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Memories! [Astra] (Closed)
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
08.13.0959
Growing up at Serrono Academy was both a blessing and a curse. There is nothing like living in a Jedi Academy. First, the grounds and the buildings are just so clean, and everything is always so prefect. Unlike the orphanages that Astra had once called home. The first few years of her life had been spent bouncing from place to place, orphanage to orphanage. That was until just a couple of years ago, without warning or celebration, Astra was brought to the Jedi Academy and officially enrolled as one of the students. The Headmaster of her Dorm was a walking, breathing stone of a woman named Master Xia Maes. Master Maes ran a tough Dorm for all the 'Lowers'. Well that is what the other kids called them, the Lowers.
At first Astra had suspected that the trouble would have come from the kids from the Noble houses, but she would have been wrong. Between their private tutors and advanced studies, nearly all of the Noble kids were simply too busy to bully. There were times that Astra actually felt sorry for the Noble kids as they pushed themselves so hard. No, the trouble came from her fellow 'Lowers'. Most of it was just the normal name calling and hair pulling. Stuff that seven years in orphanages readies a kid for. But then there was Lucho and Menashe. A pair of slightly older boys who had taken to Astra and decided to be her personal tormentors. The two brothers from the Mid Rim world of Ojaran were left stranded on Serreno when their parents were arrested and sentenced by local authorities. While the two brothers did their best to make Astra's life a living hell, it was Master Maes who was always there to keep them in line.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
For the first year, life was a balance between classes, assigned duties in the Academy kitchen, and attempting to dodge the Bully Brothers. At the Dorm, Astra had plenty of time to herself. Her Dorm room window over looked the Grand Parade Grounds. From her advantage point she could spend hours watching the Noble go through their drills and practice with their private tutors. Some would struggle and work late in to the evening, while others were subjected to what Astra would call brutal training practices. After a year at the Academy, Astra accepted two truths. The First is that the Bully Brothers would never give her any peace. And the Second is that she had found a place where she could call home.
And that was when life took a grand turn for her. Roza came to her life. A tan skinned human girl of the same age as Astra from the nearby world of Baklid. In terms of social orders, Roza was a strange speaking native of Baklid, and as such near the bottom of the social order. For Astra, she fit right in. Master Maes assigned Roza to Astra's room and the two quickly became friends.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
For Astra, Roza was a breath of fresh air. Between the bully Brothers clases and long solitary hours it was nice to have a friend start exploring the grounds with and talk to. For the first time since arriving at this new home she started to feel her life was complete with everything she could need. The pair spent hours wandering the grounds dodging the bully brothers and talking about their dreams of becoming Jedi. That's what the academy was for after all.
Though their dreams were unlikely to come true it did not stop them from hoping to be Jedi. At some point they started to practice Drills along with the Noble kids from their bedroom so they could watch their clases why not try and learn from them.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
This gave them a bit of confidence and they eventually confronted their bullies. Well Astra eventually confronted them after they caught Roza. It made Astra quite angry to see her friend being harassed by the boys. This led to her throwing rocks at the boys and calling them cowered. Witch drew their attention away from Roza and on to here. Her friend was able to get away while the boy’s chased Astra through the academy.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
The chase wasn't long, and for Astra it was one wrong turn that found her down a path between two large buildings. As she fled the bullies, she quickly realized her mistake as the wall that closed the path came in to view. With no windows or doors to flee through, Astra was trapped and the Bullies knew it.
Slowing to a walk, they smiled, "well, well, well," said Lucho with a grin on his face. "Like to play with rocks," Menashe added, "you are going to get hit a lot harder than that."
Lucho shifted his motion to the side to ensure that Astra didn't escape past him. "You are going to pay for hitting us with rocks," Lucho said as they continued to close of the trapped nine year old.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra turned and glared at the two boys. " I don't really care what happens to me as long as my friend is safe,” She said. She continued to back up until her back was against the wall. “ Help, I need help” she thought.
She took several deep breaths and tried to calm her mind. No one was coming to rescue her and she was out of options. She needed to do something. She smiled slightly as she remembered seeing two older boys push each other without touching each other. She did not know exactly how the two boys had done it but she was still going to try it anyway. She settled into the proper stance and tried it on Menashe.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
They watched her for a moment before starting to laugh, "Look Brother, she is trying so hard," Menashe said then started to pretend like he was being pushed. It only lasted a second before he stopped and continued to laugh at her.
Lucho walked up to her, "let me show you how to push someone," he said right before punching her in the gut.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra cried out and dobbed over. " You cant do it ether so we are even" She said as she drew herself up to her full height and tried to punch Lucio. "I will not be afraid of you anymore" she said coldly.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
Just as she rose up to face the older boy she saw his smile. Her fist was caught and again a punch to her gut again sent her back down to her knees. "You will be," Lucho said.
"I owe her for the rocks too," Menashe said almost eager to join the already unfair battle between the older boy and younger girl.
"No," Lucho said, "watch the path and make sure no one is coming." He kicked her in the side to keep her down.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra cried again as she fell and was kicked again." I will not i refuse to let you win" she said throw gritted teeth and tried again to stand. " one day ill be a Jedi and people like you wont dare pick a fight with me." she added.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
"Come on, let me get some in," Menashe said as he watched the fight.
"You will never be a Jedi," Lucho said. "You are a Lower just like us....." Lucho kicked her again keeping her down. "You will never become a Jedi. Lowers are never allowed to become Jedi," he said kicking her again.
Lucho's attention was so focused on kicking and taunting Astra, that he never heard the blow that knocked Menashe back and to the ground. Nor did he ever see the blow coming, as a well dress boy roughly the same age as Lucho. The body blow slammed Lucho in to the wall causing both boys to crumb to the ground next to Astra.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra cried but did not say anything more. she heard the commotion and felt Lucho stop kicking her but she did not move it hurt to much at the moment. Had a teacher come to her rescue. She hoped someone had.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
The scuffle continued for a few more moments as this hero and Lucho half wrestled and half fought. They rolled away from Astra as their little battle turned in to a mass of chaos on the ground.
"That is enough," A loud booming voice called out as a Jedi Instructor leaped down from a balcony up high. He landed with the grace and power that Astra came to expect from the instructors. "Enough," he ordered grabbing both boys and lifting them off the ground and separating them. "If you two are in such a mood to fight, than maybe a trip to the High Master's office will temper that."
A second man with his hood up landed behind the instructor but didn't say anything. The hood concealed his face and features.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra struggled to her feet finally. as the instructor dropped down from the Balcony, and picked the boys up. it did not take her long to realize what had happened. the strange boy had come to her rescue.
At the sound of the instructor sigesting that the boys go the the Head and the strange hooded figer Astra spoke up. " Master he was only trying to help me. The fight was my fault i started it." she said pointing to the new boy.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
The instructor frowned, "is that so," he said but the new boy spoke up.
"Its not her fault at all," the boy said with confidence. "She had nothing to do with the fight other than to be his victim."
"Sol Kanobi," the Instructor said harshly. "Not even here a day and already getting in to fights and stirring trouble. I see your reputation was well justified," the man chastised. He turned to the other boy, "and Lucho, how am I not surprised."
The instructor pulled them both along with him, "And get up Menashe, you will join these two down at the High Master's office."
The second man, stood there tall and in silence as he watched the events unfolding before him.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
" But Master i did start the fight I throw rocks at Lucho and Menashe, They were bulling my friend I wanted to protect her. Sol Kanobi only came to my rescue when they cornered me" She called and tried to fallow.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
He turned to the boys and frowned, "is this true."
Sol stood there and glared at the two boy. It was Lucho who answered first, "No, Master. She is lying. She wasn't part of the fight."
Menashe nodded, "that's right."
"Enough now," he said pulling the two boys along. "Lets go see what the High Master has to say about this." He led them from Astra and towards the Admin Building. "Come along Astra, we will get you looked at by the healers before sending you back to your Dorm."
As the instructor led the three boys away, the tall hooded back remained behind with Astra, "a curious thing," he said softly. Clearly an attempt to conceal his voice.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
" Mas..." she stared to say then turned to the strange hooded man. " Ensues me Sir what is curious?" she asked.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
He turned to Astra and nodded from under his hood, "You want to become a Jedi," he asked softly ignoring her question.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra blinked how did he know that. " yes sir Roza and i Both do. Thats the friend i was trying to defend Why wont the master lesion me this entire mess is my fault Sol Kanobi should not be punished for my actions how can i help him" Astra said. clear consurn showing on her face.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
He waved off the statement, "the rules are very clear. fighting, regardless of reason, is strictly prohibited." He motioned her to follow him, "Tell me, why do you want to become a Jedi?" There was a strange tone of disbelief in his voice.
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra looked back at the instructor. she hesitated a moment before following the stranger " I...I want to be able to protect people. i'm an orphan with no family i know theirs a lot of fear and pain in the universe and the Jedi help with that without any regard for there own life i want to be like that one day " she said as she followed. she looked up at the hooded man. "you don't beleave me do you, I was brought her for some reason I just don't know why? Sir. may i ask what your name is? " She asked.
TheTraveler — 06/04/2021
He laughed sightly, "I am sorry youngling, I didn't mean to give you the impression I didn't believe you." The pair continued to walk as he spoke, "It is just that we don't hear that from those of your social order." He lowered his head as he walked beside her, "Few. like yourself, desire to follow the path. Most instead choose easier path, Of those who do decide to follow this path, even fewer remain true to the path. Those who don't tend to change course and follow their own path." He waved a hand, "don't get me wrong. This is neither wrong nor bad." He opened the door for her to enter the Admin building, "not all find the Path of Protector and Light Bringer fitting for themselves. And when they choose to leave, it is with broken hearts that we bid them safe travels."
Astra Korraay — 06/04/2021
Astra looked up at him " Why dose social order mater I have force abilitys just like the nobles do. Why dose where I come from matter. I dont think where some one comes from should define them i can be every bit as capable as the nobles if give the chance to prove it." She asked as she steeped throw the door.
TheTraveler — 06/05/2021
He stopped in his tracks and turned towards her. His actions and as he lowered himself, one would think she spoke something wrong. From under his hood, she thought she could barely make out a soft smile, "you know, you are right." He gave her a nod, "but many generations has created a world where that isn't the case."
He held up a hand to her. "However you are equally wrong. Simply have a connection with the Force doesn't make you equally capable," he explained.
He reached out and touched her in the center of her touch, "what truly matters and defines who you can be comes from here." He voice softened as if his smile grew broader. "Can you become all you are capable of, only you can answer that question."
Astra Korraay — 06/05/2021
Astra blinked turning her head sideways. " I will sir, nothing will stop me, I will be a jedi and I'll teach people like Lucho, and Mensah that picking on people is wrong" she said. She tried to study the man infront of her. She reached out to the force to try and inhance her senses like she had been taught in class.
TheTraveler — 06/05/2021
Once more the man smiled despite revealing nothing through the Force. "You know, I have no doubt you will."
He sighed, "but unfortunately ignorance and cruelty knows no boundaries."
He rose up and pointed down the hall, "down the hall and to the left is where you will find the healers." He looked down to her, "but to the right you will find your rescuer."
Looked down at her from under his hood, "if you are lucky you can speak to him before that mean High Master expels him for fighting."
Astra Korraay — 06/05/2021
" Expels no!" Astras eyes went wide. " Thank you sir" with a hasty bow and took off to meet the boy who saved her.
" I'm so glad the hooded man told me where you were did the head master speak to you yet. You have to tell then the truth you could be exspeld. You should not have to pay for saving me from my own stupid actions" Astra said as she ran onto the room where Sol was.
TheTraveler — 06/05/2021
Sol looked up and smiled at the little girl as she rushed up to him. It was if she was speaking faster than she could form the thoughts in her mind.
"Hey hey," he said rubbing the back of his head. "I haven't spoke to him yet," he said.
"Look when you cried out for help," he said softly, "I had to come help you. I couldn't let you face those bullies alone."
Astra Korraay — 06/05/2021
" how did you know I was there" she asked confused now. No one had seen her take that wrong turn and corner herself. Had Sol? How did the masters know to come to ? Was it the same reason Sol know. Did the force have sumthing to do with it.
" your from one of the noble family's you did not have to help someone like me. Thank you" She said dropping her head.
TheTraveler — 06/05/2021
He smiled softly, "as I said, I heard you call out for help."
He nodded, "I am of the House Kazona." He motioned to the family crest wove to the left beeast of his Jedi Robe. "I am Sol Kenobi."
It was well known that the Kazona Family was a large Inner Rim Jedi Legacy Family. Though this is the first time she had seen one in the Outer Rim. Nearly all the noble students she had crossed were those of Outer Rim families
He smiled, "and of course I had to help you." He puffed out his crest, "it is the job of all Jedi to help those in need.
Astra Korraay — 06/05/2021
Astra smiled at him." Thank you. I was trying to get them to leave my friend alone gess I did not think through the consequences. I'm Astra Korraay. I don't have a family. But maby one day I can be a Jedi to" she said quietly.
TheTraveler — 06/05/2021
He smiled softly and gave her a nod, "with a heart like yours and a noble spirit, I am sure you will both become a Jedi and brought in to any one of the Legacy Families."
He slowly stood as his name was called, "well I guess I have to face this High Master."
He looked down to her, "you know, don't take this the wrong way. But I have a strong feeling about you. Like we always knew each other," he said with a smile.
On that he walked towards the door and vanished in to the High Master's office.
(End Scene)
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