Yay! *happy dance* I feel creative again and was able to turn out a chapter in a week. Go me. Anyway, thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews and actually reading this thing. Perhaps it's about time I get to that meeting between Luke and Keilanaor maybe some other things will happen first, either way, here's a little more.

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The Sound of Rain




You have to be smart to get far in this trade, Keilana could hear her father's voice in her head. You can't make stupid mistakes and unwise decisions. That is, after all, what killed your mother. You are better than her. I know you are. Now you just have to prove it. Boba Fett had told her these words many times, but only once did he mention her mother. It was that time, and that time only, the words stuck. She didn't know much about her mother for Fett had never really mentioned anything about her. Keilana knew that her mother's name was Aena Lytio and that she was a talented bounty hunter who had had a death mark on her head, but that was all. Perhaps it was because Fett knew nothing more than that, he didn't even know if his daughter's mother was truly dead as he assumed.

Keilana often thought about her mother and what she was like. She wanted to know what she looked like and how she sounded. She wanted to know where her mother had come from and what she smelled like. Keilana wanted to know as much as she could about the woman who had given her life, but the search seemed pointless. Any time Keilana had tried to look up her mother in this database or that one, the search had come up negative. It was almost as if her mother never existed.

Or someone wanted my mother to disappear from all knowledge. Keilana furrowed her brow as she continued to follow Ganner through the halls of the Jedi Temple. He was leading her somewhere, but Keilana had no idea where. As much as she hated to admit it, Keilana had become completely lost with all of the twists and turns that Ganner had taken. She just followed him like some lost dog, her wet clothes still clutched to her stomach. The white shirt she had borrowed was becoming quite wet itself but Keilana did not notice. She was trying to concentrate on where she was in the Temple, but was starting to give up.

You are loosing yourself in this place, Keilana growled to herself. You need to concentrate on your training. Don't let these Jedi get to you! You can never let anyone get to you.

Ganner paused and looked back at Keilana. She did not notice, however, and walked right into him.

What is with you, Keilana? Get hold of yourself and CONCENTRATE. Keilana snorted. You are a bounty hunter and better than this. You don't walk into people. You avoid them and hide from them. In the shadows, Keilana, but that outfit isn't going to work very well, is it? Keilana could almost hear her father's voice in her head as she looked out the window. She could hear Ganner as he tried to apologise, but she wasn't listening to him.

Get those thoughts of your mother out of your head. She was nothing more than a whore who didn't love you. Keilana furrowed her brow once again, this time fighting off tears of hate and anger. She gave you up and you owe absolutely nothing to her, not even a thought. Keilana enunciated these last words perfectly to herself and she seemed to calm down but only slightly.

Is there something wrong, Key? Ganner turned his body completely to her and stepped a little closer. Keilana took a step back and looked at Ganner, her eyes hard.

Perhaps if you continue with this act of insecurity, they won't suspect the real reason you are here, Keilana tried to reassure herself. Yes, I am just fine, Ganner, just thinking. No harm can come from that now can it?

No, I don't suppose, Ganner eyed her before turning his head to gaze at the storm just as Keilana did.

I mean, thoughts are just thoughts, nothing more. They can't alter the universe or anything.

Unless those thoughts become actions, Ganner looked back at Keilana. A piece of her hair was falling into her face but she did not notice for she was intently watching the storm. Have you encountered the Yuuzan Vong, Key?

Not directly, why? Keilana turned her head slightly to look at Ganner out of the corner of her eye.

Their thoughts, their beliefs, if you will, have become actions. They are devastating the galaxy. Ganner put his hands into the opposite sleeves of his robe and spread his legs a little.

Yes, I am quite aware of the currant situation in the galaxy. Ganner opened his mouth to say something but Keilana put up her hand to stop him. I am not as apathetic as I may seem. To you I might appear to be some party girl who doesn't care about the galaxy but this is my home too, Ganner. I have to live with the constant threat of the Yuuzan Vong, so don't think that only the Jedi, politicians and the military are concerned. You do share the galaxy with the rest of us and we have to deal with the pain and the killing also. We may not witness it, directly, but it is there. Constantly there.

Ganner looked at Keilana and stayed silent as she looked back out at the storm. He did not know what to say in response and was actually a little afraid of saying the wrong thing. He finally sighed and gazed out of the windows at the storm.

We are trying to keep the people of the galaxy safe, Key, Ganner said finally. We are trying to protect you.

Sometimes, Ganner, we don't need protecting, Keilana said as she concentrated on the bolts of lightening. Ganner made no movement or sound to show that he heard Keilana but he understood her words perfectly.

Ganner and Keilana stood at the window for several minutes, the only sound being the patter of rain and the crash of thunder. Keilana finally stirred and moved her hand to push the rogue strand of hair from her face. Ganner watched her movements out of the corner of his eye and looked back at the storm as she turned her head to look at him.

Why does Master Skywalker want to meet with me? Keilana asked, hoping she sounded innocent enough. She believed that she had gained the trust of at least this Jedi and hoped she could quickly gain the trust of her prey.

I guess he thinks you could have potential in the Force, Ganner said casually. However, the statement hit Keilana like a brick wall. I don't doubt him, personally. He has never been wrong before.

Keilana mumbled more to herself than to Ganner. No, this can't be happening. The Force? They must know something. I should get out and hunt from a distance. Keilana glanced at Ganner and then quickly away. But it is all just so perfect. The predator able to gain the trust of the prey is the perfect situation, but what if they know why I'm here? It's too dangerous. Keilana could hear warning bells go off in her head as she played over everything in her mind. She closed her eyes and bowed her head, her chin touching her chest. Ganner looked at Keilana and turned his body to her.

Are you okay?

Yes, yes, don't mind me, Keilana lied. It's just, shit, I'm twenty-one and am just being told I could tap into some extraordinary power. To be truthful, I never really believed in the Force, not until I came here to this Temple. Still, I haven't seen anyone use this Force. I haven't seen anyone lift something with their mind or sword fight as I've heard Jedi do.

Ganner nodded, understanding, and turned back to the window. He looked around the hallway they were in and was slightly disappointed to see that it was, for the most part, empty. He wanted to show this woman something for some unknown reason. He wanted to prove to her that the Force really did exist and that it was all around them. He was about to give up when an idea struck him.

Come with me, he reached out and grabbed Keilana around the wrist. She jerked back quickly and stepped away from Ganner.

Please, don't touch me, Keilana said. Her expression was hard and she was nearly glaring at Ganner. He too stepped back, surprised by her initial reaction and then nodded as if he understood.

Sorry, I didn't know, Ganner shrugged.

There is no way you could have known, Keilana stated simply. Ganner nodded once again and gestured in the way he had started to move.

Anyway, I would like to show you something. He started to walk down the hallway and Keilana followed slowly behind him. This time Ganner kept a moderately slower pace than before and allowed for Keilana to walk several paces behind him, moving at her own speed.

Keilana watched Ganner out of the corner of one eye as she took in the surroundings. Paintings dotted the hallway, portraits, actually, but other than that, it was bare of all decorations. Keilana took in everything around her and started to memorise it. She became a little more pleased with herself as she started to concentrate on what she was doing. Yes, this is how you are supposed to be acting, or at least it is a bit closer than before. She smiled to herself and caught up with Ganner.

So, where are you bringing me, Ganner? Keilana looked at the carpeted floor and then up into Ganner's face.

You'll see, a sly smile spread across Ganner's face as he looked down at Keilana. She just shook her head and started to look around once again.

After several minutes of walking down the same hall, Ganner turned to their left and they walked into a dark hallway. The darkness, however, was quickly dissipated as they rounded a corner and the wall became tranparisteel. Inside a room to their right was a large training arena. Inside there were several of the more advanced students duelling in different areas on the padded floor. Keilana stopped short in her path, truly amazed by what she was witnessing.

In the middle of the mats, there were two shirtless young men. Each of them held a lightsaber in front of them, one azure and the other a deep blue. They were slowly circling each other, their eyes locked on the other. The boy with the saber of azure attacked first and the boy with the deep coloured blade parried the attack by his left knee, the blades crackling as they met. Keilana could see sparks fly as the blades were held together for the next short moment before the blue blade was spun by it's dark-skinned wielder. The azure bladed boy was forced to take a step back and parry the attack of his opponent. They continued this dance for a little while longer before the dark-skinned boy deactivated his lightsaber and ducked under the high attack of the other boy, causing him to loose his balance.

Keilana watched for a little while longer in amazement and then turned to Ganner who was shaking his head.

I have never seen anything like it before, Keilana breathed. Ganner smiled and stepped a little closer.

Did you see the move the dark-skinned boy did as he turned off his blade? Ganner pointed at the two students who were now laughing and walking toward the wall, their skin glistening with sweat.

Keilana nodded.

That was a move I'm sure he stole from Corran Horn, but you won't be seeing him around here anytime soon, Ganner stepped around Keilana and towards a door in the transparisteel. Keilana followed him closely and looked slightly concerned.

Was he killed by the Vong? Keilana asked as she followed Ganner into the arena. Many of the occupants watched the two with interest as they stopped just inside the door.

Ganner smiled and shook his head. No, Horn is still alive, somewhere. His kids might be around though. No, they're on Yavin Four, I think. Oh, I don't know, it's too hard to keep track of one Horn let alone three, Ganner chuckled slightly and glanced at Keilana. You can drop your wet clothes here by the door, if you want too, no one will take them.

Thank you, but no. I would rather keep them with me, Keilana shook her head firmly.

Whatever suits you, Ganner shrugged. Keilana nodded and stuffed her clothes into her helmet. Ganner looked down in interest as the clothes compacted perfectly but didn't say a word. Keilana caught his gaze and gave him a slight smile, shrugging at the same time.

I've found ways to adapt, she said as she looked across the room.

As I can see, Ganner nodded as he followed her gaze. In front of them, on the other side of the room, was Luke Skywalker. Ganner glanced at Keilana and noticed a grin start to spread across her lips. The grin disappeared, however, when she noticed Ganner looking at her.

Well, are you going to bring me to him or not? Keilana smirked as she looked directly at Ganner. Ganner nodded and started to lead her around the edge of the arena.




Luke Skywalker looked up from the boy he was speaking with as Ganner approached. He quickly recognised the woman at his side and smiled at Keilana.

Ah, good day Ganner, Key, Luke smiled. He then turned back to the boy and dismissed him. The boy bowed to his master and walked quickly away, joining other apprentices as he went. Luke then turned to the other Jedi and clasped his hands in front of him.

Good day to you, Master, Ganner bowed. Keilana, however, stood silently at Ganner's side with her helmet grasped in her right hand. She looked at Luke with an intense gaze, her eyes meeting his. He nodded to her in greeting and she nodded her own head back, her dark hair bouncing freely about her shoulder's.

It is once again a pleasure to be meeting you, Master Skywalker, Keilana said carefully. She allowed herself to smile and forced her scrutinising stare to stop.

The pleasure is all mine, Luke responded as he smiled back. He then looked at Ganner who had straightened up and back to Keilana. I trust you have had a good stay here at the Temple?

Everything has been absolutely wonderful, Master Skywalker, and I could not have asked for more, Keilana pushed a piece of silky hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. Luke glanced quickly at her outfit, recognising it as one of his wife's and then at the helmet containing the wet clothes. The Jedi have shown me nothing but kindness since I arrived.

That is very good to hear, Luke unclasped his hands as he looked Keilana in the eye once again. Keilana forced her mental wall to grow stronger as she became aware of Luke's intense gaze. I assume you have heard that I wanted to talk to you, he looked at Ganner for a moment,

Keilana's cheek twitched as she watched Luke. She had to ball up her let hand to control the itching of her fingers to wrap themselves around her blaster then and there. Patience, girl, you'll get your chance, she tried to reassure herself. After a moment, Keilana was able to relax her hand and, unintentionally, a wave of gratefulness rolled off of her. Both Jedi snapped their gazes around to her and she cut off the emotion quickly, the mental wall growing stronger yet again.

If you'll excuse us, Ganner, Luke nodded to the other Jedi.

Yes, Master, of course, Ganner turned to Key and gave her a crooked smile. I'll see you a later. Ganner turned and headed toward a group of young apprentices huddled in a small group. Keilana allowed her eyes to follow him for a moment before she looked back at Luke. He motioned with his hand for her to walk with him before clasping them both behind his back. They walked out of the arena and started down the hallway to their left.

The two walked in silence for a little while longer until they came to a great room with large windows on every wall and on the rounded ceiling. The storm outside had started to slow and the rain was now a light shower. The lightning had ceased as had the thunder and the clouds were a much lighter colour grey. Luke led Keilana to the center of the room and stopped, turning to face her.

Tell me a little about yourself, Key, Luke said slowly. Who were your parents? Where did you grow up?

Keilana swallowed hard as she listened to the Jedi. She kept her gaze on his as she tried to think of what she could possibly use as an answer. When an idea finally trickled into her mind she sighed and attempted to change her mood.

A little about myself, you say? Well, there isn't much to tell, I'm afraid. I grew up with my father but he never paid any attention to me. He was to involved in his whores to spare a moment for me, Keilana looked into Luke's eyes and furrowed her brow. I had to raise myself and I left his house as soon as I was able too and I have never looked back. She couldn't tell whether or not the Jedi Master had bought her story. Luke's face was like stone, the emotion set on it not changing one bit. That is as much as there is to tell, I'm afraid. It's not much of a life, but it's mine.

Luke nodded slowly and glanced at the slowing storm. He slowly shook his head and turned to look back at Keilana. I myself grew up as an orphan on the backwater planet of Tatootine.

Yes, so I have heard from the many tales that about you in the galaxy, Keilana nodded as she met his gaze once again.

I see my reputation proceeds me as far as your knowledge goes, Luke said as he turned back to the storm. However, I did not bring you here to talk of our pasts. The future is more of a concern of the moment.

I don't follow you, Master Skywalker, Keilana said, playing dumb.

Hopefully that won't last for long, Luke gave a quick chuckle before he turned back to Keilana, his face serious once again. It is possible, Key, that you could tap into the Force. I do not know how much power you could draw from it but there is a possibility, nay, a great potential that lies in one of your paths, if you choose to follow where it will lead.

Keilana looked at him, her eyes showing disbelief. She even forced the same emotion to roll off of her, as she knew he could pick up on it.

Yes, it is a hard thing to believe, Luke nodded. Keilana smiled inwardly, pleased with his response to the forced emotion and once again set up her mental wall. We may have to conduct some tests to see if you are truly Force sensitive, but I very strongly believe that you are. Do you have anything to say about this?

It is a hard thing to respond to, Master Jedi, at my age, Keilana said, choosing her words carefully. Luke rose his eyebrows a little and continued to look at Keilana. I mean, the Force is a children's tale, almost, and the Jedi sound like something out of a faerie story. I would overhear mothers telling their children about super-humans with laser swords who saved the galaxy. I always thought that they were simply stories made up for entertainment and truly didn't believe the Jedi actually existed. When I first witnessed a Jedi in action it was still so hard to believe they actually existed. Keilana turned to look at the windows. And then the Yuuzan Vong came and I heard of the amazing things the Jedi did to save thousands of people and, for the first time, I genuinely believed in them.
I'm twenty-one, Master Skywalker, not too old, but not young at the same time. Do you not think that I am too old to begin an entirely new way of life?

Twenty-one, you say? Luke looked her up and down. She was quite lean and the white outfit accentuated her gentle curves against the grey sky. A black belt fit snugly around her lower waist, the many items on it arranged neatly and not cluttered, despite their number. Her holster wrapped around her left thigh and held an impressive black blaster. Keilana's black boots reached her knees and appeared to be made of a dull leather, the dim light barely reflecting in them. You certainly don't look that old.

Are you saying that I am old? Keilana frowned as she looked at the Jedi Master.

Of course not, Luke stammered and Keilana smiled widely.

Do not take offence, Master Jedi, for I was merely joking around but yes, I am twenty-one years of age. Keilana turned and took several steps toward Luke. She looked up into the tall man's face and a small smile crept across her face.

None taken, Luke's eyes met Keilana's once again and let out a nervous laugh. Keilana stepped in front of him, the curve of her breasts barely inches away from his chest. Luke put his hands on her shoulders and stepped back about a foot, pushing her back a little in the process. Keilana frowned, but did not fight back. Yes, if you have the time I would like to test your potential and take you in as an apprentice.

I have all the time in the universe, Keilana lowered her voice and looked into Luke's stunningly blue eyes, her own dark one's shining in the dim light. Teach me what you know, Master Skywalker.