Are We Meant To Be? *2nd book of the Other Half Trilogy*

~ Ch. 23 ~

              Acarna's POV

    It's been a few months since I've become a Sith Master and started training my Padawan, Barriss. She's not exactly a quick learner, but, she is eager to learn. I've taught her some of what I know. Some things I don't feel she's ready to learn yet. She just doesn't have the required amount of concentration or power. I've also been practicing my technique. Zalaan is the one that I'm constantly practicing on. I really don't have a choice in the matter, I feel as though my Master Starkiller found out about mine and Zalaans past relationship........and how Zalaan still has feelings for me.

    I have also been having to hang out with Kallus, if this arranged marriage is going to work. I actually think that he actually likes me. "Acarna, you have a call." Dargeo said to me. "That will be all for now. I will seek you out for us to continue later." I said to Barriss, then left and walked with Dargeo.

    "Who is it from?" I asked him, as we turned a corner. "Your Mother. She's requested to see the three of us, together." Dargeo said. "Something must've happened. I've felt a recent disturbance in the Force earlier. Did you?" I asked. "Yes, I did, but, it didn't seem too important." Dargeo said as we entered the bridge and I saw Zalaan was already waiting there, with my Mother already on the Holocommunitcator.

    "Good, all three of you are here." Mom said. "Mother, did something happened? I felt a disturbance in the Force earlier today." I asked. "You three need to have a seat before I tell you this." Mom said. Dargeo and Zalaan sat, but, I remained standing. Whatever happened, I just need to brace myself, I don't need to sit. I nodded for her to continue, silently telling her that I was alright.

    "There was an attack by the Rebels. An attack on the Sith Temple, here on Shili. There are some causalities." She turned and faced Zalaan. "One of the causalities.........was your Mother, Maladi. I'm very sorry Zalaan. We lost so many in this bombing that we are still finding bodies as we speak. So, now you have another objective on top of finding your Brother. You three are to destroy any Rebel ships and crews on them. No survivors. It's time to squash this rebellion. Once and for all! Feel free to use any means necessary. Oh, and Acarna, remember. These are most likely the people that took your Father from us. Teach these Rebels that the Sith show no mercy." my Mom said, then ended the transmission.

    I turned and faced Zalaan. His head was downcast and I could feel his anger rolling off in waves. Dargeo and I held him in a group hug. "You should go for the funeral. We can handle things here while your away." Dargeo said, breaking the hug. "Rebel scum! I'll make them pay!! They'll all pay!!" Zalaan yelled. "Yes, Zalaan they will pay dearly for this. But, you must go be with your Mom, Talon. She needs you right now just as much as you need her. Go be with her." I said, making him look me in the eyes. His yellow eyes were staring back at mine and I knew that this will be very hard. But, hopefully with us going after the Rebels now, and with him killing some, his thirst for blood will be quenched.

    In what seemed like a split second, Zalaan had me in his arms and was kissing me, hard. I couldn't believe that he was doing this! In front of Dargeo! We kept our old relationship a secret, even from Dargeo. I never even told him about it even after Zalaan and I broke up. Good thing it was only the three of us in the room. Then, in a flash of what I knew to be Dargeo, he had ripped Zalaan and I apart and was holding him by the throat, choking him.

    "Dargeo!! Stop!!" I yelled. Dargeo loosened his grip on Zalaan so he was no longer choking but, he still had Zalaan by the throat. "Do you have any idea what danger he just put you in Acarna?! If someone on the ship saw that, they'd have went straight to Kallus and Zalaan would not be put in jail for just holding your hand, they would send him out in an airlock and kill him!!" Dargeo yelled back at me. "You don't think I know that?" Zalaan said, his voice hoarse due to Dargeo choking him. "Shut up Zalaan!" Dargeo yelled at him. Dargeo was so angry, he threw Zalaan across the room and Zalaan cried out in pain. I tried to go over to Zalaan, but, Dargeo was holding me back. "Let me go! He could have broken something!" I said. "He deserves it!" Dargeo argued. "What is wrong with you?! He's our friend!" I argued with him. "A 'friend' does not kiss his girl friend in front of the other friend that is the cousin to the girl! A 'friend' doesn't risk the reputation of another! A 'friend' does not betray the trust of his other friend within the circle!" Dargeo yelled. He took a deep breathe, calming himself, then looked at Zalaan. "I'm going to send a message to your Mother and request that Zalaan be taken off this mission; due to his Mothers passing. He is unstable and could kill anyone. Even those he cares about. I'm sure your Mother will agree with me. After all, I am your cousin." Dargeo said. "You can't do this! You wouldn't!" I yelled, angry at Dargeo for even thinking of this! "I'm protecting our family! Who knows what would happen to you!" Dargeo said, sighing at the end and releasing me. I'm so pissed at him! I can't believe he would do something like this! "I'll leave you two to say your goodbyes. I'm preparing a shuttle for him now." Dargeo said, then left.

    I ran over to Zalaan and held his head in my lap. "Does anything hurt?" I asked him. "No, I'm alright, just got the wind knocked out of me. I forgot Dargeo has a good throw." Zalaan said. It was silent for awhile and I can't stand the silence. So I decided to sing a song that he sang to me after we broke up the first time. Of course, nobody had any idea that we were together then.

Honey, why are you calling me so late?

It's kinda hard to talk right now

Honey, why are you crying, is everything okay?

I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud

Well, my girl's in the next room

Sometimes I wish she was you

I guess we never really moved on

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name

It sounds so sweet

Coming from the lips of an angel

Hearing those words - it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye

But, girl, you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

It's funny that you're calling me tonight

And, yes, I've dreamt of you too

And does he know you're talking to me?

Will it start a fight?

No, I don't think she has a clue

Well, my girl's in the next room

Sometimes I wish she was you

I guess we never really moved on

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name

It sounds so sweet

Coming from the lips of an angel

Hearing those words - it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye

But, girl, you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

It's really good to hear your voice saying my name

It sounds so sweet

Coming from the lips of an angel

Hearing those words - it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye

But, girl, you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

(And I never wanna say goodbye)

But, girl, you make it so hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel

Honey, why are you calling me so late?

    "I remember that song." Zalaan said, as I helped him stand. I couldn't look him in the eye. "Come you need to pack." I said, and left him to walk to his room alone. Wiping a silent tear as I turned the corner. Knowing that Dargeo's plan will happen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{ So, I don't think I made it too sad?? Not exactly sure. Anyways!! Will Dargeo be able to forgive Zalaan? Will his plan to have Zalaan removed from their mission work? Will Acarna be able to fix the broken bond between Dargeo and Zalaan??

Specter 7 out!!!! ]