Post by Night Angel on Aug 4, 2010 21:19:13 GMT -5
Warning:This story contains graphic violence, and suggestive text. Reader descretion is highly advised.
Prologue
“Keira bring me some of that bantha steak from the other night would you?” Commanded the cruel, and demented slave master of this innocent Echani girl, the child falling victim of his every selfish whim and as well frequent desires, things that led to a dark hatred of the man and ultimately to his demise at her hands. Her life had become a nightmare ever since her mother sold her at the age of five. Her master had done so many unthinkable things to her, but she had a plan.
“Get it yourself!” She yelled back intent on getting his attention. The man she’d met at the market earlier that day told her how to take care of her problems, how to make this man beg for his life. The irritated master lifted his body up and walked to the kitchen.
“You know Keira, if you ever want to do something with your life you’ll listen to me. Now I expect obedience from you, but now you’ll have to do something to make up for all of this.” He spoke as he began to unbutton
his jacket.
Keira was scared she didn’t know if she could do it, but she would either listen to the man’s words or once again suffer yet another painful indignity. “No! Never again..!” She yelled as she pushed her master back. Now thirteen she was much stronger than she was as a child. But the perverted man grabbed her ragged garments, tearing them from her chest.
Keira covered herself quickly then jumped into the air kicking him onto the tenderization platform in the kitchen. Typically used to soften any manner of meat before it was cooked, but this time it would be put to the test, to see if the kitchen would literally serve its master tonight. Keira ran around to her master’s neck pinching a nerve on the side that would render him unable to move. But this next event he would feel, just as he had always made her feel all the cruel things.
“K-Keira… What are you doing?” Her master questioned as his mind slowly filled with fear. “Just tell me what you want honey… It doesn’t have to end like this, so tell me what do you think huh? Let’s uh work something out. I mean come on you don’t have to kill me. We could really be something you know? Like an equal partnership or something, I mean I don’t look entirely all that bad do I..?” He panicked as Keira reached her free arm up to pull down the lever, the machine humming to life and slowly lowering down.
“Wrong answer…” She spoke coldly as she lowered down the machine until it had his body firmly pressed to the platform, even though he could move again now, it wouldn’t gain him anything. “Hey Keira seriously I’m begging you just let me get up, and I promise we’ll work something out. I mean you know I can’t let you go.” He pleaded franticly.
“What a pity, I might’ve actually considered letting you live, but I guess I can’t really do that either now can I..? Goodbye Len.” Keira said with utter disdain for the man, before pulling down the lever again. Stepping back to watch him thrashing around while the machine slowly tried to flatten his torso, she watched for as long as she could stand before he began choking on his blood. But that was too much; she couldn’t stand to watch any longer.
She left the room and fled the house only grabbing a blanket to cover herself, the hot sands of the Rylothian deserts burned her bare feet, and she fell curling up to the side her blue eyes filled with tears. She was in shock, disbelief even. Keira couldn’t believe that she’d killed someone. Little did she know he was still alive, the moment she left he pushed the lever up releasing its grip. He was badly injured and in terrible pain but he lived. Len even watched from the window as the slave girl he’d become obsessed with ran for her life and freedom.
The moment she hit the hot sand the same man who instructed her slowly came into view. “Well done child, you’ve freed yourself. I knew you would be worth my time. You just needed to see that you were strong enough. An Echani like you needed no heroes to save you. Come with me and I promise you not only unlimited strength, and power. But you will also have revenge on all those who have ever hurt you.” The man who helped her was a Sith Lord.
“Yes, my lord.” She spoke as her tears stopped flowing, she could feel the dark side filling her body, her skin slowly became gray, her silver hair losing its shine, but her eyes they remained the same. Their blue color was enough defiance to the race of silver eyed people she was born into.
Chapter 2
Dark Comfort
The Sith training was hard, but it kept her mind alert, and ready to face anything. She became a bloodthirsty killer. The best the Sith had at the time in fact. She had taken on two friends Ela Sest, and Arkanian girl she taught how to fight like an assassin, and a boy who seemed to become more, and more into her every day.
Zalen was a half Zabrack, and human boy. He was born into the Sith order. But saw Keira as the most amazing girl he’d ever seen, quickly falling in love with her. By the looks of things she was pretty into him too. But the story now continues when Keira turned sixteen.
“Hey Keira, thanks for the tips, I caught my sparring partner completely off guard.” Ela cheered as she ran over to her friend with a big hug. The pair had a lot in common in some ways they even looked alike to some extent. They both had gray hair, and skin. Only Ela had red eyes, which didn’t matter much most of the other students thought of them as sisters anyway.
“Yeah, I knew he would most people just expect straight forward one move attacks, not for someone to provoke a grab move just so that you can use it’s deadly counter.” Keira responded while she walked over to a table in the Cafeteria with Ela. Shortly after Zalen arrived with platters dispensing them out as needed, he planted a short kiss on Keira’s cheek before handing her the tray and sitting down beside her.
“So what did you do today Keira?” Zalen asked looking into her blue eyes. Something strange about Zalen was that somehow his skin was still peachy, while many of the students looked half dead. He seemed to be in pristine condition.
“I killed someone…” Keira said taking a tiny sip from her cup and set it down on the table.
“Really, Keira..? I mean usually the masters just want us to spar until one can’t go anymore. At least that’s how Lady Malafice works.” Ela was actually shocked especially to see that Keira was so calm about having ended a fellow student’s life.
“Well that’s not Lord Deimos. He was rather impressed with my creativity. The killing blow was a kick to the face sending him falling back where I quickly ran around him and placed a vibroblade underneath him. He fell right on the blade.” Keira’s voice was soft. But she didn’t seem at all disturbed.
“Yeah I’d call that a ten.” Zalen said quietly he didn’t even bother to think about it much as he began to stuff his face with the things he’d picked out for himself. Ela however couldn’t get that thought out of her head.
They all commenced eating their various meals while talking about their trials of the day. This as well was how they got through the experience it was the way they kept each other alive. Using the Sith training system against itself. Seeing as how they would all be split up for these events, thus they could inform each other of a possible mission or challenge and how best to get through it or what not to do.
After lunch Zalen pulled Keira aside in the hallway, to say the least they were alone. In all honesty Keira was nervous. “Zalen, we can’t keep doing this. Eventually the masters will find out, they’ll kill you.” Keira spoke trying to push back away from Zalen.
“Keira c’mon, they aren’t gonna find out about us. Besides I don’t care if they know anyway.” Zalen responded, he was intoxicated by Keira. Completely incapable of resisting her, no matter what it was, the way she moved in battle, or even when she spoke, everything she did called to him.
“Zalen you’re not thinking right, this has to stop. Besides every day I just get the feeling that you’re addicted to me. That won’t help either one of us in the long run. It was bad enough the last time there was a possessive guy in my life.” Keira then slowly backed up. “Seriously Zalen I think it’s best if we split up, this relationship can’t go on like this, so I should just say goodbye for both of us.”
“What..? You can’t leave me… I mean Keira what about all the things I’ve done for you, what we’ve gone through, and the things we’ve done. Am I supposed to just throw that away?” He asked feeling confusion with his girlfriend’s decision. How could she not want to be with him? He was about to get his answer.
“If you’ve got what it takes to be a real Sith… Yes. I’ve got what it takes… It’s over Zalen.” She said turning away from him and walking down the hall leaving Zalen behind, knowing it was for their betterment. Perhaps after they left the academy there on Korriban then they would be able to live their lives like they wanted to. But for now she would walk away, and continue her training.
“Ms. Nomi…” Spoke a voice from the shadow, a voice she recognized. “Yes, my Lord.” She replied shortly taking on the reputed noble Sith tone. “You’ve done very well, I have high expectations for you. When you graduate this academy you will be granted a fitting Sith name. Lady Seductra, to promote your uncanny ability to wrap men around your finger, I look to that day with great anticipation.” Continued the dark Lord known by the name Namorek, a rather shady shape shifter no one really knew much about him or what his real form was. Just that he could change his appearance, that and rumors that he ‘preferred’ his male students, Keira being the only exception.
“I have a mission for you my dear child, take Zalen, and Ela to Endor where you will face a Jedi Knight. Your friends will serve you well in this mission. But you must be prepared to sacrifice them if necessary, especially Zalen as his uses are… Limited, however Ela could prove to be an excellent companion should you continue to train her.” Namorek spoke out with his snake like tongue flaring out as it usually did, tasting the scents in the air. Rumors went around the academy that he was a Sith Alchemy experiment brought to life, the hybrid of an insect and reptilian creature.
“First thing in the morning sire…” With that she headed off to bed it’d be a long day when she awoke her hardest challenge to kill a Jedi Knight, lay ahead of her. But she couldn’t help but think of who this Jedi might be.
Chapter 3
Learning To Let Go
First thing that morning just as she promised Keira rounded up her two companions. Though Zalen’s biggest worry was over whether Keira was serious about breaking up with him. At this point Ela intervened.
“Look Zalen, you’re no good to Keira dead. Don’t do something stupid, do you really want to be the reason Keira couldn’t go on with her life? I mean it’s nice to feel like there’s a bit more to your life than simply killing, but rather someone who would do it with you, if you really have to then just consider the breakup temporary. I guess some guys just can’t take a hint.” Ela spoke rolling her eyes, she knew that Zalen wasn’t very smart but that just seemed like it was too much.
“Alright I get it now.” He said as he walked onto the ship trying to throw a hug around Keira who simply brushed him off coldly not even saying on word. She merely took her seat next to Ela again preventing Zalen from getting close. He just shrugged with his impatience he wasn’t used to this.
The pilot took off and within a few hours the trio arrived at the forest moon. They quickly moved on to their target Keira constantly struggling to avoid Zalen who just didn’t seem to get a grip on himself, but then she remembered what Namorek said about her. She was irresistible for most men of the Sith faction she drew them in like a siren.
With Ela’s help as an excellent huntress they were able to locate their target quickly. She jumped over the log they were hiding behind, sliding down the large slope. Ela was reluctant but Keira was after all their leader, she followed second, and Zalen brought up the rear as he usually did. “Hello boy, you’re the ticket to my promotion, so why don’t you just give up now? You self-righteous so called knight…” Keira taunted the man briefly.
“You fool! Did you really think they’d promote you for killing a knight? I’m no Knight, but a Master.” Spoke the young Jedi Master known as Lijo Navan. All of the sudden Keira felt a certain coldness rush up and down her spine, they’d been set up. She stood there frozen for a minute before she could finally move again.
Her saber ignited with a burst of red light, and low hum. “I’ll fight you none the less, if I’m worthy of my rank you’ll die here.” Keira said ready to fight whether or not she had the backup of her friends, they too prepared themselves to face the threat. If Keira thought they could handle it they would follow.
“You foolish child…” He spoke back, before sensing the connection she had to a particular student of the order. “Too bad your brother isn’t here, he might’ve liked to see what you’ve become for himself. Maybe he could stop worrying about you, and focus on his missions. Not to mention your father…” Master Navan taunted.
“Like I care, I doubt you even know either of them. But either way yeah it would’ve been nice, killing them would give me part of my revenge and give me my Sith title.” She lunged out furiously, how dare that master, trying to use Keira’s family against her. All he would be doing was seal his own doom by giving her more anger to use against him.
“Oh really..? I know nothing huh? Well the name’s Amiro, and Kenris Nomi come to mind all the same. In fact you have your father’s blue eyes Echani girl.” He said blocking her attack with his green lightsaber blade then turning around to counter and put her on the defense. Zalen charged but was pushed back by a large burst of energy that sent him flying hard into a large tree trunk. However Ela had been able to avoid being hit. She leapt to Keira’s side and the two began to fight the master, who hadn’t even begun sweating, while they were already gasping for air.
He grabbed Ela by the arm swinging her around and force pushing her into a rock where she was knocked out cold. “Looks like your friends aren’t really any use to you. Are you seriously sure that you can keep this up?” Navan asked doing his best to wear down on her mental state.
“Doesn’t really matter to me, they have their uses. Nothing you’d understand Jedi!” She shouted back as she crouched down opening her hand abruptly in an instant her hand sparked with blue energy blasting out toward her enemy.
The master held his hand out calmly gathering the lightning energy into a ball in his palm, Keira halted the electric assault realizing she’d done nothing to help her situation. “So Echani girl, what do you see in your future with this battle? Death… Or something else?” He taunted again. Throwing the energy ball at her, Keira jumped over but it gained her nothing, the master gripped her body with the force swinging her into a nearby tree. “Will you give up now? Or will I have to pound you some more?” He questioned as he walked up to her.
Keira turned around to face him right in front of her, she looked him directly in the face spitting at his face. He responded with a single punch enhanced by a force push knocking her one again into the tree this time piercing into its bark. She grimaced with the pain as she fell back to the ground. Zalen got up running behind the master only to have him swing around slicing through his left arm and get pushed back again this time landing beside Ela, who was unable to do anything but watch as she’d fractured her arms when she hit the rock.
“Just run Keira! Leave! You can come back for us.” Ela shouted to her friend it was all she could do.
But Keira didn’t have the energy. She simply stood up before speaking. “If I let you take me will you leave them alone?” She asked prepared to give herself up if only just for a moment.
“Keira no..! Don’t you dare offer yourself up like that..!” Zalen struggled through the pain. But Keira just ignored her friend’s demands. Keira knew that if he wanted anyone it’d be her, not Zalen or Ela.
“Alright, but I expect you behave girl or trust me you’ll be in a lot more pain then you are now.” Keira kneeled down before the man, she didn’t bother to say anything she just moved her neck to the side revealing her nerve endings. Navan in turn gently pinched them sending Keira’s body into a limp state. He then carried her away to the shuttle the next time she’d awake would be on temple grounds.
Chapter 4
To Heal A Broken Heart
Keira’s eyes slowly opened up to see two beings standing by her. One was a Cathar she would later come to know better. His fur was brown except for the area around his mouth which was covered in white, he was one of his more uncommon parts of the species, as he possessed the head of a lion rather than looking more human with a feline nose, though his paws were more like human hands. The other was Echani like her, silvery white hair left to grow long on one side of his head, and a skinny strong frame.
The Cathar’s tail waved back and forth anxiously he was there accompanying his acquaintance. Seeing as how if Keira decided to fight they would have a hard time subduing her with just one person, especially if that ‘one,’ were to be anything less than a master. “Keira..? Are you alright?” asked the concerned and somewhat familiar voice, but she was still in a daze and could barely make out any distinctions.
Finally she came to full coherence, and recoiled pulling her hand from the Echani boy. “Where am I..?” She asked briefly before she remembered giving herself up to the master. “Oh right… I’m in your cursed Jedi temple no doubt.” Keira said rolling her eyes for a moment, the Cather growled a few curses in Catharesse, his home world’s language. Keira blinked momentarily, and she decided it best not to upset the cat man. He was big and looked very strong, she knew his species well though his race was going extinct, they were still a very formidable foe in hand to hand combat.
“Don’t worry Keira you’re safe now.” The boy spoke throwing his arms around his sister. He was so excited he hadn’t seen her in years, finally after all that time searching her knew where his sister was, and this time she would be safe from harm.
“What..? Kenris…” Keira responded she was confused, according to what the Sith Lord said he should hate her. “Kenris I’m confused Namo- I mean my master told me that you hated me, that I was always too weak… Just like mom always said.” Keira responded knowing that there’d be hell to pay if she revealed the name of the Sith Lord of the Korriban Academy.
“Keira, if that were really true, then why would I try to be nice to you? I mean, who brought you food when mom told me not to..? I even took several beatings from her just because I defended you. I always loved you Keira, you’re my sister remember? Not to mention Dad just hasn’t been the same since you were gone.” Kenris spoke calmly as tears of joy began to stream down his face he was filled with mixed emotions. Anger, sadness, happiness, and excitement all at once, but mostly gratitude of knowing his sister would be safe from now on under his protection. He was furious with their mother because of her Keira had become a Sith, he was angry over the way she’d treated her, even selling her into slavery.
Keira herself was brought to tears she had been brought to the realization that she’d been manipulated. Namorek didn’t care about her freedom he wanted her power, and nothing more. So she embraced her brother for the first time in eleven years.
Just then Master Navan walked through the door, “If you’re ready Keira, I have permission to train you now. I know it’ll be hard to erase the damage that the Sith did to you, but well… All we can do is try even if I can’t guarantee success, all that depends on you. So are you ready?”
“I guess so,” She responded back not exactly sure how she was going to pull this off. Master Navan took her out of her bed, and though she was still a bit sore from the battle she was recovering fast. He instructed her to meditate and remember her traumatic moments. They would focus on them together one by one eliminating them. This process was long and arduous mostly for Keira’s stubbornness. Adding in the fact that she hadn’t yet grown to trust her master yet, these issues made dealing with her problems hard. But more than a master she needed a friend, someone like Ela, Keira however would find a friend in a place she’d least expect it.
Chapter 5
Cat’s Make good Company
As Keira left the Meditation chamber she passed another master who wore a cloak over his head. He stepped into the room with Master Navan. “That was her? She’s grown so beautiful.” He asked taking the hood off. His hair was white, his eyes blue. Amiro and his daughter where two of a kind in their race.
“The council has forbidden that you two make contact until her healing process has been completed. The first thing she’d do is try to kill you. With all the hate she has for you and your wife it’d be very foolhardy.” Lijo Navan was very aware of how his old friend must have felt, but they had to respect the will of the council.
“I need to see my daughter. Hold her in my arms, give her comfort.” Amiro’s deep voice continued. “Please Lijo, if anyone could turn her don’t you think it would be me?” Amiro spoke with a father’s broken heart, and from years of experience. He was indeed very talented, but in this case it was more of a risk to let him handle this situation. After all who’s to say that his daughter wouldn’t end up turning him to the dark side with her tales of misery?
“In time old friend, I promise. But for now she needs time. Her brother was lucky she didn’t immediately try to kill him. Soon you too will be able to catch up. Besides you need to prepare yourself to face the consequences of what happened since she was sent away.”
“Very well…” Amiro said clenching his fist. Then slowly the rough edges on his etched face once again relaxed as he calmed himself then left the meditation chamber.
Keira sat on the edge of the training room while the other students fought, and sparred together it was in moments like this that made Keira feel alienated, none of the other students ever wanted to have anything to do with her, they were always scared. Everyone just chastised her about her previous allegiance to the Sith.
“So looks like it’s just us then.” Shaniro spoke, waving his tail back and forth. He and Keira were the last two students in the training hall who hadn’t paired up. “Shall we spar Echani girl?” The Catharian warrior cat spoke in his usual deep tone for galactic basic.
“Yeah I suppose it is. But are you sure you want to spar with me? I mean me being a Sith doesn’t scare you?” She asked before she blushed for a slight moment as her mind wandered over the Echani courting etiquette. According to her tradition he did nothing less than ask her out.
“No, it does not disturb me, you’re a person like everyone else, and your past means nothing to me only your future is important.” He spoke before introducing himself. “My name is Shaniro, I assume you’re Keira as your brother implied?” He asked before looking down to see her blushing. “Did I say something wrong?” Shaniro questioned tilting his head to the side.
“Well that’s nice.” She responded trying holding her hands together, and twisting a bit to hide the slight redness in her complexion, usually her gray skin covered it well but her flesh had recently begun to slowly change back to its natural color. “Yes my name is Keira, and no, not really, you didn’t say anything, wrong… Just that with us Echani girls asking us to fight could… Well mean something.” Keira said figuring that she might as well be honest to say the least. Asking an Echani to fight was the equivalent of going out on a date for many other species.
“Perhaps it might to the Cathar as well.” He said with a smile trying to help make her feel a little more comfortable. Keira just smiled at his welcoming gesture. “This is how my people bond.” He continued before closing his eyes briefly preparing for the battle. Keira began her attack, and the pair went back and forth attacking, and defending. The two continued on like this for a few weeks when Shaniro started to notice some changes. The only thing he knew to do was to seek out help and council from someone.
“You have a problem Shaniro?” asked Master Navan as he meditated in a quiet chamber, many of the chairs in the room floating around him with any other various objects.
Shanrio walked up slowly before sitting down on his knees. “Yes, it’s this girl Keira, we’ve been spending time together and something seems to be happening. Our movements are harmonizing we synchronize during our sparring matches.” In all truth they seemed to dance more than duel.
“It’s Keira, her skills are growing, and as well when Echani get close to someone they can often do this. You’re helping her turn to the light side, ever since she’s been spending her time with you she has been less resistant to let go of her problems. I wouldn’t worry about it, just follow your instincts she just might be able to teach you a few things too. Just remember to take the chance when it is offered…” Spoke the master as all the objects slowly lowered and settled down on the floor.
Shaniro listened to Navan as he imparted of his wisdom, but then he spoke of an opportunity this was confusing as all Jedi riddles were. He however rather than question the master any further simply left the room as Keira walked in smiling at Shaniro before walking in and sitting down so she could continue her personal training.
She still had one more strong issue to overcome, forgiving her parents, but most importantly herself. Shaniro left the two alone as he pondered what Navan said to him. “Keira, you have one all important issue that remains, it is the root of your problems perhaps now we might be able to dismantle it allowing you to fully heal.” Navan spoke to his student while she sat down.
“You and I both know that’s useless there’s no way in hell I’d forgive them. They’ve done way too much to me, it’s their fault that all of this has happened.” Keira responded back quickly she wasn’t even gonna stick around for this it just wasn’t worth it. She stood up and walked out as quickly as she’d arrived.
Master Navan simply remained in place knelt down on his cushion rubbing his hand on his forehead. Perhaps he was expecting too much too soon, after all Keira only had two months in the academy there was no way she could let go of everything so quickly.
Keira ran out of the room quickly running right into Shaniro, who was obviously concerned with his friend’s current condition. “What’s wrong Keira? You sure hurried out of that session.” Keira just broke down and wrapped her arms around Shaniro, he in turn did the same. Keira liked the feeling of comfort it gave her to feel Shaniro’s warm furry arms around her.
“I just need some time away from all this. There’s just too much going on right now. I want to stop hating them, but it’s just too hard, it hurts too much.” Keira quietly cried while burying her head in Shanrio’s chest.
“Well I’ve got to go on a mission to Hoth, to check out the validity of some anonymous tips of smuggler activity. Perhaps you’d like to join me?” The kind hearted cat offered technically padawans weren’t supposed to go on missions alone this would give the Cathar Jedi the advantage of an excuse, seeing as how he was previously allowed due to his heritage.
Chapter 6
To Thaw My Frozen Heart
After acquiring the proper permissions to bring Keira along the two immediately took a shuttle to the icy planet known as Hoth. Keira wore a fluffy jacket and boots with insolating pants to keep her body from freezing. Shaniro however needed no such thing, he wore his normal clothing, his one battle-suit. His fur was thick enough to protect him from anything but rain.
“Well, looks like we’re here. Are you sure you don’t want to put on a coat or something?” Keira asked trying to reason with her stubborn friend who had no interest in adding any more items of clothing.
“For the last time Keira… My fur coat protects me from the cold.” Shaniro was really starting to get irritated with everything Keira was constantly saying to him about the harsh Hoth weather. Sure if there ever came a time that it was too much he would wear something but until that moment he would dress as he pleased.
“Don’t complain to me when you start freezing then.” She responded before turning her attention to the business at hand. “Well let’s head out then, and see if we can round up some smugglers.” Keira said quickly she was ready to get under way, but if only she knew what surprise lay ahead for her.
The two sensed their way around trying to find traces of the illegal activity that was reported in the area. They came up short but eventually stumbled upon a cave. Obviously the only logical thing to do was to check inside. “We better make this fast it’s getting dark, and the temperature will drop even further than your capacity to keep yourself warm.” Shaniro thoughtfully stated knowing very well the limits of Keira’s body and protective gear.
“Agreed…” She stated shortly before noticing that up above hung dozens large icicles. “Umm, I think we should get moving before one or more of those things fall they look a bit unstable.” Keira was more worried about them it was possible to avoid the cold if they get back to the ship in time, but one of those things could easily impale them.
“Well, let’s go then.” He said taking a few steps before several of them began to fall. “Keira run..!” He shouted. They were already too far into the cave to head out they could only go deeper until the cave was strong enough to resist the domino effect of falling ice.
“Great now we’re buried. To say the least we won’t freeze to death that quickly here.” Keira said pulling a small heat emitter out of her pack. It would hold up for a while but it would need to charge sooner or later, which meant either they find their way out or Keira would freeze to death.
“Don’t worry about me I’ll be fine so long as my fur stays dry. It’s you we need to worry about.” Shaniro said putting his paws on Keira’s shoulders. A very concerned look took hold of his face. “You know that heater’s power cell won’t last forever. Then what..?” Shaniro asked staring Keira right in the eyes.
“Then you’ll just have to keep me warm.” Keira said looking back up at the Catharian man. The statement was simple and came so quickly. But when she saw her companion’s look change rapidly from concern to surprise, she couldn’t help but ask why? “What? You said your fur could keep you warm right? So shouldn’t you be able to keep me warm enough.”
“I suppose so, theoretically it works out, but ethically are you alright with that? I would have to completely cover you with my body.” Shaniro had a genuine concern for Keira’s feelings this was something Keira had never seen in the opposite sex before.
“Well…” She thought for a moment. How close would this be? Would she feel the skin beneath his fur? Would it even be so bad to do so? For the first time Keira wasn’t sure what to expect. Shaniro was a kind man with nothing but good in his heart, but even then could she trust him with this? Keira knew that her body was irresistibly alluring to almost any man. But could it be that Shaniro would be the first person she could truly trust with being that close? “Alright, it seems I have no choice. Just promise me one thing, by being this close I’m surrendering myself to you, don’t take advantage of that.” At the same time Keira was driven to curiosity. What would Shaniro’s skin feel like? Would being that close to him scare her? OR was it just the thought of being that close to a man?
“I promise Keira, I will not do anything you are uncomfortable with. You’re like a white rose, I’d never want to stain your beauty.” The cat man wasn’t often very poetic but before he’d never had a reason. This still didn’t change that for Keira this was a first, Shaniro was never like this.
“Wait hold on, what did you just say? You think I’m pretty..?” Keira was definitely flattered even if Shaniro was only near humanoid. However he wasn’t bad looking at all his fur covered a well-toned body in excellent shape. Sure it would be weird to have a couple of this type but there had been worse parings. Hutts for example enslaved many different species and one could only guess what they did.
“Yes Keira, is that a problem?” The cat man was bold anyone had to agree nothing could refute that. But did this change anything? Only Keira could answer that, though the answer itself would probably be surprising.
“Well, no. Not really. It’s just that well… There’s this guy waiting for me back on Korriban. He’s alright, just not the type you’d really consider husband material. He’s more like the one night stand who forgot the meaning of one night.” Keira said describing her old boyfriend, Zalen wasn’t even charming, thinking back on it Keira wondered why she’d ever hooked up with the half Zabrack anyway.
“Not every man is like that. You just haven’t met the right one yet.” Shaniro’s explanation was a simple one. It did make sense though. Keira would be very short sighted to think that all men were the same when they crossed so many species and planets. Different experiences breed different circumstances and behaviors.
“And Maybe I’ve already met the right one and just don’t know it yet.” Keira said back making an implication at the Cathar’s possible motive for this entire conversation. “Shaniro, you already know what you have to do if you want something with me. So why don’t you just come out and say what you’re thinking?” Keira’s voice migrated to a more aggressive and impatient feel.
“Alright then Keira, I think you’re a very strong and impressive young woman. I also think you’re very beautiful. However you’re wrong to assume that I think of myself as anything more than a friend to you. If you ever want me in such a way I trust you’ll tell me. I was only stating that all men aren’t the same, yes I’m an example of that. Just don’t think that’s some proof of me coming on to you.” Shaniro responded in a manner that very much resembled Keira’s tone.
“Ok I get it. Just wanted to make sure that’s all. You seem really nice, I just don’t want to end up in the same situation like before. Truth is I need someone I can rely on. Maybe that is you but I don’t know that yet.” The moment Keira stopped talking both of them heard a clicking noise. They looked over and frowned to see that the heat emitter had shut down obviously it didn’t have a very strong or charged power cell. “We’ve got to get out of here!” She shouted and stood by the collapsed entryway to the cave. She charged one blast after the other of force energy trying to push her way out of the cave. She was strong but it did no good, she could only pack the snow and ice even tighter.
“No Keira stop…” Shaniro said looking up at the overhanging cave ceiling. “You could make more of the cave collapse.” Whatever pleas he made were useless, Keira was intent on getting out. That was until a big shard of ice fell from above.
Shaniro jumped in over to Keira grabbing on to her body sending them rolling deeper into the cave. “Be careful Keira you need to keep a clear focus. We will ignite our lightsabers, and explore the cave. We still have a few hours before the temperature sinks too low for your body.” He was right perhaps there was another way out.
“Alright I’ll go with you.” She said getting up off the cold cave floor. They wouldn’t have much time to explore before the temperature dropped. Night on this planet was just a few hours away and though the planet was always frostbitten the night was lethal and capable of freezing a humanoid caught out in the open to death in under two minutes.
Shaniro and Keira walked deeper into the cave using their sabers to light the way for them as they delved further. This planet was not very well known as many researchers and adventurers would go missing. So easily it could be said that neither one of them knew exactly what to expect. In caves these caves they could run into anything. The last thing they wanted to find was a roost of wampaas. Those big white furry beasts survived by eating the flesh of any unfortunate being who wandered into their caves. They were also known for being indiscriminate about the kind of meat they would eat. The only requisite was that it was indeed flesh.
But after about an hour of looking through the cave the temperature was too low to go on any further. Keira couldn’t stop shivering. It was just way too cold. “I think we should stop here and get some rest Keira. When the temperature rises again tomorrow morning we can get going.” Shaniro stood right beside Keira deactivating his saber Shaniro opened his arms to welcome Keira into the warmth of his fur.
“I…” Keira stuttered, her hand slowly reached forward and her hand retracted a bit as she felt the first little sensation of his soft fur. She couldn’t help but hesitate, Keira never wanted to remember what happened the last time she’d been close to a man. Now it was trust or die.
Shaniro wasn’t ready to allow Keira to freeze to death. Apparently on her own she couldn’t make the leap. So his arms came down gently around Keira’s body and pulled her into his embrace. Keira felt tears well up in her eyes as the skin of her fingers met his. Under all of that fur Shaniro had a body not too different from that of a human’s. Only his skin was so much softer than that of Zalen or Len. “You have nothing to fear from me Keira.” Shaniro whispered to her as he lay himself down on the snowy cave floor with Keira in his arms.
Keira’s heart pounded wildly. Her mind ran in a million different directions. But as Shaniro caringly wiped the tears from her face she came to the realization that this man’s softness came from his inner purity. Shaniro would never do her any harm. So she let her head gently rest against the Cathar’s chest. Finally a man Keira could trust, utterly, and completely.
Chapter 7
A Spark of Light
The next morning Keira woke up quietly undisturbed. Shaniro true to his word had done nothing to her other than provide her with life-saving heat. However for some reason even though it was now warm enough for Keira to depart from the Cathar, she felt no need to. No urge to break away, she did nothing but lay still and listen to the sound of his beating heart.
Shaniro wasn’t much of a snorer as someone would probably imagine the large cat was a sort of quiet sleeper apparently. However the slightest movement from Keira’s fingers running gently through his fur brought Shaniro into the conscious realm. “Did you sleep well Keira? I’m honestly surprised you’re still…” Finding the right word to use was a bit difficult for him since he was trying to be nice instead of rubbing it in. “Well, laying on me…” Sure, maybe this wasn’t the best way to say it, but Shaniro couldn’t really think of any other way to do so.
Keira’s face shot red instantly as she thought about it. “Sorry, I’ve just never been in this kind of situation. But I have to ask you something. Why Shaniro? You had me right here all night, I’ve been told so many times how I’m so beautiful that it’s a curse. You’re so much stronger than me it would have been easy for you. So why not?” Obviously Keira was confused. Every other guy Keira had ever spent any prolonged time with eventually fell under her spell.
“Keira…” Shaniro began as he sat up holding tightly to Keira’s body. “Your beauty borderlines divinity and that is just one reason for which I want to protect you. You are not an object to be owned or possessed, rather a magnificent being to be showered with adoration.” Shaniro had no idea what kind of impact the words that had just left his mouth would have on Keira. But none the less he was about to find out.
“Shaniro, do you have any idea what you’re saying to me?” Keira’s heart was racing the thought of someone who’d always be there to protect her was such a wondrous thought; it even brought tears to her eyes.
“I, love you very dearly as a friend. I’ve never had a companion I could get this close to.” Shaniro himself didn’t want to admit it. But he did feel a bit more there than he was actually voicing.
“I think there’s a lot more than that.” Keira spoke lifting her hand up to caress the side of Shaniro’s face. “Such a vow to always fight for someone is not something of friendship among my people. You love me, don’t you?” This was a hard question for someone like him to answer, especially in an honest manner.
I'll post more once I've written it.
Prologue
“Keira bring me some of that bantha steak from the other night would you?” Commanded the cruel, and demented slave master of this innocent Echani girl, the child falling victim of his every selfish whim and as well frequent desires, things that led to a dark hatred of the man and ultimately to his demise at her hands. Her life had become a nightmare ever since her mother sold her at the age of five. Her master had done so many unthinkable things to her, but she had a plan.
“Get it yourself!” She yelled back intent on getting his attention. The man she’d met at the market earlier that day told her how to take care of her problems, how to make this man beg for his life. The irritated master lifted his body up and walked to the kitchen.
“You know Keira, if you ever want to do something with your life you’ll listen to me. Now I expect obedience from you, but now you’ll have to do something to make up for all of this.” He spoke as he began to unbutton
his jacket.
Keira was scared she didn’t know if she could do it, but she would either listen to the man’s words or once again suffer yet another painful indignity. “No! Never again..!” She yelled as she pushed her master back. Now thirteen she was much stronger than she was as a child. But the perverted man grabbed her ragged garments, tearing them from her chest.
Keira covered herself quickly then jumped into the air kicking him onto the tenderization platform in the kitchen. Typically used to soften any manner of meat before it was cooked, but this time it would be put to the test, to see if the kitchen would literally serve its master tonight. Keira ran around to her master’s neck pinching a nerve on the side that would render him unable to move. But this next event he would feel, just as he had always made her feel all the cruel things.
“K-Keira… What are you doing?” Her master questioned as his mind slowly filled with fear. “Just tell me what you want honey… It doesn’t have to end like this, so tell me what do you think huh? Let’s uh work something out. I mean come on you don’t have to kill me. We could really be something you know? Like an equal partnership or something, I mean I don’t look entirely all that bad do I..?” He panicked as Keira reached her free arm up to pull down the lever, the machine humming to life and slowly lowering down.
“Wrong answer…” She spoke coldly as she lowered down the machine until it had his body firmly pressed to the platform, even though he could move again now, it wouldn’t gain him anything. “Hey Keira seriously I’m begging you just let me get up, and I promise we’ll work something out. I mean you know I can’t let you go.” He pleaded franticly.
“What a pity, I might’ve actually considered letting you live, but I guess I can’t really do that either now can I..? Goodbye Len.” Keira said with utter disdain for the man, before pulling down the lever again. Stepping back to watch him thrashing around while the machine slowly tried to flatten his torso, she watched for as long as she could stand before he began choking on his blood. But that was too much; she couldn’t stand to watch any longer.
She left the room and fled the house only grabbing a blanket to cover herself, the hot sands of the Rylothian deserts burned her bare feet, and she fell curling up to the side her blue eyes filled with tears. She was in shock, disbelief even. Keira couldn’t believe that she’d killed someone. Little did she know he was still alive, the moment she left he pushed the lever up releasing its grip. He was badly injured and in terrible pain but he lived. Len even watched from the window as the slave girl he’d become obsessed with ran for her life and freedom.
The moment she hit the hot sand the same man who instructed her slowly came into view. “Well done child, you’ve freed yourself. I knew you would be worth my time. You just needed to see that you were strong enough. An Echani like you needed no heroes to save you. Come with me and I promise you not only unlimited strength, and power. But you will also have revenge on all those who have ever hurt you.” The man who helped her was a Sith Lord.
“Yes, my lord.” She spoke as her tears stopped flowing, she could feel the dark side filling her body, her skin slowly became gray, her silver hair losing its shine, but her eyes they remained the same. Their blue color was enough defiance to the race of silver eyed people she was born into.
Chapter 2
Dark Comfort
The Sith training was hard, but it kept her mind alert, and ready to face anything. She became a bloodthirsty killer. The best the Sith had at the time in fact. She had taken on two friends Ela Sest, and Arkanian girl she taught how to fight like an assassin, and a boy who seemed to become more, and more into her every day.
Zalen was a half Zabrack, and human boy. He was born into the Sith order. But saw Keira as the most amazing girl he’d ever seen, quickly falling in love with her. By the looks of things she was pretty into him too. But the story now continues when Keira turned sixteen.
“Hey Keira, thanks for the tips, I caught my sparring partner completely off guard.” Ela cheered as she ran over to her friend with a big hug. The pair had a lot in common in some ways they even looked alike to some extent. They both had gray hair, and skin. Only Ela had red eyes, which didn’t matter much most of the other students thought of them as sisters anyway.
“Yeah, I knew he would most people just expect straight forward one move attacks, not for someone to provoke a grab move just so that you can use it’s deadly counter.” Keira responded while she walked over to a table in the Cafeteria with Ela. Shortly after Zalen arrived with platters dispensing them out as needed, he planted a short kiss on Keira’s cheek before handing her the tray and sitting down beside her.
“So what did you do today Keira?” Zalen asked looking into her blue eyes. Something strange about Zalen was that somehow his skin was still peachy, while many of the students looked half dead. He seemed to be in pristine condition.
“I killed someone…” Keira said taking a tiny sip from her cup and set it down on the table.
“Really, Keira..? I mean usually the masters just want us to spar until one can’t go anymore. At least that’s how Lady Malafice works.” Ela was actually shocked especially to see that Keira was so calm about having ended a fellow student’s life.
“Well that’s not Lord Deimos. He was rather impressed with my creativity. The killing blow was a kick to the face sending him falling back where I quickly ran around him and placed a vibroblade underneath him. He fell right on the blade.” Keira’s voice was soft. But she didn’t seem at all disturbed.
“Yeah I’d call that a ten.” Zalen said quietly he didn’t even bother to think about it much as he began to stuff his face with the things he’d picked out for himself. Ela however couldn’t get that thought out of her head.
They all commenced eating their various meals while talking about their trials of the day. This as well was how they got through the experience it was the way they kept each other alive. Using the Sith training system against itself. Seeing as how they would all be split up for these events, thus they could inform each other of a possible mission or challenge and how best to get through it or what not to do.
After lunch Zalen pulled Keira aside in the hallway, to say the least they were alone. In all honesty Keira was nervous. “Zalen, we can’t keep doing this. Eventually the masters will find out, they’ll kill you.” Keira spoke trying to push back away from Zalen.
“Keira c’mon, they aren’t gonna find out about us. Besides I don’t care if they know anyway.” Zalen responded, he was intoxicated by Keira. Completely incapable of resisting her, no matter what it was, the way she moved in battle, or even when she spoke, everything she did called to him.
“Zalen you’re not thinking right, this has to stop. Besides every day I just get the feeling that you’re addicted to me. That won’t help either one of us in the long run. It was bad enough the last time there was a possessive guy in my life.” Keira then slowly backed up. “Seriously Zalen I think it’s best if we split up, this relationship can’t go on like this, so I should just say goodbye for both of us.”
“What..? You can’t leave me… I mean Keira what about all the things I’ve done for you, what we’ve gone through, and the things we’ve done. Am I supposed to just throw that away?” He asked feeling confusion with his girlfriend’s decision. How could she not want to be with him? He was about to get his answer.
“If you’ve got what it takes to be a real Sith… Yes. I’ve got what it takes… It’s over Zalen.” She said turning away from him and walking down the hall leaving Zalen behind, knowing it was for their betterment. Perhaps after they left the academy there on Korriban then they would be able to live their lives like they wanted to. But for now she would walk away, and continue her training.
“Ms. Nomi…” Spoke a voice from the shadow, a voice she recognized. “Yes, my Lord.” She replied shortly taking on the reputed noble Sith tone. “You’ve done very well, I have high expectations for you. When you graduate this academy you will be granted a fitting Sith name. Lady Seductra, to promote your uncanny ability to wrap men around your finger, I look to that day with great anticipation.” Continued the dark Lord known by the name Namorek, a rather shady shape shifter no one really knew much about him or what his real form was. Just that he could change his appearance, that and rumors that he ‘preferred’ his male students, Keira being the only exception.
“I have a mission for you my dear child, take Zalen, and Ela to Endor where you will face a Jedi Knight. Your friends will serve you well in this mission. But you must be prepared to sacrifice them if necessary, especially Zalen as his uses are… Limited, however Ela could prove to be an excellent companion should you continue to train her.” Namorek spoke out with his snake like tongue flaring out as it usually did, tasting the scents in the air. Rumors went around the academy that he was a Sith Alchemy experiment brought to life, the hybrid of an insect and reptilian creature.
“First thing in the morning sire…” With that she headed off to bed it’d be a long day when she awoke her hardest challenge to kill a Jedi Knight, lay ahead of her. But she couldn’t help but think of who this Jedi might be.
Chapter 3
Learning To Let Go
First thing that morning just as she promised Keira rounded up her two companions. Though Zalen’s biggest worry was over whether Keira was serious about breaking up with him. At this point Ela intervened.
“Look Zalen, you’re no good to Keira dead. Don’t do something stupid, do you really want to be the reason Keira couldn’t go on with her life? I mean it’s nice to feel like there’s a bit more to your life than simply killing, but rather someone who would do it with you, if you really have to then just consider the breakup temporary. I guess some guys just can’t take a hint.” Ela spoke rolling her eyes, she knew that Zalen wasn’t very smart but that just seemed like it was too much.
“Alright I get it now.” He said as he walked onto the ship trying to throw a hug around Keira who simply brushed him off coldly not even saying on word. She merely took her seat next to Ela again preventing Zalen from getting close. He just shrugged with his impatience he wasn’t used to this.
The pilot took off and within a few hours the trio arrived at the forest moon. They quickly moved on to their target Keira constantly struggling to avoid Zalen who just didn’t seem to get a grip on himself, but then she remembered what Namorek said about her. She was irresistible for most men of the Sith faction she drew them in like a siren.
With Ela’s help as an excellent huntress they were able to locate their target quickly. She jumped over the log they were hiding behind, sliding down the large slope. Ela was reluctant but Keira was after all their leader, she followed second, and Zalen brought up the rear as he usually did. “Hello boy, you’re the ticket to my promotion, so why don’t you just give up now? You self-righteous so called knight…” Keira taunted the man briefly.
“You fool! Did you really think they’d promote you for killing a knight? I’m no Knight, but a Master.” Spoke the young Jedi Master known as Lijo Navan. All of the sudden Keira felt a certain coldness rush up and down her spine, they’d been set up. She stood there frozen for a minute before she could finally move again.
Her saber ignited with a burst of red light, and low hum. “I’ll fight you none the less, if I’m worthy of my rank you’ll die here.” Keira said ready to fight whether or not she had the backup of her friends, they too prepared themselves to face the threat. If Keira thought they could handle it they would follow.
“You foolish child…” He spoke back, before sensing the connection she had to a particular student of the order. “Too bad your brother isn’t here, he might’ve liked to see what you’ve become for himself. Maybe he could stop worrying about you, and focus on his missions. Not to mention your father…” Master Navan taunted.
“Like I care, I doubt you even know either of them. But either way yeah it would’ve been nice, killing them would give me part of my revenge and give me my Sith title.” She lunged out furiously, how dare that master, trying to use Keira’s family against her. All he would be doing was seal his own doom by giving her more anger to use against him.
“Oh really..? I know nothing huh? Well the name’s Amiro, and Kenris Nomi come to mind all the same. In fact you have your father’s blue eyes Echani girl.” He said blocking her attack with his green lightsaber blade then turning around to counter and put her on the defense. Zalen charged but was pushed back by a large burst of energy that sent him flying hard into a large tree trunk. However Ela had been able to avoid being hit. She leapt to Keira’s side and the two began to fight the master, who hadn’t even begun sweating, while they were already gasping for air.
He grabbed Ela by the arm swinging her around and force pushing her into a rock where she was knocked out cold. “Looks like your friends aren’t really any use to you. Are you seriously sure that you can keep this up?” Navan asked doing his best to wear down on her mental state.
“Doesn’t really matter to me, they have their uses. Nothing you’d understand Jedi!” She shouted back as she crouched down opening her hand abruptly in an instant her hand sparked with blue energy blasting out toward her enemy.
The master held his hand out calmly gathering the lightning energy into a ball in his palm, Keira halted the electric assault realizing she’d done nothing to help her situation. “So Echani girl, what do you see in your future with this battle? Death… Or something else?” He taunted again. Throwing the energy ball at her, Keira jumped over but it gained her nothing, the master gripped her body with the force swinging her into a nearby tree. “Will you give up now? Or will I have to pound you some more?” He questioned as he walked up to her.
Keira turned around to face him right in front of her, she looked him directly in the face spitting at his face. He responded with a single punch enhanced by a force push knocking her one again into the tree this time piercing into its bark. She grimaced with the pain as she fell back to the ground. Zalen got up running behind the master only to have him swing around slicing through his left arm and get pushed back again this time landing beside Ela, who was unable to do anything but watch as she’d fractured her arms when she hit the rock.
“Just run Keira! Leave! You can come back for us.” Ela shouted to her friend it was all she could do.
But Keira didn’t have the energy. She simply stood up before speaking. “If I let you take me will you leave them alone?” She asked prepared to give herself up if only just for a moment.
“Keira no..! Don’t you dare offer yourself up like that..!” Zalen struggled through the pain. But Keira just ignored her friend’s demands. Keira knew that if he wanted anyone it’d be her, not Zalen or Ela.
“Alright, but I expect you behave girl or trust me you’ll be in a lot more pain then you are now.” Keira kneeled down before the man, she didn’t bother to say anything she just moved her neck to the side revealing her nerve endings. Navan in turn gently pinched them sending Keira’s body into a limp state. He then carried her away to the shuttle the next time she’d awake would be on temple grounds.
Chapter 4
To Heal A Broken Heart
Keira’s eyes slowly opened up to see two beings standing by her. One was a Cathar she would later come to know better. His fur was brown except for the area around his mouth which was covered in white, he was one of his more uncommon parts of the species, as he possessed the head of a lion rather than looking more human with a feline nose, though his paws were more like human hands. The other was Echani like her, silvery white hair left to grow long on one side of his head, and a skinny strong frame.
The Cathar’s tail waved back and forth anxiously he was there accompanying his acquaintance. Seeing as how if Keira decided to fight they would have a hard time subduing her with just one person, especially if that ‘one,’ were to be anything less than a master. “Keira..? Are you alright?” asked the concerned and somewhat familiar voice, but she was still in a daze and could barely make out any distinctions.
Finally she came to full coherence, and recoiled pulling her hand from the Echani boy. “Where am I..?” She asked briefly before she remembered giving herself up to the master. “Oh right… I’m in your cursed Jedi temple no doubt.” Keira said rolling her eyes for a moment, the Cather growled a few curses in Catharesse, his home world’s language. Keira blinked momentarily, and she decided it best not to upset the cat man. He was big and looked very strong, she knew his species well though his race was going extinct, they were still a very formidable foe in hand to hand combat.
“Don’t worry Keira you’re safe now.” The boy spoke throwing his arms around his sister. He was so excited he hadn’t seen her in years, finally after all that time searching her knew where his sister was, and this time she would be safe from harm.
“What..? Kenris…” Keira responded she was confused, according to what the Sith Lord said he should hate her. “Kenris I’m confused Namo- I mean my master told me that you hated me, that I was always too weak… Just like mom always said.” Keira responded knowing that there’d be hell to pay if she revealed the name of the Sith Lord of the Korriban Academy.
“Keira, if that were really true, then why would I try to be nice to you? I mean, who brought you food when mom told me not to..? I even took several beatings from her just because I defended you. I always loved you Keira, you’re my sister remember? Not to mention Dad just hasn’t been the same since you were gone.” Kenris spoke calmly as tears of joy began to stream down his face he was filled with mixed emotions. Anger, sadness, happiness, and excitement all at once, but mostly gratitude of knowing his sister would be safe from now on under his protection. He was furious with their mother because of her Keira had become a Sith, he was angry over the way she’d treated her, even selling her into slavery.
Keira herself was brought to tears she had been brought to the realization that she’d been manipulated. Namorek didn’t care about her freedom he wanted her power, and nothing more. So she embraced her brother for the first time in eleven years.
Just then Master Navan walked through the door, “If you’re ready Keira, I have permission to train you now. I know it’ll be hard to erase the damage that the Sith did to you, but well… All we can do is try even if I can’t guarantee success, all that depends on you. So are you ready?”
“I guess so,” She responded back not exactly sure how she was going to pull this off. Master Navan took her out of her bed, and though she was still a bit sore from the battle she was recovering fast. He instructed her to meditate and remember her traumatic moments. They would focus on them together one by one eliminating them. This process was long and arduous mostly for Keira’s stubbornness. Adding in the fact that she hadn’t yet grown to trust her master yet, these issues made dealing with her problems hard. But more than a master she needed a friend, someone like Ela, Keira however would find a friend in a place she’d least expect it.
Chapter 5
Cat’s Make good Company
As Keira left the Meditation chamber she passed another master who wore a cloak over his head. He stepped into the room with Master Navan. “That was her? She’s grown so beautiful.” He asked taking the hood off. His hair was white, his eyes blue. Amiro and his daughter where two of a kind in their race.
“The council has forbidden that you two make contact until her healing process has been completed. The first thing she’d do is try to kill you. With all the hate she has for you and your wife it’d be very foolhardy.” Lijo Navan was very aware of how his old friend must have felt, but they had to respect the will of the council.
“I need to see my daughter. Hold her in my arms, give her comfort.” Amiro’s deep voice continued. “Please Lijo, if anyone could turn her don’t you think it would be me?” Amiro spoke with a father’s broken heart, and from years of experience. He was indeed very talented, but in this case it was more of a risk to let him handle this situation. After all who’s to say that his daughter wouldn’t end up turning him to the dark side with her tales of misery?
“In time old friend, I promise. But for now she needs time. Her brother was lucky she didn’t immediately try to kill him. Soon you too will be able to catch up. Besides you need to prepare yourself to face the consequences of what happened since she was sent away.”
“Very well…” Amiro said clenching his fist. Then slowly the rough edges on his etched face once again relaxed as he calmed himself then left the meditation chamber.
Keira sat on the edge of the training room while the other students fought, and sparred together it was in moments like this that made Keira feel alienated, none of the other students ever wanted to have anything to do with her, they were always scared. Everyone just chastised her about her previous allegiance to the Sith.
“So looks like it’s just us then.” Shaniro spoke, waving his tail back and forth. He and Keira were the last two students in the training hall who hadn’t paired up. “Shall we spar Echani girl?” The Catharian warrior cat spoke in his usual deep tone for galactic basic.
“Yeah I suppose it is. But are you sure you want to spar with me? I mean me being a Sith doesn’t scare you?” She asked before she blushed for a slight moment as her mind wandered over the Echani courting etiquette. According to her tradition he did nothing less than ask her out.
“No, it does not disturb me, you’re a person like everyone else, and your past means nothing to me only your future is important.” He spoke before introducing himself. “My name is Shaniro, I assume you’re Keira as your brother implied?” He asked before looking down to see her blushing. “Did I say something wrong?” Shaniro questioned tilting his head to the side.
“Well that’s nice.” She responded trying holding her hands together, and twisting a bit to hide the slight redness in her complexion, usually her gray skin covered it well but her flesh had recently begun to slowly change back to its natural color. “Yes my name is Keira, and no, not really, you didn’t say anything, wrong… Just that with us Echani girls asking us to fight could… Well mean something.” Keira said figuring that she might as well be honest to say the least. Asking an Echani to fight was the equivalent of going out on a date for many other species.
“Perhaps it might to the Cathar as well.” He said with a smile trying to help make her feel a little more comfortable. Keira just smiled at his welcoming gesture. “This is how my people bond.” He continued before closing his eyes briefly preparing for the battle. Keira began her attack, and the pair went back and forth attacking, and defending. The two continued on like this for a few weeks when Shaniro started to notice some changes. The only thing he knew to do was to seek out help and council from someone.
“You have a problem Shaniro?” asked Master Navan as he meditated in a quiet chamber, many of the chairs in the room floating around him with any other various objects.
Shanrio walked up slowly before sitting down on his knees. “Yes, it’s this girl Keira, we’ve been spending time together and something seems to be happening. Our movements are harmonizing we synchronize during our sparring matches.” In all truth they seemed to dance more than duel.
“It’s Keira, her skills are growing, and as well when Echani get close to someone they can often do this. You’re helping her turn to the light side, ever since she’s been spending her time with you she has been less resistant to let go of her problems. I wouldn’t worry about it, just follow your instincts she just might be able to teach you a few things too. Just remember to take the chance when it is offered…” Spoke the master as all the objects slowly lowered and settled down on the floor.
Shaniro listened to Navan as he imparted of his wisdom, but then he spoke of an opportunity this was confusing as all Jedi riddles were. He however rather than question the master any further simply left the room as Keira walked in smiling at Shaniro before walking in and sitting down so she could continue her personal training.
She still had one more strong issue to overcome, forgiving her parents, but most importantly herself. Shaniro left the two alone as he pondered what Navan said to him. “Keira, you have one all important issue that remains, it is the root of your problems perhaps now we might be able to dismantle it allowing you to fully heal.” Navan spoke to his student while she sat down.
“You and I both know that’s useless there’s no way in hell I’d forgive them. They’ve done way too much to me, it’s their fault that all of this has happened.” Keira responded back quickly she wasn’t even gonna stick around for this it just wasn’t worth it. She stood up and walked out as quickly as she’d arrived.
Master Navan simply remained in place knelt down on his cushion rubbing his hand on his forehead. Perhaps he was expecting too much too soon, after all Keira only had two months in the academy there was no way she could let go of everything so quickly.
Keira ran out of the room quickly running right into Shaniro, who was obviously concerned with his friend’s current condition. “What’s wrong Keira? You sure hurried out of that session.” Keira just broke down and wrapped her arms around Shaniro, he in turn did the same. Keira liked the feeling of comfort it gave her to feel Shaniro’s warm furry arms around her.
“I just need some time away from all this. There’s just too much going on right now. I want to stop hating them, but it’s just too hard, it hurts too much.” Keira quietly cried while burying her head in Shanrio’s chest.
“Well I’ve got to go on a mission to Hoth, to check out the validity of some anonymous tips of smuggler activity. Perhaps you’d like to join me?” The kind hearted cat offered technically padawans weren’t supposed to go on missions alone this would give the Cathar Jedi the advantage of an excuse, seeing as how he was previously allowed due to his heritage.
Chapter 6
To Thaw My Frozen Heart
After acquiring the proper permissions to bring Keira along the two immediately took a shuttle to the icy planet known as Hoth. Keira wore a fluffy jacket and boots with insolating pants to keep her body from freezing. Shaniro however needed no such thing, he wore his normal clothing, his one battle-suit. His fur was thick enough to protect him from anything but rain.
“Well, looks like we’re here. Are you sure you don’t want to put on a coat or something?” Keira asked trying to reason with her stubborn friend who had no interest in adding any more items of clothing.
“For the last time Keira… My fur coat protects me from the cold.” Shaniro was really starting to get irritated with everything Keira was constantly saying to him about the harsh Hoth weather. Sure if there ever came a time that it was too much he would wear something but until that moment he would dress as he pleased.
“Don’t complain to me when you start freezing then.” She responded before turning her attention to the business at hand. “Well let’s head out then, and see if we can round up some smugglers.” Keira said quickly she was ready to get under way, but if only she knew what surprise lay ahead for her.
The two sensed their way around trying to find traces of the illegal activity that was reported in the area. They came up short but eventually stumbled upon a cave. Obviously the only logical thing to do was to check inside. “We better make this fast it’s getting dark, and the temperature will drop even further than your capacity to keep yourself warm.” Shaniro thoughtfully stated knowing very well the limits of Keira’s body and protective gear.
“Agreed…” She stated shortly before noticing that up above hung dozens large icicles. “Umm, I think we should get moving before one or more of those things fall they look a bit unstable.” Keira was more worried about them it was possible to avoid the cold if they get back to the ship in time, but one of those things could easily impale them.
“Well, let’s go then.” He said taking a few steps before several of them began to fall. “Keira run..!” He shouted. They were already too far into the cave to head out they could only go deeper until the cave was strong enough to resist the domino effect of falling ice.
“Great now we’re buried. To say the least we won’t freeze to death that quickly here.” Keira said pulling a small heat emitter out of her pack. It would hold up for a while but it would need to charge sooner or later, which meant either they find their way out or Keira would freeze to death.
“Don’t worry about me I’ll be fine so long as my fur stays dry. It’s you we need to worry about.” Shaniro said putting his paws on Keira’s shoulders. A very concerned look took hold of his face. “You know that heater’s power cell won’t last forever. Then what..?” Shaniro asked staring Keira right in the eyes.
“Then you’ll just have to keep me warm.” Keira said looking back up at the Catharian man. The statement was simple and came so quickly. But when she saw her companion’s look change rapidly from concern to surprise, she couldn’t help but ask why? “What? You said your fur could keep you warm right? So shouldn’t you be able to keep me warm enough.”
“I suppose so, theoretically it works out, but ethically are you alright with that? I would have to completely cover you with my body.” Shaniro had a genuine concern for Keira’s feelings this was something Keira had never seen in the opposite sex before.
“Well…” She thought for a moment. How close would this be? Would she feel the skin beneath his fur? Would it even be so bad to do so? For the first time Keira wasn’t sure what to expect. Shaniro was a kind man with nothing but good in his heart, but even then could she trust him with this? Keira knew that her body was irresistibly alluring to almost any man. But could it be that Shaniro would be the first person she could truly trust with being that close? “Alright, it seems I have no choice. Just promise me one thing, by being this close I’m surrendering myself to you, don’t take advantage of that.” At the same time Keira was driven to curiosity. What would Shaniro’s skin feel like? Would being that close to him scare her? OR was it just the thought of being that close to a man?
“I promise Keira, I will not do anything you are uncomfortable with. You’re like a white rose, I’d never want to stain your beauty.” The cat man wasn’t often very poetic but before he’d never had a reason. This still didn’t change that for Keira this was a first, Shaniro was never like this.
“Wait hold on, what did you just say? You think I’m pretty..?” Keira was definitely flattered even if Shaniro was only near humanoid. However he wasn’t bad looking at all his fur covered a well-toned body in excellent shape. Sure it would be weird to have a couple of this type but there had been worse parings. Hutts for example enslaved many different species and one could only guess what they did.
“Yes Keira, is that a problem?” The cat man was bold anyone had to agree nothing could refute that. But did this change anything? Only Keira could answer that, though the answer itself would probably be surprising.
“Well, no. Not really. It’s just that well… There’s this guy waiting for me back on Korriban. He’s alright, just not the type you’d really consider husband material. He’s more like the one night stand who forgot the meaning of one night.” Keira said describing her old boyfriend, Zalen wasn’t even charming, thinking back on it Keira wondered why she’d ever hooked up with the half Zabrack anyway.
“Not every man is like that. You just haven’t met the right one yet.” Shaniro’s explanation was a simple one. It did make sense though. Keira would be very short sighted to think that all men were the same when they crossed so many species and planets. Different experiences breed different circumstances and behaviors.
“And Maybe I’ve already met the right one and just don’t know it yet.” Keira said back making an implication at the Cathar’s possible motive for this entire conversation. “Shaniro, you already know what you have to do if you want something with me. So why don’t you just come out and say what you’re thinking?” Keira’s voice migrated to a more aggressive and impatient feel.
“Alright then Keira, I think you’re a very strong and impressive young woman. I also think you’re very beautiful. However you’re wrong to assume that I think of myself as anything more than a friend to you. If you ever want me in such a way I trust you’ll tell me. I was only stating that all men aren’t the same, yes I’m an example of that. Just don’t think that’s some proof of me coming on to you.” Shaniro responded in a manner that very much resembled Keira’s tone.
“Ok I get it. Just wanted to make sure that’s all. You seem really nice, I just don’t want to end up in the same situation like before. Truth is I need someone I can rely on. Maybe that is you but I don’t know that yet.” The moment Keira stopped talking both of them heard a clicking noise. They looked over and frowned to see that the heat emitter had shut down obviously it didn’t have a very strong or charged power cell. “We’ve got to get out of here!” She shouted and stood by the collapsed entryway to the cave. She charged one blast after the other of force energy trying to push her way out of the cave. She was strong but it did no good, she could only pack the snow and ice even tighter.
“No Keira stop…” Shaniro said looking up at the overhanging cave ceiling. “You could make more of the cave collapse.” Whatever pleas he made were useless, Keira was intent on getting out. That was until a big shard of ice fell from above.
Shaniro jumped in over to Keira grabbing on to her body sending them rolling deeper into the cave. “Be careful Keira you need to keep a clear focus. We will ignite our lightsabers, and explore the cave. We still have a few hours before the temperature sinks too low for your body.” He was right perhaps there was another way out.
“Alright I’ll go with you.” She said getting up off the cold cave floor. They wouldn’t have much time to explore before the temperature dropped. Night on this planet was just a few hours away and though the planet was always frostbitten the night was lethal and capable of freezing a humanoid caught out in the open to death in under two minutes.
Shaniro and Keira walked deeper into the cave using their sabers to light the way for them as they delved further. This planet was not very well known as many researchers and adventurers would go missing. So easily it could be said that neither one of them knew exactly what to expect. In caves these caves they could run into anything. The last thing they wanted to find was a roost of wampaas. Those big white furry beasts survived by eating the flesh of any unfortunate being who wandered into their caves. They were also known for being indiscriminate about the kind of meat they would eat. The only requisite was that it was indeed flesh.
But after about an hour of looking through the cave the temperature was too low to go on any further. Keira couldn’t stop shivering. It was just way too cold. “I think we should stop here and get some rest Keira. When the temperature rises again tomorrow morning we can get going.” Shaniro stood right beside Keira deactivating his saber Shaniro opened his arms to welcome Keira into the warmth of his fur.
“I…” Keira stuttered, her hand slowly reached forward and her hand retracted a bit as she felt the first little sensation of his soft fur. She couldn’t help but hesitate, Keira never wanted to remember what happened the last time she’d been close to a man. Now it was trust or die.
Shaniro wasn’t ready to allow Keira to freeze to death. Apparently on her own she couldn’t make the leap. So his arms came down gently around Keira’s body and pulled her into his embrace. Keira felt tears well up in her eyes as the skin of her fingers met his. Under all of that fur Shaniro had a body not too different from that of a human’s. Only his skin was so much softer than that of Zalen or Len. “You have nothing to fear from me Keira.” Shaniro whispered to her as he lay himself down on the snowy cave floor with Keira in his arms.
Keira’s heart pounded wildly. Her mind ran in a million different directions. But as Shaniro caringly wiped the tears from her face she came to the realization that this man’s softness came from his inner purity. Shaniro would never do her any harm. So she let her head gently rest against the Cathar’s chest. Finally a man Keira could trust, utterly, and completely.
Chapter 7
A Spark of Light
The next morning Keira woke up quietly undisturbed. Shaniro true to his word had done nothing to her other than provide her with life-saving heat. However for some reason even though it was now warm enough for Keira to depart from the Cathar, she felt no need to. No urge to break away, she did nothing but lay still and listen to the sound of his beating heart.
Shaniro wasn’t much of a snorer as someone would probably imagine the large cat was a sort of quiet sleeper apparently. However the slightest movement from Keira’s fingers running gently through his fur brought Shaniro into the conscious realm. “Did you sleep well Keira? I’m honestly surprised you’re still…” Finding the right word to use was a bit difficult for him since he was trying to be nice instead of rubbing it in. “Well, laying on me…” Sure, maybe this wasn’t the best way to say it, but Shaniro couldn’t really think of any other way to do so.
Keira’s face shot red instantly as she thought about it. “Sorry, I’ve just never been in this kind of situation. But I have to ask you something. Why Shaniro? You had me right here all night, I’ve been told so many times how I’m so beautiful that it’s a curse. You’re so much stronger than me it would have been easy for you. So why not?” Obviously Keira was confused. Every other guy Keira had ever spent any prolonged time with eventually fell under her spell.
“Keira…” Shaniro began as he sat up holding tightly to Keira’s body. “Your beauty borderlines divinity and that is just one reason for which I want to protect you. You are not an object to be owned or possessed, rather a magnificent being to be showered with adoration.” Shaniro had no idea what kind of impact the words that had just left his mouth would have on Keira. But none the less he was about to find out.
“Shaniro, do you have any idea what you’re saying to me?” Keira’s heart was racing the thought of someone who’d always be there to protect her was such a wondrous thought; it even brought tears to her eyes.
“I, love you very dearly as a friend. I’ve never had a companion I could get this close to.” Shaniro himself didn’t want to admit it. But he did feel a bit more there than he was actually voicing.
“I think there’s a lot more than that.” Keira spoke lifting her hand up to caress the side of Shaniro’s face. “Such a vow to always fight for someone is not something of friendship among my people. You love me, don’t you?” This was a hard question for someone like him to answer, especially in an honest manner.
I'll post more once I've written it.