Disclaimers: I don't own the rights to KotOR. Don't sue. I'm broke anyway.

So. Those who know my writing must think I'm insane. Well, I am. Two new stories and two new chapters to my other stories, all in the course of a short time, and now this? Well, what can I say? I missed writing, and I had started these stories a while back, and always wanted to do something with them.

This is one of those big fade-to-black interludes where a lot of time must pass and there's nothing shown in the game that irritate me so much. I wanted to do something with it. Sorry if it sucks, but the character is always seen having nightmares, but it seems to me that her visions don't quite warrant the level of strain that is shown. On top of that, she's never really shown dealing with all the crap that keeps happening to her and everyone around her, so... being the obsessive-compulsive person that I am, well, here we are.

By the way, the official description for the sound of lightsabers meeting in combat is a "smacking hiss." Don't ask me why. I asked a former Lucasfilm employee, and he double and triple checked it. So it is what it is.

Anyway, read and review, and while we're on the subject, thank you to all those who have reviewed so far, especially the person who informed me of that patch. You know who you are. It's very much appreciated. Anyway, it's all the more important for me to have as much feedback as possible now that I have more writing to do. I appreciate reviews a great deal, and I do try to follow through on any suggestions I get. I hope you like the story.

Dakari: The Real Story Interlude: The Ghosts Left Behind

Alriah tossed and turned, trying to escape the nightmare she was trapped in. She couldn't see anything, but she could hear the sounds of battle: blaster fire, clashing blades, and the unmistakable buzz, crackle, and smacking hiss of lightsaber combat. Beyond that were explosions, the sounds of bombs exploding, of buildings falling. Above all that she could feel that same sense of screaming, crying souls pressing on her from all sides. She tried to comfort them, giving all her strength and will to give them some rest, but there was just too many. They were drowning her, consuming all that she had to give and more. Still she didn't pull back, desperate to give them rest. Somehow she knew that she was responsible for them, and she would not abandon those responsibilities.

Enough. You were not at fault.

The voice was strong enough to break through the sounds of battle and death, and she instinctively turned toward it, her dream-vision finding a figure bathed in light at her side.

"This was my fault, somehow..." she answered, feeling herself weakening but still not pulling away from the ravenous crowd of souls. She knew she was dying, but she didn't care. She had caused the deaths of countless others. What did it matter if her life should end? These countless souls might then be able to rest.

Enough, dear one. Your life is worth more than that.

"More than all of them?"

To me, yes. I will not leave you to die.

She frowned, trying to see the face of the figure, unable to put a name to what she saw. She knew the person, of that she was sure, but the name and the face kept slipping beyond her comprehension.

"Who... who are you?"

You know me. Do not concern yourself now. You'll remember when it's time, both who you are and who I am.

"I... I do not know who I am?" she asked, confused. It sounded right, though. She didn't know who she was. The name she wore, it was not her name, or at least not the whole of it. There was something missing inside her, something both dark and brilliantly light.

That's right. You have a choice, as you always did. But that does not matter now either. Come, let us leave this place.

"But these people... they cannot rest..."

Come with me, my dear, and I assure you, they will rest. We will find a way.

"We... we will find it? Together?"

Yes.

"Then I will come with you."

She could sense profound relief from the brilliant form and couldn't restrain a smile. She so wanted to reach out, but no, the other was already doing it. Before she knew what was happening, strong arms were wrapped around her, lifting her up gently. She hadn't realized she'd fallen. She could feel herself being held against a warm, protective body and then being gingerly set down on a soft, flat surface. As the warm body retreated she reached out blindly, not wanting to be alone in the darkness she found herself left in now that the sounds of battle and screams had faded. A soft hand wrapped around hers, calm flowing from that touch to the rest of her body and mind.

You're never alone, my dearest. Look and you'll find me. If you need me, I swear to you I'll be here. Don't be afraid. Trust me.

"I trust you," Alriah whispered, laying back on her pillow, feeling a hand brush her cheek. She captured it with her free hand and brought it to her lips, smiling at the soft gasp she was rewarded with.

I… I am with you, dearest. Rest now.

"Stay?" she asked tiredly, her body responding to the other's loving presence.

"I'll be here, darling."

This was said aloud as a warm form settled next to her, wrapping an arm around her waist, resting a head on her shoulder. She was too tired to open her eyes, but the feel of breath on her neck and soft hair brushing her face was enough for her to know that this was the only person she's ever want this close to her.

"I love you, too."

She could feel the smile against her skin, and she could sense an endearing shyness and gratitude from the other. She thought she understood why. There were some things the presence just couldn't say yet for one reason or another. That was alright. It would come with time. For now… it was safe to rest now. She was safe.

Rest, dearest. There is much to come. You will need your strength.

"Just stay," she answered the voice, knowing she would be understood and too tired to say more.

Always.