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Topic:
An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated 10/01
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Ceillean
Registered:
Nov '01
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Date Posted:
7/12 2:11pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
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He wasn’t the least bit surprised when the cell door opened, bathing the interior with a stark white light. Kyrian swung his legs over the cot and squeezed his eyes shut, raising his hand to ward off the vicious glow.
He recognized a dark silhouette of a tall man but he wasn’t worried – he’d been expecting him.
“Were you followed?” Kyrian asked in a low voice as he got to his feet.
Lassiter shook his head, golden locks falling about his shoulders, “I’ve created a distraction. They won’t know you’re gone until it’s too late. Don’t worry.”
As Kyrian stepped closer Lassiter reached out and gently squeezed his arm, “But we must hurry. There’s still much work to do.”
Kyrian nodded and followed him into the corridor. He heard noises and loud chatter coming from another cell – voices carrying the words of someone having died and Kyrian knew without a doubt this was the distraction his friend had been referring to.
“Who did you kill?”
“One of your associates.” Lassiter said with a feral smile as they hurried down the corridor towards the main exit of the prison complex, “We will not be needing her assistance any longer.”
Kyrian knew he was talking about Luce and in a strange yet subtle way he was saddened by her death. She could have been completely convinced to join their campaign – all anyone had needed to do was push the right buttons and she would have obeyed.
But her time had come to an end.
There was the sudden sound of thundering footsteps coming their way but Kyrian had his faith set into his friend. With the powers this man possessed he did not fear anyone.
A black clad security guard rounded a corner and frowned at the two men who definitely did not belong in the corridor. Lassiter held up his hand and twisted his wrist; the guard blinked a few times but then turned around and headed the direction he had intended.
“It’s frightening to know you have control over the mind like this.” Kyrian commented as they kept walking.
Lassiter laughed, “Don’t worry, Kyrian. I use it only when necessary.”
“Would you ever use it on me?” he asked in a low voice, keeping his gaze forward.
“No. I don’t believe I would.”
Kyrian did not know if he felt relief or not. Perhaps a death at his friends’ hand would be a welcome one. At times he yearned for death; at times he wished never to have met Lassiter. At times he wished he could turn back time and make it right again. But that was not an option and so he walked on in silence wondering what Lassiter had planned for him next.
**********
The feast, as the healer had put it, was in fact a lifeday celebration for the eldest of the underground, civilization. Although the man was supposedly ninety-six years old he didn’t look a single day over forty. Liz narrowed her eyes as she watched the eldest dance with the younger ones, swinging his children around and relishing in their laughter. By human standards the elder was a very handsome man. Tall and broad shouldered with an almost chiseled masculine face and bright blue eyes – she was instantly fascinated by him. His deep laughter rang out as he gathered a young woman into his arms. Liz supposed she was his wife but she wasn’t sure. She wasn’t sure about anything concerning these people for that matter. But they were a hospitable folk, having given Kyp and Liz living quarters for the duration of their stay and new sets of clothing for the both of them. The first thing Liz had done was take a long and hot shower, relishing in the feel of pearly drops running down her strained muscles.
Now she sighed as she leaned back in the wooden chair; the large celebration cavern was decorated in a light green color and she’d been told it was the color of the elders’ family house. She had no idea what it meant but it seemed to be important. Seated at a large, rectangular wooden table, Liz watched the people around her converse and laugh, eating fantastic smelling food that was set on a buffet a few meters away – everyone seemed to be having a grand time.
“Hey.”
She ripped her gaze from the elder, looking up to see Kyp returning from a round within the complex. He’d left with the healer, no doubt to ask questions Liz herself was burning to have answered, but he returned with Emalia. Liz didn’t let her true feelings show on her face but the dark cloud that overshadowed Liz’s eyes every time the other woman came near was obvious.
“Hey yourself.”
Kyp sat down beside her and smiled, “Having fun?”
Liz shrugged, “I’m alright. Enjoying the view, actually.” Up until Emalia decided to take a seat opposite Liz and block out the dancing elder with her bright, silver head.
Sighing Liz turned her attention to the Jedi Knight, “Did you have a nice talk with the healer?”
He nodded as a tall excruciatingly thing young man came their way carrying a tray with various food stuffs and a few drinks. Kyp accepted a glass of a native drink that Liz had forgotten the name to and the man was off again, “His name’s Immanuel, by the way.”
“That’s a nice name.” Liz commented, watching as Kyp nursed the small, round glass. He closed his eyes for just a moment and it seemed like he was enjoying the feel of the cool liquid running down his throat. Her eyes trailed down his jaw line to his lips as he swallowed; when he turned his attention back to her she forced herself to stay on topic, trying not to divert her thoughts to her Jedi Knight without the lightsaber, without the boots, without the robes, without –
Stop it!
“You were saying?” she prodded him on, dragging a hand through her disheveled dark hair and taking a breath.
“Well, this planet actually belongs to them. They have history texts that date back hundreds of years. Then visitors came – namely the Empire. Or the Galactic Republic from way back then.” He took another sip from the clear liquid, “As far as Immanuel knows being the healer, there were scientists among the visitors who were ordered to find test subjects for an experiment.” He nodded towards the dancing silver haired individuals, “Most of them don’t know about it, since they were born the way they are now. But before the Galactic Republic they were human just like us.”
Liz blew out a breath, “What kind of experiments are we talking about?”
“It seems they wanted to create soldiers.” Emalia piped in, leaning closer and lowering her voice, “My father owns a small journal that belonged to one of the scientists. All tests and names of the subjects are catalogued. It was rather gruesome, if I might say so.”
Liz held back a groan. She didn’t want to be speaking to the other woman in fear of perhaps even taking a liking to her.
“They messed around with genes and basic functions of the brain.” Kyp continued, “It was a painful transaction because once the tests were started there was an immediate reaction and no going back.”
Liz frowned, “Well, what happened then? And why?”
“All senses were heightened.” Emalia said, “Better eyesight, impeccable hearing, double strength – anything you can imagine.”
“Who knows if these tests were actually sanctioned by the Republic back then?” Kyp said, downing his drink, “Seems someone thought to need super soldiers and instead of training men and women to do the trick, they experimented. In the long run it would work faster.”
“It’s cruel.”
“No doubt.”
“So basically you’re all super humans?” Liz asked Emalia in a cold voice while arching a dark brow.
Emalia shook her head, her straight silver hair bobbing around her slender shoulders, “No. The elders are the ones with the heightened senses. There are only few left, including my father. Those born afterward have the same appearance but otherwise we are like you.”
“What’s with the teeth, though?”
Emalia shrugged, “I do not know. Only the elders possess them.”
“The elders don’t look that old.” Liz commented shifting her gaze to Kyp. He nodded once, then perched his elbows atop the table, laying his head on his folded hands.
“They age slower. They do die eventually.”
Liz didn’t know what to think about all this. For her it was inconceivable for anyone to play God – it was a damning thing to do and the fact of the matter was who ever tried would never succeed.
“Creating soldiers didn’t work I take it?”
Emalia shook her head, “My father says one young man left with the scientists when the elders fought back. No one knows of his whereabouts.”
Liz said nothing more to the matter – there was enough crap going through her mind, she didn’t want something else darkening her mood any further. Grateful to at least have a full day of peace and quiet after the ordeal on Coruscant, she leaned back in her chair and heaved a sigh. She made the choice to enjoy the rest of the celebration, trying to block out the past few days and the hideous story Kyp and Emalia had told her.
She closed her eyes and listened to the music, a beautiful angelic voice singing in a language she couldn’t make sense of. It was a soft song, sung to whisk one away into the most stunning of dreams. A shiver ran down her spine as she thought about a future she wasn’t sure would be a good one.
Would they get off this rock in one piece? Would she be able to go home and live out the remainder of her life in peace? Who knew?
“May I have this dance?”
Liz ripped her eyes open at the deep voice and was astounded when recognizing the immaculate features of the elder she’d been watching just minutes before.
“I…uh…” she swallowed, hoping she didn’t sound as ridiculous as she felt. “I wouldn’t know how.”
He thrust out a large hand and Liz turned her gaze to Kyp, hoping he would get her out of this situation. He smiled at her and actually inclined his head for her to go.
Damn you.
Her heart pounded beneath her chest – who was she to say no when everyone around her was staring at her? Some with curiosity in their eyes, she noted and some with distaste almost.
“It would be rude to decline.” Emalia whispered so only Liz could hear. Liz fought the sudden urge to just punch the woman in the face.
Clearing her throat and glaring at her, she accepted the elder’s hand and forced a small smile, “I hope I won’t embarrass you.”
He laughed then, “Hardly.”
Liz tried to keep her nervousness and edginess at bay as the elder led her to the middle of the dancing area, his large hand firmly clasped around hers. He smiled at her, his blue eyes twinkling, “You should enjoy yourself.” He said, twirling her around in a fluid motion as the music around them picked up.
“What is your name?” He asked in a louder voice above the music.
“Liz.”
The elder smiled, “A rather peculiar name.”
Says the man who looks like a God…
“It’s short for Eliziya.” She cleared her throat, “And what’s your name?”
He leaned closer suddenly and her heart jumped, “Marek. I am the leader of my people.”
She was having a dance with the big boss then? It was a meek attempt trying to hide her nervousness because it seemed Marek noticed and he threw his head back and laughed, showing long, pointy teeth that made her shiver.
Liz scowled, “Well, I’ve never been near a leader before. It’s not that funny.”
He twirled her around again and Liz risked a short glance towards the table and she gulped. Emalia had decided to take a seat next to the Jedi Knight – way too close for Liz’s taste.
“I hear you will be staying for the night?” Marek said and Liz forced herself to focus on his face. His eyes seemed to be looking right through her and she reminded herself that this man was an enhanced human being. She supposed he could hear the tiniest whisper, see within the smallest crack of a wall, smell the lightest scent in the wind – it was a frightening presumption.
“Yes. We’ll be leaving tomorrow.”
“Are you anxious to return home?”
Liz sighed and shook her head, “No. But we must.” She decided on not telling him the details of their little trip. The music stopped suddenly, and the young woman the elder had been dancing with previously stepped up, taking Marek’s hand into hers.
“I’ll leave you be then.” Liz said taking a step back towards the table.
“Eliziya.” The elder called, “It was a pleasure making your acquaintance.” He nodded towards her, dipping his silver head and smiling with a set of sparkling, white teeth.
Liz sighed as she watched Marek gather the woman into his arms and spin her around. It seemed those two really did belong together. When she turned her attention back to the table, she forced a small smile.
Emalia had her hand on Kyp’s shoulder – Liz fought back a laugh at Kyp’s expression. He tried inching away from her but she kept coming and she kept smiling seductively. Liz wanted to reach out and strangle the woman but instead she hurried to stand next to Kyp, leaning down to whisper in his ear, “Ready to leave?”
He gave her a curt nod, bidding his farewell to Emalia. Liz ignored her disappointed expression as she turned around and headed down the corridor to their quarters, Kyp right behind her.
**********
“That woman is annoying.” Liz commented in the deserted corridor, running a hand across her face and stifling a yawn, “And I knew from the start I didn’t like her. And now I know why.”
“Well, I don’t suppose she gets to meet a lot of men.”
Liz snorted, “So? She needs to go find her own man instead of trying to hit on mine.”
Kyp stopped in mid stride and gave her a crooked grin, “Yours?”
“Oh, hush!” she kept walking while crossing her arms in front of her chest. She heard Kyp’s footsteps next to her but kept her eyes to the front, again admiring the beautiful blue stone that made out the tunnels. There was a slight, cool breeze and it felt wonderful on her skin. The night air smelled fresh and she thought it would be wonderful to venture outside for just a little while. But knowing her luck she’d run into the fiercest of animals and be devoured alive.
“You’re jealous.” Kyp suddenly said, amusement lacing his voice. Liz stopped to stare at him, “I am not.” She scoffed while shaking her head, “I’m just annoyed. I think it’s just not right, you know? You should respect other’s relationships instead of meddling in between.”
Kyp chuckled, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his pants, “If you say so.”
She rolled her eyes and sighed, letting the topic drop. Of course she was jealous, who was she kidding? It bugged her that the little critter would try walking onto her turf and steal what was hers.
Kyp grabbed her hand suddenly and turned her around. He pulled her towards him, his smile making her knees go weak, “Stop worrying, Liz. I won’t let anyone or anything between us.”
She smiled instead of answering and was positively surprised when Kyp leaned down to kiss her. His lips touched hers softly, sending tiny bolts of electricity through her limbs. She moaned as she reached up and placed her hands on his chest.
He broke the kiss after a while, nipping at her lower lip when she scowled at him, “Don’t stop.” She whispered while gripping his shirt with both hands.
He left small, sizzling kisses on her chin, moving along her cheek towards her ear. His tongue snaked out, tasting the soft skin above her pulse and she bit down on her lip as he moved to her collarbone.
Kyp backed her into the corridor wall then, the cool rock feeling magnificent against her hot skin, alight through his wonderful touch. Bracing a palm against the surface of the rock, he lifted a hand and trailed a finger along the side of her face.
“You’re beautiful, Liz.” He whispered, leaning in closer. She felt his warm breath against her neck and she closed her eyes as his hand slipped underneath the long shirt she was wearing, “I want you. Only you.”
Her heart raced when she heard his words – slowly she reached around his waist, sliding her hands along his backside and pulling him towards her. He answered with a deep moan that made icy shivers run through her. He kissed her then, a hard demanding kiss, leaving her breathless.
“We shouldn’t be doing this here.” Liz whispered after a very, very long moment, “Someone might see us.”
Kyp chuckled while touching her forehead with his, “Might be interesting to see their reaction if we get caught.”
Liz pinched him in his arm and smiled, “Let’s not put it to the test.”
His hand rested on her bare waist underneath her shirt, his thumb gently stroking warm skin, “How about we hurry to get to the quarters?” He whispered, closing his eyes, “You’re so damned tempting, I don’t know how long I can keep off you.”
Liz arched a dark brow and smirked, “As long as you don’t keep your hands off me while we’re inside, I’m all for hurrying.”
Slowly he smiled at her, stepping back and taking her hand into his. He leaned down for one more mind numbing kiss before pulling Liz behind him as he hastily led the way down the corridor.
**********
“I’m guessing you have good news for me.” Lassiter rubbed his chin with a black gloved hand and glared at the flickering hologram in front of him, “Or else it would be too bad for you.”
“We’ve located them. The beacons have been deactivated but we’ve found their last known location. It shouldn’t be hard to find them from there.”
Lassiter nodded and heaved a sigh, “Hope for yourself that you are correct. Remember my warning.”
He cut the connection and leaned back in his leather chair.
“Do you think she’ll stand by her word?” Kyrian asked behind him, stepping out of the shadow into the full white light.
Lassiter shrugged, “I don’t know. It doesn’t matter anyway. I know where she is.”
Kyrian gave him a questioning look, “How so?”
“I dreamt of them.”
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I'm having trouble dealing with the fact that Kyp Durron is a fictional character 
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jadesabre75
Registered:
Nov '07
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Date Posted:
7/12 4:33pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
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Mush!!!! Though I did want to smack Kyp there for a minute. LOL
Kyrian needs to be hurt...badly.
and now I have tons of questions running around my head...soon to be answered I hope? LOL
Awesome job my dear!
And yes, there is a chocolate day. Sweet huh?
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Stories are in my bio! Have at it!
"Writers block is when your characters get tired of everything you do to them and go on strike."
Lucky Member of the Jagateers: Jagateer of the Imperial Red Swim Trunks
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THE_EVIL_CLIFFIE
Registered:
Jul '08
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Date Posted:
7/13 10:19am
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
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Just started reading the second post. but one thing struck me
"I have no experience with this sort of thing"
KYP, INEXPERINECED? I guess i've been reading too much of Imperialsolo's DARK LEGACY. LOL 
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They can tak' oor lives but they cannae ta' oor trousers!
For the God-Emporor of Mankind!
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Ceillean
Registered:
Nov '01
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Date Posted:
7/13 10:29am
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
- Date Edited:
7/13 10:34am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Ceillean
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Evil_Cliffie posted:
KYP, INEXPERINECED? I guess i've been reading too much of Imperialsolo's DARK LEGACY. LOL
Dammit, you're making me blush.  Everytime I think about Dark Legacy Kyp I start blushing. That's embarassing.
This is a young Kyp. First experiences with women and all. Well...uh...Dark Legacy Kyp is hoooottt, isn't he? 
Thanks for reading, by the way! 
Sab posted:
Mush!!!! Though I did want to smack Kyp there for a minute. LOL
Kyrian needs to be hurt...badly.
and now I have tons of questions running around my head...soon to be answered I hope? LOL
Awesome job my dear!
And yes, there is a chocolate day. Sweet huh?
Yes, mush! I love mush. 
I think I'll need to remember Chocolate Day. I'll celebrate it as if it were a national holiday.
Questions will be answered eventually.
Thanks for reading!
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I'm having trouble dealing with the fact that Kyp Durron is a fictional character
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ccp
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
7/13 5:34pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
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Great update!
So the bad guys have someone on the inside?
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Padwan to Big Fatty
If someone says, "Have a nice weekend," I never say, "You too." Because I never know if, perhaps, by the time the weekend rolls around, I will have other plans for that person. Come Friday, I may wish to have them slain. - George Carli
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Robimus
Registered:
Jul '07
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Date Posted:
7/13 6:29pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
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The feast, as the healer had put it, was in fact a lifeday celebration for the eldest of the underground, civilization
Um, Merry Christmas then
“It seems they wanted to create soldiers.” Emalia piped in, leaning closer and lowering her voice, “My father owns a small journal that belonged to one of the scientists.
I really like this idea. The Empire Cloned a whole army of course they would try to create Force users as well.
Says the man who looks like a God…
Liz shrugged, “I’m alright. Enjoying the view, actually.”
Its so intersting seeing the leering from the female perspective, when it is usually a trait associated with males . Funny how she wants to look, but wants Kyp to see only her.........
Emalia had her hand on Kyp’s shoulder – Liz fought back a laugh at Kyp’s expression. He tried inching away from her but she kept coming and she kept smiling seductively.
Damn it Kyp! Save some ladies for the rest of us 
Her heart raced when she heard his words – slowly she reached around his waist, sliding her hands along his backside and pulling him towards her. He answered with a deep moan that made icy shivers run through her. He kissed her then, a hard demanding kiss, leaving her breathless.
You write these scenes beautifully, sexy but not giving too much away 
trying not to divert her thoughts to her Jedi Knight without the lightsaber,
Funny this line made me think about a Kyp story idea I'm mulling about for after Remnant, using the lightsaber as a metaphor for something else. See Cei, you wrote this as not dirty and my brain twisted it around....
Great Update as always. I hope Nikk's not lonely on the Lucinda........
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I am forever seeking the damutek of Hooley Krekk
Oh, woe! Oh, misery! Oh, unhappiness. Hooley Krekk where are you?
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iamobiwan1970
Registered:
Aug '05
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Date Posted:
7/14 5:47pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
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I think this is my favorite Kyp ship happening on the boards at this time!  That scene in the coridoor was great! Especially the visual of Liz grabbing Kyp's butt. I just love how jealous Liz can be:
Liz fought the sudden urge to just punch the woman in the face.
But I think Kyp assured her she had no reason to be. Still, I loved this line:
Liz snorted, “So? She needs to go find her own man instead of trying to hit on mine.”
Kyp stopped in mid stride and gave her a crooked grin, “Yours?”
Now, on to the little mystery of who Lassiter is:
Lassiter shook his head, golden locks falling about his shoulders....
Emalia shook her head, “My father says one young man left with the scientists when the elders fought back. No one knows of his whereabouts.”
Then, at the end! UtOh! I have a bad feeling about Emalia! 
Great update!
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Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, with open arms and open eyes.
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Ceillean
Registered:
Nov '01
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Date Posted:
8/3 1:10pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated July 12th
- Date Edited:
8/3 2:13pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Ceillean
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I'm so jealous! I wanted to spend my weekend reading "Breaking Dawn" and the book was sold out!  So instead of slobbering over Jacob and Edward , here's the next update.
There was no doubt in her mind that she was dreaming.
Coldness surrounded her, biting at her skin as she found herself standing at the edge of a cliff. A harsh wind whipped around her, whistling past her ears. She heard the thundering sound of water as the waves crashed against the cliff side.
Up above the sky was a carpet of blackness, flecked with twinkling golden stars and a bright, full moon. Liz looked away, her attention catching on a boy who stood only a few feet away from her. His little body was shivering from the cold, his warm breath coming out in foggy puffs.
The clothes he wore were completely torn; the once white shirt hung down one slender shoulder, showing her tiny scars running along the length of his arm. Large rips in the cloth of his dark pants showed bruises and scratches on his short legs. He wore no shoes, his bare feet having to take on the cold rock and relentless winds.
Liz squinted in the darkness, her eyes already burning from the fierce gusts of wind. The boy seemed so very familiar. His dark hair reached to his shoulders and it seemed he had been cutting it with a blunt object – she recognized the firmness around his jaw, the look on his face as he stared out into nothingness. She recognized his posture as he hugged his arms around his wiry frame.
“What is this place?” she asked as she inched closer.
The boy ignored her and for a moment, Liz thought he had not noticed her yet. She reached out with her hand, just about to touch his bare shoulder when he whipped his head around. Not missing the deep frown etched onto his forehead, Liz stepped back and tried a weak smile.
“Why are you here?” he asked with childish curiosity.
“I don’t know.”
He grunted and turned away from her, “You shouldn’t be here.” He said and Liz did not miss the defiance in his voice and stance.
“Why?”
“Because this is my personal hell.”
Liz was shocked and surprised to hear such words from the boy who could not have been older than ten years. “I don’t understand.”
He turned his head towards her, “Can’t you hear them?” His voice was laced with impatience and Liz wondered if he would stomp his foot on the ground as well. “Listen.”
It took a long while before Liz did indeed hear a noise she could not place. Shouts and wails and then she felt the pain as if it were her own. Her skin prickled and it felt like she was on fire. There was a definite stench of burning flesh in the air around her.
Liz squeezed her eyes shut and covered her ears with her hands. The screams brought along pain that was almost too much to bear; she reached out to the Force and tried to focus.
“You shouldn’t have come.”
She glanced the boys’ way and was relieved when the screams quieted down, replaced by a low hum she recognized as a cacophony of voices. The boy turned away and took a single step towards the edge of the cliff. Liz watched him stare out to the raging ocean –
She gasped in horror at the scene that met her eyes. Where there had been water just minutes before was now a veil of dark mist. Liz stepped forward to get a better look; there were people within the fog, their bodies translucent as if they were one with the mist. She recognized hands grasping at the stone, trying to pull themselves up towards the surface.
“Tormented souls.” The boy stepped beside her, his dark eyes glued to the misty figures, “They want me.”
Within a single second, the boy had taken another step towards the edge and it was clear what he intended to do, “They’re calling me.”
Liz jumped forward and grabbed him around his waist, pulling him backwards, away from the edge of the cliff. She held his small body firmly within her arms, fighting against his struggles to get free.
Suddenly he screamed. “They’re calling! It hurts!”
“Don’t listen to them. Listen to me instead.” Liz leaned down and whispered the words softly.
“It hurts!” The boy broke one arm free and scratched at his face, “They’re hurting me…”
Liz held him close, dropping down to the ground and gently rocking him back and forth, “I won’t let them hurt you.”
The boy shook his head and tried to wriggle free of her grasp, “Let me go! They’re –“
“I won’t let them hurt you!” Liz said firmly, “I promise.”
The boy calmed down and Liz along with him, “You’ll be alright, sweetheart. They can’t hurt you anymore.”
“But they have a right to.” He whispered before he fell quiet. Liz held him close until he fell asleep.
**********
Infinite space… it was a frightening thought. Not even the wildest imagination could picture infinity and flying through space made her feel so very small.
I am nothing compared to this.
Hera never much cared for space travel. Her world was her small home on Chandrila, in which both feet stayed on the ground, in which she did what was expected of her and returned to her husband at the end of the day.
She sighed.
“How much longer?” Hera asked in a low voice, leaning forward in the Captain’s chair. She drummed her long fingers atop the control panel embedded in her chair – she was nervous and the crew knew it.
The nav officer sitting to her left turned her way, his light green eyes sparkling. The man – or better yet, the boy – was new to this job and it seemed to Hera he enjoyed every second of it. Even after having to stay at his station for over six hours, she heard confidence and pride within his voice.
“Seven hours, twenty-five minutes and ten seconds, ma’am.”
Hera held back a chuckle but let a small smile cross her face.
“What of our contact?”
“Is awaiting us, ma’am. Coordinates have been confirmed and verified.”
“Very good.”
Hera got to her feet and sighed. Lassiter was most likely impatient for her report.
**********
Liz woke with a start. Long seconds passed before she remembered where she was and she breathed a sigh of relief. The room around her was lit by a small lamp attached to the wall – she yearned for a window to see if it was still dark outside.
She stretched her arms above her head before slowly sitting up. Her muscles were screaming for her to lie back down and sleep some more but there was a small hole growing in the pit of her stomach, yelling at her to eat.
Liz pushed the covers off her legs and almost jumped out of her own skin when she saw Kyp sitting opposite her. One leg pulled up to his bare chest, he had his arm draped over his knee and kept balling his hand into a fist over and over again. Within the dim light, his eyes seemed darker than usual; endless black depths that frightened her.
His entire stance and the feel of him told her that something was very wrong.
“Are you okay?”
“How did you do it?”
She didn’t much care for his tone of voice and for the first time since meeting him, she was almost… afraid?
“How did I do what?”
Her eyes moved from his face to his hand and back again. Patiently she waited for him to answer but he simply stared at her, pulling seconds into minutes. It was obvious he was angry.
Liz felt an unwanted nervousness creep up within her. She tried touching Kyp through the Force, using their bond to understand his state of mind but he shoved her away.
“What did you see, Liz?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She whispered, on the one hand wanting to move closer and comfort him but on the other hand not daring to. Yes, he was angry, furious almost but she sensed confusion as well.
“What did you see?” he repeated, his words sounding cold and harsh.
“I don’t know what it is you want from me, Kyp.” Liz turned away from him, swinging her long legs over the edge of the bed. Her feet touched the cold floor and the tingling on her skin felt wonderful.
She stood and started making her way to the fresher when she heard Kyp move behind her. He grabbed her hand and she spun around, glaring at him.
“Tell me what you saw.” He said through clenched teeth.
“I was asleep, Kyp!” she shouted, ripping her hand from his grasp.
“I know.”
Liz frowned at him, searching his face to find something other than anger hiding in his features. For the life of her, she could not understand why he was so angry in the first place.
“I still don’t –“
“What did you see?”
She shuddered at his whispered words, at the plea he directed at her. There were tiny lines around his eyes, telling her that he was worried…
“What did I see?” she repeated softly and finally understood what he was asking. “The dream?”
He nodded while stepping closer.
“Kyp, it was only a dream.”
Suddenly he cupped her face in both his hands, locking his eyes with hers. Even if she had wanted to, she couldn’t have looked away – he was hurting.
“Please, Eliziya.” He whispered, “What did you see? I have to know.”
“Why is it so important? It was just a stupid dream.”
“It was mine, Liz.” He said forcefully, “You weren’t supposed to be there. How, Liz? What did you see?”
“I don’t know.” She fought the sudden feeling of being constricted. His dark eyes held on to her fast and she wished he would just open up to her, open their bond so she could understand. “I fell asleep. And then I dreamt.”
As she told him about the dream, about the little boy and the cliff, a slight frown appeared on his forehead and slowly he let his arms drop back to his sides. He turned away from her, avoiding her eyes. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he propped his elbows on his knees, leaning forward and digging his hands into his tousled hair.
“It wasn’t for you to see.” He whispered. Liz knelt down before him, feeling completely at a loss.
“What’s going on here?” she asked softly, reaching up to grasp his hands. He pulled back from her touch and this simple move almost tore her up inside.
“I have to deal with this on my own.”
He got up and started to pace up and down the room. It felt like he was deliberately trying to get away from her.
“I don’t understand.” She fought a wave of fear, her sight blurring with tears.
Kyp stopped and gave her a curious look. Would Liz understand the fear he lived with?
“These dreams – no, this guilt I carry with me; I have to live with it. And I’ll deal with it alone.” He swallowed, “I’m… confused as to how you were able to see the dream. No one has ever gotten through my blocks without me letting them.”
Liz straightened and came to stand beside him, “I’m sorry. I don’t know how it happened but – you’re not alone.”
“You don’t know –“
“Let me help you.”
Kyp shook his head and took a deep breath, “I don’t need help. I’ll take care of this on my own.”
He left her standing there dumbstruck; he walked to the fresher and when the door closed, he let himself relax.
Dreams dealing with his guilt were common but this particular one left him gasping for air every time he woke up.
It was the only dream in which he gave his life jumping off a cliff because the dead demanded it so. The people he’d killed demanded it so.
However, this time Liz had been there, she’d saved him – he hadn’t jumped.
Kyp moved to the washbasin and turned on the water. He let the cool liquid run over his wrists, then bent forward to splash a few drops onto his face.
He felt Liz’s confusion and worry through their bond but he wasn’t up to explaining anything.
Not yet.
He was used to dealing with his guilt alone. No one knew of his dreams, he’d never seen any sense in discussing them with anyone.
Liz had seen, had been there to help him…
It was a part of him he wasn’t comfortable with. He didn’t want to seem weak, especially in front of Liz. He didn’t want to be a burden for her.
He sighed. Would it even make a difference?
She already knew.
Kyp tried clearing his mind by taking a long, hot shower.
**********
The flickering hologram of the movie illuminated the cockpit but Nikk wasn’t paying attention. He sat in the pilot’s chair, he legs stretched forward, while delving into the Force.
He had repaired Lucinda as far as he could, considering the resources he had on board. A tiny smile surfaced on his handsome face. The “bomb” they had found? It had actually been a fake.
Nikk took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Why would anyone plant a fake bomb on his ship? Whoever was tracking them – and there was now no doubt in his mind that it was definitely so – did they presume he would land the ship?
Well, they’d presumed correctly.
“Biggest mistake ever, coming here.”
He reached into the Force, using it to relax, to soothe and ward off dark thoughts creeping into his mind.
It took only a few seconds to send Kyp his emotions concerning their current situation. He warned them to be careful and to hurry back. Kyp acknowledged him but then cut Nikk off.
The holomovie drew his attention for a few minutes but then he closed his eyes and let his mind wander. Whenever he had time to think he thought about his home. He wondered if his father was still alive – Force knew he was a stubborn man. Some days he doubted anyone would let him know if his parents died but on other days, he hoped.
He’d left his father with burning anger in his heart and he wished he could return to undo the damage he’d done. Perhaps when this ordeal with Kyp and Liz was over, he’d have a chance to return home and set things right.
Moreover, perhaps he could meet with Araneya.
He wondered if she was happy in her new life. He wondered if she thought of him as much as he thought of her. He wondered if she had a family…
Nikk closed his eyes and shoved the thoughts away. If she had a family, she would most likely be happy. He had no right to interfere.
There was a sudden sense of danger surrounding him and he jumped to his feet. It came from everywhere around him, all at once almost, crashing into him from all sides and angles.
His longer fingers flew across the controls as he checked the surrounding area for life forms. Nothing being out of the ordinary, he sat back down and waited.
His hand never left the hilt of his lightsaber.
**********
Liz sat on the floor of the living area, leaning against the cool wall. She listened to the sound of running water from the fresher and took a deep breath.
She felt as if Kyp was accusing her of sneaking into his mind on purpose and just this thought tore her up from within. She was utterly confused at his reaction; she’d gotten to know him as a quiet person, yet direct and very stubborn. Nevertheless, this new side of him…
Plainly put she was worried about him. Moreover, it irked her that he refused to accept her help. How could she make him understand that she would always be there for him, no matter what? She would do her damndest to make sure he was alright, to help him through anything and everything.
She cared for Kyp, more than she was willing to admit and she wanted a future with him. But how if he kept hiding from her, kept pulling away from her?
The sound of running water ceased and a moment later Kyp walked out with a towel bound around his waist. Drops of water ran down his chest, his dark hair was drawn back from his face and without a word he gathered up his clothes from the sofa and headed back towards the fresher.
There was no way Liz would give up easily so she hurried to follow him.
“Can we talk?” she asked softly, standing in the doorway and watching him dress.
“Later. We should head back to the ship. Nikk’s getting anxious.”
“I feel like this is somehow my fault.” She said, ignoring his statement. Kyp slipped his shirt over his head and a few strands of wet hair fell into his face.
“It’s not.”
“Then stop making me feel like it is.”
“Liz…” His voice trailed off and he sighed, raising his head to look her straight in the eye, “You have enough on your mind. I don’t want you involved with this as well.”
Liz supposed his words were meant as a sort of protection for her but it sounded more like he didn’t want her involved in his personal problems.
“Kyp, I don’t understand –“
“No, you don’t!” He snapped at her. He shook his head and hurried passed her, walking back into the living area to retrieve his boots.
Liz narrowed her eyes, not willing to back down, “You’re being one hell of an ass right now.” She followed him and shook her head, “You’re an idiot if you think I’ll turn my back on this.”
“Liz –“
“Shut up!”
Kyp raised his brows but kept quiet, willing to take on the storm.
“I don’t get why you’re being like this. Are you embarrassed that I saw something you thought you could keep hidden? I know you’re having a hard time dealing with your past and I will never say I know what you’re going through. But please, don’t shut me out like this.”
He kept quiet for a very long time. All he did was stare at her, the expression on his face blank. But then she felt a tickling at the nape of her skull and she realized he was opening their bond, letting her in. She felt confusion and hurt from him and worry that she would see him in a different light.
He was afraid of her reaction…
Liz sighed and stepped closer, “Do you think I would stop caring for you because of a dream?”
“It’s not about the dream, Liz.” He said softly, “It’s about me.”
“We’ve been through this already, Kyp. I don’t care about your past.”
She took another step towards him and pulled him down in a hug. “Don’t shut me out. If I can help, I will.”
“You already have.” He whispered, encircling her waist with his arms, “You pulled me back. You saved me.”
“See? And I’d do it anytime, anyplace.”
Kyp’s answer was drowned out by a sudden and deafening roar. Kyp felt Nikk’s surprised spike in the Force but he had not time to respond.
The first of the ground quakes cracked the walls around them.
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I'm having trouble dealing with the fact that Kyp Durron is a fictional character
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jadesabre75
Registered:
Nov '07
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Date Posted:
8/3 5:08pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated August 3rd
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Good thing Liz is just as stubborn as he is. Kyppie needs his ass kicked a little bit. LOL Awesome chapter! Loved the insight into Kyp's mind and that she was able to get under his shields! Great job!
Now when does the brother die... 
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Stories are in my bio! Have at it!
"Writers block is when your characters get tired of everything you do to them and go on strike."
Lucky Member of the Jagateers: Jagateer of the Imperial Red Swim Trunks
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ccp
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
8/3 7:12pm
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RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated August 3rd
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Great update!
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Padwan to Big Fatty
If someone says, "Have a nice weekend," I never say, "You too." Because I never know if, perhaps, by the time the weekend rolls around, I will have other plans for that person. Come Friday, I may wish to have them slain. - George Carli
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iamobiwan1970
Registered:
Aug '05
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Date Posted:
8/3 7:17pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated August 3rd
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Seing inside Kyp's mind is always intriguing. His nightmare's are horribly facinating. This one was well done, with him as the tattered child surrendering to the souls he killed. Very haunting. I don't know how Liz got in, but she made a huge impact. I imagine it would be a struggle for Kyp to accept her knowing him so intimately.
Now I am worried about Nikk. I didn't expect groundquakes! You get a gold star for remembering not to call them "earthquakes"...some writers forget about that!
And yeh, i still LOVE this story....
ps...side note: read Breaking Dawn! Excellent (I was bored to tears with book 3), this totally makes up for book three. You will love it!
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Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, with open arms and open eyes.
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Robimus
Registered:
Jul '07
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Date Posted:
8/3 8:27pm
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated August 3rd
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Wow! Just an incredible update as always. I love Kyp's angst, and the fact that he is still haunted by the past. How could someone be responsible for so much death and not be troubled, unless they were a deranged lunatic, which Kyp is not. 
I don't think that Kyp is very far off base to believe that Liz might not take the truth about Carida all that well, despite her words and feelings. A secret that.....wrenching would have an effect on anyone and perhaps make people not look at Kyp quite the same way.
And Nikk is setting a trap for their pursuers. 
Loved it!
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I am forever seeking the damutek of Hooley Krekk
Oh, woe! Oh, misery! Oh, unhappiness. Hooley Krekk where are you?
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JediKyle23
Registered:
Feb '08
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Date Posted:
8/4 8:27am
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated August 3rd
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Great chapter. Really captured what a stuck-up jackas$ Kyp can be. Keep up the great work.
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Ceillean
Registered:
Nov '01
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Date Posted:
8/19 10:47am
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated August 3rd
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JediKyle23 posted:
Great chapter. Thank you. Really captured what a stuck-up jackas$ Kyp can be. Ah yes, but we like that. Well, at least I do. Keep up the great work. I will and thank you!
Robimus posted:
Wow! Just an incredible update as always. You're making me blush. I love Kyp's angst, and the fact that he is still haunted by the past. How could someone be responsible for so much death and not be troubled, unless they were a deranged lunatic, which Kyp is not. Oh God, I hope not. Nooooo, not a deranged lunatic. Nope.
I don't think that Kyp is very far off base to believe that Liz might not take the truth about Carida all that well, despite her words and feelings. A secret that.....wrenching would have an effect on anyone and perhaps make people not look at Kyp quite the same way. Well, she knows his secret and I guess she just ignores it. How else would you be together if not? The dreams, I think, will always haunt him. He'll have to deal with blowing up a planet all his life -- the worst punishment I believe.
And Nikk is setting a trap for their pursuers. 
Loved it! Glad you did!
obi posted:
Seing inside Kyp's mind is always intriguing. His nightmare's are horribly facinating. This one was well done, with him as the tattered child surrendering to the souls he killed. Very haunting. I don't know how Liz got in, but she made a huge impact. I imagine it would be a struggle for Kyp to accept her knowing him so intimately.
Now I am worried about Nikk. I didn't expect groundquakes! You get a gold star for remembering not to call them "earthquakes"...some writers forget about that! I remembered! Because earthquakes don't exist in Star Wars. I messed that up once and haven't forgotten since.
And yeh, i still LOVE this story.... Whew. Glad to hear that.
ps...side note: read Breaking Dawn! Excellent (I was bored to tears with book 3), this totally makes up for book three. You will love it! Finally got done with Breaking Dawn. I'll have to read it again. Up until Jacob's part was done, the book was great. Except the strange birth scene. Uh...yeah. But then, a whole lot of talk. *shrugs* Yeah, need to read it again.
ccp posted:
Great update! Dankeschön! 
Sab posted:
Good thing Liz is just as stubborn as he is. Mhmmmm... Kyppie needs his ass kicked a little bit. LOL Awesome chapter! Thanks! Loved the insight into Kyp's mind and that she was able to get under his shields! Great job!
Now when does the brother die...
Thanks everyone for reading!
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Ceillean
Registered:
Nov '01
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Date Posted:
8/19 10:53am
Subject:
RE: An Unlocked Soul -- OC's, Kyp/OC (AU) -- Updated August 19th
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“How much longer?” Lassiter breathed with an impatient note as he gazed out the viewport of his small yacht and watched a few of his men excavate a new entrance to the underground civilization.
Kyrian sat before him in the pilot’s chair, risking a quick glance over his shoulder. He could almost feel Lassiter’s itchiness.
“They should be through in a few minutes.”
“Good.” He sighed and ran a hand across his ashen face, “I suppose we should get going then. The day’s just begun.”
**********
Dust and small pebbles fell from the ceiling soundlessly; dismayed, Liz watched as a dark crack ran down the length of the wall in a zigzag pattern until it reached the stone ground, opening into a small crevice only inches away from her feet. Kyp grabbed her arm in a fierce grip, abruptly pulling her backward and away from the ever growing hole in the ground, “Don’t stop!” He whispered, his tone commanding.
Liz nodded and risked another glance at the crevice behind her, growing centimeter after centimeter as the shudders and quakes grew stronger. Some of the people of the underground dwelling raced past her, some clutched others in panic, some ran without taking notice of people laying on the ground. She’d lost count how many Kyp had helped back to their feet, even though all their lives were in danger. Liz hoped panic could be kept to a minimal – the thought of people being trampled to death...
“Wait.” Kyp said, holding up a hand, his brow furrowed.
The rumbling beneath their feet stopped and the quietness was almost deafening. Her heartbeat quickened as a sense of foreboding settled in. She swallowed back a lump in her throat, telling herself that they’d get out of the tunnels alive. Unless the ceiling came down to crush them…
The entrance to the main cavern suddenly crumbled to the ground, large stones and rubble scattered about with a roar. Liz gulped as the dust receded, holding her hand in front of her mouth as she coughed; she recognized bodies crushed underneath the weight of the rocks. She jumped when the rumbling started up again and then she realized it wasn’t a ground quake at all.
“We need to get out of here.” Kyp said, gripping her hand and pulling her forward. The exit to the tunnels wasn’t far anymore but she doubted the other people around them would be thinking clear enough to not fight their way through.
Liz whipped her head around as the rumbling grew into a deafening roar and then a mind-numbing screech. A golden tip of what seemed like an enormous drill protruded from the stonewall, digging further into the rock until the entire front was visible. Steam rose from the red glowing tip and the heat was almost unbearable.
She almost lost her footing as she hurried to keep up with Kyp. He was running now, still gripping her hand. She glanced back over her shoulder, watching as the drill dropped to the ground – light spilled through the hole, a hole a full grown Wookie could have fit through. She squinted at the drill, catching sight of a blinking mechanism; at first she thought it might be the controls to it but then the blinking stopped and all she saw was a sudden whiteness. She fell to the ground, along with everyone else still in the cavern.
**********
“Aw hell kriffing no!” Nikk slammed down on the controls, Lucinda swerving upward. She spiraled into the air, diving back to the sandy grounds beneath him. His pursuers were amateurs, Nikk was sure of it but they had weapons that had depleted his shields by half already.
“I just fixed her and you’re not about to tear her apart.” He said gritting his teeth.
The fighters had come out of nowhere. He’d sensed something was wrong only seconds before they’d attacked, enough time for Nikk to activate the shields. Lucinda’s engines were whining, screeching at him for cold-starting the ship. Nikk tried his best to ignore Lucinda’s complaints, focusing on trying to stay alive instead.
“Where the hell did you come from?!” he bellowed as he flew his ship a few meters above the sandy ground. He heard rocks and debris hit Lucinda’s belly, flinching inwardly at every metallic ping.
The fighters, triangular and aerodynamically sleek, followed his every move. Nikk had never seen the likes of the ships before which he found curious. Ships of all shapes and sizes had become something of a hobby for him; he was certain he knew most models by heart but these ships were completely new to him – especially their weapons.
Dark blue laser bolts past by his viewport as the pursuers shot at him in random intervals. Nikk gritted his teeth as Lucinda shot straight up into the air. His long fingers flew over the controls, Lucinda suddenly seeming to stop in mid flight – he threw her around in a mind numbing angle, coming at the enemy from behind. His head hurt but he used the Force to clear his mind, a small smile on his face as he gave off a few shots that met their first target in a blast of white hot smoke.
“One down, three to go.”
His grin was almost feral – the hunt was on.
**********
Chaos broke loose when the detonator went off and Kyp used the few precious seconds he had to scoop Liz into his arms and carry her to a small room adjacent to the cavern. With a single thought the door swished closed behind him. Boxes and crates stood stacked against the walls, piled with cans of food and bottles of water, clothing and here and there a few spare parts for various machines.
He lay Liz down on the cold ground, watching her for a few seconds, probing her mind with the Force. She’d looked right into the explosion of a nerve disrupter – he couldn’t see or feel any damage but he couldn’t be sure until she woke up.
It had been years since last he’d seen a weapon of the sort. The first and only time had been during his prolonged stay on Kessel when a new inmate had tried to break free of the security guards’ hold. The inmate had done a lot of damage that day – three guards had died, one was impaired for life. It hadn’t done the inmate any good though. He’d been executed in front of his fellow prisoners.
Kyp had felt the detonation before he could actually make sense of it. Turning away from the white glare, he’d shielded his eyes in the nick of time – but not enough time to warn Liz.
Kyp exhaled a long breath and ran a hand through his shaggy hair. Scooting over to the door, he touched the controls with his fingers, opening it only an inch to peer through into the cavern. The ground was scattered with the cave dwellers, some badly wounded whereas others lay peacefully as if in sleep.
With his jaw locked, Kyp watched as dark clad men came through the large, make-shift entrance on the other side of the cavern. Two of those men Kyp recognized immediately. There was Kyrian, tall and broad shouldered, his expression serene. And behind him stood Tye…
Kyp sighed. Whoever these people were, they seemed to be a rather powerful group – then why have Tye around for the ride? In his opinion the man was a worthless piece of crap, not to be trusted at all.
“Search the area.” The dark voice belonged to a tall, lean figure standing beside Kyrian. Long blond hair fell over his shoulders and his blue eyes swept the cavern with curiosity. Through the Force Kyp could feel his anticipation, a sort of giddiness at being close to what it was he was looking for.
But then the man suddenly whipped his head towards the door and Kyp realized he was Force sensitive, no doubt having felt the light probing of his mind.
“Dammit.” Kyp whispered, locking the door and dampening his presence in the Force.
Liz stirred and opened her eyes, wincing as the sharp stinging pain of the nerve disrupter awoke her to full consciousness.
“Oh…what was that?” she croaked while trying to sit up.
“Lay down. It’ll pass in a moment.”
“What was that?”
“Nerve disrupter. You look into the light and you’re down for a while.”
“Never heard of it.”
“Be glad.”
Against Kyp’s wishes, Liz sat up, her brow furrowed. “I’m tingly all over.” She whispered, “It hurts.”
He took hold of her hands; he could sense her growing panic and he hoped his smile was a reassuring one, “You’ll be alright.”
“What…what about the others? Are they okay?”
He sighed, “I’m not sure. Some of them don’t seem to be hurt.”
“We have to help them.” She started to stand but Kyp held her down.
“We can’t do anything right now.”
Liz frowned, “Are we locked in? What’s going on?”
“Kyrian’s out there. And Tye. The guy calling the shots – never seen him before. He’s a Force user, though.”
Liz’s eyes widened in shock, “Kyrian’s here? And Tye, too?” And then she gasped, shaking her head, “Because of me.” Her voice was a pained whisper, “Dear Force, they’re here because of me.”
It was as if she was looking through him, her dark eyes clouding over with tears. She jumped up suddenly, steadying herself against Kyp, “They’ve killed because they want me, Kyp. I can’t let them go on.”
“Don’t you even go there.”
“I have to go –“
“No!” He said firmly, holding on to her arms as he stared at her, “I won’t let you put yourself in danger.”
“You’d rather let them die? The people who so kindly took us in? Kyrian will find us sooner or later anyway.”
Kyp kept quiet for a moment. Of course he didn’t want to let the people die; it went against everything he lived for. But he could not send Liz out to a probable death – or rather he would not.
He looked around the small room, “There might be another way out.” Hurrying past Liz, he pushed a few crates and boxes out of the way. Liz watched him in silence but she’d already made up her mind. Even as Kyp turned around and inclined his head towards a vent they could crawl through…
“It has to stop here.” She whispered, “Even if we get out of this place, they won’t stop killing and hurting these people. I can stop this.”
“Liz –“
“I don’t want to spend my life running. And I want to know why they’ve been chasing us.” She shook her head, “I’m sorry, Kyp. But this ends now.”
He didn’t even have time enough to react. She’d turned around and slapped the controls to the door in a single movement. Her eyes showed her fear and her remorse but she forced a little smile as she stepped into the cavern.
Kyp was right behind her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, a possessive and protective move as if to reassure her – to let her know that he would be with her every step of the way.
**********
She held on to her fear with thoughts of the past and hopes for the future. Her mind took her back to the day she’d met Kyp, his little shy smiles when they went out for caf. Her mind took her back to that horrid moment Tye had come to visit her but there Kyp had been – her rock. Her mind took her back to that fateful night when Kyp had saved her life by getting her away from her insane brother.
In a way she felt humble; was she even worth the effort? He’d put his life in danger for her. Of course she was grateful but she felt awkward at the same time.
And now he stood by her again and she knew he’d do everything in his power to make sure Liz got out alright and in once piece.
She hoped the both of them would be alive to tell the story. She’d imagined a future life with the Jedi and the thought made her quirk a small smile.
Everything would be decided in the minutes to come, she was certain of it.
Her brother eyed her from across the cavern, his blue eyes twinkling as he smiled at her. He stood next to another blond, tall man who seemed very familiar to her. As if remembering a dream, his face was a hazy image in her mind.
Then there was Tye. He smirked, his lips curving into a grin, which made her want to run towards him and feed him her fist.
There were other black clad men around them but it seemed Kyrian and the other blond man made up the front, the leaders of the pack so to speak.
She heard some of the cave dwellers awaken, some crying out in pain while others sat up and stared blankly ahead.
“A new arrival!” the blond man in the front said with a happy smile and he clapped his hands as he sped forward. Liz stared in astonishment – she did recognize him. She remembered him being a close friend of Kyrian’s all those years ago. She remembered walking into his room and running away in fear because something about the man had made the hair on her body stand on end. His smile – a cold, crazy smile had made her turn away back then and she again fought the urge to run.
“Finally this hunt can end.” He stopped a few feet away from Liz and Kyp, reaching out with his hand to beckon her forward, “You will come with me, of course.”
She felt a slight tug at the back of her mind and for a second she actually thought of complying with his order. Kyp held her tightly and she shook her head, “No.”
The blond man cocked his head to the side and sighed, “You, Jedi, will let her go.”
“Not gonna happen.”
With a swift move, the blond man bent down and picked up a silver haired cave dweller by her neck. Her beautiful green eyes were moist with tears, her mouth open in a silent scream. The fear she felt was palpable. “Please, I have nothing to do with this.” She whispered, fighting the blond man’s hold as best she could.
But it wasn’t enough. He snapped her head around and her lifeless body fell to the ground in a heap of robes.
“You will let her go or more will die.” The blond man said, his lips quirking up into a smile, an evil grimace.
Stay.
Liz fought hard not to let anyone notice how startled she was by the harsh command only she could hear. Kyp tightened his grip around her shoulders even more.
Run when I say so.
The blond man shrugged and raised his arms with his palms upward, “What’s it going to be, Jedi? Would you rather have more deaths on your hands? Let her go and this will all be over with.”
Liz tensed as Kyp took a small step back – the blond man noticed the move as well and he narrowed his eyes.
Run.
Kyp swung her around towards the corridor they’d come from when the quakes had started. She ran as fast as she could, hearing the snap-hiss of Kyp’s lightsaber as he moved to block the entrance to the corridor.
Of course she was worried for him – she knew he could protect himself but against so many?
She kept running.
**********
Lassiter’s eyes burned with hatred as he watched her slip away from him once again. The Jedi twirled his wrist and the lit lightsaber hummed in unison to his movements.
“That was a very stupid thing to do.” He spat at the Jedi, taking a little step back. He reached underneath his long dark cloak and retrieved his own weapon of choice. He ignited his lightsaber with a flick of his thumb, a silver blade extending into the warm air around them.
Lassiter and the Jedi circled each other – Kyrian stayed and watched while the idiot Tye ran after Liz. The boy had his orders; she was not to be harmed. Lassiter only hoped the boy would abide to them.
“You’ll be fighting to your death.” Lassiter said in a cold voice.
The Jedi merely smiled.
With an exaggerated sigh, Lassiter stopped and straightened to his full height. The Jedi must have felt the collecting of Force energy because backed up just a step. The crackle of large amounts of electricity was overpowering and Lassiter heard gasps of shock as the cave dwellers watched in horror. Blue Force lightning shot from Lassiter fingers, connecting with its prey in a thundering clash.
After only seconds Lassiter knew something was wrong. The Jedi had deactivated his saber and he stood firm, his palm held upward to ward off the attack.
What surprised him the most was the gathering of energy in the others outstretched hand, a ball of bluish-white light that could kill in an instant.
The Jedi smiled at him and cocked his head to the side, his voice a dark whisper, “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
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