Dantooine, Ebon Hawk
Bastila Shan
The glimpse into Revan's past had woken her up in another cold sweat. In the present, Revan still slept just opposite her across the room. Perhaps still dreaming of the pivotal choice she made in a past life to betray them all by the way she was tossing and turning. Bastila watched her for a time until Revan relaxed. Observing the slow rise and fall of her chest. How Revan would turn in her sleep and crinkle her nose before falling back into a gentle snore. Bastila gulped down the attraction she felt looking at Revan's full lips. How they slightly parted and pouted looking sad that they weren't being kissed.
'She's no longer that person.', Bastila told herself, but she could still feel the dark chill from the memory. It raised the hair on the back of her neck and covered her skin with goosebumps all over. Even as a mere phantom of past events the raw power was still very real. Yet, as much as it had overwhelmed her with warning. Like a wild beast flashing its fangs and claws before it attacked. There was something deeply and almost inviting about that darkness. A promise that as much as it would hurt her, it promised so much more in return. 'Just what did you discover in that evil place?'
These were dangerous times. For the good of all, drastic actions needed to be taken, but Bastila was beginning to worry they were making a mistake. She thought back to Master Vrook's warning. It would fall to her to ensure it never came to pass. First, she needed to tell the Council of their shared vision. They needed to know right away, but Bastila hadn't moved just yet. She just kept watching over Revan. Worried for her, fearing her, and hating herself for an ache she felt deep inside that she would not name.
Dantooine, Jedi Enclave (Two Weeks later)
Zhar Lestin
Aria's training had already caused quite the stir in the academy. Everyone's eyes were drawn to the stranger and her eccentric ways. She became a distraction to the other learners, but more than making up for it in her own studious nature. It reminded him of years ago when he first taught Revan. She took to his lessons quickly. Unable to feign disinterest when he began speaking on the Force. Asking prudent questions that made him excited to answer them and adapting to the extreme physical exercise better than he expected.
Jedi training was difficult to even those who had been raised in it, but outright life threatening to outsiders attempting it. Aria was left barely able to stand after the first few days but was able to press through thanks to Bastila's support. The Jedi was with her every step of the way. Becoming a great source of support when she struggled. Zhar sensed Aria's returning powers slowly accumulate each day. Giving her the strength and stamina to compete against the other Padawans. In a moment of shock, he had realized she was already utilizing a moving meditation to complete a 30-klick marathon without even breaking a sweat.
No one had taught her how to do that.
Dantooine, Ebon hawk (One week Later)
Zaalbar
His little friend was growing board once more. Experiencing a world without towering skyscrapers, or a bustling underworld had run its course for her already. The rolling open grasslands were nice, but he worried that such untapped nature had overwhelmed her. Their first few days were spent exploring close to the Enclave on account of vicious wild animals. Mission was getting more restless by the day.
Zaalbar knew she longed for her lover's attention. Aria was far too busy training these days to spare her much time. Whenever she did return to the ship it was on weary shaky legs. Offering nothing more than a tired smile and a small expression of her affection before passing out. Zaalbar saw how Mission was steadily growing needy for the woman's private focus.
However, Aria could not provide it. The few free hours Aria had were spent helping the others. The freed slaves had already begun the process of deciding their own futures. A few had made the arrangements to return to the core worlds, while the rest had taken an entrepreneurial route in building a bordello a good distance from the Enclave at the Jedi's insistence. Aria gifted them a good share of her collected credits to begin the venture when the Order showed they wouldn't fund their new lease on life.
Dantooine, Meditation Chamber (Three weeks later)
Aria Vercet
They started with the three pillars of Jedi philosophy; Understanding just what the Force truly was. How with it one was never directionless in the galaxy. In a way, Aria already knew this. She had felt it her whole life but was only able now to fully hear and begin to understand its signs. Second came the Pillar of Knowledge; It surprised her just how taken she found herself in the archives of the academy. Staying late into the night pouring over all available books and scrolls. Reading on even when Bastila could no longer keep her eyes open and slept beside her.
It was then unsurprising when it was the Third Pillar; Self-Discipline remained her greatest hurdle to surpass. Meditating five times a day seemed excessive to Aria. It had started nicely in the beginning to slow down and open herself up to a growing consciousness of the Force. Yet by the third required meditation she always became agitated. Feeling as though she was wasting time when she could be accomplishing something else. Aria felt too much going on around her. She sensed Carth's long buried concerns bubbling to the surfaces. How Mission had wished to see her and confide in her. Even the silent giant, Zaalbar echoed with a hidden burden that pained him deeply.
Then there was something outside the Enclave. Growing stronger day by day which seemed to call to her. The lovely spice of hatred seasoned the winds of Dantooine. The Kath Hounds were becoming more aggressive, raiders she had heard of were becoming more hostile, and something familiar whispered to her. Bastila saw her struggles and when it was time for the next meditation led her to a specially made chamber. It isolated the outside noise, leaving Aria alone in a warm blanket of darkness. She let it encapsulate everything in her, taking her from even the isolation of nothingness.
Bastila's soft gasp had sounded like the thunderous roar of a galaxy tearing asunder. Aria's concentration broke and suddenly she slammed into the ground with a hard thud. Her body felt strange and foreign to inhabit again after the deep meditation. Groaning, she managed to roll on her back till she was looking up at Bastila. The Jedi couldn't hide the shock on her face.
"What happened just now?", Aria asked surprised she didn't slur her words. Bastila helped her sit up, being careful not to do it too fast. Even so Aria's vision blurred and twisted into spots of light and shadow.
"You've just accomplished a rising meditation. It can be very distorting the first time you do it."
Aria waited till the world had stopped twisting around her to speak again. "Rising?"
"You were floating about a meter off the floor." Aria chortled rubbing her butt, "Well I'm sure the first bit of that was impressive. More so than what I did just now." Bastila disagreed quickly, "Many Jedi cannot accomplish such a feat even after years of practice. You've just did so with a few weeks of training." Aria smirked draping herself against Bastila, "I guess I'm pretty awesome." Bastila dropped her ego right back on the floor. Honestly the cool flat floor felt good on her back, so Aria just stayed there.
Bastila rose back up looking down at her only slightly amused, "You've been making great strides in your training. Starting tomorrow we can begin your introduction into Shii-cho." Aria slowly flexed her fingers as she began to feel normal again in her own body.
"So I'm finally learning how to use a Lightsaber."
"You'll start with a training-saber. That way we can avoid any lost limbs."
Aria took some offense, "You know I'm no novice with a blade."
Bastila chided her with a teacher's tone, "A lightsaber is no blade. It is not like a sword nor a vibro-blade. It is pure energy that will cut through all but few rare and select materials in the galaxy. So yes, you'll start with a training-saber, and a helmet. You'll find its effects much like this chamber. It will cut off your other senses so that you can better feel the Force. There is one other thing; you're going to wear a proper tunic."
Dantooine, Dueling Room (The next Day)
Belaya
Every day for the last month had gnawed at Belaya. There had been no word on Juhani yet, only increasing dangers being reported each new day. Whenever she caught Dak's eye during her daily routines, she noticed more collecting shadows than the day before under them. Still, they were weary of Master's focus on her and kept apart. Belaya told herself it was for the best, the less she was involved the better Juhani's chance of being saved was. How her heart wept for her, her sleep was plagued by tormenting dreams she woke up each night hot and sticky from.
She dreamt of Juhani's claws delicately slicing her skin for having kept her waiting so long. Leaving trails of burning red marks that stung her wonderfully. Claiming her body for any to see that she belonged to the Fallen Jedi. Belaya woke with her body hunted by the tremors of pleasure. Still feeling Juhani's tongue between her legs. Teasingly circling the sensitive folds of her labia and flicking over her clit till her muscles clenched all over. Belaya ached so badly she almost gave into her inhibitions. Wanting to flee to where she waited for her.
At this point Belaya knew that if she faced Juhani. There would be no question that she would submit to the Cathar's demands. Her dream of achieving Knighthood would be lost forever. So, she withdrew from those emotions. Putting as much distance as she could between them and her. Doubling down on her lessons with Master Lestin. Instilling the lessons he taught her with extreme prejudice into the classes she presided over. Her fellow Padawans had learned to fear her position as class leader. They knew each time she was in charge, that several would leave the class fully numb all over their body.
Though for today she knew she had to reign it back in. The class was for initiates; young children who could be as young as two and no older than thirteen. At least, that was until she saw her join the class that day. Aria Vercet; the human who swore she wasn't a Padawan. Which as Belaya learned had not been a lie. Still, it surprised her to see a grown woman standing amongst a crowd of children that were just as confused.
"Are you the class leader?", A tiny Sullustan child asked craning their neck to look up at her. Aria coughed into her hand slightly embarrassed, "Ah…no. I'm here to learn just like you guys." One of the older preteen girls smiled with her group of friends, "Are you sure? Shouldn't you have been reassigned to the Agricultural Corp by now?" The children all laughed and giggled at her. Aria just bared it with a strained grin, "Bastila said this should have been a private class" she said to herself, but the children had heard the famous Jedi's name mentioned.
"YOU KNOW BASTILA!", they all practically jumped up and down over each other.
Asking an avalanche of questions that the grown woman could hardly keep track of. "IS IT TRUE BASTILA HAS A DOUBLE-BLADED LIGHTSABER!"
"DID YOU KNOW SHE BESTED A SITH LORD?"
"CAN SHE JUMP HIGH? I BET SHE CAN JUMP LIKE REALLY HIGH!"
"DID SHE SAVE YOU FROM PIRATES? I HEARD SHE'S FOUGHT A BUNCH OF PIRATES!" The woman held up her hands defensively trying to answer all the questions, "She does. Who hasn't heard that? Uh- I mean I guess she should be able to jump pretty high. No, she didn't save me from pirates, but I saved her from a Swoop gang!"
The youthful crowd let out collective, "HUH?" Not a single one believed the outrageous story. "What a laser-brain lie!", One of the oldest boys said. "Do you really know Bastila?", a Rodian girl stomped her foot, "She would never need to be rescued!"
"YEAH!", they all ganged up on her even worse. Belaya watched as a lightning rod of powerful force energy could do little against the bullying of children. She strained not to laugh at the sight as she clapped her hands together. Immediately catching the children's attention and bringing them racing to their assigned spots.
"Class has begun. Everyone please take a training-saber and helmet in an orderly line.", one by one the students formed a line to a nearby rack on the wall. Collecting one of the many provided sabers, and a helmet to cover their primary senses. Aria collected hers last, and looked lost as to where she should go next. The children had divided themselves into different groups across the large training space. Already biggening vastly different routines depending on the group. Belaya explained, "It's mainly by skill level or clan groups. Since this is your first class, I'll have you start with the Dragon clan."
"Dragon clan.", Aria repeated nodding her head, "Sounds pretty badass. It's the six-year-olds over there aren't they?"
"Five-year-olds, and yes."
"I think that little Ithroian was the one that kicked me in the shins just now." Belaya smiled compelled to defend the younglings, "In their eyes you did insult the biggest living Hero they've ever known."
"Well, I can't be mad at them for defending their hero.", Aria had the good nature to find it all funny. Shaking her head as she fixed her helmet she said, "I'm pretty sure Bastila will get a good laugh out of this."
She joined the youngest group sticking out amongst them like a Wookie among Ewoks. Belaya went from one group to the other checking on their progress, and pointing out where they needed improvements. When she reached the Dragon clan, she found Aria being instructed by a young Shistavanen demonstrating the proper basic stances. Clumsily repeating the simple basic footwork with all the wibbly balance his little limbs could muster. "Wike thith, and then- THITH!", The little Shistavanen excitedly hopped when he finished his demonstration. Aria gave the child her full attention, demonstrating a good deal of patience, following along like he showed her, "Like that?"
"Yeth! Good job!", he gave her a big thumbs up.
"Thank you Ico-tep for leading your junior.", Belaya praised the adorable youngling, "But I'll take over now." She didn't need the Force to see how thankful Aria was to have someone over twenty to learn from. She led them through the most basics steps. Nothing which required their lightsabers at all. It was agonizingly slow and simple for a grown adult to learn. Finally, she gave them permission to activate their lightsabers. One by one, they ignited their lightsabers with an awe that they couldn't stand still with. Belaya had seen it a thousand times, and it was one of her favorite things about teaching the younglings.
She recalled the very first time she had done it herself. That first ignition which thrummed a life changing power right in your hands was magical. It reflected in all their eyes except Aria's. She stared into the humming luminescence energy with a tired gaze that reflected nothing of its light. Belaya's curiosity about the strange outsider grew as she began teaching them the Way of the Sarlacc. Slowly taking them through the oldest lightsaber form. It was simplistic, having developed during the change from ancient Je'daii sword fighting. While basic it still took time to perfect each stance, something Aria was excelling at too quickly for any beginner to do.
Over the course of the class Belaya observed just how familiar the initiate was with the first Form. She didn't say anything, for there was nothing to criticize at all. Her steps were perfect, the way she tucked in her elbow to guard was flawless, and at several points she seemed to know the next move before it was taught.
'Just who is this person? She raises so many questions.', Belaya kept her guard up. There was something greatly unnerving about her. Aria had no trouble adapting to the next phase of their training. Blocking the low-level stun shots of a training remote with her helmet cutting off her ability to see and hear.
Belaya had heard through the Padawan-grapevine about the woman's natural talents. It was obvious that she had been trained before. Why everyone including herself acted the opposite seemed like a strange unnamed game they were all playing, but what was the prize they hoped to win? Belaya sneakily adjusted the difficulty of Aria's remote. While all the other remotes gently floated to one spot, where they waited a few seconds before firing a single bolt. Aria's began to juke all around her, stopping suddenly before whirling around to another spot varying in height.
Aria stayed completely still, seemingly oblivious to the tiny remote. She was probably expecting another static shot to one of her three areas to guard, but then it came from up and over behind her shoulder. She jerked back reflexively, dodging the shot with her attention now locked onto the remote. The way her lips slightly parted showed surprise, but then they curled into a smile happy for something of a challenge. When the remote fired again she was ready, blocking it and the next three shots in a row. It was only the last one that struck her shoulder.
The remote paused its attack as Aria hissed out in pain. Her arm instantly turned slack and useless dropping her lightsaber. All the little Dragons stopped their training, lifting their helmets to look at her. Aria rubbed her shoulder and smiled sheepishly at them, "I'm okay. Just got carried away and let my guard slip." Little Ico-tep beckoned her to kneel to his height and held out his hand to her shoulder. His clan joined him and concentrated diligently together till a small glow outlined their hands. Aria looked at them with a small bit of wonder as they healed her stunned wound.
The child patted her arm and surprised Aria more with a quick hug around her around neck, "You did werry good for your fwist time!" The encouragement was downright precious, but Belaya had to remember that she was helping train the next generation of Jedi. "That's very kind of you to say Ico-tep, but we don't hug okay." The tiny Shistavanen withdrew into himself, "Yes Class Leader. I'm warry."
"Okay everyone, back to your position! Keli don't let your focus wonder now, and Jacc-qurl square your shoulders like this.", Belaya felt the glare aimed at her. Aria smiled sweetly to Ico-tep and thanked him for his kindness before shooting a second icy look her way.
Dantoonie, Ebon Hawk (The next day)
Carth Onasi
He couldn't look at another datapad, it was all the same news; The Sith were winning. Any small victory the Republic had made was overshadowed. Staying for so long without doing anything was irritating him. He just felt like a pawn on the board left behind in the game. The Jedi were telling him nothing, and he hadn't seen Aria too much since she started training. That's why he was surprised when she dropped in for a visit.
Aria called it a day-off, and Carth saw just how badly she needed one. There were bruises old and new all over her body peeking out. The normal swagger she carried on with was absent as she sat down. Replaced with a beaten down tiredness that made it impossible for her to even kick her feet up like she always did.
"You look like you need this.", He tossed her an ice-pack. Aria caught it off handed and clung it to her newest shiner, "ThaAAHHnk you."
"What are they doing to you in there?", He leaned just off the console crossing his arms.
"Saber practice, and this new balance test. They got me atop this tall thin staff doing a handstand on my finger tips, and I'm supposed to switch hands every twenty minutes. Haven't quite got the hang of it yet."
Carth whistled, "I never knew Jedi trained like that. You think from how they act; they just meditate all day."
"They do: five times a day. Real fun." The two shared a small smile. Carth pulled on his ear, "Did I hear you right. They gave a lightsaber?" Aria didn't meet his gaze, showing a rare, embarrassed look.
"Well…it's a practice one. For babies. They got me in a class full of babies."
"Oh. That's hilarious."
"Don't make fun of my little dudes. Dragon Clan will fuck you up at knee height." He raised an eyebrow, "Dragon Clan?" Aria just sighed nodding her head. As mush as she was joking, he could tell there was something bothering her.
"Are you holding up alright? I can't imagine what it's like for an adult undergoing their training."
"Everyone knows how…detached they can be. But they're so dogmatic in their traditions. They're mired in so many rules dictating what they can do or how they should or shouldn't process what they feel, it makes sense why they don't take adult learners. This kind of life can only make sense to one raised in it from early childhood." Aria moved the ice pack to a different bruise and shut her eyes. She told him about what had happen the previous day.
"She actually got onto him for it. A child isn't allowed give a hug?" Carth empathized with what she said. He rubbed his jaw, "The Jedi have always been an odd bunch. I've worked with quite a few in the past. I've seen what they can do both good and bad." He thought back to Zayne Carrick, the survivor of the Padawan Massacre. The affair still left a bad taste in his mouth. The Jedi weren't beyond conniving their own plots.
"Not to change the topic, but something has been bothering me for a while now. I've been going through the battle aboard the Endar Spire over and over in my head since we crashed. Some things just don't add up for me. Maybe you could tell me what happened… from your perspective." Aria looked surprised at the sudden question, "Well…it happened so fast. It woke me right up out of bed, and by then there were already Sith troopers aboard the ship."
Neither was I, to tell the truth. I was onboard as an advisor for the most part. The battle began so fast, it's anyone's guess as to what actually happened. We lost the ship and a lot of good people… and for what? On the hope that Jedi powers would save us, somehow. Not that Bastila had much opportunity to act." Carth sat down in the main pilot chair looking for a second as tired as Aria was. Unable to keep the frustration out of his voice, "We didn't choose that battle, anyway. It got forced on us. Hell, I'm just surprised that any of us are alive to talk about it."
He glanced over at her, his eyes narrowing, "Come to think of it, it's more than a little surprising that you happened to be there, isn't it? A smuggler added to the crew by Bastila at the last minute just so happens to also be the last one alive, and now you're being trained by the Jedi?" Aria sat the ice pack down, leaning forward on her knees meeting his hard gaze. He saw that he pissed her off. Enough so, that she shot up out of her chair and flew over to him. Carth shrunk back against his chair as she gripped the head of it and leaned over him. Asking him right to his face, "You'd rather I wasn't?"
Carth had no where else to look but her obsidian black eyes, "Don't be ridiculous. You've more than proved yourself since the crash…" He didn't like how close she was to him. It made him stutter, "We wouldn't have made it this far without you. But still…" Aria's face hardened, and he felt small under her, "Are you implying I had something to do with the crash?"
"No. Well…maybe. Don't get me wrong, it just seems so odd." Aria pushed herself off the chair but didn't move away. Just crossing her arms and looking down at him waiting for him to go on. Looking at him, she could see how much he itched thinking about this. Carth held up his hands defensively, "I'm not trying to be paranoid. It's just that I learned a long time ago that something which looks like a coincidence probably isn't. Especially when the Jedi are involved."
He continued, "The Jedi requested numerous things when they came aboard… hell, they practically took over the ship, as far as I could tell. Considering your connection to Bastila, and the Jedi… whether you know it or not… your presence here seems a little convenient. I'm probably wrong and this is probably nothing, I know. I learned a long time ago not to take things at face value, however. And I hate surprises." Her features began to soften. Aria no longer looked ready to sock him one, instead twisting his insides with a pitying look that made him mad he ever opened his mouth. Aria knelt down, balancing on the pads of her feet and patted his knee looking up at him.
"I'm telling you, Carth, I had nothing to do with the crash."
Carth tried to keep from shifting around, but she was so close and he was becoming hyperaware of the leg she touched, "I expect you're right. I've got no real reason to suspect you of anything. Still… it's better to be safe than sorry, right? I mean I have to expect the unexpected. Just to be safe. Look…it has nothing to do with you." He put his hand over hers, and squeezed it, "Personally, I don't trust anyone, and I have my reasons." Aria seemed to share some understanding and didn't push him to share. "I've seen the pain that you've carried Carth. I can even feel its deep roots in your heart now. I want to help you with it if you'll let me. We don't have to keep talking now, but later when you're ready, okay."
He started to feel the heart she talked about begin to drum in his chest. His breathing felt quicker, and there was some sweat collecting on the back of his nape. All Carth wanted to do was withdraw somewhere safe without anyone else. A place where it was just him so no one could betray his trust and hurt him ever again. "Alright, alright. You must be the most damned persistent woman I've ever met." Again, that damn lovely smile of hers terrified him. Only because it reminded him so much of her, so much of Morgan.