Serenity Stems, From Soft Souls, And Stern Stances (Cixi Lu And Seth Brackson)

[Seth Brackson]

Seth stood and stretched awhile later. While he hummed a soft melody. Seth felt a strange feeling. While he softly shivered. Wrapping the coat more snuggly around himself. He looked around and heaved a soft sigh. [member="Cixi Lu"] didn't seem to be around. The calling. It was growing much stronger. Seth knew the time was right now. Seth sought his way off the ship. "Be safe!" Seth called out in hopes wherever Cixi was she would at least hear him. Before he set off towards the direction he was meant to go. Oddly he felt as if though Cixi could not, would not, and should not come. He kind of picked the vibe up that she was in a sense already determining that this is first and last fairwell.

Seth wasn't entirely sure how he himself felt about that. Though he knew he needed to answer the calling. Whatever it had to show him. While he checked his gear as he walked along. Even with the coat this world was oftly cold. Seth didn't like the cold. Not physically and not figuratively. So, Seth hummed. Humming was his happy place. Plus, it seemed as if though this was going to be a few days of a journey. He could only hope his companion avoided trouble, and the gang left the ship and her alone. There would be a reckoning elsewise that even Seth felt disturbed towards the thought of commiting.

The first day was relatively uneventful. Seth walked... And walked... And walked... And ate a bar and slept. The next morning started off rather similar. Up till a Kanth hound attempted to ambush him. Seth didn't get out unscathed from the incursion. His left thigh now harboring a gash in it. Though he bandaged it up after applying ointment. Limping away from the dazed creature who recieved a few lumps of enlightenment.

The evening was colder than normal. Seth couldn't start a fire due to wind blowing snow about. So... Seth had to focus. Drawing upon his inner fire with the force. To provide the heat he needed. He was barely succesful having nearly falling unconscious. Succumbing to the weather. Though a thought of a person whom he recently met pulled him through the hardship. From there it was back to walking.. And walking.. And walking... And then a cavern came into sight. Not a cavern. Seth shook his head. "No... The cavern." He muttered out loud to himself. While he walked towards it.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Three days.

This journey was utmost important, a pilgrimage of sorts, but one of trial taken but once in one's life. Cixi knew it was important that one did this alone.

Still, she wanted to help him and that was her test - one of patience and trust. He was a good and honest man, and more to the point he was an adult. Would that make his trial easier or harder? Would his fears be worse having had years to manifest, or would the lack of a child's imagination temper them?

On the first day, she had debated going after him - Beep-o acting as her conscious, as it so often did. He didn't need her help. Literally, that was the point of this exercise, to show an initiate what they were capable of alone.

On the second day, the Scoundrels had taken off. They must have been desperate, probably running low on food. She'd have offered some, but she was still feeling a little petty.

On the third day... she had missed him terribly. Missed his warmth, missed the feeling. They hadn't known one-another for even a week, and yet already her mind was filled with thoughts of him. No-one had ever made her feel like this, made her miss them so fiercely.

"Where are you, Seth?" She whispered to herself as she stepped into the shower.

Three days without him.

She needed him back.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth wandered the cavern on silence. Now was the time to focus. Not hum as he moved through them. His steps gentle and cautious. The cavern granted him relatively safe passage through to a clearning. Upon the clearing Seth observed a familiar sight. A pool. A pool which he had seen in his dreams. He looked to the pool and knew he would need to enter it. Plus.. It wasn't giving off a dark vibe like in his dream.

Seth was nearly at the edge of the pool. When suddenly he heard a low growl. Seth blinked and turned around to find the kanth hound from before. "Seriously.. You need more lumps?" Seth asked rhetorically. Though was shocked when the entity gave a growl like chuckle. This.. This Seth took as a bad omen and soon the creature spoke. ~My child.. You are alone. A lone wolf who walked into the wrong den. You should of stayed clear.~ the words echoed in his mind and Seth blinked.

"Um.. Right.. I'll be hopping into the mysterious pool now.. Okay. Bye!" Seth said in mock cheerfulness. As he watched the size of the entity grow some. He turned and found himself facing three more kanth hound like entities. As more chuckles. ~You think it'd be that easy grasshopper. That I would be alone once more? We are pack creatures. We are never truly alone..~ This time They spoke into his mind. As Seth stumbled back and blinked. Okay.. This was bad.. Very very bad..

Seth eyed the beings. Then watched as suddenly one lunged towards him. Seth side stepped and barely dodged. As he heard the claws skid across the cavern floor and the snapping of teeth. ~Turn back!~ the four wolves spoke forcefully enough Seth winced. "No." Seth replied firmly.

This inspired a beserk response. While the hounds attacked, and Seth fought. Refusing to turn back. Refusing to surrender. Seth was not going to die here.. Not now. Not like this. The creature mocked, and prodded at his temperment... And Seth was getting frustrated. The more anger and defiance he displayed.. The more ferociously they became.. The stronger.

Seth was starting to wear down and wear down quickly. Then.. Seth remembered his first time feeling the flow of the force. The force was calm, fluid, steady... It had a clear definitive path.. Though it did not force it's way there. It just flowed. Seth blinked and pondered the possibility. Before suddenly he stopped and stood still. One Kanth hound nearly ran into him though soon came to a stop. Growling in his face. ~Fight! Turn Back! Cannot win!~ the entity shouted mixed commands.

Seth merely shook his head. "My path is foreward." He expressed calmly. ~Tear you to bits.. Destroy.. Kill!~ it replied to Seth as one snapped towards his arm. "If the force willed you to you would..." Seth expressed equally calm. The creatures actions gradually turning to confusion. ~We are stronger... Faster.. Smarter.. Many.. Turn back! Fight! Survive!~ it yelled in frustration. "No." Seth replied. "I think I will move forward now. Stop me if you'd like."

Seth headed to the pool. As the hounds growled, snapped, threatened, taunted. Seth jumped into the pool.

Seth expected the pool to be freezing. Oddly enough it was rather warm. As Seth swam through a tunnel system. Finding his way towards a pocket. In which he was able to surface Seth blinked as he hummed softly. "Right.." Seth looked around and saw.. Nothing. Great. He got to see an empty void!

Seth huffed as he felt jiffed. All this work for nothing. He began to pace. Thinking about why the force lead him all the way. Only to deny him the answer to the calling. Then blinked as he felt a static disturbing his thoughts. "Bugger." He expressed and shook his head. Trying to think more. Where would the crystal.. Or revelation... Or whatever be. What was he seeking.. So many thoughts so little answers.. The static tugged at him again.

"Enough!" Seth announced in annoyance. Then blinked.. Wait.. Where was the static coming from? He was missing something vital. This feeling... Wait.. Feeling. That was! Seth was looking with his mind. Not with his senses. Seth closed his eyes and knelt. Shutting off his thoughts once more... Just feeling. Soon the area began to light up as the force flowed brightly here all around him... And soon.. A hidden section shined sharply to him, and he heard.. A hum. Seth began to hum along for some reason. As he focused.. And soon... The lights began to slowly fade.. Until only one small section and himself glowed.. And both hummed in Synch. Seth opened his eyes... And what he saw mesmerized him..

 

[Cixi Lu]

The third day. It was the longest, worst day. The kind of day that just dragged on and on no matter how hard you tried to pass the time.

She sat down in the pilot's chair, recalling her own quest on this very planet.

A little girl of eleven, wrapped in a few too many layers, had wandered down into the caverns. Her father had been out of his mind with worry, but her mother had been strangely calm.

Cixi had been excited - too excited, almost skipping down the cavern.

Her happiness had not lasted long.

Cixi's secret fear - the one thing that brought her to tears, broke her down like nothing else, were heights.

The Force knew her better than she knew herself, and had filled her mind with the thought of great drops - chasms opening around her, until she saw them, felt the ground rumble, had to move and run even as her heart felt as though it was no longer beating with fear.

But the crystal - oh her crystal.

It had washed her mind pure as its own beautiful form. As soon as her fingers had touched it, her focus on her fears broken, so too was the illusion broken.

Her Lightsaber had a name - for a warrior should name the blade they intended to use for life - and it was Solace.

Her place, her peace, her home.

So long as she had her blade, she would be at home. It would be all she needed to feel at home.

So had she felt.

Until she met had met Seth.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth cursed as he realized. He had nothing to cut the crystal! Seth paced. "I know. I will break a piece off!" Seth took his staff... Regret soon followed. Crack.. CRACK! Seth found himself thrown back in response to impacting the crystal with his staff. Smashing his head against a wall. And... Black...

Seth woke and rubbed his head. Drying blood getting on his hands. Great. Another gash. Seth looked to the crystal and stared at it. "Thanks a lot." He muttered and walked over to it. Inspecting it curiously. While he tilted his head and hummed. The crystal hummed back. Yep. This was suppose to be his crystal.. Seth reached out and touched it.. Hmm... Seth closed his eyes and focused with the force. Then.. Crack. A chunk broke off.. And Seth had a sizeable piece now. Okay.. Crystal grabbed. Homewards to Cixi!

Wait... Seth realized two things. He just used homewards... And Cixi in the same sentence. Oh boy... Now thinking about it. He missed her gravely. He sighed and headed to the water. Swimming out of the cavern. Crystal now in his satchel. He had enough of the crystal to build a couple lightsabers and have spare if he so choosed to. Though first he needed to consult his mentor.

Seth began his journey back. Wounded. Exhausted and a bit hungry. His gash on his leg apparently also worsened from the impact blast. Though Seth was alive.. And he was too stubborn to let these wounds, this cold, and this hunger detere him. He had a person he was wanting to see again.

Three more days passed till Seth saw the ship once more. He had a run in with the mercenaries. He took a blaster bolt to the shoulder. Though decided to flee. He had no desire harming them at the moment. Unless he found Cixi missing or dead. When he got up onto the ramp of the ship. He barely got through the door. "Home... And With the crystal!" He called out in a hoarse voice. He had ran out of ointment. The gash on his head wasn't healing to well. After his announcement. The last thing Seth remembered was looking at the floor.. And muttering. Something about thw floor being pretty. Before his world went black.. Again for the second time in the same week. He could only hope [member="Cixi Lu"] was on top of things.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi Lu was on top of things - but barely.

She'd been over the moon to see him back, had almost run out to greet him with a hug - until she saw him lying bleeding. For a second - the barest second - she was struck with terror to see him hurt.

As fast as she could, she picked him up and carried him to the bedroom.

He had lost blood - one of the few things Force Healing could not remedy on its own - and far too much for her liking. A head wound too, it was awful to see, but she had to remain professional.

First, she closed his wounds. Here, the Force could help her - urging his flesh to stitch back together at a quicker rate, cleaning the blood away. With gentle touches, she ensured there was no damage inside, ensuring that he would heal.

More steadily now, she set him up with an IV. The Force could not restore lost blood, after all, and bacta was far too expensive for a girl on her own.

To make sure he would be comfortable, she had had to undress him - though even in the deepest of professional states, she had been unable to bring herself to remove his underwear. Bad enough that she could see his arms, his chest, the toning of his body...

She shook her head - there was more to be done to ensure his comfort, more to be done to ensure that he would be well.

Picking out new sheets, she tucked him into bed the thick sheets covering all but his head and the arm that the IV was held within.

He had been successful. She could only hope that she would be too.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth had remained out for most of this process. Seth was also of a slim build. Though he had athletic tones to himself. Which was more prominently featured. As the training his mentor had him go through. Though never more than what Seth could handle if he tried. Did indeed demand he tried hard. Seth would of liked to say he dreamed.. He didn't. Hell only and occasional thought of Cixi was all he could manage. Though he existed.

On the second day of recovery. Mid morning. An oddity occurred. Suddenly Seth's satchel began to pulse a mix between sea green and electric blue. The crystal he had consisted of two separate pieces with two seperate colorings. Again he didn't have the tech to cut a specific shard. Hence why he had so much material. Though it was Seth's crystal and would become Seth's partner and blade in time.

The pulsing in the gave increased. Till suddenly it clapped. Outside a rumble of thunder coordinated perfectly with the clap. As suddenly the crystal began to admit a soft and solemn melody.. One that could stir a sense of serenity. Not sadness. As the pattering of rain began around the ship. Everytime thunder came. The crystal would clap, before returning to this melody.

The storm lasted several hours. When it left the crystal fell silent. It was only an hour afterwards. Did Seth wake for the first time.. And his face lit up like a candle. Become a deep crimson. "C...Cixi!" Seth shyly called out. "Um... Where are most my clothes??" He asked in a confused manner. "And why am I strapped to an IV?" He added in question as he looked around. His heart racing. "The crystal!" He added. Confused he might of lost it. As he paled some. He had worked oftly hard for that. He hoped [member="Cixi Lu"] could answer some of his confusion.

 

[Cixi Lu]

"Calm Seth, calm," she whispered to him - almost hypocritically, for she had been fretting after him for these past few days, his well being in her hands.

"Your clothes are being laundered. Do you usually wear them to bed?" She told him first with a wry smile. "The IV is due to you having lost some blood - you should be back in tip top condition very soon."

Last of all, she plucked his satchel off of the chair beside him and placed it in his hand, letting him open it to see for himself.

She watched him closely, glad with all of her being that he was awake and alive, only the slightest bit harmed - nothing she couldn't handle, and with what he'd worked for now quite literally in hand.

"You did amazingly, I'm a little jealous, you got enough for a few sabers, should you desire," she told him - slightly awed at what he had uncovered.

His crystal was bonded to him in a way that was outwardly obvious - so deeply tied to him that Cixi felt... Jealous? A blush came to her cheeks at the very thought.

Why did he make her like this? Make her uncomfortable with the thought of being without him? Or taken away from her.

"You did get a little hurt though. You worried me," she confessed.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth stared perplexed at the crystal for a short bit. He too was amused. "Thanks.. Sometime I will need to meditate and bond with this... This.." Seth paused for a moment. Before his demeanor changed. "This Mother karking piece of Bantha fodder. Which was bent on killing me off... For Force knows what Karking reasons!.." Seth began angrily spewing at the crystal colorful words. In at least three languages beyond cantinese and common. While he described his experiences. As well as the crystal throwing him into the cavern cieling causing the gash on his head. Seth's energies flaring in response to the change in his demeanor as he finished his rant towards the crystal.

Then he turned towards [member="Cixi Lu"] "And You!" Seth pointed and began with an accusing tone. "You were deeply missed. I humbly request a hug." He expressed softly soon after. His mood flatlining and calming once more. He turned back to the crystal. "As angry as I am at you.. Glad to have you aboard." Seth expressed to the stone. Which seemed to pulse happily in response. Seth wasn't sure how to percieve that.

Seth heaved a soft sigh. "Now then things to..!" Seth was about to cherfully say do. Proceed to get up , and get ready. Though a dizzy spell put him back down. "Ugh..." He mumbled. "Things to wait and do later.." He expressed and softly huffed. He turned his attention to Cixi and smiled softly. "I truly did miss you. You helped me through the journey whether you knew it or not." He expressed softly and smiled warmly.

 

[Cixi Lu]

"It was a test, Seth. All of that experience was a test. I believe that the crystals within our Lightsabers have a form of life, a form of sentience of their own - and that they test the Jedi who would seek them to ensure that they are the person they want to fight alongside. It considers you its equal now - at least, I think so," she told him with a kind smile.

She gave a happy little hiccup when he pointed at her and told her how he'd been feeling. In truth, she needed a hug as well - moreover, she needed a cuddle.

She had finally - six days of meditation on the subject only now bearing fruit - hit on the realization; she was lonely. For nearly six years, she had been alone. For six years, she hadn't been held, touched, needed as more than a friendly medic.

Seth was special though. It wasn't just her adolescent heart, there had been plenty of handsome men come through her care, but she had never cared for them beyond their basic wellbeing.

So she walked around the other end of the bed and slipped under the covers, wrapping her arms tight around him.

"Permission granted," she mumbled quietly.

"I missed you immeasurably," she told him with all honesty, taking in his warmth with all of her being. "You worried me."

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth was mildly suprised when Cixi had claimed his side as her possession. He soon settled though. While he set the crystal down in his stachel once more. In turn wrapping an arm around her. While he relaxed. This felt natural, right, pure, and enjoyable. He too savored her warmth. Especially, after all the time out in the cold.

Seth pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then reached out with the force and surrounded her with his energies. Letting them flow over her. Embrace her. Comfort her and shield her. "I've a feeling I am going to hate any time we are apart." Seth expressed. He didn't use the term hate lightly either. "I wish there was a way we could always be together irregardless of distance, or at least be able to communicate as such." Seth expressed honestly.

When the force said something was right... It was right. What was right at this very moment. Was the moment itself. He had [member="Cixi Lu"] beside him. She was safe with him, and him with her. She was right for him. Again Seth knew not every moment would be perfect. Though if the force willed them to remain together with fates interwoven. Seth wasn't going to argue with it... Or his feelings.

Seth settled as he felt better. Then hesitantly removed the IV and patched himself up. Careful not to disturb the equipment, or Cixi. Before he wrapped both arms around her gently. His wounds only a minor discomfort to him now. Seth kept his force energies flowing over her. Letting her decide if she interwove them once more. While he smiled and kissed her forehead. "Glad to see you are using a bed after so many years." Seth gently teased. In a tone purely playful.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi replied in kind, letting their energies meld, mix - dance almost. He was right utterly in his feeling. He would hate, and so would she.

The idea that they could be as side by side, even when great distance parted them was one that made her happy, one that she wanted to pursue - once they had time for research, time for meditation.

"Anything is possible within the force," she whispered, kissing his cheek in kind.

He embraced her and teased her and made her feel... feel at home, more at home than she had in a very long while.

"I could leave, if that would please you," she said in return to his playful tones, stroking his side.

She'd needed this, needed to be held - needed to be needed.

She caught his eyes and moved her head so that they were equal - her ink black and his own sea green, her lips tantalisingly close to his, the silence between them near deafening.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

"I'd find a way to hold you here if you tried." Seth spoke softly and smiled at the cheek kiss. It was not a threat. Nor would he do so to harm. He just wanted her to remain in his arms. Sharing warmth and energies. Seth looked deeply into her eyes. Almost oblivious to how close her and his lips were to one another. Seth's breath ceased for the moment. His heart raced and he stared into who she was and smiled warmly. Affectionately. Enjoying her presence unquestionably and not daring to break the silence.

Seth let her decide about the kiss. Though he did peck her cheek. Catching the corner of her lips. If [member="Cixi Lu"] was comfortable. Seth was more than content testing this. Melding each other even closer. Though also being in a manner. Where things occurred naturally and by no means rushed. Seth was emotionally dancing with Cixi. Spiritually dancing with her. Letting the force guide them, and seeing if they could move together as one.

 

[Cixi Lu]

She giggled and immediately found reason to leave the bed - for she was still thoroughy clothed in her robes and future Cixi would not forgive present Cixi if she fell asleep in her day-clothes.

"Shall find me a little more slippery than you imagine," she smiled pulling away from him, tapping his nose with a childish finger - then with her other hand used a not so subtle technique - that of tickling him before wriggling out of his grip.

It was a rather childish action to take - especially since she would be and was back in the bed moments later wearing her dressing gown.

With a softer smile, she slid back under the covers - regretting having tickled him slightly, for there would surely be consequences, and she really did want that kiss.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth squirmed and laughed. "You evil thing!" He expressed as she made her escape. While he chuckled and smiled brightly. Seth beamed as she returned dressed for night. While he shook his head softly. Then softly tugged her close and rested his chin loving above her head. Arms wrapped protectively around her while careful not to smother. He wanted to hold her for a bit.

Eventually, Seth tipped her chin up with two fingers softly. Looking down intk her eyes once more. While he smiled and then softly hummed a happy note. "You know.. Yes they're going to be consequences... Not until you least expect them." Seth teased to make it clear he'd hold a grudge. As long as it was an innocent one.

Seth quietly took [member="Cixi Lu"] into his sight and blanketed her in his energy once more. Always wanting her to find him as a place to seek shelter. Seth let her settle and feel content. Before he kissed the other corner of her lip. Silently seeking her permission, or encouraging her to test the kiss. Without her feeling forced to accept it.

Again. Seth wanted them to move together. Flow and become one naturally. Cixi to be herself, and him to be himself. Though always able to move together as one. "Sometime we should begin sparring together. As well as tutoring each other." Seth expressed. Though the intent of the hidden context was definitely. ~Let's learn to act together, and as one.~ two individuals no matter how skilled or unskilled were a more ferocious force than one. Especially, when they shared a special bond such as herself and him. If they put themselves towards a common goal. It was more a matter of what they could not accomplish.

 

[Cixi Lu]

It was good that he wanted to hold her, good that he wanted to encompass her and enshroud her. For Cixi wanted to be held, wanted to be warmed by his embrace.

She stuck out her tongue to him at his comment, caring not for whatever vengeance he had in mind - preferring to keep her mind occupied with his more attractive features; which was to say the rest of him.

With that in mind, she moved her head up to his, reaching her hand up to his neck, stroking her hand through his hair. She let him kiss the corners of her lips, his hesitance to take the initiative endearing. But she was hungry, and wanted him deeply.

Without a second to pause, she caught his lips with her own, opening them slightly in a proper kiss.

She sighed happily when finally they parted an eternity later, her eyes still closed - her body still slightly shivering from him, from the kiss.

"I'd love to," she whispered happily, cuddling into him closer. "But for now, let me stay here."

[member="Seth Brackson"]
[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth settled into the kiss. Testing the sensations, flavors, intimacy of the new experience. Her lips maybe the one cool thing Seth could rally behind. As he too closed his eyes and embraced the moment. Enjoying the slowed flow of time. While his force signature seemed to strengthen just a bit.

Seth wanted to slightly complain when the kiss drew to an end. Though [member="Cixi Lu"] was trembling and Seth knew that was enough for the moment. While he held her close and rested his chin over her head once more. Listening to her. "I have no desire to leave here anytime soon, or rush you off. I wouldn't trade this moment for anything." He expressed calmly.

Seth found soon. His mind decided it was time to enter a proper slumber. He was safe. He knew Cixi was safe. He was with Cixi, and they were both safe. With her warmth and the peace of mind. It waz enough for Seth to drift off. Holding her close while his breathing shallowed. Rest was something he was sure they both could use. This time he did dream, and it was of her.

 

[Cixi Lu]

Cixi was happy to fall asleep with him - happy to lay comfortable and warm in his arms. It was worth all the worry that she'd put herself through for the last few days.

Her thoughts blended into dreams, her heart displayed across her mind in all too clear symbolism.

Together.

They were together, as close as she could imagine them being. She had used to roll over a great deal in her sleep, even to the point of falling out of bed. It was just easier to sleep in a chair.

Here with Seth to ground her, she was able to keep still and serene and happy.

Because he was here with her, and they were together.

She was happy, and utterly and truly.

[member="Seth Brackson"]

 

[Seth Brackson]

Seth slept for a few hours. Though when he did wake he remained still. Not desiring to wake [member="Cixi Lu"] again. She needed a good rest. Seth was merely going to relax, enjoy her company. Watch over her in silence in a gentle manner. Adoring her to an extent. While he smiled warmly. He could get used to this form of companionship. Especially with whom he was with. That mattered the most.

A moment later Seth pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Before he laid his head back down. Gently rubbing her back. When she woke. Seth would be sure to make breakfast this time. Cixi was a brilliant cook. Though Seth had a few tricks up his sleeve as well. Which was something he would be happy to take the time and demonstrate. As it meant less for her to do.

 

[Cixi Lu]

His movement woke her, the kiss quite fittingly all it took to bring her back to the waking world.

"Hey," she spoke, looking up at him as if she weren't entirely sure that he was real. Or that she had just slept with him - in only the most literal sense, but still.

Did it really matter? Her Grandfather was right - when you wanted something, and no-one was there to say no, why not take it? Well, maybe not, but still the philosophy held some merit - that she shouldn't care what people might think; especially when there wasn't anyone around to express their cares.

She had wanted to fall asleep in his arms, and he had let her.

She was happy, and so it seemed was he - and that was all that mattered.

[member="Seth Brackson"]