(A/N): Enjoy!
I don't own anything except for my OC's.
**Revised: 5/20/11**
The Phantom Menace
Chapter 2: Meetings
Trees. Large pine trees surrounded her on all sides, curling around each other in a tangle of knots that resembled lovers intertwined fingers. Their lengthy branches reached out towards the heavens and blocked out the light from the triple moons, which dappled the lush ground with speckles of white light. Keiris carefully stepped over their entwined roots, slinking over them with the precision and grace of a stalking tusk-cat. Her sandaled feet lithely connected with the spongy ground as she silently moved through the dense forest.
Her hands found the fabric of her blue dress, which seemed to sparkle and shine when she walked through the white light from the peeking moons, and lifted it from the ground as she lithely danced through a puddle. Keiris closed her eyes and inhaled, her chest filling up with fresh air and the scent of earth and the sweetness of flowers. Her fingers curled within the translucent Cyrene silk as she twirled, unable to contain the pure feeling of bliss that coursed through her veins. She bounded over the entwined roots and haphazardly placed puddles as she ran, her mass of scarlet curls rippling behind her in a wave of vibrant color.
Suddenly, the trees began to thin. Keiris slowed to a walk at the sight of this, absentmindedly dropping the silk of her dress as she touched the passing trees. The sound of rustling above her head caused her to abruptly look towards the canopy. A Peko-Peko stared at her as the claws on its mighty wings buried themselves deeply within the flesh of the tree. It's beautiful indigo-sapphire feathers puffed and then smoothed against its lean body, its head twisting to the side as its large beak clattered. Keiris smiled at the bird before continuing on.
Keiris couldn't see a foot in front of her nose without there being a lightning bug dancing passed her line of vision. They landed on her bare shoulders, peacefully resting there while their bodies continued their pulsating glow. Keiris gently swatted them away from her face as she drifted towards a clearing. She stepped out from behind the wall of trees, allowing the three moons and brightly lit stars to embrace her in their radiance, and found herself standing on the shore of a great lake. The surface of the water appeared to have been made of glass, for it reflected the sky above so flawlessly that she didn't know which way was up.
That's when she saw him.
A man broke the surface of the water, causing it to violently ripple as his body exploded from beneath the waters surface. He smoothly flicked his head to the side, sending water flying into the air before the droplets rained back into the lake. Keiris' eyes widened at the sight of his strong back as he straightened and stood waist deep in the water, the muscles beneath his creamy skin surged and rippled deliciously. Her nostrils flared, her pupils dilated, and her lips parted as she continued to stare at the strangers back.
A thought swiftly came to her mind and she, somehow, found her voice.
"I would not do that if I were you." Her voice, soft and tentative, broke the silence as she called to the man. "Daggerts have been known to venture too far up stream this time of year. I don't feel like having to drag you back to Theed when you get pricked by one of their spines."
He turned to her then and all of the air from her lungs came out in a violent rush, leaving her breathless and lightheaded. His eyes, a luminous blue-gray, found hers and stared at her with an intensity that caused her insides to twist and churn into uncomfortable knots. Her knees began to buckle as they stared at each other, unmoving and barely breathing. She licked her lips.
Keiris was under his spell. She didn't feel the waters cool bite as her feet noiselessly trudged into the lake. She didn't think of the Daggerts, which she had been thinking of not a moment before. She didn't think of the damage that could be done to her dress and sandals. All that mattered to her at that very moment, as the water began to engulf her legs, was that she needed to touch him.
He reached for her as she neared and she wordlessly took his offered hand. An intense spark shot through them as their hands touched, warming their insides and causing the air around them to hum and vibrate with an unfamiliar energy. He turned to her and stepped closer; her eyes never strayed from his intense gaze as her hand entwined with his and her other came to rest on his strong chest. Her eyelids grew heavy as he bowed his head, his lips inches away from her parted ones.
"My love." He whispered huskily, his warm breath splashing across her lips before he moved a few inches closer-
Keiris's eyes shot open. Her vision blurred but eventually the world came into focus. Her large eyes stared up at the blank white ceiling in a confused daze. She was surrounded by deep shadows and a silence that was almost maddening, no more forests and lakes. She blinked rapidly before squeezing them shut again. Why wasn't there water surrounding her? Where were those eyes? She opened them again, disappointed beyond words to find herself staring up at the ceiling. Reality came back to her then as she continued to stare up at the shadows above; she felt the pressure of the uncomfortable bed against her back, the pillow beneath her head, the weight of Ludo spread across her belly and side, the gentle rumble of the starship as it barreled through space.
It was a dream. Just a dream. Another one of those dreams.
She gently removed Ludo from her body, who groaned out in protest but instantly fell back to sleep, and got out of bed. Keiris grabbed her cloak from the back of the chair and smoothly placed her arm through the sleeves. The door smoothly glided open and she stepped into the dimly lit hallway. She didn't know where exactly she was going as she walked bare-foot down the lifeless hallway and unconsciously turned a corner, but she allowed the Force to guide her to where she needed to go.
Keiris found herself standing in the doorway that led to the mess hall, her eyes set on a loan figure reading beneath a floating orb of light. Master Zeshi looked up from the data pad in her lap upon sensing a presence.
"I sense great distress within you, little one." She stated solemnly after a moment, the markings around her eyes stretching as she raised her brow. She beckoned to Keiris with her hand and gestured to the chair next to her. "Come, tell me what is troubling you."
Keiris silently padded towards her Master, settling herself within the chair next to the great Togruta. She began to nervously knead the sleeves of her robes once she felt the Force surrounding her suddenly swell and vibrate. Keiris knew then that her Master was attempting to read her thoughts, which she allowed.
"I had another dream." Keiris began, her voice hoarse and barely above a mumble.
"Was it like the others?" Master Zeshi asked distractedly, her eyes unblinking as she continued to search through the Force.
"Just like the others. A forest." She answered, closing her eyes and then slowly opening them. The smell of earth and flowers still lingering within her nose. "A forest in Naboo."
"How could you tell?" Master Zeshi asked incredulously, promptly pulling herself from her Padawan's thoughts.
Keiris briskly rubbed her face with her hands in frustration, holding back an exasperated sigh. She just somehow knew…if only that were a good enough answer for her Master. The Padawan sat in silence, mulling the question over and over in her head before shrugging her shoulders.
"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. But I just know that I was in Naboo. Everything felt so…so right…like home. I also saw a Peko-Peko while wandering through the woods, I spoke of Daggerts and I mentioned Theed. So that's only adding to my assumption." Keiris whispered, her palms itching from the tickle of the rough bark of the Pines as her hands brushed across it. "These dreams feel so real though. I wake up in a confused daze because I'm not sure where I am. Have you heard of anything like this, Master?"
Master Zeshi sat for a moment, silently clutching her chin in thought. After a moment, she shook her head. "I've never personally known anyone who had such dreams. However, Master Yoda sometimes spoke of visions; I believe he called them Force visions. I think it would be wise if you spoke to Master Yoda about these dreams upon arriving at Coruscant."
Keiris nodded her agreement. "Yes, I agree. These dreams have been messing with my concentration. I can't help but think about them constantly."
"Do not dwell on the visions you have seen while dreaming, little one." Master Zeshi preached earnestly. "For I believe that they can sometimes be tricks birthed from the Dark Side; tricking the dreamer into believing something that is only false."
"I understand." Keiris obediently nodded her head and stood.
"I trust that you will meditate on this." Master Zeshi gave her a hard look, folding her hands in her lap.
"Of course, Master. I was actually going to go meditate after I got done speaking to you."
"Very good, little one." Master Zeshi's frown curled into a subtle grin, her eyes softening. "I'll see you in the morning."
Keiris bowed respectfully before making her way back towards her room. Her mind was a violent hum of activity, it felt as if her head was full of swarming bees. She tried to clear it as she walked down the long hallway, but her attempts were futile.
After a while, the images that played continuously within her mind ceased, allowing peace to once again fill the Padawan. However, one image continued to haunt her; no matter how hard she tried to get rid of it: An intense pair of stormy blue-gray eyes.
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Keiris couldn't help the growing feeling of excitement that filtered through her body, causing her stomach to twist into an uncomfortable knot, as she gazed out of the ships circular window. Coruscant, the planet made up of one colossal city, always amazed her and caused her to experience sensory overload. The morning sun touched the cityscape, causing the metal of the many buildings to shine and sparkle blindingly. As their starship began to angle itself towards the approaching space hanger, she could see the whole floor of Coruscant moving with a frenzied quickness that would have put a podracer to shame. Her eyes landed on the spacecrafts, who were deftly dodging each other and wildly speeding through the many intersecting lanes of traffic, before turning towards the sea of people swarming just below the traffic above.
Her hand touched the glass, sighing slightly as her cold fingers were warmed by the heated glass. She closed her eyes, smiling to herself as a single word drifted through her mind: Home. She was finally home.
A sudden weight against her leg knocked her from her thoughts, causing her eyes to flutter open and glance towards the floor. She wasn't at all surprised when she looked down and spotted Ludo, standing on his hind legs and resting his two front paws against her leg while looking up at her expectantly. Keiris raised her brow as the corner of her lip twitched upwards.
"Want to see your new home?" She asked lightly, chuckling when his tail began to wag in response.
Keiris bent down and picked him up, groaning while she heaved him off the ground. Ludo had grown a lot since they left Shili; his healthy supply of food and supplements helped his growth since he had been extremely malnourished when she had found him. Ludo, however, wasn't aware of his increase in size since he still expected Keiris to pick him up and carry him around, taking personal offense when she refused.
She held him up towards the window, propping his behind on her cocked hip. His eyes grew as he followed the spacecrafts that sped by, his ears perked and his whiskers twitched. His tail thumped excitedly against her hip as his paws began to scrape against the glass. Their starship slowly entered the hanger, gently touching down when the floor had been cleared.
"Told you you'd like it." She cooed softly while ruffling the velvety fur of his forehead.
"Good morning, little one."
Keiris glanced over her shoulder, smiling when she spotted Master Zeshi walking serenely towards where she stood. She yanked Ludo away from the window, ignoring his displeased growl as she placed him on the floor.
"Good morning, Master." Keiris bowed her head and straightened, reaching into her robes and pulling out a small data drive with a flourish. "I finished my report."
"Excellent. And I didn't even have to threaten you. You're finally learning." Master Zeshi smiled before taking the data drive from her. She turned on her heel and waved her hand as she walked down the hall. "Now come along, my young Padawan. We're meeting Master Windu and Master Yoda at the helm upon landing."
Keiris faltered for a moment. "Oh, I see."
Her insides began to churn at the mention of speaking to the two most powerful pair of Jedi known to man. She had trained with Master Yoda when she was a youngling and had even gone so far as to consider him a close friend and mentor, but she always felt anxious around the small Jedi master. Master Windu made her anxious since he always regarded her with uncertainty and hesitation. Master Zeshi always told her that Master Windu was always uncertain around younglings and Padawan's: "Where Master Yoda trusts Padawan's by means of using the Force and sensing within the Padawan's own conscious, Master Windu takes more persuasion. He's a very cautious individual, he chooses his friends carefully and is slow to trust. It's simply his way.".
Master Zeshi halted and turned suddenly, making Keiris stop short and jolted forward when Ludo slammed into the back of her knees. "I sense your hesitation, little one, and what you are feeling right now is understandable. But you need to realize that not everybody expresses their gratitude for your actions the same way. Master Windu is more of the silent type; I have only personally seen him smile once…and that was because a youngling just barely missed tumbling into Master Yoda. He treats Padawan's with hesitation because he wants to be aware of their balance within the Force."
"I understand, Master." Keiris nodded and matched her stride to the Togruta's when she continued on. "But, like I said a few days ago, I just want to be trusted by him and the entire Jedi Council."
"You are trusted, Keiris. More than you'll ever know." Master Zeshi glanced down at her Padawan, who's brow was raised in confusion. "You think they talk about you when you're in ear shot?"
"They talk about me?"
"Yes they do. A lot actually."
This caught her off guard and she quickly asked. "Good things? Like what? What do they say ab-"
Master Zeshi quickly interrupted her storm of questions. "My young Padawan, do you really think they would have allowed you to come on this mission if they didn't trust you?"
Keiris was silent. Her lips turned into a frown as her fingers timidly found her Padawan braid. "I thought that they were strongly against the idea and you persuaded them to allow me to come. At least that was the impression I was under when we spoke."
"That was an exaggeration. I merely mentioned to the Council that you should come with me to Shili, they could have ultimately said no. Do you think they would send someone who they didn't trust to help deal with a planet that was on the brink of civil war?" Master Zeshi tilted her head to the side and glanced down at her Padawan out of the corner of her eye. She took her Padawan's silence as an unspoken agreement. "See. They trust you more than you're willing to think…you need to believe in yourself a bit more, little one."
Keiris couldn't help the smile that spread across her lips as they reached the entrance ramp, which was still tightly closed. "Thank you, Master."
The entrance ramp shuddered and began to descend towards the hanger floor, allowing the bright Coruscant light to filter into the craft. The strong smell of fuel exhaust and various other scents smacked into Keiris, almost sending her to her knees as she followed her master down the ramp. She quickly glanced over her shoulder, relieved that Ludo was scampering nervously behind her. As she turned back around her insides jolted as two cloaked figures walked towards the spacecraft to greet them. Master Windu's intense brown eyes landed on the two, studying them with a scrutinizing eye as they slowly descended the ramp and stepped onto the hangers floor. Master Yoda sat nestled comfortably in his hover chair, a small grin on his face wrinkled face.
"Welcome back, Master Var'dek Zeshi. I assume the mission was a success." Master Windu greeted the Master and her Padawan smoothly, bowing when they came to stand in front of him.
"The mission was a complete success. Shili is no longer in a state of distress; peace has finally been restored." Master Zeshi stated proudly once she straightened from her bow. "But I have to say that I couldn't have done it alone."
Keiris tensed as her Master turned towards her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The two Jedi Masters attention was unwillingly turned to Keiris, she could feel the palms of her hands beginning to sweat and tingle. She caught Master Windu's calculating gaze, instantly regretting the small interaction with the strict Jedi Master. His solid gaze swiftly shot towards the piece of jewelry that was around her neck. His Jedi mask wavered then as he stared at the intricate piece incredulously.
"An Akul-tooth headdress, you have." Master Yoda hummed and placed his large hands on his feeble knees. The small Jedi leaned forward in his seat to get a better look at the necklace, his long ears rising in excitement. "Rarely given to outsiders, they are. An interesting outcome, this is."
"Keiris made a wonderful impression on my people. It didn't take long for them to see the pureness in her heart and begin to fully trust her. To be honest, she's the real reason there were absolutely no casualties during our two month long stay. She handled herself with poise and a humbling respectfulness that only made her more appealing to my people. A true keeper of the peace."
"Not surprised I am. The Force is strong within you, it is." Master Yoda nodded and closed his eyes, causing the skin around his eyes to bunch and wrinkle. "The right decision was made when sending you two on this mission, it was."
"If you don't mind, Masters, I have something to say." Keiris said, her voice quivering slightly.
"Go on." Master Windu gestured for her to continue with a slight wave of his hand.
"I would just like to express my utmost gratitude for allowing me to accompany my Master on this meaningful mission to Shili. I have learned so much while I was there, more then I could have hoped for. If I can be so bold to say that I believe the mission has made me grow; not only as a Padawan but as an individual of the Republic."
Master Yoda gave a toothy grin. "Glad I am that your mission was such a meaningful one."
"Yes." Master Windu simply nodded his head in affirmation. "Remember what you have learned from those experiences, Keiris. Knowing how to deal with various races and how to rightfully please everyone during a conflict can be extremely important. Especially when on a foreign planet, completely alone."
"Of course, Master Windu." Keiris bowed her head. "I'll remember the skills I have learned and apply them to future situations."
"Good to hear, that is." Master Yoda's gaze quickly turned towards the ground. His long ears rose slightly as he tilted his head to get a better look. "What is this I see?"
Keiris frowned in confusion, not understanding what Master Yoda was referring to. Then, just as something slumped heavily against her calf, she realized what had ultimately caught the small Master's attention. She hesitantly glanced toward her feet, unsurprisingly finding Ludo there. The young animal stared at the two Masters cautiously, his small snout wiggling as he sniffed.
The Padawan cleared her throat, her heart pumping wildly within her chest as she nervously gestured towards her new companion. "This is Ludo."
Both Master Windu and Master Yoda exchanged wary glances, causing sweat to suddenly form upon her brow. Master Windu turned to Keiris, his voice smooth and composed. "How did you come across this Akul pup?"
"When Master Zeshi and I were walking back to our shuttle, I came across him in the turu-grass. He was injured and extremely weak." Keiris explained, casting a fleeting glance at Ludo. "I attempted to return him to the parents but they tried to kill him."
Master Windu raised a brow while studying the Akul pup, who was now attempting to burry himself under Keiris' robes.
"Akul are fierce and known to turn on their masters." Master Windu stated straightforwardly after a tense moment of contemplation.
"Oh I assure you, Master, he's tame." Keiris stated quickly. "He wouldn't hurt a fly."
Master Yoda leaned back in his hover chair, his eyes never leaving the pup as he hummed in thought. "A liking he has for you. Hmm?"
Keiris smiled nervously and quickly nodded. "I was the only one to show him kindness, Master. I even fixed up his injured leg."
"Where were you planning on taking the pup when you reached Coruscant?" Master Windu asked, crossing his arms tightly across his broad chest.
"Um…well…I-I haven't really thought of that yet, Master." Keiris mumbled solemnly. Her heart sank suddenly as visions of Ludo being dragged into a cage and forgotten about or worse….being sold and slaughtered for his hide and meat.
"The Jedi Temple he shall stay."
It took a moment for all of them to process what had just been said or to even realize that Master Yoda had, in fact, spoken. Their eyes abruptly turned towards the little Jedi Master, who calmly rubbed a hand through his thinning white hair.
"Stay at the Temple?" Master Windu asked incredulously, his brow rose and his forehead wrinkled.
"Strong willed and fierce Akul are. But trusting and tame it becomes when shown compassion it is." Master Yoda closed his eyes and nodded to himself, silently thinking for a few moments as his clawed hands folded and rested in his lap. "Hm. Yes. A good lesson this makes. Kindness to all life the Younglings must learn. An example Keiris will become."
Master Windu frowned. His eyes found the backside of Ludo, the only part of him that was visible, and studied the creature for a moment. He edgily nodded, his silent agreement. "The Akul pup will be taken to the Temple. Keiris, he's your responsibility till you find a place for him."
Keiris quickly composed herself while swallowing a cry of pure joy. "Thank you so much, Master Windu and Master Yoda."
"Yes, thank you very much. The Akul pup is surprisingly passionate for an Akul; I would know." Master Zeshi stated, smiling brightly at her Padawan who continued to hide her excitement. She faced the two Jedi, the smile slowly fading from her gray lips just as her expression turned serious. "Should we head over to the meeting? We shouldn't keep the other Masters waiting."
Keiris promptly glanced up at her Master, who was pointedly ignoring the curious look from her Padawan. Master Windu and Master Yoda both nodded their agreements and turned towards the hangers exit, bowing their heads to Keiris as they passed. Master Zeshi watched them go for a moment before turning to her Padawan and speaking in a hasty whisper.
"Go down to hanger three; a shuttle will be waiting for you." Master Zeshi hurriedly stated. "Take Ludo to Awah, he'll be able to make arrangements for him. But now, little one, I must go."
Keiris' forehead creased in confusion but, nevertheless, she nodded her head. "I understand, Master. I'll meet you back in the Temple."
With a hurried bow, Keiris watched her Master speed off in the direction Master Windu and Master Yoda had disappeared a few seconds before. A sudden feeling of dread began to pool within her stomach, making her feel uneasy.
"I don't like the look of this." She mumbled to herself as she placed a hand on her cocked hip. "Not at all."
A sharp yelp brought her attention away from the hangers exit and towards her feet. Keiris stepped to the side and pulled on her Jedi cloak, causing the fabric to slide across the ground and reveal Ludo. He quickly got to his feet and glanced around the hanger, his eyes extremely wide and his ears perked as he sniffed the air.
"Ferocious?" Keiris threw her head back and let out a loud bark of sarcastic laughter. "You wouldn't even hurt a fly."
Ludo wagged his long tail and bounded forward, playfully swatting at her Padawan braid. Keiris laughed and dodged his paw, swiftly running towards hanger three while Ludo chased after her.
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(A/N): This happened to be my least favorite chapter to write. I have no idea why but ugh! Uh oh, those visions...who do they reminds you of? Ten millions dollars goes to the person with the right answer! Anyway, how did you like it? Reviews are always appreciated!