Disclaimer: Um, yeah. I keep forgetting this. I don't own anything, except Aeryn.

Okay, so I lied – this chapter came fast. Sometimes these things just work themselves out. For those wondering, I'm probably going to stick with the Canderous thing I've started, mostly because I feel like Carth is overused…but don't worry, I'm not planning on tearing Carth apart, either. Thanks again to all reviewers.

Chapter Nine – Trimming Claws

Aeryn trudged up the loading ramp of the Ebon Hawk, the light of the setting sun warming her back. She was exhausted, having spent the past two weeks neck deep in training, and had rarely seen any of her companions. Hoping to find at least someone not wearing a robe to talk to, she was delighted to find everyone, minus Bastila and T3, gathered in the ship's kitchen. Mission and Carth appeared to be cooking something that smelled surprisingly good, while Canderous and Zaalbar were deep in a conversation about Zaalbar's home world. All four greeted her warmly as she entered, rekindling a sensation in Aeryn's chest that she'd thought long forgotten: family.

"How goes the training?" Carth asked in between directions to Mission.

Aeryn sighed, "It goes. I've been given the instructions for my final test, so that's where I'll be tomorrow."

"Where?" Canderous looked concerned.

She smiled, shaking her head, "No, you can't come with me – no one can. Trust me, this is something I must do alone. But I'll be fine, you'll see." She patted the man's hand, making him frown even deeper.

"Hey, there's something I've been wondering about," Carth chimed in abruptly. "Well, Bastila keeps going on about how attachment is forbidden, family is forbidden, feelings are forbidden, and I was wondering: if that's all true, why did the Jedi train both you and Revan? Wouldn't that have been against the rules?"

A second, heavier sigh escaped Aeryn's lips. "That is…a very long story." She looked around to see everyone regarding her with an expectant interest, so she lowered herself into a chair beside Canderous and began speaking. "Revan and I were around twenty months old when the Jedi discovered us, though we were a bit advanced for our age. Originally, they thought we were one person, very powerful, a little older, but they believed the disturbance they felt in the Force was just one. A Jedi Master and her Padawan came to Deralia. When she discovered that there were two of us, she chose Revan, seeing in her a stronger bond with the Force. I remember…" she paused at the painful memory, "…screaming at her to leave my sister alone. I didn't understand why we were being separated."

Mission shook her head angrily. "I don't get it, separating families, especially kids like that? Who do the Jedi think they are?"

Aeryn explained, "Well, our parents were actually relieved to have less to worry about. They loved us, but we could be…difficult at best, downright dangerous a worst. When we got angry, which happens a lot when you're a toddler, we would cause some pretty scary things to happen." She faded off for a moment before resuming her tale. "Anyway, after a few days, the Padawan suddenly showed up, alone. He said the Jedi had changed their mind and wanted to take both of us. I didn't want to leave my parents, but I felt like I was broken in half without Revan, so it was decided that I would go with him. When we arrived at the temple on Coruscant, the Padawan brought me before his Master, who was furious. It turned out that he didn't have permission to bring me there, and he'd broken many rules just to take the risk."

"So you and Revan were reunited?" Mission asked, ever the optimist.

"No, not exactly," Aeryn said sadly. "After much debate, it was decided that both of us could be trained, but we would still have to be separated. Revan came here, to Dantooine, and was eventually taken as Master Zhar's Padawan."

"Ah," Carth said, "so that's why you like the guy so much."

Aeryn smiled fondly, "Yes, I don't think Revan could have found a finer Master. He was always like a father to her. Anyway," she steered back to the topic, "she came here while I trained on Coruscant. They seemed to think that this would be enough to get us to forget each other…but they were wrong. When I was about seventeen, my Master and I were sent on a mission to come here. I could feel the worry rolling off of him the entire trip," Aeryn smiled at the memory. "I'll never forget his expression, or Master Zhar's for that matter, when Revan and I ran to each other, hugging like close friends, and chattering incessantly! They didn't understand that Revan and I couldn't be separated. Our minds, our thought, our feelings, we shared them, and training us in the Force had only made the bond run deeper. She was…my best friend…" her voice faltered as she stared sadly at the table in front of her.

In a desperate attempt to redirect the mood, Carth asked, "So, whatever happened to the Padawan who came back for you? You never said."

Aeryn chuckled. "Well, he was punished for his disobedience, but was allowed to continue his training. Eventually, he was granted the title of Master and I…became his Padawan."

"Kavar?" Canderous asked, surprised.

Pleased that he would remember the name, Aeryn nodded. "When I asked him later why he came back for me, he said he didn't really know why, but that the Force had led him to it. He said I had an important destiny." She gazed off thoughtfully before adding quietly, "Perhaps that's why I'm taking this so seriously now. Maybe this is what he was talking about." She shook her head then, throwing off all seriousness as she smiled to Carth and Mission, "Now, I'm starving – when's that stuff going to be ready?"

-

Aeryn was smiling as she made her way back to the port dormitory after dinner. Bastila had shown up shortly after they'd started eating and Aeryn had been delighted when the reluctant Padawan had been convinced to join them. She'd even caught Bastila smiling a few times, mostly when Carth and Canderous would start arguing about some trivial thing. It's good to be around people again, she decided. Especially…she sighed wistfully. Sometimes he reminds me so much of -.

Her body jerked to a stop as she slumped against the doorframe in disbelief. No. Please tell me I am not attracted to Canderous because he reminds me of Malak! Okay, so they are about the same height, same build, similar eye color, but that's just physical, and that's where the similarities end, right? I mean, Canderous is much older than I am, and Malak was actually a few months younger…good, at least that means I don't have an older-man complex. Well, sure, they have the same moodiness, although Malak had that whole silver tongue thing going on that Canderous most certainly lacks. I mean, they are both really good at goading people on, but they have totally different ways of going about it…don't they?

Aeryn shook her head, confusion turning to anger, mostly at herself. You never learn woman. When trouble turns and walks out on you, what do you do? You go find even bigger trouble with an even greater chance of leaving! No matter what he said before you can't rely on him – or anyone for that matter. She stormed through the doorway, prepared to throw her pack on her bed when she froze.

Lying on her bed was the freshly shined hilt of a double-bladed lightsaber. Aeryn approached it almost fearfully, her anger forgotten, before reaching out reluctantly for the weapon and staring at it in her hand.

"I hope you like it." Aeryn jumped, turning to see Canderous leaning against the doorframe, his arms behind his back. "I pulled it off the body of the Mandalorian leader. Bastila had mentioned something about you and Revan using double-bladed sabers, but all I've seen you with is that." He nodded toward the single hilt she had constructed a few days earlier hanging on her belt. His eyes burned into her, "Something told me you would need it."

Aeryn was still reeling as she attempted, "Canderous…I don't-."

"Try it out," he interrupted.

Aeryn swallowed hard wondering, Why is this so difficult for me? Canderous simply watched her patiently, as if he understood her fears. Finally she sucked in a deep breath and activated the twin violet blades, twirling them deftly. Her smile was radiant as she deactivated the weapon a moment later.

Though his face remained neutral, Canderous' eyes smiled as he commented, "I think it's your color."

Aeryn smiled in sincere appreciation as she stepped toward him a few paces. "Canderous, thank you. I don't know how I could ever repay such a gift."

Now the Mandalorian smiled suggestively, clearing the distance between them and sliding his left hand around her waist to pull her against him. He gazed down at the surprised woman and murmured, "I can think of a way."

Trying to still her hammering heart, Aeryn raised an eyebrow and teased breathlessly, "So I should beware Mandalorians bearing gifts?"

Canderous only smiled wider, lowering his face ever closer. Aeryn leaned into the embrace, feeling her eyes flutter closed in anticipation, only to fly open again at the sharp crack of electricity. She leaped back fearfully from the snickering Mandalorian who produced a now activated electrostaff in his right hand from behind his back. "You can show me your moves – by sparring with me. Why, what did you think I wanted?"

Aeryn glared at him, forcing her body to calm down, both from his proximity and from the surprise. "You're on. Just make sure to ask Carth what happened to the last man I sparred with."

Canderous scowled. "I hope you didn't just compare me to Carth. Tomorrow, then, after your test."

-

The vast golden ocean of grass swayed in waves as the wind swept over the surface of Dantooine. Aeryn paused for a moment in her march to admire the beauty of her surroundings. I might be a city girl, but I guess I'm beginning to see why Revan loved this planet so much. It certainly is peaceful. Two hungry kathounds broke that peace springing at her, clawing and snarling at her in savage fury. Caught off guard, Aeryn cursed loudly as she dodged their swiping claws, drawing out her new lightsaber. When the creatures finally lay dead at her feet, Aeryn stood panting, thinking, Okay that cured me. I hate the wilderness.

Continuing her journey, Aeryn realized she was near the grove where Master Zhar had said she would face her final test. As she entered the grove the tainted pull of the dark side washed over her in waves, radiating from somewhere in the center of the ruins just ahead of her. Frowning with uncertainty, Aeryn stopped, planning her next move carefully. Finally she lowered herself to the ground, folding her legs neatly beneath her, placing her hands on her knees as she took several deep breaths and closed her eyes. She reached out cautiously toward the ruins, allowing the Force to see for her. With a sharp gasp, she opened her eyes again. A woman is causing this taint? And she's Jedi. But why is she here?

Throwing caution to the wind, Aeryn rose and strode through the grove until she saw the woman with her own eyes. Slowing, Aeryn gripped her lightsaber warily as she approached the kneeling woman, stopping several paces away. A Cathar Jedi? I thought their kind was wiped out by the Mandalorians?

Aeryn didn't have much time to wonder, as the woman suddenly opened her yellow, bloodshot eyes, her mouth twisting into a hate-filled smile. "You are a fool to come here," the woman growled in a low, threatening accent, her sharp canine teeth glinting in the morning light. "You cannot defeat me here, in my place of power. And for your arrogance, you will…DIE!"

The Cathar launched forward, a blue lightsaber springing to life in her hand. Aeryn barely managed to bring her own weapon up in time to parry the vicious blow, backing uncertainly away as the incensed woman struck again and again. "I don't want to hurt you!" she screamed as she defended herself.

This seemed to only enrage the woman farther as she snarled, throwing her hand up and sending Aeryn toppling backward with a Force wave. Grunting in pain, Aeryn quickly regained her feet. Okay, we'll do things your way. She launched her own Force wave, but the Cathar leaned into the blast, resisting its effects. The momentary distraction proved to be enough, however, for Aeryn to rush the woman and knock the lightsaber from her hand. Beyond all reason, the Cathar shrieked in fury, hurling herself at Aeryn's neck, her claws extended. Surprised yet again, Aeryn managed to jerk herself to the side out of the Cathar's path, but not before four claws raked deep gashes in the soft flesh of her neck. Pain blinded her for a moment as Aeryn screamed and clutched the wounds, but she knew she would have to kill the woman or find a way to subdue her. Sending a pleading thought to the Force, Aeryn threw a Force stasis at the woman, who froze in mid-attack.

Her knees went momentarily weak with relief as Aeryn took a moment to examine the now contained woman. Though she was sure the woman was the cause of the grove's taint, there was something wrong about the darkness. Instead of radiating from within her, the dark side seemed to swirl around her, like a cape she clutched to her. It's like she's forcing herself to be consumed by evil…but she herself is not evil. Still uncertain, Aeryn faced the Cathar, speaking calmly.

"I will not fight you," she began. "All I wish to do is understand your presence here. I want to help you. Will you please speak with me?"

Aeryn watched as the fury drained from the woman's features, her eyes losing their bloodied appearance as they faded to deep amber, sadness replacing the rage in those eyes. Aeryn nodded in satisfaction and removed the stasis, watching cautiously as the woman stumbled, then slowly regained her feet, gazing at Aeryn strangely. "You are Revan," she suddenly whispered, her deep accent exaggerated by her excitement.

This is getting old, Aeryn thought with a sigh. "No, I am not. Revan was my sister. My name is Aeryn. Who are you?"

The light faded from the Cathar's eyes as she recognized the name. "Yes," she nodded absently. "I have heard of you. I am Juhani. And this is my grove, my place of dark power. Why are you here?" All of the fight vanished from the woman – now she seemed little more than an empty shell.

"I was sent to cleanse the grove of its taint, Juhani," Aeryn answered simply.

The Cathar managed a weak, pained smile. "So, they have sent you to kill me. I am glad. It will be good to leave this all behind."

Aeryn stared in surprise, asking, "You mean, you want me to kill you? But…why? What you could you have possibly done?"

Juhani shook her head, staring at the ground in shame. "I embraced the dark side. I lost my temper in combat with my Master and slew her in my anger. I deserve death." Her voice lacked conviction.

"'Deserve death?'" Aeryn echoed incredulously. "The Jedi do not slay those who surrender. And what of redemption? Is that not what you've been taught since your first day as an apprentice?"

The Cathar snorted, eyeing her disdainfully. "Redemption is just another word for failure. I have failed!" She began pacing agitatedly. "I have failed myself, and I have failed my Master, who now lies dead for my anger! I deserve the same!"

"No!" Aeryn shouted angrily. "You are wrong. The Jedi are not perfect, and neither are you. To pretend that perfection is obtainable is vanity, and that is far worse than any other mistake you could make. Part of being a Jedi is learning to forgive…and that includes yourself."

Juhani had stopped pacing, watching Aeryn speak with deep interest. Finally she whispered, her face downcast in sorrow, "But…my Master…she…."

Aeryn hesitated only a moment before reaching for the Cathar, lifting her chin to look into her eyes. "Your Master knew the risks. She was not training you because she was forced to, but because she wished to. It would certainly not be her wish that you throw aside all her teachings and seek death in this way." She paused, smiling sadly before she added, "And death is not the end for us…you know this as well."

Trembling, Juhani sighed, the dark mantle slipping invisibly from her shoulders. "I have been such a fool," she whispered sadly. "What should I do?" she asked imploringly.

"Return to the Council," Aeryn answered certainly, seeing for the first time the purpose of her test. "Lay yourself before their judgement."

Juhani looked fearful, asking, "Do you…do you think the Council will give me another chance?"

Aeryn smiled brightly, saying only, "Redemption."

Juhani nodded, and Aeryn started to move away, but the Cathar stopped her suddenly, pointing to the until-now forgotten scratches on Aeryn's neck. "Please, allow me to…" she said, reaching out and gently touching the wounds, healing the damage she had done. Aeryn smiled in appreciation, to which the Cathar merely nodded, stepping away. "Thank you," Juhani said suddenly before turning quickly to run back toward the Enclave.

-

Aeryn stood outside the kinrath cave, feeling the familiar tightening in her stomach at the sight of such a small, enclosed place. Whoever heard of a claustrophobic Jedi, she chided herself. Besides, if this is the same place Revan told me about, it's worth checking out…in spite of the fact that I'd rather be stepped on by a ronto at this point.

A twig snapped behind her, causing Aeryn to sigh and roll her eyes in annoyance. "Okay," she sang out, "you can stop following me now. I know you're there."

She turned to face the empty space behind her, crossing her arms and tapping her foot impatiently. After several long seconds, the air wavered unnaturally as a stealthfield generator deactivated, revealing a shamefaced Mission. "Uh…hi!" she tried brightly. "How…did you know I was here?"

"Oh, please," Aeryn snapped teasingly. "I heard you stomping your way down the loading ramp when I left for my test this morning…and every five minutes after that. You know, normal people might find you stealthy, but I'm not normal people." She turned back to the cave entrance, ignoring Mission's mumbled, "That's for sure." Squaring her shoulders in determination, Aeryn asked, "So, you little sneak, are you ready to help me clear this cave?"

Mission paled, a neat trick for a blue twi'lek, as she stammered, "Y-you're going in there? Maybe this is a dumb question but…why?"

"There's something special about this place, something Revan told me once," she explained. "It'll be worth the effort, trust me." Her words seemed as much to assure herself as the girl beside her.

"You're the boss," Mission conceded, drawing her blaster as she reluctantly followed Aeryn into the darkness.

"So," Mission whispered as they crept along through the caves, "what happened between you and that cat chick? That place gave me the creeps, so I stayed too far back to really hear anything."

Aeryn frowned thoughtfully before responding carefully, "Juhani was being tested, I think. It's like…she knew she needed to head north, but until someone showed her where west was, she couldn't get her orientation. She'll be fine now."

Mission wrinkled her nose at Aeryn's back. "You Jedi are all the same – crazy and cryptic. Well, I was sure she was going to rip out your heart and eat it for breakfast. It was pretty neat to see you talk her down like you did…even if I couldn't hear you."

Aeryn paused to smile back at the girl before continuing on. "Everyone can be redeemed, Mission, and it works to our advantage to give them the chance." A hint of bitterness crept into her voice as she mumbled, "The Jedi don't always follow that belief, though they sure are quick to spout it to others."

The conversation ended abruptly as the narrow cave suddenly widened into a massive cavern, lit along the sides with strange glowing crystals in a variety of colors. "Wow," Mission breathed, drinking in the sight. "You were right. This was so worth-."

A dozen or so kinrath crested the small rise in the center of the chamber. Drawing her lightsaber, Aeryn shouted, "Stay back!" to Mission before charging the aggressive creatures, sending a Force wave ahead of her to knock them back. All but four went down with the wave, stunned, and Aeryn slew those easily, with the assistance of Mission's surprisingly accurate blaster shots. The other four circled Aeryn cautiously, looking for an opening. When one lunged, Aeryn moved with inhuman speed around to its backside, slaying it and the creature beside it with ease. She turned to one of the other two, and in a moment of hesitation on her part, the other struck out at her with its poisoned mandible, sinking the limb firmly into her thigh. Aeryn growled, biting back the pain as she sliced off the mandible leaving the remains in her leg. She then killed the offensive creature, while Mission managed to take down the last one.

"Aeryn, are you alright?" Mission sprinted forward as Aeryn wrenched the creature's poisoned limb from her body, screaming as the flesh tore mercilessly. Mission stopped, turning a distinct shade of green when she saw the fountain of blood shooting from Aeryn's thigh. Though she pressed both her hands over the wound, thick blood streamed between her fingers, pooling darkly on the ground beneath her. "I think I'm gonna puke," Mission groaned, gripping her stomach as she started to double over.

Aeryn hissed through gritted teeth, "Yeah, well while you're down there, find me an antidote kit in my pack – hurry!" The twi'lek rushed to obey, locating the necessary item and injecting it into Aeryn's shoulder. As soon as she felt the drug begin to take effect, Aeryn called on her last reserves of the Force, willing her body to mend. For a moment, doubt clouded her mind, telling her it was pointless, that she should just lie down and die…but then she felt Mission's hand on her arm, saw the terrified expression in the girl's eyes, felt her horror at the thought of losing yet another friend. Grinding her teeth so hard her jaw ached, Aeryn willed the gaping wound to close.

Slowly, the bleeding lessened, the muscle drew back together, the tendons reattached, and the skin re-grew over the wound. Panting, Aeryn collapsed backward on the ground, staring dazedly at the mosaic of colored crystals on the ceiling. She felt Mission crouch over her, moving her leggings aside to examine her thigh. "I…I can't believe it," the girl breathed. "It's healed. You're alive!" Before Aeryn could protest, Mission tackled her, practically smothering her in her felicity.

Laughing, Aeryn wheezed out, "Well I won't be for long if you suffocate me!" She gently shoved the teenager who rolled over to lie beside her, smiling joyfully up at the crystal formations.

"Sorry," Mission said happily. "I just don't think I can lose anybody else I care about right now. I mean, my brother only left a few years ago, and with Taris being destroyed-."

"You have a brother?" Aeryn interrupted, lifting her head to study the twi'lek in surprise. "I didn't know that. Where is he?"

Mission blanched, turning her head away shamefully. "My brother's sort of a…sensitive subject."

"Okay," Aeryn started, sitting up slowly before rising and testing her leg experimentally. Satisfied, she continued, "You can tell me all about it on the way back to the Enclave – just as soon as we get what we came for." With that, she approached the nearest crystal formation, running her fingers gently over the cool surface.