Chapter 4: The Force's Daughter





"So the young one has some talent."

Jahan looked back at the hooded cloud that was his brother and sighed. "Some just have all the luck brother." He snarled going back to feeling the girl's Force presence. "She also has some help I think. Feel that other elusive pattern? She's lost someone before."

"Ah, yes. Tragedy has left her a bit unsure, that explains the shyness." Than moved to the center of the room, where a slightly raised stone platform marked where the then leaders of council would have stood. "Strange that the Force would take the sure one and leave one with doubts. It does work to our advantage though."

"She has the male you know. He binds to her as if he were the same as the one she lost." Jahan pointed out, trailing behind his brother. "She still has ways to go about her business."

"The male has been tainted with darkness, he's touched it at least once." Than chuckled. "He won't be of much help to her."

Jahan bowed his head, acknowledging his brother's point. "But still, she has an unknown Force Ghost helping her."

Than snorted and sat upon one of the stone chairs sitting on the platform. "Jahan, you know that's dangerous, even for the them. The girl is cautious and will not try something that risky. The Ghost would not have brought the child and male together if it thought they could do it alone."

"So, do we proceed then or leave them to rot in that place?" Jahan asked looking at his 'borrowed' hands. "I do so hate being in this form."

"They will not stay there Brother." Than growled. "We must proceed, but with a small twist."

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It was the midnight hour when suddenly they all found themselves floating in mid-air, restricted movement by some unseen Force. Jahan entered with several of his skeletal minions, and smiled up at all his captives. "Did I wake you?"

"Oh, no, why ever would we be sleeping." Xanatos muttered from beside Telly. "Now if you'll bloody leave we'll go back to resting our eyes."

Jahan fixed him with a glare, then shook it off, returning to his normal cocky self. "Terribly sorry but I've been sent to fetch you all, Than wishes to speak with you. Who knows you might get a special show if you're lucky."

The shared looked between the male and child wasn't missed by Jahan as he lowered his captives into waiting hands below them. Binders were placed on all but two of them and he slowly led them back through the twisting hallways and staircases.

Xanatos and Telly had been pushed in front of him, so that he could keep an eye on the two Channels. Neither one seemed to be making much moves, he told them where to turn and where to move. They followed, he expected that from the girl but he expected the male to put up a fight.

Finally they reached the Tower Council Room; where Than was waiting. He smiled to himself as he shoved the female forward into the room, and grabbed the male's wrists, guided him towards the side of the room they wanted him on. Than couldn't bring himself down far enough to just take a skeleton as his form, he wanted a body and this pretty boy was going to be it. So they were trying to keep him separate from the others so to make him feel alone.

The rest of the Jedi were filed in behind the female and Jahan stood in front of the platform of stone, waiting for Than to make his entrance. He knew it took more effort for his brother to show himself, than it did him but Than was the stronger of the two of them so he would do it soon.

Obi-wan looked around at the familiar room, noting there was just a tad bit more light in here than in his vision, but other than that it was the exact same place. There were more people inside with him this time, and he could clearly see Telly and Xanatos. So was it just a bad nightmare or.

Just as he was about to think he'd dreamed the whole thing, the room went black, the small patch of light that had been in the room winked out like a snuffed candle. He could make out the red glowing eyes and soon, he knew it hadn't been a dream. The large black creature arose from the darkness and eyes stared at them each in turn.

"So now you see my true form Jedi." The voice chuckled. "And I do believe the younger of you has seen me before." The red eyes focused on Obi-wan.

Obi-wan froze for a moment, not wanting to make any gestures to signify that he had seen this before. He felt his Master touch the bond and reassure him softly, since he couldn't put his hands on Obi-wan's shoulders. He glanced up at his Master briefly than looked back ahead at the monster.

He blinked a few times and then went on, without the acknowledgement of the young male. "So tell me, Young Jedi, who won this battle when it played out before your eyes? Or did it show you the winner?"

Obi-wan swallowed and looked over at Telly. Her head bowed and eyes closed. She wasn't glowing though, not like before. Maybe it hadn't shown him the outcome, just what could have happened. He sighed and looked back up. "It didn't show me."

"It didn't show you." Jahan laughed. "That is wonderful. You'd think a Vision Master, even a young one could coax a Vision into a full showing!" he looked over at the masters and smiled some more. "Of course, you've all lost the old ways that could be why."

"Jahan." The cloud barked and the man resumed his stance, arms held in front of him clasped hands, and head bowed. "Tell me little Jedi, did it show you her?" the darkness swept out like a wind and soon Telly was floating mid-air, eyes locked with the shadow. "Did it show you her, glowing; no radiating, with light and Force? Did it show her standing fearlessly in my wake showing no signs of weakness? Tell me young Jedi did it show you her?"

Obi-wan looked over at Telly, perhaps he had been wrong. Telly wasn't that person in his vision, she wasn't like that at all. Not a fighter. She looked over to him and they locked eyes. Forest Green glistened with dampness and a tinge of fear mixed with determination. He looked to the floor. He didn't know who it was.

The laughter rattled the walls and he looked back up.

"It did show you her, but it made a mistake." The darkness drew Telly closer to it and Obi-wan immediately wished he had his lightsaber or something to throw at it to distract the creature. It drew her right up to it's eyes and stared at her. "A Channel is a strong, sure presence in the Force. You, little child, are nothing more than a dot among the strands."

Before anyone could move or say anything the wind in the room picked up and slung Telly to the other side of the room like a rag doll. She hit the opposing wall with a thud and fell to the floor, quite a distance away seeing as she had been at the eye level of the monster.

Bant had actually gasped a bit when she hit, and now they all stared waiting for some movement from the young girl. Obi-wan himself was bracing himself for some sort of cry of pain or just complete silence, she couldn't still be conscious from that but he almost wanted her to be.

A few minutes passed and finally, they saw her arm move, slowly pushing herself up off the cold stone floor. There was a roar of anger from Than and Jahan was soon walking over to the place where Telly sat.

"I will give you the credit of having a hard head and a determined soul though." Jahan laughed as he drew closer. He knew Than was trying to draw a reaction of anger from the male, using the female. That way he could start drawing on the darkness that had already tainted the male's soul.

He was going to continue the rough treatment, just as Than had instructed him to do with her. She just sat there anyway, head down, shoulders moving ever so often, to signify her gasps or cries of pain. She kept it silent, he did give her credit for being of strong heart.

Just as he got within striking distance of her, her head shot up. A large bruise showed on the side of her head, eyes were red-rimmed and glassy but the eyes had changed. Drastically. She wasn't afraid anymore, as if she pushed the fear out of her or they knocked it out of her.

Before he could react and lash out at her with the Dark Force she lashed out at him and soon he found himself flying back and landing on the platform hard. He laid there for a moment, regaining his control of the frail body he had stolen. He pushed himself up and glared at her.

Green eyes stared back at him, hand outstretched in front of her face, directed at him. Jahan stood and straightened. "Alright then, you wish to play the hard way, we shall." He snarled raising his hands, and slung a barrage of Force Lightning at her. He was glad he had elemental training, this was a nice way to torture subjects.

The girl didn't scream, she didn't cry, she just winced and fought to keep composure. He growled and just again used the Force to in a sense "hit" her without having to touch her. Tough little creature wasn't going to help them rile the male into a reaction. He felt Than touch his mind and he stopped, taking a deep breath and relaxing he waited for Than.

Than was a Levitator by trade. He loved just taking someone and throwing them around usually in to stone or steel objects that would cause damage to them once they hit. He right now was raising the her again, wanting nothing more to shove her into the cool stone floor before. This time the girl was fighting him. He was having a harder time lifting her.

A flare of the force grabbed his attention away, as it did Than's. The girl fell, hit again, but not quite from a damaging height. Than roared and soon the one with long hair flew back against the brick walls. "Try again Jedi and I'll strangle you with those binders." He said lowly, as Qui- gon sat himself up.

"Master." Obi-wan turned and knelt himself beside Qui-gon.

"I'm alright Obi-wan. I guess he sensed me trying to force the binders to unlock." Qui-gon sighed looking up at Mace. "Other ideas?"

Mace didn't have anything but Bant was already at work. For as long as he could remember, Bant had never taken any decisive action towards anyone. But this thing was messing with her friend. And above all, Bant was fiercely loyal to her friends. She would not let it go on.

Her mind raced. And she felt the force rise from Qui-gon as he attempted to escapes the confines of the binders. The evil being sensed him and thwarted the older man against the wall. Obi-wan took to one knee beside him, and Tahl gasped as she felt it over there bond. Bant took that moment to her advantage.

In an instant she silently but surely rolled onto her back, sliding her bound hands out to the right side. Brought them up under her and lifted both feet above her body. They lie against her body with ease, and as her body lie folded she swiftly pulled her arms, still bound over her feet, then rolled deftly back to her feet. The whole process took 2 seconds, and not much thought. But her hands were in front of her and now she could help. Just what could she do?

"Hey!" was all she called, and it was enough to get everyone's attention. Even Telly looked up weakly though her hair. She held her hands out in front of her and that got both specters attention. She purposely reached out with the force...surrounded herself by it, just to anger them.

Her large silver eyes shot to Xanatos. They met his sapphire blue ones, his questioning. It took him but a second to get what she was doing. Turning on a dime, she took off in the other direction.

"Bant!" Tahl yelled, realizing something was happening.

Than and Jahan moved quicker than Bant could have ever. They circled her, one laughing, the other just glaring.

"Now, now young one, you were behaving so nicely. Why would you go and do something like this" Jahan chuckled in the cocky way he did.

"You can't escape us child, not even your elder counterparts could. What makes you think you could. All you've done is succeeded in getting yourself killed." Than put an emphasis on the last part, his words cold. Bant turned looking at on then the other around her.

She stopped and turned her head up as they stopped circling her. She could feel the darkness gathering in the same way someone of the light would gather the force to use. She knew what was coming. Her head turned once more to Xanatos, he was ready. She nodded, and he did back. Then she looked back at their captors.

"Exactly..." she murmured, her eyes closed in brace for the strike. With an impatient growl Jahan stuck her using the force and Bant fell to the ground limply. She didn't hear Tahl yelling for her, or see Qui-gon holding her master back. But she knew, it was exactly what Xanatos needed.

Xanatos had taken Bant's diversion and started moving around the back of the platform, moving for Telly. He had to at least be near her, if he could maybe he could actually use what he'd learned as a dark Jedi to keep them from hurting her. He had to do something! He just couldn't stand by and watch her take all this abuse.

"And just where do you think you're going?" a voice rumbled and stopped him. So close he noted. "You weren't given permission to move yet my boy." Than's eyes turned on him.

Xanatos turned to face him and snarled back. "I don't remember being 'your' boy in the first place."

"Oh but you will be. Just wait." Than's voice chuckled. "Your anger will win out in the end and you'll be mine to control."

"I highly doubt that." Xanatos shoved back, but somehow felt that maybe, in a ways he was right. He was already wanting to rip out Jahan's throat for what he and his brother had been doing to Telly. "You don't know me."

"No, but I know what I see." Than retorted. Momentarily the eyes turned to Telly, now looking over at Xanatos, face scrunched with pain. He smiled and looked over to where Jahan had set the Jedi's confiscated Lightsabers. "I tell you what, you want me to stop beating on your young friend do you?"

Xanatos' blue eyes flicked over to Telly and then back. "It's not nice to hit girls you know."

Than chuckled. "Oh no, but it gets the job done." He reached out and flicked on the lightsaber on top and floated it over till it was at his side. "If you can stop this Lightsaber from hitting her, by any use of Force or whatever you want, I'll leave her alone."

Xanatos saw exactly what was going to happen, and how he could change it. He could change it but it would destroy the person he was trying to save. He could do exactly what was expected of him and destroy her hopes and destroy his chances of getting out of the place in his own body.

For the first time, Xanatos found himself remembering something Qui-gon had said. "You will do as you must." He watched the saber as that echoed in his head knowing he didn't have any other choice. He would do as he must, and hope Telly could sort it out in the end. She was a smart kid.

Things seemed to move in slow motion, as the saber shot forward so did he, using the Force, the light side, to push himself faster and further. He slid in front of Telly just a little before the saber came close and felt himself brace for the impact.

Funny, he thought it would have hurt a lot more than it really did. A step up from the saber burns that he would have gotten sparring with Qui-gon. Oh damn his life was flashing in front of his eyes he realized. He fell backwards, not really feeling anymore as the saber imbedded itself in his stomach. Such a shame to, he was really starting to enjoy having that kid around..

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Qui-gon stared in disbelief at what was transpiring in front of him. Just as Than and Jahan had thought Qui-gon figured that Xanatos would have reached out with whatever he had learned as a Dark Jedi to stop the Lightsaber from reaching it's target.

Instead he was watching Xanatos throw himself in front of the blue blade that hurtled towards Padawan Liksani.

Xanatos jerked a bit when the Lightsaber when through his mid-section, wavering on his feet for a few seconds before he finally just fell to the floor in a heap. The thing about Lightsabers was there wasn't much blood but there was damage, and even though he couldn't get a good grasp on the Force he could tell Xanatos was either dead or dying.

He continued to stare at the unmoving form until the anguished fill scream broke his tirade. He, as did all the others, looked up to see Telly screaming her head off. It wasn't words it was just a loud, painful howl. Tears streamed down her face and she couldn't seem to focus on anything except the body in front of her.

"Xani no. Please..." she was finally able to choke out as she crawled forward and placed Xanatos' head in her lap. "Don't do this Xani please."

Qui-gon watched, guilt rising in him just as quickly as his own pain was. Xanatos had been at once his Padawan and for those few short days and at that moment he seemed to be that boy he remembered. Now as he stood there watching Telly plead with Xanatos, and beg him not to go, he felt guilty that he couldn't have stopped it. There was nothing he had been able to do.

Force knew what the creatures would do at this junction; they seemed to have fun torturing Telly and now would have no problems in doing so. Something told him she just wouldn't fight back now.

Surprising enough Xanatos wasn't completely dead but he was getting there. A shaky hand reached up and pulled Telly's head down till their foreheads were touching. Qui-gon couldn't hear what was said, Xanatos shouldn't have enough energy to speak for what had just happened to him. He waited though, for the Dark Lords to make their move towards Telly.

"Kid, listen to me." Xanatos gulped and fought down the urge to give up, and let his body rest. "Don't let them win.you hear me. I know what you want to do, and you can take them down with you." He stopped trying to find the last bit of strength he could and smiled up at her. "It's not revenge, it's protecting the universe, you got that?"

Telly nodded her head lightly, still sobbing. "Yes.yes Master."

"Not your maser.." Xanatos slurred. "But I would've liked to have been. See ya kid, I'll wait for ya."

Xanatos' sapphire blue eyes unfocused and rolled back. The hand behind her head went slack and fell to the floor with a soft thud. Telly looked anxiously into the empty eyes hoping maybe, maybe he could come back, fight his way back but nothing. Absolutely nothing.

A soft chuckle rose from the silence and she found herself fighting back rage. Jahan. Than.

"I didn't expect him to do that did you Than?" Jahan offered up, chuckling a bit himself. "Different reaction than we thought."

"Yes and now he's useless." Than snarled a bit but regained his good humor. "But now so is she."

"Then can we begin the real show, Brother?" Jahan eagerly said. It was as if he was eager to get rid of something.

Qui-gon turned his attention to them and tried to figure out what the real show was, and what we're they going to be able to do. Still bound and without weapons. Not like they'd do much of anything against things that were supposedly dead.

"Yes, I think we can." Than answered moments later. "Let's show the Jedi what we're really made of."

Jahan's body instantly just dropped to the floor, clattering and turning to nothing but a pile of bones the moment it hit the cold stone. A smaller, but similar looking dark cloud with red eyes arose from the pile and soon the large and small one were merging together. Swirling and twisting soon the cloud was a faint outline of a person, male. Red eyes stared out from the head, hands faced forward and a faint smile plastered across the transparent lips.

"Things just got worse didn't they?" Mace whispered to Qui-gon, who was now looking back to see Telly's reaction.

She didn't see to even notice anything was happen. He looked at Mace and nodded. "A lot worse."

The dark ghost laughed loudly, regarding Telly, still bent over Xanatos' body. "What now little Channel?" it taunted. "Are you ready to face us or will you allow us the glory we were denied centuries ago?"

There was no response; none at all. He smirked once again and sighed. "Here we were hoping for a challenge."

:No!: Sadie argued instantly. :You'll die! That's why..:

:We have no other choice: Telly's dead flat voice answered to the voice in her head. :He's dead and you're all I have left. I can't let it get away with this, I can't let it destroy the Order or the people either.:

:But we can't handle that kind of power! It's too much at once!:

:Well then, at least we'll all be together finally:

:He's not here Tel.: Sadie offered instantly, hoping to sidetrack Telly from asking her to do what she was. :He's still alive!:

:Barely and not enough to do what we need him to. He'll loose himself in the Force and then I'm really in trouble. We have no other choice Sadie.:

:There is no other way out?:

:None.:

A long sigh answered and soon, Telly could feel the old bond between herself and Sadie open to a wider channel. The floodgates were being opened. Now to take care of the Jedi. She focused the first trickles of the Light side on the binders, all of them and waited till they snapped open. She would take Than and Jahan with her, not them. Not the Jedi.

Qui-gon felt his bindings loosen and fall away. The resounding clatters told him that everyone's bindings were off. He looked over at Mace as he rubbed his wrists then looked over to Obi-wan. "Who?"

"She did it." Obi-wan whispered. "Telly did it,"

The Masters looked back up at the girl, still bowed over Xanatos' head. It wasn't possible that she did..

"You have to leave!" she yelled suddenly, not moving her head from where it rested. "You have to leave now!"

"No, not without you!" Obi-wan yelled back. The ghosts didn't seem to be paying them any attention, why couldn't they all just leave now?

Telly finally looked up at them, her facial expression grim and blank all at the same time. She stared at Obi-wan and smiled a bit. "I'm sorry Obi- wan. I can't come back with you. I can't let them get away with any of their plans."

"Telly." Obi-wan started looking over at Bant.

"I'm going home, Obi-wan. I'll be with my friends again." Telly said feeling the power rise in her, it was close. She held out her palm and glanced back over at Obi-wan. "We made a promise to Bant once." She said looking briefly at the unconscious Mon Calamari. "That we'd look out for one another, I want you to make me that promise. Look out for Bant would you?"

Obi-wan turned his head to Bant and then back to Telly. "Of course." He bowed to her, feeling it was somehow important.

Telly smiled and closed her eyes, a small tear running down her face. She turned to Qui-gon, Mace and Tahl. "Now LEAVE." She ordered.

They hesitated a few seconds more and then Qui-gon grabbed Tahl's elbow and began to head out the door. Hoping memory would lead them to the exit. Mace stopped, picked up Bant and followed Qui-gon's lead, Obi-wan shortly after him.

Telly watched them go and sighed. Calling after them in the Force she instructed them on how to get out. :Follow the Force and it will show you the way out. It's coming to the surface it won't be hard.:

She was surprised when Obi-wan called back. :May the Force be with you Telly:

She felt herself opening to the Force rushing into her. She pushed the small globe out of her palm and held it there admiring, she knew what to do with it now. She smiled a bit and spoke back. :It already is, and may it be with you, Obi-wan Kenobi:

She finally focused in front of her, the globe in her hand growing steadily as she just let Sadie feed her power and herself feed the globe. The Dark Ghost had one of it's own, slowly and steadily growing in it's hand. The dark shadow's red eyes glaring at her, and she glaring right back.

Wind began to pick up as the Dark and Light Forces were being called to the same place and same time. The tension and power built steadily as each one prepared to direct the power at the other.

Telly smirked to herself, feeling just a slight touch of Sadie's and Xani's showiness and decided what would it hurt now. "Without you, I would not be here and Sadie wouldn't be dead." She yelled over the rushing winds that were now pushing her hair in different directions. "Without you I'd be happy."

"And what shall you do about it JEDI?" it shouted back emphasizing on the end.

"You'll see soon enough." She smirked and forced as much as she could into the Force Ball and used the Force to push it towards Jahan and Than's combined form.

It threw them off guard when she threw the Globe and they hurried to gather the last bit of energy into theirs and sling it towards to meet hers. The two Light and Dark globes collided in mid-air, overtop the platform, creating a blast of strong wind as they hit. Telly braced herself, holding her palm out to support the light ball and feed it more power if need be. Jahan and Than mocked this movement, having to concentrate much harder than she did.

:The darkness is fleeing them: Sadie's excited voice cried. :The light that usually houses in the Tower are able to surface again since they are taking their focus off keeping them repressed.:

:Mistress: echoed around her, strange old voices called to her and she felt taps of Force energy coming her way, feeding themselves into the ball. She smiled and reached back.

:Thank you for your help. We'll all be free soon:

Before she knew it Jahan and Than were backing away, or being pushed, she couldn't tell. :Sadie now:

:It'll destroy you and this place! We have them beat! Don't push it further than you have to!:

:We have to eradicate them Sadie, or they'll just return again. Do it.:

She felt the heat and the coming intensity of the large amount of Force Energy Sadie just shot through the bond. It traveled through her, very slowly it seemed but actually did so very quickly. It soon came out of her Palm as a second Force Ball and rushed towards Jahan/Than. It passed through the second ball and hit the Dark Ghost squarely in the chest.

The scream was that of two persons and the walls shook at the sound of it and the power passing through their ancient stones. The merged form broke apart into the two Dark clouds, one still screaming in pain. Jahan, she noted, she had disrupted his connection to his Force. She pushed the first Force Ball at him, knowing he had no way to defend himself now.

A final scream and the smaller of the Dark Ghosts was gone in a blur of light.

Telly stood panting, the exertion of the two Balls had exhausted her, but she had one more to do. She turned to face Than. The dark ghost, wavered, not able to keep a form and he became more transparent as he stood glaring at her.

"What now, little Channel? You've exhausted your resources." He cackled, unable to boost more strength to put force behind his words.

"Oh, I've only just begun." Telly smiled forcing one small globe of light from her hand, and holding it up for Than to see. "For you see, when your Channel is in the Force itself your limits are endless."

Than's mouth dropped open, struggling to find power enough to boost an counter attack. "No! You couldn't.you wouldn't! Too.dangerous."

"Goodbye Than. I can't say I'll miss you."

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"Bant?"

She knew who was calling her she just couldn't figure out why. Couldn't she sleep some more? She felt so groggy, she didn't understand.

"Bant, please wake up."

"Master?" she heard her own voice say and groan.

"Bant?" Tahl questioned again.

Finally she forced her eyes open. Things were double vision for a few seconds but cleared after she blinked a few times. She sat up, with Tahl's help and looked around. Outside? Where? "What happened?" she asked holding her head.

"Something stupid." Obi-wan asked sitting on her other side.

She stared at him for a long time, trying to read the emotions on his face. Finally, Obi-wan turned away and looked ahead of him. She turned to see what he was watching and was greeted by a white building, with a tower upon it. Rocks and bricks seemed to be falling away every so often from the structure and she could feel the Force emitting from the place. Both Dark and Light.

"Telly." She whispered, looking around the group for the red-head. She only saw Master Jinn, Master Windu, Obi-wan and her Master. Qui-gon and Mace stood in front of them, just staring ahead with their arms crossed in front of them. Obi-wan looked more sad and sorry than concerned and worried and her Master acted as if she was hiding something.

"Where's Telly?" she asked forcibly. Why wasn't Telly with them?

Tahl laid a hand on Bant's shoulder and squeezed. "Bant, honey, she's still in there. She's fighting that thing."

"WHAT?" Bant found herself standing instantly. "You didn't!"

"Bant she told us to leave," Tahl tried to slow her Padawan's panic and make her see things as they did.

"And you listened to her?" Bant asked in utter confusion. She turned to Mace, the senior Jedi in this group and just glared. "You left her there to die?"

"Padawan Eerin, we did not leave her to die.." Mace started but as he began a loud rumbled and roar rose from the building.

They all stopped and watched as more large rocks fell away and finally the entire building collapsed upon itself. The feelings Bant had of the Force coming from the place disappeared, instantly and she ran towards the rubble. "Telly!"

Obi-wan grabbed her arm and stopped her and pulled her into a hug; a tight one. "She wanted to." He whispered in her ear. "Xanatos was killed, she just didn't seem to care after that happened."

"No." Bant said refusing to believe that. "No, no."

"Bant listen, she asked me to look after you, she was planning on.on."

Bant pushed away and wiped at her eyes. "You still could have stopped her!" she yelled at Mace. "You could have either ordered her to go or just grabbed her and ran. You're the Senior Master here. You could have made her."

Mace didn't even look at her, or speak. He just closed his eyes for a brief moment and walked away from the group, reaching for a comm that he had found in a tray beside the doorway. He hailed Adi in the ship and left the comm link open so she could trace them.

Qui-gon reached over and put his arm around Obi-wan and just stood there staring at what once was a building, and where Telly had died. At least he thought she was dead, he couldn't feel her Force Presence or any ones.

He sighed and hugged Obi-wan closer to him as he watched Tahl finally grab hold of Bant and the girl broke down crying in her Master's tunic. Obi-wan was just as effected, Qui-gon was sure. For that little moment he and Telly had connected and it just added to the list of friends he had watched die.

It seemed like eternity until the ship showed up, Adi Gallia coming down the ramp looking at them all. She could see the demeanor and sadness and instantly had to ask. "Master? What happened?" she asked Mace who just seemed to want to get on board.

"I'll tell you on the way home." He muttered. "Right now we just need to leave."

"Yes Master." She whispered as Tahl walked past with her Padawan. Adi counted then missed. "Master? Where is the other girl? Yaddle's Padawan?"

"With the Force." Mace sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "It's a long, complicated story."

"Of course Master." Adi bowed and followed him up the ramp. "We'll talk about it later."

Obi-wan and Qui-gon stepped up the ships ramp and Obi-wan looked back one last time then walked aboard. "Master." He said as the hatch closed behind them. "I'd rather think she's home."

Qui-gon smiled lightly. "So would I Padawan. I would like to think they're both home."

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It was warm here. A little too warm. Force what the hell hit him? A freighter? No wait. A shot of pain lanced through his midsection. "That's right," he thought groggily. "Damn guy throwing sabers like knifes at me."

:It was only one you wuss.: a familiar smart alec voice laughed. :Nice aim though.:

Xanatos knew that voice. "Sadie?" he croaked.

:That's right: the voice softened and he felt a touch to his stomach. The pain lessened slowly.

"I thought death would be different."

:You ain't dead yet silly.: Sadie laughed :a couple more hours ya would have been:

"So wait, someone's helping me?" he couldn't understand. "That's a first."

:Hey after what you just did you deserve help. And yes I'm helping you.:

"You? But you're dead."

:Well duh.: Sadie chuckled. :Doesn't matter. Had I been alive my strong point is Healing. The Force is giving you another chance Xanatos DuCruet. You've proven yourself, and Telly needs you:

"Telly." Sapphire blue eyes snapped open and he fought hard to focus. This wasn't where he died. This place was a wreck.

:What happened between Telly and those dark creeps kinda brought the house down. Force Bubble that I forced Telly to put up before she blacked out kept you two safe. The ghosts that live here say they'll keep it up till you get out to.:

"Damn." Xanatos cursed, seeing all the damage. "Thank them for me."

:It is their debt to Telly: Sadie answered solemnly. :She freed them from the prison enforced on them by Jahan and Than.:

"I'm still grateful." Xanatos said touching his stomach. It was sore, and red. He certainly had an infection but he didn't feel so bad. Not like he had just got ran through by a lightsaber. He looked around the space that was encased in the Force Bubble and spotted what he was searching for.

There Telly laid, on the stone platform, stomach down, arms stretched above her, hiding her face. The cloths were ragged and torn from the few stones that had gotten through the bubble and hit her. Ever so often her chest would rise and fall with a shallow breath.

"Oh Kid.why did you go and beat yourself up for." He muttered crawling his way over to where she laid. He sat beside her, laying his hand on her back, feeling just how drained she had been by all this.

:That's something that we shouldn't do unless it's a true and dangerous threat. The Force coming through you is one thing, coming directly from the force itself is another entirely.: Sadie said forlornly. :You have to reach out to her Xani, she needs to know you're here and alive. :

"Why?"

:Without one of us she won't want to live Xani. That's why she sacrificed it all to beat the creature, you weren't there to stabilize her.: Sadie informed him. :Please master?:

"I'm not your master."

:Well then here's your chance to be so.:

Xanatos sighed and closed his eyes. How had things gotten turned so upside down almost a week ago? He just wanted to find a Force Channel, not get dragged into some kind of Force Fight for power. Sighing he reached along the dormant bond in his mind and forced it open.

:Telly.: he started out then smiled to himself catching Sadie's meaning. :Padawan:

It was faint, and weak, but a few minutes later. :Master?:

:Yeah Kid. Come on, come back: he said noting how dangerously close she was to just giving up. :I'm okay, I'm alive. Thanks to that lackey of yours:

:Hey!: Sadie's voice protested.

He smiled and felt Telly come back to herself a bit more. Glassy green eyes opened up and she turned over to stare up at him. "How?"

"Don't ask me kid, ask Sadie, when were safe." He stood, and pulled Telly up with him. He let her brace against him till she finally wobbled on her own. "We get out of here I can get the ship to come to our location and then I'll take you wherever you want to go okay."

"Wherever you're going." Telly whispered into his tunic. "I think they think I'm dead so I'm going to keep it that way."

"You're sure?" he asked as he forced himself to find a place to start removing rocks and boulders.

"Yes." She whispered. "I don't want to have to explain and I don't want to loose you again."

"Very well, home we go. Once I dig our way out of here."

He didn't know how long it took, but he felt awful by the time he found himself on the outside. Sadie explained how she healed him to the point of safety. He was still going to need treatment cause he had a infection now raging. Telly was barely coherent, complaining of a massive headache and what was she thinking. Sadie said it was because of what they did, Telly'd be sick for a while.

Xanatos felt Telly's head rest on his shoulder, and he looked over at her sadly noting they both were a sight. He was going to show back up on Bespin and not be recognized. "If you ever feel the need to be the Force's tool again can you leave me out?" he chuckled.

"Believe me, I'm leaving myself out." Telly moaned. "How long till the ship comes?"

"Not long."

"Good.wanna sleep."

"Go ahead, kid. Won't hurt me to carry ya on board." Xanatos let his hand brush though the red hair, covered in dust and dirt. "They gonna kick me out of my own home for bringing home this little dirt ball."

"You don't look so hot either, Xan." Telly chuckled then yawned. "See ya later."

"Sleep." Xanatos whispered as her eyes shut. He certainly wished he could right now to.



^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^***^^^

It was three days later when he finally arrived back to Bespin. He had made a good amount of money here, but now it seemed sort of empty. He had been driven by money and success for so long it felt weird to even hear himself think that, but he did.

Cloud cars pulled up along side his ship, recognizing it instantly and guiding him towards his own landing pad. He was grateful right now for the assistant he had hired, knowing Jareed would have things ready for him once he got a good look of him on the landing pad.

He brought the ship down, sitting there waited a few seconds to gather the strength to leave the ship in the first place. Looking back at the sleeping red-head on the cot he absently wondered if he could carry her or if he should wake her.

"I'm up.." a groggy, dry voice said, as the zombie sat up and stared at him. "Are we there?"

"Yes." He smiled some. "Welcome to Bespin."

"Bespin?" Telly asked as she got herself to her feet, wobbling momentarily. "You've been on Bespin?"

"Yes. Lots of money to be made here." He sighed turning towards the opening hatch. "And be ready to be pampered, little Jedi. My Maid alone will lavish you with affection."

"Motherly type eh?" Telly laughed coming up beside him as a caravan of people walked up the ramp, led by a young man with blonde hair and gray eyes. He stopped once he locked eyes with Xanatos and was suddenly in front of them examining Xanatos with a fine toothed comb.

"Mister Cran, what in all creation happened to you?" he was saying holding up robe sleeves and brushing off dust and dirt. He caught himself staring at the dried blood stain on his abdomen and then looked up. "are you hurt badly? Should I get a medic here?"

"I'll need a Healer yes but not urgently Jareed." He said laying a hand on the shorter man's shoulder. "A room does need to be prepared though,"

"Ah of course," the man smiled brightly and turned to Telly. "Who is your young friend? Are you hurt miss? You both look like you've been run over by banthas.."

"I would have rather been run over by banthas Jareed." Xanatos groaned. "Just lead me to a room, I'm near dead."

Jareed stopped only seconds and then began rushing the others. "Teran.hurry it up and see if Cianna can help Mister Cran's guest, she looks rather beaten up and sickly,"

"Actually yes do get her a healer." Xanatos said looking over at Telly. "She went through more than I did."

"I wasn't the one ran through with a lightsaber." Telly snickered from behind him.

"Run through by a lightsaber?" Jareed turned around instantly staring at Xanatos. "What in all names..."

"Later, Jareed."

"Yes of course."

Telly was amazed and astonished when they finally entered the living area of what apparently was Tosan Cran's estate. Decorated with expensive things and very lovely art. Deep colors of maroon, grays, blues, and other dark colors seemed to be the way things were picked out.

People stared at them, holding papers or armfuls of data readers, some with communicators buzzing insistently to be answered and others just standing there, halted by their approach. They knew who Xanatos was, well, Tosan was; they just didn't know who she was and why they both looked like something from death's door.

They reached a door and they were led inside. It was a large bedroom, apparently Xanatos' and that bed.oh how it was calling her right now. It had velvet sheets, done in deep blues, pillows that would incase her head in softness. The dull throb suddenly flared back up to remind her she shouldn't actually be up right now.

Xanatos sat down on a long gray couch and motioned for her to do the same, but before she took one step a voice stopped her.

"Tosan Cran!" a warm, female voice shouted and Xani's head shot to the side staring at a doorway. A plump, elderly looking woman with coco skin and long black hair came, staring Xanatos down like he was a ten year old child that just got in trouble. "Look at you! What in all creation happened on this little business trip of yours?"

"You wouldn't want to know Cianna." Xanatos smiled.

Cianna, apparently the maid, walked over and put her hand under his chin lifting his eyes to meet hers. "You look as if you've been beaten to an inch of your life child! You're also sick," she turned to Jareed. "Where's the healer?"

"On his way you old mother hen." Jareed laughed sitting in on of the chairs.

"Yes, I'm alright you old Mother hen" Xani laughed. "Now Cianna, quit acting like your going to turn me over your knee any time soon. You're scaring my friend."

It was then the warm brown eyes turned on Telly and the old woman stood staring for a moment. Telly froze under the gaze, knowing she must look a sight, hair a matted mess, filled with dirt and debris.

"Tosan! Who is this darling little creature!" Cianna said coming over and dragging the girl to the couch and placing her next to Xanatos. "And what trouble did you drag her into, oh you poor thing, as soon as the healer says I can have you, you and me are going straight to some decent rooms and getting you some clothing that isn't torn and hanging off of you like rags and get you cleaned up!"

Telly stared over at Xanatos who was very pleased with himself. :You are evil: she sent him through the small building bond. :Very evil:

:Hey I warned you, you just weren't following to well: He laughed back; out loud. "She's a bit shy Cianna. This is Telly Liksani, an old friend."

"An old friend? She's nearly half your age Tosan. Really where did you pick up the little stray?"

"Stray?" Telly asked the same time Xanatos did.

"She's not a stray Cianna, she really is an old friend. I knew her when she was five." He sighed. "I'll fill you and Jareed in later, right now, I don't want to explain anything."

"Yes, Cianna, let him rest, he looks as if he needs it." Jareed spoke up from his once silent chair. "They both do. Mister Cran will explain himself later."

They sat there for not much longer till a healer came in and looked both of them over. Xanatos ordered both Jareed and Cianna out so he could fully explain what he thought happened and what he really should know about Telly.

The healer told Xanatos he wasn't going anywhere for days, till the infection was completely healed and gone, damn lucky to be alive in his opinion to. Telly he handed over to Cianna and told her that if she woke with the headache that was plaguing her now, though he doubt she would wake again unless forced, to have Cianna get him, he'd give her something.

After which Telly was whisked off by Cianna into a shower and fresh cloths. Which actually, as tired as she was felt good. The soft fabric was slightly different than Jedi wardrobe but incredibly soft against her skin Cianna forced her to eat before she went to sleep as well. She wasn't sure what she was eating, she was slowly loosing the battle to stay awake.

:Oh we could get used to this.: Sadie's voice whispered lightly, as Cianna finally shoved her towards the bed and she laid down finally. She had been right about the blankets and pillows and barely could remember saying anything back to Sadie before she fell fast asleep.

It was disorienting when she woke up, Force knew how much later. She opened her eyes, feeling much too groggy but, thankfully, no headache at the time. It didn't sink into her till a few moments later where she was and how she had ended up there. "Force.." she moaned closing her eyes against the light, her head didn't hurt but she was sensitive to light.

"Back with us are we?" a voiced asked from her right side and heard a soft movement and then a soft click as lights were dimmed. She opened her eyes back to a much nicer level of light. Xanatos set to the side of the bed, feet propped up on a nightstand, dark tunic pants and a loose fitting shirt all he had on. "Drugs got ya pretty messed up don't they?"

"I've got myself pretty messed up." Telly said pushing herself up some, Xanatos sat up straight to. "How long have I been out?"

"Well, we both did good didn't we." Xanatos smiled. "Of course it all goes back to the little saying I heard way to much during my life in the Temple. You will do as you must. As to how long you've been out. Counting the trip to Bespin six days. You'll probably sleep more to."

"Force, that's long." Telly muttered then smirked. "So you actually did learn something while you were there?"

"Oh a few things. Question is did you?"

"Not from them." She looked down at the sheets and ran her fingers over them. "Never had anything like this.so soft."

Xanatos laughed moved closer to the bed. "Alderaanian Velvet. The Jedi did deny one those little pleasures."

"You certainly don't skimp." Telly smirked.

Xanatos smiled a bit then looked up at her, seriousness returned to his face. "Are you still sure this is what you want?"

"I'm sure." She nodded. "Look at me, I'm no Jedi. I don't fight well."

"Like hell." Xanatos snorted. "Quite able when your threatened or friends are threatened."

Telly blushed and looked back down the bed sheets. Lucky for her Cianna came in at that time to give her a bit of a distraction. "Oh, she's awake?"

"Yes Cianna." Xanatos smiled. "You wouldn't mind getting us something to eat would you?"

"I told you not to spend all your time up here." Cianna scolded him lightly. "I'll be back."

Telly watched her go then turned back to Xanatos. He had been here all the time? No certainly not.

"Well, we've got some choices to make." He sighed. "From what I hear this grand plan of the Force's isn't quite finished yet."

"Oh what now?" Telly groaned, falling back into the fluffy pillow behind her. "Haven't I earned a vacation yet?"

"Oh you've more than earned it, and we won't be doing anything for quite sometime." Xanatos reassured her. "It's just I think after the vacation we've got some work cut out for us."

"Why?"

:Diriala is our home.: Sadie interrupted. :Diriala is abandoned, empty of life, that is, until we get there:

"WE? Two people and a ghost on one large planet?" Telly spoke, knowing Xanatos could hear as well.

:Not forever, we rebuild what once was there. Remember our lessons before this whole fiasco started.:

"The Sects? Wait, you want us to start up a rival training place for Force- Sensitives?"

"Insane isn't she?" Xanatos said leaning back in the chair again. "This is exactly my point, the moment they catch wind of this little operation, they will come and then our cover is blown."

:This is different you two. Our difference is we accept those that have been tested and denied by the Council because of age restrictions. Or their 'premonitions'.:

"Oh." Telly actually smiled a bit. "And then we basically let the sects go from there.the adults will surely either bring family or find bonds among.oh I see."

"You always were the quick one." Xanatos laughed. "I can provide financial support to, so it's plausible, it's just insane."

"What we just did was insane."

:Oh admit it already, you both are just crazy rouge Jedi that don't know what to do with yourselves. Think of this as a hobby.:

"Some hobby." Xanatos shot back. "But if that's what we want to do, let's say so now."

"It's up to you." Telly folded her hands in her lap. "If you don't want to me and Sadie both say we can get used to all this."

"Kid, I've gotten what I've wanted out of all this. It's time you got what you wanted for once."

Telly blushed but nodded. "That's what I want to do."