The Other Side

[Sreeya]

Andraste was beginning to lose hope, not seeing Aeslan. She cursed herself, pondering diving into the water. She knew it would be useless and she would only drown, unable to swim. However, she saw a shock of white hair and immediately knew he had surfaced. Andraste couldn't help the abrupt feeling of elation that filled her chest like a bubble. It was something she wasn't used to, an alien feeling. As he knelt next to her, Andraste couldn't help but smile at his words. She leaned in without thinking, her face mere inches away from his. However, she got nervous last second, quickly pulling back and slapping him on the face.

"Don't be a self sacrificing idiot! Stupid Jedi and their moronic habits that get them killed.."

Blushing furiously, Andraste quickly looked away, rising to her feet. She had no idea what had come over her. She had been utterly happy to see him again and the moment completely clouded her thoughts. Andraste dashed down the halls, expecting him to follow.

"The layout on this floor is the same as the one below. I don't think word got out that we're on this floor yet so we still have a shot."

Using the Force to aid her movements, she darted the same direction Aeslan had been on the floor below. The doors did not shut this time, though it would be a matter of seconds before the emergency lockdown began. Andraste saw the final door begin the drop, the one that led to the hangar. She sped up even more, abruptly launching her body downwards to skid right underneath the closing door. As she did so, she applied a harsh pull on Aeslan, yanking him through the doorway an instant before it shut. Andraste quickly got to her feet, looking around at the various transports.

"How the hell do these work..."

 

[Demiurge]

Aeslan gasped to catch his breath as Andraste dragged him through the door of the ocean hanger. Strangely, he still caught himself smiling. It felt like, to him, it'd been ages since she'd slapped him. In fact, he'd almost missed it. Before, it was a source of irritation, but now, it was... affectionate.

"They're called bongos. The Gungans have several types, military, public transport, private, luxury, and so on. They're like the speeders of the underwater world."

Aeslan walked up to the bongos, examining each of them. He was skilled in manipulating electronic devices, technopathy as some called it, but Gungan technology was bio-engineered. And manipulating life was on the furthest opposite end of Aeslan's spectrum of affinities. He'd need to find the one the Gungans had already designated for him. After searching for several seconds, Aeslan found it.

"Here - it's this one. The Gungans keep all the power generators for their machinery in vaults to prevent theft, but this one has it's electromotive field motor intact... and it has a bio-electric fission reactor fully charged and powered, reinserted right into the core. This thing's definitely ready to launch."

Aeslan hopped in the bongo and the submersible instantly came alive, and brought up per-programmed navigation charts to the surface, and an autopilot feature to take him. Moments before he got ready to call Andraste in, Aeslan looked around, quickly realizing it was a monobongo, seated for one person. After all, the Gungans were only prepared to allow him to leave, not her.

"We're, um... we're... kinda tight on space."

 

[Sreeya]

Andraste sighed loudly during his explanation. She cut in during his speech.

"Aeslan I don't give a rat's ass about what kind of transport it is. I only care about getting out of here."

She quickly followed him as he picked one out, the one that he could control. Andraste peered in, confusion on her features.

"Where am I suppo-"

Her eyes widened in horror as she realized it was only meant for one person.

"Are you kidding me?! There has to be another one here somewhere!'

She scrambled around looking for another one, but she could hear the Gungans quickly making their approach. As she looked up, she saw various transports gathering outside the bubble dome, prepared to stop their escape. Andraste cursed loudly and crammed into the monobongo, plopping down on Aeslan's lap. She scowled ahead.

"Don't say a word."

 

[Demiurge]

Aeslan stifled a grin crawling onto his face as Andraste complained about the prospect of sitting on Aeslan's lap. Technically, she could squeeze herself on the floor between the chair and the inner walls of the bongo, but... he frankly didn't want to. With the Gungans approaching, Andraste conceded and went into the bongo, sitting on his lap. It took everything he had not to crack a joke, but her expression alone was more than amusing.

Aeslan began activating the navicomputer of the bongo and engage the set course from the ocean floor to the surface. As he finished the plotting, the computer livened up and the bongo cockpit shield engaged.

"Alright, here we g-"

The impact was sudden, and decisive. The Gungans that had been approaching had finally left their mark, as a booma hit the back of the bongo, creating a circular open fracture in its coral hull.

"OH, DAMMIT ALL TO HELL!"

The bongo shuttered before coming back to life, and began re-plotting its course and taking off. Aeslan looked at the water now surging into the small bongo, and looked palely at Andraste.

"Speak! Quickly! Do you know how to control and manipulate the oxygen in your lungs? Uh... they sometimes call it Breath Control or the Art of Breathing, something like that."

 

[Sreeya]

Andraste cried out loud as the bongo was hit before it even took off. She looked down in terror as water began filling in. Andraste scrambled around, that similar panic attack beginning to set over her. This time it was much worse as they began to lift off into the ocean and it was confined space with water spilling in. Andraste looked up at Aeslan as he rapidly spoke.

"Art of Brea-.. WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! I'M NOT A GOD DAMNED FISH!"

She growled and attempted to find a way out. They were in the sea now, the other transports chasing after them. The rising bongo meant that oxygen was rapidly depleting, and she grew more and more hysterical, struggling to burst out.

"I've come too far to drown in a stupid water pod thing! LET ME OUT OF HERE!"

 

[Demiurge]

"Calm down -- calm down, would you?!"

With her first words, Aeslan knew exactly where she was headed. That same panicky fear that engulfed her whenever one of her phobias kicked in. But now wasn't simply 'not the time', it was the worst possible time. Now more than ever, they needed to preserve their air supply, remain calm, and what she was doing was the absolute worst thing she could do; panic. Aeslan shut his eyes tightly, as if prepping himself. The water was more than halfway, and rising rapidly.

"Dammit, shut up and give it break!"

At that, Aeslan grabbed Andraste by the back of her head and his other arm around her waist, pulling her in to seemingly kiss her. The only thing he said further was telepathically to her mind.

"Calm down... and breathe... just... breathe..."

Using breath control, Aeslan slowed his breathing and used the Force to preserve all the air and oxygen within his lungs. And as he called upon the Force to preserve his own air, he too shared it with Andraste. Through him, the Force acted through her as well, cherishing the oxygen in her body to preserve her alive. As he sealed their airways through their nasal passages, their only pathway for air was through their mouths... through each other.

As the moments passed, the bongo filled up completely with water, leaving the two completely submerged within the sub for the duration of the travel to the surface. All the while, Aeslan held onto Andraste tightly, never letting go or loosening his hold on her, even for a moment... even after the sunlight beamed into the sub, and finally came out of the water.

 

[Sreeya]

Andraste began splashing about, slamming her hands against the edges of the bongo. The action caused excruciating pain to course through her injured hands. Andraste looked all around her, feeling that familiar sensation of paranoia as weightlessness filled her and water began to rise to her chest. Andraste couldn't hear Aeslan, simply hysterical. When he abruptly grabbed her, her eyes widened. She felt his soft lips suddenly press against hers. Her face instantly turned red, all thoughts of their perilous situation forgotten. Andraste heard his telepathic message, fighting back her desire to pull away. A small part of her mind didn't want to.

"...What...are you doing?"

It took her a long moment to realize that she could suddenly breathe, although water was above her head now. The two of them floated within the bongo and she clung onto him to keep being able to breath. Andraste tried not to think about what was happening, a burst of various different feelings welling up inside her. It was something she had never felt before, and for the rest of the journey she remained quiet, closing her eyes and slumping against him while the bongo surfaced.

There was an abrupt jerk as the bongo broke the surface of the water. Andraste had almost gone into a trance, a sort of sleep aided by the Force. It took her a moment to realize she still had her lips pressed against Aeslan's. The water began to drain thanks to the hole in the bongo. With a hiss the door opened, and she let Aeslan go, the water carrying her back over to the shore. Andraste coughed and ran over to the sand, falling over onto the beach.

"BY THE FORCE I HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER TO SEE YOU, LAND!"

With that, she began to kiss the ground, mockingly worshipping it. She ended the odd display by toppling over to lay on the beach, rolling over onto her back and breathing heavily. Andraste tried not to think about how she had sustained breathing the whole journey up..

 

[Demiurge]

Aeslan didn't look at the water after they resurface. He couldn't. After the bongo had reached the shore and Andraste had left the submersible to admire the dry land, Aeslan found himself remaining behind... almost wanting to be underwater again. And by the time he realized that he didn't want his "sharing" with her to end, he felt his face heat up, and found himself too embarrassed to even look at his own reflection.

"Um... Theed is nearby... so... it's, y'know, by the ocean. So it just keep following the shoreline East of here... we, uh... we should come to the city."

Just before he spoke, Aeslan caught a glimpse of Andraste's lips, and found himself instantly turning his head away, and blushing. For the entire time that he spoke, Aeslan could not make eye contact at all with Andraste.

"...so... we, uh... we should get moving."

 

[Sreeya]

It took a long moment for Andraste to realize that Aeslan had also washed up ashore. She spat dirt out and wiped her mouth off, realizing she looked absolutely ridiculous. She continued gazing up at the sky, never having been so happy to be alive. Andraste looked up as Aeslan spoke, clearly noting his discomfort. She was once again reminded of everything that had transpired, her face growing hot. Andraste cleared her throat.

"Um.. yes..Theed..."

She rose to her feet and started following Aeslan, looking down at the ground. Andraste remained silent for a long moment, walking behind Aeslan. The outline of Theed was visible up ahead. As she thought about where her travels would take her, she abruptly remembered something.

"My saber! You have my saber!"

She ran up next to Aeslan, scowling.

"I can't believe you just stole my saber and..."

Andraste's features softened then as she met his eyes. For a moment, she simply paused, saying nothing.

"Did you know...that your eyes are different colors?"

Without waiting for an answer, she leaned in to kiss him, raising her hand to curl against the back of his head.

 

[Demiurge]

The walk to Theed felt like an eternity. Although they could see the city in view after only a relatively short walk, when compared to the rest of their journey, Aeslan's mind was galaxies away from just walking back to civilization. The first real break in the silence finally came when Andraste spoke up about Aeslan still having her lightsaber.

"Alright, alright! I still have it. It's right..."

When Andraste's expression softened, it was like something hypnotic to Aeslan. There was a long pause, where there was only silence, all he did was stare back into her eyes until finally she spoke out, remarking, asking if he knew he had eyes of differing colors. She didn't wait for an answer... and Aeslan didn't give one.

As her hand reached around the back of his neck, Aeslan did the same with his right hand, bringing it around to the back of her head, becoming lost in her hair, while his other hand wrapped around her lower waist, pulling her towards him. And as she leaned in to kiss him, Aeslan moved in himself, pressing his lips against hers as he embraced her. For a moment, he lost track of everything, where he was, what he was doing there, where he was going... everything just seemed to fade from his mind until there was only her.

 

[Sreeya]

---​

The sun had begun to set by the time a beeping noise abruptly cut through the silence. Andraste felt groggy, completely exhausted from being out and about the past few days. She shifted slightly in her sleep, her eyes opening slowly. Andraste was thankful when the beeping finally stopped. She looked down to find herself laying on Aeslan's chest. For a moment, she simply gazed at him, watching the last rays of sunlight reflect off his platinum hair and the shadows cast upon his face, outlining his features. Andraste couldn't help but reach down and gently kiss him on the cheek before trailing the feathery kisses over to his lips. She smiled against his lips and lazily reached down to retrieve the comlink that had been buzzing.

As she looked into the screen, her smile instantly faded. Andraste pulled away from him, her features darkening. She quickly grabbed her clothing, hastily putting everything back on. She looked over at Theed, a short walk away. Andraste inwardly cursed herself for having been wrapped up in her personal ventures. She glanced down at the comlink again, a mission detailing her presence on a Jedi outpost on Tanaab. The other names mentioned were all Sith she knew and cared about. The mission quickly reminded her of what she was slowly forgetting. It reminded her about who she truly was. Andraste looked over at Aeslan, backing away slowly. The realization that she had made love to a Jedi hit her like a ton of bricks. A pang of panic grew within her. Most of it came from the fact that it would put Aeslan in danger.

Andraste finished putting on her clothing, grabbing his lower body clothing as well. He at least had some sort of underwear to get by with. She kept stealing glances at the comlink, cursing to herself. Andraste looked back behind her, the waves gently rolling over to the beach, the sun setting in the distance. It was the perfect view and the perfect setting. She wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep and return to the dream the last few days had been. However, reality hit her harshly and she knew she couldn't stay. Andraste finally turned to him, sighing.

"I've..I've got to go.."

 

[Demiurge]

The light of the setting sun was as a warm blanket overcast on his body. A constant beeping noise met his ears, but none of these woke Aeslan from his sleep. None, except the movement of the woman resting on his chest. As Aeslan moved to open his eyes, Andraste's lips were pressed against his cheek, paving a way until she met his lips. Aeslan could feel smile she made as she kissed him, causing him to grin in turn as he wrapped his arms around her.

However, in that instance, she assertively pushed away from him. Aeslan's mind shot awake as he pushed his arms behind him and against the ground, propping his body up as he watched Andraste rapidly dress herself while examining a comlink. But Aeslan could sense it; there was something disturbing her, something... morbid. He sensed fear, but it was not fear directed at herself... it was almost as if it were directed toward him. As Andraste was caught up in getting her affairs in order, Aeslan took the time to partially clothe himself, fitting his trunks back on as he got up and ran after her as she walked away. Aeslan caught up to Andraste as she stopped and turned around to him.

"Wait, you..." Aeslan said in a near whisper, as he reached for and grabbed Andraste's hand, wrapping his fingers in between hers, "You don't have to leave."

 

[Sreeya]

Andraste felt him grab her hand, and she did not immediately yank it away. She paused where she stood, sighing. For a moment, she said nothing, secretly savoring the feeling of his fingers entwined with hers. Andraste finally turned around to look into his eyes.

"I have to.. I have to because...because of who I am."

She looked down at the comlink again.

"I was summoned for a mission."

Andraste wouldn't lie to him. She looked him right in the eye, her face suddenly an impassive mask.

"It involves Jedi. It's to turn into a battle. Do you understand? I'm being summoned to..to be a Sith. I'm a Sith. Do you understand, Aeslan? I'm a Sith and you're.."

She continued stepping back, finally letting go of his hand. Andraste glared down at the sand, angry at herself for letting this happen.

"My brother is going..my friends are going.. and here I am..with a Jedi. I'm shaming my Order. As are you. We're both just..."

With a frustrated cry, she whipped around and continued going the path she had started on.

 

[Demiurge]

For thousands upon thousands of years, the Jedi and the Sith have been at war, philosophically, militarily, and religiously. Jedi killed Sith, Sith killed Jedi. For thousands of years, nothing's changed... except for him. Aeslan listened to every word from Andraste's mouth, every detail of what she told him... only to find himself squeezing her hand tighter.

"I told you before... before being a Jedi, I am me... I am Aeslan."

Aeslan gripped Andraste's hand tighter as she whipped around, not letting go.

"And you're Andraste! That's who you are before being a Sith. That's who you are to me, and I... I can't let you go."

 

[Sreeya]

Andraste sighed as Aeslan spoke, refusing to let go of her. She was once again stopped in her tracks. She listened to his words, and they cut into her like the edge of a sword. Andraste looked into his eyes, her own eyes narrowing.

"Andraste is Sith, Aeslan. I am defined as a Sith. There is no before and after, I was born as a Sith."

She couldn't look away from him, and it pained her to think about letting him go. Andraste thought about all they had been through together so far. She looked down at their hands, the warmth she felt from their connection. For a long moment, there was nothing but the sounds of waves in the distance.

"Aeslan, you will be killed. You don't understand who I am. You don't know what I was running from. You don't know who I was running from. You'll be murdered if there is any connection between us. I can't let that happen."

She was surprised at her own words. Andraste normally had no qualms about letting people drop like flies. However, Aeslan opened up a whole new side of her she did not know existed. She still found it hard to come to terms with that fact, and part of it made her uncomfortable. The effect he had on her terrified her.

"We've both committed a crime and we're continuing it by even talking like this. I'm not going to abandon my Order..my family..and I will not ask you to do the same."

 

[Demiurge]

"No, you're not defined by a philosophy. No one is ever destined to a single path, even if we are born to one. A Sith may be what you are, but who you are, that will always be the same. That will never change."

Aeslan shared the silence with Andraste. The waterfalls surrounding Theed roared in background, creating a soothing ambiance around them. The light from Naboo's setting sun created an image about Andraste he couldn't let out of his sight, for fear of losing it. No matter how she tried to rationalize it, he couldn't let her go.

"I have no family, Andraste. And I've lost the only two people among the Jedi who were even like family to me. I only follow the Jedi because I believe the path they've paved is the right one... but, I don't need to be a part of the Order to follow the path I choose."

Aeslan then gripped Andraste's hand tighter.

"You wouldn't have to ask me to leave. And I do not fear what may come from being with you. I don't fear dying, but I wouldn't let myself be killed either."

Aeslan began pulling Andraste closer, tugging his hand back as he reached for her open hand while still holding tight to the hand he already had.

"Whatever comes our way... whatever battle we have raging inside us, we always have a choice. It's the choices that make us who we are, define us. And no matter our past, or what we've done... we ca--"

Aeslan's words came to a sudden halt, as for him, the pendulum of time seemed to have frozen in space. Sound ceased to be. He couldn't feel anything, couldn't sense anything. And for a time, he could not even see, before his world grew dark.

Then in an instant, light returned to his eyes, and Aeslan was surrounded by fire. The scent of brimstone filled his senses as thunders and lightning raged. Storm winds were brewing over, wreaking calamity in its path. Earthquakes shattered everything around it, fissures cracking the ground. The dead painted the ground, ten rivers of blood flowed upward, with droplets levitating upward toward the skies.

And then, from the ten rivers, ten beings arose from the flowing blood, each with a mark of their foreheads. And they were speaking words of incoherency, impossible to understand, yet with meaning. Again and again, they kept speaking without logic, but at the same time, spoke wisdom beyond understanding. And as their eyes began to glow, blood came from the corners as tears.

"Now it begins, for in the end lies destiny. The first for the last, the end of all for the beginning. The tempest storm consumes, the stars themselves testify, the winds carry the outcry, and to the core shall the worlds burn with brimstone."

At that, the ten beings from the ten rivers began to howl and make great outcry, rising up to the burning skies. And as their arms raised upwards toward the unseen sky, the clouds above split, as if he were in the eye of a hurricane. And as the clouds cleared, a eye stared down on him, black as the void of space, with an iris as red as blood. And as Aeslan stared into the eye, the sound of a massive howl, powerful as a roar, overwhelmed his senses until he could see, hear and feel nothing else.