DISCLAIMER: I own most of the characters in this story. Any other names of characters or planets belong to Bioware and Lucasarts.

Chapter 2:

"So, Ryen, who is this Twi'lek?" Zeeloss asked as the Jedi traveled the corridors of the Jedi Temple, the Masters up front while Ashara and Shalanna carried the unconscious Twi'lek along.

"To be honest, we don't know her name," Ryen said. "She burst out of the swamps one day while Ocera and I were training a group of Padawans. We managed to restrain her, but not before she greatly injured half a dozen Padawans with only a broken vibroblade."

"Don't forget her teeth," Ashara added. "I still have the bite marks."

"How did she do this?" Zeeloss asked, Shalanna again giving Ashara a look.

"Once we restrained her, I could sense for certain that she was strong in the Force," Ryen said. "Instead of training her on Taris, we thought it best to bring her here to Dantooine, where she could be in a tranquil environment."

"You always did believe in first-hand experience," Zeeloss nodded. "While the Order direly needs new recruits, are you sure this…Twi'lek…can be trained? A child is already difficult to instruct in the way of the Jedi. An adult would be near-impossible."

"I am," Ryen replied. "She may be a feral, but she is a very quick learner. During her attack, one of the Padawans drew his lightsaber to defend himself. The Twi'lek took it from him, and then tried to assault Ashara with it."

"I can say one thing about her, she's good," Ashara remarked. "She used that stolen lightsaber as if she'd used it her whole life!"

"Interesting," Zeeloss said. They eventually came to a room with nothing but a bed within it. "I believe these should do as her quarters."

Shalanna and Ashara carried the Twi'lek into the bedroom, gently placing the red-skinned woman's body onto the bed. Ashara left immediately, but Shalanna stayed behind for a moment, placing her hand on the Twi'lek's arm.

"What happened to you?" she whispered. "How did you become this way?"

"Well, Master Zeeloss, I believe we should be off," Ryen said. "Ashara and I must return to Taris and resume her training."

"Of course. May the Force be with you," Zeeloss nodded, and Ryen left, his Padawan in tow. Zeeloss then looked to his own Padawan. "Shalanna?"

"Yes, Master?" Shalanna said.

"What do you make of this Twi'lek?" Zeeloss asked.

"I can sense that she is indeed strong with the Force," Shalanna answered, examining the Twi'lek as she spoke. "But, her rage…it is so strong. It will take much time for her to be taught the Jedi Way."

"You show excellent reasoning, Shalanna," Zeeloss said. "I want you to teach this Twi'lek how to speak Galactic Basic. I will instruct her in combat, and I will seek a master to teach her how to fully utilize the Force. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Master," Shalanna bowed.

"Good," Zeeloss nodded. "Let me know of your progress."

Zeeloss left, and Shalanna looked back to the Twi'lek. She laid her hand on the Twi'lek's shoulder.

"Don't worry," Shalanna said. "I will teach you to the best of my ability."

The Twi'lek's purple eyes suddenly snapped open, and a crimson hand snatched Shalanna's arm. Shalanna gasped, the Twi'lek suddenly rising with a snarl. The red-skinned humanoid immediately wrapped her remaining hand around Shalanna's throat, quickly applying pressure. Shalanna, however, used the Force to push the Twi'lek back, the latter performing an agile flip and landing on all fours.

"Please, calm down," Shalanna pleaded. "I mean you no harm."

The Twi'lek only bared her teeth in a primal growl, beginning to pace back and forth, still walking on all fours. Evidently, she was studying Shalanna, attempting to assess whether or not the Padawan was a threat.

"My name is Shalanna Zolus, Padawan of the Jedi Order," Shalanna said.

The Twi'lek stopped and tilted her head, now wearing a perplexed expression. Noting this, Shalanna decided to adopt a different approach. She pointed to herself.

"Shalanna," she said simply.

The Twi'lek looked at her for a moment, and then pointed to herself.

"Yes?" Shalanna said. "What is your name?"

And then the Twi'lek spoke.

"Xyna," the Twi'lek said, voice ragged but nonetheless fully audible.

"Your name is Xyna?" Shalanna asked.

Again, the Twi'lek looked confused.

"Xyna," Shalanna began, "I am going to teach you how to live again. You aren't an animal, you are a sentient being."

Xyna tilted her head in the opposite direction, still bewildered at Shalanna's words.

"Can you try to walk like I do? Watch," Shalanna said, taking a few steps. "Now, you try."

Xyna blinked, trying to comprehend what Shalanna wanted from her.

"Please, try and walk like I did," Shalanna repeated.

Hesitantly, Xyna shifted her weight to her legs, slowly rising. She wobbled for a moment, taking a pair of shaky steps before falling. Fortunately, Shalanna caught her before Xyna could hit the ground.

"Don't be discouraged, you did well for your first try," Shalanna praised, but Xyna ignored her, shoving herself out of Shalanna's grasp and making another attempt at walking on two legs. This time, Xyna appeared to have mastered the art of walking, though a hint of wobbling remained.

"I walk," Xyna said, turning to Shalanna.

"Yes," Shalanna nodded, "you are indeed a quick learner…and persistent as well."

Xyna tilted her head, confused once again.

"I am going to teach you Galactic Basic," Shalanna said. "Are you ready to learn?"

"Learn?" Xyna repeated, and Shalanna nodded. "I learn."

And Shalanna began to truly enter her role as a teacher.