That Voice Which Calls To Me...

[Connor Harrison]

Aerico placed his had across the top of her chest, feeling her heartbeat inside her body and gripped the shoulder with his hand. He felt more alive than he had in years.

”If anyone harms you or speaks ill of you, I will pull their beating heart out and it will be the last thing they ever see. You deserve so much more; you're my Angel of Iego and have given me something to hope for."

He had so much to say, but he didn't know how. And it was true; this girl was a lifeline he hadn't had before and she could be the rock he needed. She would also prove no Jedi could be untouchable and the Force was something greater than what any Order dictated. He stayed still, casting an eye down to the landing pad below them and her Silver Sanctum ship still there.

”Come with me now to Utapau; leave this behind and let me show you a world that you only imagined existed."

He pulled away slightly and held her hand to turn her into him again. The old Scourge lair on Utapau had been deserted and Aerico had returned once looking for revenge to find it empty, and so made it his own hideaway from the eyes of the world. If she came with him, he could explore her fully and find out just what she yearned to be inside rather than follow the flock of the Silver Sanctum.

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

With his hand upon her chest, she was sure that Aerico would feel how swiftly her heart was beating. A calm sense of relief spread across her face when he spoke of punishing those that tried to harm her. Though his description was a bit dark for her taste, she wondered if he had truly meant it... or had just been ensuring that his point came across well. Valae was of a mind that disliked violence, but in this moment, she only felt her trust in Aerico growing stronger.

Her eyes followed his, and she turned to see the Silver Sanctum ship sitting idle below. Again she felt a small tug within, but she pushed it away quickly, taking the moment to be impulsive.

“Please take me there.” She said, a smile growing on her face.

Valae’s hand reached out and laced with his, and she was looking to him with an expression of lightness. She was feeling the responsibilities of her training, and her life with the Jedi rising up off of her shoulders. Her past had given her little opportunity to indulge herself, wasn’t this the perfect time to get what she wanted for a change?

“We should go before the Rangers return.” She nodded. “They will not want to leave without me.”

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a slow nod of the head, Aerico smiled and kept the grip on her hand as he turned and walked back to exit the tower, the cool air blowing over them as he carefully took her down the spiral staircase to the main level of the cliff-based city.

His eyes pierced the streets beside them for any return of the armed soldiers she was with, and any other figures taking interest. Walking with urgency towards the Silver Sanctum transport, it suddenly dawned on him they would be able to track and trace the missing vessel.

Unless their Jedi told them otherwise.

Aerico let go of her hand and reached the loading ramp, still down and inviting them inside.

”You must contact your Jedi Masters and tell them you are investigating activity on the other side of the planet. Or a moon. Anywhere. Just let them know you have taken this ship, and I will get us to Utapau at once. You will be safe."

He smiled at her, his obsession growing for this bright-eyed vision of innocence and purity. A gloved hand raised out as he stepped on the ramp and walked inside.

”Come with me, and I’ll show you things the Jedi never would dream of letting you see."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae traveled along lightly next to Aerico, this time taking delight in the fact that he was leading her by the hand. There was something about the thought of stealing away into the unknown that was exhilarating, especially coupled with the fact that she was leaving with her new masked guardian. The padawan’s reverie broke when she felt Aerico’s hand separate from hers, and she realized that they had reached the ship.

“I can’t lie to them...” Valae turned away, conflict rising in her mind. She slowly reached up to her forehead, clearing trying to decide what action to take. She had always been known for her high moral fiber, but the desire to see Aerico’s promises fulfilled was proving far too tempting.

She finally nodded and moved swiftly inside the ship. The shining lights of the console were reflecting in her dark gaze, and she made her way forward, her heart pounding. Valae’s hand reached out to the comm, her fingers trembling and she tried to steel her nerves.

“This is Padawan Kitra.” She started, willing her voice remain calm and steady. “I am taking the shuttle investigate activity on a nearby moon.”

Her gaze then shifted to Aerico and she nodded slowly.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Doubt was expected, and he simply watched her wrestle the conscious in her mind before she overcame the fear and came on-board.

He held the side of the ship’s hold with one hand, noting the seating for those robotic soldiers to drop in and out of for service. It wasn’t the most spacious with a hold full of people he pictured, but it was just the two of them and it suited his needs. Watching Valae take control in the cockpit and cover their track, a smile broke on the good side of his face and he nodded in return to her.

With the help of the Padawan on the Sanctum control, Aerico did what he did many times before with the Black Sun and swiftly take the transport up, the cliff-built city opening up before them as they rose, and moving away from them towards the coloured orbs above the blanket of stars that would take them to Utapau, straight across the Hydian Way.

The Scourge Sinkhole
Utapau, Tarabba Sector​

The hyperspace lane was one Aerico knew well, from one corner of the galaxy towards another, and especially leaving Utapau; the sink-hole world he had arrived on as Roman, and left as the masked monster. The trip was dreamy, through the vortex of lightspeed and he kept focused and silent, letting Valae appreciate her freedom and rest as she wanted.

The stars moulded around the Sanctum transport as the planet came to meet them, and minutes later across the terrain, Aerico brought them down into a large sink-hole, one of many, that bore nothing striking and nothing that attracted attention. A downed Star Destroyer was the only visible item in the distant North horizon that marked their location.

Leaving the ship tucked under the rocky outcroppings, he led Valea by the hand through dark corridors formed out of rock, burning torches that were fuelled by natural gas from the core never died and lit their way. Down they went, into the planet, and after what felt like forever they arrived at iron gates. Untying the rope across them and pulling the bolt across with a loud bang, Aerico opened the gate and led her in.

And so they were there, away from everything Valea had probably ever known, and now into Aerico’s isolated world.

A large pool of spring water divided them from the rocky island that was dotted with thick candles. Mirrors hung on the walls, strange art deco on the walls, and the whole place glittered with the reflections of fire on the gentle water. It was a large cave, and it had pockets within that acted like rooms – each one waiting to be explored and whatever dark secrets lay within.

Aerico turned to her and extended his hand to see if she was brave enough to wade through the water and see the sights before her eyes.

”There is so much you can become, if you truly want to be somebody special, Valae."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae watched with a quiet look of satisfaction as the stars blurred all around them, and their shuttle sped towards their new destination. A silence fell between Valae and Aerico, but it was not uncomfortable, she had the feeling that she didn’t even need to speak for him to know how she felt. She leaned forward to get a better look out of the view port as they broke the atmosphere of Utapau, and she took in the cratered surface of the planet. It certainly seemed remote; the perfect place to hide away from the rest of the galaxy.

She let Aerico lead her by the hand and together they descended, the flickering light offering them a somewhat moody atmosphere. As they wound their way down, she almost felt as though she were a sleepwalker, moving silently and dreamily along. When they were finally forced to stop, she peered through the gate but couldn’t see much, until Aerico let her through.

Valae’s eyes shifted all about as she entered the cave, gazing in wonder at the vast array of décor. Her boots came to a halt as they barely touched the still waters of the pool that separated them from the island just beyond. Ever since she’d nearly drowned in the oceans of Arkas, the padawan had felt a strong aversion to water. However, Aerico’s hand was outstretched in her direction and the water here was clear enough to see the bottom. It certainly looked shallow enough to wade through without much trouble or fear.

She let her fingers slide onto his outstretched palm, and then she took hold of his hand firmly. Walking forward upon tip toes she moved into the still water and through to the other side. There was much to explore here, but where exactly was she?

Valae let go of his hand and moved to investigate a golden candelabra, and then a gilded mirror on the wall of the cave.

“Aerico,” She spoke his name softly. “What is this place?”

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

It wasn’t much, but it was home, for now. Aerico stood, wet from the knees down, and watched as Valae ventured forward. He smiled to himself and removed his greatcoat, throwing it over a wooden chair. He now stood simply in his black attire and crimson Corellian waistcoat, stiletto blade by his side.

"I was kept her prisoner for 5 years, Valae. 5 years.” He looked around, remembering how it was before they had left him.

He had been chained to the far wall, where the girl was looking ironically, where mirrors were kept to remind him of who he was; he would never avoid seeing himself and the mask which hid his branding. The water wasn’t there, that had come over time, but the iron gates were also used to shackle the rest of his team to.

Torture, abuse and chemical tests were carried out in the caverns beyond, led by the disgusting leper and his Scourge. They ate, just about enough to carry them on, and had time to write and read, nothing else, while they were kept. Aerico – Roman – had been one of two survivors, his Force sensitivity sustaining his body and mind and healing as it could the effects of the disease passed to him.

Even now, as he looked around, he could hear them goading him, spitting at him and hitting him. He looked to the dimly lit cavern beside the iron gate where they had come in, submerged half with water – the cavern where they had fixed the ivory mask to his mutilated face.

"It was here I let go of who I was before, and became the man I am today. Nobody will push me again, nobody will tell me how to be what they think I should be. I write here, I train here and I watch from here. Waiting. Nobody knows of this place except those too scared to return here. It's the safest place in the Outer Rim.”

He walked slowly around the other side of the cavern, past some thick candles always burning.

"I want you to find who you are also, Valae. Let me help you, and let me discover what you have inside that can make you immune to the dangers out there. Does your heart truly belong to the Jedi Order, or do you feel…” he paused, "...trapped?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

“Held prisoner?” She echoed quietly, as she turned to watch him pace the edge of the cave.

She couldn’t even imagine what that must have been like. No one this place was so very secluded, those that used it would have wanted to keep it secret, and those that had been kept here would not wish to return. All those save for Aerico. She wondered if it pained him to be in such a place again, but as he spoke, she could hear strength in his voice. It was becoming clear that he had turned his suffering into power, and he stood within the cave a different man than before. Perhaps she would have a similar revelation.

Slowly she walked to back towards the water and she knelt down to look at her reflection in the still surface. For a moment her eyes merely watched the flickering candle light dancing on the water, but her face soon came into focus and she remained silent and thoughtful. Since coming to the Jedi she had been having a bit of a conflict of identity. She’d grown up a simple girl, and she was wrestled with the thought that she could be more than that. Her studies had granted her a basic use of the force, but she still lacked the confidence to really shine. Her presence at the Silver Temple was gentle and meek; many knew her to be a shy girl.

“My heart is loyal to the order.” She said, and it was very true. “But sometimes I feel like I don’t belong. It’s not that I don’t feel welcome... everyone has been very kind to me.” She sighed slightly. “I guess I don’t feel strong or brave enough to be like them.”

It was the first time that she had voiced such a concern about her path as a Jedi. Confidence had always been a struggle for Valae, and any frustration or obstacle often left her feeling quite low.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Seeing her kneel on the edge of the orange rock, above the water pool, Aerico was sad for her. He hadn't wanted to care for anyone since leaving this place they now stood in, but the fact she had been brought to him on Iego, and appeared out of the light to show an equal interest in him, and not fear, she was worth his time and more.

"I understand your feelings, my dear.”

Slowly, he started to walk around to where she was, talking softly; as if he was the voice inside her head - the voice of reason - of darkness.

"I felt like you, not knowing where I belong, what the Force meant for me. But I tried to be true to myself, to find a path to follow that I wanted and nobody else."

His feet crunched the ground as he came up behind her and knelt, looking over into the water. His masked face would appear behind her left shoulder, looking into the natural mirror of them both. What a pretty sight.

"Being brave and strong isn't what you should be expected to find because you're a Jedi. That should be something you find naturally. Call me crazy, but with your inner Force ability and my yearning to find one's potential - to let them be free - we would make a rather formidable duo."

From behind, he looked at her profile, her face, her jawline, the way her hair fell. He wondered what she was thinking. Feeling.

"You belong with me. Find yourself. Be someone great. Show the Order how strong you can be and then you can have anything you desire. You can teach others, you can lead others, you can get what you want because you will be YOU. I want you to be someone great."

As he spoke, his hand reached out for her shoulder, but hesitated, and withdrew, turning his head and feeling that burning sensation under his mask. The skin was flaring up, and it was his emotions causing it. Silently, he took some slow breaths and closed his eyes. "Valae."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae became aware of Aerico’s presence moving closer, and a moment later she saw his reflection appear in the pool of water next to her. She watched as her own reflection displayed a soft smile, and she let his smooth voice wash over her. The masked man’s words felt as though they were resonating inside her mind, and hearing his words of encouragement began to ignite hope within her. There were precious few people left in the galaxy that cared about her, and the fact that Aerico was here for her now, moved her to tears. Though a few tears did come to stream down her cheeks, it felt like a wonderful release.

Valae turned towards Aerico, and she felt a surge of concern seeing that he had withdrawn from her. It was her way to be a gentle and caring soul, immediately she was at his side, her hands reached out slowly to him. It was clear to her that something was wrong, even if he attempted to mask his pain. For a moment she watched as he drew in breaths slowly and evenly.

“Aerico, are you hurt?” She asked softly, drawing even closer to him.

Slowly her hand came to rest lightly on the side of his mask, and she closed her eyes. At once she began to concentrate and draw the force to her hand. She had never attempted to use the force in this way, but for some reason, it felt right to her. Valae had always been subject to overthinking her actions when it came to force powers, but this time she merely let it flow through her, even she did not know what the end result would be...

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Aerico closed his eyes as Valae gently pressed on the mask. For the first time in a long, long time he felt...weak. Weak by emotion and finally seeing what the Sourge had robbed him of. His humanity and his ability to be Roman again. As she touched his mask, the worry she would want to pull it reveal the horror underneath crossed his mind, but she was being so gently, so soothing....and she was touching upon his flesh with the Force.

"I hurt daily, inside and out,” he said, gently, "but I have learnt how....how to live with it."

Her Force touch was cool under the mask, and it calmed his broken nerves and the raw tissue. It relaxed him, having a pure Force signature wash over him rather than his own. He felt dangerously exposed.

"I can't be who I was because of this infliction, and I have seen so much evil out there that my mind has become immune to anything else.”

Opening his eyes, as if waking from a sleep, he reached up to her hand on his mask, and brought his other gloved hand to stroke down her jawline gently.

"And you'll live as you've never lived...before," came a breathless murmur. "The Jedi don't deserve you."

She was the forbidden fruit he couldn't have, and it broke his heart having someone as beautiful and honest, and pure, right her in front of him and not trying to kill him.

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae’s gaze was touched by sadness upon hearing that Aerico lived with pain on a daily basis. Her lips pressed together into a soft frown, and her dark eyes were still a bit moist with tears. As she watched the masked man, she was relieved to see that he seemed to be relaxing now, and his breathing did not seem as ragged. She knew that she would not be able to heal him, or remove the pain completely, but she would do all she could to help.

Her eyes slid closed as she felt his strong hand press against hers, and then his other hand gently swept against the side of her face. She had never questioned her relationship with the Jedi, but now she was starting to feel that her place was at Aerico’s side. The young woman let her eyes open to gaze at Aerico, and she took in his dark and handsome features. In the dim and flickering light of the candles, he looked even more mysterious than he had on Iego.

Valae opened her mouth to speak, but found that her words had run dry. It seemed to be a moment when speech disappeared into silence, but perhaps she didn’t need to say anything. She hoped that her eyes would convey her feelings, but she was sure that her message would come across when she began to lean towards him. She was here with him now, even if she didn’t fully know the reason why...

But this was no time for second thoughts, she had decided...

Her free hand slid onto his broad shoulder, soon her face was very close to his, and she placed a gentle kiss upon his cheek.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Her touch was alien. He hadn't guided her hand this time, it was that of her own doing. He glanced down at her slender fingers on his shoulder, and looked back at her face. He felt dangerously exposed more so - nobody had been this close to him, and now he couldn't detect any fear or loathing in her eyes. They were big and round, deep and enticing and spoke volumes about her inner soul than words could.

She came closer, and he closed his eyes to hide himself from what was going to happen. Her lips kissed his cheek. It was like a touch of air on virgin skin. The kiss had warmth, care, compassion and heart to it. Lasting only a mili-second, it suddenly imprinted on his heart. Valae had been enticed by his words, but right now he felt she truly was enticed by the man behind the mask and the poems.

He wanted to say something, but didn't know what. Aerico stayed still, eyes closed, breath escaping him as he was afraid to open and see if she was a vision of the Force. Counting to 3 in his head, he opened them. She was still there and it made him....happy.

"I've never felt the warmth you showed in those few seconds in years. Near a decade," he pulled off a black glove and reached to stroke her cheek. Her skin was so soft under his hand, and his fingers teased the strands of hair hanging down. He wanted to twirl them, play with them, touch every part of her. "I..," words failed him.

The frustration rose and she would probably feel it. He looked down, angry at the world and those who put this upon him. He took everything from him. All the while his hand stayed on her cheek, never once becoming harder or stronger. She was one who would never bear brunt to his pain.

"Until I find a way to cure what ails me, I will never allow myself to experience pleasure. I will not risk this...THING hurting you. Taking you away from me. You give me hope, Valae. Strength. I want to give you the same, somehow. One day, I will. You will become anything you ever dreamed and I will make sure of it and travel the stars to make it possible for you."

Next came a face of determination as he returned to look at her. He would find a way to punish those who had made him this monster, and he would find a way to reclaim part of his humanity back. Aerico would also punish those who dare raise head or hand to his Angel.

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

When Valae’s lips parted from Aerico’s cheek, she pulled away just slightly, enough to see his face. It seemed that for a moment or two, her action had taken the words from him and she too was quiet and still. Suddenly she felt as though there was a flare of anger, but she did not feel it directed at her. As his hand rested upon the side of her face, she gently leaned into him, pressing her cheek to his palm.

Valae’s thoughts began to drift, and silently she wished that she could help Aerico. If there was a way for her to ease his pain, she would find it. It was then that inspiration fell upon her, and she looked into the masked man’s eyes, her gaze alit with hope. He wanted to help her reach her full potential, and perhaps he had already set her on the path, without even realizing it. She didn’t need the heart of a warrior to succeed as a Jedi; there was another way that she hadn’t considered before...

“Aerico,” She smiled softly. “There must be a way to heal you, and I will help you find it.”

Her gaze shifted down towards her outstretched palms; just maybe she had the power, and only needed to learn how to control it. Even if it took years, she made a silent promise to dedicate herself to seeking knowledge that would aid him. Deep down, she knew that she would need to return to the Silver Temple, and it was only a matter of time before her presence was missed there. Her absence would only raise questions and potentially draw unwanted attention to Aerico. As he had made the promise to protect her, she would also protect him.

“I need to return to the Jedi,” She started slowly, eyes shifting away from him. “It’s the best for both of us... but let’s not think about that now.” There was sadness in her voice, but also determination.

For now she would take pleasure in being next to him, and she wanted him to know that she did want to stay.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

A small wind came down from the sink-hole leading to the caverns, causing some candles to flicker and a gentle ripple across the water. When she spoke, her voice also carried along by the wind, he felt that pang of the heart; disappointment. Weakness. His eyes moved to her.

"If you go, you'll never come back."

He knew she would go. And when she did, he would punish himself for letting his defenses down and falling for her and open himself for emotional hurt.

"They'll sense something different. They'll push you to break, and to question what I've told you, what I've done. They'll knock you down mentally and build you back up in the...in the perfect Jedi way!"

Aercio pushed himself up from his knees, sweet Valae still on the ground and without a palm to hold to her face. The damn Force butchers would twist her mind and take her away! He thundered up a small bank of stone towards a long flat wooden table holding a few trinkets, papers, holo-charts and blades; candles and a projector lighting it up. The masked man leant on it and thumped the table with his fist and span to her.

"At last, a voice in the gloom seemed to cry I HEAR YOU! You heard my fears; my torment and my tears. You saw my loneliness. Shared in my emptiness. No-one would listen. No-one but you."

This Silver Sanctum would be watched, and investigated, and punished. He stared at Valae, still on the ground, his chest rising with his built up frustration boiling over as nothing could be heard for a moment.

"There is nothing you can do to heal this."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

“I didn’t mean to upset you...” She started softly, still sitting on the ground. Valae turned her eyes from him as he moved away, and she looked out into the stillness of the water in front of her. Aerico’s words seemed to echo around the cave, and his displeasure was laced into each syllable.

A deafening silence fell between them, Aerico’s anger and frustration was almost tangible to Valae. The padawan pushed up from the ground, and cautiously made her way towards the masked man. Her expression was gentle as ever, and her eyes were pleading with him for forgiveness. What could she do to make him see that she would return? Valae reached for Aerico’s hand, and she held on with resolve and a bit of stubbornness.

“Please, Aerico...” She looked up into his eyes. “I will come back to you, I promise. Trust me.”

Valae was growing tired, but she was feeling determined to keep hope alive in Aerico. She drew in a deep breath, hoping that he would hear her words and find solace in her promise.

"And I'm sure there is a cure, we just need to find it." She nodded, strands of chestnut hair falling into her face.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Her aura was soothing, and it grounded him. Without her, this wouldn’t even be happening, but it was part of the process to discover his humanity again and even though he knew it would be painful, he wanted to be there for her. She could be everything he needed her to be.

"I have…leads. I know of people, of places, that may be able to help."

Of course he was talking about the mysterious Caprine Priestess [member="Briga Tiin"] – but she was not going to be talked about here, her dark and manipulative ways were something to protect Valae from. He took her hand and cupped it in his.

"Go. Go back to them. Say nothing of what you have seen, or this place." He turned and traced her facial structure with his finger, forehead down to the chin. "I will contact you. But if you can’t breathe amongst the Jedi or feel the walls closing in, you come to me here."

He let go of her for a second and walked to the wooden top and took a thin disk. Then, he moved across the mirror behind it on the cavern wall and pulled a thick candle from the side.

"My coordinates and frequency are on here, keep it safe, and use it when you need. And light this when you are alone. It’s fused with scent and salts from the cave. I made them myself and they calm the sense, refresh the mind and will help you remember this place – a place you can feel safe."

Aerico had a look of sadness to him, but still radiated confidence as he handed over the two items to Valae and closed her hands around them.

"Will you be safe travelling back to their space from here?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae nodded a couple times, though she couldn’t deny the tug of sadness that she felt. This place would remain wrapped tightly within her; it would be a secret that the two alone would share. The events that had taken place this day would also remain locked in her mind, memories that only she would know.

A gentle smile grew on her face as Aerico placed the disk and candle in her grasp, and she held the items close to her heart. She would treasure these gifts that had been presented to her.

“Thank you, Aerico. I will keep it safe.” She said, looking him in the eye. Her fingers slid over the smooth surface of the candle, and she lifted it to her nose for a moment, even unlit the scent carried to her sweetly. This place would remain in her mind; it would be a sanctuary that she would most assuredly visit in her dreams.

“Yes, I can get back on my own.” Valae said, her voice trembling ever so slightly. She could feel Aerico’s sadness, and it mixed together with her own. She moved forward slowly and used her free arm to wrap around Aerico’s waist, and for a moment let her head rest against his chest. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” She said as she reluctantly pulled away.

“And I will come to visit, I promise.” Her voice was steady now, and hesitant steps were bringing her back towards the wrought iron gate. She wanted to thank him for helping her find her way, but the words didn’t come... but perhaps the best way to thank him would be to learn as much as she could to help heal him.

[member="Aerico"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Aerico stood still and stood silent as Valae finally broke away. Her clothes were trailing in the water as she moved away, and with each step she grew a little smaller and he lost her bright smile and deep eyes.

The sound of the iron gate creaked gently…and she slipped away.

It was just him again.

He stared at the gate and dragged his feet down the stone steps and into the water, walking through with gently splashes until he was close enough to pull them back and lock them in place, tying the rope around. Valae could be made out in the distance, but soon turned the winding cavern tunnel leading up through to the outer crevice of the sink-hole where she could fly back to her captivity.

Fingers gripped the lattice pattern of the gate as he stared into nothingness again. Minutes later, his face as stern as stone, Aerico waded back through and up to the inner-cavern. Passing by the candles that flickered gently, he sat on the edge of the worktop, moving a broken datapad to do so.

There was a masked man looking at him. Judging him. Pitying him. Aerico looked back at the man in the mirror and said nothing. With a curl of the lip, a snarl escaped the reflection and quickly turned, grabbed the datapad and flung it corner first at the mirror.

With perfect accuracy it hit the man’s reflection at the neck and formed a wide hole, fragments of glass spitting out and cracks snaking out to distort the mirror’s gaze forever. Aerico exhaled and knew it was time to get some rest and find food for he was hungry.

There was much to think on. Would he see Valae ever again? Would she reveal his secrets to the Jedi? And when would he decide to visit her Master and make them pay for breaking his Angel?

[member="Valae Kitra"]