Obi-Wan Kenobi & Anakin Skywalker discover Nyla, a Jedi with a troubled past, while on a mission to Takodana. The bond between Obi-Wan & Nyla is immediate. Obi-Wan's desire is reawakened, & Nyla's sense of purpose as a Jedi is as well. Will they ignore the strict ideals of the Jedi Code & explore their connection? Or will their commitment to duty prevent this? Lots of fluff/smut, & action! Set during the Clone Wars.

Silence.

After what she knew had to be hours of ground-shaking blasts, explosion of metal and organic material alike, and whistling, sharp laser shots, Nyla Xemo now heard nothing but silence.

Strangely, it resonated louder than any bomb or blast had.

Crouching behind the large mossy boulder she'd been hiding behind for some time now, she waited and listened. Weighing the heaviness of the silence around her, she closed her eyes and felt through the Force, searching for a sign that her eyes weren't able to see. That's when she felt it hit her.

Her green eyes snapped open.

Someone's here.

I can feel it.

It didn't feel like a threat, but her intuitive nature spoke of an other-worldly sense of the Force that tracked close to where she was hiding. The strength in the Force that flowed through her bones to her very core, it washed over her unlike anything she'd felt before.

Whoever it is, she thought, is strong with the Force.

Extremely strong.

She heard footsteps. Light. Quick.

Human footsteps.

And then voices.

"Anakin, I told you...they won't follow us."

"Yeah. Sure. Just like they didn't follow us back there? Before I cut them in half?"

Two? Nyla nearly gasped. Two Jedi! Her heart felt a sudden wave of relief. Still holding her blaster in one hand, her light saber in the other, she exhaled in overwhelming relief.

"Luck got you once, my friend" spoke the first of the two. He had a cultured accent, and his voice was full of amusement. "But I'd be surprised if you're that lucky again."

"What?" There came an incredulous laugh from the other. "Second time's a charm, right? Or is that the third?"

He's younger, Nyla thought, as their friendly banter continued. And they're obviously together.

Their voices neared, and their banter grew louder now. Nyla closed her eyes and willed her courage to the forefront of her mind.

And then she stood up.

Two light sabers ignited immediately.

"Who are you?" asked one of the Jedi. His hair was a light chestnut brown, his face covered in a short beard of the same color. A set of keen blue eyes stared at her, regarding her with curiosity.

The other Jedi - taller, more brazen and younger - stared back at her with much darker blue eyes. His hair was darker, longer, and slightly wavy. There was a fierceness in the way he looked at her, his gaze piercing and bold.

Nyla looked between them and smiled. She held up her lightsaber, unignited. "I am a friend, and a fellow Jedi. See?" She held out her saber, offering peace. "I mean no harm."

At this, the younger of the two glared at her. "How do we know we can trust you? How long have you been hiding there?"

Nyla felt the Force in him hit her so hard she nearly stumbled backward. The sensation was heavy against her chest, and she felt the strength of it enter her, clouding her eyes. Is he probing my mind?

The first Jedi lowered his saber, and with a gesture to his counterpart, urged him to lower his as well. As he did so, Nyla felt her mind clear almost immediately as his power retreated. She had to blink hard to regain her sense of clarity, watching as they both approached her.

"What is your name?" the first Jedi asked. His voice was much kinder now, but still curious. His large eyes studied her with great wonder.

It was then that Nyla recognized his accent was familiar to one from Coruscant. She found this curious, but not surprising. "My name is Nyla Xemo." She clipped her saber back on her belt. "And yours?"

Obi-Wan hesitated, though only because he was searching in his mind for her name. If she was, in fact, a Jedi...and by all accounts, she very much was...he should have known her name. Or recognized it, at the very least.

Beside him, Anakin stepped forward. What was left of his harsh demeanor seemed to change immediately. "The name's Anakin. Anakin Skywalker." He extended a gloved hand out to her and smiled. "Sorry...about earlier." He smirked, knowing very well she'd felt him probe her mind for threats.

Nyla shook his hand, noting the unnatural strength in his grip. Their eyes locked, and both smiled. "Pleasure is mine, Skywalker." She made a mental note that his smile was as handsome as his face was, now that he wasn't defensive or angry. Sheathing her blaster to the leather holster strapped to one of her legs, she wiped her hands and placed them on her hips. "I still don't think I got your name?" she said, directing the inquisition towards the other Jedi.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi" he said quickly, realizing his rudeness. "And I think the rest of our introductions should cease until we find some cover. Those battle droids back there won't waste time in trying to hunt us down."

"I know my way quite well through these forests" Nyla remarked, a sense of purpose and duty returning to her voice. "Where are you heading?"

"Our ship...a few klicks away, judging from where we came" Obi-Wan answered.

Nyla nodded. "I will get you there. Follow me."

The three Jedi took off. Obi-Wan and Anakin glanced at one another as Nyla lead the way through the dense forest of towering evergreens. Over boulders and fallen logs she took them, light on her feet as she leapt from stone to stone...log to log...around pools of water from fresh rains that fell the night before...and, in little time, they found themselves on the opposite side of a large lake, far from the point where they all met.

"If I may" Obi-Wan interjected, slightly out of breath, "but how is it that you are so well-acquainted with these parts?"

Nyla grinned. "This is my home planet. I should know my way about, should I not?"

Next to Obi-Wan, Anakin smiled at him and shrugged. "She's got a point."

Obi-Wan watched her closely as she took a small pack off her back and dug inside. Her long dark hair was pulled into a braid that was draped over one shoulder. Pieces of hair fell over her face, framing her high cheekbones. Obi-Wan was drawn most to her eyes; their color was a brilliant emerald green, alert and full of life. The character within them had never wavered the entire time she'd been in their presence. Nyla's athletic body spoke of her training, and while she certainly wore the drab colors that were typical of Jedi, they hugged her shapely body in ways that Obi-Wan felt certainly favored her.

Revealing a leather-wrapped bottle from the pack, Nyla unwound the cap eagerly. Before taking a drink though, she offered it to her new companions. They hesitated, which made her cock her head smartly. "Either we trust each other, or we don't." Once again, she extended the bottle to them.

Anakin snapped it from her hand, giving her an appreciative nod as he drank.

Obi-Wan was still struggling with everything that had come to light since he and his apprentice came upon her. He stood quietly, mulling over question upon question, his hand unconsciously stroking the hair about his chin. He was interrupted by Nyla and her own questioning.

"I'm guessing you've come from Coruscant?"

Anakin's eyebrows flicked upward ever-so-slightly.

Obi-Wan, now discovering how thirsty he was, took the bottle from Anakin and drank. "Yes. In fact, we're on a mission from-"

"-The Republic. I know."

Again, Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged sideways glances.

She smirked at them. "You think I don't know? I know those ships when I see them, especially when they land on my own planet. I know the droids that nearly took you both out are Dooku's. AND..." She reclaimed her bottle from Obi-Wan's hand. "I know that both of you must be high in rank." With this, she eyed Anakin. "You, in particular, are...very strong with the Force. I sensed you both before I ever heard your voices approaching."

With wonderment, Obi-Wan he looked into the eyes of the Jedi before him, curious to how she knew so much...and how he, and seemingly Anakin as well, knew so little. There was something about this woman. He knew it. He sensed it. There was something deeper there...something he didn't understand. Not yet, anyway. But nonetheless, he felt it. And whatever he felt, he trusted.

Whatever it was that Obi-Wan felt in those moments, Nyla also felt. She stared back at the blue eyes that gazed at her with genuine intrigue. Whether it was the Force connection between them, or some other force at work, she felt a strong desire to learn more about the kind, well-spoken Jedi before her.

"We should get going" Anakin said, his eyes scanning the forest behind them. He motioned with a wave of his hand. "The ship should be only a klick away. Come on."

With this, he walked past both Nyla and Obi-Wan, who stood watching him for a moment. When Nyla turned to follow, Obi-Wan cleared his throat, grabbing her attention.

Nyla turned, looking at him curiously. "Yes?"

"He's not the only one here who is strong with the Force, you know" he said with a smirk, using it to emphasize the humor in his statement.

Nyla thought it was the most handsome smile she'd ever seen. "Yes well...while this is true, Obi-Wan...yours felt much different." She couldn't help but notice the mischief in his eyes then.

"Different?"

"Yes. And quite strong, in its own manner" she replied. "...if I do say so myself."

Obi-Wan noticed Nyla's green eyes twinkle as she said this. He wondered, along with so much else, what that meant. He watched as her captivating smile returned, acknowledging him and his humor. Obi-Wan gave her a nod in return, acknowledging her compliment.

With this, they were off.

In time, and with the help of Nyla's tracking skills, the trio reached the Jedi's ship. Both Anakin and Obi-Wan remained close behind her and she delivered them safely, taking a path neither they nor the battle droids following them knew of. In turn, it seemed as though the droids had lost their scent, and they would be able to leave in peace without further conflict.

When they approached the large ship, Nyla's quick lope had slowed to a walk as she stared up in awe. This particular ship was unrecognizable to her. Yes, it was for certain a Republic ship, but this particular class fighter was unknown to her. "I do not recognize this style fighter?" she said, turning to her new friends.

Anakin gazed up proudly. "That's because I built it myself."

Nyla's mouth nearly dropped to the ground. "Yourself?"

"Weeelll...most of it, anyways." He looked at her, that smirk now quite familiar to Nyla as it lit up his proud face. "Wanna see the inside?"

"Ahem...Anakin? Don't you think we should be on our way?" Obi-Wan looked out from under the now-opened struts of the landing platform. He saw where this was going between the two, and knew if he didn't break it up early, they'd never get off the ground. "You can give her the full tour once we're on our way back to Coruscant."

Nyla immediately frowned. "Wait, what?"

A smile spread across Obi-Wan's face rather generously. "Oh, you thought we were just going to leave you here?"

Anakin watched Nyla as she stomped towards the platform. He liked the fieriness he was seeing. And while he was all too accustomed to his Master's jesting tone, it was no less amusing to watch another adjust to it. He couldn't help but crack a smile at Nyla.

"Did you not hear the part about this being my home?" Nyla questioned.

Obi-Wan folded his arms over his chest casually. "I simply assumed the part about you being a Jedi that I have no recollection of overstepped that fact?"

Anakin stepped forward, lifting his hands as a chuckle escaped him. "Listen - we'll bring you back, Nyla. We aren't keeping you. Just...come for a ride. Check out the ship, check out how I fly it, and..." He tried to think if there was anything else important he could use to persuade her.

One sharply-curved eyebrow lifted on Nyla's naturally-pretty face. "Oh so you're a pilot too?"

Anakin feigned hurt. "Do I not look like a pilot?"

"AHEM" Obi-Wan said, much more loudly this time.

The pair looked over at him, their argument halted for the moment.

"Perhaps you'd like to do less talking and more flying right now so we can get off this planet?" Obi-Wan joked.

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Fine." He stuck a finger out at Nyla as he walked up the ramp. "Once you see me fly, you won't question whether I'm a pilot or not."

Obi-Wan and Nyla stood on the platform watching as he headed into the ship. Nyla shook her head and laughed. "Is he always like this?"

"Unfortunately" Obi-Wan said with a sigh.

Beyond the treeline came the sound of rustling sound. It drew both Obi-Wan and Nyla's attention away from the ship, their eyes focusing on the horizon as trees swayed to-and-fro. Sound of snapping twigs and rustling foliage grew louder, and soon, trees began to sway.

"I don't like the looks of this" Obi-Wan said, brandishing his saber.

The rustling of trees was quickly followed by the heavy stomp of several dozen metal bodies emerging.

"Droids" Nyla said, drawing her saber. She ignited the brilliant blue and began deflecting shots. "Go inside! I'll cover you!"

Obi-Wan twirled his saber around and into a striking position "And miss seeing you fight?" he said with a laugh. He kept an eye on her as he deflected shot after shot with ease. "I was hoping I wouldn't miss seeing your fighting style!"

Together they slowly retreated as they fought off their foes, making their way towards the ship even as Anakin began firing up the engines. Huge exhaust valves blew hot air at the enemy as Nyla and Obi-Wan backed up and onto the platform.

Nyla kept her attention on the droids as Obi-Wan moved in front of her on the platform. Extending her hands, she used the Force and hurtled the droids that were closest to the ship backwards, knocking them into those that were marching forward. This bought some time for Obi-Wan to take the lead.

"Nice, Nyla! Now go!" he called to her. "I got the rest!"

Realizing it was too late for any other recourse, Nyla ran the rest of the way up the platform as it began to lift off the ground. As soon as she ducked and dove the last few inches inside, the ship lifted off the ground. Obi-Wan had to roll to cover the rest of the distance between them just as the platform slammed shut. Nyla struggled to stay on her feet against the inertia of the rising ship, but Obi-Wan was there to steady her. He gave her a quick smile, then rushed to take his seat next to Anakin at the control deck.

Nyla took her place between them, watching as her beautiful lush homeland disappeared below. Soon enough, the planet itself was nothing but a speck. Well, this is quite the situation you've gotten yourself into she thought, watching as deep space engulfed them fully.

"Now...back to my original question." Anakin glanced up at Nyla as he placed a hand on the lever that controlled the hyperdrive. "Do I not look like a pilot?"

The confidence in him was unreal. Now, even as he grinned at her, the cockiness of his question challenged Nyla in ways she just simply wasn't used to but she very much enjoyed.

She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Go ahead, Skywalker. I know what comes next."

He laughed, and with a simple motion of his hand, the ship jumped into hyperspace.

Obi-Wan watched Nyla as much as he watched the rest of the Jedi Council seated before him. He studied the subtleties of his comrades' behaviors, assessing the hidden language of their bodies as well as the more obvious language of their speech. So far, the meeting had gone well. Much was learned of Nyla Xemo's Jedi training, her homeland, and how she had come into his and Anakin's company.

Still, Obi-Wan studied her with great intrigue. She still wore the dark brown fitted pants she had on from Takodana, with a holster belt adorning her hips in addition to her lightsaber belt. A well-worn leather jacket covered her tan colored garments beneath, which he hadn't seen much of yet. She was still dirty from combat, and her long hair was still slightly unkempt in its braid. Her natural beauty was obvious. This, perhaps above all, was most intriguing to him. Emotions he felt had been dormant for far too long began to come alive again in her presence.

"Who was your Master?" Mace Windu asked, giving voice to the question they all had.

At this, Nyla lowered her proud gaze. "My master was Deveron Itso."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened in recognition.

"He perished on Geonosis" Nyla continued, raising her head once more. "As I'm sure you're all well aware."

Ki-Adi-Mundi, in all his wise stature, nodded regretfully. "Master Itso has been greatly missed. His loss was a hard hit to all of us." He gave her a kind smile. "You have our deepest sympathy, all these years later."

"Thank you, Master Mundi" Nyla said with a nod.

"A mistake, your meeting with Obi-Wan and Anakin, was not" Yoda spoke. His eyes crinkled joyfully at the corners. "Come to you, luck has, it seems."

Nyla bowed. "An understatement, Master Yoda" she replied. "Being in a room surrounded by those with years of talent and wisdom and bravery? That is my real luck."

Yoda nodded, pleased with this response. He looked at Obi-Wan, giving him the same confident nod.

"Master Yoda, if I may?" Anakin stepped forward, entering the center of the circular meeting room to be beside Nyla.

The small green creature waved a hand slowly. "You may, young Skywalker."

Out of the corner of her eyes, Nyla sensed the deep blue shade of Anakin's gaze shift towards her momentarily.

"While we did promise to return Nyla to her homeland...I think her talents would be much more useful with us than any other alternative."

The dark stare of Mace Windu narrowed on Anakin. "What are you proposing?"

Nyla looked at Anakin now, her brow wrinkled. "Yeah, what are you proposing?" She lifted an eyebrow at him as she said this.

"I'm proposing" Anakin began, "that the Council should consider Nyla's natural talents and her exceptional training as an ally to use in our fight against the Separatists."

Next to him, Nyla felt the heavy-hitting nature of Anakin's gift of the Force, punching her square in the chest as it had when they first met. She inhaled, keeping herself steady, her eyes going to Obi-Wan as he now spoke.

"What Anakin means is that, should Nyla agree to the proposition to have her stay, she could assist us greatly in the future." He looked at her from his seat and smiled. "But only if she wants to, of course."

For all that Anakin lacks, Obi-Wan completes, Nyla thought to herself. And for that, I am thankful.

Just then, Anakin's gaze fell solely on her, and the blue of his eyes flared slightly. Nyla met his gaze curiously as the others began discussing her fate. He's looking at me like he heard me say that.

Because I did, he answered silently in her mind.

Nyla's eyes widened.

Anakin smirked.

"Isn't that right, Skywalker?" Mace asked, pulling their attention back to the room.

Anakin held Nyla's gaze just a second longer before turning his attention over fully to Mace, Obi-Wan, and the others. Nyla, on the other hand, remained staring at the man before her. So not only can he probe my mind, he can speak to me silently? Who IS he?

When Obi-Wan began to speak again, Anakin glanced at her once more. With an air of playfulness, he winked at her.

As the meeting transitioned from Nyla to other important matters, she was politely excused to private quarters that were prepared for her for however long she desired to remain on Coruscant. Two Clone guards escorted her to her room, making sure she was not only comfortable but safe once she was inside. They bowed, then left her.

Her eyes searched the room she would call home for now. It was small but quite adequate. Off to one side was a spacious bed, turned down and ready for the sleep she desperately desired. The dark navy sheets looked more inviting than they probably should have at that moment, and Nyla had to resist all temptation to immediately fall into them.

On the opposite side of the room was a selection of food and drink, a refresher room, and what seemed to be a small closet. It occurred to Nyla then that she had brought nothing with her. There had been no time. No part of her truly wanted to be back on Coruscant after years and years of being gone, but...here she was.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she went over to the closet and opened the doors to find a few spare pieces of clothing that had been provided. From what she could tell, they were in the Jedi style familiar to this planet. A style she didn't find all that attractive, to say the least.

She sighed. It will have to do, I suppose.

Closing the doors, a weariness came over her. She stood near the massive window that provided the focal point of her quarters; a handsome view of the sprawling city-planet she now found herself on. Orange light of the setting sun reflected off metal and glass, cascading colorful shades in all directions.

How different it is from Takodana.

How different I have become since last I stood here among these towering buildings.

Another sigh. This time, one of confusion.

Her eyes focused on passing cruisers, but her thoughts turned to Anakin.

How had he come to possess such skills? she wondered. His abilities for...well, whatever age he is...are astounding. And Obi-Wan, too.

Obi-Wan.

When she thought of him, a smile crept over her mouth.

My, how handsome a pair they are.

Just then, a soft knock came from on the other side of the metal door, helping her to escape such thoughts. It took Nylaa moment to figure out the button panel on that controlled the high-tech entryway before she opened it. Before her stood a young Togrutan female, her smile wide and warm.

"Hi. You must be Nyla?"

Nyla returned the smile. "I am."

The girl stepped forward, ocean-colored eyes shining up at her. "My name is Ahsoka Tano. I'm Master Skywalker's padawan. He sent me here to see if you were okay with the room that he had prepared for you?"

Padawan? She looked at Ahsoka with wonder. "Oh, yes...it's quite nice" she said, allowing Ahsoka to come further inside. Another click of a button on the panel and the door slid to a solid shut behind them. "Really though, it's far too generous. I shouldn't be here much longer. Though...I'd be lying if I said that food over there doesn't look amazing right now."

Ahsoka's laugh was like a dance. "Right? I made sure Master sent the good stuff for you. I figured you'd be hungry, above all else."

"So you had a hand in my preparations?" she asked with a smile.

"Of course!" Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "Especially with the food. My Master may be talented, but his choice of food is terrible."

Nyla laughed. She was beginning to like her more and more. "Well it sounds like I owe you some thanks, then."

The padawan kindly passed it off with a lazy wave of her hand. "It's nothing." She folded her arms over her chest contently. "So. You're a Jedi from Takodana?"

Nyla nodded. "Sure am. I'm guessing you're from Shili, if my knowledge of your race is correct?"

Ahsoka seemed pleasantly surprised by her asking this. "Yes! Have you traveled to my home planet?"

"Sadly, I have not" Nyla said with a shake of her head. "But...after meeting you, I think it's going to be first on my list." She gave Ahsoka a friendly nudge in the arm.

A curious smile played across Ahsoka's lips. "Hmmmm." She squinted her eyes with scrutiny and amusement. "No wonder my Master has taken a liking to you."

Studying her facial expression, Nyla sensed what she already knew. "So he's spoken of me, has he?"

Ahsoka nodded, the small padawan chain dangling near one of her short head-tails. "He seems to really like you. So..." She shrugged one shoulder. "If he likes you, then I do as well."

Their gazes met, and both of the women smiled.

"It's been awhile since a female Jedi joined the group" Ahsoka mentioned. "And a very long while since I could actually bond with one."

"Same here." With this, Nyla glanced down. In doing so, she noticed how dirty and unkempt she was still from their battle earlier and the flight to Coruscant. "May I ask a favor of you? So soon after meeting you?"

Ahsoka's attention perked at the mere mentioning. "Absolutely! Ask away."

"Do you think, maybe, uh..." Nyla waved her hand at her current attire. "...you could help me find a change of clothes? Something more suitable than what's in there?" She thumbed towards the pale colored hues and soft fabrics of the clothes that were left for her.

Ahsoka put her arm around Nyla's shoulder. "You got it. No way am I going to let you walk around in those prissy clothes." They looked at one another and shared another laugh as they headed out of the room.

It was the start of a budding friendship that would last longer than either expected.

End Chapter 1