Gavin Ryaro

Gavin gave a nod to the other Jedi as they joined the small group. He hadn't even considered asking his counterparts to join him on the journey to the temple but looking back he was glad that Xae-Lin had shown the insight to do so. He wasn't particularly surprised to find the Grandmaster joining their gang as he had heard the man was a very personable being. It was good to see that he wasn't consumed with the position or power and that he genuinely cared about the opinions of those who he served. He quietly slipped away from the former Republic captain and the Fosh padawan and made his way to the head of the council. "Its good to finally meet you, Master Fitt. My name is Gavin Ryaro and I'm a Knight for the Order. There's something I would like to discuss with you once we reach the temple and can have a little more privacy."

Gavin had noticed a few other beings landing around the same time that he had, but he originally paid them no mind, thinking that they were here for other reasons than he. Now he recognized them as Jedi due to the unmistakeable signatures that they exuded. He smiled when he heard one of them in the back of his mind suggesting that they all make the trek together. It would be good to get caught up with other members of the order again, having spent a vast majority of his time tied up with the Bespin incident or researching the repercussions of that mission. He felt that he had missed a connection with the rest of the Order, having never really created any lasting friendships. Perhaps now was the time to rectify that. He meandered over to a group of women, identifying a particularly petite woman as the one who had invited him on this little adventure together. He gave a polite nod to each of them, walking up just in time to hear an introduction being made. "Hi. I'm Aira Cadan. Did you want to head to the temple together?" "While you're on the subjects of introductions, I'm Gavin Ryaro and I would be honored to join you if you don't mind the company." In the back of his mind Gavin was the slightest bit worried. The taint that had been plaguing him had been docile since he had left Gala and he wondered if it would act up again during the journey. Though he wasn't embarrassed by his present flaw he hoped to make a good impression and lashing out with dark energy was certainly not the way to do that. His mind wandered back to the first few moments after the conflict on Bespin had ended. He had spoken to his apprentice in a manner that was not only embarrassing, but also decidedly negative. He would have to make sure to control any outbursts that might occur during the journey.

Gavin and his apprentice arrived on the planet of Tython aboard a Jedi shuttle carrying supplies. They had been the last two Jedi to leave the temple on Gala and would probably be the last of the Jedi to respond to the call that the Grandmaster had issued. The temple that had been built on the planet was a long trek through the forest away and Gavin was actually looking forward to it. During his journey through the Jedi archives on Gala he had discovered a possible way to cure himself of the dark side taint that he had been plagued with since his showdown with Ryu on Bespin and he now had the time to think about possible ways to go about learning the necessary skills. His apprentice gave Gavin a look that told him all he needed to know. He would journey into the forest by himself to be more in tune with the natural Force around him. It would be his final preparation before taking his trials. Gavin simply nodded and began his own journey into green abyss.

Gavin leaned back in the chair and grimaced as the seat began to conform to his body. The Jedi Temple had many things like the chair that were meant to make the lives of the Jedi who inhabited its halls easier but even after hours of searching through the incredibly extensive Archives of the Jedi Order he still didn't have a definitive answer to his question or a solution to his problem. As he sat there resting his eyes he began to get, for lack of a better word, antsy. His body began to fidget and he started to become uncomfortable in one of the most comfortable places in the known galaxy. This continued for a few minutes until his discomfort vanished and was replaced by a noticeable and unexplainable pain in his lower back. He winced and twisted his torso in the chair, trying to pop his spine in an effort to relieve the pain. When this plan failed Gavin tried to use the Force to isolate the source of the problem and thereby extinguish it. He closed his eyes and began to explore the inner workings of his body, starting at the point of the pain. He could sense something extremely familiar and malicious there but couldn't figure out what it was. As soon as his Force sense began to investigate the pain the familiarness vanished, moving into other parts of his body taking the pain with it. It was a game of cat and mouse. Every time Gavin came close to pinpointing what was plaguing his body the pain would vanish. He began to get frustrated with his apparent failure. He could feel his rage building as the source of his pain began to become harder and harder to track down. It was almost as if someone standing before him was becoming invisible. His rage began to grow stronger and he knew that he needed to stop, but he couldn't. Now his anger was overflowing. He tried to contain it within but knew that his efforts would be futile. Soon it was reaching it's boiling point and he knew that he couldn't hold it in any longer. His rage exploded from his body in a wave of Force energy. Had he not been able to gather himself and throw up a Force shield then he would have had some very angry Jedi Librarians on his case. As it was, the release of energy did little more than cause Gavin to slump in his chair, exhausted. The outbursts had now transformed from physical to emotional. Gavin knew that he had to solve this problem as soon as possible or he wouldn't be the only one to suffer. How could he train his apprentice in the ways of the light side of the Force if he was shooting dark energy from his body unexpectedly? Gavin closed his eyes and slowed his breathing, reverting back to the most basic of Jedi meditations. Every so softly he began to utter the Jedi Code, letting its words run through his mind and calm his soul. There is no emotion; there is peace... That particular line spoke to him. It resonated within his head allowing its simple wisdom to give his weary soul rest. He could feel his heartbeat begin to slow as his breathing returned to its normal rate. As he meditated his mind wandered to thoughts of his padawan, Ulan. It comforted him to know that even in this dark time his apprentice would stand by him. Unfortunately, with this comfort came the return of the dull throb in Gavin's lower back. It seemed like any time that he was close to achieving the peace that he longed for, the dark taint would show itself. He knew that if he decided to investigate any further then he might not be able to to contain any outburst that might result from the exploration. He resolved to simply ignore the pain and continue on his journey through the Archives, hoping to find the answer to his dilemma. He accessed the computer and began his search where he left off. A few hours later was when Gavin finally saw a brief glimmer of hope. He came across an article pertaining to a Jedi Master by the name of Luke Skywalker and an incident on one of the moons of the gas giant Yavin. It appeared that the Jedi Master had had his soul sundered from his body by the spirit of the former Dark Lord of the Sith, Exar Kun. The Sith's spirit had possessed many beings in it's time on the jungle moon and was only vanquished by the combined power of a dozen Jedi. The dark taint that it left on the planet was removed when a Jedi by the name of Corran Horn destroyed the temple in which the spirit had resided. Gavin leaned back in his chair again and pondered what he had read. He knew that cleansing his soul wouldn't be as easy as cleansing Yavin IV. He couldn't very well destroy his own body with proton torpedos, but there had to be another way. He was deep in thought when suddenly he remembered his former master. Damon had finished training Gavin and moved on to study to become a Jedi Exorcist. A rather unknown sect within the Order, the Exorcists were claimed to be able to remove the dark side from a Sith, so perhaps they could remove the dark taint from Gavin. He immediately returned to his computer and searched for a list of known Exorcists. He was disappointed to discover that everyone who had been known to practice he ancient art was either deceased or hadn't been heard from in some time. That meant that he would need to teach himself their ways in order to remove that which was holding him back, but that would have to come later. He had a duty to his apprentice. Gavin reached out with the Force and searched through the Jedi Temple for the familiar presence he knew to be his padawan, Ulan. He lightly touched the older being's mind so as not to disturb him if he was deep in meditation or in the middle of something important. Ulan, whenever you're ready I'm waiting for you in the Archives.

Gavin simply nodded at his apprentice's statement. "I agree, it's been far too long since we've returned to civilization. I'm beginning to think that the franticness with which we have been traveling has begun to stretch both of us a little too thin. Perhaps it is for the best that we ended up back here again and perhaps it would be best for us to stay here for a while." Of course we'd never have been thrown into all this mess if the Jedi Council hadn't 'requested' that we go out on a mission. It seems that the root of all our problems can be traced back to them. Gavin took a second to calm his mind by looking at his surroundings. He could see dozens of Jedi wandering the temple. All of them seemed to have something he didn't. Peace. Peace both within themselves and without. His eyes finally came to rest on his padawan. They made eye contact, which Gavin quickly broke. Is the council really the root of all your problems? They've done nothing wrong or out of the ordinary. Perhaps it was your reactions to their instructions that have led you to this point in your walk. There were plenty of other ways that you could have reacted to any of the situations that you were presented with, but instead you've ended up here. Gavin stopped and looked through a doorway on his left. It was a room full of simple beauty, containing a fountain and a few benches. He was reminded once again why he loved planets like Ossus and Naboo so much. They were filled with the simple beauty that had thus far escaped Gavin. Everything happens for a reason. You can't forget that. You've ended up where you are at this very moment because it was the will of the Force. Nothing more, nothing less. You have the people here who are willing to help you. Accept that help and work through your situation because you can't ignore it any longer or else it will consume you. Gavin continued walking in silence, perplexed by the fact that it wasn't the least bit awkward. Under normal circumstances, a silent walk through the halls of the Jedi Temple with someone who one considered a friend would have been uncomfortable but in this case that was simply not true, and for that Gavin was thankful. The pair eventually arrived at their destination: The Jedi Archives. "It is time to finally continue with your training, but I believe that you are beyond what I alone can teach you. Now is the time for us to learn together. While I look for my own help, I'd like you to do a little research on the Jedi Naturalists of the past and present. Together we can explore their secrets and you will be that much closer to Knighthood. Just remember that if you come up with any questions I will always be there to answer them," Gavin said with a smile.

A rickety, old freighter clunked it's way out of hyperspace above Gala. It's pilot, Gavin, sat silently in his seat thinking about what his apprentice had said. It was his firm belief that nothing happened by accident and this was no exception. The Force knew what it was doing when it allowed him to become tainted as he had. Perhaps it was to make him stronger or perhaps it was to make him learn to accept failure, but whatever the reason it had happened and there was no way to undo his actions. He activated the comm system on the control board. --Comm-- Gala Control, this is Jedi Knight Gavin Ryaro requesting permission to land. --End Comm-- The Archives were his next destination. Ulan had said that there might be help on Gala and if there was ever a good place to start looking for help it was the Archives of the Jedi Order. The knowledge contained within the library was far more vast and comprehensive than any other library could ever hope to be, but first he needed to speak to one of the masters, preferably Master Fitt.

((Excuse the mistakes in this post as it is being posted from a phone)) Gavin stared at the little green alien. The words that he spoke were full of wisdom. Gavin had forgotten that even though he was Ulan's master, the small alien was still his elder. He had experienced much more than Gavin ever would in all likelihood, and he needed to respect that. This being didn't have to help him. It was a choice that his apprentice, his friend, had made and for that he would be eternally grateful. "You're right on all accounts. Perhaps I should have come to you first and for that I apologize. I've been short tempered with you and it qas incredibly stupid of me. I appreciate your help but I don't think this will change things. This goes deeper than a conscious choice and I have a feeling that there is going to be a long and difficult struggle ahead of me. I can only pray to the Force that you will stand by me through this." ((Short post due to the fact that I'm on my phone. If I get home and you haven't replied I might edit it to add some more depth, but if I didn't pump this post out now it'd never get done.))

((Terribly sorry about the delay in this post. Aside from the fact that I've been incredibly busy the past couple weeks both on JNET and off, this is very hard for me to write Gavin as. Definitely a challenge.)) The question came as a shock. "Something wrong is there?" Gavin turned in his seat to face the little alien, staring in almost-disbelief. How could his padawan, his inferior, have the nerve to inquire into Gavin's innermost thoughts? Had Gavin ever pried into his apprentice's mind? No. And all he expected was that the small creature return the favor. "No," he said, turning back to look out the viewport with a hint of frustration in his voice. "I'm just weary, that's all." What the hell are you doing?! You just blatantly lied to your apprentice and more importantly you just blatantly lied to your friend. You know there's something wrong. You've known since before you left Bespin. You're just upset with yourself because you don't know what it is and you have too much pride to let someone you trust help you. Talk about being a humble Jedi, huh? Dumb-ass, swallow your pride, control your emotions, and accept the help of this being that you just chased halfway across the galaxy. A few beats of uncomfortable silence. "Yes." The words came as a surprise to Gavin even though he had spoken them. He wasn't even sure that his apprentice would be able to help him. Why would he want to unload his personal problems on this creature who he had only known for a few months? Because you've only known him for a few months. This being that you've known for less than a twentieth of your life is the being that you choose. The Force knew what it was doing when it paired the two of you. You obviously cared enough about him to follow him to Bespin, get eaten, and then continue his training so why won't you trust him with this? "Alright," Gavin continued hesitantly. "Ever since Bespin I have been able to feel a change within me. I haven't been able to control my emotions. I'm quick to anger and dismiss even those whose company I value most and I don't know why. I have thoughts about what I should do but in the end I've always gone with the quick and easy path and I can't figure out why." Even though he immediately felt better about getting it all off of his chest, Gavin wasn't sure how his apprentice would respond. It would have a huge influence on what happened from here.

((Terribly sorry about the horribly long delay in posting)) There was always a time and place for thought and patience, but this was not it. Gavin began to swiftly pilot the clunky freighter through the unnatural criss-crossing pattern of the laser turret blasts. Most Jedi were excellent pilots and Gavin was no exception, though he wasn't anywhere close to the best. From the sounds of his apprentice's words, he had an idea for a way to help the Republic, but Gavin didn't think that there was anything else that could be done. "We're leaving. There's nothing that two Jedi are going to be able to do here and we've been summoned to Gala." He didn't intend for his words to come across as harsh, though he feared that they might have. Gavin didn't know what to do. Ever since his reincarnation on Bespin he had felt...different. He didn't know how to describe it, but any feeling of confidence that he had ever had was gone and was replaced by fear, anger, and even hate. He knew that Jedi were supposed to control his emotions, but how was he supposed to do that when the world around him was so...imperfect? Gavin swung the freighter around and began to head towards the edge of the system. He plotted a course for Gala, allowing for several random jumps to ensure that they weren't followed in order to ensure the continuation of peace. As soon as the ship was clear of all gravity wells, it jumped into hyperspace.

It had taken time, but the freighter had finally arrived at Krayiss II in response to the Republic's call for help. Gavin sat in the cockpit, amazed at the amount of destruction in front of him. The Empire and Republic had certainly made a mess of things. Gavin activated the comm system and sent a message to the Republic Forces. --Comm-- Republic Fleet, this is Jedi Knight Gavin Ryaro. My apprentice and I recieved your distress signal. Where do you need us? --End Comm--

Gavin began to walk the streets of Bespin with his apprentice in tow, still pondering the crazy thoughts that had found their way into his head. It was incredibly hard to wrap his comparitively feeble mind around all of the concepts that were being introduced to him day by day. As they rounded another corner a pair of law enforcement officers approached them and began to question them about the days events. Gavin grew increasingly weary of these men so after a few more moments of listening to them squabble he decided that they had wasted enough of his time. He quietly asked them to leave the incident alone and let the pair be on their way. When the officers refused and began to draw weapons Gavin decided that it was time to take action. He raised his hand and sent both men flying back into the durasteel wall behind them. They were knocked unconcious and Gavin reached out with the Force to find that they were both still alive, though they would have a rather nasty headache when the woke up. Gavin instantly felt remorseful for his rash act, but knew decided that it wouldn't do anybody any good to turn himself in. He turned to his apprentice to offer an explanation. "Right now our top priority should be getting away from here so these people can rebuild. Perhaps that wasn't the best course of action but it got the job done. Now come, we're nearing a spaceport." He didn't know whether his apprentice would take the explanation well, but Gavin had more important things to worry about at the moment. The pair entered the spaceport and Gavin approached a nearby merchant. Luckily the Force was with them that day and the man had a ship that the pair could purchase. Gavin gave the man the necessary credits before escorting his apprentice to the designated hangar bay. He looked at the old. worn down freighter in front of him and decided that as soon as he was able to return to civilization he would replace his destroyed fighter. As he was about to board the new ship his comm rang, alerting him to new message. He pulled it out and in front of him was a man that he instantly recognized. Onderin Starlisk, Admiral of the Republic fleet, had sent him a message asking for assistance at the Battle of Krayiss II. He knew that his apprentice was weary but the pleading in the Admiral's voice meant that this was important. He guided his apprentice to the medbay and told him to patch himself up because they were heading to another engagment while he made his way to the cockpit. He fired up the ship with a couple well placed bangs to the dashboard before lifting off and piloting the ship out of the gas giant's atmosphere. A few short minutes later they were in hyperspace en route to Krayiss II. (( I hate to have such a poorly constructed post but time is of the essence for this new situation. Perhaps during the battle we can have some good chit chat and delve into each other's emotions more but for now this is just something so that we can get out of here. If you would be kind enough to post us travelling through Space and perhaps even take liberties with my character to get him patched up, then post us arriving at Krayiss II that would be awesome.))

"Forgive me." Forgive him? After all of the trouble that he has caused? After all of the pain and suffering that Darla, Darex, and I have endured for his sake? Trekking half way across the galaxy and facing off against possibly the most dangerous being to ever live was meant to be forgotten because of two simple words? These thoughts began to anger Gavin. He could feel his temperature increasing ever so slightly as he clenched his fists together. How could this little alien just expect him to forgive the events that had just transpired? He had died and miraculously come back from the netherworld of the Force. That was not something that was easily forgotten. On the other hand, I played just as big a part in this as he did. If I had been strong enough to save him on Ilum then none of this would have happened. Did he fail me or is it the other way around? Am I fit to continue being his master? Maybe he needs someone more experienced like Darla or Darex. They didn't fall to Ryu or his machines. Maybe I'm not even good enough to be a Jedi. Should I just leave? I could escape to some backwater planet and hide there from the Order and the Force and no one would be the wiser. Wait a minute, am I really considering this? How could I be this foolish? More anger began to rise in Gavin as he clenched his fists tighter causing his knuckles to turn white. He was sure that his internal struggle was apparent on his face but he didn't care. If I'm even considering this then maybe it would be for the best. Confusion on your beliefs is just as quick a path to the dark side as anger and I don't want to fall to the dark side, do I? It goes against everything that I believe...but it would be so much easier. I wouldn't have to control my emotions. I wouldn't have to wear a mask around my apprentice or the other members of the Order. I could actually live easily. And there's power on the other side. I would finally be strong enough to save my apprentice. I wouldn't have to actually embrace all of the philosophy the preach. I could just take the bits and pieces that fit with what I want! He looked up as he felt a tear land on his face. The eyes that met him were pleading, not asking, with him. Could he really betray the being that he had just risked his life for? He would never be able to live with himself if he allowed that to happen. He had a responsibility to the Order, to his apprentice, to himself, and to the Force to make sure that his apprentice learned everything that he could from Gavin and he needed to make sure that the training went as smoothly as possible from now on. "Of course," he said with a half-heart-felt smile. "The Force has made it clear that I am still to train you. If I weren't, neither of us would be in this position at the moment. As hard as it is, it is time to let go of the past and look optimistically toward the future." Even though he spoke the words with meaning Gavin knew that he didn't truly believe them. The healing process would take time but his apprentice didn't need to know that. He painfully brought his body up from the pavement and began to take in his surroundings. The first thing that the pair would need to do was get away from this dreaded place. A nice retreat on a backwater planet would do both of them good. A place where there was no war, no choices, no betrayl. Just a master, his apprentice, and the Force. "Now come. We need to find a ship that will allow us to get away from this place." As he waited for his apprentce to compose himself before beginning to look for a ship, the questions that he had struggled with earlier bounced around in the back of his mind. He had a feeling that this would be just as much of a battle as his fight with Ryu. Sadly his opponent wasn't quite as tangible this time. That thought alone scared him. A long fight indeed. ((One more post from you and then I'll post us leaving.))

Light and dark began to blend together as Gavin was thrown from the gaping abyss of the nightmarish machine that had swallowed him. There was no longer a definite line as there had always been. Early in his training his master had set a clear distinction between the light and dark sides of the Force, but that distinction had suddenly disappeared. He didn't know what to believe and acting on his instincts would not produce the same results that they once would have. Gavin's eyes slowly fluttered open and in front of him was a large, unblinking pair of green eyes. All around him he could see and smell burning metal. He could faintly feel a group of people surrounding the master and padawan pair. "Gavin." He looked directly into his apprentice's eyes, searching for the apprentice that he had once known. Everything had happened so fast. Kakuto Ryu had been distracted allowing Ulan and Gavin to escape, then they had been ambushed by Ryu's ship/creature. The resulting attack had ended badly and now Gavin found himself here. "Ulan...what happened?"

((Defense Post)) Gavin had learned to let go everything that he feared to lose early on in his training. It was essential in Jedi teachings to understand that attachment was a quick path to the dark side. Many Jedi assumed that once they weren't attached to their ship or a temple or even their padawan that they had mastered this concept. Sadly, most Jedi didn't understand that to completely master this concept they must also learn to let go of their own lives. This final act would give confidence to any master that a padawan understood one of the most complex aspects of the Jedi Code. Gavin had confidence that his apprentice had learned this lesson. He had been prepared to give his life and was now risking his life to save his master. Gavin had tried to return the sentiment, but now both his and his padawan's lives were in danger. Remain a short while you must, need you the Force does. Many people in the galaxy didn't believe in the Force. Coincidence was a way of life for them. Events didn't have to happen for a reason, destiny was something to read about in fiction holobooks. Gavin on the other hand happened to believe in destiny. If he were to die today then he would be serving the Force by fulfilling his purpose within the whole. By embracing this idea, Gavin was able to fully comprehend Ulan's message to him, even through the tortuous pain that he was enduring. As well as I. These final words shoved Gavin over the proverbial edge. He sank into a deep, almost blissful, trance. It wasn't what a healing trance normally felt like. It was something more. Something...complete. His wounds became the last thing on his mind. His sole focus now was to delve further into the nature of the Force. He could feel it surrounding him, penetrating the wall of teeth and congealed fluid that encased him. It warmed him, slowing his breath and heart to a dangerous rate, ensuring his survival. He gave himself up to the will of the Force using Ulan's words of encouragement, as well as his old master's teachings, to bend his will to match that of the Force. He had completely surrendered. Not to an enemy, but to the greatest friend he had ever known. ((It. Is. Finished.))

Gavin sprang into action as the Uriel began its destructive trek down the city street. Debris was flying everywhere, creating more pandemonium than this city had probably ever seen. Ships were being brought down and buildings were cut in half. In a matter of a few seconds, he had gone from sitting in the supposed safety of his ship far away from the battle and now he was once again fighting for his and his apprentice's life. He moved in towards the center of the storm of metal and stone, avoiding what he could and using the Force to deflect what he couldn't. It was not an easy journey. The only thing that kept him going was the knowledge that the sooner he got to the source, the more likely it would be that Ulan survived. All of this pain and suffering would be for nothing if his apprentice didn't survive. He could feel his padawan's Force signature coming from the belly of the beast and that wasn't encouraging. Cutting his way into the mech wasn't an option. The high grade of the outer plating would make getting close enough to the ship for a long enough period of time impossible. But what other options were left? Dive in. Dive in? Yeah, that made sense. Dive into the giant apprentice-eating robot that was destroying everything in its path. Perhaps next he could jump off the edge of Cloud City and hope that he could suddenly fly. And where were these suicidal suggestions coming from? Maybe that concussion was screwing with his sense of self-preservation, but what did it matter? His padawan was in mortal danger and he had the chance to do something about it. Before committing possibly the stupidest action of his life, Gavin stopped and picked up a rather sharp looking piece of shrapnel. He wasn't exactly sure why Ulan wasn't cutting his way out of the mech, but having something other than what his apprentice had when he entered might make it easier to rationalize his stupidity. Deciding that there was no better moment than the present, Gavin surged forward. He saw the shoulder cannons on the beast begin to heat up but he trusted that the Force would grant him the speed to reach the ship in time. He saw the jaws open wide, almost as if they were inviting him in. He took one final deep breath before rushing head first into the abyss, both of his chosen blades swinging wildly, cutting anything they encountered. Gavin began to call through the Force to his apprentice. Ulan! Ulan, I'm coming for you! Hold on just a little bit longer!