[SW The Dark Mercenary] Chapter 22 - A True Brother

Kydan: "A lot has been happening since we left Alzoc months ago, and it's starting to make me feel uneasy. Not in a terrible way, more like...well...'

 

'I guess I should explain from the beginning.’

 

'After we came back from the battle, and after me and Dark learned more about the Forge and his past from the mysterious device back on the Black Shadow, things started to become complicated. Not like it's a bad thing or nothing, don't get me wrong. It’s pretty much about how difficult it became for me. In some way, it feels so...different now.

 

'A month later, I had come back from a infiltration mission with my team, and decided to take a few days off from the front lines. On my back to Siruhna, I had found a wild adult-sized Kath Hound roaming around the outskirts of Dantooine. I had studied them from the archives on Coruscant when I was younger and discovered that they were somewhat rare in the galaxy, considering after being almost wiped out in the Old Republic.'

 

'Not to mention…I had heard they make a tasty dinner.'

 

'So I hunted it down, dragged its corpse back to the ship, and headed back to Siruhna. My next problem was...I had no cooking skills whatsoever, which meant that the Kath Hound I had hunted wasn't going to get cooked anytime soon. Luckily for me, taking it over to Egile's armory shop, who had recently put it up for our contacts in the Republic, I had unexpectedly ran into Calena. Apparently, from what I learned, she had bought off a small vacation home down in the upper rich estates half a year ago. Needless to say too, she was born here as well. I shouldn't be surprised by that, but funny enough, I was taken back from the news.'

 

‘Anyways, I had heard that she was learning how to cook, due to many of the star systems beginning to starve from hunger problems, and thought that she would be the person that could possibly make a meal from my catch. So I told her about, with a bit of bickering as usual, and decided to help. But on the condition I had to share half of it. I was reluctant, but at the same time, who else did I know that can cook, besides Dexter on Coruscant? Reluctantly, I agreed.'

 

'Later that day, I had followed her back to her home, which felt pretty odd for some reason. The moment I was welcomed into her home, my breathe had been caught in my throat. I was amazed at what the place actually looked like. The furniture, the decorations, everything in the house was breath-taking. I never imagined her being this classy. On top of that, she had told me that it all cost about over a million credits, minus the house fee. I had nearly dropped my draw afterwards. Even I can't afford to pay that much, let alone get even half that much in my own line of work!'

 

'I had decided to let Calena choose the course of the meal, considering that she is the professional and all. Deciding what kind of dish she was going to make, I watched in amazement and awe as she cooked the meals. I never knew Calena being the type to do stuff like this. For some reason, the more I learned about her personally, the more I felt more drawn to her. From what, I really couldn't say.'

 

'Hours later, Calena and I had eaten the dinner she baked, and I have to say, I never had a meal like that in ages. It was divine! We then began to talk about casual stuff, one of them being about our partnership. At first, I was a bit taken back about her wanting to form a permanent partnership. But, with a little persuasion from her saber, I utterly agreed. But honestly, it kind of felt good that she did ask.'

 

'But now, ever since then, something inside me felt odd, every time I'm with her now. It's only when she is around me, or talking to me, that I start to feel uneasy. It feels like a bunch of mynocks are flapping their large wings inside my stomach, causing me to have this effect. I can't figure out why I'm like this, nor can I ignore the fact that it's causing me to act so strangely.'

 

'That's when I thought about Breona and decided that; if anyone can help me with whatever is going on with me, then Breona would be my first choice to ask. And since we’re heading to Corellia in a couple days, I need to get this fixed. Otherwise, I might just lose my life on the front lines..."

_________________________

 

(Coruscant, Year 20 BBY, Venator-Class Star Destroyer Mystic , Four Months after the Battle of Alzoc III)

 

Onboard the Mystic, Kydan stood silently in the hangar bay, waiting patiently for Breona to come meet him. The expression on his face had the looks of embarrassment, being his cheeks containing a tint of pink and his eyes looking around the place nervously.

 

He really needed to talk to Breona soon as he could. He knew the commander was now dating his sister, Relyckia, and if he knew anything about girls, it would probably be him. Course, he could have asked his uncle, Coneros, about it, even Egile would had been a preferred choice. But those ideas felt wrong in many ways. So instead, he chose to speak with the commander about it.

 

So spaced out from his inner thoughts, he didn't sense another presence from the other side walk up to him.

 

???: Kydan, you okay?

 

Startled from the voice, he looks over to whomever was talking to him. When his eyes made contact with the same cerulean blue eyes, he felt extremely nervous in front of her. A slight blush puffed on each side of his cheek bones.

 

Kydan: H-Hey Cale'! I, uh…didn't see you there.

 

She looks at him curiously, her eyebrow raised in suspicion.

 

Calena: Everything alright? You seem like you've been spacing out quite a lot lately. Even after our mission on Alzoc III.

Kydan:*Small blush* E-Everything is fine! Really!

Calena: Are you sure?

 

From the look on her face, he could see that she was worried about him. And who wouldn't? It was probably easy to tell that he hasn't been himself as of late. With all that was going on through his mind, he was anything but okay. And most of it was about her. He didn't like the idea of feeling strange around her. For goodness sakes, she was his best friend!

 

Taking up any courage he had, he sighed silently and decided to just tell her. Maybe she would understand what was going on with him?

 

Kydan: ...Well, no. Not exactly. Lately I’ve been--

???: General Irune?

 

And just like that, his courage immediately deteriorated.

 

Strolling up to them was Commander Patterns and Kydan's sergeant, Burner, both wearing their combat armors as they carried their helmets in their arms.

 

Calena: Yes, Patterns?

Patterns: The Admiral needs a word with you immediately. He wants to go over the plans one last time before speaking with the others.

 

With an annoyed look, and what Kydan noticed, a small, miserable sigh, she nodded in compliance to her trooper.

 

Calena: Tell him I'll be there in a minute.

Patterns: Yes ma'am. And apologies for the inconvenience.

 

Patterns and Burner both salute to their respective leaders as they walked towards the other area of the hangar bay. Calena, still having an annoyed look, but with concern written on it, turned back to Kydan.

 

Calena: Sorry Kyie'. Guess duties calls again. Maybe we can continue our conversation later?

Kydan: *Nods once* Yeah, that's fine.

 

With a sad smile, she made her way towards the doors as Kydan watched her walk away. Kydan's breath then caught his throat, feeling as if he had forgotten to breath around her. He knew that it was getting worse, and still he had no idea why or what the cause of it is. It's only when she's around him. When she speaks, the way her clothing looks...her soft voice...her...

 

Wait...what was he thinking?! Why was he thinking that?! He couldn't understand any of it!

 

???: Having problems again, Kydan?

 

Once again startled, he looked behind his shoulder to see Breona wearing a small, yet knowing, smile as he chuckled a bit from his commanding officer's surprise. Taking a quick sigh of relief, Kydan looked back at him with a not-so-happy look.

 

Kydan: You know I don't like that, Breona.

Breona: *Chuckle* Sorry. I forget you don't like anyone doing it. So what was that all about?

Kydan: What?

Breona: That conversation with Calena. Seems like you two were being serious about something.

 

A small blush, yet again, crept up to his face as he rubbed the back of his neck.

 

Kydan: I-It was nothing...

Breona: Uh-huh, and I’m the new supreme chancellor of Courscant. Come on Kydan, I can tell something’s going on.

Kydan: There's nothing going on, really!

Breona: Kydan…

 

Kydan gazed his eyes away from him, trying to hide the problem in some way. He couldn’t understand why he was so nervous, or why he was being so dumb right now. It seemed so easy in his head at the time, but now that he was confronted with it, it only made things that much harder.

 

???: Just talk to him, Kydan. You know he wants to help you.

 

Kydan looked over to his side to see Dark staring at him with what seemed like a serious, but yet sincere, look in his red eyes. He knew Dark was only helping him, and he was grateful for it.

 

Dark: Besides, wasn’t this what you wanted?

 

Gazing at his partner for a few more seconds, he sighs in defeat before turning his attention back to the commander. Kydan nodded to the clone, motioning to him that he was ready to talk. With a small smile, Breona placed his gloved hand on him and ushered towards behind him.

 

Breona: Why don’t we go for a walk, hm?

 

Complying, Kydan began strolling through the hangar with his officer, passing by the other clones that were either working or attending to other duties assigned to them. Given that they could indeed talk privately somewhere, it was more beneficial for them both when they keep their mind occupied.

 

Breona: So ever since we got back from Alzoc, you've been acting differently. Is there a reason why?

Kydan: No, not really. But I’m pretty sure you’re gonna tell me…right?

Breona: Well, ever since we had left the two of you alone that day, you’ve been behaving a bit differently since. And the only other two people in there were you and Calena, which begs to think that you two were discussing something that we don't want to know. Exactly what did she say to you?

Kydan: Well, it was just mostly--

Breona: And don't lie to me, Kydan. I've known you long enough to know the difference.

 

Looking a bit guilty, Kydan sighed loudly in response. He knew that he might as well get it done and over with. That might make him feel somewhat better than just going in circles. Literally.

 

Kydan: Alright Breona...I’ll confess. When you guys had left, Calena had me promise something to her.

Breona: And what was that?

Kydan: ...She told me to promise her that I wouldn't leave her again. That…I will be by her side through the entire Clone Wars.

 

Breona's suspicions had been accurate. Secretly, he knew that the general has a crush on his leader, and that Kydan had been dense somewhat to the fact that she really indeed likes him. Needless to say, chatting with Egile time to time has helped confirmed his long time suspicions. He figured this would be the best time to help Kydan see the truth.

 

Breona: Well, I know it just wasn't since we came back, so how long has this been bugging you?

Kydan: It started ever since Calena brought me to her home on Siruhna...

 

He explained everything that happened before, during & after the dinner with her. Making sure he kept a couple things out, he finally wraps up his explanation, leaving Breona to ponder quietly as he continued to listen.

 

Kydan: … And ever since then, it's been nothing but awkwardness, and I get these strange feelings whenever she's around me. I mean, she's my best friend, my partner! I shoudn't be acting like this!

 

Nodding his head, Breona stopped them both in their tracks before looking at him dead in the eyes, his expression changing from patiently listening to seriousness.

 

Breona: Alright Kydan, I'm gonna ask you this. And I want you to be completely honest with me.

 

With a small gulp, Kydan nodded to his commander.

 

Breona: What are your feelings towards her? What is she to you?

 

Kydan's expression changed to pondering, his mind racing around to find the right words to say. It sounded simple and plain, but for some reason, it was like his life was at stake if he didn't think hard about it. Then, he sighed.

 

Kydan: Honestly, Breona...I really don't know. I mean, she's my closest friend and all, but somewhere, deep in the bottom of my heart, it’s almost like its saying…I want more.

 

Now Breona's interest really peeked up. Perhaps Breona was finally getting through to him after all.

 

Kydan: I mean, at first, I swear I was coming down with a sickness. I had Patcher check me, but I was perfectly fine. Yet I still feel this burning sensation whenever I think or near her...and it's been getting worse and worse ever since.

 

Breona’s smile slightly broadened. He knew now was the time to close the deal.

 

Breona: Okay Kydan, what if I were to tell that I knew exactly why you feel like this?

Kydan: Honestly, I would be ever grateful. As long as I can fix this.

Breona: *Nods* Alright then, you might want to brace yourself.

 

Kydan's body immediately tenses up as those words slipped out of Breona's mouth. He had a feeling Kydan was not going to want to hear what he was about tell him. Looking at Kydan dead on, he finally spoke.

 

Breona: Simply put…you…love…her.

 

And if his predictions weren't anymore correct, Breona had a hunch Kydan would begin to deny it. Not as strong as he thought, but was still denial.

 

Kydan looked at the commander with shock, his eyes widen in disbelief.

 

Kydan: But how can you be so sure, Breona?! What if it’s something else rather than that?!

Breona: How do you think I felt when I met Relyckia? Every time I saw her, my heart started acting strange, as if the core was self-destructing from the inside. I always had Lothal cats running around in my stomach when I tried to talk to her. And when you had me meet her alone, I just went along with whatever I felt. Now look at us! With your approval, and blessing I might add, we're both dating already. Look, the point being Kydan, what your feeling is true love. Frankly, a lot of us were hoping you would figure this out back on Jabiim.

 

Kydan looked at him in understanding, and somehow, agreeing. Maybe he was right. Maybe this was love, almost the same kind of feelings with Relicia, before she had died years ago. He never thought this could ever happen again, let alone have those kinds of feelings build up again. Yet, they did, and he was just so blind and dense not to see it. At that moment, he started to feel a bit happy. But with a heavy sigh, Kydan's face immediately fell.

 

Kydan: Well...there's no hope in that, I guess. There's no way for me tell her, and I bet she wouldn't feel the same.

Breon: How can you be sure? You don't know that.

Kydan: Breona, she's a Jedi Knight and part of the Jedi Council! Relationships are forbidden in the Jedi Code! If I tell her and she doesn't feel the same, let alone be cautious about it, our friendship would be destroyed!

Breona: No, that's where you're wrong, brother. No matter what happens, you will both still be friends. Heck, you two been through thick and thin together, and I'm sure that that won't be thrown away by a risk that needs to be taken.

 

Even when Breona said that, Kydan still didn't seem too convinced by it.

 

Kydan: Are you really sure, Breona? I mean...come on, we both know that Calena tends to get angry at times. Scratch that…half the time.

Breona: I will admit, that is true. But, I know for a fact that Calena is the kind of friend that you can trust with about anything. I mean...you do trust her, don't you?

 

Kydan stares at him in disbelief. How could he ask such a thing?

 

Kydan: Of course I do! I trust her with my life!

Breona: *Smirks* Then what’s stopping you from asking then?

 

Gaping his mouth open to fire back, nothing came out. In fact, nothing came to mind to reply to that question. True, what was the problem? If he knew Calena as much as he does, he would definitely be sure that she wouldn't get upset about it. Likely, she might just chuckle about it with him, maybe even joke about it, and have things go back to normal.

 

With a small smile, Kydan looked to Breona with a more relieved, and more confident, look.

 

Kydan: You know what? Maybe you're right, Breona.

Breona: Hey, don't be too surprised, Kydan. I do tend to pick up a few things here and there.

Kydan: *Grins* From who, Degree and R.S.?

Breona:*Annoyance* Don't even go there...

 

A few seconds after, the two laughed in response. Kydan felt more relieved after that, and he was happy that he was able to speak with a true friend like Breona. As the laughter died down, Breona looked at Kydan with a broad smile.

 

Breona: Well, I guess we better get back to the squad. Don't need any of the screw balls messing up the place.

 

Just as they began to take a few steps towards the doors, Kydan stopped Breona for a brief moment.

 

Kydan: Hey, Breona?

Breona: Yeah?

Kydan: ...Thank you for your help. Talking helped me a lot. But, do you think we can--

Breona: *Smirks* My lips are sealed, sir.

 

Silently thanking him, the two made their way back to their quarters. As they made their separate ways and down the corridors, Dark spoke privately to Kydan.

 

Dark: Honestly Kydan, even though it’s forbidden, I really do think she likes you.

Kydan: I really hope so, Dark. I wish I could find out myself.

Dark: You just gotta ask her. So what's the plan, exactly?

 

Kydan quietly pondered for a brief moment before a small frown reappeared on his lips.

 

Kydan: Honestly…I don't know...

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So now we know Kydan's true feelings about Calena. The last time we saw him like this was with Relicia on Geonosis, but after losing her, he put away his inner feelings. But what will Kydan do now? Calena is a Jedi Knight of the Council, and it is forbidden. And how will he express it to her? Better stay tune for next time ;P

 

We are so glad that we were able to finally get the series moving forward again! Its been a long time coming, but we are happy to say we have returned to get this done. But onto the build; even though there wasn't any action of any sorts, we still enjoyed working on this. I especially love how the Venator's Hangar Bay turned out, definitely an upgrade from the old one that we had built long ago. But we would like to know your guy’s thoughts; was there anything missing that could have help with this? Were we lacking in some areas? Let us know!

 

Also, credit to Brickstory Builds on Youtube for the idea on the walker design. Taken from the simple new 501st battlepack we all got, he turned the playable-for-kids walker into his own masterpiece, which you can see here in the photo. So shout out to him for this amazing build. And please, give his channel some love as well when you can too.

 

Well that's about it for this chapter, so thank you all for your wonderful support, and if you can, leave a like and/or comment down below to show us how much you enjoy. Hope you all enjoyed, and as always, have a fan-tucking-tastic day/night! See ya' in the next one ;)

 

- Director KW & CGN

 

Done