A/N: So, before I get this show on the road, I would like to personally acknowledge all of my avid readers for leaving such heartwarming reviews. They are much appreciated. Particularly, Unchivalrous Knight653, who has been my pen and paper, err… rather my mouse and keyboard. Who uses good old fashion pen and paper anymore, am I right? In all seriousness though, I want to thank you, for all your valuable input you've contributed to my writing. It's made a significant impact on me as a writer and as a person.
On a side note: If you love the dashingly roguish son of a Hutt, Quinlan Vos, be sure to check out Unchivalrous Knight's FanFic. You should find it in my favorites bar, Quinlan Vos: The Jewel of the Underworld. Alright, enough said it's time for some Bly and Aayla.
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Lost In A Nightmare -AU
Day 71 of active service
Chapter 3 Made to suffer
Coruscant
Coruscant was truly spectacular. Especially during the night, when the ecumenopolis really came to life. Glistening lights, bustling traffic, there really was no other place in the galaxy quite like it. At least no other that could contend with all of its wondrous splendor. Of course, nothing is ever as it seem. No matter how beautiful it may appear to be…
On the surface, where the affluent and rich resided; everything was perfect. At least for them anyways. Blinded by greed and drunk off their own wealth, they saw only what they wished to see, nothing more. Casting away the darker, grungier parts with a clink of a champagne glass and a dazzling smile. In spite of it all, he saw passed the superficial façade. He knew the truth.
Nonetheless, nobody could deny the grandeur of the upper-levels. When twilight's blue faded to black, and the silk curtains of night eased in over the city skyline. Enthralling neon colors so vibrant it almost hurt to look at them. The smell of cheap booze and the mindless chatter of the daily passerby. Extravagant galas in the finest hotels. Nirvana for some, misery for most. Coruscant catered only to the social elite, leaving the rest of its people to suffer.
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Three days later…
Bly awoke to the constant droning of the holo-display, that was situated in the corner of the room. It was one aspect of the medical wing he found considerably irritating, in the otherwise comfortable room. Though quite bare-bones, it was much more luxurious then what he was used to, seeing as how he normally slept in a standard GAR barracks, or you know, in a muddy trench.
Being incapacitated wasn't a particularly pleasant experience for a man, who lived and breathed war. But it was a far cry from death, and for that, he was grateful. Or at least, he should have been, yet he couldn't quite convince himself of it.
Sighing heavily, he watched the chrono on the far wall tick, as he counted the seconds pass by. He had been in the hospital for nearly two days, and he was getting restless. He missed the weight of a blaster and the smell of burnt plastoid. Perhaps, most of all he missed the general. It wasn't healthy he thought, his boyish infatuation with her and all.
Well it's definitely against regs to be in love with your Jedi general, that's for sure.
Bly lifted his honey brown eyes to the sound of muffled footsteps coming from the entrance to his room. A familiar face stepped in and a pleasant warmth resonated in his chest, as he watched her. Her presence was soothing; it left a lingering sense of silence, the pleasant kind.
Out of habit he offered her a salute, to which she smiled in return. Though the smile was brief, it was genuine, it was Aayla.
She was to the first to break the silence, "How are you feeling commander?" Bly paused, taking a second to formulate a response in his head. The fact that he was still a tad bit high from all the stims he was injected with last night didn't exactly help the situation. She looked at him curiously, still awaiting a response. "It was just a scratch general, I should be fine in a few days," adds Bly, somewhat flustered.
"I think it's slightly worse than just a scratch, commander, "teased Aayla softly.
Bly shrugged, "Nothing I can't handle."
To his surprise, she took a step closer, closing the distance between the two, so that they were only about an arm's length apart. Aayla's gaze fell upon Bly, as she watched him, simply staring long into his honeyed eyes. It seemed as if she was searching for something- he didn't know what, but he didn't mind. He liked the way her pale-blue eyes twinkled in the morning light, it gave them the most delightful glow.
Another moment passed by before Bly tilted his head slightly, in familiar clone fashion. That seemed to snap her out of whatever trance had taken over, for she struggled to find her voice. Stuttering and stammering, Bly watched intently; as muddled sentences flooded from her mouth.
"I… I just wanted to say, I uhh, really appreciate you and all that you have done for m- the republic. And I …uhh think you are a very brave man… and yeah."
Aww, that was sweet… I think?
They were quite obviously, incomprehensible to say the least. Seeing his commanding officer in such a state of disarray was really quite amusing, as he fought back a grin. Despite his best efforts to suppress it, the grin inevitably came out; broader and wider than ever. This caused Aayla to flush a deep shade of blue, as she brought a hand to her face, in an attempt to hide away.
"That sounded so much better in my head," murmured Aayla, who was now visibly cringing.
Bly chuckled lightly, "I think I got the gist."
Aayla groaned with disdain. "What I meant to say was: You're the bravest man I've ever had the pleasure in knowing. Losing you would have been… devastating for me; I've already buried enough of my friends to know that. And you, Bly, are a true friend amongst many other things."
Bly was completely stunned. He really didn't know what to say.
"Thanks, it's nice to feel appreciated for a change," said Bly, acknowledging her admiration for him. Why did she think him special?
I'm nothing but a clone, he thought.
No, you're not…
Bly glanced up, but found the room to be empty. A tinge of sadness clenched his heart as he looked around for her. "
Forgot she could do that thing," muttered Bly aloud. The warmth was gone, and he was left alone to face the unbearable coldness of isolation.
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Later that evening…
Numb. Bly felt very numb.
Yet, somehow, he didn't feel drunk, at least not yet. He had hoped he would have been by now, after downing five shots of hard whiskey. Maybe it's because his body had become so accustomed to alcohol. He really didn't know nor did he care, he just wanted to a little something to take the edge off.
A slight frown formed along the corners of his mouth, as he is about to take another sip. "Shouldn't be drinking," he mutters gruffly. To be honest, he wasn't even supposed to be discharged. So, either way he was breaking regulation.
Jynx would be proud he thought, him breaking the rules and all. It wasn't like Bly to break the guidelines, but lately the war's been taking its toll. And the only way he knew how to ease that pain was with a big bottle of hard-liquor.
Bly swirled the content of his drink thoughtfully, its translucent-russet revolving around his glass. There wasn't very much left. He thought about to ordering another drink but refrained from doing so, out of his better judgement. Sluggishly, Bly stumbled out of the dingy bar – guess the booze was catching up.
"Whoa! Hey!" A voice called and someone grabbed him by his arm and swung him around. He tensed his jaw and balled his fist, he was ready for a fight.
"Scuse me sir, but you forgot to pay for your drinks." The face that came into view was young, a woman with large, bright violet eyes and long raven hair that fell over them.
"Sorry bout that ma'am, I'll pay for it," he said sheepishly. She replied with a playful grin. "Don't worry about it, I already covered the tab for you. I'm friends with the owner."
Bly arched his eyebrow curiously. "Your friends with the owner?"
The woman leaned back on the balls of her heels, as her stunning violet eyes twinkled with mischievousness. "Well maybe not friends, the guy can be a real son of a Hutt, but I perform here on occasion."
"I see… so you're a performer huh," states Bly awkwardly. He suddenly found it hard to look her in the eyes, despite how captivating they were.
That explains the strange get-up and the…
An unexpected burst of laughter pulled Bly from his thoughts. He turned to face the pretty lady, who was now clutching her stomach and giggling uncontrollably.
Bly rubbed at the back of his flushed neck; perhaps he shouldn't have said that.
It took a few moments before the laughter subsided, but eventually she was able to compose herself, to a certain degree.
"I'm not that kind of performer, if that's what you're thinking. I'm a magician," she said exasperatedly, as she rolled her eyes.
"Oh," adds Bly still feeling a little self-conscious, seeing as how he assumed she was an exotic-dancer.
The lady couldn't help but smirk at his discomfort. "Well, it's getting late, and I probably should get going, it's been a pleasure though."
"Yeah me too… and thanks by the way, for paying for those drinks," said Bly, as he stepped forward and offered his hand.
She shook his hand and offered a friendly smile. "Anytime, just be sure to buy the next round. And for your information, I like the good-stuff, not the garbage they serve in here."
"Of course, anything for a lady" said Bly, with a hint of sarcasm.
She opened her mouth to reply, half-tempted to try her luck with him, but common sense prevailed. "Be seeing you."
Realization dawned on Bly; he hadn't even told her his name. "Oh, by the way its Bly, my name, in case you were wondering."
Her bright eyes twinkled in the darkness of night. "Zatanna."
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The foyer was bustling with people, all of whom she ignored, as she made her way to reception; it was going to be a long night. Sighing, Jade pulled the collar of her coat up and stuffed her hands in her pockets. Of all places, they chose to meet her here, seriously? It's pretty difficult to maintain a low-profile when you're in one of the biggest casinos, here, in the upper-levels. But then again, no one ever messes with the Black Sun. Correction: no one messes with the Black Sun, and lives. She shuddered at the mere though- just this one last job, then I'm done with the Black Sun, for good this time.
She had just made it to the desk, her mouth opened to speak when she heard a familiar voice.
"Welcome to the Gilded Star, kid. She's a beauty ain't she?"
Jade turned, feeling slightly unnerved by the towering Falleen that stood before her.
"I've seen better," stated Jade rather bluntly.
She nervously watches the Falleen grind his jagged teeth in anger.
Oh, shab did I say that out loud? Me and my big mouth.
Despite his livid expression a moment early, it seemed to change in an instant. Because now he was smiling at her rude remark.
"Sorry Zioj, disregard my blatantly moronic remark, I've a tendency to speak whatever comes to mind."
This only broadens his toothy grin. "Disregard? That's why I like ya kid!"
Jade smiled coldly. "I don't care if you like me or not sir. I'll do whatever you ask, so long as I get my credits, capeesh."
He chuckled heartily at this. "Your strong kid. And I'm not talking about your physical strength, I'm talking about your strength of character. Folks like you and me, are in limited supply. We understand the bigger picture, we have vision, and we know h- "
"No offense sir, but I'm not here for the flattery, can you just tell me the job so I can get payed."
"Of course," said Zioj formaly. "I need you to steal the data regarding the next scheduled weapon shipment from the GAR, shouldn't be a problem for a professional like you."
"No sir, I'll get it done."
Zioj scratched his beard in contemplation. "Probably should give ya this datapad, it'll brief ya on the mission."
"Those weapons are as good as yours," declared Jade.
"Very good, now be off, I've other business to the attend to."
Nodding her head, she obediently walks towards the grand pillared exit of the Gilded Star.
No biggie, just some guns I gotta steal for big green. How hard can it be?
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I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I sure did. I did want to ask if you spotted my Zatanna cameo. (I know she doesn't have violet eyes, just didn't want her to have blue eyes too) This was just a cameo and she is not going to be a recurring character in the story, I just wanted to pay homage to my upcoming Batman Fanfic, To Have & To Hold by integrating her into the story. She wasn't actually the Zatanna we all know, she's not some crazy powerful sorceress, in my story she was just a street magician. (And most certainly not a stripper) Any who, I should be releasing the next chapter sometime next month, hopefully sooner, we'll have to see.