Author Topic: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Author note 5/13
Mira_Jade 
Registered: Jun '04
40704_Mara Jade
Date Posted: 2/16/07 2:48pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC]
As he crossed over to the door, he paused beside her. Looking into her eyes, he spoke softly. “I never stopped loving you, Colleen.”

“I know.” She hesitated. Come on, tell him!


Things will get better, with great characters like this. happy

*sigh* A great update, your way with your characters is really enviable - keeping them in line and all. I can really see everything that is going on, and that is a neat thing in a fic. applause

~MJ rose

 

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Updates coming soon to a Board near you! wink
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
14553_Tatooine Outskirts
Date Posted: 2/16/07 9:48pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC]
Mira_Jade posted:
As he crossed over to the door, he paused beside her. Looking into her eyes, he spoke softly. “I never stopped loving you, Colleen.”

“I know.” She hesitated. Come on, tell him!


Things will get better, with great characters like this. happy

*sigh* A great update, your way with your characters is really enviable - keeping them in line and all. I can really see everything that is going on, and that is a neat thing in a fic. applause

~MJ rose


Thank you, MJ! That praise really means alot to me. happy

 

-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria Rimstar-Cor
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Humble padawan to DarthIshtar
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
14553_Tatooine Outskirts
Date Posted: 2/17/07 3:08pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/17 - Date Edited: 2/17/07 9:12pm (3 edits total) Edited By: Alexis_Wingstar
Colleen could see her friend’s muscles relax and could sense him releasing the negative feelings. She watches as peacefulness comes across his boyishly handsome face. By the galactic center, I love him! She thought as he spoke to her.

“I’m going to my room to get some bacta patches for Alexis. Could you stay with her while I’m gone?”

“Colleen?”

“Oh!” She shook her head to clear it and blushed slightly as she realized she had just been standing there looking at him. “Sorry, of course I will.”

As he crossed over to the door, he paused beside her. Looking into her eyes, he spoke softly. “I never stopped loving you, Colleen.”

“I know.” She hesitated. Come on, tell him!

He gently caressed her cheek and then left the room.

Colleen’s heart beat rapidly as she stood there, collecting her breath for a couple moments. Slapping the palm of her hand against her head, she said to herself, “You’re nothing but a common ibbot, too afraid to commit yourself!”

She went into the refresher, and gasped when she saw the broken glass and blood were everywhere. “Blaster bolts, what a mess!”

She had just gotten all the glass up and was starting to clean up the blood when Dugal came back with the bacta patches.

“I was going to do that.” His tone was abashed.

“That’s alright, Duge. You were worried about Alexis.” She continued cleaning as she answered.


He walked over to the bed and uncovered Alexis just enough so he could tend to her hands. “Thank you, Colleen.” He paused in his administrations as his patient stirred in her sleep. He continued once Alexis settled onto her back, still asleep.

Colleen came out of the refresher after washing her hands, and helped out by applying the patches to Alexis’ feet.

Moments later, having finished bandaging Alexis’ hands, Dugal watched Colleen, admiring the way her shining red hair hung just so from behind her ears. He loved the pattern of freckles upon her cheeks and across her nose, though he knew she hated them. Without realizing it, he smiled as he felt growing warmth from within him.

She was very much aware of Dugal watching her, but kept her concentration on what she was doing.

Finally finished, she looked up at Dugal. She could not help but smile back, and blushed slightly as she gave a small laugh. “What is it?”

His smile widened as he drew something from a hidden pocket of his robe. “I have something for you.” He handed her a box that was beautifully wrapped in silky flimsiplast and velvety ribbon. “Happy naming day, Colleen.”

“Oh!” Colleen’s emerald-green eyes went wide in surprise as she put her hands to her cheeks. With all the drama with Alexis that morning, she had forgotten. “Oh, Duge. You shouldn’t have.”

“Take it, please. I’ve been waiting a long time to give this to you.”

Taking the present in her hands, Colleen looks into her friend’s eyes. “Duge,” she speaks softly.

“Open it!” He urges her with an anticipatory smile. “Don’t make me wait any longer!”

She laughs as she looks down and begins to untie the bow. “It’s so beautifully wrapped; it’s almost a shame to ruin it.” She gasps when she sees the object within. Reaching in, Colleen takes out the green sphere decorated with golden trim and symbols. “A holocron… it’s beautiful.” She speaks softly as she traces the symbols with her slender finger.

“Play it.” Dugal urged once more, biting his bottom lip.

Colleen gazes at him for an instant before triggering the activator. She watches in amazement as an image of herself in her first concert appears. After that, there was a recording of the reviews of her works, highlights of her career, and her accepting the rewards she received. When it was over, she looked at Dugal with tears in her eyes as she realized he followed her career from the beginning. “Duge,” her voice is hushed, “this is…”

She could not finish her sentence, but gave him a hug. “I thought you were still angry at me when I started my singing career.”

“I could never stay angry at you for that long.” He returned her embrace.

“I love you, Duge.” She started crying. “I love you so much! I’m sorry for all the pain I caused you!”

Dugal held Colleen as he ran his fingers through her hair. “I’m sorry, too! I’m sorry for what I said when you left. I meant none of it!” He dug his fingers in her hair and gently massaged the back of her head as he wept into her shoulder.

They held each other until they both stopped crying.

It was Dugal who pulled away, but only slightly so he could look into Colleen’s eyes. “How’s your son, Skyler?”

“Sky is doing great. He loves it on the farm. He’s looking more like his father every day.” When she mentioned her son’s father, Colleen looked away from Dugal.

“Poor kid!” He said with a mischievous grin.

“Hey!” She laughed and playfully slapped him on the arm.

Dugal started to laugh as well when he heard Alexis moan. He and Colleen both went quiet as he looked at his padawan. He concentrated, and could sense a dark presence.

“No!” Alexis moaned and stirred, shaking her head from side to side.

“Alexis, I’m here.” Dugal’s mannerism changed back to that of healer. He put a hand on the girl’s brow and closed his eyes concentrating on his bond with his padawan.

 

-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria Rimstar-Cor
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Humble padawan to DarthIshtar
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VaderLVR64 
Title: Fan Fic Who Runs w/ Scissors
Registered: Feb '04
46263_The Dark Knight - Joker
Date Posted: 2/17/07 8:28pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/17
LOVE Dugal! He's a gifted healer and just what she needs - I hope.

applause

 

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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
I'm a Nana. 6 lbs. 9 oz. 18 1/2 inches long - Baby Vader
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
14553_Tatooine Outskirts
Date Posted: 2/17/07 8:57pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/17
VaderLVR64 posted:
LOVE Dugal! He's a gifted healer and just what she needs - I hope.

applause


Yeah, he's fun to write... boyish charm mixed with compassion and a healer's sense... sounds like a combination of Luke Skywalker and Cilghal thinking Anyway, cookies to anyone who can guess what TV character was the inspiration for Dugal. grin

 

-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria Rimstar-Cor
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Humble padawan to DarthIshtar
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Healer_Leona 
Registered: Jul '00
44266_Fan Art - Female Chiss
Date Posted: 2/19/07 6:59am Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/17
“Oh!” She shook her head to clear it and blushed slightly as she realized she had just been standing there looking at him. “Sorry, of course I will.”


Coruscant to Colleen. LOL

Awww, what a sweet gift.

I hope Dugal can help his padawan deal with all this mess.

 

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I want to show you just how fascinating kissing is
When earth collides with all the space between
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
14553_Tatooine Outskirts
Date Posted: 2/20/07 8:22pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/17 - Date Edited: 2/20/07 8:31pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Alexis_Wingstar
Healer_Leona posted:
“Oh!” She shook her head to clear it and blushed slightly as she realized she had just been standing there looking at him. “Sorry, of course I will.”


Coruscant to Colleen. LOL

Awww, what a sweet gift.

I hope Dugal can help his padawan deal with all this mess.


laugh Good one, Healer_Leona. I'm gonna have to remember that. XD

Well, you'll see in a moment... here's more wink :
~~~~~~

Suddenly, it was as though he was in another dimension. Darkness surrounded him, and he realized he was inside Alexis’ mind. Looking around, he saw Alexis standing all tensed up and shaking with rage, hands balled into fists. Her eyes sparked an angry red. She was glaring at Darth An’Thrax, who towered above her. “Go away!”

“You know you long for my touch as I do yours.” Growled the Sith Lord as he reached out to grab her.

“No!” Alexis’s voice trembled, and she stepped back

Exerting his will, the healer was suddenly between them. “Leave her alone, you skroggin’ Sithspawn!”

The sith looked at the healer and laughed contemptuously. “She is mine now; keep out of this, jedi weakling.”

The healer stood his ground, staring down the dark lord. “She told you to go away, so go crawl back into the slime pit from which you were hatched.”

Darth An’Thrax glowered at Dugal, his snarling face inches from the healer’s. “I have more of a hold on her than you realize. She hasn’t told you she begged for my attentions, has she?”

Anger flared within the healer. “I won’t let you keep harming her. Now leave!” He exerted his will and the dark lord’s countenance shrank.

“You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’ll keep coming back, stronger than before. I will have what’s mine.” With that, Darth An’Thrax faded away.

Behind him, Alexis whimpered, and the healer turned to hug her. “It’s alright. He’s gone. I won’t let him hurt you any more.”

Alexis leaned against him and wept.

Then she woke and sat up quickly in bed.

Dugal blinked at the abruptness of one moment being inside his padawan’s mind, and then being back to normal, but he quickly reached out and took Alexis’ hand. “It’s OK.”

She looked at him wild-eyed for just a moment, and then flung himself into his arms, sobbing. He held her, caressing the back of her head as he whispered. “Hush, it’s alright.”

Colleen sat and watched quietly as the man she loved rocked his padawan back and forth. Quietly, she got up to leave, knowing the two would need privacy for him to work the soul healing. She caught his eye before leaving, and nodded to him. She left after he nodded back.

When her sobbing ceased, Alexis pulled away from her master. She sat with her back against the bed’s headboard, hugging her knees to her chest and looked down at her feet. “You probably hate me now.”

“Why would you say that?” He asked softly as he gently pushed her hair from her face.

She looked at him like he should know. “You heard him, what he said was true.”

“You mean about you begging for his attention?”

She looked away and nodded.

“But I hated him!” She cried. “I loathed his touch! But…” Shame kept her from concluding the sentence.

Healer Hauzer had an idea of what she was trying to say, but had to make sure. Gently, he put a finger under her chin and turned her head so she looked at him. “Alexis, there is nothing that will make me hate you. You can say you killed my pet pittin, and I’d still not hate you. I may be upset about losing my pet, mind you, but I could never hate you, my padawan.”

Alexis’ bottom lip trembled slightly and she took a deep breath before speaking. “I… after he r-raped me, I…” she swallowed as she paused, “well, he left me alone… for a long time… and I couldn’t stand being so alone… in the dark… it was cold. I begged for him to come back, even though I knew he might do it again! I just couldn’t stand being all alone in the dark!” She shivers.

“Alexis, I won’t pretend to know what you went through.” His tone is soft and comforting. “But it is not uncommon for victims to become dependant on their tormentors when they are the only people they see for a long while.”

She looks back at him, biting her lower lip. “Really?”

He smiled gently. “Yes, really.”

Alexis leaned against him and put her head on his shoulder, burying her face in his robe as she began to cry again.

Dugal put his arm around her to comfort her, and felt her muscles tense, but then she relaxed. He held her for a good while, letting her cry herself out. He smiled slightly when she peered up at him. “Are you feeling better?”

She smiled slightly as she nodded. “A little bit, what time is it?” She asked as she looked at the chronometer. Gasping, she jumped up. “I have to get… Ouch!” She sat back down on the edge of the bed, as her feet were sore.

“Yeah, your feet and hands will be rather tender for the next couple days.” Dugal commented softly.

Alexis sighed as she looked down at her hands. “I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused today.”

“Aw, Lexi.” He spoke softly, “I’m just glad I stopped you from killing yourself.”

She looked over at him. “You know, the funny thing is, I wasn’t thinking of killing myself. All I was thinking,” She said as she placed a hand on her stomach, “was that if I could get rid of…” She stopped and looked away from her master. She bit her lip then continued. “If I was no longer pregnant, there would be nothing to tie me to him.”

OK, here it is. This will be when he’ll hate me. I tried to murder my own child! Tears came unbidden to her eyes again. You’d think there’d be no more tears left with how much crying I’ve done. When he said nothing, she slowly looked over at him. “Please, don’t hate me?” Her voice cracked as she pleaded, and a tear rolled slowly down her cheek.

Dugal’s face had paled in shock at her news. He snapped out of it though, when he heard her plea. “Hey,” he said softly as he reached out and gently wiped the tear with his finger, then cupped her face in his hands. “I told you, nothing could make me hate you. I meant that.”

Alexis hugged him. “I love, you, Master.” Her voice was muffled in his robe.

“I love you too, my sweet padawan.” He replied as he embraced her. His eyes went wide though, as Alexis passionately kissed him full on the lips, and he pulled his head back. “Alexis!”

Alexis pulled away from him in realization of what she had done. Embarrassed and ashamed, she quickly got up and grabbed her clothes and ran into the refresher, ignoring the pain in her feet and hands. She slammed the door and locked it.

Dugal hurriedly got up and went to the refresher door. “Alexis? I wish you wouldn’t lock the door.”

“There’s nothing left for me to cut myself with, so you don’t have to worry!” The reply was muffled.

“Who said I was worried?” He asked innocently. “I’m not worried, only concerned. Ok, I’m worried. Please, don’t lock the door.”

He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard a click that indicated Alexis had unlocked the door. Still, he kept his mind open to the force to make sure the need for him to barge in on his apprentice did not occur.

Alexis soon exited the refresher wearing a nice but casual outfit that she wore onstage to Colleen’s concerts. She studiously avoided looking at her master.

“Oh, I didn’t tell you. Colleen canceled tonight’s performance.”

Sitting heavily down upon the chair, shoulders slumped; Alexis looked down at her scarred hands. “Because of me, right?” Her tone was despondent. “I really know how to frag things up.”

“Watch your language, padawan.” His voice was quiet yet firm as he walked over to her and kneeled beside her chair. He took her hand. “Alexis…”

She withdrew her hand, still not looking at him, and folded her arms in front of her.

Looking down at the floor, Dugal sighed and kept a hand on the arm of the chair. He looked back up at his padawan, “Alexis, look at me.”

She squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. “Just leave me alone!”

He swallowed. “I can’t do that. Not when I’m worried if I turn my back, you’re going to do something to harm yourself.”

“I’m sorry I’m a burden.” Her tone was flat.

“Alexis, look at me!” This time, there was an unaccustomed edge in his voice, and she looked at him in surprise. “You are not a burden! You are in need of guidance and healing. I plan to be the one to give you both until you no longer need me.” He pauses briefly, and when he continues, his voice is back to being the familiar gentle tone. “I failed you once, my padawan. I will not fail you again.”

He holds up one finger then, still holding her gaze. “There’s one thing we have to make clear, however. You and I are master and padawan. I care about you. I love you like as if you were my own child. There can be no romance between us. Understand?”

Alexis breaks eye contact with Dugal as she nods. “I know. I’m so sorry how I behaved; of how I kissed you. It’s just that, for the longest time, I had a crush on you.” She peered back at him. “And I know it was just a crush.” She looks back down at her hands, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“You don’t need to be embarrassed, Alexis.” He takes a hold of her hand and squeezes it gently. Somehow, the still tender hand did not hurt when he did so. He tilted his head in curiosity. “How long have you had the crush on me?”

“Since I came into the med center with the fever on the night Master Charr was killed.” She looked at him as she answered.

He thinks back to that night. “That was nearly two years ago.” Why didn’t I notice she had a crush on me?

“Yeah. That’s when I first started wanting to be a healer.”

Dugal frowned slightly. “I hope I’m not the only reason you wish to be a healer.”

“No! That’s not it at all. What I meant was that after that night, I wanted to be a healer because, well, healing is so much more…” Alexis pauses, not knowing exactly how to put it in words. “I’m not sure how to say it. But, when I feel the force, it’s like a song to me. The tune flows through me. It’s a pleasure to do lightsaber forms because it’s like I’m dancing to the music. But, actually dueling with someone… it feels discordant… healing brings the music back in synch.”

She shakes her head. “I know that sounds stupid.”

Dugal sat listening intently to what his padawan was saying. He smiled softly. “No, Lexi. It sounds brilliant. It’s exactly how I felt when I decided to be a healer. It is how I still feel.”

 

-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria Rimstar-Cor
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Humble padawan to DarthIshtar
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Healer_Leona 
Registered: Jul '00
44266_Fan Art - Female Chiss
Date Posted: 2/21/07 2:15am Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/20
“You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’ll keep coming back, stronger than before. I will have what’s mine.” With that, Darth An’Thrax faded away.


There's got to be some way to prevent him from continuinally coming back like this. Poor Alexis. sad

Yikes, I'm glad they were able to discuss her crush on him as well.

Excellent post!

 

-----signature-----
I want to show you just how fascinating kissing is
When earth collides with all the space between
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VaderLVR64 
Title: Fan Fic Who Runs w/ Scissors
Registered: Feb '04
46263_The Dark Knight - Joker
Date Posted: 2/21/07 3:53am Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/20
It seems like they got a lot of the obstacles worked out. At least I hope so! tongue

“No! That’s not it at all. What I meant was that after that night, I wanted to be a healer because, well, healing is so much more…” Alexis pauses, not knowing exactly how to put it in words. “I’m not sure how to say it. But, when I feel the force, it’s like a song to me. The tune flows through me. It’s a pleasure to do lightsaber forms because it’s like I’m dancing to the music. But, actually dueling with someone… it feels discordant… healing brings the music back in synch.”

She shakes her head. “I know that sounds stupid.”

Dugal sat listening intently to what his padawan was saying. He smiled softly. “No, Lexi. It sounds brilliant. It’s exactly how I felt when I decided to be a healer. It is how I still feel.”


Loved it. applause

 

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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
I'm a Nana. 6 lbs. 9 oz. 18 1/2 inches long - Baby Vader
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
14553_Tatooine Outskirts
Date Posted: 2/21/07 4:36am Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/20 - Date Edited: 2/21/07 4:39am (1 edits total) Edited By: Alexis_Wingstar
Healer_Leona posted:
“You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’ll keep coming back, stronger than before. I will have what’s mine.” With that, Darth An’Thrax faded away.


There's got to be some way to prevent him from continuinally coming back like this. Poor Alexis. sad

Yikes, I'm glad they were able to discuss her crush on him as well.

Excellent post!


The only way is to confront him, but we shall get to that. wink

Yeah, it's something that needed to get out of the way.

Thank you, Healer_Leona.

VaderLVR64 posted:
It seems like they got a lot of the obstacles worked out. At least I hope so! tongue

“No! That’s not it at all. What I meant was that after that night, I wanted to be a healer because, well, healing is so much more…” Alexis pauses, not knowing exactly how to put it in words. “I’m not sure how to say it. But, when I feel the force, it’s like a song to me. The tune flows through me. It’s a pleasure to do lightsaber forms because it’s like I’m dancing to the music. But, actually dueling with someone… it feels discordant… healing brings the music back in synch.”

She shakes her head. “I know that sounds stupid.”

Dugal sat listening intently to what his padawan was saying. He smiled softly. “No, Lexi. It sounds brilliant. It’s exactly how I felt when I decided to be a healer. It is how I still feel.”


Loved it. applause


Yeah, my devious mind has run out of any logical obstacles. laugh

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

 

-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria Rimstar-Cor
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Humble padawan to DarthIshtar
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
14553_Tatooine Outskirts
Date Posted: 3/8/07 8:13am Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 2/20
(Note: I changed the name of the character, Mel, to Seym)

Chapter 3: Confrontation

Bryont brought the Queen's Light, the Nubian cruiser he had bought his wife for their first anniversary, out of hyperspace close to Naboo. The comm system beeped, indicating a message was sent to them and flagged as urgent. He frowned, seeing that it was from his cousin, Colleen. I knew something was wrong, he thought as he tapped the button and listened.

"Bry, tonight's concert has been cancelled. Please comm me as soon as you can."

He could feel Seym's eyes on him, and he turned to look at his padawan.

"It's Alexis, isn't it?" The boy's voice squeeked in the fashion all young teenaged boys' voices did when going through the change from youth to adult, and he blushed slightly in embarrassment. "I knew something was wrong." He echoed Bryont's thoughts.

The master nodded silently as he proceeded to com his cousin. Not only he and Seym, but Maci as well had sensed something horribly wrong as they traveled in hyperspace towards Naboo to attend Colleen's concert. They could tell Alexis was in distress, but the details were a mystery. Bryont could not shake the feeling that it somehow had to do with Darth An'Thrax, even though the Sith Lord was dead. He is dead, isn't he? We killed him. He shook his head to clear it as Collen's voice came over the ship's comm.

"Hello?"

"Colleen, what's wrong with Allie?"

"Bry, she's alright for now. I don't wish to go into details over the comm. I'm staying at the Amadala Plaza Hotel, suite 402. We can talk more when you get here."

"We'll be there within the hour then." After ending the call with Colleen, Bryont received instructions from Naboo's spaceport on which dock he was to berth the Queen's Light, and what course to take to get there.

Just under an hour later, Bryont knocked on the door to suite 402 as he held a fussy fifteen month old Bheltair in one arm. A rather tired looking Maci stood beside him, her hands on the handle to the hover-stroller that held Keegan and Starr who were blessedly asleep at last. The triplets were cutting their final back teeth, and it had been a rough trip.

Seym stood to the side with a frown on his face. He could barely sense Alexis though he knew she was nearby. He kept trying to send her a force message but felt as though there was a solid duracrete wall blocking him.

Colleen opened the door and hugged her cousin. "Come in, all of you. How was your trip?"

"With three toddlers cutting their back molars, no trip is pleasant." Bryont commented dryly as they entered. His voice took on a weary tone. "Now, what's happened to Allie?"

Colleen bit her bottom lip nervously. She dreaded telling her cousin what transpired, having an idea how he will react. "Please, sit." She indicated the plush couch and matching chairs.

Maci placed the stroller near the end of the couch and sat down with a sigh. Bryont put his arm free arm around his wife's shoulders as he sat next to her while Mel sat in a chair. As soon as Bryont sat, however, Bheltair raised a ruckus. The jedi master quickly rose and gently bounced Bheltair in his arms, making soft hushing sounds. He slowly paced around the room as he spoke quietly. "I'll just stay standing 'til he sleeps. Now, please Colleen, what happened?"

In the past few hours, Colleen had rehearsed at least a hundred times how she would break the news. She had gotten to the point where she thought she could deliver it in the best possible way, yet when she looked into her cousin's concerned eyes, all she could do was echo Alexis' first words to her this morning. "He's alive."

Bryont just stood still, his jade green eyes looking down into her emerald ones. It was Seym who asked. "Who's alive?"

"Darth An'Thrax." Both Colleen and Bryont spoke in unison. Colleen blinked in surprise at her cousin. How did he know?

"What?" Seym jumped up as he shouted. The hilt of his lightsaber seemed to have jumped into his hand unbidden. "Where is he?"

Seym’s outburst woke Keegan who immediately began crying in a strident manner, which woke Starr who cried as well. Bheltair joined in for good measure. A resigned Miri calmly picked up Starr and Keegan, rocking them back and forth while Bryont comforted Bheltair as he paced with the toddler in his arms.

“He isn’t here.” Colleen answered Seym. The boy’s outburst did not bother her in the least. It was her cousin’s seeming calm which made her nervous. She watched Bryont carefully as she continued. “He force messaged Alexis this morning.” She didn’t go into detail, figuring Alexis could do that once things calmed down.

“So, that is what we felt in the force; her distress over hearing from Darth An’Thrax?” Miri asked as the babies calmed down.

Colleen steeled herself with a deep breath before answering. “That’s only part of it. Alexis…” She swallowed, finding it hard to speak. “She tried to commit suicide.”

Bryont froze in his tracks as he looked sharply over at Colleen. It was Seym, though, who spoke urgently, though not as loudly as before. “What? Where is she?”

“She’s in her room. Dugal is with her.”

It took a moment for Seym to realize ‘Dugal’ was Healer Hauzer.

“I’d like to see her now.” Bryont spoke quietly as Bheltair laid his head on his father’s shoulder as he drifted off to sleep.

“Me, too!” Seym said as he stepped forward.

Miri settled Starr and Keagan back into the stroller since they had fallen asleep right away. She stood, ready to go see Alexis as well.

“Her room is the one on the right.” Colleen indicated the two doors on the back wall of the suite.

Bryont put the dozing Bheltair in the stroller with his brother and sister and headed for the door. As Miri started to push the stroller to follow him, Colleen put a hand on her shoulder.

“I’ll take care of the babies.” She said quietly and gave a meaningful glance at Bryont.

“Thank you.” Maci hugged Colleen. She could sense her husband’s inner turmoil even though to all outward appearances he was as calm and inscrutable as a professional sabacc player. Maci caught up to Bryont and took one hand in hers as he knocked on Alexis’ door.

It was Healer Hauzer who opened the door. “Come on in,” he had a gentle smile on his face as he stepped aside to allow them room to enter.

Alexis stood nervously at the back of the room, watching her parents and Seym come inside. She held her bandaged hands behind her and bit her bottom lip. Why am I so nervous? I’m happy to see them.

There was short, awkward silence as Bryont, Maci and Seym stood there, not sure if they should go hug Alexis or let her come over to hug them.

“I’ll just go sit with Colleen for a bit.” Dugal spoke softly. He tapped Seym’s shoulder and indicated perhaps he should come out as well. The boy could get reacquainted with his friend after things settled down.

Seym nodded, feeling more than a little uncomfortable. He had expected Alexis to go flying into either Bryont’s or Maci’s arms, not just stand there like she was afraid of them.

Once the two left, Bryont held out a hand towards his daughter. “Allie?” Is all he said, finding it hard to speak.

“Dad!” Alexis’ voice broke as she ran into her father’s arms and hugged him, her head leaning against the lower part of his chest as tears began to form. “I’m sorry.”

Nonplussed, Bryont embraced her. “Why are you sorry? You’ve done nothing wrong.” He kissed the top of her head as he fought back tears as well.

Maci noticed the bandages on Alexis’ hands, but kept quiet as she reached out to stroke the back of Alexis’ head.

“Because you’re so sad and worried, and it’s because of me that you are sad and worried.” Alexis looked up at her father, seeing circles under eyes that seemed to have lost the joy and humor that she remembered was always there before. It broke her heart and she wept as she hugged him tighter, burying her head in his tunic. “I love you, daddy, so much. I wish I could take away your pain.”

“I love you, too, Allie.” His voice cracked as he broke into tears as well. He held her, feeling Maci’s arms around the both of them. He continued as soon as he felt he could trust his voice. “Come, let’s sit and talk.”

He pulled away and started to take her hand when he finally noticed the bandages. He looked in Alexis’ eyes, concern etched into his face. “What happened?”

The girl looked from her father to her mother and back. “Colleen didn’t tell you? I, um,” she looked away from her dad, unable to meet his gaze. “I tried to commit suicide.”

“Colleen told us that much, honey.” Miri spoke gently. “She didn’t go into any details.”

“I broke the refresher mirror and my hands got cut up. My feet too, a little bit when I stepped on the shards.”

“Why?” Bryont asked quietly as he gently caressed her cheek. “Why did you do this to yourself?”

“I really wasn’t thinking about killing myself.” Alexis turned away from her father as she spoke. She looked down at her stomach and placed her hands where it was just slightly swollen. “I just wanted to kill…” She stopped and swallowed. “I wanted to kill my baby to get rid of the bond between me and An’Thrax.”

She closed her eyes as she heard Maci gasp. “I’m not proud of what I tried to do. And I’m glad my master was here to stop me.” She just stood still, waiting for either one of her parents to chide her. Instead she was surprised as her father came around to face her, and drew her in for a big, gentle hug. She felt her mother lightly rub her back.

“Don’t ever do that again,” Bryont whispered hoarsely. “I couldn’t stand to loose you like that.”

“I’m sorry, daddy!” She whispered back as she returned his hug.

“I’m sorry, too, Allie. You endured so much to save my life. It’s because of me all this happened to you.”

“No, you’re wrong!” Alexis looked up at him, her large dark eyes gazing into his as she took his hand and led him to sit down on the bed. She sat next to him. “An’Thrax wanted you to believe that, but it isn’t true. He led you to believe that he just wanted me to get revenge on you. But, I was his target from the day I was born.”

Bryont frowned slightly in confusion as she spoke, but kept quiet, listening to every word she said.

“My parents were in the witness protection program because of him. I’m not sure of the details about that, but he tracked them down relentlessly, and when I was born, he designed a plan to get me and raise me as his apprentice. The day of the landspeeder accident that took their lives, he was trying to get me, but you were there and took me into the protection of the Jedi Order.”

She paused as she let that sink in. Looking into his eyes, she put a hand on her father’s cheek. “It’s because of you I had a good life full of love and tenderness.” She hugged him. “Please, don’t feel guilty for what happened. It wasn’t your fault, or anyone else’s except for An’Thrax’s.”

Bryont held her tight as he released the guilt that had made sleep difficult for him the past few months. In fact, he had hardly slept at all since he’d recovered from the injuries inflicted while he was in Darth An’Thrax’s torture chambers. “Still, I would rather endure all the torture and pain in the universe than to have any of it turned upon you.”

“Oh, dad, you know that’s ridiculous!” She smiled shakily up at him. “No one can go through life with no pain. It’s how we deal with it that counts.”

He tenderly kissed her forehead. “You’re right, of course.” He looked at her and chuckled slightly. “How did you become so much wiser than I?”

She blushed slightly and giggled. “Just lucky, I guess.” Her eyes shined with a mischievous grin.

He laughed and then looked up at Miri who had been standing there quietly watching them. “I think a certain person’s guidance may have had more than a little to do with it as well.”

Maci smiled and sat next to Bryont, hugging him and Alexis. They hugged her in return.

“We have to confront him.” Alexis turned serious. “Soon.”

 

-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria Rimstar-Cor
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Humble padawan to DarthIshtar
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VaderLVR64 
Title: Fan Fic Who Runs w/ Scissors
Registered: Feb '04
46263_The Dark Knight - Joker
Date Posted: 3/8/07 9:39am Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 3/08 Chapter 3
Beautiful... love You really portrayed the geniune love and affection quite well.

applause

 

-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
I'm a Nana. 6 lbs. 9 oz. 18 1/2 inches long - Baby Vader
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Healer_Leona 
Registered: Jul '00
44266_Fan Art - Female Chiss
Date Posted: 3/8/07 3:40pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 3/08 Chapter 3
Aww, Alexis lucky to have her family still in contact. I hope it helps to ease her mind.

Wonderful post.

 

-----signature-----
I want to show you just how fascinating kissing is
When earth collides with all the space between
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Alexis_Wingstar 
Registered: Sep '06
14553_Tatooine Outskirts
Date Posted: 3/17/07 4:37pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 3/08 Chapter 3
VaderLVR64 posted:
Beautiful... love You really portrayed the geniune love and affection quite well.

applause

Healer_Leona posted:
Aww, Alexis lucky to have her family still in contact. I hope it helps to ease her mind.

Wonderful post.



Thank you, both. happy Here's more:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryont stiffened slightly. “Yes, he must be brought to justice. But you,” he pauses a couple seconds for effect as he points at her, “are going to stay at the temple while he’s being taken into custody.”

“By all of Corellia’s hells I will not!” Alexis exclaimed hotly.

“Alexis!” Maci was taken off guard by Alexis’ strong language.

Alexis got up and paced. “I won’t be treated like a little child anymore! Look at me.” She says as she places her hands meaningfully on her belly. “I’m pregnant. I’ve been raped several times by a madman in a filthy dungeon. It’s a little late to start protecting me.” She quickly continued before they could reply. “I need to confront him, and I won’t let anyone stand in my way!” She stopped pacing and glared at them with her hands placed firmly on her hips. Her mouth was set in a grim line with her jaw jutted out in defiance.

“Allie,” Bryont said as he stood up and laid a hand gently upon her shoulder. “No one said you won’t be able to confront him. But, it will be in the temple before the council, where he can do more harm to you. I’ll leave now for Korriban. You can go back to Corruscant with Maci and the triplets.”

“But…”

“No ‘buts’. You’re not going.” He spoke firmly and turned to his wife. “Tell her, Maci.”

Maci still sat calmly on the bed, looking at them both with sadness in her eyes. “I don’t think either of you should go.”

“What?” Both father and daughter exclaimed in unison.

Maci looked at Alexis first as she stood. She walked over to her adopted daughter, placing a hand under her chin. “If it were just you to think about, I’d agree with you that you should go. However, the life inside you needs to be protected, no matter the circumstances under which it was created.”

Alexis looked down at her stomach as Maci continued. “Like Bryont said, you can confront the father within the safety of the council chambers.”

“You’re right, of course.” Alexis spoke quietly without looking up at her mother.

“As for you, Master MqCray,” Maci spoke sternly as she turned to face her husband. “Your quest for justice is more of a personal vendetta. You should know better.”

“Maci, he must be brought in.” His tone was reasonable.

“Why must it be by you? Do you think you’re the only qualified Jedi in the galaxy?”

“No!” Bryont was taken off guard not only by the question, but Maci’s tone.

“Why risk going to the dark side? Let someone else bring him in!” She held his gaze, her soft brown eyes pleading with him.

“Don’t you see, Maci, it’s because I could fall to the dark side that I must go. I have to prove to myself, and apparently to you, I have the strength not to turn.”

A tear came to Maci’s eyes as she whispered. “Please, I don’t want to lose you!”

Alexis turned away, feeling like they needed some privacy. She stared out the window, deep in thought.

Bryont reached out and embraced his wife. He force messaged her. ~~You will never lose me, my queen. We’re a part of each other, no matter what! I love you.~~ He kissed the top of her head.

~~I love you too, my knight, so much.~~ She buried her face in his tunic as she returned his embrace.

Bryont could feel Maci’s body shake as she cried silently. He held her, tenderly rubbing his fingers through her hair with one hand as he gently massaged her back with the other.

“I have a suggestion,” Alexis said softly as she turned back to her parents. “We can take it to the council. Let them decide whether or not he should go.”

Bryont looked at Alexis, then down questioningly into Maci’s eyes. At her nod, he smiled slightly. “Back to Corruscant with us it is then.” He kissed his wife warmly.

Several hours later aboard the Queen’s Light:

Seym performed the fifth form, djem so, as best he could in the confined space of the Queen’s Light. Everyone else was sleeping or meditating while the ship was heading to Corruscant. He found himself restless. The trouble was he missed Alexis.

When he had first come to the temple as a youngling, she was the first to befriend him. She was always a sweet, outgoing girl who reached out to others when they were feeling lonely or depressed. There was no one who had spent at least a week at the temple who did not know who Alexis was. With the exception of his master, Bryont MqCray, she was the only person to make him feel safe to be himself. Not to take anything from his master, he preferred Alexis’ company over his to relax. She was closer to Seym’s age, and much better looking.

Now, though Alexis was a stranger to Seym. He was at a loss what to do for her. He did not have her gift of bringing people out of their misery. No one ever referred to Seym as being cheerful. He was the quiet one. He stopped in the middle of the form. I miss Alexis, even though she’s right down the hall from me.

He frowned, sensing a quiet presence. He turned around and there she was, shiny black hair fell about her shoulders and framed her delicate face like petals on a flower. His orange eyes gazed at her as her large almond-shaped eyes quietly studied him. “Hello.”

She smiled softly. “Hello yourself, stranger.”

He found himself returning her smile as he asked, “You couldn’t sleep?”

She shook her head as she walked further into the room. “I took a nap in the middle of the day, so now I’m wide awake.”

“I was looking forward to seeing you in concert. It’s too bad it was cancelled.” He said wistfully as he admired her graceful stride. He looked away with a frown though when he noticed her slightly swollen belly.

“I’m sorry, I seem to have ruined just about everyone’s plans.” She sighed as she sat on a couch near the wall.

“Aw, Lexi, I didn’t mean it that way! He went over to sit next to her and placed his arm on the back of the sofa. Remembering how she shied away from him when they first rescued her from Korriban, he was careful not to touch her. He swallowed, feeling awkward. He wanted to hug her, but did not wish to drive her away.

Alexis hugged Seym and laid her head on his shoulder. “I know, but I feel bad that Colleen cancelled the concert because of me.”

Seym embraced her. “You have always gone out of your way to help others. Don’t feel bad when we have a chance to do the same for you for once.”

She gave him a small kiss on the cheek and whispered, “Thank you.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you like I should have been after we rescued you.” He swallowed nervously. He did not wish to get down to the issue that was bothering him; the reason he had avoided her before she left the temple to join Colleen on tour. His eyes involuntarily went down to look at the slight bump on her belly and he quickly looked away.

Alexis caught the look and sighed as she pulled away from him. Folding her hands in her lap, she spoke quietly. “Seym, I…” She stopped, not knowing what to say.

“I’m sorry, Lexi.” He looked back at her. “I just keep thinking about our kiss before,” he paused a bit and then continued, “before all this happened. I keep thinking how we both agreed we weren’t ready to be involved in that way, and now…” he paused again as he looked away. “Now every time I see you, I feel cheated. I feel like you were taken away from me, and that child you are carrying should be mine!”

Alexis stood and glared at Seym with her hands on her hips. Her voice betrayed the hurt his words brought her. “I didn’t choose this, Seym! Your reaction just proves we were right. You’re acting like this was done to you! I’m the one who was raped. Raped, Seym! I’m not the one who betrayed our friendship.” Tears stream from her eyes as she turns away from him and starts to head back to her room.

“Lexi, wait!” Seym turns and grabs her wrist. He turns her around. “I’m sorry…”

Seym’s apology was interrupted as Alexis pulled her wrist from his grip and gave him a powerful force push as she yelled, “Let go of me!” She ran from the room as Seym hit the wall and sank down to the floor, stunned.

He sat there for a moment; a tear fell down his cheek as he got his breath back. “Alexis,” he called after her, “I’m sorry!” He rose from the floor and ran after her. He stopped short in the corridor when he saw Healer Hauzer, who had heard the last of the conversation. He swallowed and bowed to Alexis’ master.

The healer put a hand on Seym’s shoulder and looked into the boy’s eyes. “She needs your friendship now, more than ever.”

Seym returned the healer’s gaze as he replied quietly. “Yes, sir.” He felt bad about adding to Alexis’ sorrow.

“Go talk to her.” He patted Seym’s shoulder and watched as the boy hurried to Alexis’ door. Treat her better than I treated Colleen in your situation. Healer Hauzer thought as he went back into his own room.

“Alexis, open up, please! I’m sorry!”

“Come on in, the door isn’t locked.” Came Alexis’ muffled reply.

Even through the door, Seym could hear the anger in her voice; not only that, he could sense her anger and resentment drilling into his mind. He tapped the open switch and slowly walked in, head hung like a small boy expecting to be scolded by his parents for getting into mischief.

Alexis was standing across the small room with her arms folded across her chest, glaring at Seym as he entered. When she saw him though, her heart softened. She quickly came and embraced him.

“I’m sorry, Lexi,” he returns her hug. “I was trying to apologize to you for being selfish, but it didn’t come out right.”

“I know. I’m sorry, too.” She pulls away to look up at him. “I hope I didn’t hurt you when I force pushed you.”

“I’m alright. I just got the wind knocked out of me for a second.” He smiled at her slightly. “Remind me never to make you angry again, though. I doubt I’ll be so lucky a second time.”

She blushed slightly as she giggled. “OK, never make me angry again.”

His smile widened as she giggled just like she used to. “I love you, Lexi.”

“I love you too, Seym.” She hugged him again.

Holding her tight, Seym ran his fingers through Alexis’ silky blue-black hair. He kissed her on the top of her head. “Lexi, what are you going to do? With the baby I mean.”

She sighed with her head leaning against his shoulder. “I don’t know yet. I might give him up for adoption or hand him over to the order to raise. If I decide to keep him, I know mom and dad will help me.”

“Him?” Seym asked curiously as he noted that she referred to the baby as a ‘he’.

Alexis nods as she pulls away from Seym and touches her stomach. “Don’t ask me how, but I just know the baby is a boy.

Seym reaches out, but pauses before placing his hand on her belly. “May I?”

Looking up at Seym once more, she smiled softly and nodded.

He diffidently touched Alexis’ belly, his fingers lightly touching hers. He smiled at Alexis. “He’s going to be strong in the force.”

She suddenly looked sad as she nodded. “Yes, he will.” She turned away and walked over to sit down in a chair, feeling weary.

“Lexi,” Seym said softly as he went and kneeled down in front of her. He took her hand. “It’s going to be alright. Just because his father is a Sith Lord doesn’t mean he’ll turn to the dark side, too.” He squeezed her hand. “Alexis, marry me. We can raise him together. I’ll love him like he was my own because I love you.”

Alexis’ heart broke as she looked into his earnest, bright orange eyes. “Seym,” she whispers and shakes her head. She continues in a quiet voice. “Marrying just to give the child a whole family isn’t the answer. We are still too young to commit. It wouldn’t be fair to him.”

He looks down at their clasped hands. “You’re right, of course.”

She slides off the chair to kneel in front of him. “Oh Seym,” she hugs him, “I’m so sorry. I don’t want to hurt you!”

He hugs her. “I’m here for you, Lexi. I won’t stop being here, no matter what.”

 

-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria Rimstar-Cor
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Humble padawan to DarthIshtar
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VaderLVR64 
Title: Fan Fic Who Runs w/ Scissors
Registered: Feb '04
46263_The Dark Knight - Joker
Date Posted: 3/17/07 6:11pm Subject: RE: ~~Soul Shadows~~ [OC, drama, angst, a little romance] Updated 3/17 Chapter 3
Lovely chapter! love

She sighed with her head leaning against his shoulder. “I don’t know yet. I might give him up for adoption or hand him over to the order to raise. If I decide to keep him, I know mom and dad will help me.”

“Him?” Seym asked curiously as he noted that she referred to the baby as a ‘he’.

Alexis nods as she pulls away from Seym and touches her stomach. “Don’t ask me how, but I just know the baby is a boy.

Seym reaches out, but pauses before placing his hand on her belly. “May I?”

Looking up at Seym once more, she smiled softly and nodded.

He diffidently touched Alexis’ belly, his fingers lightly touching hers. He smiled at Alexis. “He’s going to be strong in the force.”

She suddenly looked sad as she nodded. “Yes, he will.” She turned away and walked over to sit down in a chair, feeling weary.

“Lexi,” Seym said softly as he went and kneeled down in front of her. He took her hand. “It’s going to be alright. Just because his father is a Sith Lord doesn’t mean he’ll turn to the dark side, too.” He squeezed her hand. “Alexis, marry me. We can raise him together. I’ll love him like he was my own because I love you.”


Seym's love and caring is so obvious here.

applause

 

-----signature-----
If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
I'm a Nana. 6 lbs. 9 oz. 18 1/2 inches long - Baby Vader
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