Both Ceran and Taran awoke to find the image of Xerxes floating above them.
"Good job on collecting you first item game players," he said, levitating the gem before it disappeared. "You're next item is a violet-colored gem in the mountains. Good luck." He disappeared without a further trace.
"What mountains?" said Taran. Ceran pointed, and sure enough the peaks of a mountain range were in the horizon above the treeline.
"Shouldn't be too hard," said Ceran.
Ahsoka was shaken awake as Ventress urged her to get up. She groaned as her eyes opened in time to see Xerxes' image.
"Well done for your efforts in collecting the gem. Your next task is to go to the mountain range in the distance and find the next gem," said Xerxes.
"What color is it?" said Ventress.
"It is orange. Happy hunting," said Xerxes as he disappeared.
"Yeah that tells us a lot," said Ventress sarcastically.
"Come on, the sooner we find this gem the better," said Ahsoka.
"How far have we gone so far?" said Ceran.
"I'd say about 15 miles," Taran said tiredly. They had been walking for an hour now since they had been running previously, and exhaustion was starting to creep up on them. The sun was at mid-afternoon, but they could barely tell because of the fog around them. They were high up in the mountain passes, but the fog allowed them to see about ten feet in every direction, so it wasn't particularly thick or difficult to see.
"Let's rest for awhile," said Taran. He and Ceran laid down on the rocky floor, slightly panting. Ceran saw water trickling down on the rocks near them and bent it off of them to collect enough until there was a small orb hovering in front of them. He split it in half and the two bent their respective halves to their mouths to drink.
"Thanks," said Taran as he relished the coolness of the water. Ceran nodded in welcome. They spent the next five minutes resting and catching their breaths before they got up and started walking again. Taran's eyes scanned around for any glimmer or glow from their respective jewel. Everything was quiet, only a slight breeze the only sound made in the pass.
As they kept going, Ceran heard what sounded like footsteps behind them. He slightly turned his head to look and thought for a fleeting second he saw a figure in the fog.
He stopped, causing the chain holding them to stop Taran in his tracks. He turned to ask him why he stopped when he saw Ceran staring behind them into the fog. Taran sensed that something was coming, but he couldn't figure out what it was. He tugged on the chain to get Ceran's attention. Wordlessly he looked to the mass of boulders that flanked the pass to suggest that they moved, which Ceran obliged as they silently bent the rocks around them to conceal them. Then they waited.
Two figures were slowly emerging from the fog as Ceran and Taran tensed up, waiting to strike. Once the figures were close enough, they threw the rocks away from them and pounced on them.
Taran was met with a kick as Ceran was hit with a fist, but the blows hardly phased them as they subdued their attackers.
"Guys, stop! It's us!" yelled Ahsoka. She was in a stranglehold by Ceran as Taran had Ventress in a leg lock that if he were to move it would have broken her leg.
"Oh, sorry," said Ceran as he let her go. Taran did likewise as the girls got up and shook the gravel off of themselves.
"How did you get up here?" said Taran.
"We walked," said Ventress. Taran rolled his eyes, brushing off her sarcastic statement.
"It's no coincidence that all four of us ended up here," said Ceran. "Xerxes is planning something for us, and it's probably very unpleasant."
"Whatever it is, it can't be too bad," said Ahsoka. A loud roar echoed off the pass's walls, causing them all to look around in shock and horror. Another roar sounded, and it sounded closer than the other roar.
"I vote we find shelter," said Ceran as all of them started running as fast as they could, rapidly disappearing in the fog.
It was night time by the time they found a suitable place. Rain was starting to pour down, followed by thunder and lightning. The cave they found had a waterfall entrance and they had almost walked past it had Ventress not seen the cave entrance that lead to the cave. They all huddled together in the cave to wait out the storm. At first they started to despair about finding their respective jewels before they all turned to see the three jewels they were looking for together, as well as three keys.
Taran picked up his jewel as Ahsoka took the other one, to which Xerxes' head appeared.
"As you can tell, your meeting was no coincidence. I have decided to change the rules a bit. You will find keys that can unlock your cuffs, but the same rule of your partner dying still applies. The other two will be here soon. Hope this makes things a tad bit more...easier. ," said Xerxes as he disappeared again.
"Finally, these cuffs were starting to chafe me," said Ceran as he took the key and unlocked the cuff on his hand, sighing as he stretched it out and rubbed the sore area. Ventress did likewise to her and Ahsoka's cuffs.
"So what now?" said Taran.
"I guess we stay here for the night. Knowing Xerxes, he'll have something very unpleasant for us tomorrow," said Ahsoka.
(Tia and Bruck)
She and Bruck had reached the mountain pass an hour ago and were still walking. Their own little adventure to retrieve their first jewel had been...difficult, but they succeeded in the end.
(Flashback)
Vines lashed out at them as they tried to leave the jungle, their jewel in Bruck's hands.
"I knew this was a bad idea!" yelled Tia as the two ran for their lives as the jungle became alive around them. They continued to jump over vines and duck, dive, and dodge between the lashing whips as they tried to grasp them and drag them away to parts unknown.
As they ran, Bruck looked to their left and saw light, which meant that the edge of the forest was near.
"Tia, run to the left!" he said.
"Are you crazy?" she yelled, jumping over a swinging vine.
"Trust me!" he yelled. They both took a sharp turn left, the vines following them. They covered the distance to the end of the jungle in no time, yet just as they reached the end, Tia stumbled as a vine tripped her, causing her to fall on her front. Another vine grabbed her by the ankle and began to pull her back.
"Bruck!" she yelled. Bruck stopped and turned to see her about to be dragged off, which meant he would be dragged off with her. Thinking quickly, he threw the jewel so that it landed in the ground just outside of the jungle and ran back for Tia. He dived and grasped her hand in his. Getting up as best he could, he began to pull, trying to tug her away from the vine. The vine tried to viciously drag Tia off, but Bruck's strength caused it to begin to lose its battle. Tia twisted her feet around so that the foot that was caught and her free foot made a pincer. Using all the strength she had in her lower legs, she pressed them together to sever the vine. It took awhile, but eventually she was able to tear off the small part of the vine.
The vine 'shrieked' as it slithered back into the jungle. Bruck and Tia were heavily panting as they ran for the edge of the jungle again, falling to the ground near the jewel.
"Thank you," she said breathlessly as she sat up to look at him, her eyes bright with gratitude.
"Anytime," said Bruck as he smiled back at her. A silent moment passed between them as they continued to gaze at each other before their faces slowly moved in...
"Well done, you're one-third of the way done. Your next jewel is in the mountains. Good luck game players," said Xerxes, causing the two to separate quickly. Their jewel disappeared along with Xerxes' image.
"Come on, let's go," said Tia, somewhat crestfallen.
"Wait, Tia," said Bruck, but Tia didn't respond and instead the two got up and began their trek to the mountains in silence.
(End flashback)
And so they continued. Bruck didn't know what to think. One minute, Tia and him were about kiss, something he wished he had the courage to do months ago, and now she was ignoring him. What had happened? Had he done something? Was it all part of the heat of the moment?
"Tia, please talk to me," said Bruck.
"There's nothing to talk about Bruck," said Tia.
"Yes there is. What happened back there?" said Bruck. Tia stopped and turned to look at him, her eyes downcast.
"I...well...," she tried to say, but no words came to mind to describe how she was feeling.
"Tia," he said, stepping forward till he was right in front of her, standing dangerously close to her. He was a head taller than her, causing her to look up at him.
"I like you," said Bruck. "I have for awhile now." Tia's eyes widened. She knew there was an attraction between them, but she didn't think he would reciprocate them.
"I do too Bruck, but I need more time to think about this," she said finally. His hands softly gripped her belly as he caressed her exposed skin. Her style of dress was very similar to Ahsoka's earlier outfits except that they were black and her top was connected with her pants by a 3-inch strip that went down to cover a strip that went over her bellybutton. Bruck wore traditional Jedi robes that were light-brown, a shade darker than Taran's.
"I know," he said as her arms wrapped around his back. Thunder sounded and a few drops of rain began to fall.
"Let's go find some shelter," said Bruck as the two searched for a place to hide to wait out the approaching storm. Tia saw a waterfall and automatically knew that behind it was some kind of outlet or cove to shield them from the storm.
"This way," she said. They both approached the waterfall entrance, hastily jumping through it to minimize getting their clothes wet. Once they crossed it, startled gasps alerted them to the fact that the cave was inhabited.
"Bruck? Tia?" said Taran and Ahsoka. Bruck and Tia saw Ahsoka, Ceran, Taran, and Ventress in the cave as well.
"Thank the Force you guys are okay," said Tia as she came in and hugged her two friends.
"We're fine. Your second jewel is here as well, and a key to free you from the cuffs, but the same rules apply," said Ahsoka.
"Not bad, I thought he had something even worse planned for us," said Bruck. A flash of lightning illuminated the cave they were in, causing them all to momentarily hold their breath before they relaxed when they remembered they were in a cave, followed by the loud booming of thunder. Bruck and Tia hastily removed their cuffs and went to sit down. The cave was large, and there appeared to be more it in the back, but that would be explored later. For now they sat in their own sections of the cave, but still relatively close by each other
Ahsoka sat next to Taran, laying her head down on his chest.
"Ahsoka, Ceran knows," said Taran.
"About what?"
"Us," he said. Her eyes widened in shock.
"How?"
"He kind of figured it out," said Taran. "But I confirmed it."
"So you told him?" said Ahsoka.
"Yes, we were having a 'moment' after the first challenge," said Taran.
"Taran.."
"I know, it was the smartest thing, but I think maybe I can get him to change," said Taran.
"Taran, some people can't change," said Ahsoka.
"But he saved my life, twice already," said Taran.
"That's because he'll die too if you do," said Ahsoka.
"The first time was back when we were sent to find the ring. If Ceran hadn't healed me enough to go help Obi-Wan, me and him would be dead," said Taran. Ahsoka thought about this for a minute.
"I don't know his motives for that, but don't trust him too much," said Ahsoka. Though he didn't want to believe that, he nodded anyway. Ahsoka got up and walked off towards Ceran. Ceran was spinning rocks around in his hand like a mini tornado. He looked up to see Ahsoka standing over him.
"Hey Sunshine, why the serious face?" he said.
"Don't call me that," Ahsoka said sternly as she sat down.
"Someone doesn't like me too much, does she?" said Ceran.
"You know why I don't," said Ahsoka.
"Enlighten me," said Ceran, smirking a little.
"Let's see, you always try to find some way to harm or even kill Taran and me, you tried to drown me on Julla, and you helped to turn Taran evil, even if it was for barely an hour," said Ahsoka.
"So I'm guessing you're not overly fond of me," said Ceran.
"I'm going to be very clear with you. I love Taran, and I don't want to see him hurt by you or anyone else for that matter. I don't know what kind of game you're pulling with Taran, but if you're helping him to get him to trust you to try and harm him, I won't hesitate to end you," said Ahsoka, darkly.
"Duly noted Sunshine," said Ceran.
"Ahsoka, can I talk to you please?" said Tia. Glaring at Ceran one last time, Ahsoka moved over to where Tia was.
"Can I talk to you about something?" said Tia.
"Sure," said Ahsoka.
"If you like someone, and they like you back, but you're afraid about breaking the rules, what would you do?" said Tia. At first Ahsoka was shocked, but not because of the question. She would have never suspected that Tia had romantic interests with anyone.
"Who is it?" said Ahsoka. Tia's eyes moved to Bruck, who was currently talking to Taran at the moment.
"Bruck?" said Ahsoka, her eyes widening in surprise and barely contained joy. Tia nodded. Barely containing her squeal, Ahsoka tried to calm down as best as she could without making a sound. Finally serene, she began the conversation again.
"How did you know you liked him?" said Ahsoka.
"Well, I'm not sure. One day I saw him as a friend, the next thing I know, I'm looking at him in a completely new and different way," said Tia. "And I can't help how I feel about him. We nearly kissed before we got here."
"And did Bruck tell you he likes you too?" said Ahsoka. Tia nodded.
"Then what's stopping you?" said Ahsoka.
"The code, and the Order wouldn't like that either," said Tia.
"Tia, want me to let you in on a secret," said Ahsoka.
"Sure," said Tia.
"I'm with someone now," said Ahsoka. Tia's eyes widened.
"Who? Is it that Lux guy?" said Tia.
"No," said Ahsoka, though she did remember their interactions from time to time.
"Then, who is..." she said before she noticed Ahsoka's gaze towards Taran, who was laughing at something Bruck had said.
"Taran?! For how long?" said Tia, immensely surprised.
"Almost two years now," said Ahsoka.
"You hid it for two years? And you didn't tell me?" said Tia in fake hurt.
"I know, but we didn't want to risk the Council finding out and kicking us out. Me and Taran love being Jedi, and we want to help others," said Ahsoka. "But if we had to choose between being Jedi and spending the rest of our lives together, we'd choose each other."
"Aww," said Tia, her eyes shining with emotion. "I always had a feeling you two loved each other."
"Some things are worth giving up, to be with the one you love. Remember that Tia," said Ahsoka. Tia's gaze went over to Bruck, who returned it as he took a second to look in her direction, both smiling at each other.
Rain and lightning pounded the outside environment, but the six of them were safe in the cave. They lay in a semicircle, with the four Jedi in the middle, Ceran on the outer right and Ventress on the outer left. Ahsoka was next to Taran and Bruck was next to Tia. Taran's arm was wrapped protectively around Ahsoka, it having migrated there during his sleep. She had woken up at first when he did, but smiled to herself when she realized whose arm it was.
Taran was sleeping soundly when he felt vibrations from the ground. He slowly sat up, making sure he didn't disturb Ahsoka, and put his hand on the ground. Sure enough, something was moving outside and it was big. He carefully got onto his legs and began walking to the entrance, going as quietly as possible. Once he was near the cascading water, he used his finger to bend some of the water to make a clear line of sight and peeked through it. When he saw what was outside, he froze in panic and fear.
Outside were two lizard-like monsters. The monsters were bipedal, and stood at twelve feet tall. They had greyish underbellies, with the rest of their body covered in reddish-scales. They had two small horns that looked more like spikes on their heads above each eye to resemble bull horns. They had sharp teeth that resembled knives lining their jaws and two small arms that looked like they couldn't reach anything to save their lives. Their large, long tails kept them upright to serve as balance, and possibly as a weapon. Their harsh yellow eyes scanned the area, lowering their heads down to smell the ground.
"I felt them too," said Ceran, nearly scaring Taran out of his wits since he was so focused on the monsters.
"What do we do?" said Taran.
"Get everyone up and to the tunnel. Be as quiet as possible," said Ceran. Taran, as quietly as he could, shook Ahsoka awake. He covered her mouth as she opened her eyes so that she didn't yawn. Her eyes questioned him before he pointed to the cave entrance, where she could make out the creatures moving around outside. Taran pointed to the back of the cave where the tunnel started and she immediately understood. As quietly as she could, Ahsoka shook Tia whilst Ceran woke up Ventress and Bruck, doing likewise, and they all began to silent tread to the back of the cave.
A pathway/ramp lead up to the cave, followed by a low, eight foot wall. The group began to effortlessly climb it. Just as Tia hooked her fingers to the top of the wall, the piece she was holding on broke off. She was in no danger from falling due to her strength and dexterity, but the rock was another story. Thinking as fast as he could, Taran tried to stop the rock, even running after it, but he couldn't get there in time...
The rock clattered to the ground, echoing around the cave before rolling out under the waterfall into the storm outside. Taran froze still. The creatures both saw the rock and one of them sniffed it, baring its teeth. It slowly approached the waterfall, its head breaking through the natural flow of the water. Its eyes looked around to see for signs of any movement, but all it could see was darkness since its eyes could not pick up low levels of light. Taran was ten feet away, and near directly in front of the creature. He noticed that the creature was having trouble seeing him. He began to move back to the group as slowly, hoping that his movement wouldn't attract the creatures. Unfortunately, luck was never really on his side.
A flash of lightning lit up the cave, and it only took a second for the creature to see Taran. It roared and moved for him. Taran unleashed a fireball at the creature to distract it and bolted back up the natural ramp. The other creature followed after him, as did the other. Taran felt them behind him, and he needed to reach the wall fast. He prepared to Force jump from where he was, leaping into the air. He had one foot down on the top of the wall, seeing the others making their way to the inside of the cave, before he felt a strong pull, followed by searing pain on his right, that dragged him back.
"Taran!" yelled Ahsoka. One of the creatures had gripped its jaws on his leg and was dragging him back. The others saw too, and wasted no time in running back for him.
Taran was pulled back on the ramp, the creature finally letting him go, but placed its enormous clawed feet on him to keep him in place. Luckily the claws didn't hurt him, but that didn't mean the pressure wasn't any better. The creature looked down on him as he struggled to get out from under it, the other one doing the same. Their teeth bared, dripping with saliva, ready to devour him.
Suddenly, a massive rock pummeled the two back to the cave floor. Taran saw Ceran stop near him in a bending stance.
"Quick, get up and go!" he said, unleashing another boulder at the creatures as they tried to get back up on their hind legs. Ahsoka came to his side and helped him up as he limped, his wound bleeding and making him grit his teeth in pain.
Meanwhile, Ceran was fending off the creatures. One of them had gotten up and charged towards it, but he sent it back down to the ground with a powerful gust of air.
"Go!" yelled Ceran, sending another gust into the creatures to keep them off their feet. Ahsoka had ran down too and helped Taran get on his feet, helping him move towards the back of the cave. Ceran kept the creatures down, one snapping its jaws viciously close to him before uppercutting it with a protrusion from the earth under it. Seeing that they were down for the moment, Ceran raised his hands and bent the ceiling to collapse. Large pieces of it began to fall as he turned and ran. The creatures followed suit, seeking to escape from the collapse themselves. However, they weren't fast enough to evade it. The first creature fell when a large boulder slammed on top of its head, followed by an avalanche of more.
The second creature kept going, dodging a rock from above every now and again. It had nearly reached the entrance to the tunnel before a boulder caught its leg, sending it crashing down. The rest of the cave ceiling came down, burying it completely. The group was plunged into darkness.
Ceran lit a flame in his hand. He went over to see Taran, who was propped on the wall trying to grit his teeth to keep down the sounds of pain with Bruck beside him as Ahsoka and Tia inspected his leg wound, Ventress off to the side. He shown the light near her to help her.
"Thank you," she said quietly. There were eight bite marks on his leg, and they were bleeding. Ceran cursed sine there wasn't any water around, not even feeling any humidity in the air around them.
"Can you walk?" he asked. Taran tried to get to his feet, but failed to. Bruck helped him get to his feet, Taran leaning heavily on him.
"Let's find a way out," said Ceran.
Anakin and Dooku were still out in the forest, a fire crackling. Their day had been adventurous as well. An entire jungle's vegetation trying to kill you was truly shocking. As they sat in silence, they heard sounds coming from in front of them, as if something was heading towards them. They both stood up, ready to face whatever it was. Anakin tensed as he felt them getting closer, but then relaxed when he felt a familiar presence. From out of the brush came Obi-Wan and Grievous.
"Good thing you're still okay," said Obi-Wan, dirt and muck all over his usually clean appearance. "Not looking your best today Count."
"The same can be said of you Kenobi."
"How's your second day going?" said Anakin.
"Could be better," said Obi-Wan, glaring at Grievous as the cyborg glared back as well. "I just hope the Padawans are okay."
"Knowing Taran and Ahsoka, they'll be fine," said Anakin. "They adapt well to any situation thrown at them."
The tunnel lead to the edge of the mountains. From then on stretched a land of black ash and volcanic rock. In the distance, a volcano spewed out lava at a slow rate.
"Just when you thought it couldn't get any harder," said Bruck grimly.
Sorry for the long wait, summer semester was long and tough, but now it's over. Unfortunately band camp has started and so the next chapter will be awhile. Thanks for the support, there are only three more stories until Order 66!