The next day, Leanna and I get up bright and early. We decide to practice sparring in the green scenery before the others wake up. The sun shines brightly across the clear blue sky.
Our swords clash with a score of heavy blows. Leanna forces me backwards with a huge grin on her face. I'm breathing hard and struggling to keep up as my brows knit in concentration.
Leanna sweeps my blade aside and comes back around, but I swing in time to deflect it.
Her face brightens and she seems pleasently suprised.
"Wow, that's great! You're getting much better!"

I feel my cheecks warming.
"Really?"

Leanna's grin turns devilish.
"HI-YA!"

She lunges, and I let out a sharp cry, barely raising my sword in time. Her movements quicken as she strikes harder.
I struggle to keep up but manage to hold my own. Ultimately, Leanna's final move knocks me to the ground.
I groan, blinking up at the sky. It's hard to breathe with the wind knocked out of me. Are our spars always going to end like this?
Leanna's face appears over me. She smiles brightly.
"That was so much better!"

"I lost yet again though… Swordplay never was my strong suite…"
I mumble the last part under my breath.

"This time. But you're getting stronger and stronger every time."

That cheers me up a little.

Leanna extends a hand and helps me up.
"Let's switch gears. You've been doing so well with the sparring, so we should practice your magic training. You need to learn to refine your cast."

I know she's right, so I nod. I'm feeling confident again about it now that I know I can cast. Everything else is just a matter of time.
I think back on the countless previous training sessions and the frustration that came with it. Even though I know I still have much to learn before I reach anywhere near Leanna's level, I'm just glad I'm past those early stages.

Leanna's voice calls me out of my musings.
"Alright. Practice channeling your energy through your manipulator, and this time keep your focus on where you want to cast."

An idea pops into my head. I'll get back at her knocking me to the ground. I smirk and close my eyes.

"Good, keep focusing."

A tingling wave of energy flows out from my manipulator. My eyes fly open, and I aim for Leanna, the energy springing out from my fingertips.
A gust of wind swooshes up her skirt.

Leanna squeeks cutely and shoves her skirt back down, her face bright red.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

"What? I was trying to levitate-"

I subtly glance around for a suitable object but find none.
"-the grass, obviously."

Leanna arches an eyebrow and crosses her arms, clearly unconvinced.
"Try again. Actually aim for the rock this time since you clearly have some level of accuracy over your casts."

Oh well, I guess she knew I was lying.

Leanna looks around and points at a large rock.
"Try again on this rock."

I take a deep breath, clearing my mind, and cast again. As usual, a solid gust of wind bursts forth and I steadily float the rock in the air.

Leanna claps her hands together, a wide grin on her face.
"Yes! That's it!"

"Yes, I knew I can do it!"

"Poi?"
The pango glances at the floating rock curiously.
"Pooi…"

In one motion, he jumps straight onto the rock.
"Poi!"

The movement startles me and the rock jolts in mid-air.

"Poi poi!"
The pango wobbles precariously and I can feel the nerves set in again as I fight to steady the rock.

"It's okay! Don't panic. Just keep your focus. Try to float them towards you."

"Alright. It just became heavier unexpectedly, so I had to adjust my energy output."

I breath in and out, and refocus. The rock stops swaying.

"Good. Keep going."

A strong breeze wisps around the pango, keeping him in place. I close my eyes and imagine him floating closer.

"You got this!"

I open my eyes. The rock with the pango floats closer and closer.
A huge grin blooms across my face.
"It's working!"

"Poi!"
The pango jumps from the rock onto my head. As soon as the pango touches me, I lose concentration and drop the rock.

"Poi poi!"
Is it just me or did he sound sheepish right now?

Leanna giggles.
"Great job!"

"Poi!"
The pango wiggles on top of my head.

"Thanks for being a good sport."

Leanna giggles as I pat the pango.

"Poi poi!"

"I think that's enough training for today. You've made great progress!"

I can feel the warmth rise again in my cheeks.
"Thank you."

I can also feel the fatigue starting to set in and I'm grateful to Leanna for ending the session.
"Let's go rejoin the group."

Leanna glances shyly at me.
"Actually, Xerath, I wanted to talk a bit, if it's alright with you."

I look at her curiously, but smile nonetheless.
"Sure thing. With you, anytime. What's on your mind?"

She blushes a bit.
"Well, I wanted to ask something about yesterday…"

"Oh, that…"

She quickly raises her hands and her voice.
"Actually, it's nothing! Let's go back to the others. I'm sure they're awake by now."

Leanna doesn't wait for my response and starts back towards camp.

"Huh. Alright, if you say so..."

The three of us return to camp. As Leanna predicted, everyone else is already awake and even have breakfast prepared.

After we eat and clean up camp, we resume our journey.

After a about three days of travel, during which I also visited the children in Stonecrest again, we continue to journey along the path when I notice thick clouds darken the sky.
Kara and Leanna cast worried glances above as a loud crack of thunder roils above.
"This does not look promising."

Zack agrees with Leanna.
"We should find shelter. We don't want to be cought up in this storm."

I mean, if push comes to shove I could easily protect us, or even dispell the storm, but I'm pensive about messing with a planet's ecosphere.

Amelia cross references where we are with Elder Issim's notes.
"We are still quite a ways away from Elendale."

Theoretically, I could Phase Jump all of us there, but if I have to use that ability beyond my line of sight, I need the exact coordinates. And I doubt they can provide them. And neither does my map work here. Actually… nah, that's work for another time.

"Then we should stop at the next city we see."

Kara builds upon Zack's suggestion.
"I think I have an idea of where we are. If I recall correctly, Wolfsden should only be a few hours of travel. We can stop there."

I cast another glance upwards. I somewhat doubt we have a few hours.
"Let's make it in less."

I am greeted by a round of confused faces.
""Huh?""

Leanna asks directly.
"What do you mean? How should we get there faster?"

"Simple, I'll grant you faster movement speed."
I move my hand in a gesture as if what I said is the simplest thing there is, and with that gesture I also grant them a slight Force Speed.

"Go ahead and try. You should be a bit faster by now."

They try, and sure enough move faster, even if they move normal.

"Good. Now let's go."

Once agreed, we pick up the pace to combat the strengthening wind whipping at us and make our way to Wolfsden.

Eventually, we see the tall towers of Wolfsden. I place a mark just outside of the town's perimeter.
We shuffle through the city gates, casting worried glances at the ominous sky. The turbulent clouds don't look any less threatening.
People keep their heads down as they push past each other on the streets. They must be looking for shelter from the storm.
I look at the surrounding buildings. The architecture differs again in compirasation to the other cities and villages I've seen here. They use timber frame buildings with roof tiles. There are even walkways overhead that connect some buildings together. Most of those are storefronts which blend into each other as if trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible. As we travel deeper into the town, a few opulent buildings loom in the sky.
I guess that's where the better half lives.
All in all, this reminds me of a combination of Rishi and Nar Shaddaa, although the architecture itself has some of Rishi's charme.

Leanna shifts uncomfortably.
"Is it just me or are people staring at us?"

Looking around, I notice all the furtive glances towards Leanna as people give us a wide berth in passing.

Zack confirms my observation.
"No. They're staring at you."

His comment only seems to make Leanna even more anxious.
I step closer to her to try to bock her from view. She blinks in suprise and gives me a small smile.
"Thanks, but I'm not sure how much that will help."

"Maybe it will discourage them from staring."

Kara speaks up as well.
"When you remember what kind of town Wolfsden is, it's no suprise everyone's staring at her."

I give Kara a curious glance.
"Although I can hazard a guess, what sort of town is it?"

She crosses her arms.
"Let's just say that what happens in Wolfsden stays in Wolfsden."

So, it is like Rishi and Nar Shaddaa. Man, my intuition is on point.

Leanna covers the sigil on her manipulator with one hand.
"Maybe this isn't the best place for me to be advertising that I'm part of the Mage Guild."

Zack nods.
"Agreed. You're making them nervous."

The stares remind me of when I first arrived in Meadowhill. Although I have no problems whatsoever with drawing attention, Leanna is bothered by it. So maybe the same solution will apply.
"Should we find you a change of clothes to blend in more?"

Amy chimes in.
"That is a satisfactory suggestion, but perhaps it should be executed without the presence of Leanna. The longer she stays in the streets, the more attention she draws."

Kara agrees.
"Good point. Let's hurry up and find the inn. Leanna can stay there and I'll help her find a more suitable outfit."

As the wind picks up, more people creep out of shadowed alleyways as they seek shelter. I fight the instinct to check my pockets, because my attention is perfect and I have nothing to fear. But still, this place has me on edge.
Leanna is equally anxious. While Amy's expression doesn't change, she does seem more alert than usual. Only Zack and Kara seem unaffected. Well, they also fit in here better as well, I guess.

Before long, we reach the inn.
I let out a relieved breath as the fire crackling in the hearth warms me. Kara and Zack go to secure us rooms and food as the rest of us sit down in a secluded back corner.
Although the lobby is full of people, it's more quiet than the other inns we've frequented. Most patrons drink alone, and those in groups murmur softly, trying not to draw attention to themselves.
We aroused a few curious glances when we walked in, but once we shuffled out of sight people relaxed and forgot about us.
The silence grows stifling as both Leanna and Amelia wait for the rest of the group to come back.
As I'm wondering if I should say something, Leanna adresses Amy.
"There's been something I've been wondering since Hearthpoint but I haven't had a chance to ask."

Amy shifts her attention to Leanna.

She takes that as a cue to continue.
"Your mother mentioned that it's taken you awhile to get a field study approved."

"Yes, that is correct. I understand that such things take time as professors want to ensure the study is a proper fit for the student, but I will admit that I am beginning to become impatient."
She sighs.
"Was the process for your field study equally taxing?"

Leanna shakes her head.
"No. I actually got the first one I applied for."

Amy blinks, then her eyes grow wide.
"You were accepted upon your first application?"

Leanna nods.
"Yeah…"

Amy stares at Leanna.

"Maybe the process is different for Mage-Knights and Mage-Casters."

Amy continues to stare. Leanna looks at me and I shrug.
She speaks up again.
"Amy?"

Amelia looks down.
"I do not understand. I have completed all the prerequisites necessary to apply for a field study. I have even attended supplementary training to increase my potential for selection. For all intents and purposes, I should be the most ideal candidate for the mandatory field study."

"Is it just your professor's recommendation that you need?

"Correct, but I have been repeatedly told that the field study is not a good fit for me."

Leanna rests her head in her hands as she thinks.

I chime in.
"I think I can see where the professors are coming from."

The both of them turn their attention on me.
"What do you think, Xerath?"

"Well, as far as I've gathered, Amelia here is regarded as a prodigy among prodigies. Something I can attest to. I think that your professors just want to keep you safe, Amy. You are still quite young, so the professors have even more responsibility in taking care of you."

Amy frowns.
"My age should not be an eligibility factor. I have proven myself to be capable enough to study as a Mage-Caster."

"That is true, and I do not doubt you in the slightest. If anything, I know more than anyone that you will achieve great things. And I suspect that your professors can see that as well, and thus they want to shelter you. I wonder if they are aware that such a thing can actually hampen growth as well…"

Leanna speaks up after I trail off.
"The professors should know better. And they haven't given you a specific reason why you keep getting declined?"

Amelia shakes her head.
"I am quite perplexed by the situation, especially now that I know my difficulties are not standard."

I can feel the frustration behind her words. It sounds like the Academy has it out for her and I think she's only just started to realise that she's being treated differently. I speak up again.
"If it really shouldn't be this hard to get into a program, you should have a serious discussion with your professors when you return. Give them a chance to communicate their concerns and explain why they haven't approved of you."

Leanna nods.
"I'm sure they have their reasons and it would help you to know why."

Amy looks pensive as the conversation dies down.

Kara and Zack soon return with bowls of food, which we quickly eat. As we push our empty bowls away, Kara drops a key into Leanna's hand.
"Okay, so here's a key for our room. You can go upstairs and lay low for the rest of the night. I'll go check the shops and grab an outfit for you."

She winks at Leanna.
"Don't worry, it'll still be cute."

Zack silently hands me a key for our room.

I speak up.
"What about the storm?"

Kara answers.
"Hm? Oh, I'll be okay, Zack will come with me."

Zack crosses his arms.
"I didn't agree to this."

Kara feigns hurt.
"You mean to say that you would let a young woman venture outside into the storm… in the middle of the night… in a dangerous city all on her own?"

Zack's eyebrow twitches, but he tries to remain steadfast.
"Guilt tripping me won't work."

She slings an arm around herself, trying to look meek.
"Who knows what sort of ruffians are walking the streets this late. If they were to get the jump on me... then…"

"Okay, fine, I'll go with you! Geez."

He pushes himself to his feet. Kara grins widely.
"I knew you'd come around!"

Zack's embarressment is audible as he needs a moment to gather a whole sentence.
"I'm only doing this so you can't blame anything on me later!"

Kara smiles and drags Zack with her as they head towards the door.
"We'll be back soon!"

We watch them exit in silence.
Leanna is the first to break this silence.
"Well, I'm going to call it a night."

Amy follows suit.
"As will I."

It is getting pretty late and the thought of a real bed is very tempting after having to camp out for so many nights.
"I think I'll turn in too."

Together we head upstairs, then split into our seperate rooms.

After getting ready for bed, I relax in my bed for a while, enjoying the peace I find in the familiarity of the raging storm as I wait to fall asleep.
There's something relaxing about the rain pounding against the window and the wind howling. It reminds me of my apartment in Kaas City and the few relaxing days I've spend there. I bought it back then when I was still an apprentice of Zash, new on Dromund, young and excited to get out of slavery. It was my first own appartment, and it still has a dear place in my heart.
As I'm laying there, my mind begins to wander. What am I doing here? What do I want to achieve? … Who am I? Am I still Darth Imperius, the Eternal Emperor? Or am I simply Xerath Kallig?
My memories drift back through the last days. All this fun I had with Leanna and the rest of my friends seems almost like a dream. It's everything I ever wanted, isn't it? A quiet and peaceful life with nice friends and a cute girl I love. But that was never an option for me. I never could choose my own path. But now I can, now it is an option. I could simply stay here. With Zack and Kara. With Amy, who I already love like a little sister. And Leanna, my beautiful angel…
My memory drifts back some more, to my victory over Valkorion, over Vaylin, and even further back. Revan on Yavin IV, the Dread Masters on Oricon, Darth Tanaton on Corellia, and then Korriban.
I've survived so much, achieved so much. The Eternal Alliance... all the friends I've found along the way, starting back then on Korriban with A'den. I... I've build up something important. We... I have the power to shape the galactic future. I have the duty to do so, too many people depend on me.
I have to get back. Back to Odessen. But that does not mean that I will abandon this world. I am Darth Xerath Imperius Kallig, the Eternal Emperor. I am the one who can influence the Force itself, who can shape destiny. I won't let something like alternate dimensions get in the way. If there is a way to cross between them, and there is, my presence here is proof to that, I will learn it. I will master it. It uses too much energy to open up a temporal rift? I'm the personification of too much energy. I will find a way to use my own energy to power this magic. This magic is still the Force at it's base, after all. I haven't given up until now, and I don't intent to start that now. I will neither abandon the galaxy that so desperately needs me and the peace only I can bring nor Leanna, who I so desperately need and the peace only she can bring me.
The pango mysteriously emerges from somewhere and hops onto my bed. He bounces over and snuggles against me before finding a comfortable spot on my bed to sleep.
I'm not sure how much time passes, but I eventually hear Zack return to the room and go to bed. I fall asleep not long after, the flame of my dedication ablaze once more.

A/N.: Hello again. I hope all of you guys reading this are healthy and holding up.

So, we're finally in Wolfsden. I didn't think that I'd make it this far, or that so many people are interested in it. I mean, I even had to start the Crystalline section here on ff back then. I think that I wouldn't have gotten here so fast without all of you out there encouraging me. By the time this chapter is finished we should clock in at ~85k words and 2000 views. That's honestly amazing. Especially the support and feedback I recieve from some exemplary individuals.
Martial Arts Master, I can't thank you enough for your constant reviews. They always keep me motivated to write, even if just to read your next review sooner. :D
And theabsentmindedprofessormk1, to know that my work, and by proxy I, have influenced you to create your own story, is extremely touching for me. Just know that you are just as much inspiration for me.
You guys should also check his story, Crystalline Coalition, out. It's also a sci-fi rewrite of Crystalline, but with even more details. I don't want to spoil too much, so just give it a read.
And last but not least, I thank all of you reading this. To think that I only started writing this just to get that idea out of my head and now there are over 2000 views on this story is baffling.

So, I'd say that's enough of my ramblings. Thanks for list- reading.
Stay safe out there.
Cpt. Lynx, out.