Chapter 12
As Alora walked down the busy streets of Coruscant, she held Cath's hand. However, while they were walking, she received a warning, a feeling of danger through the force. Getting a half concerned look on her face, Alora slowly began to loosen her grip on Carth's hand. Finally, she fully let go of his hand and stopped. While her eyes scanned her surroundings, her hands slowly reached down toward her waist, where her dual lightsabers were hidden beneath her brown Jedi cloak. She then muttered to Carth, "run."
Carth was confused at Alora's actions and said, "What? Why are you stopping? What's wrong?" When he heard her say "run" he was even more confused. He wouldn't budge; he wanted an answer, what was this sudden change in Alora? As he looked around, he noticed a medium sized figure approaching them in confidence and had a look about him that Carth didn't like. Carth began to go in a fighting stance; his hands were inching toward his blasters when he felt a great amount of wind hit his entire body. Like a metal fist hitting his chest, sending him backward. Before he knew what had happened, he was pushed back with great force, skidding across the concrete streets of Coruscant. A few people gasped as they saw what happened and walked on. While others helped him up and looked in the direction in which he came from. They froze in fear, they could sense something was wrong, and something evil, something dark was about to happen.
"Well, well, if it isn't the mighty Revan, Dark Lord of the Sith. I didn't expect to see you here Revan." He said with a sneer in his voice and emphasized the name Revan. "But now, it is time for you to die. You will now be judged for your crimes and your punishment…. is death." The cloaked figure then pushed his cloakfrom his body and allowed it to freely fall to the concrete ground. His head lowered and his head staring right into Alora's eyes. His eyes were a deep brown, however, with the light shinning, it seemed his eyes were a complete black. While keeping an eye on his enemy he slowly let his hand down toward his waist and ignited his blood red saber. Calling upon the force, he jumped to her and landed a few inches from her body and did a searing blow across her left shoulder. However, when he was about to strike again, he met resistance by two sabers. One was the standard sized saber, the color if it was Cyan. The other saber was a short saber and was the color of blue.
Revan listened to the words of the cloaked figure. She only rolled her eyes and pulled out her dual sabers. She was not able to block the first attack and felt the blow of her attacker's saber upon her left shoulder. She winced in pain but moved on, using the Force to block the pain. Sensing and seeing the second blow come toward her, she easily blocked the second blow with ease. While she parried her enemy she called upon the force and she could feel that this one had a great amount of training. However, his power was not fully harnessed and he was overconfident, which she knew, would eventually be his downfall. Alora continued to parry and attack at the same time. She moved with grace and speed, sometimes seeing attacks before they came to pass. As the battle went on, something strange, something unusual happened. While they fought Alora received a quick flash, a quick vision, though it lasted only for a second. What she saw was a young boy, no older then 13, he was surrounded by flames, his face covered with grime and tears streaming down the terrified boy's face. But, as fast as the vision came, it was gone and left her dazed for a second before she realized where she was and what was going on. Yet, despite her distraction for that moment, she was able to snap back into reality just in time to block a fatal blow. Upon looking around she noticed that a large crowd had formed around the duelers, watching in interest and in fear. Still, they were not stupid enough to get to close to them. The audience kept their distance and stared in awe and wonder. "Great, an audience, just what I need. Just hope they don't get into danger." Revan's body was now saturated with sweat as the setting sun of Coruscant shone upon the two duelers and shinning of the mutable buildings, making it seem hotter then it actually was. Also, as the sabers clashed and locked from time to time, they too produced their own amount of heat, her face sweaty and had a thin amount of grime upon her face. Her once neat hair was now muddled and a few strands poked out of her braid and clung to her face for dear life.
As the battle continued on, and each began to wear down, the two sabers suddenly locked. The soulless, yet hate filled eyes of the attacker stared into Alora's blue grey ones and said, "You may not know me Revan." He said with a sneer, "But I know you." With that he stepped back and began to attack Alora once again, trying to disable her, no, kill her.
Seconds, minutes, hours passed before that attack stopped and stepped back, "I cannot defeat you in a lightsaber battle, you are too good. But can you defend yourself and those around you?" He then stepped back once more and raised his hands into the air; soon objects big and small began to float around him, surrounding him. The man then moved his arms forward and the objects began to fly toward Alora and the multitude that was watching the fight between the two.
Alora's eyes widened with fear as she saw the mutable objects approach her and the congregation. These objects were not light and easy to dodge. No, they were pieces of heavy metal, concrete, speeders and metal boxes, in which they approach her and the innocent citizens at a fairly accelerated speed. Desperate, Alora closed her eyes and stretched out her hands and with all her might summoned for the force and was able to put the objects into stasis. Once Alora had the objects under control, she dropped them upon the ground in an open area where no harm could be done.
The attacker bowed slightly and replied, "Impressive, I see now that I am no match for you, yet. This is not the end Revan; I swear to you, I will have my revenge!" He then used force to jump a great distance and disappeared into the shadows of Coruscant.
Alora closed her eyes in exhaustion and relief. Switching off her lightsabers, she bent over and gasped for air; her clothes clung to her and her injuries burned. Upon standing again she turned around, her eyes searching for Carth. Before she could find him she began to hear clapping of in the distance. Suddenly, grateful citizens surrounded her and many came up to her, patting her back or shaking her hand. They were very grateful for her deeds and saving their lives. Alora for the most part ignored the cheering crowds and continued to look for Carth. She then noticed people being pushed out of the way with a small amount of force. Squinting her eye she was able to find the orange coat that belonged to Carth in a few moments. She smiled and waited for him to enter the clearing.
Carth continued to push through the crowd until he reached Alora. Upon seeing her all right he smiled and rushed up to her and embraced her into a loving hug. He then put his hand around her waist and gave her a passionate kiss. Finally, out of shear joy he picked up the tired women from her feet and began to carry her back home, the crowd made way for the two.
Alora protested at Carth picking her up. Though, despite her struggling and wiggling around like a slimy worm, his grip did not loosen, only tightened instead. Sighing, she swatted away those two annoying strands of hair from her eyes and rested her head against Carth's shoulder, almost falling into a deep sleep right away.
By now, the sun was hardly visible and the city of Coruscant was settling down for the evening, though there were still thousands of air transportations and people littering the streets.
By the time the two reached Alora's apartment Alora was using her own two feet. Upon entering her home, she made a beeline to her bedroom where she exhaustedly fell upon her bed. Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath and slowly released it through her nose. Finding the strength to get up, she quickly changed into her nightgown and went back to her comfortable bed. A she settled into her bed, she yelled a good night to Carth, who was spending the night. They had arranged that he would sleep on Alora's comfortable couch.
Upon closing her eyes, she tried to fall sleep. However, her mind was flooded with questions. Such as, "who was that guy? What did he mean when he said "I know you, but you don't know me?" But despite her flooded mind, Alora somehow found her way into a deep and comfortable sleep.
The planet was barren. The sky looked as if rain was to fall upon the dead and lifeless world. However, one could not smell the smell of rain, hear the clap of thunder, nor see evidence of lighting anywhere. Instead, the sky was just a dark and haunting gray. As one looked upon the ground, one could easily see the dried cracks that had formed on the arid and thirsty planet. Finally, a womanly figure appeared, she looked around the dead and haunting planet. This planet, this place, It was a battlefield graveyard. The open fields were scattered with dried blood and bodies filled almost every inch. Republic Soldiers, Jedi, and Mandalorians alike scattered the fields. Amongst the dead however, there were scattered patches of grass. Though, it too was turning to the deathly brown and would soon join the list of the dead. The grass and tree stumps that scattered the battleground proved that this field, this plant used to be of lush nature. But now, it was dead, as dead as Malachor V.
Finally, the woman moved forward, her batted robe sliding over the bodies of the dead. As she walked on, and looked at the dead, she could see arms and legs scatted about, bodies with half their flesh attached to them, while the half was nothing more but skeleton. Among the limbs and half- skeleton bodies, there were a few in which one could see their intestines. This was the result of grenades hitting them, fragments of metal and razor-sharp objects hitting them, slicing them open like a surgery knife. But among the dead, there was the dying, barely alive. As they looked up and saw the womanly figure moving across the battleground, the cries of the dying formed into one voice, making the place seem haunted. The ones closest to the woman reached out their arms with their remaining strength, begging for mercy. To save him, or her from death, or to end their suffering forever, by death. Yet, the woman did not do such a thing. Instead, she walked on, ignoring their cries of pain and pleading for help. However, as the figure walked on, she suddenly stopped. For in the distance was an unusual sight.
In the distance, close to the middle of the field, there was a large patch of fresh, green grass surrounded by the dried and lifeless ground, like an island. There was a large sunray shining upon the lush grass. A tree then began to sprout and grew until it reached its fullest height, casting a large amount of shade with its magnificent branches covered with green and abundant leaves. Suddenly, a figure that looked just like the woman among the dead stared at the woman, but said nothing.
Slightly shocked, the woman among the deceased took a step back and half of her face was revealed. It was Alora. Finally finding her feet, and voice again, she approached the odd sight and was about to speak when she was interrupted by the duplicate of her.
The image changed from Alora, to Alora fighting the Mandalorians, her blue sabers slicing her enemies, shouting orders, and encouraging her comrades to fight on.
Once again, the figure faded and moved on. Once again it showed Alora fighting her enemies. Though this time, she was fighting anyone and everything. She murdered her own comrades in battle, though no one would ever know. For Revan knew no one would know who killed whom in war. For that, she killed…everything. Though her dark transitions would be unfounded... for now. The image changed again, this time it showed Revan dressed in her black cloak, but without her mask. Staring right at Alora, her lips moved. As the real Alora studied the image, it seemed to say her name, but her ears heard nothing but a haunting and evil voice ringing across the graveyard battlefield, "Betrayer…"
Alora awoke with a start, her body drenched in sweat. As she looked around she was relieved to be back in her own world, in her comfortable bed. But fear suddenly took over her and she acted upon that fear. Quickly, Alora grabbed an old and worn out Jedi robes, in which she hurriedly changed into the faded and worn out robe. Once she was dressed she left her apartment and began to run as quickly as she could to one the Jedi temples garden that was near her apartment. Since her apartment was near the Jedi Academy she could reach the Jedi Temple in a short amount of time.
Finally, Alora reached the Jedi Temple and made her way to her favorite garden. Upon reaching her destination, she sat down upon one of the stone benches and stared at the beautiful stone fountain that was in the middle of the garden. Looking toward the sky, she saw the moon beginning to peak over the highest tower and shine upon the mutable air cruises that were out tonight. However, her pleasant thoughts were interrupted as her mind returned to her dream. The fear and the sadness returned to her. Feeling the tears form in her eyes, she tried to hold back the tears, but could not. At first she cried lightly, and silently. Though, the more she thought about the dream, the more horrified she felt. The tears came harder and she began to sob in sorrow and in pain. Putting her hands to her face, she put her elbows upon her knees and let her lose hairs fall upon her face, or wherever they pleased. She wasn't too concerned about appearance at the moment. With her face buried in her hands she let the tears come. The moon shined upon the depressed and heart aching woman. It outlined her features and it seemed to have a gentle touch about it. As if it was saddened by this creature's sadness. As the moon shined upon Alora, she thought she needed solitude, not a companion. However, she would be proven wrong.
Atris, master of the Jedi history was strolling through the Jedi gardens. Her pleasant thoughts were disturbed as she felt something through the Force. Allowing herself to be filled with the Force, she could sense much sorrow and regret. Following the source she found Jedi Revan sitting upon a stone bench with the moon outlining her features. Atris felt such sorrow, regret, and fear that she almost staggered backward a few steps. Finding her balance once again, she approached Revan and put a firm hand upon Revan's shoulder. She then sat besides Revan and put her head against her chest, like one would do to comfort a child. Looking down at Alora she spoke in a firm yet gentle tone, "Shh, calm yourself. Everything is all right. What is the matter Revan?"
Revan broke Atris's grasp and looked at her. Her eyes were red with tears and her face stained with tears as well. Her hands shook lightly. "It, it was horrible!" was all she said through her sobs. She then looked at her hands in a glazed over way and replied once again "They say I'm redeemed, but can I ever be fully forgiven? The deaths of thousands are on my hands and the blood will forever stain me." She then cried harder and put her head back on Atris's chest. She gasped for breath from time to time, he sobs echoed slightly, even with her cries being muffled by Atris's chest. Her hands repeatedly grabbed her old and worn robe, trying to find something else to comfort her besides Atris.
Atrist felt compassion toward Alora and replied while stroking Alora's fine brown hair, "It is alright. Come, meditate with me and we shall settle your sorrows." Atris then closed her eyes and waited for Alora to join her in her state of meditation.
Alora did as told and clamed herself, closing her eyes she let the force fill her and soon, she found herself in a white mesa. Turning around slowly, she searched for Atris. Calling out into the vast whiteness she said, "Atris? Are you there? I need you." "Yes Revan, I am here." Atris then appeared and smiled to her. "Come, we will help you ease your pain." Alora was naturally confused and said "We?" Just as Alora said "we" off in the distance and behind Revan was Master Kavar, he slowly approached Revan and set a strong, and steady grip on her shoulder, "Yes, we." Soon, Master Vrook, Master Vandar, and mater Selwyn joined Kavar and Atris. The Jedi Council members then sat upon the white ground and encircled Revan. Soon, Revan sat in the middle of the group and joined them in a deep and peaceful meditation. While they meditated, Revan explained the dream to them in great detail, though it was hard for Alora. Sometimes she had to fight back her tears. After several hours of mediation, Revan and the Jedi Council rose and master Kavar replied. "Before we leave, there is something we must show you. Close your eyes and wait until I say to open them." Alora did as told, though was baffled by this "close your eyes" thing. Finally, a few minutes later, she was told to open them and to her surprise, she saw yet another woman, a woman who she didn't know, but felt like she knew her all the same.
This woman, she was not ugly, nor was she beautiful, instead she was something in-between. She had long and slightly wavy brown hair, this hair reached to the middle of her back. Her eyes were gentle, yet expressive green eyes. The garment she was wearing was almost pure white, but it was decorated with small green lines, they almost looked like jewels. The woman smiled at Alora and said "Hello my daughter, I am glad to see you return to the light once more."
Alora was stunned and stumbled on her words, "Moth…mother?" She then ran toward her and embraced her in a tight hug. She rested her head on her chest and let the tears fall upon her slightly tanned face. "I'm, I'm sorry for the evil I have done. It, it kills me." She looked at he mother's face and said, "Will you forgive me?"
The woman smiled and said "Shh, child. Though you have done great evil, you will do greater good. All is forgiven. Even though you may feel alone or an outcast, you are never alone. Even though I cannot be with you in the world, I can be with you in your mind and in your heart. If you seek guidance, wisdom, or comfort I will be here for you. For I am with you…always." With that the woman disappeared and left Alora in shock and in joy.
As Alora conversed with her mother, the Jedi Council spoke to themselves and said, "she is suffering. Though, with this Carth Onasi she endures her hardships. I think we must allow her to be able to love and marry this man if she desires. We would keep this secret, a "special" case." These were the words belonged to Master Kavar. After must discussing the whole Jedi Council agreed and decided that Master Vrook would tell her of the Council's decision.
When Alora finished speaking with her mother she returned to the Jedi Council. Seeing that they had something to say she asked, "What is it?" Vrook stepped up and answered, "Jedi Knight Revan, we, the Jedi Council are giving you permission to love and marry Carth Onasi if you so desire it."
Alora could hardly believe her ears! Smiling she hugged ever member and replied "Thank you!" After that, they said their goodbye and one by one, the Jedi Council began to disappear, leaving Atris and Alora alone in the white mesa.
Breaking out of the meditation, Alora hugged Atris and said in a half energetic voice, "Thank you! Thank you!" With that she got up and began to run to her home as quickly as she came. Once she reached her apartment door she clamed herself and tired her hardest not to make the door squeak. Once inside, she tiptoed into her bedroom and changed back into her baby blue gown with white trim around her neck, sleeves, and the bottom of her gown. No matter how hard she tried, Alora was unable to sleep. Getting up she opened the door to the balcony and stood there, looking up at the bright and beautiful full moon shinning upon the Coruscant buildings and speeders. Closing her eyes, she listened to the soothing sounds of the mutable speeders. For some reason, she felt at peace and calm when she listened to the hum of air speeders. However, she began to sniffle, trying to hold back her tears once again.
Carth was sleeping comfortably on the couch until he was awoken by the sound of someone sniffle, as if someone trying to hold back tears. Peaking an eye open he saw Alora standing on the balcony, her left shoulder slightly pointing toward him. He smiled at how beautiful she looked. Slowly getting up, he put on a ragged and dirty shirt and silently approached her. Admiring how the glow of the moon outlined her beautiful petite features and the way her brown hair was wavy in an ever so gentle way. However, as he came closer, he saw the outline of a tear upon her cheek, in which the moon was shining. His smile quickly became a frown. Before he could say anything however, he was interrupted.
Alora sniffed once again and sensed Carth's presence. Turning around, she bit her lip and tired to hold back her tears. Her lips wavering and her eyes teared up. She then said in a heartbreaking tone…. "Carth…"
Major thanks to: Kimberly for your kind review!