Chapter One
Arrival on Taivas
Nick entered the port cargo hold to see the sleek newer model YT-3900 Light Transport, although it's owner had turned it into more of a Space Yacht with firepower docked sideways. Sighing, he stood leaning against the nearest support beam to the docking clamp's opening, waiting for their visitor to make their entrance. Moments later, the indoor hatch opened and a man a few years older than Nick emerged, his arms held out in greeting. "Nick, my friend! How are you, you scruffy nerf-herder?" Asked Corbyn Miarlo.
A tic appeared on Nick's forehead. "Corbyn, always a pleasure. And you know how derogatory that term is no matter where the recipient hails from. What can the crew of the Force Phantom do for you?" He asked, arms crossed.
The other man ran a hand through his platinum hair. "There isn't much I'd be looking for right now, actually. I was hoping more to run with you and Elliot for a few cycles, if you'll have an extra man." Despite the calm demeanor Corbyn put off, Nick could tell something was up.
"Who did you piss off this time and how? It better not be another band of Zabrak pirates. I'm still paying off Koth Dakh for the crap six months ago."
"I didn't piss off anybody this time, honest. My father has cut my inheritance off until I can find a job I can pursue without being needlessly in debt. I figured you and Elliot could use an extra man, and I can learn some of the trade. It's a bit of a win-win, in my opinion." Explained the wealthy-born Nubian.
Nick sighed. "Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with it. However, we have a bit of a situation and we don't know when we'll be taking another job as of yet. Not to mention, we're on our way to the Unknown Regions as we speak. Come, we'll continue this up in the lounge. I have some considerably aged Corellian whiskey I think you'd enjoy." Turning, he motioned for the other man to follow him to the turbolift.
"What brings you out to the Unknown Regions? There's not much out here that would probably even associate with us galaxy socialites." Corbyn asked as they stepped off the lift in the lounge, where Elliot, Fyaruk and Sariana all sat. "Elliot! How are you, my friend? And who are the old man and this beautiful creature?"
Nick stepped between Corbyn and Sariana, eyes narrowed. "Her name is Sariana Prinall, and she is.. A new friend of ours. And this old man is Master Fyaruk Jiang, one of the last living full-fledged Jedi. I told you there was a lot going on already."
"That would explain why you're going to the Unknown Regions. If I may, Master Jiang," Corbyn bowed to the older man. "You wouldn't happen to be the same Jedi Jiang that helped my father Riann in a diplomatic dispute on Naboo back before the Inquisition rose to power?"
Jiang nodded, chuckling. "I thought there was something about you I recognized. How is old Riann? And indeed I am, but I was not alone. My old apprentice Kiel was also with me."
"Father is well, as much as one can with the Inquisition breathing down his neck. He used to tell me stories of you when I was a boy. I very much looked up to what you stood for. It's a shame there aren't more Jedi still around to combat those menaces."
Nick laughed, much to Corbyn's surprise. "And why are you laughing, mate?"
"Because. Master Jiang is the only Jedi we know that survived the purges. As for other Jedi, you're looking at two more." He motioned between himself and Sariana, his smile making the latter giggle behind her hand.
"No.. You, Nick? A Jedi? Why didn't I know about this?" Corbyn's feigned being hurt.
"Because they are but two padawans compared to my skill, which I hope to remedy soon enough. But, they are not the only other Force-sensitives present," As everyone looked to the elder, he pointed at Elliot. "You have it as well, but it seems you are unable to physically use the Force, a problem more common than most know. And you, young Miarlo, have it as well. It is why I gave your father the Vonduun Crab pendant you wear around your neck."
Corbyn handled the small iridescent pendant around his neck. "My father said it was a good luck charm. Something to keep me safe out in the dangerous regions of the galaxy."
"Safe? Yes, that is true. Wearing that, the Inquisition would have trouble finding your specific Force signature. But, it also dampens your abilities, which explains why you had no idea about your abilities. You see, Kiel and I gave it to your father because Kiel had powerful Force visions that foretold of the Inquisition when we thought the galaxy was at peace. He took a liking to what he saw of you in these visions. In fact, he pretty much named you Corbyn, after his own father, I guess Riann found it a good name," Jiang chuckled. "It is no mere coincidence you happened to come aboard now."
"So, if I take this pendant off, I'll be able to use the Force?" Corbyn's eyes lit up, like a child who had his birthday wish immediately come true.
"Yes, with training. Nicklas here has been lucky, stumbling upon his abilities quicker than some, but without training he most likely wouldn't be able to use them as freely or easily."
"Wait," Nick interrupted. "We're getting a bit off topic. Corbyn, you asked me what we were doing heading into the Unknown Region, right?" Corbyn nodded. "Well, we're to go to Taivas, for Jedi training. Since you wanted to work with Elliot and I, this is your chance. But, it is also because of some more personal reasons. You remember what I told you about my sister?"
"Laurana? Yeah, you began being a pilot to travel the galaxy to find her."
"Exactly. I found her, along with Sariana here, on Utapau just hours ago. We were attacked by one of the High Knights, and I was unable to stop them from taking Laurana. And, despite the anger I feel, I am undergoing this training to save her, hopefully before the Inquisition does something to her." It still hurt, knowing he couldn't help his sister more than he had been able to.
"Don't worry, Nick. You'll save her, yet. On another note, I have a gift for you from our friend on Malastare."
This made Nick's eyes light up. "Ooh, what manner of gift does Pyrell send us today?"
"An experimental cloaking engine, something he came up with when we told him we had to hide from those Trandoshan smugglers after our last encounter four months ago. He boasts that we can get by any form of Inquisition sensor array, and I've tested it out with the first prototype that was installed in my ship. As far as I know, they didn't even know I had docked on one of their star destroyers at all, and I stayed there for a couple of days."
"Well, that definitely sounds handy. We can have it installed after we land. Is Pyrell billing me for it?"
"No, no. Not this time. He says next time you're on Malastare to come see him. Some kind of job without a deadline he thinks you're perfect for. So, miss Prinall, what world do you hail from? Your last name sounds familiar."
Sariana lowered her head. "I'm not really sure. My mother and I moved around for a while until she died on Utapau. Then I was sold into slavery same as Laurana and we were like sisters ever since."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, just curious is all. What did slavers have two young ladies for on Utapau?"
"Our Force abilities. Laurana and I were able to keep the animals calm as the hunters moved in and killed them before scavenging the body for whatever they could use or sell. Of course, neither Laurana or I knew they were Force abilities."
Corbyn nodded. "I see. Well, there isn't a more trustworthy crew than Nicklas and Elliot, so you're in good hands." He smiled.
Sariana looked at Nick and nodded, her visions coming back to her. "I have no doubt about that. I plan on sticking around for a while. Any idea when we're supposed to jump out of.. What is it called again? Hyperspace, that's it."
Nicklas chuckled and looked at Elliot. "What's the verdict there, El?"
Elliot, who had been silent since Jiang announced he had the Force, made a thoughtful face. "About another hour or so. I'm gonna go make sure we're not coming out and crash seconds later." He left the lounge, making Nick worry.
"Something's up. I've known him too long to not know when something is bothering him."
"I agree. Perhaps I shall talk to him. I believe I know what he's upset about." Before anyone could reply, the elder Jedi had disappeared in the turbolift.
Corbyn spotted the whiskey Nick had mentioned. "Well, the mood has gone sour, I think I'll go take a nap in one of the spare beds you keep on board. Wake me when we get close so we can both land our vehicles the right way." Nick grunted as he stood up and went over to the viewport, looking out into the beautifully trippy stars passing them by.
Sariana sighed lightly. Of course she recognized this scene, the only difference being she wasn't standing next to Nick. But, as much as she knew it was to happen, she wasn't sure if now was the right time. They had only met mere hours before. Sariana knew nothing more about this man other than the quick glimpses she had been shown. No, I won't just find anything out if I sit here like a Nubian potato. I have to go to him. She thought, getting up with newfound determination
Nick could feel Sariana's inner turmoil, but he smiled nonetheless. Yes, it felt somewhat wrong for him to want her to come talk to him, but Sariana was also the only person who he could ask about his sister. Laurana and her had had each other the last twelve or so years, whereas Nick had been stuck at the orphanage on Corellia. It didn't help that he felt a pull he couldn't place to his sister's best friend, and he knew she had the same sort of feelings towards him because of her hesitation. "Nick, are you really alright about all this?" She asked as she stood next to him, leaning on the inner ledge of the viewport.
"Yeah. I mean, for the most part." Came Nicklas' reply as he looked Sariana up and down, both against his better judgment and out of hormone-induced curiosity.
Sariana could feel his eyes wandering her body and, despite barely truly knowing him, she inwardly cheered. "Well, credit for your thoughts?" She glanced at him with a smile.
God, she's beautiful. He thought as he chuckled. "I'm pissed I couldn't save Laurana. You should be furious with me for being unable to save her, she's your best friend. And now, here we are, talking like nothing's happened, but Laurana isn't here. So why aren't you pissed?"
"Because remember what Master Jiang said he wanted from us: To control but embrace our emotions. You had no other choice, Nick, and I can't blame you at all because of that. And.. My Force visions.. They lead me to a future I want to have, so I just try to go with the flow for now."
Nick laughed. "Let me guess, Laurana used to say the same when things got particularly sad?" Sariana nodded. "Figures. I used to say it to her before she was taken.. It actually happens to be the last thing our father told me before the Inquisition murdered him. I want them all to pay, they tore both of our families apart."
Sariana made a face. "How do you figure my family?"
"Because if your mother never told you anything about your father, it would make more sense that he had the Force as well, and she probably thought it best not to tell you." At that, he saw Sariana frown, and thought he had really hurt her feelings. "I'm sorry. I gotta go make sure everything's good to go, and make sure the speeder is refuelled before we land, in case we need it. When you're ready, I'll meet you in the cockpit." With a silent nod confirming what he said, Nick stalked away, mentally berating himself.
"What can I do? I've been nothing but useless, even with these powers. So why me?" She asked the surrounding silence.
"Because you were born to be great, and I know how it feels to have something thrust upon you." Came a new voice. As Sariana turned, she gasped as she saw a blue-tinged ghostly figure of a man with a scar running across one eye. "I mean you no harm, young lady. My name is Anakin Skywalker, and I fear I am partially to blame for this current situation."
Meanwhile, Elliot and Master Jiang sat in the cockpit. "Elliot, I know this revelation is something you hadn't thought to hear.."
"Save it. I don't care about using the Force, really. Nick was always the lucky one. I just get stuck with the secondhand."
"That is not true. There have been powerful Jedi who have had no usage of the Force as a secondary weapon. They would use the enhanced perception they gained from training in tandem with their lightsaber to fight off even the biggest and most dangerous of foes. Like Corran Horn during the Yuuzhan-Vong invasion. He fought off many enemies during those days and for years beforehand with no ability to physically use the Force. You could be a great fighter, if you put your mind to it."
"I don't want to be a Jedi, Jiang! It would put me in so much more danger. Right now, the Inquisition can only know that Nick is around with the Force. Do you honestly think training a handful of people is going to change anything with how the galaxy works? What if they create another Death Star or even a Starkiller Base to wipe every still-living Jedi off the face of the galaxy?"
"Then the Jedi will rise again and crush the Sith and their armies as they have done with the Empire and the First Order. And I hope that training you and your friends to use both sides of the Force is the only way to not only stop the feud, but keep an eternal balance. But, Nick will not do this all without you, you know that. Despite not being related, you are his brother above all else. I can tell Nick would die to save you if the need arose. My aim of training you would make that scenario astronomically less possible. Just give it a chance, that is all I am asking. If you really don't like it then I won't push you further, but you must promise me you will give it your all."
Elliot sighed. "Did any of your elders ever tell you you're a stubborn old bantha?"
Jiang chuckled. "Some of them still do. Keep a clear head and focus on what you need to instead of how things can be a problem. I must go meditate for a spell. I will see you when we land." Grunting, Elliot went back to checking the instruments and navicomputer. Several moments later, Nick appeared in the copilot's seat.
"Hey, brother, you doing okay?" Nick asked.
Elliot sighed. "I guess so. Why is it you always get lucky and have the awesome powers?"
"Just lucky, I guess. I really didn't think any of this was going to happen when we left Corellian yesterday. Or was that two days ago now? Either way, I want you with me for all of this, even if you can't just will someone to fly back into whatever is closest. But, even without I wouldn't have anyone else as my copilot." Nick clapped his best friend on the back.
Elliot laughed. "Thanks, man. So, you get to ask Sariana about Laurana? Or were you too busy trying to flirt?" Nick's face caused Elliot to crack up. "Yes, it's that obvious. I can see something there between the two of you. Don't need the Force for that."
"Yeah? Well the same could be said about you and Laurana. Or is that just a childhood crush?" Nick asked, enjoying the look of shock on Elliot's face.
"How did you?!"
"You talk in your sleep sometimes. Most of that is cute words for my sister, the rest I would castrate you for if I didn't trust you. We will bring her back to us, Elliot. I promise you that."
"You know better than most not to make a promise you may not be able to keep, Nick. But, I trust you. We're about to come out of hyperspace, probably should go wake the rich kid up."
Nick sighed. "Yeah, guess you're right. Oh, and remind me we need to stop at Malastare when we leave here. We need a disguised transponder from Pyrell, just in case."
"Will do." Elliot said as Nick left the cockpit.
Back with Sariana, her and the Force ghost of Anakin Skywalker were still talking. "I know I'm not supposed to read too much into the future, but I have to know. Is the Supreme Inquisitor.." She couldn't finish the sentence, but the spirit knew what she asked.
"Family is truly fickle, Sariana. Even when you know your parents, a what they have done, does not make them any less your parents. But, to answer your question, yes. If circumstances had been different, your father could have been a powerful Jedi, but as fate would have it, the power corrupted him as it has many others before him. We aren't so different, you and I. I never knew my father, but I was a special case. You see, I was born only to a mother, her pregnancy the will of the Force. My stepfather, although I didn't know him well, was a good honest man. My mother was tortured and killed by Tusken Raiders when I was nineteen, but I fell to the whims of the Dark Side and, in an attempt to save the love of my life I wound up killing her. But, not before my son and daughter became the driving force of the Rebellion against the Empire.
"My son, Luke, made me see the error of my ways and saved me, in the end. Now, the task of saving the galaxy is in the hands of you, the young man you feel a pull to and the other Gray Jedi that you will both have to lead."
"Wait. Nick and I? But what about Master Jiang?" Asked Sariana, confused.
"Master Fyaruk Jiang is slated to give himself to the Force in the upcoming months. But, you and young mister Nekron will be more than ready to teach and finish teaching the other students." Anakin smiled at the young woman.
"What about Laurana. She's my best friend, my sister for all intents and purposes. And Nick's younger sister. If my visions come true, I would rather not see that side of her."
"Ah, yes. The kidnapped. Unfortunately, your father is not a kind man, not anymore. His method of teaching includes delving deep into your mind, twisting your thoughts. As adamant as you all are about saving her, it will not be easy. But, there is hope, always hope. And sometimes, that translates better in the case of saving those you care about."
Sariana nodded, deep in thought. "What about the Jedi and their aversion to attachment? I like Nick, and I've seen myself with him in a more intimate manner, but isn't that all against Jedi code?"
Anakin chuckled. "Yes, but even Jedi of old couldn't get around it. But, you Gray Jedi will be the guiding light for that. The Dark Side rely on their emotions for their power, and Jedi use their clear minds and personal strengths. The Gray Jedi will be the best of both: power through emotions and attachments while keeping a clear head and having the will to know when to fight and when not to. I hear Jiang even has a Code for you that he learned in his travels." He looked toward the viewport, where the stars had become stable and mostly non-moving. "It looks like our time is nearly up. Remember, Sariana: Trust yourself, trust your friends, and no matter how dark the future looks, always keep faith that everything will be alright."
"I will, Master. Thank you. Will I see you again?"
The ghost chuckled again. "If you truly need me, I'll be there. I told you we weren't so different. If only I was able to tell you why that truly is. But, I have faith you will figure that out on your own. Farewell, Sariana. And treat it well, it's the only one I technically still have claim over in the galaxy." Confused by this, Sariana bowed to the old Jedi Master as the blue spirit vanished and Elliot's voice sounded.
"Approaching Taivas in t-minus twenty minutes. Strap in or hold onto something, because Jiang won't let me fly down to the surface." Then Jiang's voice was heard before the intercom stopped. "Yes, because you cannot just fly down to the Hidden Temple, otherwise it may as well not be hidden. I have no doubt that mister Miarlo can follow us in that upgraded Millennium Falcon of his." Giggling, Sariana entered the turbolift to join the others in the cockpit.
Entering the cockpit, she sat down in the chair behind Nicklas, the young man looking back at her. "You okay? Kinda looks like you saw a ghost." He joked, not realizing how close he was to the truth.
She smiled at him, which caused Nick to feel butterflies in his chest. "Yeah, I'm alright. So, that's Taivas? Doesn't seem like much."
"It wouldn't to someone just passing by, hence why the Hidden Temple of the Jedi was built there, deep in the canyon walls." Said Master Jiang as he expertly handled the controls of the freighter. "I must warn you, one of the other young students there is a bit touchy about new people. And watch out for the Varactyl. She just had a clutch of eggs, so she's moody."
"Varactyl? I can keep her calm. It was one of the main things the slavers on Utapau hunted." Sariana said confidently, making Jiang chuckle.
"I have no doubt. But, still, be careful."
Hidden Temple, Taivas, Twenty Standard Minutes Later..
As the crews of the Force Shadow and Corbyn's Centennial Eagle departed their ships, the assembled looked around the hangar. It was lit well enough, but the expansive space was built more than a mile deep into the canyon walls that were all over Taivas. As they left the hangar the group got their first look at the resident Varactyl, a giant bipedal reptile with a frill of tropical a looking feathers around its head. It warbled out a call as it saw Jiang and bounded over, only slightly shaking the floor as it made the distance in less than five strides. Jiang placed his hand on the Varactyl's head. "Hello, old girl. Did everyone behave while I was gone?" A soft cry sounded as the giant lizard Nuzzled the elder Jedi.
Sariana stepped forward. "May I?" She asked, to which Fyaruk nodded. As the young woman pet the large creature, she spoke again. "What's her name?"
"Honestly, we never truly named her. The other few students began calling her Jewel, and since then its the only name she'll answer to."
"Such a pretty name," Sariana cooed as she continued to pet the Varactyl until Master Jiang beckoned her to follow the others.
As they descended deeper into the Hidden Temple, Jiang gave them a short tour of each area they passed. "That corridor is the east wing dorms, and opposite is the west wing. When this temple was truly being used, they housed over six thousand Jedi both young and old.. The door at the far left leads to the library, and the far right is the training hall. Down another level is the mess hall and whatever classrooms we use these days. We also have a chemistry lab and another for more biological studies, if you're so inclined. And finally, on the deepest level is where the Council chambers are, but right now none of you are permitted there unless stated by me. Am I clear?" Nods and approvals sounded as they stopped at one of the dorm rooms in the east wing. "For now, I ask only one to a room as there aren't enough students to warrant multiple in just one. Please put whatever equipment you need to away and meet me and the few others in the mess hall. It is almost time for lunch to be served."
"Thank the gods!" Elliot praised. "Nick and I haven't eaten anything since before we left Corellian to find Laurana." The others shared a laugh as they all picked out rooms.
Elliot chose a room on the left of the one Nick had picked, with Sariana going inside the one directly to the right of Nick's. Corbyn, meanwhile, chose a room on the opposite side of the corridor. Soon after Nick had unpacked some spare clothes in the small closet, there was a knock on his door. "Come in." He called and wasn't surprised when Sariana walked in. "I didn't really have anything on Utapau, so I didn't feel a need to unpack."
Nick nodded. "I know what you mean. I only had some spare clothes and my survival pack aboard the ship, so I just brought some of the clothes. If we get a chance, we'll see about getting you something else."
Sariana held her left forearm nervously. "Are you sure? I couldn't use your credits like that."
"Don't worry about it. Elliot and I know a cheap market with durable clothes, it won't affect us much. Plus, I doubt we'll get any jobs while we're staying here."
Sariana smiled as she closed the distance between Nick and herself. "You know, you're exactly like Laurana said you would be. I'm happy about that."
"Really? And how did my wonderful sister say I was?" Now Nick was leaning slightly, his head bent to look down at the shorter girl, who giggled.
"Well, she used to tell me you were protective, and that you were incredibly sweet." Sariana stood on her toes, the two teenagers' faces now inches away. She could feel his breath on her lips, and couldn't help but bite her lip as she thought of actually kissing Nicklas.
"I guess it's a good thing that was all she had to say then."
Sariana giggled. "That wasn't everything. She also said you were a royal pain in the ass."
Nick feigned shock. "That brat. But, without her being kidnapped, I never would've met you." He smirked, his own hormones starting to get the better of him. "You know, with us this close to each other, I'm very much tempted to kiss you."
Another shiver ran down her spine and she matched his smirk. "Do it then, I dare you, you scruffy little nerf-herd- mmph!" Her sentence was cut off as Nick took the challenge and pressed his lips to hers.
When they broke apart after several moments, Sariana was practically breathless. Nick smiled as he looked in her eyes. "You have the most amazing eyes. Not a bad kisser, either, if I'm right in thinking that was your first."
Sariana giggled before another voice cut in. "Hold off on making out for right now, please. We're supposed to keeping ourselves in check for the moment, aren't we?"
Elliot stood in the doorway, smirking as Sariana took a step back from Nick. "Damnit, Elliot. At least knock."
"What? And miss that reaction? No way. Now let's get going. Corbyn's already on his way to the mess hall, and you know him with simple directions."
"True. We don't need anyone lost so soon after arriving. You alright, Sariana?"
She was glaring at Elliot, but nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go." She left the room, but not before giving Nick a look that said 'later.'
"Working a bit fast, aren't you?" Elliot asked as they trailed behind Sariana in the direction of the mess hall.
"She dared me to, El. Not to mention she almost called me that." It was a strange thing, how every Corellian innately hated any form of their home world-specific curse of nerf-herder.
Elliot laughed. "No wonder. Just don't jump into anything too fast, yeah? Don't want you two making a little you so quickly."
"Fuck off, bro." Nick laughed before stalking up behind Sariana, surprising her as he put his hand on her arm.
"Nick! Don't scare me like that."
Nick gave her a toothy grin. "Sorry. Just making sure you're really alright, that's all." They had arrived at the mess hall, where Corbyn was surprisingly already present, sitting next to a girl that looked to be about his age with short braided midnight blue hair. The trio sat around the same table and noticed there were only two other students, both probably about thirteen years old sitting at the next table over. There were already trays of food in from of the assembled students, including at the seats Nick, Elliot and Sariana had taken.
The older girl rolled her eyes as they sat down. "Great. More newcomers."
"So you're the one Master Jiang warned us about. No need to be hostile, you know. We're all supposed to be on the same side here." Sariana said.
"Please. The Sith have infiltrated Jedi temples before. Anakin Skywalker during the rise of the Empire," Sariana flinched. "Kylo Ren during the First Order's rise, and some even time won't remember. So I'm sorry I'm cautious."
"Well there's no need. Me and Sariana here came after my sister was kidnapped by the Inquisition for her Force abilities, and Elliot and Corbyn here are old friends. So, I'll say it this time and you better fucking listen: we're not the enemy." Nick said, even Elliot surprised at his tone.
"Attention everyone," Called Master Jiang from a table in the front of the mess hall. Today we welcome four new students, so I hope you all can make them feel welcome. Yes, I mean you Beckha." He looked right at the other older girl in the room. "Now, please recite the Code of Gray, please."
The three students all stood up, prompting the new group to as well, and begun reciting. "There is only the Force. There is a Balance between Light and Dark. Passion, yet Restraint, Strength and Knowledge. There is Power in Serenity. Victory is only found by bringing the Force back into Harmony. Passion and Strength are exercised through Knowledge and Serenity. To bring back Balance, one must strike Hard and Fast. One must use Power to Break your Opponent. Power requires Restraint to bring back Harmony. Strike too Hard, Chaos is Born. Knowledge teaches the Restraint to keep the Balance."
Nick nodded his head. "That is a pretty good creed." He whispered to Elliot, who chuckled as Sariana rolled her eyes.
"Very good. Now, the only other thing I need to tell you is that until Jewel's eggs hatch, no one is to go near her nest unless I am with you. You two have almost gotten your hands bitten off three times in the week I have been gone." He sternly warned everyone, but the two younger padawans bowed thee heads in apparent shame. "Oh, and no students together in your dorm room after our dinner meal." He was talking most obviously about Nicklas and Sariana, but he was looking straight at Beckha and Corbyn, which confused the others at the 'adult' table.
Beckha blushed a shade of red usually known only to the Zabrak as she glanced at Corbyn and instantly down to stare at her tray of assorted foods. Nick stifled a chuckle at how nervous she acted now that Master Jiang had, apparently, called her out on something. With that, the students all began eating.
Classroom Three, An Hour Later..
Nick and the others sat in a wide circle in one of the classrooms. Master Jiang sat in the center. "Now, we meditate on ourselves and how we wish to make a difference, as always have been with the Jedi. Close your eyes and focus within yourself. Breathe normally, not like you're running from an enemy." He advised the students.
Almost instantly, Nick could feel the Force flare around Beckha and the younger two, showing they had reached a meditative state. Despite the breathing, Corbyn soon joined them and then Elliot had flared as well before Nick suddenly began seeing flashes. His childhood in the orphanage, his school life and how being an orphan made his peers resent his successes. The day the orphanage had gifted him the Force Shadow. Kissing Sariana. Then, he saw what he recognized as his Force visions. The conversation that had happened yet not back in hyperspace. Jiang falling to the High Knight Tierra, and him then fighting who looked like the Supreme Inquisitor. Then the new vision happened...
He was in what looked like a delivery gate at the Mos Eisley Spaceport on Tattooine. "I brought you those thirty containers of Spice. Kuabba should thank me for being able to bring it so fast."
"Yes, well," Said an older Twi'lek in Huttese. "Kuabba hears of your exploits, Nicklas Nekron. You come highly recommended, for both smuggler and legal shipments."
"Can't make great money on something unless it's smuggled, now can you? I don't like rushing, but I have to be on Corellia with the rest of my cargo before it's tomorrow morning over there."
"Of course. The credits have been wired to your account already. Kuabba will be in touch."
Nick smiled, despite the deep desire to kill every slumlord on Tattooine. "I'll await his call. Next time though, if he's going for another thirty, the price is raised by two thousand credits. Negotiable on price for any bigger orders." The Twi'lek nodded before Nick got back onto the Force Shadow.
Suddenly, it felt like Nick was being forced out of his trance, and his eyes opened wide as his breathing became slightly labored. That was actually intense. He thought as he felt that Elliot, Corbyn and Sariana were still in their own trances.
Elliot was receiving his first Force vision, and if he was perfectly honest he enjoyed it, even if it was because he saw Laurana..
Elliot stood in a shady club, probably part of Coruscant's underbelly. He was leaning against the bar, drink in his hand as he spoke. "Are you really okay, Laurana? You could always come back with us. The Inquisition wouldn't be able to find you." Sitting next to him, avoiding eye contact, was Laurana Nekron.
Laurana looked at Elliot, scowling. "What, and get hunted down just like the last time on Utapau? The Supreme Inquisitor would find me in a heartbeat. He's been inside my mind, Elliot."
"And we know that he wouldn't find you where we've all been. We all want the four of us all together. You, me, Nick and Sariana." Laurana glared at him. "What? Aren't you both like sisters?"
"With the way she looks at Nick, it's a wonder we aren't sisters. Neither of those two want me back."
"That's not fucking true and you know it, Laura! When we all aren't training, we're roaming this galaxy, looking for you so we can bring you home. Despite what those two have going on, you should be happy for them. And I want you back with us more than either of them." Elliot was apparently having enough of Laurana talking badly about their friends.
"And why the hell do you want me back so badly?! Huh?!" Laurana stood up now, her face inches away from Elliot's.
"Why do you.. You know what? Fuck it," He closed the distance, kissing Laurana. When he broke away, he sighed. "That was supposed to be the big reveal where I tell you I've had the biggest crush on you since we were little, but I know you knew about that. No, this is bigger, ever since I figured it all out. I love you, Laurana Jade Nekron."
Laurana truly didn't know how to deal with what had happened, and so she rushed out of the club as quickly as she could, leaving Elliot cursing himself.
Elliot's eyes snapped open, and he realized he had been crying. I was so close, I know I was. He said to himself.
Corbyn woke up moments later, a look of pure shock on his face as him and Beckha, her eyes open as well, stared at one another as if they had seen the exact same thing. The younger two began laughing as they reentered the world of the awake, at what was anyone's guess. That left Sariana in her own little trance.
Sariana was seeing things she had to see, and they surprised her..
Sitting on the edge of one the many catwalks around Coruscant, Sariana looked out at the eternal cityscape as someone sat next to her. "I had a feeling you would be out here," Said Laurana.
Sariana looked at her, shocked. "Laura? Oh my god, it is you! Please, come back home with us. Nick, me, Elliot.. We all miss you."
Laurana sighed. "I want to, sis, really. But I can't. I took a huge risk even coming here. The Supreme Inquisitor.. He can always find you once he's been inside your mind, torturing you. So, you and Nick, huh?" Sariana was shocked by her words yet again. "You told me about your Force visions back on Utapau, remember? Plus, I can the happiness in your eyes." Sariana could feel her loneliness in the Force.
"You could be happy back with us, and we can protect you. Elliot loves you, you know. I can feel it in the Force, and Nick may have told me about some crush." She smiled, which made Laurana smile, but Sariana could tell she wasn't really sure how to deal with that information.
The scene changed, now Laurana and Sariana stood ten feet or so apart, a crimson lightsaber in Laurana's hand and a vibrant cerulean blade in Sariana's. "You could have killed him that day, but you didn't. Fight my asshole of a father's hold on you and come home! To your family."
"I told you before. Once he gets you, there isn't a way to fight him! You think I actually like having the mission of killing you and Nick? I don't want to fight you, but I must."
"No, you fucking don't! If you really don't want to fight, then come back with us! Show my father he isn't all powerful! Please." Sariana's words were pleading now. "I just want my sister back."
Laurana fell to the ground, clutching her head before looking at Sariana with a pained expression. "He's trying to control me. Sariana, I don't think I can fight him." There were tears threatening to fall.
"Just fight him, Laura! Nick, you and I are more powerful than him. That's why he controls you, to keep you from knowing your power. Come back with us and we can show you."
Laurana began to scream as the vision went away.
Sariana almost screamed herself because of the vision. But, now she knew Laurana wasn't fully on her fathers' side, even if she was working with him. Stay strong, Laurana! We'll get you back.
Master Jiang eyed each of the older teenagers warily. They are all very powerful, that much is sure from the emotion they show from their visions. But, what makes them all so pained? He asked himself as he knew their training was just beginning, and none of it was going to be easy.
A/N: If anyone actually cares, the Gray Jedi Code is a thing, and now I worm myself into drama and bringing up bits of the future to show just how powerful the Gray Jedi can be. I really hope people are enjoying this, because this is actually my dream scenario for my own story in the Galaxy far, far away. And also writing this has been about three years coming. If anyone wants a character, whether Jedi, Sith, or otherwise, send submissions. I can only think of so much by myself when it comes to characters. Until next time, may the Force be with you all.