A/N
Hello my friends!!! First off I'd like to start with apologizing for the insanely long wait. I had put off finishing it for most of last month, because apparently sickness happens. I've also been busy with work, and it takes up a lot of my time. But here I am with chapter 4. So at long last, please enjoy the chapter:)
CHAPTER 4
Ezra lay quietly in his bed. Worry-fear-regret-guilt. She was gone. Was it his fault? He felt it was. He didn't regret saying no. But he should've payed more attention. He should've been there for her.
Ezra was broke from his thoughts when the doors to the quarters slipped open, and a female figure stepped in, closing the doors behind. "What a day." Sabines tired and worried voice whispered as she got into her night clothes.
"Hm..." Ezra hummed quietly. He didn't know what the next step was. They had been so close to finding her. All day, they had scoured about looking for any signs that she had been there, Any signs of how she left. But nothing. Nothing revealed itself to them.
Sabine finished changing then slipped into bed besides her riduur. A moment of silence followed... Then Ezra noticed Sabines force signature. It was in pain. Horrible pain. Not physical, but mental. Ezra knew what was wrong. He had thought she was ok, but he should've known. Sabine had always been the type to hide her emotions. Ezra leaned up on one arm to look down upon his wife. "Sabine?"
"Ezra...I'm worried." Sabines voice nearly cracked at her words. The emotions were ebbing off of her. She knew, Ezra knew.
After a moment, Ezra lay back down beside her. "I know, Sabine. And I know this has little comfort, but...it's ok. I-I can feel her through our bond. It's clouded, but she's alive." Ezra sighed. "I don't regret saying no, she needs to know her place. I just regret not keeping in tune more, listening and protecting her more... Now she's slipped away from me..." Ezra's voice was strained, and raw.
"Ezra. You can't blame yourself. She has a mind of her own..." Stated Sabine. Her voice was strained as she clutched the blankets.
There was more, but Ezra didn't want to mention it. He didn't want to worry Sab-
"Ezra. I know there's something your not telling me." Sabine interrupted Ezra's thoughts, with a cold and stern voice of worry.
Ezra sighed. He should've known. "It's just... Earlier... I felt pain. First it was mental, then physical. I-I think-" Ezra inhaled. He could feel Sabine horror. It gave him a horrible chill. He continued in a whisper. "I think she's hurt..."
"Oh Ezra." Exclaimed Sabine in horror as she jumped up on her elbows. Her brown eyes shimmered with tears as she gaped at her husband.
Ezra placed a hand on Sabines shoulder and hushed her in comfort. "It's alright, Sabine. She's alive. I can feel her. Don't worry. We will get her back." He stared into her eyes with a sincere light. "I promise."
Sabine eased back down beside Ezra. A sniffle escaped her as she tried desperately to hold back tears. Ezra pulled her close, so her head rested on his chest. With that, a sob wracked Sabine's body, followed by more. She sobbed into Ezra's night shirt, letting out what was bottled up all day. Ezra hushed her as he stroked her head. "I know, Sabine. I know. It will be alright." And it would. They would get their daughter back.
oOo
Aurora gasped, her eyes going wide. Everything was bleary and light hitting her eyes made her head throb, causing her to close her eyes tightly. The girl took note that she was on a floor, and she felt something around her wrists. Curiosity and fear filled her mind. The last things she remembered... what was the last thing she remembered? Aurora thought hard. Her mind felt like a cloud of fog. She felt unable to think properly. She felt her heart beat as it throbbed against her chest. Her throat was congested and it made breathing uncomfortable. Suddenly, it started to clear. Fleucia! She had been shot, or was it stabbed, down? On Felucia. Aurora sure felt like she had been stabbed. Aurora suddenly panicked! Now where was she. She tried to lift her head and open her eyes again, but the effort was futile. Her head hit the floor from the weekness of not being able to lift it properly, and her eyes were stabbed by the light yet again. Aurora's head throbbed as she lay there, eyes squeezed shut, just breathing. She felt so weak. But she had to know where she was. Aurora blinked multiple times, letting her eyes adjust. When she could open her eyes again, Aurora glanced around. The room was pitch black, except for the blinding light from a sun coming in through a barred window. Aurora slowly looked down to see her wrists were bound in primitive hand cuffs with chains that drew to the wall. Her leg hurt so bad, she felt nauseous, and she suddenly felt a migraine starting. Aurora saw that her leg had been treated, and she was thankful for it. She knew she would be dead if it hadn't been cared for properly. Who had treated her wounds? Who would care? But those were the lesser of Aurora's worries, for she felt a presence in the room...
"Who's there?" Demanded Aurora in an unnaturally raspy voice. She didn't know how long she was out, but she knew it had to be at least a few days.
"Your awake." A male voice spoke, ignoring Aurora's question. "For awhile, I thought you might not make it."
Aurora slowly attempted to sit up. She managed to support herself on her hands. Aurora went to speak again, but she started a coughing fit instead. She hadn't drank any water in days. "Who are you?" Aurora talked in a whisper.
"I am Kejia." Stated the figure, coldly.
Aurora heard shuffling as the man slowly stood. He then made his way into the light, towards Aurora. Aurora gaped at him. He wore black robes, upon more black garb. Aurora couldn't see more than an outline of his face, for it was covered in the darkness of his cloaked hood. The first emotion after fear Aurora felt was panic. The urge to run. To escape his eyes. After a small moment, he moved towards Aurora yet again. The girl jerked back nearly falling on her back. The man stopped-then slowly continued. He set down a glass of water. "Drink. You need water." Then he slowly moved back to where he had been, in the shadows. Aurora didn't waste a moment. She gulped down the water so fast she barely processed it.
The cloaked man glanced at Aurora's leg.
"Your leg got banged up pretty bad. Only a few inches away from the main blood line. If that would've been hit, you'd have been dead."
"Oh... Who? Who helped?" Stuttered Aurora.
"Thankfully for you, the low life I got you from wrapped you up enough to stop the gushing. Another thing that would've killed you. When I got ahold of you I treated it properly."
"Why are you helping me?" Asked Aurora. She clutched the cup that had held water tightly, holding a suspicious glare.
"Because, you were so helpless."
Aurora knew he was lying. She then straightened up and tried to stand, regretting it as she fell again. In all honesty, she didn't know how she had ended up in his hands, but she continued anyway. "I am a feared bounty hunter. I was after my bounty and almost had him. How dare you capture me. I demand you let me go." Hissed Aurora. Every word was pain, but Aurora had to try.
"Of course. But first things first. I never did get your name." Stated the figure.
Aurora stopped for a minute, just to catch her breath. "Aurora."
"Aurora?" Asked the man again, in confirmation.
"That's right. Now I demand you let me free." Hissed Aurora, in the coldest voice she could bear.
"Well chicky, I don't think so yet. First of all, you can't even sit up, let alone going anywhere." Stayed the man as he gestured to Aurora's week form, as of to prove his point.
"Don't call me 'chicky.'" Aurora hissed.
The man continued. "You've not said much about where you come from. Mandalorian by the looks of it."
"You guessed correctly." Aurora smiled sassily. She was proud to be recognized as one.
"Well, you must be very good at what you do. Your so young, yet so much older in mind. And your spirit. Your very determined aren't you?" The man paced the length of the room slowly as he spoke.
"How would you know?" Asked Aurora, with slight worry in her peaked voice.
"And your mad. You left the safety of your home against the wishes of others." The sentences were clear statements from the man as he came close to Aurora.
Aurora, on the other hand, was worried. How did he know?
Suddenly Kejia dropped down on one knee, getting close to Auroras face. She finally got a good look at the mans face. It was a softer shape, not too prominent, yet not too soft. His eyes were like sapphire as they burned into Aurora's soul. Aurora went to pull back-but the man raised his hand. Aurora gasped. He was trying to enter her mind. No! Aurora strained to put up mental shields all around her mind, locking away everything, letting no one enter. Her head ached and throbbed. It felt as though her brain would completely implode! Aurora strained in pain as the man persisted to try.
Kejia suddenly stopped. Aurora could feel the shock radiate off of him. His next words were calm. "You know how to put up mental shields? Were would you have learned that?" His voice was even and steady.
"What do you mean?" Asked Aurora, her voice was breathless and filled with pain.
"You know exactly what I mean. I feel it. You feel it." He arched an eye brow in curiosity.
"I don't understand!" Yelled Aurora, her voice aching, her breathing labored.
"You and I both know you do, and you will reveal it when you are ready." The man calmly countered. He then rose to his feet. The two held a deadly eye contact. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel, his cloak made a whisking sound at his fast moving. Aurora stared after him in bleary vision as he left, locking a large door behind him. This was very eery! He had to be a force user...but he didn't seem to be the kind Aurora would've liked to see. He was bad-he was a dark sider. Aurora calmly looked around. Her cell was cold and damp, but Aurora caught sight of the window. If she stood he could just see out. Well she had nothing else to lose. So Aurora proceeded to stand and slowly limped to it, using the aid of the force to move. Aurora stumbled and grabbed the bars, letting her head fall down slightly, as she caught her breath. This was crazy. How would she ever escape being this injured? Relying on a dark sider? She knew there could potentially be dark siders around the galaxy, but what were the chances of this? Aurora knew AP-5 or C-3PO would know. Those droids always knew the odds. Aurora gathered herself and looked up. As her vision cleared, she saw a courtyard of some sort. She must be in some primitive prison, or the likes. Well, it had defiantly been abandoned, for the stone walls were practically crumbling. She was trapped. And it was all her fault-she didn't even want to think about what her parents may be thinking. Aurora stood for a moment as the thought lingered. She could feel her father through their bond ever so slightly, as it was clouded by the dark side. What she could feel, though, she wished she couldn't. Still an overwhelming amount of guilt. Aurora's head spun and everything was unclear. She slowly slid to the floor, losing what little strength she had. Tears ran down her face as she fell unconscious.
oOo
Kejia made his way down the ancient halls. He had her. A feeling of achievement rushed through him. He was proud of his work. He had trained for ages to become this good, and he felt his hard work had payed off. But, there was still work to do. Now came his not so favorite part-contacting his master. His master was strong and ruthless. Dark. Just so dark. Kejia admired him, yet feared him evenly.
After traveling down many dark twists and turns, the cloaked man made his way to a dark and familiar room, where his holo projector lay in the center of the floor. The man kneeled before it. He rested his hand on his knee, and held his head low. And at that very second the transmitter came alive, showing a dark and familiar masked face.
"Kejia Ren. Was your mission successful?" The masked voice asked, his voice held an intimidating ring.
"Yes, my lord." Kejia stared at the floor blankly.
"And the girl?" Asked the man. He kept motionless. Eerily motionless. The masked mans posture would make even the legend, Jabba The Hutt, squirm in discomfort.
"She is contained. My lord, how shall I proceed?"
"Has she revealed anything useful? Background information, where she comes from?" Asked the man.
"No, my lord." Kejia's face held a blank expression.
A deadly silence followed. Fear built up in Kejia. He almost felt trapped in the glare. Finally, the masked man spoke. "Very well. You shall proceed with interrogations. You may use whatever methods you fancy, just see to it she is alive. Meanwhile, I shall send a ship to collect you both. Expect it in 4 days. I pray, you won't disappoint me." The mans voice was gravely within the helmet, delivering fear and obedience to any one whom he should speak to.
"You won't be disappointed, my master." Kejia shifted his eyes from the floor to his boots.
"Let us hope not."
And with that, the transmission ended. Kejia collected himself. He was ashamed of the unbearable fear he felt, but instead of pushing it aside, he fed off of the fear. It gave him strength. Great strength and power. With that, Kejia lifted his head. He had work to do.
Four days...
oOo
Aurora slowly woke to the sound of doors sliding open. She heard footsteps enter. The girl felt woozy and lightheaded, as if she had been drugged. Oh! What was in that water? She slowly sat up, glancing around as if in a new world. Her blurry and hazy eyes caught sight of the sith, and they followed as he moved closer to her. When he stopped a few feet away from her, Aurora spoke. "How long was I out?" Aurora's voice was groggy and exhausted.
"Seven hours." Shared the dark sider.
Aurora was a mess. She felt as though she didn't know where she was. She didn't even hear his footsteps approach her. Suddenly, strong hands grabbed her wrists. The girl groaned in slight pain as she was lifted up. What was happening now? Suddenly, Aurora felt the metal chains that were already restraining her, claps into something else. The girl opened her eyes to find herself levitated up. The chains that bound her wrists were clasped up on hooks, forcing Aurora in a standing position, holding her arms above her head. Everything started to clear and Aurora could see the dark sider clearer than before. He stood before her, perfectly still, perfectly composed, perfectly expressionless-and oh what silky black hair he had. She could barely see it behind the veil of his cloak. Aurora startled as he spoke. "Now. We have some business to settle, and then you can go." He promised.
Aurora glared at him. "What kind of business?"
A deadly eye contact was held between the two. Kejia glared at her, or maybe it wasn't a glare. She didn't know.
"You will tell me where you come from."
"I come from nowhere." Snipped the girl in response.
Kejia slowly lifted his hand, setting it steady to rest on the side of Aurora's head. He leaned in close, and when he spoke, it tickled Aurora's nose. "You will tell me where you come from."
"I-don't-don-" She started in a breath but stared at Kejia's hair. "So black. Like a raven." The girl muttered.
Kejia's face twisted form it's expressionless form, to that of a stern anger. The man then lifted his hand. Aurora followed it with her eyes until it came to a lingering rest above her face. Aurora kept her eyes fixed on it, a stern and stubborn expression on her face. Suddenly a rush of pain shot through her face. It grew and grew, until Aurora moaned and groaned in agony. It hurt bad. It felt as though something was crushing her head-it actually was mentally crushing her, causing physical pain. Aurora moaned in discomfort as the pain grew. Kejia held an inexpressible face as he mentally suppressed Aurora. The girls face drew more and more distressed, until she finally screamed. Sure-she could use the force to fight it back, but she didn't. And in all honesty, Aurora was to exhausted to fight it. Yet in another point of view, she was fighting. She refused to use the force. If she did, it would only confirm for this man that she was important in some force like way. The mental pain strained at Aurora's mind ever more. For five more minutes it continued, until he finally stopped. His face held a tint of amusement, one Aurora found annoyingly attractive. But in her state, of course he was.
"Your very strong willed, aren't you?" He tilted his head in thought. "I don't think mind crushing works very well on you, even when you refuse to use your powers to aid you."
Aurora kept silent, and breathed.
The man slowly walked around to Aurora's side. "Perhaps another method will do the trick." A spike of worry tinged Aurora's mind. What did he mean? Well, she'd be finding out real soon. Kejia slowly walked to face Aurora yet again. The two held eye contact as he slowly lifted his wrist. On his sleeve was a small control panel. The man slowly pressed one of the buttons. Aurora took notice of two small machine like contraptions attached to the base of the chains. It then clicked in Aurora's mind what this was. Before she had another moment to think, volts of electricity charged down the metal chains, into Aurora. She screamed loudly as the electricity coursed through her soul.
oOo
Ezra woke with a jolt. He felt her. Ezra felt his daughter in the force. She was in pain. Ezra sat up and glanced around. The room was quiet, and dark. Sabine was sleeping soundly beside him. Ezra felt sweat drip from his forehead, and his breathing was deep. He drew his legs up to his chest and rested his head on his knees. A light peace fell over the man as he slowly began to drift back to sleep. Peace. Quiet. Hushed silence... suddenly Ezra's entire body tightened in a painful, almost electrical, way. "Agh!" The man exclaimed as he fell to the side of the bed, tumbling to the floor! Everything was a blur. He could barely make out a voice. It was Sabines voice, so familiar and beautiful. Wait-was she yelling? Ezra could barely make it out. He tried to say her name, but he couldn't. His voice was pained and his entire body felt electric, as if he had been struck by lightning. Ezra then realized he felt Aurora in his mind. Their minds were linked. All Ezra could comprehend was Aurora. She was the only thing in his mind that made sense. Everything else was made of voices, music, lightning, screaming, and unbearable emotions. It was all blurred together. Nothing was real, nothing was fake. Only Aurora made sense. And suddenly, in what seemed like an eternity, everything began to clear...
oOo
All of her muscles were tight as electricity courses through her and she knew, without a doubt, she'd be on the floor if not for the chains with which held her up. It just went on and on. It never ended. Finally, what felt like an eternity but what was only a minute, the electricity ceased. Aurora panted to catch her breath as the remaining smokey steam made it way off of her. She had a hard time seeing straight, and her entire body felt prickly from the remaining electricity. Aurora felt a strong hand take ahold of her chin to pull her head up. "Would you care to change your mind, and talk?" Kejia's voice was calm and collected. Aurora stared into his cold blue eyes and vice versa. Her eyes held defeat, and exhaustion. maybe, just maybe, he had her. But, to his dismay, Aurora spit into Kejia's face. The man squeezed his eyes shut in a reflex action. He then let go of Aurora's chin and slowly wiped his face with his sleeve. When he opened his eyes, Aurora's head was lowered again. Anger flared in Kejia's chest, he acted on his instinct and smacked the side of Aurora's head hard. Only a pained whimper came from her. She was falling unconscious, Kejia could sense it. More anger flared in his core. He acted on it and slammed his hand on the button.
So much pain. Aurora swore she had never felt so much pain. It coursed through her nerves, making everything numb. Her head especially was pained, due to the smack she had earned. And her leg wound felt as thought it was on fire. She could barely see, think, or feel. Everything fizzled out.
Kejia's shook his head in frustration as the girl fell unconscious. He had to get answers or his master would be most displeased, very displeased. And god, kejia didn't want his master in a displeased state with him in close proximity. Kejia stood and just stared at this girl. Her long hair was greasy and snarled. Her cheeks were wet with tears and smudged with dirt. Wet and dry blood alike smeared her lips and lower cheeks and chin, caused from small blood drawing scratches and cuts from the rough past few days. She was a mess. But Kejia didn't really care, not really. Well, he had done all he could for now. Kejia unlocked the chains, and caught Aurora's unconscious form before she could fall. The girl felt light, maybe lighter than she should've, even with all the armor. He remembered her feeling more stalky when he had first found her. Kejia shook his head, ridding the thought. The man slowly helped Aurora down. The dark sider then came to his feet, barely glancing at the girl again as he left.
oOo
"Ezra! Ezra please answer me! What's wrong?" Sabine had finally gotten to sleep, what she guessed was now late last night, when she heard him scream and go tumbling off of the bed. And there they were. Sabine was in horror. Ezra lay stiffly on the floor, groaning and moaning in extreme pain. His face was sweaty and flushed, and he looked as though he was in another world. "Ezra please listen to me!" Said man jerked a bit at Sabine words. He gaped at her, as if she was something new to him. "Ezra? Are you alright? Please, talk to me." Sabine begged.
Ezra tiredly blinked a few times. "Sabine." His voice was raw.
"Oh Ezra." Sabine felt relief flood over her. Ezra would sometimes have small nightmares. Sometimes they focused on his past, thing that had already taken place. Some about losing Kanan, or about the day they freed Lothal-the day he was lost. Other times, they focused on things that never happened, things that never would, if they had anything to say about it. Such as losing his family and friends completely. But tonight was nothing like those nights. Something had happened. Sabine didn't know what, but something had happened. "Ezra? Ezra are you ok, love? Please Ezra?" Sabine begged.
Ezra slowly nodded. "I'm alright. I-I'm alright."
"Oh Ezra, what happened?" Sabine stroked Ezra's head as she asked for answers. Ezra shook his head in pain and confusion.
"O-ok want some caff? Let's get some caff. That sound ok?" Asked Sabine, as she helped Ezra stand.
Ezra nodded. "Yeah, that's fine. Sounds good."
Sabine nodded, as she and Ezra made their way to the ships small galley. It was a bit cramped, but it worked fine. Ezra plopped weekly into one of the chairs, while Sabine heated up some caff. It was older, from a day or two ago, but it would do the trick. It sounded heavenly to both Ezra and Sabine at the moment, due to their shared exhaustion. Sabine shakily poured two cups, and brought them to the table. She passed one to Ezra, who thanked his wife in kind. A calm and exhausted silence followed. The two just breathed in the coffee fumes. Ezra knew Sabine liked this kind the best, it was a good, strong, spicy kind. One perfect for Mandalorians. Sabine spoke first, breaking the tired silence. "Did you see something? Was it a vision?" Sabine tried to hide the unbearable worry in her voice, but failed.
"No, Sabine. It wasn't a vision." A small moment of silence followed. Sabine stared Ezra down, begging for an explanation with her eyes. Ezra continued. "Our minds synced. Aurora and I."
Sabines eyes widened. What did that mean? Of course she knew what force bonds were, yes. But if Aurora and Ezra's minds were one, why was Ezra in pain?
Ezra took a long sip of caff. It was beautiful relief. It helped clear his groggy head. "I know you understand Force bonds for the most part?"
Sabine nodded.
Ezra went on. "Well, through our bond, our minds were one. We felt the same thing. Now I was only sleeping, she didn't feel anything from me. But I felt-" Ezra stopped short. The exhaustion in his eyes was evident as he stared into his caff cup.
"You felt what?" Sabines voice was gravely. Her words were filled with anger, even though it was untamable worry that filled her soul.
Ezra squeezed his eyes shut, trying so very hard to hold back the emotions he felt. "I-I felt pain..." every word was a soft whisper.
Sabine bared her teeth, her fists were clenched and she nearly pounded her cup off of the table. "Who was doing it? Who was hurting my baby?" Venom filled Sabines words. Ezra swore her amber eyes were filled with fiery hate.
Ezra gave a solemn glance to his wife. It was just like her to want to rid of the pest who was hurting her offspring. Ezra couldn't decide if it was the Mandalorian or the mother in her. He settled on both.
"Ezra. We have to find her. And the scum who's hurting her" Ezra could feel Sabines untamed anger, as she hissed the sentence through gritted teeth. It made the hairs on his neck stand on end. Ezra took a chance and placed his hand atop of Sabines. He could feel her icy glares "I know, Sabine. I know. She will be ok." Ezra then leaned forwards. "I promise."
oOo
Aurora felt herself drift into consciousness at hearing someone enter. Aurora jumped up with shock. She took a fighting stance the best she could. She could barely stay remotely upright yet, so she did her best.
Kejia spoke as he entered. "Calm down, chick, I'm just bringing you some food."
Aurora glared at him as he slowly walked over and set down the tray. On the tray sat a plate of rations and a cup of water. Aurora flinched back as the man neared. He calmly set down the tray in front of Aurora, as the said two held eye contact. Kejia then stood. "Enjoy." His voice was tainted with something Aurora couldn't read. Then, he left.
Aurora was slightly dumbfounded. That was not what she was expecting. And in all honesty, she didn't know what she had been expecting. Maybe more pain... But, there was food and water before her now. Aurora didn't quite know what to do. What if that dark sider would try to drug her? In all honesty, she guessed he already had. After the glass of water she was given when she first came to, she had felt unusually woozy. On the other hand, Aurora couldn't starve herself. She had no choice. She had to build her strength. Aurora slowly ate. It was wonderful, yet awful. She was so hungry, yet her stomach ached in the worst way. Thoughts flowed through her head as she slowly ate. Why did the dark sider want to know where she came from, and who she was? Aurora didn't know, but she did know one thing; she could not tell him who she was. Her parents, family, and friends were all relatively well known, especially on her mothers side. Her grandmother was countess of the Wren Clan. And her mother was the next heir. And to make things worse, Aurora's father was a relatively well known Jedi. If Aurora spilled a word of this information, her entire clan, family, and friends-the entire resistance and Crownest perhaps could be in horrible trouble. And worse yet, Aurora had a nagging feeling that Kejia may be in association with the First Order. If that was the case, Aurora was in deep trouble. Though, she couldn't be sure he was working for them. The conditions here were nothing compared to First Orders standers. Kejia could merely be a force user out for some fame. Either way, Aurora fixed determination in her mind. She would not say a word to put her family and friends in danger. On the other hand, she was trapped. First Order or not, she was trapped in the clutches of Kejia.
Aurora glanced up, staring into the bright sky through her small barred window. It was all her fault, all this. She was not going to make others suffer for it. She was determined to protect her family, no matter what.
oOo
"Extract information! Do what you must to extract information." Kejia's master hissed out over the holo transmitter.
"I have tried, master, she's strong. Very strong." Kejia sat on one knee before the masked figure. Their conversation had not been to long-they never were-but Kejia was grateful for that.
A silence followed that nearly swallowed Kejia alive. Not all to soon, yet all to soon, his master spoke.
"Weak child. I should've left you. All those years ago, I chose you because I thought there was something special about you. I guess I was wrong." In his voice came mock regret and pity.
Kejia ground his teach in anger. "I won't disappoint you. I swear it!" Snapped Kejia. "I will live up to what you expected."
Another small moment passed, not so long as the last one, but just as deadly.
"We will see." With that last short sentence, the masked man disappeared, leaving the dead holo before Kejia.
The young man stood fully, his head held low as he glared at the ground. His face was unreadable, and blank. Determination filled his soul. He would break her, yes, he would break her.
oOo
Aurora hugged herself as she lay on the ground. What else could she do? She had no bed. No blanket. Nothing. Just old dry grass. It wasn't as bad as it sounded, honestly. It was so much more welcomed than interrogations. Every moment Aurora lay there, she worried he would come back, trying yet again to extract useful information. Aurora didn't know how, but he knew she was special. Aurora didn't think she was special in any way. She was just another human from another family. But anyone working with the Resistance was special, as was anyone with force powers. Aurora recalled hearing many times of rebels from the resistance being captured. Most never came out alive. Aurora shuddered at the thought. Aurora knew she wouldn't be leaving any time soon without help, and her parents couldn't find her on their own. She hated to admit when she was defeated, but she was. She needed help. Aurora slowly sat up. She was extremely dizzy, but in only a mere moment her head cleared. Aurora dusted the dead grass from her clothes. She then crosses her legs, carefully not to hurt her wound. The girl then took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused. She reached out to her father. She felt the bond between them was weaker... This caused Aurora guilt. But despite this, Aurora strove to make contact. Not to long Into the process, Aurora's face twisted into concern. Everything was clouded. She couldn't quite succeed. Somehow, something was blocking Aurora from connecting with her father. It was as if he was right there in front of her, but a large cloud of fog was restricting her from seeing him, or hearing him. Aurora couldn't quite figure it out yet. It was like a rainy day. You know the sun in there, but the clouds restrict you from seeing it. And anyone who hadn't seen the sun before, wouldn't know it was there in those conditions. Aurora realized she hadn't properly used the force since before she was captured. Now Aurora felt trapped. The girl took a deep breath. It would be ok. Aurora opened her eyes slowly, with confusion and suspicion. As soon as her eyes were open, they widened in shock, and her breath hitched in her throat. The girls mouth was agape. She slowly lifted her trembling hands up to touch her hair. Aurora's long brown hair was giving out a bright glow. The glow was a deep warm orange. Aurora's concentration in the force diminished as shock overtook her, and as Aurora's concentration ceased, her hairs glow slowly faded-faded until it returned to it's natural brown. This was shocking to say the least! Her hair had never done anything like this before. Questions flooded Aurora's mind. What made it happen? "I've got to get out of here." Stuttered Aurora in a silent whisper.
oOo
Kejia sat in the center of the floor. Moonlight peaked through a barred window, drenching the man in its silvery glow. He sat quietly, so quiet you wouldn't even know he was present. He sat cross legged, back straight and posh, eyes closed gently. The scene was eery, unexpected, hushed and never spoke of. It was as if he was drowned in silence, never able to leave it again. Always lingering in restless dreams, alone...
Suddenly, he raised his head, opening his sapphire eyes. Something had changed. A secret was being kept. The biggest secret of them all... four words echoed in his head...he would break her.
oOo
Since contact through the force was impossible, Aurora figured she had to physically escape on her own. She couldn't afford to let the dark sider in on her secret. She couldn't. Aurora glanced around the room. Everything was dark and quiet. The night sky was cool and beautiful. Aurora longed to see it clearly again. The girl shook her head, refocusing. After all, there was no time to lose.
Aurora pulled the chains on her wrists up her arm, revealing a piece of armor. She was still fully clad in her Mandalorian armor. Which meant she had a few tricks in them too. Aurora activated her wristlet pick. It was designed specifically for picking locks. Aurora didn't know why she hadn't thought of this before. She summed it up to being drugged and tortured. Aurora wasted no time picking the lock. She was overjoyed when it undid and clamored to the floor. The other did the same. Aurora twisted her wrists, loosening the sore joints. She had been in this chains for a few days now-she couldn't say for sure how long it had been. Time was running together nowadays. Once she was free, Aurora slowly clambered to her feet. She was uneasy and stumbled around quite a bit. Once she got her footing, she slowly walked to the door. She hadn't walked this room fully before, and was happy to feel the door. It was an ancient lock mechanism, same as the chains. Though the door was a bit more involved. The girl focused on picking the lock, but while she worked, fear overtook her mind. She was terrified. Her hands were trembling as she finished with the lock. The old door slowly swung open with a creak. Aurora glanced outside the doors. The hallways were silent and dark. Dust floated thickly in the light that streamed in in patches. It was dusky and ancient. Aurora slowly stepped out of the cell. Dust was disturbed with every step. Aurora felt cold all over, even though it was warm. She felt the dark side lingering about like a predator after its prey. It lurked about around her, as if it was watching. Aurora felt chilled as she stepped out some more. The ancient wood floors creaked below her as she walked. She had to figure out what she was doing. Aurora wasn't going in search of her belongings. Aurora didn't even know if Kejia had her things, and if he didn't she wasn't risking being caught more than needed.
Aurora had to have a plan for when she got outside. She decided to do a quick scour for a ride, but she wasn't going to waste time. If she couldn't find anything quickly, she'd run. She'd just run. Thats all she felt, was run. But she couldn't. Not yet. She was still limping from her leg wound. As best as Aurora could figure, she had been there for roughly two days. Aurora guessed it was about four days since she obtained her leg wound-but she couldn't be sure. Even so, it was very early in the healing process, and she was limited, even with the forces aid. Aurora crept down several identical hallways. She could feel a light but steady breeze. She had to be getting close... Aurora came to another intersection and carefully peaked around a corner. Aurora knew the prison was huge-as best as she could guess. And as far as she knew, Kejia could have multiple squads of stormtroopers or worse. But Aurora had to try. She had a new secret, one that could not be revealed. She had to get out. Aurora was just about to take another step-but suddenly she gasped for air as a hand wrapped around her mouth. Aurora squirmed in agony as another hand gripped her arm. The girls breath hitched in her throat as a wickedly cold voice spoke into her ear. "Where do you think your going?" Kejia!
Aurora tried to scream, but the hand stayed secure against her mouth. Aurora's mind was cluttered in confusion and fear. She tried to kick but before she could get a good angle, her captor pushed her forwards roughly. "Mmph!" Aurora muffled as she clawed at the hand that was covering her mouth. It didn't help. It was as if Kejia was accustom to pain. Aurora only had a moment to dwell on that dark thought before she nearly tripped. It startled her so she swore her heart skipped a beat.
Aurora was being pushed down the halls faster than she could walk. The girl stumbled and nearly fell multiple times, but Kejia kept her upright. Aurora tried and tried to scream, talk, yell, make a sound of any sort, as she was pushed down a familiar hall. Her captor didn't acknowledge her struggle as he pushed her through the door into her cell. Aurora was suddenly thrown to the ground roughly. Her head throbbed as she lay in the dust. She almost wished she could be left, left on the ground. At least she could sleep, that way. But alas, her peace was broken as a familiar pair of angrily strong hands grabbed her upper arms, pulling her up. She barely registered what was happening until her wrists were chained yet again. She let her head hang low from exhaustion. She was so tired.
A smack to her cheek made the world spin. "How dare you even think about escape." Kejia stood like a led brick firmly in front of the girl. "Did you honestly think you could get away?"
Aurora let her head remain hung low to her chest. She just breathed. Kejia's angry face softened into a false expression of mock concern. The man slowly stepped closer. "Look at you. Such a young child. So inexperienced and fragile." His eyes were filled with a fake sympathy.
Aurora felt a spark of burning anger flicker somewhere deep within. The girl slowly lifted her head and glared at the dark sider. "I may be young. But at least I'm not a cowardly Sith." That remark earned Aurora another hard slap! She bared her teeth as she felt blood drip from her nose.
"I wouldn't say that again." Hissed the dark sider.
Aurora nearly held her breath. She felt the anger pouring off of him.
Kejia held an angry scowl. Aurora knew she had angered him and that she was in for it now. She bared her teeth, ready for what was to come.
Kejia lifted his wrist and pressed the button. Aurora screamed as electricity coursed through her body. The dark sider held a hateful glare as the girl shrieked.
oOo
Hours passed. The dark sider tried and tried to get information from her. He tried ever hard. But despite his work, his attempts were futile. He didn't get a useful word from her. Not one word that would give him any sort of lead. Her screams of agony filled his mind. He watched as the electricity coursed through her, as if she was it's host. Kejia finally lifted his finger off of the button.
Aurora whimpered as she panted for breath. Her head was hung low as she stood limply, being supported by the chains... the physical pain had very much proved useless. Kejia had one more option for this situation. The man slowly walked closer to the girl. She knew he was there in front of her, Kejia could sense it. He closed in, leaving only a few inches between them. His next words were chosen carefully, and delivered with a non threatening tone. "Tell me-tell me what your thinking." His voice held a false tone of calm and compassion as he reached out with the force.
After a moment of no response, Kejia lifted Aurora's chin up. Her eyes were heavy and tired. She breathed in short and labored bursts. Her blue eyes were foggy and dreary as she started at his mouth. He knew she was drifting off, but he continued in a gentle whisper. "What's in your mind?"
"M-my-" Aurora exhaled deeply, followed by a sharp inhale. "I feel-your my-your-" She stuttered, breathing deeply ever more. Her eyes were heavy as she let them shut slowly.
Kejia glared. She was becoming delusional. As her head fell down slowly, Kejia reached out and held her chin up. "Sleep." He stated. He then let her head fall as she drifted unconscious. Kejia had to admit, she was painfully stubborn. It would be hard getting anything from her, but Kejia knew he could do it. He would get what he wanted.
oOo
Sabine quietly entered her cabin. It had been about two and a half days since they had arrived in the Felucia system. They had searched for miles and miles in every direction around Aurora's found ship. They had even talked to the locals. Nothing. Not a clue, not a lead, nothing. Sabine was becoming impatient. She wanted to go further. She felt the urge to scour the planet over herself, then travel to every planet from here on to find her child.
When she entered, she found Ezra meditating. He had been for hours.
Sabine watched him for a moment, before she spoke. "How's it coming?"
Ezra slowly opened his eyes. "Nothing... I can feel her. She's week and hurt, but I can't feel where or how. I can't make a solid connection."
Sabines heart fell. Her next sentence was filled with anger and venom. "If you wouldn't spend so much time meditating on nothing for days on end, maybe we'd have found her by now."
Ezra looked up in shock. "What?"
"I'm sick and tired of it, Ezra. We've been here for far to long. We have to take action!" Sabine slapped her fist down on her hand.
"How, Sabine? We have no lead." Ezra slowly stood.
"There you go, reminding me of that again! We can look! We can just look. It's better than meditating for hours on end, trying desperately to make a futile connection. That won't help us find our daughter! We need to go!"
"Were do we go? Where do we start? We don't know where she is, Sabine!" Ezra kept calmly still, as he spoke. It drove Sabine insane, making her ever more angry.
"We can search! We'll move out, and start with what's closest. How do you think I found you, Ezra? After you left? I didn't sit for hours and meditate. I got off of my bum and looked for you! I searched everywhere! And I found you! I found you Ezra!" Sabine stomped her foot down hard as she spoke.
"I know, Sabine. And I appreciate it, I really do. But you had Ahsoka. Ahsoka gave you assistance with the force. It was the only way you could find me." Ezra countered calmly.
A venomous silence hung between the two. Sabines eyes were filled with that fearful Mandalorian anger as she glared and breathed heavily.
Ezra stood calmly. "I'm going to try again." He stated as he sat in a cross legged position, once more.
Sabine grunted in irate irritation. She glared her calm husband for another moment before she shook her head. Turning to leave, she stopped before she exited the cabin. Looking over her shoulder, she spoke. "It's not going to work!" Sabine snapped the sentence out like a bite.
Ezra kept hushed. His eyes remained closed.
Sabine shook her head yet again, then left...
oOo
Pain...pain... those were the first words that came to Aurora's mind when she came to. Force, if she kept passing out like this she'd be dead. She was becoming tired of it. But as week as she was, and as bad as the interrogations had been, no wonder. But Aurora felt something different about her this time. She slowly began to sit up. She still hadn't opened her eyes. She had to much of a headache, to much pain, she didn't want to be blinded. She knew the morning sun was coming in, she felt it on her face. Aurora slowly dragged her hands up her waist, loosening up her joints and muscles. Wait! Aurora's eyes snapped open, only to be blinded as she predicted. Aurora turned her head away from the window as she blinked her eyes frantically. That hadn't been smart. Aurora's eyes adjusted and she gaped down at her body. Her armor was gone! She was left in her black shirt, pants, and boots. Well she should've expected this with her last trick. Kejia obviously didn't trust her. And with good reason, Aurora had other tricks in her armor she very well could've used. But the thought of a strange man removing her armor while unconscious gave Aurora horrified chills. But he hadn't hurt her, just left her unconscious and took her armor away to some place. Aurora took a deep breath and stretched a bit. It did feel much more better to be free of her armor yet, in a way, Aurora felt naked without it, even though her current outfit covered her very well. It was just the Mandalorian in her. Any Mando would feel the same without their armor.
Aurora sat for awhile just thinking, resting, reconvening. It wasn't that easy, no. But this helped. Just to relax. But she wasn't truly relaxed, she knew the dark sider was close. His presence was always felt by her. She knew he was always close. He was always there...
oOo
Aurora sat silently, tracing marks in the dirt with her finger. She made stories, drawing people, people who told a story of their own. She had been in her cell for nearly 6 hours. One could only sleep so much, and there was literally nothing else to do. So she drew in the dirt. She drew many characters. The Jedi and Sith of old, as they fought for peace and power. Story's of those who resisted, those whom loved, and those whom hated. She kept herself occupied, trying to remember the story's her family had told her. The last character she drew was a girl who was trapped, with glowing hair... Aurora was suddenly broke from her thoughts when the doors swung open. Aurora frantically swiped the dust in front of her, clearing her stories into nothing. Aurora glanced up at Kejia. As he entered he carried a tray of food. The usual, two rations and water. Even though it was the most simplest of foods, Aurora was extremely grateful.
Kejia slowly made his way over, setting the tray before Aurora.
The girl glanced up at him, a genuine look in her eyes. They shone in the light, so alive, so determined. Just as her spirit, Kejia feared. The man then stood. He had work to do, and keeping her alive was one of his responsibilities. His duty. A mere job. The man then turned to leave. Not a word had been said between them, and unless it was what he wanted to hear, Kejia preferred it that way. The next few days would go fast, and this mission would be over. He would be free to train ever more. But just before Kejia reached the door, Aurora spoke. "Thank you."
Kejia stopped. Here he was, a man who was torturing her, keeping her locked up as if she was an animal. And yet she was thanking him? Why? What made her do such a thing? He would never know. He shook the thought from his head and continued onward. Kejia locked the doors behind him, trapping the girl within the depths of this prison yet again.
oOo
Hours... hours... Sabine sat before a large, barely paint touched, wall. She stared at it in a skeptical light. She hated it. She ran her airbrush along to blot out what was an art project. Another fail. Sabine stared at the wall sadly. How could she be painting now? She had a daughter to find. Sabine slowly stood, stretching out what had been strained for the past 2 hours of sitting. Her arms ached from holding up the filled paint brush, and not painting a thing. And her back was achy from poor posture. Sabine slowly walked onwards. The walk was quiet. Sabine remembered to years ago. She remembered a small, raven haired boy, the age of three, running about wildly with a stick. He would swing it about in the air slicing and dashing. In his small mind, he was a knight, brave and -a bit reckless. Sabine pulled her lips together tightly. That little boy was was a knight now. Her little Felix, all grown up. She remembered later, a small girl, maybe less than 6 years old. The little girls long brown hair rested around her shoulders as she stared at a lightsaber. The girl turned it about in her hands, and she wore a familiar skeptical expression. One reminiscent to her fathers. The girl finally got a the expression of shock and glee, all in one. "Mommy! I know what color to paint it!"
Sabine smiled wearily. She missed her kids. They were all grown up and gone. Sabine had always wondered if she'd ever have any others-but she knew she probably couldn't. The circumstances were all wrong. She couldn't bring another baby in the world-especially not with the First Order in power. Sabine shook the thoughts from her head as she continued on through the ship to her bedroom. Sabine stopped at the door, hesitating. She didn't want to face it. Any of it. She just wanted her daughter back. Sabine took a deep breath then entered the room. There, as she expected, was Ezra. He was in the exact same position he was in when she had left him around six hours ago. "Ezra..." No response. He was still and quiet. Sabine sorrowfully glanced at her feet. Then she sat down across from Ezra. She spoke again, her tone strained and tired. "Ezra, I'm sorry."
Ezra opened his eyes. "Sabine..." he looked a little dumbfounded at first, but his eyes cleared. "Im sorry."
"You have no right to say that, Ezra. If anyone should be apologizing, it's me." Sabine met Ezra's eyes, and examined his features. She then noticed, he was pained. In a way she hadn't seen in a long, long time. Sabine tilted her head. "Ezra. What's wrong?"
"I'm-" he paused for a moment to catch his breath. "I'm losing her..."
Sabines eyes widened. "What? What do you mean losing her? How?" Sabines voice was filled with agony as she tensed up.
The look Ezra gave Sabine nearly drove her to tears. It said so much. It held sorrow and heartbreak. "Nothing. She's gone... she's just gone..." Ezra shook his head. "I can't feel her in the force."
Sabine gaped in agony. "Ezra. She can't be..." Sabine stopped when Ezra gave her that look. That look. It was indescribable pain and loss. Sabine felt her soul would shatter. She felt empty and lost. She just felt so lost. Sabine fell forwards and clung to Ezra. The two just held each other and cried. Sabine sobbed into Ezra's shoulder, repeating her name over and over... "Aurora...Aurora." They sat holding onto one another, never wanting to let go- mourning the loss of their only daughter.
oOo
Aurora was suspended upon the chains once more. Her arms had become accustomed to the uncomfortable position. Kejia stood closely before her, his hand was outstretched above her face. His expression was neutral, as always. And hers was pained, as often. She strained and moaned.
"You will tell me all you know. Who are you." He whispered into her mind.
"Stay out of my head!" She shrieked, tears running down her face. For one to force themselves into another's mind hurt so bad. It was as if someone was tearing it apart, looking for the best pieces for themselves. The pain was nearly unbearable. "Please, stop..." she whispered through tears.
Kejia gave a force push against her head, pushing her back against the wall ever more. He leaned close, speaking in a eery voice. "I will give you one more chance to tell me what I want to know."
Aurora didn't speak. She was to week to talk right now. She had no strength, no energy for a fight left within. She just needed to stay strong. She couldn't move. She held her ground.
Kejia grew more and more frustrated. He glared through the girl hard, as if she was a foggy window. He slowly eased back and let go of her mind, whispering into her ear. "You have to realize, even if you come from something, you are nothing! Nothing."
Aurora slowly squinted her eyes open. The two held eye contact. Aurora swallowed in discomfort as he stared deeply into her eyes. So deep, it was as if he was reaching into her soul. Then he left. He left Aurora alone in the dark.
A/N
Well, that was a bit dark. But at least we have some anticipated action-with plenty more to come.
Also, Aurora's hair glows now. Let me explain. Many of you may remember me mentioning the bioluminescence flowers from The Freemaker Adventures on felucia, last chapter. Well, let me explain how these can make Aurora's hair glow. As you know, the flowers glow when one uses the light side of the force. If you recall, Aurora got some of the glowing flower mixed in her blood when she fell across the ground, the scene were she was battling the smugglers. It's that simple. It's in her blood, so her hair reacts the same as the flowers when she uses the force. It was a fun twist, and I hope it's liked.
Also, I hope to have chapter 5 out sooner than later, so keep an eye out for it in a couple of weeks;D
Again, huge thanks to everyone of you who have favorited and followed and read my story. It means a lot:) With that said, until next time friends, may the force be with you.