Chapter 2- The Paths You Tread

thoughts

Ruby carefully breathed in and out. Memories swirled past her, and she ignored them. Reaching deeper into her conscience she reached a calm point. Focusing on the calm, she reached for the energy, moving and bending it to her will.

"Well done Ruby." Black Tulip commented, "Hold it steady." Ruby complied, stabilizing the amount of energy she put into it. "Now the others."

Ruby did as she asked, keeping her eyes closed. On Tulip's command, she moved one set one way, and another set a different way. She opened her eyes, keeping her concentration steady. Around her floated twenty small, glowing purple spheres. "Shadow Bloom." She muttered, focusing as she poured more energy into the spheres. In response each sphere flashed once, and blossomed into the shaped of a rose.

"Beautiful Ruby, now finish it. Use the target over there." She pointed to a large log standing on the edge of the clearing. "Remember to spread the energy equally to each single one."

Ruby nodded and focused, raising her hand she pointed at the log. "Shadow Petal Dance!" The purple roses flashed again, and split apart into thousands of tiny pieces. Flying in swift circles, each one shining with an inner light they made there way to the log. The petals circled the log once, and then smashed into it. With in seconds the petals had all disappeared.

"Well done." Black Tulip commented as the made their way over to the log, "You need to sharpen your focus on each one so that it will be able to cut anything." She pointed to the log, which was covered in a million small cuts.

Ruby nodded, "Yes Master." Ruby inspected the damage to the log for a minute. "Master…is it possible to…. Well…."

"What is it Ruby?" Black Tulip asked, giving Ruby an encouraging look.

"Well…I have been having this dream. Over and over again." Ruby look down at the ground as she thought it through. "I start out in a forest, much like this one, but it's some where else. I'm running through it, looking for…." She froze for a second. "Looking for Max. I'm looking and looking and I do find her, but she's running away from me into a bunch of shadows. When I try to follow I can't. I'm blocked by a tall figure. He dresses like the way you described the jedi did. "

"Does he say anything?" Black Tulip looked at her curiously.

Ruby nodded, "Yeah. He tells me to turn back. That I can't save her. I tell him I can and that Max doesn't need saving. That she's d-d-dead. He just smiles sadly at me and says, 'Not yet young pawadan.'" Ruby looked up at her master, "If Max is dead why am I having visions of her?"

Black Tulip smiled sadly at Ruby, reminding her of the jedi in her dream. "I think that this jedi is helping you down the right path. I think I know who he may be as well, and he is a trustworthy person. Even in death it seems he's trying to help those of you who can change the world still. He was always looking for new ways to make the jedi order better." She smiled happily at a memory, "And he never was one for rules."

"So they aren't visions?" Ruby asked, following her master as they started down the path to their home.

"Not truly. Don't worry too much about them. They most likely stem from your guilt. Which you shouldn't be feeling. It's not your fault whether Max is dead or not." Black Tulip slowed as they neared the front entrance to the hut. "Let me know if the dreams change though, ok?"

Ruby nodded and headed inside to her room. Going into the small trunk under her bed she pulled out the small box that contained the metal tube her master have given her as soon as she had mastered using the force.

"It's yours now. You will know when to use it." She had told Ruby, handing her the box. "Use it wisely my padawan."

It was the first time she had used the word padawan as well. It had confused Ruby at first, until she learned that it was what the jedi had called their students back when the jedi had keep order and peace in the galaxy.

"When will I know to use it?" Ruby muttered, "What is it anyways." She inspected the tube as she had done thousands of times. When Black Tulip called her to dinner she put it away again and headed out to the room they dined in.

(ø)

Lightly she landed on her feet, preparing to dodge he next attack from her opponent. As he readied to swing the long spear at her, she focused on the force. As they guy swung she jumped, and flipped over him, landing right behind him. She smashed her fist into his face, grabbing and spinning the spear away from him. Twirling it around, she swung it so it smashed against his skull. He fell to the floor, out cold.

"Well done Atris." The Emperor commented on her performance, looking at Vader who was standing next to him. "Well done my apprentice. You've trained her very well so far."

Darth Vader nodded in response, "She will leave on her first mission in a few days. "

"Ah yes, to check out the defense of the shield on Endor." The Emperor laughed, "She'll be taking the guard down there correct?"

Vader nodded, and then motioned for Max to come over. Glancing once more at the bodies of the guards around her she made her way over to them. "What?"

"You did well. Tomorrow you'll be leaving for Endor." The Emperor commanded, "Go get ready."

"Yes Emperor." Max smirked, turning on her heel she walked out of the room.

"That girl needs to learn manners." The Emperor muttered. "Teach her some manners."

"Yes Master." Vader said, following the Emperor out of the training room.

Max waited till they had left, then walked out of the room, smirking. So I need to learn manners. Her smirk grew bigger; nothing he can do scares me. She turned right and walked down the hall there about half way. She unlocked the door and went inside, closing the door immediately. Turning the lights on, she glanced around her room. The trunk where she kept her clothes hadn't been messed with, and the holographic books [a/n: not sure what they're called. if anyone knows please tell me] thrown about every where. One of the walls was covered with a reflective surface from the top to about halfway down. Moving over to it she glanced at her reflection for a quick second. Her hair had been cut short so it now rested just below her chin. If she allowed her bangs to fall forward over her eyes, she became an obscure figure. It would work perfect in the spaceports when she needed to be unseen. I wonder if Ruby's changed. Would we recognize each other if we met….STOP IT!

Max shook her head, ridding her head of those thoughts. Do not think down that line. Stop it now. Focus on preparing for your mission tomorrow Max. Focus. Max pushed the button next to the mirror. It slid up into a hidden recess in the wall, revealing her bed. It was cut into the wall, and had a set of small lights on the ceiling of it. Unclipping her lightsaber Max placed it on the bed. She walked over to the holographic books and picked up the one abut Endor. Flipping it on, she walked back over to her bed and sat down. She looked on the screen and began reading.

Once she had finished reading it, she put the holographic book back and returned to the bed. I should really get some sleep, but with that dream I've been having I don't want to. Meditating would help….hmmm….which do I choose tonight? Max sat cross legged on the bed. Focusing on the force, she let her mind drift into the waking dream world she had come to know well.

Max looked around, seeing the familiar landmarks and shadows that covered this world. As usual it was shaped like a forest at night, with a full moon and a bazillion shining stars. Max turned to her left and followed the path. Coming to another place where the path split in three she stopped and check out each one carefully. Drawing the force close and wrapping it around her. She let it guide her down the path to her right, knowing it would lead her somewhere. As she followed the force another presence pulled at it, trying to get her to come that way.

Curious max followed the pull off the path and into the trees. After walking a ways she came to a clearing. Looking around she noticed that the moon shone directly into the clearing, casting everything in a beautiful, eerie pale light. "Wow." Max muttered in awe. "It's so amazing.

"It is." A voice spoke up, causing Max to jump and grab for her lightsaber. "There's no need for that. I'm not an enemy."

"And how could I possible believe you?" Max looked up accusingly at the voice's owner and froze. "Wh-wh-who are you?" She asked, shocked. The voice belonged to a man standing around 6"4. His hair was brown and long, falling past his shoulders. Some of it was tied back to keep it out of his face.

The man smiled sadly at her, his blue eyes shining brightly. "I am Qui Gon Jinn. A jedi from before your time."

"A jedi….you mean the ones that were the peacekeepers before the Empire was made?" Max asked, moving her hand away from her lightsaber.

Qui Gon nodded. "Yes."

"What are you doing here?"

"I am here to watch over you." Qui Gon answered.

"I don't need watching over." Max stubbornly replied, despite the feeling of peace that came of her. "I can take care of myself. My choices are my own."

Qui Gon smiled sadly, "They are your's, so make the right decisions. Follow your feelings, your instincts down the correct path."

"What is the correct path?" Max asked, looking at Qui Gon, who was no longer there. "Hello? Qui Gon?" Max called out, turning and looking for him. Realizing he was gone she turned back to the trees and walked back into the forest, her mind full of more questions.

(ø)

Max peered through the small window on the shuttle that was taking her to Endor. Beside her, Corporal Avarik was fidgeting nervously. Reaching for the force, she realized it was because she was Vader's pupil. Hmmm. Well he is intimidating… She thought.

"Landing on Endor." The pilot spoke up emotionlessly. "Prepare to disembark."

Max rolled her eyes and headed to the landing dock. Avarik followed her, walking as all the soldiers did, stiff and disciplined. Waiting for them to land Max allowed her mind to drift back to her dreams last night, and the man Qui Gon. Follow my instincts…what did he mean by that? And why was he there?

"This way." Avarik said, leading her down the ramp. They made their way over to the shield generator building. As they entered, the men there stood to attention.

Max quickly surveyed the men. Most of them where the normal, middle aged recruits she usually saw. There were a few older ones mixed in, but only one younger one. He was standing near the closest to the door and was the only one not fidgeting.

"Nothing to report here Commander Atris." One of the older men came forward. "Everything is fine here."

Max, picking up on a disturbance in the force, allowed it to fill her. Looking around she noticed how none of the troops would meet her in the eye besides the Captain who had spoken up. Looking around again she noticed one of them was meeting her eyes. It was the younger one. Motioning him forward she asked, "Is this true….?"

"Jasper, Commander, and no it's not entirely true." He answered.

"Is that so?" Max asked, eyeing the Captain accusingly. "In what way Jasper?" Max drew the force closer to help her see if he was telling the truth.

"Well yesterday two of the men out patrolling got caught by one of the locals' traps." Jasper replied, ignoring the furious look he got from the Captain. "And they locals have tried attacking us who go out on a patrol."

"Has anyone been hurt yet?" Max sent the force down the line of men, feeling their resentment of Jasper. Turning it back on him she felt the force grow around him in answer to her prying. She met Jasper's eyes, and waited to see what he would do.

"No, the locals' weapons are primitive. They haven't done more harm then a slight bruise or two." Jasper said, meeting her eyes. Max reached out towards his mind with the force, only to have it bounce off a shield around his mind.

"They are vicious Commander Atris!" The captain spoke up, trying to hide how nervous he was.

"They are now, are they." Max faked a look of surprise, "So you're saying Jasper here is lying to me?"

The Captain nodded, believing she was believed him. "They haven't been able to do more then a bruise because of how good these men here are." He puffed out his chest feeling important.

Max's surprised look faded to one of annoyance and anger, "So you mean to say, that the Ewoks, who look like giant teddy bears, are vicious? And that your men got caught in an easy to avoid because they are so obvious traps?" Gathering the force around her Max gathered her anger and sent it out into the room, creating a dangerous atmosphere that the men felt it and quailed under her gaze.

The Captain felt the change in atmosphere the slowest and paled visible when he saw her expression. He looked around at his men for help, but none of them other then Jasper would meet his eyes. Jasper looked emotionlessly at the Captain, then turned his attention back to Max.

"Well, well." Max sneered, "It seems no one here agrees with your statement." She gathered the force and focused on the air the Captain was breathing. She held it back from him, making him gasp. Slowly he fell to the floor, after gasping a few more times she let him go.

No one dared to move or breathe as they waited to see what Max would do next. Looking around at each other they panicked, each one thinking that they would be next. Picking up on the thought Max turned to one of the older men. "Take up his position Denark." Startled the man nodded and ordered the men back to work. Shocked the men went back to work, some of them wondering how she had known the names.

"Not you." Max commanded as Jasper turned to go back to his duty. Turning to the former Captain she smirked, "You'll be taking his job Fustat." Fustat nodded and wearily left to the station Jasper had been monitoring.

"Commander?" Denark questioned nervously, "What is to happen to young Jasper here? He is too inexperienced to do they job I was doing. He hasn't been on the planet long enough…" He trailed off as Max stared at him emotionlessly.

"That is none of your concern. Please go back to your duties. Jasper, come with me." Max turned on her heel and walked out the door. Jasper followed her confused. After they had walked into the trees away Max drew the force around her, looking for those who may be spying. Sensing no one she turned back to Jasper. "Why did you stand against your commanding officer?" She questioned, an emotionless mask on her face. Using the force she felt the atmosphere around him for a lie.

"It is important to better our defense so that we may better serve the Empire. Lying was not helping us in that causes I reported it as we were taught to do in training." Jasper stood to attention as he spoke, meeting her eyes the whole time.

"None of the others spoke up though, and last time Vader came you didn't say anything." Max commented, feeling the truth in his words. "Why didn't you?"

"Well….I…." Here Jasper faltered. "I didn't want him to die." Ha managed to speak up. "I knew Vader would kill him so I waited, knowing another would come to evaluate our post."

"How did you know I wouldn't kill him?" Max asked, catching him off guard again.

"Well….I…could sense you wouldn't. It was a feeling you could say. And I went with that feeling."

Max felt a slight lie in his words. He knows it's more then a feeling. She thought. And Vader didn't sense the force in him, how? I didn't at first either. It's not a slight force connection either. It's pretty strong….He could be useful. Max smiled, her emotionless mask falling away for a second. Just as quickly she replaced it, but Jasper had seen the emotion there. Like she had planned. "Ah. I see. Now I know what to do."

"What Commander?" Jasper asked, still as formal as the troops usually were.

"How would you like to be part of my personal squad? I could use some one like you." Max asked, knowing he had no other choice.

Jasper thought about it, and the atmosphere about him remaining open. He didn't seem to mind being forced into the decision, in fact he seemed very open to it. "I will Commander, and if I may say, it'll get me away from those idiots."

Max opened up and laughed, "I have to agree on that one."

Turning to leave they both tightened their masks, each one's face becoming an emotionless mask. As soon has they disappeared from the clearing they had been talking in, a figure stepped out of the shadows. Blue eyes shone bright as the figure smiled, then faded away.

(ø)

"We're leaving for the city of Colris today Ruby." Black Tulip commented as they packed up what they would need. "We'll be taking a ship to go to a rebel base on the planet of Glorian." ( a/n: not real as far as I am aware. Please do not hate me for creating these new places.)

Ruby nodded, placing the tube from the box on her belt like her Master had shown her. "Why are we going to the rebel base?"

"They need our help with certain matters, and it's about time you get some training first hand." Black Tulip smiled, "Also you might make some friends who will make loyal allies."

Ruby smiled, "Ok." She finished packing and headed outside. After a while Black Tulip came and joined her.

"It'll be a walk so get ready."

Ruby nodded and hoisted her pack onto her back. Together they set off into the forest, making their way to the town of Colris.

(ø)

"You're the two traveling to Glorian?" The pilot asked as they entered the cockpit of the ship. He was Gotal with gray skin and black hair. He was on the taller side, his red eyes even with the top of Black Tulips head.

Black Tulip nodded, "Yes we are."

"It'll take a few hours so get comfy. If you need anything let Kaa'ck here know." He pointed to the little blue ortolan sitting in the seat next to him. "My name's Pernifelt Kishluck."

Black Tulip nodded to them. "Tulip, and this is Ruby."

Pernifelt nodded to Ruby, "We'll be taking off shortly so it'd be wise to take your seats." Turning his back on them he started the preperations for take off.

Black Tulip led Ruby into the back of the ship where there was an open sitting area. Motioning for Ruby to take a seat. Ruby sat down, peering out the window in awe at the spaceport. Though small it had quite a few species she had learned about. Black Tulip, noticing what she was doing smiled sadly, "If this was before the Empire came into power you would have been able to see jedi at that outpost up there." She pointed to a building at a mountain's base.

Ruby watched as the building slowly became smaller and smaller as they took off. "Why did they have it there?"

"It was because this was a good place to train. The people were always friendly and willing to help those keeping the peace." Black Tulip sighed sadly, "but that was before the Empire. Now it's just a fading dream."

Ruby let her master be to her thoughts. Allowing her mind to clear she focused on meditating to speed time up till they arrived. Drifting into the meditative state she thought she saw a man sitting next to Black Tulip, They were talking to one another, each one looking sad and forlorn over lost memories. That's the guy from my dream….. Her thoughts trailed off as she went into the full meditative state.

(ø)

Quietly Vader came to stand beside the Emperor. Silently she stood there till the Emperor spoke, "She's back?"

"Yes my master." Vader answered, " She brought back one of the younger guards."

"For what?" The Emperor snapped. He was in a foul mood due to the fact the rebel had attacked and destroyed a hangar of their star ships on the planet Rolis.

"For my personal squad." Max declared, bursting into the room. Warily Jasper followed her, looking nervous about bursting in on the twp sith,

"Why would you need one of those?" The Emperor asked, his raspy voice slightly amused at her arrogant tone.

"Well, on missions I want people I can trust and know well enough to fight by my side if the need arises." She smiled innocently, "Also I'm guessing with a hand picked squad it would be easier to put fear into the rebels who keep resisting. If they know the members of the squad by name and their prowess then they'll know what'll happen to them if they continue to go against us. It'll discourage them to continue it."

The Emperor let out a wheezing laugh. "I see you've given this thought." He frowned at Jasper who quailed slightly under his gaze for a moment, then stood tall. "The flaw is that this group would be loyal to you, not me."

"I am loyal to you, and they will be through me, Emperor." Max replied, her innocent smile still in place, "And if they refuse to accept that then I will deal with them personally." A slight bit of danger snuck into max's innocent smile, making her look dangerous.

"Well you have proven that so far… I think we'll let you gather a squad then. Pick any of my men-"

"Excuse the interruption Emperor, but the men here aren't good enough in my option. Also, taking the ones that are will destroy the power you have built here." Max humbly replied.

The Emperor fell silent in thought for a moment. Max felt the dark side of the force grow in the room. She felt it dig deep into her mind to see what she was going for. Pretending to oblivious to it, she allowed it to happen. She felt it leave her and head to Jasper. After another moment she felt it pass, and then dwindle again, vanishing for the room.

"I sense you are telling the truth. I see you want to be recognized and your prowess feared. Also you're angry that the men thought you stupid enough to believe such a lie because of how young you are." The Emperor smirked, "I will let you form a squad. You will have to continue your training while here in you time though."

Max nodded, "Of course. I never planned on stopping it."

Dismissively the Emperor waved her away saying, "Go find your squad out of the scum and vile thieves of the universe."

Max turned on her heel and walked out of the room, Jasper trailing in her wake.

(ø)

Ruby woke from her meditative state as they were landing on Glorain. After stretching her muscles to loosen them up, she made her way to the co-pit where her master was talking to Pernfelt about the place where the port was located. When she saw Ruby was up, she nodded and motioned for Ruby to join her.

"It's not exactly safe to land to close to the mountains Tulip." Pernifelt was arguing. "There have been reports of Imperials in the area. They've been "randomly picking out ships and seizing them for something or another. They've been taking ships that aren't directly tied to the Empire. That would be this ship."

"They won't take your ship Pernifelt." Black Tulip argued back. "You know that isn't true. They've been seizing them at every port in this area. The one we're going to is smaller and the Imperial forces wouldn't bother with it."

"Pernifelt. They are right." Kaa'ck. Spoke up, surprising Pernifelt. "Anyways they're paying us enough to go there so just do it. Then you owe me a meal."

Pernifelt grumbled but nodded. Turning to the little blue ortolan, Black Tulip smiled, "Thank you for that."

Kaa'ck nodded, "You were very nice to teach me that recipe on the journey. I can't wait to share it with my family back home." He sat back in the co-pilot chair and started mumbling happily about food.

Black Tulip and Ruby left the co-pit, returning to the spots they had been sitting before. "Now Ruby," her master began, "Remember to be careful of those we are going to meet. Though they have the same goal, some of them are into more extreme methods to complete this goal. Make sure not to promise to help any of their random causes. "

Ruby nodded, feeling slightly nervous. She hadn't been around any one but Black Tulip for a while. And she's expecting me to make friends….or allies. Nervously she swallowed, What am I going to do?"

Black Tulip smiled comfortingly at Ruby, "Don't panic Ruby. You are more then capable of doing this. Anyways, you'll only have a few people to deal with before you meet the masses. It's Genara and Galaxis you'll be meeting first. They're the twin children of Yaria. She's the twi'lek that visited us. Remember?"

Ruby nodded to show she remembered. "She's the one that allowed some of the rebels to lodge in that safe house they owned here."

Black Tulip nodded. "Correct. Her kids are your age, and each involved in the rebel effort. Galaxis is quite the pilot and Genara is a little scholar."

Ruby smiled, a little more relaxed. "What color skin do they have? I know Yaria's is purple, but in the file about them you gave me, it says they can many different hues."

"Well, Genara looks just like her mother, except her lekku are longer. Also she's shorter and tends to wear a mix of gray and black. Her mother, as you know, likes browns."

Ruby nodded, picturing Genara in her mind. She remembered learning that the lekku were also called their brain-tails. Part of the brain was stored in them and grabbing one forcefully could easily incapacitate almost any Twi'lek. After a few moments she realized Black Tulip had never described Galaxis. "What about Galaxis?"

Black Tulip frowned slightly, then smiled, "Oh. I forgot didn't I? Well Galaxis is red, the rarest color of all the Twi'lek. She gets it from her dad, who believed to have passed away. No one knows for certain though so there is still hope."

Ruby smiled, "Yeah, that is true."

"Be careful of mentioning anything about their father to Galaxis and Genara. Genara is too emotional over it. Galaxis is…well, Galaxis really doesn't respond. She gets a little moody. She ran off for two weeks last time someone mentioned him."

"OK. So no mentioning their dad." Ruby nodded, glancing out at the surrounding wooded area, she noticed they were landing. "Look, we're landing." She commented.

Black Tulip laughed, "Yeah. I noticed Ruby." She smiled jokingly.

Ruby blushed, "Sorry. I'm a little excited."

Black Tulip smiled and led her to collect their luggage. Once the departed, Black Tulip led her out of the port and into the wilderness. Ruby sighed, and shifted her pack to a more comfortable postion. More walking….joy.

)(ø)(

(A/n: sorry for taking so long to get this up. I'll try and be better about it but there are no promises. If you have any information as to what certain things are called please let me know. Also things tend to change in ideas so if something doesn't quite match the summary, I'm sorry. Also I do not own any thing from star wars. I do own my original characters though. I hope you enjoyed this. Please comment if you'd like. It's how I know how I'm doing. Also please keep it clean -ish. Nothing to vulgar please. )