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[Vanya]

Per my OP template, thread is death enabled​

Starlight was pretty much the antithesis to everything that Vanya was used to in the galaxy. Rather than a planet with its own natural cycle, the space station was a giant glob of technology. It was everything that Vanya had only minimally used throughout her life, packed into one place. It was like living on a ship that just floated in space.

It was very odd to her, but as she sat in the main room, looking out at the big... ball thing, she couldn't help but admit it was beautiful. She had always loved painting and art on Dathomir, but that was a small slice of what the galaxy had to offer.

She probably wasn't supposed to touch it, but she couldn't help herself but wander over to the artwork and let her fingers run along it, looking at the curves and the smooth edges that lined them. It was a stunning piece of work.

Her attention was drawn back to the man she was meeting and her head flicked over to him as she approached. Vanya had been put on a duty as a "probational Jedi Knight" by Councilor Albion, but in truth, Vanya still didn't understand much about what it meant to be a Jedi. This Knight - Leon - had agreed to let her pick his brain, and she was quite grateful and abounding with questions. He had no idea what he'd signed up for...

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Once again, Leon was dressed in his stuffy stupid uniform. He flat refused to wear robes. He wasn’t an old hermit in a cave. He was a warrior. Along with his uniform he carried his weapons in their usual place on his utility belt. Peetwo clung to his shoulder. The little droid loved being on Starlight.

He reached the main foyer of the temple and scanned the sparsely populated space. A girl was rubbing that weird big ball thing that the contractors had sworn was “art” but Leon didn’t see it. Her gaze seemed to linger on his so, he just assumed that’s who he was supposed to be meeting.

Figures. Hera shows up outta nowhere and suddenly he has soooooo much shit to do. He was still in the middle of training his own padawan and hunting down the members of the Hindsnake cult… He took a breath, and let his irritation roll off his back, like a duck in water. There was nothing he could do other than get to work. He’d manage, he always did. He couldn't explain it, but he was getting the feeling The Force had something terrible in store for him soon… it’s been too long since he’d almost died.

He waved at the young woman flashing her a smile and saying, “Hi, I’m Leon, I presume you’re Vanya, nice to meet you, cool name by the way.”

Peetwo warbled irritably, Leon chuckled, “This little shit is Peetwo.”

Leon clasped his hands in front of himself and asked, “I believe you were hoping to pick someone’s brain, I can’t claim to have much in here,” he tapped the side of his temple with his index finger, “But I’m happy to share what I’ve got,” he scoffed.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya turned to catch sight of the man she was here to meet, and saw the little droid on his shoulder. She regarded it for a moment with uncertainty, watching it but not saying anything to or about it.

I am glad to meet you, Leon, she said, finally taking a closer look at him and realizing he was rather good looking. She had expected someone older or more decrepit than him, but the surprise was a pleasant one. He wasn't decrepit at all.

She smile at his complement about her name and gave a thank you. She once again regarded the droid suspiciously as he introduced it as "Peetwo." It seemed harmless enough, almost like an animal but made out of electricity and metal.

She moved over to take a seat at one of the chars lining the foyer, seemingly eager to dive into what he knew.

I'm sure you know more about the Jedi than I do, she said. Her understanding was effectively "we fight evil" and that was about it.

Maura told me that the Jedi have many specialties, but what do you do? What do you all stand for? she asked. If they all had different things that they did, then surely that meant they all had to be bound together by a common goal. The Clans were not so different. Each Sister may have a different job, but they all served to protect Dathomir.

I looked at your Jedi Code and the statements all seemed to be... random and disconnected. They do not flow logically one to the next or seem to lead to any real goal, she said. They were all statements she agreed with, but they were purposeless. As much as she disagreed with the Sith, their Code at least led to a goal and an end that she didn't see with the Jedi.

@Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Vanya seemed suspicious of Peetwo and the little droid seemed to share the sentiment. With a little huff the droid disappeared into his sling bag.

“Don’t take it personal, Peetwo is slow to warm up.”

Leon followed her to a pair of chairs and took a seat turning to face her.

“You’d be surprised,” he joked as she referenced him knowing more about the Jedi. He quickly realized she wasn’t wasting time and found himself caught off guard. He’d assumed this was gonna be a tour or something easy, he’d not been ready to be asked what his core beliefs were.

“Oh, we’re diving right in, okay,” he laughed, trying to buy himself a second to consider her question. “Ultimately, we’re peacekeepers. Protectors. In recent times, we kinda lost sight of that, but I’d say that’s the general binding factor that unites the different specialties of The Order.“

Her next question nearly made him fall out of his chair, what was next: Can I get the coordinates for Mortis?

He ran over the code, something he hadn’t done since he’d become a knight ironically. He could see why it would seem strange or hypocritical.

“Why don’t you replace “Yet” with then.” he replied, “Emotion then peace. We will experience emotion, it is our duty to accept what “is” as it “is” and find peace within it.” He sounded like the old decrepit monks in the meditation gardens… “Ignorance then knowledge. It’s alright not to know everything, but it’s not alright to stay that way. Passion then serenity. We should love, but our love should not control us. Chaos then harmony. Inevitably things will happen that we can’t foresee or stop, it is our job to find peace within to balance that chaos. Finally, Death then the Force. Death isn’t the end, it’s the final test before becoming one with the Force.”

He let her mull that over, it was a lot and honestly, he wasn’t sure if he’d been as articulate as he’d hoped, “Our code is a reminder, not a proclamation. It’s in place to give comfort and help bring balance. Or at least that’s what it does for me.” he said with a shrug.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

He is a droid, she said, implying that he shouldn't have feelings at all. Although the statement wasn't intended to be offensive, it probably was to both Leon and Peetwo. She had been raised to see droids at best as servants and at worst as the enemy, depending on which Elder was speaking about it.

You would prefer foreplay? she asked deadpan as he said they were diving right in. Whether it was intended as a joke or not was difficult to read from her expression, and she didn't given any indication right away. Almost like she was intentionally keeping a straight face.

To her credit, as he spoke she listened with rapt attention, drinking up what he said with an eagerness that was only present as glints in her violet eyes. While he may have felt like the decrepit monk, it was quite clear that that was not how she was looking at him.

That wasn't even to mention the fact that she found what he said to be quite fascinating and enlightening. She was silent in the moments that followed as she mentally chewed over the boatload of information he had just dumped on her, but she seemed to process it remarkably quickly.

So the Jedi are protectors, she reasoned aloud. And the Code has nothing to do with "ends," but rather with "means?" she said, waiting for confirmation that she wasn't entirely misinterpreting what he had just said.

She went silent again.

I have heard that the Jedi refuse to kill. Is that true? Is death something your - or our - Order fears? she asked. While she had heard some people among the Jedi had sworn off ever fighting or killing, the record - as she understood it - stretched back thousands of years of Jedi fighting in wars.

@Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Baudelaire’s brow cocked and he crossed his arms over his chest in mock offense, ”And yet, you acknowledge “his” personality.”

He scoffed, “Okay, you’re fun. I think we’re going to be friends. You can drop the deadpan.”

Leon was immediately uncomfortable with her rapt attention. He hid it behind his usual smirk, but he was not good in these situations. He was pleasantly surprised when he realized she was actually listening. He gave her the time she needed to chew over everything he’d said. She concisely broke down what he’d said, and he nodded, “That is my belief.” he confirmed and clarified.

The meaning of the Code was taught and explained so much that most simply said it like a boring mantra, but to Leon it was the core of his beliefs. Through those words ‘Oneness’ with The Force could be obtained… or at least he theorized.

Leon waited patiently as she fell silent again. He awkwardly looked around not wanting to feel like a creep staring at a pretty girl across from him. So, he wasn’t exactly prepared for her to ask about the moral barometer surrounding killing in regards to The Order as a whole. In truth, Leon knew he didn’t see eye to eye with many of his peers in regards to duty and what that entailed.

Death then The Force.

He decided to choose his words carefully, Vanya was new and his cynical outlook wouldn’t be appropriate.

“The Jedi do their best to minimize the loss of life, that is true, but we do not fear death. We choose to implement it as a last resort rather than an opening statement.” He shrugged, “I’ll be honest, I don’t know of any Jedi, in our current Order, that have turned away fighting.”

That was probably because Leon didn’t waste his time with the philosophers of The Order. He believed in actively following the will of The Force, not pontificating about it’s possible meaning.

“What do you believe? No judgment, I’m just curious. Besides, you’ve asked me like three questions, I get one,” he laughed.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya just grunted in response to his retort about "him." Of course she was too stubborn to admit that he had found a loophole. She did smirk slightly as he mentioned she could drop the deadpan, though, looking pleased with herself.

She sensed there was something more he wasn't telling her about the killing thing, but she didn't press yet. After all, she'd already pretty much hammered him with questions, almost forgetting herself.

Oh, yes, sorry, she said, giving an awkward smile as he pointed out that she had basically just unloaded questions on him the entire time they were sitting here so far.

She paused a moment to try to decide what to tell him and how much. Their people were a secretive group, but it wasn't like he was asking her to be baptized or something like that.

We - the Nightsisters - follow the Winged and Fanged Spirits. Out of them flow the Essence and the Shadow. We see ourselves as extensions of nature, and the Clans often fight amongst ourselves. Those who follow the Fanged Spirit believe themselves predators and those who follow the Winged Spirit are the shepherds. The voritor and the shepherd will always be at odds, she said.

But we understand that you cannot have one without the other. It is the circle of life, she said. From what she understood, the Jedi were not so... understanding of the Shadow.

The shepherd does more than simply strike the voritor, but if the time comes, she does not fear to raise her blade, she said. She had just said more to him about her people than she ever had to an outsider, and she hoped it answered his question.

@Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Leon gave her the same attention he’d been shown. He wasn’t surprised by her revelation that she was a nightsister. He’d been given a heads up, but honestly, it wouldn’t have changed his attitude coming in. Baudelaire didn’t have any qualms with working alongside a Dark side user. He’d already done it twice. It was possible for the ideologies to get along, so long as they had a common enemy. That or he’d been so lucky. Like just The Force did that lucky.

“Thanks for sharing all of that, I-I feel pretty honored,” he said, sincerely.

He’d never considered there being a sect of the Nightsister's that followed the light. It was so interesting how many different, yet similar ideologies existed in the galaxy. It was a little staggering at times, but it always came down to a fight between the light and the dark, but what if it didn’t have to be that way? He knew it wasn’t possible now, but change had to start somewhere right?

“Between you and I, I agree with the shepard." He'd elaborate if asked, but wouldn’t delve into it unprompted.

“So then, is this—” he gestured to their surroundings, “—Like, really overwhelming?”

He jutted his chin down the hall to her left, “There’s a beautiful garden right outside, not quite real nature, but a nice reminder.” he said with a smirk.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

In this galaxy that felt so foreign and isolating to her, it was nice to find someone who felt like a kindred spirit. She found comfort in the fact that he agreed with what she said, and she found she was smiling warmly despite herself when he said he felt honored and even agreed with her.

I am glad, she said. Truthfully, I was not sure how the Jedi viewed things, so it is nice to find another who is of the same mind, she said. And if she could find him and he could fit in, it meant that maybe she had found a place for herself as well. Though it did give her pause for a moment.

Between us? Others do not agree? she asked.

As he asked if things were overwhelming, she nodded. I was prepared to travel off-world for my Clan, but living in space surrounded by metal and electronics rather than plants and life is... strange, she said.

The moment he mentioned a garden, she was practically leaping to her feet. Yes! I would love to see it! she said, practically desperate to see something other metal. The art was good, but it wasn't the same as nature.

@Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Leon didn’t miss the warm smile. The expression of being seen and accepted. It was infectious and he found himself smiling right back at her.

She didn’t miss his statement and inquired further into that line of thought, “I think there’s a misconception about balance within The Order,” he said, “Most struggle to see that the Light needs the Dark and that eradication doesn't create balance,” he shrugged, “I think both aspects are important, and while I have no doubt that the Jedi will always fight against the Sith, I do think we are missing potential allies by simply writing off other Force practitioners because of an alignment to the dark side.”

He suddenly realized how passionate he felt about this and found himself needing to reel it in a bit, “At least that’s my point of view,” he scoffed.

They began down the hallway as she confirmed his suspicions. “It has to be wild, being totally devoted to nature and then finding yourself devoid of it.” he said empathetically. He’d come to love places that were isolated from the galaxy at large. His favorite of course was Ellora.

A few moments later they stepped out into the first of three massive gardens that surrounded the Temple. The Flora here had been imported primarily from Ellora, which might have been why he’d recommended this one, but was also supplemented by other tropical plants. The durasteel flooring beneath their feet gave way to the soft crunch of hard packed dirt, the air became more humid, and the Force seemed to swell within the harmony of the garden.

He watched her closely interested in her reaction and unable to stop himself from asking, "So, what do you think? Not as good as the real thing, but pretty alright, huh?"

“So, what brought you to The Order?” he asked, “Aside from your obvious unquenchable curiosity,” he teased.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya nodded as he spoke, and though what he said likely would have been unpopular with most Jedi, Vanya's life up until this point had been much different than most.

She had no doubt that the Dark Siders of the galaxy would ever be at odds with her, and she would fight them if they posed a threat to others, but she also recognized that eradicating the Dark Side from the galaxy was simply an unreal goal.

There will always be darkness, she said. It would take many forms and it wasn't simply relegated to those who could use the Essence. Good and evil were eternal.

She followed him to the garden, almost seeming to become lost as she looked around at the many plants present. She reached out and ran her hands along the bark and smelled the flowers, drinking it all in. She let her mind reach out to the green ur-spirits of the plants and listened to their song in her mind, and smiled.

It is peaceful, she said, finding the quiet song in her mind to put her more at peace than the hum of engines and the whir of automated gravity.

As he asked her why she had come to the Order, she paused and had a faraway look in her eye. It was not an easy question to answer, and while there was a short answer, it didn't cover nearly the depth of that story.

Hmm, she hummed as she thought, trying to sort how much to say and what to share.

I came to find other like-minded people who wish to fight evil, she said. It was the core answer. How could she talk about the oppression of the Singing Mountain Clan and its long rivalry with the Forgotten Valley? How could she talk about aiding the Empire in killing the Queen? How could she talk about all of the Clans who had helped the Sith?

Dathomir has been steeped in darkness for a long time and helped spread that across the galaxy. It is time for us to spread the Winged Spirit's power, she said.

@Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

There will always be darkness, he thought. Her words were ominous, but he knew in his heart she was right.

Leon was surprised by the amount of relief he felt by her words. Peaceful had been the goal, so she was either just being polite… or… what was she doing? Man, she must have really needed this, he thought as he gave her time to, uh commune with nature. “Most of these come from a world steeped in the light called Ellora.”

Even now he could feel his soul longing to be among the never-ending rain in the solitude of his temple. The Light was stronger here, but it was nothing compared to being planet side proper. He made a mental note to take an extended stay out there once his work with the Kiliks was done.

She hummed while she thought which was super cute, but to his surprise, her words carried with them both hope and a burden.

“I’m glad we met,” he said with a smile, “I just so happen to be looking for the same thing.”

Raze was coming. He wouldn’t stop until he consumed the galaxy and the only way Leon could fathom defeating him was with a united front. The Light and the Dark had to work together to banish the wraith. If they couldn’t do that then the galaxy as they all knew it was doomed.

“How long they got you on house arrest?” he joked. “Cause if you’re looking to get your hands dirty, I might have something coming up I could use some help with.”

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Ellora, she repeated the name. I've never heard of it, but perhaps I should visit it someday, she said. If these plants were anything to go by, it was probably a place she would enjoy.

Then perhaps we should be friends, she said with a smile. He was quite down to earth and seemed to her to be precisely the kind of person she would enjoy working and fighting beside. It seemed that she had chosen wisely in coming to the Jedi or else the Winged Spirit guided her steps.

As it turned out, Darth Raze was central to Vanya's hopes - and even fears - for the galaxy going forward as well. It was he that had empowered the Queen to take over the planet, and while Vanya had assisted the Empire in wiping out one of those enemies, the other still remained.

I would love to! she said. She had no idea what she was volunteering for, but she didn't really care. Anything was better than just sitting around.

I believe I am allowed to go where I want. Just that my actions will be more heavily scrutinized until I am "off probation," she said. At least that was her understanding of what Master Albion had said. Ultimately, they had a lot of hierarchy and rules that were still foreign to Vanya, but she had managed to avoid completely stepping in it so far.

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

”Can confirm it’s awesome.” he said, in reference to Ellora.

He chuckled at her formal response saying, “Sounds good.”

This was the second person he’d been drawn to with nearly identical beliefs yet a wildly different background. With each like mind he met he could feel the Force shudder. He was on the right path and this solidified that. For just a second he started to feel overwhelmed, but hid it behind his patented smirk.

“Your enthusiasm is terrifying,” he scoffed. He’d never met someone excited to hurdle toward danger. In all honesty Leon had no idea what her situation was like, but it was nice to know she wasn’t being held captive. Maybe that was something to keep in mind. Her background was plenty of reason for scrutiny, but she’s allowed to come and go as she pleases. Maybe he was being harder on the Order than it deserved… Nah.

“Great, in that case, once I have everything ready I’ll reach out to you.” The gravity of his mission continued to increase. The Hindsnake Cult, The Killiks, Raze. When would he pass into the Force? When would he finally take on too much? What was the lesson he was supposed to be learning?

Chaos yet Harmony, he reminded himself.

“So,” he said, snapping out of his downward spiral, “Did you have any other questions? I’d also be happy to show you around the temple or whatever.”

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

I suppose we will see if it is infectious, she said. She intended to get a lot done in the Jedi and in the galaxy. She was a woman with a mission, and time would tell if she was able to drag others along with her. Though, if he was any indication, maybe there were people actually eager to help.

What have I just signed up for? she asked, as he said he would reach out, but he had yet to actually tell her what it was that he wanted her for. Or... not wanted her for, but... you know. No, surely he didn't think that way about her, they barely knew each other.

I'd love to see the rest of the temple, she said with absolutely no ulterior motives. It was nice at least that someone could show her around what was otherwise still a very foreign place.

Do you live here then? she asked.

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

“We can only hope,” he chuckled in regards to her enthusiasm.

He frowned, then realized he’d done that thing he’d gotten really good at where he was super cryptic accidentally, because he’d gotten lost in his own thoughts, so when Vanya asked what she’d signed up for he looked at her and blinked a few times, completely confused.

“Oh! Sorry, I’m hunting the Cult of the Hindsnake,” he said with a laugh while he ran a hand through his hair. “They’re a lot of fun, super into mutilation and the use of some amalgamated necromancy.” he said, his expression would come across as a challenge, as if he were saying, You’re not scared are you?, without actually saying it.

“Cool, there’s a directory at the center of the garden, we can start there,” he said, leading the way.

The temple here on Starlight was massive. Back in the day it was bigger than the temple on Coruscant, even now it was nearly twice the size of the one on Ithor, so he understood how overwhelming it could be to find your way around.

As they moved through the garden Vanya asked if he lived here, “Recently, yes.” he chuckled, “It makes training my Padawan a lot easier, but when I’m stationed here, I prefer to live on Ellora,” he admitted. Other than the squad and Jayna, he’d never told anyone about his hideaway on the planet. It was a place all his own. A home that couldn’t be taken, or at least he hoped.

“All the knights in the Order are assigned apartments, so you’ve probably got a room somewhere here too,” he said.

There was an interesting hierarchy when it came to living within the Order. The Padawans were kept in dorms on temple grounds, the knights were allotted an apartment, and the Masters and council members had sprawling suites.

Strange set up for an order of humble peacekeepers.

As they reached the end of the path they were on, the foliage opened up into a tranquil quad of finely manicured grass. Tables and benches lined the perimeter, and a beautiful fountain quietly babbled in the center. The directory was just on the other side of the fountain.

“Alright, where do you wanna go first?” he asked, as he reached the standing map.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

She had never heard of this cult before, but they sounded unpleasant and just the kind of people she had come here to hunt down.

They sound like they need to be stopped, she said, agreeing with him in a comically matter-of-fact way.

She listened as he talked about living here and about training his Padawan, which intrigued her. You have a trainee? Do you enjoy that? Teaching? she asked. She was glad to hear that she had a space of her own here, though she wondered if the "space of her own" could be on an actual planet. You'll just need to adjust, Vanya, she told herself. There was no other option.

She looked out at the center of the garden, and still found she enjoyed the bubbling of the water here, knowing she could probably have easily sat here for hours, but also knowing that it would probably be a waste of her time.

Are there places to eat? she asked, because where else would she want to go first? Is there... she shook her head, looking for the right word ...payment for being a Jedi? she asked. Surely there had to be a way for them to cover their expenses. She assumed running around and mentally manipulating people into handing over free food was probably considered to be as unethical as it sounded.

@Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Leon had never met a more DTF person before in his life. Baudelaire laughed, “Alright, I’ll consider you a part of the crew.”

Peetwo reemerged from his sling bag and peered at her from over Leon’s shoulder. He looked like he was just about to slip back into the bag, but he reluctantly coo’d before resting his head on Baudelaire’s shoulder.

“Oh, all done pouting?” asked Baudelaire with a laugh, “Sorry dude, she still thinks you’re just a robot.” Peetwo’s head whipped to Vanya as if she’d just insulted his maker, but didn’t retreat. He remained on Leon’s shoulder but was obviously avoiding photoreceptor contact with her.

Vanya asked three question’s rapid fire questions and Leon had to stifle a laugh before answering.

“I do, her name is Koemi and she’s awesome. So far I enjoy teaching, I’m not sure I’m particularly good at it, but yeah I like it.” He considered something for a moment then added, “If you ever want some help with something don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always happy to help.”

“Oh yeah, I know a great place, you ever had Pizza?” There was an Ithroian Pizzeria just outside the Jedi quarter. It was one he used to love going to on Ithro and was beyond relieved to see Gio and his gaggle of goons pop up a shop.

“If there is, I’m do some serious back pay,” he laughed derisively, “We are provided with everything we need, housing, ship, gear, food, etc. Anything you’d consider a basic need is taken care of while on base,” he shrugged, “On mission things are a little more fend for yourself, but I’ve never not had what I needed to complete my mission.”

The Jedi weren’t about making that money. They were about protecting and helping the disenfranchised. So, while basic compensation was generally taken care of, anything in excess was non-existent. He couldn’t help but wonder how much EZTech was contributing to that. The walk to the Pizza place wasn’t long. He could see her deflate marginally when they stepped out of the serenity of the garden, but he wouldn’t tease her about it. Well, much. This was still Leon Baudelaire after all.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya glanced back over at the droid again as it began to reemerge, still as suspicious of it as it was of her, but she made no further negative comments about him at least. Leon seemed quite comfortable with it, after all, and he seemed alright.

He seemed to enjoy teaching, though he didn't seem confident in his ability to do so. Still, the fact that he offered to answer any questions she might have was kind and a relief of its own in a way.

I do not believe so, she said, the admission that she had never had pizza before likely being shocking. But I am willing to try it, she said, though she had no idea what it actually was. Pizza wasn't one of the items they ate on Dathomir.

Her eyes narrowed in confusion and skepticism. So how do you pay for food when you are on missions? Or fuel? Or... other basics? she asked. Another classic Vanya move to berate him with multiple questions at once.

They headed off to the "pizza place" and the scent hit her nose before she saw it and she was immediately sold on it.

Mmm, that smells good! she said, heading up to the counter. I will have one pizza, she said, holding up a single finger to emphasize it before realizing that that was really not how you ordered a pizza.

Or... whatever he is having, she corrected, pointing toward Leon and deciding that having him order for them was wiser. Nailed it.

@Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

“Ya know I had a feeling you would be,” he said, matching her deadpan from earlier.

She hit him with another combo of questions and for a second he just kinda stared at her trying to figure out where to start. “Oh, you’ll get a mission based stipend, but it’s never enough to cover more than absolutely necessary,” he scoffed.

Then realizing she probably didn’t have any money decided he’d discreetly take care of the bill.

Gio’s Pizzaria had been his go too back on Itor. When the attack happened, Leon had assumed the worst and it wasn’t until Starlight made orbit that they’d begun to take in refugees, but low and behold Old Gio had survived, and his masterful pizza lived on. Just thinking about it made his mouth water.

Leon chuckled as the aroma of fresh made pizza caught Vanya’s nose. She basically melted before bum rushing the door.

Baudelaire followed behind at a normal pace and watched as she made a B-line for the counter. She showed up so quickly, Gio flinched shouting, “GEEZ! Oh Aye!”

The curmudgeon of a Pizzakze frowned at her as she very confidently ordered one pizza. Leon cocked an eyebrow, Gio squinted in confusion at her, she turned to Leon and said she’d have what he was so he stepped up and dapped up the old head.

“What she meant to say is “We’ll” have one pizza,” he flashed her a knowing smirk before adding "Can you do half meat lovers and half garden?”

“You got it, kid.” grumped Gio. Leon paid the guy, then scanned the space for an empty booth. He spotted one in the corner by a window,

“That looks cozy,” he remarked heading that way. He slid into the familiar embrace of the soft leather seat with a sigh.

“I’ll be real, I can’t wait to see you eat this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone eat pizza for the first time. This is going to be amazing,” he teased.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how do you channel the Force, or sorry, the Winged spirit?” He kept the question broad purposefully, he’d done an enormous amount of research of dark side sorcery since his run in with the Hindsnake cult, but he hadn’t considered how that would translate into the light.


@Phoenix