"Left, right, left, right—pull up! Hands wider, place your foot farther out…"
"Shade," Vessira—who'd allowed us to call her Ves—groaned theatrically. "Please stop. Without you it's already nauseating."
"And besides, it's because of you that we're the ones who have to take the heat now," Zeng added.
"And what did I do? Nothing! I'm not the one who broke the workbench."
"Yeah. You finished breaking it."
"Hey!"
"More accurately, you dropped someone on it," Lina cut in.
"Gra-a-a-a."
"There! Even Gris agrees with us."
"Oh, come o-o-on, guys. It's not that bad."
"We're marching at night through the Silent Desert at minus ten to find some hidden sphere," Lina droned monotonously. "HOW could it possibly get worse?"
"We could've marched by day," Ramira shrugged. "At plus forty. Don't know about you, but I still can't use the Force to make a layer between skin and atmosphere to keep my body at a comfortable temperature."
"True. Gotta shake Master Uval down on that topic," I nod.
"Shade, don't. He already wants to kill you, don't push him even more."
"N-no, it's mutual love with us."
"Fhfh…" Ves choked.
"R-r-r-ra-a."
"Where from? Well, it's simple: Master Uval is an old acquaintance of Mother's. I suspect they studied together, not sure. But he used to come by a lot and… if you can call it that, keep an eye on me when I was homeschooled—as a Master from Qigong Kesh, where Mom was headed and where she'd basically assigned me. But! Things didn't work out between us from the start."
"Can you give details?"
"From the beginning, my Force was… unstable. I was always kind of emotional, and it stressed him out. I have to admit—not without reason. Once he let slip to Mother that I should be sent to Bogan, and she smacked him in the face for it. Since then we've hated each other. I honestly tried to mess with him—and did, within the limits of my strength and opportunities—while he stoically endured those pranks and tried to find a way to rein me in. Nothing serious, small stuff, but still. Like the fact I had the nerve to openly slap one of Qigong Kesh's first instructors in the face with a plate of—"
I didn't get to finish. Suddenly the ground bucked, and something began crawling out right under us. Everyone jumped back, and when we turned around we saw a massive flint lizard. Almost three meters tall; a broad beast with tough, spiked, sparking scales and violet eyes. Six muscular legs and two rows of crystalline sharp teeth.
"I think I'd rather have walked by day…" Lina exhaled.
Spotting the Wookiee as the biggest, the creature—despite its size—charged at him fast. Zeng and Feng reacted first. Grabbing the lizard's tail with the Force, they dragged it toward themselves with effort. The action was accompanied by the lizard's wild roar.
Lina went next. Leaping onto the beast's head, she whipped out her stilettos—gifts from her father—and plunged them straight into the monster's eyes. Only instead of blood, dust and sand sprayed from the wounds. The lizard roared even louder. Tossing the girl on its snout, it tried to snatch her, but a flying kick from Vessira knocked the monster's maw away from the falling Miraluka. Drawing my blades—gifts from Mother—I stabbed them into the monster's belly on the move. From the other side, the Wookiee's axe bit into the lizard. A savage roar—and a shockwave rolled off the beast, flinging all of us aside. I barely managed to throw up a Force barrier.
Coming to a bit, I get up and see an electrified Wookiee. Shock, spiked with adrenaline, spills out into wild laughter. Meanwhile, using sound to orient itself, the beast headed straight for me.
"S-sura!" I shout, darting aside. The beast follows right after me. It hears and smells me clearly.
Dodge—its jaws snap shut a meter from my arm. A leap—and another toothy snap right in front of me. Landing and roll. Tons of sand erupt where I land from the enraged beast. It lunges again, but this time a powerful shockwave slams into its side. I turn toward the source and instantly start choking.
"Don't you dare!" angry Ves yells. Her fur is electrified too, just like the Wookiee's. What's happening on her head is impossible to describe. "Don't even think about it."
"K-khryak…"
"No!"
"Pha-ha-ha…" I can't help it—and pay for it instantly. The lizard, recovering, charges at me again, but this time the twins intercept it. Striking its muzzle with the Force in unison, they disorient the lizard. The Wookiee finished it. Picking up his axe, he split the lizard's skull.
"Well…" Zeng said, wiping sweat off his forehead.
"…that's that," Feng finished.
"Don't celebrate yet," Ramira said, pointing at seven more rising sand mounds.
"MOVE!!!" I scream at the top of my lungs and, sheathing my swords, bolt first. The others react fast, and now we're sprinting as a tight pack from a group of angry reptiles.
"Whose idea was it to go at night through the Silent Desert?!" Feng yelled.
"Gris!" the fluffy Miraluka ratted him out.
"A gru-u-u!"
"Should've studied Tython's fauna! Didn't know, huh?" I shout back.
"Flint lizards don't care about the time of day, actually," Ramira said.
"Stop talking—move your legs faster!" Ves barked.
"Ar-ru gra ar-gra-aru."
"We barely took down one, and you want to kill seven more."
"Ugra-a ar argra-a."
"Since you're so smart, you go beat them and we'll watch," the Wookiee glanced back—and immediately picked up speed.
"Kar-ru-ra a-ru-u."
"What? Changed your mind? Thought so!"
"Guys!" I call out, pointing at a group of starfighters flying our way.
Reaching us, three starfighters opened fire immediately, grinding three lizards into mince and scaring off the rest. We finally stopped and collapsed onto the sand. Soon the aircraft landed, and someone walked up to us…
"Master G-a-a-ar-o-o-os," I drawl happily, without a hint of mockery. Never thought I'd be glad to see this slick-backed bore.
"What did you do?!" he snapped immediately.
"Well, we were… carrying out your assignment," I answer for everyone.
"Tell me honestly—are you idiots?"
"Huh?"
"Your target is ten kilometers from here, and it's in the temple's safe lands." We glance where he points. Oops. "But fine—your geography is terrible. Now answer me, please… WHY THE HELL did you set out at NIGHT?"
"Well…"
Whose idea was that? His hard glare swept over our group. Everyone sat with heads lowered, not daring to look up.
"You're lucky those were just flint lizards. Who's the 'genius' who came up with that 'bright' idea?" Yeah… the sarcasm and venom in the Master's voice were overflowing. Looking at my comrades, I sigh.
"Mine," I say, getting up off the sand and dusting my pants. The others immediately lift their heads—especially the Wookiee, whose eyes practically screamed, "What?!"
"Yeah, whose else could it have been," he stated. "And fine, you—but why did the rest of you go along? Ramira. You're a smart girl; you didn't even need to go with them, they took your punishment off. Why did you go?"
"Well… friends. And… classmates. I wanted… to help. In case someone got hurt."
"Yeah, with these lot something like that might happen, sure," the Master nodded.
"Gu-r-r-ra ar-r ra-r."
"Gris? What are you talking about?" the Master frowned.
"Nothing. He's just a stupid furry doormat who doesn't know how to keep quiet," I cut in, pressing the Wookiee with a look. Yeah… 'pressing a Wookiee with a look' is a good joke, but it worked anyway.
"Hm?" Now the Master looked at me.
"Master Garos, I'm the idiot who dragged the whole group into the desert at night. And led us the wrong way, too. I admit my guilt—ready to take punishment."
After that, silence fell. No one spoke. I watched the Master expectantly; he watched me back. Eh… if I hadn't screwed up in the temple, we wouldn't even be here. And Gris… everyone makes mistakes. Besides, I was kind of the group leader… was. And the final decision was mine. The worst part is, I knew perfectly well about those beasts, but I also knew our target was in safe territory, so I agreed to go at night. I never assumed we could accidentally end up in wild lands, so… however you cut it, the screwup is mine.
"So what am I supposed to do with you?"
"Understand them and let them go, and give me a reprimand," I shrug.
"And you won't even protest?" he sounded surprised.
"It's deserved."
"You're not hopeless. Fine—then everyone load into the cargo hold," he pointed at his ship. The exhausted students got up and headed for the machine. "And you," his gaze returned to me, "will continue carrying out the assignment. The safe zone is there," he pointed. "Can you get there yourself?"
"Yeah."
"Questions?"
"No questions."
"Excellent. Why are we standing around?"
"Ehh…" With a heavy sigh, I adjust my swords and head toward the temple. This is going to be a long night.
***
… I only returned to my room two days later. To find that damned kyber crystal, deliberately thrown into the sands, I had to keep my Force sight fully extended the entire time. The Silent Desert absorbed not only sound, but the Force as well, so I had to strain twice as hard. Why, with that kind of setup, do Je'daii navigate there just fine? Because they use Force sight, and that's a slightly different thing. I use waves to see. And since the sand absorbed those waves perfectly, I had to scan everything within a twenty-meter radius—or, more simply, check almost the entire territory. And where I found the stone, I'd passed three times and didn't find it. Naturally there was nowhere to eat, but thank the Force—Je'daii are much hardier than others in that regard, and I did have water with me. (Yeah, going into a desert without water—you'd have to be completely out of your mind.)
The crystal itself was a completely white, uncut little stone. Seeing my persistence, Master Garos allowed me to keep it as a trophy—apparently taking pity on my suffering… and gave me a few tips on its use. Turns out, crystals like that aren't rare on Tython at all, and they're actively used in any tech or devices. Kyber crystals focus the Force excellently, and with their help ship reactors are created, weapons, medical equipment, and much more. They're also used for direct Force use. Clothing with a kyber crystal in it strengthens the wearer's connection to the Force pretty well. What's also interesting—crystals are sentient. At least, that's what they believe. Turns out, if you meditate over one crystal for a long time, and pass only your own energy through it, the stone will start listening only to you. Well, at least that's what they say, but it doesn't stop people from stuffing these little rocks anywhere and everywhere.
Some bright minds made special blasters for themselves. Others made gloves capable of absorbing or reflecting enormous Force pressure—for example, the same ball lightning. To stop it, a Je'daii has to strain. But if he's wearing gloves like that, the kyber crystal will do it all for its owner, dispersing the lightning's energy. You only need a small impulse, and that's it.
Personal character matters here too. Depending on what emotions the owner experiences, and their personal qualities, the crystal can change color. For example, if you fall to the dark side, then whether you want it or not, the crystal will turn red. But only if you have a bond with it—if it's yours, so to speak. So, in a way, I got lucky. I found an untouched crystal. On the other hand, it's a prize for the winner. Under ideal conditions, the punishment we were going through is considered a test for older groups, and people generally didn't think I'd have the stubbornness to actually find it.
Glancing at myself in the mirror before going to the shower, I have to admit I don't look much like my former self. Messed black hair, filthy to the point where in places you can't see my characteristic "predatory," sort of "sharpened" pigment patterns. My clothes are no better: the vest is torn, the sleeveless shirt too; not even going to mention the pants—rag-only. One good thing: the boots are intact. If I'd lost or damaged them, Mom would've been very upset. Those aren't the kind you can find just anywhere—boots with joint attachments that don't hinder mobility during acrobatic tricks. And they don't fly off during them, either. Alright, enough staring at myself—it's time to shower and sleep.
When I came to class the next day, I quietly freaked out. The guys sat sour-faced, and kept looking at me… well… I don't even know. I'd call it a hunted look. Or guilty… squared. The special spice was the emotions, which sent goosebumps running all over me. Not pleasant.
"What's wrong with you?!" The surprise came out as sincere as it gets. I genuinely didn't understand what was going on. I got myself into it, I dealt with it—maybe something happened while I was gone?
"You're not mad?" Lina sounded surprised.
"About what?"
"Well… we left you there, and you… did the penance… for everyone," Ramira mumbled, surrounded by the twins. The guys had recently started guarding the girl like the apple of their eye.
"Like, you weren't even at fault," I shrug. "If I hadn't made that scene back then, it all would've blown over. I should be the one apologizing to you for dragging you in at all. And we should check on the techies too—really was awkward."
"But you stood up for us!" Feng howled. "Rias was coming at us, calling us weaklings and ordering us around. But then you showed up… with a kick, sending him into the workbench. And then the wreckage. And in general…"
"And why the hell was he rolling a barrel?" I cut the Zabrak off. "We, peo—uh… Tythonites are free folk. We decide ourselves what, how, and when to do. And besides, I can't stand it when important types think they're better than everyone else. If you're strong—good for you. But if you start bending others, someone will bend you, because screw that. That's how it always was, is, and will be. We were the first to occupy that machine, and even if he's almost a graduate, it doesn't give him the right to chase us off."
"That's exactly why we're apologizing," Ves spoke up. "You're always standing up for us, helping, and taking hits, while we…"
"Drop it," I wave them off and turn toward my desk. Reaching it, I flop onto the chair. "In the end, we're friends. I know that if something happens, I can count on you, and that's enough." I smile and look at them. Mom was right—my circle formed on its own. I just had to wait a bit. Ramira outright burst into tears, jumped up, and ran over to hug me. "Hey—stop, everyone's looking at us!" I exclaim, gesturing at the snickering group.
"Nope. Let everyone know how shy you are," Ves sang, perching right on my desk. Her pose was so provocative my self-control waved at me and left. Curvy chest, slim figure, and those shooting eyes—this cat worked at a hundred percent. And for the second year now, I've been feeling hormones pounding into my skull. Besides, I can't deny it: this kitty is pretty damn cute.
"Oh!" Ramira yelped, accidentally bumping into the consequences of my reaction. "And what…"
"Alright, THAT'S ENOUGH!" I bark, slamming the desk and knocking Ramira off it. Even Ves jumped from surprise.
"Pha-ha-ha-ha-ha…" the guys laughed, while Ves leaned down, licked my cheek, and walked off to her desk, leaving me in a quiet stupor.
Okay… what was that just now?!
***
"…And I'm telling you, cutting that beast is useless. It has no blood. You have to chop it!"
"But something still spills out!"
"Yeah. Sand and dust."
"But it can't spill out forever."
"You sure?"
"What are you boys arguing about?" Ramira hung between them, looping an arm around each of their necks.
"About the flint lizard," I answer calmly, then add, "Guys, you're both wrong."
"What?!"
"Ouyr-r-r-ri gr-a-o."
"After a hammer to the head, no one's going to be okay!"
"Ga-r-r-r u-u-i-r."
"And axes too. And rocks. And any heavy object, really—and if it's spiked, then…"
"So, guys: if we meet a beast like that again, we hit it with something heavier right in the forehead. Questions?" The twins shook their heads.
"Excellent!"
"Y-ieo-ey-oi."
"Trophies are sacred, sure, but who's going to carry them?"
"R-r-ri ar-rg u-u-r."
"Pha-ha-ha-ha-ha…"
"Even ten! As long as you haul them."
"He'll haul them," Ves stated. The Wookiee started grinning from ear to ear.
"Alright, guys, let's go. I still need to do extra duty for Master Garos."
"What for this time?" Lina asked mischievously.
"'Unworthy behavior in the presence of elders,'" I quote with air quotes. "So, business as usual."
"Alright. See you."
"See you, Li."
"Gra-i-i-i."
"Bye, Gris," someone hugged me.
"Zeng, Feng, Ramira," I give the three Zabrak a slight bow.
"Go on, Shade," they bow slightly as well. Funny thing: every species has its own greeting and farewell. For Zabrak, it's a slight bow; for Wookiees, a handshake—or if you're close, they hug you. For Miraluka, some weird hand pass that I turned into a high-five. But that's only with Li—others will require "tradition." As for Ves…
"Good luck," she whispered, and licked my cheek, then turned and, walking with her hips, led the others away. And her tail gives her away. Side to side, sharp flicks—one, two, three. Heh.
In general, every goodbye or hello with her turned into a mini-game called "Lick Shade." For days now I've been trying to make myself a note to finally check what that gesture even means, because there's no way I'll believe it's just a "friendship gesture." But every time I either forget, or I'm wa-a-a-ay too lazy to go ask somewhere. Especially after extra duty. Or extra lessons. Or both. And when asked, she only shoots her eyes and keeps quiet. I tried asking our people, but some just shrug, some keep quiet, and some suspiciously blush. Eh… alright. Let's see what the Master came up with today. Every takedu it's something new.
"Master Garos?" I call out to the Zabrak. Wait… why does he look so pleased?
"Ah, Shade. Master Tsikuna was looking for you," he says without looking up from his Force exercises—this… this… BASTARD.
"What?!"
"She's in the next room. Also, you'll be doing extra duty with her. Good luck, my best student!" And the grin—what a grin… someone give me a brick. Or at least a lemon. A whole one.
"Master Garos! Do you have a conscience?"
"And what?"
"Instead of sympathizing with your beloved student, you're mocking him!"
"You're beloved?"
"Sure! You love assigning me extra duty. Especially with you. And you yourself called me the best!"
"Best? Maybe. From the bottom."
"That's hurtful," I grumble.
"And that's good!" he raised a finger.
"And what about extra duty? And…"
"What else am I supposed to do when other people complain about you?" he cut me off. "No, just think about it…" He pulled a sheet of paper from inside his robe and read. "'Broke a workbench'…"
"That wasn't me! Someone was thrown into me and—"
"'Swore during meditation'…"
"I expressed my opinion eloquently."
"'Broke the horns off a wandering Devaronian'…"
"Note: without using the Force!"
"'Drove Master Runa into a psychosis.'" He paused. "HOW?! How did you do that?! He's Talid! And a monk!!! Their species has mental stability honed by endless spiritual meditations—HOW did you throw him off balance?" He shook a thick stack of papers in front of my nose.
"And what, he was lecturing me that I'm a spawn of the dark side of the Force? I just proved the opposite!"
"You showed how right he is! And I fully agree with him. More than that, he started drinking sometimes in the company of Master Uval, whom I won't even mention. But what kills me most is…" He glanced at the sheet. "'Asked questions in the wrong place at the wrong time.' What is that even supposed to mean?!"
"What am I supposed to do if Masters run away from me?"
"They run because you've worn them out. They don't even want to take you for extra duty anymore—just so they don't have to see your face. But no, you'll dig them up from under the ground. The only one who's happy to take you is Master Drags."
"But it's interesting!" I protest.
"Where, where do you get so much energy? Even Aala was more restrained than you in this regard…" He remembered something. "Though from her, almost all the guys in the area ran away too—but she scared them off. You, though… you cling like a parasite and won't calm down until you suck out every bit of information you need!"
"You're exaggerating. I won't deny I'm persistent, but not that much!"
"Tell that to Master Runa," he snorted.
"Uh… okay. I'll tell him next time I see him."
"NO! Don't you dare! And in general—don't go near him."
"But you—"
"That's enough. Go. I've already spent too much time talking to you."
Before I could say anything, I found myself outside the door.
Well… that was awkward. But it's fine, it's fine. He'll cool down a bit—I'll come back with something tasty, apologize, and we'll definitely make up. Probably. Maybe.