A/N - Now, did you honestly think that I could kill Boba Fett?
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Alone in the Dark
It was a splitting headache that finally brought Boba Fett to. Once he was awake, however, he was not so sure that it was such a good thing. His entire body ached and he could barely move without more pain shooting through his muscles. The worst thing was that he could not see. He could not even open his eyes. They were bandaged shut, or as far as he could tell they were. Moving his arm to check was too painful and the other one was set and bandaged to his chest.
Sighing, Fett laid where he was for awhile doing nothing but breathing and staying alive. He was just thankful to the gods that he was in fact alive. After blacking out, his subconscious was not so sure he would stay in that state. Quickly, however, his thoughts moved on. This time to his surroundings. What he was laying on—a bed, he assumed—was lumpy, the pillow flat. The air smelled of overcooked meat, burning wood, and stale cologne. There were faint sounds coming from his left and wind whistling somewhere in the room.
Taking back that the worst thing was the inability to see, Fett was suddenly worried. He had not felt that emotion in years, many more than he could remember, but there it was springing up. He had no idea where he was. That was worse than no sight. He could be anywhere. Absolutely anywhere. The sounds could be coming from people plotting his death and the overcooked meat the body of their last victim. Panic flashed through his mind before he was able to shut it down.
He could not allow himself to panic. Besides, he was Boba Fett. He had cheated death before; overcame the odds to survive through the impossible. Perhaps he had a rather large ego—an ego that more often than not had gotten in the way— but, by the gods, he had bragging rights.
It took only a moment for Fett to calm long suppressed emotions and get his mind back under control. Despite the incredible pain in his abdomen—and everywhere else for that matter—Fett forced himself to sit up. Wincing, he decided that it was not a very good idea after all. He could already hear several stitches breaking and feel the strain where others were about to. Gritting his teeth together, he moved his unbroken arm and touched his face. The results of this were both good and bad. He was now sure that his face was bandaged over, and that he was greatly in need of a shave, but at the same time several more stitches had snapped with his movements.
Groaning out loud, Fett eased back down, incredible pain shooting through his abdomen. Moving his unbroken arm, he searched blindly for the injury, hoping that it was merely strained muscles. However, as soon as his fingers touched the first stitch, all those hopes fled out the window. Slowly, he started to trace the length of the wound, horrified by the time he had reached fifty stitches. The wound had been cut across the length of his stomach from his right hip the just below the left side of his rib cage.
The words like daughter like father flashed through his mind and a sardonic smile spread across his lips. If Keilana could survive a deep stomach wound, Boba Fett could survive a long one, or so he decided.
Fett must have blacked out again, because the next thing he remembered was waking up to a lit room and the sound of voices. Women's voices.
Oh dear, one of them said. It looks as if he must have woken up last night. Look here, these stitches are all torn and stretched.
Rather than letting them know that he had woken up, Fett remained very still and kept his breathing slow. He then continued listening. Perhaps an accent or something would tell him where he was or who these two women were.
We will have to redo them, won't we? The second voice came, wavering slightly.
Of course we will have too, girl! I wouldn't just leave him with torn stitches. If I have to, I can take the thread from some clothing if I can't find anymore of my old surgical thread. The older woman sighed. Fett picked up the sound of soft footfall that announced the arrival of a third being.
a small boy said. Mommy, the water is ready.
Good boy, Yoron, good boy. Put the meat in and just let it continue to boil. The first woman replied to the boy. On the other side of the bed, where the two women were standing, faint shuffling sounds grew slightly louder. A soft hand reached down to trace an opened wound on his good shoulder. The instinct to flinch away from physical contact was too great for Fett to ignore. Besides, it came automatically.
I think he's awake, Mother, the younger woman said. She was the one who was hovering over him, Fett concluded.
And what would make you say that?
If I recall correctly, people do not generally flinch away from very light contact in their sleep.
More scuffling of boots on wood sounded and a firmer touch landed on Fett's shoulder. Again, he flinched away, his reaction stronger this time.
You are correct, Jikala. This man is very awake. The woman paused, but only for the briefest of moments. Sir, can you hear me?
Fett growled. His voice came out as a surprise, even to himself, for he did not recognize it as his own. It seemed huskier. Older.
Very good, the mother said. Do you know who you are?
he growled again. Do you?
came the simple answer. No, I am afraid we have absolutely no idea who you are. My son found you in a garbage heap.
Right, Fett thought.
Do you want to know? Fett asked, turning control of the conversation over to himself.
It would be nice
Too bad, Fett cut in to the younger woman's words.
A name, perhaps? She tried again.
Obviously not getting the hint to let the conversation die, she prodded once more. Nothing at all?
But why? The younger woman kicked once again. Fett could feel the irritation rising within him, which he attempted to control, but not necessarily keep out of his voice.
Who are you?
That's not an answer The younger woman was cut off, though Fett could not see by whom. The room was silent for several moment's before the woman's mother spoke up.
You must excuse my daughter, sir. She is not very used to offworlders.
What would make you think I'm an offworlder? Fett asked, turning his head slightly in the direction of the women he could not see. Pain licked down his spine, but the bounty hunter ignored it, if grimacing only slightly.
Because a man who lives on Nar Shadda would not get himself beaten up, thrown in the trash, and then left for dead, the woman said. At this, Fett nodded, but very slightly. It made perfect sense, though, those who normally visited this planet would not be caught dead in the situation Fett had found himself in either. And, if they did, they would be dead.
Makes sense, Fett agreed, moving his head once again so that he was facing up.
There was silence for several moments before the older woman spoke up again. Is there anything I can do for you?
Give me something to kill the pain and then get out of here, Fett answered without skipping a beat. The woman mumbled her answer and shuffled off. Pleased, Fett allowed a tiny smile cross his lips, forgetting that the other woman was still standing over him, taking in his every detail. However, he eventually felt her eyes on him and annoyance bubbled through his body.
What are you looking at, girl? He growled.
She squeaked, not expecting him to say anything. At this, Fett pursed his lips. His patience was running very low at the moment and any tolerance for a woman around his daughter's age—or so he assumed she was—was even lower.
As if sensing Fett's growing irritation, the woman stammered out her response. J-just looking at the torn stitches, sir. You've made a terrible mess of them.
Fett had the mind to tell the woman off but, rather, he bit his tongue. The woman had done nothing wrong. He did not trust her—or anything else that he could not see—but she had done nothing wrong in this instance. He would not tell her so, of course, but he bit his tongue all the same. So, stewing in his pain and irritation, Fett laid in the bed, unmoving, until the older woman came back.
Here you go, sir, she said, lowering a mug to Fett's lips. A nice liquid pain killer that will go down easily.
When the warm liquid touched his scabbed lips, Fett was not sure whether or not he should actually drink it. It's aroma was pleasant enough and it felt good against his bruised skin, but he did not trust anyone here.
It won't hurt you, the older woman said gently. Something in her voice told the bounty hunter to trust her, but still, he did not drink. You asked for a pain killer and I'm giving you one, sir. But, if you won't take it willingly, I will have to force it on you. I do have to repair the stitches you tore and reclose the wounds after all. I would rather have you knocked out than have you flailing around in pain.
Fett was almost relieved when the mug was pulled away from his lips. He did not care if he was acting like a stubborn baby, he did not trust these women and he was not just going to drink some unknown substance, whether he asked for it or not.
"Well, it's your choice, the older woman said. She placed the mug on a table with a thud.
Choice about what? Fett asked.
To be stitched up with out the pain killer. The woman started feeling around one of the wounds and Fett clamped his jaw against the scream of agony threatening to escape.
he gasped out after a moment. I'll take the fucking pain killer.
I don't appreciate that language, the older woman clicked her tongue.
Just give it to me, woman. As soon as the mug touched his lips, he drank the cooling liquid inside. He was uneasy with his decision, but if they really wanted to kill him, why make it easy?
A moment later, all of the pain was gone. Fett would have smiled, had there been no one around. Soon enough, he felt as if he were sinking down into his bed. And then he was out cold.
The running had taken a lot out of Keilana, but it had helped her get over her grief. Now, she was back in her room, sitting cross-legged on her bed. Three different blasters—a blaster rifle, a holdout, and a long-range—were sitting in her lap and her favorite was in her hands as she stared straight ahead. It was pitch black; no light was to be seen anywhere in the room and that's just how Keilana liked it. It helped with her training, she had decided a long time ago. Cleaning four blasters in the dark was not an easy task to pull off, but Keilana had done it for enough years that it was now second nature.
No more fooling around, girlie, Keilana muttered to herself as she cleaned. Only more pain will come out of staying here any longer.
Suppressing the tears that threatened to poor over, Keilana swallowed and picked up the long-range blaster to clean. She had to get away from the Temple, as she had decided during her run. Her heart and mind were being pulled in too many directions by staying around the Jedi and she no longer trusted herself around a certain one. Being with him would only ruin her chances for this bounty, for success.
Now all she had to do was put her plan into action. All she had to do was
A knocking sound nearly made Keilana drop the blaster she held. Growling and hiding the blasters under a sheet, Keilana stood and answered the door. Before it had slid very far, Keilana was already growling out her greeting.
What the fuck do you want, Ganner? With eyes narrowed into dark slits and brows furrowed, the bounty hunter resembled a feral beast ready to kill. In fact, she was nearly at that point.
Whoa, you don't have to Ganner trailed off and looked at Keilana in amazement. He did not realize that his mouth was hanging agape, nor did he exactly register that he was staring.
Don't fuck with me, Ganner, I'm not in the mood. Keilana crossed her arms over her breasts and stepped out into the hallway. Have you suddenly gone deaf and mute, Rhysode?
Blinking and closing his mouth, Ganner looked down at the woman with his blue gaze. She was standing very close to him, he realized.
What did you do, Key? How can you
It came out less as a question than a demand. Her brow slowly rose in question, but her gaze remained fierce.
You've shut yourself completely out of the Force, Ganner said barely above a whisper. The idea fascinated and horrified him at the same time. What someone could do with the ability to shut themselves completely out of the Force. Ganner shook the thought from his head.
Keilana arched one brow and seemed even more irritated. What did I tell you about
I'm not kidding with you, Ganner said, his voice dead serious. He placed his hands on Keilana's shoulders, expecting them to be bitten off. However, when she did not even bare her teeth, he continued. You have shut yourself out of the Force, Key. I can see you, but cannot sense you.
Keilana's lips curled into a smile as she glanced down the hall. And you aren't playing any games with me, right? Because if you are
Keilana simply trailed off as she shook a fist at Ganner. The look on his face and the way he shook his head told her that he was telling the genuine truth. Storing the fact away in her mind, Keilana stepped back and regarded the Jedi in front of her.
Honestly, what can you do to me? Ganner grinned.
Are you seriously asking me that question? Keilana's mood changed from irritated into something much lighter. I'm tough, Ganner. Tougher than you might think.
Ganner's grin widened and Keilana simply nodded.
I'd say you would be mighty surprised.
This has to do with your former life, doesn't it?
A single girl has to be tough to survive in this galaxy, Ganner. I had to learn how to defend myself. Keilana shrugged, figuring this was something Ganner had already figured out on his own.
As I could have guessed from that battle with Jaina, Ganner nodded slowly. You are able to do more things—and take more things—than I would have guessed that first night in the club.
Keilana found it interesting how the conversation had turned, so she decided to prod a bit into the Jedi's mind. What were your first impressions of me, Ganner?
Do you really want to know?
Believe me, I've heard a lot worse than what you could possibly say, in several different languages, Keilana added in without really realizing it. However, once she did, she grimaced slightly.
Well, at first you looked like a swoop pilot. With the helmet and all, it seemed as if you were a hotshot racer who was stopping in for some fun before the next race, Ganner shrugged.
Ganner nodded. But then you started getting a little friendly, and my mind changed.
To me trying to sell myself?
Ganner nodded slowly.
Don't worry about it, Ganner. Keilana shook her hand and looked directly into the Jedi's eyes. I really don't mind. Like I said, I've been called worse.
You must have known some really bad people, Ganner said, taking a step forward.
The worst kind of scum in the galaxy.
What, bounty hunters?
Keilana flinched internally. That had actually hurt, but she could not show that to Ganner.
she shook her head.
Yes, definitely worse. Ganner had moved slightly closer. Oddly enough, Keilana did not mind. In fact, she welcomed the advance of the handsome Jedi.
You still going to keep your past a mystery, Key? Ganner put his arms on either side of Keilana's shoulders and leaned forward against the wall.
I think I just might, Keilana smiled. Taking a piece of her dark hair, she started twirling it around with her fingers while biting her lower lip.
But why?
Just to be a tease.
You're enough of one without keeping certain things secret, Ganner said softly. He had leaned very close to Keilana, but she did not try to slink away. She quite enjoyed being that close to him.
But why not tease even more, she breathed. The results are better.
Keilana chose not to answer. Rather, she leaned into Ganner's lips. Reaching up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her finger's trailing through his black hair. Ganner had just put his hands on her waist to pull her closer when a new presence barged in. It was Luke Skywalker.
Jumping back from each other, Keilana let down most of her walls and Ganner ran a hand through his hair just as Luke rounded the corner. He looked confused.
Key, I I didn't expect to see you here, he stammered slightly.
Oh, you know me, Master, always popping up without notice.
Perhaps, but this time it was literally. The Jedi Master walked closer, stopping a few feet away from the student and Jedi. Did you actually shut yourself out of the Force?
Keilana played dumb. She ignored the look Ganner gave her when Luke was not looking at him. Oh yes, Ganner mentioned something about that. I don't know how it happens.
I would guess very powerful and thick walls, Luke said. He put his hands in the sleeves of his robe and looked at the woman. But why would you want those?
My father died earlier today, Keilana said somewhat reluctantly.
How do you
I felt it. A horrible pain tore through my body and now there is a hole where he used to be. I can't feel him, Keilana shifted her gaze to the floor and sighed. I guess I was in too much pain and didn't want anyone feeling my grief. I didn't try to put them up, honestly I didn't.
I'm not scolding you about the shields, Key, Luke said. He took Keilana's chin in his cybernetic hand and made her look into his eyes. I am very sorry about your loss.
Keilana smiled gently and looked away. So, were you looking for me?
Actually, I was. Luke stepped back and smiled. You have been making excellent progress in your training and there have been some people asking after you.
Keilana furrowed her brow, utterly confused. Why would anybody be asking after me?
She said she was an old friend of your father. I met her a couple days ago during my recent visit to Tatooine, Luke nodded.
Tatooine, really, Keilana rose her brow. She sensed what was coming, but was willing it not too. And did you happen to catch her name?
Lady Añaa Ulkin. She's a diplomat for the New Republic.
Is she really?
Yes. Anyway, she was talking about going to school with your father and that she was very happy indeed to hear about your recent acceptance into this Academy.
Yes, Añaa has always been interested in my comings and goings around the galaxy, Keilana said, smiling.
So you do know her! Luke sounded relieved. I was afraid she was mistaking you for someone else.
Were you? Why?
Well, at first she mentioned a Keilana' and I was confused because I had never heard that name before. But then she said that when you were young most people called you Key. I knew right away that she was talking about you, or so I assumed. The smile on Luke's face did not dim one bit. Keilana, on the other hand, had a look on her face that was a mixture of disgust and confusion.
Yes, most people do call me Key. I haven't been called Keilana since I was a child barely taller than my father's knee. Keilana tried to force a smile, but it was not working very well. So why do you mention Añaa?
There is actually an important party coming up for those who are important to the New Republic—politicians mostly—the night after tomorrow. Lady Añaa actually requested your appearance at the party to catch up with you.
Yes, that sounds very much like something she would do.
You don't like her very much do you? Luke furrowed his brow slightly.
Oh no, it's not that. I just haven't seen Añaa in a good long while and am just incredibly confused about certain things, Keilana nodded. This coming party would be a fun time indeed. For one, how she found out I was here.
News travels quickly among politicians.
Apparently so, Keilana smiled a very fake smile.
So what about the invitation? It's not everyday that a new student gets invited to a diplomat's party.
I would be very honored to attend, Master. I just don't have anything to wear, Keilana shrugged slightly and let out a nervous laugh.
Oh, we can fix that. Luke was absolutely beaming. Keilana tried to return the expression, but it was not happening. Well, I actually have some other business to attend too. Just wanted to stop by and tell you the good news! I'll see you two later. Luke nodded to both Ganner and Keilana, eyeing the two of them slightly before he walked back down the hall.
As soon as he had disappeared, Ganner turned to Keilana, his eyes wide.
So your name is Keilana? He asked. Why does that name sound so familiar?
Some actress from a holodrama? Keilana suggested. Swallowing hard and smiling, she continued. I think it is actually a quite common name.
Yes, that might have been it, Ganner nodded slowly. So why didn't you tell me that name earlier?
Never really occurred to me, I guess. I haven't been called Keilana' in such a long time I don't really think about it that often.
Ganner gave Keilana a sceptic look. I don't like the feeling I'm getting about you, Key. You're hiding something.
Keilana bit her lower lip and squirmed slightly. Of course it was an act, but with the walls Keilana had put back up, Ganner could not tell so.
All right, she finally gasped out. All right, I'll tell you.
Ganner's brow rose. He certainly did not expect to hear about Keilana's life so soon.
I am a pilot, a racer actually. I've been racing swoops underground for years and have been part of that world for almost as long as I can remember. I got into a lot of trouble a couple of months back and have had to hide out in different parts of the galaxy since. Please don't tell anyone about me. I don't feel like dying quite yet. Throughout the elaborate lie, Keilana's eyes darted here and there as if she were nervous. Every once and awhile she did hold Ganner's gaze, but not for very long. You may have heard my name mentioned here and there, but it wasn't worthy enough to make it on the news.
You raced? Underground? Ganner looked at Keilana, but he seemed satisfied enough. There was not much trust in his eyes, but there was satisfaction and that was all Keilana cared about.
Nodding, Keilana opened her mouth to continue, but Ganner held up a hand. Approaching her, he put the hand on her shoulder and shook his head. You needn't go on, Key.
Okay, thanks, Keilana's gaze shifted to the floor and she sighed. After a moment, the bounty hunter took Ganner's free hand in hers and punched the release to her door. Come in for a little while.
I actually have to get going.
Keilana looked up at Ganner, her eyes starting to water. I don't want to be left alone, not anymore.
Ganner glanced down either side of the hall before nodding and following Keilana inside. He was actually surprised to see it so dark. Before the Jedi's eyes could adjust, Keilana had moved away from him. He could hear her soft steps moving across the room and started to move in that direction as well. Then came scuffling and the sound of something being shoved under her bed.
Key? Do you need help? Ganner reached out in front of him and was met by a warm hand.
No, but thank you, came her response.
How can you see in here? Ganner asked after his eyes still had not adjusted.
I grew up in dark places, she said, pulling the big man closer. I've gotten use to the dark.
I guess underground can get pretty dark.
Keilana laughed, politely, and rested her cheek against Ganner's shoulder. You try too hard, Ganner.
At what?
Keilana wrapped her arms around the Jedi's waist and closed her eyes. At humor, at running, training, and trying to impress me.
Ganner, surprised by the sudden mood swing, hesitated before putting his arms around Keilana. He kissed her hair softly with the side of his mouth and rested his chin on the top of her head. I'm not trying to impress you.
Of course not.
she hushed him, pulling closer. Just, shhh.
Ganner said softly, tipping his chin to speak in her ear. Keilana shuddered, not used to hearing Ganner use her full name. Sensing this, Ganner started again. Key, did you love your father?
Keilana sighed and opened her eyes. Moving her head to look into Ganner's eyes, though she was not sure if he could see hers, Keilana took a moment longer before answering.
she finally said.
Later that night, Keilana lay on her back looking out her window. The light of two moons played through the now open window to turn everything in the room blue; the furniture, the walls, and the bodies.
Ganner lay spooned at Keilana's side—both still fully clothed minus boots and one Jedi robe—with one arm over her ribcage. The Jedi was fast asleep, his breath falling gently against Keilana's neck. Keilana, on the other hand, was very awake. She lay with one arm laying on her pillow above her head, the other hand absently stroking the Jedi's arm while just staring up at the night sky.
Sighing deeply, Keilana twisted in Ganner's arms and turned toward him. Putting her arm around his waist, she just looked into his sleeping face. Rogue strands of black hair were falling into his eyes as he slept, moving with his soft breathing. Keilana could not help but smile. He looked so peaceful, so at ease. Looking at him closer, Keilana noticed crow's feet forming at his eyes, wrinkles already on his forehead. So young yet carrying so many burdens and worries. So many planets depended on this man, so many lives hanging on his every action. Closing her eyes for a moment, Keilana looked back at the handsome man and kissed his scarred cheek gently. Ganner's blue eyes opened slowly, smiling already.
Hello there, he whispered, butting his nose against hers. Keilana smiled and pulled herself closer.
You act as if we've done something, Ganner, she chided softly.
Just waking up to your eyes is enough to put me in a good mood, Key.
At that comment, Keilana could feel her heart wrench. Not in pain, but in some different way. She could not put words on it, but somehow, it felt right, just as this felt right.
As if sensing Keilana's thoughts, Ganner kissed her forehead and settled her against his chest. Putting a hand on the back of her head, he closed his eyes and softly whispered, I think I'm losing myself to you, Key.
I've never felt like this before, but I think I'm falling in love.
Keilana could not think of anything to do nor did she have the normal urge to chide him. Sighing softly, she pulled herself closer to the big man and, in a voice that was barely audible, Keilana answered.
Yeah, me too.
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A/N - Okay, so the ending is a little cheesy, but what can I do? I can't keep this thing away from dairy products forever and at every bend. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this.
Hopefully the pace will pick up soon. I've got it all mapped out, in my mind, so hopefully the chapters and words will flow as well. Until next time,
-Gwen-
