Chapter Twelve Ayani moved up the ramp of her ship, going quickly past Seven without a second glance. "Ayani," he called after her. She stopped but didn't turn back towards him. “Ayani,” he repeated, hardly knowing what else to say. Obi-Wan was not with her, so something must have gone wrong. Still, he had to admit that was unlikely. She was strong, and they were very vulnerable. In all likelihood, they were dead in their hut by her hand. “They… got away?” "I didn't attack them," she said, still not turning towards him. “You let them go,” he said, smiling. “Why?” "Who said I let them go?" she snapped. "I just didn't attack them... yet." “Force fu…” He stopped himself short, clenching his jaw. “What’s wrong with you? Do you mean to tell me that you’re starting over? Again?” "Not starting over, ending it." Ayani spun away from him and walked over to a cabinet. She reached inside and pulled out a vial of horrible-looking, red liquid and placed it on the counter. "They're still weak, Kenobi especially." “They’re stronger together,” he said. “You’re lucky you managed to separate them. Problem is they’re whole again.” He glanced at the red serum with a wary eye. "Kenobi wont be able to feel the Force for a few hours still, and even with it he will be weak, very weak." Ayani walked away from the counter and turned towards Seven. "I will finish my job." No, you won’t. You walked away from it, you gave up. You can't finish it. You won’t. You're weak, Ayani. Weak. Ayani winced at the words moving through her mind and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “Ayani, the only weak person in this whole mess is you,” Seven said. “You’re always taking orders and listening to voices... You follow your instincts but not your heart. And don’t tell me you don’t have a heart, because you do. I’ve felt it beating, so it’s there, dammit.” "Feroz, you just don't un-" Ayani started but was cut off by the voice in her head. Oh, he understands. You have a heart, yes, but it's black. Blacker then the deepest parts of space. You'll only destroy him if he stays. You'll only make things worse. You'll end up killing him. “I do understand,” he said. “It’s not enough for you to be loved. You have to inflict pain. The only way you feel right is when you’re being awful. I keep giving you options, and you keep slamming them down. I give you my love, and you piss on it. There’s nothing I can do for you, and I keep coming back!” Ayani narrowed her eyes at him, "You don’t want to be here? If you don't want to be here, then leave," she said harshly. "I never kept you here. In fact I trusted you, and you betrayed that trust by letting Kenobi go." “Trust?” he snarled. “You wanna talk about trust? You leave me in the dark about everything you do, you hurt my loved ones and act like that’s supposed to be all right, and you throw me into a damn wall every time I speak my mind! That’s not trust!” He's right, and you know it. "Get out," Ayani said in a deadly whisper, turning from Seven. “I’m not done,” he said coldly. “I need to know why you led me along like this. Why you made love to me and acted like it meant something.” "Get out before I throw you out," she hissed, feeling not anger but the sting of his words hitting her. “I said I’m not leaving,” he growled. "GET OUT!" Ayani screamed, her hand rising and shooting towards the ramp, Seven flying along with it. He flew out the open ramp, but instead of Ayani dropping him on the ground roughly, she gently set him down, then closed the ramp, locking it. Seven huffed with wide eyes, patting himself all over. He hadn’t been bashed to pieces, even though his little trip was still shocking. When the ramp closed, he shoved himself to his feet and ran toward it. “No, Ayani!” he bashed his fists against the metal. “I didn’t mean it! Ayani!” Ayani stood on the other side of ramp, listening to Seven's pleads. She reached out for the ramp and placed her hands on it's cool steel. She could feel Seven's presence on the other side, like a bright spot in all the dark that surrounded her, yet she couldn't bring herself to open the ramp again. To let him back in. She turned slowly from ramp, and with one last soft touch she moved to away. You're doing the right thing, keep him away. Don't go back, you'll only hurt him. "I've already hurt him... I've already destroyed his soul. He's had to chose between me and his friends, his loved ones, because of me." That’s right. You've made him love you, and yet you don't return that feeling. You're playing with his heart. Outside the ship, Seven pounded his fists nearly bloody, shouting stupid, late apologies. Finally, he stopped, panting and stepping back to note with little pride that he’d dented the metal on the ship’s ramp. “I’ve gone too far this time,” he noted tiredly. “Good job, soldier.” He looked around, wondering if he’d brought unwanted attention to himself. Apparently Tatooine dwellers were used to emotional outbursts, because no one was gawking at him. With a huff, he jogged toward town with the intention of getting some transportation for himself. He needed to get to the Kenobis right away. * * * * * Ayani walked slowly down the cell area of her ship, a bucket of soapy water and a mop in her hand. She wrinkled her nose at the smell that reeked from Kenobi's cell. She opened the door and winced. In the corner of the cell was a pile human waste. Ayani waved her hand and sent it into an empty bucket in the room. She splashed some soapy water on the floor and began to clean up the cell. Doesn't this seem familiar? "Would you just leave me alone?" Ayani sighed, her mopping easing as she glanced up. I won’t leave you alone until you accept your fate. "My fate, you're always speaking of my fate. Well, what the bloody hell is it?!?" Ayani cried out in frustration. "Is it to go on with what I am doing? Because you damn well know that I can't stop, that I can't run from the Empire." She waited, expecting an answer to drift through her mind but none came. She gritted her teeth and continued to clean the filth. Ayani felt something tugging at her mind, something calling to her. She jerked and closed her eyes as a memory filled her. "You nearly cost me a bounty, girl," Kellen yelled as he stormed into the warehouse. "I don't kill kids, Kellen! Her son was with her. What did you expect me to do?" fifteen-year-old Ayani snarled as she spun towards him. "I didn't expect you to kill him, just her! You have good aim!" "In front of her son? Kill her in front of him? No, I wont do that. The kid left, then I killed her." Ayani put her blaster back into it's holster as she turned and began to leave the warehouse where the still smoking body of the woman laid. "Do not walk away from me, Ayani," Kellen commanded, but the girl kept moving. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small control. He pressed the button in the center of the control, and Ayani let out a shriek of pain as her hand went to her neck and she fell to her knees. She ran her fingers around the collar on her neck as the electricity subsided. Kellen walked up to the girl, glaring down at her as she peered up, hate in her eyes. "How dare you defy me." Ayani felt a searing pain enter her neck then blackness filled her vision as she passed out. Ayani groaned as she came to and rolled over. She blinked a few times as her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room. She sat up and looked around, her hand running across the cold steel on her neck. She was locked in a small cell in the brig of Kellen's ship. The cell was completely empty, and the room that surrounded it would have been except for a lone figure standing in the corner. Kellen walked slowly up to the cell and grinned down at her. He stared at her for a moment, and Ayani reached out with the Force, trying to feel his thoughts. Panic crossed her face as when she realized she couldn’t feel him, or the Force for that matter. "Scary, isn't it? You'll stay that way until I feel you've learned your lesson." An evil smile passed over Kellen's face as he left the room. Ayani crawled to the back of her cold cell, feeling drained and weak. Not being able to feel even the littlest in the Force was scary to her. "By the Force..." Ayani gasped, jerking backwards as the flashback ended. "I've turned into the very person I despise..." * * * * * As Jade finished up the soup she was preparing for Obi-Wan, she heard soft singing from the next room. Obi-Wan was not a man to burst into song, so she was particularly intrigued. She moved to the bedroom doorway, standing to the side of it so she wouldn’t be seen. Listening closely, she thought she recognized the tune and words as a song they had danced to at one time, perhaps on one of those rare evenings when they were alone together. His singing voice was surprisingly melodic and not as deep as one would imagine. He carried the tune well, the lyrics obviously a fond memory.
“These unguarded moments
Jade did recall the song now. They’d danced to it the night Nova was conceived. She closed her eyes and smiled softly, reminiscing as he went on.
“Of a picture drawn upon my heart
Finally Jade worked up the nerve to peek in on him, hoping he wouldn’t spot her and quiet himself. He was cradling Nova in his arms, and the child was gazing up at him with a rapt yet sleepy expression, already half-dozing by the looks of it. Jade leaned against the doorframe, starry-eyed at the sight before her.
“You take a chance and love someone
Obi-Wan’s voice faltered, and his attention snapped to Jade. By this time, Nova’s eyes had shut, and soft snores were squeaking in and out of her nose. Jade smiled shyly and entered the room completely. When she spoke, she kept her voice low so as not to disturb Nova. “It’s funny, the things we remember. Isn’t it?” “What’s even funnier is when we remember them,” he replied. Jade sauntered over and removed the child from his arms, laying her in her crib where she nestled and dozed. When she turned back to her husband, her mouth tipped up in a grin. But instead of advancing on him, she held up a hand and went back to the kitchen only to return with a bowl of soup. Obi-Wan chuckled at her, unable to express how his heart swelled at her affection and care for him. Jade moved toward him and sat down across from him, situating herself so that she could spoon feed him. As she pushed the first bite toward his mouth, Obi-Wan grunted and shook his head. “Even now, being pampered makes you feel off, doesn’t it?” Jade asked, lowering the spoon to the bowl again. She stirred his meal, avoiding his eyes. “You didn’t seem to mind too much when you were having your bath…” “I wasn’t even aware it was happening until halfway through,” he joked. He reached for her chin and tipped it up with his finger. “Besides which, what man in his right mind would argue against something as lovely as that?” “Obi,” she said gently. “Let me indulge you a little. Show you how much I love you.” “I know how much you love me,” he said. “And I am perfectly capable—” “Stop being strong for just a moment,” she insisted, setting the bowl on the bedside table. She turned back to him with a frustrated expression. “Obi-Wan, I thought you were dead. My heart has never been broken that severely before. It was pulverized. I barely restrained myself from joining you. And now that you have returned, you’re beaten and sick and…” She reached out and stroked his cheek. “Let me take care of you. Please.” “But do you not need the same tender attention?” Obi-Wan pointed out sweetly, laying his hand over hers where she touched him. “The mental torture you have endured is equal to my own. Yet you want to give of yourself to me so greatly…” Tears were sliding down her cheeks again, but she could not be ashamed of them. Words failed her as Obi-Wan pulled her close. She tucked her head under his chin, the feel of his embrace so blessedly familiar. The palm of his hand ran over her hair, and she felt his lips press against the top of her head. After a moment of quiet coexistence, Obi-Wan spoke up. “If it’s what you want,” was all he said. Jade lifted her head to peek up at him and was pleased to see him smiling. “Truly?” “Do you really believe me capable of saying ‘no’ to my beloved wife?” he asked her. Jade traced her fingers over his bare abdomen. “No, I knew better.” She smiled as she reached for the soup again and presented him with a spoonful. He graciously took the bite, letting this go on until he’d finished half the bowl. At this point, he put up a hand. “Let’s not overdo it,” he said. “My stomach hasn’t been this full in days, so in this case less may be more.” “I understand,” Jade said, laying the remaining soup aside again. “I just wanted you to have a full stomach before I told you the news.” “Oh no,” Obi-Wan said, eyes wide with paranoia. “What’s happened?” “It’s nothing bad,” she promised. “It’s…” This was not the first time she’d delivered such news, but she found words so clumsy. “I’m having your baby again.” Obi-Wan seemed noticeably brightened and relaxed, pushing himself up so that the covers fell away to reveal that he was still naked from his bath. He crawled over Jade, driving her back into the bed and kissing her while she laughed madly. She draped her arms over his broad shoulders and kissed him fervently in return, her lips curved with a smile. When he seemed satiated for the moment, she blinked lazily up at him. “And it’s a boy,” she whispered, running a hand down his back. “I’ve already named him, if that’s all right.” “Tell me,” he said, brushing her cheek with his. “Ben Kenobi Jr.,” she said. “I’m honored by that,” Obi-Wan purred, nibbling at her ear. “I’ve missed you so much…” Jade whispered in return, clinging to him as his hands moved to her hips. “But are you strong enough to…?” “I’ll find the strength, love.” “Jade! Obi-Wan!” Obi-Wan sprang back, pulling Jade protectively against his chest. Jade pushed away from her husband and pulled his lightsaber to her grip. “Jade, stay here,” Obi-Wan ordered. Jade shoved him back onto the bed, and he glared up at her. “Listen,” she said. “You’re naked and recovering from severe torture. It’s my turn to do the protecting in that case. So you stay here.” Obi-Wan nodded reluctantly, and Jade moved into the living area. She had been startled, but she was fairly certain she recognized the voice and found herself only concerned for the speakers wellbeing. “Seven?” she called. “Yes, let me in!” he shouted. “You could let yourself in, you know…” She faltered when she opened the door and saw his frazzled expression. “Honey, what’s wrong?” “Everything,” he panted, stepping inside the hut. “Where have you been?” she demanded. “With Ayani,” he said. “Aboard her ship.” “She was keeping you prisoner?” Jade asked, feeling her worry grow by the second. “No,” he said gently. “As her… companion.” Jade’s eyes glazed over with distrust, and she took a few cautious steps backwards. “You were working with her.” “No, it’s not like that,” he said, shaking his head vigorously with his frustration. “Then, what is it like!?” she shouted, gesturing at him with the deactivated lightsaber hilt. “Jade, wait,” Obi-Wan said from the doorway. He’d pulled a pair of breeches on and hung onto the doorjamb with what looked like a good deal of effort. “He wasn’t partnered with her.” “I was trying to keep her from killing him and Nova,” Seven said, thrusting his hand toward Obi-Wan. “If I hadn’t been there, she would have.” “Then why not just kill her?” Jade asked sourly. “Do you realize how many walls I’ve been thrown into?” Seven asked in return. “Every time I spoke my mind, I left an imprint somewhere on that ship. I wouldn’t stand a chance!” “But it’s more than that,” Obi-Wan said. “You have all but shouted that you’re feelings are quite profound.” Seven was silent and still for a long beat. “That may be true, but the fact remains that the best way to protect you was for me to become the conscience she doesn’t have.” “You did so admirably,” Obi-Wan said, nodding. “And I thank you.” “Just lovely,” Jade said. “But that doesn’t give us any answers about what to do next.” “That’s why I’m here,” Seven said. “Ayani has barricaded herself in her ship and won’t let me in. Apparently something bad happened. She was on a hunt, and some kid got in the way…” “Force,” Jade said, rubbing her eyes wearily. “Ayani won’t let me near her,” Seven nearly pleaded. “I don’t know what to do.” “How sad,” Jade grunted. “I hope she rots alone in that ship. It’s better than she deserves.” “You’re not hearing me,” Seven growled. “I hear you loud and clear,” Jade said coldly. “And I don’t intend to extend a hand to her in friendship just because she’s finally feeling guilt for her horrible actions. If you want to help her, I can’t stop you. But I won’t have any part in it.” Jade turned away from him, crossing her arms over his chest and hanging her head. She didn’t like leaving Seven on his own this way, but there was little else she could do. “I kind of thought I meant more to you than that,” Seven said softly, obviously wounded. “What do you expect of us?” Obi-Wan asked him, moving further into the room with a slight limp. “I thought you were Jedi,” Seven said. “Protectors of peace.” “Ayani is not peaceable,” Obi-Wan said. “Neither is she loving or kind… If we went to her, she would either kill us or take us to the Emperor. Therefore, there is nothing we can do for her if we were even so inclined.” He paused. “Seven, she has shown a side of herself to you that she’s not shown anyone else. If she can be helped, you are the only one able.” “She should be put out of her misery,” Jade said quietly, still not looking at him. “If you want to help, you’ll do her that service.” “Would I be helping her or you?” Seven asked bitterly. “Both,” Jade said. “And yourself.” With that, she retreated to the bedroom. Obi-Wan watched Seven closely for a moment, then followed after his wife. Seven stood in the Kenobis living area, fidgeted for several minutes, then walked out to mount his speeder and blast away from their home for the last time. Jade sat down on the corner of the bed she and Obi-Wan shared, her jaw set tightly so it wouldn’t tremble. Dammit, I’ve cried enough… Not nearly enough for all the pain we’ve endured. Jade’s attention snapped to Obi-Wan. “I can hear you.” “And I heard you,” he said. “And I feel you. Whatever Ayani used to extinguish the Force in me is wearing off.” He brushed her spirit with his own, and the sensation made her shudder. Her eyes slid closed. “Oh, that’s what I’ve been missing…” she said, her voice barely above a soft moan Obi-Wan moved over to her, crouching in front of her knees. Jade pulled him between her legs as he reached for her. His cheek was pressed against her midsection, his ear directly over Ben. Obi-Wan could feel the strong spirit in the barely formed body within Jade’s womb, and it nearly drove him to tears. Jade slipped from the bed and into Obi-Wan’s lap, straddling him and holding on for dear life as their souls lingered, their hearts full of one another once again. “Seven can’t save her,” Jade said. “I know,” Obi-Wan sighed, his solid hands running across her skin, searching and exploring her. “There’s only one true solution,” she whispered. “Only one end.” “It has to be us,” he said, burying his face in her hair where it fell to her shoulder. “If she is to be stopped, we must be the ones to do it.” Jade nodded wordlessly, finding Obi-Wan’s body like an irresistible melody she couldn’t escape. One she had to dance to. She was helplessly wound about him and hopelessly in love. Even their dark conversation, the dark times weighing on them, could not drive her need for him from her mind. Gently she pulled back from him to look into the depths of his azure eyes that threatened to shift to the same shade as her own name. “We’ll have to face her again.” “And succeed where we’ve failed time and again,” he said. “We must kill her.” Jade tilted her head, brushing at the rampant facial hair on his chin. “Will we be able to win this time?” “We must try,” he said. He tilted his head back and left a velvety kiss on her lips. “I love you,” she called to him, sinking impossibly further into his heavenly embrace. “I can never say it enough.” “And I love you, kitten,” Obi-Wan replied. “So we’re in agreement?” “Yes,” Jade said. “Ayani can only be stopped one way, and that is for us to face her and defeat her. But for now, can we be husband and wife? May we stop being Jedi for the moment?” “Yes, I think we may,” he said as her mouth locked over his so that they would both remain mute.
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