Chapter 6
Lilith stood in front of the large window in General Hux's room, naked and seething in rage. Hux laid on his bed, not quite satisfied.
"Lilith, get over here. We aren't done yet" He snapped.
She had been in a foul mood ever since Kylo Ren rejected her.
"Why… Why her, General? What the hell is so appealing about that scrawny little girl?" She growled.
Hux rolled his eyes. "Jealousy is not becoming of you at all"
Her head snapped around to face him.
"I'm not jealous! He should have someone like me sitting next to him, not that little bitch!"
"Perhaps now you see my frustration with this entire situation"
She turned back and looked outside.
"It should be me…" She mumbled.
Hux rolled his eyes and got out of bed. He couldn't help but appreciate the view she gave him when he approached her naked body from behind.
"Perhaps it's good you don't sit beside him. Then I wouldn't get to fuck you whenever I wanted to"
He began running his hands around her to cup her breasts. She could feel his erection pressed against her rear but she ignored it.
"I want her dead. I want to watch the light leave her eyes with my hands around her throat!"
Hux smirked and began kissing her neck. "I've never seen this side of you. I like it"
Lilith smirked and reached her hand behind her, grabbing his cock.
"Perhaps you shouldn't get too used to fucking me" She said, stroking him with her hand.
Hux groaned. "And why is that?"
Lilith turned to him with an evil smile.
"Because it will be me sitting on that throne. I'll make him see it's supposed to be me"
Hux actually laughed. "You said he wanted to kill you! He called you a whore and said you would die if he didn't get her back. You're lucky you aren't dead now."
She rolled her eyes and kept stroking him. "I'll make him change his mind. I'm not done yet! I'll get the throne and convince him to let me watch her die"
Hux Swirled Lilith around in front of the large window. He grabbed her hair and thrust his cock inside of her.
"That's a site I would love to see" He rasped, then began thrusting inside of her.
Lilith pressed her hands against the window as Hux thrust into her, grinning at her own thoughts. She wondered what the title would be.
Queen? Empress?
Either way, it would suit her well.
The thought of watching the little healer die actually made her climax.
-!-!-!
Rey and the others were able to make a quick escape back to the current Resistance hideout. Finn and Rose were easily accepting of Saya needing to follow her own path but Poe was quite upset.
"She shouldn't have just left! We went to save her, and she just ran away!"
"You know she didn't just 'run away'! Saya will be back. I know it" Rey said confidently.
Poe rolled his eyes and looked to the fire in front of him.
Leia had also been more than understanding of Sayas need to follow her instincts. She also believed she would return to them. She just wasn't sure when.
Leia sat down next to Poe and leaned in close so only he could hear her.
"Poe, I know you have feelings for her" Poe turned bright red but didn't respond. "But you can't be upset with her for leaving. She needed answers."
"We could have gone with her and helped her" He grumbled.
"Some things are best done alone, Poe. Just watch, she will be back"
He nodded, but didn't looks away from the fire. Even as Leia stood up and addressed everyone.
"I have had contact with an old friend. He will be providing us passage to a new destination where we will be safe. This time, we will stay properly hidden until the time is right"
They all nodded and began to pack up their camp.
Rey looked up into the night sky
Saya, I hope you find what you are looking for
-!-!-!
Kylo Ren gave his leadership fifteen minutes to come into the conference room. All of his maps had been laid out with several locations marked off.
As soon as he came back to his ship from trying to get to Saya, he locked himself in the room to be alone with his thoughts. Saya was absolutely convinced he hated her and wanted her dead. And if he caught the one that told her that, he was going to kill them. He stared down at his palm that held her cheek not too long ago. She was literally in the palm of his hand and now she was gone.
Her words wouldn't top running through his head. What answers was she seeking? Where did she need to go? He would know soon enough. He still had the bounty out for her to be brought back to him. He knew he would have her back in his arms again. He would convince her he still loved her and could never hate her.
But now was not the time to dwell on it. He would continue to dream of her and seek her out. But the First Order now needed direction. The Resistance could not be allowed to go on trying to bring down his rule. They needed to be snuffed out. Not only them, but it was time to address all of the fool who opposed his reign. Yes, it was time.
Within minutes, his Generals entered the room and quickly took their seats. Hux was the last to enter, still trying to look arrogant and in charge. Kylo paid him no mind. He knew who the Supreme Leader was. And if he ever forgot, it would be easy to remind him.
They sat in silence until he was ready to address them.
"On these maps, there are marked several destinations of those who support the Resistance. Several families are still foolish enough to give them aid. It is time to raise our army and destroy them all"
"Supreme Leader, our troops have always been at your command. Just say the word and we will destroy the First Order's enemies." One General said with confidence.
"Indeed but our numbers are not as great as they used to be. It is time to look to gaining more troops."
"Shall we begin raiding the smaller villagers for children to begin training?" Another General asked.
"No. The traitor FN-2187 is proof that they are not guaranteed to remain loyal to the First Order."
He cast a glare at General Hux who was also glaring at him in hatred.
"It would also take too long to raise an army that way. It is time to raise our new Clone Army"
The Generals looked at each other, some in fear and some in excitement.
Yes, he would raise an army of clones. Clones were truly programmed from creation until death. They would be loyal to the First Order. They would be loyal to him.
And soon enough, he and Saya would rule over this galaxy together.
-!-!-!
The ship landed rather roughly but Saya was thankful there was no damage done. She will need the ship to fly back to the Resistance.
She exited the ship and looked around. The planet seemed to be made of ice and snow. Large mountains were in the distance and there seemed to be no sun but it wasn't completely dark. It was as if the planet was stuck between dusk and dawn.
Was this really the place the voice had led her to? And why?
What also perplexed her was that despite the snow and wind, she wasn't cold. She was actually quite comfortable on the snowy planet.
She began to walk and took in all of her surroundings. It seemed to be just full of mountains and snow.
After walking for a bit, movement from down the small path she was on startled her. Coming out of the snow was a large wolf. His fur was as white as the snow around them and his eyes were a bright red. But she wasn't afraid. Not at all.
Saya dropped down to one knee and extended her hand.
You won't hurt me, will you?
The wolf made his way up to her and gently sniffed her hand. Afterwards, he took a few steps back and began to walk back down the path he had come from. After walking a few paces, he turned back to look at Saya.
Do you want me to follow you?
Saya swore he nodded at her. Or maybe it was just her seeing things. Either way, she quickly made her way down the path and followed the wolf.
After walking for a while, Saya finally saw the end of the path. She ran ahead, excited to see what could possibly be on this dreary planet. As soon as she reached the end of the path, it opened up to reveal a small village.
At least, it used to be a village. The houses and buildings seemed to be frozen over, rotting out and abandoned. She felt a chill for the first time and not because of the cold.
The wolf continued down the road of the village and Saya realized she did not want to be alone here.
Please wait for me!
She quickly ran after him, hoping to catch back up to him. As soon as she rounded the corner to follow him, she almost accidently stepped on him. He was sitting right in the middle of what must have been the town square.
A new voice made Saya jump.
"Bayard, you useless wolf! Where are you!?"
It wasn't the voice that spoke to her in her head, but something completely new. Saya watched as an old woman emerged from one of the houses, waving a cane and looking around frantically. Her eyes were white and glazed over.
She was blind.
"I said where-"
The woman suddenly stopped waving her arms around and Saya could feel the same pull of power. Almost the same as Torin but stronger. No, this woman had the same power Saya had. Exactly the same.
The woman suddenly began swinging her arms in front of her.
"I can feel you! I know you are here! Please, where are you!?"
Saya also realized this woman was not speaking verbally. No, she was using the force to speak, just like Saya.
At long last, Saya did not feel alone in the galaxy.
Saya carefully took a few steps forward and grabbed the older woman's hand.
I am here. I'm right here.
The woman pulled Saya close and she gently used her old hands to feel over her face.
"Yes… you are one of us! I can feel it in you!"
Before Saya could respond, a sudden rush of power went through her. She didn't know why or how she knew what to do, but she quickly covered the old woman's eyes with her hand and concentrated all the power she had.
The old woman gasped and as soon as Saya lowered her hand, she blinked and frantically looked around. Her eyes were no longer milky white. They were lavender, just like Saya's eyes.
The old woman cupped Saya's cheek gently.
"Yes… you are one of us! I knew it"
Saya blinked.
I'm sorry… but what is 'us'? I have no idea where I am or even what I am
The woman stood tall and almost seemed proud.
"You are in the village of our ancestors. This village was once the home of the Mahjai! People who were born with nothing but the force flowing through their veins!"
The… the Mahjai? Is that what I am?
"Yes! How did you not know!? You can't possibly have been this ignorant for your entire life!"
Saya looked down in shame.
No one told me… because no one else knew…
The old woman stared at Saya for a moment.
Give me your hand, child.
Saya reached out and folded her hand in the old woman's. Electricity ran through her at the touch. Almost the same way when Torin held her hand, but much stronger.
Within seconds, the old woman dropped her hand and had tears in her eyes.
"Oh you poor thing! How could such things have happened to you?"
Saya blinked.
What do you mean? What did you see?
The woman patted her hand gently.
"Everything. I saw everything. From your first memories and all the way until this moment. I'm so sorry my dear. Those old fools should never have treated you I such a way"
Sorry, what fools do you mean?'
The woman grabbed her cane and slowly began walking through the village. Saya was quick to follow, as did Bayard the wolf.
"Those fools at the Healers Order! Those stupid old bats have long lost their way. As soon as I had left, they should have been disbanded."
YOU were in the Healers Order!?
"Of course I was! The Mahjai CREATED the Healers Order! I was once one of the Elders on the council. But those fool have completely taken over and have torn what we created apart. The Healers Order is not even close to the way it was originally created."
The woman turned and took Saya's hand.
"I know you have thousands of questions for me. And rightfully so. Let's get inside. I'll make some tea and you may ask me to your hearts content."
Saya smiled and followed the woman into her small house. Saya sat at the small table while the woman began adding water to her tea kettle and setting it over a small fire against the wall.
Miss, I realize I never introduced myself. I am-
"Saya. Your name is Saya. Remember dear, I saw everything" She didn't even turn to look at her when she said it. Just kept working on making the tea and what looked like some bread and cookies.
Well, what do I call you?
The old woman sat the small tray of food on the table and went to grab cups.
"Our names have always been long and complicated. Just call me Mags."
Saya smiled as Mags took her seat.
"Water isn't quite ready yet. Now, what can I try and answer for you?"
I… I have so many question! Truth be told, I don't even know where to begin.
"Well, I ain't getting any younger so you better think of something to ask"
Saya couldn't help but smile at the sass this woman had.
"Well… what happened here? What happened to everyone that lived here? Are you all alone?"
Mags seemed to drift away with her thoughts of the past
"I have been alone here for longer than I care to remember. For centuries, our people have lived here. The force is our religion. It was our entire way of life! Everyone here was either a Jedi or a member of the Healers Order."
You mean… the women were all in the Healers Order?
"No, men and women were in the Order. Over time, those old fools drove out all the men. Their logic was 'healing is a woman's job'. Stupid idiotic bitches. Although, it was probably our fault the Healers Order fell into just disrepair. Once we started allowing others to join the Order, they started casting out the Mahjai and just took over everything! I was the last to leave. I couldn't stand how much they have changed things. The Healers Order is nothing but a sick joke now."
The Healers Order's vows are for life! How did they just let you walk away?
Mags scoffed.
"Those old bats couldn't stop me from leaving. All of those vows you were forced to take are ridiculous! The only vow we took when it began was the vow to heal and protect the innocent. THEY added in all those stupid notions of celibacy and modesty. I mean, we were supposed to be healers! Not Nuns!"
Then why make them? Why would they do such a thing?
"Probably so they could take control over it. Once the Mahjai were all but gone from the Order it was easy for them to take over. And it was probably all our fault they did to. We never should have allowed outsiders in. And then they ruined their power by not only running out the Mahjai, but also that stupid celibacy vow! They ruined their chance to allow the powers we had continue to be passed down. Now, they are just a bunch of little girls who can wrap a bandage around an injury. They can't truly heal anyone."
Saya let everything she said sink in. The Healers Order was just a joke. She was the last of the Mahjai what actually belonged there and they treated her like trash.
Mags brought her back from her thoughts.
"Now, what else? I could rant about the Healers Order all day but I know you have more questions"
Mags rose to get the kettle from the fire and began pouring tea for herself and Saya.
Please tell me what happened here. What happened to our people? Why are we the last ones left?
"Ah yes, you asked that and I went off about the Healers Order. My apologies."
Mags took a drink of her tea and looked out the small window across from her.
"This was such a beautiful place. This planet is called Bulvengard but we called it 'the land of twilight'. A sun that never rose or set. Everyone was happy here. When our people came of age, they would often go and leave to their destined path. Most chose the path of the Jedi while others chose the Healers Order. This village was where the elders and children lived. Parents loved raising their children here once their own adventures were done"
Mags's eyes suddenly seemed to darken and her face dropped in pain.
"I was a little girl when it happened. Ships descended from the sky and began shooting at us. Soldiers came from every direction, slaughtering everyone. Women and men, children and the elderly. It didn't matter to them. I hid in a small cupboard while my mother was killed in the kitchen."
Mags wiped a small tear from her eye and continued.
"I was the only one left. When one of our Jedi came back, he took me to the Healers Order where I stayed for the majority of my life. I heard that several bounties were out for anyone of Mahjai descent. They didn't just want to destroy our village. They wanted our entire race extinct!"
Saya wiped away tears she didn't realize she was shedding.
Who!? Who would do such a thing!? And why!?
"I only know rumors. I heard it was a Sith lord who wanted us dead. We are the most powerful beings that can control the force. With us dead, that destroys an entire line of guaranteed Jedi. Anyone else born outside of the Mahjai only had a small chance of being born with the power of the force. Our race is the only one guaranteed to have the power."
But, you're still alive! I'M alive!
"Yes we are. I don't know how I've survived this long or how I wasn't hunted down as well. And my guess is your parents are descended from those who survived and stayed in hiding."
Saya looked down to her untouched cup of tea.
Mags… in my head, you saw the man who kidnapped me. The one who claimed he was one of us.
"Yes, I saw him in your mind. Not that I can call him a man. He's such a waste of the force"
Saya's head snapped up.
Was he not lying to me? Do you really think he's the same as us?
"Sadly, yes. I felt the connection you both had then you touched hands. Together, Mahjai are strong conductors of the force. I've never seen him before and I don't know how he discovered his own identity. But he is a disgrace to everything the Mahjai hold! Never would any of our men force themselves on a woman! He should be ashamed of himself!"
You aren't upset that we won't have children together? That our bloodline ends with us?
Mags waved her hand in the air.
"I accepted long ago that our race is gone. And I would never blame you or any one of us for not wanting to bring children into this world. Besides, there may be more of us. We may just not know"
Saya silently hoped so. She would hate to see this entire race go completely extinct.
Mags… Why can't we speak? Verbally I mean. Torin could speak perfectly fine but you and I can't.
"That, I do not know. It has always been that way. I personally believe, as my mother once told me, that the women simply use the force to communicate. No offence to our men but women of our race are much more powerful than they are. Had you been properly educated on your abilities, you would have been able to speak to others long go before you met your young man."
Saya's face burned. She reminded herself that Mags had seen everything in her memories.
Mags took another sip of her tea and gave Saya a cocky smile.
"He's handsome. And tall. Very tall boy. I'd say he would have given the men here a run for their money when it comes to the power of the force. And you being with him just increases all that"
Why? Why do I make other force users so powerful when I'm near them?
"Because you are pure power! We all are. Yes, you can eventually learn to control it and only share it with whomever you choose to but when it is all said and done your body simply radiates the power of the force! And the stronger you become, the stronger those around you will become. You can learn how to share it with only those you decide to"
Can you teach me?
Mags sadly shook her head
"My dear, I'm too old. My powers are fading with the older I get. The reason I went blind is because I'm too old to heal myself. You have given me back my sight after twenty tears of being blind. No, you need to find another who can teach you the extent of your power. Do that, and not one person in the galaxy can oppose you."
But who can teach me? All the other Mahjai are dead. The only other one that exists wants to rape me and use me for children and all the Jedi masters are long gone!
"I have no doubt you will find a teacher very soon. Perhaps you should visit the Mahjai temple to the north. Many of our people sought guidance there. Perhaps you will find some way to learn."
Saya sighed and sat back.
I want to learn how to use my powers to do more than just heal. My friends was helping me train to possibly become a Jedi but I was failing badly.
"Failure is a great teacher. Learn from your mistakes. You can very easily become a Jedi if you choose to. But YOU must decide on that path. No one else can decide it for you."
Saya sighed and sat back in the chair.
"He loves you"
Saya's head snapped up to meet Mags's gaze.
What?
"That young man. I could see it. He loves you more than life itself."
Saya's head dropped and she tried to fight back tears.
He did love me. Once. But he hates me now. He wants me dead.
"I doubt that. The last time you saw him, there was nothing but love in his eyes. He still loves you"
Saya didn't respond. She wanted so badly to believe her but just couldn't. Why else would he send Bounty Hunters out to kill her? No, he hated her.
Mags sighed and jumped up from her seat.
"Well, it's time for you to head off!"
Saya looked up in surprise and even felt a little hurt.
You want me to leave? Did I do something wrong?
"No, no you doofus! You're going to the Mahjai temple. Go and see what you can find. Perhaps prayer will help guide you to a teacher."
Saya snorted.
Prayer hasn't done anything for me my entire life. I doubt it will help now
"Don't say that until you know it doesn't work! You need to stop doubting yourself so much. Now get moving! Your questions makes me want to take a nap. I'll still be here when you're done."
Saya stood and even smiled at the woman. She wished she had mother or even a grandmother like Mags.
I'm not quite sure where to go.
"Just go north. You will know when you see it. I'm sure Bayard will accompany you. He seems to have taken a liking to you"
Saya gave her one last smile and left the small house. Bayard was sitting outside in the path as if anticipating her trip.
She gave him a smile.
Will you show me the way?
The white wolf simply stood and began walking down the path. Saya had to almost jog to keep up with how fast he moved.
They walked for about an hour before Saya finally saw what must have been the temple. Although it didn't look like a traditional temple. The doors were attached to the side of a mountain with large crystal doors.
For whatever reason, Saya began to shake. Her heart began to race. This was where she needed to be. She wasn't sure how she know but every instinct she had told her to go inside.
The doors were large and heavy but she managed to push one of them open enough for her and Bayard to get inside. Saya was expecting pure darkness inside but the large room was actually well lit. Saya stared in awe at the beautiful room. It had crystal columns and several different statues of men and woman around the room. But what quickly got her attention was across the room. She slowly walked across the large room to see what appeared to be a small crystal sticking out of the wall. She had to take it. She didn't know why, but she needed it.
She slowly reached her hand out and easily removed it from the wall, much to her surprise.
This was hers. She wasn't sure how she knew, but the crystal belonged to her.
Saya looked up and realized that there were words carved into the wall:
THERE IS NO DARK SIDE, NOR A LIGHT SIDE
THERE IS ONLY THE FORCE
I WILL DO WHAT I MUST TO KEEP THE BALANCE
THE BALANCE IS WHAT KEEPS ME TOGETHER
THERE IS NO GOOD WITHOUT EVIL, BUT EVIL MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO FLOURISH
THERE IS PASSION, YET EMOTION
SERENITY, YET PEACE
CHAOS, YET ORDER
I AM THE WEILDER OF THE FLAME, THE PROTECTOR OF BALANCE
I AM THE HOLDER OF THE TORCH, LIGHTING THE WAY
I AM THE KEEPER OF THE FLAME, SOLDIER OF BALANCE
I AM A GUARDIAN OF BALANCE
THIS IS THE PATH OF THE GRAY JEDI
When Saya finished reading, she couldn't help but feel the words root into her heart.
Maybe this was the path she had been looking for.
"Welcome Saya. I have been waiting for you."
Saya spun around to see a man standing in the middle of the room. However, she noticed something was off. He looked transparent, as if he was only a ghost. The man was tall, probably taller than Ben with long straight brown hair and blue eyes. Saya instantly recognizes the robes he was wearing. They were similar to Bens from when he was an apprentice Jedi.
His was the voice she had been hearing for the last year.
Who are you?
He gave her a kind smile. "My name is Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Master."
You… you aren't really here, are you?
He chuckled. "I am and yet I'm not here. My body has long since turned to dust but I have become one with the force. I am here to guide you, if you would allow me."
Guide me? How?
"Do you know what you are holding in your hand?"
Saya shook her head then looked down to the crystal.
"That is a Kyber crystal. It is the very core of a Jedi's lightsaber. That crystal has been calling to you. It belongs to you, Saya"
You mean, I'm supposed to become a Jedi?
"You are supposed to become whatever you choose to be. No one else can choose your path for you. You alone must make the choice of where your destiny lies."
Saya continued to look down at the little crystal.
Are you here to train me? Is that why you are here?
"I am here simply offer you guidance. You have power beyond comprehension inside of you. If you are taught properly, you can do extraordinary things. Or, you can choose to leave this place and your powers will remain restricted by your own will."
Saya considered his words.
I don't know what to do
"You must make the choice, Saya. You can leave and continue on the path you are comfortable with. Or you can stay, and I will show you the path of your ancestors. I can show you how to harness your powers to be the greatest of their abilities. The choice is yours"
Saya rolled the crystal around in her hand. All her life, she had her choices taken away. The previous year was the first time ever in her life she had choices for herself. And it felt good. However, she had others to help her make those choices. Now, this choice was all up to her.
Saya took a deep breath, clutched the crystal in her hand and looked into the eyes of the Jedi Master in front of her.
…Show me…
-!-!-!
Hope you all are enjoying! Please review and let me know what you think!