His Padawan

One Glance

Through the haze of the mind numbing drugs and pain, Kiara sensed something different. It was a feeling, a faint hope. It was a presence she had not felt since....before.

She felt the scars from yesterday on her back start to open and she moved to the floor. She knew what was required of her. Another day, another cantina, more men to stare at her. Normally, she would be ashamed of her skimpy outfit. She would try to cover herself with it as much as possible. But she was past caring about her modesty.

Kiara spun around, facing her audience.

One glance, one familiar pair of sky blue eyes. He had come for her.

She took a deep breath, then shook her head at him. She was past saving, she would only bring him down.  She would not look at him again.

With tears in her eyes, she moved through her routine, trying to hide the occasional wince. Her scars burned and she could feel fresh blood dripping down.

Kiara was almost too ashamed to dance in front of her Master.  But she knew the price if she refused or did not complete the entire performance.  He would hurt one of the other girls to punish her.  And then she would pay for her rebelliousness.

She knew exactly how the other men were looking at her as she twirled and moved her hips in time to the music.  She was every bit as graceful and  desirable as the Twil-lek dancer.

The minutes seemed like hours and Kiara trembled with exhaustion, her muscles weak from lack of nourishment.  For once, she was almost grateful for the different drugs forced into her, they made it easier to ignore the guilt and the shame.  She was so tired, so numb.

All of a sudden, she stumbled and fell...right into the arms of a burly moisture farmer.

"Hey gorgeous" he laughed, squeezing her tightly.

She couldn't help the small cry that escaped her lips as she struggled against him.  The cantina broke out in laughter and cheers at her imprisonment.

"I might need to take you home with me" the man said, holding her so close she could smell the beer on his breath. The other patrons jeered and laughed harder as she tried to push him away.

"Let her go!" a strong voice called out.

The man laughed and stood up, keeping a tight hold on Kiara and pressing her ever closer.

"Perhaps you did not hear me. I said, let her go" her protector said in a low, dangerous voice.

The man stopped laughing, and pulled aside his dusty tunic to show a holster and blaster strapped to his side.

"I don't think so, mate" he threatened.  Kiara slammed her elbow into his stomach. He doubled over in pain and she pushed away.

For one second, she was safe.  Then a large hand caught her wrist and hauled her backwards.  She didn't see the blow coming as he slapped her across the face.

An ominous snap-hiss reverberated through the small cantina.

"I will not ask again. Let her go or die now" Anakin growled.

The man took one look at the furious Jedi knight and blanched.  

Kiara was lifted and tossed like a rag doll.  

Anakin caught her with one arm.  Lightsaber still activated, he backed out the cantina door.

Once a safe distance, he enveloped her in a long awaited embrace.

Surrounded and protected, Kiara closed her eyes against the tears and allowed herself to feel safe, if only for a moment.  

Thank you all for being patient with me!!!

 Life has been pretty crazy...school, nurse aide training (so proud of myself for doing that!), a boy who could definitely be my boyfriend if only he could make up his mind (boys are stupid like that), work, etc. 

But anyways, I finally updated!!!!!!

As always, you guys are the best!!!! Thank you so much for all your votes and comments and please keep them coming :)