Ask Onderon Green Light For Onderon

[Levet Vizsla]

Spoiler: Music

Song

Reports had indicated that abominations had been unleashed on Onderon. The mighty beasts were terrifying even on the holonet. So why in the nine hells was Levet traveling to the world riddled with monsters? Even without the Dark Side's influence, there were creatures on the jungle world and even more on its natural satellite, Dxun. The damn place was nicknamed the "demon moon" for crying out loud. Levet had read reports of Mandalorians and Jedi alike defending the planet from Darth Raze in past battles. They had not appeared in the latest invasion and the people of Onderon were at the mercy of these abominations to this very day. No more. Levet was joined by Prani to scout the world and maybe, make a difference.

The mandalorian padawan was not comforted by the blaster at his side. His lightsaber barely felt better than being empty handed. But maybe with his companion's help he would stand a chance. There was more than just people on the planet to see and help. A report of a non-native Worshyyyr tree sprouting at the edge of Iziz city had finally returned to the Jedi Order. Both of the padawans had a special appreciation for nature and the destruction of a worshyyr tree would be a regrettable one.

Someone had been put in charge of the dark side machinations on Onderon while the higher powers delegated from afar. Otherwise there would have been rampant abominations attacking non stop. But so far that had not been the case. The abominations were not running wild and seemed to be influenced by someone, or something.

Levet was glad that the city of Iziz's walls had held strong. The people of the walled city however were scared. That much was clear as soon as he had stepped of their transport. He could feel it in the air and it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. People hurried to get from one building to another despite the weather being nice.

The Mandalorian padawan's blank helmet turned to look at their brown haired counterpart. Levet had been practicing Force Flash with the help of Prani but he was still getting the hang of it. He doubted he would be able to fend off more than one of the monsters alone. But he felt reassured to have a comrade at his side with more skill in that department. Levet knew he should not rely on others too much but at the same time this was what friends were for. He did not have to do everything alone nor did he want to. "Are we head-" His voice cracked audibly, forcing Levet to clear his throat with a small amount of embarrassment. "AHem! Are we heading right into the forest or should we check out that tree first?" At the moment he did not spot or sense any abominations.

@Sreeya

 

[Prani Shalrazi]

Prani felt sick to her stomach. She was entirely unprepared for this. Normally she requested humanitarian aid or defensive missions. However, this one put her smack dab near abominations and it terrified her. Prani caught a glimpse of them on Corellia and they were horrific, and this planet supposedly had even more. She was assigned because of her particularly strong affinity for Light Side powers, which meant her Force Light was more potent.

“I ain’t a combat Jedi..” She blurted out lamely when Levet spoke. She realized how unhelpful that was and cleared her throat, “I’ll follow your lead,” He was a combat Jedi right? He had the armor and all that. The guy was a walking armory just with the helmet alone. Prani on the other hand was just in some robes and given a saber to borrow. It wasn’t even her own and she hoped she wouldn’t have to use it.

He would notice that she almost fell into step behind him, nervous about the whole mission, “I asked for a refugee aid mission and somehow got sent on this. I ain’t trying to complain, honest, but I’m definitely…afraid of abominations..”

@Darasuum

 

[Levet Vizsla]

Levet felt an equal measure of comfort and worry at seeing Prani's visible reaction to their circumstances. He was not alone in his concerns. But he thought Prani had this sort of thing in the bag. Now she was saying he was going to lead this thing. He tried to contain his short lived panic at the responsibility.

The padawan reminded himself of what he had overcome so far. This was just the next thing for him to accomplish. Levet quickly told himself he would be looking back on this as a fond memory. He nodded to himself, psyched up and accepting things as they were. "Yeah. Alright. No worries. Yeah. We've got this. I'll lead. No problem."

He started walking and after a moment looked to either side only to see his partner following behind him rather than beside him. Levet did not say anything at first and just accepted it. "Well...it may still turn out to be that kind of mission. I'm not looking forward to fighting those things either. They're one of the few things that make me wish I had a disintegrator." As a mandalorian he could not help but hold an interest in weapons, especially ones that could be a threat to himself as a Jedi or his friends. "If you're not afraid of an abomination then I'd start to wonder if there's something wrong with you in the head." It was his way of saying she was not alone in her concerns. But part of him felt it was un-mandalorian to not want to fight, preventing him from saying it outright.

"I think the tree is this way." He led them through the cobblestone streets of the planet's capital. People were wary of outsiders more than ever now and kept their distance from the two at first. One group of kids, probably no older than ten, were playing with a ball in the street. The orb was kicked right in front of Levet's path who gently kicked it back.

The child grabbed the ball and held it in their hands, staring at Levet. Even at this distance he could hear some of their words and read their lips well enough to extrapolate the rest.

"Hey, check it out. That's a mando. See the armor?"
" I bet they're here to fight the monsters."
"Why now? It's a bit late dontcha think?"
"Did he kill a jedi? no wait, they're both jedi I think. Check out their belts."

They pointed unashamedly at the two padawans.

Levet gave the group of children a small wave. "Hey kids." He dropped down to one knee so that he was at eye level. "Mind if we ask you a few questions about the monsters? My friend and I are here to help." He hooked a thumb over his shoulder, gesturing at Prani. Some young boys could not stop staring at the brown haired teenager. "Are all jedi as pretty as her?" One of the kids answered the question with a nother question, the nature of which caused Levet to chuckle. "Uh...no. She is unusually pretty." He looked over his shoulder at Prani before gesturing with his head for her to join him in asking the kids.

Children were usually pretty honest and knew a surprising amount about their home. Plus, giving them either attention, a toy or just some snacks was usually enough to bribe them which was far cheaper than some adult informant that might try taking advantage of a padawan. "Is that why you keep the helmet on? Cuz you're ugly?" Levet coughed at first which turned into a laugh. Kids were brutal.

@Sreeya

 

[Prani Shalrazi]

“I got faith in ya!” Prani said cheerfully, “You’re a Mandalorian right? Them Mandos are always brave,” She said, “I mean look at ya! I feel safer already around that armor,” She said with a smile. Prani may have known her way around manipulating plants and other Light Side abilities, but combat and fighting were definitely a weak spot for her.

“What’s a disintegrator?” Prani asked curiously. The question left her mouth before she could stop herself, and she began to wonder if she even wanted to know.

As they approached the children, she let Levet do the talking. When he commented on her being pretty, Prani blushed furiously, face turning bright red. She fidgeted with her hair for a moment until another kid took a jab at Levet. Prani scowled at that.

“That ain’t nice,” She sternly told the child, “You know, pretty girls ain’t ever gonna like mean boys,” Prani said, her arms crossed over her chest. The words worked like magic and they all frowned.

“S-Sorry..” The kid apologized to Levet.

“If we get any attacks, they usually come from the forests past the North gate,” One of the older kids finally spoke up, “They’ve been sending soldiers out to investigate but…they never come back,” The boy said, looking down at the ground, “My dad was one of them..”

@Darasuum

 

[Levet Vizsla]

Levet inhaled and felt his confidence build with Prani's reassurance. "Thanks." He said for everything she said. He knew he was brave but it felt good to hear someone else say it. His shoulder's felt lighter and his chest felt fuller.

"What? You've never heard of a...it's a weapon that can basically vaporize a target. It straight up atomizes something down to the molecular level. The science behind it is kind of cool...if not also a bit horrifying. Supposedly it's incredibly painful to get hit by one, at least if it doesn't outright kill you." Levet reigned in the enthusiasm in his tone as he realized he was talking about a technology responsible for ending lives and causing serious harm to living beings. Many atrocities were committed with disintegration technology and Mandalorians were known to use them in frequency.

When they talked to the kids he pushed aside any thoughts of destruction and devastation. The words said at his expense made it easy to forget such things. He raised a gloved hand to wave off the insult. "It's okay. Thank you for apologizing." Levet felt confident in his own appearance and shrugged like it was nothing. But he did not correct the child.

The people of Onderon had lost a lot and these kids were no different. "I'm sure he would be proud of you and glad to know you are safe. You look after one another right?" The kids nodded one after another. With that he reached into a pocket and brought out several wrapped candies. "Share these alright? The best things are shared with others." There were at least three tiny treats for each of the kids. They quickly snatched the sweets up with grins returning to their faces. They nodded in understanding and began comparing flavors. "May the Force be with you." He waved a good bye and stood up.

Looking towards Prani he gestured with his head in the general direction of the North gate. "Alright, this way I guess." He began walking and also wondering how insane he must be for going towards where abominations allegedly were. On either side the two Jedi had the beautiful architecture of Iziz City to see. The streets would wind this way and that as any city's did but the Mandalorian felt his way through it.

"Do you feel that?" Levet felt a comforting warmth drawing him towards a more eastern side of the city which ended up causing him to walk counter clockwise around the edge of city. Before he knew it they were standing before a tall tree poking above the rooftops. Docile birds roosted in its elevated branches and there were even a few people here and there resting in its shade. He had felt something similar on Kashyyyk but even their trees had not felt this way. Or maybe Levet had not been attuned to the Force back then. Not like he was now. The tree resonated with the light side of the Force and the padawan could even feel it slowly growing if he focused.

@Sreeya

 

[Prani Shalrazi]

Prani’s eyes only grew wider with each word as he described a disintegrator, “Why would anyone ever need that?!” She almost screeched, “That sounds..diabolical!” She gasped. Why was Level talking about this excitedly? She stared at him in wonder, almost afraid of him, “Boy I’m glad we’re on the same team..” She mumbled.

Her mental images of Levet cackling maniacally while blowing people up with disintegrators were squashed by his tenderness towards the children. Prani found herself smiling from how he addressed them with empathy and gave out the candies.

She followed after Levet but she paused when he did, also feeling that sensation. It lured her like a moth to a flame, the Light thriving in it. Prani couldn’t help but smile as she approached it, “This tree is old and full of memory,” She mused aloud as she looked at it, “It’s uncorrupted so the abominations haven’t completely taken over..” Prani realized she was probably not making much sense.

“Back home we call them Force Cores, but I’m sure the Jeedai got another name for ‘em,” She explained, “Usually Light Side energy that shines bright and expels darkness. This thing is weak, but it's a last stand that’s keepin’ abominations at bay,” Prani said.

@Darasuum

 

[Levet Vizsla]

Levet did not have a good answer for Prani regarding the disintegrators. He nodded slightly in agreement and then shrugged his shoulders in response. The destructive invention had been made long before his time. Part of him could make an argument for it, especially given the number of monsters they were dealing with. But that seemed like it would turn into a philosophical debate on whether or not the ends justify the means. It also probably would not help him score any points with his peer and he wanted Prani to like him.

That makes two of us. He thought silently after her quiet remark. If the Jedi Order had not picked him up Levet Vizsla could very well be on his way to working for some crime boss or trying to catch bounties. Levet was glad to be a part of something that worked to improve the galaxy, not just exist within it.

At the tree Levet's mouth was agap without him being aware until he got within arms reach of it. He gulped and then took a deep breath. He did not take his eyes off of the gigantic plant that soared overhead until Prani's words registered a few seconds after she spoke. "Memory?" Levet turned to look at her. His blank T visor lacked any expression but his head tilted to the side curiously, asking for an explanation. It sounded like good news.

"Hmm." He gave voice to a soft murmur of a smile. Not just because of what the fellow padawan said but how she said it. Her accent was cute. Levet hoped she never lost it. He was also intrigued to know more about where she came from and how she knew so much. Apparently she was great at more than just using light techniques and playing instruments. "You know a lot. Where are you from?"

Levet looked back at tree, regarding it with a new level of curiosity and hope. "I think I can feel that." She said it was weak but it still felt so strong to the young Mandalorian. He reached over with his left hand to begin pulling off the gloves of his right. When both hands were empty he placed them against the base of the tree and closed his eyes. His head bowed, focusing to feel what Prani had felt.

It came to him after a moment, like a breath of fresh air filling his lungs and warming his soul. "We have to protect it." Such a thing was obvious but Levet could not help but saying it aloud. He would cry if the tree was damaged or killed. More than ever Levet had the resolve to protect the living force that flowed through the planet. I'll protect you. He promised the tree silently.

@Sreeya

 

[Prani Shalrazi]

Prani’s face flushed when he said she knew a lot, “Aw shucks, it ain’t nothin’,” She said, kicking a rock as she looked down. Prani glanced up at his question, “I’m from Genassa,” She said, “You prolly ain’t heard of it. Agriworld that got attacked by Sith a bit ago so my family wanted me to go be a Jeedai. I grew up with folks that travel in caravans. We all make stuff to sell city to city but we been posted up near this one city for years. We’re all Force users but we use it with nature and healin’ which is part of what we help other folks with,” She realized she was rambling and quickly cleared her throat.

“You’re gonna have to tell me ‘bout life as a Mando,” She said, “It’s so different than anythin’ I know! Do even the little kids know how to fight?” Prani asked, shocked.

When she saw his almost automatic reaction to the tree, Prani smiled. Some things didn’t have to be explained.

“You get it, dontcha? That’s how alive a Core can be. Sometimes it’s a tree, other times it’s a boulder or..somethin’,” She shrugged as she started walking again, “Y’all learn about the Force on Mandalorian planets?”

@Darasuum

 

[Levet Vizsla]

Levet's eyes looked up at nothing as he tried to recall the planet's name. It sounded familiar. The Mandalorian probably had either been told about it during one of his classes or seen it written on a space port's destination list. But he did not know much about it.

"That sounds pretty cool. I can't imagine being part of a whole family of force users. Caravans..." He trailed off, thinking back to how his ancestors and estranged relatives lived as nomads. Levet did not know what that was like either. "...it sounds nice."

The Mandalorian took an unintentional gulp at hearing his partner ask about his heritage. "Uh...well..." He was not used to sharing details about such things. In fact he had a mild concern of coming off as self-centered so he tended to do the exact opposite and rarely talk about himself. It also had the effect of seemingly being reserved which did not help him make friends. "On New Mandalore they're...we're not as militaristic as other Mandalorians. Some would even call them pacifists. My family is a bit of an exception though. My dad's side of the family used to be part of ... Death Watch. It's why I have this armor." His voice conveyed that Levet was not particularly proud of that part of his family's history. "B-but my family isn't like that anymore." Levet verbally tried to back pedal, worried that what he had just said might give the wrong impression. "They don't wear armor much and live their lives like most galactic citizens. We still keep to traditions and all that jizz but its more just because of a cultural preservation type of thing. I don't think my dad's worn his armor in years."

Regardless of her reaction Levet felt entranced by the so-called force core. It washed away any sense of worry or insecurity. Her words confirmed it. He found it hard to picture a boulder giving off the same sensation. Then again, kyber crystals were a type of rock and he certainly felt something from the one incased in his lightsaber.

Levet caught up to Prani quickly and walked with her towards the north side of the city, leaving the tree behind for now. "We're taught a little bit but the Force isn't really explained very much. I didn't really grasp it until I joined the order. Jedi, Sith, Nightsisters, they're unintentionally given a reputation as mystics. Mostly its just historical events and rarely lessons on how to fight force sensitive opponents. There was one Mandalorian Jedi that we learned about, an ancestor of mine actually. Tarre Vizsla, the creator of the darksaber." A sense of awe and respect was clear in his voice. He dreamed of one day visiting the statue of his ancestor on Mandalore, if it still stood and pay his respects.

The way ahead was like the rest of the city they had seen. The exception was that there were more armed guards on patrol. They gave the two padawans looks but a few of them nodded their heads with a degree of respect. Levet returned the nods in kind. Chances were high they each had families and loved ones. He did not want to see any more of them lose their lives to the abominations and was willing to put his own life on the line to see it through, even if he was scared.

@Sreeya

 

[Prani Shalrazi]

Levet was dropping so much knowledge on her that it made her head spin. Prani could barely keep up, but she had lots of questions. Prani was incredibly talkative so by blurting out so much information, Levet signed up for some long conversations, “What’s Death Watch?” She asked flatly, unfamiliar. It sounded dramatic, but she would hear out what he said, “I think the armor is cool!” Prani said, “I’d love to walk around in armor. With a helmet nobody has to see when I’m afraid or don’t know what I’m doing,” She said with a chuckle.

Prani didn’t know about half of what he said, “What’s a nightsister?” She asked in wonder, “Man you said I know a lot, but look at ya! You’re like a walkin’ galactic encyclopedia!” Prani said, genuinely impressed.

They arrived at the north gate just as Prani began to ask a million questions about the darksaber. Hopefully, Levet had plenty of patience for all her questions and curiosity. The guards at the North Gate stared at them and she didn’t miss the look of sympathy from some of them.

“They’re just kids..” One of them muttered.

“Don’t underestimate them, they’re Jedi,” Another said.

Prani felt strange as she walked towards the gate, the guards nodding respectfully and standing aside for them. The giant gate began to lift, several inches of thick metal groaning as it rose to let the two pass through.

She could see a dense forest ahead, but the sense of darkness hit her like a wall. Since she was so closely tied to the Light side, the presence was almost overwhelming. Prani dropped down to a knee, feeling nauseous. She had to take several breaths to find herself in the Force and steady again, “Whatever this is…it’s been there for a while…gettin’ stronger..”

@Darasuum

 

[Levet Vizsla]

Levet blinked as he realized the information he had said was alien to Prani. There were lots of different groups he had learned about that was not common knowledge. Maybe it was just specific to his background which he took for granted. There were probably things that the young Mandalorian was equally ignorant of.

"Oh um, well they were a group of Mandalorians that were probably more like what most people picture when thinking of Mandalorians. They believed in traditions closer to the really old, I mean ancient, Mandalorians. They wanted to conquer the galaxy and allied themselves with some really bad people. I'm talking syndicates, slavers, even Sith." The distaste in his voice was audible. "Thankfully they're gone now."

He smiled at the admiration of the armor. "Yeah? Thanks." Levet let out a chuckle. Prani had no idea how right she was. "That's definitely one of the perks. I get all kinds of looks though. One person even thought I was a droid once." He rapped his knuckles on the side of his helm to illicit a metallic ting. "But we're not all alike and its not all invulnerable badassery. You gotta watch out for armor scavengers too. Beskar is worth a lot...or so I'm told."

A thought popped into his head which caused him to blurt out a suggestion. "Hey maybe I can look for a helmet or armor for you. It won't be beskar but some armor is better than nothing especially if you're going to be in a fight." There was plastoid, durasteel, cortosis, phrik and all types of materials that could work. In this day and age Levet could not help but have an interest in armor and weapons. Of course some of it was to blame from his Mandalorian upbringing.

"Hmm..." He paused and looked towards the Onderon sky as he tried to recall details about the Nightsisters. "...I've never seen or met a nightsister. I think I remember watching the news about that Imperial dude, Altair...wiping them out on their home planet of Dathomir. Anyways, they're supposed to be super spooky space witches." He wiggled all the fingers on both of his hands for emphasis. "I think their planet is even close-ish to Mandalore. But I've never really heard good things about them. Mostly they're the type of stories that were said to get me to eat my vegetables as a kid or go to bed on time. The only reason I suspect we know about them is because they were dangerous." He ignored the fact that he was still a teenager. At least now he did not need to be scared to be responsible, most of the time.

Levet blushed at the compliment about his repository of knowledge and he shrugged inside his armor. "I know a little about a lot. That's all. I'd like to hear more about where you came from though. Have you ever gone back to visit Genassa?"

The pair would make it to the North Gate eventually and Levet was happy to answer any questions Prani had. Sure enough they continued to received looks and comments from the locals though this time it was from the guards. Levet tried to look appropriate as a representative of the Jedi Order and respectfully returned the nods in kind.

As soon as he crossed the threshold of the gate his hair stood on end. It felt like a chilling air had swept through every space and crack in his armor. Levet could not contain the shiver that ran down from the top of his head through his spine and to the base of his feet. He was halted in his tracks and stared ahead. "Oh shab" Levet could only focus on the sensation through the Force. It was the opposite of the tree they had been so close to minutes early to the point that the padawan could not even see the trees in front of him.

His vision blurred as his body had a visceral reaction. A slight tinge of vertigo raced through him. But Prani's reaction was worse. He turned and saw her down on one knee. The padawan knelt down and almost placed a hand on her shoulder but refrained from touching her. "Prani, are you alright?" Some of the guards looked on curiously from their posts but he ignored them. Hearing her explanation made Levet blink until he could see clearly again. His eyes returned to the trees as if it would give an idea of what was waiting for them. "Should we go back and report this to the Order?" He looked back at Prani to gauge how well she was handling herself.

@Sreeya