Niilah

(Will edit later)

As Larial began to cough up blood Niilah grabbed a nearby cloth from her nightstand and dabbed it at her mouth attempting to wipe some of the blood away. She listened closely to her friend speak to her children, more than likely her last words to them. The one thing that took Niilah by surprise was a third child which she had never heard about. It was a obviously a very well-kept secret. She knew what she had to do for her friend, find her child and make sure she is safe. As Colt spoke Niilah closed her eyes, hearing his voice always had some sort of effect on her and when he made his declaration she glanced at him for a brief second before turning back to Larial. When he mentioned he would meet her outside the room she nodded again, never taking her eyes off of Larial. She had her own goodbyes to say.

“I…I didn’t think you would go before I did….You weren’t supposed to go before me” Niilah began in a whisper, clenching down on her jaw to stop herself from crying. “Why? Why couldn’t you tell me? We were supposed to tell each other everything.”

Niilah sighed before chuckling lightly a tear rolling down her face, “This is just like you though. Keep everything in until it’s too late.”

Slowly she lifted herself just enough so her forehead touched Larial’s and began thinking of the memories they had together, pushing them into her friends mind. Their first meeting, where she didn’t really like Larial all that much. Their first sparring match which they did in tradition to her people, the Echani. The long four years they didn’t see each other and the moment they came together again, both with children of their own. The battles they fought together and won hand and hand and everything that had happened until this very moment.

“Thank you for entering my life. Thank you for being a mother to my daughter and teaching her everything she knows when I could not. I will see you on the other side my friend, my sister” Niilah finished before planting a kiss upon her friends forehead. “You will be missed.”

Then turning from the room Niilah made her way to the hall where a new mission would begin. One she could not fail.

Khaalee watched the scene play out in front of her, her hand in Rhages. Her family was grieving and she could not help any of them, not one. As her father left the room she knew what he was up to and she knew that she would follow him. She refused to let her aunts dying wish to go unheard. Picking up her aunts hand that her mother held she kissed it once.

“I don’t know what I will do without you,” Khaalee sniffed holding back tears, her other hand still tightly in her husband’s hand. Glancing at Rhage’s face it was a reflection of her own, after all she was the first one to know of and accept him for who he was. “We will both miss you my master, my mother, my best friend. We both love you….rest easy my love.” Turning from her dying aunt she walked out to the hall where both her parents waited, Rhage in tow.

“Are you two okay?” Khaalee asked looking down at the ground, knowing the answered they’d both give her.

Niilah sat on the floor behind the bar counter she was currently using as a shield to block her attackers blaster fire from coming in contact with her when her holo began to ring. It had been such a long time since someone called her that she tried to remember who would have frequency. With a quick glance over the bar she could see her comm lying next to one of the many attackers she had taken down. Then she counted the number of enemies left. There were two to her left, one to her right and one more approaching her hiding spot. She knew she had to think quickly if she wanted to get out of her current situation. On her she had her blaster, a vibroknife and her old lightsaber which she hadn’t used in so long she was more than certain she was out of practice with. Around her was nothing more than bottles, some in pieces and come completely intact.

Let me handle this. We have something we need to do.

“Like what?!?” Niilah replied out loud in a hushed voice.

Just do it and you’ll find out when I’m done with this mess.

With a sigh Niilah relinquished control of her body to her alter ego. It had taken sometime for the two to come to common ground but now that she did Niilah had no qualms about letting Raan take control every now and again. An onlooker wouldn’t tell the difference, her outward appearance did not change. It was in her voice and the look in her eyes that the change came, Raan having a higher pitch to her voice than Niilahs original voice and her eyes a blood red. Cracking her neck and letting out a low breath Raan smiled, “It feels good to be free again.”

Don’t get to comfortable. Just finish up quickly.

“Yeah I know, just watch and learn” Raan said with a smirk.

With another quick glance around Raan picked up her blaster and the closest bottle to her then rose to her feet, facing her four awaiting opponents. Each one of her attackers froze in their place.

“Shall we finish this gentlemen” Raan said with a smile before taking a long swig from the bottle she held in her hand.

“Whyrrens…ugh…” Raan spat with a groan before tossing the bottle at her closest opponent. As the man caught the bottle she shot with pinpoint accuracy, shattering the bottle causing it to burst into flames setting the man holding it ablaze. When the man’s screams filled the air Raan grinned widely before jumping on top of the counter. With one swift movement Raan pointed her blaster at the two on her left just as she pulled out her vibroknife with her other hand and threw it at the enemy on the right. When the man to the right dropped Raan shot twice causing the other two men to drop to the ground, leaving the blazing mans screams the only sound in the room. She watched him for a moment as he rolled around on the floor before she aimed her blaster and shot, silencing the room. Closing her eyes Raan gave Niilah control once more.

Pick up the holo.

Niilah did as she was told, hopping from the bar and slowly walking to pick up her holo, “Thanks for the help” NIilah said with a chuckle.

Listen to the message…….

Niilah was beginning to worry, Raan was usually emotionless now there was a seriousness to her tone. Ducking down she snatched her holo off the ground and played the message only to be surprised that it was her niece, Ciilah.

“Larial…..” was all that escaped Niilahs lips as the message ended.

It seems we have some goodbyes to say, Raan stated and Niilah could hear the sorrow in her voice.

“So it seems…..Let’s get going” Niilah replied as she made her way to the exit.

You should try to contact your children, they would want to know.

Nodding Niilah said no more and began making the necessary calls to her two children leaving a message for each of them she then called Gear as she exited the cantina.

“We’re headed to Alderran, prep the ship” Niilah said emotionless before ending the call, not waiting for Gears reply.

Are you okay? Raan asked her voice softer than usual.

“I’m fine” Niilah snapped as she made her way to her ship.

If you say so…….

Khaalee spun around the room, quickly tossing different items into her bag. The news she got wasn’t what she expected and her mind was racing. What could have happened? What didn’t her aunt tell her? Why hide something so serious? In a chair in the corner of the room Rhage sat quietly watching his wife’s frantic actions. He could see the hurt and worry in her face and he wanted to help her but he had no idea what to do, everyone he loved was with him still alive. Death in his small family wasn’t something he had to deal with. Rising from his chair he walked over to Khaalee and stood in her way as she reached for her bag.

“I’m coming with you” Rhage said softly as he lifted her head to look down into her luminescent emerald eyes. Looking up at the large man Khaalee’s eyes began to fill with tears. She knew how much Rhage hated the planet and she knew he didn’t like to go there, for his own reason of course. For him to willingly go there was something very different.

“You don’t have to do that” Khaalee attempted to say only to have Rhage wrap his large arms around her in one swift movement.

“I will be your strength when you have none. I promise you that” Rhage declared planting a kiss on top of Khaalee’s head.

She nodded once, her face in his chest, “My mom will be there. You know how she could be” Khaalee said her voice muffled.

Rhage chuckled causing his body and Khaalee to vibrate, “I know and it seems I’ll have to deal with the witch when its time…..but I’m still coming” Rhage replied pulling Khaalee away just enough for her to look into his eyes and see his devotion. “Let’s get going.”

Khaalee nodded as Rhage released her. Snatching the bag off the bed Rhage with one hand he tossed the bag over her shuld and out put out his other hand. Placing her hand in his the two made their way out the door.

“Think bringing the criminal to a place like this was a good idea?” Niilah questioned through her teeth as the trio made their way into the medical facility where Larial was being kept.

“Are you speaking of Rhage or yourself mother?” Khaalee answered with a hiss before Rhage could answer himself.

“I guess your right” Niilah replied with a smirk just as she felt a familiar presence. Her smile quickly went from a grin to a frown and she began to listen to the thoughts of the people in the building, some were voices she knew, people she met before. This caused her to stop in her tracks.

You’re here to see your sister off, get it together, Raan barked in Niilahs head.

With a quick shake of her head they continued and made their way to Larials room. Outside her room stood a green skinned man which both women recognized as Kenlar, Larials first child. Khaalee was just about to release Rhages hand and great her cousin whom she hadn’t seen in ages when her mother put her hand up, blocking her path.

“He isn’t who he once was” Niilah stated staring blankly at the now grown Kenlar. “I never thought that you would come here after falling into darkness. Then again I didn’t think you’d become a sith either. We’ll have our words, until then watch your step” Niilah finished with a glare before turning to her daughter.

“Sith?” Khaalee questioned confused taking a step forward, “Kenlar what happened to you?”

“He’s lost but we didn’t come here for him……I’m going in” Niilah said as she walk to the door and opened it ignoring everything and everyone else once she saw Larial in bed. She faked a smile and greeted her dear friend, “You look like hell Lari” Niilah joked as she slowly made her way to Larials side.

(Going to edit when I get home)

Niilah grinned widely and pulled the blanket off her as she jumped out of bed and landed lightly beside Colt. Excitement struck her for a moment at the thought of doing one more job before truly settling down. It would be a great way for her to let loose one more time. Then the realization of the mission hit her and she instantly turned serious. This wouldn’t be fun and games but one of the most important jobs she would be a part of, she had to get her mind right. The one problem they did have, well she had at the moment was who to stash Khaalee with. Colt would have to go with or without her but Niilah preferred that it be the former rather than the ladder. Taking a seat back on the bed she thought about the people she trusted. With both her parents deceased there was only two people left she had any faith in. It would be a long shot, Niilah knew how she felt about Colt but she hoped her friend would pull through for her daughter. Folding her legs she brushed her hair behind her ear and put out her hand, “Give me your com….†Niilah said with a sigh, “Sanjuiichii and Gear could watch her and meet us on the way. Unless of course you don’t think that’s a good idea.â€

For a long moment Niilah sat on the floor with her head between her knees thinking of the conversation she had with Colt. It left her with a lot to think about and a big decision to make. Hours had past and still she wasn’t any clearer on what to do. On the one hand she did want him around and to be a major part in her daughters life. On the other hand, Colt had hurt Niilah quite a few times in the past and she wasn’t so sure she would be able to deal with anymore heartbreak.

The Larial thing…….it doesn’t count….,Raan said softly.Niilah lifted her head slowly and cocked her head to the side, “And why doesn’t it?†Niilah questions a hint of acid in her voice.

Raan was quiet for a moment before she let out a sigh, she knew Niilah had taken what she said the wrong way and quickly tried to recover from it.

What I meant was….well you and him weren’t really that much of an item at the time. So in my opinion you can’t put that in the “he hurt me category†is all I’m trying to say.

Niilah groaned before resting her head back against her knees. Raan was right but then again Niilah didn’t really hold much animosity towards Colt for that little incident. It was everything after that fact. She couldn’t trust him like she wanted to, like she had in the past at least not with her own pain. But maybe having Colt around will help with the pain her daughter may encounter in the future.

There is only one way to make this decision, you know that right, Raan stated a hint of humor in her voice.

Niilah nodded stiffly as she got to her feet and quietly slipped from the room, her bare feet tapping lightly against the cold ground as she made her way to get a bottle of whiskey and two large glasses. The entire time she moved through the ship she made sure Colt wasn’t in view of her and vice versa, she didn’t want to break his concentration. When she had what she needed Niilah headed back into the room where Khaalee slept. Once again she took a seat on the floor before crossing her legs and placing the bottle of whiskey as well as the two large glasses on the ground in front of her side by side.

Let’s start from the beginning…..Good and bad. Niilah sighed as she opened the bottle of whiskey and pour a small amount into the glass on the right.

“He left me alone….pregnant†Niilah stated dryly as she stared down at the glasses. It was the worst thing he had done to her.

True but he did come back to finish what he started, Raan replied and as she did Niilah poured a little whiskey into the glass on the left.

“He is a runner and there is a big possibility that he will leave again…†Niilah continued with the cons as she dropped a little more whiskey into the glass on the right.

He has a great love for Khaalee and he isn’t bad to look at, Raan chuckled lightly at the end of her statement but still Niilah poured some whiskey into the pro’s glass.

The two continued this game for most of the night, only stopping briefly when Khaalee moved in her sleep. By the end of the conversation both glasses were almost completely full leaving Niilah still very confused on what to do. Raan hadn’t spoken for an hour as she let Niilah think over her decision.

Absentmindedly Niilah picked up the con glass and slowly placed it to her lips when Raan shouted in her head so loud Niilah almost dropped the glass.

Wait….I have one more…Niilah shook her head, it was over and she didn’t want to hear it anymore yet still she place the glass back onto the ground.

You……you love him. That should be enough. No matter what he’s done or hasn’t done, you still are in love with him. Love makes people do crazy things, let this be one of those times. When was the last time we did something where we had no idea what the outcome was. Colt is just that, unpredictable. Give him one more shot, one more shot Blu and things will be well not great but better.

Niilah sighed and a tear rolled down her face. Raan had a way of giving her the truth without a filter and although a lot of the time it was annoying she appreciated it. Getting to her feet Niilah sat on the bed and watched her daughter sleep for a moment. Suddenly the door opened and Colt stepped in, "Why don't we get married?"

Niilah was taken aback by his question but she realized that with the question he had made his decision. She smiled softly as she turned to look at Colt, “I never thought you were the type of guy who wants to get married. Besides you’ve never asked me or I you†Niilah said with a chuckle. Slowly she rose to her feet and walked over to Colt placing her hand on his chest directly over his heart.

Looking into his emerald eyes she spoke softly yet the victory in her voice was clear, “I would love to but how about we start with breakfast….you know baby steps love.â€

Niilah nodded slowly and turned away from Kenway to look out the window.

"We shall see my friend, we shall see" Niilah said slowly. "He won't catch me off guard this time. I'll be ready."

Niilah had no idea what else to say so she sat in her seat quietly for a moment before she began pushing her mind out towards her daughter. The shared gift between mother and daughter made it easy for the two to communicate with each other mentally. Niilah could tell Khaallee was still awake and she could see that her daughter was sifting through thoughts in Larial's mind. She chuckled before she begun shoving images into Khaallee's mind, distracting the small girl from her task.  

Khaallee stiffened in bed as she felt Niilah touch her mind before she let out a giggle. She thought she had treaded lightly in Larial's mind but her mother constantly seemed to be searching for her own thoughts. The little girl knew she would be in trouble had her mother been in front of her and quickly relaxed and slipped from Larial's mind. Shutting her eyes the little girl watched the images scroll through her mind as her mother began giving her a bedtime story of her own.