Crystalline Entity - Alternate Record

by Cpt. Lynx

This is the story of how Darth Imperius, the Emperor of the Eternal Alliance, found himself on Terra. Burdened by the ghosts of his past, will he be able to fulfil his purpose and find happiness, or will the darkness consume him? As a fair warning, this contains dark and mature themes in much greater detail than the other version, so discretion is advised.

2. Day 2: A new journey begins

A/N: I hope you're doing fine. This chapter comes a bit later, but now it arrives. As mentioned in my other story's AN, I will update this story once a month. The chapters are long enough that I think it will take a while for some people to read, and it gives me the time to build up a backlog. As always, feedback of any kind is greatly appreciated, be it questions to the story, mistakes I made or whatever else. I always love to hear from you guys. Now, without further ado, I hope you'll enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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I am awakened by a sense that I will need to get up very soon. This sense is immediately followed by a knock at my door. Said knock continues until I answer it.
"Good morning, Leanna."
I yawn widely.

"Morning. Are you ready to leave? We need to get your new things."

"One moment."
I begin to rise, making sure I'm not knocking the pango around, and slip back into my shoes. Making sure I have everything, I head for the door.

As I open the door, I am greeted by a beaming Leanna.
"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

I yawn again, which I cover with a hand, then nod.
"I did, but I think I could use an hour or two more. Though you seem quite chipper this early in the day. I take it you slept rather well then, too?"

"I did. Is it not common for people to wake up this early in your galaxy?"

"Depends on the job, but I'd say that usually, people wake up after dawn."

"Well, I always wake up at Dawn no matter what, so I don't know what to tell you."

I chuckle.
"Honouring your name, eh?"

"Mmhm. Let's get you your things."

I glance into the room one last time, making sure the pango is with me or at least has found his own way again, before closing the door and locking it. I then turn back to her and make an elegant gesture.
"After you, then."

She smiles and steps forward, beginning once more to lead me through the village to the armourer's shop. The man seems somewhat tired but remains focused. Leanna walks up to him.
"Good morning."

I nod in greeting as well upon entering.

"Morning. They're pretty much ready, I just need to fit him."
He brings out a steel breastplate, along with armguards and greaves.
"Try these on. I need to see how they fit."

"Alright, thank you."
I do as I am asked.

"Hmmm... almost right. I need the greaves, this will take a bit."

I remove them again and give them back.

The smith returns to the forge and gets to work, gesturing to the seats he has. Leanna seats herself.
"It's still about an hour before the tailor expects us."

I sit down beside her.
"I see."

I then cross my legs.
"Might as well use that time to meditate. Or do you want to talk about something? I found our conversations to be most engaging."

"I'm glad you think that. Since we have time, and you're more acclimated, why not have a look at the rest of this system? I am interested in what an outside observer will think of it."

I arc a brow as I prop my elbow on my knee, while I rest my cheek on my fist.
"Hm? What system?"

"The planetary system."

"Ah. Of course. Well, I was more interested in healing you first, but if you'd rather have me check that out..."

"Oh right, we'll do that first. You just asked if I wanted something to talk about, and that is what I would like."

"I see. Well, both of those would require me to meditate for a bit, though. This pesky veil has weakened, but it's still around. Which is why I asked if you want to talk about something - something that doesn't require my abilities - since I don't want to leave you bored in waiting."

"Ah. Well, don't you want your 'abilities' ready for when they're needed?"

"I could push through in the case they're truly needed - which I really doubt will happen - and the veil's not that strong, either. It's more like... walking through a fog, I guess. If I strain, I can look beyond, but it's more taxing than usual. My meditation would follow the goal to clear the fog, even more than it already did."

"Alright, that sounds like a good idea even so. Take your time, I'll still be here when you're done."

"It is. But leaving you bored would be unbecoming of me."
I shift somewhat, and I wonder if she can notice the slight shift in my eyes, as they now hold something that wasn't there yesterday. I'm not quite sure what it is myself, but it is there.

She raises an eyebrow.
"Really? How so?"

"Well, meditation is something one unusually does alone. Or you're a Jedi and do it in groups. But I digress. If I'd meditate, I'd effectively leave you with nothing to do and no one to talk to, which would mark me as a bad company."

"Xerath, you don't need to worry about that. Preparing yourself for later activities is not being bad company. I spend several minutes getting dressed each morning. Is that time wasted if I could've spent it instead speaking with a guest?"

"No? Though this and that are two different things."
I search her gaze and relent with a sigh.

"But alright, fine. If you rather want me to meditate to prepare myself, then I will do so."
I try not to show it, but some of the disappointment I feel flashes in my eye.

She frowns but leaves me to my task. Her golden core shimmers slightly at my response. Oh well, seems like she has noticed, after all.

I close my eyes and tune the world out, focusing inwards as I meditate.
The fog of this world shimmers into existence around me, a mesh of five subtly distinct flavours of Force energy I never encountered before entering this world. I begin to analyse and probe it. I want to learn what it is, how it works, how I can use it, and how I can make it stop hindering me. The last one is the most important for now.
The first is obvious - it is the same sort of energy that permeates Terra and everything on it, and is likely residue from the event that brought me here. It seems... tangled, and not in a way that betrays intent. It remains with me largely because it has done the thing Ringo occasionally complains cables will do - Tangling. Therefore, removing it is a simple matter of unravelling it and letting this world's currents of Force energy that were already tugging it apart carry away the strands.

I first try absorbing that energy myself, if I can get a clear hold of it. But oddly, it seems that the structure of my self is not conducive towards holding this energy in a raw form. While I suspect that my body could hold large amounts of this energy if properly prepared, I both do not know how such preparation would occur and suspect that it would be done via precise control over this very energy I cannot yet assimilate.
Well, I had already guessed so, but this serves as a confirmation. Absorbing the energy to get rid of its dampening was my first try, after all. So, in that case, I work on untangling the stranded energy around me, allowing it to flow away.
It takes effort, but not too much.
Not too long after, I feel once more in command of my abilities. Nothing holds me back save myself.
I smirk in satisfaction and pop open one eye to glance at Leanna. The one that is not covered by my hair.
"It is done."

She smiles at me.
"Good. Does it feel better?"

"Yes. I am unrestrained once more. I tend to not like it when something else tries to take control over some aspect of myself. Anyhow. Do you want me to tend to you know? I'd like to have your permission to scan you."

"You have it. Go ahead."

I nod and close my eye again, this time focusing on her instead of myself.
My sight echoes about in her, resounding in the subtle, imperceptible way of the Force. Her injuries are once more found and identified by pulses that trace the expanse of her physical body. Just for curiosity's sake, I check how long she has had those internal injuries. Is our collision really the cause of them, as I initially thought?
Apparently not. It seems that the fractures in her bones are several years old, and caused by an incredible force.
Having found what I looked for, I speak up again. My eyes remain closed, but my soft voice is clearly addressing her regardless.
"Alright... may I touch your forehead?"

"Sure. It's fine."

I nod and move an arm out, precisely finding her forehead. I move my gloved palm gently and carefully. Then, in the next moment, I channel a healing stream through her body, that cures any injury and any ache she has suffered, no matter when that was.

"Well, I don't feel any different, but thank you. I do appreciate this."

I open my eyes again and retract my hand.
"That is to be expected. I took care of most minor pains yesterday, after all. But you'll notice that the bruises and scrapes underneath your armour are gone now. And those fissures in your bones... they were a few years old, actually. So it wasn't our collision yesterday that caused them. But I'm glad that it didn't cause more harm."

I then smile warmly at her.
"You are welcome. This is the least I can do to repay you for your help."

"Oh."
She casts her mind back.
"It must've been that."

After extracting herself from the past, she beams brightly at me.
"I want you to know that I appreciate that you spent time on yourself, Xerath."

I blink, confused.
"Huh? Why?"

"You seem more at ease now."

"Well, it is a liberating feeling - like cleaning your armour from mud that had slowed you down."

"And - while I don't speak for everyone - I know it makes me more comfortable when the person I am talking to isn't repressing things in order to do so."

"Hmm, I see..."
I smirk.
"Well, now I am with you with all my glory. Or at least all of it which I show."

"All that you show?"

"Yes, all that I show. My powers are massive, as such my presence is, too. I repress it so that not the entire galaxy knows I'm here. Also, I've learned that people tend to get uncomfortable in the presence of a god."

"Really? I don't think I've ever heard of people passively being able to sense individual magic users."

Now I am the one to arc a brow.
"Really? Though given to your reaction to me being able to sense emotions - which is a basic ability for Force users worth their money - I could have expected this. Usually, only Force users can detect other Force users. However, if the presence becomes strong enough, even non-Force-sensitive people can feel the effects."

"I mean, we can sense magic all around us, and with training, we can use manipulators to tell what magic is happening where, but to sense the person instead of the magic is unheard of."

"Now this is only a guess, but I suppose that comes from your distinction of person and magic. You seem to view them as two separate entities, while my world knows them to be linked."

"Interesting. Why is that?"

I arc a brow again.
"Why is what? That you view it as separate, or that my people know it to be linked?"

"Well, magic comes from the natural world, right? Elves store energy in themselves, humans store it in crystals, but both get their energy from an external source - the currents of magic that flow around our world."

"But what makes you think that the currents of magic do not also flow through you?"

"They do, but in barely detectable amounts."

I blink.
"Fascinating. No offence, but then it seems you lack vision. I can clearly see your potential in the Force- your presence. That you cannot see it yourself is intriguing. I wonder how that came to be..."

I shake my head shortly and continue.
"You see, the Force is all around us, that is correct. But it's also within us. It connects everything. Force users I know use themselves as a catalyst for these powers, using the power within themselves and around them. But you seem to use that crystal gauntlet as both your catalyst and power storage."

"Well, it is a matter of considerable speculation as to how creatures are able to shape magic in the first place. The idea that the body uses a form of innate magic is one of the hypotheses, but that just seems like kicking the can down the road to me. If the answer to how we shape magic is 'magic', how do we shape that magic?"

"Well, from what I learned throughout my travels and studies, is that the Force is. The Force is behind everything, and it has a will. It grants some the ability to manipulate this energy, while most are blind to it. And it is our connection to the Force that allows us to shape it. So, I'd assume it's a collaboration of a person's mind and the Force, that allows said person to use the Force."

"So we can manipulate magic because magic is a part of us, then?"

I nod.
"Indeed."

"But... most being blind to it? That doesn't sound right at all."

"As in, they can't feel the connection."

"First, that seems incredibly unfair. So many people that just never get the opportunity to do magic?"

Once more I arch a brow.
"Do you want to tell me it is different for you?"

"I don't know... it just seems unfair. And like it encourages problematic behaviours."

"Perhaps. It depends on species, and luck - if you believe in that, or whatever. The percentage of Force sensitivity varies greatly between species. Humans, the most numerous species across the galaxy, have a rate of around..."
I close an eye and trail off as I think back.
"...zero point zero zero zero zero zero zero zero zero one percent. Meanwhile, certain other species have a rate up to a hundred percent. But you know what? Another thing I learned is that life is never fair."

"And onto my second point: that's not what happens on Terra."

"How so?"

"Well, historically, every society that believed only certain people could use magic were horrible, awful places that deserved to be struck from existence."
She seems genuinely angry at something.

"So, now on your world everyone can learn magic? No one fails? No one is unable to cast?"

"Not everyone who tries can use magic, but it's thought to be largely a problem of skill and will. Those who try generally succeed eventually."

"And what defines that skill? If you do not know why you're able to cast in the first place, how can you be certain that anyone can learn it?"
My words are spoken softly. I do not want to oppose her ideology, I just want to give her food for thought.

"Nothing at the start. At the beginning of a magic user's life, there is no skill, but there is a desire to learn. From hearing tales of mages and knights, from seeing the magic in the world, from learning about Terra and where humanity lies upon it, these things can foster a desire to follow in the footsteps of the many mages before.
And that desire expresses itself in the formal entrance examination of any Esarian academy of magic: the Fundamental Birth. When given a training crystal brimming with energy, the focused desire to do magic can emerge - typically as no more than a fluctuation in the ambient power levels, but very noticeable nonetheless. To create such a surge speaks to the will to learn how this power works, and that says that now this student is ready to be taught."

I arch a brow.
"That sounds to me like a test for Force sensitivity."

"I do not know the exact numbers, but more people pass this examination than fail it - and some that fail return later to succeed."

"Well, it is to be assumed that those that aspire to be mages are generally Force-sensitive and have the subconscious call to the Force. Also, it is not necessarily something you are born with. For me personally, my Force sensitivity awakened when I was sixteen."

"Even for people who became mages simply because it was their best way to escape something?"

I pause for just a moment.
"Even then. I didn't know anything about the Force when it awakened within me. It just might be the Force's way of opening a new path for such a person."

She frowns and slumps slightly.
"I don't think I like the Force."

"Well, I can assure you that many societies have developed different views on the Force, and they are rarely wrong. Aside from the Jedi and Sith, but that's a different story. So, if your society has this view on the Force, it is as viable as my take on it. I'm not going to bash your beliefs and claim to know everything better, that is not my intent at all."
I look at her worriedly.
"Did I come across as such?"

She looks at me with what appears to be a mixture of a frown and a pout, and it pulls at my heartstrings more than a cute animal could hope to do.
"You did. You said that you knew that what Terra believes is wrong."

I cast my gaze down, thinking back to where I said something like that.
"Oh no. Where was that? My comment about you viewing magic separate from the people?"

"Yes."

I click my tongue in annoyance at myself.
"Tsk. Then I must have worded that poorly, my apologies. My world knows it to be linked. That is to say, the conclusion we have reached after millennia of study. But at the same time, you people have reached conclusions based on what you have observed. I did not want to tell you you're wrong, and I most certainly didn't want to offend you. It's just... I can see your presence in the Force as clear as day, and the fact that you cannot do the same is stumping me a bit, to be honest. It's almost as if you have a completely different relation to your magic, to the point where your society hasn't even considered it."

"So you're saying that we're both right? How does that make sense?"

"Your magic... is different from mine. I can't really put my finger on it, but this elemental magic you use is not one to one the Force I am familiar with. Your magic comes from the Force, of that I am certain, but it's... different - like different flavours."

I fold my hands in my lap.
"Also, as I said, different societies have found different views on the Force, and all of them were right. The Jedi and Sith saw the Force as black and white - split in the Light side and the Dark side. That is one aspect of the Force. But the Voss, a society bound to their homeworld like yours, viewed the Force like something else entirely. Instead of regular Force users or mages, they have Mystics that receive visions of the future. Special interpreters then deduce the meaning of these visions, and the people act upon them. Their society has absolute faith in their system and their visions, for they had not been wrong once."

I scratch my cheek as I catch myself rambling.
"So, I guess I'm trying to say that the Force has many aspects to it. And just because I have found things to be the way they are, doesn't mean that they are the same for you. Your mileage may vary..."

I glance up at her ruefully. Somehow, I am deeply troubled by the fact that I have upset her. But why is that?

"But then... what is true?"

"I... I'm not certain. The Force is a mystery. I thought I had learned everything about it there is to learn, and then I got whisked away to an unknown world where everything is different. But, if my previous encounters with different beliefs regarding the Force taught me anything, it's that all of them are true, at least to an extend. So, who knows, maybe we'd get closer to uncovering the true extent of the Force by combining and merging our views."

"Okay..."
She sighs.
"To think that there's a place where most people don't get to feel magic..."

I glance away, a bitter expression shadowing over my face.
"They tend to be the happiest people..."

"Huh?"

"Well, Force users tend to be those that get dragged into wars first. Or are the ones to start them..."

"Well, yes, but they also sit in on so many other walks of life. Mages are in the military and lead organizations, yes, but also so much more."

I cast my gaze down.
"I come from a world where everything is geared towards war, for peace was never more than a distant dream... I heard that only the Jedi, who are supposed to be like you and the Mage Knights but failed, have other branches in their order that have non-combative tasks. They are mainly those that are unfit for the way of the blade."

She sighs.
"That seems like a terrible waste to me. Mage-Knights and Combat Mages exist, yes, but they aren't even the only mages involved in readying a kingdom for war, much less all the mages that work to ensure good lives for everyone."

I shrug.
"It is. But I don't exactly know how the Jedi's system works, as they didn't want me to be a part of it. I was trained by the other side, after all. Also, not all Jedi and Sith were instantly used on the frontline. As you said, there are plenty of roles to play that are involved in readying a country for war. But most of them have to make sure to be also somewhat decent a combatant."

"For example, Mage Knights are outnumbered by Research Mages. In fact, that's what you are first."

I nod.
"I heard that's similar for the Jedi, too."

"It takes years from the Fundamental Birth for a student of magic to cast a spell that can main or kill. So all mages are scholars first."

I nod again.
"Indeed. That checks out with what I've been told about the training process in the Jedi order."

"Many never bother to learn how to hurt others formally, as what they intend to do just doesn't involve that in the slightest."

I smile slightly, muttering to myself.
"Must be great to have that choice..."

"I didn't learn to use a blade because I had to. I learned because I wanted to protect people. Those that aren't as brave or don't have that desire to stand in front of a town and in the way of some magical monstrosity can go into one of the many other magical fields, and that your society goes without mages in these critical fields is just... so strange to me."

"Well, they don't. As I was trying to say, there are mages there, too. But because war is more of a certainty than a threat, they are required to learn how to use a blade as well. Or how to use harmful techniques and the like."

"But why? They're more useful to any potential war where they are than in the front line."

"For their own protection. The Jedi and Sith are... or at least were hellbent on each other's total extermination. So, if the Jedi, who were better at concealing this fact, learned to use a blade, they claimed to do so for the sake of protection and self-preservation. Because, chances are, you're going to need it sooner or later."

"Well then... I suppose it helped us that there wasn't ever a situation where mages were more in danger than regular people. There have been opposing sides on the use of magic, but it's rare for one type of magic to try to wipe another out. The closest we got to something like that was VOID, and their only problem with the established magical practices was that there were a few too many limits on their element. But... they are a bit beyond the scope of normal magical politics."

"How so?"

"There is some evidence to suggest that their organization was being coerced by something... otherworldly. We aren't really sure about it, but since then Shadow Magic users have been hunted as thoroughly as the creatures the war spawned. Even they didn't target mages any more than anyone else, though. They were just a part of the kingdoms' fighting forces and economies."

"Hmm. So, this VOID thing was your last war?"
I scratch my cheek.
"I may be good at reading between the lines, but it would be nice to get the full story here."

She opens her mouth, but then the smith chimes in.
"Ready to refit. Get over here."

I stand up in one smooth motion.
"Thank you for your hard work."

"Try these on."

Once more, I do as I am asked.

He looks at the things with a tired, albeit experienced glance and adjusts some of the straps.
"There, good to go. These should fit you fine."

Leanna smiles at him.
"Thank you for making these on such short notice. Here."

She hands him the proffered payment, which he accepts.
"May good days be ahead of you."

"And you. Safe travels."

I nod at the man in thanks.
"I, too, thank you for your work on such short notice. May I offer some sort of... incorporeal compensation?"

He raises an eyebrow.
"Of what sort?"

"You seem exhausted. I can offer to take that exhaustion away. Rejuvenate your spirit, in a sense."

"Not sure I trust that."
He looks to Leanna, who shakes her head slowly.
"Well, if she says you're safe, I won't tell. Give it a go."

I nod with a small smile.
"Thank you for your trust."

I then step up to the man, place a hand on his shoulder and close my eyes. Similar to Leanna yesterday evening, I send a small surge of energy through the man that rejuvenates his energy and takes away the exhaustion. The man suddenly feels well-rested, as if he had a good night's sleep.

"Well, it worked. What do you know."
He smiles slightly.
"If you'll excuse me, I have a few other commissions that need doing."

I open my eyes again and put away my hand.
"Of course. Farewell."

"Thank you for doing this on such short notice."

He nods and leaves.
Leanna lifts the armour and hands it to me.
"Better to carry this for now - you'll be taking it off and putting it on again in a minute."

I effortlessly cradle it in my arms, glancing at the plain but well-worked steel.
"Sure."

"Right, let's grab your robes."

I nod at that and follow her. She leads me back through the village to the tailor.
To be honest, I'm still not exactly thrilled about having to change my robes.

Leanna seems to notice that, though. She smiles at me, a more apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry about that. We'll see how quickly we can move you back into being able to walk in those without suspicious stares."

I shrug.
"I suppose that won't happen anytime soon. Their style is too alien for that, I think. But thank you for trying to cheer me up."

"They will when we get you home."

"Which is why I said 'anytime soon'."

"It'll be sooner than you think. I promise."

I look at her with a small smile.
"That is kind of you. But, you know, I got to think a bit last night..."

"Oh? What about?"

"Why."

She blinks.
"Huh?"

"Why I'm here, to be precise."

"Oh. You don't normally have magical events that displace people for no reason."

"Exactly. I was peacefully meditating on one of our worlds before I came here. And while the technique I tried to gain could have potentially been the reason for the event that brought me here, you confirmed that it was not. So, something else had to be the cause. And, given on what I experienced while I crossed over to here, I believe that there is something I have to solve whilst I stay here."

"You think someone or something brought you here? As in, deliberately?"

I nod.
"Yes. It certainly felt that way."

But it is at that moment that we reach the tailor and enter the shop. We walk up to the register, and Leanna rings the bell. The tailor emerges, looking quite energetic.
"Good morning! We have your robes here. William! Bring them out!"

The small William emerges with a tall set of robes made from plant and animal fibres. They are blue and black with a white trim.
"'Ere you go, mister!"

They seem almost like a local version of my robes. Just without the pauldrons.
I whistle impressed.
"Wow, they really do look good."

I smile at William and the tailor.
"Thank you for such quick work."

The tailor smiles, and William beams excitedly.
"Yeah, we were up all night making them. It was so fun!"

I arc a brow in amusement.
"For having been up all night, you two certainly still seem quite energetic."

He leans in to whisper conspiratorially to the two of us.
"Don't tell mum, but I stayed up past my bedtime to help dad."

His father laughs.

I chuckle.
"Not to worry, your secret is safe with us."

Leanna giggles.
"Yes, you don't need to worry about anything."

She gives the tailor his money, and the smaller tailor a silver coin.
"This one is for you."

His eyes widen as Leanna continues.
"Be sure to make good use of it the next time your parents take you to market."

There is a sharp intake of breath.
"AWESOME!"

I smile warmly at both the boy and Leanna. Something about this scene feels... strangely warm.
The tailor smiles as well and nods in thanks.
"A good day to you, and good travels."

"You too. You deserve it."

"This can buy so much candy!"

Leanna laughs again.
"Don't get too far ahead of yourself, but yes. It can get a little candy."

She gestures to one of the small cubicles in the back, addressing me.
"You can change in there."

I nod at her.
"Thank you."

I then head over to the cubicle in order to change into my new robe.
As previously, it seems to mostly be a version of my robes from a previous technological era. Made from plant fibres and dyes and not quite perfect in several locations, it bears the mark of loving, hand craftsmanship.
There are also borders of white around many of the black trim pieces, difficult to see without close inspection but undoubtedly present. It will hide my scars effectively and be a suitably local form of dress.
Atop that, I don the plate, which is nicely padded to fit perfectly overtop the robes - or underneath in the case of the leg greaves.
I smile in satisfaction. That is much better than expected. Next, I switch the things from my pockets into the new robe. It luckily has a sufficient quantity of pockets.
As I move to stow away my normal robes, I pause in thought. They were a gift from Zash when I was appointed as Darth Imperius, and I've worn them ever since. To now wear something else... feels odd. But eventually, I put them away, too.
Not too long after, I emerge from the cubicle, wearing the new robe and a smile.

Leanna smiles brightly at me.
"You look great, just like a local mage. It suits you. Is it comfortable enough?"

I blush slightly, scratching my cheek, as I return her smile. Why do I have to blush, though? That hasn't happened in a long time...
"Thank you. And yes, it's quite comfortable to wear."

"Good. It wouldn't do for you to be stuck somewhere without a good change of clothes. I would not be able to tolerate that."

I chuckle.
"Good to know. But to be honest, I expected worse."

I then look at the tailor.
"However, your dedication and skill in your craft are tangible. This is fine quality, I thank you for this fine robe. Even though my friend paid you plenty for your work, is there something that I could offer as my thanks for doing this on such short notice?"

"No no. We've been given quite enough."

"I could offer to rejuvenate your energy, but you don't seem to be tired in the slightest..."

He shakes his head.
"Truly, it is alright."

He blinks and glances at Leanna at those words. She shakes her head.
"Perhaps it is unwise to make such claims, foreigner. I bid you good day."

I hesitate but ultimately nod my head.
"Alright, if you say so, then I will take your word for it. I can only offer my thanks in that case."

"Of course. May my work serve you well."

"I am certain it will. Farewell."

He waves, and we depart. The sun is rising as we enter the streets again, golden light once more streaming over the horizon, heralding the dawn of a new day.
Once we're outside, I turn to Leanna.
"Okay, once was a fluke, twice is a trend. Why did they turn to look at you like that, and more importantly, what did the tailor mean with the claims I make?"

"Xerath, what is healing magic like in your galaxy?"

I shrug, unsure how to answer that. What is she going for?
"Well, it's the energy of the Force... used to heal?"

"Are there other ways, or is that good enough?"

"Well, there is medicine and such, if that's what you mean?"

"I suppose that's close enough. On Terra, Earth magic is used to heal, along with various remedies involving less magic. Surgeons and mages work together. Healing with Earth magic is a matter similar to the more physical methods - you find what is wrong and stitch it back together. There is another way, however."
She frowns.
"If you practice Shadow magic, you can just heal. Funnel energy into a person with the intent to mend their injuries, and for a much higher magic input you can mend an injury you don't understand."

I tilt my head.
"That about sums up what I do, yes. But you make it sound like it's bad."

"Well, Shadow magic is generally known as a corruptive force when used by humans - and it's illegal. The last major faction to make use of Shadow magic was VOID, and their entire goal was the destruction of the kingdoms in favour of a new magocracy."

I cross my arms.
"Interesting. Well, where I'm from, the pious Jedi Order has healers that use the same principle of Force heal. Their energy is purer, in a way, but the principle is the same."

"Really? Because as far as we've managed to discover the Shadow magic that heals is the same kind of thing that... reanimates."

I arc a brow at that.
"'Reanimates'?"

"Do you not have necromancers in your galaxy?"

"Necro- no. On the other hand, how does that reanimation work?"

"Well, someone puts Shadow magic into a body under specific spell constraints with the desire to animate it."

"Yes, but what is the result that comes out of it?"

"Something brought back to life as an unliving puppet under the control of the mage."
She shivers slightly.
"It's a very dark form of magic."

I shiver as well.
"Okay, that sounds absolutely sinister. Quite different from the form of reviving I know..."

"It's the same sort of magic that Shadow practitioners use to heal, so most people don't trust it."

"Understandable. However, there is one thing I don't quite understand."

"Which is?"

"These shadow mages of VOID were bad people, from what I heard so far. Raising the dead as puppets is absolutely awful. However, that is not the fault of the magic, is it? In the end, everything depends on the intent of the caster, doesn't it? Some tools make it easier to harm others, but if the intent is there, one could use anything. So, you outlawed shadow magic because bad people used it for bad stuff - or was it outlawed even before?"

"Yes, but Shadow magic is an enabling force. More so than any other element, it facilitates atrocity."

I arc a brow.
"And you know that because you've studied it?"

"The people that utilize it have found it easier to maim and destroy than those practicing the other elements."

"Well, that is because their source is more suited to destruction - if my hypothesis is correct. If I'm right, then this shadow magic draws strength from the Dark side, and such techniques are usually more fitted for combat, more fitted to destroy. However, my point remains. Not the tool is the problem, but the wielder. You can kill someone with a sword, but you can do the same with a fork. Are you going to ban forks now?"

"No, because forks are used to eat. We don't ban the other elements because they are integral to our society. While healing is harder with Earth magic, it is not impossible, so we do without."

I frown. This sounds uncomfortably much like I stumbled into another Jedi society, after all. Just when I thought they might be better...
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that you live in fear of shadow magic."

"We do. It has been used properly before by some, the consistent pattern is one of trying to destroy things."

"You see, the Jedi once had the same stance. They thought that the Dark side makes it easier to hurt and is thus evil. Do you know where that led them?"

"I don't know if this is the same thing. What is your 'dark side' useful for?"

"It led to outright genocide, and several centuries' worth of war."

She looks down but I continue, blinking as I register her question.
"The Dark side... is power. The strength that allows people to break their shackles. It is the strength born from powerful emotions, like passion, or fear. I admit that it is often used for evil deeds, yes. But that is the result of the Sith's society, not because their power is evil."

"That's a description. What does it do? How is it different from the 'light side'?"

I blink again.
"Well... they are two sides of the same coin. As such, the things you can do are somewhat similar. That is to say, almost everything. We don't have this categorisation like elemental magic, after all. But if I had to name some things that are unique to the Dark side, it's Force lightning. I've never seen a Jedi use it, only Sith. But other than that, it's mostly the same, with a slight difference in how things get done."

"I think the problem here is that Terran magic works differently. Each form of magic has specific things it can affect directly. Fire, for example, is about the manipulation of heat and flames."

"And shadow has the supernatural aspect you don't fully understand yet. Correct?"

"You can do a lot of things with Fire magic, but only things that involve heat and flames. The same with Shadow. Shadow magic is a matter of light levels, but we believe it is also the element of ephemera. Its power is over the heart and mind, which - yes - are not well understood, but the effects one can achieve with Shadow magic are quite comprehensible."

"Well, if it is the power over heart and mind, then it should be able to help lift spirits and raise the hearts."

"Shadow magic is still practiced by a select few in an academic environment, but to build with this magic is not well understood. Destruction, however, comes naturally. To raise morale with Shadow magic as you suggest can be done, but is restricted to those who have mastered the art - and mastery requires practice, and missteps. To break a mind, or chain it, however? That is easy. The mind is a delicate thing, and studying it through Shadow magic has proven both costly and unethical."

I frown deeply.
"You condemn the tool for the intent of the user. Yes, the Dark side is the embodiment of destruction, as much as the Light side is the embodiment of life. Chaos and order. Two sides of the same coin. Two sides, that coexist in balance. It is easy for people to fall under the influence of the Dark side, that much is true. But only because these people either want to use this destructive power, or because they lack the knowledge to balance the darkness out. Fire can burn people. Water can drown. Earth can beat and bury. Wind can suffocate and blow away. If a mage wants to do harm, they will always find a way."

She pauses.
"You don't understand. I can use wind magic to create lightning. Lightning can kill. I did not need to practice lightning on people to become good at it.
In olden times, the kingdoms used Shadow mages for morale. Not only is that seen with general moral repugnance today, but it required training. Dozens of prisoners to be used and broken in so many different ways so a student could learn his craft, learn what breaks a man so these delicate triggers can be avoided.
For the gift of using Shadow magic to help people, that is the price. For the gift of healing the body and mind, you must be intimately aware of how to tear it apart. The other elements, more detached from the ephemera of humanity and life, may be trained with an empty field and a sample of your chosen slice of the world."

I put a hand to my chin.
"Hmm... perhaps that is the price you pay for your separation."

Her voice is impassioned.
"That is the price that is paid for Shadow magic."

I arc a brow.
"Power always has a price."

"And this price is one we are unwilling to pay."

I nod.
"Understandable."

"Besides. The mind is a sanctuary, and to effect change upon it, it is understood that it must be accessed. Played with. To put your faith in the hands of the caster that they will not alter you."

"However, I still disagree with you, and I'm tempted to learn this shadow magic simply to prove you wrong. But I do see your point, and I have to admit that I still know much too little about your forms of magic, so I shouldn't jump to conclusions so quickly."

She nods.
"Go ahead. As long as you don't hurt anyone, I see no problem. You seem like a good person who had to deal with people that said something similar."

"Yeah... Even then, though, Jedi are also able to alter the mind with their Light sided methods and teachings... I wonder how that plays into this."

She winces.
"That is... unsettling."

I nod, slowly, in agreement.
"Yeah..."

Then I look at her softly, mellowed out.
"Just... promise me not to get too hard in your fear of shadow magic. Fear leads to hatred, and hatred leads to the Dark side. The Jedi often said that. But ironically enough, their fear of the Dark side led them straight to be blinded by it as well. I... I'd hate it if the same were to happen to you... and your society."

"However, I would point out that Shadow magic still has applications when in a controlled environment. I don't know exactly what they do, but the Academy employs a few. The selection process is... strenuous, and unlike others, they cannot step into a battlefield role except to battle opposing Shadow mages. I can protect myself and a few others, but to guard an army takes a Shadow mage. If I had to guess, though, it would be simply keeping the tradition alive. If Shadow magic were forgotten, only to be rediscovered... the results would likely be disastrous."

I nod.
"Indeed. You cannot fight what you do not understand."

"No, you can't. For now, however, the horrors of Shadow magic are fresh in the minds of many people. Legions of undead, nightmare fire, bolts of pain, cities scorched from the map. The dangers of Shadow magic taken to the extreme."

"That's understandable. But still... that you shun an aspect of the Force like that... it reminds me too much of my origin. And if the Sith are any indication for Dark side users, then I'd be on the lookout. Without official institutions that sanction shadow magic, those that want to learn it... will find other ways."

"They will. But unlike in your galaxy, there are limitations. You've neglected crystals."

"Oh, right. A caster would need a... shadow crystal, I presume?"

"Yes. While extracting a sphere is something any knowledgeable mage could do, there are two main bottlenecks. The first is finding a deposit, and the second is purifying it into a crystal sphere."

"I see... but yesterday, you mentioned Transmutation - the school of taking something and changing it to something else. Couldn't it be possible to take an elemental crystal and change the charge it holds to a different element?"

"Oh, that. You can do that - it's called tainting, and you need Shadow magic for it. Returns are high - in the form of unstable tainted spheres. Even before the war, creating tainted spheres was outlawed."

"I see... To conclude, I can understand your reasons, but the outlawing of shadow magic is a prime ground for inviting disaster."
I shrug.
"Who knows, maybe that's why I'm here?"

"It's one of the things that made VOID so dangerous, but again, it requires mastery that takes costly effort to acquire. Without that mastery, towns can be destroyed by accident."

"Oh? That sounds like quite the destructive, condensed energy."

"These accidents will happen if you intend to train people on tainted spheres. Oversight... never really worked."

"Then... maybe, you haven't found the right training method, then? Perhaps that is something I could help with?"
I shake my head.
"But I'm getting too far ahead of myself here. First of all, we should start to move, shouldn't we?"

"Yes, we should."

We make our way to the gates as the village rapidly comes to life. We don't run into too many people on the street. Although the shops aren't open yet, I can see the shopkeepers busy prepping for the day.

I smile at her.
"We sure lost track of time there, huh?"
I'm not sure what it is, but I find it quite easy to talk with her.

"A little."

Dawn is still emerging, however. So not too much time was lost in our somewhat heated debate.
As we walk through the town, I take note of the people roaming around, and how the majority of them seem armed.
"Say, Leanna, don't combat mages usually have a sword with them as well?"

"Some do, not all. Why?"

"Because I assume that you wouldn't want me to go flourishing my lightsaber around, do you?"

She frowns.
"Not really. Are you suggesting I get you a sword?"

"Also, I've got to think a bit. I decided to view my stay here as an excursion - an opportunity to learn new knowledge and train new skills. And while I am quite confident in my casting abilities, this would be an excellent opportunity to further hone my sword fighting and see how well my lightsaber techniques translate to metal swords."

"And a blade would help with that. Do you have one from your galaxy that would be familiar to you?"

I scratch my cheek.
"To be honest, I wouldn't want to ask for that - you already gave me so much after all. If it is a simple sword, I could conjure one myself."

As her question registers, I blink.
"Come again?"

"Do you have an idea of what kind of weapon you would want?"

"Ah, of course. Well, either a one-and-half hander or a double-blade. I mean, I suppose I could theoretically also use a heavy two-hander, but I don't think they fit my style..."

"There would be the consideration of weight you don't normally have. Weight is momentum. I imagine that light saber doesn't really care about that."

"Not really. The weight lies in the handle."
Though weight would not be an issue for me. Not going to tell her that, however.

"Thought so. Are there materials it struggles to cut through as a result?"

"There are some, yes. But they are few, and one is rarer than the next."

"I wonder if they could be more easily cut by something that had a little more weight to it."

"No, because they block the lightsaber's ray. Or do you mean if they could be cut by a normal blade?"

"Yes, that's the thought. Lightsabers seem to avoid the typical formula of bladed weapons: the closest analogue to them would probably be fire. It doesn't matter how fast you swing a torch at something, the thing will melt the same way. There is no normal way to add extra force to a lightsaber's blow."

"Somewhat. While on principle that is correct, applying extra force does come in handy when fighting another lightsaber wielder."

"So it is firmly useless against materials stronger than the blade. The person behind the blade is irrelevant in its hitting power."
She blinks.
"Wait, the weapon of pure energy does not pass through another?"

I shake my head.
"No."

"Why not? Air doesn't need to be cut."

"It's based on their working principle. While the blade is technically made out of energy, it also has some solid properties to it. Although, there is a certain type of crystals that can cause a lightsaber to not have a collision with another lightsaber. But they are rare and even rarer used."

"I suppose a warrior culture devoted to blades even when other options are available wouldn't like their nice sparring matches to devolve into 'he who swings first'."

I chuckle.
"Yeah, that could get problematic. Also would make it difficult to deflect blasterfire."

"Blasters?"
She thinks a moment.
"Are those like dischargers?"

"Oh, they're energy guns. Most use compressed gas to fire superheated plasma bolts."
I shrug.
"Well, going by the name, I'd assume that those dischargers are similar."

"Yeah. Them and handcannons, along with older bows and crossbows fill our ranged weapons - all of which have disciples among the ranks of Mage Knights. Less so for handcannon though - those thundering things only got here recently from cultural exchange with the dwarves. But dischargers are probably the most similar thing to blasters we have. They fire blasts of elemental energy with effects depending on the loaded sphere."

I arc a brow in interest. Blasters that fire Force energy?
"Oh?"

"Actually, for whatever reason, dischargers are the only type of war-oriented Shadow magic use still permitted - if only technically. They're definitely one of the best all-around discharger types, and since royal rangers that used them played a role in stopping VOID, they've been allowed to stay around. But they're mostly for elite royal troops and whatever mercenaries can get their hands on the expensive things."

"I see... That is interesting, but I was hoping you'd tell me about the different effects of the different elements?"

"Well, wind is slicing or electric shot, fire burns, water pierces using solid ice, earth strikes and is good at tearing at fortifications, and shadow hits the person themselves - interrupting their mind."

"Fascinating."

"I actually like dischargers, because they show a good future. The people that use them generally aren't mages, and the weapons are designed to fire for anyone. A mechanical trigger for a magical effect."

"Fascinating indeed. I'd like to analyse one closely, given the chance. Maybe there are some design ideas incorporated that I could apply to our blaster designs as well."

"Do 'Force users' use weapons like that back in your galaxy?"

"Usually not. Blasters are more for... everyone else. Force users tend to stick to lightsabers."

"That seems extremely limiting."

"Sometimes, it is. But oftentimes, it's not really needed."
I arch a brow.
"Or do you carry a discharger with you?"

She gestures at the sword at her hip.
"I might not look like one to talk, but Mage Knights are encouraged to learn more weapons in order to deal with other situations. Thousands of years ago, sword and sorcery was fine, but now? I'm almost at the stage where I should start working with a new one. I'm not quite sure what it will be, though."

"Oh? How interesting."
I then shrug.
"Well, in my experience, a highly specialised warrior is able to handle any situation that might get thrown at him."

"I'm already highly specialized. I just have the chance to pick up more specializations."

I smile in remembrance.
"I once witnessed how a close friend of mine defeated an entire enemy army on his own. Soldiers, and even heavy armour. Nothing was enough."
I'll never forget how A'den tore through the entire Ulgo assault army single-handedly back on Alderaan.

"Really? Either he was really good, or the army was really bad."

"Well, I'd say that he is the single most deadly warrior in the galaxy, so I'd go for the first one."

"Usually it's a bit of both, though. Heroes may have broken the power of VOID at Treval Forest, but the king's rangers are the ones that killed the Primarch. The rangers were created to kill VOID mages, and they were good at it. Perhaps your galaxy just needs an understanding of how to defeat them?"

"Oh, there are warriors that are perfectly capable of killing Force users. They're called Mandalorians, and they're a warrior culture. It just so happens that my friend is one of them."

"That's interesting. But that shouldn't mean the tactics used are any less valid should they be at play. Is his list of abilities different as a result of such heritage?"

"Not really. But his skill and mindset certainly are."

"Indeed, but that doesn't change much except a style of fighting."

"You're right, it doesn't. And yet, he is practically untouchable."

"For what reason?"

"Because he is undefeated? To be honest, I have no idea how he does it, but it seems as if nothing can catch him unaware. It's absolutely thrilling to watch him fight."

"Is it a pericognitive danger sense?"

"Peri-? Well, something like that, I suppose. Every Force user worth his money has an ability called precognition, which allows us to sense incoming dangers before they occur. Of course, most are still limited by their ability to react in time and can still get overwhelmed."

"And does your galaxy also possess methods to subvert such a sense?"

"Subverting it? Not really. At least, not as far as I am aware."

"I'll show you in a bit. It's a wind magic skill, a siren's cloud. We need to deal with pericognitive entities from time to time."

"Oh? Well, consider my curiosity peaked. I am interested to see if that can go past my senses."
Then, I blink, followed by a sigh.

"What is it?"

"We totally got carried away again."

"Did we? We've been walking, haven't we?"

Indeed, we now approach the gate.
"Well, yeah, but we still drifted away from the original topic of swords. I would have liked to hear your opinion on that matter, after all."

"Hold on a bit. If you want to create them, that's good for us."

Leanna smiles and walks up to the gate. She is greeted by a frowning guardsman.
"I'm sorry, but this road is closed."

Then he inspects her again.
"You're a Mage-Knight? He a mage too?"

She nods.
"In training. Not wearing a manipulator right now for safety reasons. We need to reach Illumia."

She gestures to the fields.
"Why is the road closed?"

"High levels of bandit activity. Even for you, ma'am, we suggest you wait for reinforcements."

She frowns.
"We can't stay."

He sighs.
"Alright, I open for a knight of Havengarde. May you not be horribly disembowelled, yadda yadda yadda."

Leanna rolls her eyes, but smiles in thanks, and the two of us step through the gate. I nod at the guard in passing.

Once we're back on the familiar dirt path, I take one last look at Meadowhill Village as a gust of wind picks up and rustles my hair before refocusing on the road ahead of me.
Our trek along the path is peaceful. The forest gradually awakens with birdsong and the scuttling of woodland animals. Being used to hostile fauna I glance at every rustle of the leaves prepared to strike at any predator.
Leanna, though, seems unfazed. Her eyes routinely survey her surroundings.

"So, swords."

Somehow, the thought of her getting hurt sits wrong with me. So, as soon as we are out of earshot, I speak up.
"I promise that no harm will come to you."

She smiles at me.
"Your promise is appreciated, though not everyone has been the best with promises."

The gold in her core flickers with something.
"I intend to give you the benefit of the doubt, though."

I glance down.
"Yeah, I get that. I know that feeling..."

Then, I look back at her, flashing her a determined expression coupled with a warm smile.
"But you have my word. And my word is law, after all. I'd rather die than break a promise."

She looks uneasy at that.
"Any promise?"

"Any promise. I do not lie, and I never break my word. Those are the tenets I live by. Or, at least some of them."

"Promises are then, though. Now can be different. To live with promises that must be held to... well, let's look at your promise just now. What does it mean to break your word there?"

"I will not."

"So if we ended up in a situation where I had to be harmed, what would you do?"

"I wouldn't allow it."
I scratch my cheek.
"Unless, of course, getting harmed is what you want? In that case, I wouldn't want to go over your own will. Though I'd feel guilty, I assume..."

"Like if I turned out to be someone you would rather destroy, or if some monster attacked us that demanded a peculiar toll. I promised a long time ago that my life would be dedicated to making mischief. Where would I be if that word was law?"

I blink.
"Oh, you too?"

"Promises can be good, but I don't think they're supposed to be followed to the letter like that, at least in the case of absolute promises the like ones we're discussing."
She blinks owlishly as she registers my interjection.
"Whu-"

"Well, if there was some monster, I'd either persuade it or destroy it."
I chuckle at her reaction, then smile warmly.
"If you'd turn out to be someone I'd rather destroy, then something would be very wrong with me. Also, my promise was mainly meant as assurance because of the bandits."

Then, I glance away, face falling as my thoughts begin to drift.
"And trust me, I am quite aware of the... burden such absolute promises can have..."

She steps into my vision. She's so close and doesn't seem to care.
"Xerath, I'm sorry I did that... I was just worried. In my experience, people making promises like that on no uncertain terms... they die. They die beautiful and preventably heroic deaths. I don't want to be the cause of another one, regardless of the reason."

I pause and take a step back, shocked and blushing. A moment passes where I am frozen, then I relax my posture again and smooth out my expression.
"Your concern is... appreciated, but unwarranted. I can assure you that I cannot die."

She still looks worried... for me. How could anyone worry for me, let alone to the extent that they would spend such emotional energy on my knowably unstoppable physical well-being? She knows I'm powerful enough and spent this time anyway.
She wears the face of one who is choosing to care yet again after caring wounded her again and again. Choosing to care for someone she barely knows, and after a few months at most will likely never see again.
Even if she's only doing this because it's what she does... who else in my life has done this for me?

"I know you're confident. I just want to be sure you'll be okay."

Only one single name comes to mind...
I gaze into her eyes, overcome by emotions. It is at this moment that I make a silent vow to protect this woman with all my might.
"I... thank you, Leanna. I will be fine. I know for a fact that nothing on this planet poses a threat to me, after all."

She steps back, satisfied.
"That helps. Thank you."

She offers a smile. I return that smile with a gentle one myself.
"You truly are special..."

She blushes.
"What? Where did that come from?"

"You care very deeply about people... don't you?"
An 'about me' hovers unspoken in the air, as I do not dare voice it out loud.

"I mean... yes, but don't a lot of people?"

I shake my head.
"No. Not to such a degree. I know a lot of people, and not a single one would have acted as selflessly as you had, as trusting to a complete stranger. You are special. At least to me- err, at least as I can see."

"Uhhhh... okay? You're welcome?"
She doesn't seem to know how to handle this, skimming by it instead and searching for a distraction.

"Poi?"
Luckily for her, one presents itself.

"Ah, welcome back, little friend."

"Pango? Is that you?"

The little blue fellow bounces up to us with a smile.
"Poi!"

He cuts through the tension like a hot knigh- knife through butter - though it remains unresolved.
Well, no point dwelling on it if it makes her uncomfortable. Instead, I hold out my hand for the pango to jump on.
"Want to accompany us some more? Though I'm afraid I don't have any more energy surrounding me for you to eat."

The pango bounces into my arms.
"Poi poi!"

Leanna reaches over and gives him a scratch.
"Aww..."

The pango smiles, seemingly content to soak up what energy slips through my grasp.
I then move my hand towards my shoulder.
"Maybe you want to try a new position?"

The pango blinks.
"Poi?"

He rolls onto it, then looks out from his domain.
"Poi!"

From there, he hops up onto my head.

I chuckle in response.
"Hey, that wasn't part of the deal."

I feel the cold blob shift about on my head, while Leanna chuckles. I look over at her.
"Hm? What's he doing?"

"Nothing. He's just so happy!"
She beams up at the pango.

"Really? Then I'm glad."
And so, to walking we return.

"Soo, swords?"

"I feel like we've gotten a bit off track, yes. You said you wanted a bastard sword, right?"

"Yeah, it seems like I kind of interrupted you back then. I apologise for that, by the way."

"No worries."

"A bastard sword? Oh, you mean a two-hander? No, that was what I didn't want. Not my style."

"No, that's not what bastard sword means. A hand and a half sword. And even then, there are different types of two-handers."

"Ah. Yes, well, like my lightsaber, which is mainly a one-hander, but is large enough to be able to be held by two hands."

"Though I suppose the distinction between some sword types is lost when your swords are infinitely light."

"Well, it's not like we don't have any kinetic swords at all, because we do. We call them vibroblades."

"Why is that? They vibrate?"

"Precisely. They vibrate at a supersonic frequency, adding much more cutting power. It also allows them to be somewhat resistant against lightsabers, to a limited degree."

"Okay. So, since you're going to be creating a weapon yourself from thin air, maybe we should consider more specific things. For starters, what's it made out of?"

"Well, I don't know. I'd go with a metal that is common for you so that my sword doesn't become as obviously special. But I haven't really gotten a good look at any sword, aside from yours, which is rather special, right?"

"Well, I'm sure you're aware of Transteel, having seen it. There aren't many blade mages that use lesser metals, though some are more interesting than others. The initial mix of steel matters, you know."

"For your processes, that is undoubtedly true. So, it would be fine if I'd copy your sword's alloy?"

"And if you're going to go with our method, so will yours. And yes, it's alright if you copy my metal."

"No, I'm not. Or at least that wasn't my plan?"

"Maybe without the platinum filigree, though. That implies you're a bit higher on the hierarchy."

I smirk.
"Well, I am the highest in the hierarchy there is. Just not in the local one. Yet."

She smiles, effectively ignoring my remark.
"Well, what are you interested in putting on your blade then?"

I ponder her question for a moment.
"Hmm... perhaps I can carry over the engravings of my lightsaber."

"Transmutation is about bringing forth the best traits of each component, so a lot of normally decorative metals have interesting uses in a Transteel alloy."

"Well, I'd love to see that in action, some time."

"A good example is gold, actually. Gold does not rust or corrode, so a lot of Transteel blades have at least a bit to stave off environmental wear and tear. I also happen to know from experience that it conducts lightning quite well."

I shrug.
"Most metals do."

She smirks at that statement.

"And yes, that is the principle of metallurgy. Though I assume that you have interwoven magic into the creation process."

"Yes. It's quite interesting, but I fear discussing it will take us off track again."

"Indeed. Which is why I said that I'd like to see it 'some time'. But anyway, should I tell you something?"

"If you want to?"

I smile at her.
"I somehow don't mind it if our conversations go off-track."

She smiles back.
"I'm glad you enjoy it. So, let's see. I still want to help you here, though, and that means getting you a special metal for your weapon. How comfortable do you think you'll be with a heavy weapon? Not like a longsword, same length but with more weight to it."

"I wouldn't worry about the weight, though the different centre of weight will need some adjustment on my part."

"Balance is a part of any weapon. And if weight isn't much of an issue, we might be able to get you something a bit exotic but still quite precedented."

"Oh? What do you have in mind?"

"Iron is a metal that shares a name between our languages... I wonder how far that will go. Do you know what Osmium is?"

"Yes."

"Alright, so we'll use its stability and weight to start out."

I blink as I realise what she has planned.
"Oh. This might actually be a challenge."

"Next, silver. It has a nice mirror sheen and conducts electricity - which you use, if I am correct - but tarnishes easily. This will be counterbalanced by aluminium, which provides its corrosion properties and unique strength. A little gold to taste, and a carbon steel core to imprint on, and we have the basis for a very nice Transteel alloy."

"Hmm..."
I put a hand to my chin.
"That's... rather difficult, I have to admit."

She smiles.
"Oh? Well, a challenge should be good for you. This one seems fairly benign, after all. Make a good metal imitating the style of the world you are on."

"I do not know how these metals work together in an alloy, as such I don't have its molecular connection memorised. I can theoretically run some simu- err, I could calculate how they should possibly behave, but even then it'd be a difficult process."

"And since this isn't just an alloy, there's an extra layer of challenge for you."

I arc a brow.

"Yes, they are mixed together, but part of what makes transteel Transteel is that magic is used to bind these properties into a single, uniform material."

I sigh. This won't do.

"Conventional forging techniques couldn't make my blade - at least, not conventional forging techniques native to this planet."

"You're right, they probably couldn't. However, I sorely lack information about the forging process you speak of. That, in combination with the unknown alloy to begin with, leaves me with a whole lot of variables. At this point, me trying to reproduce the process would lead to an amateurish try at something that should be a useful metal."

"Alright, if you don't feel up to it you can copy my metal. I'm sure it will serve you well."

"Well, let me ask you, how do you assume my power works? My power of creation, that is."

"Well, I haven't really seen it yet, so I thought to test it."

"You've seen me making that coin. Which you didn't like."

"Yes, because it would cause inflation."

"But that aside, do you want me to tell you? Because I have to admit, what you asked of me with that test goes beyond my capabilities."

"How so?"

"My power works in tandem with my vision. I can see the very atoms and molecules that make up our world. The building blocks of matter, so to speak. And with my power, I can alter these molecules, rewriting their information."

Her eyes glaze over slightly.
"Okay?"

"So, for example, I can turn a set of air molecules into those that compose a metal coin. But that only worked, because I exactly knew the composition of said metal coin. I basically copied the set of atoms that forms the coin and put it into the air. That's how I created the coin yesterday."

"I don't really understand what you said, but basically you turn air into things because you know what they look like?"

I nod.
"Basically yes. However, you just asked me to take a group of elements, and throw them together in a way I do not know, so they create a new set of molecules that I also don't know."

"Okay, so you can only really copy things?"

"I can also experiment with stuff, but it's several times harder. And to produce something usable adds another factor to that. Thing is, I need to know how the finished alloy looks like on a molecular level. The more insight I have in the forging process, the better I can estimate how the different base elements will behave, but since I have no information on your forging process, that is one huge unknown."

"Well, that's alright. You'll only need a decent one, after all."

"Well, your challenge to me was to recreate the steel alloy you use, based on the elements you mentioned earlier. And that challenge goes beyond the scope of my current control."

"I meant you can just copy mine if you don't feel up to it."

"Yeah, you said so earlier."

"So, is that what you want to do?"

"I think I'll go with that, then. Using your alloy."

"Alright. What about its shape?"

"Well, a blade of about the same length as my lightsaber. But depending on which style I'd prefer to use, a thinner or a thicker blade would both work well."
I smirk as an idea forms.
"Actually, I have an idea in mind..."

She arcs a delicate brow curiously.
"Oh?"

My smirk continues.
"Yeah. Lemme just..."

I close my eyes and even out my face in concentration.
"...focus, for a moment."

I stop walking and hold out an arm in front of me, and slowly, a metal shape takes form. It's a long and somewhat thick one and a half hander sword with a simple crossguard. Copper engravings line the broad sides, and a sort of ring forms the pommel, which is made of the same brown metal as my lightsaber. After a minute or two, a finished sword floats before us.

She looks impressed.
"That looks very nice. And it looks like it works, which is more important."

I grab it and take a test swing.
"Actually, it looking the part is more important. I could have gone with some metal or alloy of my world, but it would be quite... otherworldly. For all accounts, I could beat people with a wooden stick."

"But should you?"

"No. Hence a sword that convincingly could be from this world."

"Alright."

Then, I smirk again.
"But you haven't seen the most impressive part yet."

"Don't you need a way to store it though?"

Triggering a hidden mechanism, the blade splits in the middle down to the handle and swings around the ring, locking into the opposite direction. The handle extends again so that a perfect grip can be maintained. I now effectively hold a double-bladed sword.

She looks surprised.
"What is that?"

"A double-bladed sword. Functioned after my lightsaber. It has a similar mechanism like that."

"It does?"

In response, I float the newly created blade a bit away from me and pull out my lightsaber, igniting the black blade with its blue light. Holding it out in front of me, I also trigger a hidden mechanism there, which causes the hilt to extend in length from inside until it's effectively twice as long. Then, I ignite a second blade.

"That seems extremely dangerous."

"Hm? How so?"

"Well, how do you normally control it?"

Making sure that there is enough room between us, I twirl my double lightsaber around myself in a series of rapid and well-practised spins and strikes.

"I still feel like part of the learning process here is injuring yourself."

"Well, sword training always hurts, doesn't it? And a trainee never gets to work with a lightsaber from the get-go anyway. There are training swords for that purpose."

"Yes, but isn't that way more dangerous than a sword by design?"

"Well, not to worry, no one decapitated itself by accident yet wielding such a sword."

She frowns.
"That's a pretty low bar isn't it?"

I roll my eyes.
"In other words, no one has maimed or harmed himself with a dual saber. People that use them have sufficient training with a training sword for that purpose beforehand. But for an opponent, it's very dangerous, yes."

"Alright, I'll take your word for it."

There is a pause.

I deactivate the blades with a satisfying sound, and the handle retracts in itself.
"Besides, as I mentioned, any Force user that even considers using such a blade is following the path of the blade, and as such also has heightened training for awareness and precognition."

I then put the lightsaber away and let the sword float back into my grip.
"However, based on your reaction, weapons like this are unknown to you?"

"They're rare. Quarterstaffs and glaives don't see much use. Also, do you mean pericognition?"

"Well, based on what I know so far about your magic society, we could very well mean the same result but have different means to achieve it. But, then I should probably not use the transforming feature of this sword, should I?"

"Yes, that would be very strange. As for precognition... it's impossible to see the future."

"The Voss would like to disagree."

"Oh? Isn't it the way of people to use the information on the present to predict the future? Or is the ability to simulate the future another thing unique to Terra?"

"Not quite. Assuming what will happen is a regular thing, some are better at this than others. But precognition is a sense in the Force. It mostly describes a sense of incoming danger. Some Force users also experience visions through the Force that can depict a possible future, but Jedi are rather wary of it. The Voss, however, who view the Force completely different to the Jedi and Sith, have a unique ability to receive visions of the future that are never wrong. What they say will happen, will happen."

"Well, let's compare that to pericognitives. They sense the area around themselves - said area depends on their capabilities - and can make a prediction of the future based on that sense. They too tend to be right unless tampered with. While there are no human pericognitives on record, we have gotten enough chances to test with creatures that are. If we're talking about the same thing, then there might be interesting consequences, since we've found that while predicting the future is an extremely powerful tool, it can be defeated if you know what you're doing. Case and point, a siren's cloud."

I fold my new sword back into the original form while creating a scabbard that follows the design of the robe, then put it away on my hip.
"Interesting. I'm curious to see how that ability of yours would fare against my precognition."

"Alright, let's give it a go."

She takes a step back, and her gauntlet begins to glow. It takes a few seconds, but I quickly sense what she is doing - electrifying the air. My senses prickle in response but don't detect any immediate danger. Then, she finishes, and my senses seem to dull slightly, as I get the feeling that an attack could come from anywhere at any time.
"Interesting."

Then, a bolt of lightning snaps into existence with no warning, passing by me with inches to spare thanks to my extraordinary reflexes.
"Interesting indeed."

She dismisses her spell.
"Pericognitives are very good at predicting things, so one of the ways we looked into to defeat them was to find something that couldn't be predicted - at least not easily."

"Yes, I can see that. If one were foolhardy enough to only hone this kind of danger sense, this would be an immediate loss."

"Turns out, some very small things are almost impossible to predict, so a siren's cloud works by taking those tiny and unpredictable but normally irrelevant things and amplifying their effects on the world we see. By severing our intent from the magic and letting the randomness at the bottom of the world decide where to strike, a danger sense must either provide no warning or determine that the very air is passively dangerous. And a siren's cloud will follow the entity it is cast on."

"Quite the fascinating technique you developed there, I must admit."

"Well, I'm told it took generations of work to get it right, but when fighting opponents that can predict the future like that... you spend a lot of effort trying to find a counter."

"Indeed."

"Once the cloud is set up, not only is there something in the arena that can strike at them with no warning, but we've found that the cloud also dulls their senses to other attacks - though your mileage may vary depending on the creature in question."

"I can confirm that. Once the cloud was in place, it felt like an attack could come from anywhere."

"Okay, then we are probably talking about the same thing."

"Either that, or it has the same effect on my senses as well. At this point, both are possible."

"Indeed. A precognitive sense where there is more than one future could also be messed up by exposure to something violently married to the concept of multiple possible futures."

I nod.
"Precisely."

"But either way, I won't do that again unless you ask for it. It's clear that a siren's cloud is quite distressing to pericognitives."

"It was a bit disorienting, yes, but nothing I couldn't handle. Or dispel. But thank you for your concern."
I give her a small smile.

"On the other hand, your galaxy is full of peris that up until now had no counterplay other than being one yourself - or just providing them with no out."

I nod again.

"All of a sudden, you now have an idea of how to deal with them. I wonder what will happen?"

I shrug.
"It's not like anyone poses a threat to me, anyway. This would just be another tool amidst my vast amount of possibilities."

She smirks.
"I'm sure you'll never use it for mischief - and certainly never to strip someone of a basic ability they think is the Force's desire to see them through any challenge."

"Also, the thing is, every Force user I have ever met does have this precognition to a certain degree. And since your technique is magic-based, it won't change all too much, since it wouldn't be a tool for the common person."

I blink as I register her sentence.
"Yes, you're right. These powers represent a massive responsibility - I may never use them lightly upon others."

"Which is unfortunate - but it does depend on a physical process. Depending on what exactly your technology can do, you might be able to use this idea for something."
She then nods as well.
"Good."

"Well, at the very least this acts as proof that there are ways to mess with precognition, and as such future generations should be trained to not only rely on it. Of course, it's already discouraged to do so, and many that only rely on it meet their end eventually, but still. I mean, we also have our little tricks to try out against precognition, like masking our intent and things like that. And some techniques - usually more found on the Dark side, though there are also some the Jedi use - focus more on clouding an opponent's senses."

"Interesting. Masking intent is a known one, and some mages who train to fight pericognitives hide their intent by paying attention to their cloud, monitoring its randomness to determine what to do next. It's a difficult way to fight, but it leaves peris with almost no warning."

"Something like that. Or, for example, moving to hit from a certain angle, and projecting the intent to strike from that angle, but switching into a feint in the last moment to hit from a different angle can work, too."

"That works on some."

I nod.
"Of course, not on everyone. Every fighter is different, after all, bringing different skills and weaknesses to the table."

"Indeed."
Suddenly, she stops walking. She seems to start listening for something.

I arc a brow at her in silent inquiry and expand my senses. In the distance, I hear people talking.
"Yes, there are people ahead. Are you worried?"

"They're not on the path..."

There is a sound like a blaster shot, and Leanna draws her sword.
"We need to see what that was. Come on!"

She rushes forward, expression composed into pure determination.
I effortlessly keep pace with her.
"A group of men is surrounding one man. Could be the bandits we were warned of."

Thus I too draw my sword now.

"Could be."

We both take cover as the trees open up, and just as I said, we see one man in a trenchcoat wielding a blaster-like weapon in his hand surrounded by five bandits. Another one lies collapsed on the ground.
The bandits all unsheathe their weapons, seeming quite hostile. Two of them hold spears, one a longsword and two of them point guns. The trenchcoated man doesn't stir. His dark hair falls over his eyes and I can't see his face.
"Like I said. Leave now."

"You won't be escaping us this time, not after you've worn out our generous welcome. Get him!"

A fight breaks out, and Leanna rushes to join in.
She runs faster than a normal human should, the winds pushing her along.

I wonder if they even need me, but then decide that one, I have a promise to keep and two, this could serve as a great test for this new sword. Thus I rush up behind her, still keeping pace with her rather effortlessly. She notes my presence, nodding at me.

The bandits then notice us as well.
"We've got mages! Two, one wind knight and one water!"
"Take them out!"

The bandits spread out to welcome us, and weapons fire rushes towards us. In response, Leanna throws forth a cone of winds, and pulses of discharger energy curve around us.
I blink as to why they'd assume me a water mage, then deftly dodge out of the way. However, Leanna's interference somewhat messes with my dodges, so I correct my path back towards her side.

After we power through the volley, we are upon them. The enemy moves with some coordination, the two spearmen moving to halt our advance.
With one fast step, I move into their guard and grin at the spearman.

Leanna avoids the spears as well, dropping to the ground and letting her slick armour and momentum carry her beneath the spear points. Quite the impressive move, though it sullies her clean armour. Now inside the enemies' reach, the two of us have little trouble dismantling the spear line.
The man in front of me tries to pull back his spear, but I kick him in the chest, stomping him down while Leanna disarms her own opponent.
My voice washes over the place as the spearman falls to the ground, my foot on his chest keeping him pinned.
"You have one chance. Stand down."

The spearman spits. I only sigh. Why do such ruffians always want to throw away their lives?

Leanna, whose crystal gauntlet is glowing, meanwhile picks up the dropped spears with a flick of a finger and sends them flying at other bandits, who need to take their attention away from their targets to dodge. Her pommel then comes down on the head of the still conscious man in front of her.
I arc a brow at her, then shrug and deliver a kick to the head of the man before me, knocking him out as well. If she doesn't want to kill these men, then so be it. I will follow her lead.

The trenchcoated man meanwhile has darted into cover, firing purple shots at the two gun-wielding foes, who in turn rain down fire on both Leanna and me as well as the other guy. Under their cover fire, the sword-wielding bandit rushes over to us, trying to help his downed comrades. I turn to face Leanna, tilting my head slightly as a shot whizzes past.
"Take out the gunslingers, I intercept the sword wielder. "

She only nods in response and darts away. The sword wielder tries to intercept her path, but she swerves clear, and with a few fast strides, I am upon him myself. I haven't had a chance to test my new sword yet, that's why I wanted to combat this guy. Now, let's see how well this goes. The man circles me warily, his stance ready. If the lightsaber techniques I know are any measure to go by, then this isn't just some man who picked up a sword. He's a skilled combatant. Oh well, here goes nothing.
I strike out with a quick lunge, poking his defences as well as getting a handle for my sword.
As expected, he blocks it easily. This is followed by a counter from him, which I easily block as well.
A bit of a back and forth ensues, and I find my earlier observation verified. He really is a skilled fighter. However, I am highly versed in Makashi, the second form of lightsaber combat, which specialises in duels. This opponent is no match for me, especially as I get a better read on my new weapon. It still feels clumsy and clunky compared to my elegant saber, and it's not well-suited to use Makashi with, but I can counter his better-applied technique with my superhuman strength and reflexes.
From the corner of my eyes, I see that Leanna has reached the gunslingers and knocked them out, so I suppose it's time to wrap this up as well. With a particularly powerful swing, I knock my opponent's blade aside, catching him by surprise if his widening eyes are any indication, and a quick jab of my free fist strikes him in the face, making him stumble back. I hold the tip of my blade to his throat.
"Your comrades have fallen. You have lost. Surrender."

Like his comrade before, he spits, aiming at my face. Unwilling to be hit by that, I dodge to the side by leaning my body out of the way. He uses the opportunity to swing his blade back and push my offending edge away from his throat.
However, I saw that coming and use the momentum to spin into a kick, decking the man in the head, knocking him out.
I take a look around and find all bandits unconscious.
Leanna breathes heavily as she surveys the bodies around her. She glances at me and the stranger who's still standing.
"Anyone hurt?"

I sheathe my sword, then dust off my robe in that typically arrogant manner.
"No, I'm fine. That was easy."

Leanna nods then fidgets with her gauntlet.
The man stays silent as he inspects his gun.
Now that I have a better look at him, I realise that although his fierce scowl makes him seem though, he doesn't look that much older than me. As a matter of fact, he is younger than I am. There's also something else off about him, but I can't quite place it just yet. He has outrageously unkempt black hair – like mine, but shorter, which has a habit of falling around his eyes, but as he pushes it back, I notice a long scar across one eye, marring perfect skin. The eye still works, however, as indicated by a pair of grey eyes. It reminds me of Destra, as she has a nasty scar across one eye as well.
Once satisfied, he tucks the gun back into his belt and gets to his feet.
He nods at us.

"Thanks for the assist, otherwise I'd really have to get my hands dirty."
His voice is deep and husky, and along with that crimson trimmed trenchcoat of his, he reminds me of Jack 'Lynx' Vizla, one of the two champions of the great hunt. I bet he's a bounty hunter or mercenary.

Leanna looks around, sheathes her sword, and smiles.
"Looks like they're all still alive. We'll take them to the next village."

I nod.
"Alright. But how are we going to transport them? They're still unconscious."

The man turns away.
"I'm sure you'll figure things out."

"Wait!"
Leanna seems eager...

He pauses.

"These bandits have attacked you, and I'm sure they have a bounty on their head. Don't you want to come with us?"

He scans her with a critical eye.
"You're a Mage-Knight, aren't you? From the Mage Guild? I'm sure you can handle them. Although... where are you headed?"

"Yes. I'm Leanna, and this is Xerath. We're headed to Illumia and will drop them off at Raven Pass."

"I'm headed there, too. And name's Zack."
Although his voice is a bit gruff, it also seems friendly to an extent.

"Poi poi!"

All of us glance at the little blue pango who seemingly popped out of nowhere.
"And, uh, this is our little friend."

"I see."

"Poi!"

The pango blinks at Zack, who stares him down. The pango bounces uncertainly.
"...poi?"

Zack's unblinking stare never wavers, so the pango scoots behind my leg for safety.

Leanna clears her throat.
"So you'll accompany us?"

Zack nods and I decide to speak up again.
"That's great and all, but shouldn't we tie the bandits before they wake up?"

Leanna nods.
"Of course. We have six-"

I interject.
"Five."

"Oh. Okay, so we have five prisoners..."
She rummages through her pack.
"I should have enough cuffs for them."

I nod.
"Alright, that should work. Want my help in apprehending them?"

She smiles at me and tosses me a few cuffs.
"Thank you, it would be appreciated."

We both go around the still unconscious bandits and cuff their hands behind their backs. I also do not care about their comfort. Together, we quickly have them all secured. And while I'm at it, I also reinforce the cuffs, making them impossible to get rid of.
"Great. That's all of them, then. Let's take care of this scum, shall we?"

"Yes. Transporting them is a bit of a problem, though. We're still more than a day from Raven Pass."

"Ah, yes, they're still unconscious, after all. Can't you float them with your wind magic?"

"Yes, but not all day."

"Well, they should wake up after some time, right?"

"They will, but walking them there might be a problem."

I arc a brow.
"How so? Leanna, they are five, and we are three. I doubt that even lowly criminal scum like them is stupid enough to try anything funny in such a disadvantageous situation. And if they will, we can still take care of matters more... permanently."

She sighs.
"I suppose you're right. Though we won't do that. Not if I can help it."

I nod.
"As you wish."

With that settled, the prisoners are beginning to wake up. What impeccable timing. None of them talk, however. Might or might not have something to do with the contempt I regard them with. Bandits are nothing but scum. Leanna's kindness is wasted on them.

She speaks up.
"Right, listen up. We are going to be travelling to the village of Raven Pass. Know that it is not my place to judge you for your crimes, it is my place to bring you to that judgement - but it is also my duty and the duty of my fellows to remain alive. Do not expect this kindness again if you choose to spend your time with us poorly."

They look at each other, then comply silently.

"You will follow us in single file. Do not stray from behind the one in front of you."

We start off the field and soon, we are back on the road. The man, Zack, offers to guard the back of the column, while Leanna and I are at the front. In both cases, there is a gap of several meters between us and the column.

Leanna speaks up again.
"That went better than expected."

"Definitely. I had much less trouble adjusting to the new sword than anticipated. Well, either that or they were just bad. Although, their duelist was quite skilled if my known techniques are any indication."

"Well, they were a bit heavily armed for bandits too, but we can't be sure. We should ask Zack about it later when we get the chance."

I nod slowly and lower my voice.
"Yes. I may not be familiar with the standard armament of local bandits, but that swordsman was a skilled combatant by my standards. Though before we jump to conclusions, we really should ask Zack about it. After all, I could be wrong about this, I don't know much yet."

"That's alright. But dischargers are fairly new and expensive."

"And several of them had them, right?"

"Yes. Zack is a mercenary - he makes sense. Something doesn't add up about several random bandits having them."

"I see. Want me to look into it?"

"How do you intend to do that?"

"Let's just say that I'm... quite good at getting people to talk. In the end, I always get the information I need."

"...Maybe we should leave that to officials."

I shrug.
"Alright, then. Suit yourself. I won't do anything you don't want me to."

She blinks, seemingly at the wording of that statement, then shakes her head.

I tilt my head.
"Hm? Something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong."

"Well, if you say so."
I am a bit confused but drop the topic.

"However... you haven't really had many opportunities to spare enemies, have you?"

I flinch.
"You... noticed?"

"I made an educated guess."
She smiles softly.
"But it's okay. If necessary, this can be your first. I don't know much about what happened to you, but it wasn't good, and if you want to offload a little, I'm willing to listen."

My eyes widen, then I quickly face away to hide the growing blush.
"Well... yeah, it wasn't good. And this has been one of the few instances where I could save my enemies. After all, an enemy you take down but not out remains as a danger - an enemy with a personal grudge against you. And... thank you. For being so kind..."

"No problem. You deserve a chance, just like they do."

"I would argue that people that have chosen this kind of life do not deserve a chance. They deliberately chose to hurt others for their own gain. They won't get any sympathy from me."
I look at her sideways with a hard gaze.

She looks down.
"I suppose they have. But why did they choose this life? Regardless of how hard we punish criminals and how-"

She gestures behind herself.
"-easily they can be defeated sometimes, they always seem to exist. ... I don't think that's entirely because some people will always be criminals."

I shrug.
"The reasons may vary, but the results do not. The bottom line is that they hurt people for their own gain. Why they did that is only a secondary concern. But go ahead and ask them. Maybe they'll tell you their story."

"They don't seem very interested in talking."

"Well, who knows? Maybe such a caring, gentle soul like you can get them to open up? Though personally, I believe that your kindness is wasted with them."

"I'll go try."
She falls back a bit, trying to talk to them.

I keep an eye on her, automatically hearing what she tries to say to them as well.

She tries, but none of them care. She still works her way through every last one, but they are all either silent or snippy.
Eventually, she returns to the front, seemingly slightly worse off than she started.
"It makes sense none of them wanted to talk. We are their enemy, after all."

"An enemy they chose to make out of us."

"But an enemy we are. They have every right to be angry at us for hurting them."

I ball my fists.
"They have lost that right when they chose this life. They are bandits, hurting and killing others for their own gain. They decided to turn their back on society, on the law. They have no right to be angry for facing the consequences of their own actions."

"If we do not show compassion, how are we better than they are?"

My voice is as hard as my eyes - completely different from the gentle man she has come to know so far.
"We protect those people like this hurt. We bring order to the chaos. They are a plague among society, and we are the cure."

"To talk about people as though they are a disease blinds you to the people. It's more complicated than that."

I gesture to our prisoners, while something in my eyes flashes. My anger is bubbling up, letting my eyes flash in a golden glow.
"Do you know how many lowlifes like those I had to face up to now? Do you know how many of those would lunge at a chance to harm the innocent? To harm me? They have chosen their path in life, and it is a path that only leads to ruin. Either for them, or for us."

She crosses her arms.
"Then it isn't about helping people, is it? It's about surviving. You can't build something with just survival, you build it by making it mean something."

"And neither can you build something when you don't survive."

"But survival isn't the only ingredient. If life is just people lynching each other for food, what's the point?"

I take a deep breath and open my clenched fists.
"Of course, there are reasons behind their behaviour. These reasons vary from person to person. There are those that have taken a wrong turn and wound up in this life or those that have been forced into it. We have to be there for those people, for they deserve our compassion. But these we have here? They have made their choice, and with that choice, they have thrown away their right for our compassion."

"Is it a choice?"

"Everyone has a choice to make. Like you chose to pick up a blade to defend the innocent, they chose to pick it up for their own gain. However, those that live by the blade, have to be prepared to die by the blade. These people here are not some that were forced into this kind of life by outside factors. They made that choice themselves. I can see it in their eyes, in their expressions. They enjoy the fight, the act of hurting others."

"So we stop them from hurting others. That doesn't mean they aren't human."

I frown.
"You really are too kind."
My eyes flash golden, but it is gone as soon as it appeared. I doubt she has noticed.

"We will deliver them to the authorities, and they will most likely spend years in prison. Isn't that enough vengeance?"

"And afterwards? They'll simply have a grudge to hold."

"Don't they have a choice, as you said? If none of them do anything different, then how can you say they had a choice?"

"They had that choice when they picked up their blade."

"Xerath. When I picked up a blade, my oath was to the people. All the people. I can't let these people run free now, but I don't need to destroy them to do that. Besides, it isn't my job to decide."

I take some more deep breaths and close my eyes. I unclench my jaw and turn my expression softer again.
"But I suppose that you have a point. We can still offer them a new choice, the chance to atone for their crimes and become a better person for it..."

Her smile returns a little bit.
"There are times when it's better to just stop one, but I don't think it's now."

She gestures behind herself.
"These people might have a new chance now."

"I doubt it, but... this is not my... 'home'... you have different methods, and I have to accept that. And perhaps... just perhaps... they can become better people for it."

"Once they understand that we aren't returning them to the law to end them."

"Yeah, that would be completely ineffective, too."

"And... if we killed people because they lived different lives and never gave them a chance, what would that make us? The Jedi?"

I freeze.
"I... I... You..."

Another deep breath.
"I didn't... view it from that perspective... you... you have a point..."

She smiles sadly.
"I don't know about me, but I think you might need a little vacation. No one should be trapped in a place like yours."

I tilt my head.
"'Vacation'?"

I scratch my hair.
"Uhh, I think I once read something about that. Isn't that like... going to the beach or something?"

The only time I can think of that was comparable was when I got to stay a few days at a resort on Makeb after I saved the planet.

She chuckles.
"A little, yes. The idea is to take a break from stressful things in your life. You've been speculating on why you're here, right? If your galaxy is as tense and cutthroat as your words suggest, maybe that's part of it."

I sigh wearily.
"I don't know. I don't seem to be destined to rest... but it certainly would be a change..."

"I'm not saying you're totally off duty while we try to get you home. Just that... the pressure's off. Things aren't as big and mean here. Help some people, enjoy the planet, and so on. Wait... you... you were exaggerating when you said that you didn't know what a vacation was, right?"

I shrug helplessly.
"But the pressure is all I've got... And no, that was no joke or exaggeration."

She stiffens.
"I feel cosmically obligated to give you a hug. That's just awful..."

My expression turns wistful. Forlorn.
"A hug, huh? ... I think I wouldn't say no to one..."

She steps sideways and gives me a brief, comforting hug. Even through the armour, I can feel what she's supposed to be like - the strangest combination of hard and soft. The muscles of a warrior and the smoothness of a dear friend. Once again, there is a depth of feeling in her touch, even though our contact is brief.
"I'm so sorry you had to live a life like that..."

"Well, as I said, power... has a price. And thank you... for your kindness. It's... been a while since someone showed me such."

"I'd imagine no amount of power can make real friends from nothing. And what I've seen of you tells me that kindness is never wasted, even if it doesn't land. Some people have been deprived of it their whole lives, it seems. You need more, and I have some to give you."

I smile slightly.
"Well, who knows? Maybe the reason I'm here was to meet you?"

She laughs.
"I doubt that. It would be kind of weird for your mystery person to take a hand in our personal lives like that."

I just shrug amusedly.
"Well, who can really tell? But what I know for certain, is that meeting you was one of the best things that happened to me in a long time."

I offer her a genuine smile.

She looks worried.
"If this is all it takes to be counted that high, you really do need a vacation."

"Well... as far as I can remember, I only worked, survived, and prepared myself to survive. So, yeah, I think a chance to rest would be nice for a change."

"I think it's not just that. You deserve time to rest, I think."

I arc a brow.
"Hm? Where's the difference?"

"The former is having fun. I think you've probably earned this time to relax, and that you might need it, too."

"I see."
I get lost in thought for a moment. I think the last time I could relax really was those few days on Makeb. And that's, what, six or seven years ago? But can I allow myself to take the pressure off me? I think I can afford some days.
"Perhaps you're right."

"I can help you relax if you don't know how. You deserve it, after all."

I smile at her genuinely.
"I think I would like that very much."

She finally steps back away from me, returning to standard distance.

"But how do you do this, Leanna?"

"How do I do what, Xerath?"

"Being such a beautiful bundle of kindness, compassion, and optimism?"

"Uhh..."
She blushes in a most adorable way for a moment.
"...Talent?"

At her reaction, I blush too, so I quickly avert my face and cover my mouth with a hand.
"Oh, b-bummer. T-then I won't be able to learn from you that easily, huh?"

She blinks.
"You wanted to learn how to be nice to people?"

I shake my head.
"No. But... having a generally more optimistic outlook. You seem to always see the good in people, no matter what."

"Well... I don't really know, to be honest. But think about it this way - you're kind of a case and point."

Now it's my turn to blink.
"Huh?"

"I know what you've gone through wasn't good, but you're a fairly nice person that wants to protect people. You've risen above your circumstances to help people, and even if you don't always have the perfect idea, that's special. If you can do that, if a mercenary can have a heart of gold, if a peasant in a famine can give help to a starving traveller, then how can I not see the good they can do? Everyone is capable of beautiful things, Xerath. Sometimes they just need a little help."

By now, I have my eyes closed and my face fully turned away from her. I don't want her to see my expression right now, nor the tears that stream down my face. Even my shoulders are shaking. Although I try to suppress it, it's still barely noticeable.

"And if you want to think about it in a selfish way... I guess I want a part of all their good. I can help them, and all it takes is a smile. All it takes are a few kind words. Words are cheap, but Hope is priceless."

After this, my entire body is trembling. But again, I try to keep it barely noticeable.

"I see the good in people because seeing that good helps them find it. Whether it was small before, or even if it didn't exist, looking for it can be powerful. More so than my skill with a sword and the winds, more than my blood or my mind, that is what makes me a knight. I give hope."

I nod shakily, mutely. That she does indeed.

"Does that answer your question?"

I nod again but still don't face her. I don't trust my voice right now. I'd probably choke on my words. So I don't say anything.

She smiles sympathetically at the back of my head, and we walk on in silence.

After a short while, she turns to me again.
"Are you feeling okay?"

As she suddenly addresses me, I move my hands towards my face, wipe away my tears. Only then do I turn back around.
"I- Yes, I'm... good. Thank you very much."

"It doesn't... look like you are. "
She glances down.
"I'm wondering if I said something wrong..."

I shake my head decisively.
"Oh no, not at all! On the contrary."

She perks up again.
"Oh?"

I take a deep breath.
"I... was actually quite moved by your words."

I look at her in earnest.
"You are such a special person. If there were more people as kind as you, the world would be a much better place. And you certainly are right. You do give hope. It's... quite strange to feel that from someone else, I have to admit."

"You're... not used to having hope? At least, Hope from someone else?"

I just shake my head.
"Not since- not for a long time."

I look off into the distance.
"You see, for the longest time, I was the one that gave the people hope. But there really was no one that gave me hope."

"Why not?"

I blink.
"Huh?"

"Why was no one there for you?"

"Because those that were... are gone. For various reasons."

She appears sad.
"... all of them?"

I stare off into the distance.
"Well, there weren't many, to begin with. And after that, I accidentally began climbing the ranks. At that point, it got really hard for me to connect to people."

"Why?"

"I'm at the top. How can I be certain that someone is interested in me, or is only nice to me because I'm their superior, or because they want to be on my good side? I do have a circle of trusted individuals. People that I'd call my friends. But even so, it feels like there's a certain distance between us."

She frowns.
"I've... I've met people that have that problem. It sucks."

I nod.
"Indeed."

"The games of nobility are a blight."

I sigh.
"So it's as bad on your world, huh?"

"I'm not sure it's the same, but the problem exists."

"But still... I suppose it became harder for me to connect to people after..."
I take a deep breath.
"The last time I allowed myself to believe in someone else, to receive hope from someone else... I experienced the worst betrayal in my life."

She looks almost like a hurt puppy at that admission.

I blush once more due to her expression and quickly turn away to hide it.
"But it's okay now, I think. I have forgiven her a long time ago."

"Have you been able to trust her again?"

I nod.
"Not to the same degree, but I do trust her. Perhaps that's for the better, too... It certainly taught me an important lesson. One that helped me survive until now."

She frowns.
"Sometimes, after pain, we tell ourselves things to rationalize it, to make it hurt less. You learned something, but pain is pain, and those who inflict it do not deserve thanks for causing it."

"That's not what I meant."

"They can have forgiveness, but never thanks."
Her face brightens.
"Good. Too many fall into that trap - about too many things."

I scratch my cheek, her expression is just adorable.
"Well... yeah. But you don't have to worry. I may understand her motivation, and I may have forgiven her, but I will never forget what she'd done. That'll never be something I'd thank her for."

"But... has it coloured your later interactions with unrelated people?"

"Not on its own. At least, I don't think so... I mean, it's rather hard identifying what certain event has lead to me being how I am now since it's the series of events that lead me here - to who I am today."

She is silent for a moment, then nods.
"Makes sense."

I nod as well but don't say anything more. And so we walk together in silence for a while.
I take in the landscape and keep a blank expression on my face since our conversation. It got me thinking, about all the things that have happened to me so far, that shaped me... Force, I really don't wish that even on my worst enemy.

An hour later, Leanna breaks the silence.
"You know Xerath, you cleared up your senses so we could talk about the sky, then we never did."

I blink.
"Huh. Yes, you're right. Want me to remedy that and take a look at your system now, then?"

"Sounds like fun."

I smile slightly.
"Alright."

Then, I look up at the sky, taking in the different planets in the local system. I note seven worlds.

The innermost planet, scorched and lacking any atmosphere. From cursory inspection, it seems normal, but I know from experience not to take that at face value.

The ice world Klauzister, a crystal blue snowball with a ring of ice continuously exchanging with the planet below using geysers of frost.

Terra and its moon, the primary demonstrating a smattering of climes across its surface. Those who had not lived on city worlds their whole lives would likely find at least one location familiar.

Venestris, the orange-green gas giant sings in the sky, its grand magnetic field enrobing dozens of moons - wait, several of those moons bear the markers of terrestrial worlds.

Beyond that, there is a rocky world, distant but still active as it convulses with more fire than the first planet.

After that, there is another gas giant, more curious than the other even. Its atmosphere roils, its clouds flash with unpredictable violence, and to my eye its violet and cyan skies carry an unmistakable malevolence - and yet, like the other gas giant, its violent heat yet harbours terrestrial moons, further detached from the sun than liquid water would allow.

The last is more standard - a snowball in deep space, its mountains not betraying any immediate oddity.

"Hmm... curious..."

"Hm?"

I close my eyes, allowing my focus back on my immediate position, before looking at her again.
"Quite the curious system you've got here. Some of the things I can see are quite unique, especially Terra and Venestris. The others seem more in line with what I'd expect, but I know better than to take this cursory glance at face value. There are certainly some points of interest that warrant a closer investigation by me."

"Which are?"

"Basically all planets."

"Oh?"

"The first one, for example, seems rather normal at first glance. But just because it seems normal, doesn't mean it is. Then Klauzister... you mentioned the possibility of it being magical. Further, I looked at Venestris before but now noticed something noteworthy about its moons. Then there's another gas giant, which would appear to be strong in the Dark side. And the last one is also a rather normal-looking iceball, but as I said, that can be deceiving."

"Well, I think the first and easiest part of the explanation is through the basic knowledge most people have about the solar system. Basically, for most of our history, we knew that there were six planets including Terra, and from their properties, we guessed that each reflected one of the core elements of magic."

"Ah. Yeah, I can see that. With two you can contribute to fire."

"Til'baron, the innermost world is a place of rock and desert, hot but stable in the face of the sun. Klauzister was obviously a wellspring of water and ice, having had a hand in the deeper winters since the oldest days. Venestris is - as far as we can tell - a world of endless skies and roaring winds, so it is also fairly easy to place. Teva, too, is simple - that far from the sun's light, from where could such heat emerge? And finally, Urtana, whose violet skies and considerable influence bear the mark of shadow magic. Of course, Wrenda does buck this trend, but some speculate that it is simply beyond the main influences of the elements."

I shrug.
"Well, who knows? I certainly won't, until I took a deeper look into things."

"I do find the planets fascinating. The earlier assumptions were proven somewhat correct once we put together the resources to detect their magic, but that raises more questions. Firstly: why? Each world except Terra and Wrenda is devoted to a single element. We don't know what Wrenda's deal is, but Terra seems to host everything in equal measure. So what's happening? Why are the worlds all connected to Terra? What is the relationship between the places of our solar system?"

"A good question indeed. The obvious answer is the Force. However, why is that? What is so special about this system that the Force would appear in this matter?"
I smile.
"Ohh, I can't wait to get to the bottom of this."

"We don't even really know which ways the magic flows."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"The worlds are definitely connected, but is Terra at the centre and the worlds collecting its magic, or is Terra the place where magic emerges and it flows from there? Or is it something else? The worlds are connected to each other as well as Terra, and the flow of magic among the worlds and stars could hint at its deeper structure if we could just uncover it."

"Hmm... That it flows like this at all is a mystery. This certainly warrants a lot more investigation."
I rub my hands excitedly.
"Oh, I can tell that I won't get bored here."

"I can tell. You seem quite interested in this place."

"How could I not? Your society has developed an entirely new view on the Force that is unknown to me, which is based on your entire solar system. The Force here behaves uniquely, and I'm itching to find out why."

"It's still so strange to me that no one else sees magic like we do."

"Well, if it's any consolation, your view on the Force is as strange to me."
I shrug.
"But as I said, there is only the Force. And if it shows itself like this to you, then it has a reason to do so. And I wouldn't be me if I wouldn't get to the bottom of this."

"Well, I'll be happy to help if I can. It sounds fun."

"I'm sure you'll be. After all, just having you with me is an immeasurable help."

"Well, you're welcome."

I smile at her, but don't say anything else.

"Does anywhere else really look like Terra's system?"

"Well, let's just say the basic build-up is similar. There are variations, of course, but there are plenty of systems that have gas giants, frozen planets, and scorched planets. Most of the time it's really a matter of how close these planets are to their star. Which makes Klauzister so peculiar. Despite being that close to the star, it's completely frozen."

"We figured out that one was weird pretty easily once we learned what the sun was, yeah."

"Indeed. But yeah, systems come in all shapes, forms, and sizes. But I'd say that just from the planet categories, this one is... well, somewhat rare since it has a habitable planet in it, but otherwise, the make-up is somewhat standard."

"Is there a normal way that the Force affects planets?"

"Well, there are planets known as Force Nexuses, that have a naturally strong connection to the Force. Such can have an inclination to the Dark or Light side, or can be completely balanced."

"How so?"

I blink.
"Hm? What do you mean?"

"As in, what are the differences between them?"

"Ah. Of course. Well, planets touched by the Light side are usually lush with life, calm, peaceful, and tranquil. Of course, there can still be some predators or other violent creatures, but on a large scale, they're relatively calm. And that calmness is also felt by people that go there, whereas Force-sensitives feel that effect much better."

"There are places on Terra a bit like that if I remember correctly."

"Planets touched by the Dark side, however, have... some sort of shroud around them. A shroud of malevolence, mostly. But it differs from planet to planet. Sith worlds like Korriban and Dromund Kaas have this shroud, while more naturally touched worlds are not exactly malevolent, but still emit a feeling of chaos.
And last but not least, planets that are balanced... are rather rare. They unite both these aspects in a unique way. They can be calm, peaceful and tranquil, but still harbour the chaos inherent to life. So, despite that peacefulness, there's still a more primal aspect to it. I only was on one planet that was perfectly balanced yet, maybe two, and it is a pretty unique experience. Although, I wonder into what category Terra falls, since it's so unlike anything I've ever seen..."

"Well, from what I've experienced, magic is found in the air in most places across Terra. This ambient magic is difficult for humans to access, but it does do things - typically when a lot of one kind gathers in a place for one reason or another. Magic attracts magic, so when people use a lot of one kind it... colours the land, or so the figure of speech goes. But this process is reversible. A place of flame can be tempered by performing magic of other kinds within the territory, rebalancing the flow of the elements. One of the hallmarks of elvish civilization, for example, is manipulating the flow of magic in this way to create areas of power."

"Oh?"
I nod.
"But yeah, we know a phenomenon like that as well."

"While humans cannot directly access the magic in the air, it does affect the spells that we can cast, and the elves benefit even more from this. As a result, their cities typically seem to have a number of these locations built up over centuries to aid specific kinds of magic in specific areas. Working enough wind magic in a tall building, for example, makes floating up and down it a breeze."

"Heh."

She smiles.
"These areas can also arise naturally, and regardless of their source, a large enough pooling of a specific element will begin to seep into the earth. Once it gets deep enough, the subsurface grinding of Terra's bedrock will begin to sprout concentrated magic - crystals, bearing the power of the area they were found in. As a result of this process, it is generally fairly easy to find locations where crystals are growing - though depending on how recently the area formed you might need to wait a little while before some surface."

"Interesting."

"Additionally, if even more power concentrates in a location then natural magical effects pertaining to the local element will begin to manifest."

"Oh?"

"One of the most striking examples of this phenomenon is the range of floating mountains near Elendale, but several others are known to exist across Esaria. This is thought to occur when crystal deposits grow unchecked for several millennia - as before the dawn of modern civilization, there wasn't anyone to harvest them except select magovores like pangos."

"Floating mountains? That... sounds quite fascinating, to be honest."
I smile at her.
"Who knows, perhaps we'll get the chance to visit them some time?"

"Perhaps we will. I'm told they're quite the sight."
She smiles wistfully.

I smile at her mysteriously.
"Well, I already found quite the sight when coming here, so I wonder if that will compare."

Then I turn that to a normal smile.
"But it still sounds like a wonderful place to visit."

"It does indeed."

I continue to smile at her for a moment, then face forward again, all in all in a good mood.

"So is that anything like a planet you recognize?"

"Well, plenty of planets have natural crystal growth like that. Usually those that have a naturally strong connection to the Force, though you sometimes come across formations at some... uh, unusual places from time to time."

"How unusual?"

I shrug.
"I once found some formations on a city world."

"Speaking of, what are city worlds?"

"Well, planets that are covered by a city."

"Covered?"

I scratch my cheek.
"I thought the term is pretty self-explaining. Well, in the most renowned example, Coruscant, the city also goes into the planet."

"There must be so many people living there!"

"There are. Coruscant is considered the most important planet in the galaxy, and is the capital of the Republic, too."

"How do they grow food if the planet is only city?"

"They mostly don't, really. It's mostly getting imported from agriculture worlds."

"How? Wait, food would be grown elsewhere, right?"

"Yes, that's what I just said."

"So there are entire worlds devoted to farming?"

"Yes."

"Do they have cities?"

"Some, yes, but not large ones. As far as I know, they're more comparable to your cities, where the farmers and such live. There are usually also the spaceports."

"Say though. Being born on a farming world, where most of the jobs are farming-related, and most of the people are farmers... A lot of them would become farmers, right?"

"Usually, yes. I think."

"And generally, if you want to do something else, you'll need to go off-world eventually."

"Indeed."

She nods.
"So, how expensive is space travel?"

"Your own ship is rather expensive, but public space travel... can be affordable. At least in the Core and Mid Rim."

"But elsewhere? In the less developed areas a world dedicated to rural activities like agriculture would be?"

"Well, most are actually in the Core or Mid Rim. But other less developed worlds, especially in the Outer Rim... they're kind of left alone. Left behind. The Republic is centred around the Core and Mid Rim, after all, so that's where their important worlds lie. So that's also where the Sith Empire tried to push forward to."

"So a large number of people are on worlds wholly dedicated to a single task, and to escape that task they need to either fit into the support staff to that task on that planet or leave using expensive travel methods mostly monopolized by the people that do not need them?"

"More or less. Though the planets dedicated to a single task, like agri worlds, are usually rather wealthy, or at least important enough to the Republic and the Empire that they're well connected."

"What about mining worlds?"

I frown.
"They're either well off if they're in the Core or Mid Rim, or they're rather poor if they're in the Outer Rim. Although, not quite, since the people running the mining worlds in the Outer Rim are off pretty well. Those are mostly cartels, after all. And those that work there are slaves, for the most part."
My fists are clenched tight.

Her eyes widen.
"Slaves? Your advanced society keeps slaves?"

"Keep in mind, there are several different societies. But yes, some of them do. Most notably the Sith Empire and the Hutt Cartel."

"That's awful! How do they survive?"

"The slaves?"

"The empires. In Esaria at least, the practice of slavery was abolished in some kingdoms for being horrible, and those that didn't ended up being destroyed by the superior industrial capabilities of the free kingdoms. People that are allowed to have hopes and dreams work harder and more intelligently, and allowing even the lowest beginnings to ascend to the highest ranks gives you a larger hiring pool."
She looks disgusted.
"Why hasn't your galaxy managed this?"

"The Republic was initially caught completely flat-footed by the resurgence of the Sith Empire and was totally unprepared for the war that followed. The Empire prepared centuries for this war, and is pretty much a warlike society, while the Republic was more fixated on economic growth. To be honest, the only reason the Empire didn't completely stomp the Republic was their constant infighting. As for the Hutt Cartel, they are basically organised crime on an interstellar scale. They were roughly equal to the Republic and Empire in terms of fighting power due to all their mercenaries, but they kept themselves neutral."

"So you have a crime syndicate that is as powerful as a kingdom?"

"Yes. Never mind all the other, smaller syndicates, some of which want to overthrow the Hutt's rule."

"Who allowed such an organization to gain such power? That sounds like an incredibly stupid idea. Places like Wolfsden exist, but we don't just let them rule the cities."

"Well, in the ancient times, the Hutts had an incredibly powerful empire, but that somehow regressed to their current state as a criminal organisation. Also, I think that it wasn't really a decision to let them grow. The Hutts are opportunistic by nature, and while the rest of the galaxy sank into the chaos that came with all the wars, they continued to grow their influence unhindered and unchecked."

"So it's because no one cares."
Her gaze casts down, her light flickering.
"I feel depressed all of a sudden..."

"Galactic politics are a rather complicated matter. So it's not that no one cared. Because the Republic would have cared, originally, if they had the methods. But to be fair, their hands were tied pretty much."
I shake my head sadly. I wish I could lift her spirits, but galactic politics are a depressing matter.
"Too bad they've become such a corrupt mess lately, though."

She seems to be genuinely pulled down by the weight of such distant suffering.

"You... you really care, don't you?"

"You said no one really gave you hope. How common is that, Xerath?"

I blink.
"I don't know, to be honest. I think that most have something or someone that gives them hope. Aside from most slaves, though. Those either manage to escape... or don't."

"So... those countless people die in pits with no hope, and no one cares - or they actively or passively benefit from their suffering thanks to this process's integration into your galaxy's economic system."
She seems queasy, and the gold within her warbles.
"Some might notice, but all the good they can do is local and temporary, because the powers that be have much to gain from leaving these people in the pits."

I put a hand on her shoulder.
"That used to be the case, yes."

"Huh?"

"The last few years... have shaken things up quite a bit. I mentioned how the latest war got concluded recently, right?"

"Yes, you did. What happened then?"

"A new faction emerged. It's small in territory, but fields the mightiest fleet, and has strong ideals. While the rest of the galaxy lies in shambles, this new faction works to rebuild what has been lost. And once that is done, or even while that is in progress, they'll work towards abolishing slavery once and for all."

She smiles shakily, her expression deeply warming to me.
"What faction? You haven't told me about something other than the Empire, the Republic, or the Cartel yet."

"Indeed. You see, the Republic, Empire, and the Cartel dominated the galactic landscape for a very long time now. However, remember when I told you about that god? The Sith Emperor?"

"Yes. What about him?"

"Well, turned out that while he sort of led, but also sort of left the Empire alone, he had simultaneously built up another society in the Wild Space - a previously rather unexplored region of the galaxy. There, he had built the Eternal Empire of Zakuul. Six years ago, their first incursions into known space started, and shortly afterwards, a full-out war against both the Republic and Empire happened simultaneously. Within a year, both were defeated."

She raises her eyebrows.

"But then, one year ago, a group of individuals resurfaced. To Zakuul, they were known as the Outlanders, and they were the mightiest heroes of both the Empire and the Republic. They were captured during the first incursion and then frozen in carbonite for five years, until one of their friends and allies managed to free them.
After their escape from Zakuul, a series of events happened that led to the creation of the Alliance, which had the goal to dethrone Arcann - the son of the god and the new emperor of Zakuul - and restore the peace in the galaxy. After another year of intense events, they succeeded, and the Eternal Empire was transformed into the Eternal Alliance. And their leader, who was somehow elected to be emperor, declared that from now on, they will help the rest of the galaxy, for a brighter future."

"'Somehow'? If he led them, shouldn't he lead them?"

"Of course. But the thing is, when the Alliance was first founded, there was no election or anything. Everyone simply decided that this man would be their leader. And, well, he couldn't really back down, so he took on the position. And the position of Alliance Commander eventually translated into that of the Eternal Emperor. Thus, he was 'somehow elected'."

"I suppose that makes sense."

I nod.
"And part of his plan is to first rebuild everything that has been destroyed by the years of warfare and to also fight crime more openly. He plans on giving the Hutt Cartel the options to cease their criminal operations and free their slaves for milder consequences."

"He sounds like a good man. He wouldn't happen to be you, would he, 'emperor'?"
She smiles slyly.

I smile as well, albeit more shyly, scratching my cheek.
"Ah. What gave me away?"

"Well, claimed to be a god earlier, something that you said the first emperor of that was - and also you claimed to be of a high standing back home - a very high standing."
She smiles sadly.
"And as a person intimately aware of the suffering of the smaller people, I didn't figure you were born into royalty. So when I heard you start talking about a small and new empire with a new emperor who recently conquered it from without, it made sense."

I nod.
"You deduced well. That is correct. I defeated Valkorion and took over his powers, making me a god myself. Further, I had been elected to be the leader of the Alliance, and then had become the Eternal Emperor. But even before then, I was a Dark Lord of the Sith, member of the Dark Council, which is the highest rank a Sith can have, before the Emperor himself. So, that you still thought me to be the emperor is not a given."

"Perhaps not, but I doubt you would be so evasive about the truth if you didn't have some plan."

I blink.
"Am I evasive?"

"Well, you evaded speaking the names of the major players. Normally, when people need to talk about someone, they won't say 'this man' many times unless there's a reason for it."

"Ah, I see."
I put a hand to my chin, humming in thought.
"Hmm... you.. might be on to something. I think... I was... afraid."

"Afraid? Why? Aren't you therefore the person spearheading galactic reforms? The person twisting an empire forged by an oppressor into a weapon of freedom?"
She beams at me, bathing me in the warm, gentle glow of her joy.
"You're helping people Xerath. You're doing the things I told you I knew you were capable of."

I feel my worries melting away.
"I was afraid that you'd see me in a different light because of it. That you'd treat me differently because of my position. Like everyone else does..."

She laughs softly.
"You're already a fair bit different from what I'm used to. I don't think I need to change anything."

"You're the first one in a very long time that looks at me and sees me. Not a god, not an emperor, nor a Dark Lord. You see the man behind all of that."

"You may be different, but before anything else, a person is a person. I do my best to see that first, and hope others will do the same."

I close my eyes.
"From what I've seen so far, that is rather rare."

"Plus, well... people who are in that sort of position tend to be isolated."

I nod.
"Can confirm."

"Once you have enough power, it can start to feel like anyone else is either a threat or someone who can't ever understand you."

I nod slightly.
"And you'll always have to wonder what a person's intent is with you. Is their interest genuine, or are they only trying to gain something out of it, or will they even betray you in the end?"

"I guess I do have something to gain from helping you - ensuring you keep doing what you're doing."

I huff through my nose amusedly.
"I suppose."

"Which will result in a general increase in the quality of life in your galaxy."

"I certainly hope it will."

"So do I."

I smile at her, genuinely relieved.
"Thank you, Leanna."

"It's nothing."

"To me, it means a lot, however."

She smiles.
"That's why I said it."

I smile as well, a warm glint in my eyes as I gaze at her.
"I feel like I repeat myself, but you truly are special."

Her expression becomes a little flustered.
"Stop saying that, though. It's really not a problem."

I blink, and my face falls.
"I apologise. Am I making you uncomfortable with that?"

"Yeah, a bit... but it's fine. It's just that I don't really feel like it's true."
She looks at me with a slightly suspicious expression.
"Are you trying to get on my good side, Xerath?"

"Of course I am. You are the first person that has shown me such unprecedented kindness since... a long time. I'd rather not scare you away."
I glance away and scratch my cheek.
"I can tell... that you're growing on me. As I said, I find our conversations to be most engaging."

"It's sweet of you to say that, Xerath. Thank you."

"However, that is not the reason as for why I say the things I say. They merely represent my thoughts. In my opinion, you really are a special person. I've only once met such an incredibly kind person before..."

"Oh..."
She still seems shocked and saddened that my life was so empty of people that were willing to care about me.

I smile slightly.
"So, I'm glad that at least this world has you to make it a brighter place. And I'm even more glad that I got to meet you."

She grimaces.
"Making an entire world better by myself seems like a big task. But I try."

Then, her eyes sparkle slightly.
"But I'm happy I was able to help you already."

"That you did. And even if you can't help the entire planet on your own, your mere presence makes it a better place. Of that I'm certain."

She beams, and with the way her eyes catch the light when she smiles... what is happening? Wait... I know this one, even if it hasn't happened in years...
I smile softly as well, unable to look away from her captivating gaze.

Eventually, she blinks.
"Xerath, is something wrong?"

I blink as well, completely startled out of my thoughts.
"Huh? Uh, no? Not really? At least I think so. Why, is something the matter?"

"You were staring for quite a while. Is there something on my face? We were just in a fight, after all..."

"Oh, no, no, not at all. You have nothing on your face. I promised I'd protect you, after all."
I clear my throat.
"Ahem. I apologise. I did not mean to stare. I suppose I just... got lost in thought. Yes."

She smiles at me again.
"That's alright. It happens."

I tear my gaze away and scratch my cheek.
"I suppose..."

She leans over with a worried expression.
"Xerath, are you alright? You look a little red. Are you getting a sunburn?"

I arc a brow.
"I spent the better half of my life in a desert. I sincerely doubt I'd get sunburn like this."

"Then why is your face reddening?"

I shake my head.
"No, this is... entirely unrelated to the sun... in the sky. It has... uhm... to do with the thoughts I got lost in."

"Oh? What thoughts? If you want to tell me, that is."

I scratch my cheek.
"I do not know if that would be wise."

How could I tell her that I'm already... no, I couldn't.

"Well, that's alright."
Once more, she smiles beautifully.
"Your mind is yours, Xerath. You don't have to tell me things you don't want to."

She seems to be blind to the idea that she could've been the cause.

I mutter to myself.
"Heh, my mind is mine, huh?"

She blinks.
"Isn't it?"

Well, it appears she has heard me. I won't go into it, though.
"But it's okay. I don't mind telling you, I just believe that now is not the best time for that."

"Alright. Well, whatever it is, I hope it isn't unpleasant."

"No, it most certainly is not unpleasant. In fact, it is very pleasant."

She smiles and shrugs.
"Alright then, I won't pry."

I smile mysteriously.
"I suppose you were right, after all."

She raises an eyebrow.
"About what?"

I just wink playfully.
"I wonder..."

She looks at me slightly strangely but refocuses on the road.

I also refocus on the road while I am in a pleasant mood. Leanna was right, she really does give hope. Probably more than she realises.

"Well, you also seem to be a little strange yourself."

"Huh?"
I glance back at her, stiffening slightly.

"A little different, a little special. It's nice."

I relax again.
"I... see?"

"I can tell there's more that makes you special than your powers and title, Xerath. So I think I'll be quite happy to show you around Terra while we work on your way home."

I close my eyes and smile.
"I see. I'm glad to hear that."

Then, I open my eyes again and gaze wistfully into the distance.
"But 'home', huh? You always say that you want me to find a way 'home'. But what is a home, really?"

"What home is is something personal, Xerath - at least, I think so. I have many homes, and each means something different to me. Really, anywhere can be a home if you're comfortable there - but if you're asking that question, you're really asking something else, aren't you?"

"Well, when I asked the people around me, I mostly got something along those lines as well. I was told that a home is where your friends and family are. It's where you feel comfortable. Etcetera. And if that is the case... do I even have a home, then?"

"Xerath, are you asking if your home can be Terra? After a little more than a day here?"

"No? It's just... I know I have to go back. But I wouldn't call it my home by a long shot."

She looks softly at me.
"I suppose that makes sense... but to not have a home..."

I look onwards stoically, just my eye glancing at her telling her that she still holds my attention.
"I'm sure that you noticed by now that I told you the truth yesterday. I never lie. What I say is always the truth... at least from a certain point of view. And I'm not prone to exaggerations, either. I say what I mean and mean what I say."

"I hope you find one. No one should be without somewhere or someone to turn to."

I glance at her shortly and then smile.
"Who knows? Perhaps I already did."

She blinks, then laughs.
"I'm touched, but I don't think I count just yet."

"Perhaps not yet, that's true."

She rolls her eyes.
"Well, it's not too much trouble. You should look into finding someone to help you in your galaxy, though. Not having anywhere you can feel comfortable in... is just criminal."

I chuckle, almost bitterly.
"Easier said than done. I am god and emperor, Leanna. People hail me as their saviour, for better or worse. They put me on a pedestal. And even those that know me for a long time, those that I'd consider my closest friends and allies... even to them I feel a certain distance. Like a wall I cannot overcome, no matter what I do."

I sigh.
"Which is precisely why our interactions carry so much meaning to me. You don't do that. You see me as I am, as a person first and foremost."

"I know... it just sucks, you know?"

"Heh. Yeah, I suppose I would know."

"Have you considered any solutions?"

"Nothing I've done so far worked, so I resigned to carry that burden."

"Some nobles wear disguises sometimes. Just put on a fake moustache or something and walk into a crowd like 'how do you do, fellow countrymen?'"

"Pfft!"
I even out the bemused expression again.
"Yeah, no. I'm not a fan of disguising myself. I had to do that once, and I can live without another such experience."

She smirks at me.
"Yeah, it's not a real solution anyways. But it was fun to say."

I chuckle, this time in good nature. I smile as the memories of my masquerade come back to the front.
"Thank you. You brought some... interesting memories back. Of that time I had to pose as a pirate."

"When you what?"
Her smile has returned in full force.

"When I had to pose as a pirate. Was an intriguing time. Good thing I travelled with one for years, so I could somewhat act the part. It was all part of an undercover investigation on an outlaw planet in the Outer Rim called Rishi. I, along with my allies, was called to this planet, but when we arrived, every one of the locals thought we were the leaders of some bigshot pirate gang. It was actually fun to get to the bottom of this."

She listens intently.

I smile as well.
"I still have my pirate outfit in my wardrobe. Now that I've got a pango for my shoulder, it would look even more the part. But I digress. You seem to be interested in the full story."

"I am. Imagine the pango with an eyepatch."

I smile widely.
"And a tricorn. Maybe even a little cloak to go with it. It would be adorable."

"Absolutely."

"Poi!"

"Heh. Maybe I can make you something once it's thematically fitting, little friend."
I pat the pango.

The pango warbles.

"You know, if he's going to stick around, we should give him a name."

"A pango is a wild animal, is it not? But I guess, if he wants to, then there's no harm in that. What do you say, little friend, do you want to be named by us?"

"Poi!"
He bounces.

Leanna giggles at his reaction.

It's still as melodic as ever, but no, I mustn't lose focus.
"That's a clear yes. Hmm... any ideas?"

"Well, he seems rather attached to you. Hungry could work."

I arc a brow.
"Who would name an animal 'hungry'? Or rather, why would you do that?"

She frowns dramatically.
"It's funny! Like naming your cat 'Couch'."

"I... don't think that's my sort of humour."

"Aww... well, your turn."

"So, I think he'd need a name that both fits him and doesn't ridicule him."

"It's not ridicule!"

I draw a hand to my chin and effectively ignore her comment.
"Perhaps Blue? No, too simple, too obvious... Cerulean? Nah, that's not it, either..."

Then, I snap.
"How about Ceru?"

She pauses.
"Ceru could work. So could Azu."

"Abbreviated from Azure? Yes, it could. So, let's have him decide. How do you want to be called, Ceru or Azu? Jump to Leanna for Azu, and jump to me for Ceru."

"Or Acp, for Aggressive Combat Pango."

I am forced to exhale rapidly once more.
"Pfft!"

The pango hops down from me but looks between the two of us with the appearance of analysis paralysis.

"Or are both of them not to your liking?"

He shakes his head violently.
"...pooooi..."

Leanna smiles.
"I think he might be worried about showing favouritism."

"You think? But why? This is about his name, so he should go with what he feels fits him more."

She gives it a pat.
"Neither of us will feel rejected if you choose the other person's idea."

The pango perks up, then jumps onto my head, then Leanna's.
"Poi!"

Leanna sighs.
"This doesn't help either."

I sigh in tune with her.
"It really doesn't."

Then she pauses.
"Perhaps he wants us to combine the names..."

"Hmm... Cazu? No, that sounds too much like an annoying toy."

"Cerazu, maybe?"
Leanna spitballs.

"Cerazu, perhaps?"

"Or... maybe he just wants us to decide."

I blink, then look at her, as I just spoke simultaneously with her. Again.

"Oh?"

I chuckle.
"Well, looks we had the same idea there. But perhaps you're right as well, with us deciding."

"Cerazu seems a little aggressive - and since he's an Aggressive Combat Pango that might work. But he might not care about the name itself as much as our feelings about it."

"Well, after I got over the initial... misunderstanding, he seems far less aggressive to me."

"Which is why it works. Cerazu will also always remind us of this point in time, when we couldn't figure out which type of blue to name him. But if you don't like that, we can do Ceru."

I smile.
"Well, it would also always remind me of how in sync we just were. But I have to admit that Ceru would have been my first choice."

"Actually, I just thought of the best defence. Cerazu would be a great name for a pirate pango."

I laugh out loud. After a very short moment, I calm myself and wipe at my eye.
"Yeah, I can see that."

She scoops up the blue blob.
"This here be Cerazu, dread pirate of the seven seas! Sailors quake in fear at the mention of his name!"

The pango growls slightly.
"Poi!"

It isn't much of a growl. He is smiling as he does so.

I laugh softly again.
"But perhaps that's not so fitting, after all."

Then, I shrug.
"Though then again, what do I know about naming things? Or people. Or animals."

"Have you had many chances to name something?"

"Just about exactly none. No, wait. There was that droid I built as a child, but I wasn't the one who named it..."

"'Droid'?"

"Yeah. Like, a robot. A machine."

"'Robot'? So, a mechanical thing? That doesn't narrow it down."

I scratch my cheek.
"Hmm. I don't really know how I could explain a droid... basically, it's an autonomous machine that can do a variety of tasks, depending on the purpose it was built for. I had built one for mining purposes."

"So they're like people?"

"Not quite. They are tools programmed by their manufacturers to follow simple commands and then can do those tasks autonomously. Although, there are some higher functioning droids that can be considered sentient - like a person."

"Okay. I think I get it."

I nod.
"Good. But if not, don't hesitate to ask. Anyway, yeah, I never really had the opportunity to name anything."

She appears torn between letting me name something myself, and pirate pango.

"You seem to be conflicted."

"... yes. You deserve to have a chance to name something the way you want it... but Cerazu, dread pirate would be so fun."

"Well, as I said, the choice lies with the pango. He clearly shows the intelligence of a person, so I think we should regard him as such. To just give him a name would feel wrong."

"Wait... waitwaitwaitwait... Cercerazu. Cer Cerazu. Sir Cerazu."

I just shrug.
"Whatever the pango wants, really."

"Ordained by his majesty Xerath, Emperor of all Pirates, Sir Cerazu sails forth! ...Not really, though. That's a bit much."

"Yeah. As adorable as he is, he doesn't strike me as particularly regal or royal."

"Well, we could always say Ceru, and if anyone asks it's short for Cerazu."
She chuckles.
"That would be fun. What do you think?"

The pango has a mischievous grin.
"Poooi..."

I chuckle.
"Well, that could work."

Then, I smile at Leanna warmly.
"Thank you."

"He seems to like it, too."
Then, she smiles at me as well.
"You're welcome. You just deserved a chance to name something."

"Still though, you found a nice balance between what I wanted - what I didn't even know I wanted myself - and what you wanted for yourself."

"Maybe I am kind of good."
She looks satisfied.
"And thank you, that was fun. From now on, he is Ceru, the mild-mannered alter ego of the dread pirate Cerazu!"

"Poi poi!"

I laugh softly and pat Ceru.
"A pango coming entirely after me. I like it."

Then, I beam at Leanna.
"And you're not 'maybe kind of good'. You're all kinds of good."

Ceru chirrups.

"Thank you."

My smile mellows out but remains warm.
"I just say it how I see it. But you're welcome."

She strokes the pango.
"He seems so happy."

"...pooooooi..."

My gaze shifts from her to Ceru.
"You're right, he does."

I absentmindedly move my hand to pat him as well, until our hands 'accidentally' brush.

Leanna barely notices, but I have a different reaction to the slender, gloved fingers moving over my own. From how the two of us are doting on Ceru, I can almost imagine a child there instead.

I freeze completely as that thought creeps in. The blush from earlier returns several folds and I quickly put my hand away, turning away from her so she doesn't see my extremely flustered expression.
The half-image remains in my mind, however - of Leanna holding a small, bronze-skinned baby in her tender arms.

"He's just so cute, isn't he?"

I violently shake my head to get rid of that image. Now is not the time to think of something like that.
"Huh? W-What did you say?"

"He's cute. Isn't he?"

Ceru smiles broadly.
"Poi!"

"Yeah, you are."
I then shake my head again and a whispered word escapes my lips.
"Kriff."

"Poi."
The pango seems to realize that the comment wasn't meant for him.

Leanna just smiles.
"But what was that word you just said?"

I blink again, still unable to face her.
"Huh?"

"That word that sounded like rift. What was it? I don't recognize it."

"Ohh... did I say that out loud?"

I sigh, running a hand through my thick hair.
"That word was 'kriff'."

"Oh? What does it mean?"

"It's... it's a swear word. Like 'damn' and the like."

"Oh."
She raises an eyebrow.
"Why did you say it? You just said that he was cute."

Ceru's expression seems to threaten to tell Leanna... somehow.

I shake my head.
"My thoughts... went running rampant. In a direction... I didn't want them to. But I couldn't clear my head, so that frustrated me."

"Is this related to how you said earlier that your mind isn't entirely yours?"

"No, I don't think so."
I pause for a moment.
"No, it's not."

I don't say anything else and just continue to face forward in a way she can't see my face.

She frowns slightly, but shrugs and goes back to patting Ceru.

I move a step forward, staying ahead of her for now. This is advisable, as my thoughts escape from me more and more, going off on wild tangents about what else had happened relating to that image. No! I mustn't think about such pointless things. I suppress these thoughts as best as I can. And I have become rather skilled in that aspect over the years. Instead, I shift my focus back to magical studies. My thoughts calm and I begin to think of magic. There is still much to uncover and observe, after all. I ponder the possible reasons why I could have been brought here. What could it be that I have to do here? Was it to meet Leanna? Or something else entirely?

For the longest time, I don't show any incentive to speak up again. And eventually, the afternoon comes and goes.

Eventually, Ceru jumps over to me and takes up a position on my shoulder, startling me out of my thoughts.
"Poi?"

I blink, then glance at the blue blob.
"Oh, Ceru. What's up, little friend?"

"Poi."
He leans against my cheek.

I pat him absentmindedly.
"You're worried about me?"

He nods, and I feel the cool friction at the point of contact.
"Poi..."

"Kind of you. It's just... my emotions and thoughts are all over the place right now. I don't... I don't quite know what to do."

"Poi?"

"It's okay if you're confused. I'm too."

"Poi?"

I continue to pat him.
"So you don't know what I can do, either, hm?"

"Poi... poi?"

"I just think it would be too soon, you know? We don't know each other for that long, after all."
I sigh.
"Honestly, that doesn't make any sense."

"Poi."
He nods.
"Poi..."

"So, what am I supposed to do? I... I don't exactly have experience with this... this kind of thing. Give me an enemy, and I can take them down. A nation? I can topple that. But this?"

"Poi."

I sigh again, then nod.
"Yeah, you're right. One thing at a time. I should just... remain observant for now, and don't push it. I'll see where that leads me."

Ceru smiles.
"Poi! Poi poi."

It's almost like he's telling me not to give up.

"Our bond is undoubtedly strong, after all. So all it needs is more time. I think I can manage that."

"Poi."

I smile slightly and pat my helpful friend.
"Thank you, Ceru. That was some solid advice."

He smiles at me.

After that, I continue to pet him and fall back in step with Leanna. I glance at her shyly.
"Hey."

"Hey. You've been a bit quiet."

"Yeah, I was. I'm sorry, I had... a lot to think about."

"May I ask what it was you were thinking about, or was it like the other things you've been thinking about? It's alright if you don't tell me, I'm just terminally curious."

"It was exactly like that other thing I was thinking about. The same topic, even."

"I see. I hope it isn't causing too much trouble for you."

"Well, it kind of is. But I'll manage, I think."

"Okay. If you need help though, tell me."

"I will, once I think the time is right."

"Okay?"

I smile mysteriously.
"I won't mind sharing my thoughts with you, but I just believe that now is not the time for that."

"If that's what you want."

"It's not about what I want, but what I think would be best."

She holds her hands up.
"I'm not being negative, just stating the obvious."

"Hm?"

"You'll tell me when you're ready. Until then, I can be patient."

I smile at her.
"Alright. So, did something interesting happen while I was brooding?"

"Nothing much. We've been paying attention to the prisoners - none have escaped."

"Of course they haven't. Or, asked differently, what did you think about while I was walking ahead?"

"Hmm..."
She strokes her chin.
"Well, I thought about you some, then I thought about some personal things. Then I thought about dwarves."

I blink.
"Interesting jumps. Would you want to elaborate a bit?"

I smile shyly.
"After all, you're not the only one who's curious by nature."

She smiles.
"Well, what do you want to hear about it?"

"About me, about the dwarves, and also the personal things, if you want to talk about that, of course."

"My personal things are personal, but I think I can indulge you when it comes to the other stuff. So, you being silent for hours was strange. I worried a little before I wandered off of that. And by a little, I mean you were subject to my attention for a decent amount of that time."

Once more, I turn away to hide my growing blush.
"I-Is that so? W-What were you thinking for that 'decent amount of time', if I may ask?"

"Well, I was worried that your silence might be the result of something you remember from your galaxy or something I said."

I relax somewhat.
"Rest assured that that was not the case. You have done nothing wrong."

She smiles.
"That's good. However, the thought of what you had experienced made me wonder about what exactly you have experienced. You haven't gotten the chance to tell me much, after all."

"Perhaps that is for the better. The tale I have to tell... is not a nice one. I wouldn't want to dampen your spirits."

"Sometimes, sharing a burden makes it easier to bear."

"Perhaps that is true. But are you sure you're ready to help me carry it?"
I gaze at her intently and very, very seriously.

"If I can help, I should."
Her eyes are both hard and caring.

"Your empathy is great, Leanna. But given how just learning about the general state of my galaxy made you feel, I don't know if it's a good idea to tell you my life's story."

She looks slightly more sullen.
"I know."

"Because, if I had to sum it up, it would be 'but wait, it gets worse'. On loop."

She places a hand on my shoulder. She doesn't say anything, but her touch is calming.
I close my eyes and slightly lean into her touch. A single tear slides down my cheek, glistering in the dying sunlight, but as soon as I notice it, it is gone, disintegrated.

"You feel very tense."

"Because I am. This... this is an entirely new situation for me, and to be honest, I'm somewhat at a loss. All I know... is that I'm incredibly glad that I ran into you. Though I could have lived without that being literal."

"It's alright. Sometimes, we end up in situations we don't understand. It's a process of learning."

"Indeed. Though I wonder if I have the patience for that..."

"You better. Life has a way of surprising people that think they have all the answers."

I smile wistfully.
"It does indeed."

Then I look at the sunset.
"It's as beautiful as yesterday."

"It is. Do you feel a bit better?"

"I don't really feel unwell."

She frowns.
"Did you before?"

"No."
I shake my head.
"I'm just... confused, I guess."

"That's alright. If you feel too tense, I can give you a massage. It's one of the things I've learned to keep up the efficiency of a hunting party."

I blink.
"A massage?"

"It can help if you're tense."

I look at her, a bit suspicious.
"What would that entail?"

"Well, you would lie down, I would get on top of you, and massage your back."

"Getting... on top...?"
There goes my recently reclaimed peace of mind. I quickly face away and whisper harshly.
"Ah kriff, not again!"

"If you think it will help, I'll help."

"I-I d-don't know if t-that would be so w-wise, as of n-now."
Force, why am I reduced to being such a bumbling idiot? I can articulate myself better than this! Zash taught me better, I'm not an illiterate Rim-rat anymore.

She removes her hand, and I immediately notice its absence.
"Okay."

Despite longing for her touch now, I relax. I close my eyes and take a series of calming breaths. I also roll my shoulders a bit as my coiled muscles relax.

"There, you look better already!"
She smiles.

"Good."
I smile slightly as well.

"Still, if you need anything, tell me. You know I'm always happy to help."

"I know."
I gaze softly at her.
"When I think there will be something you can help me with, I'll let you know."

She beams at me. Iridescently so.

I scratch my cheek as I am once more forced to look away.
"Anyways, since you seem to be so interested in my life, would you like to tell me about yours, too?"

"Uhhh... You know how you don't like people to think differently about you because you're an Emperor? There's a little of that."

"You are part of the nobility."
I speak that matter of factly.

"Why would you say that?"

"The way you acted when you figured I was someone of a high rank. You behaved like someone who is used to court etiquette. But at the same time, you seemed to not like it. And your sentence just now confirmed that. You are a part of the nobility, but don't want people to see you just as some noble's daughter, but as the wonderful person you are for yourself."
I tilt my head.
"Am I right?"

She nods slowly.
"You're quite perceptive."

I shrug.
"I wouldn't be alive if I weren't."

"How do you feel about this knowledge?"

"Not different. When I look at you, I see one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Besides, I assumed so from the very beginning, so this doesn't really come as much of a surprise."

"Well, even so... I'm going to be a bit hypocritical. Like you, I might tell you later."

I nod.
"I understand."

"Thank you."

I smile at her.
"Bust still. Like you, I'd love to learn more about you. So, when you feel more comfortable around me, I'll always be willing to listen."

She nods.
"Of course."

"Okay."

The silence creeps up again since I don't know what to say anymore. It's... uh... it's been quite a while since my last heartfelt conversations.
Luckily, Leanna knows a new topic.
"You were interested in what I thought of the dwarves, yes?"

"Oh, right. Yes, I still am."

"Right. I was weighing the pros and cons of selecting a handcannon as my second weapon."

"Oh? Also, what exactly is a handcannon?"

"Well, it's like a discharger, but it uses a highly flammable material - or magic, in some human designs - to throw a small piece of metal at an enemy."

"Ah, so they're like a slugthrower."

"I suppose?"

"Hm. Slugthrowers are known to be a good weapon against Force users. Mandalorians use them often to take on Jedi. Though many Force users - Jedi and Sith alike - think poorly about blasters and slugthrowers. That they're clumsy and random, not as elegant as a lightsaber, and so on."

"Only if you aren't good with them, though. The finest handcannon and dischargers are more precise than most swords."
She shakes her head.
"I just don't understand. Using ranged weapons makes sense."

"Why, when you can throw your sword more precisely than others can shoot a blaster, or shoot lightning from your fingertips?"

"It doesn't matter how well others do, you're you. Can't the Force bolster any fighting style with practice, the same as magic?"

I arc a brow.
"I suppose?"

"If you can throw a sword more precisely than others can shoot when the sword has an innate disadvantage, couldn't you do even better with cannon?"

"Well, why would I do the gun's work?"

"I don't understand."

"If I'd need to use the Force to aim the blaster correctly and guide the projectile, why use a gun in the first place?"

"If you'd need to use the Force to aim and guide the sword, why use a sword in the first place?"

"Also, why use a blaster when lightsabers can reflect the bolts? That's why Mandalorians use slugthrowers. But those often lack the punch to pierce armour. Also, do you know how many people died by their own shots? It's certainly more than the Force users that died by getting shot."

"So use the slugthrowers. The shortcomings of blasters don't excuse your lack of ranged options."

"As I said, they lack the punch necessary to pierce armour. And their designs are rather... archaic and primitive."

"I'm sorry, what happened to your slugthrowers? Ours are on the cutting edge of warfare. Handcannons are some of the best anti-armour weapons used on Terra."

"Hmm... that part about galactic history is mostly lost, I'm afraid. But from what I was able to read about it, it was like the galactic community used solid projectile weapons in the beginning, because energy-based weapons should be weaker in space, but then they fought some advanced foe that had cutting edge energy weapons that made short work of their projectile weapons. And from then on out, energy weapons were highly favoured."

"Interesting."

"Also, again, just because we don't use guns as Force users, doesn't mean we don't have any ranged weapons."
I smirk.
"Watch this."

I hold out a hand towards some stone on the side of the path, a good distance away. I also make sure that Leanna's attention is on me and my target. She is watching. Good. And maybe someone else as well. Not good. I quickly throw down an illusion around us, so nobody will notice what I'm about to do.
Without any further warning, violet lightning arcs out from my fingertips and surges instantly towards the stone. The air fizzles as the lightning continues to flow.
Then, after a few seconds, I stop, and the large stone is blackened and smoking as some residue electricity is still snaking around.

She appears somewhat impressed.
"Well, that proves you don't need a ranged weapon, but how about all the people that can't vaporize a rock with electricity just because they feel like it?"

"That was low intensity. This level is something an Acolyte can do."

"Okay, but how far does it go?"

"Around as far as a blaster round."

"And how far does a blaster round travel?"

"Depends on the blaster type. I think pistols have an effective range of fifty to a hundred meters, though they get hard to aim at that distance. Rifles are easier to aim and have a higher effective range as such, up to a hundred fifty meters. And sniper rifles can even reach up to a few klicks- err, kilometers."
While I speak, I return the blackened rock to its previous state and drop the illusion.

"And what happens when you involve the Force in their manufacturing process? How quickly can they fire compared to that lightning attack?"

"Slower. A blaster bolt allows a Force user more time to react than a Force Lightning, for example."

"That isn't what I meant. How quickly can they be fired by an acolyte?"

"You mean the Force Lightning?"

"Yes. Relative to blasters, how rapidly can you shoot it?"

"Just like this. What I showed you was what was expected of an Acolyte when I was one."

"Still not what I meant. How quickly can you prepare another one and fire it as well?"

"You meant if there is more than one enemy?"

"Yes. If you have many targets, how quickly can this basic attack be prepared to fire again?"

"This basic one? Might need a bit. However, there is a... related technique for this, which is learned by advanced Acolytes - Force Strom. And then there's Chain Lightning, too. Also, just so you know, Acolyte is the absolute beginning level of a Sith. They're not even an apprentice yet."

"Yes, I understand that."

"Good. I wasn't sure how your mages in training are called, thus I explained it."

"So, how does their rate of attack compare to blasters?"

"Again, depends on the type of blaster. But if you'd take a blaster cannon or something similar, it's... the rate of fire is slower, I think. But that is of little issue when a single Chain Lightning can drop eight enemies at once. Couple that into a Force Storm, and you can clear out entire areas on your own in mere seconds."

"Yes, but there is a question of necessary energy. Chain Lightning can drop eight enemies at once, but couldn't eight blaster shots do the same?"

"Theoretically. If you can aim fast enough, and not miss. And have a powerful enough blaster."

"There are power levels of blaster too underpowered to deal with enemies in a single shot?"

I shrug.
"If the target is armoured, yes."

"Or is effective armour ubiquitous?"

"Let's just say that those that wield a blaster effectively enough to be a threat to Force users at all, usually also have a very decent armour to boot."

"That seems strange to me."

"Like, I know stories of exceptional regular fighters taking down Force users with blasters and other weapons, but usually, blaster users almost always come short of Force users."

"Without the use of magic, it is far easier to build weapons that hit hard than armour to stop those weapons effectively. At least on Terra."

"Well, if your armour allows you to shrug off one blaster shot, that is enough time to make sure your enemy doesn't land a second one."

"Yes, armour is valuable. But let's have a look at my armour. It is expensive for many reasons: it covers almost my entire body with interlocking plates and a layer of chain mail, beneath which is a cloth padded gambeson meant to absorb shock. More than that, it is made of a protective Transteel alloy and treated with enchantments meant to make it lighter, absorb physical shocks and disperse magical energy, deflect blows, and make the armour lighter. What do you think it is meant to defend against?"

"All kinds of attacks you might encounter in your line of work, I presume."

"Indeed. But it is rated against several key marker weapons. Meant to determine the strength of different kinds of blows that I may receive."

I nod.

"Could you imagine something for me?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Picture a weapon in your head."

I nod again.

"It has a longer handle. Not as long as a spear, but longer than any sword handle - including yours when extended. It is made of mundane steel. Not Transteel, not a starmetal like those made by the dwarves, the regular steel you'll find in any shop in any town."

Once more I nod.
"Iron enriched with coal- normal steel, got it."

"It is a hammer, with a head only slightly larger in size than your thumb, but as far from the handle as the length of your hand. Do you know what that is?"

I blink.
"What? A hammer with such a small head?"

"Yes. Do you know what it is?"

"No. That sounds rather strange."

"Well, on Terra it is called a warhammer, and it is what a Mage-Knight's armour is rated against. Tens of thousands of crowns were spent across many generations to refine the metal, the enchantments, and the design of my armour - so they could stop a weapon that could be in the hands of any infantryman with a modicum of skill."

"And it makes an excellent light to medium armour."

"It is the benchmark for the strike of a dragon's talons and fangs, the spears and swords of conventional enemies, and a thousand other piercing weapons, including the handcannon. That weapon is the right combination of lever, surface area, and finesse to split helms and sunder breastplates, to kill mundane knights in a single stroke. And the reason why I bring this up is that the weapon I told you to imagine isn't magical. But it can be."

"Obviously."

"And when magicked up, the warhammer is better at breaking armour than we are at making it. There's a reason my fighting style is one of rapid motion, swift blade-work, and magic. It's because a single hit from an enemy I didn't know was using a weapon that is less advanced than my armour could easily bring me down."

"That is logical. It's always best to not get hit in the first place."

"The first rule of combat is not to be hit. The weapons of a peer will be more powerful than your armour - you might survive one hit from a weapon made for the task, two if you're lucky, but armour is the last line of defence, when all else fails and you need to rely on metal and magic to stop the blow. So what's different in your galaxy that causes defences to bridge this gap? Because on Terra, the rule of the game is that a good shot from anyone with a decent weapon will kill someone wearing the best armour."

"Because your best armour would be considered light to medium for us. That is, your armour."

"That's a technological gap."

"Indeed."

"And that technology helps weapons as well. Both change with time - a light weapon in your society might be heavy by our standards."

"We can build armours that are even heavier, even sturdier, that make the fighter even more effective. If made out of the right metal, they even become walking tanks. And at a certain point, it becomes... increasingly difficult to break that armour. You'd need an equal amount of increased firepower, but at a certain point, blasters just reach a maximum, where they can't generate more firepower."

"Why? The same materials that are devoted to keeping destructive force out can easily be turned towards directing more of it."

"No."

"We learned this lesson quite quickly with handcannon. Transteel alloys of the right mix produce incredibly heat and blast-resistant materials that can stop bullets, but those same advances proved invaluable for making better handcannon."

"That's not how our warfare works."

"Why doesn't it?"

"Because our weapons are mostly energy-based, remember? We don't throw metal at each other, but plasma."

"So how is the difference formed?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, even in the blasters you posit, you need a way to direct the energy - both to direct it away from things you don't want to destroy, and towards things that you do want to destroy."

"Yes."

"So, how is this done?"

"With the help of a gas cartridge and a power cell. With the power cell, the blaster superheats the gas into plasma, which then gets ejected through magnetism."

"Okay, so the gas is directed via magnets. And how is it deflected by someone who doesn't want to die by 'plasma'?"

"With a lightsaber, typically. Or by armour. And, which has been recently in field-testing, personal shield generators."

"So, let's go at these one at a time. How does armour deal with plasma?"

"Dispersing the heat and kinetic impact across the surface area."

"Okay, like armour with dischargers here."

"I'd assume so."
Blasters and dischargers do sound rather similar, after all.

"The metal conducts away heat, magic, and whatever else, otherwise it melts or disintegrates - hopefully before the person inside does."

"Indeed."

"Okay, I've got that. What about shields?"

"You mean the shield generators? They work by projecting a deflector shield around the person, absorbing the plasma bolt."

"Okay, so a bit like another layer of armour. Does it have any special properties that make it different you should note?"

"They are key components for ship combat but are rather energy-intensive. So, only recently were advancements into miniaturisation made that allowed them to be integrated into heavy armour systems."

"Okay, so they're expensive still I take it?"

"That process was still highly experimental, and only selected individuals were given access. That was years ago, however, so I think that by now they're ready for mass production."

"What else?"

"Well, if you're not a Force user with a lightsaber, using cover."

"No, are there any other special properties to shields?"

"Oh. Nothing worthy of note. They can be overwhelmed and overheat, and you'd always have to look out for the radiation, but otherwise, they effectively act as a first layer of armour. That is rechargeable."

"Rechargeable armour. Okay. And lightsabres?"

"They can deflect blaster bolts due to the way the blades work."

"Which is how?"

"The energy of the power crystal is focused and bundled by the focus crystal - also known as colour crystal, which generates an energy loop with magnetic properties."

"So in a manner that is similar to shields, but curves the shot back in the direction it came from?"

"If you can block precisely enough. Otherwise, it just deflects it away from you."

"Okay. So, we have armour, shiny armour, and thin shiny shields used by mages."

"Basically."

"Firstly, to me - an outside perspective mind - shields and the systems used by blasters to direct their fire seem similar. Advances in one would go with advances in the other."

"They may seem similar, but the working systems of blasters and shields are rather different from their principle. You are right, however, in the regard that advances in one field would also lead to advances in the other. Which leaves us at somewhat of a stalemate."

"In what way? I noticed that blasters would need to be much smaller already than personal shields would need to be for them to be personal."

"I mean their working principle. Shield technology is completely independent of blaster technology."

"So their equipment doesn't need to be as large to have a good effect. So, would it be so difficult to make the device that does this larger in some way?"

"Larger? No."

"Why not?"

"The problem was to make it smaller. Usually, these shield generators are used on spaceships, which already have powerful reactors to feed all their systems. Until recently, the smallest generators were in small single-seated starfighters. There are also planetside shields that can cover entire cities. You just need to have a reactor powerful enough."

"No, the weapon."

"Oh. Well, same principle. If you can provide enough energy, there is virtually no limit to it. It just becomes more expensive to spoon blasters up like that. They burn through more power and more gas, of course."

"But a weapon which cannot kill an enemy is useless."

"However, our weapon technology has previously reached a point where we can destroy entire planets with a single shot. All of it comes in nuances, Leanna."

She seems somewhat exasperated.
"Then why not inflict that finesse on a smaller scale? Planet destruction is not only horrid, but a needless spectacle with no place in practical warfare. Your galaxy is insane to me in so, so many ways Xerath. From every angle, be it moral, tactical, or technological, I am forced to ask 'why'?"

"It serves as a psychological element. But because you are correct, development into it stopped after the prototype got destroyed."

"Perhaps it is because you got lost along a strange path of technology..."

"Well, maybe it's because we had so much more time to develop - so much more time to repeatedly screw up. To my galaxy, your society would be considered primitive, after all."

"Let's try a new experiment, Xerath. I'm going to walk you through making one of our slug throwers. It's a bit different depending on what you do with it, so do you want the regular ones, the ones produced with Transteel, or the fully magical ones given to Mage-Knights?"

"Something I can recreate."

"Regular it is. These are the ones commonly used by the dwarves in their armies, and it is through their use by bodyguards that their design made it to Esaria. It is - we are told - one of their most ubiquitous weapons of war, besides the axe, hammer, and greater cannon, and they have far more interesting weapons which have so far been hidden from us. I have no way of telling whether this is true, but it does seem accurate that they have lots of handcannon.
We'll begin with the barrel - traditionally made of something the dwarves call adamantine, or starmetal in common. It is a naturally found mixture of high-density materials enriched with magic, but the barrel does not need to be starmetal if you work the metal correctly - which the dwarves insist is easy for them to do. A steel tube is made, with a wall about half your thumbnail length in thickness. This barrel will be a little over half as tall as you are. It is closed at one end by a hemisphere, and near that end, there is an opening."

From there, she goes on to describe a breech-loading rifle. It is of sturdy construction, and though I have to infer several things Leanna forgot about, it seems to be an odd weapon of war.

"The ammunition is simpler in concept. Bullets of lead with steel points are made, backed by a brass container that holds the flashpowder. Flashpowder is made-"
She describes the substance, and the deadly nature of the weapon instantly takes shape. The stuff she describes is violent.

When she finishes her explanation, I tilt my head.
"That... sounds like an odd and even more ineffective version of slugthrowers. Like, the principle is roughly the same, but the combustion agents sound weaker. And you have to load them one bullet at a time? That's so ineffective."

"Well, in regards to their clip size they do not yet compete with local counterparts, however, they fly further than discharger blasts maintain cohesion, can keep a relatively good pace on the rate of fire, and are better against armour. Both Esarian humans and the dwarves have been working on these problems for some time, so we're likely to see improvement eventually."

"If your armour represents the peak of your armour tech, I don't doubt that."

"Both these weapons and the armour seem like they have a long way still to go. But when magic is allowed into the mix, there is a bit more."

"I mean, we do have exceptionally more potent versions of projectile-based weapons - railguns. They use an electromagnetic field to propel a metal slug, but they're large, cumbersome, and energy-consuming. So far, they are only mounted on specialized starfighters. Like personal shield generators, they are a rather recent development, and as such highly experimental."

"What? Shouldn't they also use the technology used by your blasters?"

"Sort of."

"'Sort of'? What's different? Physical objects naturally travel further easier than energy. Even before handcannon, bows and arrows provided good competition to dischargers."

I arc a brow.
"Then perhaps your dischargers are not good enough?"

"Why not have a look at Zack's then?"

I put a hand to my chin.
"Though, I also once read about a cult of Force users on Dathomir that use energy bows..."

She raises her voice, sounding exasperated.
"There it is again! More energy weapons. The modern dischargers are beginning to leave bows behind, but their slack has been easily picked up by handcannon."

"Look, I don't know every single detail that's been going on in my galaxy. I never got close to such a railgun, I only heard about it. How it's developed, or how it is different from the blaster tech, I do not know."

She sighs.
"It's alright... it's just so frustrating. It's bad enough that everyone spends so much time killing each other, can't they at least do it with weapons that make sense, or for reasons I can understand? That would be something. Although if it was for reasons I personally could understand I wouldn't be arguing, would I?"

She sighs deeply.
"Aaaaaaaah... war is so annoying..."

I just shrug, unsure of what to say.
"Well, I once read a saying. 'Sufficiently evolved technology is indistinguishable from magic.' Perhaps that principle is at work here? But I concur, war really is annoying. That's at least one way to word it."
Another word would be hell.

She groans from behind her hand.
"...but magic is technology..."

I blink.
"What?"

"Magic is technology. Understandable, usable, compartmentalizeable. You can use it in technology."

"How peculiar. To say that magic is technology goes against the very meaning of the word magic."

"Not here, I guess. How would I say it... magic isn't supernatural. It's a part of the natural world, and while we don't completely understand it, we can say the same for a lot of things."

I draw a hand to my chin.
"The Force and technology are two different things. At least to me."

"Weird... why is that?"

I make a wide, sweeping gesture.
"The Force is this energy all around us, after all, which we manipulate and shape with our minds, our willpower. It is very much supernatural. So, it is really confusing me why that is so drastically different for you."

"Well... I suppose here magic is just a part of life. Even before magical devices anyone could use started appearing - even before mages knew what they were doing - magic was everywhere. It is an interesting set of pieces in the puzzle of the world, but it isn't really the puzzle itself - or I don't think it is. Mages were the first to explore the natural world to any depth, and though there are specialists in nonmagical studies now, they still work closely with the Guild to learn about the world and build things. Some have called for renaming the idea of a seeker into mysteries, so that mages and scholar mundanes share a name. My favourite is 'scientist', one who applies the rigours of logic upon the world to learn about it."

I nod.
"Exactly. Scientists are those that progress the way of science. And while we have some Force users that are scientists, it is the exception and not the norm."

"So what's the issue?"

"That the research of the Force and the research of the natural world are two different fields of study. Many Force users would also declare the Force superior to technology. Especially traditionalists."

"That seems like calling butter superior to bread in my opinion. If you aren't using butter in your bread, it sounds like butter is better because your bread is bad."

"I don't necessarily agree with it, either. However, many Force users do look down on the technology of the common man. Like a blaster, for example. Or, back during the ancient times, when Hyperdrives were newly discovered, it were Force users that navigated this strange new realm. And even now, although droids and astro-computers have been developed for this task, Force users still show a better ability to navigate the more dangerous areas."

"Why not make computers that use the Force then?"

I blink, then frown.
"That's impossible."

Had she said that in the Sith Empire I served in, she would most likely have been executed for heresy or something.

"Why?"

"Because, I'm afraid you don't know what a computer is, but it is a construct. It does not have access to the Force, not like we do."

"Xerath, what is a discharger?"

I roll my eyes.
"That cannot be compared."

"It is a construct with access to magic, Xerath. Basic access, but aren't we supposed to be primitive? Aren't our creations supposed to be mirrored by far more advanced things in your galaxy?"

"From what I can see, it's using the inherent energy of the loaded sphere and releases it with a mechanical trigger. Correct?"

"Yes."

"But a computer is not mechanical. It's electrical, for the largest part. There is a completely different working method behind it."

"Spells can respond to lightning, Xerath. You just need to set them up that way."

"Also, your creations don't necessarily have to be mirrored by my galaxy. Your entire environment is completely differently structured. If my glimpse into your system told me anything, it's that your society will likely develop vastly different from my galaxy."

She frowns slightly, but then sighs.
"I wonder if this has something to do with our disagreements around handcannon."

I shrug.
"Perhaps. It certainly is a possibility. And, quite frankly, I'd be glad if your society develops differently. One shitty hellhole like my galaxy is enough, it would be nice if you could do better."

She frowns.
"It won't be able to help your galaxy though. Not for a long time."

"No. No, it won't."
I look back up at the sky.
"But sometimes I wonder..."

I then shake my head.
"No, you certainly wouldn't appreciate that thought."

"Oh?"

I cast my gaze down, ashamed that I even think like that.
"Sometimes... I wonder... if Tenebrae didn't have a point in the end... If it may be better to just eradicate the galaxy in one swift end and start over again. A quick end to this continuous existence of suffering and misery..."

"Xerath!"
She seems surprised.

I shudder.
"Our galaxy has not known peace for millennia, Leanna. It was war upon war upon war upon war. What is the point of it all?"

"How would that solve anything? To start again like that... it would mean repeating so much of the bloodshed that needed to happen to get where you were anyways!"

"And where have we got? Nowhere!"

She saddens.
"But you have gotten somewhere. You have gotten to the Eternal Alliance."

My eyes widen.
"I- I'm sorry... I didn't want to raise my voice against you..."

I then smile slightly, sadly.
"As for the Alliance... That was just a byproduct of me surviving."

She returns a hand to my shoulder, comfort radiating from the point of contact.
"Xerath. It hurts, knowing that all those people are hurting. One thing that could make it worse, though, is if in the end, all those people suffered for no reason - that their unheard sacrifices didn't even help build a better world."

I close my eyes and lean into her touch again. I take a deep, shuddering breath to steady my nerves.
"I... suppose that is one way to look at it..."

"I really understand the desire to tear such a horrible place down, Xerath - I really do."
Her thumb gently rubs my shoulder.
"I just don't think that more blood and death, no matter how painless or instant, is the solution."

I ball my fists and open my eyes, gaze brimming with determination.
"You're right. I'm in the unique position to change the galaxy for the better. I can lead the people out of this madness, unite them under one banner."

But then, as quickly as that determination showed up, it dims, tempered by a lifetime of hardships and disappointments.
"But what if I can't? What if I'm not strong enough?"

"All the slaves that suffered... their hopes live in you, Xerath. You are the voice of countless people crying out to be heard."
She steps in front of me, smiling softly.
"I believe you can make good on their hopes. I believe in you."

My eyes widen, her words hitting closer to home than she probably realises. It takes my entire willpower to not wrap her in a crushing hug then and there, so instead, I look away and throw my arm over my eyes as I shake silently, barely visible, not willing to let her see me cry like that.

Her eyes glitter in their blues.
"It's okay to cry, Xerath. We all do it."

I just shake my head slightly, unable to answer verbally.
I see how her gold bubbles, and she smiles softly.
"Alright."

She steps back beside me, but her hand remains on my shoulder. Today, she is there for me - and any other day I need it.

So moved am I by her boundless compassion, it takes me a long time to calm down. Long enough that we have to put up a camp.

We set up mostly in silence, Leanna and Zack cooking something quick for the prisoners before moving on to tonight's dinner. I am set to simple tasks. Usually, I'd feel insulted, but right now, it helps giving me the time to sort through the chaos of my thoughts and, strangely enough, my emotions.

Leanna takes the opportunity to ask Zack about things.
"So, Zack. I noticed that these people were quite well-armed. Do you know anything about that?"

"No."

"Alright."

I note the slight hesitation in her voice, like she noticed something.
Still, she changes the subject, addressing me.
"How are you feeling, Xerath?"

"Better, I think."
My expression softens.
"Thank you."

I doubt she has any idea how invaluable her help is for me.

She smiles softly.
"You're welcome."

She seems to glisten under the darkening sky, as the clear night lights up with more stars than even were visible on Tatooine.
I gaze up at the sky, which is awash with constellations and nebulae, a strip of violet dust streaming across as meteorites cross in the upper atmosphere, and it all makes it seem the world is ablaze with light. I am quite amazed by the spectacle, staring on in wonder.

Leanna sips on her soup while she watches the stars as well. To my eyes, her hair almost seems to capture the starlight, filtering around her like the halo of some being of light.
I glance at her.
"It's really beautiful."

Then, I quickly look back up.

"It is. Summer nights are some of the most amazing things in the world."

Zack rolls his eyes, to which Leanna frowns playfully.

"You mean it's summer?"

"Yes, it is. Why?"

"It's so... cold. Like, for a temperate climate in summer, this is rather cold."

"Is it? It doesn't feel that way."

"Of course it wouldn't. This is normal for you, after all."

"What are you on about?"
Zack looks at me strangely.

I shake my head.
"Nothing. I'm just a child of the desert. I assume that I'm just used to stronger heat in the summers."

"Right, Venaeyan. Got it."

I just nod in response.
Then, I turn towards him fully.
"So, introductions were rather short and basic earlier, I'm afraid."

I hold out my hand.
"I'm Xerath Kallig."

"Zack. Pleasure."
He stares at the outstretched hand strangely.
"What exactly are you doing?"

I blink.
"Do you not have the custom of shaking hands?"

I pull back my hand.
"I'm sorry. I just arrived here in Havengarde rather recently, so I'm not all too familiar with your customs."

"Huh."

He shrugs, but Leanna is intrigued.
"What are you supposed to do with that?

"Well, you grab each other's hands... and shake it."

She holds her hand out and shakes it around.
"What a strange way of greeting someone."

I chuckle.
"No, not like that."

"Oh, you need to hold onto the other hand?"

"Yes. May I show you?"
I hold out my hand to her.

"Sure."
She takes my hand, then proceeds to shake it around.

I laugh lightly.
"I have half the suspicion you do this intentionally."

"What? This isn't how it works?"

"No, not quite."

She pauses and lets me direct it. I hold her hand gently, and for a moment my care for her is slipping over before I can stop myself. I then perform a normal, regular handshake with her.

"Ah, I see."
She continues to move our hands up and down.
"Is there like a number of times we do this before it's over?"

"Yes. The exact number depends on different social cues, but between once and thrice is common."

She finally lets go and smiles at me. Unfortunate, I somehow wouldn't mind holding her hand for longer.
I return the smile, again getting lost in her eyes.
"But you did that intentionally, didn't you? Because, if so, it's working."

She blinks.
"Working at what?"

"Making me feel more at ease."
I tilt my head.
"That was your goal, wasn't it?"

"Some of it, yes."

I gaze back up at the sky.
Zack moves further away, identifying that we are having some kind of moment. I nod at him in a way that Leanna won't notice.

With the opening available, Leanna asks me a question.
"What's your galaxy like? I've heard a bit, but not too much from you. Is there anything good about it?"

"The people there try to make the best out of a bad situation. Generally. However, most people at the top got there by being selfish and uncaring for others. There were some examples against that, most noteworthy among the Sith, ironically enough."
I look down, memories of Balmorra and Taris resurfacing.
"And some of the planets are really beautiful. Those, that haven't been bombed into wastelands, that is."

"You told me about planet destroyers earlier... is that common?"

I draw my knees close to myself and hug them.
"No, that one was a prototype. One that got destroyed. Instead, we send in armies that fight planetside with heavy weaponry and artillery, have spaceships on standby to deliver orbital bombardment, or use starfighters to bomb fortifications. Perhaps my view is marred by my experiences... but I really can't find much good to say about my galaxy... I know that I have to get back. It is my responsibility... But I really don't know if I want to."

"It is... difficult to return to a place that hurt you once you escape."

I look at her with a tired eye. It must almost seem hollow and lifeless.
"I'm just so done with everything."

I look back down, burying my face in my legs. Despite that, my voice rings out clearly to her.
"Ever since I was little, I was told about a prophecy. A prophecy about a saviour that would save the entire galaxy. And then, later, when my Force sensitivity awoke, I managed to do things that everyone considered to be impossible. But all I did was trying to survive. I was thrown into a hostile world, with no one that cared about me. Not anymore. So I survived. I took lives, gathered power, and survived. The longer I survived, the more people were trying to kill me, so I gathered even more power. This spiral continued until I was at the top of the Empire. And then the invasion of Zakuul happened, and you know the outline of the rest."

"...you really do need a break. Have you talked to anyone else about this?"

I quietly shake my head.
"How could I? I'm being hailed as the saviour of the galaxy. I can't show any weakness like this. If being a Sith has taught me anything, it's that showing weakness means to invite attack. And to invite attack is a sure way to die."

I feel an arm around me. Leanna radiates a gentle, loving warmth into the world - and right now, most of it is going into me. I see a tear on her cheek.
"If you haven't found anyone else... I don't really have any choice but to help you, do I?"

I look up at her, hopeful. But at the same time, my eyes shine with insecurity and fear. With her, I don't bother to hide it. Though I'm not even sure I currently could if I wanted to.
"What... do you mean?"

"You need someone. You deserve someone. Maybe I'm not the best person for it, but right now I am the only person for it."
She slowly rubs my back.
"I... I will do my best."

"I... I don't... I'm not sure... What do you mean, exactly?"

"Just relax, Xerath. I'll be your friend, where no one else has."

I look back down and my voice is quiet. Friendship, huh?
"But what if that's not enough?"

"It has to be. People don't just open up after a day for no reason. Regardless of how I feel, I'm special to you. That has to be enough."
She feels so close, so comfortable, even through her armour.
"Know that while you're on Terra, I'll be here for you. Okay?"

I shake my head.
"Forget it. You're already going to such lengths for me. I shouldn't get greedy."

I look back up at her, a small smile on my face.
"Thank you. For everything."

"I can't ignore someone in need."

I look back down.
"Right. Of course. You'd do this for everyone."
Why did I even get my hopes up?

"But that doesn't mean I don't care for each and every one of them."

"I know you do."

"You're an easy person to care about, Xerath. I don't get why other people haven't figured this out."

I shrug and smile slightly.
"It's not that there are no people that care about me. I'm sure my friends care... but as I said, there still remains this distance between us. For example, the man I'd consider my best friend: Talos Drellik. He's an imperial archaeologist and historian. We share many interests and have an undoubtedly strong bond. We can talk hours on end without growing tired or bored."

Then, my face falls again.
"But at the end of the day, I still remain his superior, and he my subordinate. He may be happy with that - so happy, in fact, that he pledged the allegiance of his entire bloodline to mine - but I am not. Things like this prevent me from talking with others eye to eye. They see me as this indomitable Lord of the Sith, as someone of higher standing. Even if they don't intend that, I can feel it. How I'm on a pedestal."

"I'm so sorry..."

I look back up at the sky.
"And then I met you. So incredibly kind and caring. It's like I've found someone else like her again. Someone that really cares about me, only to then be remembered that you'd do the same for everyone. It's simply who you are. But... it hurts."

"..."

I clench a fist over my hurting heart and squeeze my eyes shut.
"To want more than I know you can give..."

I sigh heavily - wearily.
"I... told you. That my life is not a happy tale. That telling you would burden you."

"You don't need to tell it. But if you wish to, I will listen."

I shake my head.
"I don't want to sour your mood even more."

She runs a hand over my back.
"If you believe it will help you, I will listen."

I tremble at her touch.
"I know you will. But... perhaps not now. I may be ready to trust you blindly, but the same isn't necessarily the case for you."

"...blindly?"

I look back up at her, a tiny hint of a smile visible.
"Perhaps it's a byproduct of your society treating the Force as part of the science, that you never drew the connection to emotions. However, I can feel our bond, can see the core of your character. That is why I can say with conviction that you are an incredibly unique person, that can brighten the life of anyone lucky enough to meet you."

"...what do you see?"

"A golden core of... universal love, I think. An empathy that encompasses every living being, no matter where they may be. A kindness that wants to help everyone, regardless of what they might have done before."

She seems surprised, but the light recognizes that I am talking about it. It bubbles with happiness - or perhaps that's just Leanna being happy someone can describe her in such a way.

I shift my gaze away.
"But, as I said, that kindness goes for everyone. It was foolish of me to assume that I'd be as special to you as you are to me."

She opens her mouth to speak, before closing it again. She can't respond to that for a bit.
"You... want to be special to me?"

I nod quietly, afraid to look at her. I know I said to Ceru I'd be patient, but she makes that increasingly difficult.

"Why? I don't think I'm getting the full picture here."

I shrug helplessly.
"Why do you think? What could be possible reasons for this?"

She thinks for a minute, replaying the day. Suddenly, her face turns a deep scarlet.
"You... you want that? I'm sorry! I shouldn't have done this to you!"

"Just to be sure, what is your conclusion?"

"You said you wanted to be special to me. That means you want me, not just my temporary friendship."
She starts crying.
"If I'm right... I'm so sorry."

I look over at her. My expression is somehow filled with all kinds of emotions that currently swirl through me, like fear and confusion, but most prominently an unmistakable warmth, among some others.
"I've fallen in love with you, Leanna. Those were the thoughts I had earlier, those that I believed would be too soon to share with you."

I cast my gaze down at her reaction, obviously hurt and shaken.
"But why do you apologise? You have done nothing wrong."

"Because I'm the person who was so approachable and nice to someone whose delicate emotional state I couldn't have understood."

"And you don't feel the same way, do you? I mean, of course you wouldn't. We just met yesterday, after all... And why would you feel like that for me, in the first place? Not like there's anything good about me, anyway..."

"I didn't expect someone to fall for me in a single day... no one's done that at all as far as I've noticed."
She looks very upset.
"I'm sorry for making this happen to you, sorry for not loving you back yet, sorry for everything..."

I shrug helplessly.
"Well, I certainly didn't expect it, either. Yesterday, you laughed when I brought up if my purpose here was to find you. But I did not say that in jest. I mean, why else would the Force basically abduct me and whisk me away into a different galaxy altogether, where the first person I meet is one of the most wonderful women I have ever met?"

She blushes brightly, realizing for the first time how much that means.

"Why else would I feel a bond with you as if we had known each other for years? Everything that happens... has a reason. Especially something as big as this."

"... this is a big deal for you, isn't it?"

I hang my head down, balling my fists.
"It is. I haven't felt like this... since about nine years. I didn't even know I was still capable of such emotions."

She thinks for a minute.
"I will try."

I blink.
"Huh?"

"I do not love you, Xerath, but I have never met someone who deserves love more."

I grimace.

"If it is mine you need... I will try."
She smiles at me, her embarrassment still making it shaky. She also dries her tears.
"We have time to get to know each other. I will try."

My face lights up in unbelieving hope.
"You... really?"

"One day, perhaps I will love you. I just need to know you first, maybe."
She holds me slightly tighter.
"Just hold on. Please. You don't need to fall apart yet."

I lean slightly into her.
"Thank you. Thank you. If you ask me like that, I will."

"Besides... someone that bares their soul to me like you just did... that is special. I do want to see what caused that - good, or bad. But I do have a request."

I smile slightly at her, just as shaky as hers has been.
"Yes?"

"You're undoubtedly going to try to get into my heart now - I'd be surprised if your behaviour didn't change after I said something like that. Just... be yourself, okay?"

I blink.
"That... was my plan. But you mean that I shouldn't go out of my way to try to woo you, right?"

She looks surprised.
"Really? You were just going to be yourself?"

I look at her as surprised.
"Of course? I mean, what use would there be otherwise? I want you to love me for who I am, what use would it have to don a mask?"

She smiles brilliantly at me.
"Do anything, as long as it's appropriate. Just... be sure to give me space, okay?"

Her smile... it's so unbelievably beautiful.
I draw a hand to my nose to cover my mouth.
"Okay, got it. But if I step over the line, please tell me. I... have absolutely no experience regarding romance whatsoever, so I might not know what's appropriate and what's not. Especially considering that we're both from such different societies."

"Of course. I won't hold a mistake against you."

I bring up my other arm that has been blocked from view by my body. In it is a beautiful, albeit artificial rose.
"For example this. Is this appropriate?"

She blinks, then turns red again.
"I mean... it is done, but... I don't think we're there yet..."

Her reaction seems positive, even though she is embarrassed.

"Hmm... you're right. A white rose would fit much better to your armour."

"Uhhh..."
She looks away.

I scratch my cheek.
"Or is it too soon?"

"...yeah..."

I nod.
"Alright."

The rose vanishes again.

"Just... know that I want you to be happy - that I want to make you happy."
I smile again, this time earnestly and full of relief.
"But I think it's getting late. I should probably get something of that soup and then we should call it a night."

She stands, giving me a hug.
"I want you to know you are appreciated, Xerath - even if it's only by one person."

I hesitate to return it.
"Thank you. That makes one more than before, so it's a win in my book. And since you said you want to know where these emotions are coming from... well, maybe I can tell you some about my life tomorrow, if you want me to."

"One way or another, before you leave this planet you will be loved. And that is a certain promise of mine, of the kind you like to make. Whether by me or someone else, you will leave Terra happier than you entered it."

"And not alone, I hope."

"No, not alone."

"I thank you for your promise... but the way you worded it doesn't sit well with me."

"I promise."

I smile, full of warmth and affection. Without a shred of doubt can I say that I love this woman.

"If I cannot give you my love for some reason beyond my control, I will find someone who can. You will have something, Xerath. That is my promise."

I look at her a bit worried, troubled.
"But don't force yourself to something, okay? You don't have to feel indebted to me or anything."

"I'm not. I just see a man that the world has starved of affection, and want to help him."

I smile again.
"Thank you, Leanna. I think I repeat myself by now, but you're very special."

I then stand up.
"But anyway, I really should get something to eat, or my stomach's going to protest."

She smiles brightly.
"That you're hungry tells me I did well. Unhappy people have pain in their hearts which blot out the pain in their stomach."

I laugh lightly.
"Generally true, but trust me, my stomach would be heard when I'm hungry."

I get a bowl of dinner for each of us and return to her side. We sit down to eat as Leanna smiles at me, and my thoughts drift off, wondering about the properties of those smiling lips... As I begin to get lost in thought again, my eyes once more rest on her. She doesn't notice, digging into her soup. I absentmindedly eat as well, but she holds my focus so effortlessly.
Even slurping up soup, she seems to glow with the holy presence some Jedi and Voss seem to think they possess. It's ironic - the person most befitting of the position of a beacon of light that the Jedi so adore the idea of is hands down the most emotional person I have ever met.
I chuckle quietly to myself.

Her light seems to quietly thrum, a tiny place of calm and care in the Force itself as she hums to herself, munching away at tomorrow's energy. It is a wonderful sound.
She notices my chuckle, then my stare, and smiles gently at me.

I return her smile and blush as I have been found out, scratching my cheek.
"You know, I just realised something funny."

"Hmm?"

"The Jedi try so hard to view themselves as these paragons of goodness, but in fear of the Dark side, they shun emotions. For example, romantic relationships are forbidden in the Order. Or at least it was some years ago, maybe some of my friends managed to change that, as they were Masters on the Council and are married. Anyway, my point is, that they want to be these beacons of hope, when you are the embodiment of those beliefs, and yet are also one of the most emotional people I know."

"Oh."
She smiles shyly at me. So cute.
"I see..."

I smile gently, and somewhat bemusedly.
"It's quite ironic, isn't it?"

"It is."

I wonder what exactly their reaction would be to seeing Leanna. I once more get lost in thought, as that thought leads to another, getting far too ahead of myself. But this time, I don't bother to whip my thoughts in line, because now... now the possibility exists.
Instead, I gaze on with a dreamy expression.

Now free to consider it, the image of Leanna holding a child reappears. My face is instantly hit with a violent blush, and I choke on the soup and have to cough a bit.

"Are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, just.. uh.. got a bit ahead of myself there."
I smile at her.
"It's just nice... to think about the future, and actually see something worth looking forward to."

She beams at me, already happy with her choice to give me a chance, I assume. But I can do nothing more than to continue to blush at her blinding smile.

Eventually, Zack returns, being greeted by Leanna before I snap out of it.
I clear my throat.
"Ahem. Welcome back, Zack. Everything in order with the prisoners?"

"Yes. All accounted for, their cuffs do their job."

I nod.
"Yeah, they're made quite well. You want to sit with us?"

He does.

"So, you mentioned you're headed for Illumia as well earlier, right? What brings you there?"

"Yes. I need to meet a friend."

"I see. What a coincidence that we're headed there as well."
I glance at Leanna, then back at Zack.
"Would you like to continue on with us after... Raven Pass, was it?"

"Yes. A coincidence."
He shrugs.
"Why not. You're travelling with a Mage-Knight, after all. I could use the ability to sleep some of the night safely."

"You're a mercenary, I take it? Must be rough alone in the wild like that."

"Yeah, kind of."

I shift somewhat, unsure how to continue the conversation. I look to Leanna for help.
Luckily, she delivers.
"Uhhh... do you like cats or dogs?"

"Is this going somewhere?"

Leanna sighs.
"We're trying to talk to you. That comes from the us part and the you part."

There is silence.

"Dog."

"Huh?"

"I prefer canines."

"Huh..."
Leanna re-applies her smile.
"What's your favourite story about a dog, then?"

"The one with the noodles."

"Can you tell us this story?"

"I can."

There is a pause.

"...can you do it now?"

"I can."

I chime in again.
"Do you want to?"

"No, not really."

Leanna sighs.

I have to chuckle softly but quickly catch myself, however.
"What about you then, Leanna?"

I smirk bemusedly.
"If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say that you don't have a favourite and love both equally."

"Oh, I never really got the chance to be with either, though I think cats would appreciate me more. I don't know which I would like, though."

"Huh. That comes somewhat as a surprise. But on second thought, not really."
Noble houses are often quite strict in their upbringing. At least those I'm familiar with. It makes sense that she wasn't allowed to have a pet.

She calls me out of my musings.
"What about you?"

"I prefer felines. They have something majestic and regal to themselves. And the smaller ones are so adorable."
Until they want to eat you, that is. But I don't want to ruin the mood.

She smiles, and I already feel it was the right choice not to add that bit.
So I simply return that smile.

Zack speaks up again, apparently having enough of the topic.
"We should decide the watch order. I'll go first."

Leanna nods.
"That makes me second."

"Which leaves me with third."

Zack frowns.

"...You don't seem too thrilled about that idea... do you?"

"Simple. She's a Mage-Knight. I know she's not going to pull anything. I don't have that guarantee about you."

"Yeah, that's fair enough. You have no reason to trust my words, after all. Still, though, I would gain absolutely nothing by pulling anything. Why should I?"

He nods.
"And lucky for you, that means you get to sleep through the night."

He follows with a shrug.
"How would I know your mind?"

"Eh, fair enough."
I nod.
"Alright, if that's what you want."

Then, I smile faintly.
"I hope that in the future you can be more comfortable with me around, perhaps."

"Perhaps. But we're only travelling together for two days."

I throw Leanna a meaningful glance.
"A lot of things can happen in two days."

She shimmies her shoulders.
"Depends on what, though."

"Heh. That's true."

"If you say so."
Zack moves over to a nearby tree and props himself up for the night.

I call after him.
"Good night, Zack."

I then look at Leanna.
"It's getting late, isn't it?"

"Yeah."
She stretches, before removing the layer of plate armour from herself. Then the chain mail, and then she sets out her bedroll to relax into sleep.

I catch my stare before I get too lost and quickly turn around.

"Goodnight, Xerath."

"Goodnight, Leanna. Sleep well."

She mumbles something, and when next I look her far more unrestrained body is fast asleep.

I, too, lay down. Or rather, I want to.
"Say, you don't happen to have a spare of that bedroll thing?"

She bumps another of them my way sleepily.

I whisper to her.
"Thank you."

I smile at her warmly for a moment, before rolling out the bedroll and getting ready to sleep as well.

"No... problem..."
She breathes out softly, cutely, in a tiny and most attractive parody of a snore.

I now lie there, not too far away from Leanna, but giving her space, and my heart beats so fast I'm afraid a little injury would produce a fountain. What I saw... she looked so beautiful. Her armour hid so much of it in its practical forms, disguising what she looked like beneath.

She was already among the most beautiful women with the armour... but this... I may be a god, but she, she is a goddess.
With how my cheeks burn, I'm certain I have a vibrant blush on my face, and I'm glad that it is night.

Needless to say, it is a long time before I can even think about falling asleep.
So as I lie awake with giddy feelings and a stupid smile on my face, something in my mind stirs.

'Uuurgh... what have you done now, Xerath?'

'Met the love of my life, Nox.'

Inside my mind, the shadowy figure of someone with my robe and a peculiar metal mask takes shape. Where my robe is black and blue, his is black and red, and the mask he wears is a replica of Kalligs Countenance. Even if the raised eyebrow is not visible, it is very audible.
'You did what? Wasn't that Kory?'

I flinch at the mention of her name.
'It's not like that! I haven't forgotten her. It's just... Leanna is so incredible, you know?'

'Huuuuh?'
Nox hums suspiciously, turning to look at the memories he had missed. Then, he sighs.
'Yeah, I can see that. She's exactly your type - a wonderful goody-two-shoes.'

'Hey! Don't speak like that about her!'

'Huh, that is... unexpected. Are you finally growing a spine? Was about time.'
He shakes his head.
'But you know it's true. She's innocent. Naive. You know her outlook would not hold in the horrors of war.'

I glance down, clenching my fists.
'I know...'

'See-'

'Which is why I will protect it! I will protect her, and her optimism. My hands are already drowned, so if I have to sin some more for her to remain pure, then so be it.'

The masked shadow tilts his head.
'Huh. You really are determined, aren't you?'

He then nods.
'Alright. If that is what you want, then go for it. Just be careful. We don't want another Zash incident.'

My expression softens.
'Don't worry. I've become a lot better at reading people now. It won't be repeated.'

Nox just nods again.
'Very well, then.'

He vanishes, receding back into deep crevices of my mind, helping to hold it together.
'Try to get some rest now, then. Looks like your new sweetheart is an early riser.'

I blush, both inside my mind and outside.
'She- she's not my sweetheart. Not yet, at least.'

A tendril of shadow twirls dismissively and I am left alone in my mind with my thoughts and feelings again. I sigh out loud and then prepare to sleep. Nox is right, Leanna is an early riser.