Hey Force Fans, welcome back!

I'm not exactly a "soundtrack" kind of guy. But Leona Lewis' live performance of Run on X-Factor does seem to strike a chord with part of this scene.

Enjoy!

Chapter Nine

Aedan's heart would not stop pounding, and he still had an hour to wait until he saw her. Goodness, he was excited. He knew all of this would be frowned upon by the council and the Order, but he didn't care. He knew she would absolutely love it. And she deserved it. She deserved the world, kriff, the galaxy, so Aedan would give her whatever he could. However, with their close proximity to one another, their clandestine date, and the romantic atmosphere, he knew the pull and the desire would be at an all-time high. And he still had no idea what to do about that, or how to respond. He no longer knew what the right thing to do was anymore. He still was severely apprehensive about his self-proclaimed cursedness. But after years of fighting alongside her, and seeing her on Onderon, he was beginning to doubt that she was the one in danger. He also knew that making these moves, and crossing that line was putting her future in the order at risk. Attachments were forbidden. Relationships outlawed. And he was her master, well, former Master, but still. Not to mention she was still young. They were in dangerous territory, and it was unwise to attempt anything now. With the war raging on, and their first lead on Sa'Kard in years. He knew they would find him and confront him again; he could feel it in his bones. So, starting...what? A relationship? A Courting? What could they do? He didn't have the answers.

He knew two things. One, he wanted to do this for her. To give her this night of fun and freedom. And two, he loved her. Everything else was a mystery, lost in space.

These thoughts assaulted him as he walked the streets of Coruscant, looking for a men's clothing store. He found a decent enough looking shop called, "Brock and Bros." After a bit of perusing, and some insipid pestering from the employee he was outfitted in a dark grey suit and a white dress shirt. Although the fabric was soft and light, and the fit was trim and athletic, he did not like the feel of the suit. Too constricting. Too restrictive of his mobility. The tight collar of the dress shirt seemingly cutting off his airway. Then he glanced in the mirror and he no longer saw a Jedi. He saw someone else. Some quick-witted lawyer, or some hotshot trader who drove a red XJ-6 Airspeeder to work every day. He saw an entirely different reality, one where he didn't have to hide his feelings for Kyra. One where they could be together. And one where there wasn't a fracking war.

He bought the shirt, suit and tie, as well as shoes to go with it. He still had some time so he next went to the nearest barber shop, called The Refinery. It appeared to be a rather high-end place, with dark woods accented black walls and black salon chairs. He got the full treatment: Shampoo, haircut, beard trim, and even eye-brow plucking. The whole time sitting in the chair his palms were sweating, his heart still beating profusely. The anticipation was killing him. Never, in a million years did he ever picture himself in this situation. He never even dreamed of love, never gave it a second thought. He was a Jedi, and he was damn good at what he did. Sure, he was lonely, but all Jedi were. Besides, he had the Force, and that was more than enough. At least, that's what he thought.

Then she came along.

He walked back to "Brock and Bro's" and ended up getting changed there, leaving his robes and tunic at the front desk. He would come back and get it another time. He donned the suit, put on the shoes that were not the most comfortable, but they matched well.

The employee stepped back and gave Aedan a meticulous once over, and then gave one, heavy nod. Aedan thanked him emphatically, and headed out. He walked out into the vast cityscape, the durasteel and permacrete towers loomed high above him. He could even see their destination from here as it rested high atop the one of the city spires. The air was electrified. What a feeling this was? A night full of hope, of opportunity, of wonder.

He walked into the plaza, artificial light still shining down, as it was still only 1730. He made his way over to the fountain and sat down on the wide circular edge that encompassed the cool blue water. He gazed into the pool and dipped his hand into it. The ripple cascading outward. He looked into the shimmering mirror, and once again assessed his reflection. Wishing he could be the man looking back at him, the one who wore suits not robes. Whose battles consisted of contract squabbles or office shenanigans, not fighting droids, or tracking down bloodthirsty, maniacal Gen-dai. A man who had a wife to get home to, or would go out for nights on the town with. But how would that even be a possibility for him? How would he even hope of finding something like that? Perhaps for tonight, he could dream.

He reached in his pocket and took out her padawan braid, he had snatched it off the floor after she walked out of the room. He stared at the golden blond strands intertwined, his heart seizing in his chest. His eyes pricking and burning as tears began to form. He closed his fingers around the braid and clutched it to his chest, and then put it back into his pocket.

He was still lost in thought when there was a subtle nudge from the force, shaking him out of his reverie. Then there was a very distinct shock from the force. Almost like one giant pulse. The lights around the Plaza flickered. He looked to his right, the direction the nudge came from, and there stood an angel. An angel with red lips, lightly shadowed eyes and touched up cheeks, long blonde hair that was partially braided on the top half, while the bottom half cascaded down in gorgeous ringlet curls. Then there was the dress, a dazzling blue garment that came down to her ankles. It was trimmed in gold, and while it didn't hug her body too tightly, or show her cleavage, it still showed off her lovely curves, as well as her defined arms and shoulders.

He felt like the whole plaza, the whole world, had frozen. The vast majority of the plaza's patrons were ogling at her, at this angel, who was walking straight towards him. He had always thought Kyra was incredibly beautiful, but this, this was something else. She was beyond words, and once again Aedan's brain short-circuited as she walked up to him with a spell-binding, and knowing smile.

"Congratulations, Master," she said.

He could barely think straight. She was almost hard to look at, she was so bright. "Same to you, Knight Dawnstar."

Kyra smiled even bigger, and then stepped forward and hugged Aedan. "Thank you," she whispered, "Thank you for everything. I couldn't have done it without you."

"You are most welcome, Kyra. And I know you could have easily done it."

She shook her head, still holding him tightly. "No. I keep trying to tell you. I am what I am because of you. No one else could have taught me like you did."

"Agree to disagree," Aedan said, releasing her, and stepping back, taking another good look at her. Force, she was stunning. He could still sense the people around them watching her. "Kyra, you look incredible," Aedan said, "You have the whole plaza staring at you."

She blushed at the compliment, "They're actually staring at both of us." Aedan looked around and was surprised to see that he was getting a lot of attention as well. "I don't think I've ever told you this, but...you are extremely good looking."

"What?" He said quickly, "Me?"

Kyra smiled, and nodded her head enthusiastically. His spirits soared. She thinks I'm good looking. If he was honest with himself, prior to meeting Kyra, and falling for her, he never considered his physical appeal, or if he had any for that matter. It was unimportant. Then once he met her and things started happening, he had wondered if she found him attractive.

"And you also have quite the physique. That six pack," She said, then bit her lip, which caused Aedan's body to do things he was unaccustomed to, "Is very impressive."

"When did you..." Aedan started, "Right, when I passed out," he said, shaking his head.

"Master, I'm dying to know," she said, "Where are we going?"

"I am no longer your Master. So, it's just Aedan from now on. And-"

She cut him off, "But upon successfully training a padawan into knighthood, you officially gain the rank of Master, therefore I should show you the respect you deserve."

Aedan waved a hand in the air, "That is totally unnecessary."

Kyra raised her chin, and crossed her arms, "I shall call you what I want...Master."

"Ok. Fine. Whatever. But for tonight, let's forget about the order. Forget about ranks, and war, and all that. Let's just be two normal citizens, out on a date. So tonight, you're Kyra and I'm Aedan. how about that?

Kyra's smile lit up her eyes. "I can do that," she said, then grabbed Aedan's arm and shook it, "But please, please tell me. What are we doing?"

He laughed, "Well, first-"

"There's a second?"

Aedan narrowed his eyes, "First, we are going there," he said, pointing to the top of one of the buildings that overlooked the plaza.

Kyra's excited grin was infectious, "Well, what's up there?" she exclaimed.

"I'll show you," he said, and held out his hand, which she took. Just the act of holding her hand was thrilling. Force, I feel like one of those lovestruck teens in those ridiculous holodramas.

Hand in hand, they walked towards the tall building, catching stares from a multitude of people. Aedan could feel the warmth and happiness gushing from Kyra, once again intoxicating Aedan. They made their way inside the building, and then took the exceedingly fast turbolift up to the very top floor. The lift doors separated and the two Jedi walked into the main lobby. A big gold sign was above the front desk, and in black letters the restaurant's name. "Zenith." Kyra gasped when she saw it, "I've heard about this place."

Aedan and Kyra walked towards the hostess, who greeted them with a seemingly authentic smile. "Welcome to Zenith, do you have a reservation?" she asked.

"Yes, Kahl, party of two."

The hostess nodded, "Perfect," she said, "Follow me."

They followed the hostess out another set of doors and both were noticeably stunned by what they saw. Once exiting the doors, it opened up into a large room, with high vaulted ceilings. Purple suede seats accompanied rich mahogany tables. Gold TC protocol droids were the waiters, and shuffled about the room, attending to their guests. That was all impressive, but the main shock value came from the views that the floor to ceiling windows allowed. The vast, bustling cityscape of Coruscant stretched out before them. The Republic executive building, the Senate Building, as well as the Jedi temple could be seen from up here.

The hostess led them to a secluded table in a far corner, undoubtedly the best seat in the house. They were seated, handed datapad menus, and told their droid waiter would be right with them.

As soon as she walked away, Kyra hissed quietly, "Master, how is this possible?"

Aedan shrugged, "I may have pulled a few strings."

"Meaning you used a jedi mind trick?"

Aedan laughed, "No, but I thought about it," he said, "Over the years I've acquired a few acquaintances with good resources."

Kyra rolled her eyes, still smiling. "Fair enough. This is amazing. It all feels so surreal."

"That it does, but wait until you see the menu."

Kyra quickly grabbed the datapad and began searching the listed items. "Oh, these all sound delicious."

"But first things first," Aedan said, holding up a smaller datapad. "The wine list."

"Ohhh," Kyra said, clapping eagerly.

"Well, I don't see any from the Dawnstar Winery, sadly,"

"How dare they not have that nectar?" Kyra said.

"But they do have an Alderaanian Emera."

"Perfect, Let's go with that," she said, and then began looking at the food menu.

A few moments later a TC droid came by, greeted them, and asked for their order. "We'll have a bottle of the Alderaanian Emera wine, the braised nuna legs for an appetizer," he said then gestured for Kyra to go.

"I'll have the bantha-veal, medium-rare," she said.

"And I'll have the trakrrrn ribs, please."

"Very good choices," the droid answered, "I'll be right back with the wine."

Kyra turned to take in more of the lovely room, interesting patronage, and stunning views. A big smile never leaving her face. While Aedan did enjoy those sights as well, he was far more inclined to look at Kyra.

"Oh my goodness," Kyra gushed, "I am so excited."

Aedan smiled, "For which part?"

"All of it, but would it be bad to admit I'm so looking forward to the wine?"

Laughing, Aedan responded, "No, it would not be bad. Wine is a good thing, but as you know, life requires balance."

"I know, I know," she said, holding up her hands, "I won't turn into an alcoholic."

The wine came out, and the server presented the lovely bottle to them both. Aedan gestured for Kyra to do the honors of tasting it, and the waiter poured her a small one-ounce pour. "Let's see if you remember how to do this," he said.

"How could I forget?" She said, expertly swirling the glass, and then sniffing it. She took a very small slip, and closed her eyes.

"Well, how-"

Kyra cut him off with one raised finger, and then took a bigger sip. She opened her eyes, a smile spreading on her face, as she nodded to the waiter. "It's lovely," she said.

"Excellent," the droid said, pouring them both full glasses, and leaving the bottle on the table.

Aedan lifted his glass up, and looked Kyra in the eyes. "To you, Knight Dawnstar."

Kyra shook her head, "To us," she said, and lifted her own glass, clinking it against Aedan's.

"To us." And then they both tasted the wine.

"Oh, that's just glorious," she said with a contented sigh.

The two enjoyed the delicious wine, as well as the excellent cuisine. They talked in between bites, and savored each other's company, even more so than the delectable fare. Aedan glanced at his mini datapad and saw that it was a little past 1915. "Well, I hate to rush, but we better get moving."

"Will you tell me where we're going now?"

Aedan shook his head, "Nope, you'll see soon enough. It's just a few blocks away, but being late isn't an option."

"Well, alright then."

Aedan gestured for the waiter, and paid the tab after getting his datary card back from Kyra, who thanked him again for everything. They got up to leave, and made their way out of the restaurant.

"Can we please come back here again, sometime?"

"Of course, we can."

Moments later they were moving along the walkways, coming up on another plaza. Kyra had seen earlier in her apprenticeship with Aedan that Coruscant's upper levels were just a multitude of plazas connected by walkways high in the sky. She often looked down whenever she could, but there was hardly ever things to see. Most of the time she did not want to imagine what went on down there. She'd heard the horror stories of the undercity and it always bothered her that that type of living existed just mere levels below her.

They stepped into the new plaza, and the one elaborately decorated dome shaped building in the square caught Kyra's eye. "The Coruscant Opera house?" she asked, radiating excitement. "We're going to see an Opera?"

"Not exactly," Aedan said, "Look closer."

Kyra's eyes focused on the neon lit billboard above the entrance and stopped dead in her tracks. Hands shot up to cover her mouth. She began shaking her head. "No," she whispered. "No, I don't believe it."

In big blue letters the headline was displayed. Dyat Agni, it read. Tears filled her eyes, and she softly placed a hand on Aedan's arm. "Master..." she choked out, "I don't know what to say. How did you remember?"

"There is nothing to say," he said, "I just want you to enjoy it. So come on, let's get to our seats."

They walked through the entrance and found themselves mesmerized but the ornate concert hall. The walls were white, the seats red, but everything was trimmed in gold. Particularly above them as an elaborate gold star design covered the entire vaulted ceiling. There was the main floor of seating, but above them were four levels of a semi-circular balcony. Each level having dozens of boxed alcoves. These were for the wealthiest of attendees. Most of the patrons were already in their seats, and everyone was dressed in regal attire. Kyra was in denial, totally disbelieving this was happening.

"Am I dreaming?" she asked Aedan as they sat down in their seats two thirds of the way up on the main floor.

"No, Kyra, this is definitely happening."

And as he said that, the lights went dark, and a hush settled over the crowd. Dramatically the silence was drawn out, and yet those attending still remained absolutely silent. Completely still. Aedan was at somewhat of a disadvantage as he'd never heard Dyat Agni sing. He didn't know what was about to come, but he could feel the absolute anticipation of those in the seats around him. They were privy to the magic that was about to be unleashed. He was not.

How good could she be?

Then a voice sang out in the darkness. A voice so pure and soft, but powerful, like thunder contained in velvet. The hairs on Aedan's arms stood up, chills ran up and down his spine, at the sheer glory that was coming from the voice. A spotlight turned on, shining down on one sole figure. She was a tall, white skinned Devaronian, with two horn nubs on the top of forehead, partially covered by brown hair highlighted with white streaks. She made for a striking figure, but that voice. Force. It was incredible. The notes that resonated within the opera house were the most gorgeous he'd ever heard, and he could not take his eyes or his attention away from the songstress. He heard Kyra sniff next to him, and saw that tears were falling down her cheeks. That's when he noticed the moisture slipping down his own. He let them fall. The spellbinding melody swept through the hall and wrapped every attendee up in her vocal grasp. They were all under her power now.

It was as if Dyat Agni was just a conduit, and the essence of song was passing through her. Dyat Agni was irrelevant, as the epitome, or the element of music was being extrapolated through her and then released so finally the world could see truth. The truth that this is what every musician or singer or songwriter was trying to convey. And yet this Dyat did it so effortlessly, and with zero desire for her own benefit. She had discovered the gift of song, and now she wanted the rest of the world to see.

Aedan's head snapped towards Kyra, and realization dawned on him like a crashing wave. She was exactly the same way. Except her element was the Force. Kyra was merely a conduit, or passageway, so the pure essence of the force could be released into the world. Dyat and Kyra were just vessels for something greater.

But why? What did that even mean? And what was the purpose? Did there have to be a purpose? Did there have to be an endgame? Perhaps in the grand cosmic scheme she was just an accidental anomaly. Perhaps. But he didn't believe that. There was a reason she was this way. A reason she was created. He just hoped he'd be there to see it. Prayed he be able to help.

The concert went on for an hour, there were hardly any special effects or over the top showmanship, and the band playing the background music never even attempted to play outside their minor part. There was no need for any of that. Dyat Agni alone was a spectacle, anything else was a mere accessory.

The concert came to an end with a mind-blowing, heart-melting, incendiary crescendo, with the Devaronian songstress unleashing her full vocal arsenal and assaulting each in attendance with pure magic. The song ended, the hall went dark, and no one said a word. No one so much as coughed, or sniffed, even though the vast majority of those there were crying.

Nobody dared introduce a new sound into the hall for fear of diluting the memory of the purity that they just heard. And how could you stand up and applaud something like that? How can you answer the most pleasing noise ever by a cacophonous clatter of clapping? It would have been an affront.

The lights slowly came back on, and that's when people finally began clapping. It started softly, but rose quickly. Then the vast auditorium was on its feet, and the noise was deafening. The songstress came out for one last bow, and then exited the stage to the left.

Finally, people began exiting the opera hall, but everyone was still in a trance, still under her enchantment. He believed many would go back to their homes and lie in bed at night, questioning if they really, truly witnessed what they thought they witnessed. But the moment they closed their eyes, the memory of that voice would reverberate in their heads, and they could drift off to sleep knowing they had been given a priceless gift.

Aedan and Kyra walked out of the Coruscant Opera House, and made their way back to the temple in silence. Kyra was overflowing with emotions, the tears still streaming down her cheeks. She was so amazed and humbled and awestruck and inspired and thankful. She stopped and turned to Aedan, holding one of his hands. "Thank you," she whispered, "I-" she started, but then shook her head. Her shoulders slumped. "I don't know what to say. I don't know how to thank you."

"There is nothing to say. And no need to thank me. I just wanted to give you this gift, and I'm just so glad you enjoyed it. Not to mention I'm thrilled myself that I got to witness that."

Kyra smiled, "Told you she was incredible."

Aedan laughed, "You did, however, incredible doesn't quite do it justice."

Kyra nodded her head vigorously, "But really, Master—I mean, Aedan, thank you. I will never forget this."

Aedan bowed his head lightly, "It was my privilege."

They continued their walk home, stopping a block away from the Temple where Ahsoka had dutifully stashed their cloaks in an artificial tree.

Both stared at the tree, neither reaching for the clothing, neither wanting to face reality. He watched as Kyra bit her lip, and then faced him. Her eyes avoiding his gaze. She stepped forward into his chest, and wrapped her arms around him. Heart melting instantly, he hugged her tightly back. Her scent assaulted him, and the feel of her body against his eliminated all rational thought. The air grew hot and electrified. He could feel her turning face, slowly angling it up towards his. His favorite sensation of feeling her heartbeat against his eradicated everything else in the galaxy. And he slowly lowered his face to hers. Kyra lifted her head, bright blue eyes now staring up at him. Lips only moments away from making contact.

Kyra's head snapped to the side, and her eyes widened. "Uh oh," she whispered, and stepped backwards. Aedan's hand went for his lightsaber at his belt, and turned to face whatever danger Kyra had perceived.

He relaxed once he saw the "threat." Across the street, Jarrison was standing there watching them with an openly hostile glare. His shields were down and his thoughts were not pleasant.

Kyra waved to him, but he just turned around quickly, and stormed off. "That's not good, is it?" Kyra said.

Aedan just shrugged, "Eh, not something to worry about."

"What if he tells the council?"

"We'll face that if it ever happens. But I'm not going to let that bother me tonight."

He spoke the words but there was no denying the dream had ended. Reality had indeed come screaming back to them.

Kyra sighed. "Thank you, again, for everything."

"You are most welcome, Knight Dawnstar."

They donned their cloaks, and continued on to the temple, magical melodies from the night's performance ringing in their heads.