THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US
Well, that could’ve gone worse. Though, in reality he REALLY DID deserve it. Especially for Viktor’s sake. He’d take this punishment 900 times over in a day to defend him. Though, now that he REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT IT, his odds of now SEEING Viktor for the next few weeks would be very difficult. Seeing how the light saber polishing station was on the other side of the Jedi Temple. And… Since Viktor was also BANNED from the library for the next 5 months… Yeah, perhaps this WAS a bad idea. Viktor certainly won’t last long without being able to read, BUT being trapped in a library sure gave you a lot of access to books. Wouldn’t be hard to SNEAK one or two out~ As soon as he figured out how the blast to start his own punishment. Library duty. Nothing but sorting…reorganizing… and dusting old moldy books, data logs, ancient gross feeling scrolls... For HOURS. Gods, Viktor would have LOVED THIS. At least if HE was polishing the light sabers, he could take them apart and study their design… Sometimes their masters were painfully cruel, or perhaps brilliantly devious. Or both. Either way, this sucked.
Master Heimerdinger thought in place of his trainings for the month, dedicating his training hours FULLY to the library duties would be AN EXCELLENT lesson in respecting your elders. And ancient property. And of course, Master Marcus made a snide remark of perhaps he will ACTUALLY learn something for once. It took all his strength to NOT tell Marcus where he could shove his light saber. Though, the thought did make him grin. AND that earned him an EXTRA WEEK of his punishment. Damn, he REALLY needed to work on his poker face. His master knew him far too well. It was like he could read the thought just from that look. It sure was worth the extra week of library duty to see Marcus’s face scrunch up in fury before storming out of the room.
The first few days were rough, at best he’d barely catch a glimpse of Viktor, if at all. That was probably the worst part. Being so far from him, and just the simple glances he’d catch were enough to make him worry. But worst of all, HE didn’t need to see it. The faint whispers of Jedi masters, council members and other students all thinking they were alone, when in reality he was ducked behind a shelf or a book pile, DEFINITELY ORGANIZING BOOKS. For once his smaller size was coming in handy. Or the way their emotions and concerns wafted off them like a pheromone. It was infectious. Yet he wasn’t able to go sneak off and rat Marcus out as freely as he could before. But he had other ways to probe information…
Though he hated this punishment with a passion, it gave him the chance to offer his help and knowledge to the Jedi masters and other padawans who did come to the library. At least he could be of use or assistance. And… try and ask about Viktor in the process. Anytime he did, he only got a concerned look from the other Jedi masters, or very vague information from the padawans. All in all, it was concerning. Dodgy. Evasive. That was really bad. But regardless, at least he was killing two porgs with one stone. Whenever a Jedi would come in, he’d offer to help them locate a book or a scroll, and then go back to his tasks. OR RATHER PRETEND TO BE DOING HIS TASKS AS HE EAVESDROPPED. It was the perfect cover.
The first tidbit he caught was about 2 weeks into his punishment, about 3 of the Jedi Council were making their way through the library. He knew them by their voices and their presence. That rotten awful presence. And their haughty snotty voices. Frankly, he nearly ignored it when a single word caught his attention. MARCUS. The mention of the name nearly made him puke on the spot. And nearly run from his duties and literally go stab Marcus in the back with his light saber. Maybe he could race to a ship while tugging Viktor along… Go to that secluded lil moon Viktor wanted to… Live a quiet secluded life… His little dream plan was quickly shattered when the slippery oil stain of a voice cut through the still peaceful air. Any nearby Jedi would cast a nasty glare, pack up their things and leave VERY QUICKLY when the voice came closer. The library became barren in under 8 minutes flat.
“Did you hear? Master Marcus had gotten into hot water with his little ‘impoverish padawan…’ again. I heard there had been over 5 different Jedi who complained within the last two weeks.” The slippery and smooth voice said, feigning false concern. There was a snide laugh at the end of the comment. The grip on the spine of the book he was holding as he stood safely hidden on the other side of the bookshelf made the thick inch thick binding crumble under the Force he used. Salo. The biggest CLANKER SUCKER OF ALL. The moron couldn’t even READ, why was HE here?!
A series of gears, whirs and hisses happened before a mechanical and rigid voice spoke out, slightly stalled and slower, very deep and almost rustic sounding. If it had belonged to anyone but THAT SACK OF RUSTED BOLTS, Jayce would’ve said it was so utterly cool. But much to his misery, it belonged to the only moron willing enough to even give Salo the time of day. Bolbok.
“There has been word… That Master Marcus is about to lose his title as Jedi Master due to his negligence. The little Zaunian is… notably a concern. Zaun was deep within Sith territory, it was a huge risk bringing the child here, even IF it was years ago. The Sith’s wrath has DRASTICALLY INCREASED since that careless Bounty Hunter Vander brought the boy. Silco’s attacks were growing much more aggressive after Vander’s presence on Zaun was discovered. LET ALONE, a Force wielder of that child’s ability was taken right under their noses. That child is an omen, mark me. An omen of the darkness to come. The boy never did nor does belong here. Marcus was making subtle hints… about how to rectify the wrong. He did hint, that YOU WERE ENCOURAGING him to do it, Salo. I truly hope this is NOT something that will drag us ALL down. Whatever it is, keep us far from it.” The mechanical voice creaked, edging onto a threatening tone at the end. Rectify the wrong…? What by Janna does THAT MEAN?...
Salo gasps, as if actually offended. The faintest hint of false mortified shock made the mechanical steampunk looking being groan and roll their eyes before Salo smirked and continued on.
“Oh, don’t you worry so much, Bolbok. Marcus barely mentioned anything, all I know is he’s done. He sadly, would not give me MANY of the details. That was all he told me, the prick. I am DYING to know these details!!! The drama the scandal!! Not to mention he’s been adamant it is very important. I am sure if I get enough Juri Juice brandies in him he’ll be SPILLING all his dirty little secrets to me~.”
The metal clicks and a very loud hiss occur before heavier metal footsteps continue forward.
“DO NOT, INVOLVE US SALO. I will only warn you ONCE. I will not hesitate to report this to the Grand Master. The Council will not tolerate acts of unprompted violence, especially against a child. Though I do not agree with these choices, the Grand Master is the one who makes the final calls. And all the blood and misfortune his actions and choices will eventually fall on his shoulders. Perhaps by then, he will have no choice but to make a decision. How many lives is one child worth? We may be seeing soon. Unlike you, I will just watch and wait. Only the Force knows what comes next.”
Bolbok’s heavy mechanical steps quickly faded down the long empty corridor, as Salo huffs dismissively.
“Fine, then you will be LAST TO KNOW WHEN I FIND OUT!!” Salo shouts angrily after him, before sniffing loudly sticking his nose in the air and turns to head back the way he came. There was a pause as he stared with a scrutinizing expression at the spot where Jayce was hiding. OH, BALL SOCKETS-
“YOU- I know you’re there!! Come out this instant little wretch!!” Salo snapped angrily, stamping his foot. There was no movement, before Salo growled and finally stormed his way over, glancing left and right to where Jayce just was. Much to his dismay and embarrassment, there was no one there. Anger flared and Salo’s face flushed bright red when he was met with an empty space and a large pile of undisturbed books. Jayce struggled to stifle a giggle watching Salo throw an epic tantrum like a literal child, before he stormed off fuming and swearing. It was muffled but he caught a faint “At least no one saw…” Oh. He could not WAIT to burst that bubble. But that would have to wait.
Just for good measure, Jayce waited atop the bookshelf he had scaled up like a ladder a few extra minutes. Didn’t hurt to be cautious, especially with all these... startling rumors. Marcus was a prick and a jackass, yes, but would he stoop to… Jayce didn’t dare to finish that train of thought. Though it was enough to get him to scramble down and race as quickly as he could to the front entrance and swipe the data log on the top desk, before getting a loud “HEY COME BACK HERE YOU LITTLE DEVAINT!!!!” The twi'lek librarian called after him, as he literally ran, slide on his side and swiped the book and scroll log right from under her. His little stunt sent all the things on her golden topped ivory colored desk flying. Her pale greenish skin was all he saw as he fled on foot once he stuck the landing sliding off her desk. Jayce managed to give her a sympathetic glance. With a wave of his hand, he levitated all her belongings back onto her desk, exactly the way they were.
“I am sorry, Master Anu… But I think Viktor is in serious danger! Please, I will bring it right back I swear! I need to speak to my master immediately!!! If I am wrong, I will stay an extra week to help fix the messes I’ve made…” Jayce pleaded, his golden eyes faintly watering. Anu’s expression creased with worry, her aging features softening at his overwhelming fear. She knew. She knew how Viktor fled to the library as a safe haven, far from his master’s ire and hatred. She also knew and spoken ADAMANTLY with Master Heimerdinger about the treatment Marcus gave to such a young boy. How many times she had done her best to console the poor child when she had found him crying so many times. Or the way the past few days, he looked more shaken and ragged than normal. How even she could barely get him to speak a word, let alone even show remote interest in a book or scroll.
Something was very wrong. Jayce was a bit of a trouble maker, but he cared so deeply for the young little human child she herself was growing fond of, despite her trainings not to. With a heavy sigh, she used the Force to levitated the log from Jayce’s hands, as he stared in silent horror as it floated away. The way Jayce’s heart seemed to shatter when she did this didn’t make her stern expression waver in the slightest. With a careful and deliberate motion, she opened the log and began tapping and scrolling through it, checking it over before pausing. A curt nod was all she gave him, before she stood from her desk and approached Jayce with the log in hand. It was opened of all the books, times dates and any additional information Marcus left in the logs, all open for Jayce to access. There was a stern and stoic expression on her face as she handed it over, emerald eyes shining with urgency.
“Show this to Master Heimerdinger, and HURRY little one. If the Force says something is wrong, NEVER IGNORE IT. Quickly little one, and come back telling me we were not too late…” She added, her voice wavering at the end. There was genuine fear in her eyes, her expression grim. With a determined nod and a soft “Thank you Master Anu…” Jayce took off running towards Heimerdinger’s office, as fast as his little legs could carry him. By the stars above, he hoped he wasn’t too late- for both their own sanities and Viktor’s sake. All Master Anu did was watch, her heart heavy with worry. May the Force guide both their fates, she thought before turning and returning to her duties. For the remainder of the day, she accomplished very little. Something told her, they were already too late. May the Force have mercy on that poor child’s spirit and mind, she silently prayed, staring in the direction Jayce disappeared. Though Jedi were not supposed to grow attached, it did not lessen the ache of loss. This one, she felt, was going to the worst one she’d experience in her long life. One that she probably would never recover from.
***
The path to his Master’s office never felt so long before. Every step felt longer, heavier and more grueling the harder he pushed his body. It felt like the universe itself was trying to stop him, as he ran over the grassy open courtyards, through the large gallant halls lined with the common theme of marbled ivory white and golden accents, with either a small detail of blue green or red décor. Though his body openly protested, he did not stop. Nothing would stop him from saving Viktor. Not even the Force. The sharp pains in his temples seemed to scream at him to hurry, the throbbing sensations in his heart making his stomach drop. He did his best to ignore them, deny them. It only made the sensations worse, more pressing. Yet he continued on, refusing to give into the darkness slowly creeping into his mind. Not yet-
The Force seemed to be aware, urging him on. The way his blood pumped with a renewed vigor and drive; he made it to Heimerdinger’s office finally. The grand bright golden doors with red trim were sealed shut, meaning he was busy with an important meeting. He did not give a fuck, as he used the Force to burst open the doors, refusing to stop even for a split second. Without even pausing he raced in, feeling the charges energy of annoyance and disapproval wafting off his master. The way Heimerdinger’s eyebrows knit together in an annoyed manner didn’t even make him flinch.
There was a massive man, with a huge formidable presence and stature. Massive broad shoulders, the familiar gentle blue grey eyes. He would recognize that man anywhere. Vander. The man who brought Viktor to him that day, so many years ago. There was a faint flicker of amusement in Vander’s eyes, though his expression remained neutral. Remaining a bounty hunter they had to have excellent poker faces. But like always, Vander’s soft spot for kids; it always gave him away. Seeing him there made his heart ache, because if he was too late, there would be so many people hurt by this. If he was too damn slow-
“JAYCE! Young man this had better be VERY IMPORTANT, we are in the middle of-” Heimerdinger started, as Vander turned and folded his massive muscled arms over his broad chest, his eyebrow raised. The subtle way he tilted his chin down to him with a patient expression was shaken the instant he heard Viktor’s name escape Jayce’s lips. Struggling to stand, Jayce wheezed out breathlessly while offering the log with trembling hands. He was exhausted. Sweat beaded his whole body, and he was desperately trying not to collapse in front of them.
“Master- I.. I think Viktor is in grave danger-… I have… Proof of Marcus checking deserted planets within Sith territory… maps… times when there aren’t storms, safe locations to land in Tatooine… and locations of water sources… Also, the locations near Tusken Raider encampments… Please! Please tell me he’s still here!! I know he was planning to take Viktor with him on a mission close to the Sith bases this week… PLEASE… I am begging you master please listen to me!!” Jayce pleaded, tears forming in his eyes. The fear and tension began to rise as the color faded from Heimerdinger’s face, his ears drooping. The way Vander turned to Heimerdinger, a SEETHING fury forming in his chest and the FURY just bubbling under the surface practically swallowed up the entire room.
“WHERE. IS. VIKTOR…” Vander snarled, massive hand forming into a fist and slamming down hard on Master Heimerdinger’s desk. The amount of force used from that hit made the entire desk shudder, and left a sizable dent in the surface. Almost 40% of his master’s items went slipping or falling off the desk. Yet his master’s mortified expression and drooped ears didn’t even flinch. It was like he was stuck in a trance, or a vision. A few moments of gut-wrenching silence pass before Heimerdinger gasps loudly, clutching his temple. Sweat beaded the exposed portions of his skin, while his fur looked faintly damper and matted. Both of them stared, one expression overflowing with fear and worry, the other practically a second away from crushing Heimerdinger’s hand into a messy pulp with a single clench of his fist. The way Heimerdinger just stared at him with the most guilt-ridden expression made his world tilt. His head swam. No, he couldn’t have- HE COULDN’T HAVE-
“Jayce… They left… two days ago… I just had a vision… Jayce my boy… I think I have failed him… And you. I fear we are too late… We must head to the Communications Chamber, immediately. Quickly, no time to waste!! If there is any chance to save Viktor we must act in utmost haste!” Heimerdinger snapped, quickly rising to his feet and glancing up at Vander with a stern expression. The glare returned was one of UTTER disgust. And so much regret. Vander was blaming himself, for ever bringing Viktor there.
“Vander, I know you’re angry, but now is NOT the time to bicker! Viktor may still be with us!” Heimerdinger hissed, his glare boring holes into the massive man who hadn’t moved yet.
“YOU SAID, YOU would do ALL YA COULD to keep him SAFE FROM the SITH. And yet your spineless AND WORST JEDI MASTER WAS IN CHARGE OF HIM?! I knew this was such a mistake, risking his life with your fucked up JEDI WAYS. That boy’s BLOOD is on your hands, JEDI. You insisted he’s better off here. Yet if he stayed with me, he would’ve had a FAMILY, A COMMUNITY. Yet all the fucked-up reports from my scouts state that SITH SUCKER MARCUS had been treating him like a DAMNED SLAVE. AND NOW YA HAVE THE GALL, TO TELL ME, THAT BOY IS LITERALLY possibly within Silco’s grasp?! You fucked up, BIG TIME. You best PRAY we find him, alive and with Marcus when that piece of shit returns. And this time, that boy’s coming with me. There is no discussion. EITHER FIX THIS, or our very thin alliance is done.” Vander spat; eyes narrowed darkly at Heimerdinger. Such an untapped fury seemed to brim within Heimerdinger’s small body for a brief moment, before pausing for a moment with a contemplative expression.
“We both know… if Silco finds him alive… How much danger we ALL are in… Dividing from the Jedi at such a time could be devastating for your hunters-” Heimerdinger warned, his voice having a faint tremble in it. He felt it. The same time Jayce did. The Force. VIKTOR’S FORCE, HIS PRESENCE, just seemed to vanish. Like with a single snap of fingers, it ceased. A huge shiver wracked Heimerdinger’s body, making him fall to his knees. The sudden and IMMEASURABLE shift in the Force seemed to spread through the entire galaxy. It was nothing he had ever felt so strongly before, and watching Heimerdinger’s reaction of him struggling to get to his feet made Vander go pale.
“What happened?!” Vander barked, not rushing to provide aide to him. Though he did not wield the Force, he seemed fully aware. That shift, a sensation. A gut feeling. That something drastic just happened, and whatever comes next was going to be BAD. The sudden shift of the room made Vander turn and stare at Jayce. He hadn’t moved. Not uttered a word. All he did was stare, straight ahead, eyes practically glazed over and empty. Like a husk, all the life sucked clean out of his tiny body.
There had been voices, but Jayce barely heard them. He FELT THEM, all the emotions, the voices, they were so clear. It was truly amazing, for single second, or an entire lifetime, Jayce realized this is how VIKTOR felt and saw everything. The sudden rush of power was far more than he could process or handle, but it became so deeply ingrained in his psyche. Viktor. Viktor’s powers for a single moment had all gone to him. The Force seemed drawn to him, flowing through every single microscopic part of his body, his literal being. Though physically he appeared to be spacing out staring at nothing, Jayce was currently feeling and experiencing everything on a new level. EVERYTHING. HE COULD FEEL EVERYTHING, EVERY BEING WITHIN PILTOVER. It was HORRIFYING, yet somehow, so magical. And not even a second later, the Force was torn away from him, as something seemed to beckon it, insisting he follow. Yet his body could not. It was far more than he could process or understand, especially so quickly.
Time seemed to slow and alter, his head suddenly felt so heavy and dizzy. Colors and shapes seemed to mesh together, all melting into one uniform shade of black, slowly filling in his vision. His body felt so cold and rigid, like he was drowning in frigid icy waters. The room was barely visible, but the smallest speck of what he could make out was Heimerdinger and Vander’s mouths moving. Seemingly close to his face and yelling something. So far away, so soft. Whatever this sensation was, he hadn’t noticed he had collapsed onto the floor of Master Heimerdinger’s office, staring into space blankly and reaching his hand at something only he could see. For the briefest moment, Viktor’s eyes flashed from that black inky void just out of his reach, before Jayce’s hand dropped to the ground, and when he lost full consciousness. All went silent and black.
***
By the time Jayce awoke in a medical bay bed, 3 days had passed. Master Heimerdinger and Vander were sitting in chairs near the far left all of his medical room, expressions grim. Heimerdinger’s ears drooped significantly, while Vander had massive bags under his eyes, looking worn and ragged. The sudden groan and shifting of Jayce’s mainly dormant body made them snap to attention. A collective sigh escaped both of their lips. The two exchanged a mutual glare before turning their attention back to Jayce. By Janna, his head HURT… Weakly he rubbed his eyes, whining as he sat up. One hand was pressed against his forehead and the other behind him as he propped himself up. Vander was the first to speak.
“Whoa, easy boy. You had a… quite the episode. You blanked out and then collapsed. The rodent here said you for a split second had so much of the Force within your grasp it caused your tiny body to literally collapse. You’ve been out cold for 3 days, kid. You were wiped out big time.” He stated levelly, as is trying to ease into the subject they KNEW was coming. Without even a second’s hesitation, he asked the question. The one that made both of the adults in the room to flinch. That reaction was all Jayce needed to become instantly awake, body freezing up.
“Master… Where’s Viktor? Did he come back? Did they find him, when did he get back? Where is he?!” Jayce asked, each question filling his voice with panic. The two looked away, Vander’s expression and shoulders going tense. Those steely blue grey eyes were locked firmly on the floor. A slow and heavy breath filled the silence in the room, before Heimerdinger eventually spoke up.
“We… finally got a message back from… Marcus. He said he will be back to the ship within the hour. There was… No mention of Viktor. Once he returns, we will interrogate him. And, we are hoping Viktor will be with him but…” His voice trailed off, his piercing blue eyes pulling away from Jayce’s hopeful expression. Guilt, regret and remorse. That was all he felt from his master. They didn’t need to say it. Don’t expect Viktor to be with him. He wasn’t coming back. The tension in the room began to build, as Jayce slowly processed those unspoken words. Anger burned through his small body, flowing through his blood, along with a deep unshakable sorrow. If it hadn’t already, Jayce felt his heart shatter. A faint whimper escaped his lips, tears forming in his eyes. Sorrow and fury grappled for control in his mind. Short strangled breaths made their way through Jayce’s small clenched teeth, his fists clenching the blankets under him. This…
A knock at the door made them all flinch, and turn expectantly towards the door. The metal door swiftly slid open, before a Communications officer stepped in. They bowed faintly at Heimerdinger whose expression was grave.
“Grand Master Heimerdinger, there is news. Marcus… Has just returned. He docked his ship in the main hangar-”
There was a brief moment, before a flash of movement. The blur followed by the Communications officer being shoved aside with a faint grunt. Jayce had gotten to his feet and immediately bolted past them all, his mind locked on one thing. VIKTOR- he had to be there- he just HAD TO BE- Heimerdinger and Vander’s voices rang after him, yelling for him to stop. Voices. Yelling. He didn’t acknowledge them. Nothing else mattered. Viktor. That was all his mind could think of. The closer he got, the heavier his heart got. Closer and closer, his body began to grow heavier and weaker. The Force seemed to warn him, pleading for him not to go, not to see. But he had to know. He NEEDED TO. HE HAD TO BE THERE- HE HAD TO BE!!
Several minutes had passed, and Jayce had made it to the massive ship hangar before Heimerdinger or Vander. The voices became louder, as did the footsteps tailing after him. Both the adults were huffing by the time they reached Jayce, who was frozen in place. Staring, in sheer horror. The ship, was docked at the far side of the hangar. The other Jedi had already had Marcus cornered, as per Master Heimerdinger’s orders. There were guns from the Enforcer soldiers pointed at Marcus, along with some of the bigger burlier Jedi security with light sabers drawn, eyes laser focused on the man before them. The glare that directed at Heimerdinger was fierce and piercing, but when his gaze shifted and locked on Jayce, Marcus’s shoulders stiffened.
The expression shifted and looked… pitiful. The regret in his eyes, the guilt. It was all Jayce needed to know, before his gaze settled on the empty seat, where Viktor rode besides him. Nothing. Nothing but a lurking sense of failure, and sorrow. It seemed to swallow Jayce whole, like a huge part of his life, had just been ripped apart right before his eyes. All eyes now rested either on Jayce or Marcus. Jayce fell to his knees, eyes brimming with unshed tears, his mind refusing to process what was happening. No one spoke. No one needed to. The others were slowly filling in the missing pieces. The Force seemed to drape around him, like a gentle friend, a comforting presence as his grief nearly killed him right then and there. Truly, for the first time in his short lifetime, he felt truly and utterly alone. Viktor… Viktor was… Gone.