A/N: Hi. This is my first Star Wars fic. I'm not too good at writing
action, so I apologize about that. Other than that, enjoy! Special thanks
to YUA for pre-reading it, and also coming up with the title!
Destiny's Darkness
*these mean thoughts* "these mean spoken words"
*"Darien!" Destiny shouted, watching her older brother fight the dark- robed figure. Darien turned. "Tiny!" he shouted. "Run! Get help!" He blocked a blow from the blood-red lightsaber, but was unable to block the next. "Des-" his cry was cut short by the figure's death blow. "DARIEN!" Destiny screamed. The figure glared at her, his ice-blue eyes piercing the shadows. He withdrew his lightsaber and seemed to disappear.*
With a start, Destiny sat bolt upright. Tears filled her grey eyes and glistened in the faint light. "Darien..." she whispered. It had only been a few days, but to her, that moment will always remain fresh in her mind. Every night, she relives that single moment in time. The eyes of his killer. they seemed to pierce right into her very soul.
Destiny wiped the tears from her eyes. *Crying is weak* she thought. *And a Jedi is never weak.*
"But miss him you do" a voice spoke up. Destiny gasped and turned to see Yoda, the Jedi Master.
"Master Yoda" she said, making sure her eyes were dry. He walked near her bed. "The loss of your brother was great," he said. "However, angered by it you must not be. For that-"
"That path leads to the Dark Side" she finished. "I know, Master, you've told me. many times." She sighed. "But how can I get over it?"
"That is something you must learn for yourself." Yoda said. Destiny sighed again. "But how?"
"Trust in the Force." Yoda replied. With that, he left, and Destiny was alone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"There was one witness" the mysterious figure told the holographic image that was his master. "Darien's sister. Should I kill her?"
"Not yet" his master, Sidious, replied. "If she is as strong as her brother, she may be of some use to us." His student raised an eyebrow, wondering exactly what kind of use his Master had in mind. "Yes Master" he said.
"Gain her trust." Sidious commanded, then disappeared as the connection was severed. The youth smiled sinisterly. "Gain her trust..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Aw crap!" Destiny yelled as she stumbled out of bed. She grabbed her outfit and dressed, then ran out of her room and down the hall. She was late... again.
Breakfast was out of the question, she missed that by ten minutes. *Who knows what kind of lecture I'll get this time?* she thought as she raced towards her instructor's room. As she round a corner, she collided with something solid. "OOF!" She fell.
"I am so sorry" a voice said, as a hand reached down to help her up. She took it and stood up.
"It's my fault" she replied, brushing her long hair out of her eyes. She looked at the person she collided with. He was a few inches taller than her, and his black hair was short. Soft blue eyes scanned over her, searching for injuries. "Are you alright?" he asked.
Destiny nodded. "Yes" she replied. "Are you?" They began walking. "I'm fine" the guy replied. "Call me Blaze."
Destiny smiled. "I'm... late!" she realized. She took off towards the room. "My name's Destiny!" she called over her shoulder. Blaze smiled. "Destiny."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Destiny burst through the door where her training took place. "I'm so sorry I'm-"
"Late." Her instructor walked up to her and sighed. He put his hands on her shoulders. "You must be on time."
"I know Master," Destiny replied. "I overslept." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I had that dream again."
He shook his head. "That's no excuse, Destiny" he said. "Master Yoda told you to move on." He sighed again and dropped his arms. "When will you learn?" His head snapped up as the door opened and Blaze walked in. "Aw, c'mon Master, give her a break" he said with a smile.
The teacher sighed. "Very well" he gave in. he turned to Destiny. "Don't let it happen again."
"And Blaze..." he said as Blaze walked away.
He turned around. "Yes Master?"
"Same goes for you." he made his way to the front of the room. The ten students he trained were all the same experience level, all chosen from birth to become Jedi. Most were close friends, but Destiny distanced herself from the others. Her brother was her only real friend growing up; she never allowed anyone else to get close. Sure, she had acquaintances, but if given the choice, she'd prefer to be alone.
She took her spot on the floor. Training with this Master included two areas: meditation and hand-to-hand combat. Lightsabers were the weapon of choice for Jedi, but when weapons were unavailable, they must learn to rely on themselves.
*I never thought silence could be so loud.* Destiny thought as she settled into a semi-comfortable position. She closed her eyes and blocked out everything but the sound of her own heartbeat.
*Concentrate on the Force.* she remembered her instructor telling them. *A Jedi can feel it everywhere.* Eyes still closed, Destiny felt herself levitate off the ground. Every day, she went higher, forcing herself to concentrate even more so she didn't crash down. Not really a big fall, but a fall nonetheless.
Dimly, she was aware of a faint whistle. The signal meditation was over, and combat training was to begin. She brought herself slowly back to reality.
"You'll be paired off today" he said. "Blaze Anthony."
Blaze looked up. "Pair up with Destiny Nicole." Destiny stood up and so did Blaze. He smiled as she approached.
"Just because you're a girl," he said as the other students were paired off. "don't expect me to go easy."
Destiny grinned. "I never said I was easy" she replied as they faced each other. Blaze returned her grin. *One would wonder* he thought as their instructor stood in front of the room. "Begin!"
Destiny dodged Blaze's first punch, and grabbed his wrist. Twisting it around, she flipped over him, causing him to flip as well. He landed with a thud on his back, but jumped quickly to his feet. "Not bad" he said as he closed in on her. She blocked his attacks, defending well, but he hit her square in the stomach. "Oof!" she grunted as she flew backwards and hit the wall. "Ow" she groaned, sitting up.
"You ok?" Blaze asked, helping her up. She nodded. "Yea. You're good"
"You are too," Blaze replied. "That's the longest anyone's ever stood against me." They turned as their instructor approached.
"Blaze, Destiny" he said. "Impressive battle. In time, you'll be among the top students in the Academy." He smiled at them as a bell rang. "You are dismissed" he said to the students. "May the Force be with you." Destiny bowed and walked out of the door slowly, hoping Blaze would follow her. He did.
"Where you off to next?" he asked
"Sort break" she replied. "After such a long battle, I need it." She stole a sideways glance at him. "You?"
"I usually go train more by myself." Blaze replied. "I don't like to take breaks."
"You're really serious about becoming a Jedi, aren't you?" Destiny asked.
"And you're not?" Blaze replied. "Then why are you here?"
"I've got no objections to become a Jedi." Destiny said hotly. "It's just that..." she trailed off.
"What?" Blaze asked. Destiny sighed. "Ever since my brother was killed, I can't keep my concentration."
"Have you sought out his killer? Revenge?" Blaze asked. "And how did you know he was your brother?"
"Master Yoda told me when I was young." Destiny replied. "I don't remember exactly how. As for seeking out his killer, no, I haven't."
"Why?" Blaze asked with a smirk. "You afraid?" Destiny stopped walking and glared at him. "Make no mistake," she said in a low voice. "If I ever find the person who killed my brother, I will take action."
"What are you gonna do?" Blaze asked. "Go to the Council?" He gave a short laugh. "You'd be better off killing them yourself." He walked away, leaving Destiny in the hallway.
*What's up with him?* she wondered. Shaking her head, she continued.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Are you getting close to her?" Sidious, in holographic form, asked.
"She's incredibly dense," his student replied. "The anger's there, but she seems unwilling to give in to it." He paused and rubbed his wrist. "Damn good fighter, though."
"Blaze!" Sidious's voice boomed. Blaze jumped. "Do not lose focus. Either pursued her to join us, or kill her." Blaze bowed. "Yes Master." Sidious disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Darien!" Destiny yelled as she awoke with a jerk. "No..." Tears slid down her face and stained her shirt. She cried into her pillow, not caring what the next day brought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Destiny" The next day, a voice brought her out of meditation. She opened her eyes and saw her instructor. "Yes?"
"The Council wants to see you." he said, then walked away.
"Great" Destiny muttered to herself. "Wonder what I did this time."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Destiny" Yoda said as she walked into the Jedi Tower.
"Yes. Master Yoda?" Destiny replied, bowing respectfully to the Council.
"Kator has chosen you to be an apprentice." Destiny turned as a Kel Dor walked up to her.
"I've heard a lot about you, Destiny Nicole" he said in a gravely voice. "I believe you will do fine."
"Thank you sir." Destiny said with a smile. "I shall do my best."
"That is all anyone can ask." Kator replied, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"You're a Jedi Knight, aren't you?"
Kator nodded. "With my help, you will learn the ways of the Force." He stepped back. "Go," he said. "Gather your belongings." Destiny bowed again and left.
Blaze caught up with her in the hallway. "Hey."
"Hey" Destiny replied. Blaze cleared his throat. "So I heard Kator wants you as a Padawan."
Destiny nodded. "I guess this is good-bye then?" she asked.
"Why would it be?" Blaze replied.
"If my memory serves me correct, Kator's from the planet Kathrakk. That's pretty far."
"But that doesn't mean we have to say good-bye." Blaze argued. He stopped walking. "We'll see each other again," he said. "I'm sure of it."
Destiny turned to him. "You really think so?" Blaze smiled, and Destiny didn't notice the gleam in his eye. "I know so."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In her room, Destiny packed only a few of her things. Clothes mostly. Looking around to make sure she was really alone, she went over to the trunk where she kept her most cherished possession. She knelt and opened it. "Can't forget you" she whispered, taking out her brother's lightsaber.
*Flashback*
"What's this?" Destiny asked as Yoda handed her the lightsaber. "I already have one."
"Remember" Yoda replied. "To become a great Jedi, like your brother you must be. His lightsaber this is... or was. Now it's yours."
*End flashback*
She wasn't the best with a lightsaber, but she was getting there. She had started young, the one she used to train with a pale blue. It wasn't as concentrated as the ones used for battle, but she learned quickly.
Her brother's on the other hand, was a deep azure. Darien might not have been top in the Academy, but given a little more time and he would have been.
*I think that's it.* Destiny thought as she slipped in to a robe. She took one last look around her room, then closed the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"How am I supposed to follow her?" Blaze yelled.
"You are smart, Blaze" Sidious replied. "So I will ignore your tone." He watched Blaze pace back and fourth.
"I can sneak aboard Kator's ship" he suggested tentatively. "But how would I explain if I got caught?" he asked the hologram.
"Think of something Blaze." Sidious growled. Blaze was one of the best Sith trainees he's ever had, but his level of density was unbelievable. "I know you will." He disappeared.
"Guess I better get goin." Blaze sad to no one in particular. He grabbed his weapon and casually walked down to the dock where the Kel Dor's ship rested. Ducking behind some crates, and waited. When he was sure there was no one around, he ran towards the ship. The hatch was open, so he quickly stepped aboard.
It wasn't a big ship, but Blaze managed to find a place where he wouldn't be noticed. He had his ways of masking himself, so that not even Yoda can sense him. All he had to do now, was wait.
"It's very warm on Kathrakk" Blaze heard Kator say. "Warmer than Coruscant."
"That's alright" Destiny's voice replied. "I prefer warmth to coldness." They walked aboard, followed by a pilot.
"We should arrive in a few hours" the pilot said. Kator nodded and turned to Destiny. "It's not a very big ship," he said. "But you can have some privacy there." Destiny nodded and Kator followed the pilot to the cockpit.
Destiny sighed and looked around. She was going to miss the Academy. *And Blaze.* she thought, surprising herself. *Blaze? Why would I miss him? I didn't really even know him.* She walked into a small portion of the ship. *Maybe I like him? That's ridiculous. But then, he didn't wanna say good-bye...* She sat down and felt something tap her on the shoulder. She turned. "Blaze?!"
"I told you I'd see you again." Blaze said. Destiny jumped up and hugged him. "Whater you doing here?" she whispered, not wanting to alert Kator to his presence. "If the Council ever found out you're here, you could be expelled!"
Blaze shrugged. "So?" he asked.
*He doesn't care.* Destiny thought, watching him. *I think that's why I like him. But I don't like him! Yes I do...* She shook her head out of thought.
"What's wrong?" Blaze asked. Destiny smiled. "Nothing" she replied. "Kator said we have a while till we get to Kathrakk."
"Good" Blaze said, stretching. "That means we can talk." He smiled at her. *And I can get to know you...*
"So how did you know your brother was your brother?" Blaze asked. "Usually, you'd have to be really strong with the Force... and. No offence, but I don't think you're that strong."
"From what I can remember..." Destiny replied. "When I was younger, Darien and I were already close friends. He was two years older than me, but we were both at the same experience level. I still didn't get to see him often though. I remember one time, I was trying to meditate. I didn't want to, didn't have the patience, and couldn't concentrate long enough. Master Yoda took me aside and told me that meditation was important, and that I needed to do it if I wanted to become as strong as my brother."
"But he could have just been saying that" Blaze countered.
"True" Destiny admitted. "I did think of that, but then I realized, what are blood ties when you don't know about them? Weather Darien was blood or not, he was my brother at heart." She paused. "So, how about you?" she asked. "What's your story?"
Blaze shrugged. "Well, like any other Jedi, I was chosen at birth for training. I was the serious one. Where other's failed, I succeeded. It won't be long until I'm the top ranked in the Academy."
"But what about your past?" Destiny pushed.
"What about it?"
"You won't tell me?"
"There's nothing to tell!" Blaze exclaimed, then hushed. He had heard Kator walking towards them.
"He's gonna find you!" Destiny whispered, her eyes wide.
"Destiny?" Kator said, walking through the small doorway. He stopped short when he saw Blaze. "What are you doing here?"
Blaze stood up. "I apologize, sir," he said. "I wanted to talk to Destiny before she left."
"Why didn't I sense you when we got onboard?"
*Good question* Destiny thought.
"I do not know, sir." Blaze replied. "Perhaps you were focused on other things?" Kator narrowed his eyes suspiciously at him. "Perhaps..." he said slowly. "When we get to Kathrakk, you know I have no choice but to inform the Council of your whereabouts."
Blaze nodded. "Of course." He sat back down. *But then,* he thought. *you'll never get that chance.*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The rest of the way, Destiny sat quiet. *Why do you like him?* she asked herself. *I don't know. He's fun. Mysterious. And he's gonna make a great Jedi one day.*
*Do you trust him?* her brow furrowed as she contemplated this question. *Yes* she finally thought. *I do trust him. To be honest, I see no reason why I shouldn't.*
Blaze smiled to himself as he watched her think. It was painfully obvious she was falling for him. And although he hated to admit it, he was falling for her, too. He hated lying to her. If he could turn her, he knew there would be sparks. *But if she'd reluctant* he thought. *I have no choice but to kill her.*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Destiny looked up as Kator approached. "We've arrived." Blaze and Destiny stood up silently and followed.
"Master Kator," Blaze spoke up. Kator turned. "Would you mind if Destiny and I remain here?"
"You may remain," Kator said. "But Destiny comes with me." Blaze nodded and bowed. "She's not at fault, sir," he said as they left. "Don't be too hard on her."
"Why didn't you come to me when you found he was on board?" Kator asked.
"Because I didn't want him to be in trouble, sir." Destiny replied in a low voice.
"But now," Kator said. "You very well may both be..." He paused and looked at her. "You care for him, don't you?"
Destiny stopped walking and looked down. "Yes," she whispered. "I love him."
Suddenly, there was a flash of red, and Destiny was knocked down. She looked up and gasped. A figure, tall, hidden beneath a dark robe, stood before Kator. She reached for her brother's lightsaber as Kator drew his. Green clashed with red as the to fought fiercely. Then, as suddenly as it began, it ended, as the figure thrust his lightsaber deep into Kator's chest.
"NO!" Destiny yelled. She jumped up, lightsaber drawn, and fought. The figure blocked her, but she kept attacking. All of a sudden, the figure threw his robe off, and Destiny stared in shock. "Blaze?"
"Destiny." Blaze withdrew his weapon. "I'm here to offer you a choice."
Destiny's eyes narrowed as she watched him, lightsaber down. "What?"
"It's simple, really" Blaze replied, his voice deeper, and more serious than she had ever heard it. "Join me. Relish the power of the Dark Side." He looked at her, his once soft eyes, now piercing blue. "Or die."
Destiny shook her head. "Never," she spat out venomously.
"I know you care for me," Blaze said, reaching for her hand. "I heard you tell Kator. If you give in, we can be together." Destiny looked away. She wanted to be with him, true. But to give in to the Dark Side would be against everything she fought for... believed in.
"Come on, Tiny..." Blaze said. "You know you want to." Destiny's head snapped up. In the back of her mind, she heard Darien's voice. "Tiny! Run!" Blaze's smile faded as he realized his mistake.
"You killed Darien" Destiny whispered. She drew her lightsaber, which seemed to glow an even brighter blue.
"You're right" Blaze replied. "And now I have to kill you." He brought his lightsaber down, but she blocked it. An intense battle ensued, azure blue against blood red, good verses evil. Destiny fought hard, her brother's memory driving her. With a yell, Blaze's lightsaber flew from his hands, and Destiny delivered the final blow. Blaze collapsed, and Destiny fell to her knees beside him. "Blaze..."
He coughed. "You're the only one to ever beat me" he whispered. "You'll make an amazing Jedi one day..."He coughed again and reached up to stroke her cheek. Wiping away a tear, he pulled her down in a brief kiss. "I love you, too." With that, he was gone, and Destiny was alone again.
The End.
Destiny's Darkness
*these mean thoughts* "these mean spoken words"
*"Darien!" Destiny shouted, watching her older brother fight the dark- robed figure. Darien turned. "Tiny!" he shouted. "Run! Get help!" He blocked a blow from the blood-red lightsaber, but was unable to block the next. "Des-" his cry was cut short by the figure's death blow. "DARIEN!" Destiny screamed. The figure glared at her, his ice-blue eyes piercing the shadows. He withdrew his lightsaber and seemed to disappear.*
With a start, Destiny sat bolt upright. Tears filled her grey eyes and glistened in the faint light. "Darien..." she whispered. It had only been a few days, but to her, that moment will always remain fresh in her mind. Every night, she relives that single moment in time. The eyes of his killer. they seemed to pierce right into her very soul.
Destiny wiped the tears from her eyes. *Crying is weak* she thought. *And a Jedi is never weak.*
"But miss him you do" a voice spoke up. Destiny gasped and turned to see Yoda, the Jedi Master.
"Master Yoda" she said, making sure her eyes were dry. He walked near her bed. "The loss of your brother was great," he said. "However, angered by it you must not be. For that-"
"That path leads to the Dark Side" she finished. "I know, Master, you've told me. many times." She sighed. "But how can I get over it?"
"That is something you must learn for yourself." Yoda said. Destiny sighed again. "But how?"
"Trust in the Force." Yoda replied. With that, he left, and Destiny was alone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"There was one witness" the mysterious figure told the holographic image that was his master. "Darien's sister. Should I kill her?"
"Not yet" his master, Sidious, replied. "If she is as strong as her brother, she may be of some use to us." His student raised an eyebrow, wondering exactly what kind of use his Master had in mind. "Yes Master" he said.
"Gain her trust." Sidious commanded, then disappeared as the connection was severed. The youth smiled sinisterly. "Gain her trust..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Aw crap!" Destiny yelled as she stumbled out of bed. She grabbed her outfit and dressed, then ran out of her room and down the hall. She was late... again.
Breakfast was out of the question, she missed that by ten minutes. *Who knows what kind of lecture I'll get this time?* she thought as she raced towards her instructor's room. As she round a corner, she collided with something solid. "OOF!" She fell.
"I am so sorry" a voice said, as a hand reached down to help her up. She took it and stood up.
"It's my fault" she replied, brushing her long hair out of her eyes. She looked at the person she collided with. He was a few inches taller than her, and his black hair was short. Soft blue eyes scanned over her, searching for injuries. "Are you alright?" he asked.
Destiny nodded. "Yes" she replied. "Are you?" They began walking. "I'm fine" the guy replied. "Call me Blaze."
Destiny smiled. "I'm... late!" she realized. She took off towards the room. "My name's Destiny!" she called over her shoulder. Blaze smiled. "Destiny."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Destiny burst through the door where her training took place. "I'm so sorry I'm-"
"Late." Her instructor walked up to her and sighed. He put his hands on her shoulders. "You must be on time."
"I know Master," Destiny replied. "I overslept." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I had that dream again."
He shook his head. "That's no excuse, Destiny" he said. "Master Yoda told you to move on." He sighed again and dropped his arms. "When will you learn?" His head snapped up as the door opened and Blaze walked in. "Aw, c'mon Master, give her a break" he said with a smile.
The teacher sighed. "Very well" he gave in. he turned to Destiny. "Don't let it happen again."
"And Blaze..." he said as Blaze walked away.
He turned around. "Yes Master?"
"Same goes for you." he made his way to the front of the room. The ten students he trained were all the same experience level, all chosen from birth to become Jedi. Most were close friends, but Destiny distanced herself from the others. Her brother was her only real friend growing up; she never allowed anyone else to get close. Sure, she had acquaintances, but if given the choice, she'd prefer to be alone.
She took her spot on the floor. Training with this Master included two areas: meditation and hand-to-hand combat. Lightsabers were the weapon of choice for Jedi, but when weapons were unavailable, they must learn to rely on themselves.
*I never thought silence could be so loud.* Destiny thought as she settled into a semi-comfortable position. She closed her eyes and blocked out everything but the sound of her own heartbeat.
*Concentrate on the Force.* she remembered her instructor telling them. *A Jedi can feel it everywhere.* Eyes still closed, Destiny felt herself levitate off the ground. Every day, she went higher, forcing herself to concentrate even more so she didn't crash down. Not really a big fall, but a fall nonetheless.
Dimly, she was aware of a faint whistle. The signal meditation was over, and combat training was to begin. She brought herself slowly back to reality.
"You'll be paired off today" he said. "Blaze Anthony."
Blaze looked up. "Pair up with Destiny Nicole." Destiny stood up and so did Blaze. He smiled as she approached.
"Just because you're a girl," he said as the other students were paired off. "don't expect me to go easy."
Destiny grinned. "I never said I was easy" she replied as they faced each other. Blaze returned her grin. *One would wonder* he thought as their instructor stood in front of the room. "Begin!"
Destiny dodged Blaze's first punch, and grabbed his wrist. Twisting it around, she flipped over him, causing him to flip as well. He landed with a thud on his back, but jumped quickly to his feet. "Not bad" he said as he closed in on her. She blocked his attacks, defending well, but he hit her square in the stomach. "Oof!" she grunted as she flew backwards and hit the wall. "Ow" she groaned, sitting up.
"You ok?" Blaze asked, helping her up. She nodded. "Yea. You're good"
"You are too," Blaze replied. "That's the longest anyone's ever stood against me." They turned as their instructor approached.
"Blaze, Destiny" he said. "Impressive battle. In time, you'll be among the top students in the Academy." He smiled at them as a bell rang. "You are dismissed" he said to the students. "May the Force be with you." Destiny bowed and walked out of the door slowly, hoping Blaze would follow her. He did.
"Where you off to next?" he asked
"Sort break" she replied. "After such a long battle, I need it." She stole a sideways glance at him. "You?"
"I usually go train more by myself." Blaze replied. "I don't like to take breaks."
"You're really serious about becoming a Jedi, aren't you?" Destiny asked.
"And you're not?" Blaze replied. "Then why are you here?"
"I've got no objections to become a Jedi." Destiny said hotly. "It's just that..." she trailed off.
"What?" Blaze asked. Destiny sighed. "Ever since my brother was killed, I can't keep my concentration."
"Have you sought out his killer? Revenge?" Blaze asked. "And how did you know he was your brother?"
"Master Yoda told me when I was young." Destiny replied. "I don't remember exactly how. As for seeking out his killer, no, I haven't."
"Why?" Blaze asked with a smirk. "You afraid?" Destiny stopped walking and glared at him. "Make no mistake," she said in a low voice. "If I ever find the person who killed my brother, I will take action."
"What are you gonna do?" Blaze asked. "Go to the Council?" He gave a short laugh. "You'd be better off killing them yourself." He walked away, leaving Destiny in the hallway.
*What's up with him?* she wondered. Shaking her head, she continued.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Are you getting close to her?" Sidious, in holographic form, asked.
"She's incredibly dense," his student replied. "The anger's there, but she seems unwilling to give in to it." He paused and rubbed his wrist. "Damn good fighter, though."
"Blaze!" Sidious's voice boomed. Blaze jumped. "Do not lose focus. Either pursued her to join us, or kill her." Blaze bowed. "Yes Master." Sidious disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Darien!" Destiny yelled as she awoke with a jerk. "No..." Tears slid down her face and stained her shirt. She cried into her pillow, not caring what the next day brought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Destiny" The next day, a voice brought her out of meditation. She opened her eyes and saw her instructor. "Yes?"
"The Council wants to see you." he said, then walked away.
"Great" Destiny muttered to herself. "Wonder what I did this time."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Destiny" Yoda said as she walked into the Jedi Tower.
"Yes. Master Yoda?" Destiny replied, bowing respectfully to the Council.
"Kator has chosen you to be an apprentice." Destiny turned as a Kel Dor walked up to her.
"I've heard a lot about you, Destiny Nicole" he said in a gravely voice. "I believe you will do fine."
"Thank you sir." Destiny said with a smile. "I shall do my best."
"That is all anyone can ask." Kator replied, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"You're a Jedi Knight, aren't you?"
Kator nodded. "With my help, you will learn the ways of the Force." He stepped back. "Go," he said. "Gather your belongings." Destiny bowed again and left.
Blaze caught up with her in the hallway. "Hey."
"Hey" Destiny replied. Blaze cleared his throat. "So I heard Kator wants you as a Padawan."
Destiny nodded. "I guess this is good-bye then?" she asked.
"Why would it be?" Blaze replied.
"If my memory serves me correct, Kator's from the planet Kathrakk. That's pretty far."
"But that doesn't mean we have to say good-bye." Blaze argued. He stopped walking. "We'll see each other again," he said. "I'm sure of it."
Destiny turned to him. "You really think so?" Blaze smiled, and Destiny didn't notice the gleam in his eye. "I know so."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In her room, Destiny packed only a few of her things. Clothes mostly. Looking around to make sure she was really alone, she went over to the trunk where she kept her most cherished possession. She knelt and opened it. "Can't forget you" she whispered, taking out her brother's lightsaber.
*Flashback*
"What's this?" Destiny asked as Yoda handed her the lightsaber. "I already have one."
"Remember" Yoda replied. "To become a great Jedi, like your brother you must be. His lightsaber this is... or was. Now it's yours."
*End flashback*
She wasn't the best with a lightsaber, but she was getting there. She had started young, the one she used to train with a pale blue. It wasn't as concentrated as the ones used for battle, but she learned quickly.
Her brother's on the other hand, was a deep azure. Darien might not have been top in the Academy, but given a little more time and he would have been.
*I think that's it.* Destiny thought as she slipped in to a robe. She took one last look around her room, then closed the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"How am I supposed to follow her?" Blaze yelled.
"You are smart, Blaze" Sidious replied. "So I will ignore your tone." He watched Blaze pace back and fourth.
"I can sneak aboard Kator's ship" he suggested tentatively. "But how would I explain if I got caught?" he asked the hologram.
"Think of something Blaze." Sidious growled. Blaze was one of the best Sith trainees he's ever had, but his level of density was unbelievable. "I know you will." He disappeared.
"Guess I better get goin." Blaze sad to no one in particular. He grabbed his weapon and casually walked down to the dock where the Kel Dor's ship rested. Ducking behind some crates, and waited. When he was sure there was no one around, he ran towards the ship. The hatch was open, so he quickly stepped aboard.
It wasn't a big ship, but Blaze managed to find a place where he wouldn't be noticed. He had his ways of masking himself, so that not even Yoda can sense him. All he had to do now, was wait.
"It's very warm on Kathrakk" Blaze heard Kator say. "Warmer than Coruscant."
"That's alright" Destiny's voice replied. "I prefer warmth to coldness." They walked aboard, followed by a pilot.
"We should arrive in a few hours" the pilot said. Kator nodded and turned to Destiny. "It's not a very big ship," he said. "But you can have some privacy there." Destiny nodded and Kator followed the pilot to the cockpit.
Destiny sighed and looked around. She was going to miss the Academy. *And Blaze.* she thought, surprising herself. *Blaze? Why would I miss him? I didn't really even know him.* She walked into a small portion of the ship. *Maybe I like him? That's ridiculous. But then, he didn't wanna say good-bye...* She sat down and felt something tap her on the shoulder. She turned. "Blaze?!"
"I told you I'd see you again." Blaze said. Destiny jumped up and hugged him. "Whater you doing here?" she whispered, not wanting to alert Kator to his presence. "If the Council ever found out you're here, you could be expelled!"
Blaze shrugged. "So?" he asked.
*He doesn't care.* Destiny thought, watching him. *I think that's why I like him. But I don't like him! Yes I do...* She shook her head out of thought.
"What's wrong?" Blaze asked. Destiny smiled. "Nothing" she replied. "Kator said we have a while till we get to Kathrakk."
"Good" Blaze said, stretching. "That means we can talk." He smiled at her. *And I can get to know you...*
"So how did you know your brother was your brother?" Blaze asked. "Usually, you'd have to be really strong with the Force... and. No offence, but I don't think you're that strong."
"From what I can remember..." Destiny replied. "When I was younger, Darien and I were already close friends. He was two years older than me, but we were both at the same experience level. I still didn't get to see him often though. I remember one time, I was trying to meditate. I didn't want to, didn't have the patience, and couldn't concentrate long enough. Master Yoda took me aside and told me that meditation was important, and that I needed to do it if I wanted to become as strong as my brother."
"But he could have just been saying that" Blaze countered.
"True" Destiny admitted. "I did think of that, but then I realized, what are blood ties when you don't know about them? Weather Darien was blood or not, he was my brother at heart." She paused. "So, how about you?" she asked. "What's your story?"
Blaze shrugged. "Well, like any other Jedi, I was chosen at birth for training. I was the serious one. Where other's failed, I succeeded. It won't be long until I'm the top ranked in the Academy."
"But what about your past?" Destiny pushed.
"What about it?"
"You won't tell me?"
"There's nothing to tell!" Blaze exclaimed, then hushed. He had heard Kator walking towards them.
"He's gonna find you!" Destiny whispered, her eyes wide.
"Destiny?" Kator said, walking through the small doorway. He stopped short when he saw Blaze. "What are you doing here?"
Blaze stood up. "I apologize, sir," he said. "I wanted to talk to Destiny before she left."
"Why didn't I sense you when we got onboard?"
*Good question* Destiny thought.
"I do not know, sir." Blaze replied. "Perhaps you were focused on other things?" Kator narrowed his eyes suspiciously at him. "Perhaps..." he said slowly. "When we get to Kathrakk, you know I have no choice but to inform the Council of your whereabouts."
Blaze nodded. "Of course." He sat back down. *But then,* he thought. *you'll never get that chance.*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The rest of the way, Destiny sat quiet. *Why do you like him?* she asked herself. *I don't know. He's fun. Mysterious. And he's gonna make a great Jedi one day.*
*Do you trust him?* her brow furrowed as she contemplated this question. *Yes* she finally thought. *I do trust him. To be honest, I see no reason why I shouldn't.*
Blaze smiled to himself as he watched her think. It was painfully obvious she was falling for him. And although he hated to admit it, he was falling for her, too. He hated lying to her. If he could turn her, he knew there would be sparks. *But if she'd reluctant* he thought. *I have no choice but to kill her.*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Destiny looked up as Kator approached. "We've arrived." Blaze and Destiny stood up silently and followed.
"Master Kator," Blaze spoke up. Kator turned. "Would you mind if Destiny and I remain here?"
"You may remain," Kator said. "But Destiny comes with me." Blaze nodded and bowed. "She's not at fault, sir," he said as they left. "Don't be too hard on her."
"Why didn't you come to me when you found he was on board?" Kator asked.
"Because I didn't want him to be in trouble, sir." Destiny replied in a low voice.
"But now," Kator said. "You very well may both be..." He paused and looked at her. "You care for him, don't you?"
Destiny stopped walking and looked down. "Yes," she whispered. "I love him."
Suddenly, there was a flash of red, and Destiny was knocked down. She looked up and gasped. A figure, tall, hidden beneath a dark robe, stood before Kator. She reached for her brother's lightsaber as Kator drew his. Green clashed with red as the to fought fiercely. Then, as suddenly as it began, it ended, as the figure thrust his lightsaber deep into Kator's chest.
"NO!" Destiny yelled. She jumped up, lightsaber drawn, and fought. The figure blocked her, but she kept attacking. All of a sudden, the figure threw his robe off, and Destiny stared in shock. "Blaze?"
"Destiny." Blaze withdrew his weapon. "I'm here to offer you a choice."
Destiny's eyes narrowed as she watched him, lightsaber down. "What?"
"It's simple, really" Blaze replied, his voice deeper, and more serious than she had ever heard it. "Join me. Relish the power of the Dark Side." He looked at her, his once soft eyes, now piercing blue. "Or die."
Destiny shook her head. "Never," she spat out venomously.
"I know you care for me," Blaze said, reaching for her hand. "I heard you tell Kator. If you give in, we can be together." Destiny looked away. She wanted to be with him, true. But to give in to the Dark Side would be against everything she fought for... believed in.
"Come on, Tiny..." Blaze said. "You know you want to." Destiny's head snapped up. In the back of her mind, she heard Darien's voice. "Tiny! Run!" Blaze's smile faded as he realized his mistake.
"You killed Darien" Destiny whispered. She drew her lightsaber, which seemed to glow an even brighter blue.
"You're right" Blaze replied. "And now I have to kill you." He brought his lightsaber down, but she blocked it. An intense battle ensued, azure blue against blood red, good verses evil. Destiny fought hard, her brother's memory driving her. With a yell, Blaze's lightsaber flew from his hands, and Destiny delivered the final blow. Blaze collapsed, and Destiny fell to her knees beside him. "Blaze..."
He coughed. "You're the only one to ever beat me" he whispered. "You'll make an amazing Jedi one day..."He coughed again and reached up to stroke her cheek. Wiping away a tear, he pulled her down in a brief kiss. "I love you, too." With that, he was gone, and Destiny was alone again.
The End.
