Star Wars - The will of the Force

by SreznoJIG

When the Force intervenes and saves Qui-Gon from dying after the duel with Darth Maul and Anakin becomes his Padawan, how much will Anakin Skywalker's fate change with Qui-Gon training him as a Jedi, how the Clone Wars would unfold, how the Jedi Order will change?

6. Balance between light and dark

Chapter 6

Balance between light and dark

Inside a cave, a giant beast roared as it lunged at its prey, being a female Dathomirian and wearing long black robes and a hood over her head. She formed a grin and ignited her two green lightsabers, slashing the beast's head off!

With the beast lying dead on the ground, the female warrior removed her hood, showing it was Asajj Ventress. Staring at the dead beast she'd slain, standing victorious. But later, her grin faded into a disappointed frown, making her eyes glow yellow "GRRAAAAAGH!" she yelled in anger, feeling she still wasn't good enough.

Angrily, she turned off her lightsabers and walked out of the cave.

For a moment, Asajj watched her surroundings. She'd spend nearly a year on the ancient Sith world of Korriban, trying to learn from the ancient Sith structures the ways of the dark side of the Force. Though her training in the dark side has begun taking a toll on Asajj's body, showing she'd become somewhat skinny and had bags under her eyes, Asajj refused to give up. But despite she'd learned all she could find about the ways of the ancient Sith, training herself to the limit of her Force abilities and even beyond, she was still angry with herself.

In her fury, she raised a large ancient Sith Obelisk and threw it against what remained of an ancient Sith Temple, destroying a part of it "This… damned place doesn't teach me anything!" she walked away, heading to where she'd hidden her ship.

Once Asajj had made it to her ship, she saw it was half buried under the sand. She reached out her hands and used the Force to raise her ship out of the sand.

After thirty minutes, when she finally managed to fix her ship and wipe out most of the dust, Asajj began to snap as she just couldn't get stronger in the Dark Side and hit her fists against the walls several times till they bled "FUCK! FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUUUUUUCK!"

She saw the wall, leaving a big crack in it. Then she looked at her hands, seeing her bleeding knuckles.

"Why can't I be stronger…?" she then yelled out in both anger and sadness while her eyes glow yellow "WHY THE FUCK CAN'T I GET STRONGER!? AAAAAAAAAARGH!" she yelled out her lungs, causing a shockwave across her ship, causing several systems to spark.

Then... as her rage had cooled off… she fell on her knees. Tears formed in her bright yellow Dark Side-eyes returned back to normal.

After a whole year of abandoning herself of all attachments and emotion, only relying on her rage and thoughts of revenge… Asajj couldn't hold herself anymore and cried her tears out, feeling that despite she wanted to show what it means to be Sith, it was still not good enough…

She let herself fall on the ground, and curled herself while holding her legs while she still wept, thinking back of the people that once meant to her the most: Ky Narecc and Ashoka Tano.

"Master…" Asajj wept "Ahsoka…"

She felt lost.

After hours of weeping and crying, Asajj found herself in a deep slumber, as she'd finally given in to her body as she didn't had a good rest in almost a year.

---

Memories flashed before her eyes.

Asajj saw herself as an infant, looking with a smile as she was in her mother's arms. But that happiness would soon fade, when the Nightsister leader Talzin gave her up to be a slave to the criminal Hal'Sted only so she could protect the Nightsisters. Asajj saw her infant-self crying as she tried to reach for her mother while being grabbed by Hal'Sted, seeing her mother crying as well while Talzin stopped her.

She saw her younger-self being taken to Rattatak, serving her master as she grew up.

Then, she saw so much chaos around. Her 6-year old self called out "Master. Where are you?!" then, she saw Hal'Sted dead on the floor. Young Asajj fell on her knees at him, shocking him "Master…" but Hal'Sted was dead. Tears forming in young-Asajj's eyes as though he owned her as his personal slave, he was the closest thing she had as a parent.

Then, she saw the Jedi, Ky Narecc, defeating several raiders. Asajj looked in shock as she'd seen an actual Jedi for the first time. Ky Narecc saw young-Asajj and her dead slave master.

Suddenly, a raider attempting to kill the Jedi with his blaster! Ky Narecc deflected all its blaster shots. Then… something snapped in young-Asajj and used the Force for the first time and Force-Pushed the raider far away, seemingly saving the Jedi's life.

Ky Narecc looked in surprise what the Dathomirian girl did, even Asajj couldn't believe she was able to do that. Ky walked up to her, sitting on one knee before her and formed a small smile "You are strong in the Force, young one."

Knowing he couldn't leave Asajj behind, Ky Narecc took Asajj in his arms, taking him away from the burning village.

"What is your name?" Ky asked the little girl.

Trusting the Jedi, young-Asajj answered "I'm… Asajj Ventress, sir."

Ky formed a smile and told her "Please. Call me Ky."

Now, Asajj smiled and hugged him.

"I'll watch over you, Asajj and teach you how to use your powers."

Asajj then saw herself growing up, learning to become a Jedi under Ky Narecc while protecting the people of Rattatak, going to the Jedi Temple and becoming friends with little Ahsoka while teaching how to play Float Ball.

Asajj tried to make the memories stop as flashes appeared when she yelled out that the Jedi Council refused to allow her to take the Jedi Trials, seeing her Jedi Master being killed, her using the Dark Side to slaughter the raiders that killed him, seeing she was seemingly banished out of the Jedi Order… Then… she stood before Ky Narecc's grave, falling on her knees as she wept.

"I'm sorry, master…! I'm so sorry…!"

"Asajj…" a voice called to her.

Asajj looked and gasped in surprise to see a some kind of female phantom, wearing dark hooded cloak "Who… who are you?" Asajj demanded.

The phantom however reached out her hand to her. Asajj tried to step back, but her body was frozen. Then, as the phantom's hand touched her head, Asajj gasped as a kind of energy flowed into her, showing her images of a hot jungle planet, seeing an ancient ruin temple and deep in there… a cave system, leading to a kind of Sith tomb.

---

Asajj gasped as she woke up from her sleep and looked around her, finding herself back on her ship, having never moved from the same position before she cried till she slept.

The Dathomirian former Jedi rubbed her head while standing up, trying to make sense of what she saw in her weird dream. After some minutes, she realized that it wasn't an ordinary dream… but a vision, showing her an old and abandoned seemingly Sith ruin.

Feeling that this could be a place where she could learn more of the Dark Side, she went into the cockpit, going through a holographic starmap of the galaxy. She closed her eyes, sensing which planet her vision showed. It didn't took long before her senses showed which planet the vision showed her.

"Generis." Asajj told herself. She checked the information about the planet, showing it was a hot tropical planet with oceans, grassy plans and vast jungles "No major cities. Only about… 2,000 people live on that planet," she then checked other information about Generis, showing that because of its natural beauty, the planet attracted off-world travelers keen to experience its wilderness.

Then something did caught her attention. Generis held many ancient structures and ruins scattered across the planet.

Asajj began to think 'If that ancient temple I saw in my vision is what I think it is, it might give me far more knowledge then what I can find here on Korriban.' Knowing she cannot pass this opportunity, Asajj made her decision. She started the engines and flew with her ship away from Korriban, jumping into lightspeed as she headed to Generis.

-:-

Two days later, on Generis

In a village, lying in the middle of the many vast jungles of Generis, the few people that lived there and were living a normal village life.

One of the villagers, a human 30 year old was working on his small farm, harvesting his freshly grown vegetables. His human wife, appearing to be 5 months pregnant, was sitting on a chair on the porch sewing some clothes. His 4 year old daughter was playing with a few self-made toys that her father had made for him.

Just as the man puts some of the vegetables in a basket, he saw out of the jungle a bald female figure appearing. Slowly, the man stood up, seeing the woman was coming closer to him. He didn't had any weapons, so he was unable to defend himself or his family. The wife saw the woman too and was feeling nervous.

The female figure, Asajj Ventress, was wearing a bit more revealing outfit which was suitable for the hot jungle climate of Generis, covering her breasts with a bandana top, black pants with holes and jungle boots.

She stopped before the man, asking him with a serious face "Are you the leader of this village, Darm Kallis?"

The man nodded "Yes… I am. What is it that you want of me, stranger?"

"I was told by a certain person in another village a day walking from here, that you know of an ancient temple lying deep in the jungle." Asajj said, having heard in a small cantina that a man named Darm Kallis knows the location of the temple that Asajj seeks. Despite that some offered to be her guide (as off-world travelers usually coming by to spend big cash to see the Generis wilderness) Asajj had declined them all, even threatening with a stubborn on as she Force-Chocked him that she's well on her own.

The man, Darm Kallis, looked in surprise. But then formed a serious face "Yes… I do," but he shook his head "But I must warn you, stranger, no one who ever went to that place has ever returned alive. They say that temple is cursed."

"But you do know where it is, do you?" Asajj said with a more threatening voice, which made Darm scared.

His wife wanted to come over to calm the situation. But Darm held his hand to her, showing that it was alright.

Darm turned back to Asajj, saying with a nod "I do know where it is," he pointed to the large high mountain, which was in fact a extinct volcano "The temple lies at the foot of Vallos Mountain."

Asajj glanced at the mountain, seeing it was the same place as in her vision. She glanced for a short moment at Darm before she turned and went the other way, heading to the mountain.

Darm shook his head and called to her "Didn't say I warned you stranger."

Asajj glanced at him with an serious look on her face, feeling her anger rising and just wanted to teach him some manners. But then felt her dress was pulled a bit. Asajj looked and saw Darm's daughter at her feet. Asajj raised an eyebrow as the girl didn't seemed to be afraid of her.

The girl offered Asajj a water bottle "It's a long way, Miss. You might need this."

Asajj took the bottle gave the girl a simple nod and resumed her journey. In a split second, the girl saw two ligthsabers attached to Asajj's belt, making the girl look in surprise "Are you a Jedi?!"

Asajj froze.

"I see your ligthsabers, Miss. Only Jedi have that kind of weapon."

Asajj glanced at the girl, giving her a serious look on her face "No. I'm not a Jedi. Not anymore…" Asajj turned and walked further, pypassing a couple of surprised looking villagers, watching the bald Dathomirian girl disappearing in the jungle.

Hours and hours of walking, as night began to fall on the planet, Asajj had finally made it to the ancient Sith Temple ruin.

Asajj picked out an old rod lying on the ground and used a bit of Force Lightning to make it a torch.

She inspected the old inscriptions and old drawings on the partly destroyed walls. Asajj raised an eyebrow "This temple… it's not as old as the ancient Sith temples on Korriban. This ruin is only like… 1,000 years old. Odd."

Asajj then used her senses, seeing what which way her vision showed her. She spotted an big opening in the building. She entered it, finding a long passageway going deep down into the mountain. Not showing any fear, Asajj walked down the passageway, heading down, not knowing that she was followed by some kind of creature.

As Asajj walked deeper into the passageway, seeing many markings that were made only by the Sith, she moved further before thinking about a certain Togruta girl. She had to admit that she did miss Ahsoka, feeling bad for breaking all contact with her when she turned to the Dark Side after her master was killed by the raiders on Rattatak and the Jedi Council neglected her. Asajj began to think what could have happened if she'd asked her master to take Ahsoka with them. Would they be here together, looking for knowledge of the Sith? Or maybe Ahsoka would have died along with her master or in his place? Or maybe she would have died and perhaps Ahsoka would be here in her place.

But Asajj decided to put those thoughts out of her mind, as it was best not to think about what could've been. Ahsoka was safe in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. To Asajj, it was for the best.

But that was when she heard a growl behind her, making her turn around while taking one of her lightsabers and ignited it "Who's there?!" she demanded… before the growl revealed itself in the form of some sort of feral reptilian creature.

The creature was about 15 feet tall, had scales and blood red eyes that glowed in the near darkness. It's arms and legs were big and had 3 very sharp claws and the creature had very sharp teeth that could bite down on the toughest of hides and had two horns on its head. It's skin was as black as night, with spikes on its back. The creature's glowing eyes looked at Asajj while it growled in anticipation, seemingly angry or even very hungry as it slowly advanced on her, shaking the ground with every step it took.

Asajj, despite trying to hide it, was very fearful of the creature and could sense that it was somehow powered by the Force, making him nearly impossible to kill. Asajj didn't know what to do, feeling deep down that attacking the creature with either her lightsabers or her Force powers wouldn't work.

Just then, a female voice, almost motherly in nature, whispered to her in her head "Don't fear it, Asajj Ventress, stand your ground and look into its eyes."

Asajj winked her eyes in surprise, as it was the same voice from the female phantom from her vision.

The creature stepped closer at Asajj, growling as it was ready to eat her alive.

Being out of options and against her better judgement, Asajj trusted the female voice's instruction, looking into the feral creature's eyes while standing her ground, not moving an inch and deactivated her lightsaber and dropped her torch.

The created stood before Asajj, leaning its head closer to her as it growled and narrowed his red-glowing eyes at her.

Asajj stared at the creature and too narrowed her eyes, trying with every willpower she had by not showing any fear.

Both kept staring at each other, with neither moving a muscle. While it seemed like an eternity, it was only a few minutes, with Asajj still standing her ground.

The reptilian creature took a few steps back, still glaring at Asajj, before it turned and left, going back the other way back up the surface.

When it was gone, Asajj sighed in relief and picked up her torch. She had never been this scared before, as if she was facing the eyes of Death in person while staring into the creatures glowing red eyes. But also, she was feeling different as she'd somehow overcame her fear.

Asajj continued down into the passageway, with the torch's light slowly dying out by itself, nearly leaving her in darkness. But Asajj kept going, heading deeper into the mountain.

Then, Asajj saw some strange glowing light at the end of the passageway.

Her torch's light had died out.

As Asajj had reached the end of the passageway, she looked astounded as she'd found herself in a large room, with its walls and pillars carved with white glowing markings that was like a combination of Jedi and Sith. On the pillars and walls hanged glowing stones, giving everlasting light in the large room. And at its center, surrounded by everlasting burning candles, was a large stone-coffin, standing on a pillar on top of a large symbol that was neither the Jedi or the Sith logo.

Asajj dropped her burned out torch and approached the large coffin. She felt somehow that whatever was inside it… was calling to her.

As she was standing before the coffin, Asajj's curiosity made her to slowly reach her right hand to it.

Upon she touched it… a shining glow came from the coffin, making Asajj gasp as she stepped backwards, watching as the light from the coffin started to take shape. Asajj's eyes went wide as the shining light took form of a female spirit, wearing a long dark hooded cloak. It was the same phantom from her vision.

The female spirit, floating above the coffin, looked down at Asajj and formed a small smile as she floated to Asajj and landed before her, speaking almost motherly in nature "Welcome, Asajj Ventress. I've been waiting for you."

"Who… who are you?" Asajj asked.

The female spirit removed her hood, showing a beautiful human woman, having long black hair and shining blue eyes "I once had a name… long ago… but it was taken from me and got lost over the course of time when being forced to be trained as a Sith. But you, Asajj Ventress can call me… Darth Liax."

Asajj looked in surprise, as this phantom from her vision was actually a Sith spirit. The spirit of a Sith Lord "Darth Liax?" but Asajj demanded to know from her "What do you want from me? And why did you lead me down here, to this… tomb?"

But Darth Liax, formed an understanding smile "I know many things, my child. Though I cannot interfere directly, I am well aware of all the events across the galaxy. I sensed your spirit was imbalanced, having seen in your dreams how much you've suffered." But then asked her a question, concerned of Asajj's physical and mental pain "Why is it that you seek such woe, Asajj Ventress?"

Asajj became angry. She closed her eyes tight and tightened her fists "I… I seek the power to show the Jedi, who'd rejected and neglected me… to show those bastards and bitches how powerful I truly am! I…" a tear fell from her eye "I seek revenge on the Jedi for what they've done to me!"

Liax sighed, seeing some resemblance between her and Asajj when she was younger and told her with a soft voice "Asajj… anger is not always the answer in order to gain more power, or to seek revenge on those that've hurt you in the past."

This made Asajj confused and looked back at the Sith Spirit, quickly wiping away the tear "What? But… you're a Sith Lord! At least… you were one. Anger and rage is what gives the Sith true power!"

Liax sat down on the stone stairs. She gestured Asajj to sit down too, but she wouldn't. The Sith spirit remained calm and patiently her tale "Anger and rage being the center of the Sith's power is what the Sith made all of us to believe for thousands of generations. But neither the current Jedi teachings are right."

Hearing this from Darth Liax, made Asajj raising an eyebrow.

"I too once believed that the galaxy was divided between light and darkness when I was your age, Asajj. Once I'd raised to the rank of Sith Lord when I had turned 20, all I wanted was to search for further knowledge about the Dark Side, so that no one would ever challenge me. Instead of me being expected to remain with my fellow Sith, I began journeying across the galaxy with some of my followers in search of knowledge, knowing deep down that there must be more about the Force that nobody seemed to understand or even searched further then what Jedi and Sith taught us. I have seen many things in my long journeys, and discovered many things of both the Light and the Dark Side." Liax formed a smile, remembering the moment that had changed her point of view about the Force forever "And then… after having traveled and discovered so much in my decade long journey… I finally began to understand. The Light Side and the Dark Side, though impossible to coexist in peace, both sides are essential to retain balance. It was that very moment… I had an epiphany."

"An epiphany?" Asajj asked confused.

Liax nodded "In order to create true peace, and create true balance within the Force, the Light and the Dark Side should become one so there would no longer be any conflict within the Force."

Asajj had no idea what to make of all this. She was conflicted and confused that what Darth Liax told her sounded like blasphemy to both Jedi and Sith teachings. And yet, Liax spoke with true honesty and such wisdom, feeling somehow that Liax's words are true.

Intrigued to hear more, Asajj sat next to Liax.

The Sith spirit formed a sweet smile as she told further "And so… having finally got to understand that both the Sith and the Jedi were wrong about the Force… me and my followers broke all ties with the Sith, deciding to begin our own Order, a new philosophy. The Order of the Force." Liax then showed Asajj some of the markings in her tomb, showing her Order's history "It was this very temple, which my tomb rests, that would be our secret headquarters and place of living, hiding away from the Jedi and Sith. We would live nearly as the same principles of the Jedi and yet living the same freedom like the Sith, becoming stronger and more connected to the Force than ever before, being neither light or dark… only servants and warriors, obeying the true will of the Force."

Asajj looked with amaze at the drawings and inscriptions, showing how much Liax's movement grew, sharing the same teachings of both Jedi and Sith, being in balance.

"Over the years, we had gained a significant amount of followers, with most of them being former Sith. I've lead this order for many years."

But that made Asajj confused, as Darth Liax, who'd lead her Order for decades, perhaps a whole century, was still looking young "But… if you had lead this new Order for so long, how were you able to…"

"Look still as young?" Liax asked, finishing Asajj's question. She smiled and stated "During my journeys I was able to find an ancient and forgotten Force power that was lost for thousands of years, which allowed me remain in my prime 20's, having many children, even when I would be over a century old."

Asajj couldn't believe what Liax was saying. She was able to remain this young and beautiful, despite having lived far beyond the average age of a human.

But then, Liax sighed and told Asajj "But even then, despite I could no longer physically age, I could not live forever or it would stop me from death's inevitable embrace. When I'd finally passed away, I thought that my philosophy would pass on for generations, hoping that it would finally unify the Sith and Jedi and end the everlasting conflict in the galaxy. But I was wrong…" Liax began to look sad.

"What happened?" Asajj asked, while feeling sympathy for the female spirit.

With tears in her eyes, Liax told her "Not long after my passing, an evil Sith Lord arrived at this place, who was on a mission to destroy all the other Sith, beginning the Rule of Two, making himself and his apprentice the only 2 Sith Lords in the whole galaxy to hold all the power of the Dark Side for themselves. His name… was Darth Bane." A frown formed on Liax's face, having seen what the evil Sith Lord had done to her Order and family "When Darth Bane had found out about our secret Order of the Force, he and his apprentice destroyed our sacred temple and slaughtered everyone…" a tear fell from her eye "I had to watch how Bane killed… so many of them… even my family… and the children too."

Asajj too was saddened to hear this horrible story, hearing that all that Darth Liax had built for a better future was destroyed shortly after her passing.

Liax wiped away her eyes, as she'd already come to peace with what happened "Bane thought that our philosophy had died with me along with my followers and family, but I still had hope that perhaps one day someone would make their way to my tomb to bring new life to my Order. As my connection with the Living Force is strong, I am fully aware of what is happening in the galaxy. The Dark Lord of the Sith is planning something horrible, something that would bring war and chaos back to the galaxy." She sighed and glanced at Asajj "Though I cannot stop this plot from happening, it is not too late to bring true balance to the Force."

Asajj however was conflicted, not sure if she was the right person to succeed Darth Liax and bring her philosophy of the true will of the Force back to life. But because she refused to return back to Korriban or going endlessly through one torture after another to just be stronger in the Dark Side.

Asajj looked back at the Sith spirit and said "I… This is so much to take in, Lord Liax. You and your Order… you are neither slaves of the Dark Side to bring death and destruction in name of the Sith, nor Jedi lapdogs obeying orders from an incompetent and corrupt Republic. You and your Order are… living the true ways of the Force. I have searched and learned, suffered even the worse tortures to learn the ways of the ancient Sith, looking for knowledge and power…"

Liax ensured her and softly spoke motherly in nature "It's not your fault. The Jedi's connection to the Force are flawed and they've walked away from their true ways, and all that the Sith bring is nothing but suffering." Then she said in a kind way "But I'm not forcing you to stay and learn my ways. I'm allowing you to make this decision yourself. You can either turn back and go your way, but if you do, my tomb will be sealed of from you to never enter again. But, if you choose to stay, I shall teach the ways of The Order of the Force. Though the training won't be easy, but if you learn well, you'll be more powerful than either Jedi or Sith can ever teach you."

Asajj showed a bit of conflict, but as Darth Liax's teaching sounded so intriguing to learn, Asajj said "I don't know how much I can be of use, but your ways are so much clearer then what Sith or Jedi could ever teach me. Your conviction and purity bring a reckoning that cannot be denied. I…" she'd made her decision and went on her knees, submitting herself to her teaching "I want to stay… and learn your ways, Lord Liax."

Darth Liax smiled and gave her a nod.

-:-

Weeks later

As Asajj's training under the light-sided Sith Lord, Darth Liax began, she had some trouble to adapt to Liax's ways of training, as it was an unusual way to combine both Jedi and Sith training together.

Deep within Asajj, she still held on to the same fear, anger ever since she began training on Korriban, which hadn't gone unnoticed by Liax, who also sensed that Asajj was holding back some of her emotions, memories and even her attachments.

In the beginning, there were some moments where Asajj got so frustrated that she was unable to succeed that she unleashed her anger by destroying some stuff using the Force. However, Darth Liax remained patient as this was all part of her training and knew that this was a simple phase that Asajj Ventress was going through in order to achieve balance.

That day, Asajj was standing on top of the mountain of the temple ruin at the side of the extinct volcano crater, with the spirit of Darth Liax floating next to her. As the mountain was more than two miles high, the climb was a bit of a challenge for Asajj despite using the Force, but in the end, thanks to Liax's guidance and advice, she was able to climb all the way to the top,

Asajj was catching her breath before asking her "Why are we here, master?"

Liax pointed at a small structure standing at the very center of the volcanic crater "Do you see that, Asajj?"

Asajj checked, seeing it was a small pyramid and nodded "Yes. It looks more like a small shrine in the shape of a pyramid."

"Your eyes deceive your mind, my apprentice. You only see what your eyes show you. You must trust your other senses to know what it truly is." Liax told her.

Asajj closed her eyes and reached out her arm to the small structure's direction, using the Force to sense what it was "I… I see… something buried… deep below it. It's… an obelisk?" Asajj asked as she opened her eyes.

Liax's spirit nodded "It's indeed an obelisk, Asajj. It was built by my followers long ago, but was buried in the dead volcano by Darth Bane after destroying my Order," she then instructed her new apprentice "I want you to use the Force… and lift it all back up the surface."

Asajj raised an eyebrow at her new master "You want me to lift it up from the ground?! But it's… massive."

"No. It's only massive in your mind. Size means nothing to the Force."

Asajj sighed "Okay… I'll try."

Liax shook her head "No, my apprentice, don't try." That made Asajj glance at her "In reality, there is no such thing as 'trying'. You either do, or you won't."

Seeing that her new master had a point, Asajj gave a simple nod and returned her focus on the buried obelisk. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and reached out her hand, using with all her power to lift this obelisk from the ground.

The top point of the buried structure began to shake while cracks formed on the ground. Slowly, the obelisk began to rise a few feet.

Though Asajj used all her might, she began losing control as she couldn't lift it up. She reached out now both hands, trying to hold on the structure, only able to rise it a few more feet. Asajj grunted, trying so very hard by not trying to fail.

But then… she released her grip and fell on her knees as she gasped for air.

Liax sighed while shocking her head.

Asajj tight her fist and punched the ground hard "AAAAAARGH! WHY CAN'T I DO IIIIIT!" she screamed out and kept punching the ground till cracks formed and her knuckles bled "WHY?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHYYYYYYY?!"

Liax tried to calm her "Asajj! Asajj… calm down! Breath…!" Asajj stopped punching the ground "That's it. Let it all out. Breath."

Asajj frustratedly burred her head in her hands. But slowly, she began to cry and tears fell from her eyes, feeling that despite her efforts, she was still a failure in her own eyes.

She shook her head while she sobbed "I…! I can't…! I can't do it! Dammit!"

Liax waited till Asajj had cooled of for a few minutes.

The Sith spirit then sat next to Asajj and asked her in a motherly way "You see yourself as a failure because you can't do it in one time. But failing and messing up is part of growing. If you make mistakes, you learn from them."

"I know…" Asajj gave a sob while wiping away her tears from her eyes "I just can't do it, master. It's too big."

"Have you not learned from what I said? Size matters nothing to the Force," Liax floated up and landed before Asajj on her knees "However, it's not that you don't believe you can lift the obelisk up out of the ground. No. What I sensed, is that you're too much focused on your anger and hatred. You believe that the Dark Side gives you more strength than what the Light Side brings. But, you would be wrong on both sides." Asajj glanced at her master, like it was a conversation between daughter and mother "True power, lies in between, in the twilight. True focus comes from between rage and serenity. Between hatred and love. Between darkness… and light." She held up her hands, asking Asajj "Do you mind?"

Clearly Liax's spirit wants to place her hands on Asajj's head, wanting to bring something from her memories. Asajj gave a nod, giving her master permission.

Liax placed her hands on Asajj's head "Close your eyes. Clear your mind." She instructed her.

Asajj did what her master told her and closed her eyes.

In Asajj's head, memories flashed before her, till she saw a memory of herself which she never imagined still had it.

Asajj saw herself in her mother's arms, being an infant. She looked at her mother's face, looking down at her with nothing but love, something that was uncommon among the Nightsisters of Dathomir.

"Asajj… My dear sweet Asajj." Her mother said with her sweet soft voice "I will always be there for you, my sweet daughter. Always…" she then softly kissed baby Asajj's forehead, making the infant giggle.

Asajj's mother then held her close in her arms and softly sang a sweet lullaby. Baby Asajj smiled as she closed her eyes, slowly falling asleep while resting her head on her mother's chest, feeling her warming heartbeat.

Asajj then opened her eyes while tears fell from her eyes. Liax, having felt how strong this beautiful memory of Asajj was, even made her teary and formed a smile.

"How…?" Asajj asked "How did you do that?" she wiped away her tears.

Liax explained "I used my powers to look into the very core of your memories. And I must say… it truly is a strong and beautiful memory, Asajj."

A small smile formed on Asajj "I didn't even know I still had that memory. But… I do remember her lullaby… My mother's lullaby…" it made Asajj remember that sometimes she would hum that very song, never having truly known what it was.

"There is so much more where true strength comes from. Not just pain or anger. There was good too. I felt it. The power of love of a mother for her child. When you find balance between the good and the bad, you'll posses a greater power greater than you could ever imagine. That is what true balance can bring. That is what unlocks your full potential." Liax softly smiled at her.

Asajj then knew what she had to do.

"Want to try it again?" Liax asked as she stood up.

Asajj however said as she stood up, focusing on the top of the obelisk still buried in the middle of the volcanic crater "No. I'm not going to try." She reached out her arm "I'm going to do it."

And once again, with all her will and power in the Force, she held on to the big structure, slowly pulling it out as more cracks formed, raising it up from the ground.

Memories flashed in Asajj's mind while tears fell from her eyes, seeing her mother embracing her infant self with such love, herself being taken away and screamed for her mother, becoming friends with Ahsoka and seeing how they laughed together, watching her master die in her arms and felt rage and sadness. Asajj tried so hard to find balance between all those memories, the good and the bad ones, that she wasn't even paying attention to the obelisk she was raising from the crater.

As the top of the obelisk reflected the sunlight and the inscriptions on it glowed… the 300 feet tall structure was now fully raised from the ground.

Asajj watched as she slowly lowered her arms, seeing she'd done something she thought was impossible for her to do. She chuckled and smiled "I… I did it. I can't believe I did it!"

Liax nodded, feeling proud at her apprentice "That was why you failed the first time. You didn't believe. But now… you do believe, as you've truly felt balance, didn't you?"

Asajj nodded "Yes, master. I feel… I… I can't even describe how this feels."

Liax chuckled and told her "Well, the hard part for you is over. Now, your real training can begin."

-:-

Many months later, on Coruscant

Inside the Chancellor Palpatine's office, the now 17-year old Anakin Skywalker had informed the Chancellor of the result of the Jedi's mission to the planet Eriadu, where a growing insurgence for the Separatists nearly caused a civil war between pro-Republic locals and Separatist militias.

Though luckily the Jedi managed to safe as many innocent people and civilians who were loyal to the Republic and take them off-world, it couldn't prevent that the Separatist militias from toppling over the planet's government and have officially seceded from the Republic and embraced Count Dooku's Separatist Movement, which had now renamed itself into The Confederation of Independent Systems.

Sheev Palpatine, standing at the large glass window, looking over the endless skyscrapers and countless flying speeders of the enormous planet-sized city, sighed with a mixture of sadness and disappointment "Yes. It is very unfortunate of what happened at Eriadu. Despite my negotiations, I had a deep feeling that it was only a matter of time before the spark would've ignited," but then he turned and glanced back at Anakin with a small smile "But, at least you and the Jedi have saved a lot of innocent lives today, Anakin. I own you and the Jedi for that."

Anakin gave Palpatine a nod "Thank you, Your excellency. We did what we could." but then Anakin shook his head with a bit worry "This crisis just keeps growing worse."

Palpatine nodded in understanding "I know you're concerned, Anakin. And so am I. With Eriadu having switched sides and the Trade Federation having joined Dooku's new kind of government, I fear what would become of this."

"I just wished I could do more. If I could, I would've just gone in order to deal with the threat myself. But because I'm only a Padawan there's nothing I can do." Anakin spoke "Me and Qui-Gon could've gone and arrested Count Dooku ourselves."

Palpatine raised an eyebrow at him for saying that, but formed a small smile, being impressed of Anakin being willing to be this bold "And if you had, it would've no doubt caused a intergalactic scandal, and you and Master Qui-Gon would've no doubt being expelled from the Jedi Order. But… I do admire your boldness of speaking out like that, and perhaps such an heroic act would've inspired the Republic for doing what's right," he then complimented him "If only more Jedi were like you."

Anaking nodded, but also apologized "I know I shouldn't be speaking of such things in public. But just like myself, other Senators and Jedi are also growing concerned of this growing crisis."

Palpatine, while he and Anakin walked to the door of his office, ensured him "There's no need to apologize, Anakin. Honesty is a virtue and should never hold yourself back from saying out your mind or do what is right. In time, you will learn to trust your feelings. Then you will be invincible. I have said it many times: You are the most gifted Jedi I have ever met."

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

"I see you becoming the greatest of all the Jedi, Anakin. Even more powerful then Master Yoda."

Anakin gave a shrug "Maybe that time will come… when I'm older and more wiser."

Palpatine then stopped and told Anakin as they were next to the door "Age is not a measure of ability, Anakin."

"Perhaps you're right about that. But either way… there's still much I can learn. And I own Qui-Gon much of what he's taught me so far," Anakin then added "But your advice and council has helped me as well."

Palpatine nodded, but then asked "So much that you hadn't even paid me a visit in like two years?" that made Anakin quiet, not knowing that to say, but Palpatine ensured him "But I understand, Anakin. You're still young and so much to learn. But, I do miss the conversations we used to have. It would be great that you would stop by more often."

"I… will consider it. Thank you." Anakin told the Chancellor. He then gave him a small bow "Have a good day, Your Excellency."

Palpatine gave him a nod as Anakin left his office.

However, as Anakin entered his speeder and left the Republic Executive Building heading back to the Jedi Temple, he was mentally saying to himself with suspicion 'I better watch myself if I ever drop by the Chancellor's office. Palpatine's words may be wise… but still I feel there's something not right about him."

Ever since Anakin had first met Sheev Palpatine after having been elected Supreme Chancellor at the end of the Naboo Crisis, he appeared to be a kind old man and having noticed his abilities and talent in the Force, but as Qui-Gon had taught Anakin to keep an open mind and listen to our hearts, Anakin since then had been weary of Chancellor Palpatine of whatever he's up to as he'd never been this interested in any Jedi then him.

Luckily, Anakin always had Qui-Gon to ask for advice, with him telling he feels the same about the Chancellor, but taught Anakin in order to know the Chancellor's true nature intentions, to be cautious and think ahead of whatever you think or want to say in front of the Chancellor, to be a few steps ahead of what he would ask or say to him.

Anakin took this advice and learning by heart and has kept a close eye on what the Chancellor truly intends.

Anakin didn't wanted to share the real reason why he hadn't come to drop by the Chancellor's office the last two years, as the real reason was someone he truly cared about. His ex-girlfriend, Dia Zebb.

As Anakin landed in the Temple's hangar, he began to think about Dia and about the wonderful time when they were in love and secretly were dating. Though Anakin's mind shifted when kissing or making love with Dia, imagining in his head that it was with Padmé, he did admit that he truly misses them being together, but kept it to himself as he and Dia have tried to remain close friends.

Suddenly, as he thought of Dia, Anakin's eyes went wide as he realized that today Dia was taking on the Jedi Trials. He hurried out of the hangar, hoping to that he hadn't missed it as he'd promised to be there when Dia would either fail or succeed. Anakin however was fully confident that his Twi'Lek Jedi friend would complete the Trials and become a Jedi Knight as she was a great in her Jedi ways as he is.

Some minutes later, Anakin stood before the large door of the Jedi Trials Chamber that was sealed off, guarded by two Temple Guards, showing he wasn't allowed to enter as long as the Jedi Trials were underway for the Padawan inside.

Anakin could not sense whatever Dia was facing in there, but could sense her presence in there.

"Deciding to show after all, huh?" a voice called to him. Anakin turned and saw his other two Padawan friend; 18-year female human, Newt, and 17-year old male Mirialan, Zif.

"Hey guys." Anakin greeted them "Sorry that I wasn't here when she entered."

"I don't think we're the ones you should apologize to, Anakin." Zif told him.

Newt nodded and guessed "Chancellor Palpatine kept you from going?"

Anakin gave a shrug "We just had a conversation after I informed him of our partly failed mission to Eriadu. Nothing serious."

Newt however advised him "You should be careful, Anakin. Politicians are not to be trusted."

Anakin gave a small nod "I know." he then checked the door and asked about Dia taking on the Trials "Has she been gone in there for long?"

"About an hour, or so." Zif answered.

Anakin knew that mostly it would take many hours before a Jedi Padawan would exit the room, showing he or she completed the Trials.

Newt then suggested "Don't linger too long Anakin. It will take hours before she will come out. Let's go and have some lunch."

"Yeah… good idea." Anakin said, agreeing with Newt's idea to have something to eat and left with her and Zif to the Temple's Cafeteria. He looked back one more time, saying in his mind 'I'll be here when you get out, Dia. I promise.'

As the hours went by, Anakin did his best to fill his time, not worrying too much about Dia while still taking on the Trials. Anakin did some Lightsaber combat training before returning to his quarters to do some meditation in order to keep his mind clear.

Then, as he began to think about Dia, Padmé instead showed in his mind.

Anakin shook his head, trying to keep focused on meditating, but lost his concentration.

He sighs and stood up, leaving his quarters to go and see if Dia had already come out.

Near the door, besides from the two Temple Guards, Dia's master, Benjako Dalkai was there.

Benjako saw Anakin and gave him a nod while he smiled "Hello, Anakin."

"Master Dalkai." Anakin greeted him back.

"Is it your turn soon to do the Trials?" Benjako asked.

Anakin looked surprised "What? No. I was only here because-"

Benjako then chuckled "I'm just kidding. I know it's not your time yet to do the Trials." Both he and Anakin then watched the door, hoping to see Dia walking out of it soon. Benjako then wandered "Although, I do wander when the Council will finally give you permission to do the Trials, Anakin."

Anakin sighed with a sense of disappointment. It was true that he too desires to become a Jedi Knight and feels ready to face the Trials. And though Qui-Gon sees he too is ready for the Trails, the Council clearly doesn't see he's ready, which frustrated Anakin a bit, but understood the Council's decision. But, Qui-Gon ensured Anakin there were always alternative ways to forgo the Trials as even on missions you could pass 1 or even several of the designated Trials necessary to be promoted to Jedi Knight, telling that even his former Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi managed to complete several trials during the Naboo-Crisis and after defeating the Sith when Qui-Gon almost died.

While going through these things in mind, Anakin then sensed that there was moving inside the Jedi Trials Chamber. The massive door opened and the Temple Guards moved out of the way.

From the big chamber, Dia stepped out. Though her Jedi robes were a bit messy and she had a couple of bruises and scratches, Dia felt at peace, forming a smile. Her smile grew bigger when seeing Anakin before her with her master, seeing that her best friend has kept his promise.

Benjako and Anakin walked up to Dia, with her saying as she made a small bow to Benjako "I did it, master… I've… completed the Trials."

Benjako nodded, sensing that she'd completed all the five Trials.

Anakin smiled bright "Congratulations, Dia."

Dia instantly embraced Anakin, with him returning the hug. She whispered to him "I never could've done it without you."

That came with a bit of surprise to Anakin.

"Without your encouragement… all your support… I would've never passed the Trials. Thank you… Ani…" she softly said.

Anakin sighed as he smiled, not letting go of the hug.

But upon realizing that they hugged this close, both Anakin and Dia broke the hug, feeling awarded about it.

Benjako could only smile, as he didn't mind. Luckily none of the other Jedi or Temple Guards noticed them.

That was when a few Council members arrived; Mace Windu, Yoda and Shaak Ti. All of whom had sensed that Dia Zebb had successfully passed the Jedi Trials.

"You have done well, Dia Zebb." Shaak Ti said.

"Passed the tests, you have." Yoda said.

Mace Windu then gestured Dia to follow them to the Council Chambers. Dia did, with behind her Anakin and Benjako Dalkai.

Around the corner, the other female Jedi Knight, Aayla Secura, saw her former secret lover Shaak Ti leaving to take to the elevator up to the Council Chambers, to begin the ceremony for Dia's promotion.

Aayla had been trying to talk with Shaak Ti cause she still has feelings for the Togruta Jedi Master. After having 'accidentally' seen Anakin and Dia having sex almost two years ago, she was determined at first to go and declare her love to Shaak Ti but almost always something came in between.

But this time… Aayla was determined to finally tell her… tonight.

Later, in the Jedi Council Chamber

Dia stood in the middle of the chamber before Master Yoda, surrounded by the other eleven Council Members. Anakin and Benjako Dalkai were allowed to stand at the corner and watch.

Yoda ignited his green lightsaber "Step forward, Padawan." He told her.

Dia took a few steps before Yoda, sitting on one knee.

Yoda then knighted Dia Zebb as he says "Dia Zebb, by the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, dub thee, I do," with a quick small strike, Yoda cut the small chain around her left lekku, symbolizing that she was no longer a Padawan "Jedi… Knight of the Republic."

With a smile, Dia stood up, having now officially become a Jedi Knight.

She took the cut chain from the floor and walked up to her former master, Benjako, handing him over her Padawan chain "I think you for everything you've taught me, Master."

Benjako was very proud at Dia and took the small chain "And I couldn't have wished for a better student than you, Dia. But now, we leave our rolls as master and apprentice behind. Now we've become brother and sister of the Jedi Order."

Dia gave Benjako a small nod and left with them the Council Chambers.

As Benjako departed when they came down with the elevator, clearly leaving Anakin and Dia to have some alone time, Anakin said as they headed into a hallway that lead to Dia's chamber "That is truly something. Becoming a Jedi Knight."

"Yes," Dia agreed with him "And, know knows? A few more years and then you'll be a Jedi Knight too."

"I sure hope so. We then could go on missions together."

That made Dia to stop in shock when Anakin said that.

Anakin, realizing what he said, quickly fixed his words "I mean, well… as fellow Knights, I mean. That… depends if we go on missions together whenever the Council requires us, right?" he said with some nervousness.

"Uhm… yeah. I… suppose…" Dia said, feeling a bit awkward about this and looked away.

Anakin too felt awarded and looked away "Yeah…"

They didn't say anything or looked at each other for nearly a minute.

Anakin then broke the silence by saying "I… I'll leave you then." he began to leave "Talk to you soon."

"Yeah… talk to you soon, Anakin." Dia responded.

Unknown to Anakin, Dia too had been struggling to cope with their breakup. Despite she'd sensed that 'the Force' said that they shouldn't be together and eventually had accepted their breakup even after she was devastated about it at first, Dia too had her doubts if it was truly the will of the Force they shouldn't be together.

As Anakin was going into another hallway, Dia tried to call him back "A…Anakin…?" but he'd already left, making Dia look sad as she looked down. She entered her chamber.

Today she was about to rejoice of having finally becoming a Jedi Knight despite not having been born into the Order and had only come after Benjako Dalkai had saved her from slavery, Dia was sad… that she truly missed Anakin being together.

Dia imagined in her mind that if they were still together, maybe Anakin and her would've shared another great night together, possibly going on another amazing date.

Thinking of all this, Dia sat at her bed while she began to sob.

In Anakin's chamber, he sadly sighed as he sat on his bed, thinking about Dia. Despite his mind tried to shift to Padmé, he wasn't in the mood for it and just wanted to see Dia's image in his head "Dia… I'm so sorry that we couldn't…" Anakin tried to tell himself, but couldn't speak out the words.

Anakin later on went sadly to sleep, while Dia in her room gave several sobs while trying to go to sleep too.

Both still had feelings for each other, and yet… it was as if the universe was trying to keep them apart.

-:-

Meanwhile, inside Shaak-Ti's chamber, the Togruta Jedi Master was sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, having just finished meditating.

Shaak Ti gave a small sigh before she rose up, taking off her Jedi robes till she was only wearing her undergarment.

Just then, there was a knock on her door. Shaak Ti looked with a bit of surprise at the door, not expecting anyone to come to see her at this late hour. She sensed that it was Aayla Secura behind her door, which made her raise an eyebrow. But wandering what her former secret girlfriend wanted, Shaak-Ti puts on her cloak and called "Come in."

As the door opened, to Shaak-Ti's confirmation, it was indeed Aayla standing at the door. She walked inside, with her robe covering all of herself except her face.

"Aayla," Shaak Ti greeted her "What brings you here?"

Aayla sighed and walked up to her.

Shaak Ti wasn't sure where Aayla was going with this and asked with some concern "Is… something wrong? Is there something you want to talk about?"

Aayla gave her a nod "There is."

Shaak Ti formed a small smile and ensured her "Listen, whatever it is that troubles you, we can talk about it first thing in the morning and-"

"No, Shaak," Aayla interrupted her "I need to tell you this right now."

Shaak Ti sighed, allowing Aayla to speak her mind.

"It's… about us."

"Us?" Shaak Ti asked with a raised eyebrow. But seeing that this was probably about when they used to have a secret affaire years ago. She formed a bit of sad face before telling her softly "Aayla, listen to me. We've been over this. You know that we can't be together. What we shared was a beautiful thing, but… I'm now a member of the Jedi Council and… the Jedi Code forbids it."

Aayla shook her head "I don't care anymore about the Code, Shaak! I…" she then takes off her robe, revealing that underneath it she was completely naked.

Shaak Ti gasped that Aayla was actually naked the whole time. Watching her made her feel warm inside, just like when they used to date secretly years back.

Shaak Ti blushed but tried to fight this desire and tried to tell her patiently "Aayla, look… I know that you miss what we used to have, but we can't do this…"

Aayla this time grabbed Shaak Ti and pinned her to the wall, shocking her. But Shaak Ti didn't fight it and just looked into Aayla's eyes which formed some tears.

"I don't care about this stupid outdated Code anymore, Shaak Ti!" Aayla confessed as tears fell from her eyes "I love you! I still love you… so very much!" she then kissed her.

Shaak Ti's eyes went wide as their lips made contact. Though her mind was screaming at herself to stop and this is against everything she believed in, her heart was telling otherwise.

Slowly, Shaak Ti shook her head as Aayla broke the kiss "Aayla… please… this is wrong…"

Again, Aayla passionately kissed her, pressing her tongue against hers.

Shaak Ti still didn't resist, as her mind was conflicted by either give in to her desires or try to fight it.

"Then… why aren't you fighting back, huh?!" Aayla demanded "Your mind tells you that this is wrong… but how can something so good and beautiful be wrong, huh?!" she grabbed Shaak Ti's wrists, holding them against the wall "Don't you fucking dare lie to me, Shaak Ti! You know that our Code is wrong and I know that you still love me, that you only make fucking excuses because in reality… you're afraid!"

Shaak Ti didn't say anything, other than looking in shock.

"Tell me!" Aayla demanded as more tears fell from her eyes "TELL ME THE TRUTH!"

As Aayla words hit her so hard, the emotions that she'd buried deep were like finally breaking away. Tears began forming in Shaak Ti's eyes now as Aayla's and Qui-Gon's words echoed in her head, of Qui-Gon having known of their secret affaire and telling her that love is not a sin at all, of Aayla of how much she loved and had suffered because of Shaak Ti's hypocrisy.

Aayla looked in shock, never having seen Shaak Ti like this before, even not when they dated years back.

"I'm sorry…!" Shaak Ti sobbed "I'm so sorry, Aayla…!" she admitted to herself "You're right… I have made nothing but excuses for years," her tears fell from her cheeks "I… I was scared… I was scared of cause I was throwing everything away that I used to believe in… I was scared of losing you… and my place in the Jedi Order…! And now… I am still afraid…!" she then begged Aayla "Please forgive me, Aayla…!"

Aayla let go of her and both embraced, letting Shaak Ti cry on her shoulder. Both slowly dropped on the floor on their knees while Shaak Ti's robe fell off of her.

They remained like this for several minutes, staring into each other's watery eyes. Slowly, Shaak Ti moved her hands to Aayla's face, softly touching her cheeks, making them both form a sweet smile.

Aayla's Lekku head-tails began moving upwards, slowly going to Shaak Ti's face, rubbing it and her cone-like horns. Feeling the small electric sensation that Twi'Lek girls could do when making love, when touching her face, made the 36 year-old Togruta moan as she closed her eyes, feeling almost lost in the sensation "Oooooh… Aayla…"

"Remember we used to do this almost all the time?" Aayla asked before she bite her lip, making her Lekku move from Shaak Ti's face down to her breasts, softly stroking them with her pleasurable head-tails.

Shaak Ti gave a small nod while her eyes were still closed "Yes… I remember… I… missed this so much…" she moaned as Aayla raised her singlet, showing her gorgeous milf breasts. Both then passionately kissed, with Aayla and Shaak Ti's tongues made contact and danced in their mouths like a tango.

A tear fell from Shaak Ti's left eye as she opened her eyes while watching the ceiling, surrendering herself fully to Aayla. A smile formed on her face, as she remembered how she and Aayla shared their first time years back.

Flashback from 9 years ago

The 26 year-old Jedi Knight Shaak Ti, was doing some studies in the Jedi Archives. Just then, she got a message on her communicator.

Shaak Ti saw that it was a secret message from Aayla. Quickly, Shaak Ti looked around, hoping no other Jedi would be seeing her. She opened the message, wanting to see it quickly before anyone notices, reading:

Come to my quarters

I have something to show you… very special

Love,

Aayla

Shaak Ti couldn't deny any kind of request from Aayla. Ever since they've started a secret relationship when having been stuck on an uncharted planet for months, the Togruta Jedi Knight never could get Aayla out of her head. Despite what they were sharing was forbidden by the Code, it was a torture for Shaak Ti to try and ignore Aayla.

She quickly looked around one time before replying a short and quick message back to Aayla: I'll be there.

A couple of minutes later, Shaak Ti met with Aayla in her quarters.

When opening the door, she saw the Twi'Lek 15 year-old Padawan standing in the middle of the room, wearing only her robe.

Shaak Ti locked the door behind her as she entered "I… got your message."

Aayla looked a bit nervous, but slowly dropped her robe, revealing she was only wearing her undergarments. She sighed and walked over to Shaak Ti.

Shaak Ti had a feeling where this was going, sensing that Aayla wanted to share her first time with her.

"You're sure about it, Aayla?" Shaak Ti asked softly.

Aayla gave a small nod "Nothing would make me more happier… than to allow you to… break my virginity."

Shaak Ti formed a smile and embraced her, sharing a passionate kiss.

Aayla helped her taking of her Jedi robes till she was completely naked. Both then lay on Aayla's bed, touching and kissing each other throughout their bodies for some minutes.

But as Aayla began using her Lekku headtails on Shaak Ti, it made her more horny as the small electrical sensation from her Twi'Lek head-tails touched her face, breasts and pussy. As it was the first time Aayla would do this to anyone, she properly guided the Twi'Lek Padawan to show which places she likes it the most.

Back at the present…

Shaak Ti, laying on her bed, watched Aayla using her Lekku head-tails like a professional, touching and rubbing Shaak Ti's breasts, nipples and clitoris.

"Aaaah yeah…! Mmmmmm…! Ooooooh… fuuuuuck…" Shaak Ti moaned "That's it."

Aayla formed a sweet smile before she began nipping Shaak Ti's left nipple a bit while sucking it, while using her right Lekku to stimulate her other nipple and her left Lekku to penetrate inside Shaak Ti's wet pussy.

The feeling of the electrical sensation from Aayla's Lekku fingering her pussy, made Shaak Ti even more horny.

"Aaaah yes…! Fuck me, Aayla! Fuck me with your Lekku…!" Shaak Ti begged her.

Aayla glanced with her eyes at Shaak Ti for a moment before forming a grin and moved her Lekku even faster inside Shaak Ti's vagina, hitting her cervix, while keeping stimulating her breasts and nipples.

"AAAH! AAAH! OH AAYLA! AAYLA! AAYLA!" Shaak Ti moaned out loud before she climaxes "AAAAAAAAH!"

Shaak Ti's body was shaking as she'd just had the best climax in years. Aayla slowly moved her left Lekku out of Shaak Ti's pussy, licking the traces of the older Togruta's climaxed juices, tasting it so sweet.

Aayla sighs "Oh fuck… How I've missed the taste of your juices, Shaak…" she moved herself down, with her face staring at the Togruta milf's pink wet genitals "So… beautiful…" she leaned in and began eating out her pussy, moving her tongue across her labia and clitoris while she moved her Lekky headtails over Shaak Ti's belly and used her fingers to stimulate her nipples.

Shaak Ti held Aayla's face, pulling her against her pussy, loving it so bad "Yes, Aayla! Eat it! Oh fuck, eat it, yes!"

"Mmmmm! Mmmmm!" Aayla muffled as she was so busy on performing cunniligus.

After a few more minutes, Shaak Ti climaxed in Aayla's mouth which she received gladly and sucked and licked it till she was clean.

Biting her lip, Shaak Ti used the Force to lift up Aayla, which surprised her before she was grabbed by Shaak Ti and pinned down the bed, making her be on top this time.

Shaak Ti immediately responded with a passionate kiss, which Aayla gladly received and returned, with her tasting traces of her own juices in Aayla's mouth.

After a few minutes of tongue kissing, both slowly broke the kiss, with Aayla saying "Wow… you've been holding back for a long time, haven't you, Shaak Ti?"

Shaak Ti formed a smile "Yeah, I guess I did…" she gave her one more kiss "Thank you, Aayla… for… knocking some sense into me…"

That made Aayla chuckle "You're welcome."

Shaak Ti planted kisses on Aayla's cheeks, moving down to her neck, she softly said "I think it's only fair to return you the same pleasure you gave me."

As time went by, after Shaak Ti had given the near same pleasure as Aayla gave her, despite not having the kind of Lekku head-tails like Twi'Lek's have, so Shaak Ti used the Force to increase the pleasure and finished with performing cunniligus till she climaxed, both would do 69 until both climaxed into each other's mouths.

While both stroke, touched and kissed each other throughout their boddies, with Aayla using her Lekku head-tails' pleasurable sensation on her, Shaak Ti then used the Force to open a little 'secret hiding place' near her bed, making an object floating out of it till she had it in her hands.

Aayla looked and was surprised as she recognized the long sex toy "Shaak Ti… is that… the double-side dildo we used before?"

Shaak Ti nodded "Yes, it is…"

"But… I thought you got rid of it after our… breakup?"

Shaak Ti sighed and admitted "That was my first intention, but… I couldn't do it. So… in secret… I've kept it safe as we shared so many nights with this." Shaak Ti felt ashamed "I'm sorry that I was acting so…"

Aayla ensured her "It's okay, my love. I forgive you…" she planted a passionate kiss on her mouth before she snatched the sex toy out of Shaak Ti's hand, using her tongue at one side of the dildo to make it more smooth and placed it inside her wet pussy.

Shaak Ti got on top of Aayla, wanting to do the cowgirl position, taking the other part of the dildo, slowly letting it penetrate it.

Both of them began to move their hips, fucking each other.

"Aaaah! Ooooh! Fuck yeah! I love it so bad! I love it to fuck you with our favorite toy!" Aayla moaned.

"Me too, Aayla! Oh fuck, I've missed this so ba-ad!" Shaak Ti moaned as she increased the speed.

Shaak Ti leaned in to Aayla's face, sharing a very passionate tongue kiss, moving her own Lekku head-tails around Aayla's face, embracing her. Though Togruta headtails aren't as flexible and strong as Twi'Lek's, Shaak Ti's species sometimes were able to make them move a bit and embrace their partner while mating.

They kept going like this for over thirty minutes before both were reaching their final climax of the night.

"OOOH FUCK, SHAAK TI! I… I'M GONNA CUM!"

"ME TOO, AAYLA! LET'S… O FUCK… LET'S FUCKING CUM TOGETHER!"

Less then a minute later, with all their will power, climaxed at the very same time!

"AAYLA! AAYLA! AAYLAAAAAA!"

"SHAAK TIIIIIIII!"

At the same time, both released an incredible amount of juices in their shared climax!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Being so tired, both remained in embrace in Shaak Ti's bed for nearly an hour, not even saying anything, other than sharing a few tender kisses. Their sweat dripped of their bodies. The room felt a bit moister cause of the incredible sex they shared.

Shaak Ti eventually broke the silence and said while she shook her head "Never again…"

"What do you mean?" Aayla asked confused.

Shaak Ti ensured her while stroking her cheek with her right hand "I'll… never let you go… again. I want things to go back as before."

Aayla formed a smile, forming some tears of joy in her eyes "Oh, Shaak Ti…!" and both embraced into a passionate kiss, showing that they were back together.

But then Shaak Ti broke the kiss and told her "But… things will be difficult for the both of us. Me being a Council member and you a Jedi Knight…"

Aayla kissed her while saying "We'll find a way, my love… as we always did. When we have our chance… we'll go on dates again, like what we used to do… and having more passionate nights like this."

Shaak Ti knew in her heart that Aayla was right. They did always managed to find a way, even when they first secretly dated before their breakup "You're right, Aayla… we'll find a way to share private moments like this together, without anyone having to know…" but then admitted "Well… except for Master Qui-Gon."

That surprised Aayla "What?"

Shaak Ti then began to tell Aayla that Qui-Gon Jinn had known about their secret affaire and secret feelings for each other for years, but had never acted on it and told that attachments are not a sin to the Force at all, but is something beautiful and only naturel.

Aayla was beyond surprise "I don't believe this. All this time… Qui-Gon knew… and yet, he didn't saw anything wrong about us being together." She began to smile "Oh… Thank the Force that at least he understands and is supportive. He truly is a good man."

Shaak Ti nodded in agreement.

Both shared another kiss, before Aayla suggested "I… think it might be best that I go back to my quarters."

But just as she was about to go, Shaak Ti held her arm "Please… will you stay with me… just for tonight?"

Aayla formed a smile as Shaak Ti asked her to stay with her for the night after having sex. So, Aayla returned back into Shaak Ti's embrace in bed.

After sharing a couple of more passionate kisses, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning, both woke up and quickly cleaned Shaak Ti's quarters of any traces left behind of their secret passionate night. After sharing another kiss, Aayla left to go back to her quarters before anyone would notice.

Shaak Ti felt truly happy inside, after having opened her feelings once more for her old flame, Aayla Secura. And, though indirectly, she had Anakin Skywalker and Dia Zebb to thank for, for having the courage to stand up against the old Code and just be one with their emotions without even being influenced by the Dark Side.

However, Shaak Ti wandered why Anakin and Dia suddenly weren't that much in love as she'd sensed before less than two years ago, but still sensed a small glimpse of feelings for another.

Shaak Ti began to think 'What would cause them not being together again, despite they still feel so much for each other?' with her and Aayla back together, Shaak Ti made her own vow to repay Anakin and Dia 'I don't know what caused you two to separate… but I promise you both, I'll do anything to repay you, to thank you for what you've done for me and Aayla, even though you both might not know it now. And maybe… someday… something could be changed in the Jedi Order.'

-:-

Many months later, on Generis

Outside the old Sith ruin of Darth Liax's Order of the Force, Asajj was meditating peacefully in which used to be the greenhouses of the secret Order, sitting with her legs crossed while she floated between the beautiful plants and flowers, with many small rocks circled around her in several orbits.

For a year, Asajj's training under her new master, Darth Liax, has helped Asajj greatly, having improved under her training in both her powers and lightsaber combat, having learned even new abilities; like absorbing Force Lightning and deflect them back, even having mastered the dangerous ability to grab a lightsaber's laser with her bare hands without injuring herself, even producing Force energy to heal someone faster and even accelerating her healing factor so she would be fully healed from all kinds of injuries in less than a minute.

Asajj had even been looking more better physically and was now looking more healthier than a year back. As she was so focused on training under Darth Liax, she let her hair grow, being now short 6 inches long.

Before the meditating Asajj, Liax's spirit appears before her.

Having sensed her master's spirit, Asajj opened her eyes, forming a smile and slowly landed back on the ground and the small rocks floated all into a few rock piles which were perfectly placed.

"Master." Asajj said friendly.

Impressed, Liax said "Three days of uninterrupted meditating. Impressive."

Asajj nodded, not feeling tired and barely hungry or thirsty "The Force gives me all I need… my master."

"I am proud at how far you've come, my child," Liax said, having become a mother-figure to Asajj despite being a Sith spirit "You have surpassed all my expectations."

Asajj smiled with hope, as she was about to tell she's ready "Thank you, master."

"Now… only one final test remains."

That made Asajj intrigued, to know what her final test would be before becoming a true Warrior of the Order of the Force. She made a small bow to her "What do you want me to do, master?" she asked.

Liax told her what her final test would be "There is another ancient temple, several hours travel from here, which has a strong Dark Side presence. A poor local teenage girl has lost her way in there. The Dark Force energy from that despicable place is torturing the poor girl's mind that she's unable to escape from. I fear if she isn't to be taken away safe soon, her mind will be beyond saving and she'll be lost to the Dark Side forever."

Asajj nodded in understanding, seeing what she has to do "I see. You want me to travel to that Dark Side temple and safe the girl."

"Yes. But remember, just taking her out of that evil place won't be enough. You will need to use all that I've taught you, to heal this girl. This test will not only finally determine your place as a warrior of the Force and becoming fully balanced between light and darkness, but this is also a test to finally face your past."

Asajj didn't quit liked the sound of this, as all she ever wanted was to forget all her past mistakes. But trusting her master, she gave Liax a small bow "I won't fail, Master Liax. I will go and safe that girl…" she took a deep breath "…and face whatever is lying in that temple."

Liax's spirit gave her a nod and disappeared.

Asajj then left the temple ruins. She stopped for a moment to call out a friend, by reaching out her hand and calling upon the Force.

Not long after, something appeared out of the bushes, showing it was the same black-skinned feral reptilian creature, staring with its blood red eyes at Asajj.

However, this time, the creature did not saw Asajj as a threat or as dinner.

Asajj formed a small smile and placed her hand on the creature's head, who leaned close to her "There's something I've got to do, Carno. And I need your help to get there."

The creature, being named Carno, gave a nod and lowered himself, allowing Asajj to mount on his neck. Asajj placed her right hand on Carno's head, telling him telepathic where to go. Carno immediately turned and ran into the jungle, heading towards Dark Temple where Asajj needs to safe a lost teenage girl.

During the whole ride, Asajj began to think back of when she was able to tame Carno, as part of one of her trials.

Flashback, 5 months ago

Asajj watched the reptilian creature, Carno, eating his prey that he'd just slew.

Asajj could hear Liax's voice in her head, instructing her "Remember your training Asajj. In order to bond with Carno, you must first earn his trust."

"I know, master, but…" Asajj was doubting if it would work, as this was something that was not taught by the Jedi that taught to use the Force to calm the creature or the Sith teachings to force the creature into submission.

"Don't doubt yourself, Asajj. You can do it. I know you can." Liax said, trusting Asajj that she's more than ready for this.

Asajj nodded and began to slowly approach the big reptilian creature.

Carno could sense something was approaching him. With his mouth full of ripped of flesh and bones, he turned, seeing Asajj approaching him. Carno began to growl as it ate a piece of the ripped meat and swallowed it before he began to march over to Asajj, with blood dripping from its mouth.

Asajj, remembering Liax's teachings to rely on other methods than using mind-tricks or torture, stayed calm and looked into the feral beast's eyes "I'm not here to harm you."

But Carno scowled at that and gave her a big growl.

However, instead of trying to reason with him, Asajj slowly sat down with her legs crossed, keeping watching the creature.

As she was first very scared during her first encounter with Carno, now, thanks to Liax's training, she's not that scared anymore.

Trusting in the Force, Asajj closed her eyes and began to meditate. Not to try to contact Carno telepathically, but to simple let the Force guide her.

Carno didn't moved an inch and kept watching Asajj.

Hours went by and Carno resumed eating his meal.

Asajj was still meditating. She opened one of her eyes, which Carno noticed and began growling at her again.

Asajj simply smiled and closed her eyes, resuming her meditation.

More hours went by and the sun began to set.

Asajj peeked with one eye again, seeing that Carno wasn't growling at her anymore, but was still looking stern, keeping his eyes on her.

Asajj gave a small sigh and began meditating again.

A few hours later, Carno approached Asajj, making her look at him.

Carno had a large piece of meat from his prey in his mouth. He slowly puts it down before Asajj, like it sensed that Asajj must be hungry too.

Asajj formed a small smile, giving him a nod and took a piece of the bloody meat, taking a bite from it. As Asajj has taught herself to try to survive on nearly anything that was eatable, her stomach was used to eat raw meat.

When she had finished her meal, Asajj cleaned her mouth. Carno sat before.

Trusting what the Force told her to, Asajj slowly rose up and approached Carno.

It stared at her with his bloody eyes, but Asajj didn't show any kind of fear. Carno slowly leaned its head closer to her.

Asajj reached out her right hand to Carno, touching its head. Carno allowed her. She closed her eyes, trying to make a connection with Carno, just as Liax taught her.

What she then saw next, were memories of Carno's past, showing a beautiful and tropical planet which she's never seen before. She saw Carno hatching from its egg along with dozens of his brothers and sisters, being nursed by their mother. She then saw… Darth Liax and a few of her followers, studying the many reptilian animals as they had a special connection to the Force, while Liax was watching Carno and his little siblings. And, as time passed by, Asajj saw little Carno playing a few games with Liax, and both formed a special bond friendship.

But then, she saw the jungles on fire. Its sun was getting out of balance. The animals all began to panic, like they all knew that the end of their world was upon them. She saw Liax carrying the little baby Carno on her ship, leaving the planet. Asajj saw how the sun of Carno's world exploded into a supernova, destroying the entire system, along with Carno's planet, with the baby Carno crying out as it saw his world destroyed from the ship's bridge. Liax comforted and nursed him, bringing him to the temple of her secret order, growing up, becoming the temple's guardian.

Asajj's eyes slowly opened, with tears in her eyes "By the Force. Your world… gone, making you the last of your kind. And Darth Liax… she saved you, took care of you." She began to understand him now as their eyes met "That is why you were threatening to kill me when I found Liax's tomb. You didn't saw me as a simple meal… you were just simply guarding this place from intruders, right?"

Carno nodded.

Asajj again touched his head, as they began to understand each other better.

Asajj formed a smile and Carno made a small growling sound, like he accepted her as a new member of Liax's Order of the Force.

Back at the present…

Asajj had been riding on Carno's neck for about a couple of hours as they moved deeper into the jungle.

Thinking back how they started and how they are now, Asajj smiled down at Carno and patted his head "We've come a long way from becoming actual friends, isn't it?"

Carno made a little growl, like it said 'Indeed'.

Then, Asajj saw something in the distance; a tall dark spiral tower, with the top half of it having collapsed.

Asajj knew that that must be the ancient temple that Darth Liax told her where she would find the missing girl.

When approaching the steps of the towering temple, Asajj began to feel uncomfortable, feeling cold. Carno grunted, as he too felt uncomfortable.

Asajj stroke his head "I know. I can sense it too. The Dark Side… is very strong at that place." She dismounted form Carno's neck and dropped herself down, landing on the ground. Asajj gave Carno a glance, with the black reptilian creature giving a simple nod, knowing that Asajj had to go in alone.

Asajj gave Carno a nod too before looking back at the temple. She then began to walk up the stairs, ignited one of her lightsabers for light and went into the dark entrance.

Entering the dark, evil place, Asajj could feel more from this place, like all kinds of negative emotions flow through the temple like the wind: Anger. Hatred. Greed. Jealousy. Fear. Unrestrained lust. Death."

This place was nothing compared to the old Sith ruins and tombs on Korriban.

Asajj began to pant and leaned against a wall, trying to focus herself, relying on the Force to guide her to the girl.

But while she tried to concentrate, she could hear an evil laughter echoing through the hallways.

Not letting her emotions get the best of her, Asajj kept walking further, going into one direction, till she took a left turn.

Suddenly, she heard like crawling. Asajj looked around, but didn't see anything. She closed her eyes "Don't give into fear, Asajj. This is only being played in your head. Let the Force guide you."

"The Force won't safe you in this place…! Hahahahaha!" an evil voice shouted in her mind.

Asajj gasped and looked around with her lightsaber, seeing nothing while the same evil laughter was heard. She kept going.

After a few minutes of searching, she saw movement, like something quickly crawled away. Asajj ran after it "Hey! Wait a minute!"

But then… it was gone.

Asajj was about to leave and move on, but then heard whispers. Asajj looked again, going into the chamber where the whispers came from.

To her shock, she saw a human teenage girl, being 16 years old, laying on the ground close to the wall of some ancient carving. Her red hair was all messy, barefooted, her native-clothes partly ripped apart, and had scratches and some old wounds across her body. She was whispered as she scratched with her nails while shaking "Noises… noises everywhere… calling me… Noises…"

Asajj approached her "Hello?"

The girl gasped in horror, quickly crawling backwards "No! Stay away! Stay away!"

Asajj was shocked to see what she saw the girl's face, with her eyes being red, lots of black bags under her eyes. The Dark Side truly had driven the poor girl to near madness.

Trying to ensure her that she means no harm, Asajj raised her free hand "Please, stay calm. I'm not here to hurt you."

The girl however shook her head before covering her ears and held her legs close to her chest "The voices… Make them stop…! Make them stop…!"

Slowly, Asajj approach her "I'm here to help you, just calm down."

But when Asajj's hand made contact with the girl's head, the girl stared looked at her with wide eyes, showing fear.

"It's alright… I'm getting you out of here." Asajj ensured her.

But then, the girl saw something behind Asajj, making her scream and tried to run away! Suddenly, an invisible force grabbed the girl and raised her in the air "AAAAAH! NO! GO AWAY! GO AWAY!" the girl pleaded.

Asajj tried to come to the girl's aid, but something pushed her far back, making her hit a wall!

The girl was dragged through the air, into another hallway "AAAAAAH!"

Asajj quickly got up and went after her.

The sinister voice sounded through the hallways again "If you're hurry, you might save the girl. Hahahahahaha."

Determined, Asajj ran even faster, going into another hallway, which lead to a large spiral stairs, going upwards. She could hear the girl's screaming from above. Asajj quickly ran up the stairs, even using the Force to jump up quickly!

When she reached where the stairs had ended, Asajj found herself in a dark room, which was even darker than night itself, even her ignited lightsaber barely showed any light.

An evil laugh was heard "Hahahahahaha! Welcome… Jedi child. It has been a very, very long time since someone has come to visit."

"Let the girl go, whatever you are!" Asajj yelled.

The evil voice chuckled "Oooh. But you see, I'm not interested in the girl," the shadowing figure that moved throughout the room appeared, being surrounded by the blackest-smoke and dark red fires, taking the shape of a person with burning red/yellow eyes "My real prey… is you!"

While Asajj ignited her other lightsaber, ready to face this evil spirit, she saw the girl hanging on top the ceiling while some dark energy surrounded her, seemingly emptying her life force, making her shake like hell and laugh insanely.

Asajj attempted to strike at the spirit with her lightsabers, but it had no affect.

"Hahahahahaha! Foolish, Jedi. You can't kill which is already dead." The spirit smirked evilly.

Asajj frowned at it "Who or… what are you?"

The spirit then took the shape of his true form, showing he was a Pureblooded Sith "You can call me… Darth Xuru. Once a mighty warrior of the First Sith Empire… now reduced to a spirit… feeding on the living," he floated around Asajj "But my favorite… are those strong in the Force…! Hahahahaha."

Asajj attempted to hurt this evil Sith spirit, Darth Xuru, but despite using her lightsaber or Force Powers, it proved no match against the evil spirit.

"And you… Jedi… have a strong connection to the Force." He looked at her with hungry eyes "I will enjoy to suck all the life out of you."

The spirit then lunged at Asajj, making her look in shock as the spirit entered her mind! Asajj yelled as the spirit was overtaking her body "NOO! AAAAAAARGH!"

Inside Asajj's head

Asajj reopened her eyes, finding her on a large floating platform.

Another firing phantom appeared.

Asajj took her stance with her lightsabers "If you think I will go down that easy, think again, you filthy Sith parasite!"

But out of the shadow, it was not Darth Xuru that appeared. It was… Asajj herself.

Asajj looked in shock as she saw her other-self, having more tattoos across her body, her eyes firing red. She ignited her two red lightsabers.

Evil-Asajj formed a small smile "Don't be afraid of who you truly are." Her evil self was clearly deceiving her "Your true destiny… is with the Dark Side."

But Asajj, though in shock of facing her evil self, shook her head in denial "No! I am not a servant of the Dark Side! No more!"

Evil-Asajj smirked evilly and lunged at Asajj, slashing her lightsabers against her while Asajj tried all she could to deflect her attacks!

When both their sabers locked, Asajj had a hard time to hold cause of her evil-self's strength, making her grin evil.

"You can never escape me." Evil-Asajj said.

But with one yell, Asajj Force-pushed her evil counterpart far back! She attacked with all she had, slashing her lightsabers against her, but Evil-Asajj managed to deflect and block some attacks.

Evil-Asajj evilly laughed before vanishing.

Asajj glanced around with anger "Where are you?!"

Suddenly, her surroundings changed, as she was back on Rattaka, even wearing her old Jedi clothing as before her master was killed. Suddenly, she saw her old master, Ky Narec, looking over the landscape

"Master Narec?" Asajj said as she was completely shocked that her old master was alive before her.

He turned himself, looking at her with anger and disappointment "How could you Asajj?"

Suddenly, she saw around her the bodies of many innocent people and raiders, seeing they were all slain with a lightsaber. Asajj panted as she was horrified, seeing blood on her hands "No…!"

"How could you?" Ky Narec asked again "You were supposed to protect them. And now they're all dead because of your anger."

But Asajj shook her head, knowing that this was only an illusion "You're not real! My master… IS DEAD!" she activated her lightsabers, slashing at her fake-master, who changed back into her evil-self, saber blocking her attack with her red lightsabers "Get out of my head!"

But Evil-Asajj laughed evilly and used Force-lightning on her! Asajj first took a bit hit as the lightning struck her and hurt every part of her body, but she reached out her hands, deflecting the lightning.

Both Evil-Asajj and Darth Xuru evilly laughed, both saying simultaneously "So predictable. You and all the Jedi try to destroy your own evil selves, while you can never escape your inner demons. EVER!"

Asajj was then hit by a combined Force-Lightning from Evil-Asajj and Darth Xuru, being unable to absorb or deflect their attacks, hurting her greatly "AAAAAAAAAH!" Asajj cried out in pain!

Asajj then jumped trying to lift up several big objects in the 'room' and throw them against them both, but it didn't work!

Suddenly, her surroundings changed again, showing she was inside the Jedi Temple. She then saw all the Jedi Council members, with Mace Windu saying "You are no Jedi. You're nothing but a slave of the Dark Side."

"No!" Asajj yelled out, though hurt by Mace Windu's words "You neglected me and my master! Ky Narec is dead because you wouldn't help us!" and slashed at the fake-master, making him disappear.

Then Ki-Adi-Mundi appeared, telling her "You were the one that ran away."

Asajj again struck her lightsaber, making him disappear.

Then, Shaak-Ti appeared "We only wanted to help you, but you refused our help."

"NOOO!" Asajj cried out in denial, trying to destroy her and the other masters, reminding her of what she'd done and all her suffering is of her own doing.

Asajj kept attacking and attacking but the voices wouldn't stop "STOP IT! QUIET!" but as she was about to strike again, she gasped in shock that she almost hit little Ahsoka, looking frightened and tears fell from her eyes "Ahsoka…?"

Ahsoka cried as she took some steps back, being afraid of what Asajj has become. She shook her head and ran away.

Asajj was heartbroken and tried to run after her "No, Ahsoka, don't go!" but then, Ahsoka disappeared "Ahsoka!? AHSOKAAAAAA!"

"Do you see now?" Evil-Asajj and Darth Xuru said simultaneously "You can deny all you want, but you cannot escape your sins, Asajj Ventress. Your masters death… your banishment from the Jedi Order… torturing yourself with the Dark Side… They are of your own doing. You pushed yourself away from those you care about… and now… you are all alone. Hahahahahaha."

Asajj cried, being on the verge of giving in to the darkness as her surroundings of black smoke began to consume her. Tears fell from her eyes "Master Nyrec… Ahsoka…"

But then she could hear a small whisper from her new master, Liax, like a memory from her early training "Asajj… don't let your guilt destroy you, nor deny it… If you truly want to find inner peace, you must confront your past and accept of what you've done. Only then… you can find balance withing yourself…"

Asajj's eyes went open, while tears still fell from her eyes.

The black smoke stopped consuming her. Asajj slowly stood up, looking down "You're right."

While Evil-Asajj raised an eyebrow, Darth Xuru began to frown.

"My master's death was my own doing… I wasn't patient… I wouldn't listen to those who just wanted to help me. I was so busy to try to prove myself… that I'd forgotten that I didn't had to face all of it myself. I… was ashamed of what I had done, that I put Ahsoka aside and all those who were close to me. I let my anger and hatred get the best of me… not letting anyone into my heart who just wanted to help to help me to process my suffering." She wiped away her tears and shook her head "No more. I accept what I've done… and all that it applies."

While Evil-Asajj was quiet and just stood there, Darth Xuru chuckled evilly "Hahahahaha! You think you can get rid of me and your evil-self by just accepting what you've done?!"

But then Asajj turned angrily towards Darth Xuru "No!" that surprised both Evil-Asajj and Darth Xuru.

"What?"

Asajj shook her head "I'm not denying my evil-self anymore, but I nether give into the darkness. She walked over to her evil-self "Neither of us wants to be together, but we are here. We're one and there's no changing in that. But if we can't accept or embrace each other… we'll always be slaves to both the light and the dark."

Evil-Asajj's eyes then returned to normal and her body's tattoos began to disappear, as if Asajj was now looking into her own reflection. Evil-Asajj slowly formed a smile and gave a nod.

Both Good and Evil-Asajj reach out their hand…

Darth Xuru shook his head in panic, trying to stop them, but nothing was helping "NOOO! NOOO! NOOO!"

As both Asajj's good and evil side made contact with their hands, both of them glowed in shining light, as it was as if Asajj had now truly found balance within herself, having accepted what she's done in the past and was ready to move on.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Darth Xuru cried out.

Back in reality

Asajj gasped as she awoke, with Darth Xuru's spirit leaving her body, crying out in fury "AAAAAAARGH!" he glared at Asajj with its glowing evil eyes "YOU… WEAK… PATHATIC FOOL! YOU… YOU DARE TO REJECT ME?! REJECT THE TRUE POWER OF THE FORCE?!"

Asajj, looking determined, as all her fears and anger have melted away, shook her head "I may not be a Jedi anymore… but I'm also not a slave to the Dark Side." She reached out her hand "I only serve… THE FORCE ITSELF!" and with a powerful wind from the Force itself, the spirit of Darth Xuru was being ripped apart!

"NOOO! THAT'S NOT… POSSIBLE! THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE!" and with a powerful burst, he was wiped out of existence "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

A big shockwave erupted, with the walls cracking around her! Asajj quickly caught the girl from falling down the ceiling. The whole evil temple was beginning to shake as it was about to collapse.

In a hurry, using the Force to quickly jump down the spiral stairs and heading quick through several hallways with the teenage girl unconscious in her arms.

Outside, Carno grunted in worry, as the ground around it too began to collapse. But when seeing Asajj hurrying out of the evil temple with the girl in her arms, Carno immediately lowered himself, allowing Asajj to mount his neck with the girl and ran very fast away from the area as the whole temple collapsed and the whole ground cracked as the whole structure disappeared in the ground!

Just in time, Carno jumped over collapsed ground and jumped on the edge of a cliff.

Asajj and her big reptilian companion watched as the evil temple of the Darth Xuru was completely destroyed into the ground, as it was wiped out of existence along with the evil Sith spirit.

Asajj sighed in relief, patting Carno's head, thanking him for getting her and the girl away in time "Thank you, Carno."

Carno gave a little growl, as he gave a nod.

Wanting to check on the girl, Asajj dismounted Carno and carefully placed her on the ground. She placed her hands on the girl's chest, closing her eyes and breathed in and out easily, using her Force-healing.

Slowly, the girl's wounds healed.

After a minute, Asajj stopped and the teenage girl slowly opened her eyes, looking at Asajj.

Asajj took a quick moment to glance at the girl, finding her… pretty.

The girl formed a small smile with her eyes returned back to normal and the bags under her eyes were gone "Thank you… You saved me…" she sobbed as Asajj helped to sit straight "I thought that nightmare would never end, that I was gonna die in there…"

Asajj embraced her, comforting her "It's alright. That nightmare is over. That evil spirit won't harm you again."

The girls slowly broke the hug and looked into her eyes "Thank you…"

Asajj gave her a nod and carried her back in her arms "I'm going to take you home." And she got back on Carno's neck, letting him lead them back to the girl's village. The girl was a bit scared at first for riding this strange and scary reptilian creature, but Asajj ensured her "Don't worry. Carno won't harm you."

The girl nodded, feeling fine now. But also blushed of being carried in the arms of her savior.

A few hours later, Carno stopped a mile away from the girl's village in the middle of the jungle.

Asajj offered her to escort her back, which the girl allowed.

But just as they were very close to the village, the girl leaned to Asajj… and kissed her on the lips.

Asajj looked with a bit of surprise when the girl suddenly kissed her. In fact, she never had her first kiss with anyone as she was trained as a Jedi at first. But… feeling so many beautiful emotions going through her, Asajj slowly closed her eyes and returned the kiss as she embraced her.

The girl then suddenly broke the kiss out of embarrassment "Oh…! I… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I mean… you're a Jedi, so…"

Asajj however formed a small smile, and ensured her as she stroke her cheek "It's alright. And… truth be told… I'm not truly a Jedi in a way you think I am… I left the Order a few years back."

"Oh… so that means…" the girl wandered "…I was your first kiss?"

Asajj blushed a bit but glanced at her with a small smile "Yeah… that's right."

The girl gave a small giggle. But still, she didn't felt fully good yet "I… I don't feel fully recovered yet…"

Asajj nodded in understanding "I know. The dark powers from that place had a very big effect on your body. It might take a while before you'll recover."

Sensing it would take a lot of therapy sessions of the kind of trauma this girl went through, Asajj tried to think of how she could help her further. Then, remembering a way from Liax's Order of the Force's how to deal with certain trauma's; Force-healing through sex. Asajj blushed at the idea of doing that. But… thinking back of how her first kiss with this teenage girl felt so… good and right, Asajj formed a small smile, seeing now that perhaps she's a lesbian.

Asajj held the girl's hand and asked her "But… I may know a way how to get rid of those awful memories of what you went through in that temple."

Feeling how softly Asajj rubbed her hand, the girl blushed, but formed a sweet smile as she leaned closer to her, feeling where this was going "Well… I… if you say so… then…" she placed her arms around her neck, whispering in her ear "you can make love to me anyway you want…"

Asajj and the girl looked into each other's eyes before Asajj embraced into a passionate kiss, which the girl returned. Asajj grabbed her by her butt cheeks and raised her up, carrying her to her designated house, placing her on the bed carefully.

With Asajj on top, both rubbed and touched each other around their backs, neck, ass and chest while passionately kissing with their tongues dueling in each other's mouths.

"Mmmm. Mmmm. Mmmm." Asajj moaned.

"Mmmm... Mmmmm…" the teenage girl moaned as well.

Using the Force, Asajj removed her and the girl's clothes till they were naked. Even though Asajj was inexperienced as she never had sex before, not even with another woman, she let the Force guide her, knowing where the girl loved to be touched and kissed.

Asajj closed her eyes, rubbing her hands softly over the redhead's head and neck, using the technique of 'healing through sex'.

The girl at first wanted to ask if she would need some help as it was Asajj's first time. But feeling how experienced she was, as Asajj softly kissed her down her neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses down to her B-cup breasts, kissing them and using her tongue to stimulate her nipples, the girl moaned as she loved how Asajj was pleasuring her, feeling the soft touch on her head was making her feel good "Aaahhhh… Yes… mmmmm… I… I like that… Mmmmm…"

Asajj kept pleasuring the girl by softly stroking her breasts and licking, sucking and nipping a bit on her nipples, taking her time to pleasure her.

"Ooooh… yeah… That's… ooooh… fuuuuck…" the girl moaned, slowly feeling her troubles were fading away from her mind, being so into Asajj's pleasuring skills.

Asajj could sense that the girl desired more. Honoring her wishes, Asajj formed a smiled as she slowly kissed down, over her belly bottom till Asajj reached the girl's wet pussy, with her pubic being as red as her hair. Moving her tongue slowly over her labia slowly first till reaching her clitoris, licking and sucking it, making the girl more horny.

"Ooooh fuuuck, yeah! Ooooh, fuck me! Aaaaah…!" the girl moaned.

Asajj loved the taste of the girl's juices 'Hmmmmm. By the Force…! She tastes so nice and sweet…!' letting her emotions flow, not hiding or embracing it as the Jedi or Sith, Asajj let herself flow in her pleasurable emotions, being one with herself and what her spirit wanted. 'Thank you, Master Liax… for showing me so much…!'

Asajj kept performing cunniligus on the girl for fifteen minutes, increasing the speed as the girl was near her climax. Using her Force powers still on her, Asajj even felt that all the trauma from before had almost vanished.

The teenage redhead moaned out loud as she grabbed Asajj's head, wanting her to penetrate her tongue deeper in her pussy "YES! YES! AAAAAH! FUCK ME! FUCK ME!"

Asajj did and moved her tongue deeper inside her, licking and swallowing more juices.

The girl couldn't hold it in anymore "I… OH FUUUCK I… I…!" she then climaxed hard, sending her quirting juices inside Asajj's mouth "I CUUUUUUUUUUUUUM!"

Asajj swallowed all of her climaxing juices. Asajj licked her pussy clean till it was dry.

The girl panted while she smiled, softly rubbing Asajj's cheek "By the gods… That was… amazing…!"

Asajj smiled at her and planted a kiss on her lips "How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

The redhead teenager sighed and smiled back "I feel… so much better. All the pain… the horrible nightmares I saw in that dark temple… It's all… gone…" she kissed her again "Thank you…"

"You're welcome…" Asajj said as both resumed their passionate kiss.

Asajj was feeling happy that she was able to help the girl she'd saved from her trauma. But not only that… she felt also like she was acting like how she truly felt inside, never having thought about it as she'd put those thoughts about her sexuality aside as Ky Narec first trained her as a Jedi. But now… being Darth Liax's apprentice and having completed her trail at the temple of the evil Darth Xuru, Asajj felt that all those oppressed emotions in her were now free and could embrace her true self.

Asajj admitted to herself that she was truly into woman only, making her smile as she was truly honest to herself 'I… I am a lesbian.'

Both Asajj and the redhead teenager shared many more hours of passionate sex, with the girl being honored to break her rescuer's virginity with her fingers, which Asajj didn't felt it hurt, probably because of her intense training over the years.

After the girl performed cunniligus on Asajj, making her climax, both performed several sex positions, like annuligus and the 69-position, sharing a few climaxes.

Both performed pussy-to-pussy, which became Asajj's favorite position.

"AAAH FUCK! I… LOVE THIS POSITION SO MUCH!" Asajj moaned out loud.

The redhead girl nodded "HELL YEAH…! I FUCKING LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! OOOH FUUUCK!"

After a few more minutes, both climaxed hard at the same time, squirting out their juices which spread on the bedsheet and on themselves.

As it slowly became night, Asajj and the girl rested in each other's arms for some time, with the girl haven fallen asleep.

Asajj quietly put on her clothes again, not wanting to wake the girl she'd saved.

After placing her lightsabers around her belt, Asajj sat close to the girl with one knee, with her face leaning close to her face, softly whispering "Thank you for this amazing time with you… But… I have to go now…" she placed a soft kiss on her cheek "May the Force be with you… sweet girl…" she slowly rose up and tiptoed out of the house.

The girl however had heard Asajj talking. She opened one eye a bit as she glanced at Asajj leaving her house. She formed a small smile and whispered back to her "Goodbye… my sweet and sexy rescuer…" and returned back to sleep.

-:-

Many hours later, back in the tomb of Darth Liax, Asajj sat and bowed before the spirit of her master "My mission is complete, master. I have saved the girl from the temple, and healed her of all the trauma she's been gone through under that evil Sith Lord, Darth Xuru."

Liax's spirit formed a smile, but asked her motherly "But that's not all you were successful at, isn't it, my child?"

Asajj nodded as she glanced at her master "Yes, Master Liax. When I… faced my evil-self and that… evil Sith Lord, I… I finally faced my own past and I have come to terms with it. I cannot undo what I have done, but I have accepted what happened and I'm ready to move on," she then blushed a bit and told her "And… when I brought the girl back home… I… we…"

Liax ensured her as she raised her hand "You don't need to explain anything, Asajj. I can already sense by reading your mind. By allowing to let your emotions flow, without linger to it as the Sith, nor denying it like the Jedi, you have accepted your inner self and who you're truly are inside."

Asajj nodded "Yes, Master Liax. I have…"

Liax sighed, feeling very proud at her apprentice. She then gestured to her "Kneel, Asajj."

Asajj did that and sat on her knees before Darth Liax's spirit.

Liax then spread out her arms, letting out energy of pure light across her tomb, as many spirits of her order that had died long ago appeared, all looking proud at what Asajj had accomblished.

Asajj couldn't believe what she saw. She felt… truly happy inside, as she has become part of something which goes further then what the Jedi or Sith could ever dream of.

Darth Liax then spoke softly "Asajj Ventress. When you came to me the first time, you were lost and imbalanced, being tortured by your past mistakes and fears. But now, you have become whole, and one with your emotions." She then awaited Asajj to say the Code of Darth Liax's Order.

Asajj sighed and closed her eyes, saying the words "There is Emotion… yet Peace. There is Serinity… yet Passion. There is Chaos… yet Harmony. There is no Life… without Death. There can be no Good without Evil… but evil must not be allowed to flourish. I serve neither the Light… or the Dark. I serve only… the Force." Asajj opened her eyes.

Darth Liax gave a nod and ignited her lightsaber made of pure light, knighting Asajj Ventress "You are now a true sister of The Order of the Force. Arise… as a Warrior of the Force."

Asajj smiled as tears of joy formed in her eyes and slowly stood up. She gave Darth Liax another bow "Thank you… Master Liax."

All the other spirit smiled at her, accepting her as one of their own.

When all the spirts of the former Warriors of the Force began to vanish, Liax then told Asajj "Your training is now completed, Asajj. Now the time for you has come to do the true Will of the Force."

Asajj was at first unsure what to do next. However, having had visions during her many meditations, showing what has happening in the galaxy; the Republic in crisis cause of the growing threat of the Separatists, led by Count Dooku, who Asajj had sensed that the Dark Side is strong in him, proving that the former Jedi Master has embraced the darkness and is plotting to thrown the galaxy into war.

Asajj showed a face of determination "Dooku. I have to stop Dooku from whatever he's planning," but she then began to think how "But… I cannot deal with him directly. I…" she then knew what to do "I must earn his trust… infiltrating his inner circle if I must."

Liax nodded "Yes. That is for the best," she then told her "However, Asajj, if you plan to infiltrate the dark, acting as one of their own, no one must know where your true allegiance stands, or it could cause harm and suffering to those you care for the most."

Asajj sighed, feeling what Liax meant by that, meaning she couldn't tell anyone.

However, Liax placed her hand on her shoulder, telling her in a motherly way "But, that's up to you to decide. Your destiny is now your own. The only advise I can truly give you now is this: Wait for the right moment to expose yourself."

Asajj nodded, vowing to keep that in mind "Of course, Master Liax. I won't expose myself that I serve only the Force itself. Not until it's deemed necessary. But…" Asajj became a bit sad "…I just wish I could see Ahsoka and… tell her of all this. I know that I'm not supposed to expose myself, but… of all the people I care for now, she's the only one left I deeply care and… the only one I still trust. I… I miss her."

Asajj gave her an ensuring smile, telling as she placed her hands on her head "Then let this gift be of use to you."

Liax then send some new kind of power into Asajj. When she finished and let go, Asajj gasped.

"Wha… what was that?" Asajj asked.

"I gave you the power of 'dream-bonding'. With it, you'll be able to communicate with your little Togruta friend in her dreams anytime you want."

Asajj felt happy as this was the safest and best way to communicate. She wished she could just hug Liax, but couldn't cause she's only a spirit. So, she gave her a bow "Thank you, Master. Thank you so much."

Liax nodded and then said "Now go, Asajj and do as the Force commands you. And remember… if you ever need sanctuary again… my temple is always open to you." As she disappeared, her voice still echoed in the tomb "May the Force be with you, Asajj."

Asajj sighed and began leaving the tomb.

Later, outside, Asajj met with the reptilian creature-guard of Laix's tomb, patting his head "I have to go now. But don't worry, I'll come back one day."

Carno grunted a bit, like he was saying that he'll wait for her return. But then lowered himself, offering Asajj to take her back to where her ship was.

Asajj mount on his neck and Carno ran with speed across the jungle.

-:-

Later, in space

As Asajj's ship flew through hyperspace, Asajj sat with her legs crossed in the middle of the floor. She breathed in and out easily, beginning to meditate, using her newly power of 'dream-bonding' to contact Ahsoka.

"Ahsoka… Ahsoka Tano…" Asajj softly said.

Meanwhile, at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant

12-year old Ahsoka was sleeping in her bed in one of the younglings-dormitory.

Ahsoka began to grunt and turned around in her bed.

"Ahsoka… Ahsoka…" Asajj's voice called in her dreams.

"Asajj… Asajj…" Ahsoka softly said.

In Ahsoka's dream

The Togruta youngling found herself in an open field in the middle of a beautiful forest. Ahsoka looked astounded "Wow. I've never seen a beautiful forest like this."

But then she saw someone coming out of the forest.

Ahsoka got in her battle stance, ready to face whoever was out there "I don't know what you are, but you better think twice before facing a Jedi!"

However, Asajj was then shocked to see who it was. It was her long lost Dathomirian friend, Asajj Ventress.

"Asajj?"

Asajj smiled at her "Hi, Ahsoka."

Instantly, Ahsoka ran towards her and hugged her. Ahsoka almost cried "I… I can't believe you're here!"

Asajj sighed and returned the hug "I'm happy to see you again too, Ahsoka." But then she said "But… I'm not really here."

Ahsoka looked at her in surprise "What? But you're here, so…" but then she realized that she was just dreaming "But… if this is a dream… then you-"

Asajj ensured her "I know this sounds crazy, but you're not imagining me in your dream. I'm contacting you with a new technique I was given."

Ahsoka was surprised to hear that "Really? But that's…" she then smiled bright "Then you're really here!" she hugged her again, and almost sobbed "I've missed you."

Asajj gave a small sob while softly stroking her head "I missed you too."

Asajj then began telling her where she'd been the last two years, telling that she had found a new special teacher who'd taught her new abilities in the Force, but left the part out that her new teacher was the ghost of a Sith Lord, stating that she's been like a mother-figure to her and thanks to her teachings and lessons has become more connected to the Force than ever before. Asajj even shared a few minor lessons about her newly found code

Both sitting across each other, Ahsoka was fascinated with what Asajj had learned "Wow. I never thought those things could've ever been taught. At least, not until I've become an official Padawan and having my own Master."

Asajj shook her head "No, Ahsoka. What I've learned from my new teacher are things that the Jedi would never taught you."

Ahsoka chuckled "Well, the way you're explaining about this 'new code' you've found, sounds even far better than the Jedi's!"

Asajj shared her laugh "Yeah, it sure does." But then her smile faded away and became sad as she glanced back at her "Ahsoka… listen…" tears began forming in her eyes "I'm so sorry that I broke all contact with you… I was going through a very tough time. My master… Narec… who died in my arms… I was so confused and so angry that I…" she cried as she was so sorry for what she did "I never meant to hurt you, Ahsoka! I just… I…!"

Ahsoka almost jumped on Asajj, embracing her into a tight hug.

"It's okay, Asajj… it's okay… Just tell me where you are. I can try to convince the masters to-"

But Asajj shook her head "No, Ahsoka. I can't come back to the Jedi Order. I was banished, remember?"

That made Ahsoka very sad.

Asajj then told her "I can't say where I am or where I'm going now, as I have to do something which I cannot risk you'll be in danger to."

Ahsoka, with tears in her eyes, vowed her with determination "Asajj… I promise you, I will do whatever it takes to find you again."

Asajj sighed, knowing that she cannot change Ahsoka's stubbornness, but then smiled and told her "Then when you do find me… please promise me this, Ahsoka."

Ahsoka nodded "Yes. Anything!"

"Whatever I'll be doing when you do find me… don't think that I've turned evil and do evil things. I have to do some things in order to keep myself covered," she held her hands "Promise me that… you won't think of me differently. And promise me that… no matter what happens… that you don't follow me, or it would bring you in terrible danger. Can you promise me that?"

Ahsoka didn't wanted to lose Asajj again. She was this close that she wanted to say that she can't make such a promise.

Asajj sensed it and ensured her "This isn't a goodbye, Ahsoka. I promise you from the bottom of my heart… we'll keep in touch and I'll keep contacting you through your dreams. But only promise me that you won't tell anyone, okay?"

A tear fell from Ahsoka. But seeing that they can still be in touch, even if it was only through her dreams, she would be more than happy to be with Asajj again. Ahsoka nodded "I promise you, Asajj. I won't follow you if I found you… and I won't tell anyone about our secret meetings in my dreams."

Asajj smiled and both embraced into another hug.

Asajj placed a soft kiss on Ahsoka's forehead "We'll see each other soon, Ahsoka…"

End of Ahsoka's dream

Ahoska woke up and sat straight, finding herself in her bed in the younglings' dormitory.

She held her hands on her chest, forming a small smile as she stared up the ceiling with a tear falling from her eye, being so happy that Asajj was alright and they can still talk with each other through her dreams.

She softy told herself "I will find you one day, Asajj. I promise, I will find you… my dear friend, Asajj."

A/N: Hi guys! It's great to be back with this story! I hope you all liked it. The part where Asajj is being taught to find a balance between rage and serenity comes from the movie 'X-Men: First Class', which I what I consider a great example that you can become far stronger and better if you find balance between the dark and the light.

I actually intended to place more in this chapter, but I felt it would make this one too long. Well, 20,000 words is already a lot, but you get the picture.

The next chapter will be made soon, after helping my friend a bit with his story, which includes Asajj's infiltration into the separatists by becoming a secret follower of Dooku and also Anakin's trouble of having visions of his mother being in danger.

Don't forget to like and review, and as always… may the Force be with you.