RaJ: Dathomir or Bust

Title: RaJ: Dathomir or Bust Author: Ziggy Rating: R, for violence later on Archive: sure Feedback: tis demanded by da guds! Disclaimer: I own nothing except myself and any characters I may make up...

Summary: This post takes place during the No Force Rentals RR, and later additions take place as time goes by, either in the same frame as Pera and Crys and Gill's stuff if they do it, or on it's own, whatever...

Special Thanks: Thanks go to Siduri and her friend Braiden who have sent me scads of info on Dathomir and it's inhabitants and who without which this little thing couldn't have been possible. Although, if they ever see what I'm going to do with this, they'll probably sacrifice me to whatever higher power they believe in, so I'd better get a running start now...<g>

Also, time-line wise, this is before The Courship of Princess Leia, which in my opinion was just a waste of paper. There, I said it. I like the concepts, but come on Mr. Wolverton, was that all that was in you? <sorry, anthropology test today, nuff said> This also is waaaaay before Tenel Ka's time and whatever RPG storylines that follow. And it's of a different clan, so, pretty much I can't hurt anyone or make a total disaster out of it <at least not in this chapter <g>>
******************** I glanced at the time, then quickly back to the datapad I had found lying around. I didn't want to arouse suspiscion, but the truth was that I was as curious as all get out to find out what was on the datacard. So, excusing myself to the little Jedi's room, I had scooped up a datapad and locked myself in, sitting on the floor as I read and became more and more entranced. Basic information on the planet and what was thought to reside there filled the disk and I hungrily read it all. It was such a temptation...there was no way I'd ever be trained...the guys were too busy, and truth be told, they had better things to do with their time. I had accepted that fact, but it still never washed the way the feeling of regret to know that I had the Force, but didn't know how to use it. By the time I finished reading, there was only one thing I was positively sure of. I was going to Dathomir. I knew it wasn't exactly the most responsible thing to do, but I needed to look after myself, for once. There seemed to be some inexplicable force that drew me towards the planet, something that I had to answer. Without thinking I removed the datacard and slipped it back into my belt, leaving the datapad by the sink as I returned to the party. "I was beginning to worry," Obi-Wan said as I re-entered the room, immediately crossing over to me. "Are you all right?" he asked, frowning with concern. What could I say? I needed to go off to a practically unheard of planet so I could learn the Force even though the council would be dead-against it? Uh, no, somehow I knew he wouldn't go for that. I'd have to sneak out, and I couldn't wait long. I had to go see what was there waiting for me. At first I had only been curious, but now it was an insatiable hunger that could only be fulfilled by my seeing the planet for myself. It was during these moments that a plan would never be needed, that I ran on purely instinct, no matter how stupid it was. "Uh, I need to run over to RaJ real quick, I'll be right back..." "What for?" "A feminine hygeine product, now aren't you glad you asked?" I replied smoothly, grinning at his slightly-queasy expression. "Maybe I should go with you..." "It's just next door, and I want you to stay here and watch over Qui-Gon, make sure that he's okay," I urged, my voice softly pleading as I gently stroked his neck. "Oh, all right," he sighed, then grinned. "But I'll miss you..." he purred and I nearly whimpered...he had no idea just what that sentence would mean in an hour. "Same here," I murmured before kissing him soundly and heading for the door before I could change my mind. Once outside, I let my mind begin to work on how, exactly, I was going to jump planet and reach my destination. I was so wrapped up in my plotting that I didn't even notice Artoo trying to quietly make his way out the front door of RaJ until I bumped into him. "Artoo, what are you doing?" I asked, raising and eyebrow. He automatically beeped a snotty reply. "Yes, I can see you're going out, but why?" Uncharacteristically, he responded with a mechanical sigh. "What do you mean Luke doesn't have time for you?" I asked, kneeling down beside the droid. In detail he began to describe how his master and he never went on adventures anymore, how all he did was hang out with Crysta or go to work, and he really didn't need help with either of those tasks, now did he? So, he was running away in an attempt to salvage what was left of his little astromech life. "Man, I didn't realize that droids could feel excluded...I'm sorry, Artoo, I haven't been exactly sensitive to your needs, either...." I didn't know why, but all of a sudden my whole plot came tumbling out, how Obi and I had made up but Qui was nowhere to be found, how I had swiped the datacard and was planning to waltz off to Dathomir for a bit...at that Artoo began beeping excitedly. "You want to come WITH me? Artoo, I appreciate it, but I don't think I'll be needing..." I paused as he decided to interject exactly how useful he could be with repairs of machinary, navigation, and bunches of other little tasks. "Well...okay, but your owner isn't going to be happy about this..." Artoo replied with an electronic raspberry. Rolling my eyes, I grinned. "Okay...I was planning on 'borrowing' one of the ships in the hangar...any suggestions?" I asked, my eyebrows raising at his response. "Luke will definitely *not* be happy with that...especially after all the stories Wedge has told him about trying to teach me how to fly an X-Wing!" I reminded Artoo, who merely snorted. "All right...I guess I don't have to take much with me...But I will need to change," I said, entering the complex and going straight to my room. Quickly I exchanged the mylar dress for simple black slacks and tank top and boots. The data card went in my belt and I grinned as Artoo entered the room. "And Luke will NOT like me borrowing this..." I sighed as I accepted his pilot clothes. True, he wasn't that much taller than me, and I could make it work, but somehow I knew he'd be more than a little irritated when he found out just all that I had "borrowed" from him. "How do I look?" I asked as I clipped my saber onto the belt of the pilot suit. Artoo whistled enthusiastically and I had to laugh. "I cannot believe I'm doing this...but it seems so...right." The droid warbled understandingly and with a sigh I quickly hit my comm unit to record a holo message for Qui and Obi. It was the least I could do to let them know something of what was going on. Taking a deep breath as the recorder clicked on, I pushed from my mind the doubts that were swimming in my head, the repurcussions that could occur, the fact that I was practically going against the council, anything negative. This was for me and me alone. "By now you should realize that I'm out of the system...please don't go looking for me. I'm not leaving because of either of you or anything that has happened tonight. I'm doing this because I need to...I need to find myself in the Force, I need to find out where I fit into it," I went on, telling myself that this did NOT make me like Callista when she left Luke. "I will be back, I promise you this, because I love you both dearly and I don't want to lose you. But there is something that I have to do and won't rest until it is finished. You won't find me, I'm the only one who has the coordinates to where I am going to, so don't bother searching. Only know that I love you, I'll be back, and that's all you need to know. May the Force be With You, Always...Oh, and tell Luke I'll bring his ship back in one piece" I added before I had Artoo cut the recording. "Well, that was right depressing...come on, let's go before I change my mind," I sighed as we headed down the steps. "Mistress Ziggy? Where are you going?" a voice called to us and I groaned. All the human occupants were out for the evening, celebrating their night off. I knew I should've shut that droid down... "I've got to make an emergency run real quick...I'll explain when I get back. I'm borrowing Luke's X-Wing and Artoo, I won't be but a little bit..." I assured him, even though I was lying through my teeth. He seemed to accept this answer and the astromech droid and I took the advantage and hurried to the hangar. I gave a low whistle when we approached the X-Wing. It was beautiful, absolutely perfect, battle damage and all. So much history was in it, and now I was adding to it, or so I hoped. As much as I dared I reached out to the Force and sensed Obi waiting, though with a little less patience than he had when I had first left...Qui-Gon was with...someone, who I couldn't tell, and Luke...wouldn't catch us because he was way too involved in Crysta at the moment. I smirked at that and Artoo beeped. "Are they WHAT!? Artoo, you've been watching too much holo porn!" I sighed, shaking my head as I used the available equipment to pop the droid into the socket on the fighter. With a deep breath I climbed the ladder and suddenly found myself in the cockpit. "Too cool," I breathed, grinning stupidly as I gently put on Luke's helmet. "All right...let's see what this baby can do.." I murmured, activating the launch sequence with a little help from Artoo. Calming myself with the Force, I still couldn't help feeling giddy as we lifted off the ground and directed the ship towards deep space. "Can I activate the hyperdrive now?" I asked, this time keeping my hands well away from THE LEVER until I was instructed. While Artoo loaded our coordinates I looked over the past few days. This was right, I was sure of it. At his beep I slowly pulled down the lever and gasped as the craft was slingshot into space, the stars becoming streaks before my eyes. I was on my way, for better or for worse.

Chapter 2

      I groggily snapped myself out from my slumber at Artoos warblings. All right, all right, are we in the Quelli sector? I grumbled as I turned off the autopilot and switched to manual. At his affirmative chirp I began to gather my wits and soon the planet came into view. It was amazing, its three main continents set in a deep blue ocean. Well, this is it I murmured as we continued towards the planet. Instinctively I reached out with the Force, trying to decide whether it was a safe thing to make my presence known or not. I inhaled sharply as my mind brushed against so many other awarenessesnot many responded, but they knew- I was there

      So much for not attracting any attention, I muttered, suddenly wondering what in the world I was even doing! I had run off on a whim and now I had to follow through and I had no idea how to do it! After a few moments of mental contact I could begin to distinguish different groups from one another, and suddenly one in particular. My hands worked on their own, guiding the craft into the planets atmosphere, barely hearing Artoos concerned beeps. Its all rightwere heading towards where we need to go, I murmured as I worked the controls deftly, heading towards one of the land masses. Look at itits beautiful, I murmured as I gazed at the thick jungles that covered the planets surface. This way I added, following the presence in my mind. Soon we were skimming over rivers, soaring over mountains, until the presence seemed to pulse from all around. I gasped as a huge series of falls came into view; at least seven different falls poured into one pool, the contact creating an ethereal mist to constantly rise up along the water. As if following an invisible arrow, I piloted the ship into the falls and directly into a large cave that was hidden by the mists that I just -knew- was there. With a deep breath I slowly powered down the ship and popped the hatch. I guess this is it I murmured, slightly anxious as I exited the X-wing and jumped to the ground before waiting for Artoo to reach the spot beside me. Now all we have to do is wait for whoever guided us here.

      We didnt have to wait long. Almost as soon as the sentence was uttered shadowy figures became apparent in the mist that clouded almost all of the cave. Reflexively I reached for my lightsaber, then reminded myself that I should wait for proof of danger before defending myself. I nearly grabbed for it again as the figures revealed themselves to be Dathomir witches, dressed in bright amazon-esque lizard skins, complete with boots and helmets. They also happened to be hefting daggers, bows and arrows, and swords. I stood my ground as one came closer and circled round me warily. She was about my height, maybe a little taller, and looked to be about the same age as I was, perhaps a few years younger. Her hair was jet black and she circled me with feline grace, all the while studying me with piercing blue eyes that could almost be considered accusatory.

      Why are you here? she asked finally, her voice a few pitches above mine.

      Why are any of us here? I asked a split second before I remembered that the natives of Dathomir werent exactly known for their sense of humor.

      We are here because you are here she fairly growled and I suppressed a gulp. What are you doing at our falls?

      I came in possession of some information about this place. I decided to check it out, myselfnow if you could take me to the leaders of your tribe Id be happy to further state my business, I said as formally as I could, not moving as her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. After a moment one of the other warriors inquired something in a language that I didnt recognize and she answered quickly. The inquirer responded back, as if reminding her of something and she fell silent, gazing over at me again.

      Very well, she said quietly, and the next thing I knew Artoo and I were being escorted out of the falls. We walked silently, surrounded by Dathomiri guards and I began to wonder just how out of my head I was to actually be doing this. We were taken along the falls and down to a lush forest. The planet was so diverse, and absolutely amazing.

      I paused momentarily as a rush of cold swept along my consciousness. The Dathomiri that was my main escort stopped and watched me as my senses perked up. The Force must have been with me, for as if acting on instinct my hand flashed to my lightsaber and ignited it just as a speeding dagger headed our way from the undergrowth. I deflected it, though it was through more reflex than actual Force use, and the eyes of the woman beside me grew wide.

      "Come out," one of the other Dathomiri called gruffly, and I felt my mouth grow dry as several other women, some older and dressed in dark cloaks and others that were younger in lizard armor, emerged from their hiding places.

      "Darathai," the woman beside me growled, and a young woman with deep red hair and golden eyes smirked. "Why are you here? You have your own territory. You are not welcome in that of the Misty Falls Clan," my escort stated, her hand resting dangerously on her own dagger.

      "We merely wanted to see who this new arrival was and if she deserved to live..." came the reply from one of the crones.

      "The Council of Sisters of our clan will decide that...until then you must leave," another warrior stated.

      "I would not take that tone with an elder Nightsister...Ranthian may look old, but she is powerful," Darathai purred and I forced myself not to shiver, not to back down. The two groups stared at each other for a few moments and the air was heavy with tension. My saber thrummed, the only noise besides a few bird chirps and rustling leaves in the wind.

      "Very well. We shall leave, for now. But we shall be watching you, stranger," Ranthian proclaimed before the Nightsisters disappeared into the forest. Hesitantly, I powered down the saber and turned to my guard.

      "You're a Jedi..." she whispered, her eyes not as wide, though still startled.

      "Not yet, that's part of the reason why I've come here.." I sighed. She nodded as we started walking again.

      "The council has exiled you here like Allya, our great founder," she murmured decidedly.

      "Not exactly...more like they refused to train me at all."

      "For fear of darkness?" she asked, surprised.

      "Because I'm too old," I muttered darkly and she snorted as caves in the mountain walls that supported the falls came into view.

      "So you come here hoping to learn our way?" she guessed and I nodded.

      "I know I'm not Dathomiri, I don't expect to learn everything, but a hybrid of the Dathomiri and Jedi way could be beneficial...if I hadn't had found the information than the council was prepared to send one of their own to study you." Her face darkened visibly.

      "They banished Allya because they did not agree with her, now they want to study her descendants?"

      "I don't know...I don't know if it was the same council or how all of this fits together. All I know is that ever since I read about this place it's been calling to me...it's gotten into my blood," I murmured and she looked at me thoughtfully.

      "Yes, it can do that," she agreed as we approached the largest cave that we had come across yet. "You have to meet with the Council of Sisters. Perhaps they can figure out why you were brought to us." Nodding, I silently followed her into the cavern.

***************************

      I had never felt so transparent as I did standing there beside the Council of Sisters. Even the Jedi Council could learn a few things about stern, passive faces and intimidation. I could feel them in the Force, but yet I knew that they werent searching out my innermost feelings with one glancethe witches of Dathomir didnt work that way. But still, somehow they knew.

      She has great powergreat potentialbut tell me, why should we take you in? the Clan Mother, Chanthnorion asked, her green eyes betraying her appearance of about fifty standard years old.

      Because I have nowhere else to turn to! The Jedi Council wont train me because Im too old, the Jedi that I know dont have the time to help me learn! I want to express myself in the Force, to find my purpose in it! Surely it wasnt given to me to be neglected! Is it that wrong to seek for knowledge?

      It is if you use it for the wrong reasons, another sister said wisely and I bit back a sigh. I had come too far to just turn back and admit defeat.

      If the Jedi Council refused you, then why should we teach you our ways? the Clan Mother asked, raising a graying eyebrow.

      Becausebecause I want to learn your ways, because like it or not, the Council almost found you and my guess is that it would be a lot easier and of less danger to you to take me in than to try to reason with a fully trained Jedi, I replied and a few of the sisters looked at each other with unreadable gazes. Chanthnorion hesitated, looked away from me and I hesitantly brushed her sense with the Force.

      What are you not telling me? I asked quietly.

      We feel that you could be our undoing, she said after a few moments that weighed heavy with silence. A year ago, I had a dream, that a young woman would come to us seeking knowledge. We took her in, trained her, taught her, and then she turned to the Nightsisters and destroyed us, she said quietly, looking up into my eyes.

      Me? I asked, dumbfounded. But Im against the Dark SideId never turn-

      You say that nowbut how do we know, how do you know that you can keep it? she asked, standing.

      Youre rightI dont I murmured after a brief moment of contemplation. It was the hardest thing I had ever come up withhow I could hope to follow through was beyond me and it was such a risk, but one I had to make. Slowly I spoke. But I give you my wordthat if I turn even the slightest to the Nightsistersyou have my permission to strike me deadIll kill myself, if need be, I added, completely serious. Chanthnorion held my gaze for a few moments, considering. It was such a riskif I were to give my life if I slipped I would never see those that I loved again, would never hope to complete the other aspects of my life. But it was something I had to do.

      Very well she murmured, sealing the transaction. You have the council as witnesses if you choose not to follow through, she added and I nodded. Almost immediately another woman rose to her feet.

      She isnt one of us, how should we expect her to keep up with the skills needed? she asked, her brow furrowed.

      Its in the book of lawsEnsaunshe is of the age, past it, to be trained as a witch. She knows our history as well as anyone from what she has read, and she can learn any other needed skills while she learns the spells, the Clan Mother said strongly. It will not be easyyou will be doing twice as much work as others your age

      I still want to do it, I answered, just as strongly.

      Then because she isnt one of us by blood, the law states that I must choose the course of her trainingI will train her myself, to be sure that she does not turn to the Nightsisters she finished and the others nodded. Karais sho will teach her the physical skills she needs and I will teach her the sacred language, she concluded and I nodded, relief flowing through me like a frenzied river.Karaissho, who had guided me to the council chambers nodded as well, and the wariness in her eyes softened a bit as she glanced at me again. You will also record what we tell you to and take it back to the Jedi Council when and if you choose to leave usThat should fill their hunger for knowledge without us giving too much away. They will not take our children for their own devices. We can train them just as well here as they can.

      Agreed, I replied.

      Then she is to be adopted into our clan? one of the Sisters asked. Chanthnorion nodded, this time smiling softly.

      When I finally left the cave with Karaissho at my side, I was the start of a different person. Gone were the fatigues and flight suit. In its place was a lizard-skin tunic that shimmered between brilliant blue and verdant green in the light. My boots were of the same skin, as well as the ornate helmet that set on my now free hair. My lightsaber was on my belt where it belonged, but now it lay next to a set of carved daggers. I smiled as I looked to the sun setting below the horizon. So ended the ignorant stage of my life. Now would begin the quest for knowledge.

****************************

      Darathai was smiling as she watched Ranthian and the older Nightsisters chant as they gathered around the fire.

      What have you found out? she whispered as the crones opened their eyes.

      Much conflict within the strangerand much power, Ranthian proclaimed, licking her lips.

      She longs to know the love of the two men she holds in highest respects, another Nightsister hissed. She wants to learn to use her power when she has been refused by everyone else. She wants to know where our planet fits in, where our history fits inshe wants to know where she can fit in

      We can work with that, Darathai chuckled, smirking.

Chapter 3

      Qui-Gon watched the message for the seventh time in a row. He knew it by heart now, he was almost numb to it.

      Almost.

      He didn't know whether to be angry or merely shocked, but his emotions fell somewhere between the two. Or maybe he just missed her terribly.

      It had to be the age difference...or maybe they were just drifting apart. His eyes narrowed as that thought passed through his mind. No. He wouldn't let it happen. The business may be drifting down the chaotic path, but he wouldn't let her go if he could help it. Sighing, he glanced over as Obi-Wan stared at Warzawa, her bird. The creature tried to whistle comforting songs, but all of them reminded him of her.

      "I still don't know why she did this!!!" Obi-Wan blurted out, still angered and hurt by the blow. /Force knows I don't either.../

      "We must be patient, Padawan..." he said, though it sounded more like a recitation to his ears.

      "If we could only find a clue as to where she went..."

      "I've looked over this for that, there's nothing here." /And if I hadn't gotten so angry with her this might not have happened.../ "Are you sure there's nothing that happened at the party to have made her flee?

      "Well, after we made up we danced a bit, then were interrupted by the crazy TIE fighters," Obi sighed, running a hand through his spiky hair. "She seemed to be talking to some smugglers about something, just small talk, I suppose."

      "Find them..." Qui-Gon immediately replied, his instincts perking to attention. "We have to know what the exchange was about...it could lead us to where she's run away to." The Jedi Master looked again at the paused holo of the young woman and sighed, wishing she was back and wondering where she could have run off to.

And why.

******************************

I struggled to keep up with Karais'sho as she easily ran through the nearby forest as if she was a deer. I, on the other hand, was reminded of the very unpleasant days of high school gym where it was common for a teacher to make our class run the track for the duration of class - a full ninety minutes. Any deviation from that plan would earn the unlucky soul more laps. I happened to be the lucky winner of running a mile in stocking feet because my shoes happened to become unlaced and fall off and the teacher refused to let me put them on, assuring me that I was better for it. All it earned me was white socks with jet black bottoms and a severe hatred of gym.

      Grunting, I reminded myself to let the peacefulness of the planet flow through me, to surge through my very being. There was always a point that if you could convince your brain to numb itself to the activity, you would remain unfazed. However, this was dangerous and I had been told so by my personal Dathomiri coach the first time I had tried it. I had to be in tune with my body, use it to push on to the next level where much was possible.

      It was quickly becoming apparent that I was pretty darn far from that level.

      And I was pretty sure I wasn't up to that level at repelling, swimming, combat, or any of the other skills I had to learn, either. But if I was one thing I was stubborn and determined. Letting my inner self become one with my outer, letting the environment fill my soul, I allowed the Force to flow through me, to use me as its instrument. Before I realized it, I found my rhythm and I was soaring.

      By the time we reached the clearing where Chanthnorion was waiting, it was well into midday. There was to be no rest, though, only more lessons, this time, in combat. I forced myself to pay attention and willed my body to learn each of the dance-like moves, telling myself I was only getting that more experienced each time Karais'sho trounced me.

      "I don't mean to complain, but doesn't she have just the least bit advantage?" I asked as the Dathomiri helped me up for the seventh time. "She's taller and more experienced-"

      "That doesn't matter!" Chanthnorion replied from where she sat, observing. "We are not skin and bones, but made up of something purer..." she reminded me and I nodded.

      "Luminous beings are we...not this crude matter," I murmured, absently brushing a hand over the skin on my arm. Despite my seriousness, a quirk of a smile found its way on my face. "Well, I must be really luminous because my matter's /crude/-" I started to laugh, but Chanthnorion murmured something and I was suddenly pushed off the rock I was seated on by an unseen Force to land a yard away. "What was that for!?" I managed as I picked myself up, again.

      "Because we have to start more basic than I thought was necessary," the Clan Mother sighed, shaking her head softly as she got to her feet. "As long as you are here, you are to never, /never/ talk about yourself in such a light. Come," she added and I glanced at Karais'sho, who only shrugged, before we both followed her through a bit of forest to a small stream. "What to you see when you look into its waters?"

      The other Dathomiri woman was the first to answer. "I see my people, my clan, and Terana, the gift which Allya taught us to use. I see Dathomir, past and present, its animals and people." The Clan Mother nodded, satisfied, before turning to me.

      I stared at my reflection helplessly. I wasn't exactly a knock-out, or anything else extraordinary. Brown hair, hazel eyes, pale skin...nothing spectacular. "I don't know..." I whispered, truly having no clue as to what I was looking for.

      "Which is why we cannot truly begin until you do. You possess many gifts, visible and invisible," Chanthnorion said as she came up behind me. "You are blessed to be female, never be ashamed because of your appearance. Every female has her special gifts...we can give new life, and because of that we are slightly round, like the earth, from which all life comes from," she said, a hand gently resting slightly below my stomach. "And our peaks are like the mountains from which water flows, nourishing all life," she added, pointing towards my breasts. We are blessed to have these things, just like you are blessed to have your eyes, your hair...you honor your ancestors by carrying their traits, just like you honor the earth by being female. To be female is not to be weak, it is to have power. To be you is not to be ashamed, but to have pride in what you are, and what you are about to become," she whispered and I nodded, now entranced with my mirror image in the clear waters. "Now...what do you see?"

      "Promise," I whispered, smiling slightly, encouraged as the action was shown in the water. "Promise of what I am to become, of what I can do for all people, for the Jedi, for Dathomir. I see immense promise..." She nodded, a soft smile on her features.

      "I see it, too," Karais'sho murmured from beside me.

      "To understand your power and how our people use it, you must know Ter'ana," Chanthnorion continued. "Ter'ana is the freedom to be one's self and express that in the Force, it is the expression of the Force itself in the soul of Dathomir and all its children. We can scribe it, or sing it, or dance it to use its gifts.

      "Sing?" I asked, that one word catching my ear before anything else. I had long been entranced by music, and made the occasional check off of my gift, but I loved to sing for any reason at all. Upon catching my enthusiasm the other two Dathomiri smiled.

      "Yes...it helps to empower the spells we chant...You will have to learn the native language of our people in order to embrace it," she warned, but I was so eager for knowledge I didn't mind the work anymore.

      "Teach me," I breathed, truly ready. "I'm ready to learn."

********************************************

      Ranthian regarded the slave from ancient eyes. True, he was male, but he had the power within him and was capable of destroying the potential enemy. She had known him since birth, since his eyes opened unto the world of Dathomir and he had been blessed with knowledge. He would do. "Go," she hissed. "Seduce her, sway her, then kill her..." she growled in a voice of dust.

      The slave nodded, not daring to appear unsure in the Nightsister's presence as he slowly accepted the dagger from her gnarled hands. No matter how anxious he felt, he had to obey. That was his purpose in life, his destiny.

      And he would fulfill it.

Chapter 4

      I gulped visibly as I made sure that the wire was secure on my belt as I glanced over the side of the cliff. It was about two weeks since I had arrived, and although I was making much progress physically and with the language, there were still some things that I was reluctant to do. I had conquered running, swimming, and was learning new combat skills every day, but repelling, on the other hand...

      "I really wasn't aware of how much I hate heights until now..." I muttered and Karais'sho rolled her eyes.

      "You have to learn how to repel, it could save your life," she argued for the thousandth time.

      "Or end it," I retorted.

      "That's a risk you'll have to take," she said, shrugging before she pushed herself off the cliff's edge. Muttering a few strangled curses I braced myself before following her. I frowned as soon as my feet left the ground; something seemed to be probing my thoughts.

      "Do you feel that?" I asked, my danger sense alerted.

      "What?" the Dathomiri asked.

      "I...something's testing me..." I murmured, then shrugged as the sensation disappeared.

      "Stop stalling and come on!" she shouted from a few yards below. Pushing the wariness away I pushed my feet against the cliff and began a slow descent. I pushed all thoughts of plummeting to my death from my mind, focusing instead on my muscles and the movements needed to lower myself. Karais'sho was still a few yards ahead of me when I looked down and say her face, terror-stricken.

      My neck craned up immediately and I froze as I noticed the glint of a knife poised to slash my wire. There was nothing I could do, I had no idea how to work the flying spell and there was absolutely no way out.

      It looked like my destiny would be reaching me sooner than I had thought.

      My body froze, despite Karais'sho's shouts for me to hurry, and all I could do was look up at the knife. /Please, no...not before I explain to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, not yet, I'm not ready.../ I thought desperately to myself, trying to find my inner peace, all the while trying to reach out to touch the assassin. My mind nearly backed away when I first brushed against him. His sense was so familiar, but strange all the same. His consciousness jerked as it found mind and suddenly along with the knife I was looking up at a set of eyes.

      It was a male, from what I could tell, but that was about it. He seemed startled to look his prey in the face and he froze. Karais'sho's screams finally reached my ears, snapping me out of my haze and I sped for the ground; learning to repel was much easier when I had motivation. By the time my feet hit the ground and I looked back up to the cliff's top, the attacker was gone.

*****************************************

      "You gave her WHAT?" Obi-Wan tried to keep his voice calm, he really did. Glancing over at his master, he found that the older man wasn't doing much better than his padawan.

      "She said she'd deliver the information to the Jedi Council. Seemed to me to be an okay offer. Hey, /I/ didn't know she would read it and run off!" Dash Rendar insisted and Obi had the faint urge to bang his head against a wall.

      "And that was the /only/ source that gave the planet's coordinates?" Qui-Gon asked, and the padawan noticed that the master was getting that look on his face that he got when he was close to having a roaring headache.

      "Yes, I've answered you a hundred times, I don't know anything else! The planet is populated by female Force-users that call themselves witches. There are light and dark sects, that's all I know, I swear!" the smuggler assured them. "You mind if I go now, I got an NFR job to do," he added as he headed for the door.

      "What do you think?" Obi asked as they were left alone in the RaJ lobby.

      "He was telling the truth..." Qui-Gon sighed in response. "She went to learn the ways of the Force, I'm sure of it..."

      "But why, we said we'd teach her!"

      "But were we really serious until now?" Qui-Gon asked, frowning. "It seems we promised lots of things that we didn't follow through with...I'm not saying that I'm not angry with her or that I'm not worried...Force knows I'm scared to death, but I can see why she did it..."

      "Still-"

      "Obi-Wan, all we can do is wait," Qui-Gon insisted before heading for his room. The padawan sighed and stared down at his hands. His master was so moody...RaJ had been left in his hands until Selah's return and it had not exactly been an easy past few days for Qui-Gon. Or for any of them, for that matter. He had the feeling that something was bothering him, but he wasn't sure what. All he was positive of was that the woman they both adored needed to come home, and fast.

****************************************************

      "You /failed/?!" Ranthian hissed, her glowing eyes narrowing to slits.

      "I did not kill her," the slave murmured, his stare focused on the ground.

      "And why not!? Were you not ordered to do so?" Darathai snarled, stalking towards him, dagger unsheathed.

      "I just...couldn't. I don't believe she should be killed-"

      "We didn't ask for your opinion, we asked for you to kill her! You have broken the law of Ven'a'cau, which states that males must obey their masters, and you shall be punished for it..." the younger Nightsister growled as she advanced on him.

      "He shall be more than that...he does not believe in our ways, in the dark...he gravitates to the light," Ranthian whispered scratchily, a deadly sound.

      "Shall I kill him?" another nightsister from the campfire asked as she stood, sword at the ready.

      "Not immediately..." Ranthian replied, smiling toothlessly.

****************************************************************************

      "Training of our spells must begin immediately," Chanthornion told me that night at evening meal. "We cannot have you unprotected...I feared the Nightsisters would try to sway you to their side, or get rid of you completely," she murmured as she stared into the fire.

      "You won't need to learn all of our spells because your Jedi powers will either give you the same effects or work better in some cases, like your danger sense or telekinesis," Karais'sho explained and I nodded.

      "We'll begin immediately," Chanthnorion decided, standing and heading into the cave the three of us shared. "You have been studying our language?"

      "Karais'sho has been helping me," I replied and the younger witch nodded.

      "Then it is time for you to cast your first spell..." I nodded, letting myself be at peace. My Force skills were never sharper, but this would be the real test. I had to rid myself of all apprehensions or else I wouldn't be able to weave the spells of the witches of Dathomir.

      "The spell that everyone in our clan knows is the one that gave us our namesake."

      "The spell of mist," I murmured and the Clan Mother nodded.

      "What two components would it involve?" she asked and I thought back to my lessons on the language that had made up many an evening.

      "Water would be...dominant and air recessive?" I asked, straining the reaches of my mind. At her nod I took my signal to begin. I sought for the right words, poured over the new language I had learned.

      "You must keep the Force with you or else it will not work," Chanthnorion reminded me and I nodded as I let my eyes slide closed.

      "Waytha ara Reyeth'tha Sechen Char (Summon to me -Water, Air - wall to female)," I chanted, letting my voice lilt around the words and carry them through the Force. At first the cavern remained the same cozy, primitive dwelling it had been to me since I had arrived, but ever-so-slowly a silvery fog began to form, starting in the back and gravitating to the mouth, immersing all of us in a cover of mist.

      "I did it...I did it!" I couldn't help yelling as the spell neared completion.

      "Now on to something harder...a spell that you can put into practice tomorrow," Chanthnorion suggested, a mysterious smile on her face.

      Soon after I settled down to sleep, but was distracted by the flickering of the fire's tongue-like flames.

      "What are you thinking of?" Karais'sho asked upon seeing my open eyes.

      "Not much...just thinking about things..." I sighed, smiling as Artoo beeped and rolled to stand beside me. He had been made to stay either in the cave or near the camp most of the time and had only heard of my exploits, although he had watched one day while I perfected my dives. He had immediately suggested we go back, though, when he heard of the attempt on my repelling wire, but I had assured him that nothing had really happened. Whistling low, he projected a hologram image into the dark and I sighed upon seeing the two that I missed dreadfully.

      "They're beautiful..." the other young woman murmured. "Are they your slaves?"

      "Slaves?" I asked, laughing at what the Jedis' expressions would be if they could have heard that remark. "Hardly...they're very, /very/ close friends..."

      "Ah, aha. Lovers, then. I'm afraid I don't understand how other cultures deal with such issues. Wouldn't it just be easier to claim them and mate with them?"

      "Definitely, but that's not the way we work..."      /Although RaJs starting to look like it/ I thought bitterly to myself.

      You look troubledif you tell me the situation maybe I can help you find a solution, Karaissho offered and I sighed as I sat up. With her encouragement, which may or may not have been the spell of comfort, I let the whole thing pour out from me, from the very start of Rent-a-Jedi.

      I dont know why they even wanted me to run the thing, anyhowit was just an idea I had and the only reason the Council went along with it was because they needed the moneyNow Im the sole reason for the deterioration of the Jedi Order, I snorted and Artoo bleeped mournfully.

      But they did go along with itit isnt as if you forced them to, she offered and I nodded.

      I knowMace and the others were quick to agree because their long missions didnt exactly allow for anyumrelief of sorts, I worded carefully and she nodded. I didnt expect to fall in love and do all of the stupid things Ive done, I added, absently tossing a few pebbles away from me to land in the fire. And now they have issuesQui-Gon is very much older than I am and I think it bothers him

      And what do you think about it?

      I love himI dont see him as some old geezer, I see him as noble, and capable of doing the right thing most of the time, and his defiance is amazingreminds me of some sort of freelance gunslinger or somethingand hes quite experienced as a Jedi, among other things, I murmured as I blushed in the darkness.

      And Obi-Wan?

      Hes adorablehis humor kills me and his tenderness just about turns me to goo every time Im around himits so hard to share both of them, or either of them, with anyone who has enough money on hand, I muttered darkly and she nodded.

      Thats why we have slavesthey must be faithful to their mistresses or they will be punished accordingly. It surprises me that you have let them go this long without showing them who is their boss, both business-wise and in the relationship I laughed at this, picturing the looks on their faces if they could hear her words.

      We dont work like thatneither of us owns the othersalthough I do sense some competition between them, but I could never choose! I just couldnt I sighed bleakly. I know they love me, but sometimes-

      It is their duty to be faithful and to honor their mistress! I cant see why youve let them shirk their duties! You shouldnt have to question, you should know! Karaissho said vehemently and I glanced at Artoo and shook my head. Our cultures were too different for her to grasp our ways, but she did have a point. Maybe when I got back it was time to tell them the way things were gonna be

      I had just dozed off when a slashing pain in my abdomen jerked me awake. Something wasnt right, it was far from itInvisible attackers seemed to be all around, beating, slashing, though not one part of me was physically harmed, I could sense the painWhen I was next capable of comprehending Chanthnorion was kneeling at my side.

      Shes emphaticshes sensing someones torture, probably a slave, she explained to Karaissho, who sat with my head cradled in my lap.

      Even so, she shouldnt be feeling it this strongly! the warrior argued as another wave flowed from my legs to my head. I moaned weakly and wondered why I seemed to sense it and no one else. As night passed the pain subsided for the most part, but I was weary and drained.

      Somehow, she must be connected to someone the Clan Mother murmured, never leaving my side.

      Im fineI just need some air and some time to sleep, I muttered, groaning as I watched the sun rise above the peaks of the falls.

      Watch her, there will be no lessons this morning. Dont let her leave until she can walk without pain, the Clan Mother instructed. Ill see if the Council of Sisters cant figure out something about this she added as she left the dwelling, lizard skin shimmering in the dawn light.

Chapter 5

      Ranthian smiled coldly as the young one returned from her task. Although she was just now learning the spells, she learned very quickly and was becoming quite lethal. It was only fitting that she had been chosen to deal with the slave. "It is done?" she asked, although she already knew the answer.

      "It is...his body's been left to rot in the wilderness, just as you desired," the young warrior stated, licking her lips, an eager expression in her eyes. "He was...most enjoyable," she purred as the old woman smirked.

      "I'm glad you are satisfied...but now you have much training to take on if you are to catch up with the Misty Fall Clan's little Jedi," Darathai added as she came out of her cave upon hearing the unnamed warrior's arrival.

      "Yes, I know...I have much to learn before I do away with her, but it will be done," the young Nightsister hissed, glancing between Darathai and Ranthian with glittering eyes and a hungry expression.

      "Then let us begin," Ranthian chuckled, glad things were going in their favor for once.

*******************************************************

      I didn't know what it was, but something drew me out of my stupor and into alertness, out of my bed and onto my feet. It wasn't exactly a comforting feeling, but more like a desperate urge to find something before it was too late.

      Karais'sho was by my side instantly. "You can't leave the cave! You're practically feverish!" she was saying, but I really didn't comprehend her words.

      "I've gotta find..." I paused. What in the world did I have to find? I had been told to stay put, but something kept yanking me further away from the caverns by an invisible leash. By noon I was frantically pacing the cave, knowing that I couldn't stay there all day if I didn't want to go completely insane. Karais'sho followed on my heels as soon as I stepped one booted foot out of the cave's entrance and headed into the woods next to the falls. I had no clue where I was heading, but something was leading me.

      "Are you insane? Do you have any idea where you're going?" the warrior hissed and I shook my head.

      "Relax, the Force will guide us," I replied reflexively and in the back of my mind I couldn't help but smile at the image of Qui-Gon that produced. Trees passed us in a blur as I let myself be guided, hoping that it wasn't another death attempt. A slender hand on my shoulder jolted my attention as I started to head into a clearing.

      "Look...don't sneak up on it..." she whispered in my ear and my eyes widened at the sight of the rancor. I had never seen one up close, and I allowed myself some time to adjust to the sight, even though my head was throbbing. "It's wild..." she said in answer to my silent question.

      "Chanthnorion implied that I'd have to tame one sooner than later-"

      "Not now, Selah, not while you're ill!"

      "I'm fine," I insisted, although I knew I really wasn't. The nudge at my consciousness was growing stronger. I had to hurry to it, whatever it was. "We need transportation if we're going to get there on time," I added and the Dathomiri frowned.

      "To where?"

      "I honestly don't know, but I do know that we don't have much time," I muttered, trying to open myself up fully to the Force. I'd never tried to get into the mind of another creature and I had to admit that I wasn't completely confident in my abilities as of yet. "Stay here," I told her and quietly snuck into the clearing where the beast was feeding on dead game. I let myself plunge into the spell that I had learned the night before, one of a large amount that I was being bombarded with to test my abilities. This would be the first chance that I would have to test it.

      Waytha ara Quechen Way Char (Summon to me air and water, direct focus, to a female). Immediately the rancor looked up and noticed me and growled deep in its throat

      Um, am I supposed to be understanding something? I asked, suddenly getting very nervous.

      Yes, you did the spell, didnt you?! Karaissho shouted and I nodded. Try again, maybe you didnt connect!

      All right, but I felt it I muttered, trying to think of what could be the matter. Maybe the female part was wrong

      Waytha ara Quechen Wayah! (same, but to innate object) Still nothing happened. I gulped as the beast slowly stalked towards where I was standing. It had seen me, I couldnt hide, there was nowhere to run fast enough. Maybe my condition was preventing me from connecting

      You had the gender wrong, look, its a male! the Dathomiri shouted and sure enough, when I looked the gender was visible. Of course, he was also a lot closer and reaching for me with one enormous hand.

      Waytha ara Quechen Way Chen! I corrected myself and suddenly a strange feeling swept over me, like I was somehow linked to the beast. He paused suddenly, as if considering me. I think its all right! I called to where Karaissho stood in the brush and she quietly came out.

      You need to instruct it what you need done, she reminded me and I swiftly responded by asking for transport. In response the creature knelt and with the Dathomiris prodding I climbed his flank until I was situated on his back. Its going to be harder without reigns, she told me and I nodded while reaching out to the Force and instructing the creature where to go at the same time. I dont know how youre able to juggle that when youve just learnedthe Council was right, there is much power in you I pretty much ignored that remark, not wanting to let pride get in the way. Besides, the headache was worsening and I needed to hurry.

      The foliage became a blur as I guided our mount. It was getting hotter or maybe I truly was feverish.

      Selah, were nearing the Nightsisters territory, she warned from beside me, though I really couldnt make out the words. Every sense was extremely sensitive, all sounds were too loud and even the pure air made me gag. Colors were too bright and everything I touched seemed to be covered with pins and needles.

      Then everything suddenly shifted into focus.

      There, by that cluster of trees! I managed, steering the rancor in that direction and instructing it not to feed on the body. As quickly as I could I fell down from the mount, followed by a more graceful Karaissho. Immediately we ran to the slaves side.

      He was covered with bruises and cuts, many still bleeding. While nothing looked to be broken I could tell that he was in immense pain if my condition was anything to go by. I started as a soft, low moan escaped his throat and he managed to turn his head slightly. In response Karaissho began to take out her dagger.

      No! Hes still alive-

      Hes not going to survive for long! she argued. Look at him!

      I am, and I see someone who needs our help!

      What if he belongs to the same clan as the Nightsisters? At the word he began writhing frantically and I got a clearly negative answer in my mind.

      Nothey did this to himhes all right, but if we dont help him soon, hell die! Help me get him to the rancor, I ordered as my mind cleared a tad.

      But how will we keep him on?

      Ill use the whuffa rope that I keep on my belt, I answered her, pulling off the worm cord. There wasnt enough for reigns but this will help keep him secure and still She clenched her jaw slightly, but then nodded and helped me carry the slave over to the waiting rancor.

Chapter 6

      Three days after lots of use of salves and forcing food and drink into him, the slave was finally able to talk and move around without too much trouble. I had had to do a little convincing on my part to let Chanthnorion allow him into her cave, but at least he was safe at the moment. I had stayed by his side through most of that time, only sleeping when I absolutely had to. It was at times like this that I wished I knew how to do the Jedi hibernation trance.

      He wasnt all that bad looking once he was cleaned up. He was my height, was lean but muscular, what skin that didnt peek out from his lizardskin vest and leggings was tanned from sunlight and dark with bruises. His features werent exactly sharp, but they werent soft, eitherhe reminded me of someone, but I couldnt trace the face. I dismissed it as seeing some familiarity to someone I knew in school or somethingHis hair was soft once it was washed, and jaw-lenth and brown, but there were hints of blond and copper within the mix. While I was cleaning his wounds for what seemed like the thousandth time, he suddenly began to moan. His voice was low and soft and I immediately felt for him.

      Hes waking up! I hollered towards the mouth of the cave and Karaissho came running. Slowly he shook his head to clear it and when she was by my side he finally blinked open his eyes.

      No Karaissho whispered and I tensed at the whisper of steel as she unsheathed her dagger.

      Dont, I replied, standing to deflect the blow.

      But hes the one who tried to kill you!!! she snarled, taking aim as I grabbed her arm. Id know those eyes anywhere she added and I glanced down at the young man who was trying to get out of her range. How do we know he didnt put a spell on you to make you sick so youd track him down and then he could kill you!

      Because I dont sense it in him!!! I pleaded, reaching out again to the slave to see if there was anything I missed. He had a strange feel, but it wasnt anything dangerous and I passed it off as him being a blood Dathomiri.

      Im not going to hurt either of you, he managed, his eyes wary. The Nightsisters wanted met to kill her, but when I triedI just couldnt, he murmured, glancing away.

      What do you mean? Karaissho spat.

      I just couldnt bring myself to do itshe didnt feel wrong like they had told me she didI couldnt kill herWhen I went back to the camp they. He paused, glancing away helplessly.

      Its all right, we dont need detail, I murmured, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. And no one will hurt you, I added, glancing up at Karaissho who pursed her lips in displeasure. Ill talk to the Clan Mother and see what I can do I added. If you can walk you can come with me At that he immediately struggled to his feet and we left the cave to find Chanthnorion.

      How long did you know the Nightsisters? I asked.

      How did you know I wasnt born of them? he asked, startled.

      I could feel it, I replied, shrugging.

      He hissed through his teeth. Then you are powerful, just like they said you werebut you arent evil I shook my head, not knowing how to respond. They told me I was there from birth, they have taught me things, but I could never agree with the underlying purpose of it all he sighed and I shook my head, wondering how someone could hurt such a simple and beautiful creature. At that I shook myself out of my reverie, knowing that I had two people that I loved and I did /not/ need to be taking slaves at the moment!

      Whats your name? I asked.

      I have nonealthough before I began to fall out of favor with them, the Nightsisters called me Hales. A simple name for a simple slave.

      I frowned thoughtfully, rolling the name through my mind. Well use that, then He nodded simply and I could have sworn I saw a true smile, however small, light his features as he looked back at me.

**********************************

      Chanthnorion did not look happy about the situation. We will let him stay, although I do not like itone never knows the methods of the Nightsisters.

      I know, but if he can help us if they try anything again

      If hes telling the truth. Some will go to amazing lengths to get into one of our clans, she hissed and Hales looked away meekly. He will have to be yours, though

      WHAT? But Ive already got mates-

      All he has to do is stay under your protection. No one else would take him, or if they did he would not survive the night, she added and I glanced over at the slave nervously. I didnt want him to get hurt, but this was such a touchy situation

      Fine, Ill take responsibility for him, I agreed, hoping I knew what I was getting into

********************************************************

      Qui-Gon paced outside the council chambers.

      Theres nothing we can do, Master-

      I know, Obi-Wan! He had never been this frustratedof all the luck. Not only was Dash telling the truth about the datacard having the only coordinates for Dathomir, the council was refusing to let him leave to find it! He had to take care of RaJ, and besides, they had argued that if she wanted to be found she would be. Even to his point that she could be in danger they had refused.

      He seemed to be meditating a lot more than usual lately.

      Part of it was to deal with the frustration of the business that he didnt want to have a part in anymore, part of it was that Obi-Wan seemed to be either over-protective or questioning him lately, and part of it was that he missed her. A lot of it was being away from her, something that didnt happen often.

      The other part was that he hadnt had quality time with her in far too long and he hadnt had time to take many calls.

      He seemed to be dealing with those urges on his own a lot more than usual, as well.

      Maybe he should have stayed with her at the party. Maybe he shouldnt have cloned Luke.

      All he knew was that he needed her back, and fast.

Chapter 7

      Through the next few weeks I again made progress, this time much quickly than before. Hales followed me faithfully through all of it, although I sensed that he wasn't telling me everything. Maybe it was just his apprehension, though. Karais'sho did not approve of him being around me so much and she often voiced her opinion in his presence. The others didn't say anything, but I knew their feelings were the same. I tried to shield him from their scathing words as much as I could, but it wasn't always easy. What was harder was allowing him to act the slave's role. I didn't know how to handle him and Karais'sho's suggestions weren't helping matters. He did, however, handle a good portion of my chores so I was given more time to train.

      My skills with a lightsaber slowly began to take shape, even though the moves were Dathomiri taught to me by the warriors most comfortable with swords. When I had learned the steel well enough I switched to my blade. I started attending hunting parties and learning to cook and clean by Dathomiri standards. In short, I was becoming a real woman. I also learned new spell after new spell, mastering many of them, if not all. We took time to find the abilities that the Force alone couldn't access, and those were the ones I was taught.

      Through it all there were uncomfortable situationsa poisonous snake finding its way into the cavern where I was staying, Hales 'accidentally' getting tripped so he stumbled on the embers of the communal fire

      And the dreams were becoming stronger.

      They started out as hazy images and voices, at first. Concerned, Chanthornion had made sure I knew how to shield my mind from attempts at looking into it by the Nightsisters. Still, the dreams persisted.

      A dark, humid forest filled with hungry eyes of predators. They would give the traveler no chance to tame them with a spell, they would merely go for the throat. Mold and fungus covered the ground where the sun would never shine. A worn, almost overgrown path led to a surprisingly still-standing building. The shimmer of steel glistened from where it wasn't covered with vines and plants. A throaty, hoarse chanting came from all around and became louder with each word until I could see that the building was surrounded by old, withered Nightsisters. As they chanted younger women emerged from the buildingbut under their hoods, they all had the same face, and in their hearts they all held the same threat: to bring Gethzerion's teachings to the rest of the galaxy. A shadow lurked on the edge of my vision, chanting along with the others, except that her purpose was differentshe was to make sure I didn't return

      I sat up before my eyes were even opened, startling Artoo and Hales. The droid beeped and I shook my head. "Another onethese things are getting more realistic each time I close my eyes" I muttered, rubbing my temples with sweaty fingertips. "Where's Karais'sho?"

      "She went with the hunting partyI decided not to wake you because you looked like you exerted yourself very much during your training today," he murmured, shifting to a kneeling position behind me.

      "Running through the forests, swimming the river, scaling the falls and practicing with the saber will do that to ya," I quipped, tensing as I felt his hands gently settle on my shoulders.

      "You don't have to worryI know I'm not under law to give you certain things" he murmured as his hands began to work my tense muscles. He tsked softly in my ear and I had to fight the urge to push him away. He was attractive, but I was taken dangit! "You're too tight" he muttered thoughtfully and I winced as his fingers dug deeper into my flesh.

      "You may not be under law, but you've got to understand that I'm also not available" I growled, more from the pain of working the knots in my neck than out of hostility.

      "I knowI can feel your emotions in them. Even if I couldn't I dont know if I'd tryI have feelings for you, but not those," he explained sheepishly and I could almost feel his blush.

      "Goodsame here."

      "Why do you fear your slaves?"

      "First, they're not my slaves, and what do you mean 'fear'?

      "You worry that they aren't sincere, that because of their status and position in your company and as Jedi that they lower your status as a female"

      My protest died on the tip of my tongue as I really considered what he was saying. Damn. For the first time in a while, he had actually hit it right on the head, even before I had.

      "You're quite insightful," I sighed, leaning back into his arms.

      "You radiate your feelings. You're a warrior, but you're very empathetic."

      "If that's so then how come Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan can never read me like you can?" I asked, frowning.

      "Maybe they aren't looking in the right placesmaybe they have their fears, as well"

      "They do, but I don't know how to deal with it"

      "Accept them, talk them out, then throw them into your Force and follow where it guides you. Your bond is strong and your love for them, at least, is true. Don't talk when the time comes to show, though"

      "Show?" I asked, rising up a little.

      "You need to let them completely in your mind and they need to let you in. All of you need to see where the others are coming from. Once you can see through the others' eyes, you will be able to recover from the wounds you have all afflicted on yourselves," he said and I shook my head in astonishment. No older than me, but his wisdom and perception rivaled Yoda's.

      "Thank you, Hales. You remind me" I paused; I didn't often talk about it, especially to one I had just met. "You remind me of the way I felt about my brother"

      "He died," the slave said somberly, letting his arms link round my waist.

      "Yes, before he was bornbutI'll never forget how I felt when I heard that I would have a little brotherI felt sowarm, so connectedand you make me feel the same way," I finished quietly, turning to look straight into his beautiful eyes. Eyes that were so wise, but so full of pain

      "What are you hiding?" I whispered and he glanced away. "I don't need to know what they did to youbut we're connected in some way and I feel that you know something important. Please, help me."

      "I'm sure there is nothing you need-"

      "Dammit, Hales, you can sense it, I know you can!" I blurted, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him slightly. "Pleasejust let me in!" I held his gaze for a long, intense moment and he finally sighed, braking my stare and nodding.
      "You can use the open mind spellI trust you enough to be selective," he murmured and I nodded, hoping I was doing the right thing, but going more on instinct and the Force.

      "Waytha ara Que'tha me'toka Chen," I whispered and instantly I could feel myself immersed into a whole other mind that wasn't mine. I pushed back my surprise and wonder at the feel and gently began searching for what I needed, passing up early memories and memories of the recent attack he had suffered even though I was curious. His emotions overwhelmed me, but I kept searching, then stopped in shock as an image of the building of my dream came into focus. Slowly I let myself become immersed in what he knew of the place, and distant voices immediately became understandable.

      "With this technology that Palpatine left here, we will be able to rule Dathomir, and the galaxy," one crone hissed.

      "It will take time, but it will well be worth it" another replied.

      "As soon as the ships are done, we can escape the planetas soon as our drones are finished growing, we will have our own army" the first replied and I started as the image became the inside of the building which were filled with tanks. I gasped and pulled out of Hales' mind quickly and instantly, now covered again with a cold sweat.

      "What is it? I have to admit, my earliest memories are ones that even I can't reach on my own," he said and I focused on regaining my breath.

      "Clones. The Nightsisters have discovered how to make clones."

****************************************

      "Master, are you really sure we should return to the temple for the time being?" Obi-Wan asked, shaking his head as Qui-Gon continued to pack the essentials.

      "I need to think about being a Jedi, again, Obi-Wan, and so do you. You'll never become a knight if we keep delaying your training"

      The padawan sighed, hoping that the master just wasn't trying to distance himself from their runaway lover.

      "No I'm not, Obi, I actually think it would be beneficial for us to stay at the temple. The council agreed to temporarily suspend RaJ's services until Selah can come back" he paused, letting the unvoiced worry that she might not return at all hang in the air before he went back to packing.

      "Master-"

      "Enough, Obi-Wan! Go get your things."

      "Yes, Master," he sighed, unable to ignore the empty feeling that seemed to always be with him lately.

Chapter 8

      Chantnorion looked like she had gotten very little sleep since I had informed her of my discovery two days before. It was not only startling, but devastating when one thought of the possibilities.

      "I wish I knew if any had made it off-system..." she murmured, shaking her head.

      "Not that I know of...they were still working on building the transports," Hales said softly and she nodded, distracted. "They'll all have the ability to cast spells, of course, and some may have the Force, depending on who the DNA was taken from."

      "And none of the light clans had any idea that this facility was on Dathomir?"

      "No! We knew Palpatine was busy, but we destroyed all of his bases on our planet, or so we thought...leave it to the Nightsisters to use the evil he brought to our planet for their own purposes. And now the clans will end up losing lives to stop them..."

      "You know I'll gladly help...or maybe..."

      "No, don't even suggest going there by yourself!"

      "But if we just really need to destroy the clone tanks and the ships-"

      "And all the equipment for making new ones!"

      "I have proton torpedoes on my X-Wing...that would make enough damage..."

      "They'll never let you get off-planet...they'll manipulate it's technology to back fire...We cannot destroy the facility without a confrontation, it is inevitable," she sighed, and Karais'sho, who had been silent through this exchange glanced in my direction.

      "Whatever happens, they have to be stopped," she murmured and I nodded. "And it is likely that Selah won't get off planet until they are defeated..."

      "I don't care so much about that, I just want to stop them," I replied somberly.

      "Maybe...but does it seem easier for you to risk your life than to face your life back on Coruscant?" Chanthnorian murmured, quirking a slight smile as my eyes widened at her words.

      "Of course not! You've made me into a warrior, I can face the folks back home just as easily as I can help take care of things here!" I immediately replied and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, all right...maybe I'm a little reluctant to go back, but I can't not help you! I can't help but think that my arrival spurred the Nightsisters on in some way," I sighed, shaking my head.

      "What we'll need to do is take care of the Nightsisters tending the facility before we destroy the building, itself," Karais'sho murmured thoughtfully.

      "That sounds like a plan...but who will help? Do we have time to let the other clans know? I'm sure they'd help if they knew," I asked.

      "I don't think we do...we are very lucky to discover this situation now, before the Nightsisters have acted. We should destroy it before Gethzarion comes to finish the process, herself, or have herself cloned...as far as I can tell she is not directly involved, yet. We need to see that she doesn't become so and I sense nothing but hurry in the minds of the Nightsisters," the Clan Mother replied bleakly. "I sense that many of the Misty Falls Clan will not make it to the changing of the seasons," she whispered and I couldn't help but look away.

      "When will we seek out this place?" I managed, knowing that the decision was already made.

      "As soon as supplies can be packed an the warriors can mount their rancors," the Clan Mother replied and Karais'sho and I looked at each other, the only communication that was exchanged was through our eyes.

*************************************************

      Darathai and the young warrior sat with the other Nightsisters of the clan, around the bonfire so that they could hear the words of Ranthian.

      "It seems the fool Jedi has figured out our secret...she and the Misty Falls Clan are heading to the cloning facility to destroy it..."

      "We cannot let that happen," Darathai snarled. "We have worked too hard and too long to have them destroy our ships and our army. It will only be a little longer if the experimental clones prove to be effective," she added.

      "And they have been, so far," the young warrior mentioned, smirking.

      "That is why we will respond as we have been trained to do..." Ranthan replied.

      "Kill them," Darathai whispered, licking her lips at the prospect of blood. "Kill them and use their tissues to make clones to turn against the other clans."

      "Yesss..." the young warrior hissed, savoring the thought. "But leave the Jedi to me. She is mine and mine alone."

*************************************************************

      Qui-Gon sighed as he watched Obi-Wan run through his katas. The apprentice seemed to be busying himself with exercises or extra classwork of some sort more than ever. He also seemed to be meditating more than he ever had, maybe even more than his master. And he knew exactly what the padawan's meditations were about...

      He had somehow thought that Selah was only an object of lust for the younger man, but he seemed to be effected just as much as the master was by her sudden disappearance. Qui-Gon had never seen him so moody, so serious - he hadn't cracked one of his trademark remarks in weeks -, so unlike himself.

      Qui-Gon sighed. He knew now that he could never take her away from Obi-Wan, that if he was to have her he would have to share her, if she was even interested in the older man anymore. If she came back.

      It was all so confusing, he could barely stand it.

Chapter 9

9

      After two days of traveling by rancor, the familiar area around the cloning facility was in sight. I was ready, at least I thought I was. My muscles ached with the anxiety of all the possible moves they could be used to form. My weapons glistened and longed to be used - the lightsaber ached to be ignited, every time the daggers brushed against each other they whined to be embedded in someone's flesh. My lips anticipated the spells I would use and the very Force around me seemed to hum. I knew I wasn't supposed to look forward to battle, but I could not deny my excitement. Even my rancor seemed to share my feelings, or at least humor them. Karais'sho rode on the rancor beside mine and regarded me as we rode in silence.

      "You anticipate the battle?" I felt myself blush as soon as she uttered the words.

      "Yes, actually...I feel ready to put my skills to use..." I replied, trying to legitamize my feelings.

      "You look forward to the carnage? To the destruction?" she asked somberly and I felt myself flush.

      "No..."

      "You tread a thin line when you look forward to battle...excitement it brings, but at a price," she said.

      "She's right," Hale whispered in my ear from where he was seated beside me.

      "I know...I do," I replied, trying to reel in my feelings to a more acceptable level. "But..I..."

      "You must be cautious, Mistress," he said and I tried not to roll my eyes at the term he insisted on calling me. "You are vulnerable on this world...there are no Jedi to protect you-"

      "What do you mean by that? I've shown myself quite capable!" I stammered angrily.

      "Yes, but if you need mental support, the Dathomiri cannot give you the sheild support that you are accustomed to getting...The Jedi have protected you emotionally from many things, and now you are out of their range. You must be wary not to be turned..." he warned and I stopped to consider just how true the words were. I had never thought of things like that before.

      I suddenly felt very alone.

      My reverie was interupted as the rancors in front of me began to move faster and I sharpened my senses through the Force as I saw that the building was within viewing distance. There, in the grove of trees, covered with vines, looking quite unsuspicious, lay the durasteel building.

      But it was not unguarded. They were expecting us, it seemed. I could see Darathai and other younger Nightsister warriors surrounding the perimeter, and by looking into the forest I could just make out the dark roughness of the older crones' cloaks.

      "We cannot let them win," Chanthnorion called back from the head of the line and Karais'sho nodded grimly.

      "This will be for Dathomir's fate, I'm afraid," she murmured the second before the chaos began.

      Both sides meshed together with a wave of fate's invisible hand, chanting spells, waving weapons. I never got there.

      My senses began to buzz with the oddest sensation, like I was being called. Frowning, I turned my rancor towards the ridge that overlooked the valley where the facility lay.

      A lone figure stood atop it, waiting.

      "Come on..." I murmured to Hales. "We've got other business to attend to..."

      "But the Clan-"

      "They'll be all right...come on," I insisted, guiding the creature we were mounted on up the rocky slope that led to the top of the ridge.

**********************************************

      Karais'sho turned as she dismounted her rancor and frowned as she saw her friend retreating towards the ridge's edge above them. Surely she wouldn't back out of a fight! Frowning, she looked towards the path the other rancor followed, and spied the waiting figure at the top. Hesitantly, she murmured a spell and reached towards the figure's mind to figure out their intent. What she found made her blood run cold.

      "Surely that cannot be right..." she mumured.

      "Oh, it is...as sure as your death," chortled a voice behind her and she turned in time to deflect Darathai's blow.

      "We shall see," she managed before the dance of combat began.

*******************************************************

      We climbed the rocky terrain swiftly and soon I was approaching the lone figure. I glanced over at Hales, who remained silent and brooding. Reaching out to the Force gave me no answers, only a sense of weird familiarity. Finally, after a short time that seemed like forever, we came within seeing distance of the person.

      My eyes widened as I took in the image. It couldn't be. It just wasn't humanly possible. My muscles froze as I moved to dismount. "Holy shi-" I didn't even get the entire obscenity out of my mouth before lightning flew from her fingertips, engulfing me in painful energy and turning my world black.

********************************************************************

      Hales stared dumbly at the attacker as his mistress hit the ground with a sickening thud. Smirking, the dark warrior stalked towards the Jedi-in-training. He moved to protest, but one glance from her seemed to freeze him. He knew he was no match.

      "I'll deal with you momentarily," she snarled, her voice a cruel rendition of one that should never sound that way. "After I take care of this pressing business," she purred, sharply jabbing the light warrior with her booted foot in the ribs. The body rolled slightly towards the cliff's edge that overlooked the battle below. He couldn't let her fall...somehow, he knew that she simply had to survive. But that meant that he had to use his own weak Force-powers, powers that he had told no one about, that he had discovered by accident. With much hesitation he reached out to her mind, relaxing as he found that she was only stunned. But still, she needed to be alert immediately. Not knowing exactly what he was doing, he sent energy towards her, hoping it was enough.

***************************************************

      My mind came back to me almost immediately, as if it was abruptly being jerked from the abyss of unconsciousness. I was vaguely aware of my body being kicked towards the cliff's edge. The cliff that was directly above the cloning facility. Reaching out with the Force I could sense the battle underway below. Many Dathomiri were fighting gallantly, but they were nowhere near to getting into the building. They could handle the Nightsisters in the surrounding area, but the older hags were preventing them from getting any closer than a few feet away from the building. The only way it would be destroyed was if it was from the inside...

      I willed myself not to smile. It wasn't done yet. Feighning unconsciousness, I allowed myself to be rolled closer, closer...all the while reaching into the building with my mental powers. Cloning tanks, computers, information centers...the main terminal that ran the entire facility. It would cost me much energy, but I could see no other choice. Gathering all of the Force that I could possibly harness, I *pushed* will my mind at that one specific terminal. Then pushed harder. And harder. And *harder*. A sudden explosion and rush of heat let me know that my goal had been reached. In my mind's eye I could see the flames, the astonished faces of the Dathomiri and the violent outrage of the Nightsisters. Their cloning facility was burning down, along with their army, with their ships.

      Now they would go for blood.

      But that was not my main concern at the moment. My head left solid ground, and I knew my body would follow if I didn't react. Flicking my eyes open, I willed a dagger into my palm and rammed it into my attacker's foot. She shrieked in pain and backed up, allowing me the split second I needed to get myself to safer ground. As I moved my lightsaber jumped into my hand and thrummed to life. And I stood, breathing hard and weary, and faced the one that could do me the most harm out of all the foes that I might ever face in my entire life.

      Myself.

      She was an exact replica of me, right down to the light scar on my chin, right down to the way I stood, jutting one hip just slightly to the side, right down to every possible movement I could make. But she was not me. She was filled with darkness, reaching out to her confirmed that much. She was what I had thought I could never be. She was evil.

      She reached for no weapon, merely flicked her hair back in the breeze and dusted off her rancor-skin catsuit, smiling coldly at my shocked expression.

      "How?" was the only word that I could utter when I at last found my voice.

      "Surely you must know by now," she chortled and I shivered at the sound of my voice used so coldly. "Think...how else could we get your blood than if you gave it to us?"

      "But I didn't-" I paused, my eyes widening with realization. It was so simple, all they had had to do was go out in the forest where I had gone while I was menstrating and collect all the blood they needed. The very thought sickened me, and when I glanced back up into my own cruel eyes I wanted to vomit. She smirked.

      "So now you realize...it doesn't matter if you destroy the facility or not," she purred, her hand casually tracing the line of her belt. "You won't win," she finished, and quick as lightning her daggers came flying at me. Without a moment's hesitation I slipped into the Force fighting stance I had developed, my lightsaber obeying the silent commands of where to go. Within seconds the deadly blades disappeared as they crackled harmlessly against violet light.

      "Very good," she murmured, stalking closer. Without thinking I stepped back, then stopped. No way was I backing down. "Very good, indeed...you are strong...but I am just as strong, if not stronger. I wonder, who will win?" she laughed throatily and I glanced down to the battle below.

      /Good question/ I thought as smoke and flames curled around the building, providing the perfect center piece to the fighting going on all around it.

      "You know what's going to happen...we will win, eventually, you must know this. Why don't you come with us now, learn the true spells that will make you powerful?" she asked, her voice directly in my ear now. "I know you, Selah...I know there is a dark spot in you that you will never be able to wash away...no matter how much you try to ignore it, it is there, waiting to be used. It intrigues you, it haunts you...give into it and all your suffering will go away. Who needs mates when you can have slaves? Who needs the Republic when you can have true power? Who needs the Force when you can have it all?"

      I swallowed hard at her words. She was right, there was a part of me that was curious of the Dark Side, but I knew better than to subject the rest of myself to it. It was a small part of my soul that was locked away from everything else, that I had sworn not to use. My mind's eye seemed to swim until images began to form. Me, as a Nightsister conquering the planet and making it my own. Me, at Gethzarion's side, destroying the Jedi council and beginning a new era. Me, holding power, second only to the dark female, herself. Me as...as...

      ...as a pawn, just like Vader.

      Breathing hard, I closed my eyes and mentally ripped at the images, tearing the temptation away to reveal the reality. Suffering would rule the galaxy, the Force would be banned, blood would flow from every system, my friends and family would be destroyed, and I would have to kill the two men I loved most . Opening my eyes, I stared into identical ones, emerald green with excitement.

      "No. I will not turn, there may be dark inside me, but there is much more light," I whispered strongly and she stepped back, her eyes narrowing to slits.

      "Fine," she snarled, and murmured, and unexpectedly a fireball came raging out of her fingertips directed right towards me. I automatically began reciting a water spell and a wall of cool liquid rose up from the ground, swirling and meeting the fireball and extinguishing it. It didn't phase her, and from her hands came gusts of wind. I reacted accordingly, chanting my own wind spell and sending my own wall towards hers. They pushed against each other, strained to break through the other, but finally disipated when neither could overcome the other.

      Truly enraged, she shrieked something that I couldn't translate and the ground at my feet began to open like a giant mouth, waiting to swallow me. The Force flowed through me, a beacon in the storm, and I jumped away, rolling onto safe ground.

      And right into another lightning bolt.

      I writhed at the sudden pain, wondering if this was it.

      "Oh no, my friend...this isn't the end, not yet....Far from it," my darker voice came, and when my vision came back I saw her standing above me, panting slightly with an absolute expression of hate on her face. With a jerk of her hand I felt my body rise in the air before I could even move a muscle. The lightning had stunned me enough to keep me still for the moment, and all I could do was watch. My lightsaber lay on the ground a few yards away, worthless until I could gain back my strength.

      "You see, I have the Force, as well...I'm an exact duplicate of you, except that we are opposite sides of the coin, so to speak," she murmured darkly, pulling another dagger from her belt. "I am the second half of my clan's plan...that is why you cannot live. I will take your ship, your identity, and your droid and fly back to where you came from and start the reign of Gethzarion.

      "No..." I breathed and winced as she glared at my interuption, punching me in the stomach to silence me.

      "Yes...and I will have your lovers, as well...they will suspect nothing until they are dead."

      "They'll know...they'll be able to feel through the Force-"

      "There isn't much difference to feel, and what is can be blamed on fatigue or battle injuries...." she replied easily, smiling broadly.

      "But...you've forgotten one thing," I managed. "You're a whole new person than what I am...If I'm guessing right you haven't had a man yet. How are you going to explain to the men that 'you've' been with for a good many months why you're suddenly bleeding when you do the deed?" I asked.

      "That's been taken care of," she purred and I looked up to my rancor at Hales' whimper. "You helped me with that, didn't you?" she cooed, licking her lips and glancing up at the young man. His eyes were filled with terror and I nearly choked as I realized what she was implying.

      "You mean you...you...*raped* him!?" I managed, nearly gagging on the words.

      "I took what I needed," she replied, shrugging with indifference. "Just as I'm taking your identity, I took his purity..." she managed, smiling as if to ask what I was going to do about it. My mind was reeling, trying to fathom that this cruel being was made from my own blood and genetics.

      "You're sick!" I blurted and she fairly snarled at my accusation.

      "And you're dead!" she whispered, glancing down at where she had punched me in the stomach. As it was I was sure she had broken at least one rib from when she kicked me to the edge of the cliff. Smiling coldly, she backed up a few feet and let the dagger fly.

      I did my best to catch it before it reached me, but I couldn't slow it down; I was too exausted. Instead, I gasped as the blade penetrated the skin of my stomach, and almost instinctively I pushed against the blade's tip with the Force, stopping it before it could sink into any internal organs.

      "Very good...most impressive...too bad you'll never get to show those skills to your lovers," she taunted, yanking the reddened blade out and looking straight up into my eyes. "But I want you to see yourself die until you cannot stand it anymore...I want you to know which one of us is supreme, which one of us should be the only one. And since you're in no position to fight back...I guess that would be me," she murmured, raising the stained blade to my throat. I tried to shy away from it, but none of my body would obey my mental commands. I had dreaded knives since I was little and it was one of my biggest fears to be killed by having a piece of metal shoved into my body. And she knew. Smiling, confirming my fears, she raised the blade to my throat and slit the skin carefully, as if I was a piece of canvas being turned into a work of art.

      I trembled at the feeling of cold steel and whimpered as she backed away to let me feel the dripping blood.

      "You might notice that I didn't sever the main artery...but I will, later. I want you to feel everything I do until you beg me to cut it, until you beg me to kill you." I looked up to Hales, my mind swimming, almost drowning in terror. He slid down from the beast, but came no closer. I was done for.

      Calming myself, I soothed my fears of thoughts of being one with the Living Force, of being able to be accessed by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan every day of their lives. Of going to heaven, of seeing relatives and friends long gone.

      But that still didn't help me at the moment.

      "I think I'll break all your bones, first," was the only warning she gave. With a murmur and a wave of her hand my head fell back as all the toes on my left foot suddenly snapped, sending surges of pain up my leg. "And now the foot," she narated before those bones broke one at a time. I screamed as well as I could and she smiled, relishing my agony.

      "Wait..." I gasped, trying not to pay attention to the oozing wound in my belly, or the dripping one at my neck. "You overestimate yourself..."

      "What do you mean?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

      "Just as I might have a touch of darkness inside me, you have a touch of light..."

      "No, never..." she growled dangerously.

      "You may have taken from Hales, but you didn't kill him...you could've have killed me many times before now but you didn't..."

      Her eyes widened at the realization, and seizing the moment, I reached out to the Force and sent all the light energy I could in her direction.

      "You know it's the right way, let it fill you, guide you..." I breathed, trying to find the energy to keep it going as I felt her begin to fumble at the invisible strings that held me above the ground.

      "No...no..." she managed, shaking her head, trying to clear it, backing up away from me.

      "Yes..." I replied, then gasped as the bindings suddenly gave way, sending me crashing to the ground. I cried out as my broken foot collided with solid ground, and the rest of me curled into a ball as pain shot through me.

      "Why?" she whimpered, coming up to face me. "Why is it that you do this to me but don't turn to the dark?"

      "Because..." I replied, looking into her eyes, "I'm mostly light."

      "Exactly," she bit back, the crackle of electricity forming in her hands, a lethal dose. "Just as I am mostly dark," she laughed before sending the energy forth as lightning. I braced myself, tried to use the Force to block the blow...but it never came. I gasped as Hales jumped in front of me, taking the full effect of the blow, then falling to the ground in a smoldering heap.

      "HALES!" I managed before staring up at the impossibly cruel form above me.

      "Well, I missed my mark, but at least I finally finished off my weaker brother," was all she said and my jaw dropped at the connection. But now was not the time for questions, but for action. Extending my hand with the Force, I called my lightsaber into my palm, all the while chanting the spell of comfort to allow me to move as if I had no injuries. With a fierce determination I lunged at the startled Nightsister version of myself, igniting my blade and slicing directly into her. She gasped as the blow struck home, and crumbled onto the ground.

      "I'm sorry," I managed as I gazed down at her as she passed from this world to the next.

      "Don't be...I will be one with the Dark Powers...I will haunt you until you die," she managed, smiling in satisfaction as her eyes flickered closed.

      As if that was permission for my own self to collapse, my body obeyed and I closed my eyes and focused on breathing, wondering if this was really it for me. My senses seemed to be enhanced, everything seemed harsh and offensive and I just wanted to be with those I loved if I was going to die and why wouldn't the wind stop so I wouldn't be so cold and why were the smells of the battle down below reaching me up here? I began to feel quite dizzy, like I was floating, until suddenly warm hands clamped onto my body and dragged me back to consciousness.

      "Wake up, Mistress! You can't die, not now, not yet..." My eyes snapped open at the voice and I managed an incredulous smile.

      "Hales! You're...you're alive!" I whispered, my eyes noting that he was just barely so.

      "Only so I can help you, Mistress..."

      "Is it true, Hales?" I asked. "What the clone said?"

      He hesitated, then looked into my eyes so that I might see the same ones, the hazel that switched from brown to green with mood swings just as mine did. "Yes, Mistress...I was the first clone of you they made...they thought I might seduce you, then kill you...unfortunately for them, I inherited all of your traits, including your light. If you need any more proof, just spell my name backwards, and it's you," he murmured, stroking my hair with a callused hand.

      "Huh...then you also inherited my inferiority, didn't you?" I asked and he nodded. "I'm sorry...you deserve better than that, than this," I told him, trying to sit up.

      "Don't...if I'm going to help you, you've got to lie still." I started to protest, but the look in his eyes silenced me. "Focus your Force sense with my own...I'm not much of a healer, but with help I could do it..." he whispered and I let my eyes flicker closed and my Force sense soar into his body. I winced as he slowly began to stroke my neck, moving the flesh painfully as his fingers worked to distribute the soothing energy that poured from them. I let myself only pay attention to the rhythm of his fingers as my own mind focused on the wound at my stomach. Soon, I was asleep.

*******************************************

When I came to I was dreadfully sore, but I could move. After a quick inspection I realized that the stomach and throat wounds were now completely scabbed over. "Your rib is healed, too, though it's still bruised a bit," Hale murmured sleepily from where he lay next to me. "Your foot is better, as well, but be careful." I looked up and gasped at how pale he was. "Hales...you've got to snap out of it if we're going to get back to the camp!" "I'm not going back to the camp, Mistress..." "Yes you are! Don't say that!" "What life would there be for me there? You were the only one kind to me," he replied and I stroked the male version of my face gently as tears found their way from my eyes to his cheeks. "You can come back to Coruscant with me and be trained-" He shook his head. "I'm not that strong, Mistress...please...don't make me wait to die. Finish it." I shook my head vehemently. "No. You're like my brother, you are my brother, NO!" "Selah." I paused as he finally said my given name. "Please...I want nothing more. Hopefully I'll be joined with the Force so I can help you forever...please, just help me die quickly and quietly," he whispered, his energy spent from healing me and from the lightning attack he suffered. Nodding, not able to keep the tears away now, I took up my lightsaber from the ground and pressed it to his chest. "I...I love you, brother," I whispered as I gently cradled his head with my other hand and brushed my lips against his forehead. "And I you, my sister," he managed, then nodded. Closing my eyes, I braced myself, then opened them as I flicked the switch on the lightsaber, shuddering as the blade pierced through his body with a low hum. He gasped with the burning contact, and I quickly pulled it out and extinguished it so I could hold him. "Thank you..." he whispered against me. "Remember Allya's last law, and always keep it with you...do...not...concede...to evil...Quentaur," he stammered before his eyes slid closed and his soul pulled free of his body, letting the discarded matter slump against me and the ground. Burning tears fell freely from my eyes and I tried to scream, but it hurt too much. Settling to only cradle his body against my own, I mourned and waited. At the sound of footsteps ascending the slope to the cliff I turned warily, then relaxed as the silhouette of Karais'sho came into view. As soon as she spied me she picked up speed, her eyes widening in horror as she looked at what had taken place. "By Allya...what happened? You're covered in blood!" she stammered and I looked down to find it was true enough. "Yours?" she asked and I nodded numbly. "How did they heal?" she asked softly, kneeling down at my side. "Hales helped to focus my Force sense with his own..." "So all along the Nightsisters had a clone of you?" I nodded. "Two clones...one light, one dark." Stunned, she followed my gaze back down to Hales, then looked quickly back to me. "By the falls...I can't believe I didn't notice it sooner!" "I didn't see it, either..." I sighed. "I tried to turn her, but..." "She wouldn't be swayed. She was made to be evil, Selah. You reached Hales, it seems. Don't be afraid of that which you have defeated." I nodded in weary agreement. "Is it over?" "Yes...we lost some sisters, but the Nightsisters lost more. I could tell by the feel of the explosion where it came from...good work." I smiled bitterly at the compliment and tried to get to my feet. "No, you're not ready to walk yet!" she insisted, pushing me back down. "I'll get Chanthnorion...you need to rest." "I need to go home," I whined. "After you rest," she growled and I knew I wasn't going to be able to argue with her. She turned and addressed my rancor, urging him closer and he obeyed. "Will you at least bury them for me? Please?" I asked, catching her arm. She looked at me for a moment. "Both of them?" she asked, slightly surprised. "Yes...they're both parts of me...parts I will mourn, no matter what they are. Bury them." "As you wish," she murmured and then all was peaceful darkness.

Chapter 10

10

      I woke sometime later to find myself immersed in comforting darkness, Karais'sho dutifully by my side.

      "Where am I?" I managed, blinking groggily.

      "In our cave here by the falls. We brought you back by rancor after you passed out."

      "How long have I been unconscious?" I muttered, sitting carefully, lest I be overwhelmed.

      "About a week, maybe a little more-"

      "A *week*?!" I asked, dumbfounded. On the one hand I could see where I needed the rest, on the other...

      "But my wounds...they're healed down to scars! How did that happen in just a week?"

      "I can't say for sure...you did it on your own," she replied. "Two days after the battle when I came to check on you you were barely breathing. I thought you were near death but it seems your body was in a healing trance..."

      "A hibernation trance. Funny thing...I've never been able to do it until now," I murmured thoughtfully.

      "How are you feeling?" she asked, ever the nursemaid.

      "Sore, but better...I feel like I can move without falling apart," I replied and she smiled slightly. "Can you take me to where you buried them?" I asked quietly.

      "Yes, but later. First Chanthnorion wants to know when you've waken so that we can celebrate our clan's victory and the newest sister to our clan," she said, beaming.

      "Wha?"

      "You've come as far as you can with us, and you've sealed your right to be a member of our clan in battle with blood. You're a full member of the clan," she explained and I couldn't help but smile.

      I made a face as I looked down to my tattered tunic. "Do I even want to know what I resemble at the moment?"

      "You look like you were sat on by a rancor," Karais'sho replied somberly, but her eyes gave away her amusement. "Don't worry, you'll be given a chance to clean and change before the celebration.

      And what a change it was...after scrubbing the rest of the crusted blood off of me in the falls, I slipped into new lizard-skin apparell, this time a catsuit of the same bluish-greenish color that resembled the blades of two Jedi I happened to know. Karais'sho helped me to add the gleaming silver feather earrings that had been crafted for me while I was out, and with her knife she carefully trimmed my burnt hair to a bob that ended right below my shoulders.

      "Will you do me a favor?" I asked as I considered the events of the past few weeks.

      "What?" she asked as she finished cutting the excess hair away.

      "The last thing Hales said to me was to remind me of Allya's last law..."

      Quentaur," she murmured thoughtfully.

      "Yeah...would you do me a favor and help me to tattoo it onto my skin somewhere?"

      "You're sure?" she asked, frowning thoughtfully.

      "Positive...I don't ever want to forget here or Hales. And it will always remind me of my chosen path..."

      Nodding, she agreed. Without giving into the pain once, I sat while she called another sister who carefully tattooed the phrase down the back of my right calf in winding text while Karais'sho braided strands of my hair around more glistening feathers.

      "And now all you need is the final touch..." the young Dathomiri murmured, pulling a small chest from a corner of the cave and opening it slowly, her eyes sparkling. She slowly removed a delicate necklace that consisted of a strand of sapphires, a strand of emeralds, and a strand of a violet stone braided together, set off by silver feathers that hung from them every so often. She carefully placed it over my head and I marvelled at it.

      "It's amazing...I can't accept this-"

      "If you don't you'll insult me and I won't have it!" she growled good-naturedly. "I have two male versions, collars without the feathers for you to take back to your slaves-"

      "Lovers," I muttered under my breath.

      "Whatever. I purposely had one half of it be emeralds and one half be sapphire, and they weave around the center violet gem," she said smugly. "So they'll be forced to know who they belong to," she added, ducking my half-hearted swing in her direction.

      "You're incorrigible, but thank you," I laughed and she handed me the chest.

      The day was filled with feasting, toasting, dancing, and music, and I thanked Chanthnorion profusely for my time here.

      "I can't help but thank you...you've given me so much," I told her as we watched the revels from her cave.

      "And you fulfilled your part of the bargain, as well," she said, glancing at me from the corner of her eye.

      "What do you mean?"

      "You killed yourself when part of you turned." I started to say something, then paused, my words dying on my tongue as I realized how accurate she was. It was a clone, but it was still a part of me, just as much as Hales. "You are a strong woman, and will become a powerful Jedi, I foresee it," she murmured, turning to stare right in my eyes. "And you may come back here whenever you see fit...just be sure to not let the Jedi Council gain this planet...we teach our own daughters, they will not be taken away from us."

      "Then it will give me great honor to represent Dathomir when I go back to Coruscant."

      "Then you are going back...I am glad to here this...for a while I was afraid you would hide out here."

      "I need to return...there are things that cannot be ignored any longer, and I will do the most good there," I agreed.

      Later, I went to visit the burial ground, alone. I contemplated the fresh graves quietly as I watched the sun set. The whole place seemed alive with the Force and was so lush. Insects and birds sang, the breeze danced down the hillside, and I could hear the splash of the falls in the background.

      "I'll miss you, Hales," I whispered as I placed my ceremonial helmet between the graves. "And as for you..." I sighed, turning to the other. "May you find what you were looking for. May your existence not have been for nothing," I whispered. "Thank you both, for your lessons," I added before turning back to the caves. Something seemed to tug at me so I turned back one more time, and I could swear that I saw Hales leaning against a nearby tree, watching me. I smiled then turned and walked into the falls where Chanthnorion, Karais'sho, and Artoo were waiting.

      "Are you sure you're ready?" Karais'sho asked and I nodded.

      "As ready as I'll ever be...thank you both, again," I murmured before grabbing them each in a fond hug. "And may the Force be with you both...I don't know when, or if, I'll be back, but I'll think of you often, if you'll do the same of me."

      "Of course," Chanthnorion whispered and with that, I climbed into the X-Wing, set the course, and took off for Coruscant.

Chapter 11

11

      I smiled softly to myself as Coruscant came into view. Compared to Dathomir it was over-crowded, filled with technology, and hectic. In it's own way, it was beautiful.

      "I'm sorry we didn't have more time together, Artoo...and I'm sorry I have to bring you back..." I apologized to the droid who was busy crunching data for the council. He paused to bleep a reply then went back to work.

      "I understand that you miss Luke...at least you got a vacation out of it, huh?" I chuckled and he replied in the affirmative. I sighed, contemplating where I would go from here. The logical thing would be to go to RaJ and pick up where I left off. Far be it from me to ever do the logical thing, though...

      "We're going to make a little trip to see the Jedi Council," I explained at the droid's sudden questioning whistle. "And I can feel a couple of others that I want to catch up with that happen to be at the temple," I added, deciding not to ask myself questions about their location until I could be sure I would get answers. "So let's land this baby and go about our business," I murmured as I found an empty platform. So, it wasn't the safest thing to do, but most people knew Luke's X-Wing by now and I doubted anyone would touch it. As I waited for Artoo to detach himself from his socket I carefully removed the flight suit and helmet and stashed them in the cockpit. "If I'm going to be representing Dathomir, I might as well look the part," I chuckled, finding a grin as I glanced down at my attire.

      We made our way into the temple with only minimal stares and questions, and soon I found myself facing the Council's door. "I guess I should really call ahead and let them know I wish to speak to them before I dare to meet with them, huh?" I asked the droid and he replied with a terribly amusing and obscene comment about his opinion of the Jedi Council. I knew there was a reason I liked him. "You're right...I always wondered what they'd do if I just did this..." I murmured before opening the doors with a massive Force push and striding in, not stopping before I reached the center of the circle.

      Twelve sets of eyes stared at me in total shock and slight anger.

      "What is the meaning of this!?" Mundi asked and I fought a smirk as he turned pink.

      "What? I didn't sense that you were with anybody so I figured now was as good a time as any..." I replied easily, flashing a charming grin.

      "Back you are...what have to say do you on your actions?" Yoda asked sternly, though I could see the amusement in his eyes.

      "Well, let's see...I figure I did you all a favor..."

      "And how do you figure that?" Mace asked, ever the council member during business.

      "Well, the people of the Misty Falls Clan where I landed were most receptive to a young initiate...they would have destroyed you if you would have sent one of your members. They feel slight antipathy towards the council because of how Allya was treated, and because they don't want any of their children taken away to become Jedi. They feel they can train them just as well and I agree with them. Also, taking their people off-planet isn't a good idea because of the existence of the Nightsisters...a dark sect that is quite powerful on the planet. There was an attempt to get off-planet by them while I was there and they almost suceeded. You'll find all the details in my report," I added, handing over the datachip that I had "borrowed" so long ago, along with another datacard containing certain information.

      "And how do we know you learned anything, that you didn't act rashly for your own benefit? How do we know that you even gained anything? Why should we listen to you?" Mundi asked and I sighed before calming myself. Letting my eyes close, I began to chant, and after a few moments a dense mist began to gather in the council chamber.

      "How-" Mace blurted, stunned.

      "Some of them have access to the Force, but most of what they use are special spells that directly access the Force..."

      "And have you included those on you report?" Mundi asked, suddenly interested.

      "No."

      "No!?" he stammered.

      "No...and I won't, unless we reach some sort of agreement. If you want to learn a hybrid of the Force and the spells, you will do it from me. I have three things I want from you before I agree to teach you."

      "Name them," Mace asked, glancing at Yoda.

      "One, I want to petition to close RaJ. It's gotten out of hand and I don't think I can handle it anymore..."

      "We'll discuss it later, but the matter has already been considered."

      "Two, I want you to promise that you will not set foot on Dathomir without my presence. They can teach their own children and I can teach you. To make sure you follow through I have deleted the coordinates off of the original datachip and will give them only to Yoda," I added, much to a few members' dismay.

      "Noted this is, agree we do," Yoda answered after a few silent moments.

      "Three. I want to be trained as a Jedi."

      "Absolutely not, she is too old!" Mundi immediately replied.

      "I've proven my worth on Dathomir, why should it be any different here! You know I will serve the order to my fullest, why can't I be trained!? I may have other interests, but they won't conflict with my duty!" I shot back, taking a step closer to the Council. "I've come so far in the past few months, don't take this away from me!" I pleaded to Yoda who stared straight back with understanding eyes.

      All was silent for what seemed like an eternity.

      "Permission we give...a Jedi you shall be as soon as we can find someone to teach you."

      "I won't show you anything until my training begins," I warned and Yoda nodded.

      "Understood. This will proceed at a later date," Mace agreed, raising an eyebrow. "And next time...call ahead," he added, though there was a hint of amusement in his features.

      "Understood."

      "May the Force be with you," Yoda murmured and I nodded before turning to leave.

      "Oh, are Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan here or do I have to go all over Coruscant looking for them?"

      "They're here...they're mostly busy during the days, either training or running senatorial errands, but they should be back for evening meal. We could contact them if you like," Mace offered and I shook my head.

      "No, I'll let it be a surprise. They'll know soon enough, thank you," I added before Artoo and I made a discreet exit. I stopped as Artoo hurridly started beeping away.

      "You want to go find Luke, huh? All right...keep safe, huh? And thanks, Artoo..." He responded with well wishes and turned, humming merrily to himself as he rolled down the corridor. Pushing away the sudden loneliness, I made my way to the room Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon shared. Sometimes it was nice to have access to information because of the business.

      After a bit of searching I finally found the room, surprisingly unlocked. Normally they would never be so careless. Reaching out with the Force confirmed that there was no one inside. Shrugging, I quietly opened the door and entered. My eyes about fell out of their sockets at the state of the quarters. Normally they were the ones picking up after me and affectionately calling me a slob. Now, it seemed like they had forgotten the simple art of housekeeping. Shaking my head, I decided I might as well get down to work.

      Hours later the dishes were washed and put away, the clothes were cleaned and returned to their closets, the room was picked up in general and even dusted. "I must really love them if I'm doing *housework* for them," I muttered under my breath as I made my way back to the kitchen. At least they had food in the refrigerator. After a bit longer, the place was actually starting to smell like a home. It's a scary fact, but I can cook quite well and my time on Dathomir had honed my skills in cooking and cleaning. Finally I stepped back and smiled at my handywork. Not bad, not bad at all...now all I needed was for them to actually get back. That would happen soon enough, though, and I was preparing for the impending lecture I was going to get. An overall feeling of weariness let me know that I had overextended myself again - I was still recovering from my adventures - and I looked around for something soft enough to use as a blanket. While doing laundry I had discovered that normal clothes now seemed far too rough to be worn, thanks to all my time in the soft, pliable lizardskin. Pondering, I walked through the rooms, smiling slightly when I came to the fresher. Quickly, I plucked the two robes I had made for them off of their hooks, running my hands over the soft fabric affectionately. At last I collapsed on the couch, wrapping myself up with the robes and immersing myself in their scents until I was fast asleep.

      It was good to be back.

***************************************************

      Obi-Wan mentally checked himself before parrying his master's blow easily, though not as easily as it had been even the day before. Something was bothering him...no, not even bothering, but more distracting.

      "Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked as he paused while the padawan checked himself, not for the first time during their practice that afternoon.

      "Sorry, Master...I seem to not be able to keep my mind on the exercise," he admitted and Qui-Gon nodded.

      "I seem to have the same problem, myself," Qui-Gon murmured, his expression perplexed. Their relationship seemed to be improving; Qui-Gon was less moody as the days went by, though he still showed signs of depression. They were even communicating through their bond again, though both were taking things slow.

      "I just don't know what it is...every time I think I've pushed it out of my mind, it comes back, like a flame flickering in my field of vision..." he murmured and the older man nodded thoughtfully.

      "Then why don't we call it a day since we can't seem to get any practicing done?" Qui-Gon replied, an actual amount of pleasantness in his voice. Nodding, Obi-Wan reached down to grab their discarded tunics and followed his master out of the gym and through the familiar corridors to their quarters.

      "You don't suppose she's back yet?" he found himself asking, almost regretting it as soon as the words were out of his mouth. He didn't want to upset his master, but in truth they were both bearing the loss equally.

      "I've already checked at RaJ...no word yet," Qui-Gon replied softly. "Though I did leave our door unlocked, just in case," he added, and there was actually a hint of a smile on his face. That had been his master's one concession to safety in all the years that he had known him. Just in the off chance that she might realize they were at the temple, they always left their door unlocked while they were out. Just in case.

      Obi-Wan nodded absently as he pulled his tunics on, trying not to think of the subject that would surely lead to a gloomy evening. Out of habit, he reached out to their quarters with the Force, and promptly drobbed his outer tunic.

      "Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked, concern on his face, but Obi-Wan was fixated only on the presence in their quarters. A very familiar presence.

      "Master..." he managed and Qui-Gon's eyes widened as he saw the look on the padawan's face.

      "Is...?" was all he could reply with and Obi-Wan slowly nodded.

      Without a word the two Jedi sped towards the door and fairly flew down the halls towards their quarters.

part 12

      It's a rather disconcerting thing to wake up and find that you're being stared at; it's even worse if you've been out in the forest for a month being trained like a warrior. All I knew was that one moment I was fast asleep, feeling a familiar nudge at my consciousness, the next second I was wide awake and had Obi-Wan in a headlock. Flashing a sheepish look, I quickly let him go and sat back down on the couch before taking a good look at them. I wasn't sure if people could actually get better looking over the period of a months, but I wouldn't put it past the two Jedi. The next few moments were filled with tension as we all looked at each other, completely unsure of what to do next.

      I held my breath as Qui-Gon slowly knelt in front of me, reaching a hand up to run down my cheek. "You're back?" he whispered and I was surprised at the disbelief in his voice. I nodded slowly and a soft smile graced his features. "You're really back...I didn't think..."

      "That I'd come back? I promised I would," I whispered.

      "Well, we really didn't know what to think," Obi muttered and I raised my eyes to his. "Why? Why did you just run off like that, I'm not finished!" he blurted as I attempted to speak. "Do you know how worried we were? You could've gotten yourself *killed*!! If I weren't so happy to see you alive I'd probably kill you about now!" I turned to Qui for support, but he merely avoided my gaze and got to his feet.

      "He has a point, love...hijacking Luke's X-Wing and Artoo wasn't exactly the best tactic, and do you know how much grief the Council has given us because of this?! And do you realize exactly what's happened to Rent-a-Jedi, *your* business!?" Qui added, the relief of seeing me turning into something not unlike a parental lecture. "What would you have done if you had been wounded, you haven't had any experience taking care of yourself on a wild planet! What if you had been killed and we never would have known!?"

      "You finished?" I asked calmly, raising an eyebrow and beginning to wonder if Karais'sho wasn't right after all. Maybe men should be slaves and kiss dirt and be there only to propogate...what a couple of nerfherders. On the other hand, they were my nerfherders.

      When it became clear that I wasn't going to shed tears or run away because I was being yelled at, I continued. "All right, one, I ran off like that because if I went to you you wouldn't have let me go and I really had to. For the first time in my life I was running towards something instead of away, can't you understand that? It was the will of the Force...

      Two, yes I do know how worried you were because I was worried about you every second of every day...I never stopped thinking about you...what you were doing, if you were enjoying life without me, if you were looking for me or if something had happened to you...I came up with some very scary possibilities, believe me, but I got through it and I kept my promise! I came back. I could have very well stayed, but I didn't," I added, staring at their silent shock at my new attitude with a calm look of my own.

      Three, I know hijacking the X-Wing was risky, but dammit, I couldn't take the Falcon because I'd have had to kidnap a copilot!" I snapped and at that both gave the slightest hint of an amused smile. "Four, I know all about the Jedi Council because I just gave them my report...I can't help it that I'm difficult but I'm probably no more so than You Master Jinn, legendary disturbance of all things Jedi-like! Five, I figure that RaJ has slid downhill and I'm very well aware of the consequences...truth is I'm tired of running a place where I'm helping my lovers to have fun with everyone but me so I'm negotiating with the Council about closing-"

      "You're serious?" Qui-Gon asked, stunned, and I searched both their faces for disappointment but found none.

      "Yes...I can only take so much..." I muttered, looking away. A reassuring hand on mine brought my eyes back to Qui-Gon. "Six and seven...I did what any person would do if they were wounded, I healed. And if I would've died I would've haunted you forever because I love you and nothing's going to change that!" I muttered, jumping up with a disgusted sigh, letting my arms flop around in Obi-Wan's robe. "I really want this relationship to continue if you do, but it can't just be sex...I have to know if you really love me...you say you do but sometimes I wonder...and as the other people in this relationship it's your sacred duty to make me feel as loved as possible, so...so there!" I finished, not bothering to look at their stunned expressions.

      "You don't know how hard it was for me to leave...I wanted to tell you, but I just couldn't, and now I'm a better person because of it," I added softly. "I'm not the same person I was...I've grown up and won't be a doormat to anyone...not even Jedi with pretty feet," I added, smiling slightly.

      "Love..." Qui-Gon managed, standing and crossing to where I stood. "I...we...I'm sorry if I've seemed distant...it's not that I don't care about you, but I thought you and Obi-Wan were..." My eyes widened at his unvoiced portion of the sentence.

      "You thought we were...? I thought you and Qui-Gon were..." Obi-Wan stammered, just as wide-eyed as me.

      "Really? Well I sort of thought that you two..."

      "WHAT?!" both men exclaimed, as shocked as I'd ever seen them.

      "Well, I realize that it gets rough being alone and since you two are both good-looking as all get out and have wonderful personalities and are just out and out amazing and around each other all the time anyway, you'd get tired of waiting for me and just..." I murmured sheepishly.

      "Selah..." Obi whispered, taking my hands. "There's no such thing going on...look at our records, we're purely het!" he chuckled and I nodded.

      "I think someone's been reading a little too much slash..." Qui added and I had to smile.

      "I think we're going to do a lot of talking tonight," I sighed and received nods all around, though Obi-Wan's head was turned towards the kitchen.

      "Can we do it while eating? Whatever's cooking smells fantastic," Obi suggested and I had to grin. "You cook?" he asked, surprised.

      "Of course I cook! I'm not just a drop-dead gorgeous beauty, I have skills!" I laughed and my laughter became harder at their faces.

      "You have changed..." Qui-Gon realized, smiling. "And for the better, I believe..."

      "You ain't seen nothing yet!" I giggled, dropping the robe and heading for the kitchen, smirking as I picked up waves of stunned admiration at my Amazonian appearance.

********************************************************

      "So you really did learn from these warriors?" Obi-Wan asked around a mouthful of devil's food cake and I nodded.

      "It helped me immensely...in many ways..." I murmured quietly, thinking over the events of the past couple of months.

      "You mentioned something about being wounded," Qui-Gon started tactfully and I nodded. "How? How badly?"

      I paused, knowing they were not going to be happy. Better to start with the least damage first ... "A couple broken ribs," I said, shrugging and he nodded before starting to take another bite.

      "And all the bones in my left foot," I added and both Jedi paused and Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow.

      "And a stomach wound, but not hitting any internal organs," I mumbled, feeling myself turn red at the their expressions. They weren't outraged at me, but rather had the urge to jump up and seek vengence. Gulping, I slowly pulled the necklace aside so they could see the last scar. Their reactions were immediate.

      "That could have been /fatal/!!" Obi-Wan managed, dropping his silverware.

      "Who. Who did this to you?" Qui-Gon growled menacingly.

      "It's taken care of, and yes I know it could have been fatal. It almost was, if it hadn't been for Hales...and I did it to myself," I muttered and their eyes almost popped out of their heads.

      "You did /what/!?"

      "Who is Hales?!"

      Patiently I exhaled loudly. "I know I have some explaining to do...I think the best way would be to show you..." I explained before they could get angry. Relaxing myself and closing my eyes, I reached out to them, this time with personal strength, and slowly showed them just exactly what had happened from the time I had set foot on Dathomir's surface. It was very odd to relive every event, each painful memory that I had hoped not to think about for awhile. Now I faced every moment, every hard decision, every anxious and terrorizing moment again, through others' eyes.

      When the flashback finally ended I found myself cradled in Qui-Gon's lap, warm tears sliding silently down my cheeks.

      "Oh, little one," the master murmured, his hand tangled in my hair as Obi gently stroked my wrist.

      "I...I expected a self-exploratory journey, but I didn't expect it to happen literally," I sniffled. "Most parts were so wonderful..."

      "We can tell," Obi-Wan agreed.

      "You learned so much about yourself and the Force...You needed this," Qui-Gon quietly agreed.

      "But other times I was so scared...when I thought I wouldn't see you again...that if she were to win, that she'd come back here and...you wouldn't know that it wasn't me!" I sobbed, finally realizing why the clone had terrified me, besides the obvious.

      "We would have known," Qui-Gon fairly growled to me and I gave a strange version of a teary snort.

      "But if she looked the same and felt almost the same Force-wise, and if she knew how to please you then-" I was cut off as the master's large hand found its way under my chin and raised my face so I could look him in the eyes. To my surprise they were glistening with unshed tears.

      "We would have known..." he repeated.

      "No one is you, no matter how close they come," Obi-Wan added. "No one can turn their phrases quite like you can...no clone could make me laugh as much as you do..."

      "No replica could copy your sense of Force usage...and I know for one that I could never, ever be in love with a clone as much as I am with you..." Qui-Gon continued and at that statement my jaw went slightly slack as Obi-Wan nodded his agreement. Neither one of them had ever really admitted it like that before, at least not for a while, and for the first time since we had met, I was truely speechless.

      "You...really love me?" I asked dumbly, the idea of that occuring never actually entering my mind.

      Instead of a verbal answer like I expected I suddenly received almost immediate access into their minds. I gasped at the rush of warm emotion that flooded my mind. It was like the open mind spell of the Dathomiri, but silent, and I was allowed to explore theirs without being blocked. Timidly, I took advantage of the opportunity and found myself immersed in warm, loving Force carresses as their voicing of their feelings were confirmed. Somewhere in the back of my mind I had known that their feelings for me were real, but I had never been sure if their feelings were those of friendship, affection, lust, or what. But now, now I realized that it actually was genuine love. After my initial stunned reaction I began to return the gesture, and for the first time in a long time we weren't fighting, or debating, or jumping on each other as soon as we walked in the door. For once, we were just together.

      And it was wonderful.

      That night I found myself snuggled in between the two Jedi, wrapped in one of Qui-Gon's tunics as a nightgown; it seemed to be the softest material I could stand besides my lizardskin. I lay awake for a long time, just contemplating everything.

      "What is it?" Qui-Gon asked softly and I started slightly at the sudden voice.

      "You're not going to leave me, are you?" I asked tactfully, trying not to admit how nervous I was that both men were just going to abandon me after me suddenly leaving. I was stronger, yes, but I still wanted to pursue a relationship with them badly. I had picked up Qui-Gon's slight agitation at having to share, and I had to admit that it worried me. I couldn't love one more than the other, I couldn't give either up; they had become so much a part of me...it had to be all or nothing.

      "Never, Selah...not after seeing you again...after hearing your explanation....I'd rather share you than not have you at all," he whispered and I smiled slightly in the darkness.

      "It was an amazing journey, but it's good to be back," I murmured, rolling over to face him, fingering a lock of his hair gently as he gazed down at me with loving eyes.

      "It's good to have you back, my love," he rumbled before his lips just gently brushed against mine. I started at the contact; it had been so long, I had almost forgotten what kissing him was like...but my lips sure hadn't. Almost immediately I began to return the kiss, tender delicacy giving in to urgent passion and I sighed as his tongue traced my lips lightly before just barely entering, then retreating.

      "We'll wait until we're ready again," he explained softly and I nodded.

      "I missed you, too," Obi-Wan pouted from my other side and I laughed as I turned and accepted his lips in a warm, loving kiss. When I was released I turned and snuggled into Qui-Gon's warm embrace, throwing a leg over his waist and grinning at his questioning look.

      "Mine," I growled in my throat and he actually shivered.

      "Yours," he added, his voice low, sending a slight thrill up my spine. I couldn't help but giggle as Obi's breath hit my neck as he nuzzled my hair.

      "And you're mine, as well...and you'd both be wise not to forget it," I added playfully as I closed my eyes wearily.

      "Yes Mistress," one of them teased, although for the life of me I couldn't figure out who it was.

part 13

      I ran round the perimeter of the enormous training room, an activity which had become the way I started every day. I missed not being able to feel life flowing through the morning like on the forests of Dathomir, but it was something, at least. I was back in the lizardskin for the moment, as well. I knew I'd have to make the transition back into my other clothes at sometime, but for the moment I saw nothing wrong with flaunting my new image a bit. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan certainly didn't mind except when I got more than the passing look from the occassional padawan passing me in the hall or something. I slowed to a stop as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon entered the room, back from their meeting with the Council.

      "Nice set-up you got here," I quipped as I jogged to a halt. "How was the meeting? Did they have all sorts of nice things to say about me?" I snickered, noticing the suppressed mirth in both Jedis' eyes.

      "You *blackmailed* the Council into letting you be trained as a Jedi?" Obi-Wan asked in astonishment, though I could tell he was highly amused.

      "What? I have information they want, even if they don't agree with the nature of it. They need me," I said casually, grinning broadly. "I thought I might as well use it..."

      "Mundi was not pleased," Qui-Gon said, rolling his eyes. "Seems to think I've rubbed off on you too much," he added, smiling crookedly and I realized how much I had missed seeing that smile. "Although you do seem to have Yoda's support," he added and I nodded.

      "He wants you to train a bit with us until further arrangements are made," Obi-Wan interjected, his sense practically bubbling over with excitement.

      "I dunno, you sure you can handle it?" I teased as we moved to the center of the room.

      "Only one way to find out," Qui-Gon replied, nodding to Obi-Wan who took up his lightsaber. I did the same, letting my mind slip into battle meditation mode, barely hearing the thrum of both sabers as they were flicked on. I pushed aside how badly I wanted to do well for both of them and concentrated on the moment. This was no different than on Dathomir, no different at all. I barely realized when it was that Obi-Wan moved to attack and when exactly my body jumped into motion. My eyes opened, revealing our blades crossed together, whining at the impact. I let his face fade away, concentrating only on his Force sense and letting the Force flow through me. I moved my blade away from his, but instead of swinging it back around, I thrusted and smiled at his shock as he backed hurridly out of my blade's way. /Use what you learned on Dathomir/ I told myself, swinging my blade at his feet, smiling at his gasp as he rushed to jump.

      He quickly adjusted to my techniques, though, and soon our blades were crackling as they met over and over. Our bodies became conduits for the Force, dancing around flashing blades, turning, jumping, rolling, attacking and defending. Only when my blade was able to twist around Obi-Wan's and knock his saber out of his hand did a victory seem in sight. Ignoring the flying saber I immediately lifted my hand and pushed at him with the Force, backing him up against the wall. I started to lower my sword when his hand came up to call back his saber. Immediately I acted reflexively, calling my daggers into my other hand and hurling them with a Force-enhanced throw. Needless to say, Obi-Wan was more than surprised when the fabric of his sleeve became stuck to the wall, courtesy of said daggers. Smiling, I called his saber into my hand and turned toward Qui-Gon, not knowing what to expect. My ways were much different than theirs, so I had no idea whether he'd be pleased or not.

      He was beaming.

      "Obi-Wan, I think this arrangement is going to be beneficial to you...you'll learn how to deal with techniques you aren't familiar with," he chuckled as the padawan yanked the daggers out of the wall. "You still have much to learn, but you've come a long way," he told me and I smiled.

      "Good match," Obi-Wan added, handing me the daggers in exchange for his saber. "Although next time can we avoid hurling sharp objects in my direction?" he added and I laughed.

      "I wouldn't hurt you! Not purposefully, at least," I snickered and he grinned. We started to take our positions again when two familiar figures entered the room. Not thinking, I went right up to them, figuring I had better face the music and get it over with.

      Hi Crys, hey Luke, I called, jogging over to where they stood, forcing myself not to flee. I could handle this. Hell, if I could handle nearly getting turned into goo I could handle this. Look, I added, raising my hand as Crys opened her mouth to speak. I just want to say that Im sorry for all the trouble Ive caused in the past few months with the clone and allI should be happy for what Ive gotand Ive got a lot, I added, smiling as I glanced back fondly at Obi and Qui. And Im sorry for stealing your X-Wing and Artoo, Luke. Truth was that he wanted to go and he suggested I take the X-Wing, but thats still no excuse. Ill pay for any maintenance that you think it needs because of my trip, and heck, Ill even have it washed and waxed and the interior vaccuumed for you if X-Wings need that sort of thing, I added, somehow finding the new strength to actually look him in the eyes without crumbling to pieces. And I realized something. He was a nice guy, but he would never be the Luke that I had wantedthat Luke disappeared when I didnt let him know of my feelings, when I let my head be turned by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Not that that was a bad thing, but I couldnt go chasing after a shadow all my life. He was a good friend, and that was all. Besides, it didnt mean that I couldnt still write about him or anything, it just meant that it would never be a reality. Now, what did you want to say? I asked and frowned as they just sort of looked at me in shock.

      What? I asked, turning to Qui and Obi. Did I say something wrong? I asked, totally not getting the reason for their astonishment.

      NoI think you said everything right, Obi remarked, grinning easily and all at once my skin started tingling at the warmth that smile radiated.

      Isorry, I justyouve changed, Crysta managed and I chuckled before embracing her in a friendly hug.

      You have no idea how much, I laughed before releasing her. I wish you two all the happiness life can throw at ya and all that jazz, and hope youll forgive me for all the chaos Ive caused and not feel that you need to put a restraining order on me or anything? Well, I might have gotten stronger but I sure had the same sense of humor, at least.

      Luke looked to Crys and I could tell that they were exchanging mental conversation for a few moments. Of course we can forgive you he finally said, smiling slightly, allowing me some relief. But you realize that Artoo is going to be on my case for awhile about me never taking him anywhere Luke chuckled and I grinned.

      Yeah, but you should take that seriously, tooI think hes jealous of Crys, actually, uh, not in /that/ way, but because of all the time you two spend together, I added hastily and Luke frowned thoughtfully.

      So all of those stunts he pulled were all just attempts to get my attention? he asked and I nodded.

      Yeahmaybe you two need some bonding time or somethinghes not the average little droid, I replied, shrugging.

      So aside from disobeying the Council and worrying everyone to death, was it worth it? Crys asked, raising an eyebrow and I grinned.

      Yeah, it wasI learned so much, experienced so much

      Like what?

      Spells that control nature, how to tame wild rancors, combat with hands, swords, and daggers, repelling, had a male clone made of my bodily fluids along with an evil clone, nearly got killed by said evil clone, and managed to get rid of the cloning facility the evil witches had going on the planet before they got off the planet, I said, then grinned at their stunned expressions. Ill fill you in on the whole story, I promise, I laughed.

      Are you sure youre okay? Crys asked and I could tell she was worried. Smiling, I reached out to her with the Force and reassured her that I was, indeed, perfectly sane and completely fine.

      Yeah, I think I am I murmured, glancing back at the two Jedi who were sparring in the center of the room. I know I am I added, turning back to them. For the first time in a long time, Im really okay. And I was.

Part 14

      It came almost naturally, but for the next few days the three of us took things slowly, either spending time in the training room or on the streets of Coruscant. I had been surprised by how we all seemed to come to the same conclusion without voicing it: we needed to take our time before anything else happened. And so we did. My Force skills with a saber were slowly being honed, Qui-Gon took me to an open-air concert featuring music from different systems one afternoon, that evening Obi-Wan took me dancing. We went shopping and traveled the city's upper streets, though by an unspoken agreement we never went near the Rent-a-Jedi complex. None of us wanted to think of that at the moment; we wanted to work on the new relationship that was being forged among us. Before we had definitely lusted after each other, even loved each other, but now we were becoming the best of friends, as well.

      Evenings became my favorite time. They were filled with lazy relaxation and tender teasing. Usually I worked on my further reports to the Council about Dathomir - they seemed determined to keep me busy, milking all they could out of our agreement. On one specific evening, though, I was comfortably lounging in Qui-Gon's lap on the sofa as he read to me from a datapad regarding planetary folklore while Obi-Wan took his time in the shower. I leaned back into the Jedi I was on at the moment, closed my eyes, and breathed in a deep, contented sigh.

      "Comfortable?" the master rumbled, stroking my hair lightly as I breathed in his scent, loving how it seemed to wrap around me as I inhaled.

      "Completely so," I murmured, my smile broadening slightly as he chuckled before continuing the story he was narrating for me at the moment. I just loved his voice...it was one of the things that I had been lonely for on Dathomir, and lately I could listen to him for hours on end, even if he was just reading stock reports or even a phone book. I wasn't sure at what point I dozed off, but sometime later I awoke in bed, in one of Qui's Jedi tunics, snuggled warmly between both Jedi. I couldn't help but smile, they were completely beautiful, even when they were asleep. And even though we had had our bad times, we worked well together. I was extremely lucky.

      It was at that point that I began to feel an emotion that I hadn't been able to react to for a good long time. And now both objects of interest were asleep. And there was no way I could go back to sleep once this little urge had taken hold. I sighed and watched Qui-Gon with more than a little interest until I was almost breathing in sync with him. I really didn't want to ask him for what I was thinking of...he wouldn't be in the best mood if I nudged him awake for that. No, this would require tact. I grinned as the blankets slid off of his form slightly and with silent fingers I helped it the rest of the way. I caught my breath at the sight of his naked chest that was just visible in the pale moonlight that shone through the window. As delicately as possible I made immediately for his sleep pants. Subtlety would have to be dealt with later.

      Quickly I worked them enough so I could free his organ. Okay, this was a little out of character for me, but I had waited more than a month and I was about ready to die if I did not give into the urge that was practically eating me alive. Slowly I traced the line of it with a careful fingertip and smiled as he mumbled in his sleep, gently raising his hips as I began to caress him. Unable to resist, I let my tongue just barely brush him as it followed the path my fingers had taken. Unconsciously, he moved against me and I tried not to giggle at the audacity of it all. Letting my own desire fill me, I slowly began to lap at his head, gripping his shaft in one hand and pumping him slowly.

      In his sleep, he groaned.

      Of course, this only encouraged me, so I frantically began to suck at him, taking more in as his hips began to writhe against the mattress as he hardened. He had never let me do this before, and I was bound and determined to give him pleasure, even if he had to be asleep when I did it. Besides, I suddenly found my desire even more heated than before, and I desperately wanted to hear him scream my name. I let my mouth move rhythmically up and down his organ and suddenly he gasped and came, gushing cream into my mouth as I enthusiastically milked him with my mouth and hands. I could feel his astonishment coursing through him at that point so I looked up lazily and licked my fingers clean while taking in the sight of his amazed eyes darkened with desire.

      "Oh, you're awake," I murmured as casually as if my head wasn't between his thighs before going back and placing long licks over his slit as my hands moved to cup his testicles, massaging them gently with my fingertips, grinning as his shaft began to harden instantly again.

      "What...what are you doing?!" he gasped out as his hips thrust up towards me of their own accord.

      "I never got to thank you for the lightsaber...and for all your patience with me...why, don't you like my gift?" I asked before taking him in my mouth again. This time all he could do was groan as I began to suck, my hands gently scratching their way over his thighs. All too soon he was coming again, frantically, and I eagerly lapped up his cream until there wasn't a drop left. He looked at me, incredulous, as his breathing began to regulate.

      "Thank you," I purred, starting to crawl up his body, but a whimper from the other side of the bed tore my attention away. Obi-Wan lay on his side, pouting.

      "I gave you that lightsaber too," he muttered, feigning hurt and I turned to the master and raised an eyebrow.

      "Go ahead," he chuckled, rolling me off of him.

      "Feeling left out, are we?" I purred, rolling onto my side so I was pressed up against Obi-Wan. He kept up his pout and nodded until I swiftly leaned in and captured his jutting lower lip between mine, sucking lightly until he groaned deep in his throat. I chuckled as I released him and took his right ear lobe prisoner in my mouth, instead as I pressed him onto his back so I was on top of him. His arms wrapped round my waist as I began to nibble down his neck, my hands massaging his shoulders until they became restless and wandered down to toy with his nipples. He gasped as I suddenly bent down and grasped one between my teeth and rolled it with my lips, his breaths turning to moaning pants. Slowly I worked my way lower, laving his flat stomach with long licks before working him out of his sleep pants.

      "Missed me, did you?" I chuckled upon seeing the prominent erection that greeted me. He groaned an unintelligible answer and I laughed softly as I took his head in my mouth, sucking softly as my fingertips traced the vein on the bottom of his member.

      "Yeesss," he breathed, the last part turning into a shout as I took him into my mouth and began to bathe him with my tongue. His eyes fluttered shut as I began to suck, slowly getting harder until his hips were thrusting up in time to my mouth. All at once he came, nearly taking me by surprise. I eagerly swallowed his essence and teased him with fingertips and tongue until he had regained his composure. Yawning lazily, I crawled back to my spot and began to let my eyes shut.

      "But what about you, love?" Qui-Gon whispered in my ear and I smiled.

      "I wanted to show how much I loved you...don't worry about returning it right now," I mumbled, snuggling back under the covers. Not another word was spoken, and that seemed to be the end of that. I sensed some movement, like someone reaching for something from the bedside table, but nothing out of the ordinary. Feeling very pleased with myself, I settled in to what I knew would be a peaceful sleep.

      I was almost completely in dreamland when I felt warm breath on the nape of my neck and two strong arms pull me back against a throbbing, formidable erection. I gasped as another form suddenly pressed tightly against my front, rubbing teasingly against me.

      "Mistress..." Obi-Wan purred low in his throat before backing away. My eyes flicked open immediately and I gasped as I took in the sight before and behind me. Qui-Gon lounged behind me on the bed, his arm protectively wrapped around me, his hand splayed flat over my stomach so his fingertips just barely reached my breasts and lower portion. Obi-Wan was no longer on the bed, but rather kneeling in front of me on the floor, looking up at me with lust-filled hooded eyes.

      But that wasn't the thing that nearly killed me.

      Both Jedi were wearing nothing but the collars that Karais'sho had made for them.

      "You...you don't have to do this," I whimpered, mostly because as soon as I began to speak Qui-Gon's tongue began to trace the shell of my ear. They had never even uttered one word about the Dathomiri concept of women as superior and they had to have known from my memories and from my reports. There was no way they could've liked it, though...found amusement in it, maybe, but go along with it? No way.

      "But we want to," Obi said smoothly, gently clasping one of my hands and bringing it to his lips. My whimpers grew louder as he slowly closed his mouth around one finger and began to lave it with his tongue so, so slowly.

      "Reach out to the Force, beloved, and you will be reassured," Qui-Gon breathed in my ear and I did, but not without some effort. Indeed, they were in agreement that it was time.

      "We want to give you pleasure, Mistress..." Obi-Wan continued, pausing in his ministrations to look up into my eyes. "Don't you want us to give you pleasure?" he added, his expression the picture of innocence, even if what he was asking wasn't.

      "Yes," I managed.

      "What do you want?" Qui-Gon whispered huskily in my ear and I suddenly found it impossible to talk. Obi-Wan chuckled at this, and slowly, gracefully, rose to his feet and leaned over me.

      "Do you want us to kiss you?" he whispered and my breath seemed to freeze in my throat.

      "Yes," I murmured, proud of myself for being able to utter one word.

      "Do you want us to strip you?" Qui-Gon growled as his fingertips began to stroke my stomach through the fabric of his tunic.

      "Yess..." I whispered, slowly leaning my head back on his shoulder. Obi-Wan crawled up on the bed and perched on its edge.

      "Do you want us to touch you?" he asked, his eyes on the mattress until he had finished talking, then those orbs of pure electricity rose suggestively to rest on me.

      "Yesss," I breathed.

      "Do you want us to taste you?" Qui-Gon murmured, his soft accent creeping into his speech.

      My breathing immediately stopped and a low moan creeped out of my throat. "Oh, yesss..." I whimpered.

      "Do you want us to take you?" Obi-Wan fairly growled as he positioned himself over my lap, all of him just managing to not touch me. All I could do was nod.

      "Then you need to ask us, to tell us," Obi-Wan murmured, so close, but not close enough. I tried to speak, but my muscles seemed to freeze in place. I couldn't even make a sound, let alone form the words I needed!

      "P...please," I managed, the word barely escaping my lips. The padawan's lips turn upwards in a seductive smile and he leaned in until the tip of his nose just barely brushed mine.

      "Of course," he breathed, and slowly I found myself being pressed onto my back. Qui-Gon's piercing blue eyes appeared above me, and I shivered as the curtain of his hair fell gently against my cheeks. I could feel my cheeks burn at the intensity of his stare and found my eyes shutting before sensory overload could come.

      "Look at me, my love," his soft voice whispered in my ear and I slowly obeyed to see those eyes again. Those mystical eyes. "I want you to watch me," he breathed and I followed his gaze to his large hands that hovered at the sash that held the his tunic that clothed me shut. Gracefully and swiftly his hands wrapped around my middle and worked at the sash until it came away in his grasp. He looked away only to toss it off the side of the bed before returning his gaze to mine. His eyes that seemed almost to burn by some inner fire traveled the length of me before his hands returned to the fabric of the tunic. His fingertips gently brushed against my skin as he pulled the flaps of the tunic open, revealing pale flesh. Obi-Wan remained recined at my side, waiting, his eyes unabashedly enjoying what they saw. At a gentle nudging from Qui-Gon I slowly sat up and allowed Obi-Wan to slide my arms out of the sleeves, leaving the tunic empty in his hands. Without delay he set it on the floor by the bed and returned to his reclining position. Qui-Gon hovered over me, his eyes my focus point as the rest of the world drifted from my senses. He lowered himself slightly and I braced myself for his weight, but it didn't come. The only part of him that touched me were his lips, soft and delicate against mine.

      The first touch was barely there, just his mouth rubbing against mine. The pink tip of his tongue drifted out and slowly traced my lower lip before the entire cavern of his mouth opened onto my lips which parted as soon as they felt contact. When I shivered as his tongue ran over the inside of my lip and against my teeth, my skin brushed softly against his, sparking the air between us. I had imagined that if we stayed together our first time making love again would be fast and frantic, but both Jedi seemed willing to go as slowly as possible, to savor each moment. My tongue met Qui-Gon's and they twined like soul mates that had been apart far too long. I was bound and determined to continue the kiss until I blacked out and had to be revived, I didn't mind as long as his tongue kept finding all of the sensitive spots of my mouth. When he finally pulled away our lips parted in soft sound of wet suction and I had to pause for a few seconds to breathe.

      His mouth immediately traveled to my cheeks, my chin, my forehead, even the length of my nose were covered with tiny, cherishing kisses as his fingers slowly tangled themselves in my hair. Slowly he worked his way to my jaw, his tongue lightly flicking against my skin as his Force sense spread out fingers of its own and tangled them deeply within my mind. Shimmering light seemed to glisten on silver threads between our minds and I breathed deep as I found that I could tell exactly what this was doing to him at every moment. My realization sparked his own arousal and his mouth swiftly moved to capture my earlobe. My moan was stifled as Obi-Wan's mouth covered mine in a deep, exploratory kiss.

      /Missed you.../ he murmured into my mind as his own sense formed a bridge from him to me. His tongue circled against mine and he slanted his mouth over mine, his nose scrunching against the skin of my face as he fought to get as close as possible. Wet velvet slid into the shell of my ear, dipping lightly before stroking the outer shell and I gasped as the repurcussions danced through my body.

      /Didn't know you were that sensitive there.../ Qui-Gon murmured in my mind as his mouth moved to the skin right below my ear. /Let's see what this will do.../ he added as his tongue began to dance over my throat. A low groan floated into the air and taking his cue Obi-Wan moved his mouth to the exact same spot on my other side.

      /Like this?/ he purred, mirroring Qui-Gon's actions to the letter. I started to speak but all I could get out was another strangled gasp, much to their satisfaction. Qui-Gon slid his mouth lower to the collumn of my throat where he began to nibble as Obi-Wan's lips sealed over my mouth once more. Somehow I managed to untangle my arms from the pile we made and buried one hand into Obi's soft spiky locks and the other deep into Qui-Gon's mane. He rumbled against my skin as he reached the scar across my throat and he began to trace it with long searing sweeps of his tongue.

      /I don't care for this mark much/ he growled as he began to suck in earnest on my neck. /I'd rather leave a much more pleasant one/ he added and any protests died as his tongue washed the spot where there would be a mark the next morning. His mouth began to suck along my shoulders, planting light bites along their length. /Roll over.../ he instructed me and I did so without a second thought.

      Their hands seemed to know exactly where to go, exactly which muscles were still quite tense, exactly where pain and tension needed to be relieved. I moaned into the mattress as Qui-Gon kneaded my back, his tongue following his hands as he worked his way along the expanse of skin. I nearly giggled as his beard swept between my shoulder blades and his amusement flowed into my mind. I did laugh out loud as Obi-Wan picked up my feet and gently began to run his fingers over their bottoms.

      "Don't you dare!" I gasped, trying to free my feet from his grasp.

      "That's right, you're *ticklish,*" he replied impishly, his tongue darting teasinly over the sole of my foot before his hands began to lightly rub them. A contented moan snuck out of my lips and my eyes closed in contentment.

      /Like that do you?/ Qui-Gon asked and I could see his smile in my mind.

      /I could stay like this forever.../ I admitted as strong hands worked my tired muscles.

      /Don't count on it...I don't think either of us will let you stay like this for long/ Obi-Wan quipped, and to prove his point his tongue began to trace the newly-acquired tattoo on the back of my calf. I squirmed at the sensations, fighting whimpers and giggles as the barely-there caress worked its way down my calf.

      /I never thought you'd be the kind for a tattoo.../ he said throatily. /I rather like it...it alludes to a rather naughty side of you.../ he added and I could tell he had something in mind, but he wasn't about to let me know. All in good time, I presumed and returned my focus the moment. /What does it mean?/

      /To never concede to evil...I thought it fitting,/ I replied, then gasped as Qui-Gon's tongue snuck out and traced down my spine.

      /Very fitting/ he commented, though I was suddenly distracted by Obi's hands and mouth working their way over my thighs. It was almost a relief when they gently rolled me back onto my back and I sighed at the feel of my totally relaxed muscles and totally stimulated hormonal level. Qui-Gon's mouth immediately became occupied with my collarbone, sucking and nipping across it, nuzzling the hollow of my throat as Obi's mouth returned to my neck. Too soon Qui pulled away, and I followed his smoldering gaze lower until my eyes focused on my breasts.

      Shivering, I returned my eyes to his and a small, crooked smile passed over his features as his head slowly crept lower, his ginger hair leaving tantilizing kisses over my hungry flesh. His large hands gently cupped one breast and I moaned as his thumb lightly ran over the tip of my nipple, the calluses catching lightly. My eyes snapped open at the sensation of wirey softness and I watched through glazed eyes as my nipple disappeared in the forest of his beard before his lips slowly came down and lightly kissed the tip, the small patch of skin suddenly an inferno, causing a needy ache to form in the rest of my body almost immediately. My staggered breathing was all it took to encourage him. The hardened peak was instantly sucked into the fire of his mouth and worried gently by his teeth. My breast was practically hidden by his hands and mouth as he hungrily began to suck at the soft skin offered to him. Obi-Wan's mouth soon slid in an open kiss from my neck to my other breast and I arched up into them as he began to massage it with his fingers while his tongue continually circled the nipple. Vaguely I wondered if this was what it felt like to be devoured.

      /Oh, no, my Selah.../ Qui-Gon rumbled through my mind. /You are far from being devoured, though you will be before the night is over.../ he promised and I couldn't help it as my skin trembled in anticipation. His mouth slowly moved lower, his tongue covering every inch of skin it came across, pausing when it came to the scar that was left from my stomach wound.

      "To think we almost lost you," he whispered, his darkened eyes momentarily tinged with something...fear, relief?

      "You can't protect me all the time," I murmured.

      "Yes, but we can love you," Obi whispered against my skin and every sensation seemed suddenly heightened, maybe because I knew how meaningful this was to all of us. Obi-Wan carefully moved my head to his lap and I bit my lip as Qui-Gon's tongue slowly began to circle over the puncture scar.

      /Look at yourself, dearest...see what we see/ Obi offered, and for a split second I could see myself, sweat-slicked skin, hungry eyes, mussed hair, swollen lips, panting and beautiful in my own unique way. Quickly I reached up and grabbed Obi's ponytail and hauled him down for a deep kiss. I was only distracted when hot breath tickled across my nether lips. My hips jerked up and I raised my head to find Qui-Gon kneeling on the floor by the edge of the bed, my legs over his shoulders, his entire expression one of need and desire and...love. I could feel it pulsing towards him and it made each sensation ten times more sensual.

      /Do you want me to taste you?/ he asked in my mind, his accent now covering most of his words in a lusty haze.

      /Oh, please.../ I found myself begging. /I love it when you do.../

      /Yeeesss.../ he growled before his tongue began to slowly trace each labia before sucking them into his mouth in succession. I leaned my head back on Obi's thighs and groaned as fire swiftly raced through my blood. It had been so long...much too long...His beard scritched along my thighs as his tongue pressed flat against my opening before circling it. I began to writhe against the bed and Obi, indistinguishable moans the only sounds coming from my mouth. Wrapped in a thick haze I was barely aware of my upper half being deposited on the bed and Obi positioning himself beside me. Only when he began to lap at my breast and tease the other with nimble fingertips did his intentions become clear.

      "Oh, God, don't stop..." I whined as Qui's tongue began to circle my clit, his hands roughly grabbing my hips and guiding me against his mouth.

      /So wet...taste sooo good.../ he groaned right before he pulled me swiftly towards him and impaled me on his tongue. My head jerked back and I distantly heard my own screams, but they were muffled through the rush of emotion that was coursing through our bond and the waves of pleasure that were tumbling over my body. I was just aware of begging for more, of clutching Obi's head as he suckled my nipples, of Qui's lips closing over my clit as he slowly slid a finger into me beside his tongue. I couldn't tell which way was up or down or left or right and I didn't care at all. My body became a chain of explosions, heightened by Qui-Gon's muffled growls as he hungrily lapped up the fluid that came gushing out of me, prolonging the most amazing orgasm I had had in a long time. Both Jedi groaned as they picked up my pleasure through our link and I realized that my limbs were trembling as Qui-Gon slowly lowered himself onto me.

      /I don't want to hurt you/ he thought to me, apprehension obvious in the cerulean of his eyes.

      /I trust you...besides, I can't wait/ I replied, grabbing the back of his neck and pulling him down to ravage his lips with mine. He groaned into my mouth and slowly, carefully entered. I whimpered at the sudden feeling of fullness and his face contorted in pleasure.

      /By the Force...so tight.../ he gasped as he slowly began to grind his hips against mine. Before each of us were completely aware of it, our bodies began to find their own rhythm, dancing against each other as our minds deepened their connection.

      /Love you/ I managed as he thrusted with long, full strokes.

      /Need you.../ he gritted out as his mouth covered mine and we competed to see who could rob who of air first. His hips began to move in delicious circles and suddenly I was suspended in the stratosphere with only Qui-Gon to hang onto. I could feel his warmth pour into me, but it was clouded over by how completely we seemed to be within each other. For a splitting moment we were of one being.

      We lay there, gasping on the bed as we both came down from the heavens, Qui planting tender kisses over my lips as he gently pulled out, his fingers gently stroking my body as his mind stroked mine. I turned my head and looked over at Obi and smiled sleepily.

      /Would you mind waiting? I'm sorry...I don't think I can go again right away,/ I apologized and he nodded empathetically.

      /Don't worry about it...I'll be here when you're ready,/ he murmured gently in my mind, his hands lightly stroking my back as I fell asleep in Qui-Gon's strong embrace.

part 15

      A slight, tickling sensation over my skin and a muffled chuckle were the things that slowly drew me back to consciousness. I blinked groggily and frowned as I noticed that I was now on my back...how in the world had I managed to get out of Qui-Gon's steel arms?

      My answer lay in the two grinning Jedi that were awake and on either side of me. Frowning, I started to get up, and paused as I noticed a most interesting sensation over my body. Slightly damp, but not completely wet...Confused, I glanced down and my eyes promptly fell out of their sockets.

      "We felt that you needed a quick refresher course in your Force knowledge," Obi said, deadpan.

      "Don't try to be innocent, you can't pull it off," I retorted, grinning. "Only you would come up with something like this..." I added. "Though I doubt your master minded much in assisting you." Qui's glistening eyes confirmed the fact that he was very much enjoying himself.

      Propping myself up on my elbows, I carefully admired where Obi had written the Jedi Code in flowery text over my body. I had to hand it to him, it was downright erotic and beautiful. /Thank you...I got the inspiration from your tattoo/ he thought to me, his tone one that was quite pleased with himself. Shaking my head, I smiled as I read the text. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge decorated the skin from one wrist, across my upper chest, to the other wrist. There is no passion, there is serenity was now emblazoned over my breasts, a most ironic location for that phrase. There is no emotion, there is peace, took up the rest of my middle, and There is no death, there is the Force, wound down the fronts of my legs.

      "I have to hand it to you...you two are most inventive," I murmured appreciatively.

      "My only wish was that it was in Brail so I had to use my fingertips to read that..." Qui-Gon rumbled and I felt myself blush from head to the tips of my toes. Chuckling at the effect his words had on me, he swiftly pulled me up against him so my back was pressed to his chest. I started to issue a retort but his mouth lapping against my throat tended to take any gift of speech away from me. His hands came around and his fingers began to expertly roll my nipples and my eyes closed blissfully. I barely even noticed as Obi-Wan crept over me, but the sudden deprivation of air on my part gave his presence away. I groaned as his fingers gently dipped between my legs, slowly rekindling the flame with gentle, accurate strokes against my clit. He slowly slid one long finger into my warmth, Qui-Gon all the while attending to my upper portion as Obi-Wan began to pump his hand between my legs as he inserted another digit.

      /Obi-Wan, no more teasing.../ I growled and he flashed that amazing grin.

      /As you wish/ he purred before removing his hand and slowly sliding into me. My mouth immediately latched onto his neck and he whimpered as I suckled his sensitive skin there as he fought to stay still. All too soon, though, we both needed movement and he slowly began to pump, his mouth dipping down to suckle one breast as Qui-Gon's fingers attended to the other. His pace began to quicken and I cried out as his hips angled abruptly, his shaft connecting over and over with that spot inside that turned everything to molten lava...

      I could hear myself screaming distantly, but again I was almost totally thrown into Obi's mind, and Qui-Gon's as well...the combination of all the different kinds of pleasure we were each getting was almost an overload to my brain, not to mention the sensual bliss. For one aching moment we were all teetering on the edge, stretched to the limit emotionally and physically, forced to look down into the abyss before taking the plunge.

      And then everything exploded into a multicolored orchestra, heat rushing over sweaty flesh, cries and shouts ringing against sensitive ears, pleasure stroking inside and out of the instruments that were our bodies.

      When I was finally able to move, I opened my eyes and whimpered.

      "I don't think I can move," I managed, realizing that we were all three piled onto the bed, me between the Jedi. I couldn't tell whose limbs were whose at the moment, and truthfully I didn't care.

      "I don't want to move," Obi murmured against my neck, and I could sense the exhaustion all the way around.

      "I think everyone in the temple probably felt that," Qui-Gon chuckled and I managed a grin that wasn't too painful.

      "All I can say is that you do your mistress proud," I giggled. "But if you really want to get on my good side you'll wash these bedclothes," I added, wincing as I realized that all the sheets were now covered with some of the ink that Obi had used on me.

      "Laundry later, sleep first," Obi mumbled and I wholeheartedly agreed.

      "I'm so glad to be here with you," I couldn't help saying, and I sighed as first Qui-Gon, then Obi-Wan brushed my lips tenderly with theirs.

      "We're probably even more so..." Qui-Gon sighed, pulling me closer against his chest as we all three did the only thing we could manage at that point: we fell fast asleep. I had no clue what the future would bring, I had no clue where I fit in. But this time, I knew one thing for sure: I was where I needed to be, and I was ready.

The End