[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Amara waited patiently outside, sensing Aretsuya’s presence in the inn before her. She was waiting for the right moment which, sooner or later, would present itself.

The evening darkness crept across the sky ever so slowly...

In the distance, a storm could be heard rolling in as the sound of thunder rumbled not far away and the brief flashes of lightening could be seen on the buildings.

Amara began to walk out from the corners of the buildings and paced up and down the street near the inn…

She enjoyed the darkness, the storm would just add to her joy…

Something she hoped Aretsuya would find an attraction too.


The street was beginning to clear as people sought shelter from the oncoming storm and the darkness outside increased…

Only small groups of people remained that were hurriedly still going about their business.

It was then that she spotted Aretsuya at the window…

Rain gently began to fall from the dark sky above…

Amara emerged into the street to catch Aretsuya’s eyes.

She looked up at the window as rain began to soak her hair.

Amara caught her eye…

She smiled at her as she stood still in the rain which started to fall more heavily down…

Slowly, Amara stretched out her hand towards Aretsuya…

Amara began to walk backwards towards the dark shadow of the building behind her, still holding her hand out to Aretsuya…


Come with me my sister…



Come with me Aretsuya.


In a bright flash of lightening, Amara disappeared.[/FONT]

The inn wasn't the best place in the galaxy. A bit more run down than some of the other establishments on the planet but it was the closest to the place that he was supposed to meet with the gentleman for business. Sadly, the revitalization of Budpock to something beyond a crime-infested backwater was taking some time.

When he finally got Aretsuya to the room, he laid her down as gently as he could on the bed. He put a hand to her head and felt that she was beginning to warm right up. With a sigh Irtar rushed to the bathroom. He looked around a bit and found a washcloth and doused it in the cold water.

Coiling the cloth a bit, he came out with the damp rag. He looked at Aretsuya who kinda mumbled something incoherent. He pulled up a chair next the bed and tapped along her forehead. He smiled a bit as her muttering passed a bit.

“Just calm down Aretsuya.” Irtar said to her gingerly as he patted the rag on her flesh. “Now just get some rest. You’ll need it.”

It was about one o’clock when Aretsuya gave into her urge to rest. Irtar sat next to her for a long time, running his hand along her head every so often as he felt the feverish feel her flesh was beginning to hold pass. Irtar heaved a sigh of relief when he got up and made his way over to his toolkit. Now it’d be safe to leave her side.

Irtar made his way over to his toolkit, content to begin tinkering while she slept. He ran his hand over the battered durasteel kit. He was surprised it survived the incident over Glee Anselm when so much of the Wi-Jiang was destroyed. But remarkably, the case had made it out of the scenario relatively intact. He’d have to commend the Corellian Engineers Corp one of these days. Maybe when the Coalition and the Empire finally knew a strong measure of peace.

For now, Irtar opened up the kit and took out some of his more delicate tools as well as a memory processor he was working on. He still as a hobby did some droid tinkering, though he wasn’t able to pursue it as deeply as he was able to a couple of years ago. Between politics and training, there wasn’t much time for one to enjoy oneself. Irtar checked on Aretsuya every so often, to make sure she was sleeping well and that small fever didn’t decide to try and rear its ugly head again.

For the most part, Irtar allowed his work to take him. He was actually currently working on a droid brain to replace the one from the old defective farming unit back on the farm. He sighed when he thought of it all. His older brother, Indarin, refused to talk to him, and last he heard his father was still in a coma. And his younger brother and sister cowed down to Indarin. Irtar wanted to try and prove he still cared and thought about them but he didn’t quite know what to do.

Sadly, political lines now drew a line between them. As the rift between the Coalition and Empire grew, so did the distance seem to become worse. There were times he regretted his choice to become a Jedi. His thoughts were pierced by the sounds of Aretsuya mumbling as she turned a bit in her sleep.

If he had never become a Jedi, would Aretsuya have starved to death on the streets? Would the Sinsangese have been doomed to be absorbed by the Empire? Would the Anx have been doomed to die a silent, undignified death?

Irtar smiled softly to himself as he resumed his work. At some point, he went down an grabbed some fruit from downstairs and brought them back up to serve as a snack. He was just sitting it down when he heard a rustling sound next to him. He saw the blankets pilled on the floor as well as the pillow. He walked over with a sigh and picked up the pillow, sitting back in the seat next to her again. His eyes were caught just a second by Aretsuya’s opening for just a second.

“So you’re awake now? You should really eat something.” Irtar said to her in a half-serious manner. He took a knife and the plate he’d grabbed and began to peel an apple as Aretsuya slowly began to stir. He put some pieces of it on the table next to her. A hint of concern was on his face as to how he’d take to the meal he presented but she thankfully took it.

At least she was beginning to trust him.

“There’s more if you want. Should I get it for you?” Irtar said, as she hungrily laid into the apple. Sitting up a bit as if to make his way for the rest of the fruits, until she motioned for him to sit weakly. Though he was kinda thrown off by her laugh.

Her mood had pulled an entire turn-about from her previous mood. Not that he minded or anything, but it was definitely something to readjust to. He smiled a bit as she made her way off to the bathroom, seeming to be alright. A bit wobbly but in all respects she seemed to be fairing far better than earlier.

It was at about this point she tripped and fell down. Irtar immediately jumped to his feet and was heading towards the bathroom to see if she was alright but was hurriedly stopped by a bit of a giggle. Irtar raised a brow as he watched her slowly stand up.

“Uhm, are you alright?” Irtar said as he watched Aretsuya dust herself off a bit. She just, once again, kinda waved him off. Irtar merely shrugged as he returned to his seat as he tended to herself. He looked out the window as the rain began to fell and the storm came upon them, turning the orange hue of the evening quickly into the darkness of the late night.

Aretsuya came from the bathroom as he was pouring himself a glass of water, and she went for the jug. For just a split second, their hands touched before both shot away. It was truly like a jolt of lightning. Like when your hydrospanner got too close to that power motivator. Both turned away from each other as both of their faces turned crimson.

“So… uhm….” Irtar stammered out. “Tell me about yourself? So far we’ve either been talking about me, or trying to keep you conscious. I’d like to know a bit more about the woman who I spent the whole day watching over. Erm, I mean, to make sure you were alright. Not that I was gawking or anything. Not that you’re not pretty or anything it’s just. Gah.”

Irtar just stopped himself, once again more being taken by the rush that hit him from their connection. But something was different with that. Not like when dealing with any other woman. That shiver. It was weird and different. And yet still was so familiar. He just couldn’t put his finger on it….

“Well… I come from Dantooine. I think I told you already but you might’ve forgotten, all things considered. Farm boy and such. How about you? Where do you come from?”

Aretsuya chewed her lower lip, her brows furrowed. She pretended to check her fingernails but in fact, she just didn’t have the slightest clue how to answer him. Where DID she come from?

There was a long silence…

“Is something the matter?” he inquired, concern etched across his face.

Aretsuya eyed her feet balefully and didn’t answer, because she couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t – quite accurately – be seen as sulky or bad tempered. Irtar stared at her, head tilted to one side, anticipating some sort of reply. She gave up on her self-pity and sighed.

“I’m not sure where I’m from. My grandpa brought me up as a kid but he’s not actually related to me…”

“Ah…”

The corners of her lips twitched into a smile and she shrugged. It felt a lot better to be talking now that they were in speaking terms.

“What happened to your parents then?”

She shook her head and slid back into her seat, “I’m not sure.”

This time she had lied, but she didn’t feel like peeling off the scabs that covered her wounds. She didn’t want them fresh all over again. Standing up, she made her way to the window and quietly watched the raindrops and the dark swirling clouds up above. For a moment, she thought she saw that blonde woman again, but then a flash of lightning and thunder followed, and she was gone. Maybe she was just hallucinating… But the ambience was beautiful, though rather chilling. Eyeing the running water from the drain pipes, she felt both fear and a terrible fascination of what she just saw.

“What happened to your blonde friend?”

At first, Aretsuya was startled when she thought he asked about the blonde woman she had communed to through her mind, but heaved a sigh when she realized he only meant Viktoriya. She knew he was only trying his best to make conversation.

“I don’t know that either. Wasn’t she at the café?” But of course it’d be stupid to think that she was still there.

He smiled, and looked up at her. “So tell me more about yourself.”

It felt like he was asking about what she WAS rather than anything else, and she decided she’d just tell him to get it done and over with. “Look, I’m a prostitute. And I ran away. So they’re trying to get me back, and …”

She gave up, even though what she had said so far felt like a relief. She felt quite comfortable talking to him, like he wasn’t judging her. Or maybe she was just naïve.

“It’s okay. I’ll never tell them where you are.”

She gazed at him and felt the need to thank him in some way possible, for putting up with her after all she’d made him go through. Why was he being so understanding to something like her?

She walked over to him. Bending down, she hugged the man and nuzzled her face on his neck, ignoring the sudden jolt from his body, the quickened pulse and not to mention the damp smell of sweat. There seemed to be sparks running down her spine, and she didn’t just feel like holding him. He didn’t seem like the other men she had embraced. She was strangely comforted.

“Thank you for saving me…”

And she locked her lips onto his.

Thunder rumbled again and the thought of running away came back to her again, but everything seemed perfect now. She wished it’d stay frozen.

Aretsuya seemed lost at his question for a time. She merely looked at her nails and for a moment, Irtar was afraid she would close back up again. Irtar watched her carefully as for the longest time she just picked at her nails, in complete silence. Irtar was tempted to speak up a couple of times but really didn’t want to push the matter. After all, who was he to try and force the hand of conversation?

After some time and consideration, Irtar finally got the courage to ask if anything was wrong, when she gave him her response he was slightly floored for a moment. She never knew her family? Well, beyond some man that chose to raise her. The concept of never knowing your own family seemed foreign to the man who’s family was near and dear to his heart.

What would it have grown up without parents? Those who had long tended and cared for him? Or his siblings? Though they were annoying at times, he cared for them deeply and had many fond memories of them. What would happen if he had none of it? It would definitely had made his life easier as a Jedi. He wouldn’t have been driven away with his knowledge he would never be able to follow the code. There would always be emotion.

Or would it have made things worse?

Wasn’t the thing that held him from the darkness the morality his parents had instilled into him? Didn’t he come to the Jedi in the first place as to find a means to help support his family beyond just making a living on faming?

“What happened to your parents then?” Irtar hazarded the question. Was it an accident? Was it war? Or was she just simply abandoned? The thoughts began to batter his mind.

When she replied with nothing, Irtar couldn’t help but feel some modicum of pity for her. He knew he really shouldn’t. He knew we all walk different paths in life. But to miss out on something like a family….

“What happened to your blonde friend?” Irtar asked as the blonde woman from the café popped back into his mind. He had seen no sign of her after he and Aretsuya had started talking. Maybe she left when she noticed the pair talking? When Aretsuya replied with a lack of knowledge a pang hit at him. Had this woman just been a chance meeting between Aretsuya or a friend of hers? He decided to not seem interested in a whole other subject, and decided to keep pressing about this mysterious woman from Budpock.

“So tell me more about yourself.” Irtar said, forcing a smile as he put the subject back on track and hopefully to a more cheery setting than the one it had taken.

Boy was he wrong.

When she gave her response, for a moment Irtar was just frozen more or less in place. A prostitute on the run? Was she a run away slave? Irtar had never been a fan of the slave trade which was proliferated since the Empire got a hold of things. Nothing better for a slave trade than an institution that wrote off every race that wasn’t human as worthless.

“It’s okay. I’ll never tell them where you are.” Irtar said bluntly, just cutting straight to the point. No one deserved to have that kind of treatment forced on them.

But he never saw what was going to happen next. Suddenly, she was upon them and their lips were locked. His mind suddenly flashed to those holovids that when something major happens, it shows the little people in a person’s brain going insane as chaos took over. If those people were real, Irtar’s mind was doing that at that time. Irtar’s first reaction was to seize up, not knowing what to do. It was like getting struck by a high current. Your first instinct is to pull away, but your muscles have seized so you can’t. By the end, he had allowed himself to loosen up a bit. When Aretsuya pulled away, Irtar’s face had to be a brighter crimson than a rose.

“Irsa tej ga zak.” Irtar mumbled out incoherently, and suddenly just shook his head to try and clear his thoughts. “Erm… heh… well… uh….”

“You’re welcome?” Irtar forced out awkwardly. It was the first time he’d really been kissed by a girl and a number of thoughts ran through his head. Decency and the likes. Was it proper to have the girl in the room if they just met and she was interested in him like… that? A sudden clash came to his mind. Maybe it was just a single kiss for appreciation? That had to be it. She wouldn’t, she couldn’t, want anything beyond that. Or maybe her mind was just still feverish?

That had to be it.

“Well, you know…” Irtar scratched the back of his head nervously. “That, well, um, you’re pretty and all but there’s proper protocol and stuff. Like, back where I come from you didn’t kiss the girl on the first date and we’re not even dating. And, well, y’know. It’s just that… Well… tradition and convention and… and…”

Jedi were never taught how to deal with women.

Sliding down on the cold floor beside him, Aretsuya sighed and looked at his feet.

"Well."

His face was shining crimson and he seemed faltered by her kiss, and she certainly didn't mean for that to happen. Maybe to just return it like any other man would..?

But no. Irritated, Aretsuya clucked her tongue and decided she didn't want to waste anymore time embarrassing herself with the man. She stood up and she knew his eyes were watching her every movement, and being her rather emotional self, she huffed and walked towards the door.

"I need to go out for some time." And with that, she slipped out and made sure he noticed the disappointment in her strides. She climbed down the steps two at the time and rushed outside, the sound of rain filling her ears. Thunder rumbled again, and she could hear the echo of her footsteps in the empty hall. The walls were dirty and looked like it would fall any minute then, but she made her way outside.

The rain washed her face clean and she wondered what Irtar was thinking right now. Would he be running after her again? Her shirt was soaked with the rain water and she enjoyed the droplets running down her arms when…

Something told her she was not alone.

“Who’s there?” she croaked nervously, but there was no answer.

They’re after me again…

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]From behind a dark corner, Amara watched the rain soaked girl walk outside. She seemed so disappointed in something, but Amara could not sense what it was.

Aretsuya suddenly hesitated…

“Who’s there?” she yelled as her voice echoed along with the sound of the falling rain.

Amara waited to see if Aretsuya’s companion would emerge from the building…

Nothing.

It was the perfect opportunity Amara had been waiting for. Aretsuya was alone and she would take the chance that her Jedi friend would not interrupt.

She sensed Aretsuya’s thoughts…

They’re after me again…

Amara now walked out of the dark shadows she loved so much and began to walk openly in the rain. It would be the first time Aretsuya would get to truly see Amara…

Amara’s feet splashed in the puddles below as she slowly crept toward Aretsuya. Her hair had been soaked from endlessly standing in the rain waiting for this very moment. She wore what most Nightsisters wore, only a torn and tethered black top and short skirt of the same fashion. She had black boots and a belt which held only her lightsaber. Much of her body was exposed in the rain which made her skin glisten in the dim light.

“Nobody is after you my dear sister. In fact, you are quite safe with me” Amara said in a soothing voice.

Amara continued to slowly approach Aretsuya, as not to startle the woman, until she stood directly in front of her.

She looked up into the dark sky as the heavy rain continued to fall…

“A cool rain… soothing isn’t it my sister?” Amara said with a chuckle. Her eyes returned to Aretsuya’s; “Forgive me my sister, my name is Amara.”

Amara smiled; “You seem like you are in need of some company. There is a cantina a short distance up the road where there is food, drink, and music. Would you like to join me?” Amara asked as her head tilted slightly to the right.

Amara slowly ran her hand down from Aretsuya’s elbow to her hand that she then held…

“Come with me my sister” she said with a laugh as Amara tugged on Aretsuya's arm, persuading her to follow.


Yes…



Come with me my sister…
[/FONT]

The water now reached her shoes, which made her feel uncomfortable and rather put off as it seeped in, that familiar wetness on her skin. Lashing rain driven by harsh biting winds and thunder evoked a rather eccentric ambiance, as well as a woman tugging at her arm and urging her to come with her… but her sister?

Perturbed, she shrugged off the blonde woman’s grip of her and shrugged. It wouldn’t be a bad idea going to a cantina with someone who made her feel so comfortable. Just to get to know this woman, since she already persuaded her she’d only try and help. Besides, she felt downright mad at Irtar for not coming after her, so what would be a better idea than to run and give him a scare for a bit? Or maybe she was just delusional and he wouldn’t bother with a female who he’d just met and creepily got a kiss from.

Aretsuya considered the idea. Her going off with the blonde woman (though she barely even knew her, yet felt she did for quite some time) to some place far away, or maybe just somewhere that Irtar wouldn’t bother looking at, and then… well, for some enjoying herself with the rather seductive woman in front of her.

She smiled to herself and then looked at the woman.

“Well, why not, I guess. What did you say your name was?”

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Amara smiled…

“My name is Amara. Lets go, it’s not too far.”

Amara led Aretsuya up the road where the bright lights of the cantina flickered in the darkness of the night. The music could be heard outside along with loud voices which were obviously enjoying themselves.

Once inside, Amara and Aretsuya sat down in a small booth in the back of the cantina. She signaled for drinks to be brought to them…

“Drink as much as you like. We’re here to have a good time!” Amara said as she laughed.

The two were on their second round of drinks when the live band came out. Numerous cantina goers filled the dance floor as the late night festivities started.

“Come on!” Amara shouted as she pulled Aretsuya onto the dance floor.

The two danced and Aretsuya seemed to be enjoying herself until a fat blue Twi’Lek male who was smoking a cigarra came up from behind her demanding her to dance with him. Amara intervened as she moved her body up against Aretsuya’s and began playing with her hair…

“She is with me, now go before you regret it!” Amara said as she darkly gazed at the Twi’Lek who then retreated back to his small harem of Twi’Lek slave girls.

Amara then had a thought as she continued to hold Aretsuya close to her and the music slowed somewhat for the next song…

“Lets show that fat Twi’Lek slave what we think of him” Amara said as she moved behind Aretsuya. She moved her arms around Aretsuya’s waist and nestled her head next to Aretsuya’s so she could whisper into her ear, still keeping her body against hers…

“Watch the cigarra” Amara whispered into her ear.

Amara focused the spell of fire creation…

In an instant, the cigarra puffed into a large flame which startled the Twi’Lek who then threw down the cigarra to put it out.

Amara laughed loudly, hoping Aretsuya found the same enjoyment she did…

“Now look at him my sister, slaves never learn” she whispered as the Twi’Lek was reaching for another cigarra…

“You can do the same thing my sister. Reach out to the flame, focus yourself on it. This man insulted you. He wanted to hurt you. Feel that anger and focus it into the flame…”

Amara continued to hold Aretsuya close and waited to see if she could summon any of the power she possessed deep within her…[/FONT]

A few drinks later, Aretsuya was feeling a bit lightheaded and quite liberated, blissfully unaware of her drenched clothes and waterlogged shoes. Ignoring the fact that Irtar hadn’t really returned her kiss…

But… how did Amara do that?
Amara laughed, the sound bouncing off the walls and creating an eerie feel as the Twi’Lek shuffled around for another cigarra.

“Now look at him my sister. Slaves never learn.”

Aretsuya paused. Her imbibed ease dissipated into thin air. Flashes of men dragging her along a muddy ground and beating her into doing deeds she didn’t want to do crept back across her mind, blocking the happiness that was once there, however short lived. Thin lipped and arms crossed, she stepped closer, her mouth shut tight and refusing to inquire about how that incident had occurred.
“You can do the same thing my sister. Reach out to the flame, focus yourself on it. This man insulted you. He wanted to hurt you. Feel that anger and focus it into the flame…”
Aretsuya felt no anger. Just unease. First the man apparently trying to hurt her to addressing him as a slave; she couldn’t think properly. She tried to shake her head from these thoughts, but instead tripped a bit and steadied herself once more. She couldn’t, nay, wouldn’t think straight. Slave? What did she mean by that?
Her eyes squinted as the grip of the woman tightened around her arms. The clammy hands felt hard on her soft skin, and she shuddered at how Amara made the cigarra light up that way. How was it possible? Still, she tried to steady her mind and locked her eyes onto the man…

Slave…

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply…

That’s what you are. Just like that man. A worthless being, forced to do everyone else’s bidding.

Her lips quivered, and she tried to stand straight, falling and cushioned by Amaras chest.

Why are you doing this? Don’t listen to her!

Aretsuya let out a yelp and shook her off, reaching for the man in front of her. The man next to him looked on with inquiring eyes with pupils that suddenly dilated.

There was a crack and his glass shattered into a hundred glittering pieces, making its own orchestrated sharp music as it dropped onto his feet.

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Amara quickly helped Aretsuya steady herself then helped her off the dance floor. With her arms firmly around Aretsuya’s shoulders, she guided her back outside where the rain had slowed to a gentle mist…

“It’s ok my sister. I will help you” Amara said in a soothing voice.

The two made their way to the side ally of the cantina. Amara propped Aretsuya up against the ally wall as she gently rubbed her back…

“You must learn to control the voices in your mind my sister. Sit, rest yourself” Amara said as she guided Aretsuya to the ground. Amara then knelt down beside her and continued to try and calm her. “I did not come here to harm you. I have come here to show you how special you truly are. You possess the same inner powers I do which make us sisters Aretsuya.”

Amara rose to her feet and took a few steps away from Aretsuya…

“You no longer need to feel you are a slave to any of these people nor do you need to take orders from them!” Amara again knelt down in front of Aretsuya and gently put her hands on each side of her head. “You command your own destiny my sister, nobody can tell you where to go or what to do, not even me. What I can do is offer you something.”

Amara helped Aretsuya back to her feet…

“I am part of a sisterhood that you too can be a part of. I can take you to a place where you can be free, a place where you can learn to use the powers you possess deep within yourself.”

Amara stepped back and put her hands on her hips. The rain had gradually started to fall heavier and rain had once again soaked her hair…

“I cannot and will not force you to come with me my sister. It is your free choice to come with me if you so chose.” Amara smiled and continued; “I will be leaving back home to Lexia soon so you will need to make your decision quickly.”

Amara began to walk back towards to street. She stopped and looked back at Aretsuya…

“If you do want to come with me, I will be nearby.” Amara smiled; “I do hope you will come with me my sister.”

Amara turned and began to walk away.[/FONT]