Strong Bonds

I own nothing, except for the joy of writing about, and imagining worlds created by Lucas. Please feel free to comment on my story. I would love the help. Enjoy!

Strong Bonds

Whinter traversed the rocky ground, stepping over fallen rocks and skimming past idle piles of debris. Her dark green Jedi robes scuffled along the faded tile floor. She walked through the arch, the silence of the ruins pressing down on her; she walked out of the dark corridor and into the large open courtyard. Light from the midday sun filtered down from above, Whinter blinked blearily up at the light, staring in wonder at the crumbling, empty water fountain that had once filled the Jedi enclave with the noise of falling water.

A melancholy feeling flooded through her, 'How long has it been?' she whispered into the empty echoing room, 'How long since I studied among your halls?' She laid a slender hand on the cold stonework feeling, through the force, an echo of the life that had once strived through those corridors. Within the confines of these halls she had faced trials, triumphs, defeats, horrors, joys, love, hate, and yet it was here that she had once found a home.

Oh, what time and circumstances did to the heart! Time was a twisted thing, so much so that she almost felt as if she had only lived here yesterday, but in her heart, she knew that it was not the same, that all those who had dwelt along with her in these halls were long gone. She felt a tear trickle down from her cheek; she wiped it carelessly away, and lowered her head in sadness. Loosing herself in another time, years before when life had been a little less complicated and there was no death or destruction plaguing her young heart.

(~)

Sixteen-year-old Whinter Averrod wiped a drop of sweat from her brow, and adjusted her grip on the cold metal in her sweaty palm. Turning towards the figure across the room, she steadied her beating heart with a determination, built on endless hours of training, struggle, and humiliation. Across from her, her master Jedi Knight Kavar ignited his lightsaber, the violet blade casting a shadow of light across his face. He nodded in her direction, waiting for her to begin.

Somewhere across the training arena someone yelled and jeered, cat calling her as if to intimidate her, but Whinter was not going to give into her anger, not this time. Closing her eyes she let the world around her melt into perfect darkness, hidden for a time behind her veiling eyelids. The Force called to her from every direction, she could feel the different 'colors' of the force, the tints of changing currents and moving waves that identified each living being within the room with its own aura. She focused in on one, feeling the deep smooth breathing, and the steadied emotions as the being prepared to lunge.

The force flowed willingly through her, moving her to action faster and with more grace than any human was normally allowed to do. Eyes still closed, she ignited her saber, the snap-hiss of the blade a beautiful familiar noise to her ears. She felt Kavar lunge, and in response moved a step to the side and caught his blade upon her own.

'Good, anticipate, but next time you must learn to counter not just defend.' She heard Kavar from above her.

The fight now started in earnest, both padawan and master, moving with reflexes attuned, like a carefully coordinated dance. The heat from their blades singed small burn marks into their clothes, and simmered hot upon their skin. At last Whinter saw an opening, taking a deep breath, she gathered the force around her and jumped, propelling her high into the air. Tucking her feet tightly beneath her she flipped through the air, and landed neatly behind Kavar, bringing her lightsaber down so that it met his in a series of brilliant movements that snapped and hissed with every hit. Finally Kavar re-sheathed his saber, and the two opponents bowed low to one another.

Master Kavar smiled his normal stern continence relaxing into a smile of approval, 'Well done Padawan, you are learning, but you must always remember to pay attention to your surroundings, utilize them and be aware of them so that you are not taken by surprise. In a real fight you may not be so used to your surroundings.'

'Thank you Master, I shall remember' she said watching him as he turned and walked towards the dormitories, leaving behind an elated padawan. She stood for a moment in the center of the ring, before a second teenager joined her. Nitsotsa was slightly taller than Whinter, she had long blonde hair and big beautiful blue eyes, that she often used to flirt with the boys. She was Whinter's best friend at the academy, and despite the fact that she was a Jedi padawan, Nitsotsa had a tendency to be a bit flighty and often over excited at times. Now was no exception.

Her smile was brilliant as she approached her triumphant friend, 'You did it, Whin! Wow! I have never seen any padawan accomplish that kind of flip, and with your eyes closed as well! You sure showed Malak a thing or two!' she said nearly jumping up and down with excitement.

Whinter smiled, 'I wish I could have seen his face, he didn't believe I could do it, nor that I would even try!' she grinned almost sheepishly.

Malak was a slightly older padawan; both he and Whinter were always at odds over one thing or another, the most recent being over Whinter's apparent acrobatic skills. Though she hated to admit it, Whinter was filled with pride over her recent triumph. She knew what Master Kavar would say if he knew how she felt, 'we should not take pride in our own skills, nor should we flaunt them in front of others, but we should do our best to help and encourage them as much as possible.' But right now she couldn't help it, Malak was a bully and (as she often said), 'he needed to be put down a few notches.'

Across the room, a group of students approached, foremost among them was Malak, and an unfamiliar female padawan. They walked with a purpose, both looking as if they had just found a new treasure for their own. Winter wasn't exactly sure she would like what was about to happen.

Nitsotsa got up hurriedly, 'I'll see you later Whin, Force be with you and all that, it looks like you'll need it.' She said walking quickly towards the door.

Whinter glared at the back of her retreating friend, wishing she hadn't left her to deal with Malak and his friends alone. The strange girl with Malak was the first to approach her. She smiled disarmingly, flashing pearly white teeth. A beautiful young woman, she had raven black hair (much like Whinter's) and sea gray eyes. Winter could feel the force flowing strong within her.

She held out a slender arm, 'Hi, I'm Revan. I couldn't help but notice your amazing performance. The best moves I've seen for a long time.' Behind her Malak scoffed loudly, but the older girl just glared him down. Winter thought she saw fear shimmer in Malak's eye, but she tried not to show any amusement.

She was beginning to like this Revan, 'Nice to meet you, Revan, I am Whin.' She smiled, genuinely surprised to find an ally among Malak's friends.

(~)

That had been the beginning of the rest of her life, from that moment on things had seemed to spin out of control. Her friendship with Revan grew, and although still at odds with Malak, they too began a friendship of sorts. Her training intensified, and her ability to wield the force had strengthened, but along with this new strength came confidence, confidence that would ultimately be her downfall into exile.

Straitening she looked around the desolate remains of the enclave, her soul cried out to hear the quiet talk of Jedi as they conversed, or the hiss of lightsabers as master's trained young enthusiastic students. But her ears were full of only silence, and a bitter longing, as if the land itself cried for what was lost. Another tear escaped from her eye, sliding down the brim of her nose and onto the unkempt grassy floor. Winter watched it fall, until it disappeared, soaking deep into the soil below.

(~)

Eighteen year old Whinter Averrod stood in Revan's apartments, surrounded by other young Jedi, feeling overwhelmed with emotions that threatened to crush her beneath their heels. This could not be happening, how had she have let things get so out of control. Before her, standing tall and imposing was her former nemesis, Malak, his voice was rising through the room with power and determination.

'We cannot just sit by and watch as the Republic is destroyed! How long will we wait for the council to muddle through meeting after meeting denying the people support in this war. Without us, the Mandilorians will destroy them all! Than what will the council do, there will be no one left to protect!'

Shouts of approval resounded through the room, but Whinter did not join in, her heart was troubled beyond words. Revan stepped forwards next, and the room fell silent. Revan was undoubtedly the leader of this little revolt, she held a great amount of respect among her peers, so much so that the students immediately hushed as she stepped forwards. 'Malak speaks the truth. The council is a group of old fools, they will discuss this for years to come squabbling and fighting amongst themselves until the republic is ruled by the strong merciless hand of Mandalor himself, unless... we intervene. We have pleaded and begged them to help the republic, through their indecision; they have given us their decision. Now it is our time to take the matter into our own hands. If they will not act we must. We must help the Republic!'

The shouts resounded louder this time, and Whinter noticed that Nitsotsa was one of the loudest enthusiasts, and she felt her heart sink, was she the only one who saw the horror of what they were doing? Revan raised her hand for silence, looking thoughtfully over at Whinter, as if she knew her thoughts. 'What is it Whin? Your look troubled.'

Whinter straightened, and held her head high. She looked up sadly at Revan, her heart pounding with hesitation. Finally she found her voice, 'I don't think any of you realize what Revan is proposing. You want us to completely throw away a lifestyle we have thrived for all of our lives. Yes I admit, what the Jedi council is doing is wrong. The Republic needs us, but there must be a way to reason with them. To give up on the code, to throw away all traditions and to isolate ourselves from so many of our brothers and sisters, it would be suicide! Even if we can win the war, which is doubtful, the council will never accept us back. We will become exiles, forbidden to be what we were born to be! Don't get me wrong, I want to fight as much as you, what these Mandalorian scum have done to the outer rim worlds is barbaric, and it infuriates me, but we cannot go into battle in such a rash way. How are a handful of half trained Jedi going to do against the Mandalorian brutes?'

Silence. Whinter could feel the range of emotions that flowed through the force. She watched as Revan stared at her with sad mournful eyes. 'I know what you are going through, I have struggled to become a Jedi for nearly sixteen years, but aren't the lives of all those dying people more important than the aspirations of a few padawans. We must fight to protect innocents, can't you see that without us the Republic and its innocent people will die.' She said looking up at her friend with understanding eyes.

Whinter felt something give within her, she sighed deeply, 'You are right, I was letting my emotions get in the way. Forgive my insolence.'

Revan Smiled, 'There is nothing to forgive; yours are the same questions I have puzzled over in my head for many long weeks.' Whin nodded, feeling slightly more assure.

Later as she packed her bags, she noticed a sad sullen Master Kavar watching her, his glance filled with sorrow. Their eyes met for a long moment, before she averted hers, and focused on pulling the shoulder bag up across her back. She stopped as she passed him and whispered, 'I am sorry Master. I have to do it. The council is wrong!' she pleaded with all her heart that he would understand, but was rewarded with only silence. A stab of guilt wrenched through her heart.

Kavar just shook his head sadly and turned away from her, leaving her behind with tears welling up inside. She knew that she was losing one of her best friends and her greatest mentor, but she could not bring herself to go after him. She had made her choice; there was no turning back now.

(~)

The memories were coming back stronger and faster now, like a slideshow from her life they flashed before her eyes. Pictures of death, destruction, loss, and pain, every single death tore a piece of her heart. She was sobbing openly now, her normal placid Jedi continence broken by so much pain hitting her at once, the intensity of it pulled her to the ground, where she lay upon her hands and knees her body shaking with sobs of utter sorrow.

(~)

Twenty-three year old Whinter Averrod, General of the republic and former Jedi, stood before Malak and Revan, her mind, for the first time in a long time, made up. She felt the words so clearly in her mind, but could not bring herself to say them, and disappoint two of the only friends she had left. But she had to do it.

'What is it Whin?' Revan asked feeling the unrest of her friend through the force.

Whinter looked at the floor, and when she spoke her voice was low. 'I am leaving Revan.' She said sorrowfully.

'What!' cried Malak, his voice rising with surprise, 'How can you even think about that? Where will you go? The Jedi Council will not accept you, you're just putting yourself into the lion's den!' he looked betrayed, Whinter could not bear to look him in the eyes.

Revan held up her hand to silence the agitated Malak. 'If this is what you want, I will allow it, but I truly wish you would reconsider. We need you Whin.'

Whinter looked up, 'I cannot, my soul will not take any more death. Even Nitsotsa has been given up to the Force. The war is over, Mandalor dead, and I ... I must go back. Must at least try to salvage my broken life before I to die of grief for those who have fallen around me. Surely you can see it, I am lost to the Force, Malachore five has changed me, and I must find a way to salvage what I have lost.'

For a long minuet Revan was silent, and then she nodded, 'You must do this, you have fought like no other warrior, have defended the Republic with bravery and unwavering loyalty, and you deserve all we can give you. I only wish that we had time to give you the respect that you deserve, but it is not to be so. May the force be with you.' The words were spoken kindly, but they were hollow, Whinter could see the disappointment and anger that was hidden in both Malak's and Revan's eyes. It nearly broke her heart to walk away from her two friends, but she did it, knowing that she must not cry, and she must not turn around.

(~)

Strong arms pulled Whinter up off the ground and wrapped her sobbing and shaking body in their strong embrace. She buried her face in Atton's ribbed jacket. 'Shhhhh, it all right babe, I'm here now, it all ok.'

She wept, like she had never wept before, her sobs an expression of years of misery and death. How long had she suffered and caused suffering, how many had she seen die, how many had she seen fall to unspeakable hatred and despair. She had resisted, had watched as friend and foe alike died upon battlefield after battlefield. Each death tore a hole through her existence, leaving her shredded and in tatters. Now Malachore was gone, destroyed by Bao-dur's mass generator, and the universe had seemed to come slowly back into the light. She felt that she was being put painfully back together like a tattered cloak being stitched and patched back into use.

Still there were holes, holes where she felt that she could no longer trust herself not to break down, to keep her normal emotionless self-intact. The moment of each friend's death was brought painfully back from where it had been repressed. Now she faced each one as clearly as the day she had seen them. They rushed upon her like rain falling from the sky, clear and bright, and painfully real.

Nitsotsa; her breath coming in painful gasps as she fought against the painful wound upon her forehead, until at last her life rattled away and drifted into the Force.

Kreia, her life had been so full of rage that Whinter had had to pull the life free from her.

More and more came, until at last it slowed until only one image remained.

Master Kavar; he stood before her a distant look of hurt still lingering in his eyes from so long ago. He was a man who had been many things in her life; friend, mentor, teacher, comrade, master, and enemy. In the past, Whin had thought she was falling in love with the man, but she had lost that, had lost it when she had rejected the council and joined Revan. Now he looked at her with sorrow that she did not understand, until the moment the field locked her in stasis, and she felt the horrifying sensation of the force being ripped from her. She screamed with agony and betrayal. And then there was a bright flash of light, and silence. She was alone in the enclave, before her the bodies of three Jedi Masters, one of them Kavar, his still body devoid of all life. Even after their betrayal she had wept for them.

(~)

It felt like an eternity that Whin sat there in his arms. She could not bring herself to look at him, for she feared what horrors she would see within the reflection of his eyes. Every one of her bonds, spread out like a spider web about her, caused her daily pain and daily joy, but every time one of those threads of life was snuffed out she felt as if a piece of her soul had died along with them. What if that happened to him? What if she had to watch his suffering and feel his loss within herself? She did not think that she could bare it, to go on without his laughter without his arms wrapped around her forever.

And then there was the darkness that was reaching out from the depths of unknown space, threatening to consume them all and take away all that she loved. Crawling like spiders toward her, she could feel it growing with each passing hour, and she knew that soon everyone connected to the force would feel it as well. But for now she stood alone on the brink of darkness unwilling to go forward and unable to go back. Time was running out, the jedi would return to the galaxy, but in order to keep the threat from coming, they needed to be strong and they needed to have the ability to stand strong against the coming darkness, and they needed a leader, one who had faced her own darkness and had triumphed over it. They needed Revan.

It was something Whin had known since the Kreia's death, but only now did she realize what needed to be done about it. She had to go, had to leave behind all of her ties, rip herself free of the bonds she had formed and go off, completely alone into the unexplored regions of space. She had to find Revan, and she had to bring her back.

She gently pulled away from Atton and wiped her red-rimmed eyes. 'Come my love, we must gather, the others.' She said smiling sadly up at his handsome face. Concern was bright within his eyes. But he nodded, seeming to understand that she needed her space.

In a little while all of the Ebon Hawk's companions were gathered in the enclave courtyard. Eager to hear what she would say, she looked them each over, a sense of pride and joy coming over her, as she looked them over. This was her family, her brothers and sisters in the force. These were the ones she had to set free, so that she could face what no one else could, these were the ones that had to forget, But first she must set them upon the right track, get them to begin healing the universe so that all would be ready for Revan's arrival.

There was Mikal, the young man strong in the force, and extremely intelligent. He was a good friend and confidant, a man of integrity and honor, the perfect candidate for Jedi Master. He would lead the new generation of Jedi to a new beginning. He would both teach and council all those to come.

Mira, the former bounty huntress, vibrant and alive with Force energy. Young and yet still strong, she wore her new Jedi robes with pride and joy that radiated from her in waves. She was no longer a hunter. Now she was the healer, the former Mandalorian slave turned Jedi; she would heal the hearts and bodies of many.

The Miraluka woman, Visas; once the apprentice to one of the most vicious Sith Lords, she had followed Whinter into many battles, and they had become fast friends, seeking both advice and consul from each other. They were sisters of the heart; both had seen death and both had turned from their dark paths to become something new and better.

There was Bao-dur, who had known Whin better than all the rest. He had seen the massacre of Duxn and the horrors of Malachore. They understood each other, could feel each other's pain. They were what had once been called War Heroes, but they knew better. They knew that war was not all bravery and courage; there was death, pain, loss and repulsion. Bao-dur would become the first of a long line of Jedi councilors.

And then there was Atton, the love of her life, and the only one that had ever taken her breath away with a single look. From the moment that she had seen him, locked behind a force field and looking rather sheepishly at her less than adequate attire, they had formed a connection. They had been through trial after trial, faced the past, and confronted the future, until they finally realized that true love had blossomed between them.

She stood before all of them now, knowing that they were the future of the Jedi. 'This is where we begin,' she said quietly, 'to rebuild what was so lost, to make it better than it was, and to learn from their mistakes, so that we can teach, and protect others. The Jedi order must rise again, but we must remember what happened here, and we must strive to never let it happen again' she smiled at the group of men and women that had, over the last few months, become her family. 'May the Force be with us.' Straitening

Straightening