Chapter 3: Caring
I heard footsteps walking dangerously close to me. My senses brought me back to reality, making me alert. My eyes snapped open and I looked around for the sound of the steps. A sideways, startled Mission jumped, before putting her hands on her hips. "Sheesh! You shouldn't scare a person like that!" She reprimanded. I began to regain feeling in my body, mind now fully awake. I sat up. "Sorry." I wiped all sleep from my eyes. I must have dozed off. But waking up and seeing my surrounding's makes me realize just how real this actually is.. It really isn't a dream.
I stared at the blue Tw'ilek. Her lekku framed her face perfectly, creating an exotic atmosphere. Her enthusiastic and carefree expression made her all the more likeable. Her skin was so perfect it almost made me envious, had I not a respect and friendship love for her. Any good thing that came her way, I was happy for her benefit.
She crinkled a brow and looked at me oddly. "What?" She asked. I smiled and sat criss-crossed. "Nothing." I said. Just admiring your beauty. I finished in my mind. I looked around. It was still plenty dark, but there seemed to be a more eerie prescence than before. My smile faded and instead turned cautious. I scanned the area. No Rakghoul's lay in sight, and there seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary. I glanced behind me. Carth sat upright, looking alert.
..Until I heard him snore. I raised an eyebrow. "Fell asleep on the job?" I asked quietly, turning back to Mission. She nodded, arms crossed, and looked at the sight. "They both did." I looked at Revan's limp figure a few feet from me. "I got up to go to the bathroom and found'em like this." I smiled and looked at Revan's sleeping face. She lay on her back, one arm resting over her stomach, the other arm behind her head. Her mouth was set slightly agape, and her face looked relaxed. I'm glad she isn't having any nightmares. Or rather, memories. I frowned slightly. "She sure does look prettier without that scowl on her face, doesn't she?" I asked softly. It was meant to be a humorous comment, but it came out with a serious tone. Mission snickered. "Yeah. She looks like a kinrath pup when she's awake, though!" I turned to her and grinned before returning my gaze to Carth. "I bet they've had it rough since they got here. I wouldn't doubt their tired as heck." I stated. Mission nodded softly, staring ahead but not really looking at anything. Worry clouded her grey-black eyes. I set a hand on her shin, not being able to reach anything else, but still trying to be comforting. "He'll be okay, Mission." I said softly. She looked down at me and nodded, sitting down. "I know. I just.." She trailed off, voice becoming softer. "Big Z's the only family I have, you know? I'm just afraid we won't get there in time." She said. My expression softened towards the girl. You can't believe how right you are when you say he's the only family you have. In time you'll see that. I'll make sure to find your brother, if only to show you he isn't anything but scum. I laid a hand on her shoulder. "We'll be there in time, Mission. I won't let anything happen to you or Zaalbar.. I promise." She looked up at me and searched my eyes for something; possibly sincerity. She smiled very, very, slightly, and stared at her lap before nodding lightly. "Thank you." She whispered. I nodded. "I'm, uh.. I'm just gonna get s'more sleep before we head to the sewers." She said, laying down. I nodded. "Okay. I'll take the next watch, then." I said casually. I saw her nod before closing her eyes.
I looked over at Carth, who was still sitting upright. I'll bet twenty credits that's a technique he learned through long nights with the Republic. I stood up and walked silently over to him. I crouched right in front of him and just stared at his face, eyes wide and bright; watching his every move. He didn't look nearly as peaceful as Revan did. His eyebrows were drawn together in a scowl, his mouth formed a frown. I examined his face. A few slight wrinkles from stress were etched across his forehead. Lo and behold, two stray locks of hair hung down in his face. I smiled slightly. Bang's, if he had any, were slicked back to mangle with his hair further down the scalp. All except those two strands. I don't know why, I just found it amusing. My smile widened with further amusement at his five o' clock shadow. Again, I'm not sure why I found it so amusing. I had the sudden urge to feel the prickles of hair and frowned. See, this is what I was afraid of. If he knew I was crouching in front of him like this, tempted to run a hand across his stubble; the end result would definitely not be pretty. Everyone would think of me as some kind of stalker or something. Which, if you think about it, isn't far off. I mean, I do know all their background's and identities. My frown deepened. Including personal thing's. I wonder what he would think of me, knowing I knew about his family? Knowing I knew where his son was? Knowing I knew about his wife? I bit back a sigh, so as to not blow on his face. Besides.. There's no way someone like me could be with someone like him, in any case. All logic and matter defies it. He's much older, has much more experience, and if all else fails, let's not forget he's the king of paranoia. Not to mention he has way too many trust issues. Add that to the fact him and Revan already distrust me. I'll be surprised if we even end up friend's.
I stared at his closed eyes. I bet he's cold. Heck, I bet we all are. The damp air isn't helping thing's, either. I looked around for something, anything that might help solve this problem. There was dirt. Nothing more. I stood up and sighed, before heading to the gate. A shiver ran up my spine, and I ended up in an all-out sprint to the gate; fear clenching my heart. Now a few feet away from the rusted thing, I almost tripped on something. I looked around for any Rakghoul's trying to eat me or my companions, but to my great relief, found none. I looked down at the thing I almost tripped on and gasped. There lay the two blaster pistols I had been lent. "Crap! I can't believe I almost forgot about these.." I quickly picked them up and put them in their holster, not even bothering to put the safety on. I rechecked myself, now self-conscious. Bag, check. Assault rifle, check. Holster; equipped with pistols.. Check. I sighed. "I really need to learn to be more careful."
I scanned the area, again checking for white monsters, before turning to the gate again. I tapped on it lightly. "Excuse me?" I asked. I heard a mumble and shuffling from inside. "Y-yes? Who's there?" He asked. I resisted rolling my eyes. Oh, please. I'm not any threat to you, you babbling fool. Though I didn't hold it against him for being afraid. I mean, who could blame him?
"Can I come in?" I inquired. A few moments later, I almost jumped at the screeching of the gate as it opened. I smiled, nodded my head at the gatekeeper, and said my thanks before setting off for my goal. I stopped mid-walk and turned back to him. "Hey, do you think you could keep an eye on my companions for a few minutes?" I asked. "I won't be long, but if any Rakghoul's come I would be pleased to be informed, so I can show them proper protection." I said, politely as I could. The man sat in thought for a minute before looking up at me. "I suppose I could. Your friend over there did help the village earlier." I nodded and thanked him again, then set off for my goal.
I did a round-trip through the small camp, seeing if anyone had any extra blankets. Alot looked at me as if I were stupid and told me to simply go away. Gee, what friendly people. It's good they keep the place alive. I thought sarcastically. I eventually came to the old man, Rukil. "Excuse me, sir, but I was wondering if you had any extra blankets I could use?" I said. The half-blinded man squinted at me for a long minute. After awhile, I was tempted to just walk away, hoping he would forget I ever asked. But after he was done apparently examining me, he turned around to his small encampment and searched through a pot. After a few minutes of searching, he came back to me and shook his head. "I'm sorry, young one." He rasped. "Shaleena took the last of the spare blankets to Hendar and his gal not too long ago. But perhaps you could ask our merchant, that Igear fellow. I don't trust him, mind you, but he can be useful for the right amount of credits." I nodded and thanked him, now heading to Igear. I honestly didn't want to have to ask him, but it seems I have no choice.
I slapped on a fake smile and walked up to the man, trying my hardest to be quiet and graceful while doing so. I inwardly shook with disgust as he looked me over, a smile of his own rising on his face. "What can I do for you?" He asked. I resisted raising an eyebrow. His voice seemed alot lower than it did in the game, though it still had that annoying tint at the end. His expression seemed alot darker, his eyes more sadistic. His stare sent chills down my spine, and his smile made me pale. "Just wondering if a man like you had what a woman like me is looking for." I said, resting a hand on my hip. He again looked me over, eyes landing freely over my chest and hips. "Keep those eyes up, pretty boy. Have any blankets I could use?" Smile never faltering, he rested his eyes on mine. "Sure, I have some blankets you could use. But you'll have to pay.." I didn't like the edge on his voice. Everything in me screamed to just run back to the small encampment Revan had made. I sent him a pleading face. "But, kind sir.. I don't have any credits." I whined. He stepped closer to me. "Well, there are other way's to pay.." He began, staring down my shirt. His cold, sweaty breath cascaded over me, making my stomach get that all too familiar feeling when I was about to puke. "Sorry, handsome." The words tasted gross in my mouth. "But I'm already in a relationship. However.." I drawled the word out slightly. "I heard you were looking for a few journals. I could get my hands on them for you, in exchange for some blankets." The man's smile lowered slightly. He looked up into my face. "Alright. But you better come through with those journals." He said. He turned around and went to messing with a plasteel cylinder. I felt relief and shock flood over me. Suddenly my knees felt weak. I'm surprised he agreed so quickly. But I won't question. Just so long as I get a few blankets. He came back to me and shoved a few blankets into my arms. The disappointment on his face was clearly evident, though he obviously looked forward to getting the journal's. I clutched the blankets in my arms tightly and walked away, purposely making sure I walked instead of trotted.
My arms felt crusty. I looked down at them and remembered I still had Rakghoo on me. Although, now, it was more of a plaster than goo. I wrinkled my nose in disgust, both from my recent experience with the merchant and the still fading smell of the Rakghoo plaster stuck on my arms and torso. Not to mention the feel of it. It was disgusting!
I approached the gatekeeper after what felt like miles of purposeful walking. Walking is so slow!
He informed me no Rakghoul's had come as of yet, and opened the gate for me. I said my thanks and walked towards the place my companions lay. Yet again, the feel of shivers chorused down my spine, making me feel overly on-edge. I prayed over and over that no Rakghoul would attack me.
A slimy, wet, growl came from the right of me. I jumped, dropped the blankets, grabbed my pistols, and turned towards the offending sound. I wanted to scream. I wanted to scream so bad. Fear shook my entire body as I faced the horrid picture of a Rakghoul running towards me. I shakily, but quickly, lifted the pistol's and held down the triggers, aiming for the white blob. I let go and forced myself to watch, to make sure I hit my target. Fear consumed me when I saw I missed. The Rakghoul screeched in triumph and ran faster. It was like being in a horror movie. I put my arms over my head and felt tears brimming, quickly and easily being let loose. I'm going to die here. I'm going to die a cruel, horrible death on a planet that will soon be destroyed, in a universe that shouldn't exist. I crouched down into a protective ball, expecting to be clawed at and bitten continuously.
Pain seared my right arm. I knew the beast had clawed at it, and probably opened it quite well. I shrieked in horror, fear, and pain. Nothing else came. I felt sobs leave me, loudly. I heard a 'thump' in front of me, followed by a Rakghoul groan. I looked up, face wet with tears, throat throbbing in pain, and arm bleeding to no end, to see the white monster dead. It had a good-sized hole in the middle of it. I just sobbed louder, cradling my arm. I heard footsteps running over to me. I was expecting Revan, or Mission, maybe even Carth. But there were more than just one pair of footsteps. The caution so well-engraved in my mind kicked in, preparing me for different enemies. But I couldn't look up. My eyes stayed glued to the floor. I couldn't grab my pistols. Instead my free hand grabbed my bleeding one, only adding to the pain. I felt like someone had peeled the skin off of my arm, then decided to stab at it with a sharp-bladed knife. I knew I had to stop the bleeding; that was basic medical protocol. But I just stayed crouched and cried. Red, metallic boots stopped in front of me. I forced myself with all the willpower I had in me to stop crying and look up. I was met with a red Sith uniform. Relief and dread both washed over me. My attackers? No. My saviors. How can they be the enemy? At this point in time, I don't care. I wrapped myself around one of the Sith's leg's, sobs and whimpers escaping freely. He made no motion to shake me off, though I distinctly heard his Sith buddies laughing amongst themselves. Everything was warbled. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't hear very well, and I couldn't see due to the tears.
"Alright, kid. You need to get off. But first you need to get that poison out of your system, otherwise we'll have to kill you too." Came the Sith soldier's voice. Carth once made a speech to Canderous about the difference between warriors and soldiers. Right now I couldn't see a difference. Why was I even thinking of that, again? I pressed my tear-stained face against the cold metal of the armor he wore. I could feel darkness setting in. I wasn't quite sure where I was anymore, but I know that I felt extremely tired; all of a sudden. I was crudely ripped away from him, my strength not enough to fight against theirs. I felt my body fall face-down on the grey, rough, dirt. I wasn't sure what was going on. I felt different thing's move around me, but that was the end of it.
"I don't think she's well enough to move," Came a warbled voice. I closed my eyes to try and ignore the dizziness I was feeling. "Well, we don't need another Rakghoul on our case. Inject one of those cheapies we got into her, it'll keep her at bay." Came an authoritive warbled voice. "I swear. We upper-Taris citizens shouldn't have to deal with scum like these. We barely have enough serum for our own men! Once you get that thing into her, let's get out of here."
I felt something very similiar to a needle poke my thigh. The darkness that had been closing in on me, and the sickness in my stomach, and all the warbled sounds I was hearing began to clear. Tears stung my eyes. Not out of sorrow or pain, but thankfulness. I scoffed in my mind, though still crying and in great pain. I can see the headlines now. Teenage girl falls for the Sith after being carelessly rescued, even though it was for their own benefit. The fog was beginning to clear in my mind, and I could finally think. Nothing like this has ever happend before.. I thought helplessly. I'm usually so focused! Even in spots like these..
I shakily reached for my bag, opening my eyes. I was relieved to find it still there, and grabbed a medpac from it's innards. I removed the cap from it's top and injected the needle into my thigh. The effect was instantaneous. The pain was gone almost as quickly as it had came, and I watched as the wound healed over in under a minute. I stared at my arm, unbelievingly. The pain was dull, and my arm held only a ginormous scab, similiar to a third degree burn. It was at the point where if it rubbed against anything, it would surely rip off; easily.
I felt tired. I sat up and rechecked everything, making sure I really had all my items. Bag, Rifle, holsters, pistols. All there. I put the blaster pistols back into their place and looked around. The only evidence anything had really transpired was a bunch of drying blood on the ground. I looked around for my saviors, but they were long gone. Everything happened so fast.. Did it really all just happen? And I thought the Sith were to show no mercy. But perhaps.. in their own twisted way, it was all self-gratification to them. In any case, I'm lucky to be alive.
I backtracked and went to pick up the blankets I had earlier dropped, carefully making sure my arm was out of any harm's way. Tears were dry on my face and left my cheeks crusted, making me yet again wish I could take a shower. The wonderful feeling of cleanliness I had before we left the Bek base was long gone, barely even leaving a memory.
My leg's were weak and wobbly, and it took me longer than usual to walk back to where my companions were. That's another thing I noticed - I was walking; not trotting. I hope when they said 'cheapies' they meant bargain. I sure hope that stuff they injected actually works. My stomach felt disgusting. I still hadn't eaten anything, and I actually felt kind of grateful I hadn't. If I had, there would be no point. I would just puke it back up.
I collapsed with the blankets a few feet away from the burnt-out fire and sighed. Maybe I could just lay here for awhile, and no one will notice. I scoffed out loud. Right. Get real. What a statement that was, considering where I am.
I looked over at a half-asleep Mission. I doubt she'll actually, fully, sleep until we get Zaalbar. Although, she could only be half-asleep because she's trying to be alert. I thanked the Force (It felt weird doing so) she had slept through my Rakghoul attack. I wouldn't want her waking up because of me. Force knows she needs her rest.
I looked over at Revan. She was still asleep, though she was now on her side. I smiled slightly and shook my head. Your really not all that tough, are you? I frowned. At least not yet. The thought of a powerful Revan scared me, slightly. Would she lose control and just simply kill everyone? I suddenly wondered how Bastila had felt during all this. Wait. What? I mentally smacked myself, frowning. 'All this' hasn't even happened yet. And when I refer to that, I'm still thinking about a game. I sighed and closed my eyes, resting my head on the blankets. Up until now, it hadn't really dawned on me that all the information I held could be worthless. I had no control over Revan.
..Yet.
I opened my eyes and forced myself to stand up, taking a blanket with me. I draped it over Mission, then made sure it was on her properly. Her eyes drearily opened, and sleepily landed on me. "Huh?" She mumbled. I smiled miserably. "Just go back to sleep, Mission." I said soothingly. I congratulated myself when she did so. I guess my 'mother' voice still works. I confirmed. I picked up another blanket and as silently as I could headed over to Revan. I smirked at the scene. She was resting on her arms, which made her cheek end up closer than usual to her eye. I shook my head and gently laid the blanket on her, taking extra care not to wake the former Sith Lord. I looked back at the remaining two blankets and frowned before looking back to Revan. I sighed. Why do I have to be such a good person?
A question I ask myself alot. Though, lately..
I walked over to the blanket's and folded one up a few times, making a padded square. I walked back over to Revan and very carefully removed her arms from underneath her head. I felt heat scratch my neck. Would she wake up and punch me? I sure hope not. Thankfully I removed her arms enough to slide the blanket under her head. I stood up and put my hands on my hips, looking at my accomplishment. There. That should feel alot better. I stared at her grimly. I sure hope she doesn't wake up and yell at me, saying her neck hurts or she's got a medical condition or something. She already depises me enough as it is.
I walked over and grabbed the last blanket, then approached Carth. He was still sitting up. I cringed. Gosh, dude. Doesn't that hurt your back? I kneeled next to him and placed one hand on his back, and the other on his chest. I carefully and gently lowered him onto the ground. I prayed that he would stay asleep, just like Revan did.
But noooo. Fate seems to hate me. (Luck loves me, though!) His eyes snapped open, and I jumped backwards. Like, four feet. He looked over at me, looked around the small camp, then closed his eyes again. I practically fainted. Was that my heart going out? Sure felt like it! I returned to trying to lay him down and succeeded. I shook my head and placed the blanket over him. Tch. Revan, in fourteen years or so, when you guy's are married; I'm definitely going to tell this story.
I frowned. I bet his head was uncomfortable, too. I shrugged. Well, I can't fix everything.
I sat down in front of where the fire had been and rested my head in my hands. I really am tired. Which to me is amazing, because frankly, I have insomnia alot of the time. Even when I get to sleep, I wake up every five minutes to a half an hour. I sighed and laid down with a 'thud', letting my arms swing over my head and rest there. I really shouldn't be complaining, but how come I couldn't have gotten stuck in KotOR 2? Why'd it have to be number one? I mean, at least in number two there's a possible after-story. There's actually something to do after we end the game. I froze. That hit like a rock. 'After we end the game'.. What will happen after we win? And that is, of course, assuming I even make it off this planet. Will I find myself woken up in my bed, seeing this is all a dream? I 'hmphed'. That's partly the reason I'm going so easily with this. I don't believe it's real. Although.. I looked at my arm. The pain sure is. Maybe it isn't a dream. I'm not sure. I can't tell.. And that's the part that scares me. If I get too attached to these people and find out this is a dream, it'll hurt. If I get attached to these people and find out this isn't a dream, it'll still hurt. Many of the companions die after the end. Well.. At least that's what always seemed logical. Juhani will die in the Jedi Civil War, Jolee will die from old age eventually, Carth continues on and becomes an admiral... T3 ends up with the Jedi Exile, HK also ends up with the Exile.. Geez. Why do the droids get it so easy? Although I'm sure HK would tell me different. Heh.. I began doing crunches, but found it was alot harder than usual. I only did two this time. I laid back down and huffed frustratedly. Stupid Rakghoul. This is all your fault. I stared at the cement ceiling, still feeling caged. Canderous takes upon himself the role of Mandalore and restores the Mandalorians to power. Well... For a time. Don't they go extinct? I can't remember. But that's not until years later. After Revan either kills or saves the Republic, he- I mean, she; goes off to the Unknown Regions. Bastila stay's with Carth. I guess she's really useless until the Exile sends her Jedi crew members to go restore The Order, isn't she? Tch. I don't know what happens to Zaalbar, truthfully. I suppose he would go home, after Revan leaves. He probably becomes chieftan after his father dies. I wonder if Mission would go with him. I'm sure she would, I mean.. That's the entire reason she stay's with us in the first place. But then again, she might stay with Carth. Who knows? That bring's me to Dustil. If he's saved, he goes back to Telos later, after he's warned his friend's. Never really liked him. He had the same voice actor as that Brejik fellow. Didn't like his voice. He needs to shave off those sideburns, too. Yuthura can either become the new leader of the Sith Academy, or she can come back to the Academy on Dantooine and be killed with the rest of everybody when Malak bombs it. Honestly, I kind of liked her character. If I had to choose, I would let her take the place as succesor to the Academy director. Not necessarily because I want her to die a Sith and be miserable her entire life, but because if she lives, there's always a chance for redemption. I'm not quite sure what I'm saying when I say redemption. I don't believe in the ways of the Jedi. Their fools and liars. Atton was correct through and through. "The Jedi are Pacifists, except in times of war. Their teachers.. Except when it comes to telling their students the truth. And when they save you, it's only so you can suffer more." The Exile is living proof. Right now she's probably roaming around somewhere in the Outer Rim. The Jedi.. We'll have to face them soon on Dantooine. I don't like the Jedi or the Sith. Both extremes are... repulsive. I looked over at Revan and frowned. What exactly is she? She isn't a Jedi. She's not necessarily a Sith, either. She's just... Moody. A smile rolled onto my face. A typical woman.
I suddenly felt very cold, followed by a shiver. Gha. I gave that stupid addictive woman my blanket. I hope she's happy. I sighed and rolled over, and jumped when I saw something move in front of me. I quickly sat up. My first thought was, A Rakghoul? But upon closer inspection, I saw it was actual people. I looked closer and felt a grin slide into place. Well, well. Canderous finally decided to join us. I'm sure we'll run into him later. I looked over my companions. Which means it's about time to wake up. I stood up and stretched. Pity. I didn't even get to review the KotOR 2 people.
I walked over to Mission and shook her lightly. Her eyes popped open before drooping down again. "Ehh.. .. What?" She mumbled, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "We should probably get going." I said. She was up faster than I could say 'Let's go'. She still looked a little groggy, but she would be ready if anything happened. She looked around. "Hey.. Where'd the blankets come from?" She asked. "A guy I know. You wanna wake up Miss Moody, or King Paranoia?" I answered. She grinned. "I think I'll take my chances with Carth." I sighed and shook my head. "Brilliant."
She giggled. I made my way over to the former Sith Lord and crouched in front of her, wondering what the best way would be. I sighed. "This is not going to be easy. I wonder if it's too late to switch out with Mission." I looked over at the blue bundle of enthusiasm. She was tapping Carth lightly on the shoulder, to no avail waking him up. I moved him and he barely bat an eye. You'll have to do more than that. I looked down at Revan. These guy's were really out. They must've been extremely tired.
I moved a few strands of hair out of Revan's face and looked at her. I mean, really looked at her. She really was beautiful. Her eyes held semi-dark circles underneath them, but it didn't make her look any less gorgeous. Hmph. I suddenly understand why Carth nicknames her 'Beautiful' and 'Gorgeous'. Her eyelid's were dark, like they had a red-tan makeup on them. But it was obvious there was none. It was natural. Her nose was perfect. I mean, literally perfect. Her eyebrows were shaped and equal. When did she get them done? Maybe she did them herself. Can they do that here? Does Star Wars have beauty objects? So many thing's I didn't know. But now I was actually here. Or was I? Maybe. Her eyelashes were long, thick, and dark; matching the color of her hair. Not that her hair was really dark, but her roots were. At least darker than the rest of her hair. Her lips were... very interesting. They were lighter in the middle, and darker around. It was amazing, really. I had seen people with makeup like that, but never seen it actually being natural. Her skin was fair in complexion, almost as white as mine was. Like me, she had no achne or pimples or any other skin problems. Her eyes were closed, but I knew her eyes were blue and beautiful. They had a shattered glass effect. Honestly, anyone could easily get lost in them.
I had a sudden urge to see them, to have her open her eyes and let me view those shattered orbs. "Revan.." I said quietly. "Er.. I mean.." I said in my normal voice. "Alora.." Back to my soft voice. "Please wake up." I gently set a hand on her shoulder and shook her lightly. Her eyebrows drew together, but she didn't get up. She didn't make any attempt to move or any sign she would be soon. I sighed. That was the exact response I got when I moved her arms to give her a pillow. I knew what I wanted to do, wanted to try. But I knew once she woke up she would kill me. I felt a trickle of fear pass before deciding to just do it. "Now or never. Besides, what a better way to find out if this is a dream?" I asked. I slid my arms around her waist, trying hard not to accidentally hurt her. "Heave!" I cried. She was regular in width, and was surpisingly light. That is, until I tried picking her up completely. I groaned. How the heck am I gonna get this lug onto my back?
The eyes I so craved opened, followed by a scowl, which was followed by a punch in the gut. I bent over and closed my eyes, grinning; savoring the pain. "Good morning to you, too." Revan - or rather, Alora - regained her composure and stood up straight, wiped her eyes, then looked around. It took her a moment to realize where she was; you could easily tell. She looked at me and frowned. "Yeah, good morning." She looked towards Carth, who was still being woken up by Mission, unsuccessfully. "We heading to the sewers?" She asked. I nodded. She bobbed her head in a mirror of me and then walked over to Mission and Carth. Mission was crouched next to him, poking and prodding him lightly. Revan shook her head and frowned, but with a playful atmosphere. "No, no, no. You can't wake him up like that. I learned this the first time." She gently moved Mission out of the way, then straddled Carth, still standing up. "You do it like this." She advised. She fell onto the Republic soldier, kneeing him in the gut and sitting on his leg's. Carth ubruptly sat up, groaning loudly. "Agh! Alora!" He cried. The former Sith Lord only grinned malevolently in response. By now me and Mission were both trying to contain our amusement. Alora made a knuckle, put it on his head, and gave him a noogie. I laughed. They do that here? Carth scowled, trying to swat her hands away. "Wakie Wakie, Carth!" She cried. My grin faded. My dad used to say that all the time. It was extremely annoying. He gave me noogies, too. I pushed aside the memory and instead watched as Carth continued to try and swat away her hands. I eventually started smiling again. I can relate with his annoyance, haha.
I watched, not really feeling part of the group, but still smiling. What a happy moment. I'll bet this becomes a savored memory someday. Heh.. Poor Carth. Ah, well. On the bright side, Revan seems to be in a better mood than she was before. I frowned. I really am not part of the group, am I? I never will be. I was never meant to be. What am I even doing here? They don't need me.
"But you need them." Whispered a voice. I did a double-take, eyes wide. What the-? I'm hearing voices now? Great. Why does my life suddenly seem like a Maximum Ride rip-off? The voice had sounded so clear. Like it had been whispered right in my ear. But there was no one there. There was no point stressing over it, stress just causes wrinkles. I ignored whatever I had heard and clapped my hands, then rubbed them, getting the attention of my comrades. "Alright. We ready to head to the sewers?" I asked. Mission looked over at me, still smiling. Revan quit her pestering, but still held a smirk. Carth scowled at Revan, but held an almost .. happy atmostphere. I suddenly felt like I was in a spotlight. Uhh.. Maybe I shouldn't have interrupted.
Mission stood up, followed by a semi-reluctant Revan, who stuck a hand out to Carth, who took it, who stood up. Revan's face of pleasure was long gone, replaced by a business look. "Alright. Let's go. Everyone grab your gear, and-" She stopped. She looked at the blankets, then looked at each of her comrades faces, examining if they knew anything. Mission jabbed a thumb in my direction. Revan looked at me, and scowled. Her amazing blue eyes held nothing but hatred for me, leaving me feeling very alone. "You did this?" She asked. I nodded softly. She glared at me. "Thank you." She hissed. She turned around, walking in a direction, leaving us behind; not even bothering to check if she left anything behind. I watched after her sadly. She despises me. She hates me for having to make her thank me. She didn't have to, but.. I felt my heart tear. It desperately wanted to harden, to become immune. But something inside me repeated warning's, telling me if I did so, I would become a monster. My heart wanted to darken. She didn't even notice or thank me for the pillow. I pouted. I began to pick up the blankets and fold them, expression showing nothing. When did I even start caring? The thoughts made me realize how horrible I was, but also made me realize how pathetic I was. I am only human. I have no uniqueness, I'm in a foreign galaxy, and I'm using the one person who deserves not to be used. The Jedi already used her enough. More sadistic twists pulled at the corners of my mind. I smiled sardonically, staring uninterested at the folded bundle of blankets. I looked up at Mission, who was looking at me oddly. "We could stash these behind some rubble and come back for them later." I said, losing any expression of interest I had before, and frowning. She nodded. "Okay. I think I saw a good place not too far from here."
/ / / / /
I scrunched my nose in disgust. "Yep. I'd say we're getting closer to the sewers." I said. Mission flashed me a grin. "You think it's bad now, wait till we actually get IN there!" I suddenly began to dread coming in the first place. The sewers isn't exactly where a germaphobic person like me wants to be. I NEVER go to a public bathroom. EVER. The sewers? Not anywhere I would go willingly. But there was no other choice, was there? I felt like puking again, although I knew nothing would come out.
Now, I have slight Mysophobia. But I'm getting over it reaallyyy quickly, being down here in the dirt. The sewers is a different matter. Why do I get the feeling I'll be having nightmares? Joke. I don't get nightmares. I barely even dream anymore.
When I said germaphobic, I meant I HATE germs. I am in no way afraid of them.
The smell was getting worse. I covered my nose with my hands, then quickly put them down. The smell of Rakghoul plaster wasn't much better than the smell of the sewer. In fact, it's probably toxic, which is worse.
"S-stop! Stop right there!" Came a shaky voice. The group and I simultaneously looked to our left. There stood three or four boys, all young, all carrying blasters too big for their arms. Heck, I could probably even carry them better. An older man, probably in his late fourties or mid fifties, came out from the middle of them. "Put your gun down, boy. We've already lost enough men to the Rakghoul's."
I would recognize that voice anywhere. Which, if you think about it, is kind of weird. He's from a game, and he wasn't even that big of a character; naturally.
Revan glared him down. "Who the heck are you?" She asked. Canderous glared her down tenfold. "Someone you don't want to mess with. If your here to salvage from those escape pods, you can forget about it. Me and my men already have that job." He said. Revan's eyes glimmered with amusement and excitement. "Is that a threat?" She glared. Canderous barely got his mouth open before one of the young men cried, startled, "I hear something! Over there! It's probably another Rakghoul!" There was no time to talk. Everyone simultaneously pulled out their weapon or got it ready, preparing themselves for battle. I pulled out my pistols and aimed in the general direction of the sound; already knowing where it was coming from and what it was. I can't believe this part actually happened. Just how closely does this follow with the game?
Four Rakghoul's popped out behind some large cement rubble. My throat went dry, and fear crawled up my spine. I don't remember there being that many. I glanced briefly at the black button on the 'special' blaster, before pushing aside the thought and instead focusing on a target. I held down the triggers, trying to get a good shot. Revan was hacking and slashing away to her hearts desire, getting a few cuts along the way. Carth was shooting every which way, almost like he wasn't aiming. I ignored what I thought was his purposeful missing, and let go of the triggers. I felt a measure of pride when one of the beasts arms flew off. Of course, pride and triumph were soon followed by the urge to puke. Ugh! Why do these thing's have to smell so disgusting?
The monster which I had de-armed (Literally, haha) ran towards me. I didn't feel as afraid as I had earlier. I felt.. Brave, even. "Ugh! Haar'chak!" The words came naturally. I slapped my pistols back into the holsters and swung around the assault rifle, intending to use it as a stick to slap the beast with. I almost missed the look Canderous gave me. Surprise? Confusion? Curiosity. Don't tell me it's real? That's real Mando'a? I thought it was just some made-up language a geek on the internet made up; a language I partially learned and memorized so I could speak beyond the ears of the unknowing. No time to dwell on it now, though. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to ask him about it later. I held the blaster like a club, ready and waiting for the beast to get close enough. Before, when a Rakghoul ran towards me, all I could feel was fear. All I could think was I was about to die. But now.. Now I anticipated the attack. I couldn't wait to feel the heat of battle. Anger, anticipation, and excitement coursed through my veins.
It lunged at me. I side-stepped and whacked it in the face, sending it a few feet sideways. I quickly reversed the hold on the blaster so I was holding it upright, and pulled the trigger. I was surprised, really. It put a good-sized hole in the Rakghoul, sending it to it's miserable death. Triumph. It felt so good. I turned to look at how everyone else was fairing. All the other Rakghoul's were dead; Revan was finishing off the last one. Well. The heat of battle was sure short-lived.
Canderous shook his head in disgust. "That's enough for one day. We've already lost enough men to these damned Rakghoul's. Come on, boy's. We're heading back to the surface." He gestured for the remaining two young men to follow him. On his way out, he gave me a look that screamed, 'I will see you again'. I'm not sure if I should fear the unspoken promise, or if I should simply embrace it. Either way, I will be seeing him again. I was broken from my thoughts by a hard, cold, slap to the face. Now, I'm used to being slapped. But, dang that hurt! It felt more like a punch than a slap. My jaw hurt. I glared at my attacker: Revan.
"What the heck what that for?" I yelled. She glared at me venemously. I contemplated taking a step back. "For cursing! You stupid kid!" I was about to retort and inform her she had no say whether I curse or not, but stopped. I cursed? Oh, yeah. I relaxed a bit and looked at her boredly. "Right. I forgot your multi-lingual." She just glared further. "Where, in the fracking hell, did you learn something like that?" She demanded. I squinted at her and shook my head. "You are so stupid." I think I might've liked you better as a Sith Lord! "It's not like I said anything terribly bad. Force. Get a grip, Reva-" Crap. "Alora." Her stare softened. She no longer looked at me, but rather, through me. Her eyes were glazed over. Revan? "Alora?" I asked. A flashback? A few seconds passed. I waved a hand in front of her face. She glared at me again, eyes clear. "Let's just move on." She spat. I looked over to Mission and gave her a questioning glance. She shrugged. I gave Carth the same questioning glance, but he didn't see it. He was already trailing behind an angry - and perhaps slightly confused - Revan. Mission came up to my side, watching after the two. "Sheesh. What did you say?" She asked. "I spoke in Mando'a, a mandalorian language." I told her, both of us following after them. She looked at me curiously. "Yeah, but what did you say?" She asked again. I looked at her casually. "Damn it." The words felt good rolling out of my mouth. Natural and comfortable, not to mention anger relieving. Who knows why those words relieved anger.
The futhermore approaching stink of the sewers made me become acutely aware of how close we were getting. Dread washed over me in waves. I felt, once again, like I were going to puke. But also yet again, there was nothing to puke. Ugh. This has really gotta stop happening. Someday I'm going to puke up my guts or something. I looked around, almost frantically. "Where's Revan?" I asked. Mission pointed at a rusted hole. I stared at it, eyes wide, nose burning from the smell emanating from it. Tears welled up in my eyes from the strong scent.
"Please tell me we're not going in there."
