DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. I am in no way getting financial gain from the publication of this story. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and some characters from Knights of the Old Republic are copyright to Lucas Arts, Bio-ware and Obsidian.
Authors Note: Sorry for not updating for the past two weeks. I had to help some people move. Also, please forgive me if this chapter seems worse in the ways of spelling and grammer then the others, I had no Beta/proof reader this time.
Now...ENJOY:D
Chapter 13
Alora stood there; just staring at Carth, her right cheek outlined by the moon. One could see the stains of tears, where tears still fell now. Her eyes were red with sorrow and pain. Finally, after a moments silence and staring, Alora immediately ran into Carth. Her arms automatically went around Carth's waist and she buried her head into Carth's chest. As she did these actions, the moonlight gently outlined her frame, lighting her backside and giving a silvery glow to her fine, wavy brown hair. Now that her face was hidden into Carth, her once clear sobs were now muffled.
Carth was taken by surprise as Alora ran into him. Finally, he found his senses and let his arms move around Alora's body. His right hand went down to her back, and pulled Alora slightly closer to him. While the other hand went to the back of Alora's head and gently pressed her head against his chest even more. Carth said nothing, did nothing. He only held her, letting her cry into his chest. As he held her, he could feel Alora trembling. Carth then spoke in a tone that a father would to comfort a scared child, "Shhh, it's alright. You're okay…." However, what really surprised Carth the most was that he felt tears forming in his eyes. As he continued to embrace Alora, he looked out toward the busy Coruscant life, trying to stop the tears from coming. However, his attempt to stop the tears did not work. First a single tear slid down his left cheek, that lone tear was soon followed by another, before mutable tears began to fall, each tear landing gently on Alora's fine auburn hair. Finally, Carth let the tears come and rested his chin on top of Alora's head, trying to sooth himself and Alora at the same time. He hated seeing the one he loved in so much pain. In fact, he loved her so much that when Alora was in pain, he seemed to feel her pain as well. Though, the pain he felt was never as intense to him as it was to Alora.
The two stood in silence, embracing each other as they both tried to calm themselves. When Carth no longer felt Alora trembling, he pulled away from Alora a little and looked down into her eyes, "Alora, what's wrong? What has you so- so, terrified? I want to help….please….tell me." While he said this, he grabbed onto Alora's arms and held them firmly, but did not hurt her.
Alora looked up at Carth and stared into his eyes for a moment, her eyes seemed lost and confused. Finally, Alora broke Carth's firm grip, stepped back and grabbed Carth by the hand, leading him quickly to the couch. Pushing him down gently, she waited for Carth to get settled in. Once Carth was settled into the couch and watching Alora with a curious expression, Alora sat herself between the back of the couch and Carth's side, there she rested her head on his shoulder and began to speak, her voice hoarse, and no louder then a soft whisper, "Betrayer…Jedi…l…" Alora then said no more, as she spoke each word; the more she began to fall asleep. When she spoke the last letter, she was completely asleep. The emotional scars, the physical wounds had exhausted her both in mind and body. She had practically cried herself to sleep.
Carth was naturally confused when Alora began to lead him toward the couch he had previously been sleeping on. He was even more confused when Alora pushed him down onto the couch and snuggled besides him. As he listened to the words of Alora, he tired to make sense of it all. When he did not hear anything from Alora at first, he thought she was just trying to find the right words to say. However, after a few minutes of complete silence Carth looked down and found a sleeping, peaceful Alora. Carth knew why she had fallen asleep and couldn't help but feel sorry for the woman. Carth slowly got up from the couch and stood over Alora. He then bent over and gently picked her up and carried Alora to her bedroom. Once Carth laid her on her bed, he tucked her in and watched her sleep so peacefully for a moment before he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. As Carth walked out of the bedroom he stopped at the door frame and watched Alora sleep once more. Though she was sleeping peacefully, he could see that small sketch of regret on her face. As he stood there, he began to go into thought, "What could have made Alora so upset? Was it another vision? And what did she mean by Betrayer, Jedi and l?" Carth decided it would be of no use just standing there and try to figure out something he had absolutely no clue on what was going on. He slowly walked back to his couch and sat down, taking off his shirt. However, as he lay on the couch he could not sleep, so Carth sat up and rubbed his hands through his face and hair, emitting a medium sounded sigh. Knowing that he could never go back to sleep, he grabbed some data-pads and began to read them, though hardly any of the information he read stuck in his mind.
As the night turned into dawn both Carth and Alora was sound asleep. Somehow, Carth had managed to fall asleep. Perhaps he wore his eyes out, or, perhaps he was more tired then he thought he was. It proved to be a surprise to Carth when he opened his eyes and noticed it had become dawn. The last thing he remembered was reading something about new take off procedures on one of the data-pad's that surrounded his feet. Rising to his feet, he stretched out his arms and yawned tiredly. As he walked over to the window, he set his left arm above his head and rested it on a window frame, and put all his weight on that one arm, using the window frame as support. As he watched the sun rise and the taxi shuttles, airspeeders, and cargo ships fly about the mutable skyline buildings he squinted his eyes slightly and let his mind wonder. "I want to help her; I want to be there for her. But how can I help her when I don't know what's hurting her? Today, today I'm going to make her happy. Why not? She's been through thick and thin with me, she helped me even though I didn't trust her. She hardly snapped back at me during our many conversations. I think it's about time I did something for her, instead of it being the other way around." Carth was satisfied with these thoughts and knew what he was going to do right away. He was going to cook for her; he was going to cook Alora's favorite breakfast. The fact alone that he was cooking was impressive, since he hardly ever cooked.
A few hours later, Alora awoke herself. What awoke her was the loud rumbling of a large cargo freighter flying past her window. "Stupid things, can't they make them quieter!" she said under her breath. Knowing that she was wide awake and wouldn't be able to sleep anymore she grudgingly swung her legs over to the side of the bed and wiggled her toes on the floor. Sitting up straight, she spread her arms out and gave a loud yawn. As she slowly and sloppily dressed herself, she began to make her way to the kitchen, to fix her a bite to eat before she prepared herself for the meeting she had with the Jedi Council, she had much to discuss with them. However, her grey-blue eyes received a surprise as she saw Carth in the kitchen and it seemed he was cooking! Becoming curious as what he was doing in the kitchen, she tip-toed to the "bar" and sat down upon a stool, putting her elbows on the marble top counter. As she sat there and watched Carth, she swung her legs back and forth and finally asked, "What are you doing?" "What does it look like I'm doing?" "Don't tell me you're cooking…" "Why not?" "I just remember what happened last time you tired to 'cook'" "Hey, that's not fair. You try to cook something decent with that rust-bucket sensitizer on the Ebon Hawk." "True, true…so, who's it for?" "What? The food? You…" Carth then heard Alora groan and said, "Now what was that for!" "You might try to poison me. I don't know if it's safe." "Would it make you feel better if I tired it?" "Well, no, because then you might die and I can't allow that." "Well, you're in a dilemma aren't you?" "Well, if I could, I would ask HK to try it, but since he has no taste bud's that wouldn't exactly work would it?" "No, no it wouldn't." "Fine, I'll try it. Just don't poison me…if you do, I'll haunt you the rest of your life." "Now that, I don't doubt." "HEY!" With that, Alora hopped of her stool and began to make her way to the fresher. "Let me know when the food is done fly boy is." "I will."
Carth continued cooking the breakfast and thought, "When she returns, I'll ask her about last night. I want to know if I can help. I just hope she tells me."
As Alora showered and prepared herself for the meeting that she had with the Jedi Council in roughly one hour, she found it hard to concentrate on the here and now. She often shook her head, trying to rid the images and thoughts she had about her, her nightmare last night. Finally she was finished and her hair was in its usual braid. She wore her blue Jedi Knight robe and had her dual lightsabers clipped to her belt. When she entered the dining room/kitchen area she smelled something good. Taking in a deep breath she replied, "Hmmm, smells good." With that, she sat down at the small table and began to plop the food onto her plate. Deciding to be a little devious with Carth, she took a bite and began to act if she was gagging. She put her hand to her throat and leaned over the table, coughing violently.
Carth was naturally concerned and rushed to Alora's side. "Alora! What's wrong?" He was kneeling beside her, his right hand on her left arm.
Alora was satisfied with the response she received from Carth and sat up, smiling brightly…"Fooled ya!"
Carth playfully slapped Alora on the arm and replied, "That's it! I'm not cooking for you again!" "Thank god!" Carth acted hurt and said, "It's not that bad, is it?" Alora smiled and said, "No, it's very good actually I just like giving you a hard time." "Amen to that!" This time it was Alora's turn to rebuke and hit him on the shoulder. Carth held his shoulder and said, "Gee, not so hard next time!" With that, they both laughed and gave a small passionate kiss to each other. As the two kissed Carth began to wonder, "Should I ask her about last night? She seems so happy. I-I don't want to ruin her joy. Though, I fear it must be done, or else she might not tell me."
As Carth took the chair next to Aloa, his voice and face grew serious. "Alora. I need to talk to you." "Hmm? What is it?" "About last night, you never…well; you never told me what was wrong." Alora sighed and grew slightly grave, "Not now Carth, I-I don't want to think about it. Let alone talk about it." "Alora, if this is going to work out between us, we have to tell each other about our concerns, so we can help each other out. I-I want to help you Alora…I really do." "I know that, but, but the pain is still too fresh for me, it hurts more then you can know." Carth sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair, "Alora, please let me help. You know I hate seeing you this way." Alora slumped a little and replied, "You're not going to give up are you?" "No, no I'm not." "I suppose you're going to keep prodding me until I answer those questions aren't you?" "I suppose I am." "This sounds familiar." "Yeah, it does, doesn't it? Except, you were integrating me, not the other way around." "And just what gave you the idea that you could use the same, "interrogating" methods as mine?" "Well, it worked with me didn't it? So why won't it work with you?" He then smiled and spoke again, "I promise you I won't' interrogate you anymore if you tell me what happened." Alora threw up her hands and said fine, you win. I'll tell you everything this afternoon over lunch. I'll meet you at that little café on the corner of our apartment complex, deal?" "Deal." With that, they both rose and gave each other a kiss goodbye and parted ways.
X X X X
Alora walked briskly to the taxi cab that was waiting for her. On normal days she would walk to the Jedi Temple, but today, she had a meeting and she was already running a little late. She didn't want to keep the Jedi Master waiting, especially when she had so much to tell them." As the wind rush through her hair and she over looked the side of the cab and watched the world around her work, her mind was once again distracted by the nightmare of last night. Finding herself back into he own world again she sighed and thought, "I'm going to have to request aid for my mission. I'm too distracted, and if I back out of this mission, it could hurt the name of the Jedi and that I do not want. Hopefully, they will accept my request and assign me Bastila, as much as I don't like her lectures, we are friends and with the bond we share, she would make the most logical choice." As Alora felt the stopping jolt of her Taxi cab, she knew she was at her destination and paid her diver, with that, she began to run as fast as she could toward the Council chambers.
As she stood outside the doors of the Council chambers, she fixed the few lose strands of hair and straightened her robe a bit, she then inhaled a deep breath and walked in as confidently as she could. As she stood in the center of the Council chambers, she bowed her head in respect and said, "Good morning Masters."
X X X X
As Carth was finishing preparing himself for another day's work, he received a thought. I still want to do something special for Alora, she's been through so much. I know cooking was a slight gift, but it's not enough. I want to do something really special for her. She deserves it. But who would know her the best? Who would know what her favorite hobby is?" As Carth stood there awhile he thought, finally he snapped his figures and said, "Of course! Bastila will know. I'll contact her right away. No, I'll contact her now."
As Carth stood there, holding his holo-emitter in his hand, he waited for Bastila to reply to his hails. When she answered he spoke first, "Bastila, I need to know something. What is Alora's absolute favorite thing? Is it singing? Opera? Art? What?" " Carth…You said this was important, I hardly consider this to be important." "No Bastila, this is important. I need to know." Sighing, Bastila thought and said "Why must you know?" "Because I want to do something special for Alora, she's been through so much and she's been through and looks like hell." "I suppose that is a good reason. I do not know the answer to your question Carth, but with our bond I can find out. When do you need an answer?" "I would prefer if you could have an answer for me before twelve hundred hours, is that possible?" "Very well Carth, I shall do this and notify you when I have the answer. Now I can't grantee that I can have the answer by then, but when I do, meet me in front of the Jedi Temple." "Will do. Thanks a lot Bastila." With that, Carth signed out and grabbed a cab to the Republic headquarters and began his work. He worked with joy and with a bounce, too. He knew that it would be time to meet Alora for lunch before he knew it. He also was excited about surprising Alora, after all, she did deserve some type of reward.
X X X X
Master Vrook, Master Vandar, Master, Atris, and Master Selwyn were all in the Jedi Council chambers and nodded in reply to Alora's greeting. Vandar stared at Alora and replied, "We sense that you have much to tell us Jedi Knight Revan. Though, we sense much grief in you."
Alora nodded and replied, "You are right when you say I have a lot to tell you. This meeting will take time to explain everything." She then thought in where she should begin. "I will begin at the beginning; it all started yesterday evening…."
After an hours worth of explanation on the attempt on her life by a Sith, the Jedi Masters dismissed her for a while. They said they needed to deliberate on what action to take and what to make of this attack. Finally, after an hours wait, they summoned her back into the Council chambers.
"Ah, welcome back Revan, we have decided that you are not to seek out the attacker, yet. We shall wait and see if there are other attacks on your life or other Jedi. If the attacks continue, we will investigate." Alora bowed and replied, "Very well Master Vandar." She didn't' entirely agree with the decision of the Jedi Masters, though of course, when did she ever agree with them? Once every two to three months, if not longer?
"You may continue with your thought's Jedi Knight Revan." Master Selwyn spoke. Alora bowed in respect. Upon standing up straight, she said firmly, "I fear I must ask assistance for the mission that I have been given. I-I have been finding it difficult to concentrate as of lately."
Kavar put his hands together and asked, "Why can you not concentrate Jedi Derrin?"
Alora bowed her head in shame and replied, "It is because of last night Master Kavar. The dream, the nightmare, it seemed so real, also, there is something that is bothering me, it was part of the dream though I cannot understand its meaning."
Mater Vrook raised his eyebrows in interest and replied, "Perhaps you can explain this part of the vision and we can interrupt it for you."
"That is kind of you to offer Master Vrook, though I fear I must understand this dream for my own. Upon request, I ask that you assign me Bastila to assist me. Concerning the bond we still share and she knows me better then others, I think she would be a local choice. I just, I just need someone to help me concentrate, to help me focus and perhaps help me with research for this mission."
Vandar nodded and replied, "Your request is granted Jedi Derrin, I shall inform Bastila at once that she is to assist you."
Alora bowed and replied, "Thank you Master Vandar."
"However, Jedi Derrin, the council senses you still have something more to say?" Master Vandar asked Jedi Derrin, slightly curious, his green ears pointed forward with interest.
Alora couldn't help but smile and once again bowed, "Yes Masters, there is one more thing I wish to state, "I thank you for being there for me last night, after my nightmare and to comfort me. I must thank you with all of my heart for allowing me to love and even marry Carth Onasi, you do not understand how much this means to me and with all of my heart, I thank you for the decision you made."
Everyone one of the Jedi Masters smiled and nodded their heads, Atris then spoke, "We are glad to have you on our side Jedi Derrin, you have done so much for us, and it would not have been wise to take away your only source of comfort during your time of agony."
Alora smiled and bowed her head and replied, "And for that I thank you. Now, is there anything you need to tell me? For I have told you everything that was on my heart."
The Jedi Council remained silent for a moment and finally Master Selwyn spoke again, "No, we have nothing further to discuss, you are free to go Jedi Derrin, and may the Force be with you."
Aloa bowed and replied, "And may it be with you as well." With that, she walked out in a long and confident stride, a smile upon her face. She was glad to have everything off her chest, though, the dream still bugged her. As Alora stood, enjoying the sunlight upon her body, she didn't notice Bastila approaching her. When she felt a tap upon her shoulder, she broke her train of thought and looked to her right, where she saw Bastila smiling and asked her, "Did you get the message?" "Yes, I did. I am to assist you on your mission. Come, we can discuss that later, there is something I want to ask you."
X X X X
As Carth was working busily with new recruits on how to fight in hand to hand combat, he was interrupted when a message was given to him by one of the Republic soldiers. Carth nodded and dismissed the class; he would have to teach them more combat tactics later."
He had just received word that Bastila had found out Alora's favorite "hobby." Without wasting a second, he grabbed his jacket and took one of the Republic speeders from the hanger bay and quickly made his way to the Jedi Temple. He often dodged slow traffic and took short cuts, and within 10 minutes, he was at their rendezvous point. Jumping out of his speeder he briskly walked to Bastila and asked, "So, what do you have for me? What does she love? What does Alora really love to do?"
"She likes instrumental shows Carth, she says it makes her relax and she loves the beauty of it." Carth stood there for a moment and then muttered to himself, "Instrumental shows, got it. Now, I'll just get the tickets and we'll see the show tomorrow." He then hugged Bastila and replied, "Thank so much Bastila, you helped me out a lot!"
As Bastila was hugged, she replied, "Not here Carth…" Carth stopped hugging Bastila and shook her hand instead, "Once again Bastila, thank you!" With that, he ran off and sat himself back into his air-speeder and took the quickest route to the famous instrumental theater, there he ordered the two tickets and preserved the best seats available.
By the time Carth had everything ordered and made sure all the arrangements were made, he looked at his chrono watch and saw it was almost time to meet Alora for lunch. Once again he raced to his air-speeder and once again he took the quickest route to the little Café, he couldn't wait to talk to her and find out what had destroyed her last night. He battled with himself, wondering if he should tell her about the tickets or make it a surprise. He finally decided to do the latter; it was fun surprising those you loved. As Carth jumped out of his air-speeder he ran to the corner café and sat at a table, waiting for Alora to show up.
Alora was fairly skilled at driving a fast air speeder. She had loaned one from the Jedi Temple and pushed the speeder into full throttle. She dogged ships, (with the help of the Force); she found short cuts and used them. Finally, after about five to ten minutes of flying, she reached her destination. She jumped off the speeder and put herself into a run. After she rounded the corner of a building, she slowed down and gathered herself, slowing her breathing and smoothing out any wrinkles in her robes and poking lose strands of hair back into her braid. She smiled as she saw Carth waiting for her. As she stood underneath the umbrella she asked, "Excuse me sir, is this seat taken?"
Carth looked up and saw it was Alora standing above him, smiling he said, "It is now." With that, Alora sat down and put her hands together, while resting her arms on the table and leaning forward slightly. "Now, I'm sure you want to hear everything. However, I won't tell you until we've hand lunch."
With that, the two ordered their lunch and while they waited for their food, Alora began to tell Carth about her nightmare. Once the food arrived, they halted their conversation and ate in silence. Once the dirty dishes were taken away from them and the only things remaining were their cups, Alora continued her "story." Once she finished telling the tale, she had to fight back the tears; her face was scrunched up in pain.
Cath leaned forward and replied, "I'm sorry Alora, I shouldn't have asked. I-I can't even began to imagine the pain you feel. But I'm here for you, I always will be." He then leaned forward and put his hand on top of hers, smiling at her. They held this pose for a moment before Carth leaned back and said, "Now that was very interesting, though I can't help but feel your not telling me something."
Alora sniffed and let a small laugh escape her mouth, which later turned into a small smile, "Can't pull the wools over your eyes. However, a word of warning, please remain seated and keep your arms and legs inside the chair, please do not partake of any liquid or food objects." Carth nodded his head and replied, "Come on, stop stalling!"
Alora then grew grave and said, last night, during my "meeting" with the Jedi Council, they told me this, "Jedi Knight Revan, we, the Jedi Council are giving you permission to love and marry Carth Onasi if you so desire it." She then sat back and waited for Carth's reaction.
Carth who hadn't taken Alora's warning seriously was taking a small sip of his Juma juice when she gave him the revelation. As he was about to swallow his drank, he ended up almost choking on it. Once he calmed his coughing he looked at her and replied, "Surely you jest Alora, everyone knows that Jedi aren't allow to love." "I am not jesting Carth, everything I have told you has been literal."
Carth leaned back in his chair and gave a surprised sigh, his hand going through his hair. He was literally speechless. Finally, he leaned forward and said, "This-this is great. Now we don't have to fear the Jedi Council. This is truly wonderful in deeded!" With that, he pulled Alora's head closer to his and gave her a kiss, not caring if anyone was watching. When the two broke of the kiss, Carth smiled and said, "Thanks for the warning. I guess I should have listened to it, huh?" Alora nodded and said, "Yes you should have, though you are just so stubborn!" Alora then looked at her Chorono watch and said, "Sith spit! I should be at the Jedi Temple!" She then jumped out of her chair and was about make a mad dash to her speeder when someone came running up to her and stopped a few inches from Jedi Revan, his face covered with concern and fear, "Master Jedi, come quick!"
Major Thanks to: Jedi Revan Onasi. Hee, it's fun being mean andI'm glad you enjoyed it.:D
Major Thanks to: Rachil Fayrchild.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as the last one:D