Chapter Fourteen

The starfighter and light freighter touched down on the small landing pad outside of the Dawnstar's house. From the cockpit of the 'Guile, Kyra saw four people walk out of the house, two of which had their arms around the others. Her parents. Already she could feel the tears coming. Keep it together, Kyra. She put her cloak on and made her way off the ship. Aedan was already out of his and walked over to her. Together they walked towards the house.

As they neared the Dawnstars, Kyra first noticed that the two kids were no longer kids. Her little brother and sister weren't little anymore. Micah was nearly as tall as Tomlin, and Kalista was no longer a girl. The second thing she noticed was the huge smiles each person had on their face, noticeably happy that she had returned. Shawna couldn't contain her excitement and rushed forward. Kyra, clearly her daughter, did the same, and enveloped the Dawnstar matriarch in a big hug. "Mom," Kyra whispered.

"Welcome home, my child," Shawna said, "Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you."

Kyra buried her face into her mother's shoulder. "Thoughts of you have got me through the past two years," she said. Then Tomlin wrapped them both in a hug. Micah and Kalista waited until the parents let go, and then hugged Kyra fiercely. Aedan watched as Kyra burst into tears at her family's love and acceptance. He stood a few meters off, letting them have their reunion, and feeling blessed to witness such sentiment.

Shawna pulled at Kyra's hair, noticing the lack of a padawan braid. All four family members turned towards Aedan, questioning hope in their expressions. Aedan nodded slowly, "Kyra is a Jedi Knight."

Their stunned faces turned back towards Kyra, and then they wrapped her up in a huge group hug, Shawna and Tomlin showering her in praise, and Micah and Kalista whooping and shouting for joy. Aedan, once again, felt tears coming to his eyes. Tomlin released his daughter, and then walked over to Aedan, holding out his hand, "I...I don't know how to thank you."

Aedan grasped his hand firmly, staring him right in the eyes, "I assure you, Mr. Dawnstar, it has been my honor. And it is I who thank you for creating such an amazing woman."

The younger Dawnstars came over to Aedan. Micah shaking his hand, and Kalista giving him a big hug. Both kids still enamored with the newly appointed Jedi Master.

"Come on, Gang," Shawna yelled, "This calls for a celebration. Master Kahl, perhaps a nice Avalor Red?"

Aedan laughed up at the sky, "I was hoping you would offer that," he said.

They went inside the rustic vineyard house, and gathered at the big, oak dining table. Two decanters of Avalor Red sat in the middle of the table, letting the liquid oxygenate, and open up, while those around the table told stories and recounted events. Micah, seventeen years old now, was being groomed to take over the business as his parents were about to retire. Kalista, on the other hand, was planning to join the security force on Chandrila, and eventually become a pilot. That was a few years away, however. She pleaded with Aedan to show her the Eta-2 fighter, and to let her take the 'Guile up. Kyra couldn't help but notice Aedan's eyes lingering on her every few seconds. After a few times she looked over to her Mom who had witnessed Aedan's glances as well and gave her a knowing smile.

They laughed and drank and feasted the afternoon away, and it was exactly what Kyra needed. She had missed them so much. "How long can you stay?" Tomlin asked.

Kyra and Aedan looked at each other and shrugged. "We don't know," Kyra said, "We're waiting to receive some intelligence about an adversary we've been tracking, but so far no luck."

"What about the war?" Kalista asked eagerly.

Kyra frowned, "We're trying to avoid that at the moment. The war has taken a toll on us."

"I can't imagine what it's been like," Shawna said.

Kyra shook her head slowly, "I hope you never have to witness what I have," she said, and then noticed Kalista's sullen demeanor across the table. She was hoping for stories of epic conquest and tales of glory. She would not get that from Kyra.

"Kalista," Kyra said, "Just know this, fighting for what's right and protecting those who need it is a noble and just pursuit, and I encourage you to follow that goal, but this war is not that."

"What do you mean?" Micah asked.

Kyra leaned forward, putting her elbows on the table, and her face in her palms. "Something just isn't right with this war. We shouldn't even be fighting it."

"But the separatists are causing turmoil?"

Aedan finally spoke up, "We think someone else is behind this. Some unseen terror that is pulling strings on both sides."

"Sounds like a nightmare," Tomlin said, "Do you have proof of this?"

Kyra shook her head, "No, just whispers from the force."

"Well, we are just so glad you are well, and thrilled to have you here," Shawna chimed in, "Please, stay as long as you like."

"Thank you," Aedan said, "It's so nice being here. We really can't thank you enough."

Shawna smiled warmly in response, "Alright, kids, let's get this table cleaned enough," she said. "Kyra, Aedan, why don't you two head out to the gazebo," gesturing to the white structure at the far end of one of the fields. "It's a prime spot for viewing sunsets."

"Sounds great," Aedan said, "Shall we?" he asked Kyra.

Kyra and Aedan exited the house, and walked out into the cool Chandrila air. The sun was sinking down, bathing the vineyard fields in gold. The bulabird's were singing, and a lone priprak could be heard, its distinctive laughter echoing across the fields. Kyra inhaled deeply, smelling the faint odors emanating from the grapes and vines and soil. She smiled in response to the memory they dredged up of first seeing her family.

"I love it here," she said. "I don't think I can ever thank you enough for bringing me here for my birthday years ago, and letting me meet my family."

"You are most welcome."

"I probably never would have seen them if it wasn't for you."

Aedan shook his head, "You don't know that."

Kyra reached out for a nearby vine and picked off a grape. "Yes, I do," she said, as she tossed a grape in the air and then caught it in her mouth. She smiled at her own small victory. "You're my catalyst, remember. The catalyst."

Aedan squinted up at the fading sun, residual golden hues still painted the vines around them. "And what about now? What am I?"

Kyra stopped, and turned toward him. "What do you mean?"

He sighed, "You have surpassed me in every way imaginable. You are stronger, wiser, smarter, and more powerful than I am now," he shrugged. "I have nothing more to teach you. Nothing to offer."

"Oh?" Kyra questioned, "Is that all there is to life? To teach?" That's not what I want from you. What I want is beating in your chest right now, she thought."And really, you don't have anything else to offer?"

Aedan looked down, and shook his head.

Kyra let out an exaggerated, playful roar and charged Aedan, tackling him to the ground. His surprised laughter warmed her heart. They rolled a few times, both trying to gain the upper hand, and bumped into the apparatus holding up the grape vines. They both ceased the faux wrestling match, Aedan on top of her. She swatted at his chest, "You really can be a moron, you know."

He stood up, and helped Kyra to her feet as well, "Yes, I can definitely see that." And they continued their walk up the vineyard row.

Kyra nudged him with her shoulder, "What about me? If you're my catalyst, what am I to you?"

He muttered something under his breath, while he was looking down at his feet. It sounded like 'Everything."

"What?" She asked, her heartbeat suddenly pounding in her ears.

"Nothing."

"I'm nothing to you?"

He straightened up, expanded his chest, squared his shoulders towards her, and looked her right in the eyes. "You are everything to me." Then he turned and resumed his progress up the row.

Kyra felt her heart contract powerfully, her breath leaving her. She calmed herself down, before she walked quickly to catch up to him. They made it to the white gazebo that overlooked the vast green field. Long green vines snaked their way up the sides of the walls all the way to the top of the dome. Steps lead up to two entrances on opposite sides of the small, quaint structure, and a bench lined the walls on the inside.

The two of them perused around the interior, walking in opposite directions, each constantly looking out at the lush landscape, the sun beginning to set behind the rolling green hills. The clouds turning a reddish orange, with subtle hints of pink and purple creeping into the mix. It felt like something out of a dream. Kyra's eyes continually were brought back to focus on Aedan, glancing at him and then away as furtively as possible. What was he thinking? What was going on in the head of his? Right now, she definitely wished she was Alight so she could hear his thoughts.

Her own thoughts were a storm in their own right. The emotions that had been building were reaching their boiling over point. She couldn't contain them any longer. They were driving her mad. So, this is what love feels like? Goodness, what have I been missing all these years? And what in the galaxies could possibly be better than feeling this way. She shook her head, fracking Jedi Order, keeping us from feeling this.

Kyra looked back to Aedan and saw that his grey eyes were staring right back at her. A half quizzical, half admiring, look on his face. Her breath caught again at the sight of him. Her catalyst. Her peace. How could she hide this any longer? I think he feels the same but would he be willing to do anything about it. He's always so guarded, walls always up.

Sometimes walls need to come down.

She walked toward him, eyes never leaving his. She stopped right in front of him, well into his personal space. She let out the breath she had been holding, took the final step forward, angled her head upward, rose up on her tiptoes, and kissed him.

His lips didn't move, his body was frozen and unresponsive, and his eyes remained wide open-complete surprise written on his face. Kyra drew back, stepping away. She felt like a complete idiot. And then the pain of rejection invaded. She began to turn away, more embarrassed than she'd ever been in her whole life.

But Aedan stepped towards her quickly, his hand reaching up and resting against her cheek, then pulling her face back towards his, his lips on hers in a flash. Kyra melted into him, their bodies coming together. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him tight to her, both of them giving themselves over to the kiss, letting their hearts lead them. All that they had been feeling for the last three years was released. Time stopped. The Force flowed. The secrets of the universe were hinted at. He pressed one hand to her back, pulling her tightly to him.

Aedan was lost. Lost in a heavenly bliss that he hadn't even dreamed of believing could be real for him. Lost, and yet tethered to this angel by durasteel cables. If he had walls before, they were gone now. This was it. The breaking point. The turning point. He had been on the edge for so long. Finally, he had jumped. Well, Kyra jumped, he just followed her. But there was no going back now.

He put his hand on her back and pulled her tightly to him. So tightly he could feel her heart pounding against his ribcage. And in one moment he had a new favorite feeling—the feel of her beating heart against his. As his lips continued exploring hers fervently, she let out a whimper, and her hands were now running through his hair, grasping at the strands. Her leg lifted and wrapped around the back of his own leg, and pulled. He groaned into her mouth, and then came up for air. She was gasping too, and then immediately surged forward, wanting more. Wanting everything.

So did he.

He backed her up against one of the support posts of the gazebo, causing her to make another heart-melting, head dizzying sound. His lips and hands found a trajectory of their own, kisses trailing to her cheek, and down to her neck. She bucked beneath into him, back arching, head tilting back. "Aedan," she gasped.

He stopped. His movements ceased, and he took step back, grabbing her hands as to not break the connection fully. He stood there trying to catch his breath, trying to be strong. She was clearly in the same state he was, desperately trying to compose herself.

"Why did you stop?" She asked, her lips turned down, and brow furrowed.

Aedan, lifted one of her hands up to his lips, and kissed the back of it. "Because I was starting to lose control, and well, I don't know, don't you think we should," he cleared his throat, "Take things slow?"

Kyra huffed, "Do you always have to be so responsible?"

He pulled her towards him, leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, channeling all the emotions he'd been feeling through his lips and into hers. Once again, she let out another mewling sound that turned his insides to butter. He broke the kiss off, "Kyra, I just want to do this right. I don't want to rush into this and mess things up." He held up their intertwined hands, "I want this. I want us."

A huge grin spread across her face. "So you're not going to stop me when I try and kiss you?"

"Woman, I couldn't stop from doing that even if I wanted to. But I don't. I am powerless against you. Whatever holdups I had before, they've been completely eradicated."

Kyra smiled again, her nose crinkling, "I like the sound of that."

Aedan chuckled, "I'm sure you do."

They kissed and talked and laughed and kissed a lot more for the next hour. Aedan didn't know something like this was even possible for him. Such happiness. Such joy. And such hope. Hope for the future.

Twilight was upon them, and night was falling as they walked back towards the house hand in hand. Broad, giddy smiles on both their faces. "What do we do now?"

He sighed, his smile fading, "I don't know. We have to go back. Sa'kard has to be stopped, and I feel we're getting closer. Remember, we still have to put the mission first."

Kyra nodded solemnly, "I know, it's just hard to go from love to war." Kyra clamped a hand over her mouth, eyes going wide at her own slip. At that one word.

Aedan kept his external self stoic and unmoved. However, internally he was spasming, shaking, and jumping for joy. Love. He'd been in love with her for years now. And hearing her suggest the same was staggering. How he was able to keep her at a distance was still a mystery to him. Obviously, the war raging on around them had a big part of it. And after all that restraint and inner conflict, he now regretted it. Did he waste years of his life trying to do the right thing? Because right now, after those magical moments in a gazebo, it seems like an absolute mistake.

"We're close, though. I can feel it," Aedan said, not reacting to Kyra's revelation. "We're closing in on him. I think it's only a matter of time."

Kyra nodded, speaking quietly, "What happens after that? I don't think I can fight this war anymore."

"I know. I don't think I can either. But we'll figure it out."

That evening passed in blur of jovial companionship as the Dawnstars made the two Jedi feel as welcome and loved as can be. They ate, they drank, they laughed, and told stories well into the last hours of the day.

The next morning, the two jedi found another spectacular breakfast spread awaiting them in the dining room. The rest of the Dawnstars had already commenced devouring the delicious assortment, and thus, through mouths full of food, greeted them kindly. Kyra and Aedan sat down and eagerly began piling pancakes onto their plate, digging in with voracious appetites.

As the meal came to an end, and all at the tables were pleasantly satisfied, Shawna spoke up, "What do you plan on doing today?" She asked the two Jedi.

Kyra and Aedan looked at each other, and then Aedan answered, "Well, honestly, we wanted to help around here, perhaps you or Micah and Kalista could show us some jobs we could do."

A few eyebrows went up around the table, "Really?" Tomlin asked, "That's what you want to do? You don't want to rest and relax?"

Kyra smiled, "We want to help out. Staying idle for long periods of time doesn't sit well with us."

"I see," Shawna said, "How long do you expect to stay?"

Aedan sighed, "We should leave soon," he said, "But I just don't think we can go back yet. So we may be here for a few days," he said. "If that's okay, of course."

Shawna broke into a big smile, "You may stay for as long you like. Or you could just stay forever."

Kyra just nodded, thinking that that wasn't such a bad idea.

"Teach us the ways of Winemaking, Shawna," Aedan said. "We'll be your dedicated apprentices."

Shawna clapped her hands together, "Wonderful, but can I call you Padawans?"

Aedan and Kyra laughed, "Whatever you want."

A devious grin spread on her face, "Come, my young Padawans. We have work to do."

The rest of the day, the two jedi spent all of their time working in the fields with the droids, cleaning the main refinery room where the grapes were processed and placed in big barrels, and they even helped pick the grapes themselves. Shawna showed them what was acceptable to be picked and what was to be tossed. Kyra insisted on not tossing away any and collecting all the grapes not up to par in her own wicker basket.

They brought the loads of grapes in and dumped them into the crusher, which, obviously, crushed the grapes, but also sifted out the stems, leaves, or any other debris that came with them. Then the liquid was deposited into barrels where they would ferment, and eventually turn into wine.

Kyra and Aedan had smiles on their faces the entire day. The manual labor was a big difference from the day-to-day affairs of Jedi, and they loved it.

Their duties were completed by the time the sun began to set. Though their work wasn't perfect, Shawna was deeply satisfied with the two Jedi's effort, and all they had accomplished today. And while in exceptional shape, the days novel engagements had them fatigued and mentally drained. But a nice stroll to the gazebo out in the field was just what they both needed.

Kyra plopped down on the bench, and sighed, "What a day."

Aedan sat a few feet from her on the same bench, so they were both looking out over the green fields, and the lovely vineyard house. "Yes it was," he said.

"It was fun, and fulfilling," she said, "I'm not sure how that makes me feel."

Aedan shifted his gaze towards her, "What do you mean?"

She shrugged, "I don't know, I always thought that being a jedi was the only thing I could ever enjoy doing. Everything else just never had a heartbeat for me. But today," she shrugged again, "Just felt right."

"I know what you mean," Aedan said, "But that may just be the novelty of the experience. Anything different is bound to be invigorating."

Kyra nodded, "I know, but you enjoyed it as well. And plus, the business," she waved her hand at the field and house before her, "It's in my blood."

"More so than being a Jedi Knight?" He prompted.

"No," she said, "Definitely not, but their just aren't the same...restrictions."

Aedan smirked, "I totally get that."

"I don't plan on leaving the order, but it's nice to know there's something else out there that I can enjoy."

"Me too."

Kyra's head snapped over to look at Aedan, "Really? You could do this for...for-"

Aedan moved closer to Kyra and placed his hand on her cheek, "What, for the rest of my life work at a winery, drink tons of wine, be surrounded by incredible people, and spend every day next to the person that means the most to me in the entire galaxy."

Kyra breath caught.

"Yes, Kyra Dawnstar, I could do that."

Kyra's eyes glistened. Words unable to come to her.

"But we can't."

Her shoulders slumped, "Why not?"

"Kyra," Aedan intoned gravely, "You know why. LIke I said, you're going to be a Jedi Master one day, perhaps even Master of the order. You're going to change the galaxy. That is your destiny."

She shook her head. "What if you're my destiny. What if you and all this," once more waving her hand at the winery, "Is my destiny. That's the reason why I feel so happy. And why this all just feels right."

Aedan scoffed, "You are talking about emotions and feelings, but you are not thinking logically."

"You're the one that told me I should feel more."

"Dont turn my words against me," he said sharply, "I've told you it's okay to feel, as long as you don't let feelings control you, and that's what going on here."

"No, it's not," she shouted, "This is different. This is right and you know it. When you meditate, when you reach out to the Force, what does it tell you? Does it say that this is wrong?"

He turned away from her. She had clearly struck a nerve. Elation blossomed within her. "You don't want to admit it, do you?"

He sighed, "The Force tells me to stay with you, but it has other plans for you."

"That is ridi-"

Aedan quickly moved to his feet and walked a few paces away. He shoulders rose and fell with a deep breath. "I won't make you stay, and frankly, I go wherever you go. But please, just think about it. You are needed, Kyra. You have a part to play in this fight against evil, and I don't believe it's a small one. These gifts, this strength, it was given to you for a reason. You were meant to have it."

"But you just said-"

He turned back towards her. "You, Kyra, are my destiny. I'm certain of that. But that doesn't mean that I am your destiny."

She stood up to face him, "How does that make any sense?"

"You know exactly what I mean. You no longer have to reach out to the force because it's always there for you." Now Kyra was the one to turn away at his accurate insight. "And what does it say about your destiny? I know it's accepting of me, but I am not the endgame."

She closed her eyes, and he could feel her sink to that impossible depth she was able to reach, far beyond his perception. Outside of his realm. She came back after a few minutes.

"It scares me," she whispered.

Aedan grabbed her hand, "I'd be worried if it didn't."

"The sheer magnitude of it...it's like...like an ocean, and I can control the waves, but the abyss below me-" she shook he head. "I feel like I'm going to drown in it."

He grabbed her other hand, "Then I'll be your anchor."

She moved forward, resting her head on his shoulder, "I need you."

"I'm here. I'm always here."

She wrapped her arms around him, "What if they take us away from each other?"

He now wrapped his arms around her. "That is a very real possibility."

"Well they can go kriff themselves on Korriban for all I care."

Aedan couldn't help but laugh, "Kyra-"

"No," she said firmly. "No," she said again shaking her head, "I'm not doing this without you. I can't do this without you."

"Kyra, the order needs you. Hell, the galaxy needs you."

"What about you, then? What are you going to do?"

Aedan stared off at the coruscant skyline, "I-I don't know."

"Let's just run away then."

"What?"

"Let's get out of here, leave it all behind. I don't want to be without you." Kyra couldn't stop the tears, "I can't stand the thought of being away from you."

Aedan stepped back, and looked her in the eye, "Yes, you can. You've always been strong." Then he took a deep breath, "We have to go back, Kyra."

"No, please, let's stay. It's amazing here, so peaceful. We have my family, and we have each other."

Aedan sighed, "Trust me, Kyra. I want to stay. I want this more than anything. But we are Jedi, and we have to come back to reality."

She lunged forward, her lips meeting his fiercely. He returned the kiss with just as much fervor, both of his arms wrapping around the small of her back, and holding her tightly to him. She pried herself off of him, breathing deeply, "So what," she said in between gasps, "That wasn't real?"

Aedan groaned, "That was not fair."

She smiled at him. "You asked for it."

"We go back tomorrow morning," he said with finality. "I may not be the most valuable asset to the Jedi any longer, but you are. You are meant to be a Jedi. And I truly believe that someday you're going to be the Grandmaster, and that you're going to change the order, and the galaxy forever."

"Stop selling yourself short, Aedan. You are still one of the greatest Jedi in the order, and you belong on that council," she said, and then bit her lip, turning her head away. "But you're...okay with being without me?" she asked, voice full of apprehension.

Aedan sighed, "Kyra, I will never be okay without you. You have changed me forever. I don't know what I am anymore, what I should do, or what purpose I have. It seems I've been stripped, whittled down to mere elements. But whatever is left of me, whatever I am. I'm yours."

Kyra's lips were on his again, and they kissed until once more they were out of breath, and the intensity became too much. They both had to back away from each other, the fire in their veins was burning far too hot to be close to one another at the moment.

"What if I choose to leave? To stay here?"

"Kyra-"

"Are you going to force me to go back?"

"Of course no. And I couldn't even if I tried," he said with a smile.

"So, if I stay, you'll stay with me?"

Aedan looked away, the last remnants of the sun fading away. "Yes."

Kyra looked at him, though he kept his gaze on the horizon. He could feel her happiness. Could sense her smile. She nodded, and then continued on.

The two Jedi headed back to the house, both plagued with conflicting emotions of fear and elation. They enjoyed a nice dinner with the Dawnstars, and settled in for bed.

That night Aedan was having difficulty sleeping. While the Force still urged him towards Kyra, encouraged him to do everything he could for her, the logistics and practicalities of that notion proved far more difficult to comprehend. He was in love with her. He was certain of that, and he was very much convinced she felt the same, but again the logic of that bothered him. She was young. Sure, she was a young woman now, an adult, and could make her own choices, but he also knew how blinding emotions like these could be. And as this was her first foray into romance, the lack of vision was compounded. Then there was her future that he felt he was responsible for. And because of the Orders rules on attachments, a relationship hindered her future. There was no way around it. But she has to be a Jedi. So the only way was to somehow convince the council that an attachment between them is not a hindrance, but an augmentation. That a relationship didn't bring them down, it galvanized them. Proving that to a dogmatic and unflinching council, led by a nine-hundred year old master set in his ways, and a grumpy, grimacing Champion who believed the code was above everything.

That's where his thoughts began, but they always strayed to Kyra's lips. Her voracious kissing. Her body pressed against his. And those oh so delicious sounds she made. Force, he cursed. Not only was she the strongest Jedi alive, she was also the most beautiful things he'd ever seen, inside and out, and to top it all off, she just radiated passion and allure. Force, help me.

The door to his room opening knocked him out of his revery, and he immediately sat up in his bed. It was dark in the house, and dark in the room, so he could barely see who stepped inside and then closed the door with his eyes. But through the Force she lit up the entire room. It was almost hard to look at she was so bright. But the fact that Kyra Dawnstar just stepped into his room when the rest of the house was fast asleep made it so he couldn't take his eyes off her. He could sense her emotions. Her nervousness...and her excitement.

"Oh Force," he whispered.

She began walking towards the end of the bed, "Kyra...what-"

"You said they might take us away from each other..."

Aedan got out of bed, only wearing a loose-fitting pair of cotton pants, and stepped towards her. He noticed she was wearing her Jedi Robe. Her hands went to the belt at her waste, and she slowly began to untie it, causing him to freeze mid step.

Next, she pulled at the robe and let it fall to the floor.

Aedan's breath left him. He gazed at her, this goddess before him, standing in absolute vulnerability. Her eyes never left his. They posed a question and an answer at the same time. She simultaneously dwarfed him and made him powerful beyond measure. He knew what answer she needed. He knew what answer he had to give. She stood there, waiting for him.

He stepped forward and wrapped her in his arms, and kissed her with everything he had. She wrapped one leg around him, her arms pulling at his back, his neck, and then his hair. Those sounds, the ones that sent his heart fluttering, were emanating from her lips between and during kisses. He took one step back, "Wait," he whispered. He had to be strong and say this. The same question flashed across her eyes. Question bordering on panic and pain. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, once last time consulting the force.

It cheered in approval.

He opened his eyes and cupped her face with one hand. "I love you."

A sob escaped her lips. She closed her eyes, shaking her head. When she opened them, they were blazing. "I love you too." And then she surged forward, and their lips and bodies joined once more. Aedan lifted her off the ground, and she wrapped her legs around his torso, all the while covering his face and neck in kisses. He carried her to the bed and laid her down softly. And they continued their ravenous romantic attack on one another. Kyra, stopped and came up for air. "I-," she said, "I don't know how to do any of this."

"Could have fooled me, but we'll figure it out together."

"Together," she said, and they reconnected. Their minds became one, their bodies so close together that only the force was between them.