You know...you write something short and then someone comes along and mentions a plot bunny...which of course turns into something three times as long as the original story. I wrote this late last year, and finally got around to posting it here on Anyway..without any more rambling: The Prequal/Expansion to Marshala Which you should read before you read this one--its short, but sets up a lot of what you see here. Yes, this is an exploration of Mara's parentage...
Title:Jade's Fire
Time Period: Prequel's with a little Beyond
Summary: Mara's vision in Marshala? Now for a different point of view.
Characters: Four OC's, Mara, a little Karrde and maybe some Luke at the end...
Notes: Thanks to Telanna Tani for being my beta.
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Jade's Fire
Smoke. A dark cloud on the horizon, a plume of stained cotton above the Coruscant skyline.
Pain. His fingers groped at the wound above his waist, his legs numb from the loss of blood, his vision fading in and out as the oxygen struggled to reach his brain. With an audible pop he twisted his head straining to see through the din, gasping back tears when he made out the torpid, unmoving legs protruding from behind some rubble. Marshala! His mind cried out...Marshala!
The sound of clonetroopers caused his limbs to stiffen, introducing a jolt of pain that sucked the last of his air away. The grey that had been threatening him since being hit, began suffocate, to consume--and right before the blissfulness of unconsciousness took its course, he heard the crisp com voice of a murderer...
"Order 66 executed. The woman is dead."
"Excellent work. Now bring the child to me."
Part I: Zen: A Tale of Three Meetings
One
"...And welcome to Coruscant."
There were speeders everywhere, which alone made working at the spaceport bearable. All around him beings from various parts of the Known Regions flew in and subsequently zipped away to various destinations in brightly colored hovercrafts of distinct shapes and sizes. Leaning against the deck railing Zendian Mesrs watched the flashes of color pass by before alternating his gaze toward the slower lines of traffic below. A spurt of silver, faster than the others, swung into his view before being lost in the sea of specks weaving in and out of the crystalline towers. Simply put, the ships were an ordered chaos that took his breath away. Normally he was the only one standing still in the breezeway leading to the port authority--the spaceport was, after all, merely a way station on a string of larger journeys. Even now on a regular basis he could hear the voices of his coworkers, welcoming visitors and residents to the galactic capital.
It seemed, however, that today would not be normal. Bemused, he watched as a girl, about his age, squeezed her mother's arm--she was staring more intently than himself at the speeders; almost jumping out of her skin with excitement. He stifled back a grin when she spun around exclaiming "Did you see that!"
Zendian saw the amused glance that passed between the girls companions, an older couple--her parents perhaps--and listened to the man's chuckled reply, "An RX-8 model, am I right?"
From his vantage point, the girls challenging smirk went all the way to her green eyes, "An RX-8 model from what system?"
Drall. Zendian thought to himself, a moment before the spoken answer concurred. "Well, the oscillation had a bit of a clank to it so I'd say it was the one made in the factories on Drall—they had that problem with the design last year."
Triumphantly she pumped her fist into the air—"Wrong! You weren't paying attention, while it had the clank it definitely also had the blue stripe on the rear door, the trademark of the RX series built on ..."
"Dienar."
Of Course!
With a rueful expression, the older being stepped up to the edge of the platform and sighed before tousling the girls hair. He turned to the woman to his right-- "What's the score, my love?"
The slender woman shook her head, a wisp of premature white centering on her forehead. "Rys 55, Nyesha 62." She glanced at teenager, her voice reproachful--"That's an impressive score, but I have to ask you something. When you were looking out over the speeders did you also happen to look down?"
Instinctively, Zendian turned to mimic the girl--Nyesha's--action, dropping his gaze to the flashing sublime spectacles of lights of the lower levels of Coruscant. The looming buildings before him continued on with rows of perfectly formed glasteel windows, reflecting the sunset before disappearing into a shimmer of fog.
Himself breathless, he almost missed the girls reaction but lifted his gaze in time to see her at a loss for words
"It...It...I..." Nyesha threw her arms around the man, their dark heads mingling as they embraced.
Well I guess you learn something new every day. He looked down at his chrono and grimaced, And you, my friend, need to learn to get to work on time. Zendian tugged his bag over his shoulder, and sprinted down the breezeway to his station.
He had checked through over 1000 beings, each wearing some variation of wonder and repressed excitement -- or doom (sometimes it was hard to tell which was which) -- when he looked up to see the very family he had been shamelessly eavesdropping on coming his way. Aside from the feelings of pleasure he had experienced earlier when looking out at the speeders, at nineteen, Zendian often thought himself immune to the splendors of Coruscant. Sometimes though, he couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy when travelers saw the city for the first time. As he processed their tickets and identity cards he watched the girl, who barely paid attention to him, soak in the world around her with a thirst and recognition of opportunity lurking beneath the surface.
They were Nyesha, Lyran and Rys Neran of Lisador Station in the Corporate Sector. Silent, he frowned at the screen processing their visas glancing back up every now and then to nod reassuringly. Her mother stood off to the side taking in her daughter's every move--shifting often to nervously tuck a piece of her feather like hair behind her ears. That movement would be followed by a slight clenching of the edge of her skirts in apparent exhaustion.
Where she seemed weary, Mr. Neran stood alert, meticulously watching as Zendian entered in the pertinent information. His apprehension faded though when the green light flashed, legitimizing their paperwork. With droidlike movements, Zendian automatically ran the flimsy and datacards through the proper stamping procedures, and it wasn't until after he wished them luck that he glanced, once again, at the screen. The Neran's visa's had been stamped priority medical--apparently, this wasn't a transfer of leisure.
Someone in that family was deathly ill.
He twisted around in his seat to watch them hail a taxi, only to find himself face to face with an empty speeder stand.
"Hey buddy"
Zendian blinked, shaking his head before facing the humanoid waiting in front of him. "I'm sorry, Papers please?"
Two.
The second time Zendian saw Nyesha Neran it was under much sadder circumstances.
When he entered the large lecture hall where Dr. Adil Aalin, a Bith professor known for his expertise on inter-planetary trade and policy relations, held court every week-- a sense of nostalgia washed over the young messenger. Not only was this the largest lecture hall the university had, it was well-worn, yet state of the art, with tiered seating and individual holoprojectors at every station. A space of pomp, the colors were the regal blue and gold, albeit a little faded since the room first opened over five years earlier. This was a class that every student on this side of Coruscant wanted to be a part of, and it had been on Zendian Mesrs schedule the previous semester, right before unforeseen financial difficulties forced him to put school on hold.
Glancing at his chrono he watched as the aged instructor worked with a technician to expand the holonet feed to its optimum size. In the air above his dais the topic for the day-- "Discussion of tariff and taxes along the Correllian Trade Spine," refreshed into "Live holonetnews feed of Senate debate regarding a trade blockade on Naboo," and for a moment Zendian's attention from the task at hand waned. Naboo Where's that? He started when Dr. Aalin clapped his hands over his microphone to settle the room--now filled with over nine hundred chattering students. Moving from his vantage point in the back, Zendian slowly began to make his way down to the central dais, aware that his white medical corps uniform was grabbing some attention.
Dr. Aalin's voice boomed through the chamber, "I'm sorry to change today's exciting topic on the taxes and tariffs along the C-spine, but I just received word regarding a possible repercussion of similar taxes and tariffs in the system of Naboo. I feel the discussion we are about to watch shall illustrate some of those ideas." He smiled, "Take this as an example of how your studies are applicable beyond these classroom walls."
Zendian barely noticed as the camera focused on Chancellor Volorum, whose regal poise somehow maintained control in the enormous amphitheater that was the Galactic Senate. He had begun to gain some speed down the steep steps when the lights suddenly dimmed forcing him to stop. As his eyes adjusted he found himself watching the proceedings.
Valorum tilted his head to a pod moving to the center area, "The chair recognizes the senator from the sovereign system of Naboo"
At the bottom of a screen a small label identified the man as Senator Palpatine, senior Senator from Naboo. An odd looking human, his sculpted white hair was dominated by a very high forehead. He recognized the man's smooth voice from the holonetnews. It was sly yet commanding and engaging. "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate, A tragedy has occurred on my homeworld of Naboo. We have become caught up in a dispute, one of which you are all well aware. It began with a taxation of trade routes and has evolved into an oppressive and lawless occupation of a peaceful world. The Trade Federation bears responsibility for this in justice and must be made to answer..."
The camera swung over to another pod rushing up to meet the Naboo's words—and an old Niemoidian rejoined with anger, "I object to Senator Palpatine's ridiculous assertions and ask that he be silenced at once!"
Valorum's voice boomed out over the speakers, "The chair does not recognize the senator form the Trade Federation at this time. Return to your station."
Not missing a beat, Palpatine continued, "To state our allegations in full, I present Queen Amidala, the recently elected ruler of the Naboo, to speak on our behalf." He indicated a young woman dressed in ceremonial robes of state. The queen, who couldn't be more than fifteen wore a headdress made of filigreed gold which complimented the robes of what seemed like heavy ruby red velvet. She must be incredibly uncomfortable...It was a thought that gave Zendian pause--before he realized that this girl probably had more important things to think about then her dress.
His eyes now adjusted, he took in the un-emotional candor and indictment in the Queen's voice and continued down the stairs. "Honorable representatives of the Republic, distinguished delegates, and Supreme Chancellor Valorum. I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. In repudiation and violation of the laws of the Republic, the Naboo have been invaded and subjugated by force by droid armies of the Trade Federation—"
Again the Trade Federation representative interrupted, "I object! This is nonsense! Where is the proof? I recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth of these allegations."
Zendian snorted as the Chancellor's voice overruled the Trade Federation's angry pronouncement, and laughed inwardly at the Federation's indignation. Nearing the bottom of the chamber he glanced up when the senator from Malastre seconded the motion for a commission noting the split feed which monitored the expressions of the Trade Federation, the Naboo Representatives and the Chancellor's Pod. Senator Palpatine was whispering to Queen Amidala, whose face remained impassive. Zendian noted for a moment that the expression may be more than guise for her apparent innocence, and then approached Dr. Aalin, handing him his identification and the message from the hospital.
"The point is conceded. Section 423A takes precedence here. Queen Amidala of the Naboo, will you defer your motion in order to allow a Senate commission to explore the validity of your accusations?"
With a concerned expression on his face, Dr. Aalin leaned toward Zendian so that his quesiton would be heard over the proceedings--"Is everything alright with her mother?"
Zendian shook his head, "I'm afraid I don't have information in that regards, I'm just a messenger sent to bring her to the center."
On screen, while Queen Amidala's physical countenance had not changed, something in her tone was now a bastion of confidence "I will not defer, I have come before you to resolve this attack on Naboo sovereignty now. I was not elected Queen to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in committee. If the chancellor is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed."
Because he was answering the Professor, it took Zendian a moment to realize that the entire room had stilled, and the low murmuring that had been going on throughout the debate had quickly and suddenly been silenced.
"I call for a vote of no confidence in the supreme chancellor."
Stunned, Dr. Aalin and Zendian's heads turned simultaneously up to the screen in shock. He heard one Rodian girl to his right exclaim--"What does this mean?" Coming to his senses, Dr. Aalin muted began asking for order, his voice mixing in with the attempts to achieve the same order in the Senate Chamber. Hitting the mute button, the additional soundwaves were silenced; and as the words "Roona seconds the motion" flashed across the bottom of the holoscreen, the rest of the room quickly shut their mouths.
"Now, I know we're all surprised by this and we'll continue to watch as long as you wish to watch—followed by discussion, but before I return the sound—Nyesha Neran?" Zendian watched as a green light in the middle of the hall flashed. He spotted a dark haired girl, hesitantly raising her hand in the air. "There's a message for you from your parents." He gestured to his right, where Zendian was standing, conspicuous in his bleached white tunic. "This young man will escort you to the lobby." Though her expression was hard to read from the distance, the girl seemed to freeze for a moment, before reaching next to her and scooting her way to an aisle.
Going up the stairs was much easier than walking down, so Zendian sprinted up taking them at two, sometimes three at a time. He remained silent until they were in the relative privacy of the hall way, and he saw the dawning of realization that he wasn't just a lackey from the main office, but from the hospital itself. She started before blurting out--" What happened? Is my mom alright?"
Peering into her face for a moment with a look of confusion, he shook his head. "They didn't tell me anything, just to get you to the hospital as quickly as possible." Don't I know her from somewhere?
He watched the blood drain from her face, something that had happened on his watch many times before, with other patients. As per his training his hand was already supporting her when when she swayed her own limbs shooting out to find purchase.
"Breathe." He ordered. Nyesha released the air from her lungs with a quick sigh, and after a moment she straightened and gave him a tight smile. "Thanks."
Concerned, he tried to reassure her, knowing from experience that it was futile-- "I know I can't tell you to stop worrying Ms Neran, but let's get you to the hospital first. For all you know they just needed a ride home."
For a moment she leaned into him before shaking her head vehemently. She knows something isn't right. Sighing she gave him a tight smile, "Its Nyesha."
"Nyesha," he repeated solemnly. "My name is Zendian—but you can call me Zen."
He was still thinking about her the next day when he reached the hospital for the start of his next shift. It had been in the middle of the night, at his second job at Coruscant Port Authority, that he remembered their first encounter, including the status of their visa. It had been slow in coming, but her startled exclamation as to the model of his hospital speeder, coupled with the few details she had given about herself on the way from the university had eventually jogged his memory.
One of the test machines probably went offline again. Dad's probably laughing and patting Mom's arm—and she's probably worrying about his energy. It was almost as if he was the one diagnosed with— She had shuddered before mentioning her mother's ailment. They were late. Two hours late--so I had to leave before they came home. It takes much longer to get to the university on public transport, than when my dad drops me off...
Shrugging into his white medical jacket, he leaned against the outside of his speeder and lit up a cigarra. Twirling it between his fingers he smirked at the reproaching look he got from an approaching doctor. Yesterday, he had dropped her off—offering to walk her in, not really surprised when she declined. Though the ride over had been quick, the girl seemed to compose herself... more like steel herself... against what Zendian knew was the inevitable. I hope everything worked out... He grimaced—What are the odds of that?, You know as much as I do that they only send speeders out to get family members when they know things are bad. He took another puff and then tapped it on the edge of his boot—lifting it in salute to a tall red headed boy who was walking toward him with his hand raised in greeting.
"Good Morning Zen." It was the start of the morning ritual.
"Hey"
"Slow shift?"
"Just got here." Zendian reached into his pocket and offered another cigarra to his friend. "You're just coming off yours right--Jade?" He braced himself for the inevitable smack upside the head. Renly hated the nickname.
Sure enough the slap came, this time followed by a growl, "How many times have I told you to stop calling me that?"
"Oh about five-six million times." Doesn't stop you from reacting!
"Am I ever going to get you to stop?"
"Nope." Zen smirked "I mean, you have to admit its better than Red, which is what you were called in grade school, or Renly Gaius Thalus III which is what your parents named you. I think Jade—the color envy that we all have for you is more appropriate. Its not a mouthful, and it describes you to a T."
Though he had heard the description before, Renly shook his head with mortification. "I've told you before Zen. It's my grandfather's money, not mine. You work two jobs, I work two jobs. You live in a womprat of an apartment, so do I. You do remember I'm your roommate..." He trailed off, realizing he had fallen into Zen's trap—again. Zendian stood straight, inhaling smoke between chortles of laughter as his friend became enlightened.
"You never learn Jade do you?" He dropped the butt onto the ground and stamped it out, shoving his hand into the coat's pockets. Twisting around he glanced at the entrance to the hospital to make sure he wasn't needed before asking-- "So how goes the security job? Is it everything..." He trailed off as a short woman, his boss, walked out with Nyesha.
"Is it everything...?" Renly repeated, and when there wasn't an answer he turned around too. They watched the older woman hug the girl before meeting Zen's eyes. Time to work.Zen walked slowly across the parapet to get his assignment, a strange feeling of dread tightening across his chest. These were the jobs he hated.
"Morning Zendian. You remember Ms. Neran from last night?"
He nodded slowly. Nurse Noisiv reminded him of his mother, smiling and laughing and always bouyant in her moods. The subdued nature of her expression now made him nervous.
"She needs a ride home, and then I'd like to see her again later this week to finish up some paperwork. Think you can do that?"
Zen nodded again. "Sure." His boss gestured and they moved a few feet away, just out of Nyesha's earshot. She passed over a file.
"The girl has been a little quiet, and we'd like her to see Dr. Ilen but she refused." She touched his arm, "Just be cautious. This is a unique case." She hesitated and then plunged forward, "I normally wouldn't send her home without another family member but considering...and she asked specifically for you. Just remember your training, and if you need help call me on my private comm." She gave his arm a squeeze and moved over to say goodbye to the silent girl
Zendian took a deep breath. This was the hard part about his job. Taking them home--after...and she had refused to see the hospital counselor...He glanced down at the papers, schooling his features into a neutral expression as he read. Both of her parents? It seemed that Mrs. Neran had succumbed to a variance of Arnts Disease, while on the operating table...and Mr. Neran...from cardiac shock following the death of his wife. Closing the file he walked over to where Nyesha stood, her arms hugging her stomach, her green eyes staring far into the distance.
Without displaying the awkwardness that he felt, Zen offered her his arm again. "Hi." This time she refused.
"Hi." Her voice was low and uncertain.
"Zendian is going to take you home, and someone will come by to check on you tomorrow, as per the instructions left by your mother." His boss leaned over to give the girl a hug, "Call someone to stay with you, and don't hesitate to comm me if you need help."
Over her shoulder, Zendian caught Jade's attention and shook his head slightly. Jade would have to find his own way home today--Nyesha wasn't in any shape for more company. He began walking towards the speeder, silently urging her forward.
"Is that your roommate?" The shorter girl tilted her head to meet his gaze. Zendian could have kicked himself, He had forgotten that he had talked to her about Renly during the short ride to the hospital the day before. She had been nervous, and seemed to talk to get herself under control.
Do you like working at the hospital?
Zen had grinned, "Sometimes its hard, other times there are perks. Such as early mornings are usually reserved for med drops at various locations in the city. So my roommate, who works nights as a security guard a few buildings over, meets me for a free ride home."
Zen escorted her to the speeder to introduce them, "Nyesha, this is my roommate, one of my best friends—Ja-- Renly. Renly, Nyesha."
She shook his hand limply, and then turned to Zendian as if expecting to be told what to do next.
Zen opened the door to for her, walked around to the drivers side. He had barely pulled away from the curb, when she placed her hand on his arm. "Don't you have to drop him off?
"I didn't think it would be appropriate..." he trailed off at the determined look on her face, and was even surprised as she twisted around and yelled out the window, "R enly, come on!"
In the rearview mirror, Zen watched his friend hesitate before running up and settling himself into the backseat of the vehicle. It was a short, quick ride to the Neran's apartments.
They sat in the car for a few moments before she turned to Zendian. "Thank you for the ride."
Zendian shook his head. "I have to come inside with you...regulations."
She frowned, then turned around to stare at Renly. "Alright. Both of you should come."
The followed up the lift and into a modest apartment which opened up into living area. Off to the right was a kitchen with a small dining table, and from the entryway, Zen could see three additional rooms.
Without another word, Nyesha walked into one of those rooms, leaving the boys to stand awkwardly in the center of the apartment.
Zen turned to Renly, and quickly told him what happened. "I think it might be best for you to pretend you don't know anything. I have to stay here until someone she's more comfortable with shows up.."
Renly nodded, a worried expression flitting across his face, "Alright. I'll stay too."
They stopped as the door reopened. She had changed from the nicer, wrinkled school clothes from the day before, into a pair of looser sweats. "So I have to make up what I missed yesterday. Do you know what happened? Was the chancellor removed from office?" Without waiting for a response, she began flipping through channels on the holovid.
"Senator Palpatine and Bail Antilles?" She grimaced, then glanced back at them. "Sit down. I've ordered some food, the stuff they sell at the hospital is enough to kill someone..." She froze for a moment. "I hope you like Ithorian."
Renly answered quickly, ignoring the slip. "Ithorian is great."
Zendian was the one who broke the mood--as much as he hated this it was his job. "Is there someone you would like me to call?"
She looked at him, her face horrified. "No!" The lines softened, "I mean...there's barely anyone left. They didn't agree with my mother's treatment...we haven't heard from them in six months...since we left..." Her voice trailed off and her face became stoic. "Its fine." She turned to face the holoscreen.
Hours later, they sat in the same place. The Ithorian food containers were scattered across the low caf table, and the holovid had long since been turned off. Renly had left earlier for his second job at a Sienar Systems Showroom only to return within three hours. Zendian knew his friend had used some of his comp time so that he could return.
Since sitting down, no one had spoken a word and Zen thought she had fallen asleep from exhaustion. He sat up when Nyesha suddenly began to whisper...
"We were supposed to go out and buy a speeder. We knew my mom wouldn't be able to take Public Transport soon, and wanted her to have something better then the one we had bought used." Her voice was tight, "I knew she was going to die. I expected that to happen. They were talking about surgery, a surgery that no one had survived. They were supposed to tell me that it was going to happen--instead I was in class watching politics when she was dying...I was watching this...while he was dying."
Zendian stood up slowly and moved to the foot of the couch where she sat, her legs swung over one arm. "I know they loved you. It wasn't your fault."
She continued as if she hadn't heard him. "They told me--my Dad's last words--that he said," Her breath hitched, "that he saw a F8 speeder from the fabrication plant on Medea. That for the first time in a long time, he had regained the lead...and would keep it." A low moan slipped from her lips, followed by a gale of laughter that caused her to bend at the waist.
A shadow moved across the wall and Renly hit on the dim light in the kitchen illuminating her face. Though there were tear tracks on her cheeks, she wasn't weeping. Though her eyes were red with emotion, her face pale with disbelief, her fists unknowingly clenched in pain, there was a sense of solemnity in her gaze. Zendian could tell something was terribly wrong. In stark contrast to the situation, her face was twisted up into a strained expression. On what would probably be the saddest day of her life, Nyesha Neran was smiling.
Three.
"Zen!"
"Hellooooo Zen!"
"Zendian Mesrs! What are you doing here!"
He stood at the bar at Level 47, a club/tapcafe combo that offered a wide assortment of music, liquor and dancing partners. Seconds earlier there had been a plethora of voices calling out his name, and he didn't know what direction to turn first.
"Zen"
"Helllloooooo Zen!"
"Zendian Mesrs! Zendian Mesrs!"
It was the second speaker he recognized first. She was dressed in a white number, her brown eyes seemingly black in the club lighting. He put his hands on her shoulders and pulled her close--"Chloel, how are you!" He frowned, "How did you find me?"
She smiled enigmatically, a whisp of yellow hair falling out of her ponytail. "I have my ways. I have ways of seeing things that you wouldn't believe..."
Before he could puzzle out what she meant the first voice called his name out again, "Zen!" Over the crowd, he spotted Renly at the door making hand gestures at him.
Zendian threw up his hands--"What?" he yelled back.
Renly made as if to drink--and then pointed to the bar.
Understanding dawned, and Zen rolled his eyes. "Sorry Chloel, Jade is being moronic...he apparently had to deal with Chancellor Palpatine's new administrators at the showroom. The big boss needs a new speeder with a billion different requirements..."
"Ah, I see." She smiled again, and Zendian was about to ask her if she wanted something to drink, when the third voice grabbed his arm.
"Zendian Mesrs!" He turned and found himself face to face with Nyesha Neran.
His eyes widened slightly. "Hi!"
Her lips twisted up in greeting, the expression not quite reaching her eyes. "Hey! Sorry about not comming back! "
Zen shrugged, not showing any of the palatable relief he was feeling seeing her well. "We were worried, but the hospital seemed to know where you were, and I couldn't get your new address." Two weeks after her parents death she stopped answering her comm. When they had gone to her apartment, they found it vacant--apparently she had moved out without any forwarding address, and changed her personal codes. He wasn't going to tell her that he and Renly had tried everything to find her, but the counselor they had convinced her to see had said he wasn't allowed to give her new information out.
That was over three months ago.
She hesitated. "Is Jade here?"
He jerked his head behind him and remembered Chloel. He spun around, "Sorry!"
The short blonde grinned, "Your drinks are ready."
He frowned, "How did you--?"
Chloel laughed, "Come on, I'd rather tell the story once to you and Jade--and when are you going to introduce me to your new friend? Is this the Nyesha?"
Zen blushed, "Nyesha, this is my girlfriend Chloel. Chloel, Nyesha."
The two girls shook hands, and Zen stared at the one on his left, astounded. Smirking, Chloel grabbed his arm and let him lead them to where Jade waited impatiently.
"Its about time. What took you so long?"
"Oh this and that… I found us some company." Zen's remark was flippant, hiding some of the confusion. He kept glancing behind him at his girlfriend, who stared back at him, her eyebrows raised in amusement.
Naturally, Jade spotted Chloel first. "Figures, when did you show up? Don't you know not to distract the man when he's picking up drinks?"
Zendian groaned and let Chloel hop into the booth first so that she was sandwiched between the two boys. He then passed along the three open bottles of Lominale that he was holding by the necks in his other hand. "Seriously man, take your drink and shut up."
Renly frowned, and stared at the bottle. "You're awfully grumpy--" he broke off as Nyesha pushed her way forward. Bounding out of his chair he grabbed her lightly by the shoulders to give her a quick hug. "Where have you been! We were looked for you everywhere, and no one could tell us where you had gone. We even contemplated calling your family until Zendian here had the bright idea to check with Dr. Illen. He's the only reason we knew you weren't hurt."
Zendian dropped his head to the table with embarrassment. Jade, have you got it bad. When he looked back up Nyesha was looking at him with a pleading look on her face.
"You said you guys weren't worried. I...needed some time. I appreciated the support, but it wasn't going to work if I couldn't get myself together."
"We were concerned, a little bit." He shrugged, "It's alright, we understand. He patted the seat next to him. "Sit down."
She settled herself, and a few seconds passed where none of them spoke. Idly she played with a stray napkin staring at the tabletop.
Chloel let out a quick, unladylike snort breaking the silence. "Sorry, Sorry--I think Drakmar just walked in, and he's heading for the dance floor. He's exactly like your description..."
Jade grimaced, "Oh dear." His head shot up--"Wait a second." He peered at the girl's face, and Chloel stared at him angelically, then turned to her boyfriend.
"You know, you really need a haircut."
They stared at her mouths agape.
Nyesha frowned at the trio, "Am I missing something?"
Chloel laughed again, lightly. "Oh the boys are just a bit confused as to how I can see. I'm blind." She paused, "Well, I was blind." She couldn't get another word out before she was sandwiched by two grown men attempting simultaneously to hug her, despite the limitations of space, "Ommph, guys...squishing me." After they released her she explained.
"I was born with medical condition that resulted in acute blindness before I turned thirteen. It was thought to be permanent, but two days ago I tried a new drug."
"So the good news--I can see." Her smile faltered..."The bad news. Its temporary--the drug can't be taken for longer than two weeks before it starts damaging my immune system."
Nyesha blanched, "I'm sorry."
The loose blonde curls bobbed, "Don't be. For two weeks I get something that I have never had--perfect vision."
A feeling of warmth surged through Zendian and he leaned over to kiss the crown of her head. "Let's dance."
"Wake up, Zendian. Wake up!"
Chloel. He could hear her, but she was so far away.
Heaving, the taste of blood and saliva in his mouth was muted by the intense pain in his side.
"Please Zen. You have to tell me what happened. Where's Nyesha? Where's the baby?"
He groaned, then rasped. "Dead. She's dead." Forcing his eyes open he tried to sit up only to collapse as he saw the wound above his stomach.
Renly "Dead."
Nyesha "Dead."
"Zen-- Where's Mara, the baby?"
Gone, an order came and took her away.
"Zen—stay with me. Zen don't go...Please don't..."
Die. I'm going to die.
