Gavin’s laughter boomed across the courtyard as he grappled with Rellick, the sound of their playful struggle echoing off the poolside tiles. For a moment, he felt like a kid again, enjoying something simple and free from the weight of politics or training. But that moment didn’t last long. Rellick’s strength caught him off guard, and before Gavin could brace himself, the Diarch had shifted his balance with surprising precision. The world tilted for a split second, and Gavin’s feet left the ground.
The impact of his back hitting the water sent a great splash into the air, and for a moment he disappeared beneath the shimmering surface. Then, with a burst of motion, he shot upward, water streaming down his face and chest as sunlight struck his skin, glinting off the ripples that surrounded him. His laughter returned, full and unrestrained. It felt good to let go.
He snatched up his inflatable tube, an improvised weapon in hand, and lunged toward Rellick with a mock battle cry. The swing was meant to be playful, but Gavin’s natural power turned it into something a little excessive.
Before he could recover, something smacked him in the back. He spun sharply, eyes narrowing until they locked onto a Chiss boy he hadn’t met before. For a second, Gavin just stared, his expression unreadable. Gavin held the stare long enough to let the tension build, and then he spoke, his voice low and filled with mock menace.
"You dare strike me!?" he said, exaggerating his tone, trying to sound lighthearted but accidentally landing somewhere between jest and genuine authority. Gavin raised the tube high above his head and brought it down aiming at his head. He pulled this swing, not wanting their first interaction to be marked by Gavin trying to hurt him with a pool noodle.
The others by the pool had relaxed into their sunbathing, seemingly believing themselves safe from the chaos erupting in the water. Gavin’s grin widened. Not for long.
He turned his gaze on them, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief. Wading to the edge of the pool, he adjusted his imaginary hat like a gunslinger in an old holofilm and called out,
"Ladies," with mock formality. He could almost feel Reign’s voice in the back of his mind telling him to behave. But this was one of those rare moments when even he allowed himself to act without restraint.
Drawing the Force into his muscles, Gavin bent his knees and leapt skyward. For a man of his size, it was an impressive sight. In midair, he tucked his legs up, grinning down at the unsuspecting sunbathers.
"CANNON BALL!" he roared before crashing down into the pool with a massive splash that sent a tidal wave of water cascading over the edge. For the first time in a long while, Gavin felt completely at ease. No battles. No politics. Just the sun, the water, and the rare feeling of belonging.
Saul Whesai
Ryoshu Akutagawa
Iandre Athlea
mooney
Aknoby
Diarch Rellik
Lyssara Thrynn
Caelan Valoren