The next morning, the pair set out early before the suns rose in case there was another sandstorm. The rest of the journey was continued in silence, each was quite happy to finally be back on the road.
They reached Jeef's farmhouse by midday and was greeted by the old man himself and Sharack. The young woman turned to greet them as they entered, "Ah, Sith, you made it. The hostiles outside were no match for you I see."
"They tried to stop me. They failed," said Xy'liah crossing her arms at the two.
"Failure could be contagious," Jeef said meeting the Sith's eyes. "and hard to dispel once contracted. You are the seeker Sharack spoke of. You wished to understand the Jedi's purpose in the lair of the sand demon?"
"You see it correctly."
"My eyes may be aged and failing, but my mind sees." Jeef smiled at the two before Sharack urged him to make haste with his knowledge at the sight of Xy'liah's growing impatience. He did as told, speaking of the planet from long ago. He spoke of how Jedi used to make pilgrimages to the desert planet to learn and renew. There was some kind of ritual performed called the Blood of the Demon which was the same exact test the Padawan was witnessed going through. This ritual required one to cover oneself with the blood of the Sand Demon and travel to the village of the savage ones which Sharack clarified later to be the Sand People. There was something about the blood that made the Sand People feared it and gave respect for the slayer at the same time. They, in turn, revealed to the Jedi the path of enlightenment which the Jedi further used to commune themselves with the Force.
Sharack wasted no time giving them the next coordinates which to both their dismay was a little than half a day's away. Jeef had advised the couple to leave at night where there would be less danger and attention attracted to them by the Sand People.
The two waited and rested for the rest of the day for the suns to set. They were left unattended in a small waiting room while Sharack busily listened to the old man's so called words of wisdom in another room. The young Sith immediately took to mediating, hoping to find out the answer to the Padawan's mysterious fight with the Sand Demon while Quinn took the time to read over HoloNet news and inspect his weapons and supplies.
Quinn watched as Xy'liah took the time to meditate on the situation. He, himself, should be concentrating on the mission, but he found it quite difficult to focus his mind. Ever since last night, images of the Sith Lord filled his head and he couldn't help, but wondered her true intentions toward him. Their last conversation was cut short due to the unexpected arrival of the Exchange thugs, leaving Quinn quite confused. Even while en route to Jeef's farmhouse, random images of Xy'liah ran through his mind: the way she looked right before they heard Yvesa scream, the way her long brown wavy hair billowed around her as her arms were wrapped around his neck and the scent of her body as she was mere inches away from his face. He found himself longing to relive that moment, wondering how it would've continued had they were both left uninterrupted.
"What is it, Quinn?"
The question caught Quinn off guard and he quickly tried to connect his brain to his mouth.
"I know something is bothering you, Captain," said Xy'liah, her eyes still closed. "You're not annoying me with your usual plans."
Quinn swallowed. His mind quickly calculated how appropriate it was to bring the subject up. She's a Sith. She can read minds. Chances are, she already knows. It was better to clear it up now than to drag it out if it was nothing at all. The young Captain looked to the Sith, waiting for her eyes to open and address him. When she made it clear that she would not, he opened his mouth and slowly started,"My lord, you caused me some difficulty and I'd like to confirm it was unintended." He watched her as she stayed in the same position. "Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but it would seem some time ago you expressed an interest in me beyond our professional relationship."
At this the young woman opened her eyes and focused them straight onto Quinn. A smile formed at the corners of her lips, "Kept you up at night, have I? Got you tossing and turning?"
"In a manner of speaking. Which is why I bring it up. I'll admit, you have a knack for…surprising me. I'm typically swifter on my toes. I should have immediately said that any personal involvement between us could cloud judgment and compromise your campaign."
The Sith stood up and walked over to the Captain. She studied him for a bit, hovering over the nervous Captain, no doubt reading him and his expressions as he waited for her answer. Her amber eyes twinkled with amusement and mischievousness as they stared into his sapphire blue eyes. Then slowly, her hand reached out to his chest, pushing him back against the back of the chair he was sitting in as she straddled him, using her knees to lift her so that she could look down upon his face. A smile formed from the corners of her mouth as she leaned toward him further.
Quinn's heart began pounding faster at the anticipation of what was going to happen next. His hands gripped the armrests of the chair, bracing himself as the young woman's face came closer and closer to his.
But to his surprise, she tilted her head last minute so that it was now right next to his left ear. A shiver ran down his spine as he felt her hot breathing upon his ear.
"I like taking risks," she whispered to him and Quinn could feel her soft lips brushing against the lobe of his ear. Quinn's breathing became louder as his heart pounded faster. "Relax yourself, Captain." He heard her say next and Quinn instinctively obeyed, forcing every tensed muscle within his body to relax.
In the next instant, he felt the sensation again as Xy'liah took his lobe with her lips. She bit it playfully and started playing with the sensitive area with her tongue.
All senses in Quinn's body were on alert every time Xy'liah did something to his lobe. He felt a tingling sensation in and out of his body as the Sith Lord began blazing a hot wet trail to his neck. He felt his eyes drooping and finally closing as his body enjoyed the sensations the Sith Lord was causing. His head moved in the opposite direction to allow the Sith Lord more room to play. He was clearly enjoying this way too much as made clear by the throbbing area between his legs and when the Sith Lord came into contact with the area where his neck met his shoulders, Quinn felt his length hardened even more.
She didn't stay in that area for long and soon began to retrace her previous steps with her nose softly brushing against his skin. The little moment when she stopped allowed Quinn to regain his composure enough to open his eyes and turned his face toward her. She was very close to him. In fact noses and lips were barely brushing each other.
Quinn lifted his eyes to stare at her, studying her face. There was no denying that the young woman before him was indeed attractive, but he couldn't let that get in the way of his mission. After all he had joined her with the intention of helping the Empire more than he could have if he were to stay on Balmorra. Maybe if he were to further explain to her the reason why they couldn't be involved, she would open her eyes. After all, she has been listening to him as of late. But before he could find the words, he found himself involuntarily leaning in toward the Sith as a part of his mind was fearing another interruption.
Their lips met and for a moment all thoughts of the mission disappeared as Quinn allowed himself to indulge in the quick moment of pleasure that slowly engulfed him. She took her time with him, toying and playfully biting his lower lips as her hands ran from his core to around his neck. Quinn shuddered as he felt them run over his body. His hands were on a journey of their own as they slowly loosed their grips on the armrests and ran their way up the sides of the Sith Lord's thighs stopping to grip her hips. His hands moved again, brushing past her ass and slowly travelling up her back. He pushed her closer and held her firmly as he continued to kiss her. The intensity increased with each passing second and Quinn found his thoughts wandering. Images from the night before once again came rushing into his head and he felt his length impossibly thickening more as a response.
He wanted her and he wanted her bad. If only…if only-
The moment of pleasure disappeared quickly just as it came. An image of the Dark Lord entered Quinn's mind, forcing him back to reality. He couldn't do it. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted now especially when he had been recently given an opportunity to prove his worth to the Empire. There were still so much left for him to complete. If he were to allow this, he wouldn't be able to focus or concentrate on his objectives. His hard work would all be for nothing.
"This…" he began slowly pushing the Sith away from him. "My lord, I am drawn to you, make no mistake. But this should not continue. It's improper."
"Loosen up, Quinn," she said as if reading his thoughts. "It's that little fact that makes it so much fun." That familiar mischievous smile returned to her face once more before she got off the chair, grabbed her keepsack and headed to the washroom.
Fun? He should've known. Of course this was nothing, but fun to her. She, a Sith who wielded the power to do anything. She could have anyone she wanted, anything she wanted. Why would she settle for someone like him? She wouldn't. He was nothing, but her little gadget that she found amusing to tinker with. One day, she will move on and he will be tossed aside. He couldn't get attached to that. No, he refused to get attached to that.
He watched her entered the washroom, somewhat saddened by the turn out. He had always known that one day the Sith will marry someone her equal. Perhaps another Sith Lord as equally if not more powerful than she is. Their offspring will grow to become more powerful than their parents, eventually continuing the legacy. It was the logical choice, but yet somehow there was a small part of Quinn that hoped otherwise.
"Anything?" Sharack asked.
Xy'liah shook her head, "I've been thinking it over and over, but other than the fact that she might've used the Force, I can't think of any other way that she would be able to face it unharmed. Maybe the creature could be persuaded by the Force? After all the Jedi stressed on the Force when training their pupils from what I heard."
"In any case, you'd better get ready and going," Sharack said. "Night is here. I will meet you at the Sand People's compound afterwards. Good luck."
Xy'liah nodded as she adjusted her bracers. Quinn came by her side as he adjusted his own armor before turning to her, "Ready, my lord?"
"I'm always ready," she replied.
"I think it's best to set out on foot from here," said Xy'liah as they neared a bunch of jagged rocks. "You should contact Sharack to get the speeder on her way here."
Quinn nodded and immediately set out to do just that as the Sith grabbed her keepsack from the speeder. After his short message, he turned to see Xy'liah only to find her distance ahead, walking toward what seemed to be a cavern or tunnel of some kind. He grabbed his own belongings before running to catch up to the Sith. He watched her as she walked. It was so strange to him how she could instantly change from the Sith she was last night to the one she is now. It was as if she had a switch that she could turn on and off at will. Quinn shook his head, forcing the thoughts out as they neared the cavern. He needed to concentrate on what was up ahead and that was how to enter and leave the demon's lair unscathed.
The two entered the short cavern to find the light at the other end. The short tunnel led to an enclosed area surrounded by tall cliffs where the morning lights of the suns shone directly upon the sand, making them quite hot. So this was the demon's lair and sure enough in the corner of the cavern was the Sand Demon itself. The two took a few steps to get a closer look. Quinn's eyes widened as he stared onto the creature. It was humongous in size with sharp drill-like claws that seemed to glisten in the sunlight. His eyes trailed up the creature, noting its' natural thick scaly armor. He could see why the Sand People were so afraid of it now. None of their weapons could penetrate that armor of it, making his blaster and vibroknife completely useless if that was the case.
"My lord, permission to speak. I have thought about our present undertaking," Quinn said, taking advantage of the little time they had before they engaged in what would appear to be a long and violent battle.
The young Sith turned to face him, "Speak, Captain."
"I'm not sure what the Padawan could have done to avoid a physical confrontation with the Sand Demon. No doubt some Jedi mind manipulation. But if a girl nascent with the Force could quell the beast, surely we can. And then we can slaughter the monster with ease."
Xy'liah smiled, "Are you concern about facing the Sand Demon, Quinn?"
"An unknown enemy is always a concern. But I've seen you overcome fearsome foes before." A roar rushed at them and the two turned to see the creature directly facing them. "It seems our time is upon us. The demon has caught our scent."
As they approached the beast, it stomped its massive claws on the sandy grounds, indicating its readiness for battle. Sharp, razor-like teeth appeared as it growled even more menacingly at the two. Quinn watched as the young woman stood before the creature. For that very short moment, she seemed to resemble someone of royalty for she stood tall and proud, not even flinching as the monster continued to roar at her. He admired her sense of courage, but worried about her carelessness which was present in almost anything she did.
Xy'liah looked up at the demon as it growled down at her. It was obvious it was angered by the pair's intrusion and Xy'liah could sense the creature ready to attack at any instant. Still, the young Sith held its gaze, making sure the creature was looking her completely in the eyes before she shouted, "Desert monster, I stand my ground! I will not run!"
The growling stopped as the demon seemed to be contemplating her words. It shrank back a bit, looking side to side confused by the human's action. After a few seconds, it went back to growling again, this time coming closer to the Sith.
But Xy'liah remained motionless as the creature drew to its full height, towering over her and Quinn. Sand blew into their faces as the creature drew its breath and roared. Quinn took a few steps back as a precaution; his hand ready to grab his blaster should the demon attack. The young Sith, however, stood her ground and never lost eye contact as the beast pounded its claws into the ground, creating temporary dents within the sands.
"Look into my eyes, beast," she commanded.
As if obeying, the creature craned its neck forward until its face was close to Xy'liah. There it stayed, staring into the amber eyes of the Sith. It lowered its' head after a while; a sign of submission and cowered back a bit after seeing that the Sith will not attack.
Quinn watched, amazed at the display. Xy'liah showed no sign of fear or any emotions for that matter. It was at that moment that Quinn realized the key. Of course! The Sand Demon is like any other creature regardless of its size and appearance. And like any other creature, it wouldn't dare waste its time and energy to attack anything that it considered as the bigger predator. Who knew it could be as simple as that?
Xy'liah closed her eyes, allowing the Force to flow through her. She reached out through it to the monster, making the connection. She sensed a mixture of emotions: fear, confusion, anger. Her earlier attempt of getting it to drop its guard was successful and she could now, through the Force, enter its mind.
"We are one, at peace," she said to calm the creature even further. She felt it relaxed at her words, slowly trusting itself completely to the Sith. It continued to stare into her eyes as if in a trance. Slowly its lids lowered until it completely closed its' eyes and dropped to the floor.
Xy'liah watched as the demon fell deep into its peaceful slumber. She turned toward Quinn, "The beast sleeps. Now let us see what transpires."
Quinn's eyes never once left the beast as he waited. A light engulfed the creature, glowing brightly as it did. Quinn instinctively turned away to shield his eyes. It died down after a few seconds later as an overwhelming stench took its place and filled the air of the cavern. Quinn turned back to look as the Sand Demon shed its' skin; blood oozed out from it.
"I've never seen a beast bleed so much. It seem like we are to literally bathe in the demon's blood." He wrinkled his nose as the stench ran up his nostrils and blinked his eyes to prevent a few tears from falling. "The beast's stench is thick on us. It makes my eyes water."
The Sith Lord smiled, unaffected by what is happening to her companion, "You don't fool me, Quinn. You're crying!"
Quinn frowned at the accusation. There goes another immature response, "Dealing with the beast was an impressive experience, but it does not move me. I believe we have succeeded in the Sand Demon Ritual. Are we to move on to the Sand People's compound, my lord?"
"When you are through."
"Then lead the way, my lord."
Jeef had been correct when he told them of the Sand People's fear of the demon and its slayer. As Xy'liah and Quinn entered the village, all eyes and heads turned toward them in fear. The stench of the demon's blood carried across the village with the help of a breeze, creating a path as it did. Xy'liah and Quinn made their way toward the end of the village where there was a small cave opening.
Quinn looked side to side as he followed his master in. The Sand People seemed to have frozen at the sight of them for none dared to move or budged from their place as the two walked by. Only after they have passed did they run away in fear. It was quite interesting to see such an act from savages.
They made their way to a dimly lit place in the back where hides were sewn together as rugs, decorating the grounds along with piles of food and big jars of water. It was there that Xy'liah took to meditating once again as they waited for Sharack to rendezvous with them.
Quinn leaned against the pile of stocked food, watching for anyone coming up the path behind his master. His eyes occasionally shifted to her as he studied her in her deepest form of thoughts. She seemed too calm as she sat there, eyes closed. There almost seemed to be a small light of some sort radiating from her as she connected to the Force. An image of her the other night popped into his mind once again and Quinn quickly shook it away for fear of the Sith catching onto it.
After some time, Quinn's ears perked up as steps were heard coming from the cave's path. His eyes looked to the direction to see a shadow, cast by the dimly lit candles, moving toward them. He stood up straight as his hand rested on his blaster, "My lord."
The young Sith opened her eyes as she, too, sensed the presence and rose from her position, turning to face the incoming figure.
Sharack Breevs walked toward them, her eyes scanning the sight of the Sith and her companion, "I trailed and observed your descent here. I could not believe my eyes. The Sand People all ran from you. What transpired inside the demon's lair to make this so?"
"Let's just say I can be very persuasive," Xy'liah replied.
"Now that I have seen you up close, I can guess. You are covered in its' blood. Its' essence follows you."
Xy'liah and Quinn simultaneously looked down at their blood dried boots, each wondering how they were to remove it later on.
"Izzebowe said that it was here that your path will be illuminated. But there's nothing here," Sharack looked around the cave before catching sight of something moving out of the corner of her eyes. "Wait! On your guard, one of the Sand People approaches."
The three turned toward the incoming Sand person as it walked toward them. Behind her, Xy'liah could hear Quinn reaching for his blaster just as she reached for one of her lightsabers and igniting the crimson blade.
The Sand shaman cringed a bit at the sight of the blade and the Sith sensed fear emerging from it as it gave her a small bow. It then reached for something in its belt, and pulled out a withered parchment, slowly extending it to Xy'liah. The Sith snatched it from the shaman's hand, "I'll take that." The shaman bowed once more before fleeing.
"I've never seen the Sand People approach outsiders in peace," said Sharack as Xy'liah deactivated her lightsaber and unrolled the parchment. There were lines squiggled across the entire parchment in all directions.
"This parchment that was brought is incredible! It shows a crude, but clear map of the desert," Sharack said looking over Xy'liah's shoulders. "There!" She pointed to a small x on the map. "This marks a door carved into the walls of the Desert Wound Ravine. But…I have looked at the ravine and I have not seen such door."
"Tell me what else you know," said Xy'liah handing the young woman the map.
"I can tell you that humans are at the lower end of the food chain. The ravine marks the farthest that I or anyone else I know had dared venture." She took out her datapad and busily entered something into it.
Quinn's own datapad beeped a few seconds later as the Captain took it out to examine and handed it off to his superior officer.
"Those are the coordinates. I will follow stealthed, using the dune's shadows."
Xy'liah looked at the coordinates marked on the Captain's datapad before handing it back to him, "Fine. I'll see you there."
"You won't see me until I wished to be seen," Sharack quickly replied to which the Sith raised a questioning brow to. "Head deeper into the desert. You'll find the Desert Would Ravine there. Safe journey." Sharack gave a small bow before turning to leave the cave.
"She is definitely a weird one," Xy'liah said as she picked up her keepsack.
The journey to the Desert Would Ravine took them until dusk the next morning, but neither of them dared to sleep for they were wilder creatures living around the area. They followed the coordinates until they came to an opening within the walls. This they followed as it led them deep between the walls.
The path led to a small clearing where there was a small lake awaiting them at the end. As Xy'liah stepped deeper and deeper down the path, she could feel all senses in her body awakening. The Force was a strong presence here within this area. She could feel it all around her with a huge concentrated amount radiating from the lake itself.
The young Sith walked until she was the end of the road. Yes, the Force was strongest here. It rushed in and out of her body at such strength, overwhelming the young Sith. Xy'liah shook her head to clear her thoughts as something from the other end of the lake rose before her. It looked like a big ball of bright light and as it advanced closer to her, she could see it taking the form of her body. It advanced still, walking on the water until it came close. Xy'liah's eyes widened as she stood staring at what seemed to be a reflection of herself.
"You have lost your way, dark one," it spoke. "And I have come to correct your cause. I am the embodiment of your greatest potential. I am what you can be if you overcame your fear and walk in the light."
Xy'liah stood looking at the light speechless before finding the words to convey her thoughts.
"It's going to be a shame ruining your good looks," Quinn heard his master spoke. He raised a brow as he turned his attention to where she was looking. There was nothing, but a body of water beyond what she was looking at. But yet she stood there, staring at something that he couldn't see.
"To embrace in the dark, you are already ruined. To persist down this path, your life will be consumed by power and fear. Betrayal will await you at every corner. You'll never know who to trust," the reflection continued.
"I don't live in a fantasy world. Trust is an illusion!"
"To someone who only knows darkness, it would only seem so. You see, the dark side seeks to subjugate the Force. It treats the Force as an adversary to used and manipulated. When you embrace the light, you meld with the Force; become part of it. Then true clarity and peace can be achieved."
"This is a joke, right?"
"Look at our master. If the dark side is so profound, then why is Darth Baras afraid of a little girl? Nomen Karr's Padawan is merely learning about the light and already she strikes fear into the heart of the Dark Master."
"Yes, I do wonder that myself. Maybe she could show me a trick or two when I meet her."
"Let me show you," said the reflection. And within a second, the light rushed at Xy'liah, entering her body. The young Sith moaned in pain. It felt as if her body was being torn in two as the overwhelming force forced itself into her.
Quinn immediately rushed to his master's side after seeing her fall. He caught her before she hit the ground. She lay weak in his arms as he fumbled for a small kolto injection in one of the compartments of his utility belt. He was about to inject her when her eyes opened back up and life again returned to the amber eyes.
"My lord, you worried me. One second you were fine and the next you were on the ground," said Quinn as Xy'liah used him to push herself up. She grabbed her head in pain, but it slowly subsided and the voice once again spoke to her.
Yes you have opened yourself to your true destiny. Now we are one. In the clarity of this communion, a vision of our destiny on Tatooine appears…Xy'liah got down on her knees and closed her eyed. Her mind was clearer than usual and she found it easier to call upon the Force as a vision of a house appeared in her head as clear as day. Can you see it too? An encampment hidden in the farthest reaches of the desert, past the rock formation called the Forbidden Pass.
Xy'liah listened in awed as the vision stayed in her head, "Forbidden Pass? Tell me more…"
There is no doubt that the Padawan went there. This is where the Jedi Master dwells. Go to the Forbidden Pass and see out Master Yonlach. It is there where our journey on this planet ends. Farewell.
The vision slowly faded as Xy'liah opened her eyes. Any pain or uneasiness she had before dissipated and she found herself feeling quite renewed and refreshed. The young Sith stood up as Quinn stepped beside her. She could feel the young Captain's eyes studying her.
"I cannot believe what I just witnessed!" exclaimed a voice.
The Sith and Captain turned toward the voice, startled to see Sharack Breev with a terrified look upon her face.
"Did-Did you just tell yourself to venture beyond the Forbidden Pass?" The young woman's eyes were filled with worried.
"Were you eavesdropping?"
"I only just arrived. I had no intention of listening in. I am chilled to the bone. The desert beyond the Forbidden Pass is an area that no one can survive. No one! Even the Sand People dared not go there! You mustn't go!"
"I have to go there."
"This is not some silly superstition! Those who go beyond the Forbidden Pass are never to be seen again! I will not-I cannot follow you there."
"Then I have no need of you anymore."
The look on Sharack's face turned into a melancholic one. She gave a deep sigh, realizing that her words had no effect on the Sith, "I told Darth Baras I would see your mission through, but I never imagined it would come to this. With a heavy heart, I give you the coordinates to the place. I am shamed that my cowardice paralyzes me. I fear I will never see you again."
"Don't worry, I don't plan on dying in this desert," the Sith said in her light hearted voice. Sharack frowned at her even more at the thought of her not taking this seriously.
"If you go to the Forbidden Pass that is exactly what you are doing. Good bye, my lord."
Xy'liah watched as the young woman walked off and disappeared into the desert. She turned toward Quinn to see the Captain already looking at her. He too had a concerned face on, "Well? What about you? Are you going to join her?"
"My duty is to you, my lord," he said, trying his best to keep a calm voice. However Xy'liah could still sense a small amount of fear in it. "Wherever you go, I will follow."
Yul-li opened his eyes. Something has changed in the balance of the Force. Now he sensed two more additional life forms heading their way. He frowned. So…they are here already. He turned toward the Jedi Master behind him, who seemed to be unaffected by the change in balance as he continued to meditate.
He felt his muscles tensed up as he sensed the life forms getting closer and closer. He had recently just been sent to this encampment by Nomen Karr, who informed him of a dangerous threat to the Jedi Order. The older Jedi Master hadn't explained much of the mission to him (something he found odd) but somehow convinced him to volunteer to come to this desert planet.
When he arrived, he was surprised to see the long lost Jedi Master Yonlach. Rumors had it that he disappeared right after his training with Karr's new apprentice; gone straight into hiding. From what, Yul-li had no idea, but could only guessed that the Sith had caught scent of the Padawan. It was here that Yonlach explained everything to him and had even taken the time to train him in the Force, something Yul-li much needed now that he was going to be a bodyguard of a Jedi Master.
"Our confrontation with the Sith is inevitable," Yonlach had told him. "When the time comes, I hope the training you received will be enough."
He had to admit, the thought of facing a Sith or two had been quite unnerving, but lately he has been getting stronger in the Force thanks to the master's guidance. Now he felt more confidence in his ability to take them down. Yul-li stood up as he heard noises outside their door. Showtime.
The door slid opened and Yul-li immediately ignited his green lightsaber as Yonlach opened his eyes behind him.
A few seconds later walked in two young human beings: a young woman and man. The young woman's amber eyes stared straight at Yul-li as she stepped into the safety of the shelter. There was something about them that strike a bit of fear into the Jedi Knight as he continued to stare at the young Sith. He was quite surprised with her appearance. He had expected a much larger form, more menace looking, but instead she was a young woman, younger than him in fact, slender in built and average in height. Her appearance was far from menace looking. Actually she looked quite pleasant and exotic in a certain way.
Yul-li looked at the facial markings that decorated the young woman's forehead and slowly made his way down to her toes. She was dressed in the most inconvenient outfit, barely armored at all. He had no idea the Sith dressed their apprentices in such degrading attires. Her low-cut armored vest didn't even covered her torso, and the pants she wore barely had any armoring or padding to it. Her body was mostly exposed and Yul-li found it quite difficult to comprehend how this creature was the fearsome enemy the masters had been talking about. This is the Sith Master Nomen Karr was so afraid of?
His eyes shifted to the man beside her. Unlike her, he was dressed in the appropriate armor, covered from head to toe. He wore a blaster on one side of his leg and no lightsabers at all. So, he was not Force sensitive. Then what was his purpose here? Surely he wouldn't be dense enough to think that he could take on two Jedi with only him and the Sith?
"Master Yonlach, the Sith you have been tracking is upon us. Please retreat to safety. I will take on this intruder," said Yul-li, his head half turned to the Jedi Master behind him as the Sith crossed her arms. Her weight shifted to one leg and she wore a rather amused smile, one that Yul-li found a bit disturbing.
"No Yul-li, control your feelings. Stand at my side and I will face this trespasser," said Yonlach coming to stand beside the Jedi Knight. "Come no farther, Sith. I am aware of your pilgrimage here. You are a fascinating and contradictory example of your order. I know why you've come. Master Nomen Karr's Padawan threatens you somehow. You seek to flush her out in the open and silence her."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," replied the Sith.
Yul-li frowned at the response. It was quite insulting for the Sith to deny any of her doings. Yonlach had closely been observing her since she landed on Tatooine. Was the Sith that dense to underestimate the powers of a Jedi Master and Jedi Knight?
"Don't insult me child. You are an open book to me. I know you are here for her. She came to me for guidance and the bond we struck is the most profound one in my life. We are psychically linked, she and I. I have already warned her about you. She will not fall for your manipulations."
The Sith widened her smile and raised a slight brow.
"I will not fall to your manipulations either."
Xy'liah gave her companion a look and shrugged at the master's statement. Obviously, this was a joke to her, but she was about to soon learn just how wrong she was.
"The disparity in our capacity is equal to the disparity in our age. You cannot win. Turn away now."
"I fear no one," she said with confidence.
Yul-li bit his lips as he watched the master and Sith. He felt something from within his core forming. He felt more tensed and uneasy, but at the same time there was a certain power that was slowly growing. The Sith's attitude and stupidity only fueled it more.
"This is not an attempt of intimidation. Just a simple statement of fact. In me, you face a full Jedi Master and Yul-li has greater command of a lightsaber than anyone I have trained."
"My lord, the threat is not lost on me. Are you certain we can take on a full Jedi Master and Jedi Knight?" asked the Sith's companion. Obviously he was the smarter of the two.
"The Jedi has no idea how potent you are, Quinn," she replied. Her voice seemed so cool and calm that Yul-li frowned in disgust. Lying to her companion? It was clear that this Sith had no heart if she was going to send him to his death like that. Then again, why would she? She had already fallen to the dark side. None of this should come as a surprise to him. The Sith was really everything Nomen Karr had told him: manipulative, cunning, with no feelings or regards for anything or anyone.
"I sense that a bluff, but no matter. Your compatriot's query is moot as you will be facing this on your own." The Jedi Master waved his hand and immediately the Sith's companion lost conscious and fell to the floor.
Yul-li watched as the Sith reached out to catch him before he hit the ground. Well at least she is caring in that way.
"Quinn!" She held him for a minute, making sure he was ok before slowly lowering him to the ground. She turned to face the Jedi Master, her face more displeased as ever though tone still remained cool and calm. "That was dirty, Jedi."
"Well done, Master Yonlach. Now please retreat and let me face the Sith," said Yul-li. He raised his lightsaber to a defense mode as the Sith stood up to face both of them, her amber eyes burning with rage.
"Your concern is appreciated, Yul-li, but I did not seize the advantage here just to relinquish it."
The Sith once again regained her earlier attitude, "It's probably better this way. Quinn only gets in my way."
Yul-li raised a brow. It was quite interesting how quickly she could change. It was as if she was a chameleon, adapting quickly to her surroundings. Maybe this was the reason why the Sith had chosen her?
"I sense his feelings for you, Sith. His devotion goes beyond professional duty," both the Master and Sith turned toward the fallen companion. For a moment, the Sith stared at him, contemplating the Master's words as Master Yonlach went on, "Such misplaced affection is a sign of self-loathing, I think. Now for the last time, will you stand down?"
"Hmm…let me think about it," she mockingly said as she turned back toward them.
Yul-li watched as she mockingly stood there, pretending to think. The unknown powers within him finally burst at her last statement, "Enough of this! It's useless to reason with a Sith!" He gripped his lightsaber and launched for her as she ignited her own to block him.
"Yul-li don't! Blazes my hand is forced!" He heard Yonlach said behind him, but the sound of his voice drowned out by the hissing of the blades as they met. Yul-li found himself staring into the eyes of his opponent once more. She held his gaze, smirking.
All of a sudden, he felt an enormous amount of strength from her side as she pushed him back. Yul-li landed a few feet away from the Sith, amazed at the strength she possessed for such a small body.
The Sith ignited another lightsaber as Yonlach ignited his blue blade. She crouched in a defensive stance, bringing the two crimson blades closer to her. Her amber eyes now burned a bright yellow-red as the darkness surged throughout her body. The markings upon her forehead appeared a bright red further confirming it. She snarled at them as she waited for their attack.
Yul-li brought his lightsaber up, gripping at the hilt as he braced himself for the attack.
She launched at them as he did earlier, bringing a blade to each of the Jedi. Yul-li brought his green blade to counter the crimson one once more, but was caught off guard when one of her foot came flying for his ribs. He winced at the pain, but kept his guard up as the crimson blade pushed closer to him. Before it could reach him, she retreated as Yonlach engaged her in battle.
Yul-li clutched at his side as he watched the two danced with their lightsabers. She was quite acrobatic, flipping and twirling to avoid the old man's attacks, who for his age was not so bad either. The young Jedi Knight watched for an opening and joined the battle, doing his best to attempt to disarm.
In one instance, both Jedi had their blades pressed against the Sith's. They both had her overpowered and would have ended the duel if she hadn't called upon the Force to push them both away. Each Jedi hit one side of the room's walls and fell to the ground as the Sith regained her balance.
"You are very strong in the Force," Yonlach said as he got up. He seemed weaker as a result of his frail body hitting the wall hard. "But I'm afraid it will not be enough to win." He called upon the Force and sent the nearest object flying toward the Sith, who sliced it apart with one of her lightsabers. Yul-li took advantage of this opening and swung his blade at her only to have her block it by quickly switching the position of her blade and bringing it up behind her back. His blue eyes watched the Sith's. She's pretty good.
"Yul-li!"
Yul-li turned toward the master to see a vase flying toward him. He tried to bring his lightsaber to defend himself, but couldn't for the Sith had him locked in a position using her body.
"AH!" he cried out as the vase bashed his head. Even the force of the vase was quite powerful for it knocked him at least a good distant away from the Sith. Yul-li panted as he felt a small stream of blood running down his forehead.
He watched as Yonlach continued to fight the Sith, but he could see the energy quickly failing the old man's body. She attacked with such force and speed that it was hard to recover in between blows at all. Inevitably, the Sith knocked the lightsaber out of the exhausted master's hand. He looked up at her, clutching at his side. She raised her weapon, ready to strike.
"Stop! Hold your weapon, Sith! I beg you!" Yul-li shouted.
"Yul-li, stay your tongue!" Yonlach shouted back, clutching at his side.
"No, she is just a Padawan," Yul-li argued, pushing himself up off the ground. "You are a great master. I must bargain for your life. Sith, I'll tell you everything I know if you spare Master Yonlach."
The Sith turned halfway to face him, but had her weapon ready to strike down Yonlach if necessary, "And what about you?"
Yul-li's heart pounded faster at the thought of dying, but forced himself to remain calm. Master Nomen Karr had told him long ago that once started, the Sith will stop at nothing until they quenched their thirst to kill. As Yul-li watched the young Sith's eyes burned with such hatred and passion, he knew what he had to do even if it did cost him his life, "Compare to Master Yonlach, I am nothing. You may do with me as you please." Yul-li looked past the Sith toward the Jedi Master, eyes pleading for forgiveness. "I'm sorry Master Yonlach, but I must do this." The eyes shifted to the Sith once more. "Her name is Jaesa Wilsaam and Master Nomen Karr has taken her to—"
"Yul-li, you have no recollection of the Padawan that this Sith seeks."
"I have no recollection of the Padawan this Sith seeks." Yul-li blinked stupefied at the two.
"Now, sleep," said Yonlach as he watched his apprentice fall to the ground beside the Sith's companion. "I do not relish wiping Yul-li's mind like that, but his feelings for me got the best of him." The old man forced himself to stand as the Sith turned toward him, surprised.
"You really are a dirty old man," she said. "Don't think about trying that nonsense on me, Jedi."
"Believe me I would, if I didn't sense it to be so futile. Jaesa is special, her power unprecedented. If untouched by the likes of you, she has the potential to lead the Jedi to greatness."
"Too late for that now."
"You know Jaesa's name, but that's all you'll get here. So you may as well kill me. I must find tranquility, so Jaesa will find only peace when you strike me down."
"I should as payback for using that mind trick on Quinn," she said. She stood up from her stance and shut down both her blades, returning them back to her utility belt. "And nothing will please my master more, but enough is enough. Her name is all I need. Tell her I only wished to talk."
The master's eyes widened at the Sith's action. Now it was his turn to be surprised, "You...you only wished to send a message?" His voice mirrored the emotion on his face.
"I'm pretty sure killing you certainly would make her come out of hiding, but she'll also be extremely difficult to reason with. I'm not trying to deal with an emotional woman."
"Because of the bond between Jaesa and me, she already knows what transpired here. What she will do with it is her own choice."
"I'm sure living with the guilt of what you did to your Padawan is worst than dying."
The Master lowered his head in shame, "I am not proud of it. Had I anticipated this unexpected turns of events, I would never. Be on your way, Sith. I will deal with Yul-li when he wakes."
He watched the Sith walked over to her companion. She kneeled next to him and took him into her arms before whispering into his ears. The master watched curiously as the Sith dealt with her companion.
A minute later, the companion opened his eyes and turned toward the Sith, startled. He quickly rushed to his feet, dusting himself off and looking around at the scene. His eyes landed on the Jedi Master and frowned as he stared at him, "My lord, why is he still here?"
"That's none of your concern," she replied back coldly. "We're done here."
The companion turned back toward his master, "My lord, I'm sorry I was no use to you. I did not anticipate the Jedi's—" His eyes shot at Yonlach once more. "-incapacitating tactic."
"Get over it," she replied, her attitude as cold as ever.
"I'm just thankful my support proved to be unnecessary. Sharack said she would be at our ship. She thought we were doomed. We should inform her of our success."
"She should never have doubted me."
"She's about to learn that, my lord."
The Sith turned once more toward the Jedi Master, who gave her a nod of acknowledgement before she turned to leave.
"I never expected to see you again! Does this mean you ventured pass the Forbidden Pass and found Master Yonlach?" Sharack asked upon the Sith's arrival. Next to her, Vette smiled at the sight of Xy'liah and Quinn returning.
"If you hadn't been such a coward, you wouldn't have to ask," said Xy'liah ignoring Sharack's presence. She handed her keepsack to Vette, who took it and returned up the ramp of Fury.
"I deserve that. This is a great lesson. The only barriers that exist are the ones we create in our minds. I will never again assume that I know all there is to know. And I will explore the entirety of the Tatootine desert without reservation."
"Heh, knock yourself out."
Sharack frowned at the Sith's sarcasm, but held her composure. She knew Sith don't take lightly to cowardice, but she hadn't expected her running away earlier to be such a bothersome to the young woman especially when all throughout her mission, Sharack did nothing, but observed, "I hope Lord Baras knows how fortunate he is to have a fine champion shepherding his cause. I shall never forget you."
"I bid you farewell, Sharack."
"Safe travels, my lord. If you are ever on Tatooine again, please come and see me," Sharack gave a small polite bow before heading off.
"It will be a pleasure to put this overheated sandbox behind us," Quinn said, cutting off Xy'liah's eye contact with Sharack's retreating body.
The Sith looked up at him and to the Captain's surprise, gave him a pleasant smile. It was different from her usual smile that always seemed to be hinting at an ulterior motive. No, this smile was genuine and—refreshing to look at in a way, "You look good with a tan, Captain."
He couldn't help, but returned the smile, "I hope it hides my blushes, my lord. I will ready the ship for our departure. "
A/N: Sorry I've been a little slow at uploading. I tend to edit my pieces like crazy before I feel like it's ready to be read. Anyways, I hope you guys are enjoying this. :)