#kormel

But Kavaraa didn’t as much as she wanted to be the hero to stop Zoyin she had never been close to Zoyin’s skill in combat and not only that she was outclassed by Zoyin before and now she seemed to be even more powerful. She shuddered as she felt her stomach, the scar where Zoyin had stabbed her was still quite prominent, not even Voss healing could stop it leaving a lasting mark through her stomach.

They arrived at the room Shassa had given to them and Theron folded his arms “so what now?” it was a pretty valid question but Kavaraa didn’t know the answer 

She shrugged “I’m not really sure as much as I’d love to go down there and take Zoyin down it’s pretty clear I’m not up to the task on my own, we may have got lucky there but you know” she gestured to where she’d been stabbed, it all seemed so far away now but her part in it even the stabbing had been necessary so Kyradia could destroy Valkorion.

Theron walked over to her and put his arm around her “yeah I know I remember, believe me the last thing I want us to do is go in alone unprepared but we don’t have a lot of options at the moment” Kavaraa leaned her head against him

She anxiously played with the end of her montral “we need to wait like Shassa said an archivist may be able to offer some assistance even if it’s just details on the planet, in the meantime we should find out what we can from the archives” Theron seemed to agree reluctantly, Kavaraa was fully aware his style didn’t usually include waiting and was more reckless abandon but they had to do what was safe when it came to someone as powerful as Zoyin.

Theron turned to her “I’ve been meaning to ask you about that do you find this whole thing a little weird” Kavaraa frowned not quite understanding “just the three of them in this big ancient Jedi Archive and now a Sith arrives it just seems a little sketchy this place is so empty considering all of what your ancestor said” Kavaraa considered it she hadn't thought about it til now but Theron made a good point maybe it was a little sketchy

She frowned “I mean I guess but Shassa says that’s fairly common and she said it’ll probably only be a few days before an archivist returns” she rubbed her chin “maybe if no one turns up I’ll give your idea more weight but I think it’s just because it’s a secretive organisation” Theron nodded Kavaraa was at least glad it made some sense

He seemed to ponder it “I guess you’re right maybe I’m looking for a problem that isn’t there, I’ll do a little snooping around and if no archivist returns I’ll start to look more specifically” Kavaraa thought that sounded good she’d rather be slightly rude than get caught in some form of trap

Kavaraa smiled “that sounds ok maybe just a little while trying to find details on why Zoyin is on Vallereth” Theron seemed more than pleased to get permission to snoop

Theron nodded “what are you going to do, I assume you have an idea” Kavaraa nodded it wasn’t an amazing idea but it may help

She looked away “for now I’m going to set up an area to meditate so I can maybe get a greater understanding of the force energy surrounding the planet” Theron nodded he never understood what Kavaraa meant but he seemed to trust she knew what she was on about

Theron stood up “alright well I’m itching to investigate this place I’m going to find Kormel and ask him for his notes on this place” Kavaraa smiled Kormel was bound to have an extensive list to put even Theron to shame

Theron headed out leaving Kavaraa to set up her meditation area, she’d found comfort helped her meditate so set down a backpack with many cushions and soft carpets. The room they’d been given was quite nice Shassa had been clearly impressed at her Bysh heritage, it was nice to know she didn’t come from nothing but with Zoyin still out there it could all fall apart if she wasn’t careful. She could still sense her even now just on the corner of her force sense, a small familiar dot in the sea of force energy on Vallereth, the one thing she was sure of is that Zoyin was here to harness it.

Zoyin seemingly had started to succeed; Kavaraa had never seen someone teleport through the mist like Zoyin she clearly was even more powerful and that rightly scared Kavaraa, as of currently to her knowledge two people had managed to beat the Wrath one was Kyradia and too close to this. Kavaraa had no idea what happened between them but it was deeply personal on both ends, she hoped Zoyin was in the wrong on that one Kyradia had already done enough wrong. Either way getting her involved would be incredibly messy in so many ways so she was off the table, the other person who’d defeated her was Vaylin and well given the conversation Zoyin had with Kavaraa in the throne room Zoyin may have even thrown that fight. It was a useless train of thought anyway because Vaylin was completely off the table Kyradia had fought her on Odessen and from what she heard Vaylin had given her no other option than to kill her.

She sighed, shaking her head, it didn’t matter anyway Zoyin was more powerful than she had been at that time and that was very dangerous she’d need backup she hoped these Archivists were also combat proficient. Kavaraa also did just really want to meet them clearly; some of her distant relatives were Archivists first of all and either way they were guardians of knowledge she bet they had endless wisdom, something she could really do with right now.

The Meditation area was nearly finished now with pillows and cushions surrounding a carpet just the incense sticks left to go, she got increasingly frustrated as they were stuck at the bottom of the bag, she shook them out but as she did her eyes widened a cube shaped holocron fell out as well. Kavaraa gasped she’d picked this up back when she arrived and had meant to give it back to Shassa, she tutted at herself in all the commotion she’d forgotten to give it back.

Kavaraa picked it up and frowned, it still seemed vaguely familiar, not like something you know well, just the slightest hint of something she’d seen before. She decided to give it the once over before giving it back, just to check if it was all intact, that was fair enough right? Especially if it was familiar to her even a little. She put it in front of her, sat on the carpet and began to focus on it closing her eyes, it all seemed normal to her but oh so potent this was more than just something to store data. Kavaraa felt the energy wash over as she made sure it wasn’t too potent but the familiar feeling only grew as she inspected it.

When Kavaraa opened her eyes she gasped she wasn’t in the same place this holocron had its own environment, she looked around though she couldn’t see much there was dark blue storm clouds all around her. The ground was rocky and ancient as she began to stumble around she saw sunken rubbled, maybe once a statue but now just fallen stone, whose vision was this it certainly wasn’t like anything she’d ever seen?

Kavaraa began to walk forward seemingly incapable of forcing herself out of this place, she was so stupid she should’ve just given it back she was too curious for her own good. As she walked forward she spotted glimpses of ships she recognised, Eternal fleet ships, Sith ships and even Republic was she in a battle? This couldn’t be her vision so it was someone else's, either that person was here or this was the aftermath of something bad and the Archivists just chose to leave it alone. The wind around Kavaraa started to pick up as she tried to pinch herself out of this bad dream, it of course didn’t work and she walked forward unsure what to do. The familiar presence was stronger now, still not so familiar to her but clearly she was close to the source of whatever had called out to her. She felt her foot give way as she tripped over the edge of something just catching herself before the hit the ground, but as she looked down she saw the sith emblem cracked in half.

She quickly stumbled up, she had to get out of here something was very wrong, she rushed forward the winds picking up even more around her as she could vaguely make out a silhouette in the fog. 

She didn’t know who it was but she sensed it would give her answers to what was going on, she headed towards it “hello?” she yelled “I’m a little lost do you need some help, my name is Master Kavaraa Bysh” there was little to no response as she walked closer towards the silhouette. It was knelt down and still she didn’t know if it was the source of the crazy wind but it seemed pretty likely, as she got closer her familiar feeling returned but it was accompanied by a sense of fear, one she hadn’t felt in a while.

Suddenly the fog dissipated and the wind stopped causing Kavaraa to stumble forward to the floor, she looked up now she was in a forest, wait no this was indoors some form of garden? It was very chilly and the air was very dry, she spun around to get up but gasped when she was met with the burning end of a yellow lightsaber pointed at her.

Kavaraa didn’t know what to do, she wasn’t sure what this dark energy it could just be the planet or maybe it’s something more she swore it was very vaguely familiar, she was getting a really bad case of Deja vu

Kormel rushed into the room “you sense that too right Master” Kavaraa nodded “do you think there’s a problem should we keep going” Kavaraa was trying her best to keep calm some places were just like this, it could be a nexus or somewhere that had a temple.

Kavaraa took a deep breath “just be cautious for now it could be nothing at all or maybe something that has always been here” Kormel nodded put a little at ease but still looking frantic “does it seem at all familiar to you” Kormel frowned

He shook his head “I don’t think so it’s not like any dark energy I’m familiar with” Kavaraa racked her brain for where she remembered it from the scale reminded her of Ziost but she was very familiar with Valkorions presence and this was not it.

Theron spoke up “I’ve scanned for life signs on both the main planet and the moon where the archive is” he gestured to the console “on the moon there are a few centered around what I can only guess is the archive along with some general wildlife” he gestured to the planet itself “but on the planet itself there is just one” Kavaraa shuddered one on the whole planet? If anything was the presence it would be that, the planet itself already looked like a toxic wasteland

Kavaraa nodded “hmmm maybe we can investigate that one if we arrive at the archive” they both nodded as Theron brought the ship in

Theron responded “that sounds like a good plan, set the shields to the front just in case” Kavaraa nodded setting the shields on the front, she could see Kormel had picked out the goggles they used to find Vallereth and was storing the star maps in a bag

He noticed Kavaraa looking at him “I uh thought it’d be best to give these back so they can be returned maybe for future pilgrimages” Kavaraa hadn’t even thought of that maybe that would be necessary

She smiled “good call Kormel” he looked away embarrassed by the praise, Kavaraa turned to look at the moon they had landed on it was made up of purple quartz and seemed full of other different crystalline structures Kavaraa had to hold her hand in front of her eyes at times due to the shine of the crystals

Theron smirked “it’s like one constant lights show wow anyone got sunglasses” Kavaraa chuckled as he landed on the surface of the planet a little ways away from the location of the life signs. Theron pointed “Ok it seems that those life signs are that way towards that outcropping, again let’s be on our guard” Kavaraa nodded making sure her saber was ready

Kormel spoke up “yeah that’s the same way that the light from the shrines is heading” Kavaraa smiled ok so it was at least the right place that was good.

They made their way out of the ship and began to make their way towards the coordinates, it seemed this moon had a moderate atmosphere and basic forms of life. Along the way Kavaraa saw many crystalline beetles and insects while they snuck towards the coordinates, however as they got close the rocks seemed to move and suddenly an entrance way appeared in front of them.

Kavaraa gasped “wow that was impressive guess this is the place” she giddly began to sneak forwards 

Kormel frowned “do you think this is mechanical or maybe the force” Kavaraa shrugged it honestly could be either

Theron growled “either way we should be quiet there still could be a threat” Kavaraa shrunk down a bit he had a point, Kormel nodded before shuffling up next to them

They approached the entrance and were met with a large blue door with a intricate seal that looked like a holocron, it seemed locked at first and Kavaraa frowned at it not quite sure if they’d missed a step “um Kormel do any of the things we got open this door” as she spoke she heard a wirr 

A robotic voice echoed through the chamber “Bysh detected welcome back Master Archivist” Kavaraa held her mouth open in a proud smile as the doors opened surprised it could recognise her

She smiled cheerily “or that works too” she saw Kormel looked a little jealous as it opened before them, inside was a large entrance hall it seemed almost like a library entrance with a desk and waiting area but no one was present.

Theron chuckled “don’t let it go to your head ‘Master Archivist’” Kavaraa giggled blushing a little, Theron took her hand and led her in, they continued forward past the entrance hall following a corridor to a huge set of shelves all filled to the brim with datacrons, Kavaraa looked at a few they seemed to be historical records.

Kavaraa turned to the other two with a smile “I uh I think we’re in the right place” she could see Kormel fidgeting with excitement while Theron had a soft smile on his face seeing Kavaraa so proud

Theron put his hands on his hips “I’ll admit I expected some other people here though, we best still be careful” they both nodded trying to contain their excitement. 

They began to make their way around the shelves hoping to find some form of map but as they did Kavaraa heard some muttering before a figure came rushing round the corner “agahagh” she shrieked as she bumped into Kavaraa dropping a number of holocrons. Now that Kavaraa had a chance to see her she saw a red older looking togruta who was a bit portly and hunched, she was wearing simple blue robes reminiscent of Jedi garb.

She quickly picked up her holocrons “oh my goodness sorry I didn’t me-” she frowned looking at them “wait I haven’t seen you before” she looked cross Kavaraa had to diffuse the situation

Kavaraa smiled warmly “um yes hello I am Kavaraa Bysh me and my companions just finished the pilgrimage” the woman looked at them confused before a excited smile came over her face

She shook Kavaraa’s hand vigoursly “oh that’s wonderful it’s been so long since we’ve had new archivists” she paused fronwing “wait did you say Bysh???” Kavaraa blushed was her family name that famous

Kavaraa nodded “um yes I believe some of my ancestors were part of this place?” the woman nodded her head clearly impressed

She smiled “yes some of the best Archivists we have are Bysh’s, the head Archivist is one after all” she paused “oh sorry where are my manners Shassa Mar I handle most filling around here” Kavaraa relaxed a little this place definitely wasn’t in immediate danger if this woman was so chipper

Kavaraa nodded “well it’s nice to meet you, you said a Bysh was head archivist?” Shassa frowned shaking her head

She looked away “rather bad timing I’m afraid he and many other archivists are off collecting oddities we’re stretched a bit thin” Kavaraa was disappointed she couldn’t meet what she guessed was her only living family, she would just have to be patient she’d never been good at that.

Kavaraa had an idea “well if you know a lot about filling then could you show us around?” Shassa considered it for a second but looked at the box of holocrons

She shook her head “um I can’t right now I’m afraid these are some important artefacts I should’ve filed ages ago, I’ll catch up with you soon but I’ll leave you in the hands of Initiate Akaana, she can show you around she’s a good kid” she rushed off as she began talking in her comm

Theron frowned “so do we just wait here?” Kavaraa was equally confused and looked around for Akaana but as she did she saw a holocron on the ground, Shassa must’ve missed it she should give it back to her later. As she picked it up she cocked her head, it seemed weirdly familiar but she couldn’t place where she sensed both light and dark energy from it she expected many artefacts here displayed dark energy though.

Kavaraa shook her head “I uh dunno it seems they’re pretty understaffed at the moment, maybe we should stick around until the archivists come back” Theron raised his eyebrow at her, she looked away knowing he was right they kinda needed to go back soon. “Well maybe only a week or so” Theron conceded

Theron nodded “I can live with that scene as there is something off about Vallereth” Kavaraa felt like she was really straining their agreement to take a break, was she being selfish? Well there was a genuine reason to be here right?

Suddenly she noticed a younger Tholothian standing next to her “you wanna tour then” she folded her arms seeming a little grumpy, she had very pale blue skin and her tendrils were a light red, she was dressed in dark blue robes that seemed to indicate initiate 

Kavaraa nodded “yes we’re new to this place so if you could show us around that would be fantastic” Akaana seemed generally uninterested gesturing them forward to a staircase leading them around the archives

Akaana spoke as she went giving a basic description “first floor is history datacrons, second is jedi teachings, third is dangerous or considered corrupted teachings along with sith teachings, these are equally off limits to viewing unless you’re a trusted archivist” as they climbed the staircase Kavaraa could sense the dark energy getting more potent “floor four is sith artefacts that are considered simple like something that gives powers or creates chaos, floor five is sith artefacts that contain dark spirits or powerful entities and floor six is off limits to me so you can imagine what it could entail” Kavaraa was baffled every floor was full of all the secrets of the jedi and the sith she bet if she went looking she’d find her old Noetikons maybe even her own teachings 

Kormel spoke up excitedly “wow this is all so exciting you’re so lucky to be able to watch over these things” Akaana frowned giving his comment very little reaction as she led them back down

She raised her eyebrow “oh yeah looking after a bunch of dusty old holocrons and not being able to access any of them is just amazing” she said sarcastically clearly not as enthused as Kormel and Kavaraa

Kormel frowned “you mean you don’t get to even investigate the jedi teachings?” Akaana shook her head confused by the question

Akaana shrugged “why would we they’re not exactly unique, our real job is containment of the upper levels” Kavaraa had to admit she was a little disappointed she’d wanted to see if any secrets would help with the cycle of war

Theron spoke up “I thought those guarding needed to have a strong will you seem kinda fed up” Theron was right this was one moody teenager

Akaana laughed “exactly do I look like I’m at all interested in these secrets” she looked away and sighed “I uh don’t want you to get the wrong idea though I do think what we’re doing is important and I am committed sometimes it’s just also…” she trailed off as they entered the main chamber again

Kormel finished her sentence “dull?” Akaana nodded “well is there at least a list we can view it on” Akaana folded her arms thinking about it

She frowned “yes but it’s very outdated, if you wanna help with that ask Coda when he’s back, he’s in charge around here” she paused for a second “and a lot less pushy than Shassa” she smirked a little as Kormel nodded, Kavaraa frowned what was going on here? She looked to Theron who had a smarmy grin on his face.

He took her hand and led her away “let’s go find Shassa we need to ask about the dark presence, let Akaana get Kormel initiated” Kavaraa looked back towards them Kormel waved before she was led away

Kavaraa looked between them “buh, what was... um won’t Kormel want to come with us” Theron shook his head leading her away

Theron chuckled “don’t worry about it we’ll tell him later, he’s been with us for ages I’m sure it’ll nice to talk to someone his age” Kavaraa frowned more confused, he leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek “come on Basen’thor before you short circuit”

Shassa was coming back down the stairs when they bumped into her, Theron spoke up “um Shassa when we arrived Kavaraa sensed a lot of dark energy coming from the planet do you know why that could be” Shassa’s eyes widened as she begun to think

She nodded “well yes that can be one of many things, there is a dark presence from this place with all the dark secrets we keep hidden, but I imagine you could sense the planet's energy. Long before we came here a civilization lived on that planet but it seems they wiped each other out with a massive burst of force energy, there is some form of green mist on the planet I think it was part of it, I do apologize my history is limited all we really know is a dark civilisation collapsed on itself” that would explain why it seemed so strange but what about that was familiar?

Kavaraa shook her head “don’t worry it’s ok, so was this a sith civilization or jedi??” Shassa shook her head 

She rubbed her chin “no no I don’t believe so this was a different use of the force, I’m not quite sure what, we haven’t been able to go down there for a long time due to the conditions but I believe that may have changed” Kavaraa frowned not sith or jedi that usually in her experience was worse because it wasn’t as easy to anticipate

Theron frowned “what do you mean it may have changed? it looked pretty wasteland like to me” 

Shassa looked away awkwardly before continuing

She fidgeted awkwardly “well I was hoping to have built up a little more of a repor with you before asking this but recently I noticed a vessel head to the planet and land, I still sense the presence but with most the archivists gone no one here was really fit to investigate until you showed up” Kavaraa’s eyes widened maybe that's what she sensed they had to check it out

Kavaraa nodded quickly “of course we can we have EVA suits just in case so we’re perfect and well equipped” Shassa looked very pleased but she saw Theron looked a little less pleased

He nodded “yeah sure we can look into it” there was a clear terseness in his tone but he did definitely want to help

Shassa shook both their hands “oh thank you I’ve been ever so worried what with all the secrets we have here you too are my heroes” Kavaraa smiled happy to help someone “I’m sorry but again I am busy doing some pretty important filing so I will see you soon.” She dashed off before Kavaraa remembered she needed to give the holocron back, that woman needed to slow down or she was gonna make a mistake.

Kavaraa turned to Theron who looked less than pleased “I’m sorry I know you wanted to go back soon” Theron shook his head smiling

He sighed “don’t worry it’s fine there’s a problem for us to solve, it’s our duty to help out I’m just annoyed at whoevers down there for extending our trip” Kavaraa chuckled at him always the hero

Kavaraa stared out the viewport at the depths of space, she knew they were close; they'd nearly reached the end of her quest, with all the shrines activated and a course set for a planet they hoped was Vallereth. What did it mean though when she got there? Was that it was she just gaining trust and then going back to Odessen, back to the situation with the alliance. Maybe they’d need some help at the archive she could stay for a bit longer, but even then how would she spin that to Theron they’d already been away so long they probably had overstayed their vacation at this point. 

She sighed, maybe she’d just have to face Kyradia; she couldn’t run away forever she just didn’t know how she could forgive her, after everything they’d been through she helped the empire stop the jedis chance at rebirth. And she claimed it was a calculated move; Kavaraa severely doubted it took a lot of rumination to sacrifice what was once Nox’s enemy, still she had bad experiences with the republic after Saresh so was she justified? No no the republic wasn’t like that now it may be viable to corruption but the empire was full of evil monsters, Kavaraa didn’t exactly know why Kyradia thought the empire was a better decision she’d stormed off before the argument had gotten too heated. She didn’t want to lose their friendship but knew that she couldn’t abide by what Kyradia had done, there had to have been another way but she didn’t even try to find it, maybe she was just the same cruel sith she’d been rivals with years ago.

Kavaraa rubbed her forehead this was all so confusing she didn’t want to go back on her teachings but she thought she’d seen good in Kyradia, could she really even begin to face her. But she had to eventually Theron was getting more suspicious that this was about more than a quest, the quest was very important as it turns out but still she couldn’t distract herself forever. She took a long deep breath realising she’d just gone through the thought process she’d gone through every day since leaving, she never came to a conclusion she wanted to forgive Kyradia but knew she never could so what now? There was no option left.

She turned around and made her way out of her quarters where she bumped into Kormel who seemed to be meditating “oh um hello Master I was just practicing meditation” Kavaraa smiled trying to put the worrying thoughts behind her.

Kavaraa sat down next to him “sounds good, you at all nervous about arriving on Vallereth” Kormel frowned thinking about the question

He squinted “I guess yeah but also very excited to see the archive” he paused looking away “but also very nervous that the journey is over” Kavaraa frowned a bit confused by that

She cocked her head “what do you mean Kormel?” Kormel rubbed the back of his neck

He looked at Kavaraa “well what happens after this is over, do I go back to Tython” Kavaraa frowned did he seriously think she was gonna just dump him back on Tython

Kavaraa smiled “no silly you come back with me to Yavin IV where we can train properly” Kormel seemed surprised by that

Kormel figited “you mean you’d be fine with me as an apprentice full time” Kavaraa felt bad for Kormel he clearly wasn’t used to attention from others

Kavaraa beamed “of course Kormel don’t be silly I spent a lot on the temple I may as well use it to train jedi” Kormel let out a little chuckle “and why would I get rid of you I still have so much to teach you, there’s a lot more to being a jedi than what I’ve said in my holocrons” Kormel nodded looking a little calmer

He turned to her “really? I kinda assumed it was all there” Kavaraa couldn’t help but smile Kormel seemed so reliant on information

Kavaraa shook her head “no of course not, you never stop learning how to be a jedi and others around you can help you refine your teachings” Kormel’s eyes lit up as Kavaraa began to teach

He questioned “so uh what sorta things have you learned from others” Kavaraa thought for a second

She took Kormels hand “ok here’s something an old friend taught me basically sit still, close your eyes and concentrate on something in the galaxy you can picture and just concentrate” Kavaraa felt suddenly sad she hadn’t seen the Jedi who taught her the technique in a long time she hoped wherever he was he was still helping people find their centre and laughing at every little thing “it can be anything like your swoop bike or something else, for me it’s a little spot on Odessen where me and Theron like to go” Kormel nodded closing his eyes and focussing

She let his hand go and watched as his breathing gradually slowed, she smiled at least this part had been going well apart from the one outburst he’d had, still it’d taught them both something maybe she could teach people. 

She left him there hoping it’d given him some piece of mind and made her way to the cockpit where Theron sat looking a little bit exhausted “hey Ther bear” Theron suddenly woke out of a daze and turned to her

Theron frowned “what did you call me?” Kavaraa smirked at him 

She chuckled “it’s a new nickname I’m workshopping spyboy” Theron narrowed his eyes at her clearly not impressed

He sighed “well I hate it which mean you’re gonna keep calling me it” Kavaraa nodded he knew her so well, he looked at the console “we’re getting close to Vallereth, soon we’ll have finished this mystical quest” Kavaraa frowned not wanting to think about that

She responded “well you never know they may not have everything in order and need a little help, we may need to stay a bit” was that a good excuse? probably not, unless there really was a problem then they would have to stay

Theron sighed “yes but only a bit we need to get back to Odessen Kavaraa we’ve already been away too long” Kavaraa squirmed not wanting to talk about it

Kavaraa sighed “well let’s see if everything is ok on Vallereth then we can discuss going back” Theron gave her a look “I know ok but I promise if there isn’t a problem for the archive we’ll go back” Theron seemed satisfied with that although she didn’t know for how long

But just then she felt a twinge of dark energy nearby and as the ship dropped out of hyperspace she felt a rather substantial dark presence, the planet Vallereth appeared in front of them a desolate pale misty planet with an extensive number of much more vibrant looking moons circling the planet.

Kavaraa took a deep breath “um there may actually be a problem I sense a lot of dark side energy, I’m not kidding it’s strange and substantial” she felt it was very different to normal she’d only sensed energy like this once before… maybe

Kavaraa stared at the hologram once again the face of Zuvra Bysh staring back at her she didn’t need proof, she could tell it was her dad she just... knew.

“whatever you did I’m sure you’re doing great and don’t worry so much it’ll work out squirt” The recording flickered off leaving her alone in her quarters she hugged her knees as she held back tears, everything had been fine until she’d went to the house why couldn’t she get a hold of herself.

It was weird this had always been the case but somehow knowing had made it so much worse, nothing had changed but for her it felt like things would never be the same. Kavaraa sighed all this time her parents had just wanted a simple life and that had gotten them killed, she still didn’t know how but she had certainly not followed their example. They were still so different Kavaraa still wanted to find Vallereth and the archives, even with her fathers words was that wrong? would she ever know? he said he would be proud of her no matter what but was she even honouring their memory? 

Kavaraa shook her head she couldn’t let this break her, she took a deep breath and looked up to see Theron standing in the doorway

Kavaraa shrunk down “how long have you been standing there” Theron’s face was sympathetic clearly she wasn’t doing a good job at hiding her pain

Theron folded his arms “long enough” he walked over and sat down next to her, he picked up the holorecording “why are you torturing yourself with this thing?” Kavaraa winced she knew he was right in asking that but she couldn’t just leave it

Kavaraa sighed “I dunno its just... all I have left of that life and of them” Theron nodded holding the recording in his had

he put his arm around Kavaraa and took a deep breath “ok I’m gonna say something that sounds pretty harsh but I promise I’m doing it to help” Kavaraa nodded nestling into his shoulder “that life is gone and well it has been for nearly 30 years, you have made a life for yourself and you can sit here and wish you had the possible life you want in your head but that sort of stuff it’s just not accurate trust me” Kavaraa closed her eyes holding Theron tight 

Kavaraa bit her lip “I know you’re right I know it’s just this whole life I never knew” Theron nodded giving her hand a squeeze 

Theron looked down at her “Ok can I tell you something embarrassing and you have to promise not to tease me” Kavaraa nodded she couldn’t promise forever but at least for now. Theron closed his eyes for a second “even though I knew it never could happen sometimes I would wish my parents stayed together and raised me properly” Kavaraa’s mouth hung open he was just as bad as her “and yeah in reality they would’ve been unhappy and probably resent me if that happened but still we all wish we could have that family.” he looked a little embaressed but also relieved

Kavaraa squeezed him tightly “you’re just a big softy aren’t you” Theron’s face went red as he looked at her flustered

Theron frowned “no i-it’s just everyone wishes that sort of stuff I’m saying it’s natural to wish for what we don’t have” Kavaraa smiled at Theron as he became more flustered

Kavaraa chuckled “nah you’re just my big softy” Theron sulked as Kavaraa teased him “thank you though Theron that did help me” she gave him a peck on the cheek and leant her head on his shoulder “it’s was just a lot all at once I feel like my entire life is different even though” she paused “really like you said this is the way it’s always been” she looked to Theron who smiled 

he stood up “well I’m glad I could help even if it was embarrassing” Kavaraa gave him a coy smiled he was right she couldn’t fall apart like this “come on I think we’re getting close to the first shrine” Kavaraa nodded and followed Theron to the cockpit

When they arrived they were met with an odd sight as Kormel seemed to be staggering around the room with the goggles on, Kavaraa was about to speak up as he bumped into the wall.

he lifted up the goggles and looked to see them, immediately his face went red “uh I was trying to find the beam of light” he paused taking them off his head “I don’ know if I quite get it” Theron picked them off him giving them a look

he smiled rubbing his forehead “I don’t imagine you’ll be able to see much with the vizors down kid” he chuckled as he took the vizor up and tossed them back to Kormel

Kormel tried to catch them nearly dropping them, he looked back at them clearly embarrassed “Oh uh sorry I uh well I um” Kavaraa gave him a reassuring smile

“hey it’s fine you grew up in the Jedi temple it’s not exactly tech central” Kormel seemed a little less embarrassed standing back up

he pulled the goggles back on “heh I guess it’s not quite SIS” Theron looked at him with an eyebrow raised Kavaraa should diffuse the tension quick

she pointed Kormel towards the viewport “hey Kormel what dya see??” Kormel rubbed the goggles and looked out into space and after a quick scan he pointed towards something

he shook with his usual excited energy “look, look, look the beam” Kavaraa folded her arms at him “oh yeah the goggles” he shuffled over to the copilots chair “I’ll try my best to direct you” Theron nodded and they began their slightly stilted journey to the first shrine

Soon they came upon a group of large asteroids and upon getting close they could see a small marble structure which Kormel was again  squealing about the beam, Kavaraa quickly scurried to get an EVA suit for her and Kormel so they could get closer. 

After a quick suit up they floated over to the asteroid “this is Kavaraa I see the shrine ahead over” she always found zero gravity weird, she was falling but also wasn’t slowing down or speeding up.

Kormel crackled in over the comm “the beam is concentrating over” they touched down on the asteroid using their repulsor boots to stick to the asteroid

Theron crackled in “why are you guys speaking like that” both Kavaraa and Kormel didn’t respond for a minute, soon they heard a sigh “over” Kavaraa smiled as they made their way to the shrine

Kormel responded “to convey information effectively, over” he seemed to be just having a bit of fun with Theron which was impressive considering his once timid personality

What they were met with was a circular marble structure seemingly like a Gazebo with a large mirror in the middle, Kavaraa looked to Kormel “I assume the beam leads into the mirror, over” Kormel nodded. Kavaraa let out a chuckle as she smiled of course it did “well lets reflect that beam, over” they both moved up to it and Kormel began to direct her as she moved the mirror into position.

After a few minutes of awkward direction she heard a click and a excited gasp from Kormel “there! it’s reflected over there, over” he looked back to the ship “Theron come in is the star map updated, over” after a second they heard another sigh from Theron

“you know I can here you the whole time the comm link isn’t on and off” once again he was met with no response “the star map is updated with a new location, over” Kavaraa chuckled 

Kavaraa stood there speechless, a million thoughts were running through her head all at once, the figure on the holo it was her father her dad she was sure of it. She didn’t know why it just felt right it was like she had a very rough memory of him.

her father shuffled awkwardly “so uh where to start well I gue-” before he could finish a muffled voice came from the holo. He turned around “yeah sure ok I’m just in the middle of something”. Kavaraa could here the voice was higher pitched she could only assume it was her mother “yeah ok you’re right fine gimme a sec” he turned to them “yikes well uh I guess I’ll uh edit this out” he disappeared from the holo. 

Kavaraa let out a small laugh she guessed she knew where she got her bossiness from, seconds later the holo flickered back to him looking a bit tired. “ok for the life of me I can’t work this device out so let’s just leave that in, uh well hey I’m back where was I oh um yes Kavaraa if that is you then that means either I’m not as good as hiding things as I thought or you’ve been on the pilgrimage” he rubbed his forehead “oyyyy let’s hope it’s the second one” Kavaraa didn’t know what to do she was shaking, she felt Theron take her hand and squeeze it she was glad he was here, it made it a little easier. Her father looked away “and it also means I wasn’t here to greet you” he paused for a long second “I made this recording in case of my absence from the ranch but... the only reason that would happen is if I was dead or missing so if that’s the case I’m so so sorry squirt” Kavaraa felt her eyes well up with tears, she wiped her eyes she had to keep it together. “and if it’s still here and I am alive come on Zuvra ya got one job jeez” Kavaraa felt herself smile just a little he was certainly forgetful like her.

Zuvra cleared his throat “either way if you have taken the pilgrimage you’re probably wondering why I never told you about this place” Kavaraa winced this was even harder without her knowing. “some people take to the life of an archivist others just kinda don’t and well I just didn’t, also I fell in love with ya mother but that’s a whole other thing not important right now” he paused messing with his montral “but I didn’t want to abandon the families work so I agreed to watch over the last trial and those how entered it also maybe one day I’d be able to send some of my kin or something”. Kavaraa was still stunned, her family had been part of this all along and she had only found the clue by chance was this always her destiny. The force did have a habit of making connections maybe that’s why she originally sensed Kormel, but what did this mean she was related to a family of what did he call them ‘archivists’?

Zuvra continued “of course that would be their choice but I’d hope at least one of you was like my mom, now unfortunately I can’t really tell you about it cause it’s against their rules. I’ve already broken a few just saying their names but ehhh they’ll get over it, you’re my daughter I think you’re trustworthy” Kavaraa chuckled Zuvra really didn’t seem like you average archivist. 

Zuvra turned to look at Kavaraa “but don’t be deterred by my lack of interest, if you want to do this I absolutely support ya squirt, go find the secrets and help the galaxy grow.” he paused giving a weak smile “I promise I will always be proud of you I want you to know that no matter where I am I’m proud, whatever you did I’m sure you’re doing great and don’t worry so much it’ll work out squirt” with that the holo flickered off and the room was silent 

Kavaraa tried her best to hold back her tears but they flooded out, she felt Theron wrapped his arms around her as she nestled into his shoulder. She didn’t know why she was so sad but seeing what her life could have been made all the years alone so much more real, it felt like losing them all over again.

Theron held her tight “I’m sorry Kav that’s rough” Kavaraa nodded wiping the tears from her eyes “hey look on the bright side your dad gave you more love in five minutes than my parents did my entire life” Kavaraa chuckled as worrying of a statement as that was she understood what Theron was trying to do.

Kormel shuffled up next to her “uh I’m sorry Kavaraa about the stuff I said on Tatooine I guess I didn’t understand” Kavaraa shook her head Kormel had a point before she didn’t want him to get deterred because of her trauma.

Kavaraa did her best to compose herself “ok um I’m ok sorry it’s just a lot of information to process, but most of it is good right I’m kinda supposed to find this place right” Kormel shrugged he didn’t seem so convinced

“I guess although he seemed pretty sure you could find this place and I mean it wasn’t that obvious even to me took a lot of working out” Kavaraa had to agree it seemed a little strange

Kavaraa stroked her chin “yeah I guess maybe he was going to give me a clue, I feel like I must have missed a lot hardly knowing them” Kormel nodded looking away. Kavaraa couldn’t dwell on this they had a mission “ok let’s get going we have a trial still to do.

Theron nodded and they headed to the temple door, the designs were definitely consistent, Kavaraa tried her best to not let her mind wonder once she was back on the ship she could scream into a pillow for a bit. At the bottom of the stairs they came to a large dark chamber with only a small amount of light coming from the stairs. 

Kavaraa went to get out a flashlight but before she could the door slammed behind them, she quickly activated the flashlight but when she did she could see no sign of Theron or Kormel. “Theron? Kormel? please tell me you guys are still here” she waited for a response but was met with nothing. Kavaraa started breathing heavily she hated being alone she shined the flashlight across the chamber, she couldn’t see a single wall she guessed she just had to walk forward. Kavaraa was worried this didn’t feel right. 

Kavaraa slowly shuffled forward but suddenly felt herself collide with someone, she fell to the ground and when she looked up she couldn’t see the chamber she was in before. Kavaraa frowned this looked an awful lot like house Thul and the figure above her looked an awful lot like Elana Thul, oh no was this trial vision based no no no not right now. 

Elana scowled down at her “how can you be so foolish I ought to have you thrown out” Kavaraa instantly remembered her spiteful tone she had been on the wrong end of it way too many times

Kavaraa bowed her head “so sorry my lady I wasn’t looking where I was going” Kavaraa began shuffled away she just had to play into it for now

Elana folded her arms “clearly I suppose I shouldn’t expect anything else from an alien” Kavaraa shuddered as she heard the comment doing her best to let it slide. She remembered Elana had been like that a lot but she did her best to ignore it, most of her time as a servant hadn’t been great she still remembered the day Master Yuon took her away she’d been so thrilled.

Suddenly she stopped she was in the jedi temple on Tython looks like the worst was to come “why didn’t you save me?” Kavaraa was startled as she saw Master Yuon standing in front of her speak of the devil

Kavaraa was speechless what no “I...I...I...” Master Yuon stood there dead eyed a laceration across her chest.

“why didn’t you save me” she repeated looking at Kavaraa “when the brothers attacked?” Kavaraa started to breath heavily she hadn’t been there.

Kavaraa had to keep a clear head it was just a vision “I..I couldn’t I was off-world I’m so sorry master but you know I wasn’t there” Master Yuon moved towards her narrowing her eyes

“why weren’t you there?” Kavaraa did her best not to think about it she had never regretted something more in her life

Kavaraa took a deep breath “I...I was on a mission” Yuon raised her eyebrow looking at her dead in the eyes

Yuon sighed “you were chasing an artefact and that inquisitor again” Kavaraa winced she knew she’d been reckless but she couldn’t have known right

Kavaraa shook her head “th-that doesn’t make me responsible, of course I regret it but I couldn’t have known and the real Yuon would understand that” Kavaraa put the thoughts to the back of her mind striding past Yuon confidently it wasn’t her none of this was real none of it.

she doubted it was over but she could get through it what else did she doubt about herself? maybe Master Syo but she knew that wasn’t her fault. The scene shifted again as she found herself in the middle of a warzone, grey buildings jutted up around her this place it was... Ziost

Kavaraa shuddered this is where Theron had thrown himself into danger and nearly got himself killed, maybe the real Theron was here then maybe she could find him. 

She looked around and spotted the red jacket bent over a corpse, she called out to him “Theron? Theron is that actually you?” Theron turned around but as she got close she noticed his eyes looked different like...

he clicked his neck unnaturally “no my dear not Theron he really shouldn’t have come here alone” Kavaraa staggered back no no no, she began to hyperventilate where was Lana? 

Theron was possessed “Vitiate?” Theron smiled unnaturally Kavaraa could here Vitiates voice echoing in her mind 

Theron laughed “there you go dear and it will be all the sweeter when he knows he’s the one who killed you” Kavaraa watched as electricity pulsed through him 

She knew she couldn't stop him she could never hurt Theron never but this wasn’t real right this wasn’t, the lightning slammed into her knocking her back. Kavaraa writhed in pain then scrambled back as Theron floated towards her no no no this wasn’t right none of it this isn’t how it went, Kavaraa began to weep as Theron arrived staring her down.

She could hear Vitiate cackle “oh how tragic” Kavaraa put her arm up as a futile shield before he shocked her but it never came. The vision faded around her and she was left with nothing but darkness, she’d gotten so caught up in the vision she tried her best to calm down but felt herself start sobbing again this was all too much. 

She lay there for a few minutes crying before she felt something kick her side, she looked up to see Kyradia standing over her “come on get up Kavaraa I’m sure you can survive a little induced vision” Kavaraa cleared her head letting Kyradia help her up

Wait what was she doing here Kavaraa frowned and where were they this looked like a temple on... Ossus. Kavaraa gasped as she saw Malgus stride into the chamber “that rooms clear come on we need to get to Gnost-Dural” Kyradia nodded following after him. 

Kavaraa stood still stunned, Kyradia frowned at her “aren’t you coming Darth Bysh?” Kavaraa staggered looking down, she was in sith robes around her were dead jedi no NO NO that was not her NO she couldn’t let the vision do this to her NO. Kavaraa felt an extreme force well up within her, closing her eyes she forced the vision to fade, she looked around she was back in the dark chamber but she could see someone on the edge of her vision. 

She’d recognise him anywhere Theron looked back at her looking equally troubled, Kavaraa ran towards him wrapping him into a big hug “I don’t care if this is just a vision I need this” 

He returned the hug “I’m so so sorry Kavaraa I don’t know what happened I uh I don’t know how we got separated” Kavaraa held the hug a few seconds longer before letting go instantly she felt so much better

Kavaraa wiped the tears from her eyes “I thought I’d lost you, I...I saw Ziost” Theron gasped a solemn look on his face

Theron sighed “I think I saw that too” Kavaraa took his hand holding it tight “y-you know I’d never let that happen right I’m trying to be less reckless” Kavaraa nodded holding him tight

Kavaraa took a deep breath “I know I know, we can rest soon we need to find Kormel” Theron nodded and they looked around the chamber.

Soon they found him but he had his saber out ready to strike something, as Kavaraa ran close she entered whatever vision he was experiencing. She saw a dark version of herself behind him and the man from the cantina she had to stop this right now

Kavaraa shouted “Kormel no! that’s not me” she reached out pushing the dark reflection back, Kormel turned and it seemed like he came out a daze.

He turned the saber off and ran over to Kavaraa “I...I..I’m sorry I thought it was you” Kavaraa pulled him out of the vision and they caught their breath

Kavaraa took a deep breath “don’t feel bad Kormel it uh it got me too it’s kinda triksy, but I think we survived” Kormel nodded clearing his head and they made their way back to Theron

Theron frowned “what sort of trial was that, that was not ok I was back on Tython” Kavaraa had wondered what the application of that was she guessed it was test their own doubts

Kavaraa shrugged “I think it wanted us to face our demons and to be honest I think it worked” Theron nodded she hoped being back on Tython wasn’t too much for him, they all made their way out of the chamber and were met with the fourth holocron sitting in the adjacent chamber.