Stand Tall; Face It All, Together...

[Connor Harrison]

North of the Temple of the Silver Jedi Order
Voss, Allied Tion Sector​

Spoiler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMk2tYU5WJo

North of the Silver Jedi Temple, the tranquil gardens were vast...expansive...peaceful. But beyond that lay a place away from the temple itself, a place that one could lose themselves in.

The path from the temple itself led through the gardens and down a steep incline, speckled with loose gravel and surrounded by the natural fauna of Voss and some tall trees . A large waterfall fell mightily from the gardens above, thundering down the small cliff-face and into the rock pools below, separated by large rocks formed from centuries of water erosion.

Steam rose from the ground as the water trickled away into the planet, feeding the nature all around. Lush greenery, dotted with a plants of various colours and small rock formations, covered the surface below the path down and led into the plains of Voss away from the temple above.

It was here that Connor Harrison stood, below the waterfall looking up as it came over the cliff. The sun hit the water as it fell, and the large pinnacle of the temple could just be seen from where he stood.

His greatcoat left in his chambers along with his lightsaber, it hadn't been long before he had been freed from isolation following the Taung incident. Having been filled in on events surrounding Master Coci Sinopi and the others by Master Heavenshield and Matsu Ike, Connor was now set the impossible task of fixing his mistakes and repairing the damage his weakened state had caused.

Connor had made some grave errors of judgement, not only of his own control of the Force, but also those around him. He had endangered fellow Jedi - Coci, Thurion, Maya, Nima Tann... Nima Tann, the Twi'lek. So much anger towards him, and he didn't even remember her, but she was sitting on a dangerous amount of rage directed at him, but he didn't know why.

Swallowing gently, Connor exhaled and closed his eyes as he listened to the waterfall and felt faint spray over his face. To make himself stronger and repair the damage, he had to embrace the conflict of light and dark he felt inside after the invasive evil and become the defining sword of light he swore he would be, and prove that he was Connor Harrison; Silver Jedi Knight and a true master of the Force.


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

Angry... Alone... Isolated... There were all she was feeling right now after the last events. Everybody was acting like nothing happened, and they were mad at her because she wasn't. Why? she thought. How could they just ignore everything? That was because they were weak, and she wasn't going to be like them. All that happened, was his fault. He hurt Nima so bad, and she wasn't going to forgive him that easily for that. Her heart was broken, with thoughts flying in her head, she continued wandering around the Temple. She held her head low as seeing all of her friends were ignoring her, as if they knew she was a criminal, by letting him go. In that time, she thought that it was the best decision that she made, but she was wrong, very very wrong. How could she be that weak, how could she let her guard down like that? That kiss... she would never forget, she actually felt safe in his arms for a while. But learning everything was a lie... She would never forgive.

She just wanted to go away from this jail, go away and never come back. But where would she go, they suspended her lightsaber and she had nothing to protect herself with. As she was feeling anger inside, she saw that she was already outside, with the green and the blue mixed together, it seemed peaceful... very peaceful. She continued to walk through the path. She was going to the big waterfall that Una and her were going whenever they needed some space. There was something special about that place, something powerful, something relaxing. It was like that the Force was all around there, giving the plants and the water more lively colors. Since she was stuck here, it was a good opportunity for her to go right now. She continued to go, already feeling calm and relaxed. But it wasn't that long, as she saw Knight Harrison were there too, at her favorite spot. The sun was touching to the top of the cliff, that was making such a great scene. She quickened her steps, as she felt that her anger continued to grow as she was getting near to him. Standing just behind him, she started to talk, letting her anger control herself once more. "You... What are YOU doing here?" she continued, her voice was getting louder. "Are you invading people's favorite places now? Or do you like hurting me 'Knight Harrison'?" her tone when telling his name was very sharp, one could read the hate from it.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Even with the rushing waterfall, acting like a sweeping clense of his senses over the cliff, Connor felt the anger from Nima before she got within feet of him. But he didn't turn around, nor did he react. He simply stayed still and lost himself in the water, controlling his breathing and his aura.

Her words were acidic and blunt, sounding like that of a spoilt child when something displeases them. She was young and hot-headed; the most dangerous combination for a Jedi scorned.

"Padawan Tann, I suggest you calm yourself before you say something we both regret. This is not the time nor the place for your anger."

Connor's senses prickled with her brimming Force energy, lapping around him like dark tentacles extending from her soul. He held his head high and exhaled.

"I am here for the same reason you are. To reflect and to find solace with the Force. And if I am not mistaken, I was here long before you came to our Order, so if there is any invasion of space...it is you who is invading mine and you who is hunting me."

With any luck, she would take leave of her senses and find elsewhere to cool off and leave him be. She wasn't thinking and Connor had no trouble talking her down with his calm, steady words.


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

The calm tone in his voice was making her angrier, and he even didn't turn to her, as if ignoring her. How could he do this to her, after all that happened, how could he just pretend nothing happened? She knew, she knew that his memory was gone with the spirit, but after all that happened how could he just forget her? As she, even in coma, was thinking about his safety and health. And now, he was acting like this, like he didn't even know her, and that was what was making her angry towards him. She was harsh, she knew that. But she couldn't help, whenever she felt the presence of him something in her heart was making it impossible to stay calm. "I already crossed the line of regrets, Knight Harrison. So THIS is the perfect time and the place for my anger. You deserve this." She repeated his words, with a sharp tone. With his back turned, she just wanted to attack him with one of the big rocks on the ground, but she knew that he was expecting such an action from her, she was like an open book right now.

"Regrets, though, you don't have any.. . You can't even look at me right now, because you know it. You know me. You know what you did." She moved in front of him quickly, directly looking into his eyes with such a cold stare. Silence... silence that was disturbing. Why wasn't he speaking? Why was he ignoring her? No... he can't... he can't do that. He had to pay, he had to feel the same pain that she was feeling. "Do you remember that look, Knight Harrison? It's the same look when you pushed my head to... that sharp rocks when I most needed you. Of course, you can't remember right? You CAN'T remember anything, because you are INNOCENT?" she laughed evilly to her words, she was losing herself slowly. "You can fool them, but you can't fool me. I know who you are, they don't." She felt the aura of the waterfall was getting darker and scarier, the colors were slowly losing their liveliness. Was she causing this? Was her darkness disturbing the peace of this place?

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor knew this wasn't going to end well - for her. She was goading him and pushing, but speaking total nonsense. Nima barraged him with words, that was all. Simply venting her own anger and frustration at the situation, a situation which Connor had no control over.

And then as he tried to keep the aura calm, she appeared in front of him. A little shorter, crimson skin with black markings over her lekku and parts of the body not covered by her attire. She was pretty, she was young and she was confused.

Connor looked at her, regardless of the words she threw at him. He wasn't ignoring anything - he couldn't remember! What had he done to her? She spoke of violence, of hatred and pain he caused. Surely he would remember that? As she spoke, Connor felt the peace around them start to sour. A retreat that was fuelled by peace and solitude was being tainted by Nima's hatred and anger. He glanced around, seeing the waterfall spit a little violently and the colour from the sunlight vanish between the water.

With a quick action he reached out and grabbed her shoulder.

"Would you STOP calling me Knight Harrison? My name...is Connor."

He spoke loudly, but again with clear, calm and precise words accentuated with a basic accent.

"Look at what you're doing - you're tainting this place with your twisted anger. Aim it at me, not at nature. This is not your planet to destroy with wild hatred."

Slowly he removed her hand and looked at her for a few moments as she wanted.

"Nima, I am sorry I do not remember you. I have done terrible things but I can't take back the past - if you want answers, you must help me remember rather than spit those empty words at me."

Connor stepped beside her and lowered his head, the sound of the waterfall relaxing before him.

"I know the Taung used my body to channel their evil through and I know I...hurt others. And you. Help me remember, and I will help you forget."


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

Seconds after a disturbing silence, she felt his hand on her shoulder and immediately panicked. She wasn't expecting that from him. She couldn't control her breath, it was too fast and her red cheeks become redder. How could he just touch her like that, after all that happened how could she left her defences open? She could feel all the emotions right now, anger, fear, love. This touch, this touch was different from the others. It was not that cold, hurting but it was sincere. She felt the ground starting to shake, as if she created a little earthquake around. It was calm, not created by anger but embarassment. "I... I... Don't..." she couldn't find any words to describe what she was feeling right now. "No Nima... No... Don't let your guard down. Stay strong... stay calm. Don't let him weaken you...." she thought, as shaking her head slowly. As he finally let her shoulder go, she finally found the strength to talk, letting all the feelings outside but anger. "Don't touch me again. Don't! Or I'll kill you!" she said, trying to conceal the shaking in her voice. However, he already saw her soft side and it was a little late to act tough. Why... why was she still acting like that... She already told herself that she wasn't going to let anyone enter her mind again. But... Knight Harrison was different, he never left her mind.

She tried to close her mind to thoughts, just focus on the hate and forget others. But it was not going that good, as she was still hearing his voice. I will help you forget... No matter how great it was coming to her ears, she had to continue suspecting. He could still be playing one of his games, and she wasn't that sure what to feel. As he said before, she had to trust only herself from now on. Even not him. "I already know the answers! And these words I said, mean so much to me. I hoped it meant something to you too, I hoped you would remember me, to understand what have you done. But... not anymore. I don't care anymore. You can't help me forget the past. We are too far gone. But you want to know why I hate you this much, huh? Okay then, I'll make you remember! " she said, with a cold tone. She wasn't sure what was going to happen next, but she already started this. "You have done such a great damage to me than you imagined. I trusted you but you... you killed Nima. I am not her anymore. You have created this. Now focus on my eyes... and try to remember." Then she started to move towards him, they were very close now, she was looking directly at his blue eyes. She repeated his words from when they were at the tower, with the same coldness as his tone before, but it was more like a whisper. She was one step closer to make him feel the same pain as she felt. "This bond should not be broken."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

As Nima made the ground tremor slightly with her unstable expulsion of Force energy, Connor looked up to the Temple above and the rocks around them, waiting for repercussion. There was none, and it died as soon as it began. However, it was slightly fascinating if not disturbing to witness.

He let go of her shoulder and she was half talking to herself, half to him. She was obviously going through a painful transition due to his possession. Connor was merely a Knight, and obviously had much to learn, but it was clear he had to take charge of a powerful, fragile Padawan.

"I think, Padawan, you need to watch your emotions. They are becoming erratic. Unstable." He muttered the words to himself as he looked around and Nima continued to wrestle with her feelings.

She spoken again directly to him, but Connor had no idea of what she was saying, and it was starting to get to him that she was so angry. Killing Nima? What was she talking about? Connor hadn't killed anyone. He was trying to repair his mistakes, but Nima wasn't letting anything out; just going over the same hurt again and again.

He tried to move away but she sidestepped to meet his gaze. Blue eyes met blue eyes and he listened carefully to her, taking in her heartfelt words. She was a beautiful Twi'lek, one of the most beautiful he had seen - he wouldn't have hurt one such as she. He knew it.

And she was within a breaths distance from his face and he didn't break her gaze as she uttered the final words.

"This bond should not be broken."

Connor looked at her and hovered before her. He felt a crackle of Force energy between them.

"If your words are supposed to make me remember, Nima, it's not working."

He stepped away and circled her.

"Stop focusing on the past and work to fix the future. I am trying, so should you! Control your emotion because you are a powerful Jedi, I can FEEL it, but if you can not CONTROL your emotion then you are NOTHING and open to fail...as I did."

Connor came to face her again.

"I will only say sorry one last time, Nima. I will help you as best I can if you let me. Help me remember what I did to hurt you and let me make it better."


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

She realized that the calm, peaceful tone of his voice was slowly being replaced by confusement. He remembered that words, he was in denial but he started to remember. She found the crack, and wanted it to open it more, she wanted him to feel that confusement that Nima once felt. What was she turning into? Why did she enjoy confusing him, making him feel pain? Was the darkness that effective? As the thoughts started to fly in her head once again, she coldly said "Oh... I was thinking the opposite. You know me, Knight Harrison. That's why you don't want to focus on the past. That's why you are letting me to speak with you in this way. If there was another Padawan speaking to you like this, how would you react?" Then she continued, this time not playing around, trying to open the past, to make the crack bigger. "You are impatient, Knight Harrison. You were always like this. But let me continue. On that observation tower... You told me these words. But you did something else too. You did something else that I couldn't forget, even now, but you forgot." she realized that her voice was getting shaky again.

As he turned towards her, they were now face to face again. "You used me... You used me to get you out of that isolation cell. I was naive, confused and you entered my mind. I trusted you, but you used me as a tool, a hostage against the Order. You've fed me with you lies, like them. And when you had the chance, you destroyed me. ." she then moved two steps towards him, as he was trying to keep the distance. "Now you are telling me that I am unstable? Yes I am. Because of you. I am nothing... because of you." as she continued talking, she didn't realize that two tears dropped from her face. She continued to move towards him, and they were close again, she was near to complete her objective, and she knew what she was going to do, even if she had to live that moment again. "Do you want to remember what you did to me, Knight Harrison? You... you did this." She closed her eyes, her lips met his warm lips quickly, not giving him a chance to react. As she continued to kiss him, she recalled the last events, and it doubled the pain. The kiss continued for seconds, he was just standing there, confused, not even giving a reaction. Then, their lips left each other. "You can't make it better, Knight Harrison. You can't fix it." she said, now crying for what she did but her voice was still cold, not any emotion. Just emptiness. "I... hate you for using me like this." She turned her back to him, she didn't want him to see her like that, she failed again. She failed to be strong.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor's patience was wearing thin. Nima was talking in riddles and not making sense. He didn't have time for this, he leaned his head forward closer to her, almost threatening.

"STOP talking to me like the dirt on your shoe, Padawan. Were anyone else talking to me like this I'd be doing the same - reminding you of you place beneath me and the others. You are here to learn and respect our situation."

Still she spoke, and he looked sideways at the rocks, trying to find some peace away from her stinging words. With the final words, almost threatening, from her mouth, Connor returned his gaze but met more than he bargained for.

Nima kissed him.

...cupping her chin with his bloodied hand, he lifted her head, taking in her strong features, and leant forward to place his lips on hers. He kissed her for what felt like minutes, but lasted seconds, and then came away, savouring the taste of Jedi flesh and taking in her scent...

Connor's eyes went wide as Nima held him on her lips.

...”I will love you, Nima Tann, love and protect you until they stop my heart beating.”...gripping her fingers, he pulled her gently in and kissed her once more on the lips, harder and with passion...

The Knight gasped and pulled back, and Nima was crying - tears running down over her crimson skin, hurt and confused.

Connor wiped his mouth and his jaw, looking up at the waterfall as it raged like his mind. He had seen what Nima had seen on the moon when he was leading her to certain death. He heard the words he had said without heart and kissed her - twice, both empty, but both with passion.

Looking up at the pathway as Nima turned, Connor held his hands on his hips, racking his brains what to do next. There was nothing he could tell the Council, this was a conflict of emotion; the Taung had controlled Connor and used his body to manipulate Nima Tann, not he. There was nothing he could take back, but he had to convince Nima he wasn't the one who...he WAS the one who kissed her, that would kill her if he dimissed such a powerful moment for the Padawan.

He exhaled and walked around to face Nima, biting her knuckle and crying quietly. She was a mess. It was his fault. Connor found himself upset at the sight of what had happened to her, and the fact he caused it.

"Padawan, I see what I did - I see it. I am sorry, but you must understand that was not ME you saw there. That was this Taung evil, manipulating you for evil. I would never do that to you - remember, I don't even...know you. I wouldn't hurt you. Let me help you - let me help you get to know me. The real Connor Harrison. I will make it better for us Nima, I promise you."

He leant forward and took both shoulders in his grip.

"I promise you." His voice once more in control and absolute calm.


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

Bad idea... It was a bad idea. What did she think? Why did she do that? All she did was remembering the past that she swore to forget. Silence again... the disturbing silence. As she continued to think what would happen now, she felt the anger slowly taking her control. She felt that he was moving in front of her slowly as the footsteps were getting close, their eyes met each other yet again. He was still calm, or trying to be calm but he remembered. He remembered that kiss. She knew that he would, that was her plan. But the plan didn't work, she hurt herself more than him. But after hearing his words... She didn't know what to think anymore.

She wanted to believe him, she really did. But... it was the same lips that she kissed, it was the same cold reaction. And his hands... now holding her shoulders... that touch was the same. But his words... they were different. Once more they were giving her such confidence, such strength. Lies... What if he was telling her lies again? "You don't even know me..." As the tears continued to drop from her face, she turned her eyes away from his. "I... I loved you!... but it wasn't even real. Everything... was a lie." She took a big breath, still sobbing, and she looked at her surroundings, wanting not to look at his eyes. The waterfall... was disturbing.

The aura of the waterfall was different, she couldn't read it. It was dark before, but now... Just empty. She couldn't hear the waterfall's cheerful voice anymore, and the sun was going down slowly, making the area a little darker. It was like Force was slowly leaving this place. The rocks were standing still, but they were looking a little disturbed too, as if they wanted to move. What was happening? She knew that the Force of this place was strong, and to change it, one needed to be so strong. But to change it like that... What was happening... Was the dark side that strong? As the darkness continued to grow in her heart, she looked back to his eyes, with a cold gaze.

"I am sorry." she said, but it wasn't that sincere, more like ironic. "I don't believe you. Whenever I see your face... I remember the past. I don't even know you are sincere now, I can't believe you." she said slowly, then sighed. "You want to help me, Knight Harrison? You want to make it better for me? Okay..." her words were just escaping from her mouth, she couldn't control them. "Leave the Order with me. Let's go somewhere that no other Jedi could find us. Let us continue what you started... let me trust you once more. Then I'll forgive you." her tone was cold but confident, in her heart she already knew the answer.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor recoiled slightly at her admission – LOVE?

Love? How could she love someone who supposedly had treated her so coldly and empty? A Taung would not convey love with action or truth, just lies and manipulation. Nima was young and naïve, and it seemed her first real experience of being loved had now resulted in the abuse of her trust and something as sacred as a kiss being stolen from her.

He exhaled and looked up to the sky, turning and walking away a few steps trying to think about the situation. He felt warm, uncomfortable – like he was losing patience at the stubbornness of the Padawan.

”What are you talking about? Love?! Nima – “ he couldn’t continue, shaking his head in frustration.

He looked at her sideways as she broke down, scolding him and laying out her reasoning for acting the way she did. It seemed even a Jedi couldn’t break through to this one. The Taung had severely broken what faith she had in not just herself, but the Silver Jedi and Connor too.

And then she spoke the unthinkable; leaving the Order.

He scoffed, a slight laugh escaping his lips at the absurdity of her request, almost emotional blackmail – something the darkness thrived on. Blackmail and manipulation.

”What did you say?”

Connor turned and walked forward very slowly towards her, his eyes darkening and voice ice cold.

”Continue what I started? What I started? I started nothing! The Taung started to manipulate, abuse and lie to you with empty promises and nearly killed us BOTH in the process.”

He raised a finger and pointed at her young face.

”I will NOT leave the Order at the request of a child like you who is running away from something rather than trying to fix it. I will not run away on the whim of an upset girl like you.”

The rage inside him was dangerously evident, and his eyes, darted left and right to try and break the stare he gave her.

”I need to take you to the Council, Nima, to Master E'ron. You are not thinking straight. You are walking a dangerous line between light and dark and you are NOT blaming me for this. I am trying to help you, you…stupid girl.”

Leaning forward, he grabbed Nima’s arm and pulled her along with him, starting to walk before the raging waterfall to the path leading up to the Temple.


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

She smiled evilly after seeing confusion on his face. Her plan seemed to work, she watched him moving forwards and backwards in a thoughtful manner. Yes... he had to feel the pain that he caused... he had to remember. He caused all this to happen, he pushed her to the darkness that she lost herself. But was she angry for that, no she wasn't. He just pushed her to the right direction. She never felt that strong before, and also confident. Before meeting him, she was just a shy, innocent Twi'lek that no one wanted to talk, and now... she felt like she was in the center of all this events, that was making her happy, and she was feeling powerful. As she continued to think, she heard his cold, almost freezing voice, and he was laughing. "You heard exactly..." she said with a confusion, but couldn't complete her words, seeing him coming towards her slowly, with such a cold gaze. What was happening, what was he planning to do?

With the cracks of his mind opening very fast, real Connor was starting to come out. That ice cold look, that was the look when they were on Shri-tal. Being right again, she returned the look, colder and sharper. "Yes... I knew it... I knew that you were here somewhere. This is the Knight Harrison I know." She wasn't listening him anymore, as he was struggling with himself in his words. "Am I upset? No... not me. Look at the mirror if you want to see what upset looks like." she was just making each word count. She wanted to show that Knight Harrison was still a threat to the masters, and she was near to prove that. She just needed a little more push.She sighed sadly, as her hopes were just crushed again."I... don't know why I asked you this. I knew you wouldn't come with me. That's your life. You love to be the dog that loves taking orders. "

She could feel that her last words were a little harsh, she didn't know why but she was still feeling bad acting harsh to him. She didn't know what he would do, because he was unpredictable. Suddenly he held her hand, and started to pull her to the Temple. No... not there. She wasn't going to let him just save himself from all this. He had to pay. As he continued to push her, she felt his grip was getting tighter and she started to feel pain. But she was still trying to be calm and breathe as he was pushing her around quickly. She continued to walk with him, while trying to conceal the pain she was feeling. The darkness in aura of him was increasing like nothing before, as he wanted to conceal it. She couldn't endure more pain, but weirdly she was liking it too at the same time. "S.. Stop! You are hurting me!" She slipped from his hands and fell down to the ground, feeling a big pain. As she shouted painfully from the falling, she talked slowly. "I loved you... Knight Harrison. I would forget everything and be yours if you just said yes. But you can't... because you are scared. Because you know you are unstable. What will you say when we arrived there to Master E'ron? I only wanted to be safe in your arms, feel strength in your kiss. I just wanted to love you... You are the one that hurt me... again... You... are the dangerous one. But you will realize that we are on the same path, Knight Harrison. You and I... together..."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor was certain she was goading him, but he couldn’t be sure he would be as patient as ever. There was something inside him that had changed since waking in isolation – a dawning that there was more to him than he previously thought.

He could learn both aspects of the powers that had battled inside him, light and dark; why not use them both to be something powerful and unstoppable? He dubbed himself a defining sword of the Silver Jedi, so why not act like one? Could a Knight not break down barriers between the blur of good and evil to understand BOTH powers and use them for the greater good?

Maybe he could convince Master [member="Iella E'ron"] that he what had happened wasn’t totally a mistake, and that he should be tested for a place beside her and the others on the Council with a view on the Force that he felt bubbling inside him.

Ignoring her taunting, he gripped harder as he dragged her past the fountain to the base of the path leading up until she fought back, pulling and twisting her arm around in his grip until she stumbled forward over her boots and fell to the floor. Turning, Connor sighed and looked down on her.

”Why? Why do you keep on about loving me? You didn’t love ME, you loved a spirit; a female warrior controlling my body and that was all.”

Shaking his head, he knelt down before her, studying her as best he could with the Force. Her darkness was evident of light, and she wanted vengeance on not just Connor, but it felt the whole Order she served.

”Nima, listen to me one last time.”

The Twi’lek met his gaze, a look of upset and anger in her blue eyes steadily turning grey.

”If you push me, I will retaliate. The Order will not believe the ramblings of an unstable Padawan such as you. I am going to see you before Master E’ron, and hopefully she will be able to drive the sickness from your brain, maybe even granting you exile from the Order if you fail to see those who want to help, or - ”

Connor leaned in closer.

” – I will personally destroy you myself and grind you beneath my boot. You do NOT threaten me, Nima Tann, and you do NOT know me.”


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

As she was still sitting there on the ground in pain, she looked at him with anger and confusion. He was confused too, and she could feel that the darkness was continuing to grow in his aura. She knew it, she knew that he was still a criminal, he was still unstable and a danger. But everyone but her was ignoring it. She saw his transformation, she saw how he could become unpredictable. But that was why she was still feeling something for him. The strength she could feel from his words, his look... What was she thinking? She only offered him love, but all he could do was hurting her. She wasn't going to allow him to do it anymore... if she could. Everytime... everytime she promised herself that, but always let him do what he wanted.

As she heard his cold, but a little shaky voice from his confusion, she looked at his eyes, now lost the fire in hers. She sighed sadly again, still on the ground because of her pain. "Was that all, Knight Harrison... Connor? I kissed you, not that spirit. And you know that. Even in possession, when we were kissing... back in Shri-tal, you were in control, not the Taung. I felt it... I felt your aura. Why do you fear such a good thing?" She was still pushing him to his break point, even she was aware that he could hurt her again. As he knelt down beside her, she never turned her eyes away from his. As he continued to speak, she heard the hesitation, confusion in his tone. "Sickness? What SICKNESS are you talking about? We are beings, Knight Harrison. Emotions are a part of us, we are not sick, we are living. Emotions like love... hate... darkness... light... We have all of these inside our hearts. Why do we try to conceal them... Why do we try to live like robots? Sickness... is not the true word. Alive..."

Knight Harrison was talking like a true member of Order once again, brainwashed by the false Code. But in his heart, he was still the same Connor, dark and powerful. She could feel the power in his tone, when he threatened her. The true darkness... The true strength.... "See.. Knight Harrison. You see how you act right now. You are not like them. You are not just a mindless Jedi. I KNOW you." She stopped for a moment, after taking a big breath she continued. "Do you want to exile, or destroy me because I am alive? Do it then... Kill me right now and save me from becoming a mindless robot that only follows orders." Her tone was cold and sharp, she held his hand tightly and moved it to her throat.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Kneeling beside her, Connor was trembling inside. A horrible black mist was swelling in his head, one that was starting to infect his train of thought with Nima speaking before him. He bore his eyes into hers, trying to break some invisible demon in the girl, his jaw muscles tensing slightly and his head lowered; keeping his rage focused which was dangerously close to coming out.

What if this girl was right? He had only been released from isolation reluctantly to focus his mind on repairing the effects of the Taung – repairing his mind? Did this mean they KNEW he was broken? And Aika – she goaded him about being weak; weak enough for the Taung to infect and control. What did she know? The only battle she had was with her own stupid conscious – Connor had experience light AND dark, and survived. Who was she to tell HIM he was weak.

The ground beneath Connors’s hands started to crack as his fingers dug into the soft grass below them both, churning the soil quietly as Nima spoke horrid…truth.

While he had conversed briefly with Master E’ron about this place in the Order and how he wanted to become someone the others could depend on, even taking a Knight’s position on the Council, not directly serving the Masters, but with input on certain situations and events – none that gave him any responsibility – what did they have in store for him?

The Council. Of course. What better way to watch over one they didn’t trust than have him before their very eyes.

Why did Nima want to love him – what had he DONE to her to make he see things he was struggling to? What had happened…? Something had to have snapped – and she had seen it.

Following her crimson hand, Connor watched as she took his hand and brought it to her throat, and he didn’t fight it. She wanted him to destroy her – he could sever the link that seemed to be pulling the Order in two, but what about the answers he needed? With a quick snap, Connor moved forward and pushed Nima onto her back, tightening his hand across her windpipe and his eyes flashed icy blue – slowly infused with a dark grey tinge.

”You don’t KNOW me! I will show you what true power can do! I have FELT – “

And he stopped. He brought his hand up and looked at it. He wasn’t thinking straight.

”What have you done to me. You’re not one of the Silver Jedi, what are you?”

It was unclear just who he was talking – himself, or Nima. His eyes slowly wandered from his hand to the waterfall, his face tensing and his breath slow and heavy – an unmistakable look of hatred was there.


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

She closed her eyes, as she knew that it was her last moments, as feeling his hands around her throat she could feel that the life remained in her little hurt body, was slowly fading away. Tears came from her eyes, as she didn't have strength to breathe. White light... was that the same white light that everyone sees when they die? She was about to find out. Tick tock tick tock... Time was slowing down, she was starting to die. And then... a miracle happened... as the big amount of oxygen entered her body, she coughed, then took a big breath, feeling happy to breathe again. He... he didn't kill him. Was he still feeling something for her? She slowly stood up again, as he was confusedly looking at the waterfall.

"I just returned the favor, Knight Harrison. As you did before. The masters that we believed, that we put our faith in... They are liars... They are all liars. Do you know why they are stronger than us. Because they are doing everything that their Code restricted. They taught us to conceal our powers inside, they taught us to live like robots. For what? Because they don't want us to be strong as them, maybe stronger. Darkness is in every being's essence, you can only be half strong if you don't use it. You have to embrace the darkness... if you want to reach your true potential. You taught me this, and I know that you know it's the truth." She continued to talk, she was playing all her cards right now.

"They don't trust us anymore, they will hold us back. They will never give us responsibilities that we deserve. They will never want us to be strong. Remember what happened in that isolation cell? They were both acting like we are criminals, we weren't. 'I' wasn't. I followed you because I thought what we were doing, was for the greater good. Now that spirit is gone, you can think as I thought before. And... we need every power we can get to save this galaxy. They will never trust us. You know that." She slowly looked turned his head to hers. "Silver Jedi can't save this galaxy, they are not strong... but we can... together."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor was lost in the waterfall, and he felt a sting in his eyes. It wasn’t tears, he wasn’t upset – he wasn’t that weak. It was burning from the animal inside his head, the spray from the water coating him in small speckles, like being kissed by the Force – by nature.

He stood still and tried to place all the events leading to this moment that he was trying to piece together with the information Nima was telling him. She had no reason to lie – she was just a Padawan, she hadn’t seen half of the horror that Connor had faced down.

The Force blackout on Rhen Var...

… explusion from the Jedi Order…

... Thurion Heavenshield finding him by the Citadel…

… hearing Iella E’ron inside his head, calling to him…

… instigated by Cremirie in the Silver Shadows…

… led to the Voss catacombs by Maya Whitelight…

… locked up by Coci Sinopi and Thurion…

… scorned by Aika Kawakami…

… brought before the Council’s eyes by Iella E’ron…

… saved by Nima Tann…

It all started to make sense – Connor’s life had been dictated by rejection, fear and repulsion. Everything he had become had been set out by others who wanted to harness him and use him to enforce a larger Order. When one hadn’t been enough, he had been cast aside.

It was happening again with the Silver Jedi, to whom had had sworn to give his life for. And now he was being treated as a danger.

”Why don’t they trust me…?” Connor spoke softly to himself.

He didn’t jump as Nima’s hand turned his head to face hers. Seeing such pain in one as promising as Nima was difficult as he could feel her inside his head, but it really seemed that they were being pushed aside for experiencing the darkness that so many failed to understand. They were being classed as unstable – as dangerous.

Connor Harrison was being deemed a threat to the Silver Jedi. A threat that could take over the Order.

He looked at her for a moment.

”Iella is dangerous. She is controlling powerful Masters that I should be alongside, but now I have seen what power I can have, she doesn’t like it.”

Tracing his tongue along his teeth gently, thinking for a moment, he turned to face Nima Tann.

”Let me take you as my Padawan, Nima. Let me get you away from here and embrace the light and dark that I felt. That way, they won’t be able to contain BOTH of us when we return stronger than ever. We will show them the error of casting us aside in time.”


[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

As the confusion now taking over his body, she watched him closely to see what she created. He was in denial, shaking his head and looking at the distance in a thoughtful manner. She did it, she managed to show him how she saw the world, she managed to show him how weak the Order was. They were stronger, she could sense it. Standing here, trying to learn how to conceal their power... They were all the Order's plans to make the Jedi weak. And weakness wasn't tolerated in this world. They were the bad ones here, and she was glad that Knight Harrison understood. "They don't trust you... They want to eliminate you... to watch you every time...because you are stronger than them. And they know that. " she said to him, now smiling sincerely. Taking some strength from the ground, she managed to stand up. She moved a little away from him, to think about his offer.

She looked at her surroundings, water was not falling to the ground as angrily as before, it calmed down a bit. The colors was now a little livelier, and there was no earthquake anymore. Was the Force slowly returning to the place? Was her hate doing this, was the darkness that powerful? She didn't understand. Thoughts were flying in her head once more, the only thing she knew was... she trusted him again. This time... she knew something was different. His tone was not cold anymore, just confused. They were both threats, they were both a danger for the Order, and they both knew that. Everybody but him, was seeing Nima as a criminal, and she was feeling safe only when she was with him. She had two choice, first... don't trust anyone, walk on her own path, but try to evade every possible danger by herself, and second... trust him, and walk with him on this path, walk with the man she loved. She took a big breath and tried to decide.

"I'll be honored to learn from you, Knight Harrison. I want to help you when you need me, and I need to be strong for that. Master Iella is powerful, because she uses her emotions. She always used them, and restricted everyone else to follow her footsteps. She is selfish, she only wants to use the power to herself. We are here to change that, Knight Harrison. You and I... We will show them that they are weak, that we are not the danger, we are the future. We can take over the Order from her, and we can improve it, we can create a mighty new Order that can save the galaxy for real. We are now on a dangerous path, and we need to be extra careful. No matter what happens, I'll trust you from now on. We can only trust each other, the others are here to stop us. You... need to be careful. I can't lose you now." She said, with all her heart, she knew that Knight Harrison was rogue, and always jump to danger first, so she held his hands and said, with a serious tone. "Promise me."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Turning to look up at the Temple above the waterfall, Connor stood and let Nima lace her hand through his. He inhaled a breath and held it, a few seconds, and then exhaled.

Nima certainly had a way with words, but she was not in control here. She had pointed out the obvious, but Connor was taking over and she would follow him to the ends of the galaxy and back again.

"Let me make one thing clear, Nima. You answer to no-one except me. Anything the Silver Jedi ask of you, you do it and you tell me everything. Movements, assignments - everything. They will be watching you and I closely and we must play their games to earn their trust."

He turned and looked at her, tapping his chin gently, still holding her.

"I need to speak to Iella and get on the Council. I need to take you as my Padawan and then we will develop our unity with the Force. We will find the secrets hidden within the Temple and also what they are doing with this expeditions and invasions. It's like...the Sith all over again. A new Order rises from the ashes of the previous and makes all the same mistakes."

Tapping his temple, Connor smiled.

"Emotion is their weakness, and I need to show them what we can do when we embrace emotion, and also the Light and Dark Side of the Force to become unstoppable. I promise you, I will not leave you in the shadows. I promise you. We will stand tall and face it all, together, ok? I will not let Iella break you, or Aika twist your mind - she is the most dangerous of the all. I need to keep an eye on her. We will be ok."

He reached out and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, her hand reaching up to meet his.

"But you must be strong, be mindful and be loyal to me. Only me. I am your Master now, Nima Tann."

[member="Nima Tann"]

 

[Nima Tann]

As she carefully listened his words while holding tightly his hands, she nodded smiling. He was using his determined, serious tone once again, and that was why Nima respected him. But, she was confused why his tone suddenly changed, as if he wanted to show her that he is in control. She didn't like it, she didn't want anyone to control her, but she was just a Padawan anyway, and no way that she could outmatch him to get the control, so she obeyed... for now. Besides, she now found a great ally to make things better, and it was all that matters. As the thoughts continued to fly in her head, she realized that she had to answer him, so she started to talk slowly.

"I... umm I understand. I will tell you everything. They musn't suspect us." She repeated his words, with a smile. "We... will move from the shadows, and hit them when they let their guards open. It's only you and me versus the Order now. They can't know. They will try to stop us. New Order... will be different from the other ones. It will be fresh... it will be strong... it will be perfect. We will not do the same mistakes again. I will help you build it. We can... we can do it together." Her voice was like a happy child that got what she wanted, she hated this side of her. So childish... so weak... She had to change, she had to grow up. For the future... For a better galaxy...

"I trust you, Knight Harrison. I trust you will keep me safe from them. And I promise you I will be your sword whenever you need me. Just..." Don't make me regret this again.. Don't make me lose myself in my own shadow. No... "Be careful." She said, with a sincere tone. Then, feeling his hand's warm touch on her cheek, she slowly stroked his cheek, looking happily at his eyes. What if he was using her again? What if he was playing with her emotions? No... she was now thinking clearly, not as before and she could understand if he was lying or not.

"Only you... Master." she said, then smiled. She was thinking if it was the right choice, but something in his voice was so persuasive... So strong... So she didn't think much of it, she wanted to kiss him once more, before starting their plans, but then realized that a Padawan was coming towards them, and he was looking directly to them. She suddenly removed her hands from his cheek, her cheeks got red from this sudden danger and she started to talk as the Padawan walked to the waterfall. "Umm... Ahem... Knight Harrison... I think we should go see Master E'ron now, she was expecting us." Then, after seeing him far enough, she whispered. "Too close..."

[member="Connor Harrison"]