A/N: So, I'm not entirely happy with this chapter; it felt very clunky to me in several places. But it's to the point now that any further wrestling with it won't do any good. So, if I may present my totally-awkward-Scourge-makes-more-"friends"-chapter. :)
Shock, comprehension, and finally outrage passed over Sinya's face within five seconds. Had Seela or Karawn seen this, they would have begun screaming enraged obscenities. Yet somehow her mother's profound, disappointed silence was even more disconcerting. Sinya crossed her arms. "What is going on here?" she asked. With a great resolve, Daesha kept her gaze on her mother's face.
"I…um, we were just…getting reacquainted?" Daesha trailed off.
"Reacquainted? Which means you've done this before, Daesha?" she asked, her voice rising. Daesha nervously glanced up the stairs as her mother continued. "And you choose to do this in my house, of all places? Now, I will ask you again, what is going on here?"
"Exactly what it app-" Scourge began.
"I was not talking to you," she warned, voice laced with venom. "Your presence here is already tenuous enough, Sith, and has been more trouble than it's worth. I open my home to you, only to find that you've been corrupting my daughter!"
"Mom, he's not…I'm capable of making my own decisions," Daesha argued. "He hasn't manipulated or coerced me into this. It's been my own choice the entire time." Sinya arched one eye ridge.
"One of the reasons that your father and I allowed Caden to take you is because we knew of the restrictions the Jedi place on their members. Caden, we knew, would teach you as we would have. As we have tried to teach your sisters…although goddess knows how little it's helped," Sinya sighed. Daesha pursed her lips, coloring rapidly in embarrassment.
"Even Caden has had indiscretions. We are not required to be celibate," she admitted in Ryl. Sinya's eyes darkened with disapproval.
"And have you both taken advantage of this lapse?" she finally asked in the same language. Daesha shook her head, and Sinya sighed in relief. "I see. Is this the real reason he came searching for you? Because if so, then he will be leaving immediately."
"Scourge's motives here are altruistic, for once. He only came to ensure that I was safe," Daesha promised. Sinya snorted in disbelief.
"I highly doubt that, Daesha. This man's only concern is for himself," she said.
"Perhaps, but there is more to him than what you see. More than what he wishes to admit, but I can sense it. And I will see it revealed."
"Your optimism in this situation is misplaced, my girl," Sinya said sympathetically. "I know you, Daesha. You would cleanse the galaxy of all evil if you could. It is an admirable goal, if unattainable. But some men cannot be saved, and I fear that he is one of them."
"You taught me that no one is beyond redemption," Daesha argued.
"No, I taught you that we must have compassion on all beings. Caden taught you that no one is beyond redemption," Sinya sighed. "I have had compassion on this man, and what has it brought about, except a great deal of trouble?"
"You want him to leave?" Daesha guessed.
"It would be the wisest course of action. Karawn, Seela, and your father would certainly appreciate it. And I would rest easier, knowing that he was away from you if only for a time. You are here to form answers, not more questions."
"It would be the wiser course of action," Daesha echoed, glancing over at Scourge. His expression was neutral, save for the narrowing of his eyes. He was likely irritated that they were talking over his head, but he managed to keep his disdain in check.
"You want him to stay, don't you?" Sinya sighed.
"Very much so," Daesha replied. "I can handle my emotions, at least where Scourge is concerned."
"Your reasons for coming here would suggest otherwise," Sinya said.
"Mom, that's not…what Caden said opened a wound inside of me, made me question my very identity. My foundation was shaken, and that's not an easy thing to reestablish. My proximity to Scourge is not the same kind of situation," Daesha defended. Sinya said nothing for several long seconds. "Your word is law here, Mother, and I'm asking you this favor. Please don't make him leave. He is a comfort to me, even if you are unable to comprehend it."
"I'm not angry at you, Daesha; but I worry for you," Sinya said.
"I'm asking you to trust me now. Trust that I can handle this. Please."
"Very well," Sinya sighed deeply. "He may stay, for now. I won't tell your father what I witnessed, but you know what will happen if he catches you. Keep your friend in line."
"Thanks, Mom," Daesha smiled tightly.
"Guard yourself, my love," she advised before glaring at Scourge and speaking in Basic. "And you are here only because Daesha requests it. You will not corrupt my family, and keep your hands off my daughter." She took Daesha's arm. "Now, it is past time that we were asleep. Until tomorrow," she said, although it sounded like a threat.
Despair and spice hung in the air. Red blasterfire had earlier pierced the thick blackness, but now the only remaining evidence was the smell of ozone and burned flesh. Daesha glanced around, searching for the cause of this destruction. She ignited her lightsaber, using the green blade as a source of illumination. Her footsteps echoed in the chamber before a soft, familiar groan sounded. Daesha raced over to find Kira sprawled out on the floor, a blaster bolt between her eyes. Gripping her hand, Daesha shook her shoulder. Kira's eyes snapped open, glazed over with the sheen of death.
"Why, Master? Why did you lead us down this path of revenge? I didn't want to die…it wasn't time," she gasped as her head fell back onto the ground. Daesha's blood ran cold, and she held her lightsaber up higher, only to see Rusk and Doc's crumpled bodies several yards away. She ran to them, but it was too late. They were already dead.
"Why didn't you save me, Daesha?" Tee's tortured voice asked from behind her. Daesha whirled around to see Tee huddled in on herself, a thick chain around her neck. There were bruises on every inch of her body, and her visage was sallow and starved. "You said you would protect us; you promised. I trusted you." Daesha reached for her, but the chain yanked around Tee's neck and she was pulled back violently into the darkness. Daesha charged forward, following Tee's screams in a never-ending circle.
She finally fell to her knees, heart pounding from anger and helplessness. Scourge emerged from the darkness, his eyes soulless and his lightsaber humming at her throat. "You have failed in every way, Jedi. Your friends are dead, your family defeated. You evade the darkness, but it will consume you. As it did your Master. As it did your pathetic mother. As it will you," the Emperor's voice sneered just as the lightsaber advanced…
Daesha bolted upright into a sitting position, gasping as the nightmare receded. Sweat soaked her body. She clutched for her weapon, the lightsaber's steady weight bringing some small measure of comfort. There is no emotion; there is peace. It was only a dream. Tee was down the hall in her own room; she hadn't been captured by the Raquors. Kira and her crew were safely on Tython, awaiting her return. Scourge was downstairs, hopefully not plotting her demise. The horizon showed just the faintest traces of lavender, but she was the only one awake. Her parents rose early, but not even they rose this early. Daesha hopped out of bed and pulled one of the old shirts Seela had given her over her sleepclothes. She crept out of the house and out to the vrek tree she'd found the other day. Leaning against it, she worked on releasing her worry into the Force. Yet the image of Tee, chained and abused, kept haunting her. The notion that such evil existed throughout the galaxy riled her. How could anyone call themselves a sentient if they tried to own someone as property? Could one being somehow limit and bind an entire soul? It was, to her, the epitome of arrogance and hypocrisy to even try.
"You never wake so early, Jedi," Scourge remarked, coming to stand beside her.
"I had a nightmare," she answered plainly, lacking the energy to attempt covering up her reasons for being here. "I'm sorry that I woke you."
"Jedi have nightmares?" he mocked. "Carson had me under the illusion that such a thing was impossible."
"We are fallible beings, just as the Sith are. The only difference is that we are usually on the receiving end of nightmares that your kind cause," she lectured grumpily. With that, Scourge tipped her chin up. His red eyes, surprisingly, held amusement instead of anger.
"Unrepentantly," he smiled. "To have nightmares, you must fear loss. Few Sith allow themselves such a weakness. Caring for anything is a dangerous pastime, among my people."
"And yet, you came all this way for me?" she asked hesitantly. Scourge said nothing. "Never mind; it doesn't matter. I…I think I'm going to go back inside. Sorry again for waking you." As she turned, he caught her wrist.
"I hold you in extremely high regard, Daesha. More so than anyone I've ever known, including Revan. Perhaps, before you go, we could…meditate," he said, although the last word was spoken with disdain. Shock filled her eyes before a large smile split her face. They sat cross-legged on the ground, facing each other.
"If finding Revan is all it would have taken for you to start meditating with me, I would have sent you after him ages ago." Scourge rolled his eyes before placing his hands on his knees. "But since you suggested this, I can only assume that he's been teaching you. I want to see what kind of progress you've made, learning our inferior Jedi ways."
"Revan's teaching methods have been less than effective. For a man whose destiny has been guided by the Force, he is surprisingly impatient," Scourge admitted.
"You'll do fine," Daesha reassured, holding out her hands. Scourge hesitated for only a moment before taking them. His huge hands engulfed hers, and Daesha closed her eyes. "What methods has he used to try teaching you?"
"He has a strange obsession with candles," Scourge shrugged.
"Somehow I sense you would rather not use that analogy," Daesha chuckled.
"If you are merciful, Jedi, I ask you not to submit me to that again."
"Very well, we'll try something different. Block out all sounds and other distractions. Listen to your own heartbeat, and let that guide you. Imagine the Force as it flows through us, binds us together with the rest of the galaxy," Daesha instructed, slipping into the meditation with practiced ease. Scourge tried to do as she instructed, listening to the rhythm of his pulse. That, he accomplished with no obstacles, but blocking out the other distractions was a different tale. He felt the cool wind as it skated over his skin, the nearly imperceptible tingling as the air around them slowly began to heat with the rising sun. He heard the call of a carra bird in the fields, as well as the soothing rustle of the wheat fields around them. He indulged in the pleasure, basking in it even as he used it to fuel his connection to the Force. He drew strength from the Jedi before him, drawing through their bond in a soberingly familiar way. Daesha frowned as she felt the phenomenon. He imagined that she knew where it came from, even if she couldn't sense him through the Force. They continued in this manner for several minutes before she pulled her hands away. Scourge opened his eyes.
"We aren't preparing to go into battle. You don't have to gather strength for an attack," she reprimanded gently. Scourge ignored her words, gazing at her disheveled appearance. In the dawn's scarce light, there was no trace of the Hero of Tython. There was just Daesha, all spirit, power, and muted frustration. She was beautiful. Scourge moved quickly, pulling her up against himself. "If they catch-" she began before he silenced her with his mouth.
The kiss was exploratory and lazy, a continuation of the interrupted moment from the night before. Daesha wrapped her arms around his neck, using it to steady herself as she returned his affections with equal fervor. He was warm, a steady anchor beneath her against the chill in the wind. He began trailing kisses down her neck, and every hair on Daesha's body stood up. She lost herself to the sensation, her mind racing in five dizzying directions. This was wrong; she had been taught that her entire life, and she believed it. The tips of his facial tendrils brushed against her clavicle again, and she huffed into the side of his head. Attachment was dangerous, as Scourge himself had warned on many occasions. His huge hand slid up her back, all warmth and power and comfort. How could she be an example to others, if she disobeyed the Code? She would make herself a hypocrite. She nestled closer into his chest. Yet, for all that her mind was screaming that this was wrong, she wanted this…wanted him…desperately. She let out a soft gasp when he nibbled at her earlobe. The Living Force shone brightly around them, even now. If their respective sides of the Force could find peace, was this truly so wrong? Scourge clutched her more tightly, and she almost frowned at the smug amusement radiating from him. Daesha stilled abruptly.
"What is it?" he murmured, pressing a kiss against the side of her neck.
"I think…I think I felt you in the Force again." Scourge's brow furrowed. "It was only a sliver, but perhaps we can get rid of this block," she said, climbing off his lap.
"Only you have the block, Jedi. I was able to feel you just now, your confusion and your passion. It must be frustrating to have such warring emotions within your mind. If you would allow me, I could show you how to direct them."
"Although I appreciate the generous offer, I'm not sure if I'm quite ready for such an adventure," she quipped as they linked hands, beginning their meditation again, with much more success than the last time. Daesha's presence steadied Scourge, and she was much more patient than Revan. Daesha found that she was able to feel the slightest hints of Scourge's Force-presence again. The block still worried her, but the meditation eased her anxiety considerably. With a brisk kiss, they broke apart just as the sun rose.
Family, as Scourge remembered them, were a necessary evil. By letting slip that he still thought of his own family, he realized that he'd only encouraged Daesha. And he knew her well enough to realize that even though she was patient, she would not stop until she learned about them. Her pursuit of knowledge was one of the many things he appreciated about her, but it could be extremely annoying when turned on him. And, honestly, there wasn't very much for her to discover.
His father had been a powerful Sith warrior named Lord Matle, famous for his battle prowess. His mother, a Sith apprentice named Leila, had studied the dark arts ravenously. Their houses had arranged the match, as most among the Sith of his day had done. Some houses still practiced the custom today, although it had faded with time. The marriage had been civil but nothing more, with Matle and Leila acting more like business partners than husband and wife. Each had taken their lovers after a few years, and Scourge had never suffered under the illusion that his parents loved each other. He had been born within a year of their marriage, and his younger brother Keser had followed two years later. Then their mother had become pregnant again. The only problem had been that Nosae was not his father's daughter. Matle had returned from a year-long campaign among the fringe worlds to find his wife with a new baby.
His anger, Scourge would have understood; but his father had only reacted with cold indifference. Nosae had appeared human, taking after Leila's lover, whom Matle had slain from principle more than actual rage. Unfortunately, Matle had been unable to even claim Nosae as his own, and she had become the family's shame. She was sent to the Academy only a few months after birth, and Scourge hadn't seen her again until he himself joined the institution. The move had driven a wedge between Matle and Leila, with his mother finally poisoning his father a few years later. Scourge had showed no reaction when informed that his father had died. Grief was for the weak. Instead, he'd assumed his role in the family, keeping rigid tabs on his brother and sister in the Academy. He would not fail where his father had. Keser, for the most part, had taken care of himself; he and Scourge had enjoyed a cordial, if superficial, relationship.
Nosae had been different. She was the family's shame, but upon his father's death, Nosae had become his shame to deal with in whatever manner he saw fit. He had chosen to engage her, and she had quickly clawed her way to a special position in his heart. She's had him twisted painfully around her finger for years…until her death. Scourge rubbed at his chest as a strange viselike sensation gripped it. Tee's giggling brought him back to the present.
"I know Mom's catasa is hot, but not even it can give you indigestion that fast," Tee laughed, shoveling more of the pasta into her mouth at a rate that would have choked any other being. Daesha's warning that the youngling had a big mouth was proving truer as the days passed.
"Leave him alone, Tee," Daesha reprimanded, kicking her under the table. "Not everyone can handle catasa."
"Quite the contrary, Ven. Hot spices are a delicacy within the Empire," Scourge corrected.
"Oh?' Daesha asked.
"Of course. It is used by many in the aristocracy. Hot spice hides the taste of poison quite well," Scourge informed her. At that, the once chaotic table stilled. Karawn and Sinya dropped their utensils, while Vuren choked on his drink. Seela looked up from cutting her children's meat, eyes wide. All eyes focused on him, and Scourge shrugged before swallowing some of his muja juice.
"I'll keep that fact in mind," Sinya promised darkly, glowering at him. Seela and Karawn exchanged a surprised glance before looking curiously at their mother. Scourge smirked. The matriarch's attitude towards him today had been colder than Hoth. A few more moments of awkward silence passed before Ilar finally spoke up.
"Well, aren't you entertaining?" he asked sarcastically, digging back into the dish. "Your paranoia serves you well, I'm sure, but if my wife wanted to poison anyone, she would have done it long ago."
"I can always make an exception, my love," Sinya winked. "It's one of my many unique talents."
Karawn and Vuren circled in the yard, feinting left and right to try throwing the other off. Daesha watched nostalgically. Nabat and Karawn had wrestled playfully as children, and it had become a family tradition. Teeubo poked her in the ribs, a pout marring her face.
"Why won't they ever let us join in?" she whined, and Daesha bit back a laugh. "Seriously, it's not fair. I want to learn how to do that."
"They're not going to let you get involved in something where they'd have to hit you," she snorted. As if to prove her point, Karawn bowled into Vuren's legs, tackling him to the ground with a loud grunt. "Imagine slamming facefirst into a door, and you might understand what that move feels like. Sloppy on Karawn's part."
"You know how to fight, and you're only a little bigger than I am. Will you show me how to do that?" Tee asked hopefully, sparing the boys an envious glance.
"Tee, do you really want to learn? Because I can't go easy on you if you want effectiveness." Daesha said. Tee nodded vigorously, and the two traveled around to the other side of the house, stopping under the belsa tree. Daesha tied her shirt on one side, and Tee grinned before dropping into a crouch. Daesha shook her head, and Tee straightened. "We're not going to wrestle. I'm going to show you some defensive maneuvers. I haven't forgotten your little escapade on Coruscant, and you need defense before offense. Never let bravado keep you in a dangerous situation. Defend yourself, and then get out of it. Now, I'm going to come at you." Tee nodded enthusiastically. Daesha advanced on her, and Tee instinctively took a step back with her right foot. Daesha urged her forward and planted her in the same position.
"Now, chances are your targets will always be bigger; you use their strength against them. If they come up with their right arm, you block it with your left and bring them up close enough that you can use a weapon," she instructed. Tee's eyes widened. "Or…you know, kick them in certain sensitive areas, but preferably the weapon. Now, let's try it again." They tried the maneuver again, and this time Tee managed to bring Daesha into the position she'd tried to teach her. Over the next half hour, Daesha taught Tee as much as possible. The girl took quickly to the lesson, and she was beaming by the time they dropped to the ground panting.
"That was…so fun," Tee grinned. "Do you…do this every day?"
"Usually once…at least," Daesha panted. "You still…want to wrestle?"
"Maybe later," Tee chuckled. "That was awesome."
"That was a pathetic display," Scourge spoke, striding over to them. Daesha's eyes were closed, but she raised an eyebrow. She could feel the muted disapproval ebbing from him. It was faint, but at least it was present.
"Perhaps it wasn't my best display, but it works for the situation," she argued.
"I've literally seen younglings perform better," Scourge said. "Have you let your skills atrophy so badly in my absence? By the time I return to the Shield, there may be nothing left to salvage."
"Oooh, so show us how to do it better, scary man," Tee challenged breathlessly, grinning up at him. Daesha's eyes snapped open and she pinched Tee' s arm hard.
"Don't tempt him," she warned. Tee blinked innocently.
"I will go easy on her," Scourge smirked, regarding the two women in amusement.
"You never go easy on anyone," Daesha argued. "If she goes back to the house bruised and limping, I can't defend you from my entire family."
"You've seen me hold off far worse," Scourge shrugged.
"Don't do this just to prove a point. She's just a child."
"I'm going to be sixteen in a month!" Tee shot back.
"And you think you're doing her a favor, Jedi? Building up her confidence without the experience to back it up? Did you even let her practice with a weapon? I can show her what to expect," Scourge said.
"You'll hurt her," Daesha accused. Scourge eyed her disdainfully.
"I understand now why the Jedi shun attachments; it makes you weak. Or would you rather she be completely unprepared?" Daesha glared up at him, angry at how their bit of fun had been turned into a philosophical debate.
"I'm not afraid," Tee groused, shooting to her feet. "Daesha's not in control of me, and I want to see what you have to teach."
"Tee, be careful," Daesha began. Her younger sister crossed her arms and glared. "And remember, Scourge, you still answer to me."
Scourge rehashed the moves she'd just shown Tee, showing her tips against a larger assailant. He then reviewed her limited knowledge of the body's weak spots before he had her attempt to harm him. Although Tee was enthusiastic, her movements were clumsy; and Scourge evaded them with the easy grace of a seasoned fighter. He managed to pin Tee with a backwards bear hug, and when Daesha saw the panic on her sister's face, she scrambled to her feet. Just as she neared, Scourge whispered something into Tee's ear. The look on her face quickly became contemplative.
"What the kriffing hell?" Daesha scolded, pulling Tee over to her. "I told you not to hurt her."
"She is unharmed," Scourge said.
"You scared her, Scourge. That was not right."
"Others would do worse," Scourge corrected her. "We both know this; the girl must be taught to defend herself, as you were." Daesha's hands balled into fists, and anger coiled like a viper in her stomach. Her pulse pounded against her temples. She opened herself, trying to release her anger; and managed to do so only with significant effort.
"I suppose, perhaps, you are correct in this situation. Teeubo will benefit more from your teaching methods than mine. Forgive my interruption. Please, continue."
Daesha moved away, allowing the two to continue in their practice. Scourge ran Tee through the moves again. They continued that for about twenty minutes before he produced his two vibroblades and presented one to Tee. A large grin spit her sister's face, and Daesha once again interfered. After ensuring that both safeties were on, she retreated again, watching carefully while Scourge instructed Tee in the most basic of styles. The pair continued for about a half hour. At first, Tee brandished the weapon theatrically, obviously playing more than trying to learn. A quick nick on her left shoulder brought her back to reality, and she moved more cautiously afterwards. She took direction quickly, taking Daesha's advice to avoid the blade whenever possible, instead of trying to engage it. All was going rather well until the screen door to the kitchen slammed open.
"What in the name of the goddess is going on here?" Seela screeched from the porch. Scourge and Tee stopped and stared as Seela awkwardly waddled down the steps before stalking over to them. She snatched the weapon from Tee, pointing it up at Scourge. "Explain. Yourself." Daesha placed a hand on her shoulder and took the knife as the rest of the family approached. Their father gently took Seela's wrist and pulled her back behind him, standing directly in front of Scourge.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. Scourge caught Daesha's gaze, and she shook her head pleadingly. Scourge narrowed his eyes at the Twi'lek.
"I was merely showing the girl how to defend herself."
"There is nothing here to defend against…except you, of course. If that is something Teeubo wants to learn, a member of this family will teach her. Certainly not a stranger and especially not you," he said.
"It is something I want to learn. He was just helping me, Dad," Tee piped up, tugging on her father's shirt. Ilar's gaze softened slightly when he looked down at his daughter.
"You are safe here, Teeubo. Our family protects each other," he said.
"What if, later on, I want to leave? You can't always protect me," Teeubo argued. "He's just trying to help. And he's so good with a lightsaber! You should have seen him and Daesha yesterday. It was amazing!"
"Lightsabers?" Ilar asked, turning a disapproving gaze on Daesha. "You know better than to encourage her."
"I'm not a little girl," Tee scoffed.
"Aren't you, though?" Seela chuckled, pulling one of Tee's lekk gently.
"She needs to learn, as Nabat and I have. Scourge is much more qualified to teach her. Besides, I was watching. He won't hurt her while I'm here. If I supervise, can they continue? I know it would mean the world to her," Daesha said.
"Would it?" Ilar asked Tee, who nodded enthusiastically. "Very well. It seems I've been overruled."
"Thanks, Dad!" Tee gushed, bowling into her father with an embrace. Ilar returned it, patting her on the head when she finally pulled away. Daesha and Tee began to walk away before Seela's voice stopped them.
"Did she say you used lightsabers yesterday? Is that why Jela and Loeran have been stealing my crafting poles and running around the house screaming like banshees?" she asked.
"They, um, got to witness it. But Tee was holding both of them the whole time, so they weren't in any danger. You're not angry, I hope," Daesha said.
"More jealous, honestly."
"Jealous?" Daesha laughed.
"Yes. It's not fair that Teeubo gets to see things like that while the rest of us don't," Seela complained.
"You want to see us fight?" Daesha asked in disbelief. Seela and Vuren nodded enthusiastically. Ilar merely shook his head, but even Sinya had a curious gleam in her eyes. Daesha looked at Scourge. "Well?"
"As you wish," Scourge shrugged, pulling the lightsaber from his belt and heading back over to where he and Tee had been training.
Daesha waved her family back and joined him. Both blades sprang to life; and Daesha advanced, utilizing a rapid series of clunky chops to drive Scourge back. He intercepted and parried them easily, almost taking off her arm once or twice. He pushed away from her, and they began to circle like fighting nexus. Scourge advanced next, baiting her with a few feints before switching back to Soresu when she responded in kind. Daesha smiled at the ploy, her mind racing and pulse pounding. By the Force, she enjoyed the thrill this brought her, the desire to employ the perfect maneuver and seize victory. Daesha froze for a moment as the oddity of that thought struck her, and she barely brought her lightsaber up to block Scourge's next aggressive series of thrusts. The worry dropped from her mind, and she fell back into Soresu, drawing on the Force to bring her will clarity as she defended herself. As Jedi did.
Scourge aimed for her feet and she somersaulted over his head, bringing the tip of her blade down to clip his shoulder. He hissed at the contact, and Daesha brought her blade to a defensive position. The Sith rolled his shoulder briefly before dropping back into a defensive crouch. His face was inscrutable, but Daesha could feel approval from him. He advanced again, and their blades formed a chorus of hums and clashes. Twenty minutes later, they locked blades.
"Do you still…think my skills…are atrophied?" Daesha panted, hands shaking from the exertion. True to form, Scourge wasn't holding back. Although she could move more quickly, decades of practice had made him light on his feet.
"You know better…than to speak…during a duel," he reprimanded, pushing forward aggressively. Daesha used the Force to push forward, digging her feet into the soil. Scourge did the same, and Daesha felt the ricochet building between them. The Force trembled at the strain, but neither relented. As the pressure grew, she felt the sensation of a wall crumbling nanoseconds before a presence flooded her mind. Aggressive, determined, confused…Sith. The moment stretched on indefinitely, and Daesha glimpsed two beloved faces she had never seen before, a Sith male and human girl. She dueled in the Academy on Dromund Kaas. She broke Sechel's neck, the pathetic Force-blind mongrel. She plunged a blade into Meetra's back and felt…nothing. Then, as quickly as they had come, the images were gone. Scourge's furious ruby eyes were the only things in front of her. Let go, his voice snarled just as the energy between them exploded. Daesha was tossed back violently, and her head hit something solid just before everything faded to black.