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Space traveling with your not girlfriend because you stabbed her and apparently that’s not how you court a Mandalorian…
The eye of Sion shuddered as it took off, the sound of the massive hyperdrive working to propel them off to another galaxy ringing in Sabine’s ears, but this is nothing compared to the sinking feeling as she watches the Phantom twirl and twist before it disappears, and they are gone.
“What are your plans with this Mandalorian, Lord Baylan?” Morgan Elsbeth turns from the platform to look at the two mercenaries and their prisoner.
“I gave Lady Wren my word that no harm will come to her on this journey, and I intend to honour that” Baylan says stoically, which earns a disgruntled noise from his padawan who is gripping Sabine’s wrist like she is going to take flight at any given moment.
“Shin, you will be responsible for her” he says sharply, turning his head to her and sees the look of distain on her face.
“But master…” Shin steps forward, bringing Sabine with her while trying to keep her at a distance from listening in on their conversation.
“Enough of your insolence Shin Hati. Take her to your quarters, her weapons are to be removed for our safety, but she may keep her Beskar armour. I have no reason to believe Lady Wren will jeopardise her changes to find Ezra Bridger”.
His words are final, and Shin knows better than to test him when he is like this, so she simply nods and turns, pulling Sabine along with her.
“I hope your young apprentice can handle such a task” Morgan says as they exit to room. “I have much to attend to before we reach Thrawn, please make yourself comfortable during the journey Lord Baylan.” Morgan’s voice is laced with a tone that seems wicked yet sweet, an enchanting trait of the Nightsisters, Baylan assumes having never worked with witches before.
“Thank you, Lady Morgan,” he says and inclines his head as she walks past, he moves closer to the grand windows of the ship and pulls his hands behind his back, watching space pass them by. He feels a trickling thought in his mind that this journey, while necessary, was going to test both him and his apprentice.
***
Sabine begrudgingly hands over her saber, pistols, and ammunition as instructed and true to his word, Baylan’s apprentice does not remove the armour. She silently works and only inclines her head as the droid takes the bundle of weapons and places it in a storage locker. She then turns and gently pulls on Sabine’s wrist to get her moving as they walk the sterile corridors of the Eye.
“This place could really use some colour” Sabine mutters as she follows Shin through the ship, her companions’ eyes dead ahead, making no noise but the sound of her heavy boots on the floor.
“You could too, if I’m being honest” Sabine adds and this stirs a reaction from her guard as she promptly stops and turns to Sabine, using her extra height to look down at the Mandalorian.
“My master promised you no harm, but I will not hesitate to silence you again if I feel it necessary” Shin says, her face is close to Sabine’s and her breath hot on her cheek and lips.
“Go against your master wishes a lot, do you?” Sabine quips and is met with a low growl and a hard yank on her bindings as Shin pulls her next to her and stops in front of a door. She places her hand on the scanner, and it opens. A mechanical voice sounds as the lights come on and Sabine is pushed through the door.
“Lady Hati, your room as per your requests” the droid bows to Shin before exiting the room and leaving the two padawan’s alone.
Sabine takes in her surroundings and is surprised to see two single beds against either side the wall, a desk with some art supplies and a data pad. “Why are there art supplies here?” Sabine asks, looking over the colour sticks and markers. She is met with a noncommittal grunt from Shin as she pulls out a key from her belt and holds it in front of Sabine.
“My master foresaw your actions; he knew you and you alone would be joining us for this trip. Now, if I take off your bindings do you think you can control yourself enough to not fight me?” Shin asks, her voice less grumbly this time and Sabine notices a weary look in the younger apprentices’ eyes.
“Sure, you and Baylan are the closet thing I have to an ally on this ship, so I guess I don’t have a choice” Sabine says, her smirk is prevalent, and it irritates Shin the way she hopes.
“My master and I are not your allies, you are my enemy and when the time comes, I will defeat you Sabine Wren” Shin spits her name, her voice unsteadies as she says the woman’s name for the first time out loud.
The cuffs are released and placed on Shin’s belt before she turns and takes the bed on the right and begins taking her boots off.
“So, how long is this journey?” Sabine asks as she moves to the bed on the left and collapses on it, but winces in pain remembering not a few hours ago Shin had thrown her into a tree. She positions herself on her side to relieve the pressure on her back and looks over at Shin who is laying with her eyes closed and hands clasped together on her stomach.
“Okay, I’m guessing you don’t know then” Sabine says, her voice stretching with irritation at her silent room companion.
“Have you dealt with Morgan Elsbeth before? She is not the most trustworthy witch in the galaxy. I hope your master knows what he is doing” Sabine says with mock concern, and this drives a reaction from Shin who turns her head, her eyes open and a look of annoyance on her face.
“Do you ever shut up?” Shin remarks, her voice gravely and low in a way that hits Sabine’s lower stomach, and she flinches at the impact, then masks it with shifting herself, not wanting Shin to see her influence on her.
“I’m just trying to pass the time, get to know you before you lob my head off” Sabine says casually with a sweet smile. Shin’s mouth twists into a snarl and in a flash, she is off her bed and on top of Sabine, her right hand holding her neck tightly while her left hand finds the spot beneath Sabine’s shirt where her blade had entered her stomach.
The pressure on her neck is fine, not enough to choke her airway but enough to assert dominance, which Sabine has come to expect from their fights, Shin was always getting them into positions where she could force Sabine down and intimidate her with her unblinking eyes. But the pain in her side causes her to squirm under Shin’s weight which makes the grey jedi push her legs tighter against Sabine’s and hold her in place.
“You are so weak for a Mandalorian. I have heard such stories of your people and their strength as warriors, but you lack the fire of a true Mandalorian” Shin’s words are said with the intent to hit Sabine where it will hurt the most and as the pressure on her neck tightens a tear runs down her cheek. She closes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath.
“Weak” Shin spits out before climbing off Sabine and turns to move back to her own bunk, but as her back is turned, Sabine takes the opportunity to reach under Shin’s armpit, then uses her still booted foot to trip the padawan over and flips her hard on to the floor. Shin manages to stop her head from pounding against the hard surface with the force and pushes Sabine back causing her to crash straight into the table and the art supplies and data pad go flying across the room. Sabine scrambles to her feet as Shin advances reaching for her throat but Sabine’s armoured forearm is there, and Shin desperately tries to pull it away. Neither woman hear the sound of the door opening and Baylan entering the room with a stern look on his face.
“Shin!” his voice echoes loudly in the small space and he takes both his hands and pulls the two padawan’s apart holding them away from the other.
“I expected more from you two” he scolds and Sabine watches as Shin’s face immediately changes at being apprehended by her master. She goes to say what Sabine assumes would be sorry, but he simply pushes her, albeit gently forward saying “Go, meditate. I will not say this again, Lady Wren is not to be harmed. Control your anger!” Baylan’s voice is softer now, but the impact is no less, Shin turns and hurries out of the room like a scalded child, her head hung low and her clock whipping around her as she walks.
Baylan releases Sabine and she rubs her arm where Hati had gripped her piercingly hard.
“I see you are lacking discipline as much as your master. Perhaps you can grow your skills while we are on this journey” Baylan’s voice is stern and at the mention of Ahsoka, Sabine’s mouth twitches as she flashes to the sight of her master falling off the cliff.
“Go, meditate with Shin. She will not touch you again” Baylan says, and a droid is waiting at the door to take Sabine.
Sabine looks back at Baylan, wanting to say thank you, or at least acknowledge the fact that he saved her, all she manages is a curt nod of her head and then turns to follow the droid.
***
The room opens and Sabine is pleasantly surprised to see it decorated with plush floor and seats encompassing the small round room. Shin is seated in the centre of the room, her eyes closed, legs crossed and her face devoid of any emotion. At least it is, until Sabine enters the room, and her eyes fly open, and a scowl crosses her face.
“Before you flip out, your master told me to come here” Sabine says quickly, trying not to let the younger woman get under her skin. The droid behind her pokes its head through the door and confirms Sabine’s words.
“That is correct Lady Hati, it is Lord Baylan’s wish that the two of you meditate and focus your energies on something positive instead of your continued disobedient behav…” the droid is cut short by the door slamming down and Sabine jumping further into the room as it does.
“You could really use some anger management” Sabine says before circling the space and sitting on the plush couch, her body facing the small window which is covered by a deep red blind. Shin does not bite and instead goes back to her meditation. Sabine tucks her legs under herself and closes her eyes, just as Ahsoka had taught her.
“The force is in all of us…” the voice of her master speaks in her mind and Sabine tries to hold that thought as she searches to feel a connection to it.
Their breathing falls in sync without them realising it, both padawan’s calming their minds completely. Sabine’s mind flows to Ezra and what will happen when they reach him if he is even still alive. She had never given up hope that Ezra was truly gone, but the time since he had vanished had been cruel to her and she had come to expect only cruelness from the world. The feeling causes her skin to prickle uncomfortably on her arms and she shifts her position to try and relieve the feeling, but it seems to creep up higher and into her shoulders.
“Master, why Lothal?” Shin’s voice echoes in her mind and suddenly Sabine is standing in Shin’s place.
“You will find Ahsoka Tano’s apprentice there. You are looking for Sabine Wren” Baylan’s voice is distant, like he is talking through a glass box.
“We’ve been looking for this” Shin says and suddenly Sabine sees she is standing back on Lothal, her hair still long and blowing in the wind. She takes her lightsaber and ignites it, the green glow illuminating her in the surrounding darkness.
Sabine tries to fight, but Shin is too skilled, too powerful and she watches as the blade pierces her skin, the sound of it burning and searing her flesh is like a hurricane inside her ears.
Shin leans over her, watching her eyes flickering, waiting for Sabine’s breath to leave her body, her face so close that Sabine can feel the whisper of her breath on her own lips, before she loses consciousness Shin is leaning completely over her and her lips gently reach Sabine’s in a soft kiss.
Sabine’s eyes fly open, and her breath is coming out in gasps. She turns to see Shin is sitting on the other side of the room, and she is stunned to see what looks like blue fire flicking across the space, her hand is outstretched, as is Sabine’s and the flames lick at their fingers but do not burn or leave a mark. Shin watches it, intrigued by this new development and before she can speak the flames die out and are gone.
“What the kriff was that?” Sabine says, her pupils blown wide as her breathing becomes slower and her heart stops racing. She looks over at Shin, whose face is less stoic than usual, and a look of curiosity fills her features.
“For someone who cannot wield the force, you seem to have a strong connection to it” Shin says softly, her voice low again but lacking its usual growl and Sabine cannot stop that feeling in her lower abdomen again. She shifts uncomfortably, trying to not draw attention to it but Shin is shrewd and is smirking at her.
“Do I make you uncomfortable Sabine?” Shin enquires, but Sabine chooses to remain silent for a beat before she turns her head saying “If I’m so connected to the force why can’t I use it” her tone sarcastic to hide the guilt of wanting so desperately to connect to the force but completely failing at it.
“The force isn’t something you can turn on and off, you have to be open to it always” Shin says keeping her voice low and the effect is immediate on Sabine as her cheeks flush.
“Why are you so uncomfortable?” Shin presses, she leans forward trying to read Sabine’s face.
“You stabbed me, of course you make me uncomfortable” Sabine snaps. Her mind filled with the disturbing flashes of Shin over her body, pressing her lips to her lifeless body.
“I admit it did excite me to seek you out. It’s tiring fighting bandits, and pirates and the scum of the outer rim. I’ve longed to fight another Jedi” Shin moves off her side of the couch and moves closer to Sabine, who immediately tries to put distance between them.
“You lack the skills, discipline of a true Jedi. I think my master could teach you much more that the Togruta” Shin says matter of fact and shifts her body, so she is blocking Sabine in
“I am not a Jedi. Not like Ahsoka, or Ezra. I’m just...” Sabine sighs before turning towards Shin saying “I’m just the best option Ahsoka had at the time. It was never going to work, Mandaloria’s are afraid of Jedi, hence the Beskar” Sabine says flatly, her exhaustion and emotions finally catching up with her.
“And it doesn’t bother me. I can rig any building to explode with minimal damage to near by structures, break into multiple imperial strong holds and get out without a scratch. I’ve spent my whole life fighting. Fighting for the Empire, fighting against the Empire, against our own side. My family... All I’ve done is fight” Sabine’s voice is strained but it does not break and the tears in her eyes stay there, not falling.
“I’m done fighting. I just want a family, with Ezra and Hera, Jacen. Kriff even Chopper” Sabine is standing now her words tumbling out like a torrent and Shin simply watches and listens.
“I mean look, I’m here with you and Baylan, I betrayed my master’s wishes because I’m selfish and obsessed with finding Ezra. I’m no Jedi, and I am not a Mandalorian either...”
Shin stands at this; she moves closer to Sabine and reaches out with her ungloved hand to catch her wrist. Sabine is shocked by its warmth and a small gasp escapes her lips as she looks down at Shin’s hand wrapped gently around her wrist, thinking back to the feeling of that same hand wrapped around her throat.
“What you saw, in your mind. That is the force” Shin says, her eyes wide waiting for Sabine to understand what this means.
“What did I see?” Sabine whispers and Shin rolls her eyes and drops Sabine’s wrist in the process.
“The force works both ways Sabine, if you connect with someone like we just did, your mind is now open to them. Your thoughts, feelings...it’s all there for me to see” Shin moves closer, her height causing Sabine to look up at her with wide eyes.
“So, did I think that, or did you think that...” Sabine says, her mind whirling with questions about this newfound connection to a woman who had on several occasions tried to kill her.
“I don’t want to kill you Sabine, if I did you would have died on Lothal” Shin says, and Sabine feels her skin prickling again and looks down as the blue flame swirls around Shin’s hand and across to hers. Sabine lifts her hand up and sees Shin’s move with her, the flames dancing around both their fingers and, in a moment, filled with curiosity Sabine’s hand opens and moves to Shin’s and their fingers entwine.
The spark of energy and the sensation that bolts through their joined hands is a surprise to both woman and each expresses it in their own way.
Sabine’s eyes blow wide open, and her mouth opens saying “Whoa...” at the force.
Shin on the other hand, simply blinks twice and an eyebrow raises in curiosity.
“This is new” Shin says, her eyes not moving from their joined hands, and she turns them in the air, watching the flames flow around them.
“So, what does this mean?” Sabine says quietly, her eyes looking into Shin’s searching for an indication that the more experienced of them had an answer for this.
“I do not know, but we cannot let my master know until we explore this.” Shin’s voice is low again and she watches as the blue flames flick and shine across Sabine’s face.
“Maybe the witch has cursed us?” Shin says, not convincingly but the thought seems to resound in Sabine’s mind, and she ends their connection, and their hands drop to their sides.
“Yes, that could be possible” Sabine agrees.
The door behind them opens and the droid Shin had closed the door on earlier is there.
“Lady Hati, Lady Wren. Your presence is requested for dinner. Lady Morgan and Lord Baylan are waiting” the droid delivers the message before turning and walking down the corridor, when it sees the two padawan’s are unmoved it turns and says “Come along now. We do not want to leave them waiting too long”.
“I guess we are going to dinner” Shin says, a smirk on her face at the developing connection to her enemy.
“Dinner with Morgan, I’d rather eat with wolves” Sabine says as she follows Shin out of the meditation room and down the hall.
“Wolves are less savage than Morgan Elsbeth” Shin mutters out of ear shot.
Sabine wasn’t sure what to expect in regard to hospitality on the Eye of Sion considering she was more of an unwanted guest amongst the crew, she would prefer to be cleaning Chopper after an oil bath than sitting at a long table with Morgan Elsbeth and Baylan Skoll, but here she was. Looking at her table guests one by one and gathering the nerve to let her guard down and just eat while she had the chance.
Shin’s presence beside her is somewhat comforting, although she ate more like an animal. The sight of her teeth savagely ripping meat off the bone and Morgan’s disgusted noises made it more bearable.
“Your apprentice eats like a wolf” Morgan snarks, the words meant to cause discomfort, but Baylan waves his hand dismissively.
“When one is raised by wolves it is hard to train it out of them” his words are gentle, and Shin simply nods at his words. Sabine’s interest is piqued, and she wants to ask more but she feels the sensation of fingers scratching the back of her neck and tugging gently on the baby hairs there. It sends a shiver down her back, and she turns to Shin, who gives her a toothy smile before picking up an unfamiliar red fruit and bites into it. Juice runs bright red down her chin and Sabine watches as her tongue darts out trying to clean up but does a less that satisfactory job. Sabine picks up the napkin next to her plate and hands it to Shin, she looks at it in offence but takes it begrudgingly and makes little effort to clean her chin with it before tossing it on her plate.
“I wish I could stay but I have duties to attend to” Shin says pushing her plate back and standing. Sabine looks up at her questioning her intentions, but she feels a tug and hears Shin’s voice in her mind telling her to follow her lead and Sabine all but jumps from her chair mumbling something about being tired and needing to go rest.
The two padawan’s leave Baylan and Morgan behind in silence.
***
Sabine follows Shin through the quiet corridors until they reach the room they had scuffled in earlier. As they enter, its clear droids have cleaned up and there are fresh towels on each bed and Sabine lets out a groan at the thought of a hot shower.
“I am going first” she says rushing forward and taking the towel before heading into the small shower quarters. Shin lets out a small laugh before walking to her bed and starts removing her garments, down to her underwear. She lays on the bed, her mind drifting to the force connection and what she knew from her master’s teachings and books she had read.
“The force flows through us, it connects us to all living things around us Shin, it is what makes us special. It makes you stronger, faster, and more cunning. You can connect with the beasts, hence why the wolves treated you as one of their own” Baylan’s voice is soft when he is teaching her, he takes the time and care necessary for such a damaged creature such as Shin Hati needs.
“Connects to people as well?” Shin asks, her language skills still lacking but her mind was keen to learn.
“That’s right, sometimes when we meet our soulmates, the force guides us to them and shows its connection visually.” Baylan is careful with how much he tells his young apprentice, not wanting her to scare with the overwhelming knowledge the force offered up. But this seems important to her, he senses she wants to belong, to be a part of something and that desire is something he can use to his own advantage.
“Soulmates…” Shin whispers, her tongue darting out to wet her lips and she suddenly realises what she is experiencing. She jumps from the bed and is about to pull the bathroom door open, but Sabine does this first and she is standing there, purple hair towel dried and shooting up at odd angles, she has a towel wrapped around her, skin still dripping with water.
“Um, hey” Sabine says, looking at Shin standing in front of her unabashed in her underwear. Sabine can’t stop her eyes from trailing over the pale skin on display and as her eyes dip to Shin’s chest the sound of a throat clearing draws her eyes back up.
“That answers my question. I would like to use the facilities now” Shin says, turning and collecting her own towel and pushes past Sabine and gently pushes Sabine out of the door frame.
“Okay then” Sabine says to herself and goes about drying herself and finds sleeping garments under her pillow. “I guess Baylan did know I was coming” she says softly before pulling on the tank top and sleep shorts. It’s obvious they are not her clothes; the sizing is too long for her and her mind wonders to the thought that she may be wearing Shin Hati’s clothes. The thought doesn’t disgust her the way it would have just yesterday, clearly there was more to the blonde who had stabbed her but let her live. Sabine’s mind drifts to the bond they shared, still questioning if it was her own thought or Shin’s that drove her to kiss her.
The door opens and Shin stands in the doorway for a moment, her eyes looking over Sabine with such intensity Sabine swears she feels them burning her skin. “It was me” Shin says moving from the doorframe and takes a few steps forward, due to the lack of space those steps lead her right into Sabine’s personal space. “But from your reaction, I think you wanted it was well” Shin’s voice is low, and her accent is more prominent in the quiet room.
“So, you wanted to kiss me but instead you stabbed me?” Sabine says, her eyebrow raised at such a ridiculous notion, but it is confirmed with a curt nod from the blonde and Shin moves to her bunk and lays down on her side, so she is facing Sabine’s bed. Sabine follows suit but pulls the covers down and lets out an almost pornographic moan at the soft covers and firm bed beneath her. She settles in and turns on her side, looking over at Shin whose cheeks are flushed from the shower or at least that’s what Sabine tells herself.
“What’s with the orange blades? Sith usually use red kyber’s to construct their blades” Sabine’s curiosity gets the better of her.
“I found my kyber in the mountains on a distant planet. It called to me from deep within the earth, it almost drove me mad trying to find it. Baylan could not help of course, so I spent days digging and searching for it. My Master says the crystal is orange because it is more balanced than the green of the Jedi and the red of the Sith.” Shin’s story draws Sabine in, and her mind shows her images of a younger Shin digging with her hands in the dirt, her face spattered with the brown earth, and her body weary.
“I didn’t get to find one myself. Ezra just kinda handed his down to me, I guess. I’ve tinkered with it, but I still don’t feel like its mine. I think it was easier to wield the Darksaber than someone else’s lightsaber” Sabine says, her mind drifting as a yawn escapes her mouth.
“You could have been the leader of Mandalore” Shin says softly, her interest in Sabine increasing with this knowledge. “The power of the Darksaber could have made you the greatest Mandalorian leader, yet you passed it to another. Why?” Shin’s voice emanates the confusion on her face, and she looks over at Sabine in the darkened room, her eyes heavy and struggling to stay open.
“Sleep Mando. We will finish this discussion in the morning” Shin says, as she reaches her hand out from under her blankets and sees Sabine’s hand do the same. The blue light shines in the dark room and Shin watches it is illuminating the sleeping Mandalorian’s face.
“You are my end…” Shin says softly before returning her hand under the blankets and turns onto her back. Her mind too busy for sleep to take hold, so she focuses on the sound of Sabine’s soft breathing and allows her own breath to slow to that same pace. Within minutes, Shin is asleep.
Time stands still on the Eye of Sion, with nothing but hyperspace around them, it’s impossible to tell when it is day or night, or how long they had travelled for; and while Sabine was a ‘guest’ of Baylan and Shin’s she was still an unwelcome presence for Morgan Elsbeth. The witch seemed tense whenever Sabine spotted her about the ship, which was rare as she was usually stowed away in her own quarters or at the bridge watching over things. There were places on the ship that Sabine was moved along quickly by guards or droids and had decided not to push her luck as yet.
Shin’s presence was always nearby, but unlike their previous encounters, she appeared to be dropping her guard with the Mandalorian and the two spent time meditating together, eating together and even training. The latter part Sabine was not as enthusiastic about as Shin managed to best her no matter what Sabine tried.
“You need to anticipate” Shin’s voice sounds from across the room and Sabine follows it, her head tilting to the side trying to sense her next move. Sabine’s eyes are covered with an old shirt tied up at the back of her head and her hands clasp the wooden training sword that again seemed an odd addition to the ship. Sabine takes a deep breath and moves her feet into a ready position, she clears her mind and focuses on the sounds around her. The room they are using is small, circular and towards the engine room, she picks the sounds of the engine apart and tries to block these out, waiting for the sound of boots on the steel floor or the swish of Shin’s clothes as she moves. A creak draws her attention and Sabine turns and swings the blade but connects with nothing before she turns quickly and swings the blade upwards and is met with the sound of wood cracking against wood. She parries a strike aimed for her left side before taking a step and cuts low and stops Shin’s blade from connecting with her legs. In her minds eye she envisions the fight, tries to call on the force to guide her but instinct takes over and she begins to swing wildly again and after knocking Shin’s blade back a few times Shin ducks her high swing and she feels the wooden blade poking her stomach right where her scar shows. Sabine lets out a groan and pulls her blindfold off to see Shin smirking at her, she pressed the tip of the training stick harder, and Sabine lets out a hiss at the sensation of it touching the puckered skin. Shin’s eyes don’t leave Sabine’s as she lowers her blade and takes Sabine’s.
The two padawans are sweating and as Shin tidies up Sabine moves to the small wash closet and splashes water on her face and towels it off. She turns and Shin is there, her brilliant icy blue eyes tracing down Sabine’s neck, her chest and down to the scar, she reaches out but stops and looks up with an eyebrow raised and Sabine simply nods in response to the question unspoke. Shin’s hand moves slowly, and she gently grazes the scar with the pad of her thumb, circling it and her breath catches at how soft the new skin is. The redness is all but gone but Sabine hated the scar, she hated that the woman in front of her could inflict such pain yet stand her touching her so reverently causing her brain to lose focus and her mind to play out darkened fantasies with the dark jedi.
Sabine’s emotions get the better of her and she takes her hand and gently moves Shin’s away from the mark and takes a step back. She lets Shin’s hand drop and looks up to see the confusion in Shin’s eyes.
“Whatever our connection is, it doesn’t change the fact that we are on two different sides” Sabine says, her voice is hard as she tries to hide her emotions from the woman in front of her. Shin’s face shows no reaction, no thoughts, she just nods her head before turning and walking away. Sabine slumps against the wall and feels her eyes sting with tears. She slides to the floor and lets out a choked sob, her emotions so overwhelming that she doesn’t bother trying to hide them.
“Ahsoka, what am I doing here” she says between sobs and when she is met with silence it is so heavy Sabine lets her head drop to her knees.
Shin actively tries to avoid Sabine after they trained together, the thoughts in her mind driving her to question her actions and try to understand why their paths were so entwined yet so volatile. In times like this she would find solace in meditation or speaking with her master, but her feelings strongly told her that she could not divulge this connection yet. So, she wanders the ship, tyring to clear her mind and her feet take her to the bridge where she finds it almost empty; Morgan Elsbeth turns as the doors open and gives Shin a smile that sends a shiver down her back.
“Your master is not here” Morgan says as she looks back to the round panels in front of her.
“I know” Shin growls “How much further before we reach our destination?” she asks trying to get the information she seeks without an extended interaction with the witch.
“Another 5 rotations” Morgan replies and turns back to Shin seeing the look on the apprentice’s face is one of irritation. “Plenty of time for you and the Mandalorian scum to work on your budding friendship” Morgan adds as she walks past Shin, an air of importance to her steps, which being Thrawn’s number one seemed to allow her. “Your master may be blinded to it, but I am not” Morgan adds before leaving Shin alone with her thoughts. Anger boils under her skin and she reaches to her belt finding her saber not there and remembering she had not been wearing it for days. She closes her hand in a fist before storming out of the bridge and down the corridor towards her quarters. A service droid bumps into her on her way, and she lets out a snarl as the droid tries to apologise but ends up lifted in the air and tossed against the wall. When she reaches the sleeping quarters, she finds the room empty and a sigh of relief echoes in the room as she saunters in and drops face first on to the bed.
Sabine had skipped their evening meal and Shin was sure no matter how stubborn Mandalorian’s were, she would be hungry after their training that afternoon. She wanted to understand her own feelings but more so she wanted to know Sabine’s. Shin was sure that their bond was what her master had taught her about all those years ago and if they were soulmates then whatever rift occurred, they would inevitably get past it.
She made her way to the meditation room and paused before opening the door, listening in she could hear Sabine speaking in a foreign tongue. The language she assumed was Mando’a and it sounded much like a prayer. Shin waited until the speaking stopped and gently knocked before opening the door.
Sabine was seated in the centre of the room; the curtain was up, and the blue hue of space bathed her in an ethereal light. Shin entered the room quietly not wanting to stir Sabine from her meditation’s, but the Mandalorian had sensed her at the door. She turns and Shin sees her eyes are red from tears and she looked tired.
“I brought you some food. I though you might be hungry after our training” Shin says, her voice as soft as Sabine has ever heard it and the look in the dark jedi’s eyes showed her emotion.
“You didn’t have to” Sabine says as Shin hands her the bowl of broth and bread. She turns to leave but Sabine’s voice stops her. “Stay, my mind is quieter when you’re around” the words hit Shin as Sabine intended and she turns and sits on the floor next to the Mandalorian. They sit in silence while Sabine eats, she is still dressed in her training clothes and Shin can’t stop her eyes from tracing the expanse of skin exposed. Her eyes trace Sabine’s shoulders, ones that carried so much weight not just from the Beskar she wore but for her race, her family now gone and her friends. Their worlds were so different, so far apart. Sabine was practically Mandalorian royalty whereas Shin was nothing more than trader scum, left on a planet she didn’t know forced to live in the wild with animals until she was found by Baylan. She had no knowledge of where she came from, who her family was or who she was.
“I don’t need the force to hear your brain ticking over” Sabine says, breaking Shin’s train of thought and her eyes dart away embarrassment taking over at staring at Sabine so openly. Sabine places the empty bowl out of the way and turns so she is facing Shin. “Tell me what you are thinking?” Sabine presses her but Shin closes herself off and ignores Sabine’s hand which she has out in front of her and the blue fire flicking waiting for Shin to reply to it’s call, but she doesn’t she turns her head away and looks down at her skirt, picking at a fraying end.
“You don’t get to do that Shin” Sabine says, her voice soft but there is an edge to it, but it does not entice Shin to look up, so Sabine reaches out her hand and her fingers gently cup the side of Shin’s face, the blue flames brighten and the reflection in her eyes is a blue stormy sea. Sabine moves her hand and pulls the padawans face to look at hers. “You don’t get to close off from me; not anymore. We’ve fought multiple times now, you’ve beaten my ass down, but this…” Sabine moves her hand and picks up Shin’s in her own and the connection ignites between them causing Shin to finally lock eyes with Sabine’s. “You don’t get to ignore this and pretend it doesn’t exist” Sabine says as Shin turns their hands together and she pulls Sabine’s to her lips and holds it there, just beyond reach but close enough for Sabine to feel her warm breath on her fingers.
“If I knew who you were before, all of this, I would never have hunted you, never fought you, never pierced your skin with my weapon” Shin’s voice is shaking and the guilt and shame is overwhelming, a tear traces down her cheek to the beauty marks on her face and Sabine wants desperately to wipe it away but hesitates, fear still present from the feelings earlier when Shin had touched her scar.
“What do you mean?” Sabine says a hint of irritation in her voice which Shin soothes as she presses her lips to Sabine’s hand still clasped in hers. The act of affection is so soft that Sabine is taken aback and her hand slides from Shin’s, before Shin can respond to this Sabine leans forward, golden eyes locked with blue and her tongue darts out to wet her lips before making the decision to close the gap between them and her lips press sweetly against Shin’s. The moment is quickly over leaving both wanting more, as Shin leans in for another kiss Sabine places her hand on her cheek causing the younger woman to open her eyes.
“You know what this is between us, so tell me” Sabine presses, she runs her thumb across Shin’s bottom lip and isn’t the least bit surprised when Shin nips at it with her teeth.
“My master told me once that some Jedi have gifts that others don’t, some can see the future, others can talk with beasts and animals, there are ways to gain more knowledge and understanding of the force that many believe to be the dark side. The Jedi order refused to teach their young of these and that is why they failed. Master Skoll has shown me teachings of Jedi, hundreds and hundreds of years ago who lived their own way with families and children. These force wielders could see their future and the force was so strong in them they could connect with people beyond any physical and spiritual dimension. When they met their soulmates, the force would show as a physical connection to them both and together they would be more powerful than any Jedi” Shin’s voice is quiet as she tells the story and Sabine listens with keen interest and can see how deeply Shin feels about this.
“So, what you’re saying is that you and I are soulmates?” Sabine asks, her eyebrow raising on its own, Shin simply shrugs and says, “It makes sense” and she all but climbs into Sabine’s lap, winds her arms around her neck and pulls her into a fierce kiss that sends a shiver down both their spines and a soft moan from Sabine’s lips as she pulls away and gently nips at her bottom lip.
Sabine is lost in everything Shin Hati, her unique scent of sandalwood and earth, her lips and teeth pushing and pulling on her own lips, the strength she exudes as she holds Sabine tight and finally pushes her tongue against waiting lips and Sabine is shocked at herself by how easily she is opening herself to this wolf above her. Their kisses begin to slow as they both pull back for air and Sabine rests her head on Shin’s forearm as she catches her breath.
“Well?” Shin says, waiting for Sabine to answer an unasked question and Sabine looks at her with a small smile and waits for Shin to elaborate.
“This was my first-time kissing. Is it right?” Shin asks, her cheeks flushed from their closeness, and not embarrassment. Sabine’s smile widens and she pushes forward placing a firm kiss on her lips. “It’s perfect” Sabine replies and Shin’s smile is something she never thought she would see, and it is beautiful. Shin does not wait for anymore praise than that as she gently nudges Sabine’s chin up and locks her mouth on her neck and Sabine lets out a loud moan as teeth nip at skin and she feels all the moisture in her body head straight down to between her legs and her mind blanks out at the sensation.
“This is why jedi don’t fuck” she says as her brain switches back on and realises Shin was most definitely leaving a mark and how the kriff is she supposed to explain that to Baylan, or the witch, or Ahsoka.
“Cyar'ika, you have to stop” Sabine says, and the word draws Shin’s mouth away from her neck and to her lips again and she kisses her once before pulling away and saying, “That language, it’s Mando’a?” Shin asks and Sabine nods and Shin lets out a whine before kissing her again. “You can’t use it; it speaks to me, and I cannot control myself” Shin says in a low growl that causes Sabine to try and tighten her thighs but Shin’s weight on her doesn’t allow it and she lets out a small cry.
“Okay” Sabine says, and she starts untangling Shin from herself saying “We need to stop, we’re…” she stands and holds her hand out to Shin who takes it and stands too. “we’re traveling to another galaxy to find Ezra and Thrawn and I don’t think now is a great time for your sexual awakening” Sabine says and is met with a noncommittal hum.
“I am fine, I have practiced self-control for many years” Shin says with a shrug, Sabine rolls her eyes at this and gently nudges Shin with her fist.
“That’s great. Mandalorian’s are not so great with restraint, so lets cool things off and figure out what the kriff we are going to do now” Sabine says, her tone playful and Shin smiles at her before leaning in and kissing her.
“Wow, five seconds, nice job miss self-control” Sabine says before pushing past Shin and opening the door to the meditation room and walking off down the hallway. She feels Shins eyes on her as she walks and is very much aware of burn Shin is leaving on her backside.
“Are you coming?” Sabine calls out, turning and sees Shin still standing in the hallway, a look on her face that is filled with concern, desire and so much more. Sabine holds her hand out and the flickering blue draws out to Shin as she follows it and is next to Sabine in seconds. She pushes her against the wall and her lips find Sabine’s in a hurried kiss that is too much teeth but Sabine doesn’t care. The feeling of Shin’s lips against her own is intoxicating and like nothing she had experienced in her short life. The kiss ends with Shin letting out a low growl and Sabine smiles into the kiss as they pull back for air. “I like that the need for air is an inconvenience when you’re kissing me” Sabine says softly, her lips still close to Shin’s and she flicks her tongue out and traces Sabine’s lips with the tip of her tongue causing Sabine’s hips to buck forward and Shin answers but pressing her further into the wall with her own. “Lets…take this somewhere more private” Sabine says softly, and Shin grips her wrist and pulls Sabine along with her towards their quarters.
As they stumble into the room with their lips once again fused together, neither padawan notice the presence in the darkened hallway. The witch’s face shows her surprise but her lips curl into a wicked smile at this unforeseen awakening between the two women.
Shin wastes little time ridding herself of her own garments as the door closes behind them and she starts pulling Sabine’s shirt over her head and takes a step back to admire the Mandalorian’s physic now on full display. Her eyes trace the lean muscle of her neck and shoulders, down her arms and to her abdomen, the scar an angry mark that stands out against the tanned skin. She opens her palm and places it over the mark covering it from her own view and feels Sabine’s finger curl around her chin, pulling her eyes away from the mark and to her own face.
“I can’t say I didn’t want to do the same to you” Sabine says softly, her voice laced with desire, but some emotions still hidden from Shin, and she feels the weight of what they are doing hit her. “If I could take it back, I would give my life to do so” Shin says with such conviction it causes Sabine to gasp. “Not what I want to hear, but I appreciate the sentiment” Sabine says, and she presses a sweet kiss to the side of Shin’s mouth before moving down to her neck and her hands reach for Shin’s waist pulling her body against her own and they both moan at the contact of skin on skin. As Sabine works her mouth on Shin’s neck, she notices the other woman’s hands are by her sides, not touching her.
Sabine stops and a small whine escapes Shin’s mouth at the loss of contact on her neck, she sees Sabine looking at her, a question in her eyes but she notices the shyness on Shin’s face.
“Are you okay?” Sabine asks, her thumbs gently stroking over the lean hips on display for her and if she is surprised by Shin’s display of embarrassment, she doesn’t mention it.
“I don’t know how” Shin says softly, her tone reflects the look in her blue eyes which are downcast, and Sabine isn’t shocked by the revelations.
“Just follow your gut, I’ll throw you if you do anything I don’t like and I’m sure you wouldn’t miss a chance to throw me on my ass either” Sabine says, her words accented by soft kisses along Shin’s cheek on each beauty mark and back towards her lips.
“Show me” Shin all but whines and Sabine takes her hand and leads her to Shin’s bed, she motions for Shin to lie down, and she follows the instruction and Sabine feels her insides clench at the thought of having Shin at her mercy instead of it being the other way around. Sabine quickly rids herself of her bottoms and Shin watches as her body is finally on full display.
“You are beautiful” Shin whispers as she watches Sabine move one leg over Shin’s and brings her body down, their moans are filthy as their centres meet the others thigh and a tear rolls from Shin eye at the overwhelming sensation. Her body seems to react on its own and her hips canter into Sabine’s leg and the feeling of the smooth skin against her dripping centre is heavenly.
“Fuck” Sabine says softly before pulling Shin’s hips tighter towards her leg and they begin to move against each other, the sounds of their love making filling the room. Their kisses are messy, and Sabine feels Shin’s teeth nipping her lip hard enough to bleed but the feeling only adds to the sensations taking over them both. Soon the friction of thigh isn’t enough and Sabine shifts causing Shin to whine at the loss of contact, but she is moaning loudly in seconds as a long finger makes its way into her centre and her hips buck madly up for more. Sabine waits for Shin to ask for more, her thumb gently bumping Shin’s clit and the sounds she is making is almost enough to make Sabine cum with no stimulation at all.
“More…” Shin finally breaths out and Sabine pulls out before gathering more of Shin’s essence and plunges two fingers into her tight opening and Shin lets out a loud moan that Sabine is sure everyone on the ship can hear. She picks up her pace and Shin’s hips meet each thrust with a bruising force, she feels Shin fingers digging into her back and knows there will be deep scratches left on her body. Sabine leans down and takes a perky nipple into her mouth and Shin is overwhelmed by the sensation as her walls start closing and Sabine feels her fingers being sucked in further with each thrust. Shin’s hand leaves her back and searches for Sabine’s centre, her fingers fumble until they feel Sabine’s own wetness. Sabine quickly shifts her legs open and humps herself into Shin’s hand which is just enough to hit her clit and drives her own orgasm out in a needy moan and her legs shake at the force of it all.
The sensation is so much, Sabine feels Shin’s own orgasm inside her and the sensation causes her to immediately cum again as she feels Shin’s walls clamping still over her fingers. Sweat drips down her back as they continue to move against each other, chasing the last of their pleasure and as it fades Sabine notices their blue flame connection filling the room in a soft glow. She looks down at Shin whose eyes are filled with unshed tears and a dorky smile on her face that Sabine finds irresistible. She places a soft kiss to Shin’s lips before moving her hand from Shin’s centre and lifts her hips to release Shin’s own hand from her, the cool air hitting their skin and Shin is entranced as she brings her hand into view and sees Sabine’s release shinning all over her. The smell is too much and Sabine watches as Shin licks her fingers in a way that sends sparks straight to Sabine’s clit.
“If this is what it’s like every time, I understand why Jedi remain alone” Shin says softly, and Sabine lets out a laugh at the thought of all the poor Jedi who never experienced this.
“I agree” Sabine says as she rolls off Shin and lays on her back, the bed not providing much space for the two but Shin simple turns on her side and curls herself around Sabine, pulling her close and kisses the side of Sabine’s head affectionately. Shin reaches down trying to find the blanket and pulls it over them and settles herself in next to her Mandalorian.
“Mine” Shin softly growls into Sabine’s hair, and she feels the women next to her laugh before turning her head up and sees her wolfs eyes hungry for more, she shifts her head, and they meet with lips kissing gently and Shin runs her tongue over Sabine’s battered bottom lip.
“How are we supposed to keep this from Baylan?” Sabine asks and she feels Shin tense beside her at the mention of her master while they are naked and tangled together.
“I want everyone in this galaxy and all that you are mine, Sabine Wren” Shin says with such fire that Sabine feels it and sees their blue connection flicker red within the room.
“And I’m okay with that, but we still need to work on your anger management skills” Sabine quips and she feels the air change in the room as the blue flicker shines before it begins to dissipate.
“I do not need anger management; people need to not interfere. Then this will be fine” Shin says, but her voice is softer this time and Sabine notices the tenseness leaves Shin’s body. “So long as you are with me, I am fine” Shin says and Sabine can’t help but agree, the dark jedi did seem less…intense when they were together.
“Guess you’re stuck with me” Sabine says gently, and she turns her head and nuzzles into Shin’s shoulder. The smell of her skin and their lovemaking filling her senses and her eyes start to drift close.
The room is quiet within minutes, the only sound is the soft snores from both women as they drift into a deep sleep.
Sabine is awoken by a dramatic change in the ships speed, and she knows they have just come out of hyperspace, meaning they had reached their destination. She turns and sees she is alone in Shin’s bed but still naked from their night together.
“Right, kriffing the enemy while you’re on the hunt for Ezra” Sabine says out loud to the empty room and rubs her face with her hands. “Not your best move Sabine” she chastises herself before dragging her legs out of bed and heads straight towards the refresher. She washes quickly and dresses in her flight suit that is waiting on her own bed, cleaned, and neatly folded. As she pulls on her boots the door opens and she sees Shin standing there, Sabine smiles brightly at her but is taken aback when the younger woman’s face doesn’t change. She sees a pair of bindings in Shin’s hands and behind her are two of Morgan Elsbeth’s guards. Shin turns to the guards and commands them to wait as she enters the room and closes the door with a flick of her wrist.
“Shin, what’s happening? Are we here, is this Peridia?” Sabine’s words are rushed, and she senses Shin’s apprehension as she moves closer to Sabine, her hands clutching a pair of bindings.
“Oh, I see, you fuck me then go back to being my enemy huh?” Sabine says her words hard and she sees them affect Shin by her brow twisting and her lips thinning into a tight line.
“We don’t have to time to discuss this” Shin says, her voice back to its usual stoniness and Sabine scoffs as Shin reaches for her hand and places one cuff over Sabine’s wrist and then the other, the blue flames that ignite around Sabine’s hands cause Shin to stop and she lets out a small whine.
Shin leans down and places a soft kiss to Sabine’s cheek before the bindings click together and a hiss sounds out as the force dampening is activated. “I’m sorry” Shin says, her voice breaks and she goes to turn back but Sabine’s hands reach out and clasp around her wrist. The gloves and vambrace make it hard but the action causes Shin to stop and look back at Sabine with a deep sadness in her eyes.
“Come with me” Sabine says, her voice pleading with the woman in front of her who she had all but served her heart and soul to on a silver platter the night before. Shin’s free hand reaches up and gently traces the Mandalorian’s cheek, her glove muting the feeling, but the blue flames are flicking wildly around them both now. Shin has no power to stop herself and leans in, her lips brushing Sabine’s softly before she presses harder and Sabine kisses her back with force, wanting to pour her heart into the act and hold out hope that Shin will follow her like she had promised the night before.
The door suddenly opens and standing there is Morgan Elsbeth, her wicked smile only turns brighter at the scene before her. “This is an interesting development. I wonder what Lord Baylan will think of his apprentice fraternising with the enemy” the witch says, her voice that mix of sickly sweet that sends a shiver down both padawan’s backs.
Shin’s wrist is freed from Sabine’s grasp, and she turns, her full height on display as she moves between the witch and Sabine. “Move witch!” Shin growls as she reaches back and takes Sabines forearm in her hand and pulls her gently along with her. Morgan watches the two go, Sabine giving her a less than pleasant eyeballing before following behind Shin.
“I look forward to seeing how Grand Admiral Thrawn will take to this, he’s not so forgiving to traitorous scum” Morgan’s words follow them, but Shin tries to ignore the pricking under her skin at the uncertainty of what her actions will lead to.
Shin walks the corridors quickly, not wanting to keep her master waiting on them and causing suspicions. Knowing that Morgan had seen the two padawan’s together almost sealed Shin’s fate with Thrawn, but would her master be more forgiving? Would he even want to continue her training? Would he stand by her, or would she be left behind with her enemy? Her thoughts are wild and erratic, but she can’t stop them spiralling down into oblivion for her selfish actions. Sabine is quiet behind her, and she doesn’t dare look back for fear of the look in her eyes would crush her. They are feet away from the hanger and the two guards walk ahead of them and towards the platform as it begins to lower.
Shin stops, and Sabine bumps into her at the sudden lack of movement, she looks up at the woman who is clearly struggling with her own thoughts and feelings. It is written in her furrowed brow and her eyes which are downcast as she chews on her lower lip.
“Whatever happens here, I will not leave this galaxy without you and your friend” Shin says to the floor, her eyes not wanting to meet Sabine’s, but the other woman doesn’t let her; she reaches forward and pulls Shin’s chin up and towards her and Shin moves with ease.
“I trust you Shin” Sabine says, and she watches as her words cover Shin in a warmth that visibly eases the crease in her brow and her eyes dip to Sabine’s lips before they dart back up to her golden-brown eyes.
“I will not let anyone stand in my way” Shin growls and Sabine feels the anger in her words, it scares her to know that this creature in front of her seems willing to destroy everything that had meaning to her, just to be with Sabine.
“Hey, don’t go down that path Shin, I can’t stand by and let you destroy because of your feelings for me.” Sabine’s tone is harsh and she knows it’s not what Shin wants to hear right now but she can’t leave it unsaid; their paths were deeply entwined by not by hatred and Sabine makes certain Shin knows that.
The confliction is evident in all of Shin’s features and her shoulders slump with the weight of it all. She looks at the hanger and sees the doors opening and knows their time is up; whatever thread fate had for them was out of their control now. Shin pulls on Sabine’s bindings and brings her as close as she can to herself. Her kiss is hard, lips furious to show the emotions behind the action and Sabine takes it all. The fierce beauty that is Shin Hati is captivating and only made Sabine want her more, but she knew time was up.
Shin pulls away quickly, her face dropping all emotion as she pulls away from Sabine, shuts herself off and her features return to the mask she has worn for many years. They begin to walk, Shin in front her hand gripping Sabine’s wrist just as she did when they left their own galaxy and meet the rest of their party as the doors open fully and they walk out onto a platform, much like the henge on Seatos.
***
Shin watches from the top of the tower as Sabine rides away on the mangy hound, her purple hair the only thing keeping her eyes tracking her until she is out of sight. Her hands are clasped tight behind her back but the pull of the bond with Sabine is so strong she feels like she may break at any moment. She listens as Thrawn tells her master to follow and questions him about breaking his deal with Sabine; but Thrawn overrules this, and Shin watches the blue creature in front of her for a moment before turning and following her master.
As they ride out from the tower Shin’s mind is clouded with emotion and she wonders if the witch said anything to her master about what she saw. They ride for a short time before coming up to the scene of a fight and dismount their rides and survey the area. It’s clear a lightsaber has been used and there is no sign of Sabine so she must have fought her attackers well. It makes Shin’s heart leap at the thought of Sabine on her mission to find her friend and her will to succeed. The master and apprentice talk, Baylan speaks of something out in the vast wasteland, but Shin cannot sense anything, but death and she tries to implore her master that they should be leaving the planet. But before they can discuss anything further, they sense figures watching them from above and Shin pulls out her saber but hesitates to ignite it as Baylan intends to use these bandits to help search out Ezra.
“A giant planet destroying weapon?” Ezra says in amazement, they had spent the better part of the evening setting up their new location and Sabine was beyond tired, but she owed Ezra an explanation and they did have 10 years of catching up.
“Yup” Sabine says with a pop on the P. “It’s been a wild ride without you” she says taking a sip of a thick looking drink that the rock creatures had made, they explained it would help her aching muscles.
“Wow” Ezra says his bright eyes so vibrant that Sabine forgets what brought her here and the desperate need for them to somehow stow away on Thrawn’s ship so they could have a chance to make it home.
“Ezra, I don’t really know how to explain everything, but we don’t have much time. Thrawn is loading up his ship and in 2 rotations they will be gone. No one knows how to get here, if we aren’t on that ship we won’t be going home anytime soon” Sabine says, her voice laced with self-loathing at getting into this situation and now turning to Ezra to help escape her own mess.
“Then we will be on that ship” Ezra says, his smile still bright but it faulters and he senses there is much more Sabine isn’t telling him. “You’re not telling me everything though…” he says softly, and Sabine turns away from her friend not wanting to dump her problems on him but not really having a choice.
“Ahsoka, she’s well I’m pretty sure she’s dead. We found the map to reach you, but it cost her life. I should have destroyed it, but I was too selfish, too obsessed with finding you and I’m here with Morgan Elsbeth and the man who killed Ahsoka and oh god, Shin…” Sabine is up and pacing, her hands running through her hair and leaving it standing tall. “I don’t even know how to deal with whatever the kriff is going on there…” Sabine is rambling and Ezra watches for a few moments while she continues but the woman is spiralling now so he stands and stops her in her pacing. She stops and looks up at him, his smile so familiar that it breaks her heart.
“I’m sorry. It’s been a challenging time” Sabine says softly and takes a deep breath trying to settle her emotions and missing Shin’s presence with her.
“Being a Jedi is a challenge” Ezra says, and Sabine lets out a loud barking laugh at this.
“Yeah, even more so when you literally have zero force ability and that is backed up by Huyang’s incredible knowledge of all padawans he knows. I really should have rewired that bag of bolts” Sabine says and with a dry laugh.
“No force ability hey? What’s that all about” Ezra says with curious eyes as he sees Sabine’s hand flickering with a bright blue flame.
“Shin…” Sabine says softly, and she turns searching for the presence of the other woman but not seeing her anywhere.
One of the creatures walks tentatively to Ezra and taps his leg, he turns to see four more of his clan bringing something tall towards them.
“I think our friends may have found this Shin you’re looking for” Ezra says, and Sabine turns quickly and sees Shin tied by thick ropes around her arms, pinning them to her sides and around her ankles forcing her to walk awkwardly. Her face filled with a look of rage at her current state and Sabine can’t help but laugh at the sight.
Shin’s eyes immediately find Sabine’s and she gives her a murderous glare before saying “Tell these disgusting things to untie me before I break them” her tone is bordering on maniacal, and Sabine quickly makes her way to Shin’s side.
“Hey, it’s okay, she’s a friend, like Ezra…Friend” Sabine says to the creatures, and they discuss this between themselves and Ezra, but Sabine is already untying the rope and Shin is freed in moments as they turn and agree she is safe.
Once free Shin bares her teeth and growls low at the creatures, they all duck under their rock shells in fright. Her mood is immediately alleviated by an arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her in for a tight hug. Shin doesn’t resit and melts into Sabine, the weight of their actions drawing them closer, and Shin gently pulls away and brings her hand to the back of Sabine’s head and she gently pulls it back, exposing her neck, before leaning in and kissing her in such a possessive way Sabine moans into it not caring where they are or who is around.
“Whoa” Ezra says before turning away from the intimate moment and looks everywhere but at them for a moment before clearing his throat loudly and he turns back to see the two-woman parting but still holding each other close.
“Okay then” Ezra says softly “That was unexpected, have you always been into girls Sabine?” he asks, his voice breaking like a teenagers and Sabine laughs.
“Well yeah, and if I recall you once had a certain affinity to a handsome fella by the name of Jai Kell? He’s a senator for Lothal now by the way” Sabine says and winks at Ezra who blushes and shakes his head.
“Let’s not dredge up the past” Ezra says quickly and turns to head into the pod he had converted into his own living space. Sabine grips Shin’s hand and pulls her along, Shin grumbling about the rock creatures and their deceptive strength as they go.
The three sit in the small space, Shin still holding Sabine closer than necessary, but Sabine isn’t going to complain.
“Where is Baylan?” Sabine asks and Shin shifts, uncomfortable with the question but still answers softly.
“We met your bandit friends, and they were helping us track Bridger. I slipped some sleeping pills into his drink; I must return before he wakes though” Shin’s voice is unsteady, and Sabine knows the impact of Shin’s actions against her master will be playing with her emotions.
“The bandits don’t seem too hard to take down if necessary. I mean you took four down on your own with a saber” Shin adds, her lips curling up into a smirk and Sabine jabs her in the ribs saying “Hey at least I didn’t get captured by a rock” her quip earns causing Shin to whip her head to Sabine with a glint of murder in her eyes, but it fades quickly at the bright smile on Sabine’s face. “You are lucky I have such good control of my emotions or that scar in your gut would be a little higher and to the right” Shin’s words aren’t meant to be hurtful but Sabine’s eyes sting for a moment before Shin raises her hand and the blue of their connection is brighter than it has ever been, and Sabine locks her own hand with Shin’s.
“That is cool. Can all Jedi do that? I really want to learn how to do that” Ezra says, and Shin turns to him and takes a moment to examine the man. He is handsome with bright eyes; Shin can see why Sabine is so attached to him.
“This is more than what Jedi can do” Shin says, her voice taking a darker note and she waits for Ezra’s reaction, but he seems more intrigued.
“Sith?” He questions and both Shin and Sabine shake their heads.
“My master and I are more balanced than Jedi or Sith” Shin says and Ezra nods in understanding.
“I worked with both sides of the force, I can see the appeal of a more rounded training” Ezra says and Shin nods in agreement.
“Wow. Did not see this coming. My not quite Sith girlfriend and the boy I grew up with in the rebellion discussing Jedi training with a bunch of rock turtles outside” Sabine quips and both Shin and Ezra burst out laughing at the comment.
The moment of joy is short lived as a sound from above draws the three outside and in the sky, they see dozens of Purgill exiting hyperspace and beginning their descent to the planets surface. The sound of cannons breaks through the night, and they watch as the whales scatter to avoid the laser beams.
Sabine feels something in the pit of her stomach, and she falls to her knees clutching her side which burns with pain. Shin is beside her, a hand firmly wrapping around Sabine’s shoulder, and she looks up at Shin, waiting for the pain to subside before she looks up and sees a huge adult Purgill in the distance.
“Ahsoka” she says and both Ezra and Shin turn to watch the whale as it is hit by Thrawn’s cannons and the whale lurches to the side and begins falling quickly from the sky.
“We need to go” Ezra says. He helps Sabine up and places a hand on each woman’s shoulder.
“Are we in this together?” he asks, Shin turns to Sabine who is still recovering from the pain and shrugs.
“Once a rebel, always a rebel” She quips and looks over at Shin who is torn. Her eyes distant as she looks behind her to the area, she knows her master is and would be awake now knowing she wasn’t there.
Shin draws her saber and ignites it, the orange blade glowing in the darkness. “I am with you, always” she says stoically and Ezra pats her on the shoulder smiling.
“Great, let’s go do what we do best” Ezra says before turning to his own band of rebels. He takes a moment to thank them and tells them he is in debt to them for saving his life.
The hound Sabine rode in on is next to her and it lets out a wail and is met by the sound of several of its kind in the distance. Sabine mounts the hound and Shin climbs on behind her wrapping her arms tightly around Sabine’s waist as the sound of paws rushing fills their ears.
Ezra turns and sees a familiar white hound behind him, and he turns to greet the creature, gently petting it and cooing to the beast.
“You ready buddy” he says, and the hound licks its lips and lets out a snarl. Ezra mounts his hound and gives the signal and the three Jedi, and their hounds move into a quick run. All eyes watching as the largest of the Purgill hits the planets floor and the thunderous sound causes a huge storm of dust up in the air.
Sabine kicks her heels in, and the hound responds with a grunt and lowers its head as it picks up speed, a trail of dust behind it as they race to Ahsoka aid.