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defy the night

by: Morgaine

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the usual disclaimer...

soundtrack, Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills and Nash

part i, strength over fear

Cax-Re Rual watched his Padawan, Rhianna D'laar, sleep. From his sleeping area she looked peaceful. It was rare for a Master to have a Padawan of a different sex, but the apprenticing relationship was formed before the thought of, well, a different sort of relationship. But now she was of the age where girls turned to women, and Rhianna was no ordinary woman. Rual was no prude, but the Force had made him choose a celibate life for the 15 years he had been a Jedi Master. He thought that aspect was gone from him, but maybe not. <Let it go, Cax,> he thought to himself, falling asleep and banishing all thoughts of Rhianna D'laar from his concious mind.

A flash of light. Rhianna watched helplessly as Cax-Re was stabbed in the neck with a red lightsaber. She screamed in anguish and helplessness as the figure, it's features obscured, came towards her... Rhianna D'laar sat up in bed gasping as the dream ended. She got up, moving like a feline, softly running to the bed of her Master, to make sure in her mind that he was still alive. Cax had also awoke. "My master," Rhianna got out before she fell over him shaking. "I saw you, and you were killed and it came for me..." Her voice trailed off as Cax-Re looked at her strangely. "I, too dreamt of that, Rhianna," he said, his deep blue eyes filled with sorrow. "It is just a dream," he said as he held her face gently in his hands. <This does not bode well,> he thought as he reasssured his Padawan. A beep came from the droid N1D2, who had moved into the doorway. A holo began to play as the two froze and watched it. "Master Rual," the figure of Councilmember Mace Windu said, "please report to the Council for assignment." N1D2 left to get their cloaks. The two dressed quickly, backs to each other as they had become accustomed to doing. Cax snuck a peek, just once, for the first time, then berated himself. <She trusts you--don't let her down, dammit.> "Come, Rhianna, we must meet the council." "Will we finally get to go offworld?" Rhianna asked. She had not been off Corellia in 10 years. "Probably. Whatever the Force wishes." He spoke tersely, suddenly filled with a sense of terror. Rhianna, touching his mind for a moment, trying to see in, felt it. "Master?" "Nothing. Just nothing." "I am no longer a child, Master." She spoke with anger. "Oh, I don't think you are, Rhianna," he said aloud. <She is no child, but NO, I cannot tell her. Not this nor how I feel. She knows enough,> he thought, painfully aware of her presence all through the long ride to the Jedi Council Chambers.

defy the night part ii

--peace over anger

soundtrack--Bad Moon Rising, by Credence Clearwater Revival

Mace Windu spoke for the council. "Master Rual, there has been a disturbance in the Force around the planet Talaca." "I have felt it." "The Jedi Council is sending you and your Padawan, Rhianna D'laar, to Talaca, to determine how drastic the problem is. You will report back to us with suggested plans." Rhianna thought, <What is this problem Master Windu keeps referring to?> Cax-Re shared her thought and returned, <There is something evil on Talaca that is causing various forms of havoc.> Rhianna flashed him a smile of gratitude, which Cax saved up in the deep recesses of his inner mind, where Rhianna could not reach it. For reasons unknown to him, smiles were rare from the young Padawan.

Plans were set for their travel, and the two were dismissed to quickly pack. Most of the Council left. However, Yoda, Windu, and Obi-Wan Kenobi stayed in the chamber. "He loves her, you know. It is obvious from the bare bones of his soul." Kenobi broke the silence. "Seen that, I have. Prepared we must be," Yoda, head of the Council, said with caution. "We all must admit that we could have seen this at the first and stopped it," Windu sighed. The three were contemplative. "It is not wrong itself, but...his judgment will be skewed," Obi-Wan expressed with uncertainty. "Obi-Wan and Skywalker, later go you must. Wait we will, backup they will ask for." "Master Yoda is right. You and Anakin need field training. Don't worry," Windu added, looking at Obi-Wan's expression of slight distress. "You two will be safe. We just need someone to make sure the assignment will be completed." "You know what will happen," Obi-Wan said. "We know, and knows he..." mused Yoda. As he spoke, the Corellian Corvette _Strength in the Force_ lifted off from the Temple's pad. <May the Force be with us,> thought the three Jedi in the Councilchamber and the two on the ship.

Fate was set.

The planet Talaca was usually a rather normal place like Alderaan or Naboo. From space, there was no sign of anything unusual, but as they landed, the Master and Padawan noticed that the ground was dry and cracked, like a desert. A few struggling plants grew here or there. As they disembarked, they were immediately physically choked in a smothering humid heat and mentally by a terrible sense of fear from the planet's inhabitants. "Strange, Master," Rhianna noted. "It is humid, yet it hasn't rained in months." "This was a forested area," Cax-Re said as he looked at the desolation. Sweat was already glistening on his forehead. Rhianna looked cool and collected as usual, but Cax could tell from her thoughts that she was stuggling to keep from at least commenting on the weather, much less pulling her stifling cloak off. He sent a calming thought in her direction. "Master, here comes the prime minister, I believe. Here," she said and gently wiped the sweat off his brow with a finger, wiping it on her cloak. <I'm reading too much into this,> Cax thought. <Get your mind out of the gutter, Rual.> "Greetings, ambassadors of the Republic," announced the prime minister, followed by a contingent of attendants. Rual and Rhianna pulled the hoods off of their heads. "Ambassador Cax-Re Rual, what can the Republic do for you?" Cax-Re was as stiflingly polite as the Talacan wind. "Prime Minister Kellien Paran, at your service. The chamber is being prepared for our disscussion." "My assistant, Rhianna D'laar." Rhianna bowed slightly, then sent Cax-Re a mental message. <Why aren't you telling them we're Jedi, Master?> <Surprise, my young Padawan, is best used to *our* advantage. Besides, there is something not quite right with Minister Paran.> <Yes, Master, I sense it now...he's hiding something.> <He knows what's happening. He holds the key to the planet's misfortune.> Cax sounded disgusted. <That he could do this to his own people...never mind now. Better to keep our identities under wraps, Rhianna. Understood?> <Of course, Master.> Aloud, Cax said, "Could you show us our room? We are rather tired from our long journey." "Of course. My administrator, Talis Nayli, will guide you." Nayli was a short, thin woman, who walked briskly toward the center of the capital, pointing out a few sights. Unsurprisingly, very few people were on the streets. She led the two into a grand building carpeted and papered in green--also air regulated. The three stopped in front of a (green) door. Nayli handed Rual a key. "Ambassadors," she said and bowed. "The Prime Minister will page you when they are ready." Rhianna sat down and stretched out a long leg on a bed. "Master, something's *very* wrong. They knew we were coming, yet why weren't they ready for us? Master??" She looked over. Cax-Re was sitting on the floor deep in thought. He blinked and his tone was suddenly sad, yet forceful. "Rhianna, contact the Council at once. Tell them the problem is larger than we thought, and to send more help." <I can't believe I did that, I can't have. It's not right,> he thought, as Rhianna ran to the comm to send both a physical and mental message. For he had not only looked into the soul of Talaca and been disconcerted, but had subconciously looked into the deep parts of Rhianna's mind as well.

For the first time in his life, Jedi Master Cax-Re Rual was not sure what to do.

defy the dark part iii

"there is no death, only the Force"

soundtrack--Leather and Lace, Stevie Nicks; The End of the Innocence, Don Henley

By the time the chamber was ready (almost three long days), Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker had arrived at Talaca. They met in the capital. "Greetings," Obi-Wan said to Cax-Re and Rhianna. Cax-Re responded in turn, whereas Rhianna and Anakin remained silent and only bowed. Then Rhianna moved forward and hugged Anakin. "Hi, Ani," she said and led him to the door, sensing that the two Masters wished to speak alone, giving a farewell nod to Kenobi.

"Obi-Wan, by the Force, I'm glad you're here. There is a hole in the Force around this planet. It's disrupting the whole natural balance, obviously caused by an overabundance of evil. Damn!" Cax hit the side of his leg in frustration, and pain. "There's something, or should I say some*one* else, isn't there," Obi-Wan said, thinking <Cax, you devil!> "It's been so long...I can't...Dammit, Obi-Wan," he exploded, "I'm going to die. That's not what I'm afraid of, but I..." Obi-Wan knew. He'd had several loves in his time, but never had he not been able to function because of them. "You don't want to leave her, do you?" "When I was searching the soul of Talaca, I accidentally read her innermost thoughts...It's a violation, I know, and yet now I _know_ she loves me as well inside, even if she doesn't realize it yet. That makes it worse, because she'll be so hurt when I have to leave." Obi-Wan bit his lip. He didn't know what to say. At that time Rhianna and Anakin returned from their sightseeing, and the Jedi had to make some plans. The four sat in the green room discussing what to do about the situation. "There's no way we can save this planet without a fight," Obi-Wan said. "There's a banquet tonight in our honor. I suggest that we all be on our guard. Everyone." "Do you think it's a Sith lord, Master Obi-Wan?" Rhianna asked. "I don't know...It must be something evil and yet...hmm..." Obi-Wan thought. "There has to be a reason why."

The Talacans' banquet was the best possible under the circumstances. Ironically, most of the citizens were starving in the streets. <It is also,> Cax-Re thought, <most incredibly boring.> This was not the way he wanted to spend his valuable time. "Ambassador Rual," Palan spoke to him. "Yes, umm, what was that again?" "How are you feeling?" the Prime Minister asked in a loud voice. Suddenly it dropped to a whisper. "Listen to me, *Master* Rual," he hissed, "I know that _you_ know. And you and your friends want to know why. Ha! Money. 500,000 solid Republic credits. This planet has the only constant supply of Adegan crystals. The Dark Lord Xanatos made a deal with me, sell the planet to him and he'll pay me. Of course, the best way to find the crystals is to not have so many people, plants, and animals running about, so the Lord came here to destroy them and you along with them, my meddling Jedi friend." Cax tried to reach for his lightsaber. Panicked, he realized he could not move. <They've poisoned our food!> Cax thought to the other Jedi and repeated the words of the evil Prime Minister. <Did he say Xanatos? He died at least 10 years ago.> Obi-Wan was astounded. <He was Master Qui-Gon's first Padawan, who turned to the Dark Side. I SAW HIM DIE! It's impossible!" <Listen,> Rhianna thought. <We have to get this poison out of us or we _will_ die.> They used the Force to move the poison through their blood into their lungs. Then, simultaneously, they all coughed and brought the poison up, none noticing the hall clearing as Palan made a small signal. Cax-Re and Obi-Wan's lightsabers blazed, soon followed by Rhianna's in violet. Anakin, who was still in training, drew a small blaster. As this happened, a platoon of soldiers marched into the assembly wielding blasters. Suddenly, a figure dropped from the ceiling, where it had been unseen, handling a red lightsaber. "Xanatos," Obi-Wan breathed. "Kenobi, nice to see you again. It's been a _long time_." Obi-Wan tried to rush forward, but his attention was soon kept by the army, blasting away. Cax-Re moved to fight, blocking and staying on the defensive. Rhianna tried to help, but she could not move, because Xanatos was pushing her back with the Force. Then, in almost slow motion, she saw her earlier nightmare come true. "Master Cax!" she screamed, as the figure moved towards her. Obi-Wan turned and rushed to help as he saw his friend Cax-Re fall and Rhianna, helplessly frozen in place. Xanatos was concentrating on Rhianna as Obi-Wan moved behind him. "Not again!" Obi-Wan howled as flashbacks of events four years past moved in front of his eyes. Xanatos' concentration changed to Obi-Wan and Rhianna was able to move her upper body, and her lightsaber. "You can't have the planet, you can't have Master Obi-Wan, and I'll be damned if you get me, you bastard!" she cried right before she took Xanatos' head off. "Master, the Prime Minister is trying to escape," Anakin yelled as he held off the troops. Rhianna started, but Obi-Wan stopped her. "Go to him. We'll take care of this."

"Master," she said, weeping over Cax-Re. "Rhianna," he gasped, "I love you so much. Don't let this haunt you. Obi-Wan will watch over you until the Trials. You're almost ready." "Cax-Re," she sobbed. "How can you love me? I need you. Oh, God, don't go!" Cax reached up with his last strength and kissed her for the first time, long and slow. "I'll come back, I swear it," he said. He couldn't keep himself alive much longer. "Master, oh, I love you. Don't leave me, please!" Rhianna was nearly in hysterics. "I'll...never...stop...loving...you...Rhianna..." he got out before he collapsed. Rhianna felt the bond between them slacken as she mentally grasped for it. He was gone. She fell over him, sobbing like she'd never stop. Obi-Wan and Anakin came over and picked her up. Obi-Wan brushed a kiss over her forehead as the two held her. "It will be all right..."

defy the dark, part iv

the way of the Jedi soundtrack--Beautiful Child, Fleetwood Mac; Magic Man, Heart

Rhianna, Anakin, and Obi-Wan Kenobi sat in a room in the Jedi temple on Coruscant. Two months had gone by since Cax-Re's pyre had stopped burning. Rhianna and Obi- Wan were discussing the possibility of her taking the Trials. "Cax-Re said..." Obi-Wan trailed off as he saw the look on Rhianna's face at the mention of her Master. "I think you should do it," said Anakin. "You're certainly ready, I dare say you'd make an excellent Knight," Obi-Wan agreed. "All right," Rhianna said. "I will do it." Her voice raised. "I *will*." "I'll speak to the Council," Obi-Wan said. He motioned to Anakin, and the two left the room. Rhianna lay down across a couch, her face in her hands. "Obi-Wan's right," a voice said. Rhianna slowly raised her head. "Who's there? Ani, I didn't hear you come in." "It's not Anakin," the voice said as it grew louder yet gentler. "You know me." "Master Cax?!" Rhianna began to cry. "I said I'd be back. Death took my body, but it didn't take me. Soon you'll be able to see me. You will take the Trials soon. Remember I'm always there and I'll always love you. I will return." "MASTER!" she cried. "I love you, don't go!" "I never will." The Jedi returned to find Rhianna crying on the couch. <Cax, what are you doing?> Obi- Wan thought to Cax's spirit. A quiet answer came back to him. <I can't leave her.>

Rhianna's Trials were passed with flying colors. Cax had not spoken to her since that day. Anakin was allowed to take Rhianna to Naboo to celebrate, "just for fun" he said. Obi-Wan knew he wanted to see Amidala, but he wisely kept his mouth shut. He looked out his window, bored without a Padawan to train. Qui-Gon Jinn's spirit was advising him as well. "Cax-Re Rual, your Padawan has done remarkably well. I'd have to say I'm proud of her," Qui-Gon said. "Of course. *Who* trained her?" Cax's figure appeared. "Cax-Re! Good to see you again. What's wrong?" Obi-Wan asked, seeing Cax's expression. "I need your advice, Obi-Wan." "I'm the wrong one to ask. Ask Master Qui-Gon." "Qui-Gon, it's horrible being this way. I can't hold her. I could be at Naboo and back in a second, but, oh, I don't know. It just seems like it's not right." "She's on your level now, if that concerns you," Obi-Wan stated. "I need her, Dammit!" Cax pounded his head on the table. "Don't just stand here. Go to her. You wanted my advice-the rules of the galaxy don't apply. I loved someone once, and trust me, you'll be kicking yourself later. Go to her!" "Thanks." Cax-Re disappeared. The Master and his Padawan laughed. "Glad to be of service." Qui-Gon took his leave and Obi-Wan turned towards his holo to let Anakin know to leave Rhianna alone for a while.

Rhianna was sitting in her stateroom, reading a book on fighting techniques. Anakin and Amidala were busy discussing various issues with piloting. She had just settled down on her bed, when she felt a presence. "Who's there?" "Rhianna...don't you know me?" "By the Force, Master!" "Cax, please. You're a full Knight now." He sat beside her. "I'm so glad you're here." She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. Cax found he couldn't think straight...he couldn't. "Rhianna," he said. "I've loved you all your life and it never seemed that you looked at me as more than a friend or mentor. I love you more than life, that should be obvious. I knew I was going to die-" "You knew?" "Recall your dream..." "It was all my fault..." Rhianna began to cry. Cax held her. She marveled that he felt real. "It was _not_ your fault. I couldn't bear to leave you. You needed me and I...I still need you, but I don't know if you still can love me." Cax's voice trembled. "Of course I love you. I can't bear life alone here," Rhianna cried, "I wait for your voice and your presence in the night." "But can you love someone who doesn't exist?" Cax's voice fell. "Rhianna, I'm not coming to you as a Master to Padawan, nor leader to follower, but just as a man who can't live without you. Please." He too began to cry. "If you don't want me, say so. I'll leave." Rhianna brushed his cheek and then reached for his face. She kissed him until she knew that he spoke from his soul. "Does that answer your question?" she asked. He nodded and kissed her. "I always have loved you in my mind and I still love you now," she said. "I know. I love you too," he said, finally realizing his true destiny. Their minds and spirits were one. The Force was with them.

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there is never an end

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Morgaine's notes-- Well, this was my first complete fan fic, hope you liked it. I did my best. Perhaps I'll write a sequel...no I'm not good at sex scenes, but I think everyone can fill in their own blanks. Ideas and Thanks: ~Xanatos is from the book "Jedi Apprentice: The Dark Rival" for young readers. ~The whole spiritual love thing could not have been done without inspiration from Lori's "Burning in Heaven" ~Thanks to all the musicians who made this music I borrowed ~All characters except Rhianna D'laar and Cax-Re Rual are copyrighted by LucasArts, etc. Thanks to George Lucas and co. ~I had to get that Obi-Wan kiss in there somewhere! ~Thanks to Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, and Lindsey Buckingham for being so damned HOT! ~Thanks to my friends and family for not laughing their heads off when I was writing like a fiend and to my teachers for not noticing when I wrote in class--those were not notes! ~to the jedihunks and corellia lists for reading this: esp. Harleen for loving Lindsey Buckingham as much as I do and Kayla/Kathy/Amidala for putting this up