Alright, alright, you guys talked me into it. Actually, I was kidding, but
there is one more chap after this one. I will hopefully post that on
Monday.
kaehimi - LOL, Thanks, and to be honest, there already is a sequel to this. ;) It's called Catch me if you can. When this is done, I would definitely appreciate it if you stopped by over there. :D
K-rock - Yes, I know, it was a bad April Fool's Joke, but I couldn't help it. I knew it was an evil cliffie and the timing was right. :8} I'm sorry. Thanks for keeping with me. The end is neigh, I just hope you guys like it. ;)
sep915 - Don't worry. I do have an end planned. You'll see on Monday. :D Thanks!!
Obi-Wan Jenobi - LOL, thanks. I understand completely. I love cliffies too. ;) And thanks. I'm glad you liked the past few chaps, I thought they were awful. These last two are much better IMO.
Snow_Glory - :8} Sorry, I couldn't help myself. But don't fret too much, the end is coming, but not until next post. Wow, I'm so happy that you decided to venture on this way. I just don't think it's all that great. :8} But that's me. And don't worry about not posting before. I'm just glad you are posting now! :D Thanks again. I really do appreciate your thoughts!!
Culf - ROFL. You'll see what happens. No it was not the end, it was just my April Fool's Day joke. Sorry to scare you so. :8} Take a few deep breaths and then read on. ;)
Banshee Fay - ]:D Yeah. I know. ]:D Thanks!!!
me - No, actually I don't. But I thought it was a good place to try and call it an ending. ;) And to stir up the pot so to speak. Thanks for reading!! :D
froggy - You should know me by now, I never 'Kill' the most precious thing in the galaxy. Although, I almost did in TEBY. And I did write a 'bad' ending to Ashes, but I made amends. Just read on and you'll find out what happens. ;) :D
Samskid - Yes, I was teasing, but it was fun. :p ROFLMAO, "well crafted" HA! You have no idea how many chapters of this fic were pulled completely out of my butt. I had no direction and no idea what was going to happen. I just sat down and said, 'well, I better write another chap to Iedos.' And voila! My fingers typed and you guys got a post. I knew the beginning and I knew the end. The rest kinda was thrown in to get me there. ;) Thanks again. And I hope you like the last two chaps. :D
Well, folks, here's the second to last post. Enjoy!! :D
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Time stood still for a moment and the room was eerily quiet. Breath was held and hearts pounded. Slowly, gradually, time and space began to move again. Concern about the outcome to the skirmish, is what kept everyone in their place.
MiraCyn and MysAri had found each other, although MysAri held a hand up to her face. It was obvious she was horrified by what had transpired. Antina, Obi-Wan and Serrine were lying in a clump together. Xichu was hovering over them, uncertain of who to check first. Harenti was standing off to the side, cowering between some boxes. Fiza stood with a shocked expression on his face his hands hung limply at his sides. The blaster long since fallen to the ground below. Qui-Gon and LaMinott still had their lightsabers lit and held up. Each of the blades having burrowed into the henchman's shoulders.
As time resumed, the two Jedi Knight's extracted their weapons and Fiza slumped to the ground. Regretfully, he passed out from the pain. Qui-Gon quickly pushed aside such a thought, knowing it was not the Jedi way to wish someone to suffer. But for that split second, it felt so good to know the beast who hurt his son was in agony. His next thoughts were of that youth and his heart raced wondering if he was able to stop the shot.
The pair moved closer to the mass of people. One of the figures began moving, working themselves from the pile. Antina sat up and glanced down beside her at the remaining figures. Xichu closed in as well and asked quietly, "Are you alright?" Still somewhat bewildered she nodded her answer.
Now there were only two possibilities left. Qui-Gon and Xichu moved simultaneously, reaching out to grab the shoulders of one figure. Carefully, they turned their person over. Immediately, Qui-Gon sought out the blaster wound he was so certain was there. The youth looked so pale and fragile in his arms that tears swelled in his eyes. His breath hitched and he called in a voice that was not even a whisper, "Padawan, Obi-Wan, please come back to me." For an instant nothing happened. When they had almost lost hope, eyelids fluttered.
"Mas - ster?" At hearing the cultured slur, the worried Master's tears slid down his cheeks. Quickly, he hushed the boy to silence, and Qui-Gon glanced up to stare at each of the faces around him. LaMinott smiled his happiness, as well as MiraCyn. MysAri was crying tears of mixed emotions, but most prevalent was joy. Cautiously, she crawled closed to them and placed a hand on Qui-Gon's. He next turned to Xichu, but what he saw was not what he expected.
Xichu cradled Serrine's head in her lap. Tears flowed from Xichu's eyes but they were not the same. Across Serrine's chest was the scorch mark of a blaster burn. At last the outcome to the horrific moment was revealed. The woman's ragged breathing echoed in their ears, knowing that soon, it would be over.
Serrine had turned to watch the scene play out. When Qui-Gon looked at her she smiled as best she could through her pain. "Will he be alright?" she asked in a raspy whisper.
He sadly returned the smile before answering, "Yes, he will, once we get him to the healer's."
"Good." Serrine let out a shuddered sigh. Xichu examined the burn closer. It was not a direct hit, more toward the shoulder. Still she knew that there was no way to get her help in time, Serrine would be lost no matter. The Force could not even prevent it from happening.
The turn of events was so unexpected that it was hard for Xichu to comprehend. After a long moment she finally asked, "Why? Why did you do it Serrine?"
Closing her eyes to fend off the pain, she took her time responding, "My son is dead, I needed to repent my sins. I realize now that he did what he felt was right. So I did what I felt was right."
Tears streamed down the Knight's face. "You know if I could have traded places with Torrine, I would have." That Force-ful day replayed in her mind, the memory and the current moment mirroring each other perfectly.
"I know," Serrine opened her eyes and stared up at the young woman. She still remembered the day Xichu came to inform her of her son's death and the argument that ensued. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you. You were the right Master for him."
Xichu's heart skipped a beat, she couldn't believe what she heard. It was the best gift she could ever have expected from the woman in her arms; forgiveness. "He was the best Padawan a Master could have. I miss him so much."
"I miss him too." Serrine could feel her time running out. Her gaze drifted back to the unconscious boy in Qui-Gon's arms and then over toward MysAri. There were still things that needed to be taken care of, before she could let go. "But we must move on. Others need you now. You must remove the bracelets."
"She's right, if she dies before they are removed, we'll all die." Harenti verified from the shadows. He knew that Fiza's idea was destined for folly. Now he only hoped that the Jedi would be able to prevent disaster before the woman died.
Without hesitation, they responded, each of the Jedi took a position next to one of the bracelets. Qui-Gon worked on Obi-Wan's. MiraCyn and MysAri worked together on her cuff. LaMinott removed Harenti's. While Xichu gently rested Serrine down to go and release Fiza's, she knew that they would want the criminal alive for prosecution - and that Serrine was lost. Once the cuffs were removed, she hurried back to the woman's side. Carefully, she concentrated and removed the fading woman's armlet.
Serrine's breaths were becoming more shallow. Her thoughts slowly fracturing as the clarity of mind slipped away. "I - wanted - revenge." She said to the Jedi Knight holding her. "What - I needed - was closure."
Hastily, Xichu urged the woman to save her strength, "Shh, it's alright."
"What - I'll get - is justice." Serrine had determined her crimes to great to be dismissed. In an odd way she deserved this fate, she had caused others pain. But most of all she had almost succeeded in causing a young boy's death. No, it was never her intention to do so, but her actions had aided the process. Serrine completely acknowledged her end.
On the other hand, it was always hard for a Jedi to let go. Death effected them on so many levels, it was hard for ordinary people to understand sometimes. And at this moment, Xichu could not let go, "Don't talk like that. You were hurting. It would be hard not to in your place. You didn't deserve this." Her voice hitched.
Serrine gazed up at the Knight, with melancholy acceptance. "I did - wanted to hurt you - the way I hurt. Took your - students - on purpose." Rough intakes of breath peppered her speech. She needed to confess her sins before she died, cleanse her soul.
The Jedi dismissed what she believe to be unfounded accusations. "But you saved them as well. They will all survive and grow up to become great Jedi Knights."
"Like Torrine?" The light behind Serrine's eyes flickered. Her thoughts drifted along a different path.
"Yes, like our Torrine would have," assured Xichu.
A small panic entered the woman, caught between a sense of excitement and fear, "Will I.?"
Seeming to know the question before it could be posed, the Knight answered. "You will see him again very soon. He is waiting for you." Her voice cracking under the emotional torment she was forced to relive.
Hope entered the expression of one holding on to life with the last of her failing strength, "You - for...?"
"I forgive you." It was a whisper, but one that resounded through the room. Upon hearing those words, the woman slowly let go of the last bits of air in her lungs. Xichu watched as the light behind Serrine's eyes faded out completely. It would be some time before any one moved. The day had been won, but the cost weighed heavily upon their hearts.
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Now don't forget to Review, or else I won't post the last chap on Monday!! You guys got that? :p
kaehimi - LOL, Thanks, and to be honest, there already is a sequel to this. ;) It's called Catch me if you can. When this is done, I would definitely appreciate it if you stopped by over there. :D
K-rock - Yes, I know, it was a bad April Fool's Joke, but I couldn't help it. I knew it was an evil cliffie and the timing was right. :8} I'm sorry. Thanks for keeping with me. The end is neigh, I just hope you guys like it. ;)
sep915 - Don't worry. I do have an end planned. You'll see on Monday. :D Thanks!!
Obi-Wan Jenobi - LOL, thanks. I understand completely. I love cliffies too. ;) And thanks. I'm glad you liked the past few chaps, I thought they were awful. These last two are much better IMO.
Snow_Glory - :8} Sorry, I couldn't help myself. But don't fret too much, the end is coming, but not until next post. Wow, I'm so happy that you decided to venture on this way. I just don't think it's all that great. :8} But that's me. And don't worry about not posting before. I'm just glad you are posting now! :D Thanks again. I really do appreciate your thoughts!!
Culf - ROFL. You'll see what happens. No it was not the end, it was just my April Fool's Day joke. Sorry to scare you so. :8} Take a few deep breaths and then read on. ;)
Banshee Fay - ]:D Yeah. I know. ]:D Thanks!!!
me - No, actually I don't. But I thought it was a good place to try and call it an ending. ;) And to stir up the pot so to speak. Thanks for reading!! :D
froggy - You should know me by now, I never 'Kill' the most precious thing in the galaxy. Although, I almost did in TEBY. And I did write a 'bad' ending to Ashes, but I made amends. Just read on and you'll find out what happens. ;) :D
Samskid - Yes, I was teasing, but it was fun. :p ROFLMAO, "well crafted" HA! You have no idea how many chapters of this fic were pulled completely out of my butt. I had no direction and no idea what was going to happen. I just sat down and said, 'well, I better write another chap to Iedos.' And voila! My fingers typed and you guys got a post. I knew the beginning and I knew the end. The rest kinda was thrown in to get me there. ;) Thanks again. And I hope you like the last two chaps. :D
Well, folks, here's the second to last post. Enjoy!! :D
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Time stood still for a moment and the room was eerily quiet. Breath was held and hearts pounded. Slowly, gradually, time and space began to move again. Concern about the outcome to the skirmish, is what kept everyone in their place.
MiraCyn and MysAri had found each other, although MysAri held a hand up to her face. It was obvious she was horrified by what had transpired. Antina, Obi-Wan and Serrine were lying in a clump together. Xichu was hovering over them, uncertain of who to check first. Harenti was standing off to the side, cowering between some boxes. Fiza stood with a shocked expression on his face his hands hung limply at his sides. The blaster long since fallen to the ground below. Qui-Gon and LaMinott still had their lightsabers lit and held up. Each of the blades having burrowed into the henchman's shoulders.
As time resumed, the two Jedi Knight's extracted their weapons and Fiza slumped to the ground. Regretfully, he passed out from the pain. Qui-Gon quickly pushed aside such a thought, knowing it was not the Jedi way to wish someone to suffer. But for that split second, it felt so good to know the beast who hurt his son was in agony. His next thoughts were of that youth and his heart raced wondering if he was able to stop the shot.
The pair moved closer to the mass of people. One of the figures began moving, working themselves from the pile. Antina sat up and glanced down beside her at the remaining figures. Xichu closed in as well and asked quietly, "Are you alright?" Still somewhat bewildered she nodded her answer.
Now there were only two possibilities left. Qui-Gon and Xichu moved simultaneously, reaching out to grab the shoulders of one figure. Carefully, they turned their person over. Immediately, Qui-Gon sought out the blaster wound he was so certain was there. The youth looked so pale and fragile in his arms that tears swelled in his eyes. His breath hitched and he called in a voice that was not even a whisper, "Padawan, Obi-Wan, please come back to me." For an instant nothing happened. When they had almost lost hope, eyelids fluttered.
"Mas - ster?" At hearing the cultured slur, the worried Master's tears slid down his cheeks. Quickly, he hushed the boy to silence, and Qui-Gon glanced up to stare at each of the faces around him. LaMinott smiled his happiness, as well as MiraCyn. MysAri was crying tears of mixed emotions, but most prevalent was joy. Cautiously, she crawled closed to them and placed a hand on Qui-Gon's. He next turned to Xichu, but what he saw was not what he expected.
Xichu cradled Serrine's head in her lap. Tears flowed from Xichu's eyes but they were not the same. Across Serrine's chest was the scorch mark of a blaster burn. At last the outcome to the horrific moment was revealed. The woman's ragged breathing echoed in their ears, knowing that soon, it would be over.
Serrine had turned to watch the scene play out. When Qui-Gon looked at her she smiled as best she could through her pain. "Will he be alright?" she asked in a raspy whisper.
He sadly returned the smile before answering, "Yes, he will, once we get him to the healer's."
"Good." Serrine let out a shuddered sigh. Xichu examined the burn closer. It was not a direct hit, more toward the shoulder. Still she knew that there was no way to get her help in time, Serrine would be lost no matter. The Force could not even prevent it from happening.
The turn of events was so unexpected that it was hard for Xichu to comprehend. After a long moment she finally asked, "Why? Why did you do it Serrine?"
Closing her eyes to fend off the pain, she took her time responding, "My son is dead, I needed to repent my sins. I realize now that he did what he felt was right. So I did what I felt was right."
Tears streamed down the Knight's face. "You know if I could have traded places with Torrine, I would have." That Force-ful day replayed in her mind, the memory and the current moment mirroring each other perfectly.
"I know," Serrine opened her eyes and stared up at the young woman. She still remembered the day Xichu came to inform her of her son's death and the argument that ensued. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you. You were the right Master for him."
Xichu's heart skipped a beat, she couldn't believe what she heard. It was the best gift she could ever have expected from the woman in her arms; forgiveness. "He was the best Padawan a Master could have. I miss him so much."
"I miss him too." Serrine could feel her time running out. Her gaze drifted back to the unconscious boy in Qui-Gon's arms and then over toward MysAri. There were still things that needed to be taken care of, before she could let go. "But we must move on. Others need you now. You must remove the bracelets."
"She's right, if she dies before they are removed, we'll all die." Harenti verified from the shadows. He knew that Fiza's idea was destined for folly. Now he only hoped that the Jedi would be able to prevent disaster before the woman died.
Without hesitation, they responded, each of the Jedi took a position next to one of the bracelets. Qui-Gon worked on Obi-Wan's. MiraCyn and MysAri worked together on her cuff. LaMinott removed Harenti's. While Xichu gently rested Serrine down to go and release Fiza's, she knew that they would want the criminal alive for prosecution - and that Serrine was lost. Once the cuffs were removed, she hurried back to the woman's side. Carefully, she concentrated and removed the fading woman's armlet.
Serrine's breaths were becoming more shallow. Her thoughts slowly fracturing as the clarity of mind slipped away. "I - wanted - revenge." She said to the Jedi Knight holding her. "What - I needed - was closure."
Hastily, Xichu urged the woman to save her strength, "Shh, it's alright."
"What - I'll get - is justice." Serrine had determined her crimes to great to be dismissed. In an odd way she deserved this fate, she had caused others pain. But most of all she had almost succeeded in causing a young boy's death. No, it was never her intention to do so, but her actions had aided the process. Serrine completely acknowledged her end.
On the other hand, it was always hard for a Jedi to let go. Death effected them on so many levels, it was hard for ordinary people to understand sometimes. And at this moment, Xichu could not let go, "Don't talk like that. You were hurting. It would be hard not to in your place. You didn't deserve this." Her voice hitched.
Serrine gazed up at the Knight, with melancholy acceptance. "I did - wanted to hurt you - the way I hurt. Took your - students - on purpose." Rough intakes of breath peppered her speech. She needed to confess her sins before she died, cleanse her soul.
The Jedi dismissed what she believe to be unfounded accusations. "But you saved them as well. They will all survive and grow up to become great Jedi Knights."
"Like Torrine?" The light behind Serrine's eyes flickered. Her thoughts drifted along a different path.
"Yes, like our Torrine would have," assured Xichu.
A small panic entered the woman, caught between a sense of excitement and fear, "Will I.?"
Seeming to know the question before it could be posed, the Knight answered. "You will see him again very soon. He is waiting for you." Her voice cracking under the emotional torment she was forced to relive.
Hope entered the expression of one holding on to life with the last of her failing strength, "You - for...?"
"I forgive you." It was a whisper, but one that resounded through the room. Upon hearing those words, the woman slowly let go of the last bits of air in her lungs. Xichu watched as the light behind Serrine's eyes faded out completely. It would be some time before any one moved. The day had been won, but the cost weighed heavily upon their hearts.
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Now don't forget to Review, or else I won't post the last chap on Monday!! You guys got that? :p