Hey Readers! I know, I know. I'm sorry for the completely offensive delay.
A glowing review was left by the loyal JangledSeaInk, and they gave an honest insight into something I've been considering for some time. Sometimes stories and characters veer off in a direction that I had not planned. So I took a step back, and have been turning ideas over in my head and wanted to confirm this is the correct trajectory for the story.
Anyway, thank you all for reading, and of course the reviews. While I've loved writing since I was young, I haven't dedicated the necessary amount of time and energy to it until the last two years, so I still have so much to learn and so much to improve upon. Honest and objective input from readers is one of the best ways to do that, and I deem it invaluable. So, again, thank you.
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter Eight
Aedan Kahl awoke in a bright white room, to wires hooked up to his chest and inner elbow, and fluorescent lights blinding him from above. I'm alive, he thought. He took a deep breath, and then immediately regretted it. The injury he sustained was healed, that much was obvious, though there was still residual pain from all the damage that had been done. That much was understandable. I mean, my lung did collapse. How in Korriban am I here? Then he felt another presence in the room with him, and quickly looked to his right.
Kyra was asleep on the cloth armchair next to his bed. Her legs were hanging over one arm of the chair, while her head rested against the back of the chair.
Then, he remembered everything that happened on Onderon. He glanced again at Kyra. "What are you?" he whispered. The things she did, the power she was able to wield was impossible. When he felt the sheer volume of power that she tapped into it was like standing on a precipice but looking out into the very depths of space. It overwhelmed him. Maybe even frightened him a little. But this was Kyra he was thinking of. Probably the best candidate in the galaxy to have this kind of power and use it for good.
"Kyra," he said, waking her.
She blinked several times and began to turn in the chair. Her eyes flashed open, waking instantly. "Master," she said eagerly, and leaned forward, "How are you? Are you ok? In any pain?"
Aedan couldn't help but smile, "I'm fine," he said. "Thanks to you."
She sank back into the chair, and nodded, not knowing what to say, so Aedan continued. "Kyra, what you did was...incredible. I've never seen anything like that." Kyra looked away, unable to hold his gaze. "Did you tell the council everything?" he asked.
She shook her head.
"Good," he said, "Let's keep it that way for now."
She locked eyes with him, "Why, Master?"
Aedan let out a sigh, "I just don't think they are ready for someone with that kind of power. Skywalker is enough for the council to deal with already, but from what I saw and felt, Anakin has absolutely nothing on you."
Kyra shook her head, "I don't understand it. I mean I've always been told I was strong, but that was something else. It was like...I don't know. I can't even begin to explain it."
He laid his hand on hers, "We'll figure it out." He took a deep breath, wincing at the sharp stabbing pain, and then began to sit up.
Kyra protested, "Master, what are you doing? You need to rest."
"Kyra, I'm good to go."
He sat up in the bed, and his vision went blurry. "Kriff," he said, and fell back against the bed.
"Rest," she said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Please."
His eyes were closing, "As you wish," he murmured, as he began drifting off to sleep. He felt a caress on his face, a palm resting on his cheek. Then the faintest pressure on his forehead. Then a whisper. "Sleep well, Aedan."
The next day Kyra woke, and noticed her heart was a bit lighter. She couldn't figure out why. She tapped into the force and found it was eagerly waiting for her, like a pet Loth Cat waiting for its best friend to get up so they could take on the day together. She closed her eyes and reached out with her awareness, locating her master. She was simultaneously pleased and disappointed to see that she couldn't get past his shields at the moment. She surmised she could only do that when she was...what? How could she describe when she was completely engulfed with the Force? On fire? Infused? Alight? She focused back on her master and found that he was concealing his location and thoughts as hard as he could. "What are you up to, Master?" She thought.
There was a knock at the door. She quickly got up and answered it. Vokara Che and Luminara Unduli stood at the door. The unexpectedness of these two visitors caused her breath to catch. "Masters," she said quickly, and bowed low. "What can I do for you?"
Both masters couldn't contain their smirks. "You've already done it," Master Che said, as she held out her palm, and blew into it. A cloud of sparkling dust flared up into Kyra's face, and she breathed in the glittering particles.
"What?" she said, abruptly stepping back, her senses igniting in a heartbeat. But she felt no hostility. Only warmth and happiness.
"The effects will be temporary," Master Unduli said.
"What effects?" Kyra said, and then her legs wobbled, and her vision blurred. "Oh," she said in realization. "What's going on?" And then she passed out.
She awoke with a start, and a gasp. She was on her back, on a hard, cold tile floor, in a pitch-black room. Fear filled her and then she reached out with the force. Again, no hostility was present. What in the galaxies was going on? She thought. She slowly stood up and was relieved to feel steady and solid legs underneath her. She couldn't tell if her vision returned because there was absolutely no light in the room. Was this some new test from her Master? Or perhaps Ahsoka was playing a joke on her? A joke including Master Che and Unduli? Not likely.
She took a step forward her hands outstretched in front of her when there was a snap-hiss behind her. She whirled around, finding a blue lightsaber ignited six meters in front of her, its blade pointing straight up towards the ceiling. Whoever was wielding it was covered in a black cloak and hood. Next to it, a small green blade ignited, but from much closer to the floor. Master Yoda? And then to the other side a purple blade ignited. Now she knew for a fact that was Master Windu. This was definitely some kind of test. She was about to reach for her own blade, but found it was no longer clipped to her belt. Two more blades ignited, the room starting to light up. Then four more blades. Then all around her, the room erupted in an overwhelming volley of snap-hisses, and the darkness was beaten back by dozens of lightsaber blades of all colors.
The sight and sound were overwhelming. A room full of this many Jedi, wielding sabers. Then realization dawned on her and her legs buckled again, but not from some external source. She took a deep breath and then stood tall.
"We are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed." Master Windu said.
Kyra, knowing the ritual, knelt on one knee, and bowed her head, her braid hanging loosely by her right ear.
Master Yoda flourished his blade swiftly and swiped just above her ear, severing the braid. Kyra saw it fall to the floor below. She stared at it. Acknowledged its meaning.
And then Master Yoda spoke, "By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, rise, Kyra Dawnstar, Jedi Knight of the Republic."
The first Jedi to ignite his saber stepped forward and took an all too familiar unorthodox Makashi stance. Master. The Jedi began going through the most complex Kata she'd ever seen, and knew it had to be Aedan. Tears leaked from her eyes at the confirmation. She watched the dazzling display of lightsaber play, as the other Jedi stood motionless around them. He stopped abruptly right in front of her, and deactivated the lightsaber. He held it with two hands now, palms up, presenting it to her. "Take up your saber, Kyra Dawnstar, and rise a knight."
Kyra reached out and gripped the hilt of her light saber, slowly stood up, emotions still causing her eyes to leak. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around Aedan and shower him with kisses, but that is not the tradition. She kept her head bowed, and quietly walked out of the spire.
Once out of the chamber, she quickly walked into the turbolift, knowing she had only seconds. The doors shut, and she collapsed to her knees, hands covering her face, tears streaming. She had done it. She was a Jedi. After all this time, she had finally done it. The tears of victory continued to fall for the entire journey down. She felt the lift slowing so she quickly stood up, wiped her eyes, and tried to get a handle on her emotions. She was fairly skilled at that so by the time the doors opened she was under control. She stepped out and then an orange blur collided with her, wrapping its arms and legs around her. "You did it, you did it, you did it!" Ahsoka said.
Kyra couldn't help but laugh, and of course, start crying again, as Ahsoka showered her with praise and love. "I'm so proud of you," the Togruta said, "stories of what you did are spreading throughout the temple, Kyra. You're a hero."
Kyra just shook her head smiling, and then felt another presence nearby. "Surina!" she yelled, and the Twi-lek wrapped her in a warm embrace, "It's been so long."
Surina smiled widely, "Too long, but congratulations, Kyra. I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you," Kyra said, then added, "You came here just to congratulate me?"
"Well, not exactly," she said. then the two girls shared a look and a wink.
Kyra looked between the two girls who were both sporting mischievous grins, "What?" she said.
"We were given a mission," Surina said.
"Yep, of the utmost secrecy and importance."
"What? Really? Where? What about Anakin and Bansen?"
Both girls giggled, "Neither of us ship out until the day after tomorrow. But this mission was given to us by a certain Master."
"Master Yoda?"
"No," Ahsoka said, shaking her head, "He just officially became a master today."
"Aedan?"
Both girls nodded. Kyra hadn't thought about that aspect. Aedan was a Master in the order now. Never would he be referred to as a knight again. He was a full-fledged Jedi Master. Her heart soared at the thought. She was so proud of him.
"Hey," Surina snapped, "Stop dreaming about him, this is important."
Kyra felt her cheeks warm, "Sorry," she mumbled, "Okay, what's this mission?"
The girls once again shared a look and a grin, "We are going dress shopping."
"Dress shopping?"
They both nodded enthusiastically.
"For what?"
"Aedan has a surprise for you tonight."
Kyra's hands went to her mouth, trying to cover up her ridiculous grin. "Do you know what this surprise is?" They both shrugged. Kyra then grabbed their hands and began jumping up and down, "Oh, please tell me, tell me, tell me."
The girls just laughed and started jumping up and down with her, laughing. A group of jedi passed by them giving them odd looks, so they settled down. "We can't tell you. But you're going to love it. So, let's get to it.
The three girls walked out into Coruscant and caught a taxi speeder to head into the shopping district. None of the three girls had ever been dress shopping so they were all bursting with excitement. Kyra did not think she could get any happier. The day was already one of the best in her entire life. And now she was spending time with her two closest friends, doing something she had only dreamed about or seen on holodramas, and then later she had a surprise with Aedan where a dress was required. She couldn't stop smiling.
The girls made their way through the Financial District, which had a famous shopping center known as the Vulptex Plaza. The girls were in awe of the huge center, as dozens of shops made a square around an open plaza. Instead of a water feature in the middle, this area had a large patch of real grass stretched across it. Tall looming trees dotted the landscapes as well as benches made from wroshyr trees, as the edges, arms, and legs of the benches were twisted and gnarled limbs. Duracrete sidewalks were laid out in a lovely, spiraled design that weaved its way through the grass. And all types of species were lounging on blankets in the field, relaxing on the intricate benches, or just walking along the pathways. Everyone present was enjoying the arboreal feel of the area and taking in the lovely sights. The three jedi girls had been standing there for several minutes, admiring all the plaza had to offer, when another figure came into view. A small, furry, rodent looking figure that once it caught sight of Kyra, took off running, soon running on all fours, and then leapt in the air and landed in Kyra's waiting arms.
"Mayva!" Kyra yelled in joy. "I can't believe it's you."
"It's been so long!" the Chadrafan squeaked, "And you're a Jedi now! I'm so proud of you." She wrapped her arms around Kyra's neck and hugged her tight.
"Thank you, Mayva," Kyra said, setting her on the ground. And then made introductions to between her three friends. Turning back to Mayva, she asked, "How have you been? It's been forever."
"I'm okay, they merged the entire JIU with clone intelligence, so now we work for the Grand Army of the Republic, and it's been…tough. I get the after-action reports for each mission. And the casualty numbers haunt me."
"I'm sorry, Mayva," Ahsoka said, "That must be terrible."
Mayva nodded, and then stood tall. "But it's a job that must be done. But enough of that, today is about you, Kyra. Time to celebrate!" The girls cheered along with her, and the four of them made their way into the plaza.
As none of them had ever done this before, they were kind of lost. Surina and Ahsoka, though, were obsessed with all the popular holodrama series, so they had some idea of fashion. Plus, they knew what the surprise was so they could outfit her accordingly. But going to the right store was the first step and they really didn't know where to start.
"So, you can't at least tell me what I'm going to?"
The Togruta and the Twi-lek both shook their heads adamantly, "Nope, nope, nope. We have distinct orders from a Jedi master.
"Ugh," Kyra groaned, the anticipation killing her, "Fine."
"We're also not supposed to tell anyone else about today and tonight. Needless to say, the order, or the council much less wouldn't exactly approve of all this."
"Oh," Kyra said, feeling guilty, and a bit apprehensive now.
Surina grabbed Kyra's shoulder, "But we totally approve. Actually, we're both nearly jumping for joy, so please enjoy this."
Kyra nodded and smiled, "Okay, I will."
"Let's just try a random store and if it's not the right one, perhaps they can point us in the right direction," Ahsoka said.
"Good idea," Surina said, "Let's go."
They walked into a lavish and glamorous store called, "Pradalinas," which had extremely elegant dresses lining the walls. There were rich mahogany tables in the center supporting shoes, belts, and all manner of garish jewelry and accessories. There was even a crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the ceiling. The employee closest to them, a petite human female, smiled when she noticed Kyra, but immediately frowned when she noticed Kyra's cloak and tunic. That frown turned into a scowl when she saw Surina and Ahsoka, and turned into an outright hostile glare when she saw Mayva. Kyra reached out with the force and was absolutely shocked to see the prejudices this lady held. Kyra was no stranger to evil, but this was something different. She felt her two friends stiffen when they perceived this lady's hostility.
"Can I help you ladies?" she asked in a faux polite voice, laced with venom.
Surina nearly hissed in response, but Kyra spoke first, "No, you can't. We were just leaving. But a word of advice: A heart so full of ignorance and hate only leads to suffering. You should really talk to someone about that." Before the lady could respond, Kyra was escorting the others out of the door, and moving on to the next shop.
"Unbelievable," Surina yelled. "May spice salt her wounds," she said, while flipping her lekku off her shoulders so they hung down behind her.
Kyra was still heated, her blood pumping in anger, "I can't believe people like that exist." She took a few breaths to calm herself down, reaching out for the force to help. That's when she felt Ahsoka's despair. She stopped and faced the young Togruta.
Ahsoka had her arms crossed in front of her chest, eyes staring down at the duracrete sidewalk. "We're Jedi. We're literally training to help and protect people like her. We're willing to die for people like her, but she can't see past this," she said pointing to her orange skin, "Or this," pointing towards Surina's Lekku, and then Mayva's ears and fur.
Kyra grabbed Ahsoka by the shoulders. "Don't let the bad ones bring you down, Ahsoka. She has to live with herself. Can you imagine that? Living with so much hate, unhappiness, and insecurity. She will be like that forever. We are not like that. Happy, healthy people do not try and brings others down or discriminate against anyone." Ahsoka finally looked up. "Our hearts are open, our consciences clear, and our futures bright. We can't save everyone, but we will try. And just by doing that, our existence will be a light in the darkness. Okay?"
Mayva stepped forward putting her hand on Ahsoka's shoulder, "Not everyone is going to shine like you do."
Ahsoka nodded, a smile pulling at her lips, and Surina also put her hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. "Come on, don't let that idiot get to you. We still have a full day together."
"You're right," Ahsoka said. "You all are. Let's get back to the fun."
They began searching for the next store, and stumbled on a cute, quaint boutique. Kyra quickly scanned the employees inside and was relieved to find a bright spot inside. "Let's try this one."
"Okay, but I don't know if I can take another 'Pradalinas,'" Ahsoka said.
Kyra grabbed the door to 'Alderaan's Atmosphere.' "This time will be different," she said, and ushered her friends inside. Instantly she sensed a far more amiable environment. Unlike Pradalinas, there were bright, warm colors all over. The lighting wasn't dimmed at all, and everything seemed alive and free and peaceful. Kyra's guess was confirmed when a human female approached them with a wide, genuine smile. "Welcome to…" she gasped half-way through her sentence. "Are you j—jedi?" She asked.
The three girls nodded slowly, and still suspiciously, even though they could all feel the warmth radiating from this human who appeared to be in her mid-twenties. "Oh my stars!" She said, "I've always wanted to meet a Jedi, and now I get to meet three," he hands clapped together in excitement. Realizing she was fan-girling, she shook her head, "Sorry, I'm Aleanna, welcome to Alderaan's Atmosphere. It is my privilege to help you today."
The three girls were brimming with excitement and relief, thanking the force they found someone so kind and energetic to help them. "I'm Kyra, and this is Surina, Ahsoka and Mayva," she said, "And I need a dress for tonight."
Aleanna's eyebrows went up, her eyes went wide, "Do Jedi have formal functions?"
That's when Surina stepped in and pulled the employee off to the side, and Kyra assumed began telling her the story, and what the dress was intended for. The more Surina spoke, the more Aleanna's smile grew, by the end of it, her hands were covering her mouth. She looked over at Kyra and let out a high-pitched squeal, and ran towards Kyra and wrapped her up in a big hug. "This is the best day of my life," she exclaimed, as she was jumping up and down while still trying to hug Kyra, who still had no idea how to react. "Oh Stars, this is like something out of a holodrama," she said, and put her palm to her head. "I can't even right now," she said finally, shaking her head. She then took Kyra's hands and looked her square in the eyes, "I'm going to find you the most beautiful dress ever."
She began walking towards the back room, dragging Kyra by the hand with her. She brought them into a separate room, that was hexagonal in shape with large holoscreens on all but one of the six walls. The three other girls followed, humming with delight. Aleanna had Ahsoka, Surina, and Mayva sit down on a soft, plush couch. Within moments, a Cathar appeared out of nowhere, introduced herself as Julani, and was handing the girls slender glasses containing a gold liquid. Surina, Ahsoka, and Kyra took the glasses with questioning faces. While Mayva reached up with two hands and squeaked excitedly as she took the glass. "My treat," Aleanna said.
"Thank you," Surina said, "But what is it?"
Aleanna's jaw dropped, "It's Champagne."
"Champagne?" Ahsoka asked.
"Is it alcoholic?" Surina asked.
"Of course it is," Mayva said.
Jaw still hanging open, Aleanna then asked, "You've never had champagne before?" Surina and Ahsoka just shook their heads. "Ever had alcohol?" The girls shook their heads again. "Mayva apparently you have, but what about you, Kyra? Have you?"
Kyra felt her cheeks flush, "I've had it before actually."
"You have?" The three girls shrieked.
"Yes, I'll tell you about it later. But cheers!" she said, raising her glass.
The girls took small, tentative sips. "Oh," Surina giggled, "It's so bubbly."
"Oh, I love it," Ahsoka said. And then she gulped down half the glass.
Surina swatted her shoulder, "Easy there, Akul. Take your time, okay."
"Okay, okay," she said.
"Now," Aleanna said, "Let's take your measurements, and get you a dress."
Aleanna took her measurements, and "ooed" and "awed" at Kyra's toned and slim figure, causing her to blush. Aleanna then entered the measurements into one of the control panels on the walls. Let's see how this one looks. Suddenly the walls flickered and a mirror like image of Kyra filled the five screens, only now there was a dazzling red dress digitally holoshopped onto her.
"Oh my Force," Surina said.
"Kyra!" Ahsoka yelled, "It's beautiful."
"You look like a dream," Maya said.
Aleanna was smiling brightly, nodding along with the others. "Turn around for us."
Kyra bit her lip, embarrassed by the attention on her, but she did as ask, and slowly turned around. The dress moved with her in all the screens, even as she twisted this way and that. The dress was semi-long, coming down to just below her knees.
"What do you think, Kyra?" Aleanna asked.
Kyra couldn't help but shake her head, "It's beautiful, but I don't know what to compare it to. I've never seen a dress on me before."
Aleanna nodded. "Well, you look fantastic, but let's try some others." She typed into the control panel, and within seconds another dress appeared on Kyra, this one black and striking.
"Oh, I am so jealous right now." Ahsoka said.
"I know," Surina whined, "I want a dress too."
"Me three," Mayva added.
Aleanna laughed, "This one looks even better. Don't you agree?" she asked the room.
They all agreed, Kyra nodded, "Yes, I do like this one a little better. The red is a bit too wild for me."
"I agree," Aleanna said. "I think I know exactly the dress for you, but I want you to try the actual dress on." She turned her attention to Julani, "Grab the Blue and Gold Verana." Julani nodded, walked out of the room, and within a few moments came back with a lovely deep blue dress draped in her arms. She hit another set of buttons on the wall, and one of the screens slid away, and a small dressing room was found behind it. Julani then handed the dress to her. "And put these on with it," handing her a pair of heels.
"Heels?" She asked, "I can't wear heels."
"Oh, but you must, they go so well with the dress," Aleanna said.
Kyra just stared wide eyes at her, "I don't even know how to walk in them."
Aleanna just shifted her head from side to side, "Just use the force."
The girls burst out laughing, "That's not how it works."
Kyra, tilted her head to the side, thinking about it. "Actually, I could probably implement a little force help," she said, grabbed the shoes and walked back into the dressing room. She put the dress on. A royal blue dress that reached all the way down to the floor. It had gold accents on the three centimeter wide straps that circled around her neck. The top half of her back was completely bare, showing off her defined upper posterior chain muscles.
She walked back out of the fitting room to wide eyed stares from Surina and Ahsoka, and a huge face-splitting grin from Aleanna.
"That's it," Surina said, "That's the one."
Kyra twirled around in it, letting the elation of the moment take hold. "It is, isn't it."
Ahsoka ran forward and helped Kyra twirl around again, "You look amazing," she said.
Aleanna walked forward, a huge grin on her face, eyes twinkling once again. "Shall I ring you up?"
Kyra deflated. Reality took hold. She shook her head. "I can't pay for any of this."
Surina scoffed, "Oh, hush, child. Aedan's already taken care of it."
"What?" Kyra blurted.
Ahoska nodded, "Yea, he gave Surina his Datary Card."
"But I can't," she said in protest.
"What and stand Aedan up?" Surina snipped, "I don't think so."
"You saved his life. You passed the trial. You became a Jedi Knight. This is his gift to you."
Kyra acquiesced, "You're right," she said, and looked toward Aleanna, "Yes, please ring me up."
Aleanna clapped her hands and skipped to the cash register to check Kyra out. After the clothing was paid for, Aleanna asked, "If you don't mind me asking, who is going to do your hair and makeup."
Kyra just stared at her wide eyed. "Umm, hair and makeup?" Kyra asked, then glanced back at Ahsoka and Surina whose cosmetic skills were mediocre at best. They both shrugged. "We'll figure something out," she responded.
Aleanna, sporting another twinkle in her eye, turned to two girls, "What time is she supposed to meet him?"
"Eighteen hundred at the Glitanni Esplanade main plaza."
Aleanna nodded, "Come back here at sixteen thirty, and I'll handle the hair and makeup."
"You will?"
"Of course, I will."
Kyra walked around the counter and gave her a hug, "Aleanna, you are amazing. Thank you so much. We'll be back here in a few hours."
Aleanna hugged her back warmly. "You can leave your purchases here, and I'll hold them for you."
"Thank you!" she said, and the three Jedi and the intelligence analyst walked out of the store, and back out into the lovely plaza.
They explored the plaza some more, walking from shop to shop, stopping to eat, and enjoying the exceptionally vivacious plaza. Kyra could not keep the smile off her face. She had never had this much fun. Never known such bliss. And the anticipation was driving her crazy. Every time she thought about meeting up with Aedan tonight, her stomach flipped, and a squadron of Endorian Blue butterflies was released. No doubt she was nervous, but her excitement was the more prevalent emotion.