Forceful Betrayals: Section 5
"Stigmatized"
Author ~ Amithyst Sey Blade
When I Finished it ~ January 1, 2003
Why I Wrote it ~ To finish the story, and for those of you who are just bored waiting for the major authors to finish with the next novel. DURN!
Shocked? ~ Well I am. when I had started writing this I concluded that I would write probably only one section, possible two at the max, now I'm on Section 5. who knows what's going to happen next. I do not plan any of this, I only let my fingers and imagination let go on my stories. I do not even know what I wrote until I read it over.
Note ~ Forceful Betrayals originally was created in order for me to vent my feelings and add myself in the Star Wars, and yes I do see a lot of myself in Starrider, but the real reason why I created this fiction was cause I needed to see someone else go through problems like I am today, though they may be different, they both have the same emotional distraught and hurt that comes along with problems. Now I continue the story to not end it, but carry on the story of the struggling captive and now, Skywalker child and the rest of the gang.
Note2: One has no idea after reading these NJO books, how hard it is not to type Ben instead of Reliance! AH!
Spoilers ~ YEAH A LOT!!! I finally found out what a spoiler was.Laters!
Rating ~ PG-13
Thanks2 ~ I would like to thank not only George Lucas and friends for creating this vast universe, but to all my friends; Mayo Solo for continuing to keep in contact with me and reading my fictions and pressing me to finish this section, and for all of my friends who asked me what I was doing. for putting up with my really long summery. I would also like to dedicate this fiction to all those victims to the Terrorist Attack on America. Pray and we will make it through. The attack has significance in my fiction causing me to write in more depth though I wish that the attack never had taken place.
Warning ~ Some of these characters in this fan fiction are the creations of George Lucas and the other authors that help him continue on the stories of these wonderful heroes and heroines. However, Amithyst Blade would like to take credit for the ones she created, which are listed below: Seyla Starrider, Enoil Shai, Lydia Ebony, Zengi Fin'h, Seth Midori, Ian and Ae`lina Lopez, Harmony Srov, Feng Shui, *Kineel Len, *Laque Shui, Re`quii, Reliance Skywalker, Ku Yonghai, Tune Srov and his wife.
Copyright 2003 of Sey ~ Story credit to the authors. Credit of creating already known characters in Star Wars to George Lucas and friends.
Time ~ Well, right after Forceful Betrayals: Section 4 of course.
Description ~ Just read it already!!!
Part one ~ Hide Their Eyes (phat chance)
From a short distance, guarding the executor and the Supreme Cleric, Perfect Feng saw Nom Anor eye the ngdins plump and full of the Jedi woman's blood as he licked his lips his stomach growled in hunger. The executor and everyone around him would feast on the liquid right after the witnesses had taken the first drink.
Turning his head slightly, Feng saw Starrider. She stood before the Supreme Cleric with Kyp Durron along her side. The two were dressed in total midnight colors. Starrider's hair was now painfully braided on her head. The garment, which she wore was extremely tight and form fitting revealing her tall and now shapely figure. His eyes studied her, taking her in, but when he got to her eyes, he saw hopelessness in them that he had never seen before. Even after eight full moons, Feng had not made an effort to talk to what the others referred to as Star; for three reasons. One, she constantly would not conform to any of the ancient beliefs of Yun-Yuuzhan, two she was like a burning sun that constantly frayed and created questions about what the Yuuzhan Vong were teaching, and third, it was a short difficulty of whom she was and her domain.
Feng persistently kept a secret eye on her, watching her every move. The strange thing about her, she never planned anything she said, and like the ex-Jedi now Apprentice Durron, meditated two times each day, sometimes more. Strangely, his mind began to think of her increasingly daily, but he forbade that feeling, knowing what heresy he would get himself into. It would mean death, and he could not afford to do that to his domain. From a long line of armament Perfects, he would have been chosen as to defend of the Higher Few, and might have been able to protect the High Lord Shimmera himself if he hadn't conversed with a Shamed One.
From the single conversation, he was never to see the glory and honor to be in the presence with one of the Higher Few. Yet, in a way he was glad that the pain had not been placed on him. After that night of talking with the Shamed One, he found a new truth that contradicted everything that was ever taught to him, but somehow it fit.
Disguarding the thoughts, he focused his attention on what would be another proof to the new truth.
~
Sey and Kyp reached the alter. In the center of it was a small pool that was the color of night but a hue of red reflected in the organic light. The only other beings there were Eminent Perfect Kineel Len, Ku Yonghai, Nom Anor, and a few other unrecognizable faces. Warmaster Tsavong Lah stood next to Ku Yonghai wearing a menacing clad of living armor that resembled something one would see in a horror Holo.
Finally, her eyes saw him. Cuddled closely, yet fatally in the arms of Re`quii. He was still wrapped in the blankets as before. His eyes were halfway closed, but through the Force, she knew he was awake.
Taking her eyes off the young Skywalker child, something cause her knees to buckle making her fall to the ground before the Yuuzhan Vong. Something unseen kicked her back in the legs, causing her muscles to give out underneath her. Her defenses went up and she blocked herself from everything. *Don't you ever touch me like that again, Durron! *
*Then pay attention. *
His words brought her back into what was really happening. There was no use worrying, but she had to think of something, but what?
~
"Yun-Yuuzhan, ew reffo uoy eseht ngdins lluf fo eht hctrew, Mara Jade Skywalker's, doolb. Ekat eht owt namuh sledifni dna wohs meht tahw niap si... tahw uoy evah decifircas dnda tahw uoy era. Wohs meht eht niap fo tahw yeht llac efil."
("Yun-Yuuzhan, we offer you these ngdins full of the wretch, Mara Jade Skywalker's, blood. Take the two human infidels and show them what pain is. what you have sacrificed and what you are. Show them the pain of what they call life.")
With that, Supreme Cleric Ku Yonghai raised his hands.
~ Taking the moment, Sey charged at the Yuuzhan Vong standing before her. Every word he spoke scarred her deeply. She knew what he was saying, what he was praying to and for. The evilness had begun to drown her but she couldn't let it go on, even if it meant her death.
Her tackle knocked them both to the ground, but only Yonghai slammed to the floor in total surprise. Using all her strength, she struggled to keep him down, but she knew she couldn't keep him there forever.
~
Every being around was shocked, but Tsavong Lah and the Perfects that had been present, all prepared to attack her. The Warmaster motioned for one of the Perfects to get her off the Cleric.
*What are you doing, Starrider? * Kyp echoed at her.
However, just as she was about to answer, he saw out of the corner of his eye Skywalker's child screaming. The sound was heart wrenching and, Kyp thought, the most horrible cry of agony he had ever heard.
Then something in him clicked.
It happened so fast. Not even, he could have anticipated what he was doing. Whatever had happened, Reliance was in his arms and he was running.
~
"Teg ffo won, Star! Teg ffo!" When Starrider wouldn't get off Yonghai, Eminent Perfect Kineel couldn't take it anymore. Pulling out his organic whip, he slashed the female human's back and a cry left her lips.
*The blissful cry of pain *, he thought savoring her screams.
Rolling of the priest, tears began to taint her cheeks. Though defeat had mastered her this time, she knew Reliance and Kyp were safe, at least for the moment, but as for her, she was in danger.
Something smacked hard against her side once again, leaving behind a horrible pang and soreness. She had felt that sting before, but only through the Force link she had with Jacen, they had shared before he had been killed. Seyla never realized the magnitude of agony he went through during his last moments, never imagined him going through this.
Warmness began to take hold of her body as something sticky seeped from her body onto the ground.
Faintly she heard an old familiar voice she hadn't heard and wished she never had in months. "I'll dispose of her, Supreme Cleric. The infidel needs to be taught a lesson." His hideous voice replied. Seyla did not need to open her eyes to discern whose lips the words came from.
*If only we had met under different circumstances, maybe. * her thought shocked her but was cut off by the pain that screamed through her body.
"No, Fin'h." Yonghai protested. Sey could hear others assisting the Supreme Cleric back upon his feet. She groaned in pain as he continued. "You must stay here to celebrate the Rite. The ceremony will continue, as the gods have already ordered that we mark this day with such a glorious event. Durron and the Skywalker child can't run forever, as for the wife of Skywalker tried so but perished. The gods will allow their capture in good time. As for this witch." the high priest glanced around the room at the Perfects. Finally, he made his selection. "Perfect Feng, I want you to keep watch over this being. I believe she has endured enough honor for today."
Feng threw his arm across his chest in salute, and then bowed low before the priest in respect. "As the gods wish, Supreme Cleric." With that, he lifted Seyla from the bloodied ground.
She couldn't feel his arms wrap themselves around her since her back was numb from the welt on her back, but she did feel something strangely and shockingly comforting with his being ever so close to her before she lost sense of where she was.
~
Dropping Starrider on the nefarious hover bed that was in her quarters, he gazed down at her in disbelief. She was only a mere human, female to make the factors worse, and she had attacked the highest priest.
The Yuuzhan Vong Perfect shook his head. He knew he would never be able to understand human beings and their strange ways, especially her.
"Feng?" a small voice asked for his attention behind him. Turning around, Feng saw a small smooth Yuuzhan Vong female holding a tray of revival medics and fresh foods. The female could be no more than seventeen standard years old, but he knew for a fact she still had put on enough hardship to cleanse an entire fleet. "What are you doing here, Laque domain Shui?"
Keeping her eyes cast to the ground, she answered softly, though loud and clear enough for Feng to hear her. "I've brought the human some ointments of healing and you some food." With that, she placed the tray on the nightstand beside the bed, and then got on one knee awaiting her further orders.
Ignoring the female, Feng looked back at Starrider for a few silent moments. "You candidly believe this infidel will save you and the other Shamed Ones?" His tone meant nothing of mockery instead total seriousness.
"I do, Perfect."
"Tell me the story again; the prophecy."
Though she had been blessed by the gods with the gift to create and interpret prophecies, her skin had betrayed her when she had been rewarded with the scars, her body rejected. Shunned by the deformation chemical that cursed her body, Laque was thus cursed to be a Shamed One, living in constant exile and persecution. Now she had interpreted a new more vast prophecy that now all the Shamed Ones scattered across the universe knew very well.
Excitement shuddered through Laque's heart. She knew deep down inside her brother wanted to believe in the prophecy, but he wasn't easily impressed by whimsical predictions. He too had been cursed by the gods with the chemical that took away scars, yet he had been more fortunate to not have his body reject the tattoos.
Smiling, Laque told the prophecy she had heard a million times, and now recited the prophecy in its ancient flowing form.
"Upon thee night, when thy friend is killed A human girl will rise against her will. Cursed with a form of smoothness that's rare, Graced by the four scars hidden by her hair With crystal blue eyes of a placid sea She will come, cry and flee Try and try, she won't get away From the one deemed as Agent She has been condemned to stay. Kidnapped, imprisoned, cursed and shattered Her body be bruised and her soul be battered Her heart and hope shall still shine through Holding up a Light of the deepest blue Darkness may storm And thy eye of calm but be forlorn Lives will be lost to thou this day Peoples of forsaken Beings of the same struggle and try Some will get away But fret not, will thou be If all scarred stand against thee Battles be bloody Tears be scarce In ye end she won't be theirs. Born from somewhere far off From the same galaxy were thou come from Her domain will parish in the same state Her heart will never know what has become of late. Then again will she fall for another Against his heart he won't shudder Deny thou will, but love will keep His heart so pure To thy virgin thou beat No longer tears will scorn thy eyes Blooming into love, neither despise. Love thou deep Love shall grow Our lives will love be over flown Love one God Instead of more Intent on each other's need Will thou show other's thy creed."
When she ended, she shrank up again, almost as she were folding herself, protecting the prophecy was the only thing keeping her from crumbling inside herself. Silence filled the quarters as Laque waited for her dismissal.
Feng didn't spare her a glace, though every word she spoke seemed to reflect on his own life, but his refused to believe in such nonsense. "You believe in profanation, all forms of heresy itself. Blasphemy is everything you believe in as well as this wretch who sleeps on. Get out, Shamed One." In his voice, Laque could hear anger, but at the same time his soul slowly understanding that Sey may be the one to lead them out of the condemnation. "Leave Laque. Next time you come near me, I'll surely order you a cleansing."
With that, Laque scurried out of the room.
Glancing over at the female human, Feng clenched his fist. Why did she have to invade his every thought? It was hard enough ignoring her in his mind, but having to keep close watch over her was more than a challenge, it was torture.
Torture of what could never be.
Part two ~ Chained to You (Savage Garden)
Kineel Len bowed before the Supreme Cleric. It was the middle of the night and never had any high official called another being from their sleeping chambers at this time, but Kineel did not argue with the fact. He knew his place and it was not his to question.
"Eminent Perfect Kineel Len, the gods have told me that they are very pleased with you, and so am I." He paused a moment as he came closer. "Stand up and look on me."
Kineel did as he was told and saw the Supreme Cleric. It was not the first time he had seen the decorative and honorably scarred face of the priest. "An honor."
"Not the only one you have been deemed to receive." Kineel raised where there would have been an eyebrow, but did not interrupt. "You displayed such quick assessment and ability at what happened tonight. At first, I was against what the gods have willed to be yours, but now my doubts are no more. Your technique's in breaking are known and have been known to crumble even the most stubborn of Jeedai."
"What infidel does the gods want me to shatter? Whomever it is I know I w-"
"Don't be so sure, Kineel. The Jeedai they have called to be broken is Star."
Kineel opened his frayed mouth to continue his statement before but was cut short. "Star?" he repeated with a hunger that had been starving inside of him. The only thing that had been keeping his desires at bay had been the strict order that no one was to touch the infidel. Cruelly he smiled, but a thought came to his mind. "What about Agent Fin'h? I was lead to believe that he had her under control."
The Supreme Cleric shook his head in disapproval. "The human has committed quite faithfully to the gods and the True Way and he does have things under control, as you say, but I am not asking, nor are the gods asking you that you should break her of intimate sorts. Just. taunt her, scare her. Do whatever you must but under no condition must Fin'h know about it."
His lust rose but Kineel refused to let it show. "Understood, milord."
"You are dismissed."
~
Morning.
Pain surged through entire body like fire. Her eyes reluctantly opened. At first, she had not the faintest idea where she was, but she never did. Memories flooded back into her mind unwillingly and she remembered what had transpired that night before.
"I must admit that was nice." Kineel whispered into the air.
Laque's heart felt disgusted. A slave to the Eminent Perfect, she had managed to visit her brother before he came back to his chambers to find her gone.
She shuddered. If she had not gotten back in time the Laque knew definitely she would not have awakened this very morning.
He moved off his back and leaned forward to give her a long immodest kiss. Pulling up off her he smiled heartlessly into her eyes. "I'll be back early tonight," he beamed at her before crawling off the aijso and left the sleeping quarters to herself.
"Pervert," she mumbled under her breath. She darted out of the bed and to bathe off all the dirtiness he forced her to do the night before. Tainted with his sick cravings, Laque first had been scarred by his ways three years earlier. Since then, he never let her out of his sight, or out of his hands.
Sliding on her robes, she quickly combed her fingers through her hair and walked towards the valve door. Setting her hand on the gel panel the valve turned an eerie red then opened swiftly. Laque strolled out of the living hut. Kineel had asked specifically for a living place so he could have some peace and quiet to contemplate with the gods.
Hardly the truth.
Deep inside, she knew the only true reason he had asked for chambers in the center of the forest had been to quiet her screams and keep her away from her brother. If her brother had found out what Kineel was doing with her, no she could not ask such a favor from Feng. He had already sacrificed his chance to ever become the Eminent Perfect, all because she wanted to tell him of the prophecy. She could not ask him to give up his life for her. It was just too much. Laque knew Feng would kill Kineel for what he was doing to her, but after that it would only gain him the same title as herself, and she could not do that to her brother. Her brother had worked so hard, ultimately harder than Kineel and deserved his title ten times more than him.
Hiking though the hidden trail of the forest, Laque begged her mind to forget the subject all together and finally came to the lake. Looking around to see if any was near she saw only a small prey bird flying across the lake.
Walking out into the open, Laque put her hands up on her chest and began to undo her robes. Nearly disguarding them completely off her body her hands wrapped the garments back around her skin when as she heard a soft snap of a twig. Dropping to the ground, she hid behind a bush and saw the second human to conform to the so-called True Ways.
Something by the way he strolled, Laque sensed a new found wisdom and serenity from the ex-Jedi. Silently she waited quietly for Durron to do something.
Part three ~ Lying to Myself (Ben Glover)
Kyp held Reliance closely to his chest. The newborn was wrapped up in blankets and the front of his cloak. At the water's edge, the Jedi began humming a tranquil melody he remembered faintly that his mother used to sing. Humming the few bars, he remembered what it was like before the Yuuzhan Vong came into the galaxy, before it all had happened. He remembered how it all started, as did every war. It always started with politics then it led to bloodshed. It always broke his heart.
*One year, * he thought to himself as he stared at Reliance. *It has nearly been one year since the fall of the New Republic. *
"What are we going to do now, Rel?" he asked the sleeping infant in his arms. The child had not been fed for three hours and he could feel his tummy growl for food. Kyp continued to hum the song to comfort not just the child but himself.
He hated what he had become. Hated what blood was stained on his hands. Hated the fact he had turned from the light to this. And why? Kyp could have blamed Harmony, the Vor/human he had met in contact with, for his turning but he knew inside it was not the truth.
"I'm so sorry."
Kyp dropped down onto his knees and began to weep, holding the child close to him. Tears began to fall from his cheeks. It was all his fault. Because of him, Rel would never know his mother. Never hear the stories she had of his father be told to him. Of the famous farm boy hero that saved the galaxy. Of how they both met each other and how she nearly died of a fatal unknown disease and lived through it, in turn saving his life as well.
How could he have let things get so far out of hand? How could he have tossed everyone's feelings aside like nothing?
Something warm touched his arm. Tender and kind the touch seemed to suck away all his fears for protecting the Skywalker child. He did not look up as the stranger spoke to him in a small yet soothing voice. "You care for the human infant. Underneath that entire mysterious demeanor, you really care."
The peaceful voice helped him to his feet. Again, she spoke, but this time he turned his head up to see whom it was. "My dwelling is not far from here. You look tired and worn out. There is food and plenty of fresh water." Then she tore her eyes from his and dropped her arms to her side, remembering who both of them were. "I mean you no disrespect, Apprentice."
Blinking at her comment, Kyp felt worse than he had before. He had sunken so low now Yuuzhan Vong trembled to be near him. She offered food and shelter, if not just for a while, she had. Not wanting to loss the chance, Kyp kept his feelings as best he could to himself. "Your help is appreciated."
Smiling, she turned around and began to weaver her way into the thick forest vegetation to a secluded and very well hidden domicile. Once inside the dwelling, he saw it was larger than he expected.
Standing in the central room, the ceiling itself was three times as high than himself. It surprised him that a female Yuuzhan Vong would have such accommodations, not that he was against it, but it was very unnatural to the Vong culture to do so.
"Please, sit. There is an aijso in the corner. You may lay the infant there. I'll go and find some fresh blankets." With that she hurried off into another room, then came back just as he laid Reliance on the sponge couch.
She gently lay the blankets on the child, careful not to wake him. For the first time, Kyp noticed her skin. "You have no scars?" the words fell from his lips before he could stop them.
"Yes, I do. But not the kind you'd expect on a Yuuzhan Vong," her answer was barely a whisper.
Frowning he heard the desperation in her voice. "What's your name?"
"I am a Shamed One. My name means nothing."
"It may mean nothing to you, but it does to me. What's your name?" he added with more persistence.
"Laque."
Taking in a deep breath, he started to pray. Actually, thinking that he was doing such a thing made him chuckle inside. Praying to anyone or anything would have been the last thing in the universe Kyp would have thought he would be doing now, but he did. He needed whatever aid he could get for what he was going to ask could mean life or death for both him and Reliance. "I need your help Laque."
"Whatever you need, I shall give. You are the Apprentice a-"
Putting his hand to her lips, he cut her sentence off. "No, listen. I no longer hold that title, nor do I want to. Promise me you won't tell a soul what I am going to tell you now."
Laque nodded and began to listen.
~
Her body felt so bruised, so grimy. Her heart ached to stop the constant fighting, the constant struggle to hope for another day, for the day when peace would bloom throughout the galaxy. She missed Jacen as a friend, but her soul had never felt so empty and unfilled.
*God, where are you? * she cried as she woke up. *I cannot take this anymore. * She had held in the tears for so long. Welded up her pain and put it aside, helping others to escape. Now she was the one alone. She was the one in pain, but for the first time she was not afraid of it. Not afraid of what they were going to do to her. She was just afraid of going through it all alone.
"Star?" A masculine unfamiliar voice called her. Sey did not like the name they had shunned her with. It was not her name, but the being's voice sent her heart jumping into hyperspace.
Turning around off her side towards the other side of the bed, she realized that she had been sleeping on a hover bed, something she had not had the privilege to rest in for nearly a year. A Yuuzhan Vong sat in a chair beside her and recognized the being as, "Feng? So you're the Perfect that they assigned to watch over me, huh?"
Ignoring her last comment, the male spoke. "Why were you crying?" "I.I am sorry. I did not realize someone was in here." Pausing, she looked away from the Yuuzhan Vong. She knew the punishment that was becoming of her because she released her tears in front of them.
"I'm not going to tell anyone, Sey." He replied startling her with his vow and the use of her real name.
"What?" blinking her eyes she turned back towards him.
He shook his head. *What am I doing? * Every instinct, everything that ever been taught to him, told him to report her wrong doing, but his heart stopped him. All night he had been arguing with himself on what he was going to do if such a thing had happened. Feng could not believe he was risking so much for this infidel. He had struggled so hard to get where he was, and now?
Now, he was willing to have it stripped away for her!
Frowning, Sey looked completely confused this switched to fear. "Whatever it is you want. I'm not going to do it." Already she was backing to the furthest corner of bed to get away from him. Curled into a fetal position, Sey held her arm up as if to defend herself from a blow of a couffee. Her other hand wrapped tightly around her knees, causing the tight black outfit she wore to cling even closer to her body. "I am not going t-"
Getting up, Feng rushed to her side. His abrupt movement upset her, and her entire body began to tremble.
"Get away from me!" she screamed. Ignoring her pleads, Feng only got closer, finally grabbing her wrists in a tight firm grip. She tired to struggle from his hold but could not get free. "No, I won't let you! Let me go!"
Trying his best to quiet her, he had to jerked her closer to him to silence her pleads of mercy. Now their faces were millimeters from one another. Searching in her deep eyes, Feng saw only fear. "Not until you listen to me." He let a moment go by to be sure she would stay quiet, and then nodded in thanks. "I would never try anything of the sort on you. I have heard rumors that many have tried to do so on you, but the honor of guarding you is not something I abuse, that much I give you my word on." He paused. "What I'm trying to say is. I want to help you in anyway possible."
"You. you want to help me?" His words took her breath away. Sey could have sworn her heart was pounding hard enough for Feng to notice. "Why?"
"I." the Perfect stopped himself. He had no answer to that question. Well, he did, but he was not going to tell her he loved her. The very idea barely deemed itself to be in his dreams. "I believe in the Prophecy, not the True Ways."
"The Prophecy? Umm. I'm not familiar with that."
"It's a forbidden divination that has been around for millenniums among the Shamed Ones. I dare not utter such words from my own lips, but my sister has told it too me, has tried to convince me about its truth." He released his hold and her hands fell into her lap. Lifting up his right hand up, Feng lightly pushed back her soft long hair that always seemed to cover the left side of her face. He found himself trembling as his fingertips brushed against the four scars on her cheek.
Sey felt his shaking but stayed still and silent as his fingers traced the haunting scars.
"Cursed with a form of smoothness that's rare, graced by the four scars hidden by her hair." Feng mumbled two lines from the Prophecy as if trying to place everything in reality.
"The Prophecy-" the sixteen-year old human breathed as his whispers fell into her hearing. "I'm the Prophecy?"
"Yes," Feng replied before he could stop himself. Jerking back into the present, he saw how close they really were to one another. Her lips so near to. shaking off the thought, Feng dropped his hand. Crawling off the bed, Feng turned to look at her. He found her staring at him, but eyes quickly diverted from his.
She was shaking badly. What he did not know was that her wounds covered by the blanket that was wrapped around her were bleeding. Sey was numb to the fact, and never noticed as went to get her meal.
Part four ~ Protection (phat chance)
"Thank you, Admiral Li for your time." The now twenty-one year old spoke to the Chiss officer.
"Anything to clean the galaxy of those scar heads, General Fel. After a year in seclusion their going to be in a huge surprise when they discover what we have in store for them." Admiral Li of the Fistfight fleet merged of every sort of being under his command, but all of which united for the same cause.
Keeping an expressionless face, Jagged Fel said. "Let's just hope they don't discover it."
"Exactly," the Chiss leader laughed, something unknown for the race. "May the Force be with us all."
"And to you Admiral." With that, Jag clicked the Holo-vid off. Turning around he walked back towards the living room. He could feel someone coming towards the door. Without waiting for a knock, he pressed the manual button to open the door.
Jaina stood smiling devilishly at him. Before he could ask what was making her bubble with joy her lips were already on his. Kissing her back, he drank her in, wrapping his arms around her, before pulling back. Never would he have pictured himself a year before, with Jaina hiding in the Outer Regions on his old homeworld.
After escaping from Zekk and Midori, Jaina and Jag had nowhere else to go. Coruscant had fallen once they reached into space, and Jaina had still been badly damaged from her side wound. The only place Jag knew, as a safe haven, was his homeworld. Her injuries had been so bad she had to be in a bacta tank for a month.
His father had allowed Jagged to resume his rank while she was in recovering. During the time of her recovery and rehabilitation, he never gave up trying to come into contact with her mother or father, or somebody.
Jag couldn't remember the last time she had smiled, though he had tried. Today though, more than a thin line of hope glistened on her face.
"What is it?" he asked curiously.
Her amber eyes twinkled and all she could do was giggle. A graceful hand came to his cheek. Jaina just smiled contently feeling his face. Tears began to fall from her eyes. They were tears of happiness. Looking into his deep green eyes, she bit her lower lip grinning from ear to ear. "They're here."
The blunt choice of words caught him off guard. "Who?"
"My parents and Anakin." Her voice sounded far off, but she didn't linger on the words she grabbed Jag's hands. "I can feel them."
"How do you know?" he asked concerned. Bringing his left hand, he stroked her face gently. He didn't want to see her heart broken again. Even if she didn't know it, his would always shatter for her sake, but never would he allow it to show.
She turned to look at him. Her cinnamon eyes burning like fire. "How does anyone know, should be the question." Jaina paused and smiled. "I can feel them in the Force. They're alive. Just out of orbit."
"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting." Jag turned to leave but she caught his hand forcing him to stay. He saw tears filling her eyes. "Jaina, what is it?"
She opened her mouth to say something, but the tears flooded out of her eyes. Jag slid in the chair beside her and wrapped his arms around her again as she cried on his shoulder. Already he could feel the wetness seep through his shirt. Jaina breathed in shakily, not wanting to let go of him.
His hand slid down her hair as he stroked it to calm her down. "What's wrong?" he whispered softly into her ear.
"It's just that it's been so long since I've seen them."
Jag lightly laughed, full as much joy as she was.
~
Feng watched silently as the human poked at the food that had been set before her. She had only taken a few bites in the past thirty minutes the food had been brought to her imprisonment, but Seyla did not seem to be hungry.
"Why don't you eat something?"
The observation caught the Jedi female's attention. Tearing her gaze from the window, Seyla kept her eyes focused at his feet. "Some things are best unmentioned."
Dropping to the ground where she sat on the cushion seat, Feng studied her expression. Something was on her mind.
"What worries you?"
Her eyes finally came in focus with his, but she could not answer him. The plate that she had been holding in her hands clashed to the ground. Seyla scrambled off her feet and away from him to the closet and hid in its far corner.
Some said that Force users like her could feel evil coming near or when something was wrong.
Confused by Seyla's action, Feng jumped to his feet as the door suddenly slammed open revealing a shadowed figure he knew all too well. Respectfully, he fell to his knee and crossed his chest as the figure strolled in.
"Perfect Shui." The higher ranked Yuuzhan Vong spat, emphasizing Feng's lower rank. "I am not surprised to see that you have been given the chore of babysitting."
"Eminent Perfect Kineel Len," Feng replied but kept his comments to himself. Kineel was his superior. He had to live with that fact for life. Feng could feel the eyes of his superior burn into his neck, but kept his eyes lowered to the ground as he waited for him to speak.
"You're duties as care taker are on temporary relief."
Feng did not trust the tone in Kineel's voice. "I am under strict orders from the Supreme Cleric to keep watch on the Jedi heretic."
"The words I have spoken to you come from that very blessed priest!" he boomed. "I not only outrank you, Shui, but I am your superior! Now obey or you will have to be cleansed."
The anger and wrath in Kineel's voice did not threaten Feng for a moment, but he knew too well he held the power to exterminate him without being asked why later. Feng could not leave this universe yet. His sister still needed him, even if he would never admit that fact to her. She was Shamed. Without another moment's hesitation, Feng reluctantly got to his feet and left the chambers.
"Perfect?" Kineel's voice rose in anger.
Turning around, Feng respectfully kept his eyes to the ground and did not answer.
"To keep watch of the wretch you first need to know where she is."
His eyes darted halfway up, but Feng lowered them quickly. Swallowing, he reluctantly told him. "The closet."
~
Seyla felt the water fill her eyes as Feng uttered her hiding spot. Force, she had been so stupid to trust him, she thought to herself the second time that day.
She heard the outer door shut and shuddered as the soft deadly footsteps of the dark presence loomed near her. Her heart trembled as she could feel him through the Force coming near her.
How she could feel him, Sey did not know but the darkness that swarmed his life swallowed hers. Something stopped her from using the Force as a backfire on him. The darkness paralyzed her.
"Here you are." The menacing voice cooed with an evil delight.
A shiver of fear spiraled down her body. It felt as if she was choking from the obscurity that followed him. Never in her life had she felt so vulnerable. She felt even more so exposed to this creature than Fin'h.
Seyla squeezed her eyes tightly shut, praying that it was all a dream.
His claws caressed her cheek. No, this was not a dream. At first the touch was soft then inverted to a heartless pressure, scratching her old scar wounds back open again.
She did not attempt to cry out in pain.
"So many condemn you of being unworthy, but I can tell that you are acceptable." His fingers slid down underneath her chin tilting it up slightly. "Look at me," he ordered.
Resisting the urge to obey, Seyla found herself cooperating with the Yuuzhan Vong almost eagerly. Her eyes fell into his locked stare. She tried to look away, but it was no use. She could not defy to break the gaze.
Silence hung between them. The Yuuzhan Vong never left his hand from her face as he studied her.
Then she felt it.
Tingly, yet soft and subtle something shifted through her soul almost like someone was reading her heart. Seyla began to shake unknowingly. Everything began to spin and her head dropped back nearly slamming against the wall.
Kineel caught her head with his hand. Carefully, the Yuuzhan Vong lifted the female and carried her out of the closet. Strolling to the sleeping pallet, he laid her down upon its soft cushioning.
As she lay unconscious, Kineel licked his lips.
Slowly, Seyla regained her consciousness once again but not by her body will. Again, she felt the same shadow caressing her mind. Her eyes flew open to see the Yuuzhan Vong eyeing her with desire.
"You dare touch me. I'll-"
Her voice was silenced by his claws that dug into her facial scars. Now she whimpered.
"Don't threaten me." He jerked her face away from his and turned on his heel to leave her, or so she had hoped.
"Everyone knows how you are defiant to those superior to you. but I promise, after I get through with you, you'll be begging to obey me." Turning back towards the frightened human, he gave her a wicked smile. "I often wondered how a Jedi would taste."
With that, he left.
Seyla stared at the door in shock. Something wet fell onto her cheek. Lifting her hand to her face, she looked at it and saw it was her blood and tears.
Had she been crying? She could not remember when she had started but her mind was fogged as the Yuuzhan Vong's presence drifted further away, and so did her memory.
~
"How did your first confrontation with Star go?" The Supreme Cleric asked solemnly as Kineel entered his quarters. The high priest stood by the window looking down at the slaves working in the fields. Laboring over another organic vessel of some sort.
"She won't remember anything. And anything she does will haunt her, as in a far away nightmare."
Yonghai nodded. "Good, good. Your connection has served the gods well. They are very pleased."
A eerie grin crept on the Vong's tattered and tattooed face. "I am here to serve."
"You are, and for your service you shall be rewarded, in time. In due time."
Part five ~ All the Reasons Why (downhere)
Leia gasped her husband's hand as they both descended from the Falcon's ramp. She was shaking, but it did not bother her.
Han glanced over to his wife and could not help but smile. "Leia, stop it. You're making me nervous."
"I just cannot believe that we found this place. It's been a year since we've both seen J-" but she could not finish her sentence as she caught sight of a young woman walking along side of the always recognizable Jagged Fel.
Her jaw dropped as she looked upon her daughter. No longer was she the teenager Leia expected her to be. The last time she had seen Jaina she had been in the hospital in a coma on Coruscant. No longer could she hold in her tears of joy. She let go of Han's hand and ran to her daughter. Both mother and daughter held each other crying like blubbering idiots.
Han and Jag walked slowly to each other, both with red eyes full of tears, but neither gave into the fact that they were crying.
"Thank you for taking care of my daughter." Han greeted as he slapped the pilot lightly on the back.
"You're welcome General Solo. It was an honor to be granted such a responsibility. I'm only sorry we could not locate you two sooner."
Han shrugged. "You did your best. And for that I owe you my life." He turned to see Jaina wiping the tears from her swollen cheeks and conversing wither her mother.
Blinking, it took a moment for the older man to discern that the beautiful creature before him was his daughter. She looked so much different, and older. Her hair had now grown out and fell loosely down her back. Still dressed in her usual flight suit, but a smile beamed on her face radiating that beauty by ten folds.
She turned and looked at him. No longer was she daddy's little girl, but a sadly matured woman she was forced to become at such an early age. However, the love for her father in her eyes never dimmed.
Jaina took a few steps before she embraced her father, thankful he was alive. He had always been her idol, even though she resembled her mother like a clone, she was a Solo at heart. She did not mind promoting that fact.
When she finally pulled back, Jaina cleared her throat. "Where's A-"
"GOTCHA!" Anakin came up from behind her and began tickling her. Jaina's heart went into hyper speed in fright; laughing at his touch.
"S-stop Ani!" she managed to get out in between giggles. He stopped and came around so she could see him. Looking up her mouth dropped. "Anakin?" She gapped.
A lopsided grin pierced his face. He had grown into such a handsome young man. His hair was a sandy brown, and his eyes the deepest aqua that sparkled. Not to mention his appearance, but he was nearly a head taller than her.
"You grew!" she finally spoke.
Everyone laughed at the childish whine in her voice.
"Sure did sis. And you did too." Without another, second to pass the siblings hugged. Smiling down at his older sister, Anakin mumbled under his breath. "And I'm gonna keep my eye out on that Fel boy."
Pushing Anakin back, Jaina frowned playfully. "Punk!" He only responded with a laugh.
Jag spoke to Han and Leia as the brother and sister conversed. "You two probably are famished and dying for a refresher."
"Well that wouldn't seem like a bad idea." Han answered. He turned towards Jag and asked, "You guys serve Corellian food right?"
The pilot laughed. "Of course we do. You think your daughter would have eaten anything else?"
"Hey! I did try that green stuff yesterday." She countered, stopping her conversation with Anakin.
Jag cast her a quick glance. A smirk pierced his face. "That stuff, as you call it, is salad."
"That stuff belongs in forests of Myrkyr, not in my mouth."
Jag stared at Jaina with a grin. The two seemed to have grown on each other even more so than they were the past year before when Han had seen them both.
Being fatherly, he tried to put the sadness that his little girl was now a woman, and he was going to lose her to Jagged Fel.
He sighed, shoving the thought aside. Well, if Jagged wanted his daughter, he was going to have to come to him for her. Han was not going to rush anything. Already Jaina's childhood had been accelerated. No point in speeding it up more.
"Han. Leia?" a soft feminine voice called out from inside the Falcon.
Han turned and saw Ae`lina Lopez standing in the doorway.
She had promised to keep an eye on things inside. During these times of war, many people began to side with the Peace Brigade, most of which, wanted him and Leia dead.
"Oh my Force." Jaina breathed out in shock. "Ae`lina?"
"Jaina? Jaina! You're alive!"
The two raced to one another embracing. Both had been the best of friends back on Coruscant. Just seeing someone alive, besides her mother and father, caused Jaina's heart to cry for joy.
"I didn't think. I was hoping, but I didn't think anyone would make it out of there alive. After I found out." tears stained her cheeks once again.
"Shh.. don't worry. We're alive and well."
"We?"
"Ian is in the back resting. He's recovering from a cold. But besides that, our health is fine."
Jag came up besides Jaina. "I see we have some more guests to entertain." He retorted with a laugh. Then gave a slight bow to the other woman.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Colonel Jagged Fel. And now, if everything is alright, I'll show everyone to their rooms."
Ae`lina smiled at Jag. "Hello, Colonel. I never thought I would see the day when such a gallant lad would be so considerate." Leaning over to Jaina she whispered in her ear. "This one's a keeper. Don't let him slip away from you."
Jaina pulled away, shocked that she would say such a thing but laughed. Heat began to flush her cheeks as she let her imagination run with the thought.
The younger brother over heard the silenced words through the Force and smiled wickedly. "Jaina, I'll help unload the ship."
"Let me help." Jag offered.
Shaking her head at her brother, Jaina knew what he was trying to do but her parents did look exhausted. Quickly, she strolled down to her parents. "I'll take mom and dad to then." With that, she led them out of the hanger bay.
Jag was standing on the ramp baffled by the whole thing. He looked at Ae`lina and asked. "What was that all about?"
"Oh, nothing." The older woman said matter-of-factly.
~
Lying next to the sleeping infant, Kyp Durron stretched out yawning. Slowly, he opened his eyes and found himself looking out the clear membrane that served as a window. Night was setting. A shifting from behind him caught his attention.
"Where are you going?" Rolling over, he saw Laque dressed in a form-fitting outfit of green. A bag in hand.
"Kineel has summoned me to bring him some things for the marriage ceremony."
Animation filled Kyp. Getting off the aijso carefully so not to wake Reliance, whom they had gotten to drink some poi milk an hour before. He was extremely thankful that the baby was not meticulous. Poi milk was relatively easy to find and make. It came from a blue leafy plant found practically everywhere on the overgrown world.
"What marriage?"
"That of Fin'h and Star."
Fear filled his expression. He was stunned. Shaking off the shock, Kyp swallowed and brought himself back into reality. Standing up, he walked towards her. "You're going back?"
"I must. Do not worry," she said as she cast her eyes to the ground. "Kineel will not come back before I do. Not when he has called me to go to him."
Frowning, Kyp Durron did his best not to assume the worst. He took a few steps towards her. "What does he do to you?"
"I am his, remember? What he does, does not matter. What I do though, means everything." She licked her dry lips and swallowed. "I must go now."
"Wait." He stopped her. She turned her head up to look at him in wonder.
"What is it?"
His mind began to reel. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the Force collecting its insights and hints. Then it came to him. "I need to ask a favor of you."
Laque's pale eyes narrowed. She waited until he opened his again and searched them, deep. She blinked. Had she read them correctly? It could be possible, she thought. To complete such a mission. But now? Tonight?
"Who? Who is it?"
"Starrider."
Her eyes widened. Something wet crawled down her cheek.
"Laque? What's wrong?" Out of impulse, the human male took his hand and wiped her tears. "What is it?"
"Your." she stopped herself. If the prophecy was coming true, then she best keep it silent. "You want me to do this?"
"If it is possible."
Breathing quickly, she pulled in air. To risk so much, for. for what? What did she have? Pain. Suffering. A life with nightmares. Was it really worth living to watch her brother be tormented by the very beast that drank her?
A smile escaped her lips. "Of course. I will bring her back here. I promise."
Part six ~ My only hope (Ben Glover)
When Zengi walked into the chamber, he spotted Sey standing next to the window staring at the night sky. The door shut behind him. He continued towards her. She was still dressed in the tight black outfit from last night.
He shook his head at the sight of her. She was always constantly staring out the window into the sky. He came up behind her. "Mind telling me what exactly happened yesterday?"
Sey didn't answer.
"I will get the information out of you; either by asking or by force. I find both rather useful."
"What is there to tell?" she sighed. "You know what I believe already. My morals and my heart. even what I am thinking. What is so hard to understand?"
"What I don't understand is why you keep on striving for something that isn't there? Or maybe it's your actions that seem to be contradicting your surrender."
"Maybe I've change my mind, Zen. Maybe I don't want to be apart of this. oh wait. I never was."
"Where is the Skywalker child?" Zengi questioned changing the subject.
"With Kyp." *I hope, * Sey added silently to herself.
Advancing behind the young woman, Zengi let both his hands fall upon her shoulders. "When did you two plan all this?" Her replied simply had been a silent shaking of the head, but he wasn't content with that answer. "How long Sey?"
She turned her head down from the sky. She bit her bottom lip. Closing her eyes Sey wished away all her fears and her interrogator, though she knew the reality of them just vanishing was not possible.
Not feeling in the mood for patience, the Agent spun Sey around fiercely. He pushed her against the windowpane. "TELL ME NOW!"
Tears threatened to push through her eyes, but she fought them back.
"I SAID TELL ME!" Zengi yelled at her. Grabbing onto the base of her shoulders he shook her violently.
"Stop shaking me! STOP IT ZEN! STOP IT!" She yelled but felt very weak all of the sudden.
Finally, he did, but not without slamming her harshly back against the windowpane. Her head thrashed backwards hitting the glass. Leaning forward, he pushed his face close to hers. His eyes bore into her like fire.
"Then tell me what the Kessel is going on!" Even though is words were whispered they vibrated with an intensity that shook her soul.
Frightened and scared Sey found herself breathing heavily. Her mouth opened at first, but nothing came out. Lightly, she shut her eyes to regain some confidence to speak. Breathing unsteadily, she hesitantly opened her eyes.
"There was no plan," she replied hoarsely.
He frowned at her. Irritation filled his eyes. "Why you-"
"You know as much as I know," Sey cut in. "If Kyp and I had planned this whole thing, sure as a Hutt's uncle I wouldn't be here with you right now!" Her eyes widened at the sound of her last words. Her hand rushed to her lips. Zengi stepped back at the sting of her words.
Blinking back into focus, Zengi eyed her. His toleration for her little outbursts was about to burst once again. He began to raise his implanted clawed hand.
Sey saw what he was doing and turned her face to the side, squeezing her eyes closed to block the blow. Her hair swished to the side, her revealing the three scars on her cheek for nothing but a moment.
Instead of following through with his blow, Zengi stopped and saw her face. Worry filled his eyes and the Force around them. He grabbed her gently. "What happened to your face?"
Still tense, Sey opened one eye, then the other. "A little gift you gave me for my sixteenth birthday. don't you remember?"
The dark leader shook his head in disagreement. "No, that's not what I meant. The wounds, they've been reopened." Without thinking, Zengi brought up his real hand to examine her face. Sey's mouth dropped in disbelief at his touch. At it's softness and care. Had he not just raised his own claw at her? To punish her?
He breathed. "Who did this to you?"
Her eyes wavered. "I don't remember." Her voice got softer. "What does it matter anyway? You don't care." With that she turned back to look at the star-less sky.
"But I do care, and I care cause I love you."
"Love me?" she spat out.
"Yes, you and I will be married under the moon tomorrow."
"What?" Her eyes filled with fear. "I never gave you my consent!"
His green eyes bore into her. "Like I need your consent to have you. I already asked you before, and that didn't work."
"But you can't just-"
Zengi cut her off with a smirk on his face. "Just watch me."
"Pardon my interruption, sir."
Zengi jerked around and saw Perfect Shui standing there. "Why are you in here?"
Sey's heart leaped. The Yuuzhan Vong's timing had been perfect. Shivers preceded to shake her, but the intrusion stopped the further discussion. She was not ready for marriage. Not ready for Zen. Hope seemed to dim, to fade every day, and keeping faith was becoming harder and harder.
Bowing on one knee and eyes cast to the ground, arm crossed over his chest, Feng spoke. "Forgive me, Agent. But the Supreme Cleric has requested your audience immediately."
Narrowing his eyes, Zengi excused the Perfect. "I'll be done in a minute. Let me finish."
"I am afraid your presence is vital now, milord."
"Fine." He turned toward the shaking female. Leaning closer towards her, he searched her eyes. "I will be back."
"Who said I wanted to marry you?" Inside, Sey felt violated. Her hands were at her side and she stood erect waiting for his response.
Touching her shoulder, his hand went up to her cheek and pulled her into his lips. His feelings and action filled her with domination. He totally surprised her by it. Zen pulled back before she could react. "Your thoughts told me."
Her heart sank as she watched the dark robed man followed Feng to exit her room.
How could he possible been able to hear her thoughts? Had she not cloaked herself in levels and levels of Force shields? Even with glitter stem, it was not possible. *I was resisting too much! He could not have possibly heard me, unless. *
Jaw dropped open, Sey found herself reaching for her necklace and remembered it was not there. It had been taken from her. Her legs fell out from under her. Slowly she lowered herself to the ground, shaking.
~
"You are late." Kineel's words echoed in the dark chamber.
Hesitantly, the young Yuuzhan Vong entered. Her head was lowered. She felt small and worthless again. "Forgive me."
"You can make it up for your tardiness later. Here." He handed her a tiny orb the size of thumb. It's pink velvet surface dropped into Laque's bag, which she held open. "Be sure this gets to the chest. I will not be back for a few days because of business matters. Now leave me."
With a slight nod, Laque rushed out of the room hastily. Swift with grace, she made her way down a long extensive hallway. At the very end of the hall, a lone door stood. A metal panel to the left sat. Looking to both sides, she saw no one in the corridor. Her hand went to her hip and back up to the panel.
The door opened.
~
A warm body dropped beside the tore woman. Arms wrapped themselves around her kindly. They rocked her quietly, calming her fears down.
"Don't fear." A little voice cooed. The command was comforting.
"Who are you," Sey mumbled under her breath. All of her energy was gone. To talk even tired her weak body.
"Shhh. don't talk. A friend of yours sent me."
Part six ~ Stigmatized (the calling)
Feet pounded down the long hallway towards the tiny single window room. Dark eyes darted to both sides looking for on lookers. He was not suppose to be here, but something called him too. Something he could not explain.
A long hand fell upon the panel of her room. It opened and he stepped in, closing behind him. He stared in shock at the scene before him.
"Laque?"
The young female darted her head up at his voice. "Feng! W-what are you doing here?"
"Forget that." He fell down on his knees, grabbing Starrider's hand. She groaned at his touch. "How bad is she?"
"I don't know. I need to get her out of here."
Feng stared at her. "Come again?"
"She can't stay here. To marry such a creature of wrath? I cannot bare another being to be scorned such as I have." The words slipped her lips without her knowledge. The blue Yuuzhan Vong gathered herself from the ground, picking up a pouch, tying it back around her waist. She felt her brother's eyes watching her.
Laque glanced at him seeing the rage that filled his face. "Who has done such a thing to you?"
"Don't worry about it. Our main concern now is S-"
"Tell me!"
"Feng, stop. Please. Not now."
"If I am to escape with the very being that I adore and be charged for treason, I want no regrets left behind." He paused waiting for her answer, but none came. "Laque, whoever it is, I will take care of. Who is your master?"
Dread covered her face. "Kineel."
"Leave this place."
Laque pressed her lips together. "What are you going to do?"
"Nothing yet." He picked up Starrider, lifting her into Laque's arms. "Take her. I promise, I'll be right behind you."
She nodded. With an instant, she was out the door. Feng stood there for a moment preparing him for what he was about to do. He had to do it. That was no question. Taking in a deep breath, he started towards Kineel's temporary chambers.
~
Her feet had pounded the ground for what seemed like hours. She heard the faint distant sound of a baby's cry and her heart leaped. She was so close. A spiral of energy surged through her. Laque had to hurry.
Dashing through the foliage, a few of the plants clawed at her, catching her at the ankles, but she continued onward. Finally, she reached the valve door. It opened at her command, and she slipped inside. It gurgled behind her as it shut.
Kyp held a whimpering child, singing sweetly the same enchanting melody as she had heard him sing before at the lake. The child's cries were now louder, but the commotion of her entrance had startled the two.
The Jedi Master gapped in shock. "Y-you got her!"
Laque simply nodded and headed toward the aijso. Gently she laid the human girl on her side. Kyp could feel the life force in Starrider begin to fade quickly.
"Take Rel." Laque did as she was told and cradled the infant taking the bottle of poi milk from the man's other hand.
Disregarding his black cloak, Kyp let it fall to the ground not thinking much about it. His hands hovered just over her body and he felt it. The wounds from the couffee blows he had left her to bear.
A shudder ran down his back. She had sacrificed so much. Working fast, Kyp, noticing no physical harm to her front, turned her on her stomach. He took a hold of the black organic material on her back and pulled. It would not rip. Letting go, he noticed something wet and slimy on his hands.
Blood dripped from his fingers.
"Laque, I need a knife. something, something sharp."
Before he knew it, she handed him a hand blade used for combat. To his surprise, it was metal. Not worrying about that matter now, he used it and cut a hole in the cloth. Putting the knife down, Kyp began to rip off the material. Her entire back was cut up badly, still bleeding. He could tell that the material must have grown back, covering where the whips had hit her.
He worked with care for the next hour cleaning her wounds and fixing them up. They were red and clearly swollen, but infection had not plagued the welts upon her back.
One wound in particular slashed diagonally on her back digging in deep. Gradually, Kyp closed the gash, sealing it with some tree sap that Laque had brought in from outside.
The process was slow. Minutes passed into hours until he had medicated every part of her back. When he was finished, Kyp got up from his knees and washed his hands off in a bowl of fresh rainwater. He was only gone from the unconscious female for a minute.
He could not believe that Laque had managed to get her out of the place.
"Thank you." The Jedi Master whispered under his breath. In his hands, he held one of Starrider's, stroking it softly as if coaxing her to awake.
Laque watched, saddened. Reliance was asleep in her arms now. Tearing her eyes from the scene, the Yuuzhan Vong nodded towards the floor. "You're welcome." Why she felt sad by seeing Durron this way, she did not know. She did note know anything about emotions but anger and forgiveness. Was this what some called jealousy?
"She will be alright, Laque. Because of you. Seyla is free." His voice called out to her.
"You grant me with more credit than I deserve. I was not the only one in her rescue."
Kyp glanced around, looking at the shapely female. She was turned toward the membrane window. Her eyes constantly watching, waiting for something he did not know of.
He kept his green eyes on her as he spoke. "Who else helped you?"
She did not answer right away. In fact, she would not have answered at all, but Laque felt his concern. "Perfect Feng Shui; my brother."
He gapped in horror. There was no way in the universe that this Vong beauty could have been related to such a murderer. Once, long ago, Kyp had believed himself that every Yuuzhan Vong was such as Shui. Two years from their point of view of the war had changed his view and gave him a new knowledge. Not all Vong were bad, but how could two siblings both have fallen so far apart from one another.
"He was not always this way," Laque spoke smoothly. "The day I was proclaimed Shamed, he did not speak to me for years. I had tried to keep it away from others and only told him of my. insights. However, it slipped from him and I was condemned. Feng felt as if it was his fault even though I never was mad at him." She paused. "Finally, he starts to believe in the prophecies that I have."
Footsteps came up from behind her, but she continued.
"They come to me. in tremors. It is as if they implant themselves in a tune that can never be erased from my mind. I have been cursed with them," Laque remarked ashamed.
"You are not cursed." His hand came down on her left shoulder. "You are blessed. The strength and power around you. don't let the remarks of the Union blind you like they did me."
"They never had," another voice entered the conversation. It was deep. Both Kyp and Laque turned from the window toward a tall perfect. Kyp could feel Laque's relief lift her shoulders at the sight of her brother. Even after Kyp took the child in his arms, she made no attempted to embrace her sibling.
Feng's eyes locked in with his sister's. "She is as stubborn, if not more than I. One of her strengths is making you believe absolutely everything she tells you." He laughed, and Kyp stared back at Laque who smiled back.
Kyp wanted to question her more on what parts she had been making up, but thought to do so another time.
After the laughing ceased, Feng spoke up. "We better set off. There is no doubt that Fin'h already suspects us."
Without another word, the three began to pack hurriedly. It took a trifle to gather everything of absolute need, but with everyone's cooperation, they were ready in a few minutes. Though, with Reliance, more supplies were needed. Along with a few aseptics for Seyla.
Feng carried Seyla careful, who was wrapped up in Kyp's cloak. Kyp held Reliance along with a bag on his back. They left out the valve door quickly, but Laque did not follow right away. She told them she would catch up.
Waiting until they were out of the house, she went towards the back bedroom. Quickly, Laque moved to the closet. Falling to her knees, her slender hands found the secret compartment where she kept a small pouch of things. She tied it too her waist. One lone bubble capsule lay inside the hole.
Grasping its cool smooth surface, Laque looked at her oblong reflection. She had waited so long...
Laque was out of the house before the orb detonated, and the entire shelter was consumed with iridescent flames of violet.
~
It was night now. One could barely see the stars overhead for the canopy covered the sky. They had stopped running for about an hour. Now all were asleep except for Kyp.
He was sitting against a tree watching the small fire they had managed to make. Whispers of the nocturnal creatures of the forest filled his ears in a quiet lullaby. Besides the fact he could not sleep, he had offered to stay awake to watch.
Memories began to flood his mind as he watched the flames dance in the darkness. Smoke followed the orange and red flames that leaped up into the air.
*So now, * he thought to himself. *I know who I am. *
Suddenly, exhaustion over came him. Maybe if he shut his eyes for a few minutes.
~
A crackling popped in her tender ears. Her eyelids fluttered open and the blazing fire.
Disoriented, Sey sat up and scanned the area. Squinting in the firelight, she could make out the sleeping figure of two Yuuzhan Vong, one held the sleeping Skywalker child. Her heart leaped. Jolting up, she supported herself with one of her hands touching the soft mossy earth.
She was lying on the ground and something covered her. Pulling the cloth closer to her face, she felt the texture as she tried to make out what it was. Sey blinked confused for a moment, and then felt his presence beside her. Twisting her head to her left, Durron sat against a tree, eyes closed.
Then everything made sense.
They had freed her.
Emotion welded up inside, but the feelings would not come out. Looking behind her, Sey noticed a lagoon a hundred feet away. The foliage parted as the water met the shore. Faintly, she could see the stars twinkling.
Before parting the group, she made sure all were sleeping.
Her feet soundlessly made their way toward the waters edge. A soft breeze blew along as she slide to the ground, Kyp's cloak still wrapped around her body.
The landscape filled her eyes examining every detail of what lay beyond. The more she studied its endless creases and colors, even in the pale moonlight, Sey fought from thinking.
It was the last thing she wanted to do now. Yet, the same question echoed through her mind, was there any such thing as peace anymore?
The wind chilled and the brown-haired lady found herself wrapping the cloak around her tighter. Her head fell on her knees. It just was not fair.
A twig snapped.
Jolting up, a gentle hand calmed her from getting up. "Don't get up, it's me."
A shudder ran down her spine at his voice. She did not speak as Kyp took a seat beside her.
"You ok?"
"I thought you were sleeping," she mumbled.
"Halfway," he replied. Sey opened her mouth to apologize, but Kyp stopped her. "You did not wake me."
A hush filled what space was between them.
"Please tell me."
Sey turned toward Kyp and frowned. "What?"
"Tell me what you're thinking."
"You. how. me." her voice trailed to almost nothing, but she was not finished. "Why?" Water filled her eyes now.
Reaching out, Kyp wiped the tears from her face. "You're the one who brought me back. I do not know how. but when they were beating you, I could not bare it. I would have done anything for you at that moment, and I knew all you wanted was Reliance out of there." He breathed. "After, how could you possibly think I would leave you there."
"I didn't think. I had no clue what you had done. I could only h-" Tears stole her voice away, and finally she began to sob.
Kyp's heart tore, but he wrapped his arm around her and held her closely as she wept. "Hey." he soothed.
"Kyp, he was going to marry me if you had not tried to get me out of there." Sey spoke in between breaths and tears. "I don't want him."
"It's alright. He will not have you. I swear it." The Jedi Master vowed.
Sey cried more until she could not any longer.
For a few hours, she lay in his arms, letting the reality sink in. Every so often she would speak, then Kyp, but never in conversation. There was nothing to be said, only listened too.
"It'll be dawn soon." Kyp echoed softly.
"Mmmm.. I haven't seen the sun rise since I left home."
They waited. Her head in his lap and his arms wrapped around her. Just as the sun peeked up over the treetops, Sey smiled at its bright glow and let her eyelids flutter shut. Kyp looked down at her as he felt her slip into her subconscious. A lone tear fell down her cheek. Nevertheless, he left it there. It was one of simple joy and he would never take that away from her again.
Seconds later, he joined her in his dreams.
~
Laque was already awake when Reliance began to whimper. She sat upright and situated the child in on arm and lap; using the other to reach for the poi milk bottle. Once he got the liquid in his mouth, he was silent.
A warm smile spread on her face. *What a peaceful way for a mother and child to get to know one another. * She thought.
Maybe that is why the higher had the others raise young in a world ship. Only the strong survived the tests. Only few could be mothers. Every path was chosen for them already. How she loathed their stupid True Way. It made no sense if one thought about it. Yet, with the biotechnology they had been creating lately, thinking such things was asking for a cleansing.
"Where is Durron and Sey?" A thick voice asked.
Looking up, Laque saw her brother awake and alert. She did not see the two where they had been before. A part in the trees held a pathway to the water. For some reason she looked further and narrowed her eyes to focus.
A pang shot in her heart, when she saw at the waters edge Kyp holding the girl. Tearing her eyes from the sight, Laque turned to her brother. "Down there. The lake, but don't g."
Too late. He was already heading over to them.
~
Warmth left her body, and Sey stirred awake noticing the sun's rays were blocked by a tall figure standing over her. She could not move but as her eyes adjusted to the light, she saw it was Feng.
Slowly, she pushed herself up and noticed she was lying on someone else. Then she remembered, but Feng was walking away.
Crawling off Kyp, Sey stood up and started towards him. Kyp's cloak slid from her body. She did not try to catch it.
"Feng, wait." she called out. Following him back to the campfire, she did not see him, but noticed Laque feeding Reliance. Both female's eyes met. Sadness filled hers. "I didn't do anything. He was only being a friend. We are not anything. We're not."
Compassion hastened to the other female's eyes. "It's ok. I believe, my brother has feelings for others. He himself does not know how to show them."
For a moment, both of them stared at one another saying nothing. Then Sey blinked. "I'm sorry," she whispered under her breath.
Laque frowned. "About what?"
"I was not thinking about any one else over there."
"Did you do it intentionally?"
"No, I passed out in his arms crying."
Relief filled the other and she nodded as a faint smile crossed her face. "Then don't worry. You did not do a thing. Assumption from us was not your fault." Standing up, Laque handed the now sleeping child to Sey. "I'll make something to eat before we leave."
Nodding, Sey did not say a word. It was in God's hands now. Whatever was to happen. she only prayed she had the strength to face.
Part seven ~ The Right Time (jake)
The door shut behind her. Leaning her head up, Jaina let out a long sigh. Everything was coming on her too quickly. Since the war, she made sure that she did not take life for granted; to live second by second, for a lot could happen in a minute.
Even so, all she could think about was Jag Fel. They had been together for a long time, but since her recovery, the war had put their relationship on almost a stand still. Now with her brother back and more mature, she could feel his watchful eyes on her. Ae`lina on the other hand, was sure enough going to play matchmaker.
Starting down the hall, Jaina walked slowly to her quarters. Her eyes were staring outside the window to the frostbiting cold outside. All she wanted was some time alone with Jag. Just to talk and sort things out.
White specks began to fall from the sky. Her feet stopped and Jaina approached the window to get a closer look.
"Something the matter Major?" a mechanical voice asked.
Her hand extended to the Plexiglas as she tried to feel the white dust. Instead, it hit the window, and her focus turned to her reflection. Her hair was longer now, hanging on her shoulders.
"Major?"
Zoning back into the present, Jaina spoke. "Could you tell me what's falling outside?"
"Why it's snow, miss. It is wintertime, and the first snowfall this early. I predict that the yearly storms will be bad this time." Mechanical gears shifted and the droid began to go on its way.
Jolting from the window, Jaina hurried to the droid. "Bad? How bad?"
The silver droid tilted its head like C3-PO usually did whenever she asked a stupid question. Obviously, bad was hardly a word to describe it.
"Usually, all flying off or on this planet is restricted."
Her eyes widened. "Restricted? W-what about military units?"
"Simply put, Major, there is no possible way to get off planet. It's too dangerous and impossible."
Color drained from Jaina's face. "Thank you," she said to the droid.
"Your most welcome, Major Solo." With that, the silver droid rolled on its way.
Running her fingers through her hair, Jaina tried to think. So much for private time with Jag. Gradually, her hand grabbed onto her comlink then thought better of it.
To her left a door stood leading outdoors. Something beckoned her to go through it. Glancing down both sides of the hall, she saw no one coming. Her hand fell across the access panel and the door opened with the casual [i]whoosh[/i].
[color=red][b]To Be Continued. mwwwwwwhahahahahahahhhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!![/b][/color]
When I Finished it ~ January 1, 2003
Why I Wrote it ~ To finish the story, and for those of you who are just bored waiting for the major authors to finish with the next novel. DURN!
Shocked? ~ Well I am. when I had started writing this I concluded that I would write probably only one section, possible two at the max, now I'm on Section 5. who knows what's going to happen next. I do not plan any of this, I only let my fingers and imagination let go on my stories. I do not even know what I wrote until I read it over.
Note ~ Forceful Betrayals originally was created in order for me to vent my feelings and add myself in the Star Wars, and yes I do see a lot of myself in Starrider, but the real reason why I created this fiction was cause I needed to see someone else go through problems like I am today, though they may be different, they both have the same emotional distraught and hurt that comes along with problems. Now I continue the story to not end it, but carry on the story of the struggling captive and now, Skywalker child and the rest of the gang.
Note2: One has no idea after reading these NJO books, how hard it is not to type Ben instead of Reliance! AH!
Spoilers ~ YEAH A LOT!!! I finally found out what a spoiler was.Laters!
Rating ~ PG-13
Thanks2 ~ I would like to thank not only George Lucas and friends for creating this vast universe, but to all my friends; Mayo Solo for continuing to keep in contact with me and reading my fictions and pressing me to finish this section, and for all of my friends who asked me what I was doing. for putting up with my really long summery. I would also like to dedicate this fiction to all those victims to the Terrorist Attack on America. Pray and we will make it through. The attack has significance in my fiction causing me to write in more depth though I wish that the attack never had taken place.
Warning ~ Some of these characters in this fan fiction are the creations of George Lucas and the other authors that help him continue on the stories of these wonderful heroes and heroines. However, Amithyst Blade would like to take credit for the ones she created, which are listed below: Seyla Starrider, Enoil Shai, Lydia Ebony, Zengi Fin'h, Seth Midori, Ian and Ae`lina Lopez, Harmony Srov, Feng Shui, *Kineel Len, *Laque Shui, Re`quii, Reliance Skywalker, Ku Yonghai, Tune Srov and his wife.
Copyright 2003 of Sey ~ Story credit to the authors. Credit of creating already known characters in Star Wars to George Lucas and friends.
Time ~ Well, right after Forceful Betrayals: Section 4 of course.
Description ~ Just read it already!!!
Part one ~ Hide Their Eyes (phat chance)
From a short distance, guarding the executor and the Supreme Cleric, Perfect Feng saw Nom Anor eye the ngdins plump and full of the Jedi woman's blood as he licked his lips his stomach growled in hunger. The executor and everyone around him would feast on the liquid right after the witnesses had taken the first drink.
Turning his head slightly, Feng saw Starrider. She stood before the Supreme Cleric with Kyp Durron along her side. The two were dressed in total midnight colors. Starrider's hair was now painfully braided on her head. The garment, which she wore was extremely tight and form fitting revealing her tall and now shapely figure. His eyes studied her, taking her in, but when he got to her eyes, he saw hopelessness in them that he had never seen before. Even after eight full moons, Feng had not made an effort to talk to what the others referred to as Star; for three reasons. One, she constantly would not conform to any of the ancient beliefs of Yun-Yuuzhan, two she was like a burning sun that constantly frayed and created questions about what the Yuuzhan Vong were teaching, and third, it was a short difficulty of whom she was and her domain.
Feng persistently kept a secret eye on her, watching her every move. The strange thing about her, she never planned anything she said, and like the ex-Jedi now Apprentice Durron, meditated two times each day, sometimes more. Strangely, his mind began to think of her increasingly daily, but he forbade that feeling, knowing what heresy he would get himself into. It would mean death, and he could not afford to do that to his domain. From a long line of armament Perfects, he would have been chosen as to defend of the Higher Few, and might have been able to protect the High Lord Shimmera himself if he hadn't conversed with a Shamed One.
From the single conversation, he was never to see the glory and honor to be in the presence with one of the Higher Few. Yet, in a way he was glad that the pain had not been placed on him. After that night of talking with the Shamed One, he found a new truth that contradicted everything that was ever taught to him, but somehow it fit.
Disguarding the thoughts, he focused his attention on what would be another proof to the new truth.
~
Sey and Kyp reached the alter. In the center of it was a small pool that was the color of night but a hue of red reflected in the organic light. The only other beings there were Eminent Perfect Kineel Len, Ku Yonghai, Nom Anor, and a few other unrecognizable faces. Warmaster Tsavong Lah stood next to Ku Yonghai wearing a menacing clad of living armor that resembled something one would see in a horror Holo.
Finally, her eyes saw him. Cuddled closely, yet fatally in the arms of Re`quii. He was still wrapped in the blankets as before. His eyes were halfway closed, but through the Force, she knew he was awake.
Taking her eyes off the young Skywalker child, something cause her knees to buckle making her fall to the ground before the Yuuzhan Vong. Something unseen kicked her back in the legs, causing her muscles to give out underneath her. Her defenses went up and she blocked herself from everything. *Don't you ever touch me like that again, Durron! *
*Then pay attention. *
His words brought her back into what was really happening. There was no use worrying, but she had to think of something, but what?
~
"Yun-Yuuzhan, ew reffo uoy eseht ngdins lluf fo eht hctrew, Mara Jade Skywalker's, doolb. Ekat eht owt namuh sledifni dna wohs meht tahw niap si... tahw uoy evah decifircas dnda tahw uoy era. Wohs meht eht niap fo tahw yeht llac efil."
("Yun-Yuuzhan, we offer you these ngdins full of the wretch, Mara Jade Skywalker's, blood. Take the two human infidels and show them what pain is. what you have sacrificed and what you are. Show them the pain of what they call life.")
With that, Supreme Cleric Ku Yonghai raised his hands.
~ Taking the moment, Sey charged at the Yuuzhan Vong standing before her. Every word he spoke scarred her deeply. She knew what he was saying, what he was praying to and for. The evilness had begun to drown her but she couldn't let it go on, even if it meant her death.
Her tackle knocked them both to the ground, but only Yonghai slammed to the floor in total surprise. Using all her strength, she struggled to keep him down, but she knew she couldn't keep him there forever.
~
Every being around was shocked, but Tsavong Lah and the Perfects that had been present, all prepared to attack her. The Warmaster motioned for one of the Perfects to get her off the Cleric.
*What are you doing, Starrider? * Kyp echoed at her.
However, just as she was about to answer, he saw out of the corner of his eye Skywalker's child screaming. The sound was heart wrenching and, Kyp thought, the most horrible cry of agony he had ever heard.
Then something in him clicked.
It happened so fast. Not even, he could have anticipated what he was doing. Whatever had happened, Reliance was in his arms and he was running.
~
"Teg ffo won, Star! Teg ffo!" When Starrider wouldn't get off Yonghai, Eminent Perfect Kineel couldn't take it anymore. Pulling out his organic whip, he slashed the female human's back and a cry left her lips.
*The blissful cry of pain *, he thought savoring her screams.
Rolling of the priest, tears began to taint her cheeks. Though defeat had mastered her this time, she knew Reliance and Kyp were safe, at least for the moment, but as for her, she was in danger.
Something smacked hard against her side once again, leaving behind a horrible pang and soreness. She had felt that sting before, but only through the Force link she had with Jacen, they had shared before he had been killed. Seyla never realized the magnitude of agony he went through during his last moments, never imagined him going through this.
Warmness began to take hold of her body as something sticky seeped from her body onto the ground.
Faintly she heard an old familiar voice she hadn't heard and wished she never had in months. "I'll dispose of her, Supreme Cleric. The infidel needs to be taught a lesson." His hideous voice replied. Seyla did not need to open her eyes to discern whose lips the words came from.
*If only we had met under different circumstances, maybe. * her thought shocked her but was cut off by the pain that screamed through her body.
"No, Fin'h." Yonghai protested. Sey could hear others assisting the Supreme Cleric back upon his feet. She groaned in pain as he continued. "You must stay here to celebrate the Rite. The ceremony will continue, as the gods have already ordered that we mark this day with such a glorious event. Durron and the Skywalker child can't run forever, as for the wife of Skywalker tried so but perished. The gods will allow their capture in good time. As for this witch." the high priest glanced around the room at the Perfects. Finally, he made his selection. "Perfect Feng, I want you to keep watch over this being. I believe she has endured enough honor for today."
Feng threw his arm across his chest in salute, and then bowed low before the priest in respect. "As the gods wish, Supreme Cleric." With that, he lifted Seyla from the bloodied ground.
She couldn't feel his arms wrap themselves around her since her back was numb from the welt on her back, but she did feel something strangely and shockingly comforting with his being ever so close to her before she lost sense of where she was.
~
Dropping Starrider on the nefarious hover bed that was in her quarters, he gazed down at her in disbelief. She was only a mere human, female to make the factors worse, and she had attacked the highest priest.
The Yuuzhan Vong Perfect shook his head. He knew he would never be able to understand human beings and their strange ways, especially her.
"Feng?" a small voice asked for his attention behind him. Turning around, Feng saw a small smooth Yuuzhan Vong female holding a tray of revival medics and fresh foods. The female could be no more than seventeen standard years old, but he knew for a fact she still had put on enough hardship to cleanse an entire fleet. "What are you doing here, Laque domain Shui?"
Keeping her eyes cast to the ground, she answered softly, though loud and clear enough for Feng to hear her. "I've brought the human some ointments of healing and you some food." With that, she placed the tray on the nightstand beside the bed, and then got on one knee awaiting her further orders.
Ignoring the female, Feng looked back at Starrider for a few silent moments. "You candidly believe this infidel will save you and the other Shamed Ones?" His tone meant nothing of mockery instead total seriousness.
"I do, Perfect."
"Tell me the story again; the prophecy."
Though she had been blessed by the gods with the gift to create and interpret prophecies, her skin had betrayed her when she had been rewarded with the scars, her body rejected. Shunned by the deformation chemical that cursed her body, Laque was thus cursed to be a Shamed One, living in constant exile and persecution. Now she had interpreted a new more vast prophecy that now all the Shamed Ones scattered across the universe knew very well.
Excitement shuddered through Laque's heart. She knew deep down inside her brother wanted to believe in the prophecy, but he wasn't easily impressed by whimsical predictions. He too had been cursed by the gods with the chemical that took away scars, yet he had been more fortunate to not have his body reject the tattoos.
Smiling, Laque told the prophecy she had heard a million times, and now recited the prophecy in its ancient flowing form.
"Upon thee night, when thy friend is killed A human girl will rise against her will. Cursed with a form of smoothness that's rare, Graced by the four scars hidden by her hair With crystal blue eyes of a placid sea She will come, cry and flee Try and try, she won't get away From the one deemed as Agent She has been condemned to stay. Kidnapped, imprisoned, cursed and shattered Her body be bruised and her soul be battered Her heart and hope shall still shine through Holding up a Light of the deepest blue Darkness may storm And thy eye of calm but be forlorn Lives will be lost to thou this day Peoples of forsaken Beings of the same struggle and try Some will get away But fret not, will thou be If all scarred stand against thee Battles be bloody Tears be scarce In ye end she won't be theirs. Born from somewhere far off From the same galaxy were thou come from Her domain will parish in the same state Her heart will never know what has become of late. Then again will she fall for another Against his heart he won't shudder Deny thou will, but love will keep His heart so pure To thy virgin thou beat No longer tears will scorn thy eyes Blooming into love, neither despise. Love thou deep Love shall grow Our lives will love be over flown Love one God Instead of more Intent on each other's need Will thou show other's thy creed."
When she ended, she shrank up again, almost as she were folding herself, protecting the prophecy was the only thing keeping her from crumbling inside herself. Silence filled the quarters as Laque waited for her dismissal.
Feng didn't spare her a glace, though every word she spoke seemed to reflect on his own life, but his refused to believe in such nonsense. "You believe in profanation, all forms of heresy itself. Blasphemy is everything you believe in as well as this wretch who sleeps on. Get out, Shamed One." In his voice, Laque could hear anger, but at the same time his soul slowly understanding that Sey may be the one to lead them out of the condemnation. "Leave Laque. Next time you come near me, I'll surely order you a cleansing."
With that, Laque scurried out of the room.
Glancing over at the female human, Feng clenched his fist. Why did she have to invade his every thought? It was hard enough ignoring her in his mind, but having to keep close watch over her was more than a challenge, it was torture.
Torture of what could never be.
Part two ~ Chained to You (Savage Garden)
Kineel Len bowed before the Supreme Cleric. It was the middle of the night and never had any high official called another being from their sleeping chambers at this time, but Kineel did not argue with the fact. He knew his place and it was not his to question.
"Eminent Perfect Kineel Len, the gods have told me that they are very pleased with you, and so am I." He paused a moment as he came closer. "Stand up and look on me."
Kineel did as he was told and saw the Supreme Cleric. It was not the first time he had seen the decorative and honorably scarred face of the priest. "An honor."
"Not the only one you have been deemed to receive." Kineel raised where there would have been an eyebrow, but did not interrupt. "You displayed such quick assessment and ability at what happened tonight. At first, I was against what the gods have willed to be yours, but now my doubts are no more. Your technique's in breaking are known and have been known to crumble even the most stubborn of Jeedai."
"What infidel does the gods want me to shatter? Whomever it is I know I w-"
"Don't be so sure, Kineel. The Jeedai they have called to be broken is Star."
Kineel opened his frayed mouth to continue his statement before but was cut short. "Star?" he repeated with a hunger that had been starving inside of him. The only thing that had been keeping his desires at bay had been the strict order that no one was to touch the infidel. Cruelly he smiled, but a thought came to his mind. "What about Agent Fin'h? I was lead to believe that he had her under control."
The Supreme Cleric shook his head in disapproval. "The human has committed quite faithfully to the gods and the True Way and he does have things under control, as you say, but I am not asking, nor are the gods asking you that you should break her of intimate sorts. Just. taunt her, scare her. Do whatever you must but under no condition must Fin'h know about it."
His lust rose but Kineel refused to let it show. "Understood, milord."
"You are dismissed."
~
Morning.
Pain surged through entire body like fire. Her eyes reluctantly opened. At first, she had not the faintest idea where she was, but she never did. Memories flooded back into her mind unwillingly and she remembered what had transpired that night before.
"I must admit that was nice." Kineel whispered into the air.
Laque's heart felt disgusted. A slave to the Eminent Perfect, she had managed to visit her brother before he came back to his chambers to find her gone.
She shuddered. If she had not gotten back in time the Laque knew definitely she would not have awakened this very morning.
He moved off his back and leaned forward to give her a long immodest kiss. Pulling up off her he smiled heartlessly into her eyes. "I'll be back early tonight," he beamed at her before crawling off the aijso and left the sleeping quarters to herself.
"Pervert," she mumbled under her breath. She darted out of the bed and to bathe off all the dirtiness he forced her to do the night before. Tainted with his sick cravings, Laque first had been scarred by his ways three years earlier. Since then, he never let her out of his sight, or out of his hands.
Sliding on her robes, she quickly combed her fingers through her hair and walked towards the valve door. Setting her hand on the gel panel the valve turned an eerie red then opened swiftly. Laque strolled out of the living hut. Kineel had asked specifically for a living place so he could have some peace and quiet to contemplate with the gods.
Hardly the truth.
Deep inside, she knew the only true reason he had asked for chambers in the center of the forest had been to quiet her screams and keep her away from her brother. If her brother had found out what Kineel was doing with her, no she could not ask such a favor from Feng. He had already sacrificed his chance to ever become the Eminent Perfect, all because she wanted to tell him of the prophecy. She could not ask him to give up his life for her. It was just too much. Laque knew Feng would kill Kineel for what he was doing to her, but after that it would only gain him the same title as herself, and she could not do that to her brother. Her brother had worked so hard, ultimately harder than Kineel and deserved his title ten times more than him.
Hiking though the hidden trail of the forest, Laque begged her mind to forget the subject all together and finally came to the lake. Looking around to see if any was near she saw only a small prey bird flying across the lake.
Walking out into the open, Laque put her hands up on her chest and began to undo her robes. Nearly disguarding them completely off her body her hands wrapped the garments back around her skin when as she heard a soft snap of a twig. Dropping to the ground, she hid behind a bush and saw the second human to conform to the so-called True Ways.
Something by the way he strolled, Laque sensed a new found wisdom and serenity from the ex-Jedi. Silently she waited quietly for Durron to do something.
Part three ~ Lying to Myself (Ben Glover)
Kyp held Reliance closely to his chest. The newborn was wrapped up in blankets and the front of his cloak. At the water's edge, the Jedi began humming a tranquil melody he remembered faintly that his mother used to sing. Humming the few bars, he remembered what it was like before the Yuuzhan Vong came into the galaxy, before it all had happened. He remembered how it all started, as did every war. It always started with politics then it led to bloodshed. It always broke his heart.
*One year, * he thought to himself as he stared at Reliance. *It has nearly been one year since the fall of the New Republic. *
"What are we going to do now, Rel?" he asked the sleeping infant in his arms. The child had not been fed for three hours and he could feel his tummy growl for food. Kyp continued to hum the song to comfort not just the child but himself.
He hated what he had become. Hated what blood was stained on his hands. Hated the fact he had turned from the light to this. And why? Kyp could have blamed Harmony, the Vor/human he had met in contact with, for his turning but he knew inside it was not the truth.
"I'm so sorry."
Kyp dropped down onto his knees and began to weep, holding the child close to him. Tears began to fall from his cheeks. It was all his fault. Because of him, Rel would never know his mother. Never hear the stories she had of his father be told to him. Of the famous farm boy hero that saved the galaxy. Of how they both met each other and how she nearly died of a fatal unknown disease and lived through it, in turn saving his life as well.
How could he have let things get so far out of hand? How could he have tossed everyone's feelings aside like nothing?
Something warm touched his arm. Tender and kind the touch seemed to suck away all his fears for protecting the Skywalker child. He did not look up as the stranger spoke to him in a small yet soothing voice. "You care for the human infant. Underneath that entire mysterious demeanor, you really care."
The peaceful voice helped him to his feet. Again, she spoke, but this time he turned his head up to see whom it was. "My dwelling is not far from here. You look tired and worn out. There is food and plenty of fresh water." Then she tore her eyes from his and dropped her arms to her side, remembering who both of them were. "I mean you no disrespect, Apprentice."
Blinking at her comment, Kyp felt worse than he had before. He had sunken so low now Yuuzhan Vong trembled to be near him. She offered food and shelter, if not just for a while, she had. Not wanting to loss the chance, Kyp kept his feelings as best he could to himself. "Your help is appreciated."
Smiling, she turned around and began to weaver her way into the thick forest vegetation to a secluded and very well hidden domicile. Once inside the dwelling, he saw it was larger than he expected.
Standing in the central room, the ceiling itself was three times as high than himself. It surprised him that a female Yuuzhan Vong would have such accommodations, not that he was against it, but it was very unnatural to the Vong culture to do so.
"Please, sit. There is an aijso in the corner. You may lay the infant there. I'll go and find some fresh blankets." With that she hurried off into another room, then came back just as he laid Reliance on the sponge couch.
She gently lay the blankets on the child, careful not to wake him. For the first time, Kyp noticed her skin. "You have no scars?" the words fell from his lips before he could stop them.
"Yes, I do. But not the kind you'd expect on a Yuuzhan Vong," her answer was barely a whisper.
Frowning he heard the desperation in her voice. "What's your name?"
"I am a Shamed One. My name means nothing."
"It may mean nothing to you, but it does to me. What's your name?" he added with more persistence.
"Laque."
Taking in a deep breath, he started to pray. Actually, thinking that he was doing such a thing made him chuckle inside. Praying to anyone or anything would have been the last thing in the universe Kyp would have thought he would be doing now, but he did. He needed whatever aid he could get for what he was going to ask could mean life or death for both him and Reliance. "I need your help Laque."
"Whatever you need, I shall give. You are the Apprentice a-"
Putting his hand to her lips, he cut her sentence off. "No, listen. I no longer hold that title, nor do I want to. Promise me you won't tell a soul what I am going to tell you now."
Laque nodded and began to listen.
~
Her body felt so bruised, so grimy. Her heart ached to stop the constant fighting, the constant struggle to hope for another day, for the day when peace would bloom throughout the galaxy. She missed Jacen as a friend, but her soul had never felt so empty and unfilled.
*God, where are you? * she cried as she woke up. *I cannot take this anymore. * She had held in the tears for so long. Welded up her pain and put it aside, helping others to escape. Now she was the one alone. She was the one in pain, but for the first time she was not afraid of it. Not afraid of what they were going to do to her. She was just afraid of going through it all alone.
"Star?" A masculine unfamiliar voice called her. Sey did not like the name they had shunned her with. It was not her name, but the being's voice sent her heart jumping into hyperspace.
Turning around off her side towards the other side of the bed, she realized that she had been sleeping on a hover bed, something she had not had the privilege to rest in for nearly a year. A Yuuzhan Vong sat in a chair beside her and recognized the being as, "Feng? So you're the Perfect that they assigned to watch over me, huh?"
Ignoring her last comment, the male spoke. "Why were you crying?" "I.I am sorry. I did not realize someone was in here." Pausing, she looked away from the Yuuzhan Vong. She knew the punishment that was becoming of her because she released her tears in front of them.
"I'm not going to tell anyone, Sey." He replied startling her with his vow and the use of her real name.
"What?" blinking her eyes she turned back towards him.
He shook his head. *What am I doing? * Every instinct, everything that ever been taught to him, told him to report her wrong doing, but his heart stopped him. All night he had been arguing with himself on what he was going to do if such a thing had happened. Feng could not believe he was risking so much for this infidel. He had struggled so hard to get where he was, and now?
Now, he was willing to have it stripped away for her!
Frowning, Sey looked completely confused this switched to fear. "Whatever it is you want. I'm not going to do it." Already she was backing to the furthest corner of bed to get away from him. Curled into a fetal position, Sey held her arm up as if to defend herself from a blow of a couffee. Her other hand wrapped tightly around her knees, causing the tight black outfit she wore to cling even closer to her body. "I am not going t-"
Getting up, Feng rushed to her side. His abrupt movement upset her, and her entire body began to tremble.
"Get away from me!" she screamed. Ignoring her pleads, Feng only got closer, finally grabbing her wrists in a tight firm grip. She tired to struggle from his hold but could not get free. "No, I won't let you! Let me go!"
Trying his best to quiet her, he had to jerked her closer to him to silence her pleads of mercy. Now their faces were millimeters from one another. Searching in her deep eyes, Feng saw only fear. "Not until you listen to me." He let a moment go by to be sure she would stay quiet, and then nodded in thanks. "I would never try anything of the sort on you. I have heard rumors that many have tried to do so on you, but the honor of guarding you is not something I abuse, that much I give you my word on." He paused. "What I'm trying to say is. I want to help you in anyway possible."
"You. you want to help me?" His words took her breath away. Sey could have sworn her heart was pounding hard enough for Feng to notice. "Why?"
"I." the Perfect stopped himself. He had no answer to that question. Well, he did, but he was not going to tell her he loved her. The very idea barely deemed itself to be in his dreams. "I believe in the Prophecy, not the True Ways."
"The Prophecy? Umm. I'm not familiar with that."
"It's a forbidden divination that has been around for millenniums among the Shamed Ones. I dare not utter such words from my own lips, but my sister has told it too me, has tried to convince me about its truth." He released his hold and her hands fell into her lap. Lifting up his right hand up, Feng lightly pushed back her soft long hair that always seemed to cover the left side of her face. He found himself trembling as his fingertips brushed against the four scars on her cheek.
Sey felt his shaking but stayed still and silent as his fingers traced the haunting scars.
"Cursed with a form of smoothness that's rare, graced by the four scars hidden by her hair." Feng mumbled two lines from the Prophecy as if trying to place everything in reality.
"The Prophecy-" the sixteen-year old human breathed as his whispers fell into her hearing. "I'm the Prophecy?"
"Yes," Feng replied before he could stop himself. Jerking back into the present, he saw how close they really were to one another. Her lips so near to. shaking off the thought, Feng dropped his hand. Crawling off the bed, Feng turned to look at her. He found her staring at him, but eyes quickly diverted from his.
She was shaking badly. What he did not know was that her wounds covered by the blanket that was wrapped around her were bleeding. Sey was numb to the fact, and never noticed as went to get her meal.
Part four ~ Protection (phat chance)
"Thank you, Admiral Li for your time." The now twenty-one year old spoke to the Chiss officer.
"Anything to clean the galaxy of those scar heads, General Fel. After a year in seclusion their going to be in a huge surprise when they discover what we have in store for them." Admiral Li of the Fistfight fleet merged of every sort of being under his command, but all of which united for the same cause.
Keeping an expressionless face, Jagged Fel said. "Let's just hope they don't discover it."
"Exactly," the Chiss leader laughed, something unknown for the race. "May the Force be with us all."
"And to you Admiral." With that, Jag clicked the Holo-vid off. Turning around he walked back towards the living room. He could feel someone coming towards the door. Without waiting for a knock, he pressed the manual button to open the door.
Jaina stood smiling devilishly at him. Before he could ask what was making her bubble with joy her lips were already on his. Kissing her back, he drank her in, wrapping his arms around her, before pulling back. Never would he have pictured himself a year before, with Jaina hiding in the Outer Regions on his old homeworld.
After escaping from Zekk and Midori, Jaina and Jag had nowhere else to go. Coruscant had fallen once they reached into space, and Jaina had still been badly damaged from her side wound. The only place Jag knew, as a safe haven, was his homeworld. Her injuries had been so bad she had to be in a bacta tank for a month.
His father had allowed Jagged to resume his rank while she was in recovering. During the time of her recovery and rehabilitation, he never gave up trying to come into contact with her mother or father, or somebody.
Jag couldn't remember the last time she had smiled, though he had tried. Today though, more than a thin line of hope glistened on her face.
"What is it?" he asked curiously.
Her amber eyes twinkled and all she could do was giggle. A graceful hand came to his cheek. Jaina just smiled contently feeling his face. Tears began to fall from her eyes. They were tears of happiness. Looking into his deep green eyes, she bit her lower lip grinning from ear to ear. "They're here."
The blunt choice of words caught him off guard. "Who?"
"My parents and Anakin." Her voice sounded far off, but she didn't linger on the words she grabbed Jag's hands. "I can feel them."
"How do you know?" he asked concerned. Bringing his left hand, he stroked her face gently. He didn't want to see her heart broken again. Even if she didn't know it, his would always shatter for her sake, but never would he allow it to show.
She turned to look at him. Her cinnamon eyes burning like fire. "How does anyone know, should be the question." Jaina paused and smiled. "I can feel them in the Force. They're alive. Just out of orbit."
"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting." Jag turned to leave but she caught his hand forcing him to stay. He saw tears filling her eyes. "Jaina, what is it?"
She opened her mouth to say something, but the tears flooded out of her eyes. Jag slid in the chair beside her and wrapped his arms around her again as she cried on his shoulder. Already he could feel the wetness seep through his shirt. Jaina breathed in shakily, not wanting to let go of him.
His hand slid down her hair as he stroked it to calm her down. "What's wrong?" he whispered softly into her ear.
"It's just that it's been so long since I've seen them."
Jag lightly laughed, full as much joy as she was.
~
Feng watched silently as the human poked at the food that had been set before her. She had only taken a few bites in the past thirty minutes the food had been brought to her imprisonment, but Seyla did not seem to be hungry.
"Why don't you eat something?"
The observation caught the Jedi female's attention. Tearing her gaze from the window, Seyla kept her eyes focused at his feet. "Some things are best unmentioned."
Dropping to the ground where she sat on the cushion seat, Feng studied her expression. Something was on her mind.
"What worries you?"
Her eyes finally came in focus with his, but she could not answer him. The plate that she had been holding in her hands clashed to the ground. Seyla scrambled off her feet and away from him to the closet and hid in its far corner.
Some said that Force users like her could feel evil coming near or when something was wrong.
Confused by Seyla's action, Feng jumped to his feet as the door suddenly slammed open revealing a shadowed figure he knew all too well. Respectfully, he fell to his knee and crossed his chest as the figure strolled in.
"Perfect Shui." The higher ranked Yuuzhan Vong spat, emphasizing Feng's lower rank. "I am not surprised to see that you have been given the chore of babysitting."
"Eminent Perfect Kineel Len," Feng replied but kept his comments to himself. Kineel was his superior. He had to live with that fact for life. Feng could feel the eyes of his superior burn into his neck, but kept his eyes lowered to the ground as he waited for him to speak.
"You're duties as care taker are on temporary relief."
Feng did not trust the tone in Kineel's voice. "I am under strict orders from the Supreme Cleric to keep watch on the Jedi heretic."
"The words I have spoken to you come from that very blessed priest!" he boomed. "I not only outrank you, Shui, but I am your superior! Now obey or you will have to be cleansed."
The anger and wrath in Kineel's voice did not threaten Feng for a moment, but he knew too well he held the power to exterminate him without being asked why later. Feng could not leave this universe yet. His sister still needed him, even if he would never admit that fact to her. She was Shamed. Without another moment's hesitation, Feng reluctantly got to his feet and left the chambers.
"Perfect?" Kineel's voice rose in anger.
Turning around, Feng respectfully kept his eyes to the ground and did not answer.
"To keep watch of the wretch you first need to know where she is."
His eyes darted halfway up, but Feng lowered them quickly. Swallowing, he reluctantly told him. "The closet."
~
Seyla felt the water fill her eyes as Feng uttered her hiding spot. Force, she had been so stupid to trust him, she thought to herself the second time that day.
She heard the outer door shut and shuddered as the soft deadly footsteps of the dark presence loomed near her. Her heart trembled as she could feel him through the Force coming near her.
How she could feel him, Sey did not know but the darkness that swarmed his life swallowed hers. Something stopped her from using the Force as a backfire on him. The darkness paralyzed her.
"Here you are." The menacing voice cooed with an evil delight.
A shiver of fear spiraled down her body. It felt as if she was choking from the obscurity that followed him. Never in her life had she felt so vulnerable. She felt even more so exposed to this creature than Fin'h.
Seyla squeezed her eyes tightly shut, praying that it was all a dream.
His claws caressed her cheek. No, this was not a dream. At first the touch was soft then inverted to a heartless pressure, scratching her old scar wounds back open again.
She did not attempt to cry out in pain.
"So many condemn you of being unworthy, but I can tell that you are acceptable." His fingers slid down underneath her chin tilting it up slightly. "Look at me," he ordered.
Resisting the urge to obey, Seyla found herself cooperating with the Yuuzhan Vong almost eagerly. Her eyes fell into his locked stare. She tried to look away, but it was no use. She could not defy to break the gaze.
Silence hung between them. The Yuuzhan Vong never left his hand from her face as he studied her.
Then she felt it.
Tingly, yet soft and subtle something shifted through her soul almost like someone was reading her heart. Seyla began to shake unknowingly. Everything began to spin and her head dropped back nearly slamming against the wall.
Kineel caught her head with his hand. Carefully, the Yuuzhan Vong lifted the female and carried her out of the closet. Strolling to the sleeping pallet, he laid her down upon its soft cushioning.
As she lay unconscious, Kineel licked his lips.
Slowly, Seyla regained her consciousness once again but not by her body will. Again, she felt the same shadow caressing her mind. Her eyes flew open to see the Yuuzhan Vong eyeing her with desire.
"You dare touch me. I'll-"
Her voice was silenced by his claws that dug into her facial scars. Now she whimpered.
"Don't threaten me." He jerked her face away from his and turned on his heel to leave her, or so she had hoped.
"Everyone knows how you are defiant to those superior to you. but I promise, after I get through with you, you'll be begging to obey me." Turning back towards the frightened human, he gave her a wicked smile. "I often wondered how a Jedi would taste."
With that, he left.
Seyla stared at the door in shock. Something wet fell onto her cheek. Lifting her hand to her face, she looked at it and saw it was her blood and tears.
Had she been crying? She could not remember when she had started but her mind was fogged as the Yuuzhan Vong's presence drifted further away, and so did her memory.
~
"How did your first confrontation with Star go?" The Supreme Cleric asked solemnly as Kineel entered his quarters. The high priest stood by the window looking down at the slaves working in the fields. Laboring over another organic vessel of some sort.
"She won't remember anything. And anything she does will haunt her, as in a far away nightmare."
Yonghai nodded. "Good, good. Your connection has served the gods well. They are very pleased."
A eerie grin crept on the Vong's tattered and tattooed face. "I am here to serve."
"You are, and for your service you shall be rewarded, in time. In due time."
Part five ~ All the Reasons Why (downhere)
Leia gasped her husband's hand as they both descended from the Falcon's ramp. She was shaking, but it did not bother her.
Han glanced over to his wife and could not help but smile. "Leia, stop it. You're making me nervous."
"I just cannot believe that we found this place. It's been a year since we've both seen J-" but she could not finish her sentence as she caught sight of a young woman walking along side of the always recognizable Jagged Fel.
Her jaw dropped as she looked upon her daughter. No longer was she the teenager Leia expected her to be. The last time she had seen Jaina she had been in the hospital in a coma on Coruscant. No longer could she hold in her tears of joy. She let go of Han's hand and ran to her daughter. Both mother and daughter held each other crying like blubbering idiots.
Han and Jag walked slowly to each other, both with red eyes full of tears, but neither gave into the fact that they were crying.
"Thank you for taking care of my daughter." Han greeted as he slapped the pilot lightly on the back.
"You're welcome General Solo. It was an honor to be granted such a responsibility. I'm only sorry we could not locate you two sooner."
Han shrugged. "You did your best. And for that I owe you my life." He turned to see Jaina wiping the tears from her swollen cheeks and conversing wither her mother.
Blinking, it took a moment for the older man to discern that the beautiful creature before him was his daughter. She looked so much different, and older. Her hair had now grown out and fell loosely down her back. Still dressed in her usual flight suit, but a smile beamed on her face radiating that beauty by ten folds.
She turned and looked at him. No longer was she daddy's little girl, but a sadly matured woman she was forced to become at such an early age. However, the love for her father in her eyes never dimmed.
Jaina took a few steps before she embraced her father, thankful he was alive. He had always been her idol, even though she resembled her mother like a clone, she was a Solo at heart. She did not mind promoting that fact.
When she finally pulled back, Jaina cleared her throat. "Where's A-"
"GOTCHA!" Anakin came up from behind her and began tickling her. Jaina's heart went into hyper speed in fright; laughing at his touch.
"S-stop Ani!" she managed to get out in between giggles. He stopped and came around so she could see him. Looking up her mouth dropped. "Anakin?" She gapped.
A lopsided grin pierced his face. He had grown into such a handsome young man. His hair was a sandy brown, and his eyes the deepest aqua that sparkled. Not to mention his appearance, but he was nearly a head taller than her.
"You grew!" she finally spoke.
Everyone laughed at the childish whine in her voice.
"Sure did sis. And you did too." Without another, second to pass the siblings hugged. Smiling down at his older sister, Anakin mumbled under his breath. "And I'm gonna keep my eye out on that Fel boy."
Pushing Anakin back, Jaina frowned playfully. "Punk!" He only responded with a laugh.
Jag spoke to Han and Leia as the brother and sister conversed. "You two probably are famished and dying for a refresher."
"Well that wouldn't seem like a bad idea." Han answered. He turned towards Jag and asked, "You guys serve Corellian food right?"
The pilot laughed. "Of course we do. You think your daughter would have eaten anything else?"
"Hey! I did try that green stuff yesterday." She countered, stopping her conversation with Anakin.
Jag cast her a quick glance. A smirk pierced his face. "That stuff, as you call it, is salad."
"That stuff belongs in forests of Myrkyr, not in my mouth."
Jag stared at Jaina with a grin. The two seemed to have grown on each other even more so than they were the past year before when Han had seen them both.
Being fatherly, he tried to put the sadness that his little girl was now a woman, and he was going to lose her to Jagged Fel.
He sighed, shoving the thought aside. Well, if Jagged wanted his daughter, he was going to have to come to him for her. Han was not going to rush anything. Already Jaina's childhood had been accelerated. No point in speeding it up more.
"Han. Leia?" a soft feminine voice called out from inside the Falcon.
Han turned and saw Ae`lina Lopez standing in the doorway.
She had promised to keep an eye on things inside. During these times of war, many people began to side with the Peace Brigade, most of which, wanted him and Leia dead.
"Oh my Force." Jaina breathed out in shock. "Ae`lina?"
"Jaina? Jaina! You're alive!"
The two raced to one another embracing. Both had been the best of friends back on Coruscant. Just seeing someone alive, besides her mother and father, caused Jaina's heart to cry for joy.
"I didn't think. I was hoping, but I didn't think anyone would make it out of there alive. After I found out." tears stained her cheeks once again.
"Shh.. don't worry. We're alive and well."
"We?"
"Ian is in the back resting. He's recovering from a cold. But besides that, our health is fine."
Jag came up besides Jaina. "I see we have some more guests to entertain." He retorted with a laugh. Then gave a slight bow to the other woman.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Colonel Jagged Fel. And now, if everything is alright, I'll show everyone to their rooms."
Ae`lina smiled at Jag. "Hello, Colonel. I never thought I would see the day when such a gallant lad would be so considerate." Leaning over to Jaina she whispered in her ear. "This one's a keeper. Don't let him slip away from you."
Jaina pulled away, shocked that she would say such a thing but laughed. Heat began to flush her cheeks as she let her imagination run with the thought.
The younger brother over heard the silenced words through the Force and smiled wickedly. "Jaina, I'll help unload the ship."
"Let me help." Jag offered.
Shaking her head at her brother, Jaina knew what he was trying to do but her parents did look exhausted. Quickly, she strolled down to her parents. "I'll take mom and dad to then." With that, she led them out of the hanger bay.
Jag was standing on the ramp baffled by the whole thing. He looked at Ae`lina and asked. "What was that all about?"
"Oh, nothing." The older woman said matter-of-factly.
~
Lying next to the sleeping infant, Kyp Durron stretched out yawning. Slowly, he opened his eyes and found himself looking out the clear membrane that served as a window. Night was setting. A shifting from behind him caught his attention.
"Where are you going?" Rolling over, he saw Laque dressed in a form-fitting outfit of green. A bag in hand.
"Kineel has summoned me to bring him some things for the marriage ceremony."
Animation filled Kyp. Getting off the aijso carefully so not to wake Reliance, whom they had gotten to drink some poi milk an hour before. He was extremely thankful that the baby was not meticulous. Poi milk was relatively easy to find and make. It came from a blue leafy plant found practically everywhere on the overgrown world.
"What marriage?"
"That of Fin'h and Star."
Fear filled his expression. He was stunned. Shaking off the shock, Kyp swallowed and brought himself back into reality. Standing up, he walked towards her. "You're going back?"
"I must. Do not worry," she said as she cast her eyes to the ground. "Kineel will not come back before I do. Not when he has called me to go to him."
Frowning, Kyp Durron did his best not to assume the worst. He took a few steps towards her. "What does he do to you?"
"I am his, remember? What he does, does not matter. What I do though, means everything." She licked her dry lips and swallowed. "I must go now."
"Wait." He stopped her. She turned her head up to look at him in wonder.
"What is it?"
His mind began to reel. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the Force collecting its insights and hints. Then it came to him. "I need to ask a favor of you."
Laque's pale eyes narrowed. She waited until he opened his again and searched them, deep. She blinked. Had she read them correctly? It could be possible, she thought. To complete such a mission. But now? Tonight?
"Who? Who is it?"
"Starrider."
Her eyes widened. Something wet crawled down her cheek.
"Laque? What's wrong?" Out of impulse, the human male took his hand and wiped her tears. "What is it?"
"Your." she stopped herself. If the prophecy was coming true, then she best keep it silent. "You want me to do this?"
"If it is possible."
Breathing quickly, she pulled in air. To risk so much, for. for what? What did she have? Pain. Suffering. A life with nightmares. Was it really worth living to watch her brother be tormented by the very beast that drank her?
A smile escaped her lips. "Of course. I will bring her back here. I promise."
Part six ~ My only hope (Ben Glover)
When Zengi walked into the chamber, he spotted Sey standing next to the window staring at the night sky. The door shut behind him. He continued towards her. She was still dressed in the tight black outfit from last night.
He shook his head at the sight of her. She was always constantly staring out the window into the sky. He came up behind her. "Mind telling me what exactly happened yesterday?"
Sey didn't answer.
"I will get the information out of you; either by asking or by force. I find both rather useful."
"What is there to tell?" she sighed. "You know what I believe already. My morals and my heart. even what I am thinking. What is so hard to understand?"
"What I don't understand is why you keep on striving for something that isn't there? Or maybe it's your actions that seem to be contradicting your surrender."
"Maybe I've change my mind, Zen. Maybe I don't want to be apart of this. oh wait. I never was."
"Where is the Skywalker child?" Zengi questioned changing the subject.
"With Kyp." *I hope, * Sey added silently to herself.
Advancing behind the young woman, Zengi let both his hands fall upon her shoulders. "When did you two plan all this?" Her replied simply had been a silent shaking of the head, but he wasn't content with that answer. "How long Sey?"
She turned her head down from the sky. She bit her bottom lip. Closing her eyes Sey wished away all her fears and her interrogator, though she knew the reality of them just vanishing was not possible.
Not feeling in the mood for patience, the Agent spun Sey around fiercely. He pushed her against the windowpane. "TELL ME NOW!"
Tears threatened to push through her eyes, but she fought them back.
"I SAID TELL ME!" Zengi yelled at her. Grabbing onto the base of her shoulders he shook her violently.
"Stop shaking me! STOP IT ZEN! STOP IT!" She yelled but felt very weak all of the sudden.
Finally, he did, but not without slamming her harshly back against the windowpane. Her head thrashed backwards hitting the glass. Leaning forward, he pushed his face close to hers. His eyes bore into her like fire.
"Then tell me what the Kessel is going on!" Even though is words were whispered they vibrated with an intensity that shook her soul.
Frightened and scared Sey found herself breathing heavily. Her mouth opened at first, but nothing came out. Lightly, she shut her eyes to regain some confidence to speak. Breathing unsteadily, she hesitantly opened her eyes.
"There was no plan," she replied hoarsely.
He frowned at her. Irritation filled his eyes. "Why you-"
"You know as much as I know," Sey cut in. "If Kyp and I had planned this whole thing, sure as a Hutt's uncle I wouldn't be here with you right now!" Her eyes widened at the sound of her last words. Her hand rushed to her lips. Zengi stepped back at the sting of her words.
Blinking back into focus, Zengi eyed her. His toleration for her little outbursts was about to burst once again. He began to raise his implanted clawed hand.
Sey saw what he was doing and turned her face to the side, squeezing her eyes closed to block the blow. Her hair swished to the side, her revealing the three scars on her cheek for nothing but a moment.
Instead of following through with his blow, Zengi stopped and saw her face. Worry filled his eyes and the Force around them. He grabbed her gently. "What happened to your face?"
Still tense, Sey opened one eye, then the other. "A little gift you gave me for my sixteenth birthday. don't you remember?"
The dark leader shook his head in disagreement. "No, that's not what I meant. The wounds, they've been reopened." Without thinking, Zengi brought up his real hand to examine her face. Sey's mouth dropped in disbelief at his touch. At it's softness and care. Had he not just raised his own claw at her? To punish her?
He breathed. "Who did this to you?"
Her eyes wavered. "I don't remember." Her voice got softer. "What does it matter anyway? You don't care." With that she turned back to look at the star-less sky.
"But I do care, and I care cause I love you."
"Love me?" she spat out.
"Yes, you and I will be married under the moon tomorrow."
"What?" Her eyes filled with fear. "I never gave you my consent!"
His green eyes bore into her. "Like I need your consent to have you. I already asked you before, and that didn't work."
"But you can't just-"
Zengi cut her off with a smirk on his face. "Just watch me."
"Pardon my interruption, sir."
Zengi jerked around and saw Perfect Shui standing there. "Why are you in here?"
Sey's heart leaped. The Yuuzhan Vong's timing had been perfect. Shivers preceded to shake her, but the intrusion stopped the further discussion. She was not ready for marriage. Not ready for Zen. Hope seemed to dim, to fade every day, and keeping faith was becoming harder and harder.
Bowing on one knee and eyes cast to the ground, arm crossed over his chest, Feng spoke. "Forgive me, Agent. But the Supreme Cleric has requested your audience immediately."
Narrowing his eyes, Zengi excused the Perfect. "I'll be done in a minute. Let me finish."
"I am afraid your presence is vital now, milord."
"Fine." He turned toward the shaking female. Leaning closer towards her, he searched her eyes. "I will be back."
"Who said I wanted to marry you?" Inside, Sey felt violated. Her hands were at her side and she stood erect waiting for his response.
Touching her shoulder, his hand went up to her cheek and pulled her into his lips. His feelings and action filled her with domination. He totally surprised her by it. Zen pulled back before she could react. "Your thoughts told me."
Her heart sank as she watched the dark robed man followed Feng to exit her room.
How could he possible been able to hear her thoughts? Had she not cloaked herself in levels and levels of Force shields? Even with glitter stem, it was not possible. *I was resisting too much! He could not have possibly heard me, unless. *
Jaw dropped open, Sey found herself reaching for her necklace and remembered it was not there. It had been taken from her. Her legs fell out from under her. Slowly she lowered herself to the ground, shaking.
~
"You are late." Kineel's words echoed in the dark chamber.
Hesitantly, the young Yuuzhan Vong entered. Her head was lowered. She felt small and worthless again. "Forgive me."
"You can make it up for your tardiness later. Here." He handed her a tiny orb the size of thumb. It's pink velvet surface dropped into Laque's bag, which she held open. "Be sure this gets to the chest. I will not be back for a few days because of business matters. Now leave me."
With a slight nod, Laque rushed out of the room hastily. Swift with grace, she made her way down a long extensive hallway. At the very end of the hall, a lone door stood. A metal panel to the left sat. Looking to both sides, she saw no one in the corridor. Her hand went to her hip and back up to the panel.
The door opened.
~
A warm body dropped beside the tore woman. Arms wrapped themselves around her kindly. They rocked her quietly, calming her fears down.
"Don't fear." A little voice cooed. The command was comforting.
"Who are you," Sey mumbled under her breath. All of her energy was gone. To talk even tired her weak body.
"Shhh. don't talk. A friend of yours sent me."
Part six ~ Stigmatized (the calling)
Feet pounded down the long hallway towards the tiny single window room. Dark eyes darted to both sides looking for on lookers. He was not suppose to be here, but something called him too. Something he could not explain.
A long hand fell upon the panel of her room. It opened and he stepped in, closing behind him. He stared in shock at the scene before him.
"Laque?"
The young female darted her head up at his voice. "Feng! W-what are you doing here?"
"Forget that." He fell down on his knees, grabbing Starrider's hand. She groaned at his touch. "How bad is she?"
"I don't know. I need to get her out of here."
Feng stared at her. "Come again?"
"She can't stay here. To marry such a creature of wrath? I cannot bare another being to be scorned such as I have." The words slipped her lips without her knowledge. The blue Yuuzhan Vong gathered herself from the ground, picking up a pouch, tying it back around her waist. She felt her brother's eyes watching her.
Laque glanced at him seeing the rage that filled his face. "Who has done such a thing to you?"
"Don't worry about it. Our main concern now is S-"
"Tell me!"
"Feng, stop. Please. Not now."
"If I am to escape with the very being that I adore and be charged for treason, I want no regrets left behind." He paused waiting for her answer, but none came. "Laque, whoever it is, I will take care of. Who is your master?"
Dread covered her face. "Kineel."
"Leave this place."
Laque pressed her lips together. "What are you going to do?"
"Nothing yet." He picked up Starrider, lifting her into Laque's arms. "Take her. I promise, I'll be right behind you."
She nodded. With an instant, she was out the door. Feng stood there for a moment preparing him for what he was about to do. He had to do it. That was no question. Taking in a deep breath, he started towards Kineel's temporary chambers.
~
Her feet had pounded the ground for what seemed like hours. She heard the faint distant sound of a baby's cry and her heart leaped. She was so close. A spiral of energy surged through her. Laque had to hurry.
Dashing through the foliage, a few of the plants clawed at her, catching her at the ankles, but she continued onward. Finally, she reached the valve door. It opened at her command, and she slipped inside. It gurgled behind her as it shut.
Kyp held a whimpering child, singing sweetly the same enchanting melody as she had heard him sing before at the lake. The child's cries were now louder, but the commotion of her entrance had startled the two.
The Jedi Master gapped in shock. "Y-you got her!"
Laque simply nodded and headed toward the aijso. Gently she laid the human girl on her side. Kyp could feel the life force in Starrider begin to fade quickly.
"Take Rel." Laque did as she was told and cradled the infant taking the bottle of poi milk from the man's other hand.
Disregarding his black cloak, Kyp let it fall to the ground not thinking much about it. His hands hovered just over her body and he felt it. The wounds from the couffee blows he had left her to bear.
A shudder ran down his back. She had sacrificed so much. Working fast, Kyp, noticing no physical harm to her front, turned her on her stomach. He took a hold of the black organic material on her back and pulled. It would not rip. Letting go, he noticed something wet and slimy on his hands.
Blood dripped from his fingers.
"Laque, I need a knife. something, something sharp."
Before he knew it, she handed him a hand blade used for combat. To his surprise, it was metal. Not worrying about that matter now, he used it and cut a hole in the cloth. Putting the knife down, Kyp began to rip off the material. Her entire back was cut up badly, still bleeding. He could tell that the material must have grown back, covering where the whips had hit her.
He worked with care for the next hour cleaning her wounds and fixing them up. They were red and clearly swollen, but infection had not plagued the welts upon her back.
One wound in particular slashed diagonally on her back digging in deep. Gradually, Kyp closed the gash, sealing it with some tree sap that Laque had brought in from outside.
The process was slow. Minutes passed into hours until he had medicated every part of her back. When he was finished, Kyp got up from his knees and washed his hands off in a bowl of fresh rainwater. He was only gone from the unconscious female for a minute.
He could not believe that Laque had managed to get her out of the place.
"Thank you." The Jedi Master whispered under his breath. In his hands, he held one of Starrider's, stroking it softly as if coaxing her to awake.
Laque watched, saddened. Reliance was asleep in her arms now. Tearing her eyes from the scene, the Yuuzhan Vong nodded towards the floor. "You're welcome." Why she felt sad by seeing Durron this way, she did not know. She did note know anything about emotions but anger and forgiveness. Was this what some called jealousy?
"She will be alright, Laque. Because of you. Seyla is free." His voice called out to her.
"You grant me with more credit than I deserve. I was not the only one in her rescue."
Kyp glanced around, looking at the shapely female. She was turned toward the membrane window. Her eyes constantly watching, waiting for something he did not know of.
He kept his green eyes on her as he spoke. "Who else helped you?"
She did not answer right away. In fact, she would not have answered at all, but Laque felt his concern. "Perfect Feng Shui; my brother."
He gapped in horror. There was no way in the universe that this Vong beauty could have been related to such a murderer. Once, long ago, Kyp had believed himself that every Yuuzhan Vong was such as Shui. Two years from their point of view of the war had changed his view and gave him a new knowledge. Not all Vong were bad, but how could two siblings both have fallen so far apart from one another.
"He was not always this way," Laque spoke smoothly. "The day I was proclaimed Shamed, he did not speak to me for years. I had tried to keep it away from others and only told him of my. insights. However, it slipped from him and I was condemned. Feng felt as if it was his fault even though I never was mad at him." She paused. "Finally, he starts to believe in the prophecies that I have."
Footsteps came up from behind her, but she continued.
"They come to me. in tremors. It is as if they implant themselves in a tune that can never be erased from my mind. I have been cursed with them," Laque remarked ashamed.
"You are not cursed." His hand came down on her left shoulder. "You are blessed. The strength and power around you. don't let the remarks of the Union blind you like they did me."
"They never had," another voice entered the conversation. It was deep. Both Kyp and Laque turned from the window toward a tall perfect. Kyp could feel Laque's relief lift her shoulders at the sight of her brother. Even after Kyp took the child in his arms, she made no attempted to embrace her sibling.
Feng's eyes locked in with his sister's. "She is as stubborn, if not more than I. One of her strengths is making you believe absolutely everything she tells you." He laughed, and Kyp stared back at Laque who smiled back.
Kyp wanted to question her more on what parts she had been making up, but thought to do so another time.
After the laughing ceased, Feng spoke up. "We better set off. There is no doubt that Fin'h already suspects us."
Without another word, the three began to pack hurriedly. It took a trifle to gather everything of absolute need, but with everyone's cooperation, they were ready in a few minutes. Though, with Reliance, more supplies were needed. Along with a few aseptics for Seyla.
Feng carried Seyla careful, who was wrapped up in Kyp's cloak. Kyp held Reliance along with a bag on his back. They left out the valve door quickly, but Laque did not follow right away. She told them she would catch up.
Waiting until they were out of the house, she went towards the back bedroom. Quickly, Laque moved to the closet. Falling to her knees, her slender hands found the secret compartment where she kept a small pouch of things. She tied it too her waist. One lone bubble capsule lay inside the hole.
Grasping its cool smooth surface, Laque looked at her oblong reflection. She had waited so long...
Laque was out of the house before the orb detonated, and the entire shelter was consumed with iridescent flames of violet.
~
It was night now. One could barely see the stars overhead for the canopy covered the sky. They had stopped running for about an hour. Now all were asleep except for Kyp.
He was sitting against a tree watching the small fire they had managed to make. Whispers of the nocturnal creatures of the forest filled his ears in a quiet lullaby. Besides the fact he could not sleep, he had offered to stay awake to watch.
Memories began to flood his mind as he watched the flames dance in the darkness. Smoke followed the orange and red flames that leaped up into the air.
*So now, * he thought to himself. *I know who I am. *
Suddenly, exhaustion over came him. Maybe if he shut his eyes for a few minutes.
~
A crackling popped in her tender ears. Her eyelids fluttered open and the blazing fire.
Disoriented, Sey sat up and scanned the area. Squinting in the firelight, she could make out the sleeping figure of two Yuuzhan Vong, one held the sleeping Skywalker child. Her heart leaped. Jolting up, she supported herself with one of her hands touching the soft mossy earth.
She was lying on the ground and something covered her. Pulling the cloth closer to her face, she felt the texture as she tried to make out what it was. Sey blinked confused for a moment, and then felt his presence beside her. Twisting her head to her left, Durron sat against a tree, eyes closed.
Then everything made sense.
They had freed her.
Emotion welded up inside, but the feelings would not come out. Looking behind her, Sey noticed a lagoon a hundred feet away. The foliage parted as the water met the shore. Faintly, she could see the stars twinkling.
Before parting the group, she made sure all were sleeping.
Her feet soundlessly made their way toward the waters edge. A soft breeze blew along as she slide to the ground, Kyp's cloak still wrapped around her body.
The landscape filled her eyes examining every detail of what lay beyond. The more she studied its endless creases and colors, even in the pale moonlight, Sey fought from thinking.
It was the last thing she wanted to do now. Yet, the same question echoed through her mind, was there any such thing as peace anymore?
The wind chilled and the brown-haired lady found herself wrapping the cloak around her tighter. Her head fell on her knees. It just was not fair.
A twig snapped.
Jolting up, a gentle hand calmed her from getting up. "Don't get up, it's me."
A shudder ran down her spine at his voice. She did not speak as Kyp took a seat beside her.
"You ok?"
"I thought you were sleeping," she mumbled.
"Halfway," he replied. Sey opened her mouth to apologize, but Kyp stopped her. "You did not wake me."
A hush filled what space was between them.
"Please tell me."
Sey turned toward Kyp and frowned. "What?"
"Tell me what you're thinking."
"You. how. me." her voice trailed to almost nothing, but she was not finished. "Why?" Water filled her eyes now.
Reaching out, Kyp wiped the tears from her face. "You're the one who brought me back. I do not know how. but when they were beating you, I could not bare it. I would have done anything for you at that moment, and I knew all you wanted was Reliance out of there." He breathed. "After, how could you possibly think I would leave you there."
"I didn't think. I had no clue what you had done. I could only h-" Tears stole her voice away, and finally she began to sob.
Kyp's heart tore, but he wrapped his arm around her and held her closely as she wept. "Hey." he soothed.
"Kyp, he was going to marry me if you had not tried to get me out of there." Sey spoke in between breaths and tears. "I don't want him."
"It's alright. He will not have you. I swear it." The Jedi Master vowed.
Sey cried more until she could not any longer.
For a few hours, she lay in his arms, letting the reality sink in. Every so often she would speak, then Kyp, but never in conversation. There was nothing to be said, only listened too.
"It'll be dawn soon." Kyp echoed softly.
"Mmmm.. I haven't seen the sun rise since I left home."
They waited. Her head in his lap and his arms wrapped around her. Just as the sun peeked up over the treetops, Sey smiled at its bright glow and let her eyelids flutter shut. Kyp looked down at her as he felt her slip into her subconscious. A lone tear fell down her cheek. Nevertheless, he left it there. It was one of simple joy and he would never take that away from her again.
Seconds later, he joined her in his dreams.
~
Laque was already awake when Reliance began to whimper. She sat upright and situated the child in on arm and lap; using the other to reach for the poi milk bottle. Once he got the liquid in his mouth, he was silent.
A warm smile spread on her face. *What a peaceful way for a mother and child to get to know one another. * She thought.
Maybe that is why the higher had the others raise young in a world ship. Only the strong survived the tests. Only few could be mothers. Every path was chosen for them already. How she loathed their stupid True Way. It made no sense if one thought about it. Yet, with the biotechnology they had been creating lately, thinking such things was asking for a cleansing.
"Where is Durron and Sey?" A thick voice asked.
Looking up, Laque saw her brother awake and alert. She did not see the two where they had been before. A part in the trees held a pathway to the water. For some reason she looked further and narrowed her eyes to focus.
A pang shot in her heart, when she saw at the waters edge Kyp holding the girl. Tearing her eyes from the sight, Laque turned to her brother. "Down there. The lake, but don't g."
Too late. He was already heading over to them.
~
Warmth left her body, and Sey stirred awake noticing the sun's rays were blocked by a tall figure standing over her. She could not move but as her eyes adjusted to the light, she saw it was Feng.
Slowly, she pushed herself up and noticed she was lying on someone else. Then she remembered, but Feng was walking away.
Crawling off Kyp, Sey stood up and started towards him. Kyp's cloak slid from her body. She did not try to catch it.
"Feng, wait." she called out. Following him back to the campfire, she did not see him, but noticed Laque feeding Reliance. Both female's eyes met. Sadness filled hers. "I didn't do anything. He was only being a friend. We are not anything. We're not."
Compassion hastened to the other female's eyes. "It's ok. I believe, my brother has feelings for others. He himself does not know how to show them."
For a moment, both of them stared at one another saying nothing. Then Sey blinked. "I'm sorry," she whispered under her breath.
Laque frowned. "About what?"
"I was not thinking about any one else over there."
"Did you do it intentionally?"
"No, I passed out in his arms crying."
Relief filled the other and she nodded as a faint smile crossed her face. "Then don't worry. You did not do a thing. Assumption from us was not your fault." Standing up, Laque handed the now sleeping child to Sey. "I'll make something to eat before we leave."
Nodding, Sey did not say a word. It was in God's hands now. Whatever was to happen. she only prayed she had the strength to face.
Part seven ~ The Right Time (jake)
The door shut behind her. Leaning her head up, Jaina let out a long sigh. Everything was coming on her too quickly. Since the war, she made sure that she did not take life for granted; to live second by second, for a lot could happen in a minute.
Even so, all she could think about was Jag Fel. They had been together for a long time, but since her recovery, the war had put their relationship on almost a stand still. Now with her brother back and more mature, she could feel his watchful eyes on her. Ae`lina on the other hand, was sure enough going to play matchmaker.
Starting down the hall, Jaina walked slowly to her quarters. Her eyes were staring outside the window to the frostbiting cold outside. All she wanted was some time alone with Jag. Just to talk and sort things out.
White specks began to fall from the sky. Her feet stopped and Jaina approached the window to get a closer look.
"Something the matter Major?" a mechanical voice asked.
Her hand extended to the Plexiglas as she tried to feel the white dust. Instead, it hit the window, and her focus turned to her reflection. Her hair was longer now, hanging on her shoulders.
"Major?"
Zoning back into the present, Jaina spoke. "Could you tell me what's falling outside?"
"Why it's snow, miss. It is wintertime, and the first snowfall this early. I predict that the yearly storms will be bad this time." Mechanical gears shifted and the droid began to go on its way.
Jolting from the window, Jaina hurried to the droid. "Bad? How bad?"
The silver droid tilted its head like C3-PO usually did whenever she asked a stupid question. Obviously, bad was hardly a word to describe it.
"Usually, all flying off or on this planet is restricted."
Her eyes widened. "Restricted? W-what about military units?"
"Simply put, Major, there is no possible way to get off planet. It's too dangerous and impossible."
Color drained from Jaina's face. "Thank you," she said to the droid.
"Your most welcome, Major Solo." With that, the silver droid rolled on its way.
Running her fingers through her hair, Jaina tried to think. So much for private time with Jag. Gradually, her hand grabbed onto her comlink then thought better of it.
To her left a door stood leading outdoors. Something beckoned her to go through it. Glancing down both sides of the hall, she saw no one coming. Her hand fell across the access panel and the door opened with the casual [i]whoosh[/i].
[color=red][b]To Be Continued. mwwwwwwhahahahahahahhhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!![/b][/color]
