Jason's Big Trip

[Josh Dragovalor]

"You underestimate the Masters of the Silver Jedi" Josh would respond. It was very much possible that Arisa, or Valae at least, amongst others, had picked her out in the crowd. But they would have likely left it be when they realized he was on it. He knew they would not rush to the scene unless it was clear that it was necessary, and he knew that the both of them knew him capable of striking down a dangerous, violent Sith if need be. He listened as she talked about all of the secrets... All of the things she hid from the people that she called her comrades. What did she have hidden from him, perhaps? It seemed the closer they grew... The more it became clear that Ra was a woman of many secrets.

"Love has never been a weakness. It can cause suffering... But it is the greatest motivator of all. And thus... It is the greatest strength of all. Love is my own strength. And you've seen by now what it has wrought me."

Josh would move his head to the side to see where Jason was pulling, and quirked a brow. "That's a real tail?" Josh inquired. He'd always had a fascination with Ra's... Assets. How had he not seen that tail before? "Jason, that's bad. Pulling tails is bad" Josh would gently remind the child. "But why does she have a tail, daddy?" Jason would respond, staring up at his father with big eyes. "I'll ask soon, Jason. But you wouldn't pull an animal's tail, would you?"

"Nooo..."

"Then you shouldn't pull a person's tail either."

"N'awww."

Jason would let go of the tail, and Josh then turned to Ra.

"So, did someone pick the clone body with a tail to revive you with?" Josh inquired, indicating he'd seen this kind of thing before. "Or are you a specific race? Odd I never noticed before."

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Crossing her arms as Josh spoke about underestimating the other Jedi masters, she was confident in her own ability there. It wasn't only them she had kept herself hidden from but others as well. Only when she was touched that anybody even had a clue what she was. Just how she was especially when working. Keeping a shield and guard around her presence, only revealing it when she chose to or was touched.

"Depends on your point of view on love I think. To my master it was a weakness and meant to be exploited. Saying it would cause pain and he didn't want me to have that. Maybe it is for some. It's something that has been denied from me."

They wouldn't have noticed the tail before because it wasn't there.

"It's a bit of a long story, but we're here to chat, have fun and just be."

Chuckling a little when he asked about a revival and shook her head.

"No, I didn't die. It's a racial thing and for Zorrens. It is also new so you wouldn't have seen it before."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"I'm not sure I follow" Josh would respond, turning his attention toward Ra as the Jedi would tilt his head a bit in confusion. "I don't know a thing about these Zorrens, but... You said that your tail was only just there recently? I don't think I understand. If it was a racial thing, then wouldn't it have been there all this time?" Josh would inquire as he would look her over, as if trying to figure out what was with this tail. Was it magical? Was it floating? It didn't seem to be.

Shrugging his shoulders, he just "let it be" as she suggested and moved back to the crystal fox.

"Wonder if Jason is going to be an animal lover still when he grows up. He's absolutely fascinated with them" He would admit as he picked Jason up again to help him back up to the crystal fox. "He's only about three now. Who knows how he could turn out?"

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

"Think of it as like a butterfly. After that party, I went out camping and during that time, this change happened. When I was done, this is what I came out as. Sharper fingernails, almost claws actually. Better hearing, night vision and a few other things. Prior to that trial, Zorrens appear human."

That was the best way to explain it. If Josh asked for more information she would do her best to answer him. Not all of it was clear to her, mainly how it could have happened to her. It just didn't make sense, but Ra rolled with things and maybe in time that understanding would be known to her.

"What kind of child doesn't like animals? Do the Silver Jedi have animals they use for missions? There are certain kinds that were common in the past used for them. If they do, then maybe you can take him to visit them. Probably something he would enjoy."

Looking around at the other animals, she noticed some large dog looking ones. Pointing them out, she looked between the two of them and smiled slightly.

"Are those Akk dogs? They are something used by Force orders as war beasts."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"I feel like the more that I get to know you, the more I find I don't know" Josh responded with a quirked brow as she explained that she was like some kind of butterfly kitsune thing. "That would explain why you didn't claw the chit out of me before" He joked in turn. "Though this is certainly going to make the "kiss" I promised a bit harder to pull off" He joked again then, shooting her a mischievous grin. Josh didn't seem to mind much that she had a tail. It was just something that was sprung on him, during a time where Josh was still trying to learn to trust Ra and others proper. So of course he'd have a few questions.

Ra would motion them toward the dog-like creatures and Josh would bring Jason over. Jason knew what a dog was. He loved dogs. Not as much as porgs but he loved dogs. So he gasped when he saw them, the "doggies!" cry soon erupting from him.

"I haven't seen one of these in a long time. Might actually make a decent pet..." Josh would admit, pondering it a moment as he held Jason out to pet them. "Porgbert is great but he's a bit skittish, being a bird. And Jongori is... Well, he's not a pet. But a dog... Suppose Jason could use company that would be more affectionate, more attentive. Only reason I didn't get him a dog sooner is they don't live for very long and Jason wouldn't be very old when it died. He'd be too young to understand death all that much and it'd only hurt him. Porgs have longer lifespans, thank the Force... Not sure about these kinds of dogs. I'll have to do some research."

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

His comment about learning there was more to her than he ever suspected brought a little smile to her face and small chuckle from her. When he commented about her not clawing him, that smile turned into a grin. With her change she ended up scratching herself quite often forgetting just how much sharper they were now.

"Oh I'm sure that can still happen."

Giving Josh a wink, she looked down at his son as they walked over to the akk dogs. Motioning to them, Ra looked at both of them before speaking again.

"Did you know they are Force sensitive? That's one of the reasons they were used by the Jedi as war beasts. They are easily tamed as you can tell from these guys."

She held a hand out to one of them to allow it to sniff at her before attempting to pet it. Turning her head to look at Josh, a question was on her face before she asked it.

"How long do porgs live?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Upon closer inspection, Josh would quirk a brow when he looked at these creatures. They were less like dogs at a closer glance and more like lizards. Hmm, perhaps they wouldn't be as child safe, with those scales... Kind of a shame, but he supposed he could look at breeds more akin to what he was looking for in the future. Perhaps he should ask Jyoti? She might have a bestiary he could look at with some knowledge of what he was thinking of. Hmm...

Though Josh would smirk when Ra would indicate she could still scratch him, complete with a wink. "And here I thought you weren't game for round two" Josh joked in turn. He would continue to let Jason pet the "dogs", and he would hold out a hand to bring it over their scaly surface himself. They weren't bad creatures, no. He could see himself bonding with one, but as far as pets go... Probably wasn't the most child safe. "They're Force Sensitive?" He inquired when she noted. That did raise his curiosity at least. He wondered if the Silver Jedi used them?

"Porgs? I know they have a longer one than the typical bird species' at least" Josh would respond. "Not sure on the exact amount, but I know that they're cooked mainly due to their ability to last long and reproduce many. Acth-To is apparently infested with them."

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

They really hadn't had another moment of quiet time between just the two of them since he had visited Bast. Attending a few parties, a couple of missions and now this outing, Josh and Ra had been busy, but not much time for them. Even when he had come to her home, Jason had been present. Feeling lucky to have even been allowed to meet his son, she hoped that wasn't going to change.

"We haven't made the time to have it happen again."

The Akk Dogs really weren't dogs, but more lizard dogs and very large. However, these guys had all been tamed and were no danger to visitors. Petting the one that had been sniffing at her, they weren't sentient, but just Force sensitive. Not light or dark, they just were.

"Yes, they all Force sensitive and in the ages past I know Jedi used them as war companions. I would ask if you still have them, but if they aren't familiar to you, then probably not."

When he answered porgs lived longer than most other bird species, she nodded. Also noting that in adopting on, it might live long enough to be passed on to the next generation.

"I've never seen one."

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Well, we'll just have to change that... Won't we?"

It was his turn to fire her a playful wink this time. With that in mind, the AKK Dogs seemed to be friendly enough. But he just wasn't sure if they were the best thing for a child. A child would be better with something furry and cuddly, something affectionate. He wasn't sure if these fit the bill, but he would certainly keep his eyes and ears open now... Perhaps he'd find something after all. Somewhere.

"I've never ridden one before" He would admit when it came to the dogs. "I don't know if the Silvers have them. I'd have to ask Jyoti about that one."

When she would bring up that she'd never seen a porg, he nodded his head.

"Well, perhaps when we're back on the ship, we can change that too."

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Returning his wink with a very wide smile, she got the feeling things were turning for them. Their relationship had taken on a new meaning and it was it changing. No longer was Ra so scared of what pain might happen. Ups and downs in a relationship were normal and they had seen some of each. Far more ups than downs, but she felt they could make it through pretty much anything.

"I'm not entirely sure if they are meant to be rides. More companions, warriors or guards, I think."

Placing her hand on chin, she took on a thoughtful look, but kept an eye on Jason to make sure he wasn't getting into any trouble. It was almost as if being a mother would be a natural thing to her, she just did it without thinking.

"I would like that. What is your porg's name?"

Her attention coming back into focus, she looked between Josh and Jason wondering who was going to answer first.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Their relationship indeed had changed, even Josh had noticed that. Where it would go, he wasn't sure... But he was certainly hoping that this future between them was a bright one. But it was most definitely changing. He'd grown attached to her, as had Jason and he had the feeling that she felt the same for them. Either way, Josh would listen as Ra would note that the creatures weren't usually mounts - meant to be battling companions instead.

"I'll look into it" He responded. He supposed he could at least consult with Jyoti or Valae on the matter. They'd certainly know, right?

Josh was watching Jason when Ra would ask her question, and the question would immediately get Jason's attention who would turn back so quickly Josh was afraid he might hurt himself - only to let out in a resounding gleeful cry...

"Porgbert!"

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

"Of course."

There wasn't much more that could be said on the topic of the dogs and that was all Ra added. With a small nod, she looked to Jason as he whirled around with excitement. It was clear, he loved his pet and she chuckled. His attention now entirely off the akk dogs, she reached out a hand to steady him if he needed it and listened to his tell the name of his porg.

"Would you allow me to meet him?"

This question was not at all directed at Josh, but at Jason alone. Of course, he would have to allow her onto the ship, but Ra had no doubt about that.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Jason would respond by looking to his father first. It seemed he knew that for matters like that, to ask permission. Josh would look down toward Jason and give a nod of his head. "Yes! You can meet Porgbert!" Jason would chirp happily in turn. It was the most he had spoken since Ra had met him, Josh realized. He was still getting full sentences down around others... At home, he was a chatterbox. But he was shy.

With that out of the way, the group would finish up at the barn, and the day seemed to fly by like magic. Before long, it was already dark out. They would need to be out soon, and Josh had noticed that Jason was growing tired. With that, he would look around as he would look toward Jason and Ra.

"What do you guys think the last ride should be, before we head home? I think Jason's getting sleepy."

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

The joy from Jason was contagious and Ra picked up on it. When he said she could meet Porgbert, she looked with a touch of thanks to Josh and then back to his son.

Leaving the barn, they were again hand in hand with Jason in the middle. Even she could tell he was starting to feel the day. His steps were a little smaller and slower. No doubt he could get more energy, but it wasn't right now.

Josh asked what she thought the last ride should be and she gave a little thought. Pointing in the direction of the merry go round she thought it would be a good one for Jason too.

"I-c-e c-r-e-a-m on the way out?"

Hopefully the boy was too young to spell those two words yet.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"How about the ferris wheel, Jason?" Josh would inquire toward Jason, who would sleepily look up toward it and nod, leaning his head on Josh's arm a bit and rubbing his eyes. It seemed that Jason liked the idea that Ra had brought up, and Josh would smile in turn. When Ra would spell out her other suggestion for the treat to grab on the way out, he grinned. "Definitely" He spoke as the trio would head for the ferris wheel.

Once they were seated, and the ferris wheel would begin making it's way up... Josh would look toward Ra and give her a gentle smile.

"I just wanted to say thanks for coming out here with us today. I think Jason really liked having your company. As have I."

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

"The Ferris Wheel again? That's fine. A nice calm ride and you get another chance to see the park and anything you might have missed."

Which was probably quite a lot, but they had spent a great deal of time in the zoo. That was fine with her though and many of the rides Jason wasn't ready to go on, even if he thought so.

Her spelling out the two words hadn't caught the boy's attention, but he would figure it out soon on his own as he grew up. Returning the grin was great and Ra felt entirely new. Even if it had been a long day, it was natural and there had been nothing to worry about.

"Thank you for inviting me. I wouldn't have missed this for anything. If we can do it again or something else entirely, I would like to."

The look shared lasted as they rose into the sky and she wanted it to continue.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Hey, if it's his favorite, I'm not going to complain" Josh would respond with a light smirk in turn. Josh had lost track of what they had done since, the petting zoo barn had been several hours ago. The time had just kind of flown by like nothing, and even he was astounded by how quickly it had gone when they were just having fun and enjoying each other's company. As the cart would reach the top, Josh would wrap an arm around Ra, pulling her close with a cheeky smile as he would stare out at the night sky. Jason would lean his head against them both, seeming to want to be involved, which got a laugh out of Josh.

"No worries" He spoke, finally responding to her thanks. "We'll definitely have to do this next time."

When the cart would touch down and they would get off, Josh knew that Jason was on his last legs. "So Jason, we're gonna do one more thing" Josh spoke toward his son, who stared up at him with big eyes. He knew. He knew but he wanted to hear it.

"Ice cream!"

Jason would squeal and jump upwards, suddenly very much wide awake. Josh would laugh in turn as Jason would grab both their arms and try to pull them forward. Clearly he had been eyeing the ice cream shop since they had arrived. They were in and out, and the three of them all had ice cream as they would leave the park and head for the ship. Jason, clearly, seemed very thrilled.

"Well, I'd call today a big success" Josh remarked with a grin. "What do you guys think?"

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

"Me either."

As they sat together, Josh wrapped his arm around her and she leaned against him comfortably. She could almost sense his smile and when Jason snuggled in as well, she wore one too. It was calm and peaceful between them. This was something Ra could get used to, but knowing fate...it had other plans for her. When life went like this for her, something always seemed to happen and ruin it. Maybe it would be different this time and she really hoped that was the case. For once it would be nice to have a more normal life.

Eventually the ride ended and it felt far too quickly for Ra. When they climbed off, Jason was dragging due to being worn out. That changed in a heartbeat though or rather with two words. The joy and happiness from him was wonderful and he pulled them in the direction of the location. Something he had been eyeing as often as he could and knew right where it was.

Ice cream ordered and they were on the way out. Josh mentioned he felt the day had been a good one and a success. After eating a spoonful of her ice cream, she smiled and nodded before speaking.

"I agree totally. How about you Jason?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Mmm?"

Jason would stare up at Ra with a mouthful of ice cream. His face was covered in it, from his nose down to his cheeks and his mouth. Josh would laugh in response. "We'll let him finish before we clean him up" Josh would suggest. "He's a messy ice cream eater. He'll just mess himself up again."

A sound would get their attention as the three would turn to see the nightly fireworks beginning to shoot over the sky.

"I didn't know there was a fireworks show" Josh would admit. But he would smile regardless before looking down toward Jason, who was staring out at the fireworks display with mouth open wide. Finally, the fireworks display ended, and Josh looked back to Jason. "What did you think of that?" Josh asked Jason, who stared at him with big brown eyes. "Kaboosh!" Jason cried out before bursting out in a fit of giggles. "Alright, silly, finish your ice cream before it melts" Josh responded with an amused laugh.

[member="Riamah"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Chuckling down at Jason when he turned to look up at her with his face covered in ice cream, her eyes looked to Josh when he mentioned cleaning him later. Giving him a nod, her own ice cream was almost gone and then the fireworks began behind them.

Lacing one of her arms through Josh's if he allowed it, Ra would rest her head on his arm for a moment as the show went on and they watched it. There was awe clearly written on Jason's face as they watched. It actually pleased her he wasn't afraid of the loud noises and bangs from the show. Then again, they might be just far enough away that it didn't make a difference to him.

"Hopefully before we get back to the ship. That way he can get a bath right away and I can meet Porgbert!"

There was no false sense of joy in her tone and she looked forward to meeting her first porg.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]