Sweet Revenge Part 2

Disclaimers found in part 1.

Sweet Revenge, by Raven Ostego Chapters 12 - 22

Chapter 12

* * * The pleasure was almost too much for my body to handle. I thrashed,
but it made no difference to Maul. I was his and we both knew it. Harder and
harder he thrust in me, and that bonfire became a raging wildfire. Yet
still, I was sent higher and higher with this exquisite torture. I felt I
would die from it, but what a way to go. I was panting, no longer able to
form any moans in my dry and strained throat. Nothing in the world existed
except for the fire and that primitive rhythm of Maul's. My toes curled and
my back arched completely and the inky blackness of the Dark Side surrounded
us. And in a burst of pure ecstasy, our minds and bodies became one and we
both cried out in unison.* * *

      My eyes fluttered gently as I awoke from the deepest sleep I've ever known.
I was still lying naked on that animal skin in front of the fire, but I was
no longer bound to the floor and Maul wasn't on top of me. I yawned
casually and made a large show of stretching, just in case he was still in
the room. The cool feel of the fur and the warming light of the fire both
felt so good against my bare skin. It gave me that cozy feeling inside, like
when it's snowing outside and you're wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping
hot chocolate. Smiling to myself, I turned onto my side to face the fire and
nuzzled my head against the fur. I sensed rather than heard Maul's approach
from behind me.

      "I trust you slept well?"

      "Of course. You put me in a healing trance. Why?"

      "You were not fully healed from the tattooing, and your punishment didn't
help that fact, I'm afraid. Also, you may notice that your hair..." Maul
gestured to my head. I reached up and ran my fingers through a crop of short
but full hair. I was surprised at first, for I had forgotten again that I
had been without it. With all that had happened, it had been the furthest
thing in my mind. But now I rejoiced.

      "It's...back. How did you..."

      "The healing trance I put you in. As in the case when it is used to re-grow
skin and tissues, so can it be used to regrow hair."

      I ran my fingers through the silky soft hair that once again adorned my
head, examining every inch. Though I half expected to find a crown of horns,
the only different thing I noticed was its style. It hadn't grown in evenly,
the hair shorter in the front, then longer on the edge of my face, and down
to the base of my neck in the back. My new short bangs hung tattered and
casual over the sides of my face, a few strands in front of my eyes. I
hadn't had bangs since I was a child, and I was quite happy with the change.
I looked back up at Maul.

      "Thank you, Master."

      "No thanks are required. I enjoy running my fingers through your hair." I
smiled as he tried to make the gesture seem like a selfish act. He gave me a
stern look, but I sensed the humor in his mind. I carefully stood up and
walked over to him.

      "Needed or not, I do thank you." I embraced him, remembering as the soft
fabric of his tunic brushed my flesh that I was still naked.

      "Is there something wrong with that?" He grinned wickedly down at me.

      "Not at all. I was just noting my situation."

      "Very good, my little apprentice. You should always be aware of your
situation."

      "Yes, my Master." I nuzzled my face against his strong chest, luxuriating
in his powerful yet gentle embrace. I sighed happily against his shoulder. A
warm feeling floated about me as a large hand began to stroke my hair. I
gazed up Maul, puzzled by this feeling. His golden eyes were soft and he
looked different somehow. "Is something wrong?"

      Maul coughed slightly as his eyes regained their steely gaze and he removed
his hand from my hair. "No. It's nothing."

I smiled and reached out with the Force, caressing his mind gently with the
tendrils of my awareness. The warmth I had felt was emanating from him...
"Ughn!" I jerked away from Maul as my mind probe crashed into hastily
erected shields. But it was too late. I had felt it.

"You really care for me, don't you Master."

"You're my apprentice, that is all. Do not fool yourself with such lesser
emotions such as affection."

"I believe it is you that are fooling yourself, Master." I smiled and stood
on my toes to place a soft kiss on Maul's cheek. "But if you enjoy hiding
your feelings, go right ahead." I turned and walked away, picking up my
clothes on my way out the door.

*      *      *      *      *

      Idly, I ran my fingers through my short-cropped hair, my eyes shifting from
one face to another around the circular table. "So do you have anything to
report yet? I'm seriously beginning to doubt all of your famed skills. You
should have found him by now."

      "Actually, it was not as easy to locate him as you may have thought, little
one." Thrawn leaned his chin on his folded hands. "He has begun to work for
the Hutts now."

      "So you've found him then?"

      "Well... actually, we've known where he was for over a week now."

      "WHAT?!" I stood up suddenly, knocking over my chair. "You've known where
he is for that long and you haven't told me??!!" Sparks of blue electricity
leapt from my fingers and fell to the floor. "This is my revenge, not yours!
I expected to be notified as soon as you had even a lead on where he was!"

      Thrawn cast a vicious glance towards Maul briefly, then spoke up. "We had
thought it best if we waited a while before informing you. We didn't want to
upset your... training."

      I turned to look at Maul. "Oh, so this was YOUR idea then? Is that what's
going on? You didn't want to distract me with the insignificant fact that
you found the guy who is the entire cause that I'm here??!"

      "No. On both accounts. You aren't here for revenge, you're here because I
wished it. I wanted you here. We will continue your training, and then
perhaps as a reward I'll allow you to reap the revenge you crave." Maul gave
me a stern look. "And watch your tone, little one. I am still your Master."

      "Pft. You sound like my Father."

      "Oh, so you've heard your Father during-"

      "Shut up!" I yelled, picking up what he was going to say. He grinned
wickedly at me. "That's not what I meant and you know it. So just keep your
perverted comments to yourself."

      "You are not to command me like that again, little one." Maul's voice
turned cold and I could almost feel the arctic chill it inspired. "While I
am your Master, you will obey me. Your insolence has gone too far. I enjoy
your spirit, but it does have a time and place. Go back to your chamber and
meditate until I come to retrieve you. Is that understood, Apprentice?"

      "Yes, Maaassstter." I allowed my voice to drip with as much sarcasm as
possible, though I knew I would be punished for it later. I turned and
stormed out of the room.

      "Sooo..." Xizor said casually. "I guess this is a bad time to ask when I
can have sex with her like the rest of you." The group all stared at him.
"I'll take that as a yes."

*      *      *      *      *

      "It's not FAIR!!!" Lightning burst from my fingers and flew at the PC in
the corner, which erupted into a shower of sparks. "He found me through my
anger. He should at lest let me take care of this quickly. That's all I
want. Just a quick absolution to this thing." No, that wasn't right. Maul
and I both knew it. I wanted a long, drawn out revenge. I wanted Drake to
know exactly what he put me through. I wanted to stand over him and feel his
pain and guilt. I wanted it more than anything. Then I would be satisfied
and could return to... "That's why... He doesn't want me to leave. He knows
that when I'm done, I won't need his help anymore..." I jumped as the door
slid open.

      "Good evening, Raven." Fett's silhouette filled the door. I beckoned for
him to enter, which he did followed by Thrawn and Xizor.

      "Hey boys. How's it going." I plopped down on the bed with a loud sigh.

      Xizor glanced over at the remains of my computer. "Obviously not nearly as
bad as it's going for you." He sat next to me on the bed and moved his hands
to my shoulders. "You're too tense." His head moved to my ear. "You should
really relax a bit." The purr of his voice made me shiver just as Fett
tapped the Falleen with his rifle.

      "We are not here for sex." Oh well. Maybe another chapter. "We're here to
help you."

      "Oh, and how are you going to do that with Master Possessive here?"

      "We will find something else to occupy him with," said Thrawn, smiling
evilly.

      "Like what?"

      "Like having Lord Sidious visit our ship."

      "He'll be so distracted waiting on hand and foot for that wrinkled prune
that he won't have time to notice your gone, and even if he did, certainly
not enough time to do anything about it." Xizor grinned as if it were his
idea. His hand slid around my back and under my arm slightly. I gestured to
my lightsaber before he moved it any further though.

      "Great. When do we leave?"

      Fett reached a hand down to help me up. "Now. Lord Sidious will arrive
within the hour."

      "Let's get moving then."

Chapter 13 I lounged casually in one of the flight seats on Slave I as we flew towards Tatooine. Apparently, Drake was now Jabba the Hutt's Majordomo. Yeah, I could see him as another Bib Fortuna. Anyway, I was trying to think of exactly how I would exact my revenge on him, which was hard to do. Thinking about ANYTHING other than sex while surrounded by 3 hot men is quite difficult. I kept hoping that Fett's ship would inexplicably run out of gas. Eventually I got bored of staring at the plane walls of the small passenger area and excused myself from Thrawn and Xizor's company. Not that they were much for company. Thrawn was out cold and Xizor was reading the alien's version of playboy from what I could tell. I wandered back into the ship and made my way to the cargo/holding area. I wasn't surprised to note that the holding area was larger than the passenger area. I'm sure Fett's company was more likely to be kept in cages then in his 2nd class seating. I casually swung one of the cell doors open and looked inside. Not much to see in there. There was a good-sized cot (makes sense, he probably gets some large alien murderer sorts in here) a bathroom area, and a slot that I assumed food was inserted through. I sat down on the cot and leaned against the wall. I remembered writing a fanfic a while ago. Fett had captured me (well, my RPG character) for a bounty placed on me, and I had to... convince him to let me go. I giggled to myself. "Too bad we couldn't act that one out..." "Act what out, my dear?" I spun around to see Xizor standing in the entrance to the cell. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking aloud." Grinning, I pushed back he fear and lust that threatened to show. Instead, I had an evil thought. Wouldn't it be great to seduce the King of Seduction? His High and Mighty Falleen Pheromoneness is so used to being the one running the show. It would be quite entertaining to see what would happen if the tables were turned. Channeling my previous emotions, I walked over to Xizor, making sure to draw attention to my leather-clad feminine curves with every step. Smiling, as if he were in control, Xizor bared his pointed teeth. "And just what were you thinking about?" I stood in front of the alien prince, sucking in a breath as I was hit by a wall of pure animalistic lust. But instead of acting on it, I pulled it into myself to back up my own sensuality. "Oh, not much. I was just looking around the place, thinking about how kinky this cell is..." I turned away from him and walked over to the cot. I ran my fingers over the cold steel of the wall. "Yes, I do suppose it could be rather kinky." Xizor stepped further into the cell, coming up behind me. "In many ways, it could be..." A smooth green hand moved to touch my shoulder, but I casually moved out of the way, turning to sit on the edge of the cot. "I was thinking of all those ways myself, actually." I yawned, purposely stretching out my body before leaning back against the wall. "Were you now..." Xizor purred, joining my on the cot. He looked at me, his face beginning to flush and the pheromones he was emitting almost palatable. His cat-like eyes bore deep into my, making my body cry out for him. "And exactly which ones came to mind?" "Oh, you know, the usual. None that exciting. Just me, hot and naked, laying down on this cot right here." I turned my eyes to the cot, playing the poor tempted little girl. "Some chains, holding me down, my limbs spread out suggestively." I looked back up at Xizor, who was staring intently at me. Perfect. "I was picturing what I might look like. My naked flesh hot and sweaty, cooling against the steel. My hair flung casually around my head, perhaps a few strands brushing across my face, waiting for someone to moves them back into place." Xizor moved closer. I allowed him to remain this close, even leaned up against him. But best not to give him too much too soon. "And, who would be this someone?" I could barely pick up Xizor's deepening breaths. "Oh, I really don't know. Whoever would like to." "I would be honored to be the one stroking your face." "Great!" I stood up excitedly. "Now I have a face for my fantasy! Thanks Xizor!" I leaned down and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, wincing slightly from the electric charge that his skin touching mine had sparked. I moved to walk off, when Xizor's hand caught my wrist. "Please, Raven. You didn't finish telling me about that fantasy." Gods yes. He's mine. "Oh, I don't want to bore you with that stuff." "No. I'd love to hear about it. Please, continue." "Well... alright." I sat back down next to Xizor, my hip brushing his shoulder as I lowered my body onto the cot. "Where was I?" "You were..." Xizor swallowed noticeably. "You were naked and chained down to the cot." "Oh, that's right. Mmm, I can almost feel it against my skin." I squirmed slightly, imagining the feeling. Conveniently, I also squirmed against Xizor. "I'd be laying there, helpless and completely vulnerable to whoever may enter here." "That would be me, my beauty." "Alright then. You would enter, your eyes glowing with dominant lust. You would glance over my helpless figure, licking your lips." I almost laughed when at that moment Xizor licked his lips unconsciously. "I would struggle in my bonds, creating a soft rattling sound from the chains, but would be unable to escape. Cold air would rake over my body, causing my exposed nipples to grow hard. I would begin to sweat from fear while at the same time grow moist from lust." I was, in fact, already moist. I felt Xizor subtly rubbing his thigh against my hip. "What would I do to you?" His voice was deeper than normal, a slight rasp tingeing the edges of the sound. "You would take off your robe, leaving you only in those stunning loose pants of yours, your incredible chest bare before my eyes. You would lean down and straddle my stomach, grinning at my vulnerability. You would breathe in my fear and take it from my body, replacing it with need." "And?" "And then you would kiss me deeply, your exotic tongue caressing my warm moist mouth, exploring every crevice of it as you prepared to explore other areas. I would return the kiss, my tongue battling with yours as you sucked my bottom lip into your mouth and briefly nibbled on it. You wouldn't stop the kiss until I gave in to my instincts and moaned my pleasure to you. Then, you would move down my body slowly. Your tongue would extend to lap and my warm skin, trace my decorated body, swirl around my nipples and dip into my navel. Eventually, you would find yourself between my spread-eagled legs, and I would feel your warm breath against my hot... wet... mound." I sighed loudly, and was happy to hear Xizor groan in reply to my images. His eyes were now closed and his manhood prevalent through his silk pants. "Keep going, please. Tell me what I would do next." "Next? Next is the best part. You would spread me wide with your delicate fingers, then use your sensual tongue to submit me to erotic torture of the most delicious sort. You would lick and play and touch and caress my inner sex until I screamed your name in rapid succession, my body arching off of this cot in my throes of ecstasy." "Ohh yes..." "No, more like this: Ooohhhh..hhh..... hh...hhh yessssssss......." I grinned as Xizor fell further into his own arousal from the noises I made. Lizard-boy was mine now. "When you had satisfied yourself on my sexual moisture, you would slip out of your pants and position yourself above me. Then, you would wait until I looked up at you through heavy lidded eyes, making sure that I saw what was about to befall me. Once you were sure I saw what you planned, you would plunge into me, filling me to all capacity..." I paused as Xizor let out a loud groan. "Are you alright, your Highness?" I looked at him innocently, but inside my face lit up with an evil smirk. "No. You're teasing is too much for my, assassin. But I will be alright in a moment. Strip immediately." I stood up, allowing the grin to spread on my face. "Why should I?" Xizor's skin flashed bright red. "Because I command you to! Because I need it! Because... because I will do anything, just please cease and release me from this torment!" "Anything, eh? Hmmm...." * * * * * "Are you sure they're down here, Fett? Perhaps they've already left the ship." "My motion sensors picked up activity down here, as well as life signs that matched their status. They must be..." Boba Fett stopped in his tracks and stared into the cell in front of him. "What's the matte- Oh. I see." Thrawn and Fett looked at each other, then back at the cell. There was Xizor, tied down to the cot with the shredded remains of his clothing. His long black topknot was disheveled and the jet-black strands fell sloppily over his enraged and embarrassed face. On his forehead was scribbled "Raven's Fuck Toy." Both Fett and Thrawn burst into laughter simultaneously. "Shut up you immature fools. Just let me out. I... I can't get loose." This only promoted further laughter from the two. Down the hall from the cell the sound of feminine laughter. Of course, this was about when I walked back, a camera in hand. I snapped a few pictures of Xizor, then replaced the device in a locked safe further down the hallway. "Now here's a picture I know all my friends will want a copy off. Anyway, enough playing, let's get on with this revenge stuff." I winked at Xizor then turned to leave, Thrawn and Fett still laughing it up behind me.

Chapter 14

"Xizor, we're leaving! Come on!" "I'm not coming out!" "Stop complaining and get moving! We have to go!" "I refuse to allow myself to become the butt of your jokes." "It's too late for that, Greenie. Now are you coming out or are we coming in?" There was no reply, so I motioned to Fett who proceeded to over-ride the system and open the door. There, sitting indignantly in a chair, was Xizor, with a bright red forehead that still read "Raven's Fuck Toy." "Go ahead. Laugh. I tried washing it off, but it appears to be permanent, not to mention that the chemicals in the ink have reacted to those in my skin, making my head look like a large red neon lighted sign!" I stifled a giggle as I looked him over. The area around the words on his head was as bright red as I've ever seen his skin get, making the words show up even cleared than normal. "It's... its not that noticeable. Really." Xizor rolled his eyes at me and turned away. "Oh don't be a baby." He crossed his arms over his chest, clearly intent on staying exactly where he was. "With all due respect, we really don't need this Pimp Prince for what you must do." Fett placed his hand on my shoulder. I sighed loudly. "Fine. You win, Xizor. We'll leave you here. You happy?" "Not completely. Just when do you expect this to wash off?" "Um... a day or two, at most." Xizor glared at me. "Oh, is that all?" Fett began to drag me away. "We really should be going. We cannot know how long Sidious will provide a good enough distraction." "Fine, fine. Let's get going." * * * * * I must have had quite a grin on my face as we walked into Mos Espa. "Is something amusing?" Thrawn raised on eyebrow at my humored expression. "No, nothing at all." I giggled to myself as we continued walking. Fett and I were still in our normal attire, pulling off the whole bounty-hunter thing, while Thrawn had thrown on a beige tunic and work pants. He looked like a friggin' Jedi! "So what is the plan?" Fett asked casually, not even turning to face me. "I wanna wander around a bit, check out the space ports and such. Then we'll head over to Jabba's." "Why do you want to spend even another second in this filthy place?" Thrawn sneered in disdain. Obviously he hadn't spent as much time in the seedier areas of cities as Fett and I had. Not surprising. "I just find it interesting. Go back to the ship if you want. I'm sure Xizor would love the company." "No thank you. His Highness is probably entertaining himself right now with that 'hidden' stash of "Play Male" of his." "Then shut up and blend in, already." Thrawn sighed loudly. I'd never be able to mingle with him in such a snitty mood. And though I 'd love to walk around with Fett, spend some more time alone with him and all, he'd scare off most of the locals. Better ditch the ball and chain, I guess. "Why don't we split up? We can cover more area that way." "Why do we need to cover more area, other than to hide this living dust bunny. We know where we're going." "Don't question me. I'm in charge of this operation!" He was right, though. It was a pretty sorry excuse. Oh well. "Please keep in mind, my dear, that we didn't need to help you escape. We-" "Meet us at the Cantina at midnight," said Fett evenly, cutting off Thrawn's complaint. "Right. I'll see you then." I turned and walked off before Thrawn could say another word. * * * * * I knew the way around Mos Espa like the back of my hand. I had, after all, mastered that level in The Phantom Menace for PC. It was pretty much the same, except for some of the characters. Plus it was much more realistic. About as realistic as you can get, I suppose. I bought myself a Krayt Pearl choker (with the credits I 'borrowed' from Xizor during his little lesson in humiliation) just as I saw a familiar face (or four, including a droid) at the fruit vendor across the way. Holy Bantha Shit! The Star Wars celebrities just keep on comin'! "..Sandstorms are very * very * dangerous," finished the little boy (Anakin for those who haven't picked it up yet). The dialog continued as I pretended to check out a Rancor skin jacket at the stand next to the group. I did my best to keep my Dark Side hidden from Qui Gon, but I knew that I wasn't good enough to mask ALL of it. Maybe if I was lucky he'd just think it was part of the "disturbance in the Force" he felt. I followed the group to Anakin's house, fighting off the sting of the wind-whipped sand. Just as the door closed behind them, I realized that I had no where to stay. I panicked momentarily as I tried to think of what to do. Desperate, I went to the next house and knocked on the door. It opened to reveal that little boy that always hangs around with Anakin. (You know, that miniature Fez from That 70's Show. Don't look at me like I'm crazy! You know what I'm talking about! Don't you? Anyway...) His eyes widened, probably at my tattooed face. "Hi," I yelled over the din of the storm. "I don't suppose you could give me some shelter, just until this storm passes?" "I...uh, I don't know. I'll have to ask my Mom." He shut the door as he ran off to ask, leaving me waiting out in the storm. "Hrm, I'll need some persuasion here." I reached into my bag and pulled out my lightsaber. 'This'll do it...' The door opened again and the boy stood there with another woman. "Please, could you let me rest here until the storm's over?" I made sure that the two 'accidentally' saw my lightsaber. The woman stood there for a moment, then nodded, moving to the side. "Come on in, hurry." I stepped inside as she closed the door quickly behind me. I shook out my hair, trying to empty the sand from it. "Thanks a million. You two are life savers." I smiled reassuringly at them. "Think nothing of it. It wouldn't be right for us to let you stay out in that storm." The woman led me to a place to sit down, offering me one of her most precious possessions: water. I shook my head, knowing they'd need it more than I ever would. "Still, thank you. Do you know how long these storms usually last?" "No more than one standard hour, mostly. You're not from around here, are you?" "No, just stopping by." "Why were you here in the slave quarters?" "I got lost, trying to reach my ship too quickly before the storm hit." "Well I suppose you're lucky you got lost here instead of somewhere else. I don't know of anyone else in this wretched place that would have let you in. This city is like that, you know." "Thank you so much again. I owe you my life. My name's Raven, by the way." "I'm Kahra, and this is my son, Kistakarianajha." "You can call me Kister." The boy grinned up at me and extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Kister," I said, shaking his hand. "Both of you. If you ever need anything, just ask." "We want nothing. It is our pleasure to help those in need." "Could...could you show us your laser sword though?" "Kister!" Kahra turned to scold the boy. "No no, it's quite alright. I'd be happy to show you it, Kister. As long as you promise not to mention it to anyone. Not even Anakin." "How did you..." "Mom, she's a Jedi. She knows everything." Kister practically glowed. "Don't you?" "Well, not everything. Here, let me show you my lightsaber." I almost laughed to myself at how wrong that sounded, but made no motion. This was a little kid I was talking to, after all. I pulled out my lightsaber and held it away from the two slaves. With a quick flip, I ignited the blade, feeling the awe that radiated from my audience. I moved it around, showing off the maroon blade and reveling in the wonderful humming sound, before I put it away again. "That is so wizard! Even Anakin doesn't know a Jedi! Wow!" * * * * * I talked with Kahra and Kister until the storm ended, then I thanked them again and secretly left a few more of Xizor's credits on their table. Then I stalked into an ally across from Anakin's hovel. I'd always wondered what Qui Gon had done that night. He couldn't possibly have stayed in- "Why have you been following us?" I spun around quickly, though I already knew who it was. "Following? What do you mean?" "Please don't act dumb. I have no patience for that ignorant woman routine." Well it least he wasn't sexist. "You're hiding in an ally in the slave quarters, a place you really don't belong. Plus I've been tracking you since I sensed your surprise in the market place. You have been following us, and you cannot deny it. So just please cooperate and answer my question." "Don't get all threatening with me, Jinn. You Jedi won't hurt me unless I threaten you in some way." I sneered my disgust at him. "True, but I could deem your stalking of me as a threat." Damn, he got me there. "Fine. I could take you. I've-" I stopped before I pulled out my lightsaber. No. I didn't want to clue him in on the existence of the Sith. For now, all he knew was that I was some tattooed, leather-clad psycho gal who had recognized him and decided to follow. "Ok, you want an answer? Alright. I'll behave. I've seen you before, Jinn. You and that kid Xanatos." (There, if the books were right, he'd place out brief encounter years ago, therefore giving him the possibility that he'd forgotten me.) "I admit, I'm curious about you Jedi. Is that good enough?" "That answers why you've been following us, I suppose. But it's not good enough, I'm afraid. How do you know so much about me, and why are you here?" "I know a lot of things. But you don't have to worry about me. I'm no threat to you. But there will be others that will be... oh SHIT! I forgot!" Others! Maul! That's why Sidious is meeting with him! He's going to be here! Shit shit shit! "What's wrong?" Qui Gon gave me a suspicious look. I must not have been entirely shielding my thoughts. More shit. "Look Qui sweetie honey Jedi hunkie baybe. We'll continue this another time. Something's just come up. You run off and help Anakin with his podracer, deal with Jar Jar, count Anakin's Midi Chlorians, lust after Shmi if you want! Do whatever you Jedi types do for fun. I'll catch you later. Byee for now!" I turned and ran off before Qui Gon could say anything, which he probably wouldn't, still trying to interpret whatever I had said to him. Anyway, he wasn't important now. What was important was that Qui's being here meant that all this was taking place in the TPM story line, and THAT meant that in a few days my Mauly-Pooh would give Hasbro the chance to make that splitting action figure battle set! I had to do something, and fast. While getting my revenge at the same time, of course. Damn, this story just got more complicated, but hopefully not longer.

Chapter 15

* * * What was important was that Qui's being here meant that all this was taking place in the TPM story line, and THAT meant that in a few days my Mauly-Pooh would give Hasbro the chance to make that splitting action figure battle set! I had to do something, and fast. While getting my revenge at the same time, of course. Damn, this story just got more complicated, but hopefully not longer. * * * I ran into a nearby Cantina. It was still only morning, and there would be no way I'd be able to find Thrawn of Fett in the crowded markets. I plopped onto a stool at the bar and sighed loudly as I rested my head on my hands. "Fucking Fett. What am I going to do now?" I couldn't warn Maul, he'd be too busy pissing and moaning at me for running away. And I'm really only an Apprentice's apprentice (true, a very talented apprentice who will eventually kill that Jedi Master if I don't do something) so there's no way I could take them. And talking certainly wouldn't solve this problem. I was just lucky that Qui Gon had never seen a Sith before and didn't recognize any of my tattoos. I ordered some Corellian ale to help me think (or give me a pleasant buzz, but that's not important) when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around slowly on my stool to look right into the beady eyes of a Devonian. "Hey there, sweet thing. What's a beautiful girl like you doing in a womprat hole like this?" I grinned to myself. I'd been hit on by some pretty freaky looking people in my day, but this one certainly took the first place prize in the international freak tournament. But hey, perhaps talking to him would rev. up my mind into thinking of a way outta my mess. Not to mention it would probably prove humorous. "Drinking. What does it look like I'm doing?" "Well, it looks to me like you're looking for a big strong male to come and keep you company, Sweetie." "Well then perhaps you need your eyes checked because I'm doing nothing of the sort." "Of course your not. But you know, Sweetie, this place can get rough and you might need someone to protect you from all those other shady characters here." Seeing that the humor of the situation had just reached the punch line, I decided to follow through appropriately: I punched his lights out. "And don't call me sweetie." Cliché, I know, but I do enjoy saying it. Several of the beings around me laughed (or their equivalent there of) but, of course, no one did anything. I returned to my drink and wasn't bothered for the remainder of my time there. * * * * * By late that afternoon, I had finally gotten a plan. All I had to do was allow Maul to complete his mission, which was only to find the Queen and the Jedi. Then I'd show myself, and he'd take me back to the ship for discipline. It wouldn't be fun (unless he punished me a different way) but it would be better than allowing Maul to get killed by some wimpy Padawan and a lucky blow. With that out of the way, I began to plan my revenge. Walking through the market place, I looked for what I'd need to get into Jabba's. Sure, Fett could help me and I'd get in easy. But this was something I needed to do. Alone. I'd never be satisfied if I didn't do it all by myself. Besides, I could handle it. I had my basic Sith skills down, which was more than enough to take out a few Gamorreans. By this time tomorrow, my thirst for vengeance will be quenched. I stopped by one of the carts in the market place, admiring a chain and jewel choker. 'This would be perfect!' I thought. I glanced at the other items on the cart. 'Woah... this all would be perfect!' I held up one of the small delicate outfits that had hung from a rack. It was perfect, just my size. I picked out some matching jewelry and pulled out some money. "I'll take all of this, please." The alien behind the cart gave me a strange look. "These are... for you?" "Yes, of course." "Do you want the chain that comes with that slave collar, Miss?" Slave collar? I re-evaluated the merchandise. Holy bantha poodoo, no wonder all of it was so perfect. It was a slaver's accessory stand. I laughed to myself. "Sure, what the hell." I paid the alien, who still was looking at me as if I had sprouted another head or two, then continued down the crowded street. I felt the eyes of several of the other beings on me, but I held my head I and looked confident. I did my best to radiate an aura of power so to ward off any thieves that may be used to making women their targets. As the first of the two suns approached the horizon, I was still wandering the streets. Most of the locals had cleared out a while ago, apparently not wanting to have anything to do with the nighttime crowd. But I was fairly confident that I could handle anything this dust ball spaceport could throw at me. Anything, that is, except the pair of hands that reached out of an ally and grabbed me. "What the f-mmmpph!" A large hand clamped down over my mouth before I could scream and I was pulled back against a large, strong body. I struggled, but the attacker held my arms behind my back so that my movements did nothing but cause me pain. After a minute of calling this guy every swear in both the Basic and Huttese languages, I finally gave up and stood still except for the occasional struggle. "You have no reason to fear me, so be still." I recognized that smooth voice immediately. Damn Jedi! "Now I'm going to let you go, and you will be silent and listen to what I have to say." I nodded, and the large hands released me, allowing me to turn and face Qui Gon. "You know, you could have just asked to talk to me." "After the way you ran off last time, I wasn't sure if you would come quietly." "Fine. Now what do you want?" "I just want to ask you a few questions. But perhaps a more casual setting will do." He gestured to the cantina across the way, and I nodded, following him in. We took a table in one of the darker corners, both of us emitting a general "keep away" signal through the Force so that we may be left in piece. "May I buy you a drink?" "Why, you hoping to take me home tonight? I don't think there's that many bed's in Anakin's shack, Qui-Baby." That comment earned me a stern look from the Jedi, almost making me laugh. "Not tonight." He flashed a brief grin, but it was gone so soon I wasn't even sure I had seen it. "I just want to know more about you and how you know so much about me." "I know a lot about you and Obi Wan and Anakin. Mostly about your futures though." "Yes, but how do you know these things? I feel that you are strong in the Force, but you are not a Jedi, and definitely not strong enough to see the future that clearly." I winced as my ego deflated a bit. "No Jedi can see the future as clearly as I can. 'Always in motion, the future is,' right?" I sensed surprise from Qui at that quote, but he did a commendable job at hiding it. "That is true, which only adds to my curiosity." "Well, I'm sorry Qui-Baby, but I-" "Please don't do that." "Do what?" "Call me that." "What, Qui-Baby?" "Yes. Stop that, please." "Fine, fine. Like I was saying, Qui-B... err, Qui Gon, was that I can't explain how I know." 'You wouldn't believe me even if I told you" I thought behind my mental shields. "I just know. At least, I know the future that, at this moment in time, is destined to happen within the next few days. And I tell you, it ain't good for you." "How so?" "You die, Qui-Gon. You die by the blade of a Sith." "Impossible. The Sith have been dead for centuries." "So you're telling me you don't feel that chill flowing through the Force?" "The only chill I feel is but a slight breeze from your presence." Slight breeze? Grrr, this guy is SO asking for it." "Well, actually, he's not here yet. But he will be, just after sunset. That's right about... now." In my head I heard the eerie music as I felt Maul land the Infiltrator just outside the city. Qui Gon must have sensed it too, for he his eyes gazed off into space and he had to resettle himself in his chair. "Yup, that's him." "You know this Sith?" "That's not important. What's important is that what is going to happen doesn't happen." Qui Gon leaned back in his chair, eyeing me some more. I felt him pushing against my shields trying to probe for more information, but I pushed him back. "I'm afraid I can't believe you until I know how you came upon this information." "Well, I guess that is understandable. But... It's not something I can really explain. It's hard to put into simple words. It even sounds impossible to me, but it's true." I sighed loudly. There was no way I could get this guy to cooperate if he didn't believe a word I was saying to him. He was too smart to follow me blindly. But it's not like I could just show him how I... wait a second. "What if I let you probe me." "Are you sure? I know there are things you don't want me to see." "If you give me your word that you won't stick your mental nose where it doesn't belong, I'll let you in. I trust the word of a Jedi." "I promise. You have my word that I will only see what I absolutely need to see." I took a deep breath and hoped I knew what I was doing. Slowly, I lowered my shields and relaxed my mind. "Ok, Qui. Dive in." I felt a slight tingling inside my skull as he began searching my mind. I could see the path his probe was making as it traced the contours of my brain. As he looked at my memories, flashbacks filled my head. I saw my first time watching Star Wars with my Father. I remembered him rushing out to buy Return of the Jedi, then pointing out the ewoks to me. I saw me going on my first real date to the opening of Star Wars: The Special Edition. All these memories flashed across my mind's eye as Qui Gon saw how Star Wars had influenced my life. I felt his shock inside my head as he came to the memories of The Phantom Menace: my 4 hour wait in line for tickets, my flirting with a guy dressed up as Obi Wan on opening day. The hours I spent online looking for info and fanfiction about Star Wars. I blushed slightly as he went passed memories of Sith Chicks, but he moved on quickly. Too quickly, I guess, because suddenly I was thrown back against the wall, writhing in mental anguish as if someone had ripped open an old wound. I screamed and fell out of my chair, gripping my head as if my hands could somehow stop the pain. I barely noticed that Qui Gon too had fallen to his knees, though his held back his screams. After a moment, we both sat back in our chairs, glancing nervously around at the curious onlookers that out incident had earned. Casually, I fixed my mussed hair and took a long sip of the Corellian ale I had ordered. Qui Gon sat looking at me as I did my best to act as if nothing had happened. "You're crying." "What?" I brushed my hand across my cheek, feeling the salty wet trail where a tear had escaped. "Oh..." I took another long drink. "You have a severe mental scar. You should have warned my about it, I could have avoided it." "Sorry, I wasn't aware that it was a scar. Maybe a paper cut, but not a scar." I smiled, trying desperately to make light of the situation. "What happened to you? You can tell me." "No... no, I can't. I just can't talk about it." I swallowed hard. "It's too painful. It shouldn't be, but it is." I looked away from Qui Gon. We both sat silently for quite some time, listening to the background noise of the Cantina. "I could heal it for you." I almost didn't hear him at first. "You could what?" "I could heal it. I could sort through your feelings and make the experience more bearable for you. It would be painful for you, like re-living the incident, and I'd see all your memories of what happened, but in the long run it would be better." A Jedi? Helping a Sith? Impossible. I couldn't let that happen. Maul would help me with it... or would he? He must have known about this mental scar for a long time. Yet, it seems he did nothing to help it. Maybe it was part of the Sith training or something. Maybe having such a wound would help me to harness the power of my emotions. But... "Alright. Do it." "Are you sure?" "Yes. I want the pain to stop. I want to go on with my life. That whole stupid thing has taken over my every waking moment. I can't go through a day without breaking down over it. If you can take away even a tiny fraction of that, please, go right ahead." "Alright. But brace yourself this time. We don't want another scene." Grasping the edge of the table, I closed my eyes and prepared myself for what was to come. "I'm ready."

Chapter 16

* * * "Yes. I want the pain to stop. I want to go on with my life. That whole stupid thing has taken over my every waking moment. I can't go through a day without breaking down over it. If you can take away even a tiny fraction of that, please, go right ahead." "Alright. But brace yourself this time. We don't want another scene." Grasping the edge of the table, I closed my eyes and prepared myself for what was to come. "I'm ready." * * * Qui Gon's gentle mind probe caressed across my consciousness until it approached the scar. I sensed his apprehension as he paused, afraid to bring back the pain that I had been through. I looked up at him and smiled, letting him know it was ok. My eyes closed again as the mental fingers proceeded to descend into the scar. With a suddenness that was frightening, all of my memories came back, hitting me with a single blow. It was similar to my life flashing before my eyes, but it was only a small part of my lifetime. I saw my relationship with Drake. How in my first days of being online he took me under his wing and guided me. I saw how I looked up to him as a big brother and I confided in him secrets I never told anyone else. I looked to him in my pain and suffering and he told me that he would keep me safe. He told me I was beautiful, no matter what others said. And I trusted him. I would have given my life for his. Then came the painful day when I heard he had committed suicide. That day was the longest in my life. I cried until I felt weak and was dizzy from dehydration. My body ached and I thought of many unreasonable ways to end the pain. Only through the constant watch of my friends did I survive that day, protected from myself. Little did I know that the worse was yet to come. The next day I found that he was alive. But with that happiness came yet more pain as it was revealed that he himself was the one who sent out the messages of his apparent demise. That he had done it out of uncaring manipulation to get something he wanted, not caring about what others thought. He, who I had given everything to, had done what I could never have conceived him to do. He was not who he appeared to be. He had been a fake. I had been used in a way worse than any other I could think of. So again I cried, though not for the death of Drake, for the inexistance of the person I thought I knew. I cried because that person who was so wonderful had in fact never existed. I cried because I felt more alone than any other point in my life. I cried for my pain. All of these unwanted feelings hit me with the strength of a Star Destroyer. That which I had buried deep inside myself resurfaced and I wept like a child there in the cantina. 'Make it stop,' I cried out mentally. 'Make it go away.' Then, as abruptly as it had started, the pain began to fade. My suffering became a dim memory and Drake began to vanish. I saw the experience as an outside observer instead of the victim. That bright red spot of emotion in my head healed and I opened my eyes again. Qui Gon opened his own eyes to look at me. His brow was covered with beads of sweat and he was breathing heavily. We did nothing but look at each other for a long while, until a soft smile crept across Qui Gon's face. My own smile soon joined his, and for the first time in too long it was a smile that I felt through my entire body. "Thank you." He nodded to me. "It is a Jedi's duty to aid those who suffer. I sense that you didn't fully believe that before, but perhaps..." "I don't believe in most of what the Jedi stand for, but in that sense we do have something in common." "More than you may think. I too have felt the pain of betrayal." "Than it may be better if we were allies." I reached across the table and shook his hand." "I wasn't aware we were enemies." "And it's better that you stay that way." Still smiling, I stood up from the table. "Come on, I'll walk you back to Skywalker's." I took Qui Gon's hand and we exited the cantina. * * * * * Outside of Anakin's hovel, Qui Gon and I embraced (Sorry Sith Chicks, I don't do Jedi. Well, not often). "I hope to see you again soon." "Yeah, heh. Probably sooner than you think..." I looked over my shoulder at the night sky. "If you're ever on Coruscant, you're welcome to stop by the Jedi Temple." "I'm afraid I'm not welcome anywhere near the Jedi Temple." "You are if you're my friend." I smiled. He had no idea what I was. Just as well he didn't, I guess. Even as friends, I don't think he'd take to kindly to a Sith. "Thank you again, Qui Gon." "I told you to forget it. It was my pleasure to help you." "I still owe you one, no matter what you say. Got it?" "Alright, if you say so." "I do." We smiled at each other. "Good night, Qui Gon." "Good night, Raven. Have pleasant dreams." "For once, I think I will." * * * * * "So you don't want revenge anymore, is that what you're saying?" Thrawn stared at me with his glowing red eyes. "Nope. I've totally dealt with what happened. I realize that by losing me as a friend, Drake has only hurt himself. "So we came all the way here for nothing?" Fett's voice was calm, but I could tell he was pissed. "No, not for nothing. I've gotten something out of this. It wasn't what I planned on, but it was still worth it. Besides, I still plan on confronting Drake." "Good then," Fett said, nodding his helmeted head slightly. "What do we do next?" "* We * do nothing." Thrawn's eyes narrowed. "You can't mean that you're going into Jabba's Palace alone." "Of course not. Fett's going to help me get in. I'm on my own from there." "And how do you plan on getting out?" "Tomorrow is the Podrace at Boonta Eve. I can escape then." The two men looked at me sternly for a long time. "This is not good... but I will help you." Fett sighed slightly. "Great! Thanks." I got up and gave Fett a hug, but he pushed me away. "Oh right, sorry, your image." "My image isn't at stake. You can thank me." Thrawn leered at me and I rolled my eyes. "When are we leaving?" "In just a second. I have to go change." I ran off towards the female 'fresher in the back. "Hey, don't we get to know the plan?" "You'll figure it out when I get back."

Chapter 17

* * * "When are we leaving?" "In just a second. I have to go change." I ran off towards the female 'fresher in the back. "Hey, don't we get to know the plan?" "You'll figure it out when I get back." * * * I stepped out of the fresher feeling slightly cold for the first time since I arrived on this smoldering planet. I wore the outfit I had bought earlier that day, complete with the chain. The material making up my bikini like slave costume was a sort of soft silver metal, complimented by the engraved metal wrist bands and boots, topped off with a collar and tiara. The entire ensemble was simple to contrast my tattoos. I ignored the looks and comments of the other cantina patrons and walked back to the table where Thrawn and Fett sat. Though they both still looked like a couple of ice princes, I could feel their surprise and arousal. "Can you guess the plan now?" I said, grinning. * * * * * "So you're sure Jabba already knows about Darth Maul?" "Jabba knows everything that is happening on this planet. Someone like Maul has definitely caught his attention." Fett led me into the depths of Jabba's Palace, holding me by my chain leash. He had to remind me several times already not to hold myself like a Sith but like a lowly slave. I planned to continue acting like a slave until tomorrow, after I conned Jabba into taking me to the Podraces. Well, all right, I wouldn't always act like a slave, only as much as absolutely necessary. I wasn't about to let some three-eyed slimy freak take advantage of me just because Jabba says so. As we approached the main chamber, loud music started to echo through the halls. Fett leaned close to me. "Do you know how you are to act?" "This is my plan, Fett. I know what I'm doing. You just worry about your part." "I have to say that I don't approve of this." "Well I wasn't looking for your approval, was I?" Fett only nodded. "I'll be fine. You know that I can take care of myself, so don't worry." I reached into one of my arm cuffs and pulled out the dagger that he had given me. "And if I do need some help, I've got this," I whispered, winking at him. He only nodded, then gestured for me to be silent as we went to enter the main hall. 'Remember Fett,' I though to him. 'Don't hold back. Just play it up.' With that, I began to struggle furiously against the chains. I screamed loudly as Fett dragged me into the crowded room. The band stopped playing and all eyes were on me. 'I better win an Oscar for this performance.' I fell onto the ground as Fett gave a rough jerk on the chain. I shrieked and struggled and did my best to escape as I was brought before Jabba <Hoh hoh hoh! What is this you have brought me, Fett? > With a terrified look in my wide eyes, I scrambled to my feet. "A gift of friendship from Darth Maul, a Lord of the Sith." I tried to run, but another rough tug on the chain brought me down onto my knees before Jabba. I whimpered softly and turned my gaze to the floor. <Very thoughtful of him. Bring her closer. I want to get a good look at her. > Two guards grabbed my arms and hauled me roughly to my feet. A hand smacked me between the shoulder blades and I stumbled forward so that I was inches away from the grotesque Hutt. Jabba reached out his stout arm and took me face in his hand, holding my chin between his fat forefinger and thumb. I cringed but didn't struggle. <Yes. Very nice. Inform Lord Maul that I like her and hope to meet him soon. > Fett nodded then gave my chain to a nearby guard. With one last discrete glance at me, he turned and left. <Guard, take her down to the slave's quarters. Tell Melina that I want her back to me later tonight. > The guard snorted then dragged me off down the halls, struggling all the way. * * * * * I met Melina Carniss right away and she took me to the Dancer's Pit; the prep room connected to the main hall. Melina was pretty nice if not fairly crude. She told me exactly what I should do if I wanted to live and assured me that if I made Jabba favor me, I should last through the first week no problem. She didn't know, of course, that I had no intention of hanging around her one second more than I needed to be here. Soon after I was led back to Jabba. The party was slowing down and several of the aliens had fallen asleep in their drunken stupors. My chain was given to Jabba and I was directed to make myself comfortable - in a suggestive position - on the pillows in front of the Hutt. Holding back my disgust, I did my best to settle down on them, leaning as little as possible against Jabba. His clammy hand stroked my hair as he told me that he was glad to have me here and that I would learn to enjoy his company. Fat chance. Soon Jabba fell asleep as well and I went to work. "Psst! Excuse me!" I hissed over at a bounty hunter who was actually still awake. He looked over at me with a glare, then, deciding he had nothing better to do, walked over to me. "What d'ya want, Chere?" He said, leering at me. "I was just wondering if you could tell me something about this place? I just got here an-" "I know ya just got 'ere. I tink everyone on dis blasted planet knows. Ya got one powerful set 'a lungs dere." I feigned a blush, but looked back at him. "You won't last long 'round 'ere if ya keep up dat strugglin' 'a yours." I nodded. "Ok den. Lemme point out some 'a de peoples you should know." He proceeded to name some of the more prominent aliens who had all fallen asleep in their booze. I listened carefully, waiting for him to get to the name I needed to hear. "...And den dere's Drake. He's not 'ere, he's got 'is own room in de Palace." The bounty hunter snorted in disgust. "Don't even do anythin' 'round 'ere 'cept act important." "Surely he must do something? Jabba wouldn't keep him around if he didn't." "Ah, right you are, Chere. He's supposedly Jabba's ambassador 'a sorts. He sucks up to all de 'mportant politics 'round 'ere to keep 'em on good terms wit Jabba. Deys don't take much convincing though. Just a fancy gift 'here an' dere. So soon as dat's over wit, Drake, he go right back to livin' de good life." The bounty hunter sighed loudly. "Guess dey all don't gotta earn dere livin's." "Where is Drake's room?" "Why you wanna know?" "Well, I'd just like to see who he was..." The hunter chuckled. "An' you tink you can go visit 'im in 'is room, non? Don't know 'bout how de slaves where you come from live, but 'round 'ere you not be goin' anywhere you not told to go." "Oh..." So much for doing things the easy way. I'd been relying on having the run of the Palace as long as I didn't escape. But even if my first thoughts didn't work, I could definitely form another plan with this new information. "Thanks for your help, ... er" "De name's Gambit*. An' it's no problem, Chere. Gambit 'appy ta help ya." He extended his hand to me and I took it in a firm shake. "My name's Raven. And thanks all the same." "You best be sleepin' now, Chere. You be 'avin' a big day tomorrow, non?" "Yeah... Hope to talk with you again, Gambit." "You will, mon petit. Gambit be 'ere all dey time." With a wink, the bounty hunter turned and walked off. * Sorry about the obvious X-men crossover. Couldn't help myself * * * * * <Wake up, my pet. There's someone here to see you. > Sleepily, I rubbed my eyes and yawned. I forced my eyes open and noticed that it was still dark. But not dark enough because in the next moment I realized that I was pillowed against a large slimy Hutt! "Ahh!" I sat up with a start, my eyes now wide open. I looked around at the rest of Jabba's court as they all laughed at my discomfort. What was everyone doing awake at this time of night? This was even late for one of Jabba's parties! <Forgot where you were, my pet? Don't worry, your old Master is here for a visit.> My Master? I looked out in front of the dais to see a familiar robed figure. Oh shit. "Hello again, little one. Have you missed me?" My eyes must have been wide with fright for the room again burst into cruel laughter. <I'm afraid she probably hasn't missed you too much, Lord Maul. I have been treating her quite well. > "I see you have..." Maul grinned evilly down at me as I cowered from both him and Jabba, though he was the only one I feared. <Perhaps you'd like to borrow her for the remainder of the night, Lord Maul, to catch up. > Jabba looked down at me, as if for my approval. I shook my head furiously. <Hoh hoh HOH! It seems she has already taken to me! But I'm afraid she must learn to live without me sometimes. Please, take her Maul. > "It would be my pleasure, Your Excellency." <I'm sure it will be, hoh hoh hoh. > As I said before, Oh shit.

Chapter 18

Repeat Warnings: This one is definitely NC-17, but for violence. It may not be pleasant for many of you, but I promise it will get better. But just in case, this is your warning.

* * *<Perhaps you'd like to borrow her for the remainder of the night, Lord Maul, to catch up. >

      Jabba looked down at me, as if for my approval. I shook my head furiously.

      <Hoh hoh HOH! It seems she has already taken to me! But I'm afraid she must learn to live without me sometimes. Please, take her Maul. >

      "It would be my pleasure, Your Excellency."

      <I'm sure it will be, hoh hoh hoh. >

      As I said before, Oh shit. * * *

      Never had I thought that I would refuse Maul for Jabba, but my fear was so great that I'd take that filthy slug any day over whatever waited for me with Maul. He radiated pure electric anger as he dragged me through the Palace by my chain. I fought and struggled and cried for help, though I knew it would do me no good. Whatever fate Maul had in store for me would be sure to befall me, and no amount of screaming could change that.

      Naturally, I was quite worn out already by the time we reached Maul's room in the deep bowels of the Palace. I grasped the edges of the wall as Maul flung open the door. His strong arms wrapped around my waist and as he used the Force to pry my desperate fingers from the doorway. Once he had pulled me fully inside the room, he shut the door with another slight thought then, tossing me onto the hard bed in the center of the room, turned his full attention to me. My sore limbs wrapped themselves up in the sheet, clinging to it like a lifeline. It was all I could do but sit there trembling.

      Maul paced the room, his anger palatable in the thick damp air. A dangerous fire burned in his eyes like I had never seen before. I had been punished by him before during my training, and it hurt, but I would heal. This time I wasn't sure that I'd ever recover. For even during his roughest trials, I could sense a warmth in him; a small part of him that cared for my health and well being. But now as I reached out to his mind, I felt only cold.

      For a long while we remained this way; me, cowering on the bed, while he paced around the room like a wounded tiger. His eyes never left me, driving me crazy with anticipation. I wanted him to do what he was to do and get it over with, but I dared not speak. I wasn't sure I would be able to speak even if I wanted to. Finally, with small, red crackling of Force lightning, he exploded.

      "Why did you defy me? Have you forgotten that I am your Master? Have you forgotten that there is no one above me as far as you are concerned? That my word is just as unbreakable as universal laws? I had given you clear instructions not to venture from your chamber, nevermind take off across the galaxy! You have disobeyed me. You have taken your title as apprentice lightly. You have challenged my authority in the most basic Sith relationship there is. You have broken a tradition that has been held for countless millennia. I only hope that you didn't think that you would escape me unscathed."

I tore myself away from Maul's magnetic eyes and stared at the floor, only to be hurtled backwards by a stinging blow to my face.

"You will look at me when I speak to you!" My eyes went wide as he growled down at me. "Do you understand me?"

I nodded. Another blow. The metallic taste of my own blood filled my mouth.

"Answer me, * Apprentice. *"

"Yes, my Master"

Maul's mind brushed mine, reading all the events that had occurred in the past day. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to allow him to freely invade my mind. But I couldn't help but spring up my shields as he came across my encounter with Qui Gon. He hit me again, splitting my lip and spilling several drops of blood onto the sheets. Concentrating, I lowered my shields and winced as Maul discovered my peaceful meeting with the Jedi.

Maul hissed through his pointed teeth. "A Jedi. You opened yourself to a Jedi." I braced myself for another blow, but none came.

"You will now accept your punishment willingly."

"Yes, my Master."

"And after, you will thank me for it."

"Yes, my Master."

"Very good. Stand up and disrobe."

At any other time I would be incredibly aroused right now. But not this time, for I knew what was to come. I stripped out of my slave garb, leaving me wearing nothing but my collar and chain. I stood, exposed, before Darth Maul, and prepared myself for my punishment.

The beating was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Maul kept me from losing consciousness as he battered me both physically and mentally. I heard a sickening crack as he landed a kick in my ribs, while the same time I spasmed from the wound he ripped in my mental fabric. He burned this lesson into my psyche so that I could never forget it. When it was over I fell to my knees, coughing blood onto the filthy floor. Dizzy from pain, I slumped fully onto the ground, waiting for the sweet black oblivious of unconsciousness that I knew would never come.

*      *      *      *      *

      I sensed dawn's arrival around the time that Maul woke and knelt besides me. I forced my eyes to break the seal of clotted blood that held them shut and looked up at him. His face was soft, as if it was someone else, not he who had inflicted these wounds on me. With a gentle hand, he touched my forehead and began healing me. I tried to say something in protest, but was unable to do anything but moan.

      "Shhh, little one. Let me heal you, or else you may not live to heal yourself." Warmth spread from his fingertips throughout the rest of my body like novocaine. I felt my cuts healing and my bones mending as I lay there in the dirt. I began feeling heavy and my mind clouded as Maul continued to whisper comforting things to me. When all of my major wounds were healed, he scooped me up into his arms and carried me to the bed. He carefully placed me down amongst the soft sheets and then lay next to me. He stroked my hair softly until I fought my way through the slight cloud of the healing trance.

      "How do you feel?"

      "Sore Really sore. Why did you-"

      "Shhh. No more words, my little one. Just relax." Leaning down, Maul kissed my still-swollen lips. Though I knew I should feel anger, I felt only relief as I melted into the kiss.

      'I'm forgiven. Thank the Gods, I'm forgiven.'

      "No, I'm afraid you're not forgiven." Maul's kissed moved from my lips to envelop the rest of my face. "By Sith tradition, if an Apprentice goes against their Master, the penalty is death. Usually a long, drawn out, painful death." Fear took hold of my heart again, but Maul continued his kisses and caresses. "Therefor, you cannot be my Apprentice anymore."

      I gasped mentally, for I found my chest too sore for any great intake of air. Maul's hands moved over my body, brushing off the filth and dried blood that remained. I knew I had to do something, but I could think of nothing. Instead, I gave in to Maul fully, and allowed him to continue without any interruptions, verbal or mental.

      His hands caressed my breasts and I sighed. I closed my eyes as his lips once again met mine in a kiss that was almost too gentle. Our tongues entwined as his hands again moved down my body. He ran them over my sore thighs and, breaking our kiss, spread them apart. He moved down so that his head was between my legs. He looked up my body, over the slight swell of my stomach, between the peaks of my breasts, and to the serene look on my face. He then proceeded to replace pain with pleasure as his tongue lapped at my throbbing flesh. A moan escaped my throat as he expertly worked my sex. Longing and lust formed a tight knot in my loins as he continued to stroke me to higher heights of pleasure. My back arched slightly (the extent of the movement I seemed capable of at the moment) as that tight ball in my belly began to pulse more forcefully. I gripped the sheet beneath me as it suddenly burst and a combination of pleasure and relief washed over my exhausted body. Before I could manage to stop my spinning head, Maul had stripped off his clothes and he held himself above me on his powerful arms.

      "Are you well enough to take me, little one?" I nodded, looking up at him through half-lidded eyes. Agonizingly slowly, he entered me, allowing me to adjust to his size. He forced himself to wait until I was ready, then began to move in me. He pumped himself in a slow but steady pace on an angle that hit my aching center each time. I tilted my hips towards him as he built up speed. My chin tilted up so that I saw nothing but the ceiling as the lust returned to my depths. My mouth hung open in what would be a moan, could I manage it, but only small gasps of air escaped my parted lips. I brought my sore legs up to wrap around Maul's back as his pace increased further. I held on as best I could as he reached full speed, colors flashing before my eyes. Helpless with exhaustion, I took each thrust to the hilt, wishing I could vocalize my enjoyment. With flushed faces and much panting, we barreled towards the point of no return that hung tantalizingly over our heads. Then, with a final thrust, we were both released in a burst of blissful pleasure that forced me into unconsciousness.

Chapter 19 of 22 Revenge is mine!! * * *With flushed faces and much panting, we barreled towards the point of no return that hung tantalizingly over our heads. Then, with a final thrust, we were both released in a burst of blissful pleasure that forced me into unconsciousness. * * *       When I woke up, Maul was gone. From the rapidly rising temperature, I could tell that it was well into the morning. I quickly got up and dressed, then ran towards the machine yard. Sneaking aboard the sail barge, I managed to get to Boonta Eve unnoticed.       Just before we reached the stadium, I jumped off the barge. I lay in the sand until the barge was out of sight, then I continued on foot to the stadium. Once again, I was thankful for playing my TPM PC game so much. I stood casually next to a vender (who was babbling something about great deals on dweezle and pallie) and scoped out the entrance. The gates were heavily guarded by Jabba's thugs, who seemed to have just enough intelligence to ask spectators for their tickets. No problem there.       I approached the gate confidently until the ugly Gamorrean barred me with his vibro-ax.       "*GRUNT* Ticket please."       "I don't have a ticket, but I have to get inside. My master is waiting for me."       "Master have ticket then?"       "Yes. Let me in and I'll go get it."       The guard thought for a moment, as if trying to remember some distant memory. "No ticket, no get in," he finally grunted.       Well, I suppose I'd be disappointed if it had been too easy. Time for one of those Jedi Mind Tricks. "My master is very important. If you do not let me in, he will be most upset."       "No want master upset. Go on in."       "Thank you." *      *      *      *      *       I made my way to the 7-Gee Lounge. Drake had been quite fond of drinking, so no doubt he'd be hanging out at the bar before the race. Sure enough, I spotted him chatting up some Twi'lek girl at a table near the band. I rolled my eyes. That was him all right. Chatting up the first girl he saw, be it human or other. Not that I had any right to say anything       Straightening the few garments I wore, I walked over to the bar and sat down delicately on a stool next t Drake. He turned away from his blue counterpart to eye me hungrily. I shuddered inwardly. This was the guy who I had trusted all my deepest secrets to? The one I turned to for advice? The one I almost died for? How could I have been so foolish and naive?       "Hey there, sweet thing. What's a sithy gal like you doin' in a cantina like this?" Good gods       "Just taking my break. My Master gave me this race off for my own pleasure and relaxation." I winked suggestively at him, though I was burning inside. I can't imagine how I'd be able to have pulled this off without Qui-Gon's little mind-healing job.       "Is that so? How would you like to spend your time off in my quarters, Miss I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."       "Rashana."       "A beautiful name for a beautiful woman." Gag me. Usually Drake was a shy sorta guy, but here he was just like his rpg character. I'd almost prefer the real Drake. He extended his hand to me, and I took it, favoring him with a sickeningly sweet smile and an innocent flutter of my eyelashes.       He led me to a dirty apartment in the back of the cantina. There wasn't much in the dank room except for a large and obviously well-used bed. Surreptitiously, Drake locked the door, thinking that I, the poor naove slave that I was, wouldn't notice. I continued to play along, sitting down on the bed casually. I know that without Qui-Gon's past help, Drake would have been extra crispy by now. Even though I didn't feel such a need for revenge anymore, I was still angry, and I definitely had to do something about it. Drake took off his outer majordomo robes and dropped them unceremoniously to the floor, then strutted over to join me on the bed.       "So, why don't you tell me a little more about your work. Exactly what kind of slave are you?" He winked suggestively.       "Well, I work for Jabba-"       "You do? I'm his majordomo. You know, second only to Jabba himself. I don't think I've seen you around there"       "I was just sold to him yesterday."       "I see And where were you employed before that?"       "Oh, I wasn't a slave before that. I was an apprentice."       "An apprentice, hmm? You mean a Jedi apprentice?"       "Sort of, yeah." I grinned to myself. He had no idea       "So how did you end up as a slave?"       "I went against the code, and my Master cast me out." I was telling the truth, just not all of it.       "That's too bad what did you do that was so naughty?" Drake had inched closer to me.       "I disobeyed his orders."       "Obviously, but how exactly did you disobey him."       "He forbid me to get my revenge until I had finished more of my training, but I left anyway."       "I thought a Jedi did not seek revenge."       "Like I said, I'm not exactly a Jedi. It's no coincidence that you recognized my tattoos to be similar to my Lord Maul's." Drake's expression change quicker than I thought possible.       "You were Darth Maul's apprentice?"       "I was."       "And how did you know that I knew about"       "I know a lot about you Drake. Or I thought I did. I trusted you with my life, but that means nothing to you, does it?" My eyes narrowed as I glared back at Drake's stunned face.       "Who ARE you?"       "You don't even remember me, do you Drake? You don't even remember the one that you hurt so much. The one who took everything you said on blind faith. The one who died the day you were apparently re-born. The one who suffered because you decided to fake your own death for a day, just to see how your friends would react!" My voice began to rise as I accessed those feelings from months ago. Even though the scar had faded, the memories were there for me to access if I so desired. In the file cabinet of my mind, I ripped open the drawer and flung my memories around my head.       "Amy? Raven? Is that you?" Drake stood up from the bed, backing up against the door he had locked. I rose from the bed menacingly, allowing my flames of anger to bring on the cold of the Dark Side. Lightning crackled between my fingertips as Drake fumbled in his pockets, trying to find the key to unlock the door.       "I cared for you more than I cared for my own life, but you just toyed with my feelings, knowing how delicate I was! You knew about my past! You knew it would hurt me! But you did it anyway. You led me on from the beginning, pretending you cared, just so you'd have another little toy to manipulate!"       Drake was now banging on the door, trying to break it down as I allowed the arcs of lightning spurting from between my hands to grow along with my anger.       "I'm sorry! I didn't mean t-"       "Of course you did! Why else would you do something so stupid! So careless! What else did you hope to accomplish but ripping out others' hearts and throwing them away!"       "No! I-"       "You are the most devious and disgusting man I have ever come across. And coming from a Sith, that's pretty damn bad!" Drake was now cowering in the corner, a slick coating of sweat covering his face. "You didn't think I'd just leave you alone after what you did, did you? You didn't think that I would forgive you and go on with my life? How could I? Do you even know what sort of pain you put me through?"       Drake shook his head no, his arms wrapped around him as if to protect himself while his hands trembled with fear.       "Well now, Drake, you will get what's coming to you. You will get what I can now, after months of training in the Dark Side, can give you, and I promise you it's not sex." I extended my hand and lightning shot from my fingertips, destroying an already-cracked mirror on the far wall. I strode over to Drake, the dark flames of Sithly power burning in my eyes. "Now, Drake, you feel the pain that I felt."       I put my hand on his sweaty forehead and viciously pumped into him the memories of all that I went through. I fed them too him so fast that there was most likely no way he could distinguish one thought from another.       Sadness. Dispair. Guilt. Sorrow. Mourning. Helplessness. Loneliness. Afraid. Need. Comfortless. Darkness. Emptiness. Sharp. Pain. Afraid. Alone. Blood. Release. Punishment. Self-Loathing. Self-Mutilation. All by my self. Panic. Frantic. Help! Family. Friends. Comfort. Pain. Endless. Friendless. Scarred. Scared. Sad.       Surprise. Relief. Anger. Horror. Frustration. Uncertainty. Pain. Afraid. Alone. Doubtful. Vengeful. Hateful. Mad. Furious. Enraged. Outraged. Suffering. Pain. Hurt. Tears. Blood. Confusion. Turmoil. Struggle. Solution. Pain. Alone. Sadness. Relief. Grief. Sorrow. Misery. Depression. Hopelessness. Pain.       I saw Drake's body twitch and spasm from this sudden mental onslaught, much as Qui Gon had when he discovered my scar. But I knew that Drake's pain was much worse as I force-fed him the combined emotions of what I had felt. It would not kill him. It would not hurt him physically. It would not turn him into an over-cooked French fry. But it would give him exactly what he gave me. What better revenge than that? When I was done, I pushed his unconscious form to the side, took the key from his discarded robe, and gingerly left the apartment. * * * I saw Drake's body twitch and spasm from this sudden mental onslaught, much as Qui Gon had when he discovered my scar. But I knew that Drake's pain was much worse as I force-fed him the combined emotions of what I had felt. It would not kill him. It would not hurt him physically. It would not turn him into an over-cooked French fry. But it would give him exactly what he gave me. What better revenge than that? When I was done, I pushed his unconscious form to the side, took the key from his discarded robe, and gingerly left the apartment. * * *       I wandered back to Slave I casually, feeling as if a large weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Still, it was only half of the twelve-ton bantha that was baring down on me. I still had to do something about the whole Qui-Gon/Darth Maul thing. I had absolutely no clue how I was going to deal with that whole mess. If I decided to help one of them, the other would most likely die. If I did nothing, both would die. Damnit this Universe can really suck sometimes!       "Welcome back." Fett stood casually outside the ship, looking as dignified as ever. I nodded to him, flashing a grin. "I guess it's safe to assume that everything went according to plan?"       "Not really, no. I met up with Maul. He-"       "Did he hurt you?!" Woah! Was that emotion in Fett's voice???       "I'm fine, don't worry." I could almost see Fett's scowl at my answer. He could tell I wasn't going to tell him anything of what happened.       "As long as you're alright..." He turned and re-entered the ship. I followed, looking forward to changing out of these damn slave clothes. *      *      *      *      *       After about 2 hours in the 'fresher, I joined the rest of the boys in the cockpit. I noticed that Xizor's forehead was relatively "fuck toy" free; though he still seemed to be sulking. I snickered to myself and he shot me a glare.       "So we're headed back to the ship, I guess?"       "No. We're making for Naboo as fast as this hunk o' junk can carry us." Fett's helmet snapped around to look at me at my 'hunk o' junk' comment. "Kidding, Fett. Down boy." I smiled sweetly at him.       "Naboo... why there?" Thrawn leaned back in his chair, his hands resting under his chin.       "Just need to do some clean-up work. I left some loose ends here, all of which will be back at Naboo very soon. And if we don't get there as fast as possible, those loose ends may end up knocking each other off, which for once isn't a good thing. "       "Are one of those "loose ends" a certain Sith Lord that we all love to hate?" Xizor asked, momentarily coming out of his pit of self-pity.       "What does it matter? We're going there whether you like it or not, greenie."       "Perhaps we shouldn't. I don't think it would be best for you." Thrawn's glowing eyes looked me over critically. "You seem to have suffered some severe wounds over the past night, though they seem to be mostly healed." My eyes widened. How could he tell? My tattoos covered all of the scars left from my ordeal...       "Some of you is redder than normal," Thrawn said coolly, as if reading my mind. Fett shifted his weight uneasily. "I'm fine now!" "That's right. And you're going to stay like that. Because we're not going to Naboo." "WHAT?!" I stood up from my chair and stomped over to Fett. "You can't control me!" I raised my weight onto my toes, trying to make myself look as threatening as possible." "Perhaps not, but I do control this ship, and this ship is not going to Naboo." My eyes narrowed, boring into Fett's dark visor. "Then I'll just have to find another ship then, won't I?" Turning on my heels, I stormed out of the ship before any of them could even contemplate stopping me. I trudged through the sand back to Mos Espa, muttering under my breath. Why did guys have to be so controlling?! All of them, they all had to be big and macho and in command! Maul, Fett, Thrawn, and Xizor, all of them! No better than Jabba himself! All a bunch of nerf-fucking sons of biths! Well they could just kiss my non-existent wookiee! As I got closer to Mos Espa, I heard a familiar sound in the distance. Taking the macrobinoculars from my belt, I turned to check out the dunes in the distance. Sure enough, to the West of the spaceport was a familiar black speeder heading towards a just-as-familiar silver Nubian starcraft. Grinning, I re-hooked the macrobinoculars to my belt and set of on a run (or as close as I could manage to one in this damn sand) towards the ensuing battle. *      *      *      *      * Crouched behind a rocky outcropping, I watched my friend and lover battle each other fiercely. Though I already knew the outcome, my heart pounded loudly in my throat. I crossed my fingers as the two sabers crashed against one another violently. All I could do was hope that the movie was an accurate portrayal of what really happened. As Anakin ran into the craft, I raced out to duck under the landing ramp, using the Force to mask my presence. Listening to the soundtrack in my mind, I waited until I knew that Anakin would be far enough away from the entrance for me to sneak on board, then made a mad dash up into the ship. Just as the ship took off, I made my way into the astromech room, hiding behind one of the busted R2's. Still hearing the music in my head, pictured in my mind Qui Gon barely leaping to safety onboard the ship and Darth Maul looking ominously on as it sailed out of sight. As soon as I felt us leave the atmosphere, I breathed a loud sigh of relief. So far my plan was going well. Now all I had to do was figure out what my plan was. *      *      *      *      *       Hearing voices outside, I grabbed one of the canvases from some near-by cargo and, huddling behind the bad re-make of R5-D4 (yes, I know this one was real) I pulled it over myself. The door to the room swooshed open and footsteps entered in. Two pairs, I heard, walking uncomfortably close. Reaching out, I sensed that they were both strong in the Force. Damnit! I shrank back into my corner even more, desperately trying to raise all my shields and mask my presence. As if I really had a chance.       "All right, come out of there. Nice an easy now," called Obi Wan's lightly accented voice. Knowing I was defeated, I slowly slid the canvas off of me and stood up with as much grace as I could for someone who had been hiding like a child. Obi Wan gasped and stepped back slightly, recognizing my tattoos. Qui Gon just looked at me sternly.       "Hello again, Raven. I didn't plan on seeing you quite so soon, though I should have expected it in lewd of the recent developments."       Obi Wan turned to look at his Master astonishedly. "You know her, Master?"       "Qui Gon, let me explain." I took a step forward and Qui Gon ignited his lightsaber. I bit my lip and stepped back again. "Listen to me!"       "I am listening. Please, go ahead and explain if you can."       "Look, if I take off my belt and weapons, will you turn that oversized laser pointer off?"       Qui Gon looked at Obi Wan, then me, and nodded. I undid my belt, letting it drop to the floor with a loud clank, then undid my thigh-sheath and took out the daggers hidden under my wrists. I then pushed the now large sum of weapons across the floor towards the two Jedi. Nodding again, they commandeered my vast arsenal, making sure I could not easily retrieve any of it. Satisfied, Qui Gon put away his lightsaber.       "Alright, look. I'll admit it. I was Darth Maul's apprentice."       "*Darth* Maul? Was that..?"       "Yeah, that was the guy you fought."       "So it was a Sith."       I nodded. "But I'm no longer his apprentice. I went against his wishes and he... well, he disowned me, let's just keep it at that. I'm not here to kill you or anything. If you don't trust me, you can give me the ol' mind scan." I lowered my shields, but I didn't feel Qui Gon's presence in my mind.       "I trust you, Raven. Remember, I've been in there." Obi Wan gave Qui Gon another look, but was silent.       "Alright. I just needed a ride to Naboo, seeing as my own ride wouldn't cooperate."       "You're not telling me everything, are you?"       "No, I'm not. And I'm not going to, for the moment." Qui Gon nodded again, understanding that he couldn't get any more information from me.       "Well, we're already in hyperspace, so I suppose we have no choice. But you'll have to explain yourself somewhat to the Queen and Captain Panaka."       "Can't I just keep hidden here?"       "I'm afraid the life-sensor system on board has already alerted the ship and everyone on it of the presence of another body. They know youre here, so I suggest you make things easier and come clean now." I sighed loudly. "Oh fine. Let's go." *      *      *      *      * After meeting with the Queen and her entourage, she approved of my presence with a knowing smile. Though she hadn't been one of my favorite characters, I have to say that Amidala was pretty cool. Panaka, on the other hand, seemed to want to dump me out into space with the garbage. But seeing as I had the Queen's blessing, he instead became my stalker for the rest of the trip. It was really annoying. I already had the trust of the Queen and the two Jedi, what more did he want?! Well, there was some good news about the whole trip. I had figured out a plan. It was really iffy, but I did it. I discussed it with the Jedi, and got everything worked out. It was pretty risky, but it should work... I hope. Once the ship landed, I made for the Palace, trusting the Jedi to do their part. I only wished that I knew what I was doing...

Chapter 21. It's almost over * * * Well, there was some good news about the whole trip. I had figured out a plan. It was really iffy, but I did it. I discussed it with the Jedi, and got everything worked out. It was pretty risky, but it should work... I hope. Once the ship landed, I made for the Palace, trusting the Jedi to do their part. I only wished that I knew what I was doing... * * * "Viceroy, we have captured an intruder in the castle." "Bring him here." I allowed the battle droids to lead me into the throne room, my cloak's hood draped so it hid my face. The droids held me in front of the Nemodians, who gawked at me fearfully. "What? Lord Maul, is this" The Viceroy was pushed aside roughly as Darth Maul strode out from behind him. Maul hissed between his teeth when he saw me. "Leave her to me. I will deal with her." "Yes, Lord Maul. Of course." The Viceroy dismissed the droids, then looked curiously back at Maul. "Leave," Maul growled again, and the Nemodians nearly wet themselves in fear as they scrambled out of the chamber. As soon as the door shut behind them, Maul tore my hood away from my face and glared into my eyes. "What are you doing here. You are no longer my apprentice-" "Just because I'm not your apprentice doesn't mean I can't help you." Maul continued glaring at me a moment longer, seeing if I'd flinch away from him. "Fine. Explain yourself." Maul spun around with a flourish of his cloak and sat down in the queen's throne. "The Jedi are here. I want to help you to destroy them." Maul snorted. "I don't need your help to take those two weaklings. Besides, isn't one of them an acquaintance of yours?" I shook my head. "Let me prove to you that I haven't betrayed you." "Why should I?" "You remember that in my world that these events were movies? In other words, I know all that is going to happen in this world." I stepped closer to Maul, putting either hand on the armrests of the throne as I leaned towards him. "Without me, you cannot win. You know that I am telling the truth. Let me fight with you." Maul's eyes narrowed as he considered this. Sighing loudly, he nodded. "Very well. But afterwards, you must leave me, for my master must never know that I left you alive." "Deal." Maul stood and shook my hand. Satisfied, I turned to leave, but was suddenly jerked around by the back of my cloak. Before I knew what was happening, Maul had roughly captured my mouth with his. Sighing, I melted against him, drinking in his essence through the Force. After what seemed an eternity, we pulled away from each other. "I will miss you, little one." Maul ran a gloved finger along my cheek. "If only you had been more obedient" "Come on maul, you know that'd of been no fun," I said, grinning. He chuckled. "Go now. I'll meet you when the Jedi are spotted." I nodded, then exited the room, stalking menacingly past the two Nemodians. * * * * * I crossed my fingers as I marched towards the door to the hanger bay. 'Please let everything go as planned!' Maul stood at the door already, and I could hear shooting coming from inside. I stood next to him, nodding to show my readiness. Maul punched the door locks and the blast doors whooshed open. In front of us stood the two Jedi, the queen, and Captain Panaka who looked absolutely horrified to see me. I could here his mind screaming "I knew it!" I almost laughed, though the tense atmosphere prevented me from doing so. Qui Gon told the queen to go on ahead as Maul and I took off our cloaks (in perfect synchronization I might ad). Maul turned on his sabre first, then I lit mine, the snap-hiss ringing in my ears as I felt my heartbeat quicken. This was it. Either I knew what I had been talking about with the Jedi, or two of us were going to die very soon. Damnit, this movie was so much better when I wasn't in it! 'Let me take Qui Gon,' I thought to Maul as the Jedi turned on their weapons. 'Why?' 'Just trust me!' A loud mental sigh came from Maul, then his shields sprung up as he charged Obi Wan. I likewise attacked Qui Gon, praying that I wouldn't screw up. Behind us, the fighting grew louder as several ships left the hanger. The four of us danced around, so engrossed in our duel that we hardly noticed the battle going on just a few feet away. The Jedi followed us into the next room, our lightsabers clashing wildly. Using the Force, Maul and I propelled ourselves onto one of the platforms, followed closely by Qui Gon and Obi Wan (who barely made it). We allowed ourselves to be backed along the ramp into the series of red force-field locks. 'Pleaseohpleaseohplease let this work!' I quickened my pace and ran forward through the locks, closely followed by Qui Gon. The gates closed between us, just before the reactor chamber. A few gates behind us, Maul paced furiously back and forth in front of Obi Wan, like a caged tiger. Even in the middle of this battle I couldn't help but stare at his ass. Qui Gon chuckled in front of me, snapping my attention back to the battle. 'You ready, Qui-babes?' I thought to him. 'Qui-babes???' 'Are you ready?!' 'As ready as I'll ever be. I just hope this works.' 'Same here.' The gates opened and Qui Gon and I leapt out into the chamber. Maul and Obi Wan got cut off just before the room, and the two switched between glaring at each other, and staring my battle with Qui Gon. I fought harder than ever against Qui Gon, gritting my teeth with each blow. Sweat dampened my hair as we battled back and forth along the edge of the reactor core. The only sounds I heard were the crashing of the sabres and the pounding of my heart. I let the Force guide my blows, slowly weakening Qui Gon down. I caught a glimpse of Qui Gon's own perspiration as I drove him backwards towards the force field locks. 'Now. I have to do it now.' I looked Qui Gon in the eyes and mouthed "I'm sorry," then plunged my sabre into his chest. With a groan of agony, Qui Gon fell to his knees, then collapsed.

Chapter 22

* * * I fought harder than ever against Qui Gon, gritting my teeth with each
blow. Sweat dampened my hair as we battled back and forth along the edge of
the reactor core. The only sounds I heard were the crashing of the sabers
and the pounding of my heart. I let the Force guide my blows, slowly
weakening Qui Gon down. I caught a glimpse of Qui Gon's own perspiration as
I drove him backwards towards the force field locks.

      'Now. I have to do it now.' I looked Qui Gon in the eyes and mouthed "I'm
sorry," then plunged my saber into his chest. With a groan of agony, Qui Gon
fell to his knees, then collapsed. * * *

      My body tensed and I felt panic grip my heart. Qui Gon... dead... Seeing
him laying there, watching his face clench in pain as his life began to
drain away, was like a dagger being twisted within me. But I had no time to
think, for suddenly the force locks opened, and out rushed Obi Wan and Maul.
Hurriedly, I ran to Maul's side. This would finish *my* way, no matter what!

      I did not join in the fight, for that wouldn't be honorable. But I was
ready to come to Maul's aide should he need it. It was strange, seeing this
battle again, but from a new and unique angle. I anticipated every crash and
hiss of the blades clashing together and followed the footwork of the two as
if it were a well-rehearsed dance. At just the correct moment, Maul
Force-pushed Obi Wan into the reactor core, turning to look at me
triumphantly as the padawan's cries echoed from out of the pit. I bit my
tongue, trying not to allow myself to rush over to see if Obi Wan was
alright. I stood where I was, besides the crumpled body of Qui Gon, as Maul
stalked over to the edge and looked down into the pit. His triumphant laugh
was all the answer I needed. Obi Wan was gone.

      "You have done well, little one," said Maul, shutting off his saber. I shut
down mine as well, hooking it onto my belt. "I am proud of you." Pride
filled my heart, momentarily overlapping my distress for my fallen friends.
I let my shields down slightly, allowing Maul to feel my pleasure. "But..."

      "I know. You must go now, and I won't be able to see you again, ever." I
shifted my eyes from his face to the floor. Even after everything Maul had
put me through, I knew I would miss him.

      "I will check up on you through the Force, from time to time." Maul reached
a gloved hand to my chin, tilting my head up so I looked into his golden
eyes. "What will you do now?"

      "I think I may go home. Though how I'm going to explain all this to
everyone, I have no idea..."

      "Do not worry. In your world, it will be as if you've never left."

      "But what about my appearance? My hair, my new strength, not to mention
this tattoo. It's not something I can hide."

      "On the contrary, it is. You need but refrain from using the force, and the
markings will not show. But should you use it even slightly, they may appear
again, as a reminder of who taught you the ways of the Force." I nodded,
only half-understanding. With that gentleness that always amazed me, Maul
placed a kiss on my forehead. "Goodbye, little one." Without another word,
the Sith lord turned and left me there, alone.

      As soon as I could no longer sense Maul's presence, I rushed over to Qui
Gon's side. Quickly, I reached into my belt and pulled out a red capsule.
Piercing the shell with my teeth, I proceeded the squeeze the gooey liquid
in between Qui Gon's slightly parted lips. I held my breath for a moment, as
Qui Gon's facial features twitched, and then released it in a sigh as he sat
up slowly.

      "I take it your plan worked?" he said, groggily.

      "Well, that pill was your idea. I never knew those things even existed."

      "It's quite simply, really. It's much like being put into stasis sleep."
Smiling, I helped Qui Gon up. "I'm just glad you turned that saber of yours
off in time, or I'd be breathing through a hole in my stomach right now."

      "I practiced on trees in the forest to get the timing down right. I wasn't
even sure I'd gotten it when I came at you."

      "Oh, that's a comfort."

      "Excuse me, if you two have finished congratulating each other, would you
mind helping me up?"

      "Oh! I forgot!" I walked over to the pit and looked down just as Obi Wan
shut off his cloaking device.

      "I'm sort of tired of hanging around here. I assume it's over?"

      "It's over, Obi Wan. You can come up." With a burst of the Force, Obi Wan
jumped out of the reactor core and back up onto the floor with Qui Gon and
I.

      "I hope we don't have to go through that anytime soon. I have to admit, I
wasn't too sure about that plan of yours."

      "Well, neither was I. But I guess I knew what I was talking about after
all." Smiling, the three of us walked back to join the queen, who had
already managed to defeat the Trade Federation. I couldn't wait to see the
look on that Nemodian's face when I walked in with the Jedi.

      The next day, after an extravagant celebration and a fond goodbye to my
Jedi friends, I caught a starship for Coruscant to meet up with the others.
I just hoped that they knew how to get me back home. As great as it was
living in this world, I still missed my friends and family. It's too bad
that I could never brag to them about what happened to me.

      Fett was there to meet me when I exited the docking bay. Without saying
much (as if he ever did), he led me to his ship. Of course, I on the other
hand couldn't shut up.

      "Where are we going now?"

      "Thrawn's flagship."

      "Why?"

      "So we can send you home."

      "How long will it take to get me back?"

      "I don't know."

      "How will you send me back?"

      "It's complicated."

      "Can you try to explain?"

      "No."

      "Awww, you're a meanie."

      "Yes I am."

      "Can you say more than 6 words at a time?"

      "No."

      "Why not?"

      "Because."

      "Fine! Be that way!"

      "I will."

      We arrived at Slave I and Fett opened the hatch. Both of us climbed in
silently. I took my seat, wearing my best pout face, while Fett took off.

      "Fett?"

      "What."

      "Wanna have sex?"

      "...alright."

      The two of us stood up from our seats quickly and raced to Fett's room.

*      *      *      *      *

      Two hours and several orgasms later, we reached the Chimera. Thrawn greeted
us in the docking back, along with a few squadrons of stormtroopers. I felt
like the friggin' Emperor.

      "Welcome back, my dear. I surmise that your mission was successful?"

      I smiled grimly. "I'm still alive, aren't I?"

      "And Lord Maul?"

      "The same. The bad news is he has lost his apprentice. The good news is
that he will never lose his lover." In the back of my mind, I felt Maul
smile.

      "Lover my scaly green ass!" Thrawn spun around and I moved to look past
him. There stood a fairly pissed-off Falleen Prince (his forehead now back
to normal) glaring at us. "I just don't get it! I'm the one with pheromones!
I'm the one with centuries of sexual experience, yet I'm the only one here
that hasn't gotten laid!"

      "Xizor, calm down. I have-"

      "No I will not calm down! I did my share in getting you here, but do I get
any rewards from it? NO!"

      "Xizor, I'm trying to explain-"

      "And now you're leaving! Well if you think you're getting away from me that
easily, you're seriously wrong my dear! I-"

      "XIZOR WILL YOU SHUT UP!" I flashed some Force lightning in the air
threateningly. "Listen. I've enjoyed ALL of your company, some in different
ways than others." Xizor snorted with contempt. I ignored him. "I'm not
about to lose all of you just 'cause I have to go home." Reaching into my
back, I pulled out 4 small items. "I had these made on Tatooine." I handed
one to each of the men, giving Fett the extra one. "These are keys to my
house. You're all welcome to stop by and see me... uh, just give me at least
a day's notice so I can get anyone out of the way who may be suspicious of
you guys. Fett, could you give that extra key to Maul? I know he isn't
really allowed to see me but maybe..."

      "I'll make sure he gets it."

      "Thanks." I kissed each of the boys on the cheek.

      "We've already sent you belongings back. To send you back, though, we'll
have to have you stunned."

      "Why-"

      "Don't ask questions that you couldn't possibly answer in this fic."

      I shut up. After all, this fic doesn't need to be any longer, really. "Ok,
do it."

      Fett set his blaster to stun and leveled it with my chest. "We'll see you
again soon, Raven." He pulled the trigger and everything went black.

*      *      *      *      *

      I sat up suddenly, gasping. The room was dark, but eventually my eyes
adjusted to see that my surroundings were strangely familiar... As things
came into focus, I looked up to see A black and red face leering at me.

      "Maul! Thank the Goddess! What happened? Where am I? I thought..." I
stopped as my vision became fully attuned with the dark and I saw that it
was just a poster. No, not just any poster, my poster...

      "I'm home..." I got out of bed, noting that I was still in my black
nightie. But wasn't I in my leather bodysuit a minute ago? I switched on my
computer and checked the time. It was 6 in the morning. The morning after I
left...

      "Was it a dream? Was I just nuts?" I felt like I had been through it. My
body felt stronger and very different from when I left. I switched on the
lights in my room and looked around. There on my dresser were the gifts
given to my by the boys. On the floor lay all the outfits they had made
especially for me. And on top of my slave outfit lay a note:

      Thanks for the keys, the great times, and the great sex. Expect to see us
soon.
      Signed-
      Grand Admiral Thrawn Prince Xizor Boba Fett Darth Maul

The End