Chapter XXIX: Sacrifices
Merrin - Homebase, Ordel
This shouldn't have been so easy.
Merrin desperately wished there to be some sort of struggle, some repulsion when it came to leaving. She spent the last year of her life here, this was the place where not only she but all of them started to deal with the loss they suffered. It should've meant something for her - and yet, as she barged through room after room, she felt nothing. Merrin was a survivor, born and bred.
It was what people like her did, wasn't it? To run and to hide until they collected their strength to strike back. And with time, as one threat replaced the next, she'd run anew, an endless cycle of fight or flight until the moment where her luck run would eventually run out.
Was this it for her? Would she never be more than a survivor?
As she opened up the next door to Cere's room, her thoughts were drawn back to Nar Shaddaa: it was a seedy planet, filled to the bring with suffering and anger - and yet, both the suffering and the anger was nothing more than a mere extension of life. And it was that life, the raw emotions that dwelled deeply within them all, she enjoyed so much as she wandered through the moon's countless alleys. After all of those years on Dathomir, all of that time spent alone - to feel such a joy was undescribable for her.
She felt something familiar on Ordel once too, back when they arrived on the lush planet.
It was all gone now.
Lifting her satchel from her back, she ran over to the desk, grabbing everything that seemed useful. As she was done, however, her eyes drifted to the nearby nightstand.
What should I do with that?
Merrin knew what she logically should do with it. And yet, she also knew that there was something more behind it.
Right next to Cere's bed, one of Trilla's Inquisitor lightsabers was nestled next to it, the cape that she once wore as a servant of the Empire folded neatly beneath it. It was a shrine, a simple memorial dedicated to her fallen apprentice. Cere rarley took the saber onto missions, claiming that the risk of exposure was too high for it to be used. And although she certainly meant it, Merrin also understood that this wasn't the sole reason the weapon collected so much dust over the year.
It represented the sum of Cere's failures.
It was obvious that it couldn't remain, lest this new Inquisitor recovers it. Yet they wouldn't be able to carry everything within Homebase throughout Ordel's dense forest. Sighing deeply, she stepped over to the nightstand. There, Merrin grabbed the weapon quickly before she changed her mind, placing it underneath her outfit ere she stoved the cape into her satchel.
Cere deserves this.
Not to mention that she'd be a raging hypocrite if she'd have chosen otherwise. Has she not claimed Cal's poncho as her own, carrying it on her chest as a silent reminder of his life? She knew how she had to feel - and it was a feeling that she didn't wish on anyone.
''Merrin, we're losing time. Have you gotten anything?''
''Yes.'' she glared down at her bag before she lifted her eyes towards Greez ''what now?''
''Well, how am I supposed to know that?!'' he exclaimed, putting all of his four hands behind his head ''Burn it all down? I have no idea!''
Merrin did entertain similar thoughts. That would certainly take care of any evidence. However, a fire as big as the one that would engulf Homebase could probably be seen from everywhere within Stone Town, if not even farther. And only the Force knew what the Empire would find if they pillaged through the scorched ruins.
''No. We'll let nature claim it. Another farmer brought to ruin by the Empire's industry isn't as suspicious as a fire.''
''That's great and all but - '' he clapped into his hands and stared at Merrin with pure annoyance ''what then? Are we just going to walk towards our doom? We need someplace to go! We can't just ... just do whatever!''
Merrin placed her index finger on her forehead and groaned. She felt sorry for the Lateron. With every passing day, it seemed as if his mood shifted more and more towards such a kind of anger that just wasn't healthy for neither mind or body. Merrin hoped once that because of their shared loss, Greez would open up to either her or Cere. Yet neither of them seemed to make any progress in that regard.
And it hurt to see him like that.
''I know. We - ''
We what? There weren't many places they could go. The Empire claimed more land every day, its callous installations spreading through the land like cancer. There just weren't many places untouched by Imperial presence anymore. Back then, they had multiple empty clearings to fall back to, but -
Of course!
''Greez, you remember when I did those scouting runs, trying to learn the controls of the shuttle?''
''Yeah, I remember your complaining too. Why?''
She knew that she had to choose her next words very carefully, given the sensitive nature of her idea.
''Because I saw the remains of the Mantis every time I did. Though badly damaged, the lower end of it still seemed to possess some semblance of structural integrity. It would keep us safe from the weather, at least.''
''No. No ... no. No!''
Greez hastily turned around, mumbling something inaudible under hurried breath. It still hurt, she understood that. And yet, it seemed as if they were out of options.
''I understand. But what choice do we have?''
As if she walked on eggshells, she stepped behind him and put one of her hands on his shoulders.
''What choice, what freaking choice?! I tell you what choice we had!''
He turned around and scoffed at Merrin with pure anger escaping his lips.
''We didn't have to play savior. We didn't have to save Cere's apprentice, we could've let her die, given her the death she deserved!. If she would've died, we'd never be in this mess! We'd still have the Mantis, we'd still be free - and we'd still have Cal!''
That was a low blow.
She flinched at the intensity of Greez's words. Did he think that she didn't share similar thoughts? Did he truly believe that those wicked thoughts didn't haunt her day and night? What if they wouldn't have landed on Nar Shaddaa? What if he and Merrin never left the ship? What if she died on Dathomir or if she'd have given in to Malicos' pleads?
Yet those choices were now solely out of their control. What was it that Cal always used to say? Trust only in the Force?
''It is what is it, Greez. All we can do is to look into the future now.''
''Yeah, a future without Cal. Hope all of that Force-bullshit was worth it in the end.''
Merrin didn't quite remember how long she stood in Cere's room after Greez left.
She understood where he was coming from, given that he has voiced similar opinions in the past. He wasn't a fan of the Force - nor did he understand it, even if he was confronted daily by it. Cere, Cal, Trilla, and even herself to a lesser extend. For him, the notion that some things were premediated through the Force had to be outlandish. He didn't feel the connection between all things like the others did and yet they expected him to. Could he really be blamed for such a reaction?
I'm so sorry Greez. For everything.
She'd fix this, once they were out of here. And with both Tapal and Loch serving as more normal companions compared to Cere's antics, Merrin knew that they'd get through this together.
At that, she peeked down at the lightsaber. And then a haunting thought crossed her mind: Cere would need it.
Merrin ran through the tight wooden corridors of Homebase, sprinting down towards the briefing room. There she found Cere, her legs crossed in meditation.
''Cere, we're almost done. But you'll need this ... don't worry, I have her cape with me. I know how much it means to you.''
She didn't quite grasp what exactly put her off, but Merrin felt that there was something wrong. The air felt heavy around her as if it was burdened by a hundred untold words and thoughts. Slowly, Cere turned her head towards Merrin, granting her a weak smile before she nodded once.
''That's sweet of you, Merrin. Thank you. But I won't need it. I'll deal with the Inquisitor myself.''
Merrin arched her eyebrows at that. What was she saying? She couldn't fend off an Inquisitor with a mere blaster pistol. Even without the saber, a user of the Dark Side could easily -
And then she understood why she felt so much dread as she stormed into the room.
No. Don't do this to us.
''Cere, you can't - ''
''Please. Listen to me.'' she raised her finger and looked at in her calming manner - which only served to freak her out more ''damn it, Merrin. You were always the smartest one amongst us. Did you know that?''
This couldn't be happening. Certainly, she wasn't as foolish as to truly entertain such an absurd idea? She wouldn't dare, not after everything they endured together.
''Merrin ... what choice do I have?''
''How dare you.''
She didn't care about holding it for Cere's sake anymore. Merrin almost launched at her as she screamed like an unholy banshee, all of the collected frustration she had to struggle with over the year finally reaching its boiling point as tears began to slid down her cheeks.
''How dare you spit on everything he has sacrificed?! You damn fool, how could you after everything Cal has done for us? After all the death and chaos, you'd be a coward and give up?!''
''Merrin ... ''
''Don't you dare lie to me now, Cere. You were his friend, his family! And you disregard anything he stood for because - ''
Cere angrily opened her mouth and her muscles visibly tensed up. It took only a second for the chairs in the room to be thrown against the nearby wall as Cere used the darker aspects of the Force, serenity, and patience replaced not only by anger but a tangible sadness that inflicted her very core.
''Because I failed him! Just as I failed Trilla! They died because of me! Even now I can't - '' her chest rose and fell quickly as she glared at her hands '' I can't stop disappointing them. They're dead because of me. Because of ... ''
After her burst of emotions disappeared, her words fell almost completely silent. She rocked her head back and forth, glancing from the tips of her fingers over to the chairs. Not ushering another word, she dropped herself to the floor, hiding her face amongst her hands.
''If I'd defeat the Inquisitor, they'd send another. And another. If I ... if I'm gone, that's it. The Empire will not know that you're here. You're free, all of you. And I'll - '' Cere lifted her visage, meeting Merrin's with her own tears streaming down her face.
''I'll be reunited with them. Through the Force, we're one.''
It made sense. It made so much sense and Merrin hated her for it.
''No ... no. I can't accept that. Let me ... let us fight together, then. We can defeat him, both of us. My Magick and your Jedi training, we could stop this!''
''Not with the Purge Troopers. Not with the ones that'll come afterward. Not the next Inquisitor and not the next one after them.''
''So, we .. we just give up?''
''No. I sacrifice myself.''
''This is not what he would've wanted!''
At that, Cere conjured up her remaining strength to chuckle.
''Seeing you save and sound, Merrin? I believe that he'd have died for it too.''
''Cere, please ... ''
''No. It is decided - all is as the Force wills it.''
Curse the Jedi and their stubborn teachings. And Curse her own pragmatism.
So this was it? Another member of her family was about to be torn away from her and all she could do was to watch and then to run. The woman she shared her grief with, the woman that gave her a home and protected her - soon, she'd be nothing but another memory. Like her people on Dathomir. Like Cal. And she could do nothing against it. No matter how much power she claimed for her own, there was nothing Merrin could do when it came to the forces of destiny.
And it was in that moment where she fully understood what Greez meant.
''Who else knows?''
Merrin tried to keep her voice steady, even if she failed miserably at it. If this truly was Cere's last day, she'd give her the honor of a warrior's death.
''Loch. I told him to lead you away. He'll say that I'm right behind you but ... well.''
''Then I shall help him.''
Merrin would grieve for her, just as she mourned for Cal. But she swore on her own life that the galaxy would not forget what sacrifice was made here today.
''I ... - thank you, Merrin. For everything.''
Cere stood up and walked over to Merrin with trembling legs, her watery eyes closing in on her own. With a quiet sob, she pulled her in into a hug, nestling her head between her neck and shoulders.
''I love you, Merrin. We'll all be watching over you ... all of us. You'll never be alone.''
She didn't want to let go. On the contrary, she wanted to grab Cere and run, lying to the both of them that everything was going to be alright and that they'd find a way out of this situation. But fate - no, the Force had something else in mind for them. And there were no words in the galaxy to describe how much she suffered because of it.
''I love you too, Cere. Thanks for being the family I've always wanted.''
As they parted, Cere planted a kiss on her forehead, lifting her hand carefully to wash away some of the tears that besieged the Nightsister's face.
''Go now. Work with Richard. Leave, regroup - do what needs to be done.''
''Always.''
Cal Kestis. Cere Junda. Until the day arrived where she too would finally meet death, it was those names she'd cry in battle so that they would never be forgotten.
Richard - Ordel, just outside of Homebase
''And the terminals?''
''Reset and sliced. As if straight out of the factory'' answered Relor truthfully.
''If you add three tones of dust and dirt on them, perhaps'' added Richard darkly before his eyes caught movement nearby.
It was Merrin with Cere's BD droid resting on her back. With haste commanding her feet, she sprinted towards them, the big satchel she carried with her seemingly not doing anything to slow her down.
''It seems as if we're ready'' stated Loch matter of factly, ensuring that his voice didn't give away the fateful choice that was done today.
Each of them carried bags of their own, housing the bare necessities needed for the journey ahead. Food. Water. Self-defense should their path cross with either the Empire or Ordel's wildlife. And now, if what Greez told them was true, they had found temporary refuge, even if it seemingly displeased the Lateron greatly. Not that it mattered. No matter any personal feelings, they had to leave if they wished to escape the Empire's wrath.
Loch knew what they did do dissidents like him and the others. He wasn't keen to meet such fate.
''It's done. Homebase shall be nothing but another ruin.'' Merrin stated after she arrived.
''Where's Cere?'' inquired Tapal quickly, looking past her at the soon to be deserted base.
''Cere - ... '' started Richard to speak before Merrin claimed the word.
''Cere will join us shortly. She said that she had to cast some sort of ... Force ritual? To buy us more time and throw the Empire off of our tail.''
With surprise marking his face, he glared at Merrin - who, for what had to be a fragment of a second, gave him a knowing look that told him more than hundreds of words could: she knew.
''Oh that's just amazing.'' quipped Greez sarcastically, his smaller frame boasting as many bags as his companions, much to his evident disapproval.
''Jedi, who knows with those people. Well, for what's it worth: she'll have no problem catching up anyway. Everyone ready?'' asked Richard as he looked into the round.
Merrin didn't say anything as she avoided Richard's glare to the best of her abilities.
Greez - well, he was his usual self, which didn't really fill Richard with much confidence. Rattling on about something that was clearly not meant to be heard in Basic.
That left Tapal: as even Merrin started to move, his eyes were still glued to the building behind them, as if the cogs in his brain were about to work something out that would drastically make this situation more difficult.
Don't be a smartass, Lasat. At least this one time.
Thankfully, he too left, running up to Merrin and Greez as the group left Homebase for the final time.
The first hour was spent in complete silence as everyone was seemingly occupied with their own thoughts.
Richard couldn't help but ask himself what would happen now. Sure, they'd probably make their way safely to the remains of the Mantis, where its rusty hull would hopefully be stable enough to protect them from the forces of nature for a couple of days. But then what? Without Cere, his chances at liberating Ordel basically became void. Even now as his eyes scanned the horizon, the thick smoke of the Empire's factories tainted the once so beautiful image of the planet, with the shadows of the Heartseeker helping no bit in dispelling this visual displeasure.
The Empire won - for now at least.
Which left him in a more than uncomfortable position. He was a wanted man, just like the others. Unlike the others, however, he couldn't claim any worthwhile skills his own. He wasn't a pilot, he wasn't a fighter. He certainly wasn't a Jedi or whatever Merrin was. Though his political soft skills were valuable when it came to leading a resistance, sooner or later the rest of the group were going to ask themselves what they were going to do with him. Richard didn't like those odds, not at all.
Luckily for him, there was one ace up in his sleeve that could still help him: a ship.
Though there weren't many favors to call upon now, Richard realized that there was an alternative to merely asking. An alternative that wasn't just very lucrative for them, but also became an actual necessity given the circumstances..
And he knew where they could get a ship. He'd just -
''How much longer until we're here? I don't know about you, but it's way too quiet around those parts for me to like it.'' Tapal asked Merrin, his hand steadily resting on the grip of his blaster.
''Two hours. One and a half if we keep up the pace.'' Merrin chirped back.
''Two hours it is then. I mean, have you seen my legs?'' Greez grumbled as a response, waving around frantically with his arms ere he pointed at his legs.
''Ah, don't worry. I've got a plan to fix that.'' Relor chuckled as he glared down at the Lateron. He walked over to him and - ...
Oh my.
If they wouldn't be in such a mess, he might've laughed at that display. Without a second thought, the Lasat's bulky arms grabbed Greez, lifting him off of his feet and placing him on Relor's shoulders. To say that Greez was temporarily displeased would've been an understatement.
''Are you crazy you smelly bastard?! You can't lift people and ... ''
''I can, actually. And you're welcome.'' Relor cut Greez's complaint short as they joined up with the rest of the group.
''One and a half hour, yes?'' corrected Merrin before she turned around, her eyes scanning the treelines in front of them.
They kept their march up for another half hour, the uneven and muddy land giving no way to any eventual chatter or conversations. A fact that both he and Merrin were probably glad about. Eventually though, it was Relor that opened his mouth, and he asked them the question he dreaded so much to hear.
''Shouldn't Cere be here already?'
His words lingered in the air as Merrin glared at Richard, neither of them knowing what they should do now. They could theoretically tell them the truth, that much was true. They were far away from Homebase now to make a difference - but that wasn't what concerned him. What concerned him more were a potentially pissed of armed Lasat and a whiny Lateron giving away their position to whatever roamed these lands right now.
So he did what he was best at: lying.
''Who knows with those people.''
''It's Cere, she isn't just a nobody, Loch.''
The Lasat's words grew slightly more agitated.
''And yet, neither of us know this ... Force, not like she does. You all have seen her meditating before. And you all have seen the speed at which she can move. Why are we worried?''
''I didn't say that I was worried.''
''You implied it.''
''I'm also implying that something is not right, Loch.''
''With what? Your superstition? You're right about that.''
He had to finish this conversation before it grew into something he couldn't handle. And although it was a low blow, the best way to beat such arguments was an emotional response.
''Do tell me, Tapal - out of all the people here, shouldn't you be the one that trusts Cere more than any other? Or was I just imaging those shared glances between the two of you?''
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw how Merrin opened her mouth as if she was about to speak. All that escaped her mouth, however, was a sigh followed by her swaying her head.
''Careful, Imperial.''
''Duly noted. Shall we continue?''
He might've weaseled himself out of this one, but he doubted that he'd any more luck next time. They had to get out of this blasted forest, quickly so.
Their journey continued. Every now and then, Tapal - with Greeze sitting on his back - would stand still and look behind them, hoping for any sign of Cere to reveal itself. And yet they were disappointed in every single instance.
''Hold up, everyone. Did you hear that?'' Relor spoke as he raised his hand.
Richard lamented at that. He didn't enjoy lying to the Lasat like that. Watching Relor how he was so easily pulled by false hope - it felt wrong, even if it was a necessity.
''I hear nothing.'' Merrin stated as she stepped next to Richard. She grabbed his arm and pointed towards Greez and Relor as worried stares were exchanged between the two of them.
''Nah, I heard it too ... sounded like rustling? Branches?'' Greez added, looking over the big Lasat's shoulders to scan the area for the source of that sound.
The BD unit conjured an anxious sound that only served to underline Richard's current emotional state. Were they finally losing it?
Considering what happened shortly after, Richard wished that it was only their imagination.
Within a heartbeat, a strange winged insect stormed out of the underwood, its grand wings and sharp talons raised in an impressive and fear-inspiring manner.
Oh shit.
Cal - Ordel, somewhere in the forest
''She's no danger. You understand that, right?''
''I understand deception, Cal. You'd be astonished how creative she can be.''
''More than you?'' Cal had to snicker at that ''because I'd argue that I've figured you out.''
Trilla used the Force to amplify her strength, dashing skywards as she leaped over a fallen tree. She turned around and crossed her arms in front of her chest as she waited for Cal to join her. And he did as he landed next to her shortly thereafter, lettings his hand wander through his hair as he took the lead once more.
''Do you now? Don't flatter yourself.''
''Yeah yeah. Well, it doesn't change a thing. She's our ally now.''
He never thought that he'd say that. What would Master Tapal think of it? His own Padawan teaming up with two fallen Jedi turned Inquisitors, the same two souls that tried to kill him how many times now? He'd love to claim that Tapal would praise his pragmatism in that regard, but he also knew that he held the Order in very high esteem - and so did he. To think that Tapal would've been disappointed by his actions was a thought he didn't wish to carry with him.
Cal remembered the conversation he had with Trilla, back then where she revealed herself to be Cere's fallen apprentice. What did she say? Skulking in the shadows with a betrayer? It was a mind game, he knew that now. Yet her words still ringed true somewhat.
Enough of this. Focus now, Cal.
As they began in their search for the mysterious house Cal saw through the Force, Masana agreed to scout ahead, given that not only did she know the surrounding lands better than either him or Trilla, there was also more strength in her body than both of theirs combined. And something told Cal that having both her and Trilla together right now would be unwise at best.
Admittedly though, there wasn't much that could spoil his mood right now. The prospect of seeing the others again made him smile, even if under such grim circumstances. And yet, it wasn't as if they just up and left for a couple of hours, at least not for them. They were gone, actually gone, for an entire year. How would they even react to their return, especially considering Tide now traveled with them? Did they believe that they died? Did they mourn?
Cal grimaced darkly. He didn't wish to think about the pain they caused them, even if it wasn't intentional. He could just imagine how he'd feel if Merrin disappeared for a year, leaving no clue behind about her whereabouts. It was a grim line of thought, one he didn't wish to entertain any further.
There was something else though: Cal started to feel slightly overwhelmed with everything going on. The reaction to their wellbeing, bringing Masana with them, their plan to destroy the temple - a plan that hasn't even been remotely discussed yet, actually. Not to mention that they'd bring another guest with them, even if they weren't with them in a physical sense.
Speaking of, he didn't like to be near the Holocron. It made him generally uneasy, both within the Force and his own mind. And if Master Tapal's ''vision'' wasn't just imaginary ...
No, he had to focus now. All would be revealed in time. Now, all that mattered was to get to the others.
''We were gone for a year'' Cal said followed by a deep sigh.
''A year'' Trilla nodded ''a lot of things can happen in a year. I mean, let's just consider that ... - ''
She used the Force once more, pushing aside a set of dense vines that blocked their path.
'' ... it literally only took few hours for the Republic to be effectively turned into the Empire. I don't want to imagine what Palpatine was up to in an entire year.''
Nothing good, that much Cal was certain of.
''What about the others? Do you think that they ... well, you know. Us being gone.''
''It is what it is, Cal. All we can do is hope for the best. They'll understand.''
Will they?
''I know. It's just - I can't get the fact out of my head that we were gone, Trilla. We were gone for an entire year! Realistically, if Cere was gone for such a long time ... what would you've believed happened to her?''
''That she was dead.''
He didn't say anything to that. What could he have said? It was the truth and they both knew it.
''And yet, we just ... return like that. Gone for a few hours, at least form where we are standing. We'll just ... reopen those wounds? It sucks.''
''It does. But what's the alternative? Hiding it out until all eternity?''
''Of course not. I just don't want to cause any more pain than needed.''
''Listen - I'm not going to promise anything. It will be emotional, for better or worse. But in the end? Cere will understand. The Force is a mystery, she knows that. Even I am starting to realize that there are certain aspects of the Force I'll never understand.'' she spoke with a voice that seemed to question the merit of its own words ''but Merrin? Greez? I can't vouch for them. They'll be in pain.''
They will. Force, he didn't even wish to imagine how he'd explain all of this to Merrin. Cal knew that she'd understand it, eventually. But she'd still be hurt.
He would never wish to hurt Merrin.
''Alas, take some comfort in the fact that the bulk of their negative emotions will be directed at me.''
He looked at Trilla with confusion drafted in his face.
''Don't give me that look. It was my idea to get us up on that mountain. Back then, it sounded like a quick operation. And it was for us. You know the rest.''
Truth be told, he didn't think about this up until now. Not that it mattered much. Finding the Holocron, finding Masana - for better or worse, it wasn't just random luck that drew them up there.
''The Force works in mysterious ways?''
It was a dumb answer, Cal was distinctly aware of that. But to him, it was the truth.
''Maybe. That'll work with Cere, perhaps. The others? Not so much.''
''I know. But .. ''
The bushes started to bend under Masana's weight as she returned to the others. She hastily removed her mask before she directed her scared head towards Cal.
''There's some tumult further ahead. Shouts, maybe? I don't know, I ran back as fast as I could. You got any idea what we should do?''
''Ignore it and press on? Seems reasonable.'' Trilla stated directly.
''Yeah, let's ask someone with a ... not as aphetic perspective, perhaps. Eh?''
Trilla was about to argue as Cal raised his voice and as he threw a quick glimpse at Trilla that non verbally almost begged her to not go down this road right now.
''We'll check it out. We can always decide once we're there. I don't want to run into the Empire without cause, alright?''
''Sounds good. If we hurry, we'll make it there in time.'' exclaimed Masana as she raised her hand, her thumb pointing deeper into the forest.
Making sure that his lightsaber was in reach if necessary, Cal and Trilla followed Masana to the best of their abilities, even if despite everything, the Dowutin was still faster than them, Force or no Force. Eventually, they reached what had to be the origin of all this turmoil. As Cal peeked his head from behind a tree, he spotted something that made his skin shiver: it was a gigantic insect. Behind it, he assumed that these were the people that Masana heard. Though he didn't see them as the insect blocked all sight, he saw how a green light seemed to appear out of nowhere, probably in the hopes to fend this beast off.
A plasma torch, perhaps?
''Gonna' need a quick decision here, boss. I really don't want to see any innocent people dying on my watch.'' whispered Masana as she too tried to get a better look at the situation.
What. Who made me boss?!
''That's a first.'' hushed Trilla sarcastically as she procured her lightsaber and glared expectantly at Cal.
''If they were Imperials, we'd be running away from a volley of blaster bolts and an army of angry bucket heads right now. No, this is something different. Alright, let's do this. Masana, what is that ... thing?''
''The locals have many names for it. I just call it ''GiganticInsetThatNeedstoDie''. Catchy, isn't it? Just follow my lead, its weak point is its stomach. That freaking chitin is semi-resistant to lightsabers, so don't bother.''
Resistant to lightsabers? Of course, it was. As if they'd ever be in luck.
In front of them, another blast of green flames engulfed the creature, pushing it back some meters before it came closer again.
''Alright, take the lead, Masana. We'll be right behind you.''
She ignited her lightsaber and pressed herself away from the tree, sprinting into combat like the fearless warrior she was, her saber held proudly in front of her as she charged at the menacing beast.
''She was always a show-off.'' Trilla scoffed ''I'll take the left, you the right?'' she asked ere she too activated her crimson blade.
''Got it. Let's go!''
Thus, they both ran into battle, with Cal dashing through the undergrowth on his right side, activating one end of his blade and readying himself to flank the creature. Trying to suppress the natural emotions that build up during battle, he called upon the calamity ingrained in him by Tapal's training.
There is no emotion, there is peace.
Clearing his mind of any doubt, he jumped forwards, using the Force to speed up his attack as he aimed for the beast's side.
That was the plan, at least. Mid-attack, however, he saw something that even the calm mind of a Jedi Knight wasn't able to handle without emotion: it was her.
There she stood, in the same red tunic he found her in all that time ago on Dathomir. A strange green power embraced her body, crackles of jade-colored energy leaving her fingertips as she weaved a fiery blast with her hands, trying to shield those that she traveled with from the attacks of the monsters.
In hindsight, he shouldn't have been so blinded by her presence. He shouldn't have discarded all those years of training, all those countless sessions of meditation that should've prepared him for moments like this. Tapal would've been objectively disappointed in him, there wasn't any way to deny that. There is no emotion, there is peace - it's such a simple line that meant everything for a Jedi, especially in combat. And yet, in this moment of weakness, his mind just couldn't handle seeing Merrin right here, right now.
Just as his mind couldn't see Masana crouching beneath the winged monster, slicing away at its belly and making it scream in raw pain. The insect used its wings as a weapon, trying to ward off anyone around it. Perhaps if his mind was more anchored, he would've seen the strike coming. But he wasn't. And thus, the powerful blast of wings connected with his face, throwing him back with immense strength and hurling his body into the next tree.
He tried to lift his lightsaber as his strength left him, unconsciousness blinding his eyes as the beast continued to attack the group.
Trilla - Ordel, somewhere in the forest
As Tide slid beneath the creature, Trilla took a second to analyze the beast's movement, hoping to gain a better understanding of where she should strike. Her mind worked fast as she spotted exposed flesh on the insect's legs, small yet certainly reachable pieces of skin that weren't protected by its chitin.
Yet something else caught her attention. The coldness, the emptiness - the temptation. Someone called upon the Dark Side of the Force, someone close. It felt different, even if she couldn't explain why. Naturally, her eyes immediately went to the Dowutin, checking if the former Inquisitor finally wasn't as holy as she preached. But as she watched as Masana did nothing but attacking the beast with mere strikes of her saber, she knew that it couldn't be her. But who ... -
Impossible.
Of course it wasn't impossible. Why should it be? They knew that they were on Ordel - no, that they were relatively near. And yet, seeing the Nightsister standing in front of her, she couldn't help but feel surprised, dare she say happy? All is as the Force willed it, that much was certainly true.
Alas, Trilla also knew that there'd be enough time for chatting later. They still had to deal with the ever more enraged winged beast first.
Speaking of which, it seemed as if Masana's struck true. A hellish scream escaped between the mandibles of the beast before it raised its wings - and brought it down at them with stunning efficiency.
Trilla let the Force flow through her as she jumped back, activating the second end of her saber before she entered a defensive stance. As if she was struck by lightning, Masana rushed towards her as well, taking her place next to her former colleague and mimicking the stance they both were exquisitely trained in.
''It's ... it's Cal. He was hit.'' Tide said under rugged breath after she readied herself.
''Damn it. Let's focus on this lat - watch out!''
It seemed as if the beast was adamant to prove that were would be no time for conversation. Quickly, its head darted between Merrin's group - which consisted of two unknown faces as she spotted Greez on the shoulders of a Lasat - and then again to them. And as if it judged Merrin's people to be easier to deal with, it ignored Trilla and Masana and raced directly at them, its sharp claws ready to tear apart anything it'd meet.
''Oh no you don't!'' screamed Masana as she raised her hand. She bit down on her own lip as she tried to hold the beast midair through the Force, a move that seemingly appeared to strain her quicker than she'd have hoped.
She hated to admit it, but at least in that regard, they worked well together. Always did. Ever looking to exploit any weakness she was presented with, it was now Trilla's time to charge forwards. Hoping that Masana's power wouldn't waver under the impressive size of the beast, she ran like hell before she slid under the beast's stomach. Letting her finger wander up the hilt of her saber, Trilla activated the spinning function of her saber, dispatching multiple deep cuts in rapid succession.
Although her connection to the Force was weakened, if slightly amplified because of the duress of this fight, she could still vividly feel the pain the creature felt as Trilla's saber utterly annihilated its stomach. Thankfully, it was over as soon as it began. The blade cut through the weak flesh of her blade like a hot knife would through butter, killing it almost outright.
Yet what Trilla didn't foresee was that naturally, the beast would lose function of its wings in the process. It almost came crushing down towards her, the sheer mass of it certainly enough to crush her beneath - if she wouldn't have been grabbed by an invisible hand and thrown directly in front of Masana's feet.
And as she laid there, the first thing that greeted her as she opened her eyes was the smug face of Tide grinning down at her.
''You're welcome.''
Force preserve me.
Without asking, Tide helped her on her feet before she ran over to Cal. Taking one deep breath, she holstered her lightsaber before making her way towards them too. Them and ...
''How is this possible?''
Straight to the point. Though she didn't know the woman well enough to make such statements, something told her that that was typical of the young Nightsister.
Trilla glanced down at Cal. He didn't seem to be wounded, at least not on a surface level. Thank the Force for small mercies.
Watching Masana treating the unconscious Cal, that left her in the dreadful situation to explain everything to a Merrin that seemed to be on the verge of tears - with plenty of anger building itself up behind those eyes of her.
She didn't prepare herself for this. It should've been Cal that in her stead, taking his friends into his arms and telling them how much he missed them. How in the name of everything was she supposed to explain any of this? If she told Merrin that they were never really gone and just displaced in time, there'd be another fight.
For the first time in a long time, Trilla stood there frozen like an icicle on Illum. She didn't have any witty remark or sarcastic quip to give - right now, she was too stunned by the intensity of all of this to even function on a most basic level.
Wasn't I supposed to be the rational one?
''Eh, Trilla. My hands are a bit too clumsy for this - he's alright, I think. He was always sturdier than he looks. Can you take care of him?''
At first, she didn't react to Masana's questions. Her eyes were locked with Merrin's as more and more tears started to stream down her face. It took all her strength to break that view as she gazed down at her and Cal.
It was a lie, she knew that much. She has seen Tide treating wounds in combat before. On the contrary: despite her huge mass, she believed that she had a steadier hand than herself.
She was throwing Trilla a lifeline - and she couldn't have been more thankful for it.
And thus, she did as she was asked. Escaping Merrin's tearful face like a coward, she set next to Cal as Masana stepped in front of Merrin. Behind her, the rest of the group fell into line, all of their shocked expressions doing nothing to alleviate her fears one bit.
''Alright, this is going to be a fun one. Uhm - '' Masana formed a fist and coughed into it ''shit, I don't even know how to put this ... and it was me that had to explain this to them in the first place. But they eventually took it well, so here goes nothing.''
Tide clasped her hand together and unleashed a deep sigh.
''Trilla and Kestis over there ... well, basically. They traveled through time. Ordel is home to a ruin strong in the Force, hosting a place we started to call the World Between Worlds. From there, they were ... uhm, displaced. So to speak. Where they were gone for a day at most, it was a year for the rest of us.''
Though Masana seemed to stumble over her every word, she did a better job than anyone probably could in this situation. Which didn't change the fact that all hell broke loose shortly thereafter.
''This ... this a joke.''
Merrin recoiled from Masana as her hands wandered up to her face. Her body tensed up visibly as she turned around, talking to nobody and no one in particular in her confusion.
She was in shock. How couldn't she? Both he and Cal went through a similar process when Masana told them what happened. Unlike Merrin, however, they only lost a couple of hours. She had lost so much more.
''Listen, I get it. I really do. It's ... a lot to take in, I admit. But it's the truth.''
''The truth?!''
Merrin dashed forward and raised her fist up in Masana's face.
''They were dead ... they were ... it's a lie. A trick. Has to be.''
Merrin's speech quivered under the raw emotional impact she had to endure currently. Making no attempts to hide her cries of anguish, she pushed Tide away from her - or tried so at least. Making no attempts to stand in the Nightsister's way, she rushed towards Cal as she threw herself down next to him, burying her head on his chest.
It felt wrong to watch. Truth be told, it felt wrong to be anywhere remotely near the two of them right now. Not finding the strength in her to endure such an emotional display, she quietly stood up and left Merrin and Cal alone, knowing that it was not her place to intrude.
Trilla was ashamed of herself. Only now, Cal's words truly resonated with her. They have brought suffering to those people and she felt so undescribable ashamed of it. And worse, despite everything she endured after the Fortress Inquisitorius, there was still a dark part in her that was ashamed of Merrin showing such weakness. There she was, an innocent young girl showing the purest form of emotion Trilla has seen ever since an eternity and she had the audacity to feel repulsed by it.
I'm a monster.
Wandering over to Masana and the rest of the group in quiet pain, she planted herself next to her former 'Sister'. Immediately, she was barraged by an array of questions she was in no way shape or form able to handle at this moment.
''How is this possible?! You ... you should be dead. You were dead!'' screamed Greez without hesitation.
''Listen, little one. I told ya' already, they weren't ... and believe me, I tried to kill them often enough.''
''No, you listen you ... huge freak of nature. I don't know what sort of ... drugs or whatever you are on but they were gone. Gone for over a year! Dead. Gone. Taken Away. Torn to pieces for all I know!''
Unlike Merrin, Greez didn't show any sadness right now. He was angry, furious at anyone and anything that caught his eyes. And Trilla couldn't blame him one bit.
''And yet they stand in front of you, Lateron.'' Masana said with the patience of a true Jedi - even if it was mostly faked.
The back and forth between Tide and Greez continued. She didn't listen, even if her name was dropped on numerous occasions. Her eyes wandered to the faces of Merrin's other companions. She didn't recognize them, neither the Lasat nor the human male. Just like her, they didn't seem to wish to involve themselves in this chaos.
And then something sprung to her mind that made her arms go limp.
''Where is Cere?''
The Lasat was the first to react, followed by the human who all out of sudden seemed to try to escape her sight.
''She ... she should be right behind us.'' said the unknown Lasat in a way that made her blood boil. He didn't believe his own words, that much was certain.
''Alright Lateron, quiet and put those arms down. Answer Trilla's question, would you? We're all sort of in a hurry.'' stated Masana ere she rocked her head in quiet frustration.
Neither one of them answered.
''She's still in our base, trying to give herself up to an Imperial Inquisitor so that we might escape.''
It was Merrin that broke the silence. Not leaving Cal's side, she looked up and glared towards the others.
''An Inquisitor? Here on Ordel? Oh boy.'' Masana's response was the calmest one, which wasn't a big surprise.
Neither was Trilla's reaction a surprise. With venomous potency, she turned around and started down at Merrin.
''What do you mean an 'Inquisitor', Merrin? What is Cere doing?!''
Before Merrin could answer, however, the Lasat grabbed the human that stood next to him and lifted him into the sky.
''You knew. You fucking bastard knew.'' he screamed at him in a shattering manner.
''Eh ... eh!'' Masana was quick to intervene as she pulled the Lasat away from the human - which was an impressive feat given the big alien was more than merely angry at the man. He was absolutely livid.
''Of ... of course I knew!'' the man struggled for breath as he tried to compose himself again ''look at you! In our situation, we had no time for such an emotional display!''
The only response the man got was an outraged scream that would've probably even impressed the slain winged insect. If it wouldn't have been for Masana's quick reaction, Trilla doubted that the man would've left this forest without a set of broken bones.
''Enough! There's obviously something bad happening here, we don't need you killing each other!'' Masana huffed as she frowned at the two of them.
''Merrin - where is Cere and what Inquisitor is on Ordel?'' Trilla asked anew, the pity she felt for the Nightsister shortly before slowly growing into fury.
''At our base, a couple of hours away from here.'' affirmed Merrin, her own anger at Trilla easily matching the one directed at her.
This got to be a joke.
''Alright, everyone ... calm down. We'll deal with this. But we need to know which Inquisitor is here. How do they look? What species are they?''
''Pau'an'' said the human as he found his breath again.
''Oh no ... '' whispered Trilla, her hand wandering to her lightsaber.
He was here. There was only one Pau'an Inquisitor and he was here, on Ordel. And he was looking for Cere. The same Inquisitor that personally tortured her and broke her, the same that did everything to tear apart her spirit - he was actually here.
The Grand Inquisitor, leader of the Inquisitorius, was on Ordel.
''Wait ... that can't be ... Trilla, is that ... ?'' Masana asked in a worried pitch.
''Of course it's him. Who else would be here? Send here by the Emperor himself, no doubt.'' she replied coldly as she turned back to Masana.
''The ruins.'' Tide stated slowly as she understood.
It made sense. The Emperor would have more than a personal interest when it came to such power. She couldn't be surprised that he'd send the Grand Inquisitor. An operation like that would've been too important to delegate to an ordinary Inquisitor - and she assumed that Vader had other things to worry about.
''Merrin ... did you lie to me?''
It was Greez that spoke up this time, his tiny body having no problem in sliding between Tide and Masana as he carefully walked towards her.
''I'm sorry. She asked me to, Greez.''
Damn her eternal savior complex. Damn her!
Trilla was absolutely furious. Not at anyone in particular, but at this entire situation. All of the chaos of the past hours - it couldn't end in Cere's death. Not after everything that has happened between them, not after everything that still needed to be said between them. Fate couldn't be so cruel as to take her away from her again, not after everything they both had to endure.
''Cere has no idea who she is facing. None at all. We need to help her!'' Trilla barked loudly as she walked over to the human ''You. Tell us where that base it'' she pointed at Tide as she addressed him ''the two of us will be fast enough to reach it in time.''
The man recoiled visibly as she approached, almost as if he believed that she was about to rip his head off in anger. From where Trilla was standing, that might've been an actual possibility if he wouldn't cooperate soon.
''It's ... it's in the Heartlands, Stone Town's farming district. It's the big wooden house on the most northern hill, the only one of its kind. You can't miss it.''
''For your sake, I hope that that is the truth.'' Trilla spat in a threatening manner as she turned to the Lasat. ''Where were you going? Cal will need someone to carry him. You can't stay here.''
''I ... the remains of your ship. The Mantis.'' the Lasat answered before disapproval mounted his face ''I want to go with you. If Cere's in danger ... ''
No. She wouldn't tolerate any backtalk, not now. Not with Cere's life at stake.
''Don't you dare usher another word, Lasat. You'll do as you are told or I will not hesitate to put you down. This is my master you're toying with. Don't try my patience.''
She didn't care if she sounded like the Second Sister right now. As long as it got him to back down, she honestly couldn't care less.
Trilla had enough of this, all of this. Time travel, ancient temples, the Inquisitorius, and all those lies. When it would finally end?
''Trilla ... '' Masana approached her with slow steps, her hands raised as if to calm her.
''Don't. You know as well as I do what he'll do with her if he captures her.'' she responded in a sharp voice.
''I know. Which is why we need to keep a cool head right now.''
''I ... damn it!'' Trilla closed her eyes and gritted her teeth ''let's just go.''
''Then it is decided. You'll take Cal and Merrin to the Mantis and we - well, we'll face our old boss.''
Thus, Trilla and Masana left the rest of the group behind. They needed to get to Cere before he would arrive. They both understood what would happen to Cere if they didn't. The torture. The pain. The terror.
She knew what sort of suffering the sadistic Grand Inquisitor could conjure up within a mere second. The thought of Cere falling victim to him banished any semblance of peace in her mind as wrath took hold of her muscles, pushing her beyond her limits as they made their way into the Heartlands.
AN: It's Tuesday*. Time for a big chapter!
I believe that Masana is the BFF we all want and deserve, btw.
Guest: Your review isn't on , even if it is in my E-Mail folder. I'll look again tomorrow but until then, I'll just pretend its there!
Thanks for being so amazing to actually read my story! 3 I can most definitely understand where you're coming from. But I can assure you that that won't be the case. I can't tell you much without spoiling a lot, but Cal will always be the main character, followed Trilla. Right now, however, there are a lot of plot points that need to be set up, so that might give the illusion of the story being too heavily focused on one character's perspective.
Believe me. It will make sense eventually.
General: Also I can't wait to get off of Ordel. And on the new ship. So many conversations the crew can have on it ... given that there's way more space than the Mantis. But you'll have to see! There is always some truth in legends, after all.
*It's Tuesday in the US, according to Google. It's 3 AM here, so yeah me.