An Irresistible Force

by BlackWidow

(Andre Korda/OMC slash) A misfit Jedi Padawan comes to Earth and meets up with an immortal wanting to get ahead in the Game.

2. Chapter 2

Title: An Irresistible Force (chapter 2)

Eri rose and walked out onto the balcony, taking the offering as if it were a lifeline, Korda's hand squeezed around his, invoking a calming effect. He peered out over the surrounding grounds a bit nervously, but realizing there was nothing there except the gardens, he raised his eyes up to the stars. The darkness of the surrounding countryside aligned with the blackness of the sky, cradling the brilliant glow of what seemed like a million beams of light.

A small gasp of unbridled amazement escaped him and he leaned further against the railing to see more of their beauty. It was as if the world were being held in an embrace of black. It was hard to believe that those tiny twinkling gems were actually searing celestial giants. Suddenly, warm breath caught on the nape of his neck causing an instantaneous shiver and he turned his head swiftly in response.

The moment his head turned, Korda smiled and soothingly ran his hands down his arms, settling them tenderly around him. Protectively cradling, they were a welcomed comfort to the boy and he looked up at the stars leaning back against this embrace.

"You said that from your home you could not see the stars, how sad." The voice was sincere and soothing. "They are something that I suppose we here take for granted, although I have always looked to the stars for their beauty." Korda pointed up to a group that was just coming into view, "There, do you see that group of stars just above the horizon?"

Eri nodded.

"That is Orion, the hunter. It is the most impressive constellation that we here on Earth can see. The bright star that makes up the right boot is called Rigel," he pointed it out to Eri. "And the one that defines the left shoulder is called Betelgeuze. In the old days humans thought the constellations to be the gods, sent forth into the heavens to watch over mankind." He leaned against Eri and spoke softly into his ear. "Now, as then, some people still believe that fortune can be read by the stars," he chuckled softly. "But believe me Eri, one makes their own future. Nothing is predestined in the stars. Destiny," he sighed, "is as false as the ancient gods."

Eri pondered this lesson for a moment. At the Temple he'd been taught that the Force was the only determinant of destiny. A Jedi would never have a problem making the most difficult of decisions as long as his connection to the Force was strong. It required a willingness to step aside and give control over to those with greater connection to that vital power: his master, his teachers, the Council... It was one of the skills Eri never quite mastered.

In his heart, he had always hoped that a Jedi wasn't truly just a conduit for the Force. He wanted to map his own future based on his own skills and determination. As a result, he felt he was always held back when he wanted to move forward and pushed ahead when he wanted to proceed with caution. He was never able to break free from all those who sought to control his fate.

Korda smiled at the thoughtful look that settled on Eri's face. He'd never known one so young who had the patience or willingness to ponder such intricate thoughts so intently. "What are you thinking about?" he whispered into the boy's ear, delighting in the shiver that ran though the lean body pressed against him.

"Just thinking," Eri murmured in response. He settled even more comfortably into Korda's embrace. "I'm thinking how happy I am to be here right now."

"Your happiness is important to me," he murmured, his lips brushing lightly over Eri's shoulder. "I'm pleased to hear you feel this way, despite the interruption of our plans."

A firm arm tightened around the younger man's chest as warm lips traced up his finely muscled shoulder along the warm expanse of flesh, nestling leisurely on Eri's nape. A surprisingly tender touch, brushed at the blond curls that fell loosely on his neck, exposing the softness hidden under there. His tongue traced fine lines of heat. "So soft," Korda murmured, echoing his words from earlier.

The body he held shivered, sending a luscious thrill up Korda's spine. He mouthed his neck; placing a series of soft, wet kisses running from the center of his spine to the tender area just under the boy's ear.

A soft sigh crept from deep within the Jedi's throat, and a sudden shift of his weight pressed Korda off balance and back against the iron railing.

"Mon dieu," he gasped while pushing gently against the weight. "You'll kill us both!" He grinned as they both peered down at the brick walk below. "Inside!" Korda chuckled, shoving him playfully through the doors.

Eri laughed and headed for the bed, throwing himself heavily into the plush comforters and pillows. Rolling over on his back, a teasing grin covered his face as he slipped his thumbs under the waistband of his boxers and lowered them, freeing his rising flesh. He kept his eyes on the other man's as he lifted his hips to remove them completely, then tossed them absently at the foot of the bed.

Korda eyed him thoughtfully while closing the veranda doors. To Eri's disappointment he didn't move to join him on the bed, instead he moved over to the dresser and leaned against it. In the shadows, Eri could not see his face and he sat up trying to gauge what the other man was doing.

"Eri-Kol?" Korda's voice was soft, inquisitive.

"Yes?" he answered to the apparent question.

Silence, then a minuscule scratching sound and suddenly Korda's face glowed, illuminated eerily as he raised the match to light a candle. His movements were unrushed, almost inattentive of the other man, as he put the match to several other candles before moving to the other side of the room. Eri turned to face him, waiting anxiously for him to conclude what he thought had been the start of a question.

As several more candles furnish their fire, the room became illuminated in a soft yellowish-orange light. The tiny flames fluttered in Korda's wake as he moved past, lifting dancing shadows on the walls and ceiling. Ethereal he appeared in the light, and Eri shivered noticeably as Korda sat down on the edge of the bed.

Sparkling flames danced in the shadows of his eyes as well, as they gazed attentively. "Jedi are not allowed to have such indulgences, such passions." He paused, turning Eri's chin until their eyes met, "Are they?"

The sorrowful expression on the younger man's face was all the answer Korda needed and he quickly placed several fingers over the boy's lips to hush any hasty response. "Eri, it is one thing to play like earlier. Entirely another to give of oneself." His eyes wandered briefly to one of the candles, then fixed back on Eri, their simmering desire glowing brightly in the candle's yielding light. "Do you understand the difference? I will give you anything you desire, anything," he whispered passionately while rubbing the backside of two fingers over Eri's cheekbone. "Will you do the same for me?"

Eri swallowed with difficulty, his mouth suddenly dry. So this was it. Here and now, he would pledge his vows. In this bed, he would align his life with Korda. He took a deep breath to calm himself. "I have no possessions of value. Instead, I give you my mind to teach," he murmured, a little uncertain, "my skills to defend you, my presence to bring you comfort. I give you my body..." His voice dropped to a whisper, unable to go on.

Korda's hand moved back to Eri's lips rubbing over their dryness he bent and kissed them, wetting them with his tongue before pulling slightly away. His eyes locked on the younger man's, and he frowned. Shaking his head slowly, a hint of foreboding filled his eyes. "So you trade one master for another, so be it. I'll be this to you, your master -- your teacher. I'll show you all that I know. And in return I'll take what you have offered." He paused and leaned back against the headboard distancing himself from the younger man. "Everything except your body. I won't take that as balance in our relationship. You're not a whore." Korda's eyes narrowed a bit.

Eri's eyes widened in surprise with the sudden realization that Korda had so easily seen through him. A helpless blush burned on his cheeks. For years, he had traded sex for secrets, for higher marks, even just for affection. It had been his most prized bargaining tool. What a fool he was to believe that it would work with Korda! He looked away, unable to meet the man's knowing eyes.

He watched the boy's ashamed gaze slide away and onto the patterned coverlet, but the candlelight couldn't mask the crystalline shine of Eri's tears. The nagging thoughts that had been lurking just beneath Korda's consciousness were not entirely false. This boy had been hurt at the Temple he so longed to escape from. The masters he held in such contempt had bartered thoughtlessly with his body and ravaged his self-esteem.

Korda turned down the coverlet of the bed and patted the sheets beckoning Eri to his side. He gazed patiently at the boy for a few moments, waiting for those dark eyes to rise from their distraught stare on his hand. "You are not a whore to me," he said quietly. "It is your choice to make, to be with me here tonight. If you decide not to, nothing will change. I shall keep my promise to teach you. But here, in this bed, I am not your master."

Stunned a bit by the words, Eri couldn't move for a moment. He could see the light playing on Korda's eyes and his tightly muscled chest, arms and his sex. It was erect, and silently waiting. Eri glanced up into the serene, blue-green eyes fixed on him, and moved next to Korda's side on his knees.

Korda faced Eri and slipped his arms around the lean waist. He started kissing his chin, making his way to the softness of the boy's parted lips. He urged him down gently while his hands circled over his back and shoulders.

Eri dropped down, mouthing and feeling Korda tenderly with his teeth. He licked up the shaft taking it into his mouth with indulgent caresses from his warm tongue as his hands stroked Korda's inner thighs. He didn't let up, sucking harder, licking the head then opening his mouth taking all of him in, swallowing around the thick shaft.

Korda's breathing intensified as he pushed deeper and faster into the warmth encircling his desire. He was passionately watching Eri's entire body, circling one hand slowly on his back, the other cupped around the young man's neck. Eri's legs slid slightly apart and his back arched downward, raising his buttocks in a spontaneous motion. Korda moaned aloud as the mouth around him tightened. He pulled back, lifting Eri's chin he smiled. "You'll make me come in that talented mouth of yours," his voice came raspy. "And that's not what I had in mind."

Eri turned his attention upward, sliding his mouth up Korda's taut abdomen, to nuzzle at first one peaked nipple, then the other. He stifled a moan against the solid chest as Korda's roaming hands stroked up and down his sides, lingering on his hips, and then ghosting over the swell of his buttocks. Those skilled hands left no doubt in Eri what the man had in mind.

Korda pointed to a jar one the night table, Eri smiled at him and reach for it. He opened it up and a subtle aroma of mint escaped. Shutting his eyes the younger man took the aroma in; savoring it.

Clearing his throat, Korda tilted his head and grinned knowingly. "It feels even better than it smells."

Returning the grin Eri poured the oil into his fingers but before he applied it, he bent and kissed the tip of Korda's hardness, tasting the droplets of moisture that leaked from the slit. His hand moved to apply the oil but strong fingers immediately captured it.

"You first. I'd like to watch." Korda gently guided the hand until it covered the boy's erection. Leaning back, his eyes darkened as Eri worked the oil up and down his stiffening shaft. The graceful, slender fingers gently retracted the foreskin to uncover the darkened, glistening head. Eri's face showed utter concentration as he worked, his lower lip caught between his teeth to stifle a small whimper.

Korda smiled wickedly at the sight before him. The boy was trying his very hardest to do what he was asked without coming. Glorious youth, he mused, what was lacking in finesse, was made up for in enthusiasm. Reaching over, he methodically poured some of the oil onto his palm then leaned over Eri. Pushing the boy's hands away, he started massaging the oil over Eri's balls, trailing his fingers into the soft creases of his thighs.

Eri's head fell back unto one of the pillows and his eyes closed, as a soft moan rose from him. Already, he was so close. He struggled to hold on to his control while Korda's hands stroked and caressed him.

"It's always more rewarding when someone else does it, isn't it?" Korda purred, as his hand roamed over Eri's tight abdominal muscles then back down.

"Mmmm," Eri moaned, barely audible. The mint extract in the oil was starting to induce a slight burning tingle that created the feeling of subtle pressure everywhere it met the skin. That, combined with Korda's firm grip on his captured flesh, wore down his control even further.

Tightening his hold on Eri, Korda jerked his hand swiftly, not letting up even when the Jedi started to shake under him. Beads of sweat pooled on the young man's forehead and trailed down the sides of his face. His chest heaved trying to take in enough breath to counter his quickening gasps. Korda's mouth covered his demandingly, capturing the air as it escaped his lungs, smothering him with its passionate embrace.

Eri felt lightheaded almost beyond reasoning. His hands clenched Korda's hair, as a sudden frantic feeling of suffocation came over him and he twisted trying to break free. Eri gave in to it, letting himself go deeper into the dizzying heights of depravation.

The rest of his body bucked, thrusting, oblivious to his screaming lungs, as the merciless hand steadily pumped him towards release. He couldn't hold on any longer, the blackness was overcoming him and the burning desire for release could wait no longer. The growing fire was now all consuming, burning everything out of him as he came, jerking violently. The hand around him tightened, rhythmically squeezing, drawing out everything thing he had. His burning lungs screamed in protest as darkness began to blur his vision.

Slow strokes smoothed the wet flesh, gentling him into a delicious calm. Sweet air rushed into his lungs as they heaved to recover. A warm tongue licked his lips, darting in and out in between his moaning gasps. Korda's hand glided free from its embrace, leaving Eri tingling and jerking with the shadowy memory of its presence. A warm path of wetness followed that hand to Eri's hip. Once there his palm circled, placing steady pressure over the sharp contour of the hipbone, somewhat easing Eri's disorientation.

Eri let out an inarticulate whimper, looking down at his wilted erection. His heart still raced from the adrenaline released during his near suffocation. Thoughts of disappointment at his rampant release brought a small blush over his cheeks as he peered up through thick, wet eyelashes.

The eyes meeting his, held nothing in the way of Eri's own uncertain emotions, instead they gleamed back understandingly, offering an enticing glimpse of dangerous desire. The hand that soothingly rubbed along the back of his neck and the tantalizing kisses Korda gifted upon his throat, chin, and lips, endless in their metered patience, added further proof of that desire, settling Eri into the realization that this was just the beginning.

Warm lips tickled the soft flesh around the boy's ear and his body twitched as a whispered breathed caught him off guard. "Now that we have taken care of your… keenness to please," Korda softly chuckled, "it's my turn." His hand slowly circled over Eri's hip, then over his quivering abdomen, upward along his ribs and back down.

Glancing over with heavy-lidded eyes, Eri could see the man was still rampantly erect. He reached over with trembling fingers and circled the firm organ, but Korda pulled away quickly.

"Not yet, diable. Patience," he whispered alluringly. "It won't be long. Turn over."

The Jedi complied immediately with the sound of promise in those words. He rolled onto his stomach and pillowed his head on his forearms. He groaned softly as soothing hands started their motions on his back. The oiled hands caused his skin to tingle in their wake as he traced the curve of his spine from neck to buttocks. He shivered as they ventured outwards, tickling along his ribs and the graceful curve of his flanks.

Korda lingered at the small of his back, pressing his thumbs firmly until the boy murmured a soft protest. He moved downward, cupping both hands and leaning down to press a heated kiss on the sensitive skin right above the cleft. He smiled, letting his goatee tickle along that spot until Eri shivered again. He paused for a time, just molding his hands around the boy's slim hips, then stroked down over the lean thighs. Upwards again, his hands cupped the twin globes, kneading gently until Eri shifted, trying to relieve the pressure on his renewed erection.

"Ah, you see? I told you we wouldn't wait long," Korda said with a grin. "The stamina of youth." He parted Eri's legs slightly to fondle the underside of his balls. He chuckled softly as Eri squirmed even more in response to a firm but gentle nudge against the sensitive flesh. Moaning softly, Eri pressed into his touch, tilting his hips upward in seductive offering.

The offer was quickly accepted as a hand clamped firmly down on Eri's hip, lifting him up onto his knees. He stroked fingers down the slightly parted cleft. "Very nice," he murmured softly, his lips pressed against the small of the younger man's back. The body under his touch squirmed and rocked back as Eri propped himself on his elbows.

Taking his time to enjoy the small moans of anticipation coming from below him, Korda licked downward stopping for a moment to linger at the tight entrance before continuing. His hands kneaded the firm flesh, thumbs spreading him wider.

The first time he felt the burrowing, tickling sensation, the boy gave a strangled cry, and thrust his hips up, to better allow this delicate torture. He'd never felt anything like this before; never even imagined such an intimate kiss.

Steadily, Korda's tongue circled the tight ring of muscle, lapping firmly at it, pressing from side to side. Eri groaned as his legs threatened to give out underneath him. The scratch of Korda's goatee, his warm breath, the slick warmth of his tongue... it was almost too much. His fingers curled in the coverlet, itching to relieve his aching arousal. His entire body tightened with the stress, shifting slightly away.

Korda stopped, rubbing a soothing hand over the small of Eri's spine. "You don't want this?" he asked gently.

"No. Yes!" Eri sobbed, pressing back against the touch. "I want-"

"Shhhh." Korda soothed, still rubbing Eri's back. "Slower, then. Just relax."

Once he had worked Eri back into a relaxed state he returned to his efforts. The body under him squirmed, as an almost inaudible gasp escaped the younger man. His chest rose and fell at an unsteady rate and his back arched, exposing more of his growing desire.

A warm feeling grew deep inside Eri's belly and loins. Spreading steadily out through his entire body, heating his blood as it moved, until he was certain he'd burn in its wake. His pulse rushed to contain the heated blood pounding through him. He was sure he was going to lose control; such pleasure could not be endured for long… but he wanted more. Pushing back against the source of fire, he begged for deeper penetration.

Korda drew himself slowly up, his warm fingers petting over the wetness as he pressed himself tightly against the young man's back.

The response from Eri was almost frantic as his hips convulsed backwards. Korda whispered soothingly into his ear, "Patience." He reached for the oil and poured.

Eri didn't hear him or didn't care, he was desperate for release as the warm oil spread over the small of his back, his low pleading moans echoed in the stillness of the room.

The first finger entered him, slowly, gently working the oil in. A second one joined, and they stroked with tender accuracy. Eri sobbed, shuddering from the sparks of pleasure that raced up and down his spine. "Please," he gasped needfully. He shifted his weight onto his shoulder, reaching a hand underneath himself to stroke himself. Before he could even get his hand around the heated flesh, his wrist was seized in a firm grip.

"No! I said patience," Korda admonished through clenched teeth, punctuating the order with a sharp thrust of his still buried fingers before pulling them free completely.

A low growl of protestation hissed out of the boy followed by a sharp intake of breath at the less then pleasurable jab.

"You… are spoiled," he hissed into Eri's flesh.

The young Jedi grinned into the pillow and spread his legs further apart, wiggled his hips and thrusting his bottom against Korda's hardness.

A guttural moan escaped Korda as he pushed back, no longer able to hold himself in check. The body thrusting under his touch was supple, inviting, and his base desire finally won out. He immediately replaced his fingers with a more demanding pressure.

As he pushed, Eri gasped but eagerly pushed back against it. One hand clutched the sheets, knotting them inside his fist. The other rushed to support himself as the other man's weight caught atop his back. He grimaced with the delicious burn as Korda filled him. Pressing his cheek to the mattress, he panted, waiting for his body to adjust itself to this intrusion.

The young Jedi clenched his muscles so tightly around him that he almost couldn't move. His strong hands steadied Eri's hips, as he rested on the small of the boy's back, they stayed closely together until deeper need rose and he lifted himself slowly off Eri, the coolness of the air chilling against his damp skin. Pulling almost all the way out he paused, taking a deep breath before thrusting as hard and deep as the boy's body would yield to him without tearing his mortal flesh.

Eri let out a keening wail, rocking back to maintain his balance as he was shoved forward by the thrust. He rocked back again, seeking more movement. "Please, please, please..." He knew he was begging shamelessly, but this slow, almost lazy pace was unbearable.

"So eager," Korda murmured, only sounding slightly winded by the proceedings. "This is a race to be won with the longest time," he said with a small chuckle. He paused only a second to slide back into the welcoming heat. His hands gripped the boy's hips to adjust the angle before starting in earnest.

Friction, burning, and tightness… Eri was so tight, so magnificently strong. Each stroke sent shivers jolting through Korda's thighs, every new stroke banishing the memory of the last. Gradually the heated friction of the first thrusts eased, replaced by smooth suction and the steadily growing heat surrounding him. "Beautiful… adored… mine!" he gasped, as his hands clutched proprietarily around the boy, riding him patiently, carefully, lovingly, almost fearful for these moments to end. His breath quickened, with each stroke his heartbeat thundered, blocking out the sounds of Eri's breathless gasps and his own guttural moans.

The hands that clenched around Eri's firm hips slackened, and moved to roam over his trembling thighs. // Beautiful! // His touch threatened to collapse the last of the younger man's strength. A warm, hand wrapped around Eri's hardness. // Adored! // Deft fingers caressing its sensitive flesh, thumbing the tip, then stroking its length with lusciously hard pressure. // Mine! //

The boy arched into its maddening rhythm, moaning loudly, no longer caring about any loss of control. His legs threatened to give out beneath him, but he widened his stance, drawing the last reserves of his strength. His hands clawed at the bed sheets, his breath heaving between shuddering gasps.

The immortal's body gave itself wholly over to the singularity of unbridled pleasure, waves of passion crested, ebbed only to rise again. The eyes that had so thoroughly taken in the body under him, closed into sweet chrismal darkness, leaving only the corporeal flesh to evoke his senses. The pace of his hand quickened, matching each thrust, guided entirely by the commitment for release. Leaning his weight solidly on the younger man's back, Korda wrapped an arm around Eri's neck. His hand clenched onto the triceps muscle, the fingers digging deep into the resistant flesh. His teeth scraped over the boy's shoulder, as each thrust drove deeper and harder, until the pressure overtook him. Unable to hold out any longer, he stifled his scream, biting hard into the boy's flesh, as he gave himself completely.

Eri cried out helplessly at the triple sensations wracking his body. Pain, pleasure, and hot fullness congealed into a blinding explosion of release. His back arched, nearly unsettling Korda's precarious balance, before his legs gave out completely. He groaned as Korda rolled them both onto their sides, the older man's hand lovingly drawing out the last drops of his passion. Korda's lips roamed over his shoulder and neck, gently calming him, as he thrust gently into his body. The Jedi managed a soft moan at the ghosting shocks of pleasure still being drawn out of him.

"Ah, very nice," Korda murmured, as he disengaging his body from the heated clasp. Gently pulling Eri to his side, he allowed the boy to rest his head on his shoulder. He reached over Eri's shoulder to catch the thin length of his braid and draw it back down his chest, smoothing the twisted plait of hair into some semblance of its normal state. "This will need to be re-braided," he chuckled. He noticed that Eri was looking at him with uncertainty and he stilled. "Mon diable?"

The dark eyes widened, then slipped away from his gaze. Eri cleared his throat nervously, then glanced quickly again at the older man before looking away. He cursed himself silently at his situation. Did he want him to stay or leave? Back at the Jedi Temple, this would be the perfect moment to gather shed clothes and say goodnight. What were the conventions on this world? Eri frowned, realizing that he had no idea what to do. He should have asked before he came upstairs.

Korda's eyes narrowed on him with concern. There was something obviously bothering the boy. Had he hurt him? He had tried to be gentle and he was sure that Eri was no novice to this type of love. "Mon diable?" he repeated. "What is it?"

The boy looked as if he would speak, then faltered, nibbling on his lower lip thoughtfully.

"You may always speak your mind with me," Korda assured him. He wasn't entirely sure what made Eri look so uncertain. Whatever it was, it was obviously causing him worry.

Eri-Kol frowned. "You're tired," he said, anxiously.

Korda smiled widely. "I am, now that you mention it." He brushed fingers across Eri's cheek. "It has been a lovely night despite our plans being cut short." He noticed that his words had no effect on assuaging the boy's uneasiness.

"I... I never asked you..." Eri began, only to falter.

"What is it you want to ask me?" Korda prompted.

"Where..." Eri swallowed thickly. "Where did you want me to sleep?"

Korda's eyebrows rose in surprise. This was the last thing he expected to hear! "This bed isn't large enough for you?" he asked, a bit puzzled.

Eri's blush was visible even in the low light. "I didn't want to presume," he whispered.

"Ah, mon diable," Korda chuckled, drawing the boy even tighter to his chest. "This bed is ours. You are free to sleep here if you like," he assured him. "If you don't, I have guestrooms." He pressed a kiss to the boy's temple. "I'd be honored though… if you stayed."

Eri snuggled closer to Korda's warm body. He gazed at his relaxed features, looking for a reaction as he slipped a possessive arm around the older man's torso. When no words of protest came, Eri sighed happily in relief.

Moments like these were so rare in his experience. The Jedi's rules and restrictions had forbidden even the simplest pleasures of life, turning the act of sex into something relegated to dark corners and secret rendezvous. There was so much shame, fear, and guilt. Now, he would never have to go back to that dark place. He closed his eyes, breathing in Korda's scent and thanking the Force for his good fortune.

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Korda's leg shifted slowly off the warm flesh it had been entwined with throughout the night, stretching fully and settling onto the cool sheets. He snaked an arm gently out from under the younger man's which had wrapped possessively over it during their sleep, and slowly edged himself up against the headboard.

Vivid beams of golden sunlight poured into the room, and his eyes squinted in an attempt to adjust from sleep's darkness. It was after eleven, judging by their angle on the walls, and he silently cursed himself for sleeping half the day way.

The last time he had woken with someone that mattered in his bed had been a damp cold morning in London, and a feeling of bitter resentment snapped at his heart as he realized what it had meant to not allow himself this indulgence for all these years.

His eyes roamed solicitously over the boy. Lying peacefully in sleep, he looked all the image of innocence. Shaking his head knowingly, he almost chuckled aloud at how easily this boy's alluring appeal could deceive. What struck him as ironic was that Eri himself probably didn't fully conceive the potential prowess he held. However, there was no doubt that he did understand some of his own charms, and this made him an exceptionally promising student. The countless achievements obtainable with such appealing gifts, molded in the right person's hands, were reason enough for him to keep him around. The convenient reality that Eri was beautiful to look at as well as vibrant and responsive, was icing on the cake.

He sighed; feeling exhausted, almost as if his body didn't know it had slept. The room was surprisingly warm for this time of year and the sweet smell of the orchards mixed with that of the oil and Eri's musk on his skin. He savored it for a few minutes, closing his eyes and breathing slowly before reluctantly stirring. Twisting his neck and raising both arms high over his head, he pulled stiff muscles from their rest. Sitting up on the edge of the bed, he wearily rubbed both hands over his eyes. It was time to rise and deal with the many things he didn't really care about on this splendid morning. He sighed softly and slowly rose. There were calls to make, plans to formalize and then, perhaps, he'd wake Eri. Looking back at the boy, slumbering so peacefully, he decided the calls could wait. He needed time to think, a shower, and then he'd deal with Eri. He stepped quietly out of the room.

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A soft caress tickled his lips and his hand mindlessly flinched at the source. He was vaguely aware of a sweet odor, unfamiliar but tantalizing, as it crept into his senses, ushering them to rouse. That damn tickling again! He twitched his mouth as his eyes shot open right into the bright rays of sun. His arm rushed to cover them from the brightness but a gentle grasp held it firmly against his chest.

"Bonjour," Korda said cheerfully.

Eyes clenched shut, Eri murmured. "Morning."

"Afternoon really," he mused while placing several small kisses on Eri's forehead. "Hungry?"

Slowly Eri opened his eyes, realizing Korda was still tickling him with the braid. He squirmed a bit and sat up. His head was groggy and he seemed disorientated as he looked around the unfamiliar room. He focused on Korda's hand, inches from his neck and grabbed out at his wrist, pushing it and the offending braid away from his skin.

"Ah, perhaps you are up on the wrong side of the bed?" Korda raised an eyebrow and leaned back.

Eri looked puzzled for a moment then peered around. "Is there a right side?" he asked seriously while scanning the bed before gazing back up.

He tried not to laugh but it was difficult, "Too sweet you are, Eri. Innocent no, sweet yes." Korda rose from the bed and Eri realized he was fully dressed.

How long had he let him sleep? He leaned back against the headboard with a low groan. He didn't feel all that well to begin with, and the realization that Korda had gone about his business while leaving him in bed was annoying.

Korda was standing by a small table next to the veranda doors. "Your head hurts?" he asked softly.

"A little," he mumbled. He had not thought that he drank much the night before, but his system was so unaccustomed to alcohol it did not take much to upset it.

Korda returned to the bedside, offering him a small cup of steaming liquid. "You had a lot of wine, it does that. Tea, it will help your head and settle your stomach." He gazed thoughtfully down as Eri took the cup.

He sipped from it before smiling faintly. It was just the right temperature to drink and slightly sweet.

"I shall let you wake in peace." The older man said flatly. "There is breakfast when you are ready. I'll wait for you downstairs. It's such a nice day outside I thought we'd sit by the pool, and talk," he added with seriousness. "The water in the pool is warm, so you may wish to have a swim. There's a robe over there, for now, until we can get you some more clothes. I had your clothes," he frowned, "I mean your uniform cleaned. Although, I can't imagine why you shall ever need it again." He shrugged and peered disdainfully at the Jedi's boots on the floor. "But, they are your things and they'll be back shortly."

He bent down and lifted Eri's chin. "Is there anything else you need right now?" he asked sincerely.

Eri was still a little disorientated as he managed a soft smile, "No, I'm fine. I'll be down in a little while." His deep brown eyes hinting of sorrow, perhaps disappointment, as they peered back into Korda's serene gaze. A mingling of selfishness and regret soured his mood, for not having woken with Korda thus missing that part of the day.

As if sensing the boy's agitation the immortal sighed and then tugged gently on his braid, "The day awaits us, Eri-Kol. We have much to discuss. There is no need to worry about time now. I'll wait for you." He smiled and ruffled the boy's hair, then bent over, cupping Eri's face with both hands, he reassured, "There will be many more mornings." He smiled generously then softly kissed him. He rose without another word and headed to the door, turning as he opened it to add, "And nights."

Eri's entire face glowed with a hot rush of desire then undeniable joy as he smiled back. He sat on the bed sipping the tea suddenly aware of the sweet odor he'd smelled before. Rising to his feet, he went to the veranda doors and opened them.

The sun flooded into the room. A gentle breath of air rushed into his face carrying on it the incredible scent of flowers, the orchards and freshly mowed grass. The Living Force was strong here, and unlike Coruscant, it was balanced and harmonious in its purity. This world was primitive, only starting to develop the technology that Eri had always taken for granted, but it was lush, fertile, and green. Eri had never seen a more beautiful place in all of his years. He sighed happily, enjoying the novel sensation of standing naked underneath a natural sun.

He finished his tea while watching the clouds drift slowly by. When the cup was empty, his head felt clearer and his spirit lighter. Even the thought of a meal no longer made his stomach ache. He closed the doors and padded over to the bathroom, anticipating another warm bath in Korda's magnificent tub. He smiled. No, life here would not be hard to get used to. He looked forward to every moment of it.

----------

After a leisurely bath, Eri donned the robe that Korda had set out for him and began the painstaking process of re-braiding his hair. His fingers worked with deft skill to evenly section and weave the strands into a straight, neat length. He tied it off with the red band, letting the end curl into its natural spiral. The yellow band was tied higher up, just a few centimeters down from his earlobe.

He picked up the tie for his ponytail, and then paused. This routine was automatic after so many years. He was fixing his hair in Jedi fashion. The realization that he didn't *have* to do this was enough to make him smile. He patted the back of his head, liking the feel of the loose curls. Perhaps he would let all of his hair grow to this length. He was free to do whatever he wanted! He grinned at himself in the mirror, and ran his hands over the soft fabric of his robe. Hiding the braid under the flowing fabric, he almost didn't recognize himself. Perhaps he would even take a new name!

Eager to see Korda and talk to him about his new life, he left the spacious suite and hurried to breakfast. When Eri got downstairs, a woman dressed in business attire immediately greeted him. She had thick flowing blond hair that draped over her shoulders, sparkling green eyes, and a charismatic smile that lending to her appearance a truly refined aura. The young Jedi bowed immediately upon reaching the bottom of the stairs. "Good morning."

When she spoke, it was soft and composed with eloquence and passion. "Monsieur Eri, I have not yet had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. My name is Sandra Blackstone. I am Monsieur Korda's Personal Assistant, and since he is occupied, it would be my honor to escort you to the patio. He wishes you to start without him." She offered her arm and smiled warmly. "Come this way, monsieur."

Eri took her arm and followed she lead, still somewhat amazed at the sights he missed during his first trip through the house.

As they went through the arboretum, the raucous birds called out to them. Two large blue Macaws flew down from high above, one landing on Eri's shoulder, the other on the perch directly in front of him. He didn't even start as the large bird settled his weight upon him. The Force revealed that the creature wasn't dangerous or angry, only interested. It had a sharp, intelligent mind and a highly social nature. Eri smiled as the bird's keen eyes examined the patterns on his robe.

Sandra giggled at Eri's seemingly calm reaction at this sudden bombardment. "Monsieur, these two are called Napoleon and Josephine, they are very rude to land like this!" She waved her arms at both birds. "I am sorry, Monsieur, but they tend to be curious about new people in the house."

Napoleon pecked at one of the tiny beads in Eri's braid, while Josephine screeched at Sandra.

"It's all right, I don't mind them." Eri sent a soothing wave of the Force to Napoleon's mind to reassure him, then rubbed a finger over the soft feathers of his neck. The bird cocked its head and made whistling sounds.

"Oh, he likes you! This he does not do for anyone but Monsieur Korda," she smiled. "Perhaps Josephine will sing for us, oui!" Sandra raised her arm and Josephine jumped onto it, coaxed by a sweet piece of dried fruit. "Venez chéri, sing us a song," Sandra said in a soft voice. The bird cocked its head and hesitated, then said something non-recognizable before it flew to a high perch.

"Ah well, she does not sing us her song of love -- only for André," she whispered secretively to Eri. "Oh, and Napoleon of course." She smiled sweetly at the young man while rubbing the bird's head, which elicited a catcall from him. Sandra laughed, "And this one, he is a flirt. Aren't you, Napoleon?"

The bird spread it wings and lowered its head in a bow then spoke. "Embrassez-moi, mon cher!" Sandra raised her hands in mock excitement and leaned over to meet the bird's pecking kiss.

Eri laughed wholeheartedly at the bird's antics.

"He said, 'Kiss me, my dear'." She giggled at Eri. "This is a good thing for him, he is sometimes much more rude!" She eyed the bird warily, "Go on Napoleon we must leave now."

The bird jumped to a nearby perch and started up again with the catcalls. Then it spoke several words in a lusty tone and Sandra turned and shooed it away. "Bad bird! No! André devrait ne jamais vous avoir enseigné de telles choses." She shook her head. "Like I said he is rude. Come monsieur, this way. You must be famished and here I keep you with those birds." Sandra smiled and opened a door that led to the patio and the pool area.

Once they were outside Eri looked around. The pool was at one end, and seemed to fall off the side of a steep cliff. He walked over to it and peered over the edge. The side was slightly lower then the others and the water flowed slowly over its lip, filtering into another pool below, giving the appearance of spilling over the edge.

He looked out over the countryside as if seeing it for the first time in the bright daylight. The hills were lined with orchards, which explained the sweet smell he had been aware of since coming to this place. Nothing but hillside and the wide expanse of sky could be seen, there was no other building in sight. It was an incredibly unfamiliar panorama for the young Jedi and he stood, staring endlessly at it.

"Monsieur," Sandra's voice pulled him back and turning, he saw she stood by a patio table with two chairs. He walked around the far side of the patio, looking curiously at the plants and flowers growing all around the area. Through their lushness and height, they naturally created unbridgeable privacy around the entire area.

He strolled casually over to the table and smiled at Sandra. "What is all this?" he asked peering down at several small plates of different foods.

"Ah, well in this basket, Lyle the cook has made fresh muffins and rolls." She lifted the linen cloth up so he could see inside. "Then fruit, and when you are ready I shall have the kitchen-staff bring you something hot, sausage and eggs perhaps?"

He wasn't certain what these things were but he nodded, assuming if she'd offered then they would be good. He sat down savoring the smell of the food. Eri had not realized how hungry he was until the luscious aroma reminded him. He took one of the muffins and cut it in half, then bit into it and moaned at how wonderful it tasted.

"Monsieur, butter or perhaps honey?" she asked.

The boy nodded and smiled warmly at her.

"Both. Very good! And in this pot is tea, but if you would like coffee I shall have some brought out for you."

"The tea is fine, Sandra." Korda's voice startled both of them and Eri stood up.

"Oh, you surprised us!" She smiled at Eri then grinned at Korda, placing a small kiss on his cheek. "You do that far too much!" she scolded him.

He chuckled, "I can't help it. Well, you have met Sandra." He looked respectfully at her and then over to Eri. "She runs this place." He grinned capriciously at her. "Or at least that's what she tells me."

"It is true Eri, I do! And André is wise to listen to me. There would be nothing but mess and disorder if I was not around." She laughed cheerily and patted Korda on the arm. "Now while you two indulge in the bounties of all *my* hard efforts, I must go and make sure there will be something left for me!" Korda gently took her hand and placed an affectionate kiss on it before she strolled back into the house.

Korda shook his head and motioned Eri to take a seat again. "She is invaluable," he said sincerely. "Please, sit. I'm sorry I wasn't out to greet you," he explained. "I was detained."

Eri-Kol nodded, taking another bite from his muffin.

"C'est bon? Ahh, it's good?" Korda asked before sipping the tea.

Eri nodded, then paused to finish chewing and swallowed. "Yes, very good," he assured.

Korda nodded. "It is harvest time now in many areas of the world. The fruit is at its peak." He pushed a bowl full of asymmetrically shaped, dark red items toward Eri. "Try these. Raspberries."

Eri-Kol's eyes widened with interest. The small fruits resembled the berries that grew in the Temple gardens that were a favorite of the youngest Jedi students. He could remember many nights lying on his low pallet in the crèche with an aching belly from eating too many sweet juna berries. He still remembered the way they stained his lips and fingers purple. These were some of the happiest memories he had.

He popped a single berry in his mouth and let the tender flesh burst against his tongue and flood his mouth with tart juice. They didn't taste all that different from juna berries, either! He quickly grabbed a small handful from the bowl and began eating them one by one.

Korda watched him eat with amusement. He had the natural robust appetite of those his age. Perhaps with all of this rich food, he would need to acquaint the boy with his gym very soon. He chuckled then sat back to enjoy the tea.

The two exchanged pleasantries while they ate. Korda spoke about Paris and a few of his other favorite cities. He quickly picked up that Eri was much more interested hearing about natural beauties than those created by men. He paused thoughtfully, watching Eri finish up his plate of fluffy eggs. Perhaps the boy would enjoy a short day trip to see the ocean. The Alps would also be beautiful this time of year with their lofty snow-tops. There were so many lovely places he'd like to show him, it was hard to narrow them down. Smiling softly, he realized it would be like seeing the world all over again through new eyes.

Eri finished up his eggs and put down his fork. Korda was gazing at him with a strange, far away look in his eyes. He smiled and cleared his throat, breaking the man from his reverie. "Breakfast was delicious," he remarked then glanced over at the sparkling pool.

Korda followed his gaze to the rippling water. It looked absolutely enticing under the early-afternoon sun; warm and clean. "Do you like to swim?" he asked softly.

Eri turned his eyes back to him and grinned enthusiastically. "The Temple has a large pool, but not as nice as this one," he told him. "We also swim in the lake. It has a waterfall that all the students like to play under." He frowned slightly. "The Jedi have worked hard to recreate what our world used to look like so the children can feel a connection to nature. It's not the same, though. Illumination banks may act like a sun, but they don't feel like one." He shook his head slightly. "Our world is dead, yet it is overfilled with life."

Korda sipped his tea thoughtfully. What the boy described was exactly what many feared that the Earth would become: a world choked by technology and pollution. In his many years, he had seen this sort of progress and the damage it inflicted. He had watched beautiful, untouched land ravaged by industry. At times, he felt remorse for the past indiscretions of man towards nature, but progress was impossible to cease, and it did bring many comforts -- comforts he enjoyed.

Eri got up and padded to the poolside. Dipping his bare toes in at the edge, he turned back to Korda. "It *is* warm!"

Korda smiled back at him. "It is heated and cooled. No matter what the temperature outside, it is always perfect for swimming." He pointed to the house where the water disappeared under a glass panel. "Just duck under that, and you're inside again."

Eri-Kol walked over and peeked in the window at the rest of the pool. It was nearly as large inside as it was out! "I see it," he told Korda. He made his way back toward the other man, untying his belt as he did. With a grin, he let the front of his robe fall open, revealing himself to Korda.

"Ahh… We didn't find you swimwear," Korda murmured thoughtfully, remembering their trip to Statler's with a hint of sorrow in his voice.

Whatever sad memories he had were dispelled when the boy shrugged out of the robe, letting it pool at his feet. Korda's eyes roamed over the expanse of fair, smooth skin molded over graceful muscle. He lingered at the dark nipples, remembering how sensitive they were, how the boy gasped and moaned when he played with them. He eyed the rippling abs and the indentation of his navel, wanting to run his tongue over them. Down even further he took in the golden curls surrounding his quiescent sex.

Eri smiled, enjoying the feeling of Korda's eyes roaming over his body. He turned slowly, still feeling their burning gaze taking in the line of his back and lingering on his buttocks. He walked to the edge of the pool and gazed momentarily back at the motionless man before making a smooth dive into the clear water. He broke the surface moments later, blinking water from his eyes. Korda was still watching him, holding his teacup halfway between his mouth and the table. Eri swam to the side of the pool and crossed his arms on the edge. "Join me?" he asked imploringly.

Korda frowned. There was still business to attend to this afternoon, but he was sure it could wait for a little while. For now, there was a beautiful boy naked in his pool and gazing at him mischievously. He set his cup down on the table and stood to remove his jacket but before he could, Sandra opened the door and hurried out.

"André, un mot avec vous," she said urgently.

He sighed heavily and looked over at Eri's disappointed face. "The mistress calls, I must heed, or suffer the consequences." He grinned. "I won't be long," he assured the boy gently.

Inside the house, once out of sight of the pool area, she spoke urgently, telling him that somehow security had been breached. She handed him the cell phone and the voice at the other end told him that one of the outer guards had not responded to a time-check. "Deal with this!" he hissed into the phone before hanging up. "Sandra, please go find Lia." He turned without another word to get Eri-Kol.

He emerged from the house carrying a towel. "Get out of the pool, Eri," he ordered swiftly. "I want you to go inside."

Eri blinked up at the man in confusion before swimming with quick strokes to the ladder. Korda dropped the towel within his reach and quickly picked up his discarded robe. Eri continued to follow him with a questioning gaze as he climbed from the warm water. He was about to speak when he saw Korda freeze and alertly look around. Eri paused on the second step, testing the Force. There was a distinct disturbance, an almost discordant tremor. Seconds later a large man dressed in a long brown coat emerged from the bushes.

Korda stepped forward and fixed an icy stare on the stranger. He grabbed Eri's arm, squeezing it so hard that Eri flinched as he was hoisted out of the pool with a deliberate, and amazingly swift move.

The man watched with a leering smirk as the boy quickly grabbed his robe and covered up. "Nice toy," he remarked offhandedly to Korda. "It was easy getting to you, Collins told me how." He opened his coat slightly; enough that Korda could see the sun glinting off his partially concealed sword. "The name's Sharkey."

Eri-Kol glared at the man, pulling his robe tighter around his still wet body. He stood next to Korda, shivering for a moment. He had no clue who this man was, but he could sense that Korda was highly disturbed by his presence. He glanced between the two with a worried frown. How he wished he had brought his lightsaber down from the room! He wouldn't feel so vulnerable with it at his side.

Korda scanned quickly around the area, looking for signs of his guards and hissed slowly, realizing they were not yet in sight. He'd have to deal with this man himself for now. He thought quickly of a plan to get Eri out of the way. He couldn't have him see this, Eri knew nothing of this aspect of his life and he planned on keeping it that way, at least for now.

He took several steps forward bringing himself within yards of the intruder, "So, you knew my old partner, should I know you?" he asked indifferently.

The man shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe," he replied smoothly. "I was close to Collins, knew all about his dealings with you… and that you killed him." He smiled at the young Jedi's visible shivering. "I'm sure your toy will know me soon," he chuckled. "After I deal with you, or maybe before I take your head," he grinned wickedly at Korda.

"Ah, I see. Head hunting are we?" Korda said dryly. "Now I get the feeling I do know you… Jack." Korda's face glowered. "It seems you've cost me time and money," he said disdainfully. "Not a wise thing to do."

Korda advanced a few more steps, undoing the bottom button of his coat to expose a dagger. His eyes fixed on the other man, with some irritation, as his fingers twitched and caressed the blade. "I'm very good with this, even from fifty feet." He smiled smugly. "Imagine how accurate I'd be from here!" His eyes scanned derisively over the other man. "As for the boy," he said matter-of-factly. "I'd not get your hopes up, you're not his type."

Sharkey was stunned that Korda knew his name but he hid it behind an amused smile as he nodded. "I imagine you are quite skilled with a blade. However, I have two military-trained snipers targeting on you and the boy as we speak." He tilted his head to the side. "How do you think I got through that supposedly air tight security of yours?" He smiled, watching Korda for a reaction. "You don't believe me, do you?" He glanced at both men. "Ask yourself this: How can you be sure?"

"I can't," he said calmly. His eyes steeled on the other immortal as he callously called his bluff. "But I'll tell you what. Even though I'm not a gambling man, I'll wager that I can lodge this dagger into your heart before they put me down." He grinned and pulled the dagger from its sheath, twirling it skillfully in his hands. When nothing happened, Korda glanced swiftly over the other man's shoulder and smiled. "Is there some sort of cue they respond to, or do I have to wave at them to shoot me?" His hand suddenly stilled.

"Like I said, they're well trained," Sharkey replied, his eyes glued to the dagger. He slowly removed the sword from his coat. "Either you drop the knife and draw your sword, or your boy is going down. It only takes a fraction of a second. Can you risk it?"

Korda's glanced over at the doorway on the far side of pool and his smile grew. At last, his guards had arrived. "There's nothing like a little game of chance, oui? I'm willing to risk it. Are you?" His head nodded and Sharkey glanced over to see the barrel of a shotgun shining just out of the shadows of the enclosed doorway. "There are more of them, by the way. And they are enthusiastic in their duties. So, we have a Mexican standoff. Nerveless… if you are so eager to die then I'll oblige you… not here though!"

Just at the end of the row of hedges, that lined the pool area, Korda caught the bright reflection of sunlight shimmering off metal. He knew it was one of the snipers but did not show any reaction as he moved dangerously close to the other immortal's blade. "This is my home!" he hissed angrily. "It is, by the way, also holy ground. It seems Collins left that detail out!" His eyes narrowed menacingly up at the taller man. "Down there! That is where you'll die." He pointed to the orchards.

He nonchalantly turned and approached Eri. "Go inside!" He gave him a stern look before nodding towards Sandra. "She'll show you the birds in the arboretum." He glanced over his shoulder with annoyance. "I need to discuss business with this gentleman," he said with a sarcastic emphasis on the last word. "I must go alone."

Eri-Kol shook his head stubbornly. "I saw the birds already." He looked at the intruder, "Korda, I can fight," he assured him. "I'm one of the best in my year."

"That's right!" Sharkey bellowed. "Go in the house and get yourself ready for me. I'll be back after I finish off your master, here."

For the first time since the start of the confrontation, Korda's eyes echoed his growing anger and Eri was looking right into them as they blazed with unbridled fury. He'd never seen him like this, never felt such powerful tremors in the Force around this man, there was no doubt this was a very dangerous situation.

Spinning on one heel in a swift fluid movement, Korda released the dagger. It sailed inches past the other immortal's head.

The other man jumped back, briefly stunned by Korda's speed. "You missed," he chuckled out while regaining his composure.

"No," Korda said calmly as a smirk came to his lips. "I never miss what I'm aiming at."

A small gagging sound caught Sharkey's attention and he turned his head cautiously towards it just as one of his men fell back, dagger imbedded in his throat. He writhed on the ground a dozen yards away, moaning out in agony before falling silent.

Eri-Kol gasped. In all the excitement, even he had not sensed the gunman standing hidden in the bushes. Korda had to have reflexes as fast as the best Jedi master to have hit him so accurately. Perhaps Korda did harbor Force-sensitivity after all!

"One down. And I thought you were bluffing," Korda shook his head. "But you did lie, they're not so skilled! Well, at least that one's not." He chuckled, then peered concernedly around the area for the other sniper. He stepped directly in front of the Sandra and the boy, partially blocking them.

The stunned expression on Sharkey's face quickly distorted into seething anger as he lifted a hand to signal the other shooter.

"Careful," Korda said with deadly calculation. "Like I said, my people are enthusiastic in their work." His eyes shifted back to the doorway where the armed guard stood. "They'll shoot you no matter what your other man does. Then they'll find and kill him." He grinned wickedly. "And you know what happens then?"

Sharkey's hand froze as his eyes narrowed on the barrel of the gun pointed directly at him. He was silent, obviously thinking the situation over carefully

"No?" Korda asked almost teasingly. "Well, eventually there can be only one result to this." He chuckled and slowly ran his hand over the pommel of his now exposed sword.

Sharkey chuckled smoothly and sheathed his sword. "You're clever, just like your beloved Charles…*was*. But like him, you'll die," he said mockingly. "I'll wait down there, don't keep me too long." His lascivious smile matched his eyes as he peered past Korda at the tall young man. "And like I said, you make yourself ready for me. I'll be your new master."

Korda hesitated, and Eri saw the slightest shudder run through him. He glared over at the stranger, suddenly realizing he was walking away, and Korda was letting him. "He killed Charles," Eri whispered sorrowfully.

Korda watched the other man until he was out of sight then roughly grabbed Eri by the arm, hurrying him into the safety of the house as two of his guards rushed out onto the patio, shielding their retreat.

Eri saw the sword just under the edge of Korda's jacket and gasped, unable to figure out how he had missed such a weapon. "Korda?" his voice asked a dozen questions with the one word and his soft brown eyes implored the man for some explanation.

Korda waved at the guards. "Check out the damage," he said coldly. They immediately rushed out of the room. At the same time a young, petite woman swiftly came in and stood at Eri's side. Bowing to Korda, she quickly relayed information in a language Eri had not heard before. Korda nodded to her before fixing his eyes on the Jedi.

"This is Lia. She is the head of my security. You stay with her!" He grabbed Eri's arms tightly speaking in a calm and unwavering voice. "No matter what… you stay with her! This is not a request, Eri-Kol. It is an order. You may fight well but this is not your fight, it is mine." He feigned a weak smile as his hands clenched a bit tighter then released their grip.

Sandra touched his arm, eyeing him nervously. He halted, instantly tuning to face her with a reassuring look. They did not speak but stood in silent understanding for several moments before she went to stand with the others. Grabbing a pair of black leather gloves from the table by the door, he walked out of the house past the pool area and down towards the thick trees of the apple orchard.

----------

Korda's thoughts were a mixture of repulsion and deadly malice towards this other immortal for creating such an interruption at his home. He found it impossible to believe that this fool had taken Charles; it was almost painful to think of it. How had the old man let this happen? He was too good with a sword, too shrewd not to see this buffoon coming. Had he gotten sloppy in his opulence? No, he thought, there had to have been something more. Perhaps Sharkey used his men to take Charles out first, incapacitate him, then he had taken his head. He moaned, disillusioned that his old friend's quickening may have been taken this way. The very same practice Charles had taught to him when they first met.

--- "Remember André," Charles had said simply. "Let others do your work for you, you'll live longer that way." ---

Yes my old friend, I remember well what you taught me," he whispered to no one.

He walked on, thinking about Eri-Kol and how badly this entire situation was playing out in front of the boy. It was one thing to come hunting for his head, another to do it in front of mortals. This was not how the game was played! The threats made towards Eri's safety were annoying but he knew no matter what happened, Lia would see to his safety.

----------

"Eri, everything will be all right," Sandra placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "I must go. Stay here with Lia and do not fret. André can take care of himself." She bestowed a soft smile upon him before hurrying towards a side door that led to the gardens.

Eri-Kol moved to the window, watching Korda depart into the orchard. He was going out to face that man alone! Jedi always worked in teams. It was safer that way. Didn't Korda know this? He edged closer, watching the spot where the immortal disappeared into the trees.

"Stay away from the window," Lia ordered him, placing a hand on his arm. She motioned for him to move closer to the center of the house. "Until the guards say otherwise, there is still a sniper out there. He could be targeting anything that moves in this house."

Eri bristled with annoyance. He was a trained Jedi, not some defenseless child! He had made a vow to defend Korda in return for his training, and he intended to keep it. First, he had to get his lightsaber and somehow sneak past this woman who was in charge of guarding him.

He moved closer to the woman, listening to the crackling voices that came forth from her communication device. They were all speaking French, he realized with a sigh. No help. She had a blaster clipped on her belt as well, he observed. Despite her small stature, she had the body of an athlete. He quickly started to formulate a plan.

"I want to get dressed," he said, glancing at the stairway.

"No, the upstairs is not secure," she told him. "In a few minutes…"

"I'm cold!" he protested, pointing toward his wet robe. If she was going to keep treating him like an immature child, then that's what he would be. "If I can't go get my clothes, then you go get them," he said sassily.

"You can't wait a few minutes?" she asked disdainfully.

"Easy for you to say, you're not standing around in a drenched robe!" he shot back. His spoiled, childish tone was abrasive to his own ears. He crossed his arms and fixed her with a narrow-eyed glare.

She sighed heavily. "All right, all right..." Lia turned toward the stairs and inclined her head. "Stay behind me," she ordered, drawing her gun from its holster with one hand, and her communications device with another. She chirped some brisk words into the speaker and waited for a response. When the voice came back, she put her gun back in its holster. "They found nothing upstairs. Still, stay away from the windows," she ordered.

Eri-Kol followed her into Korda's suite of rooms. As she crept over to close the veranda doors, he looked around. His Jedi uniform lay clean and pressed on the foot of the bed. His boots were still on the floor where he left them, and his suit was hanging in the wardrobe. The lightsaber made a noticeable bulge in the interior pocket. He quickly averted his eyes when he saw the woman approaching.

"Get dressed, but stay toward this side of the room," she told him. She stood by the entrance, waiting for him to move.

Eri resisted the urge to sigh. He was running out of time! "Don't I get any privacy?" he asked, narrowing his eyes on her again.

This time she fixed him with an equally icy stare. "Mr. Korda has asked me to guard you... with my life if it comes to that," she said angrily. "I must say, you are making this assignment very hard."

"And I must say that you watching me get dressed makes me very uncomfortable," Eri spat back. "Just wait outside those doors, I'll be done in a second," he sighed. "No, I won't go near the windows," he added when she looked like she would speak.

Lia pursed her lips, trying to hold back a retort and nodded. She slipped quietly from the room, but left the door slightly ajar.

Eri reached over and closed it until he heard a click, then gently set the bolt. With Jedi enhanced speed, he stripped of his soaked robe and pulled on his trousers and under-tunic. He stepped into his boots and grabbed his lightsaber as he was using the Force to fasten them. With a quick glance behind him, he opened the veranda doors and made a running leap off the balcony. He landed soundlessly on the walkway below. Taking only a few moments to orient himself, he sprinted off towards the last direction he saw Korda.

----------

In the orchard, Jack Sharkey paced endlessly, annoyed at the delay. He'd lost the valuable element of surprise back at the house. Charles had warned him not to underestimate Korda, but he was cockily secure in his abilities. He'd not make that mistake again. His ultimate goal was only slightly postponed. He'd kill Korda, take his revenge for Collins' death, and take that boy as a bonus. Once he'd finished with him, what was another body floating in the Seine?

He grinned in anticipation of the fight, but then a frown crossed his face as he thought of Charles. He'd be Satan himself upon finding out Korda was dead. His orders were to disrupt things and not harm Korda. Sharkey spat, kicking at several of the fallen apples as he recalled Charles's words.

--- "I don't care what you do, but don't take his head. André is mine and I don't want him dead. This is a lesson I'm teaching him." Charles frowned. "If I wanted his head, I'd take it myself. Do you understand, Jack?" ---

Jack Sharkey understood. He understood, all too well, everything about Charles. He was a powerfully old immortal and had not lived that long without cunning. He was resolute in his goals, and patient in obtaining them. It didn't matter how long he had to wait, he never let time bother him. Now, Jack would have to deal with the old man, bring him the news that his beloved André was dead. This was a dangerous game he was playing, but he'd work it out -- he always had. He was disturbed from his thoughts by Korda's buzz, and he turned quickly around looking for the other immortal.

"Took you long enough. I was beginning to think you ran away," Sharkey chuckled. "But I'd find you… no matter where you went. I've been trailing you for sometime now. Watching you, learning your ways, even before you took Collins' head."

Korda strolled closer to the other immortal, as his eyes scanned around the area looking for signs of the other sniper. He couldn't trust this man to play by the rules: why should he? He'd do the same thing if his men had not been so scattered in their search of other possible intruders. He was almost certain the other sniper was not far off and he hoped his own men could find him or any others before they could interfere.

Stopping several yards from Jack, Korda drew his sword before fixing his icy glare on him. "Impressive that you have done this and I didn't know. But not the kind of thing you'd be capable of on your own. You had help… Collins."

Jack's mouth twisted in a dark grin, knowing that Korda was only repeating what he had given away already; perhaps to draw more information from him, He could not be certain and was not about to show his hand. Collins had helped him with the layout of this place and how to take out the perimeter guards. They had planned for sometime to take over Korda's business and take his head for good measure. Collins' premature death only pushed the plans forward. Charles, himself, had said that things had gotten out of hand with Korda and he needed to be taken down a notch.

--- "This has gone on long enough," Charles said with irony. "Collins was a good man and André knew this. He is too greedy!" Charles had shaken his head then slammed his fist on the desk. "You'll go and rattle his cage. Disrupt his plans, kill a few couriers, I want this new business venture of his stopped. I want André to know that he is too comfortable in his ivory tower -- too cold-hearted for his own good. Make it so!" ---

Too bad Charles didn't realize how they planned on taking him down a notch, and stopping this venture. The old man had been so upset when learning of Collins' death. Jack had never seen him like that, frightening, dominating in his appearance and emotionally cold. Charles gave him the tools necessary to disrupt Korda's affairs, pick off the couriers hoping to set his timetable back. He had been a willing participant in this part of the plan, deciding that Korda had gone far over the line in his dealings with his other partners and wanting him to learn a bit of humility. If only Charles had known what he and Collins' entire strategy really was.

Jack shook his head and smiled. "Some help, yeah, but mostly you aren't too hard to figure out," he shrugged. "You're easily distracted… especially when there's a whore around."

"You're oddly fixated on the boy… can't get any on your own, is that it?" Korda's tone was lighthearted. "You'd be wise to concern yourself with these last few precious moments of your life rather than him." Korda twirled his sword several times before taking a guarded stance.

The other immortal swiftly unsheathed his weapon and grinned. "I get plenty," he shook his head and laughed. "And the best ones are sweet and young. I'd planned on taking him while you watched, still might do this. It's more fun to take something that isn't given freely, don't you think?" His vicious laugh echoed amongst the trees.

Korda's features turned stony as a grim smile barely altered his lips. His eyes seared like shards of glass into the other man. "I think… your plans shall come to a sudden end. Right here. Right now!"

"Ah, well you may think this, but then many others have… and they were all wrong. And now they're all dead!" He laughed then took a vicious two-handed swing at Korda, aiming directly for his neck.

Korda ducked and spun away from the sword. He could feel the movement of air as the blade passed and he quickly stepped back to avoid the back swing. The other man was right on him and lunged again with another swing, this time coming so close to him that it ripped part of his jacket.

Korda jumped back further, stumbling for a moment on a tree root sticking above ground. He quickly spun out from under the tree just as the other immortal's blade sliced through one of the smaller branches. Jack had taken him by surprise with his speed and agility and he was trying to pull away from him to reset his stance. He moved, and just as he'd settled, the other man came at him again. This time he brandished the sword from side to side, swooping it first up then down in fast fluid movements.

Korda's balance stabilized, he countered each blow with one of his own, slowly forcing Jack to cease his forward movements. For a moment they paused, their blades touching at the tips.

"My complements. You're more skilled with your weapon than your brain." Korda lifted his chin defiantly and grinned.

Chuckling, Jack pulled his blade away from his opponent's and retorted. "But you're not! I thought you'd be better than this. Come on, show me what you've got before I take it!"

"My pleasure!" Korda suddenly lunged forward; each step covering a few yards and accompanied by a swift underhand stroke. With every pass of his blade, Sharkey was forced to simply counter in order to protect his sides. He increased his backward motion to try and give himself some room, and Korda matched it, driving him faster and further back towards the low-lying branches of the trees.

The entire time Korda's eyes blazed on his enemy, barely following the parlays of the other immortal's sword. His determination to drive the other man back was blindingly proficient and before Jack knew it, he was stumbling over fallen apples and exposed roots.

Jack suddenly slipped and his adversary used the opportunity to strike down, ripping a gash as the blade made contact with Sharkey's thigh. He rolled under the tree, and Korda's next swing caught in the tangled branches, forcing him to back away in order to regain his stance.

"Get up!" Korda hissed as the other man rolled further into the tangle of branches.

Rising surprisingly fast for such a large man, Jack lunged out from the trees with cat-like agility, sidestepping Korda's next swing and coming almost completely behind him.

As Korda spun around Jack thrust his blade deep into his shoulder. Korda immediately pulled back, taking several quick leaps to further the distance from the other man.

---------

Eri-Kol slowed to a jog when he finally made it to the cover of trees. Fallen leaves were thick underfoot, slightly damp and slippery. He slowed his stride even further when he heard the rustle they made when he moved. The Jedi frowned. He couldn't let the sound of his footsteps give him away! He used the Force to gently push aside the leaves as he went, leaving a narrow path of green grass to follow deeper into the orchard.

At the same time, he reached out with his senses, trying to determine where Korda had gone. He noticed the small things: a barely visible footprint in a small patch of mud, a slender broken branch that hung from a nearby tree, a freshly smashed apple. All of these were signs that someone had recently treaded this path. Whether that person was Korda or someone else, he was unsure. He didn't have the advanced skills of a Jedi master that would make tracking a much easier process. The Force currents were strong, but still indecipherable to him.

He clutched the lightsaber in his hand. He had lost precious minutes back in the house. Perhaps he was already too late. A vivid image of Korda clutching his hand over a heavily bleeding wound lodged suddenly in his mind, and he hurried his steps.

----------

Both immortals now stood a dozen yards from each other, examining the other's injuries with suppressed delight and strategic reasoning.

Sharkey's leg was covered in blood from the upper thigh down to his knee; the wound however was not that deep. Korda knew he'd only grazed him with the tip of his blade. The other immortal was already flexing his leg, testing its strength, indicating the wound was not bad.

Jack eyed Korda who held his shoulder, as a trail of blood oozed from what he could tell was a serious puncture. He was certain he stabbed deeply; he'd seen the grimace on his opponents face and felt the steel crack into bone.

Even with a wounded shoulder, Korda was dangerous and Sharkey was taking no chances with this man. Shaken by Korda's sudden burst of speed and unfamiliar with the type of swordplay he'd used, he reassessed his attack strategy. Time to use more psychology, he reasoned. He'd screw up Korda's concentration and get him off his game. This hadn't seemed to work by invoking threats upon the boy, but then there was always his ace in the hole, Korda's mentor, Charles.

"So you got something, but like I said, others have and it wasn't enough. I'm going to kill you Korda, then the boy... after I and my men have their way with him," he chuckled. Lunging out, Jack took several full swings at the other man, trying to keep him off balance and not give him time to heal.

----------

Eri heard it faintly, at first. It was almost unrecognizable over the sound of leaves blowing in the breeze. It was the sound of metal striking metal, and it was coming from an area somewhere in front of him. The young man's heart raced. He had managed to track them!

He hurried his pace, no longer bothering to clear the leaves out of his way. His mind tuned into the rhythmic clang of swords, and he followed it by instinct. It sang out louder, echoing on the wind. He wove his way between trees, feeling rotten apples splattering beneath his boots. The Force rang out in warning and he stopped short. The loud crack of a branch snapping under his heel made him cringe.

"Don't move." A man dressed in green fatigues stepped from behind a tree. "Ah, if it isn't the toy," he chuckled. He raised his rifle with one hand until it pointed directly at Eri's face. With his other hand, he unhooked a length of rope from his belt and tossed it on the ground at his feet. "The boss wants you alive, but any wrong moves and you're going down."

Eri remained utterly still, watching the rifle drop from pointing to his head to his stomach. He inched his hand down the casing of his lightsaber and brushed over the activation switch.

"One bullet in the belly from this distance will give you one, maybe two hours," the sniper mused. "You'll be wishing it were a lot less once Sharkey gets hold of you."

Eri-Kol glanced over the gunman's head to a low hanging branch. He gathered the Force around him and sent a small wave toward it. It broke with a loud snap distracting the shooter's attention. It was enough. Eri-Kol's lightsaber shot out with a hiss. He knocked the gun out of the hands of the stunned man and smashed it against the ground with the point of the glowing blade.

"What the..." The sniper's eyes widened at the blue column of light. He backed into the tree when Eri advanced on him, holding the humming weapon at his neck.

"One jab with this weapon will give you one, maybe two seconds," Eri said with the same inflection the man had used with him. He lifted an eyebrow at the gasping sniper while using the Force to call the dropped rope to his hand. "Turn around and put your hands behind your back," he ordered.

For a moment, the shooter looked like he would follow the command. A second later, he kicked out toward Eri's stomach. The kick never landed. He slid down the tree, impaled through the chest by the laser. His stunned eyes fixed on Eri for only a moment before clouding over.

Eri-Kol switched off his weapon and took a deep breath. He paused only a second to release his regret for killing to the Force, then continued.

In the distance, the sound of clashing metal sped up.

----------

Korda blocked the swings and countered enough to leave them, once more standing apart. "You'll have to do better than that," he said dryly as he spun his sword and moved in on Jack.

"Oh, I can! But you are not as good as I was led to believe. Well, I guess Charles was right." Jack took several quick swings as the two men circled each other in their deadly dance. "He said you were too ambitious and cocky in your little world. That's why you stick to holy ground, eh?" Jack shook his head. "He told me lots about you… André. Before I killed him!"

Sharkey had spoken Korda's name purposely accented in French and in an intimate manner as an easy smile crossed his lips, invoking a ghostly imitation of Charles. Korda already knew that this man had killed Charles but to hear him say it with such arrogance caused his heart to fall. He mustered as much self control as he could and stilled his movements. "You lie! He'd not give you anything about me!" he said bitterly.

"Oh, no I don't! He knew and he told me hoping it would save his life. He sold you out André! He told me *more* than I needed to know - such secrets!" The smile on Sharkey's face widened and his eyes blazed wickedly at the other immortal. "Like… where I could find you last night!" he smiled wryly.

Korda shook his head negatively as he sneered back with disbelief at the other man.

"Oh yes! I saw you in the restaurant… on the roof garden. He told me you'd be there." Jack's voice taunted at Korda. "I saw your little student bend to your will. It's funny how sapphires can't buy obedience, though. I saw him panic when you scolded him. You really should be careful. They're only mortal you know."

The slightest glimpse of shock registered on Korda's face. His movements faltered, as his consciousness churned with the thoughts of this man being so near to him last night without him knowing. His features twisted with rage that Jack forced this information, somehow, out of the older immortal before he'd killed him. His anger took over as he thought of this vulgar man taking his Charles' head under such conditions. He took several wild and uncalculated swings that Sharkey easily countered.

"You need to relax Korda, that's your problem… but then again, it won't be for long!" Jack's voice chimed out, his smiled pleasant, his face a façade covering his true nature. Without warning, he stepped forward taking several half-swings at Korda.

Korda jumped back just out of reach of the blade.

Jack lunged then turned the strokes of his blade to a back swing, catching Korda's sword on the second move, and dislodging it from his hand.

Both men glanced instantaneously at the sword flying through the air but before it could strike the ground, Jack was lining up for the killing blow.

As the blade came around, Korda suddenly dropped spinning and coming up quickly to face Jack. As he did, his left hand coiled out from behind his back.

The momentum of Jack's swing shifted his footing to the right and as he counter, stepping back to the left to come down with a backwards stoke, he felt it, a intense searing pain in his gut.

Korda hadn't need much time to remove the concealed weapon from its hiding place, and as he'd turned and started to rise, with blinding speed he had undercut it right into Jacks upper abdomen. Just as quickly, he yanked it free and opened it with an almost undetectable flick of his wrist, before raking it over Jack's ribcage.

Jack screamed out in agony as he stumbled backwards.

"Charles didn't know everything about me! He didn't know about this little toy." Korda's voice rose coldly above Jack's wails.

Jack was stunned and off balance. He had felt something sharp cut into his chest, but the real damage had been the initial thrust into his gut. He dropped his sword just as Korda's hands pushed him to his knees. He saw the object of the pain. It was a bladed-fan and Korda wielded it expertly.

Korda picked up his sword and leaned over the other immortal, viciously grabbing his hair and forcing his head back. "One should never underestimate their opponent. Charles taught me that" He grinned and raised his sword.

Jack Sharkey's vision was blurred and his head spun. "Charles taught me a lot as well. He told me not to try for your head. 'Take André out… leave his head, that's mine'. I should have listened to the old man…" His voice died into a hideous gurgle as he coughed up blood.

Korda hesitated for only a moment after hearing Sharkey's words. He'd not be tricked by lies from a man who knew he was going to die. He wasn't going to give the other man time to heal, and playing word games with him now was exactly what would do that.

"This is for Charles," Korda whispered throatily as the sword blade gracefully came down, lifting head from body in a gruesomely eloquent ballet. Just after the blade cleared flesh, he saw Eri-Kol standing only a few feet away, a glowing laser in his hands and horror filling his eyes.

Eri-Kol's stomach lurched in revulsion as he watched Sharkey's severed head hit the ground with a thud. It rolled a bit before striking a tree. Its lifeless eyes staring upward toward the sky, the mouth was open in a silent scream.

The Jedi lifted his eyes to Korda, stunned. He understood killing, but had never seen anything so gruesome. Weakly, he lowered his lightsaber and switched it off, swallowing hard in an attempt to keep his breakfast down.

"Eri-Kol," Korda whispered, his voice catching in a deep moan as their eyes met. This was not happening. // No! // The one thing he'd not wanted to divulge, his immortality, was shockingly on display and there was nothing to stop what was to come. His eyes fixed on the boy with anger, disbelief and sorrow. His thoughts chased in the silent moments that followed death's tendrils, trying to grasp the unimaginable outcome of Eri's presence.

How had he gotten away from Lia, and found them here? *Why* hadn't he followed his order, so clearly given? Questions with no time for answers, answers he didn't want to know, events he had no command over.

Korda's eyes widened as the slithering fog escaped the headless body at his feet. Time was up! All he could manage for sound came out in low moans as the pain from the unhealed wound in his shoulder tormented him. He watched the mist snake around the small clearing, moving towards him, felt the wind swirling in tiny vortexes and heard above it all, Eri's horrified gasp.

What was this? Eri's eyes widened as he felt the turbulence in the currents of the Force. It was coming from Sharkey's lifeless body! The wind picked up, blowing leaves and small twigs against him. An almost life-like fog swirled around his legs.

The only consolation for Korda's confused soul was he'd have Charles with him forever. All the old immortal's knowledge, skills, and wisdom were now his, always at his beckoning, eternally locked within his soul.

The first surge of the quickening hit him and his eyes faltered from the corpse back up to Eri before fixing on a small piece of the horizon. Then a disturbing thought caught him. Charles was dead! How could this be? He moaned as a second bolt riveted through his chest. What would he do now? 'Before I killed him', Sharkey's words echoed in his frazzled reasoning, completely vanishing any doubts that he was now alone, as the next violent bolt slammed his body.

"No!" Eri cried, blocking his eyes from the searing blue bolt that had struck Korda directly. It wasn't electricity... no. It was alive! It was the physical manifestation of Living Force and somehow Sharkey was able to control it, even beyond death.

"A Sith!" Eri gasped in sudden realization. There was no other explanation. Only a Sith could hold such mastery over the Living Force. Only one totally devoted to the Dark Side would use it to destroy so violently!

The young man was nearly thrown backward from the impact of the third bolt. It bounced off trees and scorched branches before it struck the immortal right in the chest. The scent of ozone and death lingered in Eri's nostrils, pushing him to take action.

Eri-Kol dropped to his knees, using his mind and connection to calm the raging Force. He closed his eyes against the terrifying sight of Korda twisting in pain and began to assemble a protective barrier over Sharkey's headless body.

All Charles was, Korda would have! // Abilities… Mastery… Power! // All intimately his… forever! His body writhed as the quickening intensified. All thoughts eroded from existence, eroding into his first scream as the exquisite pain overtook him.

Stronger. More. Yes. Eri's body gave everything over to his task: his own Living Force plus whatever he could extract from his environment. He built, shuddering whenever a bolt managed to tear through his delicate structure. Stronger, it had to be stronger! The boy gritted his teeth as he gave even more of his own strength.

He didn't need to open his eyes to see what he had done. Sharkey's body lay completely encapsulated within a Force-field. Blue streaks of energy crashed angrily against it, but could not escape.

Korda's body crashed to the ground with the loss of the quickening power, as Eri's shield contained it tightly around the headless body. Unable to brace for the sudden fall, he landed face first with a heavy thud, several yards from the dead immortal.

His body convulsed uncontrollably as the tendrils of the quickening he had received, jolted through him. Desperately he clawed at the ground, digging gloved fingers deep into the moist soil to gain some advantage. His heart pounded and a dizzying madness came over his entire body. He could not contain a sudden dreadful feeling, a sensation that the very beats were being ripped from his heart. His eyes struggled to open and for a fleeting moment, they saw the scene playing out in front of him. Korda moaned raggedly at the waste of it before his eyes tightly shut and he fell into darkness.

Eri-Kol could sense Korda's fall, but he didn't let this deter him from his task. The energy built to an astonishing crescendo against his Force-barrier, and then gradually began to recede. The Jedi managed to hold on until the lifeless body only spat tiny shocks of energy, and then he let his structure dissipate into the air.

Eri opened his eyes and groaned as the world spun around him. He fell forward, catching himself with his hands before landing fully on the damp ground. He crawled on hands and knees, fighting his dizziness and trying to edge closer to Korda. His arms trembled underneath his weight as his hands slipped on wet leaves. He cried out in pain as he fell on his elbow, and then tumbled face down onto the ground.

Eri lifted his head and gazed at the fallen immortal. He didn't have enough power to even sense if he were alive or dead and his entire being wanted to cry out in anguish. Korda couldn't die! Not now, not like this! "Don't leave me," Eri sobbed, trying to summon the last of his strength to crawl the last few meters to Korda's side. Dizziness and nausea overtook him and he dropped his head back down to the cold ground.

----------

Korda lay motionless on the ground, his thoughts temporarily quiescent, numbed and unaware of the extent of the damage. Then his conscious stirred, shifted in its search for the others. // Nothing? // He felt nothing of Charles, not even a hint of the old man lingered in his consciousness. This was puzzling. He started to reason what Eri had done. A wave of revulsion ignited in his gut and he coughed and choked back the vile taste rising in his throat.

His arms were laden with exhaustion but they doggedly lifted his frame, just as another wave of nausea crept up his throat. He swallowed trying desperately to hold it in. His shoulder ached violently, a reminder that he'd not healed, but also another glaring revelation that he had not taken the full quickening.

Now he was ill, unable to stop the convulsions, he leaned over and seethed with disgust, waited for his body's uncontrollable needs to cease. His head throbbed and as he lifted it, tentatively assured the bout was over, he moaned out something loathsome and inaudible.

Rising weakly to his feet, he realized that nothing of Jack Sharkey, save a few flashes of events, had stayed with him either. Something was wrong, very wrong, and his eyes scanned around until they fixed on the only thing that could have altered the events… Eri-Kol!

"What had he done?" he whispered. Korda could faintly remember something happening in the midst of the quickening but it was foggy, blurred by his disorientation and lingering pain. Eri had done something… stopped the other immortal's essence from reaching him, but how… and why? At that finite moment, Korda's anger was overpowered only by his confusion, but this would pass soon enough, perhaps too soon for Eri-Kol.

Pulling himself together, he moved ominously on the younger man. "Eri!" he growled, grabbing his arm tightly and hoisted him up. The body was dead weight in his hands and for an instant Korda froze, thinking the boy was dead.

"Eri," he asked again calmly. When there was no response, he knelt down and rolled the boy over on his back. Eri's face was ashen, his eyes circled by dark rings, and his lips faintly tinted blue.

"Eri-Kol!" Korda said a little louder and with some concern. He shook the boy's shoulders but there was no sign of movement. Bending over he placed his head on the Jedi's chest and listened for a heartbeat. It was there, but slow and faint. He exhaled with a soft moan, relieved that he was not dead.

He rose, and scanned around the area, his guards were approaching swiftly, their faces grim, their movements somewhat tentative for not having made their presence know sooner.

Slowly, Korda picked up the bloody sword, wiping it clean before sheathing it into its secret place. He quickly wiped the blood from the bladed-fan on the dead immortal's corpse. As the first guard emerged into the clearing, he'd already concealed both weapons, and he immediately started questioned him in a deadly but restrained manor. "Did you find any others?"

The guard's face was stony, even though he was peering over Korda's shoulder at the headless man. "Yes sir, one other. Up there." He pointed just towards the crest of the small hill. "He's dead sir, but…" He hesitated unsure how to describe what they'd found.

Korda's eyes narrowed. "Fine, get rid of him then."

"Well sir, you may wish to see this. He's been, well, there is a hole, but no blood. It's almost like he was burnt." The guards face flinched at the memory of it and he coughed to clear his cracking voice.

Korda showed no reaction, his thoughts could not process this now. He needed to go and see for himself. Walking back over to the unconscious boy, he bent down and picked up the lightsaber, examining it carefully. He'd seen its glowing fire; the way Eri had held it, just like a sword. Perhaps this was the cause of the other man's death, he thought. // Did Eri do that? //

Korda looked slowly down at Eri's still body and sighed. "Take him back up to the house. And be careful with him!" he warned. "Clean up this mess, and then tell John and Lia I wish to speak with them.

While Korda and one of the guards went to examine the sniper's body, the other men moved quickly to their tasks.

Reaching the body, the big guard choked back a gasp of renewed shock but Korda moved towards the corpse without any sign of emotion. He had seen far too many dead people: burned, eaten alive by rats, ravaged by disease and famine, and executed in countless ways. This was just another dead sparrow, and of little concern to him. They died so easily. He shook his head and frowned. His eyes scanned over the body, bending down he ran a hand along the drab coat, pulling it aside to fully expose the fatal wound.

"Cauterized," he mused and ran his hand slowly over Eri's weapon inside his coat. "Get rid of him as well." he said flatly before walking shakily back down the hillside.

Disoriented, he walked slowly among the trees, taking his time. He removed Eri's weapon from his coat and stopped to take another closer look at it. This was the precious item he'd carried with him everywhere last night. Korda smiled remembering how he had tried so hard to conceal it, at the clothes shop and then at dinner. He'd let it go, figuring when the time was right, Eri would tell him what this was and why he felt the need to keep it with him at all times. Now, he was certain he knew.

Scanning around he made certain no others were in sight. Confident of this, his fingers ran carefully along the handle, and wrapped tightly around the sides where he felt a small button, several inches towards one end. He peered at the red button and smiled. "Ah, a switch. But… which end does the fire beam come from?" He peered carefully at the device and reasoned he was not sure. He held it out sideways thus both ends faced away from his body. He pushed the button and a crackling-hum burst into his ears as the blue beam of light erupted smoothly from one side of the handle.

He instinctively straightened his arms out leaving the blue beam of light as far away from his body as his reach would allow. The humming ebbed and rose as he moved the lightsaber back and forth, almost like a song, it sounded into the air.

Unlike his sword, it had no measurable weight save that of the handle and he was unsure of how to account for the odd balance. However, once he started to wield the weapon he was quickly comfortable with its feel.

He swung it towards one of the smaller branches, and jumped back when the beam sliced through it as if it was soft butter. Walking over to the severed and smoldering branch, he carefully examined it. Hot to the touch yet the impact of the weapon's power was so swift, no sap ran from the area. It was as if the wound had occurred months ago and the tree had repaired itself. "Cauterized," he said softly then smiled. "Just like the sniper. So it was you, mon diable."

His eyes closely examined the beam itself but he saw no visible evidence it had slashed through the branch, it was amazingly the same as when he'd first turned it on. "How do you work?" He shook his head then swung it around again. It was as if the very power of the weapon pulled it through the air, and he was just along for the ride. So little effort was needed to command this weapon and its results were far more devastating than any sword he'd held.

He smiled with almost childlike joy as he turned off the lightsaber and examined the handle for a power source. He could find no visible compartments, and shook his head, certain that there had to be some power. Then his fingers felt a small almost minuscule slit in the bottom of the devices handle. He examined it thoughtfully before popping open the compartment. Inside he saw what appeared to be some sort of power cell. He removed it and noticed a pair of pale blue crystals set just in the head of the handle. Shaking his head with amazement, he replaced the cell and closed it back up.

"Well, Eri-Kol, this is technology far beyond ours. What I could do with such a weapon…" He smiled indulgently then chuckled.

He was still not satisfied with how it worked but the sound of footsteps called his curiosity into check as he saw Lia and his driver John approaching. He pocketed the lightsaber, hiding it from their eyes and straightened.

"Mr. Korda," she said dryly.

John's face was grim as he nodded to Korda and stood several yards behind Lia, his hand resting on the handle of his gun.

Korda sighed, before questioning her. "Lia, how did the boy get away from you?" His eyes fixed steadily on hers. They were calm, non-threatening, as he waited patiently for her explanation. He figured Eri had used his gift to incapacitate her, this he could forgive. There could be no other way, he reasoned, she was too careful and she knew the price of failure far too well. After all, she'd enacted Korda's brand of justice on her own people in the past.

She raised her head and quickly met his eyes. "He tricked me, said he was cold and he appeared to be. I made certain the upstairs was secure before allowing him to dress. He seemed uncomfortable with me watching him so I agreed to step out of the door and wait. I left it open, sir." She shook her head. "The next second it was closed and locked. I never heard it shut, never heard the latch close. It took me only moments to re-enter the room, but he was gone."

Korda turned and walked a few steps away from her, pondering her words before asking; "He didn't do anything to you, did he?"

It was an open-ended question and not knowing how to answer, she remained silent.

Korda took her arm, pulling her several dozen yards from John before continuing in a whisper. "Lia, you didn't hear or see anything out of the ordinary… anything odd?"

She sighed and lowered her head. "No sir, only that I never heard or saw the door shut and lock."

"Are you sure?" he probed her.

"Absolutely!" She stiffened and met his eyes.

His eyes darkened as his grip on her tightened notably. "Then it is your negligence that allowed him to leave the house. You should never have left him alone!" He shook his head sadly and clicked his tongue. "This is not good for you my dear." His voice was heavy with threat.

Lia's eyes narrowed as she tried to pull away from his grip. "I am sorry Mr. Korda, but under the circumstances I thought his privacy…" her words trailed off as Korda's face darkened.

He let her go and walked towards John, addressing her coldly, "I don't expect this kind of thing from you. The others perhaps, but not you!" He spun and glared at her. "I spent too much time teaching you! You know how this ends." He turned and walked past John, nodding once before lowering his head and walking on.

"Sir... please," she called out. "It won't happen again!"

The dull thud of two bullets, sent through a silencer, driving into her chest, was the only response to her plea.

As a stiff breeze started to rush about the orchards, Korda paused to adjust his gloves and settle his hands into the warmth of his coat pockets. He sighed and looked up at the sunny sky. The day was waning and so were the warmer days of fall. Soon, it would be time to head for Rio, he thought. This brought a warm smile briefly to his otherwise cold features.

He shook his head, now it was time to deal with Eri. He'd be far more difficult to punish than Lia, and he wasn't even sure he wanted to. Nevertheless, there were rules, there had to be, or else chaos would ensue. He had asked only one thing, set only one rule for the impetuous boy. Already, he had failed. It was time to see if perhaps he had over-estimated Eri's seriousness to learn. His eyes softened, shutting briefly against the chilling air. His heart ached, and his mood darkened with the unpleasantness of the upcoming task.

---------

The house was tranquil, all signs of the intrusion washed away by his people's efficiency. Korda prized efficiency in his employees, it was one of the few things that kept them in good standing with him. He smiled at the calm and moved from the outer area into the inner hall, waving Sandra away as she came to his side. He did not wish to speak with her now and walked flagrantly by, making his way swiftly up the stairs.

Her concerned eyes followed him with dread. She knew him -- intimately knew that look in his eyes. Her fingers clenched into a fist as she went to bottom of the stairs. Her feelings for the boy were vividly exposed on her face and she lowered her eyes and sighed. She wasn't going to give up so easily, not without speaking her mind.

"André," she said softly.

He stopped half way up the stairs and leaned over the railing peering down at her thoughtfully. His voice returned hers in its tone of softness. "Sandra, I'm not in the mood."

"I won't keep you long. I just want you to remember that he is not used to this." She took several steps up the stairs and steadfastly continued. "You said it yourself to me before he came. 'He'll find it hard here to adjust'. Have you forgotten your own words?"

He eyed her with amusement, she was always truthful, a worthy confidant, and very wise for her years. He seldom lost his temper with her even under the most strenuous of circumstances. However, this was different. She didn't know about Charles' death and he did not know how to tell her this yet. He was confused, weary, and on-edge and he didn't wish to take it out on her. His head shook slightly as he reached to gently stroke her hair.

"You always fret over me." He smiled warmly, his eyes soft and sincere. "I have not forgotten… anything. But thank you for reminding me." His gloved fingers trailed a delicate path over her cheekbone, tucking wanton strands of her curly blond hair behind her ear. "Go and make some tea, please. Have one of the girls bring it up." He turned taking several steps before peering back at her with a big smile. "Relax, Sandra. What happens… happens for my reasons." He turned and headed up the stairs, leaving her slightly less concerned but not at all relaxed.

At the bottom of the stairs in a small alcove, Jeanette twitched her fingers on the cell phone in her pocket and rushed quietly into the arboretum. She hit the autodial and peered around nervously. The voice at the other end answered calmly, and she exhaled, releasing some of her nervous energy.

"Something has happened. Sharkey was here and…" Jeannette spoke in a hushed voice.

The voice at the other end interrupted her, "He was there, today? What has happened?"

"There were gunshots and Monsieur Korda's men killed at least one of the men with Sharkey. I do not know what else happened. We sent for security when this started. Somehow, Sharkey and some others broke through the perimeter guards. I just saw Monsieur Korda, so I know he is safe. And the boy with him, he was brought in unconscious. I went to tend to him but he did not seem hurt, just out cold. I think you had best come here now. Something has gone wrong, I just know it!"

"All right, my dear, calm down and go about your business." The phone went dead and she quickly put it away. Fixing her hair and adjusting her skirt she headed back to the kitchen.

"Get the car," the voice was calm, metered in its patience. "Sharkey has gone and over-done it again, I fear. He is no longer part of my plans or won't be when I get my hands on him, if Korda has not already dealt with him." He sighed and stood, removing his sword from the wall and eyeing it fondly.

----------

He entered the room and removed his gloves. Carefully taking the lightsaber out of his pocket and placing it on the table next to the veranda doors. His eyes fixed worriedly upon the boy lying motionless in his bed. The maid had removed Eri's clothes and folded them against the footboard.

He walked over and sat down, running several fingers tenderly over the pale skin. He was very warm, and Korda lowered the covers down to his waist. He ran his fingers slowly down his neck, then over the fine contours of the collarbone and shoulder. "You are a creature of impulses," he whispered while bending over to place a light kiss on the warm forehead. "Wake soon or I'll have to call a doctor for you," he sighed. He thought about picking the phone up and immediately doing this, but he could see no outward signs of injuries. "Hard to tell if you are wounded, little sparrow." He sat for a while and watched the unconscious boy, then shook his head wearily. Slowly he pulled the covers all the way down to Eri's feet and examined him for injuries. He ran his hands up each leg, over his ribcage, along his arms and shoulders, searching for broken bones. He could find nothing, no wounds or even scratches on the boy. "Just resting, I think," he whispered and traced a finger over Eri's lips.

Rising to his feet, he walked wearily into the bathroom. Turning on the light, his eyes squinted at the reflection in the mirror. He moaned aloud. He felt like shit and he looked like Hell. It had been a very long day. A small sigh escaped as he examined the ruined coat. Disgustedly, he removed it, poking his fingers through the gaping hole before tossing it against the windowed wall. The wound had bled heavily and the stain covered his entire left shoulder. "Damn," he hissed. Unbuttoning the shirt, he examined the now healed injury before stripping out of the remaining clothes.

A soft knock at the door interrupted him. Wrapping a towel around his waist, and throwing another over his shoulder to conceal the dried blood, he stepped out into the adjoining room. Eri was still out cold.

"Your tea, Sir." Jeannette entered the room and set the tray carefully onto the table. She peered over at the sleeping boy and then nervously at Korda. "Will there be anything else, Mr. Korda?" she asked in a tentative whisper.

He nodded and went to the other room, coming out with his ruined clothes. "You may dispose of these," he said softly while frowning.

A shocked expression covered her features as she took the clothes. "Of course, Sir." She bowed, nervously gazed down at the bloodstained clothes then headed for the door.

"One more thing… Jeannette." He was almost on top of her when she turned and this startled her. She hated it when he snuck up on her like that.

"Sir?" she asked hesitantly.

"I do not wish to be disturbed by anyone or anything. Is that clear?" His eyes glared down at her, unyielding in their demanding nature.

"Yes, sir. I shall make it known." Once more she went to leave, but turned at the last moment. "Sir, I hope everything is all right. If you need… anything?"

He peered over at her suspiciously but then smiled. "That's all."

She smiled warmly back at him and gracefully left the room.

Korda latched the door and went back to the bed. Satisfied Eri was still sleeping; he headed back to his shower.

----------

The hot water felt glorious as it warmed tired and stiff muscles. He was so weary, so troubled by the events of the past two days. He rubbed both hands over his eyes and moaned. How had things gotten so out of hand? First Collins, and now this Sharkey person claiming to know… to have killed Charles; this entire situation was messy, annoying and heartbreaking.

He braced himself against the shower wall and let the hot water wash the dirt and blood from his skin. Even as the filth of the combat rinsed clean from his body, his thoughts clouded, dragged down by the weight of uncertainly. Korda could not stop his mind from racing towards unfounded conclusions. His calculating reason kept questioning if Charles was truly dead. The facts weren't clear and he had no proof of it. Eri had robbed him of the one certainty he could have known through the quickening. After all, he'd not had time to view the corpse so perhaps… He shook his head, wiping the water from his eyes.

"Something's not right," he muttered to himself. "Sharkey said something… what was it?" He took a cloth and wiped at his neck, twisting the muscles back under the hot spray of water. He thought back to the fight, carefully trying to remember everything Sharkey had said. It was difficult; so many things… there had been something though, if he could only put his finger on it.

He glanced down at his ring, scowling that he'd forgotten to take it off before showering. Then with sudden clarity, it struck him… The cufflinks! He pulled the ring from his hand and peered cautiously at the small sapphire eyes of the hawk. They were an exact match to the ones on Eri's cufflinks. How had Sharkey known about those? The other immortal's words echoed in Korda's memory. 'Funny how sapphires can't buy obedience, though'. He could not have known about them, they were a gift. No one except Charles knew of the subtle exchange at the shop… "No," he whispered while shaking his head in disbelief. No, Charles was dead! Unless…

He leaned heavily against the tiles and moaned aloud. His knees gave way under the sickening weight of realization and he slumped down, clutching his arms tightly around them. Shaking uncontrollably, his head fell back against the wall and he gasped out, "No!" his voice encumbered by denial. What Sharkey said now started to make sense. Why hadn't he seen it clearly until now? The way Sharkey had spoken his name… so intimately. The hints of what Charles had taught him! Sharkey could never have gotten Charles to talk… Unless… They'd known each other… they'd planned this… plotted against him. Charles was not dead! "No," he choked out the word fighting back once more the vile humiliation at not perceiving this betrayal until now. His head slowly fell unto his knees as he wept, the sound of his sobbing and trails of bitter tears, hidden under the water's steamy spray.

----------

He dressed methodically, quietly, as not to wake Eri. He seldom wore anything but fine tailored suits, but when he'd gone to put one on, all the imagery of last night in Charles' shop flooded over him with violent revulsion. He pushed the suits aside, opening a drawer and rummaged through it, seeking anything not part of his current life. He pulled a soft blue sweater from the drawer and faded worn blue jeans from one of the shelves, along with a pair of black leather boots that had seen better days. Once dressed, he gazed in the mirror and almost laughed aloud. Who was this man? Someone from long ago, someone he'd forgotten. An easy smile came to him as he went back into the room and peered at Eri.

He'd had a cup of tea and now was waiting for his student to awake. His mind was not at all clear as to how he would deal with Eri's indiscretion, but he was certain it would be difficult for the boy. How simple things would have been if he'd stayed put! He shook his head sorrowfully and sat down at Eri's side.

His eyes still gave way to sporadic swells of tears and he'd used his sleeve to wipe the loathsome wetness aside. He laid his head gently down on the boy's chest and listened to his heartbeat. So peaceful, so pure… it sounded clear and undeniably strong. Would it be so strong when he faced his deeds? Would he be strong enough to learn, even from this? Sighing, Korda closed his eyes and fought back another wave of bitter tears.

----------

He was flying, floating among the stars. There was no feeling, no pain, just calm nothingness. For a moment, Eri-Kol thought that he was dead but not quite sure how it had happened. // So, this is what it's like to be one with the Force. //

Then he felt it: a subtle weight on his chest, the tickle of hair, warm breath against his skin. Focusing his mind, he could feel more. A soft pillow beneath his head, cool sheets surrounding him, stroking softly as he breathed. His breath… he could smell the sweet scent of living plants. Home. He was home. Not dead after all.

His eyelids were heavy when he tried to open them. Not dead, but injured? He couldn't feel any pain, only a severe and persistent weakness. He tried once again to lift his stubborn eyelids and actually managed to keep them open for a few seconds. Nothing of what he saw made any sense to his clouded mind, and he let his eyes fall shut again. He felt the weight on his chest shift. A soft voice was murmuring nearly out of his range of hearing. He thought he heard it speaking his name. "Eri-Kol... "

He knew that voice… that velvety accent. Who was it? His sluggish mind fumbled for a name. // Master. // Master? No, his Master was a woman, not the owner of that voice. Why did his mind insist that this name was right?

Eri groaned, frustrated with his condition. His body was waking far faster than his brain. His eyes opened again, taking in the white ceiling and the columns that jutted upward from the bed frame. The tall veranda doors were letting in soft pink light from the setting sun. He looked down, saw the dark head of hair resting on his chest, saw the hands palm down right beside it, the fingers slowly stroking over his skin. Suddenly, his brain snapped back awake. "Korda..." he whispered.

He raised his own hand weakly, letting it brush over the immortal's short hair. The head lifted, and shimmering blue-green eyes met his. Tears… oh, Force what had happened?

A genuinely relieved expression engulfed Korda's features, settling lastly upon his eyes. He sighed out a ragged breath and brushed Eri's wet locks of hair from his forehead. "I'm here. Are you all right?" he asked softly.

Eri-Kol frowned. Was he all right? He wasn't entirely sure what had landed him in this bed and feeling so awful. Vivid, yet disconnected images flew through his mind: diving into the pool, eating raspberries… a small dark eyed woman speaking a strange tongue… a man in a long brown coat stepping forth from the bushes… Eri's eyes widened as he remembered all of it. Killing the sniper against the tree, the horrifying look frozen on Sharkey's severed head… the look of pain and anguish on Korda's face as he was struck with blue lightening.

Eri's seized Korda's wrist. "You're alive!" he gasped. "I couldn't get to you. I wasn't strong enough!"

Korda waited for the boy's clenched fingers to loosen, then he moved his hand atop of Eri's and patted it tenderly before slipping it away. Rising slowly, he went over to the table and poured a glass of water. Returning to the bed, he offered it. "Here, drink." Sitting back down he eyed Eri's shaky hands as they clasped around the glass. "You have been feverish for some time now. I was starting to worry for you."

Eri took a few moments to sip the cool water, trying to will his racing heart to slow. All those hazy images from earlier seemed to invoke the same rush of adrenaline as they became clearer in his mind. Korda's calm demeanor and gentle voice were a needed comfort. The danger was over now. They were both safe. "Thank you," he murmured, handing the empty glass back to Korda.

The boy is so easily distracted, but then, that is another of his charms, Korda thought as a small grin crossed his lips. But he'd go on with it anyway. Things had to be sorted out, here and now. "Would you care for more?" Not waiting for Eri to answer, Korda got back up and poured another glass of water setting it down on the night table, before sitting back down on the bed.

"I am alive." He grinned but his voice lowered ominously. "It takes more than a flesh wound to kill me."

"Oh, your shoulder," Eri said, suddenly remembering the wound. "You'll need a healer… " His voice trailed off as he examined the blue sweater. There was no sign of bandages underneath the clinging fabric. "Oh, you've seen a healer," he corrected himself, then shook his head, realizing that this wasn't right either. He glanced at Korda again with confusion in his eyes. "You were wounded. I know that I saw it."

Time to divulge, but not complexly, Korda thought. "Yes," his eyes scrutinized the boy, carefully watching his reaction. "I was wounded. I have no need of healer's medicines or magic, Eri. I can heal myself." He lifted his sweater exposing the healed shoulder.

Eri-Kol's eyes widened with surprise at seeing not the barest hint of an injury. He reached out a hand and touched the flawless skin. He almost wished he had paid more attention in Master J'Ith's humanoid biology class. Complete healing in such a short amount of time would have to be rare. Was it a skill, or an adaptation of genetics? How large of a wound could he sustain and still heal himself? The answers to these questions could change the lives of Jedi healers, if not the entire known galaxy!

"How?" he asked, still touching the area with his fingertips. He searched Korda's eyes for some sign of lingering tenderness as he gently probed the area.

"That is another lesson, for another time, not now." Cupping his hand over the boy's, he moved it to his face, and gently leaned into the touch, closing his eyes briefly to embrace the warmth of it, instilling it in his psyche forever. Sighing, Korda slowly lowered it to the sheets, no longer able to continue the intimate contact. He rose from the bed and walked over to the window, turning to face Eri before leaning back against the glass, he smiled faintly. "It is enough for you to know that I can do this. It is enough that you trust that I shall explain these things to you, in time. But I think you don't trust me," he whispered.

"I trust you with my life," Eri answered, not believing what he just heard. Did Korda really just say that he doubted his trust? "Believe me, I've had a Master who I couldn't trust already. It's a mistake I won't make twice." His voice was quiet, but rang with the slightest hint of hurt. He struggled to a more upright position and pushed the blankets off his lower body.

"You wear you heart on your sleeve, little boy." Korda shook his head. "It is one of your weaknesses -- or charms, depending how one looks at it, I suppose. Know that what I say now is not to hurt you, only to show you how I see this. You *should* trust me with your life! I would keep it well." He watched Eri thoughtfully. "And you are correct," he lowered his voice a notch. "It is a mistake not to trust; one that you shouldn't and won't make twice… not with me you won't. Yesterday we spoke of masters and students, and the balance that must exist between them. Do you remember this?" He gazed steadily at the Jedi.

"Both must give," Eri repeated, nodding.

Korda nodded approvingly. "What you did today, you considered giving. However, this was not exactly the kind of giving I was referring to. There is a time and place for everything Eri-Kol, knowing this is key!"

He watched the younger man fidget nervously and sighed. He had to say these things now, for if left to a later time, their impact would not be as clear. Korda wanted to make sure that Eri understood him, no matter how much pain it produced. Pain was part of life; it allowed one to better appreciate pleasure. He took a breath and went on.

"However," he glanced at the boy with the same thoughtful expression, "the other part of the lesson was… that both must learn from each other. I have learned things from you. I know that you were hurt at your Temple, psychologically and physically. I also know that you long for the more indulgent trouvailles of life. And you wish, for now, to have me show them to you. Ah, but this is obvious."

Korda turned and gazed out the window, sighing sadly. He kept his back turned on Eri and went on. "You long for a teacher that understands you, respects you and bends for you at times… is willing to let your youthful exploits pass, so to speak." He chuckled smoothly.

Still he did not look at Eri but kept his gaze outside. "I've learned that you have many gifts, one being this power of yours to control or alter other's realities, as well it seems, to alter the forces of nature themselves. I have seen both these things with my own eyes, felt them, and I'm impressed. However, it is one thing to have gifts, another to know how and when to use them."

All the time he spoke, his tone was almost lighthearted. He seemed to be in honest reflection of these things.

"Ah, what else have I learned from you? You are of a seeking sort, inquisitive by nature. You're intelligent, loyal, amorous," Korda peered over his shoulder then back towards the setting sun. "You have in many ways, up until now, lived vicariously through others in your Temple. This life you would never have to live here. As I told you, anything you desire I shall willingly give to you. You need only ask and it is yours."

He turned back to Eri and paused, his eyes sparkling brilliantly in the lamplight. He bowed his head slightly in a gesture of respect. "I know you can kill with efficiency. So… that is one skill I'll not have to test you on." He turned back to the window and ran a finger lazily over the glass while he pondered carefully his next words.

Again, he looked over his shoulder at the younger man, this time smiling gently. "Shall I go on? Or perhaps, you would indulge me with what you have learned?" There might have been a soft smile on Korda's face and it may have, at another time, unveiled affection if not for the sinister gleam in his eyes as he turned away.

Eri took a deep breath focusing his eyes on the coverlet. What had he learned? Only what Korda had chosen to reveal, and only what he had been able to pick up from observation, he realized. He looked up at the man standing motionless waiting for his response. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose unsteadily to his feet.

"I've learned… " He paused, swallowing his discomfort with difficulty. "I've learned you're a man who has seen much. You know about the relationships between masters and students, and employers and servants," he answered. "You know about the importance of having allies, and the inevitability of having enemies."

He watched Korda's back, frowning when he didn't turn around. "You've taught me about balance. Of give and take. You've said you'd give to me, but you… " Eri swallowed back the lump in his throat. "When I want to give to you, you refuse to take."

"I'm not as smart as you are, I know that," Eri whispered. "I don't have much to give in return for what you offer me. When you take away my body, which you refuse as balance, I am only the sum of my skills." He looked down at the floor, blinking impatiently when he felt tears rise. "I guess I've learned nothing."

Korda shook his head disappointedly. He'd expected as much. "Exactly! Because you are also flamboyant, cocky, rash, bold… " He paused and turned to face Eri. "No, not bold, impertinent! Yes, you have the impertinence of a child when it comes to some things." He scowled. "And not as perceptive as I thought, for you have learned one thing from me: that my affections for you go beyond this arrangement of learning. You count your body for trade, you seem to rely on it," Korda hissed almost vehemently. "But I don't, and I have told you this."

"You believe I have not taken from you, but you are wrong about that as well." He stepped closer, placing his hand tenderly on the young man's cheek, stroking it up and down. "There are things that I take… every moment I am with you, you just don't see them. Feelings are not so easily measured as flesh, eh?"

Suddenly his voice faltered but his eyes remained sharply fixed on the boy. "If there is a chasm in trust then I can not honestly take anymore. It would not be fair. There are many more things you could teach me as well, but… apparently that time has not come for us yet… for many reasons."

He moved closer still, placing himself in Eri's space, pressing solidly against him. His eyes narrowed menacingly as his voice dropped to a low whisper. "I know that a choice was made for you by me and you disagreed. As I told you only yesterday, disagreement is not a luxury you can afford to exhaust. I also told you my rules are not to be broken! And this shall be the other thing you'll learn from me today, if nothing else," he hissed. "You will obey my rules!" Without warning he stepped back and slammed the back of his hand across the young man's face.

The movement was so swift and unexpected that Eri never had a chance to avoid it. He'd backhanded him with such force, the boy staggered, and before he could regain his stance Korda had grabbed him tightly by both arms and was pulling him up.

He was so close to Eri, their lips almost touched. "You cost me something today, something very prized. Have no doubt about this Eri-Kol. However, it is not what you cost me that I abhor; it is your disobedience that is foremost. Your reasons are touching, and I understand them well. You wanted to help! Wanted to honor your vows to me. But you also vowed to learn from me. You promised on the roof garden not to fail me. A broken promise!" he snarled. "Part of learning is knowing when to obey. When I told you that this was not your fight… I meant it!" He shook the boy. "When I told you to stay with Lia… I meant it! You must learn to trust my judgment when it comes to things you know nothing about! *This* is what I mean by not trusting me."

Korda loosened his grip but his eyes remained pools of anger, perpetually searing through Eri. "How can you expect me to trust you if I am not given the same respect?" His voice deepened upon seeing Eri's soft brown eyes pooling with tears. "There can be no balance Eri-Kol if both do not give." He let the boy go and stepped back several feet. Removing himself from Eri's space, he settled back into a non-aggressive stance.

Eri-Kol sobbed, fixing his eyes on the carpet. Bitter anger rose inside of him. Without his intervention, Korda would have died. He was as certain of this fact now as he was in the orchard. Why was he being punished for saving his life? He lifted his head to glare, but his vision was clouded with unshed tears. He swiped at his eyes impatiently, his cheeks burning in shame. His wounded pride demanded that he fight back, perhaps use the Force to shove Korda against the wall… to humiliate the man with his own powerlessness to counteract it. No. There were promises made and responsibilities to honor. Eri had failed. He could not punish his master for his own error.

There was only one thing to do now, the one thing he had never done in his apprenticeship. He knew why now. He was too proud, too sure of himself. No one had ever demanded it from him. And now, he wondered why.

The boy dropped to his knees, bending at the waist until his forehead touched the floor in front of Korda. He kept his hands clenched tight to his stomach, protecting himself in case Korda decided to fully carry out this ritual. "I've failed you, master," he choked out between sobs. "I submit to whatever punishment you see fit to honor me with." His tears burned on his bruised cheek. "Without discipline we… we are not fit servants of the… the Force."

For the first time in decades, Korda felt a touch of remorse for his actions. Not the words, he had only spoken the truth, but the use of violence. The look in Eri's eyes after he'd struck him had almost caused another outburst of tears that he had stubbornly refused to allow. But this… he had not seen a pitiful display like this in centuries! Not since his days in China and then it made little difference to him how much the weak suffered. He didn't think Eri weak, didn't want to believe he was so. But this demonstration was unexpected and he wasn't sure whether to beat the boy senseless for such a sniveling display or get down on the floor and pick up the shattered pieces.

How wrong Eri was about his impact on him. If he only could tell him how much his presence had laid siege to the long-standing walls around the fortress of his heart. The boy had given him far more than he'd returned and Korda knew this truth, but as he watched Eri crouch in submission, his tongue refused to act on what he really wished to say.

This was some sort of justice from his Temple -- Jedi justice, not his. He could not strike the boy, not like this; it was ludicrous. Most of the time, Korda's century of life in the temples served to guide his more tumultuous moments, but not all the time. He had not forgotten the wisdom of the old masters, though. Their methods, although psychologically brutal, rarely involved the use of violent measures. He had already lost his temper once; he would not do it again.

"I shall be reasonable with you." He peered down thoughtfully at the boy. "Look at me," he said calmly. Eri lifted his head. "I will let you decide what is considered a worthy punishment, Eri-Kol." Korda kept his voice subdued and balanced. "If you cannot reason one at this moment then you may meditate on it. I give you this time."

Eri sighed shakily, relieved by these words. He released the protective embrace of his vulnerable midsection and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He rose unsteadily to his feet and immediately bowed. "I will perform this task with more forethought and care than I have already shown," he said solemnly. "I won't fail you again." He frowned, realizing that he was echoing the same words that he had spoken last night. He had meant them with all his heart, but it hadn't affected his behavior in the least. How could he expect Korda to believe in empty promises? How could he trust himself to abide by them?

Korda nodded, seeing that the boy was serious. Eri's eyes were guileless. His lower lip still trembled at bit, but his tears were dried. He sighed, looking at the reddened left cheek that now bore the beginnings of a bruise from his hand. // Sparrow. // That would stay with him for days. Concern and pity caused Korda to reach out and gently stroke the bruise but Eri flinched.

He pulled his hand away and closed his eyes. // Damaged. Hopefully not broken. // Taking a deep breath, he spoke softly. "I should not have struck you, forgive me." He moved slowly to the chair by the window and sat, peering out at the skies last glimpses of color. "Beautiful things should be held with esteem." He fell silent, contemplating the damage this day had brought. How only hours ago in this room there had been bright hope, now it seemed there was only failure.

Eri dressed in silence. He made another respectful bow to Korda, which the other man didn't even turn to notice. Frowning a bit, he walked to the door and unlatched the bolt. With a final glance over his shoulder, he took in the sight of Korda gazing resolutely out the window before closing the door behind him.

He wiped his eyes again with his sleeves as he headed down the stairs. He knew where he needed to go… he only hoped he could hold his emotions in check until he got there. Korda's house servants still darted about downstairs, curious as to what was happening in their employer's suite. He glanced quickly at Sandra as he passed her on the stairs. He saw her eyes widen when she noticed his bruised face.

"No, Monsieur Eri," she shook her head. "Wait." She placed a gentle hand on his arm, pausing him in mid-step. "How did that happen?"

"I deserved it," he murmured.

"Eri...." she said, her eyes full of sympathy. "It's hard for him. He's been alone so long… his nature can't change overnight."

The Jedi nodded, giving her a soft smile. "My nature can't change either, it seems." He placed his hand over hers and gave it a warm squeeze. "Excuse me?"

She nodded, patting his arm before letting him continue down the stairs. It didn't surprise her to see that he headed directly for the mediation gardens.

-----------

Failure, again! Eri-Kol dropped to his knees in the mediation garden. Tears were again streaming down his face, but he didn't bother to hold them back. He was alone, with nothing but the cool ground and setting sun as his witness as he wept.

How had things gone so wrong? // Because you did the same thing you've always done: disobeyed orders, compromised your trustworthiness and acted impulsively. // Eri hung his head, his shoulders heaving with his sobs. It seemed that it no longer took ten years to wreck an apprenticeship anymore. He could do it in less than a day now. The most promising thing he had been offered in years, all of his hopes and dreams… shattered. One mistake is all it took, and he was going to be so careful not to make it this time!

Korda. He loved him, perhaps more than anyone he'd ever known. He loved his grace and his beauty. He was swept away by emotions every time the man spoke to him. He believed every promise he said, quaked with every single caress he bestowed. No one had ever treated him like Korda had. He'd never been made love to before, only fucked, sometimes raped. There were the brief moments with Obi-Wan that were sweet in their innocence, but they paled into adolescent fumbling after his night with Korda. The man had given him everything, and all he could manage to give in return was betrayal.

The young man lay down on the cool grass and curled tightly onto his side as he cried. He loved the feel of the living earth underneath his hands. How wonderful to actually touch the planet as it spun in orbit! There were so many wondrous things here, so much he hadn't seen. He'd been swept away, lulled with the promise of so many tomorrows.

He sobbed pitifully as he realized that he had to leave… there was no other way. No, he was not a Jedi and he would not return to the Temple. He didn't have the temperament to build a strong apprenticeship. He was too stubborn and unyielding. He had the skills, but not the seriousness of mind. He was ruled by his heart, not his head. Trying to force himself into that mold again would only lead to further disaster, and if each one ended like this, he would die of sadness.

No, it was time to cut his losses. He'd leave this planet behind as a powerful reminder of his own search for self. He'd remember it the next time he thought of giving so much. He knew how quickly everything could go wrong and how much words could injure more than any physical slap. He'd be wiser for the experience. Maybe someday, even the hurt would go away.

Eri-Kol scrambled back to his knees, drying his tears once more on his sleeve. He ran his hand once more over the soft blades of grass and smiled. The Jedi closed his eyes and sent a small prayer to the Force. // Thank you for this lesson and the valuable guidance. It has been received. //

----------

Sandra took a deep breath and headed up the stairs to speak with Korda. She knew he'd not wanted to be disturbed but now she felt compelled. She was surprised the door was unlocked and she pushed it open and stepped inside, closing it again. The room was dark except for the dim twilight entering the windows. She moved to turn on one of the lamps but his soft voice stopped her.

"Leave it off," he said quietly. "And go away."

She did not look at him nor respond to his request for her to go, instead she walked over to the veranda doors and pushed the sheer curtains away, as she peered outside. "There is a chill in the air," shaking her head she sighed. "Winter shall soon be here. Once more it is time to leave for the warmer climates. But first there are things left undone."

"Please tell me you're not in one of those moods? Spare me one of those enlightening lectures of yours, Sandra," he said sarcastically. "I don't want to hear it!"

She giggled then opened the doors letting the cool air into the room. "Since when do I ever lecture you?" She peered over at him for the first time. He was slouched in the comfortable old chair he loved so much. His arms wrapped tightly around one leg, tucking it up against his chest so that his chin rested on the knee. His attire took her by surprise and she smiled warmly at him. He looked so young, like a beautiful memory of how he had been when she first met him thirty-five years ago. "Things must be far worse than I thought. The last time I saw you in jeans, hmm, oh yes… you lost those millions on that horse race and you went down to the ocean to sulk. Tsk, tsk, I told you not to bet on that horse."

"Close those doors," he snarled.

"Your bark is worse than your bite… well with me it is. But not with the boy!" she snapped back at him and went to make herself a drink. "You want the doors closed, you shut them yourself!"

He glared up at her but did not move, choosing instead to shiver slightly in the cool air.

Sandra sipped her drink eyeing him sadly. "You are the most stubborn person I have ever known."

He turned his cold, crystal eyes on her, "Besides yourself?"

She quietly made him a drink. Walking back over, she handed it to him and smiled. "Yes, that's right!"

He returned the smile and put the drink down on the small side-table before rising to shut the doors. When he turned, she was right behind him holding his drink, a mercurial smile adorning her face.

He sighed and took a small sip, waiting for her to let loose, to brandish him with words and looks that she knew he could never bring himself to protest against. For now she was silent, her eyes solidly glued to his with biting accusation. "Sandra if you have nothing to say then leave, I'm tired."

She took his hand and beckoned him to the chair. "Sit," her tone was ominous to him even though it was soft, and he slowly obliged her, knowing obedience would be expedient.

Putting her glass down, she went and knelt in front of him, resting her hands on his knees. She smiled patiently up, waiting for answers to questions she did not need to ask.

Korda fidgeted slightly, she could do this to him, he had never fully understood why. "I told you," he said stoically, "I have my reasons."

She nodded touching soft fingers to his face while gazing reflectively at the features that in all their years together had never changed. "Yes, I know what you say," she said softly. "I also know this is not what you wanted to have happen."

Hurt flashed across his eyes and he looked away.

"André, you want a companion, one to call your own, and yet whenever you find one you refuse to bend." This she knew would hurt him even more and she guarded against one of his possible outbursts, steadying herself for his stinging words. To her surprise they did not come, instead he just glanced out the window.

"You're right. But there are some things I will not bend to!" He glanced back at her. "This is one of them. He could have been just as easily killed by that gunman today." His next words choked in his throat but he doggedly continued. "I don't know what I'd have done if that had happened." He peered down almost innocently at her.

"Ah, you love him." She smiled genuinely.

"No, it's not that," he spat back indignantly but his eyes hinted differently.

"Yes, you love him! That was not part of your plan, and you are afraid of this!" She stood up and waved a dismissive hand at him.

"What do you know?" He jumped to his feet and slammed the glass on the table. His hands crossed behind his back as he paced back and forth.

"André, it is obvious. You let nothing interfere with your work, but… for this boy you have. And you just said how much you loved him without a word. You know your eyes do not lie like your tongue. But when one loves they must be willing to dismiss mistakes, let things go, even perhaps let the *one* they love go." Sandra laughed aloud and leaned against the wall to get a better look at the fireworks she was certain her honesty would ignite.

"It is not your business, none of this! You know nothing about this!" he spat out nastily. "Besides, you're wrong!" He glared at her. "I hardly know him, how could I love him? I want someone to teach, yes… and Eri fits this desire. Love takes time."

"Yes, it does André. And you have so much time, but…" Her words faltered but she caught herself. "The boy does not. And you waste it with your own ignorance and fear. Do not say I know nothing about this… you and I both know experience is the best teacher." Sandra smiled coyly.

He turned and raised and raised a hand to strike.

"Oh, you would not dare!" She stepped forcefully up to him. "Strike me and I swear you shall live to regret it!"

He shook his head and smirked, his hand slowly coming down to stroke the soft curls of her hair. "I believe I would," he chuckled while playfully tilting his head. His arms wrapped gently around her waist and he pulled her close. "I must be patient in all things."

Sandra smiled weakly and then rested her head on his shoulder. "You must be willing to let the boy go, if this is what he wants. He is so young, André." She sighed, lifting her head to look at him. "Like a pup, he needs constant care. You are not one to wean him, it is not in your temperament to do this." She brushed her fingers over his lips and graced him with a beautiful smile.

"You're right." His words were scarcely audible as he rested his head on her shoulder.

Sandra held him, softly stroking her fingers on the back of his neck. "It will be alright André. All will be as it is meant to be."

----------

Eri-Kol saw Korda at the bottom of the stairs when he re-entered the house. Their eyes met silently across the short distance of the hall before he bent in a respectful bow. "My master," he murmured. "I have finished my meditation."

"Eri, we need to speak," Korda said quietly, not acknowledging the extreme formality in which the Jedi addressed him. It was almost painful to look upon, he thought with a frown. The Eri-Kol that he knew that grinning, mischievous imp was nowhere to be seen under that solemn demeanor. "In my study," he motioned the boy to follow him.

Eri hesitated for a moment, trying to gauge Korda's mood. He seemed more relaxed. The Force surrounding him was calm and even. Perhaps, he had performed his own meditation, he thought.

The door shut behind Eri with a quiet click, and Korda walked around him to turn on a lamp. The light revealed a dark-paneled, masculine room. A large desk dominated one half the space, the other was occupied by a pair of matching stuffed chairs, a fireplace, and a small bar. Korda motioned him to take one of the chairs as he reached over and pushed a small button on the fireplace mantel. A warm, welcoming fire sprang to life immediately.

"Your meditation," Korda began, sitting down in the chair opposite Eri, "I gather it was productive?"

"Yes, my Master," Eri agreed. "I have decided a fitting punishment for my disobedience."

"Ahhh..." Korda laced his fingers together thoughtfully. "What have you decided?"

Eri-Kol took a deep breath, then slid from the chair to kneel at Korda's feet. He shook his head when the man's hands moved to assist him up. "Please, this is the posture that I am used to when addressing my teachers," Eri explained. "Allow me to give you the respect that I forgot to earlier."

Korda nodded patiently, but a sad frown crept over his features. "Continue."

"I know that my actions were impulsive and went against your direct order," he began. "I know also that you said that I cost you something that you value greatly. I don't understand what that is, but I know it is personal to you and none of my concern." He kept his eyes firmly on the floor in front of him. "I am prepared to give up something valuable to me to atone for my disobedience." He swallowed with difficulty. "I ask you to release me from my apprenticeship."

"I see," he said reflectively as he stood and walked over to the fire. Peering into the red flames, he bit his lower lip and pondered whether to explain about himself, what he truly was. Perhaps it would keep him here? No, he could not do this, not now. He could not yet trust Eri to understand this knowledge.

He was taken aback by the request though, and it was difficult for him to contain his feelings. In his mind, Eri was running away. He had to stay calm, focused, and above all patient, or he'd lose him forever.

Things were far worse than he'd thought. The boy was so fragile! He shook his head. Too fragile, perhaps for what he wanted of him. But he'd not let go without understanding his reasons. "Tell me Eri," Korda's voice was soft. "Why are you giving up?" He turned and gazed thoughtfully on the boy. "Is it because I struck you?" Korda knew this was not why, but he wished Eri to tell him. He walked over and peered lucidly into his eyes.

"No." The voice that answered was immediate and unwavering. "It is because I can't trust myself to be what you need me to be." His eyes met Korda's with utter sincerity. "I can promise not to disappoint you again, but I don't know if I have the ability to keep such a promise."

"So you run away from the struggle of self-control instead of facing it," he said sadly. He reached a tentative hand to Eri's face and this time the boy didn't flinch. Korda's eyes sparkled with polished wisdom and his tender smile invoked calm as his hand ran down the braid, smoothing it against his shoulder. "You're not ready and you understand this. This shows me that in time, you will do great things, mon diable." It was the first time he'd addressed him in this fashion since last night and there was subtle meaning in the chosen name. "Where shall you go?" he asked quietly.

Eri blushed faintly upon hearing the endearment. His heart throbbed painfully. How silly he was to think he could harden himself so much not to feel anything by leaving Korda! For a moment his will faltered, and he restrained himself from taking back everything he'd said up to this point. No, he realized. It had to be done. "I don't know... yet," he whispered. "I need some time to..." his voice trailed off weakly. He glanced up at Korda earnestly. "May I ask something of you?"

Korda was pleased he did not jump to the Temple as an answer, but not knowing where he would go troubled him and he swallowed hard before answering. He could not even begin to explain that he was giving him *everything*, far more than he'd ever indulged upon anyone else, just by letting him go. His eyes strayed around the room as he composed himself once again. "Like I have always said, anything you desire."

Eri frowned worriedly. He had no right to ask anything of him now. Still, his heart urged him to continue. "If there comes a time... when I think I *am* ready..." He paused, feeling completely torn. "If this happens, will you consider taking me back?" He looked up, hopefully.

Korda closed his eyes and considered his next words very carefully. "If… you come back, things will be different for us. I cannot say how, but I know they shall be. Time changes everything. However, my offer stands if you choose to come back." He paused, reveling in the simple pleasure of looking into Eri's eyes. He would miss them, their innocent inquisitiveness, their beguiling beauty; things Korda knew would be stolen from him now. Somehow, time would take these pleasures away. He sighed deeply and shook off the misery of this knowledge. "I have one request of you," he said softly. "That you keep in touch with me so I know you are safe."

"I will," Eri assured him. "I need to. You're the only person outside the Temple that I know." He smiled softly. "I did learn the value of allies from you and… I'm certain that I will need your advice, whatever I decide to do."

The Jedi scrambled to his feet and walked over to the desk. He picked up the letter opener that sat on a corner. "At the Temple, there is only one way to sever an apprenticeship," he said, walking back over to Korda and kneeling at his feet. "This braid symbolizes everything." He lifted the plait of hair from his shoulder. "It is respect, commitment, and time." He pulled the length straight and placed the blade of the small dagger-shaped tool at its root.

Korda held back a violent impulse to grab the letter opener away, relying on practiced composure to keep himself grounded.

He cut cleanly through the hair, and then lifted it in offering. "It is a gift… and a promise." He smiled. "You are my Master, and this is rightfully yours."

With reserved judgment, Korda watched him sever the only certain lifeline he had ever known. One swift, graceful slice and he had cast himself free from his former existence into uncharted waters. One blind moment of youthful impulsiveness and he had undone years of commitment.

The boy's words and actions rang heavy with honor but after all that had happened in the past hours, Korda thought them cliché. Eri had asked to be taught, then released, now he severed his old ties and bestowed upon Korda a title with dueness he did not deserve nor did he feel the boy truly understood. He should never have promised to teach him in the first place, even though his own gain may have been great, not without knowing more of his character. It was a tragic mistake and now it haunted him as he looked into Eri's soft, hopeful eyes. Korda knew his own loneliness and eagerness to have a companion had been just as much to blame in this as Eri's ambivalence and indiscretions.

At that moment there came to Korda, one of those extraordinary experiences in life when one looks up into the sky to behold the black clouds broken by a tiny beam of silver sunlight slicing through, a defining moment that alters even the deepest despair into a spark of hope.

He tentatively accepted the offered symbol, his hands pausing to wrap around Eri's in a silent testimony of commitment before he stepped back. He knew the boy may not fully understand what this meant, but the braid was offered in good faith and Korda would accept it in like terms.

He motioned Eri to rise and when the boy hesitated, Korda clasped his hand around Eri's wrist, urging him to his feet. His eyes reverently fixed on the younger man standing before him. "You honor me," he whispered so softly that Eri had to focus to hear him. "I will do all within my abilities to affirm this honor." Korda pressed his hands together and touched the braid to his lips then bowed obsequiously from the waist, holding this position for several moments before rising to face his student. "I keep my word… and give you time. It is what you desire, and for the best, so take it. It is best that you leave... now though, before doubts settle in either of us."

Eri nodded solemnly. Already, he could sense the missing piece of himself: the braid that had defined him in every way for an entire decade. It was both a burden and a comfort to him every single moment. He was relieved that it had ended up in Korda's able hands. For years he had nightmares of his Jedi Master throwing the offered symbol to the ground in a spiteful display of her loathing. Now, she would not have the opportunity.

He bowed respectfully, then turned and left. Sandra was paused at the bottom of the stairs when he emerged, and he offered her a slight bow as well.

"I am taking some time away to think," he explained quietly. "It is long past time that I learned to depend on my own devices. Only with that experience, will I develop the will and the ability to learn control."

The woman smiled warmly. "He understands this," she assured him. "You will keep in touch?"

"Always," Eri smiled, and then darted up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

----------

"André," Sandra whispered as she entered his study. She closed the door and walked over to the desk. He was sitting on the other side, the green glow of the lamp altering his features eerily.

"So you are letting him go," she said measurably while nodding agreeably to this choice.

He was watching her through heavily lidded eyes, noting her pleased expression. "Yes, I guess I am," he said wearily.

She moved around behind him, bending over the leather chair and wrapping her arms around his neck. This is when she noticed his fingers softly running over the braid of hair. He opened the top drawer and pulled out a small silver case, carefully placing the braid inside, smoothing it so it rested neatly on the velvet liner before closing it. She bent over and placed a small kiss on his head then whispered, "It is for the best, for now. You'll see, he will come back to you when he is ready."

"I've never let anyone go. It is… an odd sensation." He leaned back against the chair and peered up into her soft green eyes.

She smiled warmly down at him. "See? Someone your age and you still can learn." Her voice was cheery and her hand lazily brushed his hair back and forth. "You know he is readying himself to depart on that ship. Are you not going to go upstairs and say goodbye?"

Korda didn't respond but he kept his eyes on her.

Shaking her head, she sighed. "Now you are stubborn again."

He frowned and looked back at the lamp. "Would you make sure all of his things are put aboard the ship?" he asked softly.

"Yes of course I will. I'll see to it personally." She moved back towards the door hesitating before opening it. "You will hate yourself if you do not say goodbye. And then… you will be impossible to deal with for who knows how long." She waved a scolding finger at him. "I have no intentions of having to deal with that, so if you are not going to see him, tell me now and I shall make plans to head down to Rio tomorrow. This will make sure you have time to mope up here and not spoil the warm climate for me."

He glared at her but he couldn't sustain it and his eyes moved everywhere about the room except on her. "I'm worried if I see him again, I will change my mind."

"Put your mind at rest. You have made your decision, stick to it. Besides, he does not wish to stay… and you do not really wish to force him to. So, what is the answer?" She smirked and walked out of the room, shutting the door loudly in her wake.

He sighed and rose slowly to his feet, taking the silver case from the desktop and then pulling a magnetic card from his pocket. Walking over to one of the paneled walls, he ran his hand gently over a grainy knot in the wood. The panel moved, quietly sliding to one side exposing a high-tech steel door. He placed the card along a sheer black area and another smaller panel dropped down. He stood in front of it as a beam scanned his retina twice before the door opened. Once he had stepped inside, the door immediately shut and the panel closed leaving the study empty and still.

Soft lights automatically came on as he walked towards the center of the room. This was his secret place, his private, immortal museum. Here he kept as much of his past lives, as he had been able to save, buy, or steal back. Many items from those he had claimed in his 2,300 years also adorned this room. Weapons of all forms, priceless works of art, deeds to estates, and the smallest of trinkets, some of great value, some purely sentimental. He had not come in here for many years and he'd forgotten how much had been accumulated.

He could still identify and match almost every immortal's memory and name to a weapon he had taken. He had never bothered to take them from foes like Sharkey. Only the clever ones' weapons lay in this room, the ones that had meant something to him. He'd have Charles' sword in here soon, he thought, and sighed.

He went directly to a chest against the far wall. Taking a deep breath, he lifted the heavy oak top, pushing it back to expose the contents. Heavy red velvet material lay on top and he carefully lifted it.

He reverently pulled out an elaborately decorated Tachi. This was his original Samurai sword, given to him by Emperor Wu Di upon his elevation to Shogun, after heroic service in defending the Silk Route from invaders from the south. He placed it on the floor and pulled out the matching Kogatana. He then removed the gold and blue silk sash that would hold both weapons. Once he had them out, he carefully laid the silver case, containing Eri's braid, inside and then pulled a fine piece of silk from the chest before rolling the velvet back over the remaining contents and closing the top.

He examined the weapons meticulously, their outer blue and gold wood Saya's intricate designs of cricket, mantis, and oriole, still perfectly intact. The swords invoked both glorious memories and bitter ones, so he had not used then for over 1,400 years. He reverently removed the Tachi from its Saya and rose to his feet. The blade had balance like none other he had known; it was perfectly suited for him. Created for him by one of the greatest craftsmen in all the Empire, its blade had never failed. He swung it expertly several times, listening to its deadly song slicing through the motionless air of the chamber. Slowly he placed it back in the Saya and then into the sash. He did the same with the Kogatana, and then wrapped them both in the blue silk cloth.

Just as he was about to leave, a devout feeling came over him and he turned back towards the trunk. Shaking his head, he knelt down and opened it, once more removing the velvet and gazing at the contents. His eyes stared at the silver case holding Eri's braid and a soft sigh escaped him. He could not leave this in here; this was a room for collected memories of the past. He would not believe that Eri was in the past. He picked up the small thin box and slipped it into his back pocket. Eri would return, he was sure of it - he could wait for that day. There would be another chance, for both of them. Until than, he would keep this symbol of devotion close, not stored in with the dusty relics of his past. He headed back into the study, stopping momentarily to compose himself before going to say goodbye.

----------

Eri-Kol entered Korda's suite of rooms and scanned around for his clothes. The rest of his Jedi uniform, outer tunic, belt, and robe were hanging in the wardrobe beside his suit. He sighed as the memories of last night washed over him. He had been so very hopeful then, and so incredibly naive. He should have known, even then, what would eventually happen from this experience.

He dressed efficiently. Slipping into his dark robe, he pulled the soft material around himself protectively. Days of frigid space travel were ahead of him. He would miss the balmy breezes of these rooms when he was huddled shivering in the cockpit, surrounded by stark blackness.

He had no clue where he would go. He had enough fuel to make it to an outer rim spaceport. Once there, he could probably gamble or steal enough money to move on elsewhere. There would be many opportunities, and the Force was always with him.

He picked up the lightsaber from the table that Korda had left it on. He didn't think twice before clipping it onto his utility belt. It was a solemn rule that no Jedi left the Order and kept their prized weapon. He smiled softly. Another rule broken. He would never leave it behind.

Realizing that he had everything he came with, Eri took one last look around the suite. Darkness had once again settled outside the veranda doors. The words spoken on that balcony came back to him unbidden, threatening to choke his heart. 'Believe me, Eri, one makes their own future, nothing is predestined in the stars'. After he left, the future would be his to create. It was a frightening, yet still exhilarating thought.

His eyes wandered to the adjoining bathroom. Only the edge of Korda's tub was visible from where he stood. A small smile twitched his lips from the memory it invoked. That moment, his first taste of Korda, would remain etched in his memory forever.

The boy's eyes settled lastly upon Korda's bed. For the first time, his heart solidly rebelled against his plans. // Just one more night! //

He tamped down the urge with the last of his resolve. Now was not the time for doubts and errant hopes. One more night would turn into weeks, then into months. He would never have this opportunity again, and he knew in his heart what it meant. He deserved it. Korda deserved it from him.

Like the bath, he committed every single detail to memory. Every touch, every soft moan of delight. He closed his eyes and savored the moment. He would not forget.

Eri-Kol smiled and walked with confident strides to the door.

----------

They met at the bottom of the stairs. Eri noticed the blue bundle he carried, but said nothing. He bowed, which Korda returned immediately. Their eyes met in mutual respect.

The two men walked silently out the door and through the lighted gardens, seeing again the now familiar sights that had greeted them the night before. The eagerness of that time was now erased, replaced with a calm sense of acceptance... and hope.

Eri stopped short when he saw that his ship was above ground, washed, and prepared for his departure. Korda's people were indeed fast and efficient, he mused as he watched all of his belongings emerge from the house through a service door and carried to the landing area.

"Can't let you leave without your things." Korda chuckled softly as the final bundle was placed aboard. "Sandra also had some food put aboard. Fruits, pastries and other things she thought you would like to take with you." Pausing to grin at Eri, he added teasingly, "If Sandra was involved with it, you have more food than you probably want!" He chuckled, "She tends to over-do things."

Eri smiled softly. "It's all right. I eat a lot, so nothing will go to waste." The young man didn't mention his fears that it might be some time before he could manage to obtain his next meal.

As the area cleared of others, they walked closer to the ship and Korda gazed at it with awe. "We have so far to go to reach this... " His voice trailed off as he contemplated how little he understood of such advanced technology. "Ah well, all things you can teach me when next we meet." He flashed Eri a sincere smile. Then he glanced around, wavering for a few fleeting moments, before stepping directly in front of the younger man.

"I have a gift for you to take as a reminder of your time here… and me. I know you carry your own weapon." He hesitated, not certain if Eri would even want such an archaic instrument, knowing the one he carried was far more efficient.

Composing himself, Korda went on, speaking in a soft and endearing manner. "These swords have been in my family for almost two millenniums. Presented by a mighty Emperor, they are more than weapons. They are considered the soul of the Samurai warrior, a symbol of standing and bravery. They are a Samurai's most prized possession. These are the swords of a Shogun, the highest rank of honor bestowed upon a Samurai. They are now yours. Take them and learn how it feels to hold this type of weapon. Treat it like a living force, for they are when mastered, an extension of your own being. Perhaps, if…" he smiled gently at Eri. "When… you come back, you will allow me to teach you their finer nuances."

Eri hesitated. Fresh guilt and sadness washed over him. He had failed so miserably, but Korda still saw fit to give him a gift of such value. He glanced questioningly at the immortal. The eyes that met his were soft and hopeful. He held his hands out to receive the prized bundle.

"I will honor them," he whispered. "They will never leave my side." The warmth of Korda's hands enveloped his own for a moment, before releasing with a tender squeeze. The gesture had far more meaning than any words could convey.

Eri reached over and flipped a switch on the hull of the ship. The boarding ladder started to descend with a whirring hum. When it had reached the ground, he wrapped one hand around it.

"I will keep in touch," he said quietly. He stepped onto the first rung, the turned his head to gaze at Korda once more. "And I will return."

Upon seeing Korda's nod, he climbed the remaining stairs and slipped into the tiny cockpit. With the flip of a few more switches, the ladder rose back up and the repulsorlift engines fired up. He strapped himself in, and started his pre-flight warm up.

Within only a few minutes, he lifted off smoothly from the ground. He hovered about twenty feet from the ground before the sublight engines kicked in with a roar. The last thing he saw before speeding away was Korda's upturned face. He brushed tears from his cheeks as he burst through the confines of the atmosphere and into the blackness of space.

With a sigh, and a hint of sadness, Eri twisted his head around to get one last glance at the most beautiful world he had ever seen. It was calm and serene, swirled with clouds that looked like elegant brush strokes. The nav-computer interrupted his thoughts with an insistent beep and he reached over to acknowledge its message. He closed his eyes as the computer executed its command and his ship shot forward into light speed.

"Remember," Korda whispered, as the ship soared into the stars.

----------

At the top of the orchard road, a black limousine idled quietly in the cool autumn night. A distinguished looking man peered out the half opened, filtered window. He held a pair of night-vision glasses close to his chest as his eyes followed the small craft ascending out of sight. "Far away from Paris, indeed!" he chuckled dryly.

His cell phone rang and Jeannette's voice softly told him what had happened. "Good, you have done well. I want you to keep a close eye on things for now. Let me know if there are any new developments, and when they plan to leave for Rio." He snapped the phone back into its halter and peered back up at the stars.

"Ah, André," he sighed. "You said far away, how could I have guessed this is what you meant?"

// So the boy is gone on only a promise of returning, eh. What a vile mood you'll be in, mon cher. // Shaking his head he raised the glasses, scanning the heliport area until focusing on the lone figure that still peered into the sky.

Korda's shoulders slumped and his head dropped as he slowly turned and headed back towards the house. The old man chuckled upon seeing Korda wipe his sleeve over his eyes.

"Tears!" An embellished gasp escaped him. "Perhaps, you have learned a lesson," he whispered callously. "Perhaps…" A wry grin came to him as he closed the window and tapped on the glass.

The driver lowered the glass and turned to face the back. "À la maison, monsieur?"

"Oui," He said evenly as the window rolled back up. He leaned back against the seat and glanced out towards Korda's estate. "Now I wait... you will surely come."

The car slowly made its way down the hillside towards Paris.

Finis


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