Two Forces Align

Chapter IV

"Don't forget me okay"

"No, no Tren"

"Stay with me okay"

"You have to get out here! Go!"

"Go Aeryn"

"Tren!" I shot up, taking in my surroundings. I had been lying on round sofa, accompanied by a table. To my left a kitchen and to my right another round table with holograms on it showing planet and past that the cockpit with occupants I don't recognise. A cup was placed on the table in front of me and the orange haired boy, Cal I think he said, sat beside me. I spun on the seat and back away from him and in return he put his hands up to show no harm.

"It okay, I'm not going to hurt you" I relaxed slightly, but I kept my guard up as the others entered the room "This Cere and Greeves, we don't mean you any harm. I felt a force pulling me to you, we thought you were another jedi" he explained "But after seeing what you did on Tarko-se I reckon your something different. What your name?"

"Aeryn" I announced, my voice sounded dry. He noticed and pushed the cup towards, I graciously took it, water, if it was poison, they wouldn't have bothered to rescue me in the first place. I downed quickly, it had been some time since I have tasted fresh water, it was amazing. "Sorry to disappoint, but I am no jedi, I am an Athorian" he looked up to his friends in confusion "Don't worry we wasn't a well-known species, we kept ourselves to ourselves" I trailed off, not really wanted to tell these people my story.

"I'll um show you around" Cal cleared his throat and stood up, I followed close behind as he showed me around the kitchen, showing me where to find things and that I'm welcome to anything apart from the squisins, those are strictly Greeves. He then walked to the back where there were many closed doors "That's Greeves room, that one is Ceres, the bathroom is there and this room is yours" he opened the small room only barely big enough to fit in the single bed and a small wardrobe. "They were making this one for me, but I think you need it more than me, I don't mind slumming it at the back. I am only down there if you ever needs me. Um, there some change of clothes and a towel if you want to wash, I'll leave you to it" he turned to leave.

"Thank you" he paused "Cal" he nodded slightly and leaving me alone. I sat on the bed, very comfy, it felt like home, home at the arena. Nothings changed other than my freedom, is this freedom or am I once against captured by new people who only want to use me for money. I couldn't say yet, all I know is that they seem friendly enough. I gathered the bundle on the bed and made my way to the wash room. I must stink like radnor poo, we didn't have showers only monthly hose downs. I also haven't seen my appearance in 5 years, I'm 18 now so it's going to be a strange. I walked in the small room with a wash basin, shower, toilet and a mirror. I hadn't looked at it yet, I was 13 when I last saw my face. I was hesitant, but when I looked up I was shocked. My white hair was a state to behold it reached down to hip, tatty and knotted, my eyes seemed to have dulled as I aged they use to be a bright blue. I had dirt and dried blood across my entire body, cuts and scars, my once pure skin now tainted. The dress I wore I'd worn since the day I escaped my home, it was once touching the ground, white with jewels - yeah well now it sat above my knees, torn and ripped all over, white now black and grey.

I let the dress drop off my body for the first time and damn! Where did those come from? My ribs are visible, my body is scarred and well repulsive in comparison to how I use to look. Mother would faint if she saw me now, dacosa por ma tui (may she rest in peace). I turned on the water and watched as it fell over my body, stinging the damage skin on it travels. I sighed contently and leaned my forehead against the wall as it ran down my back. This feels amazing, but I wish I was able to save Tren, actually I wish he had let me, I was strong enough I could have done it, we could have both been here. I released a harsh breath. What am I thinking, Tren sacrificed himself for me and I will live for him.

~~~

Cere had lent me a pair of black pants, navy top and black jacket, with a pair of dark brown boots. This felt weird after wear nothing, but a dress for five years. I ragged my fingers through my hair and braided down my back. Never felt so refreshed and clean in a long time. I wandered over to the door that lead to the main area, but stopped in my tracks at the sound of voices, I presses my ear up to the door to listen.

"She seems nice, I just don't understand why the force brought me to her" Cal spoke, he was unsure of me, which is fine because I feel the same about him. But he did save my life, so I guess I should thank him for that. "Its strange, Cere, If she's not a jedi then why does she feel so strong in the force. I saw her in that arena, she killed the monsters and knocked out the other prisoner with one single energy blast. She chose who to kill and who to save even though her judgement was clouded by the death of her friend"

"I don't know Cal" Cere interjected "But the force brought you two together, it'll all become clear at some point, trust in the force and trust in her. I sense only good in her, but she has also been through a lot, maybe you two will have something in common" I could hear her voice drift off as she left the room.

I was about to enter, but the door opened and Cal appeared in the door way. He looked down at me slightly shock, giving me a look over before cleaning his throat. "Aeryn, I was just about to come and find you. There's some food on the table for you if your hungry. Were setting course to Bogano, its a safe planet I thought you would enjoy stretching your legs for a bit" I thanked him and moved out the way so he could pass me. I look at the kitchen counter at the plate full of a food. It was more like a mountain of food, I don't know if I could finis- I devoured it in under 5 minutes. When Cal returned, his jaw dropped. What can I say, I'm a woman with a big appetite.

"Oi, you two. Take a seat, we'll be arriving at Bogano soon"

~~~