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Knight of the Old Republic Episode II: Redemption	By : hatochiisai Category: 1 through F > Criminal Minds Views: 2738 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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`Knights of the Old Republic: Episode II

Ahmose Inarus

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Criminal Minds, and I most certainly do NOT own Star Wars.

SLASH WARNING!!! H/R

Chapter 18

PLANET: CORUSCANT

LOCATION: JEDI TEMPLE

TIME: MORNING

Reid was woken in the morning by a gentle hand running up and down his spine and soft kisses across his shoulders. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open and a smile came to his lips as he felt the soft caress of his lover’s mind against his own.

“Good morning…” Came the soft whisper, and with a full body stretch accompanied by a long, moaning exhale of satisfaction, Reid rolled over and stared up at Aaron Hotchner.

“Mmm… mornin…” He mumbled with a sleepy smile. Hotch smiled down at him.

“Time to get up.” The elder said, running his hand through Reid’s hair. “You need to eat before you go with Master Syr.” Reid blinked, then nodded.

“Alright.” He sighed, slowly sitting up and dragging himself from the comfortable bed, only to stumble slightly as a rough coughing wracked his body. Hotch watched his lover for a moment, and then got out of bed as well. “I’m alright.” Reid assured him, and went to dress. The pair headed to breakfast together, joining the team.

“I hear you’re going to be working with the Shadows.” Morgan said, and Reid nodded. “That’s pretty cool, man.”

“… I guess…” Reid mumbled with a shrug. Morgan blinked and looked at Hotch who just mirrored Reid’s shrug. Then, they all looked up.

“Master Syr.” JJ greeted, and the Cathar Master nodded, then looked at Reid.

“Are you ready?” He rumbled, and Reid slightly stood.

“Yes, Master.” He said, and giving the team a small wave, he followed the Master Shadow, watching his tail twitching lazily.

“Our first order of business,” Master Syr said as they walked, “Is to meet with the Council of First Knowledge.” Reid nodded.

“Yes Master.” He said. He was excited. While he knew the members of this Council, he had never actually met WITH the Council. The Council of First Knowledge was made up of five Masters. Four were elected to the Council by vote, and served a term of five years. The fifth served a life term, as the Head of the Council, known as the Caretaker of First Knowledge. That individual was responsible for the care and protection of the Holocron Chamber that sat in the Spire of the Council of First Knowledge. It was the duty of the Council of First Knowledge selected to oversee the Jedi Academy, the Archives and doing what they could to eliminate the teachings and artifacts of the Sith. Thus, they were in charge of the Jedi Shadows.

They arrived in the Spire where the Council Chamber sat and entered. The Caretaker of First Knowledge turned from where she was staring out the window. Her name was Tra Tonnia, Master Jedi Historian. A Jedi Guardian, she wore robes of silvery gray and white, and her long hair fell almost to her waist. Her eyes were gray, her hair silver and her skin was nearly white, betraying her as one of the Echani. And like Eesa K’Tal, even the blade of her Lightsaber was silver.

She regarded Reid in silence, then moved to take her seat. She was flanked by the other members of the Council of First Knowledge. To her left sat the human woman, Payton Kai, one of the few Jedi Reid knew of who also carried a purple blade. Beside her was the Zeltron female, Nym Daphora, her own viridian blade worn on her belt… she was not wearing a robe, it was draped over the arm of her chair. On the Caretaker’s right sat Sedina. She was a Jedi Consular and was known to rarely draw her green Lightsaber, tending more to rely on diplomacy, stealth and cunning to direct combat. Beside her sat Linnash, a female Miralan. Like most of her kind, she was known for her speed, agility and flexibility, which was quite deadly when she broke out her two yellow short-bladed Lightsabers.

All five of the Council of First Knowledge were known for their wisdom and patience, in addition to their vast knowledge. And as such, they were the individuals who had long ago been chosen to direct the Jedi Shadows.

Reid and Master Syr both bowed to the Council.

“Masters.” Reid greeted, softly. They stared at him for a long time. It made him nervous.

“Welcome back.” Master Tonnia said. Her voice was low and ethereal.

“Thank you, Master.” Reid replied.

“We have reviewed the information you gave to the High Council.” Master Tonnia said. “And the Council informed you that you would be working with the Shadows.”

“Yes, Master.”

“You expressed concern about your ability to use the Force.”

“Yes.” Reid said again, nodding. “When I was with the Sith… My ability to use the Force was greatly diminished at first. The Dark Side seemed to… weaken me.”

“And now?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve not really… tried to see what I can do.”

“I want you to do this now.” Master Tonnia said. “Drain Master Syr.”

“… What?!” Reid gasped. His eyes widened, and he looked up at the Cathar Master, who had suddenly tilted his ears back and snarled slightly. His tail was bushy and the tip was lashing, betraying his agitation. “I… I don’t want to…” Reid whispered.

“Do it, Padawan.”

“No.” Reid said, shaking his head. “No, I won’t do it.”

There was a long, pregnant pause. And then Master Syr chuckled, and the Council shared smiles with one another.

“I told you.” Master Syr finally said.

“There was no doubt at all?” Master Kai asked.

“None. I knew he would pass your little test.” And Master Syr grinned down at a confused looking Reid.

“We had to make sure that you would not be too eager to use such a power on someone like Master Syr.” Master Daphora explained.

“Oh.” Reid blinked. Then, Master Syr knelt before Reid.

“Now you may Drain him.” Master Tonnia said. Reid’s eyes widened.

“What? But… but…”

“Little one.” Master Syr said, his eyes betraying his good humor. “You have my consent. Please do as Master Tonnia has asked you to.”

Reid eyed him nervously, but then bowed and stepped forward. He placed his hand on the Master’s head, his thumb in the middle of the broad forehead, and his other hand on Master Syr’s chest, over his heart. And then, he reached out to the Force.

It began slowly, the transfer of energy and life force from Raahn Syr to Spencer Reid. Then, it began to flow faster. Slowly, Reid’s head fell back and his mouth dropped open in a long gasp at the power he was receiving from the Master Jedi Shadow. Several minutes later, Raahn Syr suddenly snarled and Reid yelped as he was thrown back by a blast from the Force. He toppled to the ground, and watched Raahn Syr sway, and nearly collapse.

“Master?!” Reid cried, and immediately scrambled over to him, coughing violently after having the wind knocked out of him. “I… I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean—“

“It is fine.” Raahn Syr said, holding up a great paw to stop him.

“Here…” Reid said, taking hold of the paw. “Let me give back what I took.”

“No.” Raahn Syr said, and slowly got to his feet, taking deep breaths. “I will meditate and be fine. You are… much more efficient than I had anticipated. I could not keep up with you. I apologize for throwing you, but I had to while I still could.”

“I’m sorry, Master.”

“No apology is needed.”

“Padawan.” Reid turned to Master Tonnia. “Did the Sith teach you to monitor your victim’s life force and teach you how to know when to stop before you kill them?”

“No.” Reid spat bitterly. “The Sith didn’t CARE.”

“Have you ever killed with this technique?” Sedina asked.

“… Not a… an INTELLIGENT life form… But I have killed small creatures… plants…” Reid confessed.

“Did you feel them pass?” Sedina asked.

“… Yes.” Reid whispered, not making eye contact with anyone.

“You are ashamed.” Observed Nym Daphora.

“… I am, Master.” Reid admitted.

“Come. Let us meet the Shadows.” Master Tonnia said, standing. “And we can put all of that stolen power to use.” And she gave Reid a teasing wink with the shadow of a smile. Reid just gulped slightly, and followed the Masters from the Council Chamber Spire, a chuckling Master Syr right behind him.

They made their way down through the Temple, heading for one of the largest arenas where the Jedi Shadows trained. When they entered, the Shadows were already waiting, sitting in the seats that surrounded the arena. A dozen Jedi stood in the arena around the edge.

“These people are Jedi Knights and Masters who have decided to become Shadows. Traditionally, we give them a demonstration of the power of the Dark Side that they will face in their chosen duties. Usually, Master Kitata Ree does this. But this time… YOU will.”

“Me?” Reid asked, looking at Master Tonnia.

“I want you to take all the energy you have obtained from Master Syr and put all of your focus into creating a Force Storm.”

“… Master… I don’t know if I can control it.” Reid gasped, looking nervous.

“Don’t worry. You are surrounded by Master Shadows.” She told him. “We will not let it get out of hand. Don’t worry about losing control THIS time. Right now… I want you to focus on doing it as best you can.”

“Yes, Master.” Reid said, and at her indication, he made his way onto the floor of the arena. The Jedi Shadows watched him move into the middle of the room. Reid sensed that the High Council was also present, as well as the Council of Reconciliation, the Council of Reassignment (who were in charge of the Jedi Service Corps), and his team…

“Padawan.” Master Syr’s voice boomed out over the room. “Show the newest Shadows the Power of the Dark Side.”

Reid took a deep breath and nodded, then closed his eyes. He focused. He built it up slowly. First, just a whirlwind around himself. It grew stronger and stronger. He put more focus into it, and drew upon the Force, and his own memories. He remembered the death of Dualath, and allowed the grief, anger and pain to fill him. He remembered the Vi’Tani, and his hatred, disgust and loathing swelled. The wind picked up, until the room was filled with a frightening maelstrom that seethed and pulsated with the Dark Side.

Then came the first crackle. Small flashes here and there. The howling wind swirled, and a moment later a funnel formed within the tempest. The tornadic funnel twisted and danced around Reid, and then the Lightning exploded through the room. Masters raised their hands to block it and keep it contained. The funnel suddenly split into two, and then three, and they continued to twist and circle Reid until the boy was literally levitating five feet off of the floor, the wind whipping around him.

From the edge of the arena, Hotch frowned as a sense of dread filled him. He could feel the Storm not only around him… but it was building within his lover, too. He could feel the struggle and the fright. And then, his heart stopped. Reid was looking straight at him… but it wasn’t Reid… it was Darth Livion. His skin was white, and his wide eyes were the red-rimmed yellow. And there was a cruel smile on his lips, as if he were saying, “See? You have allowed them to set me free again…”

“We have to stop this! NOW!!!” Hotch cried, turning to Master Kitata Ree. His voice could hardly be heard over the squall. “He’s lost control!!!”

But then came the scream. Hotch whirled. Reid’s body had arched in the air, and he had fisted his hands into his hair. His scream seemed amplified, and then Hotch had to clap his hands over his ears at the assault of the Force Scream. The Lightning struck down around the room and sparks showered down, erupting into blazes that snaked their way inwards towards the Eye of the Storm, then got swirled up into the three tornados that continued to spiral around Spencer Reid.

Shouts were heard from the crowd as the Shadows leapt into action.

“Calm him.” Came a firm tone in Hotch’s ear. He turned and looked at the Twin Masters, Noria and Ralko Cereni. Noria nodded to him. “You need to use your Bond to soothe him and guide him into taking control!”

Kitata Ree was standing on the side of the arena, his paws in the air warding off the Lightning. Countless Lightsabers were being held up, doing the same thing all over the room. Covered by the Masters Cereni, Hotch forced himself to relax and closed his eyes, reaching out to his lover. Horror and panic was coursing through the boy as he struggled to reign in what he had released.

HELP ME!!! Came the desperate scream. PLEASE!!! MAKE IT STOP!!!

Shhhh… I will… but I need you to calm down. Hotch soothed. It’s going to be okay. No one is hurt. They are all worried about you… Hotch winced as he heard a loud cracking, and he knew that the arena was not faring as well as the Jedi Knights… the ceiling was about to give way, and the walls creaked and groaned. More Jedi Masters were running into the room now, eyes wide in shock at what they were witnessing before joining the others in using the Force to try and contain the Storm before it brought down the Temple around them.

Oh no no… please!

Hush. Focus on me. Let go of the Storm.

But—

DO IT!!!

There was a pause, but then Reid obeyed. The Storm exploded. It was beyond him, with a life of its own. But the Jedi Shadows were not afraid. Several of them had trained with Kitata Ree on how to deal with a Force Storm, and quickly, led by the tiny Grand Master, they contained it and it began to die. The wind began to die down, and the Lightning gave a few more crackles before it vanished. And then the three fiery twisters became two, then one, and then it finally dissolved into bits of ash on the wind. Once it was gone, Reid was revealed on the floor, his hair and cloak ruffled by the wind that softened, and then vanished.

All was silent. Hotch reached out to Reid, but the boy didn’t answer. Immediately, Hotch leapt down into the arena and ran towards the still form on the ground. He dropped to his knees.

“Spencer?”

Others began to gather around, the team and the members of the Four Jedi Councils. They all peered down at the boy as Hotch gathered him into his arms. A moment later, Reid’s eyes fluttered open. Honey brown in color, they were filled with frightened tears. He looked at the Jedi surrounding him, and then let his gaze come to rest on Master Syr.

“Don’t make me do it again…” He gasped, the tears running down his face, followed by a trickle of blood from his nose. “Please… please don’t ever make me do that again… please…”

“We won’t.” Master Syr said, his voice a soft purr. “We had… no idea what we were dealing with when we asked. That was our mistake. And we are sorry.” Reid winced as his body was wracked by fierce coughs. It was nearly a full minute before the fit faded. He let out a deep exhale, closing his eyes in relief. The tall, lithe Master Eesa K’Tal knelt and placed her long, elegant fingers on Reid’s head.

“Rest, Padawan.” She said, and Reid did so, slipping into an exhausted sleep. Hotch stood, Reid in his arms. “Take him to the Healers.” The Kaminoan instructed. Hotch nodded, and did so.

Reid remained in the Infirmary for four days, in a deep hibernation. He was monitored carefully by Hotch and the Healers. When he awoke, Hotch was by his bedside, as was one of the two female Na’Vi healers who had helped tend to him years ago when he had been fighting for his life against the withdrawal from the Vi’Tani Nectar. As soon as he thought of that, the need for the stuff pulsed through his body, and he began coughing. He knew that his hibernation was the only reason he wasn’t in full withdrawal in that very moment. Heart pounding in this knowledge, he forced a smile and accepted the broth that he was given.

As soon as he could, he went to bathe, and immediately dug through the pile of his clothes for the little pouch. When he found it, he almost cried in relief. He took a vial and drank it down. But he only had two left. He chewed his lip. He had to get more… and soon…

He joined the team for dinner that evening, but he wasn’t exactly talkative. He spent most of the meal staring off into space. Hotch explained that he was still disturbed by the Force Storm that he had managed to create, which had already become legendary in the gossip of the Jedi in the Temple. He was being stared at even more now, much to his chagrin.

But after dinner, he was finally able to get some alone time in the Archives. And he immediately took up a private study room and began to look up information on the Exchange on Coruscant…

The next morning, after taking his next vial of Nectar, he made his way back to the Archives after breakfast, telling Hotch he needed time to process. Hotch accepted this, knowing how Reid would throw himself into the knowledge of the archives… it was a comfort to him. And right before dinner, Reid finally found what he had been looking for… And that evening, right after dinner, he stole out of the Temple, a small pack in his hand…

He took a small Jedi speeder and guided it to what could only be described as the closest red light district. Once there, he opened his pack, shedding his Jedi Robes… no one would talk to him if he were wearing those… instead, he pulled on the black and red garments of Darth Livion. Then he exited his speeder and made his way down the dingy street. Neon lights flashed around him, and loud music, shouts and laughter could be heard from every direction. And surprisingly, Reid found himself calmed… it reminded him of Carosi, which had been his home for over a year…

He took a deep breath, walking into the cantina by the name of Mynock’s Nest. He made his way over to the bar and perched himself on a stool. He ordered an abrax, and then waved the bartender away once it was delivered. He sipped some down, chasing his latest coughing fit. Once he was comfortable again, closing his eyes and opening himself to the Force to look around and See everyone that was there… And then he located who he was here to find… a dealer named Pobwu. He reached out with the Force and touched his mind, and the man paused, then turned and looked at him. He had been noticed. And now he waited. It wasn’t long before the man slid onto a stool beside him and ordered a drink. After a moment, Reid turned to look at the man, who was eyeing him.

“Haven’t seen you around here before.” He said.

“That’s because I haven’t BEEN around here before.” Reid replied.

“Not from Coruscant?”

“Nope.” Reid said, honestly. He wasn’t BORN there, so he wasn’t FROM there. That was the truth.

“Where did you come from?”

“Carosi.” Reid replied, again honestly. He had come straight to Coruscant from Carosi.

“Oh. Carosi, huh?”

“Mm hmm.” Reid said, sipping his drink.

“What brings you to Coruscant.”

“Business.”

“What kind of business.”

“My kind.” Reid responded, cryptically. “But I’ve found myself running low on crucial supplies.”

“Oh? Such as?”

“The kind not found here as easily as one can find it on Carosi.” Reid elaborated.

“Ah. I see.” Said his companion. “Maybe I can help.”

“Can you now?” Reid asked, giving him a skeptical look.

“I have connections. What are you looking for?”

Reid eyed him, then drew out his last vial of Vi’Tani Nectar. Pobwu’s eyes widened.

“Ah. I see. Yes. That is not something easy to come by.”

“No. And I am running very low and will need a supply immediately.”

“Define immediately.”

“… Within a day.”

“I see… I may be able to help. I have a small supply available, but I can get more. Would you care to… take a look?”

“I will need to sample the quality.” Reid replied.

“Of course. Right this way.” The man said, and Reid slid off of his stool and followed, leaving a couple of Credits behind to pay for his drink, which he quickly finished to ward off more coughing. The pair silently made their way through the street, weaving between dealers, thugs, prostitutes and the clientele they catered to. Finally, they reached a small warehouse.

They walked in, and a small group of Trandoshans and Weequay were playing Pazaak at a table. They all looked up at the pair.

“Pobwu…” A Quarren emerged from the shadows.

“Guelan.” Pobwu greeted. “My uh… friend here, is looking for Vi’Tani Nectar.”

“Is he now?” Guelan asked, slowly walking over. “And… what is your ‘friend’s name?”

“My name is of no consequence. Will you sell to me or not?” Reid asked.

“… I like to know about the people I sell to.” The Quarren responded.

“All you have to know is what I want, and that I am prepared to pay for it.”

“See now, here is where I disagree.” Guelan said, and the Weequay and Trandoshans rose from their game, picking up their weapons. “I need to know who you are, what your business is… who you work for…”

“All you need to know is that I am not someone you want as an enemy.” Reid responded, his voice darkening. He placed his hands on his hips, right by the hilts of his Lightsabers. The Quarren looked down, and tensed upon seeing the deadly weapons.

“You’re a Jedi?!”

“Do I look like a Jedi!?” Reid spat, a feeling of dread filling him when he felt the Dark Side swell within him. Pobwu and Guelan were looking increasingly alarmed. “Now… the Nectar.”

Gualen looked back and nodded, and one of the Weequays fetched a crate and carried it over to the card table. Gualen waved Reid over to the table, and Reid approached. The Weequay lifted off the lid, and Reid’s eyes widened as he stared down at the carefully packed bottle of Nectar. Immediately, he was craving…

“One bottle costs—“

“I need to sample it before I buy.” Reid interrupted. Gualen frowned, but then nodded. Pobwu took the bottle and poured a small amount into a glass. Reid accepted it and drank it. The men around him watched as his eyes slid closed and his head fell back slightly. He wavered on his feet for a moment, but then shook his head and set the glass down.

“How much.”

“… 2000 Credits per bottle.” Gualen said. Reid frowned.

“HOW much?!”

“It is hard to obtain.” The Quarren said.

“I’ll pay you half.” Reid snorted.

“Absolutely not.” The Quarren snorted. “I’ll go to 1750. No less.”

Reid smirked, then waved his hand slightly. “I think you can do better.”

The Quarren paused, then said, “Actually, I think I can do better.”

“1300 sounds fair.” Reid said.

“I think 1300 sounds fair.” The Quarren said.

“You drive a hard bargain, Guelan. But it’s a deal.” Reid said, and slapped the credits into the Quarren’s hand, taking the bottle and heading for the door. The Quarren blinked down at the credits in his hand, and then stared after Reid, looking angry and confused. At the door, Reid paused and looked back. “Keep yourself stocked. I’ll be back when this supply runs out.” Then, Reid narrowed his eyes and lifted a hand. “Oh and… You’ll not mention this to anyone.”

Immediately, Pobwu, Gualen, the Weequay and Trandoshans took on a glazed look in their eyes.

“I will not mention this to anyone.” They all chorused in a dull tone. Reid just stared at them, eyes wide in fright. Darth Livion was standing there between Pobwu and Gualen, smirking at him. Then he turned and walked past Gualen. He disappeared behind the Quarren, and did not reappear. Immediately Reid whirled and ran out of the building, heading to his speeder and returning to the Temple, a week’s worth of Nectar in his hands and fear filling his chest…
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Knight of the Old Republic Episode II: Redemption