Chapter 17
The Strife
"Uhhh, I'm so bored!" Yuffie cried out from her strange position. The skilled former bounty hunter had on a green tank top on with gray sweats covering her lower half. Yuffie was seated across the couch in the most improper form ever. Her feet tickled the steel wall behind her while she rested her thighs on the back rest. Her stomach laid on the edge of the seat leaving her head dangling, her arms lay limp as her hands lay on the floor.
"I volunteered to do this job because I thought it would be my chance to be alone with Cloud, but all he is doing this entire trip is train with his stupid Holocron." While Cloud hasn't told anyone about Kriea's Holocron, Yuffie is the only one who discovered Cloud's other Master. The only others are Barret and Ventress. Not even Vincent knows of the ancient Jedi that lives through the Holocron.
"Ms. Yuffie, I'm afraid you must sit in a position that is more….proper." said the new protocol droid Eva. The last one being smashed to pieces when it interrupted one of the rare passionate moments Cloud and Yuffie share.
Ignoring the Droid Yuffie only released a sigh as she turned her body around so she can look up to the ceiling, scouting closer to the back rest so her head can find support from the chair. 'It has been two months since the last time we shared a bed.' Yuffie thought to herself depressed. Ever since she and Cloud became something of an item after the battle of Hypori. Mainly the younger Gaian constantly clinging to Cloud through her free time and claiming to be the Lord's betrothed. When in reality Courting the Fierce and energetic Gaian was on the bottom of the young Sith's to do list, if it was even on the list. Although the fallen Jedi has romantic feelings for the bounty hunter, he has no intention of actually pursue a relation.
Eva once again tried to Correct Yuffie, only to give up and continue her other duties of making sure the mouse droids clean up the ship. Yuffie quickly started to think back to one of the few passionate nights she shared with her Master. The way her master dominated her under the bed sheets made her crave the Blonde Lord more. Yuffie felt her body heat up as her nether regions start to get moist. She found her hands had made their way under her clothes as she tried to stimulate her body the way her lover has done only once since the Gaian treaty three months ago.
"Cloud…" Yuffie moaned as her body reacted strongly, her abdomen tightened and her legs stiffened however before. The young woman could achieve her orgasm she collapsed onto the cold hard ground. Failing to realize that she accidently kicked off the wall by stiffening her legs. Yuffie quickly stood up rubbing the back of her head trying to get passed the shock of being introduced to the floor unexpectedly. Then looking down to her hand looking at the substance that covered them. Yuffie became hypnotized as she imagined that her hand was covered by her lord's sticky substance. Yuffie then began to cleanse her fingers sucking on them as she tasted herself lost in the memory of just one of far too few nights with Cloud.
Once she was done Cleaning her fingers, Yuffie Sighed, then shouted in frustration, "How come you haven't fucked me yet!" Unsatisfied with self stimulation Yuffie stormed her way to the cargo hold where Cloud was still under training.
Cargo hold.
We find the Blonde currently dressed in his black pants his Tunic left unattended by the entrance, his mask replaced with an Elevation mask. Not only that but the temperature in the room has been raised to over 50 Degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). Cloud also activated the Humidifiers that where built into the ship just in case it carried cargo that requires a more humid atmosphere. Cloud was in the middle of some special training.
Cloud's eyes are closed as his arms lay still at his sides, he was holding completely still; the only moment in the entire room was the sweat slowly dripping down Cloud's muscular tone. Ignoring how the cuts and fresh burns that liter his body, received from this difficult training session. Then Suddenly Cloud's eyes opened and activated his light sabers. Pivoting around faster than Lighting, Right on time to block the deadly strike of his Master. The droid his master possessed jumped back and before Cloud could chase it from hiding behind the boxes Training droids shaped as floating balls swarmed him blasting at the young Sith causing Cloud to focus on deflecting the bolts.
Cloud was able to defend himself well albeit sluggish. They have been training for two hours straight with no water breaks or any type of rest at all. Kreia was pushing him to impossible limits constantly pushing her student by either throwing the boxes at her student, dueling him with the droid she possesses, or calling in the drones to blast him. The Ancient Jedi/Sith spirit smirked from within the droid. Even though the droid can't perform to her preference, making her light saber skills rubbish, her temporary body never tires. Also since she has to focus on possessing the droid she can't use her force techniques to her best ability.
Watching her apprentice deactivate the last of the drones she watched her student try to catch his breath. 'Well I can't be soft on him.' She thought as she tossed a few boxes at him using the force and her apprentice reacted by cutting them in half. 'It won't always be boxes.' She through another box to distract him as she grabbed a flash bang from the droids belt.
Cloud cut another box before realizing that a smaller object followed right after. As it registered in his mind what it was he quickly threw the flash bang back to where it came from with the force. When the Flash bang went off the light managed to bother Cloud's sight but not blinding him while the sound still left his ears ringing, Cloud didn't have time to dwell in his thoughts as he realized by his feet was another flash bang. This time efficiently blinded Cloud's mind started to panic but only for a fraction of a second as he raised his blades in time to block his master.
Kreia was satisfied by her apprentice's performance so far, albeit predictable. The first flash bang was only the decoy so the second one could appear under his guard. Kreia continued the light saber duel using her mastery over Makashi to push him back while using her other arm to manipulate the force. The entire room danced to her rhythm as she conducted boxes to fly at her apprentice in the middle of the duel as well as lifting up a few blasters to fire at her apprentice. What happened next filled her with a small amount of pride.
Blinded Cloud barely held back his master's assault, but when Kreia started to involve crates, and blasters, Cloud used the force to speed him up. With his new found speed he was able to dodge and leap over all the boxes, while parrying his master, and avoiding the blaster bolts from the rifles. He wasn't able to avoid all of them as the non lethal bolts nailed him a couple of times on the back arms and legs adding fresh burn marks on his body.
Four months have passed since the battle of Hypori and ever since Kreia had upped his training to unholy proportions whenever he wasn't doing missions for his father Dooku. Cloud locked blades with his master with his right blade the two red weapons at a stalemate while Cloud held the other in a reverse grip successfully blocking and redirecting a blaster bolt back to the gun. Cloud opened his eyes tears escaping, the normally deep bright blue now pale as ice. The pain and fatigue his body was in refused to keep moving despite the force energizing his body. Even though he won't admit or succumb to his pain even though he has yet to cry out from all the times he got shot electrified cut burned or through around the room. "
Now that you mastered the basics, it is time to see if you can affectively apply everything you learned. It is time to break you."Recalling the words his master said to him nearly two hours and a half ago. Cloud starred into her eyes Anger building as they slowly turned yellow as he drew from the dark side.
"I refuse to be BROKEN!" He shouted the droid away only to watch the droid recover and land perfectly on its feet. "Good draw upon the dark side let it push you to levels you never felt before. Because now it is my turn to show you my power." Kreia replied watching her student stand tall, and for a moment it felt like looking at a tidal wave. Kreia let her apprentice make the first move, moving at speeds that can only be achieved using the force, Kreia countered.
Cloud charged at his master planning on severing the droids head from its body, but before he was able to do it, she released her own force shout Sending him flying into the wall. And before he fell back to the ground she held him there by his throat. Feeling himself getting choked Fenrir raised his left hand to send lightning her way. Amused Kreia dropped her apprentice and redirected the lightning back to him as he picked himself off the ground. Quickly activating his Light sabers he blocked the lighting. Once the attack was stopped Fenrir's eyes widened as he saw his master close the distance, raising his blades in anticipation. The two engaged in the fastest light saber duel Fenrir has ever been a part of, both Sith looking like blurs. Until Kreia disarmed Cloud and was about to deliver a two handed overhead strike. Acting quickly Fenrir raised his right hand and pushed the arms back with the force, planning to through his master off balance, but instead only disarming her, as she let go of her weapon letting the thing fly across the room.
In an act of desperation Cloud placed his left hand towards the droid's torso, planning to electrify the droid. But Kreia was smart before the electricity forced her body back did something to Fenrir's body with the force.
Cloud watch the droid fly away and struggle to get back up. Choosing to charge towards his master planning to end this duel. He watched the droid reclaim her Light saber, at the same time his returned to his hands. Leaping high into the air to strike down, Kreia blocked the attack and moved out of his way watching her student stumble forward. Frustrated Cloud turned and tried to reengage his opponent only to watch as his master parried and sidestepped to avoid his attacks. Fenrir tried to keep up the same pace but he felt severely weak. Making one last attempt to cleave the droid, Kreia just stepped away from the strike managing to trip her student. Watching as he fell to his knees, his weapons rolling away as his body started to tremble. Frowning from within her droid she watched her apprentice remove his Elevation mask so he could take in more oxygen. 'While he may be strong his body is weak to the force.'
Cloud was barely able to breathe even after removing the elevation mask, His eyes becoming blurry his strength vanishing from his body, as he collapsed unable to support himself. 'M…Master… What have you done…?" Cloud spoke in the weakest of whispers.
"What I promised in the beginning. Breaking you."
"y..you….your trying to…. kill me." Cloud said before passing out.
Kreia raised the droids arm as she stopped the force technique she used on him. "Oh please spare me the drama. If I wanted to kill you I would have done so before you engaged me in saber combat." After making sure her apprentice was able to breathe normally the look of pain on his face vanishing, she turned the settings of the room to lower the humidity and drop the temperature back to normal room temp. After a few minutes the room returned to normal and droplets of water coated the room only to be cleaned by the droids activated as soon as the temperature was restored. Even the massive pool of sweat that surrounded Clouds prone form was cleaned within a few minutes.
Yuffie made it to the door that lead into the cargo hold, but stopped herself once she heard Cloud yell that he refused to be broken. And sounds of intense combat happening. Making the decision to wait till their done Yuffie waited by the door. 'Anyone who can put Cloud through hell, only to train him scarred Yuffie. 'Maybe I'll just wait for them to finish out here.' As she waited in the hall. But after nearly half an hour Yuffie had her ear against the door trying to listen in, only for the door to open causing the Bounty hunter to fall face first into the ground.
"Ow, give me a warning next time." Yuffie said before looking up only to see the training droid that Kreia was currently possessing. Yuffie quickly backed away in Fear as a dark presence turned the air colder than dead space.
"Watch your tongue foolish girl." Kreia spoke as she made her way to Cloud's room to jump back into the Holocron.
"By the ancients she gives me the creeps." Yuffie said once Kreia was gone. Quickly walking into the room to find her source of her romantic desires. She watched as the Blonde was still trying to get up only regaining conscience shortly before Yuffie walked in. Worried Yuffie went to help him up, while trying not to drool on his naked torso.
"Thanks Yuffie but I can stand on my own now." complying to her master she stepped back to get an eyeful of his tone body her eyes starring holes into to Clouds lower abs wishing to see more.
"Seems there is so much more about the force to learn." Cloud said in a depressed mood, which Yuffie found just as attractive as when he is angry. But worried she asked him if he was ok. Shaking his head he replied, "No, she's…too powerful. I don't think I can catch up soon."
"Oh come on you're not being fair to yourself, she is obviously more powerful she is a force ghost that is over 4000 years old, and between you and me she looks her age." She said recalling the time she saw the elderly woman for the first time, the age of the woman couldn't be hidden by the holograms image. Cloud gave a small smile at the joke.
"Besides if you want to feel all powerful and dominate, I always willing to let you be on top." She said earning an eyebrow raise from Cloud.
"I'm always on top." He stated as she reached for his arm and hugged him only to release him when he flinched. "Sorry, But I think I'm too sore for a night with you."
Yuffie just smiled and took his hand before leading him into the hall way making her way to his bed. "Don't worry I hear sex is a good pain killer, and if your too tired, I can be on top for once, mix it up a little." She said nearly drooling at the idea.
Cloud raised a brow at the salivating girl, "you're really persistent. Do as you wish." With that said Yuffie Managed to drag him into the room and claim what she wanted for the past three hours?
Nar Shaddaa, Private cantina.
Cloud Ignored all the sounds inside the cantina as he waited on his contact, Dooku said to head to Nar Shaddaa to meet with his partner and prepare for the next mission. Cloud brought along Yuffie for insurance, normally he would bring Reaper and his brothers but Reaper is training the Avalanche members while His brothers are helping Barret with his raids against huts and other pirates. Rumors are spreading of the Dangerous Pirate gang Avalanche. Although all the resources they haul up are used to fund the pirates and the citizens of Xion. Cloud also gets a small check from Dooku to spend on the planet how he saw fit. It is thanks to this double income that the People on Cloud's planet life very comfortable lives. But since there is a surplus of resources and since Avalanche keeps on winning a lot of the raids, Cloud decided to have extra goods stored in warehouses on the planet of Gaia, and only for a small fee of 5% that gets stored goes to the Gaian empire. In other words Cloud's army of Pirates maintains itself pretty well without having to lift a finger thanks to Barret.
'Now that I think about it I don't have to do a thing, Barret takes care of my military, and Vincent took over home security and deals with Xion's personal needs. I'm just a figure head.' Cloud thought to himself as he drank some of the liquor in his cup.
"Ha-ha suck it chump, you lost again!" Yuffie shouted as she won another game of Pazaak. Cloud just rolled his eyes from under his hood and mask. You would think by the way he dressed people would be giving him strange looks but, Since his cloak was pulled up Not many people could see his mask from under it. In the end people didn't care especially since one man tried to ruff up Cloud but ended up leaving through the window. At first people were silent and the owner threatened to call the authorities about his window, but a couple of credits wagged in his face shut him up real quick. Cloud was doing his best to maintain his frustration and instead focused on the nice breeze that came in through the window he broke not that long ago.
That's when Cloud sensed his contact. Opening his eyes he saw the door opened to reveal a cloaked man walk in. Using a weak mind trick on the man Cloud waited for his contact to sit in front of him. Pouring the man a drink as he sat down before sliding the cup to him the figure caught the cup and waited a few seconds before taking his first sip.
"Ahhh can never get enough of Shahira's special." The man turned to face the female Bith bartender holding the glass high nodding towards the woman. Who only nodded in return? "Nice woman, it's not every day you see a Female Bith as a bartender." The man took another drink before putting the glass down again. "So, Fenrir we meet again."
"Please tell me you didn't make me wait in this cantina just so you can drink some alcohol Vos." Sure enough the man brought his hoodie down revealing the face of Quilan Vos, one of the best assassins under Dooku.
"Straight to business I see. Do you ever relax Fenrir?" The former Kiffar Jedi master said. The man was dressed in a black version of his old Jedi uniform. Although Vos never Seen Fenrir's face he was once Cloud's friend, back in the academy days ,Vos Obi-Wan and Cloud got in so much trouble together. Cloud smirked as he remembered the days.
"And for crying out loud Fenrir will you ever take off that mask, how do you even drink anything with that thing on." Vos mentioned the mask. Cloud took of his mask his cloak hiding his hair and eyes. Cloud than picked up the glass to drink
Vos just smirked and took a sip from his own glass. "Do you have to be so shy about hiding your face? Or could it be before you were an acolyte you were a wanted criminal?" Cloud gave a small chuckle.
"Funny I remember you were once a Jedi master before becoming an acolyte. Now enough small talk we acolytes or supposed to be professional and competitive." Vos smirk turned into a small grin as he saw Fenrir's smirk.
"Yet you're friendly with Ventress and Grievous." Vos gave a small laugh before becoming grimly serious "Dooku has given us another mission. You heard about Dantooine right, the reason why the separatist tried to take the planet. It was for more than just an attack on the republic but Dooku wanted to see if we could discover Rakatan artifacts. "
"And he is hoping with the way your able to track things through the force he assigns you to this mission, but why am I here. Clearly the man who assassinated senator Viento can handle a little sneaking behind enemy lines."
"Maybe Dooku wants you with me to help me carry anything to heavy things that I can't lift alone," Vos laughed again before getting serious, "No I'm going to need you to cause a large distraction, I intercepted some important Intel that General Fair is currently stationed on Dantooine, along with a few other Jedi. And quite possibly a battalion of clones or militia. And I'm afraid I won't be able to fight off all of them alone. So since were such close friends I asked the count for your back up."
Cloud sighed. "You know the other acolytes would have helped you if you were less obsessed about that second Sith."
Vos frowned, "It would also help if they believed in the second sith, like you. They believe you're the successor of the Sith."
"This explains why they despise me." Cloud said taking another drink before replacing his mask. "Well we should get going, Vos."
The two dark Jedi stood up leaving the tip on the table before Cloud called over to Yuffie, the energetic Gaian quickly boasted one last time before leaving the broke Pazaak players angry. Yuffie ran ahead in a good mode heading towards The Strife.
"Energetic woman you got there, I'm surprised a fellow like you got a woman." Vos joked before noticing Fenrir had no reaction. "Yup a mystery. Can she hold her own?"
"She helped out in the battle of Hypori, she is more than capable." Said watching as Yuffie got out of sight, no doubt hurrying to the ship to start it up before he got there.
"Right, anyways I hope you don't mind me hitching a ride on your ship, I got here by shuttle." Vos said, following Cloud into the hanger bay already knowing the answer.
"Of course not, maybe we can spar to pass the time." Spoke to his only Friend and rival amongst the acolytes.
"You just want a rematch from the last time I beat you." Vos replied seeing his friend's intentions.
"Yeah maybe, But remember I still have the most wins, dueling anybody. Even when it was two against one." Fenrir boasted.
"True you're a tough bastard to beat. You don't think I could just sleep till Dantooine." Vos said not looking forward to a spar session.
"Nope I'm afraid you have to settle for an ass kicking."Fenrir entered his shit leaving Vos to only shake his head with a small grin before entering the ship himself.
Dantooine, Republic compound.
"General, the transports have arrived." A Clone with extra armor protecting his chest area. The markings on his armor making him look akin to a beast with sharp teeth around the Helmet.
"That's good new maybe we can finally some of the families have lost several acres of land, hopefully we can get them back on their feet." Zack Fair said following the Clone to the Landing zone. "Hey I bet The Jedi finally sent me my new padwan."
"Isn't it your first padwan sir?"
"Right you are Commander Prime." Zack said watching the transport begin to unload. He saw a young Lethan Twi'lek No older than 18 Helping unload the transport. She had on a Dark brown sleeveless turtleneck with white bandages working live a Sleeve covering her wrist up to her biceps. From the waist down was a Cream colored skirt that reached the floor. She also had a She had on a Pair swoop goggles resting on her for head as her Lekku wrapped around her neck like a scarf the tips dangling over her shoulders. Turning around the young Jedi smiled and made her way to Zack.
"I am, Ann Fenn Padwan learner, it will be an honor to serve Master Fair." She said politely.
"Well at least she is polite." Commander Prime said. Mean while Zack ignore the clone to shake his new padwan hand.
"Pleasures all mine. Let's finish unpacking the transport so the clones can distribute it to the locals. So then do you have any specialties or do you only know the basics."
"I specialize as a medic, and I'm possibly the only padwan who knows how to repair a ship better than your average droid."
"Ah well then it's a good thing you came along. The general tends to fly like a drunk." Prime said causing Zack to pout at his right hand man.
"Do you have to embarrass me in front of my padwan Commander?" Zack said.
"Well I'm not lying you may be the worst pilot in the republic." The Clone said.
Zack clutched his heart as he fell to his knees, "Oh commander your words strike deeper than the bolts of thy blaster." Zack was on his knees over selling some dramatic lines, while Ann walked up to Prime. "Is he going to be ok? I thought Master Fair is a war hero."
"The General just has some weird quirks, he likes to dramatize everything. I heard he started doing it ever since his brother died. Used to drive Mace Windu mad, a funny sight a year ago."
"You mean he even acted this way with Master Windu?"
Prime laughed, "It was bloody comedy gold, Should have seen it used to drive Windu crazy during down time. But when in battle both of them could take on entire droids squads. A legendary combo those two were on the battle field. And if you stick with him you'll turn out to be a fine Jedi."
"General are you ok?" A clone private asked.
"Hiding the hurt, hiding the pain hiding the tears that fall like rain." Zack said quoting poetry.
"Ugh sir?"
"Leave him alone private." The other clone said to his friend.
"Saying I'm fine, when I'm anything but, this ache in my soul rips at my gut." Zack said as the clones walked away.
Ann concerned walked to her master, "Master are you ok?"
Zack looked up seeing his apprentices confused expression and stood back up to his full height a huge smile on his face. "Well of course I am. Sorry if I got you worried you know what lets go over to the hills, we can practice your saber skills there."
Ann just shook her head, "Well at least he is easier going than the masters back at the temple." She said before running after her new master.
After a few minutes Zack lead his padwan to an open field, the wind making waves in the grass. Zack just stood their eyes closed as he took in deep breaths. Ann walked up to his side mimicking her master enjoying the peaceful scenery around her.
"Can you feel it Ann. The force is strong here. It's like the warmth of the sun but without the glare. It's peaceful hear, hard to believe war touched this planet's surface." Ann closed her eyes and reached out with the force and felt what her master was talking about. Despite the damage the separatist caused the planet as a whole is still in harmony with the force.
"We as Jedi must be at peace during wartime as well. Otherwise we may loose our way, like many Jedi have. Before and during this war. Believe it or not most Jedi deal with it differently, while many try meditation, others may work on repairs, play cards, jokes with friends or even spar. Windu believe it or not usually read soft poetry."
Ann suppressed a laugh from the image of the strict and uptight Jedi master reading some poetry. "Is that why you act the way you did earlier?" Ann said not realizing how Zack's eyes lost their peace and became dull for a second before recovering.
"You can say that, War is a taxing process, it leaves scars on even the greatest of Jedi. This is why I'm going to make sure you're prepared to face it head on. But for now I need to know how you handle yourself with a light saber." Zack said a purple light coming out of his light saber."
Ann smirked excited to show her master what she could do. Reaching to her waist she took off the Skirt to reveal navy blue skin tight leggings. Her Light saber was hidden by the Skirt now in full display as she reached for it activating her double bladed light saber. Zack eyes showed amusement.
"That's a unique light saber." Zack said as Ann smiled. It was true her light saber was unique, one color was yellow the other was blue. She spun her weapon a few times before holding the weapon behind her back with one hand her other raised in front in case she ready to use the force.
"Niman Form VI, if I can take a guess. Very flexible, but hard to master." Zack said getting into his own Niman stance holding his blade in a low guard. "Very well let's begin."
An hour later inside the Republic compound, Cafeteria.
Ann looked at her food exhausted. "I thought master Fair is easy going; I didn't expect to end up under a crazy training session. I'm going to feel sore for weeks." Ann said rolling her shoulders earning some popping sound around her shoulders.
"Hahaha, that's to be expected from the General. Any form of training with him would putt almost everyone in a tired state except for him, He has crazy stamina." One of the clones at her table said.
"Remember when the General and Windu sparred, oh every time Windu won, The General would ask for another round till eventually he started winning." A second Clone stated.
"Or how about that time on Thule, Back then the General was still a commander, and he was always the first to fight and the last to retreat. Even when the others Where beginning to tire, he just took on more droids to pick up the slack." Another Clone spoke up.
"Master Fair is a great warrior; he sure made Victory possible in that battle." A voice from behind Ann spoke.
"Ahh Commander Skywalker when did you arrive?" A clone said to Anakin.
"Just a few minutes ago, I'll be stationed here for a while, the council wants me to get some time away from the front lines. Luckily I got the choice of being stationed here instead of being on temple duty."
"I don't think temple duty is too bad, it's a good way to help the younglings in their studies." Ann said gaining Anakin's attention.
"Ehh I just don't like studies. I like doing something with my hands, usually tinkering around with droids or repairing ships."
"Oh I understand. Most people may find the maintenance of the fusion core is a tedious task but I always find it quite relaxing." Ann said glad about finding someone else who liked to repair ships.
"Not to mention that it makes sure you don't have to check the inertia dampeners after every jump. Saves you a lot of time, and if you check up on it every day you make the older Hyper drives last a lot longer. Making it a lot cheaper than buying the newer models."
"That's what I kept trying to explain to some of my friends back in the academy but they just didn't get it. I'm Ann Fenn by the way. I'm Master Fair's Padwan." Ann said getting up to shake Anakin's hand.
"I didn't know master Fair has a padwan. Well it's nice to meet you Ann, I'm Anakin Skywalker. I'm Obi-wan Kenobi's padwan, he would be here too but he has business with the council, so I'm here alone." Anakin said shaking the Lethan Twi'lek's hand.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you." Ann said before reaching for her head.
"Ann what's wrong?" Anakin said concerned about his fellow padwan.
"I sense, a disturbance." Ann said before looking at Anakin, "Something, dark."
Just then Anakin felt it, "I sense it to, it feels strangely familiar. Let's go find Zack.
