Summary:

Rex and Ahsoka arrive on Dathomir to find Ventress.

Jinn continues to recover and train Ezra.

Ventress catches the Duchess with Jinn.

.

29.

It was several days before Ahsoka and Rex reached Dathomir. Once they landed in the foggy red hued world, they were greeted by the Nightsisters. The female warriors surrounded their ship with their weapons read to take them down.

Ahsoka stepped forward and raised her hands in surrender and said, "We didn't come here to fight. We only want to talk to Ventress."

Mother Talzin approached her and said, "Why do you wish to speak with Ventress, Jedi?"

Ahsoka said, "Please, we're her friends. We came here because we're worried about her. Is she here?"

Mother Talzin inspected the young Togruta girl closely. She sensed great strength from her. She also felt that she spoke the truth. Her concern for Ventress was genuine. She raised her hand to gesture for the Nightsisters to lower their weapons.

"Very well, I will take you to her. However, the soldier must stay here."

Rex leaned towards Ahsoka and said, "I don't like this."

Ahsoka turned her head towards him and said, "It'll be fine."

Silently, Mother Talzin led the way. She brought Ahsoka deep inside the temple and down long corridors until she stood before a door. Mother Talzin smiled and said, "She is inside."

Ahsoka didn't trust Mother Talzin. Her and the Nightsisters were strange and Sith-like in nature. She wondered if she led her to a trap. Cautiously, Ahsoka reached for the handle on the door and opened it. She wasn't sure what she would find on the other side, but what she didn't expect was a modest living space. There was a bed and a simple meditation mat on the floor. However, there was no sign of Ventress.

Ahsoka narrowed her brow and heard noises coming from behind a closed door. She carefully crossed the room to investigate. She opened the other door and saw that it led to a refresher. Ventress was inside and throwing up into the sink.

The teen crossed her arms and leaned against the door frame and said, "Well, I guess it's true. You are pregnant."

Ventress turned around in surprise and glared at her and said, "What are you doing here?"

Ahsoka raised her brow and said, "I came here looking for you."

Annoyed, Ventress rinsed her mouth and said, "Well, you found me. Now go back to your Master, youngling."

The ex-assassin then grabbed a towel to dry her face and hands. When she was done, she walked past Ahsoka and entered the main living space and sat down on the mat. She placed her hands over her stomach with a groan and bowed her head.

Ahsoka joined her on the mat and placed her hand over Ventress' stomach and began to send soothing waves to her body with the Force. Ventress strained expression lifted. She opened her ice blue eyes and stared at Ahsoka thoughtfully.

"Why are you helping me?"

"I'm helping you because you're a friend."

Ventress narrowed her brow and said, "We're not friends. You're Jinn's friend."

Ahsoka removed her hand from Ventress and said, "That may be true, but that doesn't mean we can't be friends too."

She frowned and moved to lean her back against the wall. She casually sat with one knee bent with her elbow resting on it and her hand on her head. Her other leg was stretched out with her other hand resting on her stomach.

"Well, friend, what do you want? Where's Jinn?"

"Jinn isn't here."

Ahsoka saw the hurt expression on Ventress' face. She raised her other leg and wrapped her arms around them. She rested her chin on top of her knees. Her gaze looked distant.

"Of course. He probably doesn't want to see me."

"Why would you think that?"

She looked away from Ahsoka and said, "Because I'm a coward. I can't be what he wants me to be."

Ahsoka said, "I doubt Jinn thinks you're a coward. I know for a fact that you're not. And Jinn doesn't want you to be anything other than yourself. He loves you."

Ventress snapped and said, "What would you know about love, brat?"

The Togruta teen frowned and said, "First off, I'm not a brat. I'm a time travel like Jinn. In fact, you and I are probably the same age. Second, I know that he loves you because I can see it in his eyes every time, he looks at you. Now, tell me the truth, why are you afraid of having this baby?"

"You don't understand. Having a child isn't who I am."

Ahsoka pressed her lips and said, "Sorry to tell you this, but your baby doesn't care if you think you should have it or not. It's growing inside you regardless."

Ventress glared and said, "I know that."

"You don't want a child. Is that it?"

"I don't know."

"Jinn would support you no matter what you decide."

Ventress narrowed her brow and said, "I know he would."

Ahsoka asked, "Is it because he proposed to you?"

She turned away from Ahsoka and softly said, "Did Jinn tell you that?"

"No, I heard it from Kix. I don't understand. I thought you two were happy."

"I can't be Jinn's wife. I can't be a mother. That's not who I am."

"Then you owe it to Jinn to tell him."

Ventress pressed the back of her head against the wall and said, "I can't. Jinn wants a family. If I tell him, it would only make him leave me. I don't want to lose him."

Ahsoka said, "Don't you see? If you don't tell him then you could lose him. You need to tell him how you feel."

"What if he stops loving me?"

"Are you kidding? Do you know what happened to him after you left? Jinn was so heartbroken that you were gone that he lost his control of his Force-powers. He then trashed the hanger bay and drained the power in the entire ship. Afterwards, he stabbed Anakin and took off in a ship with Ezra."

"What? Where is he?"

"I don't know."

"That idiot." Ventress got up and said, "Why didn't you say so before? He's in no condition to be out on his own." She then turned to Ahsoka and said, "Come on. Let's go."

Ahsoka scrambled to her feet. She quickly followed Ventress out the door and into the corridor. She had to run to keep up with her pace. Ahsoka was surprised by her reaction. She didn't count on Ventress being so protective of the amber Jedi. However, it made sense. She had just rescued Jinn from Dooku's castle.

However, once they were outside, Mother Talzin and the Nightsisters were blocking their path. The monarch approached them and said, "I'm afraid I can't allow you to leave, child."

Ventress frowned and said, "What's the meaning of this?"

Mother Talzin said, "You are carrying the child of that demon Jedi. Your child is bound to be power with the Force. Your child will make a strong addition to our clan."

Ventress said, "You can't stop me from leaving."

Mother Talzin grinned and said stepped aside to reveal that Rex had been captured by the Nightsisters. His arms were tied behind his back and his blasters were removed. His helmet was off and clipped to his belt. He tried to wriggle free, but the Nightsisters shoved him to the ground.

"Perhaps, not but if you resist then your friend will suffer the consequences."

Ahsoka growled and said, "Don't you dare hurt him."

Yet, to the teen's dismay, Ventress said, "Go ahead. He's not my friend."

Mother Talzin said, "Yes, but he is the Padawan's friend."

Ventress turned to Ahsoka and said, "I thought that clone was your lapdog."

Ahsoka frowned and said, "Rex isn't a lapdog."

"Then get a new one. There are millions of clones."

"Would you say Jinn is just another Jedi?"

Ventress frowned and said, "If that's how it is then I guess we do this the hard way. Don't slow me down, brat."

Ahsoka smiled and said, "Don't worry. I got this, mom."

The ex-assassin glared at Ahsoka's remark until the Nightsisters made their first strike. They shot blasts from their energy blows and attacked with their blades. Ventress and Ahsoka ignited their double lightsabers and quickly cleared a path towards Rex. Once Ahsoka got to him, she used her lightsaber to burn through his restraints.

She helped him to his feet and said, "Come on. Let's get out of here."

Mother Talzin approached them and said, "Not so fast. That child will be a power asset to our clan. That child has a destiny. You must feel it. You must see that only we can help you guide it. If not, why else would you come back to us? Back to your home?"

Ventress lowered her gaze and said, "I'm grateful to you, Mother but staying here isn't my destiny. It never was."

She then walked past the monarch and towards the ship. The Nightsisters was about to stop her, but Mother Talzin raised her hand to stop them and said, "No, let them go. The demon will send her back to us on his own."

Ventress heard Mother Talzin's words but decided to let it go. She didn't want to waste any more time telling her otherwise. She was done sulking. It was time to find her Jedi and learn the truth whether she liked it or not.

XXX

Meanwhile, on Mandalore, Jinn had gotten into a routine training Ezra and building back his strength. He was grateful to Satine and her hospitality. He especially enjoyed her chef's fine cooking. The food was rich and nutritious. It made rations look like slop in comparison. It wouldn't take him long for him to put back on some of the weight he lost.

However, his sleep was plagued by nightmares. Sometimes he could dream of his time as Dooku's prisoner. It wasn't the pain that haunted him. It was his helplessness. Jinn had spent years training and honing his strength. It was horrible having it all stripped away. He tried to remember his mother's lessons. She taught him to have a strong spirit, a warrior's spirit and a warrior never yields.

He usually spent most nights out on the balcony and meditating with the Force. It was a comfort to feel the Force again after so long. He would look up at the night sky and hope that his nightingale was gazing up at those same stars.

Jinn found he enjoyed being a teacher. He found it refreshing to see the Force through new eyes. Ezra was a talented young man. He discovered there wasn't much traditional Jedi teachings for him to unlearn. It turned out his former master was unconventional. Ezra adapted well to Jinn's unique techniques and perspectives.

"That's enough sword practice for today, Bridger. Here, take this data-pad."

"Okay, what is it?"

"A collection of books from Duchess Satine's library. When you have time, read them."

Ezra opened the data-pad and trolled through the titles. They ranged from a wide field of different subjects from medicine to mechanics to the arts.

"Whoa, you expect me to read all this?"

"Knowledge is power, Bridger. Half of those books are novels so I have no doubt that you will find them entertaining."

Ezra sighed and waved the data-pad over his head and said, "I get the technical stuff, but why novels? How is this going to help me in my training?"

"We can learn a lot from stories, Bridger. Most stories are about the struggles of good and evil. Each book you read will give you a little more insight in how other people think and feel. Besides it helps grow the imagination and your imagination is your greatest weapon."

Ezra looked at the data-pad in his hand and said, "If imagination is the greatest weapon then what about combining the Darkness and the Light? I thought that was your greatest weapon."

"There's no point in having an ability if you can't think of how best to use it. However, I'm not ready to teach you Force training yet."

Ezra knew that Jinn was still weak from his imprisonment with Dooku. He looked a lot better and excised every morning. However, Ezra knew that Jinn was still troubled by his feelings for Ventress. A few times, he caught him out on the balcony and looking up at the stars.

The teen reached over and patted Jinn on the shoulder and said, "It's okay. Whenever you're ready. I'm going to go take a shower. I'll see you later."

Once Ezra was gone, Jinn heard someone clear their throat behind him. He turned around and saw Satine. She smiled as she approached him. She was glad to see him so engaged in teaching his apprentice. It was a softer side to the amber Jedi that she had never seen before.

"How are you, Jinn?"

"Better after see you, Duchess."

She smiled and said, "You flatter me Jinn and please call me Satine."

He fell into step beside her and said, "I don't usually call people by their first names. I was taught that it suggests intimacy. It should only be spoken by someone close to you."

"You don't seem to have much problem with people calling you by your first name."

He smiled and said, "There isn't much leeway with a name like mine, Satine. Normally, I would insist on being called Master Kenobi, but we both know that would be too confusion."

"Tell me, what's your real relation to Obi-Wan?"

"It's complicated."

They soon found their way back to the main house. The windows to the balcony were open. She strolled towards it and looked at the city around them. It was a beautiful day. The sun was setting in the horizon. She placed her hands on the rail and sighed.

"Why must all Kenobi men insist on things being complicated?"

"If I tell you then you'll see me differently."

She turned to him and said, "Now, I am curious."

"First, tell me what you think of me before I tell you."

Satine narrowed her brow and said, "Alright, the first word that comes to mind is insufferable."

Jinn laughed. Satine smiled. Jinn had been so miserable when he first arrived that seeing him laugh was a relief. She turned to face him and crossed her arms over her chest. She slowly began to circle him. Jinn smiled and let her tease him with her scrutiny. He stood at attention and turned his head to follow her with his eyes.

"What's your verdict?"

"Oh, definitely a troublemaker."

"Guilty as charged."

She smiled and said, "You're also brave and dangerous. You remind me a great deal of Obi when we first met. Sometimes I look at you and I see him. Tell me, when you said I was dear to you, did you mean it?"

Jinn lowered his gaze and said, "I told Obi-Wan once that I want nothing more than for him to be happy. If you bring him happiness than yes, you are dear to me."

"Am I dear to you only for his sake?"

Jinn smiled and said, "No, you're very charming, Satine. However, you're not my type."

She raised her brow and said, "Oh, and what's your type?"

"A woman who can pull off silks and swords." His sight turned inward, and he frowned. "I guess someone like my mother, which is a rather disturbing thought now that I think about it."

Satine laughed and patted Jinn on the chest. The look of mortification on Jinn's face was just too much. She suddenly lost her step and gasped as she grabbed the front of his robes. Jinn wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her from falling. She was so close to him. She turned her head and realized she was painfully close to him. She could feel his breathe against her skin.

Jinn turned his head away with a blush and gently set her onto her feet and said, "I-I'm sorry. I-"

Satine placing her hands on his face and turned her head to silence him with a kiss.

"What do you think you're doing?"

The amber Jedi broke the kiss and turned to see Ventress standing at the doorway of the balcony along with Rex and Ahsoka. Jinn kept his gaze on her as he stepped away from Satine. Mesmerized, he approached her.

"Asajj-"

Before he could finish speaking, Ventress raised her hand and slapped Jinn across the face. The sound rang out on the balcony, but Jinn silently took her blow. He flexed his jaw before he turned his head to face her.

"Please, Asajj. That kiss meant nothing."

Ventress sighed and said, "I know you didn't kiss her, but I still don't like it."

"Then, does that mean you still want me?"

She lowered her gaze and said, "I don't know." She turned her back to him and said, "I don't know if I can give you what you want."

"All I want is you."

She glared at him and said, "That's not true! You said you wanted a family. You said you wanted a place to belong. I can't be a wife. I can't be a mother."

"I don't see why not? If you don't want to get married, then we don't have to. If you don't want a child, then tell me. I don't understand. Why are you so scared?"

She turned around to face him and said, "Because if I can't give you what you want then you'll leave me. I can't do that. I don't want you to leave."

Jinn took her hands and said, "I'm not going anywhere. I said all I want is you and I meant it. I don't expect you to be anything other than yourself."

Ventress squeezed his hands and said, "What if I can't be your nightingale?"

Jinn shook his head and said, "It's just an endearment. It's not an expectation. You're extraordinary just as you are. I don't expect you to act differently if we got married. I'd be proud to have you as my wife. As for this child, you'd be a wonderful mother. To be honest, you sometimes remind me of my own mother, and I turned out alright-for the most part."

"You don't expect me to stay home and play the role of your little wife?"

He smiled and said, "Of course, not. I want a partner, not a handmaiden."

Ventress lowered her gaze and said, "Alright. Ask me again."

Jinn couldn't believe his ears. He gathered her hands up to his chest and said, "Miss Asajj Ventress, you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. Please, do me the honor of being my wife?"

Ventress smiled and said, "Yes, I will."

Jinn beamed. To her complete surprise, he bent down to wrap his arms around her waist to lift her up and spin her around and said, "Yes! I love you, my darling."

Ventress smiled at Jinn's antics, until she spotted Ahsoka, Rex and Satine watching them from a distance. She frowned at them. She pulled back from Jinn and slipped out from his arms. She placed her hand over his chest and gently pushed him away.

"Darling?"

The ex-assassin marched up to Satine and grabbed her arm. In a sinister voice, Ventress said, "If I catch you touching my Jedi again, it will be the last thing you ever do. Are we clear?"

Satine cringed as Ventress squeezed her arm. She tried prying free, but her grip was too strong. "Y-Yes, yes I understand."

The ex-assassin then released her and shoved her back. Rex caught her before she fell. Ventress glared at Ahsoka and Rex before heading back inside. Jinn was spellbound. He silently followed Ventress inside.

XXX

Rex said, "So, that went well. I was sure she was going to kill him."

Ahsoka smiled and crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Really? I knew it would work out."

Rex said, "Yeah? Why's that?"

The Togruta teen turned to him and said, "Because she has a bond with him. It was how she knew where to find him." Ahsoka then turned to Satine and said, "We're sorry for barging in like this. Are you alright?"

Satine rubbed her sore wrist and said, "Yes, I'll be fine."

"We had no intention of dragging you into this."

"No, Miss Ventress was entirely within her right to be angry with me. I suppose congratulations are in order. Perhaps, Miss Ventress and Jinn would like a dinner party to celebrate?"

Rex smirked and said, "Oh, I'm sure they'll find their own way of celebrating."

Ahsoka scolded, "Rex."

The Captain nervously said, "Sorry. I just think they probably want to be left alone for now. If it's not too much trouble, we'll stick around till tomorrow morning and take our leave, Duchess."

"Yes, of course."

XXX

TBC

XXX

Thank you for reading and reviewing.

.