A/N: ok, ok, so the story is getting really, really, really gay. Please don't stop reading! I'll cry!!! Oh! And in case you forgot Jerra Jade is the name of Revan-well, her other name.
~Out of the Darkness~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 10: Wall of Fire
Revan
I had just had a perfect run. I retraced the whole event in my mind, the lights flashing, every turn an every twist in the track, every rock, I recalled every little detail-I had kept a hyper focus, a Jedi focus during the whole race. I had blocked the crowd from my mind-their cheers were nothing but a distorted roar, nothing was known to me but the wind in my face, and the track. I can remember the wind whistling in my ears, and the strands of hair whipping across my face, the roar of the engine, the crowds roar, and the heat creeping off the engine, as it licked up my legs, and fanned against my face in waves. Then there was the finish-seeing all my friends run down from the stands to congratulate me; Jolee was running so fast I was sure he would break a hip. But my joy was short lived, when the one face I was looking for was the one who wasn't there. I can remember how my stomach seemed to knot up in disappointment. I felt so immature-like a child who cries when their parent doesn't show up when Junior Academy has a drama.
The sounds of boots against the Ebon Hawk's metal flooring snapped me back into the present. Carth and Dustil had finally found their way back to the Hawk. I didn't want to have o listen to him, I didn't even want to see him right now. His excuses could wait. I stormed out of the Ebon Hawk, pushing past Carth, and hopped into a speeder, heading strait for the cantina.
It didn't take long to reach the cantina-after all; I was very good at driving. I can remember that someone old me one time that it's always a bad idea to drive when you're upset, but I would recommend it-a strange serenity can be found from darting around ion a speeder. Of course, this could always be chalked up on my long list of personal oddities.
I stayed in the speeder for a moment. Just why had I come here? To get away from Carth, or to escape my life for the moment? It didn't matter-I needed a drink-some forms of peace can only be found in the bottom of a glass.
The instant I entered the cantina, a swoop gang circled me, a gang a lot rougher, and a lot nastier than any of the one I had encountered on Taris. I tired to move around them, but they wouldn't budge. Their intentions were becoming more and more clear by the minute, and I could feel the anger rise inside of me, like floodwaters about to break loose.
"Excuse me sir," I said in a forded polite tone, "but if you could just move aside a moment and let me by…"
"Who the hell are you?!" one spat out.
"That's none of your business," I answered, feeling the anger inside of me start to boil, as I could feel the blood rise in my face, as it got redder and redder. One of the men grabbed me by my collar, and lifted me up to where my face was just inches away from his. I could feel his breath against my face, like a hot sticky vapor, and the strong scent of whiskey hung in the air between us.
"I've won every race in my life, only to get beaten in a race with the biggest purse I've ever seen, by a racer that's new to the track!" He fumed, spit flying out of his mouth as he yelled, "And to a woman at that!"
I spoke no words, knowing what would happen if I dared unbridle my tongue. I just glared daggers into him, as his handy began to shake with anger. I couldn't think of what to do- I certainly couldn't retaliate-the last thing I needed was a fight. Or maybe it was what I needed. My problems were solved when I saw blaster fire shoot up, and bits of ceiling and plaster crumbled down onto the floor. The crowd broke up, and a few men left, huffing angrily.
"Hey! Hey! Let the lady through!" I heard a man say.
"Thanks…" I replied, smiling at him.
"No problem, I never mind helping a beautiful woman in need. Here, lemme buy you a drink. You're that Jerra Jade woman, aren't you? The woman that won the big race?
I smile, "Yep, that's me, and I'll have to take you up on that offer, I said, as he lead me to the bar. I looked him over, he wore a jacket and pants made out of bantha hide, and had a roughish smile. He looked like he had come here right after his race.
"What'll you drink?" he asked
"Me? Well, I'll take just about anything, but I think I feel like something a little bit stronger tonight."
He looked at me with a look of shock. "Wow, you are just one surprise after another. Ya know, not many women get interested in swoop racing-I just find that hot."
Part of me wanted to stand up and walk away from this guys extremely forwardness, and his lame lines, but then I saw Carth walk in. And I figures now was a good a time as any to start initiating my revenge. I couldn't think of a more opportune time to piss him off. I looked at the man beside me, and started tracing my fingers lightly up and down is arm, and decided that shameless flirting would be my best bet.
"So, then, what's your name, stranger?"
"Jaken Himmel, I'm a swooper, like yourself."
I was watching Carth out of the corner of my eye, and I saw him sit down at an opposite end of the bar. He ordered a drink, and was constantly looking back at me, a slight look of frustration washed over his features. In the name of the force, I thought, it's as if he thinks he has to keep an eye on me! Who does he think he is, my father?!
I sat there with Jaken, the drinks having a slightly strange effect on me. Everything seemed…slightly distant…as if a veil was placing a shroud over my senses. One minute I was sitting there on my stool, talking, and the next minute, I found myself backed into a dark corner, pushed up against the wall. I tried to call out for help, but a pair of clumsy lips on my mouth stopped my cry. He kept sloppily kissing me, and I could feel his hand slowly creep up my shirt.
"No…No! stop it…stop it!" I tried to push him off of me, but what ever had been slipped into my drink had weakened me substantially. I squirmed and twisted around, and I tried to wrench out of his grip, but he was too strong. I began to call on the force to clear my mind, and give me back my strength. He suddenly jerked in pain, and released his grip on my wrists, then turned around, swearing at Carth, who had apparently pistol-whipped him. Carth then landed a blow square in the middle if Jaken's face. Feeling my mind begin to return to me, I quickly used the force to knock Jaken out, and he crumpled to the floor. I felt an extreme head rush, and feeling dizzy, I leaned up against the wall.
"Are you alright?" Carth asked.
"Oh, yes, I'm fine, I have Carth Onasi to come and save the day." I sarcastically retorted.
"Well, you were in trouble-and I promised to protect you."
"Fine then! Thank you Carth! Thank you for saving me Carth! Happy? What do you want me to do? Swear some kinda wookie life debt?!"
"No, I didn't mean it like that," Carth said sympathetically, "listen, Revan, if this is about the swoop race…"
"This is not just about the damn swoop race! Just leave me the hell alone!"
I stormed out of the cantina to my speeder, and I hopped in, and slammed my head against the dash, and I didn't move for about a quarter of an hour. Damn it, what is wrong with me? I felt so worthless, I can't do anything right…
I started the speeder, and sensing danger, I focused my mind, and called out to the force to shield me. The last thing I remember is seeing a wall of fire, and the flames engulfing me, and a loud explosion.