Brotherhood

Chapter 47 - Dathomir

Author's Note: For those of you who have been waiting for more Ventrex, this chapter is for you. :) Also, I do not apologize for the cliffhanger at the end. You'll have to wait a couple chapters (at least) before you find out what happened. ^-^

~ Amina Gila

"Are you sure about this?" Rex can't help but ask as Asajj pilots the shuttle down towards the surface of Dathomir. The planet is giving off creepy vibes which are only enhanced by the redness of it. It seems unnatural. And, of course, it's a planet of witches. Like Asajj. She might not have been raised one of them, but she still is – or was – one of them. Still, that doesn't do much to make Rex feel any more comfortable.

She purses her lips, clearly trying not to laugh at him. "You've only asked me that five times, Rex," she teases lightly. "Are you sure about this? You didn't have to come with me, you know."

He knows that. He can't even explain why he did come. He... hadn't wanted her to go alone, and he thought she might need the support. Besides, Dooku hasn't been keen on sending Asajj off to Dathomir on her own, even if she is perfectly capable of caring for herself. Rex had volunteered, because – because... he doesn't know. He has no idea how to put his feelings towards the Nightsister into words. She is a friend. She has been there for him in the past, and he knows that she will be in the future as well. He would like to repay her for that. And maybe there's something else, something... he doesn't know how to label.

"I wanted to," he shrugs, trying to sound nonchalant.

She gives him a sideways glance as she lands the shuttle in the middle of a clearing, in between the strange-looking fauna of the planet. Something Rex can't quite interpret – gratitude perhaps? Or something else – flashes through her blue eyes, and she nods, standing. "Come on then."

They disembark to the strange sounds of the wildlife on Dathomir. Asajj steps forwards, walking towards some unknowable location, and Rex follows her, feeling uneasy, hands slipping towards his blasters. He doesn't like this planet. At all. Suddenly, Nightsisters jump down all around them, surrounding them. The witches are dressed in red, and they're all carrying weapons of some type or other.

"We don't like strangers," one of them hisses, pointing a sword at Asajj and Rex.

Asajj narrows her eyes. "I'm not a stranger."

The Nightsisters ignore her, snatching away her lightsabers and taking Rex's blasters. Oh, this isn't good. This is the last time he'll ever go to a planet of witches. "Prepare to die," warns one of them, and Rex braces himself for a fight.

"Stop!" calls a strangely echoing voice, and everyone turns towards a taller Nightsister, wearing clothing in a style that makes Rex think she's the leader. "She is one of us. Her companion is under her protection. Take them to the village."

The Nightsisters begin murmuring amongst themselves, obviously surprised, but Asajj pays them no mind, her eyes fixed on the leader. "Mother Talzin," she realizes, bowing her head in greeting before gesturing to Rex to follow as they all begin walking to the village.

"At last, you have returned," Mother Talzin says, "And you are safe again. I remember the day we were forced to give you up to protect the clan. Your sacrifice has never been forgotten. I had hoped you would find your way to us sooner."

Asajj's expression tightens. "We're not here to stay," she clarifies, "But I need your help."

"You have but to ask."

Rex really, really does not like these witches. At all. But he won't say so. Asajj seems similarly ill-at-ease, though she's hiding it well. These were her people though, so it makes sense that she wouldn't have that hard a time being here. Or maybe it simply makes it harder because she never grew up here. Coming back to a home she hardly remembers must be difficult, and not for the first time, Rex wonders what it's like for nat-borns; he's only ever known what it's like to have siblings, brothers. He doesn't know what it's like to have parents or children or any of that.