Changes: Chapter and Mommy and Daddy, as well as Chapter 51 has been changed. So you may want to read that before reading this to know what's going on. As always, thank you for reading!

Author: Chorus Girl

Story: Continuing


Kaivo Xha sat on the edge of Christa' Xha's bed and watched her sleep. She was peaceful this way. He finally had his daughter back. And not the way he had given her. Or rather, had her stolen, by him. The Jedi. Christa had come back to to their home planet of Runei bruised, battered, bloodied, and an emotional incoherent mess. But perhaps enough time had passed, and she was healed of her physical and emotional woes...if only.

Christa's doctor suggested Kaivo take his daughter off of the sedatives and ease her back to everyday life. Kaivo dreadfully complied. In her state, and lack of consciousness he could do as he pleased. Protect her, control her, be the center of her universe and she is.

A maiden pulled the drapes allowing light to filter into the room and rays of sunshine streamed onto Christa's luminous face. She was beautiful.

A maiden had pulled her hair into a single braid at the back of her head the night before. And now, it was just like she used to wear it. Soft wispy tendrils of hair cusped her face and fell in soft dark curls at the nape of her neck and over her ears. She slept, knees curled into her chest, arms wide. Kaivo stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. At this, Christa mumbled but didn't awake. Her eyelids were tightly sealed, and he could tell from the noises she made that her sleep was deep and heavy.

Kaivo pulled a small glass bottle from his utility belt and waved it under her nose.

Christa stirred, eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes and exhaled.

"The sun is out," Kaivo whispered. "Rain season is over."

Christa rolled and drew a nearby pillow to her chest. "Rain season already?"

"Time to wake up," he said, slapping a hand on her leg as he stood.

"Feels like I've slept an eternity," Christa grumbled.

Kaivo smiled.

"Perhaps you have."

Kaivo took her hands in his and pulled her from the bed. Christa stood, and the sun shone through her white gown, the silhouette of her body small and fine. Kaivo moved a wisp of hair from her face and walked her to the balcony.

"Breathe the fresh air," he ordered.

Her legs shook. She looked at Kaivo, a question in her eyes. She loved walking. Walked everyday. But her legs felt weak. She could hardly stand.

"You were sick with fever," Kaivo said. "Out for a looong time," he finished.

"Will I be okay?"

"I'm sure of it," he answered.

Christa stared at Kaivo. Funny, she wasn't as repulsed, looking at him. He draped an arm around her shoulder.

"I'm cold," she said.

"Let us get you back inside."

"No, not the bed. I've got to get my legs used to standing again. I feel like an involent."

"You're anything but," he interjected.

Christa smiled. Why was she smiling at him? She hated Kaivo. Didn't she?

"Did I miss the Ghost of Zoul festival?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Oh."

Kaivo left her on the balcony. Christa followed, dress flowing. She eyed him suspiciously.

"I'll be back," Kaivo yelled.

The door closed.

Christa walked across the room and sat on the edge of her bed. She drew her knees to her chest and rocked. She felt empty, couldn't figure out why. Like something was missing. Missing from her life, her mind, her heart...

Dreams.

So many disturbing, comforting, confusing things. People, new and old. Their faces familiar yet unfamiliar.

What happened? And just how long did her fever last?

Kaivo walked through the hall, barking and yelling at maidens and employees at the bar. Christa's bar, The Red Orchid.

"She's awake! Got it. Anybody talk, dead! Dead! DEAD!" he screamed. "And nobody shall say a word about JEDI. Not in my presence, and certainly not in hers. The penalty for this crime is death!" Kaivo barked.

Maidens scattered nervously by. An older woman with a braid coiled around her head , wearing an empire waisted dress stopped, a bowl of steaming water in her hand.

"And what do we tell her about the boy?"

Kaivo paused... "What boy?" he growled.

He loved little Han as much as Christa did. But Han would awaken those awful memories. And it was more important to keep her safe. He knew where Han was. And no one will tell her the truth. He'll do anything to keep her from it. To keep her from cracking again.

Kaivo turned and saw Christa standing in the middle of the bar, white dress flowing behind her in the breeze. He frowned, worried look on his face.

"How long you been standing there?"

"I just got here."

Christa looked around. "What is this place? What did you do with Tobias' bar?"

"Welcome to the Red Orchid Lounge," Kaivo said, gesturing wildly.

"Red Orchid Lounge?" Christa asked, unconvinced.

"Yes. You said you wanted to sing. I built it for you. A gift for you, when you get better."

"I am better," Christa said, unable to hide the excitement in her voice. "What's gotten in to you? You... said I'll never become a singer. Not over your dead body."

"Maybe we're in heaven," Kaivo said.

Yes, win her over! He thought.

Christa raced across the room and threw her arms around his shoulders.

"Thank you Kaivo! I'm so happy!" she exclaimed.