and nodding. Yeah! she answered. You seemed sad, so I thought I'd try to bring us both here with Mommy's help, and, well, it worked!
Jamie remembered how she'd explained to her that her mother was the planet Felucia, that she had formed a bond with it and it granted her great power upon request. It had even helped the two of them reach Harmony? That was amazing! Just because Michelle was sad? Why? Did she miss him? Why were you sad?
Michelle slowly seemed to be accepting what was going on; apparently she didn't know her niece's own power. She was definitely still in shock, but she managed to speak clearly at least. I, well, Morgie asked me if I remembered you, and... well it's been so long that I couldn't really, so... I guess she wanted to bring me here so I could see you again.
Yep! Morgie replied with a giggle, then hugged Jamie again. And also because it's your birthday! Happy birthday, Jamie!
Oh, was it his birthday? He supposed birthdays didn't really matter anymore here, but it was nice of Morgie to bring herself and Michelle here, just to see him. In fact, he could easily say that this was his greatest birthday present ever, as he returned Morgie's hug. Thanks!
Michelle seemed to hesitate slightly, then she too stepped forward to hug Jamie. Happy birthday, Jamie.
She sounded like she was trying to fight sobs as she spoke. Jamie wrapped an arm around her too, and while it was definitely strange that she was now taller than him, when she used to be much shorter than him, he was grateful just to be able to see her again. Thanks. This is the best present ever!
Michelle's frame suddenly rocked with sobs, causing Jamie to frown with concern. What's wrong? he asked, wanting to look into her face, but she only clung to him tighter.
It's not fair, Jamie! she cried. Y-you should still be alive! And with us! Y-you'd be seventeen...
Had it really been that long? Jamie supposed he'd lost track of time; indeed, time seemed to flow differently in Harmony, if it did at all. Even though Michelle wasn't looking at her, he still smiled reassuringly and patted her back. I did what I had to do, Michelle. If I hadn't, Michael would've lost. You didn't want to lose your brother, did you?
Michelle sobbed again, then finally pulled away, her hands on his shoulders, her grief-stricken face staring into his. You were my brother, Jamie! And... and then you were gone...
Michelle thought of Jamie as a brother? He'd never known that, but then perhaps she had been too young to be able to express that at the time. That was honestly quite touching. He suddenly felt Morgie slip away and glanced sideways at her long enough to see her watching Michelle with concern, but realizing the two needed their moment together. She was right, so Jamie returned his focus to Michelle, smiling at her reassuringly, placing his hands gently on hers.
I'm sorry, Michelle. I wish I could've been there more, but I had to save Michael. I'm glad you thought of me as a brother, though. That makes me happy.
Michelle stared at him in disbelief, then hiccuped and shook her head. How can that make you happy?
I was confused too, Michelle, Morgie supplied as she stepped forward once more, wearing her own attempt at a reassuring smile. But Jamie's happy here. He knows what he did was good, and he knows Daddy and the rest of us have a good life thanks to what he did, so he's not sad.
Jamie nodded, for what Morgie said was the truth; he really was happy he'd opened the door for such a happy family, instead of potentially allowing only darkness to overcome them. Michelle looked between them both, seemingly stunned. Morgie had acted very similarly before, though with less hysterics, but Jamie hadn't realized just how attached Michelle had been to him, even if she herself had forgotten until now.
Finally, Michelle closed her eyes, welled-up tears spilling forth, and smiled. Th-thanks Jamie... I... I just wish there was some way you could have helped Michael and not died...
Jamie smiled reassuringly still. In truthfulness, so did he, but he wouldn't tell her that, especially when he knew there had been no other way. But it's okay. You're visiting me now! And I'm so happy to see you both again. Is Michael going to come?
Michelle sniffled and looked a little confused, as though unsure why they hadn't thought to bring him. Morgie shook her head and giggled. I would've brought him, but he was asleep. He got married and had a baby! And she likes to keep them up at night.
Jamie's eyes widened; married and had a baby?! That was amazing! He grinned, having so many questions. Who'd he get married to? What's the baby's name?
Morgie beamed as she answered. Her name's Lucina! Er, the baby that is. We call her Lucy! He got married to Cassie. Did you know her?
She tilted her head curiously, and Jamie nodded back at her. Yeah! She was his girlfriend when I was alive. They finally got married? He laughed. About time.
Morgie giggled in response, and even Michelle managed a laugh as she began wiping her eyes on her sleeve. You got that right.
Jamie grinned, glad all three of them seemed to be in good spirits again. Now that Michelle was calm, he figured this could be a good time to catch up on current events with his... well, with his family. So how are things with you? What happened after your last visit, Morgie?
Apparently it was good news, for Morgie beamed as she reported, We destroyed the Earth Empire! After I went back, I defeated Darth Maul myself! Somehow I was projecting you over me, and that scared him, which let me take him out, then my daddy and Michelle went to orbit with Ambar and Samantha and Master Mallan to take out the Emperor, and they did!
The Earth Empire, destroyed? That was great news indeed! And Morgan had managed to take out Maul?! That was impressive! Wait, she'd somehow managed to project himself over her when she did it? And that scared him? Jamie's eye widened; that was quite an amazing story. But he didn't reply yet, for it seemed she had more to tell.
Oh, I guess uh... that wasn't really Darth Maul, she continued. The Emperor was just pretending to be Darth Sidious, and brainwashed some other Sith into thinking they were his apprentices... He was apparently really crazy.
Not actually Darth Maul? He supposed that made sense then, but it sounded like it was a lot of trouble. But... Well, at least they're gone now, right?
Morgie nodded. Yeah!
Jamie smiled, then looked at Michelle. She was no longer crying, instead smiling sadly, but it was better than before. Jamie smiled at her. Thank you guys for coming to visit me! It gets... well, not boring, but it's nice to do something different. How long are you here?
Michelle shrugged and looked at Morgie, who shrugged as well. I'm not sure. I've never done this before... well, on purpose, she added with a giggle.
Jamie laughed, then asked, Well, wanna play while you're still here?
Michelle perked up at this, and, as though on pure instinct, reached forward to tap his shoulder before declaring, Tag! You're it!
And then she darted off. He smirked and gave chase; oh, that rascally Michelle, he was gonna get her. This... was familiar. Yes, they'd played tag all the time! Granted, he usually let her win since she was little, but now Michelle was older and remarkably faster, he would have to actually put in effort this time.
As it turned out, she was not only faster, but incredibly athletic as well, able to scale the silver-and-golden trees with ease; as it turned out, Morgie, despite being much younger, seemed equally skilled at this. But Jamie was no stranger to tree-climbing himself, as it was one of the usual activities he occupied his time with on occasion. This was definitely the most intense game of tag he'd ever played, each person cycling through being "it" several times as they chased each other across the grass and through the branches. Nothing but smiles and laughter were to be had during this time, but eventually Morgie stopped running, standing in the middle of the clearing and holding up her hands.
You guys, wait! she called out. We gotta have a birthday party!
Jamie and Michelle suddenly paused, Jamie wrapped around one branch, Michelle hanging upside-down from another almost tauntingly, as they both looked at Morgan. Isn't this kind of a party already? Jamie called out?
Morgie shook her head, giggling. No, silly! It's not a party until we have cake!
She sat down cross-legged on the grass, placing her hands in her lap and closing her eyes, as though meditating. Frowning curiously, he climbed down from the tree, Michelle following, and both of them approached Morgie. As they got closer, Morgie, eyes still closed, extended her hands before her. Suddenly forming from midair was a birthday cake! Jamie's eyes widened as Morgie opened hers, looked upon her handiwork, then beamed up at Jamie. Happy birthday to you... she began to sing.
Happy birthday to you... Michelle joined in.
Happy birthday, dear Jamie! Happy birthday to you! they finished together.
Jamie looked between both of them, so touched that he almost wanted to cry, but he beamed instead as he approached Morgan and sat on the grass next to her, Michelle beside him. Thanks guys. This is the best birthday ever.
He swore he heard Michelle hiccup, but when he looked at her, there was no indication that she had become sad again. So instead of dwell on this, he instead partook of his birthday cake with them, enjoying the flavor. This is delicious! Granted, food in Harmony was generally delicious from the start, but of course he wouldn't admit that, especially when he was so appreciative of the gesture.
After they finished the cake, Morgie sat next to him, leaning into him. He put an arm around her, and before he knew it, Michelle sat next to him on his other side as well, so he put his other arm around her as well. They were content to sit like this for a while, much like how he and Morgie had during his last visit. It didn't take long, however, for Morgan to sit up a little.
Oh no... she whimpered. I can feel it... we're being pulled back...
I feel it too, Michelle whispered. What Jamie felt was the moisture of a single tear absorbed into his robes. He too was initially saddened by this news, but mostly he was just happy that they'd come to spend some time with him, and throw him a birthday part of sorts too.
It's okay, he assured them. I had lots of fun, and you can visit me again sometime.
Michelle nodded, sitting up, wiping her eyes on one sleeve. She then leaned over to the other side, reaching into the grass. Jamie watched her curiously, then was surprised to see she had conjured a pair of scissors on her own. She gripped a bit of hair, snipped it, then held out the lock of hair to Jamie, smiling at him. Here, you can keep one of mine, too.
Jamie was amazed at how quickly she'd managed to catch on to the ability to conjure things in this plane, but he only smiled, accepting her lock of hair, pinning it to his chest right next to Morgie's. The scissors vanished and all three of them stood. Jamie hugged Morgie first, who again gave him a kiss on the cheek, then he hugged Michelle, who held onto him for a little longer than Morgie had. When they released, he smiled at them both.
Thanks again! I'll see you soon. Ask Michael to come visit me, if he can, but since he has a baby now, I understand if he can't make it soon.
He laughed, which seemed to allow the girls to giggle as well.
Morgie waved. Bye Jamie! I'll try to visit you again soon!
Michelle also waved. Bye Jamie! It... it was good seeing you again!
Jamie smiled reassuringly and waved back at them. You too! Bye Michelle! Bye Morgie!
The two of them then finally faded from Harmony. Jamie reached up to feel the lock of hair left behind by Michelle. She'd gotten so big now, and he was happy for that. He supposed he'd learned a little less than he would have liked about their current lives, but that was okay; their time had been limited, after all, and he supposed he would have much rather enjoyed it the way they had instead of just talking the whole time. On second thought, sitting and talking with them for a long time sounded just as appealing. But that was okay, maybe next time. He looked up at the clear, golden sky and smiled, thanking the Force for them both, and hoping he would see Michael soon, before he decided to resume his stroll from earlier, feeling happier than he had since Morgie's first visit.
It truly had been his best birthday ever.
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Harmony
Sept 22, 2016 20:08:39 GMT -8
Post by Jamie Daniels on Sept 22, 2016 20:08:39 GMT -8
It seemed as though there were never any limit to learning in the vast expanse of Harmony, whether it be history or teachings of old. Jamie had day by day sought out new knowledge, whether from Jedi he'd spoken to several times or from unfamiliar faces he was certain would bring new knowledge to him. In fact, he'd managed to come across a group of unfamiliar presences gathered together in an open clearing. There were so many people in Harmony, it wasn't much of a surprise Jamie hadn't recognized them. That fact in and of itself may have been a little disconcerting, but, well, the Jedi had existed for millennia, so even if no Jedi had died from anything other than natural causes, there would still be quite a few of them here!
But this group had seemed different than those other residents that had resided here for some time. This group seemed uncertain of their surroundings, unfamiliar with where they were. Jamie furrowed his brows at this. It didn't bode well, but he soon recovered his friendly expression and went to introduce himself to them and asking who they were.
Jamie hadn't been prepared to hear the answer: They were part of the Enclave on Dantooine. All of them had been massacred. Some were even able to reveal that the Enclave itself had been obliterated entirely by a force known as the "First Order," led by a new group that served the dark side, calling themselves "Knights of Ren." Who was Ren? None of them seemed to know; all they had as a rumor and a whisper of Imperial activity, with a mysterious "Soku Ren" appearing live on the HoloNet to declare a message to the galaxy. Was he Ren? They could only speculate, but the Soku Ren figure had included himself as a Knight of Ren.
And they had destroyed the Enclave on Dantooine.
Needless to say, Jamie was more than a little disconcerted. A force powerful enough to wipe out an entire Jedi Enclave was loose in the galaxy? His mind clearly was on his friends and acquaintances from life, hoping they were not affected by this, hoping they had the ability to drive back this invading force and keep the peace in the galaxy.
"We can only hope Master Calmcacil's 'Rebel Alliance' project is successful," one of the Jedi murmured.
Jamie looked around at them immediately. In his own polite way, he eagerly demanded more information. The Jedi was surprised at what they perceived as desperation but revealed they knew very little, explaining that the Republic had recently dissolved but that one of the Jedi Order's High Councilors was working on an alliance to fill the void and stand against whatever the Imperials were planning.
Jamie couldn't help but grin wide. Of course Michael would be on the case. But then he realized that his smile was probably inappropriate at the moment and he apologized, nevertheless welcoming them to the Netherworld. The Jedi thanked him—with varying degrees of sincerity—before Jamie bowed and left to go be alone with his thoughts.
It... was all too familiar, to be honest. When mysterious findings led to discovery of an enemy force taking too much interest in Deralia, Michael had been the first to respond, and investigate.
And Jamie had gone with him...
Never mind that. Michael had turned out fine and, according to Morgie's report from her last visit, they had eventually eradicated the foe. If he could do it once, he could do it again!
But now that he thought about it... he hadn't seen Morgie in a while. Or, really, anyone he knew—
"Oof! Sorry!" he apologized to the figure he'd walked into by accident.
"Jamie?" A familiar voice asked.
Jamie gasped softly, looking up into the blue eyes of Tom Mark, one of the youngling caretakers of the Deralia Temple. Jamie beamed as he recognized him, then the realization set in and he frowned, shaking his head. "No! You can't be here! I mean... you're just visiting, right?!"
The older Jedi gave a sad smile, shaking his head and setting his hand on Jamie's shoulder. "I'm afraid not. But it is good to see you again."
Jamie wanted to say the same, and in a way it was, but... not like this. "Is there anyone else here?" He hoped the answer was "no."
Tom sustained the sad smile, then sighed. "... it would be easier to tell you who didn't survive."
Jamie felt like he'd just taken a blow, stumbling backward in disbelief. What did that mean? Had Deralia also been overrun by the same people as Dantooine?! No!
"Aerandir is safe, I assure you," Tom stated in some small attempt to calm the boy.
"I know," Jamie blurted out. "He's safe on Felucia, with his family. Who else made it?!"
"Jamie?" came another voice.
Jamie turned to see a young man standing there, possibly still only in his late teens. He didn't recognize him at first, leading Jamie to believe it was one of his peers from when he was alive, now grown up. But a closer inspection provided clues. Dark brown hair, green eyes...
"... Damian?"
The young man gave a smile and nodded.
Jamie continued to stare in disbelief. They got Damian too?! He didn't know what to do, what to say, so he simply stood still, staring blankly, almost hopelessly.
"Don't worry about me! I saved my Master. He got away."
Jamie's heart pounded beneath the dark and golden locks of hair pinned to his chest. This... wasn't happening. Damian was Master Joey Dionne's Padawan, taken in at the same time as Jamie. While their Masters had created a rivalry with each other, the two boys were content to just be friends and help each other learn, until Jamie's life had been taken. Or rather, given in the defense of his Master.
And Damian had met the same fate.
"Damian," Joey whispered, still in disbelief.
"Be at peace, child," came a woman's gentle voice, accompanied by a similarly calming hand on his back. Jamie looked up into the face of a pale-skinned, light-haired human with piercing near-white eyes. "There is no need to worry on what is past."
"Artura..." Jamie mumbled, recognizing the woman whose very presence had radiated with a calming aura.
And yet, for the first time since arriving in Harmony, Jamie was starting to feel anything but calm.
"Who's left?!" he demanded frantically. "Who survived?"!
"Master Bruce Terry," Tom Mark explained, "who had departed some time ago. Master Joey Dionne, as Damian has said. I've been unable to account for two younglings, Maggy Dawson and Shari Zel, so I assume they made it out safe as well."
Jamie waited for more names, but they didn't come. "... no one else?" he weakly inquired.
"Well, not accounting those who had also left with Aerandir years ago."
This brought Jamie some hope; while he was aware that at least Cassie had left with him and indeed married him, he didn't know of any others that had joined him. "Who?!"
"Bix McDouglas and his sister," Artura took over, doing her best to ease the boy's worries. "Cassie Leonard as well; last we'd heard, she'd married Master Calmcacil." She gave a wistful smile and a soft chuckle at this. "Surprisingly enough, Tom Klanzo made his way to Felucia as well."
They weren't many names, but they were at least a small measure of comfort. Still too many had died. He looked at the ground a moment, then looked up at the trio, asking, "Who did it?"
The trio looked at each other, as though debating what to tell him. Again Tom Mark answered. "Some sort of Imperial regiment, led by one calling himself 'Soku Ren.'"
He knew it. "Him again?!"
All three of them seemed surprised that Jamie knew that name, Tom Mark asking, "How do you know of him?"
Jamie glanced back in the direction he had come from, then explained, "I met some Jedi from Dantooine. He attacked there too."
Tom Mark frowned. "I'd heard nothing of any assault on Dantooine... It must have been after his old— Deralia..."
Jamie frowned and tilted his head. "'His old' what?"
"Nothing." Tom Mark shook his head, then asked, "You said you knew Aerandir was safe on Felucia with his family. How did you know that?"
"Morgie told me."
A look of shock crossed all their features, and Artura even gasped. "Tell me she hasn't been taken as well!" Tom Mark asked incredulously.
Furiously shaking his head, Jamie assured them, "No no! She's alive! She visited me! Well, she didn't mean to the first time, she said she was attacked and somehow showed up here. She came to visit me another time though, with Michelle too! See?" He pointed to the locks of hair on his chest, gifted to him by the two girls.
The news seemed to put them at ease, but Tom Mark seemed to realize something. "But you'd never even met Morgan..."
"She knew me," Jamie explained. "Or I mean, she knew who I was. She's..." He paused as the irony of his incomplete sentence dawned on him. "... my friend."
It was met by a gentle chuckle from Tom Mark. "My, she is remarkable, then."
Jamie's fingers idly brushed against Morgan's dark locks.
"Jamie," Damian spoke up again with a smile, "I know I'm a lot bigger now, but I can still be your friend, right?"
Jamie looked up at him, still taking in just how much older he was now. But after a brief moment, he smiled and nodded, answering, "Of course!" before throwing himself at the older boy, who returned the embrace. If Jamie thought hugging Michelle had been awkward due to the age difference between then and the last time he had seen her, this was even more awkward.
Releasing Damian, Joey looked up at him, some of his joy recovered. "You'll have to tell me everything that happened since I left!" Looking at Artura and Tom Mark, he added, "All of you! I really wish we didn't have to meet this way, but... I really am glad to see you all again."
They returned his smile and agreed to tell him everything he wished to know. Jamie felt there was something they were trying to keep from them, but in the end... he supposed he truly was glad he once more had familiar company, even if they had changed some. It was horrible that they had appeared so soon, massacred just like those Jedi from Dantooine... But he supposed Artura was right: It was past, and they couldn't change that. He could only hope they were the last to arrive in Harmony before their time.
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