Throughout the mission, R’kio’s fur was grey. A hint of teal may have been visible. He could not maintain his color, even though he was trying. Nathara had that effect on him like all his friends. R’kio did not want to sense the darkness. It was too much to bear. Even after the mission, he could not bear it.
R’kio stopped trying to keep his color teal. The void in the force was his tipping point. The force was warm and sometimes burning. It was gentle and yet powerful. Yet in the mines, in the cave, its absence was worse than fear, than coldness and darkness.
R’kio waited til he was alone to tear up and cry. Dark grey fur. He waited til he was back at the temple. Waited til he was in his room. Even then, he often was afraid that those who could sense the force would sense his emotion. But not now. He did not care about hiding his emotions or keeping himself centered. He let his sorrow and fear and pain emanate clearly from his room.
What could cause a void? What could do this to life? Who could do this to the warmth of the force? This Xaran, whatever it is, needs to be stopped. R’kio spent a night curled up in his bed, shedding tears and making promises to himself.