This chapter is supposed to have a lot more in it, but I've hit a bit of
writers block, so I figured I wouldn't leave you poor readers hanging when
I've got a good 9 pages of it finished. I'll post the rest of Chapter 3 as
part B. Enjoy!
Chapter Three: The Phoenix's Rising
It was so odd seeing them all again. It was like old times, when she would be hidden in the Temple watching everyone go past her and not notice her, but she was noticing them. The Masters looked as she remembered them; it was Bant and Obi-wan that had changed.
Physically both looked totally different, but inside she could see remnants of the people she knew. It had changed considerably but she could still see the same traits that had been so present in the two years ago.
Bant looked somber and wary as she gazed around her during their walk. There was a small glint of mischief in the gray eyes but it was drastically dulled. She also kept to the back of the group as if she didn't belong in it. It struck her that maybe Tahl hadn't changed yet and was still excluding Bant from missions like she had been doing during the first part of her apprenticeship.
The Calamari was a little taller, though not by much. She looked more like an adult of her race instead of a child. She'd grown stronger in the Force as well, that much she could be certain of.
Obi-wan was a bit of a shock to her. She could see the definite changes in him. He was stronger, taller, and he'd become most handsome. He held his head a little higher and you could tell he felt more confident. Years with Qui-gon had done him well and she assumed he was fast approaching Knighthood.
Jareed looked, and felt, so uncomfortable around the Jedi. They had chosen him to greet them for his own confidence and ease with people but now faced with their threat Jareed's confidence had taken a hit and he was being overly cautious and courteous around the Jedi. She had to laugh though; normally things didn't rile the Empath that easily.
Jareed opened the suite they had assigned the Jedi and granted them access and told them when he would return for them. They disappeared and Jareed walked off to find the kids they had somewhat encountered down in the first levels. She wanted to stop him but felt he was probably right in scolding them just a little, they had been told to stay with their teachers and stick to their normal routines. Still, she was basically doing the same thing as they had been doing.
"Spying, I see."
She jumped and spun around, all the same ready to bolt if it was someone who wasn't supposed to catch her in the act. How graceful and dignified it would look if the Channel were caught spying on the Jedi.
"Haven't seen you jump like that for years."
Telly breathed a sigh of relief seeing it was Xanatos who stood a few feet away from her. He was leaning against a wall, his arm crossed in front of him and a cocky grin fighting its way onto his face. It was the only indication that he was playing with her and it slightly annoyed her but also relaxed her.
"Well you always said I was good at spying," she smirked and turned back to watching the closed door. "And I wouldn't have jumped if you hadn't snuck up on me."
Xanatos pushed away from the wall and came to stand up beside her. She smiled more and looked up at him. "It wasn't what I was expecting at all."
"I believe it was you that said we knew who the Council would send."
"I knew it would be them," Telly sighed heavily and cocked her head a bit to the side. "I mean THEY weren't what I was expecting. They are different from what I remember."
"Of course they're different. It's been five years." Xanatos chuckled a little. "You are definitely different to."
"That is what scares me."
Xanatos paused a moment and stared down at her as she averted her eyes. "Why would that scare you?"
"Because everything may rely on their ability to trust me. If I am different they may not trust me." Telly turned and started walking away. "I'm the person everyone looks to here and I've only just turned twenty. What kind of leader is only twenty years of age? That's what they are going to think. And what if they realize who you are?"
"I won't let them realize who I am. Anyway, you are a stronger and more confident person. Someone who knows what they are doing and you do a lot of good here, Tel." Xanatos began to follow and kept a few steps behind her. "Why should your age make a difference if you are doing a good job?"
The glare she directed towards him made him stall for a few seconds and he laughed a little. "You are right, but here's what really matters. You believe in what you are and what you are doing. If you don't let them change that then everything will be fine."
"I know that. It's just hard to face the past again." Telly sighed and stopped to look up into his eyes. "What if they don't like this new person I've become?"
"I think they will like her." Xanatos patted her shoulder. "They were trying to draw her out before I was even a concern."
*********************
"So when should we try to make our harrowing escape?" Bant leaned over and whispered to Obi-wan.
They were on their way to breakfast with Jareed leading them on. The Masters were up ahead, talking to their guide and mostly ignoring them and their discussions. Obi-wan was trying to avoid her eye contact in much of the same fashion that he would if he knew what she wanted to do would get them into trouble.
"You heard what our Master's said, Bant." He whispered back, eyeing his own Master to make sure he wasn't listening in. "If we start snooping around here they are going to get suspicious."
"We're looking for someone. So what? That has nothing to do with our mission here."
"Exactly."
Before Bant could argue back, Jareed stopped and showed them into a large, cafeteria type room. He pointed towards the back and smiled. "In there you'll find pretty much anything you could want. We have a diverse population and a lot of suggestions of what kind of food we should have, so we try to satisfy them all. Crazy of us huh?" he chuckled and Obi-wan did laugh a bit too. It was strange but this man reminded him so much of Garen it was scary.
Jareed bowed to the Masters as if he was meaning to leave. "Help yourselves and if you are interested in exploring the city I would recommend it. The Council meeting isn't scheduled till early this evening so you will have a lot of time to kill."
All four of them looked up at his suggestions. It was Qui-gon that vocalized the question but Obi-wan wanted so badly to ask it. "We're free to roam around without guards or an escort?"
"Yes of course." Jareed looked at them as if they were insane. "You can see the tower from anywhere in this city and can find your way back here." He paused only slightly and stepped a little closer to Qui-gon and Tahl. "We have nothing to hide here, so you are free to go about and gather whatever information you were sent for. You don't need us coloring your information."
A young tw'leik girl came up close by, and was watching Jareed with a sense of urgency. He looked back at her and held up a finger and she bowed her head while she backed away. "Anyway, we all have classes and other things to attend to. We'd like not to disrupt our routines."
"Thank you Jareed." Tahl smiled and motioned back to the girl who was waiting. "I believe one of your students is waiting so we won't keep you."
Jareed bowed once more and went over to the girl and patted her shoulder. They began talking as they walked away and Tahl turned her attention to Qui- gon. "They are showing us a great deal of trust. We should respect it and not ask why all the time."
"I just found it odd." Qui-gon replied and hooked both Bant and Obi-wan with his gaze. They both were trying to hide their pleasure at this turn of events. It meant they could go and start searching for their friend. Qui-gon highly doubted that the girl could have survived but he wasn't going to crush their hopes just yet. Let them find it out in their own way. "You two please try to remain low while you are digging for information."
"Yes Master." Both of them bowed and began rushing off to find the exit.
"They aren't eating are they?" Tahl chuckled as she sat down.
"Obi-wan is turning down food, he must really think they are going to find her here." Qui-gon admitted watching the apprentices rush off.
"Telly was a close friend to them both. I have to admit I'm curious as well." Tahl looked up towards him. "All clues would say she is alive and well here."
Qui-gon rubbed the bridge of his nose. "That would also mean someone else is alive and well here. There is no way that could be true."
"Stranger things have happened Qui-gon." Tahl smiled sympathetically. "Now why don't you see what kind of tea this place serves cause I for one want my breakfast before we start walking all day."
"Yes Master." Qui-gon chuckled and went off to see what kind of set up these people had for food.
**************************
The streets of Nikir weren't at all like the ones in Coruscant but they certainly were busy in their own right. There were several shops, places to eat or congregate, most being centered around the owners planet of origin or some other common ground shared between the customers and shoppers.
As they trekked through the small side of Nikir Obi-wan was glad to see a bit of the old Bant returning as they searched for Telly Liksani among the masses. Bant was actively talking to people, being nice and smiling even going to great lengths to describe her to anyone who would listen.
To Obi-wan she didn't seem so depressed anymore. Of course that was because now she had a renewed purpose, not just to prove to her master she was worthy or anything like that, she was out to find Telly now and it was much more important to her.
Obi-wan wanted to find her to but he knew it was going to be hard in a place like this. They had a whole planet to search and only a few days. Then there was the fact that there were other cities, many from the way Jareed had indicated them, to search. Obi-wan stopped walking and stared straight ahead. Of course why hadn't he thought of that? "Bant."
She stopped and looked at him, then to where he was looking. "What is it? What do you see?"
"I don't see anything but listen. Remember what Jareed said?"
"He said a lot of things."
"There are other cities here on Diriala. Most of them are together by what Sect they belong in. Perhaps we should be looking for her Sect group and city before we start looking." Obi-wan explained seeing a small grin break out over Bant's face.
It held for a little but then dropped. "We wouldn't know what Sect she's in."
"The Channels Sect?" Obi-wan suggested.
"No, remember she said those were rare. I doubt there is a whole city of them out there." Bant said as they continued walking.
It was several minutes later when it finally struck Obi-wan. It had been during Bant's sickness that Telly had revealed a secret she had kept about herself to him. "She was empathic!" he beamed and Bant began smiling again. "I'm sure there has to be an Empathic Sect here and a city full of them."
Both of them began walking faster and with more confidence. They had another way to identify her to the locals rather than just using her looks and name. They began to speak to more people while trying to glean information about where the Empaths trained and lived.
"Excuse me." Bant approached one of her own species and got a surprised look from the male she was approaching. They got that reaction out of most anyone they approached, seeing as they didn't fit into the brightly clothed and decorated people in their dark brown robes.
"Can I be of service?" he asked looking both Bant and Obi-wan over a few times before really relaxing.
"We hope so, we're looking for someone that might live here. We were wondering if you've maybe seen her, possibly know her?"
"Sure, her name?"
"Her name is Telly Liksani. She has red, curled hair, green eyes, very shy and quiet." Bant explained and then as an after thought continued. "She probably belongs to an Empathic Sect."
The male only nodded while she gave him the information and then sighed after she had finished. "I'm not part of the Empathic but that could be several of their sect. I don't know anyone by the name Telly either, it sounds familiar but I don't know. I am sorry."
Bant sighed heavily and Obi-wan thanked the man. After they had gotten away and back onto the streets Obi-wan looked at the now discouraged Calamari. "You can't expect to find her easily here." He comforted. "There could be several people by that name here and even more people with red hair."
"I thought she might know we were here and be looking for us to." Bant confessed. "She's had to have heard by now that there are Jedi here."
"Look around you, this place is a peaceful retreat compared to Coruscant." Obi-wan motioned around him. "The Force seems stronger here and I think she would be happier here than back in Coruscant."
"What does that have to do with us finding her?"
"Well tell me what were you planning to do once we found her?" Obi-wan questioned back. "You want her to come home with us don't you?"
"Of course I do." Bant replied angrily. "Her master will be so happy to see her, we'll be able to go back to the way things were. Back to normal."
"She won't want to do that," Obi-wan smiled sympathetically. "Things won't go back to normal just because she's back. Five years have passed and we are different as I'm sure she is to."
"At least your finally acting like she's alive." Bant snorted.
They walked around in relative silence for a bit. They were taking in their surroundings and the busy shops that seemed to have accumulated great numbers. Bant stared at the one for a while, seeing the clothing inside made her smile. "They are so much more colorful here. Here we are in drab brown and creams and over there," she pointed at the one shop with sashes and robes. "They have all sorts of colors and patterns."
Obi-wan laughed and nodded. "It is more of a culture here instead of being a profession. It's something they all believe in."
"We aren't afraid to celebrate that life either." A female voice said.
Bant and Obi-wan turned and saw an elderly Arkanian woman dressed in gray tunics with accents of reds and darker grays. Her gray hair also held red and silver beads in small braids at the side of her head.
"Hello friends from the inner core." She continued.
"Hello." Bant replied and Obi-wan only stood to watch her back.
"I see you both have started your journey." She smiled broadly and inched closer to them. "An Elemental and a Visionary, a mismatched pair if I ever did see one. You both seek the same thing though."
"We are looking for a friend. She might live here." Bant began explaining.
"Ah yes, a dear friend you are searching for. You will find her in time." The woman bowed in greeting and straightened. "My pardon, my name is Krista. I am of the Telepath Sect of Monroe. You two are Jedi, correct?"
"A telepath." Bant breathed as Obi-wan nodded in response.
"Do not fear young one." Krista encouraged. "I only read what was being shouted to every telepath within range of you. I do not dive further into your thoughts unless invited to do so."
Bant sighed then straightened instantly. "Wait! Maybe you can help us with your telepathy."
"That normally is my guild's goal." Krista chuckled. "We use our gifts in anyway to help others if we can."
"Can you read my memory of the girl we're looking for and tell us if you've seen her at all?"
"Of course." Krista stepped right up to be face to face with Bant and the two seemed to be having a staring contest. "You must relax and think of her, only of her." Krista instructed as she closed her eyes.
Bant seemed confident that this might work. Obi-wan was a bit more wary of it, and felt Bant had to be insane for trying it this way. How could this work? The only way they remembered Telly was how she looked five years ago.
"That isn't true for you." He thought absently, the image of the grown Telly and Phoenix from his vision flashing for a brief second.
Krista backed away from Bant and nodded her head. Slowly her eyes came open and she regarded the two of them. "I know your friend." She held up a hand before Bant could speak and continued. "But I cannot lead you to her."
"Why?" Bant asked and Obi-wan could hear the despair in her words.
"Your test is to find her for yourselves." Krista said sympathetically. "I can tell you this though. Your friend is a very respected person here on Diriala and she is greatly love by many as a teacher, sister, and friend. She will come to you soon, do you understand?"
"Yes, patience." Bant sighed heavily and looked over at Obi-wan. "Telly will find us."
"She will." Krista smiled at Obi-wan for a second then bowed to leave. "I leave you to your quest."
"Thank you for your help." Obi-wan said and watched her start to leave.
"I am glad to have been a help." Krista turned and stared at Bant for a little while longer. "Remember what I've said, you water sprite and you'll find your path much clearer and straight. My suggestion to you both is to enjoy the city. Especially you, watcher."
The woman finally disappeared into the crowd. Bant turned to Obi-wan and began grinning. "Watcher?"
"Water Sprite?" Obi-wan teased back. "We've at least learned she is alive for certain."
"Yeah, I'm glad." Bant smiled even wider. "All we have to do it wait."
Across Nikir the Masters were starting to form their own conclusions about the city and the people. Tahl sat patiently waiting for Qui-gon and several of his newly acquired friends to stop debating so they could continue on their walk.
She was amused though, Qui-gon usually couldn't get into the types of debates he was in now with anyone at the Temple cause they had long since learned not to fight with him over things like this. Here, however, he was finding a lot more people to discuss the importance of the Living Force with all over again.
Finally she heard some laughter and Qui-gon was returning to her side. She stood and smiled broadly. "Qui-gon, I don't think I want to leave." She teased a bit as they started their walk again.
Qui-gon laughed. "Really? I don't see much about this place that's any different from home."
"Oh you can't say that you don't like it here." Tahl laughed. "You and those Elementals were about to go to great lengths to explain the Living Force really was the strongest side of the Force with those poor, unsuspecting Visionaries they were debating with."
Qui-gon only smirked remembering the Earth Elemental clan they found at the local tea café. "So we got into a discussion."
"A discussion." Tahl snorted. "All that philosophical talk made my head spin. I thought they were going to kidnap you and keep you for good."
"Just like those monks were going to adopt you." He teased back. "They were very impressed of how you've adapted and accepted it with such calm."
Tahl began smiling more. "I think we should put you up against some of those Warriors we heard talking about lightsaber sparing, you and they would have a grand time. Obi-wan would fit right in with them."
"I wonder how they are doing."
"I hope they find her. Bant was devastated the first time and if she thinks she's gone for good this time I don't know what I should expect."
"Obi-wan would be disappointed. He doesn't say as much but I'm sure he think she's alive here." Qui-gon sighed and looked around before choosing another street to go down. "I get the feeling he's seen her in his visions."
"Wouldn't surprise me. He's very accurate sometimes."
"Sometimes I wish he wasn't so accurate so I could just see those visions as just possibilities and not concrete evidence."
"He's had some scary ones I've heard." Tahl said quietly remembering the detail Bant gave her and knew Obi-wan had given her even more detail than she was relaying. "Things should work out here, I don't see anything that would suggest that something's going on."
"I don't either, I guess we'll figure out what should be done tonight or when we return." Qui-gon sighed. "I just wish I didn't have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach."
"Obi-wan's rubbing off on you, I think." Tahl replied. "Let's just see what happens and we'll work it out."
****************************
Chapter Three: The Phoenix's Rising
It was so odd seeing them all again. It was like old times, when she would be hidden in the Temple watching everyone go past her and not notice her, but she was noticing them. The Masters looked as she remembered them; it was Bant and Obi-wan that had changed.
Physically both looked totally different, but inside she could see remnants of the people she knew. It had changed considerably but she could still see the same traits that had been so present in the two years ago.
Bant looked somber and wary as she gazed around her during their walk. There was a small glint of mischief in the gray eyes but it was drastically dulled. She also kept to the back of the group as if she didn't belong in it. It struck her that maybe Tahl hadn't changed yet and was still excluding Bant from missions like she had been doing during the first part of her apprenticeship.
The Calamari was a little taller, though not by much. She looked more like an adult of her race instead of a child. She'd grown stronger in the Force as well, that much she could be certain of.
Obi-wan was a bit of a shock to her. She could see the definite changes in him. He was stronger, taller, and he'd become most handsome. He held his head a little higher and you could tell he felt more confident. Years with Qui-gon had done him well and she assumed he was fast approaching Knighthood.
Jareed looked, and felt, so uncomfortable around the Jedi. They had chosen him to greet them for his own confidence and ease with people but now faced with their threat Jareed's confidence had taken a hit and he was being overly cautious and courteous around the Jedi. She had to laugh though; normally things didn't rile the Empath that easily.
Jareed opened the suite they had assigned the Jedi and granted them access and told them when he would return for them. They disappeared and Jareed walked off to find the kids they had somewhat encountered down in the first levels. She wanted to stop him but felt he was probably right in scolding them just a little, they had been told to stay with their teachers and stick to their normal routines. Still, she was basically doing the same thing as they had been doing.
"Spying, I see."
She jumped and spun around, all the same ready to bolt if it was someone who wasn't supposed to catch her in the act. How graceful and dignified it would look if the Channel were caught spying on the Jedi.
"Haven't seen you jump like that for years."
Telly breathed a sigh of relief seeing it was Xanatos who stood a few feet away from her. He was leaning against a wall, his arm crossed in front of him and a cocky grin fighting its way onto his face. It was the only indication that he was playing with her and it slightly annoyed her but also relaxed her.
"Well you always said I was good at spying," she smirked and turned back to watching the closed door. "And I wouldn't have jumped if you hadn't snuck up on me."
Xanatos pushed away from the wall and came to stand up beside her. She smiled more and looked up at him. "It wasn't what I was expecting at all."
"I believe it was you that said we knew who the Council would send."
"I knew it would be them," Telly sighed heavily and cocked her head a bit to the side. "I mean THEY weren't what I was expecting. They are different from what I remember."
"Of course they're different. It's been five years." Xanatos chuckled a little. "You are definitely different to."
"That is what scares me."
Xanatos paused a moment and stared down at her as she averted her eyes. "Why would that scare you?"
"Because everything may rely on their ability to trust me. If I am different they may not trust me." Telly turned and started walking away. "I'm the person everyone looks to here and I've only just turned twenty. What kind of leader is only twenty years of age? That's what they are going to think. And what if they realize who you are?"
"I won't let them realize who I am. Anyway, you are a stronger and more confident person. Someone who knows what they are doing and you do a lot of good here, Tel." Xanatos began to follow and kept a few steps behind her. "Why should your age make a difference if you are doing a good job?"
The glare she directed towards him made him stall for a few seconds and he laughed a little. "You are right, but here's what really matters. You believe in what you are and what you are doing. If you don't let them change that then everything will be fine."
"I know that. It's just hard to face the past again." Telly sighed and stopped to look up into his eyes. "What if they don't like this new person I've become?"
"I think they will like her." Xanatos patted her shoulder. "They were trying to draw her out before I was even a concern."
*********************
"So when should we try to make our harrowing escape?" Bant leaned over and whispered to Obi-wan.
They were on their way to breakfast with Jareed leading them on. The Masters were up ahead, talking to their guide and mostly ignoring them and their discussions. Obi-wan was trying to avoid her eye contact in much of the same fashion that he would if he knew what she wanted to do would get them into trouble.
"You heard what our Master's said, Bant." He whispered back, eyeing his own Master to make sure he wasn't listening in. "If we start snooping around here they are going to get suspicious."
"We're looking for someone. So what? That has nothing to do with our mission here."
"Exactly."
Before Bant could argue back, Jareed stopped and showed them into a large, cafeteria type room. He pointed towards the back and smiled. "In there you'll find pretty much anything you could want. We have a diverse population and a lot of suggestions of what kind of food we should have, so we try to satisfy them all. Crazy of us huh?" he chuckled and Obi-wan did laugh a bit too. It was strange but this man reminded him so much of Garen it was scary.
Jareed bowed to the Masters as if he was meaning to leave. "Help yourselves and if you are interested in exploring the city I would recommend it. The Council meeting isn't scheduled till early this evening so you will have a lot of time to kill."
All four of them looked up at his suggestions. It was Qui-gon that vocalized the question but Obi-wan wanted so badly to ask it. "We're free to roam around without guards or an escort?"
"Yes of course." Jareed looked at them as if they were insane. "You can see the tower from anywhere in this city and can find your way back here." He paused only slightly and stepped a little closer to Qui-gon and Tahl. "We have nothing to hide here, so you are free to go about and gather whatever information you were sent for. You don't need us coloring your information."
A young tw'leik girl came up close by, and was watching Jareed with a sense of urgency. He looked back at her and held up a finger and she bowed her head while she backed away. "Anyway, we all have classes and other things to attend to. We'd like not to disrupt our routines."
"Thank you Jareed." Tahl smiled and motioned back to the girl who was waiting. "I believe one of your students is waiting so we won't keep you."
Jareed bowed once more and went over to the girl and patted her shoulder. They began talking as they walked away and Tahl turned her attention to Qui- gon. "They are showing us a great deal of trust. We should respect it and not ask why all the time."
"I just found it odd." Qui-gon replied and hooked both Bant and Obi-wan with his gaze. They both were trying to hide their pleasure at this turn of events. It meant they could go and start searching for their friend. Qui-gon highly doubted that the girl could have survived but he wasn't going to crush their hopes just yet. Let them find it out in their own way. "You two please try to remain low while you are digging for information."
"Yes Master." Both of them bowed and began rushing off to find the exit.
"They aren't eating are they?" Tahl chuckled as she sat down.
"Obi-wan is turning down food, he must really think they are going to find her here." Qui-gon admitted watching the apprentices rush off.
"Telly was a close friend to them both. I have to admit I'm curious as well." Tahl looked up towards him. "All clues would say she is alive and well here."
Qui-gon rubbed the bridge of his nose. "That would also mean someone else is alive and well here. There is no way that could be true."
"Stranger things have happened Qui-gon." Tahl smiled sympathetically. "Now why don't you see what kind of tea this place serves cause I for one want my breakfast before we start walking all day."
"Yes Master." Qui-gon chuckled and went off to see what kind of set up these people had for food.
**************************
The streets of Nikir weren't at all like the ones in Coruscant but they certainly were busy in their own right. There were several shops, places to eat or congregate, most being centered around the owners planet of origin or some other common ground shared between the customers and shoppers.
As they trekked through the small side of Nikir Obi-wan was glad to see a bit of the old Bant returning as they searched for Telly Liksani among the masses. Bant was actively talking to people, being nice and smiling even going to great lengths to describe her to anyone who would listen.
To Obi-wan she didn't seem so depressed anymore. Of course that was because now she had a renewed purpose, not just to prove to her master she was worthy or anything like that, she was out to find Telly now and it was much more important to her.
Obi-wan wanted to find her to but he knew it was going to be hard in a place like this. They had a whole planet to search and only a few days. Then there was the fact that there were other cities, many from the way Jareed had indicated them, to search. Obi-wan stopped walking and stared straight ahead. Of course why hadn't he thought of that? "Bant."
She stopped and looked at him, then to where he was looking. "What is it? What do you see?"
"I don't see anything but listen. Remember what Jareed said?"
"He said a lot of things."
"There are other cities here on Diriala. Most of them are together by what Sect they belong in. Perhaps we should be looking for her Sect group and city before we start looking." Obi-wan explained seeing a small grin break out over Bant's face.
It held for a little but then dropped. "We wouldn't know what Sect she's in."
"The Channels Sect?" Obi-wan suggested.
"No, remember she said those were rare. I doubt there is a whole city of them out there." Bant said as they continued walking.
It was several minutes later when it finally struck Obi-wan. It had been during Bant's sickness that Telly had revealed a secret she had kept about herself to him. "She was empathic!" he beamed and Bant began smiling again. "I'm sure there has to be an Empathic Sect here and a city full of them."
Both of them began walking faster and with more confidence. They had another way to identify her to the locals rather than just using her looks and name. They began to speak to more people while trying to glean information about where the Empaths trained and lived.
"Excuse me." Bant approached one of her own species and got a surprised look from the male she was approaching. They got that reaction out of most anyone they approached, seeing as they didn't fit into the brightly clothed and decorated people in their dark brown robes.
"Can I be of service?" he asked looking both Bant and Obi-wan over a few times before really relaxing.
"We hope so, we're looking for someone that might live here. We were wondering if you've maybe seen her, possibly know her?"
"Sure, her name?"
"Her name is Telly Liksani. She has red, curled hair, green eyes, very shy and quiet." Bant explained and then as an after thought continued. "She probably belongs to an Empathic Sect."
The male only nodded while she gave him the information and then sighed after she had finished. "I'm not part of the Empathic but that could be several of their sect. I don't know anyone by the name Telly either, it sounds familiar but I don't know. I am sorry."
Bant sighed heavily and Obi-wan thanked the man. After they had gotten away and back onto the streets Obi-wan looked at the now discouraged Calamari. "You can't expect to find her easily here." He comforted. "There could be several people by that name here and even more people with red hair."
"I thought she might know we were here and be looking for us to." Bant confessed. "She's had to have heard by now that there are Jedi here."
"Look around you, this place is a peaceful retreat compared to Coruscant." Obi-wan motioned around him. "The Force seems stronger here and I think she would be happier here than back in Coruscant."
"What does that have to do with us finding her?"
"Well tell me what were you planning to do once we found her?" Obi-wan questioned back. "You want her to come home with us don't you?"
"Of course I do." Bant replied angrily. "Her master will be so happy to see her, we'll be able to go back to the way things were. Back to normal."
"She won't want to do that," Obi-wan smiled sympathetically. "Things won't go back to normal just because she's back. Five years have passed and we are different as I'm sure she is to."
"At least your finally acting like she's alive." Bant snorted.
They walked around in relative silence for a bit. They were taking in their surroundings and the busy shops that seemed to have accumulated great numbers. Bant stared at the one for a while, seeing the clothing inside made her smile. "They are so much more colorful here. Here we are in drab brown and creams and over there," she pointed at the one shop with sashes and robes. "They have all sorts of colors and patterns."
Obi-wan laughed and nodded. "It is more of a culture here instead of being a profession. It's something they all believe in."
"We aren't afraid to celebrate that life either." A female voice said.
Bant and Obi-wan turned and saw an elderly Arkanian woman dressed in gray tunics with accents of reds and darker grays. Her gray hair also held red and silver beads in small braids at the side of her head.
"Hello friends from the inner core." She continued.
"Hello." Bant replied and Obi-wan only stood to watch her back.
"I see you both have started your journey." She smiled broadly and inched closer to them. "An Elemental and a Visionary, a mismatched pair if I ever did see one. You both seek the same thing though."
"We are looking for a friend. She might live here." Bant began explaining.
"Ah yes, a dear friend you are searching for. You will find her in time." The woman bowed in greeting and straightened. "My pardon, my name is Krista. I am of the Telepath Sect of Monroe. You two are Jedi, correct?"
"A telepath." Bant breathed as Obi-wan nodded in response.
"Do not fear young one." Krista encouraged. "I only read what was being shouted to every telepath within range of you. I do not dive further into your thoughts unless invited to do so."
Bant sighed then straightened instantly. "Wait! Maybe you can help us with your telepathy."
"That normally is my guild's goal." Krista chuckled. "We use our gifts in anyway to help others if we can."
"Can you read my memory of the girl we're looking for and tell us if you've seen her at all?"
"Of course." Krista stepped right up to be face to face with Bant and the two seemed to be having a staring contest. "You must relax and think of her, only of her." Krista instructed as she closed her eyes.
Bant seemed confident that this might work. Obi-wan was a bit more wary of it, and felt Bant had to be insane for trying it this way. How could this work? The only way they remembered Telly was how she looked five years ago.
"That isn't true for you." He thought absently, the image of the grown Telly and Phoenix from his vision flashing for a brief second.
Krista backed away from Bant and nodded her head. Slowly her eyes came open and she regarded the two of them. "I know your friend." She held up a hand before Bant could speak and continued. "But I cannot lead you to her."
"Why?" Bant asked and Obi-wan could hear the despair in her words.
"Your test is to find her for yourselves." Krista said sympathetically. "I can tell you this though. Your friend is a very respected person here on Diriala and she is greatly love by many as a teacher, sister, and friend. She will come to you soon, do you understand?"
"Yes, patience." Bant sighed heavily and looked over at Obi-wan. "Telly will find us."
"She will." Krista smiled at Obi-wan for a second then bowed to leave. "I leave you to your quest."
"Thank you for your help." Obi-wan said and watched her start to leave.
"I am glad to have been a help." Krista turned and stared at Bant for a little while longer. "Remember what I've said, you water sprite and you'll find your path much clearer and straight. My suggestion to you both is to enjoy the city. Especially you, watcher."
The woman finally disappeared into the crowd. Bant turned to Obi-wan and began grinning. "Watcher?"
"Water Sprite?" Obi-wan teased back. "We've at least learned she is alive for certain."
"Yeah, I'm glad." Bant smiled even wider. "All we have to do it wait."
Across Nikir the Masters were starting to form their own conclusions about the city and the people. Tahl sat patiently waiting for Qui-gon and several of his newly acquired friends to stop debating so they could continue on their walk.
She was amused though, Qui-gon usually couldn't get into the types of debates he was in now with anyone at the Temple cause they had long since learned not to fight with him over things like this. Here, however, he was finding a lot more people to discuss the importance of the Living Force with all over again.
Finally she heard some laughter and Qui-gon was returning to her side. She stood and smiled broadly. "Qui-gon, I don't think I want to leave." She teased a bit as they started their walk again.
Qui-gon laughed. "Really? I don't see much about this place that's any different from home."
"Oh you can't say that you don't like it here." Tahl laughed. "You and those Elementals were about to go to great lengths to explain the Living Force really was the strongest side of the Force with those poor, unsuspecting Visionaries they were debating with."
Qui-gon only smirked remembering the Earth Elemental clan they found at the local tea café. "So we got into a discussion."
"A discussion." Tahl snorted. "All that philosophical talk made my head spin. I thought they were going to kidnap you and keep you for good."
"Just like those monks were going to adopt you." He teased back. "They were very impressed of how you've adapted and accepted it with such calm."
Tahl began smiling more. "I think we should put you up against some of those Warriors we heard talking about lightsaber sparing, you and they would have a grand time. Obi-wan would fit right in with them."
"I wonder how they are doing."
"I hope they find her. Bant was devastated the first time and if she thinks she's gone for good this time I don't know what I should expect."
"Obi-wan would be disappointed. He doesn't say as much but I'm sure he think she's alive here." Qui-gon sighed and looked around before choosing another street to go down. "I get the feeling he's seen her in his visions."
"Wouldn't surprise me. He's very accurate sometimes."
"Sometimes I wish he wasn't so accurate so I could just see those visions as just possibilities and not concrete evidence."
"He's had some scary ones I've heard." Tahl said quietly remembering the detail Bant gave her and knew Obi-wan had given her even more detail than she was relaying. "Things should work out here, I don't see anything that would suggest that something's going on."
"I don't either, I guess we'll figure out what should be done tonight or when we return." Qui-gon sighed. "I just wish I didn't have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach."
"Obi-wan's rubbing off on you, I think." Tahl replied. "Let's just see what happens and we'll work it out."
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