Light of the Moon

They came down the ramp of the Lustig and were approached by a spaceport worker as they exited the hangar. After Carmilla fought with the worker over how much the docking fee was, Laura smiled and handed the man the needed credits. The brunette scowled as the Jedi pushed her away from the hangar.

The air was incredibly fresh. That was the first thing Laura noticed as she stepped out onto the pathways of the settlement, Rwookrrorro. The blonde had never been to Kashyyyk before. She was excited to experience a new place with an extremely different culture. The Wookiees and their clans were a completely new subject for the Jedi. She had read many books about them during her studies at the Jedi Academy, but seeing things firsthand was different. The trees were massive. There was no telling how high they stood above the pathways, or how far the forest floor rested below them. The wildlife sang and called out to each other; their voices echoing throughout the forest.

"This is amazing," Laura stated in awe as she gazed at the massive branches. Carmilla led her deeper into the village with a frown. Huts started to become abundant on the elevated streets. The Jedi smiled as they passed what appeared to be markets of sorts. Children ran past them hurriedly as if in the middle of a game.

"This is so cool," the blonde whispered to the pilot. 

Carmilla rolled her eyes. "They're not animals, princess."

"I know that," Laura hissed. "I've never seen anything like this before though. It's so unique."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Keep the fascination under wraps. I don't need you accidentally offending anyone and getting us kicked out."

"They'd kick us out?" the Jedi questioned in alarm.

Carmilla took a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair. "For one reason or another..." she mumbled.

"Where are we going anyway?"

"We have to ask the Chieftain for permission to enter the Shadowlands. It's a sacred place to them, so they don't just let anyone down there. And since the easiest way down is using their lift, we might want to be nice about it. I don't feel like climbing down miles and miles of tree." LaFontaine had given them a basic idea of where the terentatek's hunting grounds were located. Laura wanted to ask for further directions, but Carmilla cut her off; apparently understanding the ginger without need for further questioning.

They finally approached what looked to be a distinctly different looking hut. It was much bigger than the rest; multiple stories even. Two Wookiees stood guard outside. "What do you want, outsiders?"

Laura's eyes widened as she looked back at Carmilla for support. The brunette was a good distance away still and wasn't facing the guards. She was paying more attention to her nails at that moment. The Jedi sighed before smiling at the guards.

"I'm Laura Hollis. I'm here on official Jedi business, and I was hoping to seek permission to access the Shadowlands."

The two guards looked at each other for a moment before allowing her to pass. Laura began to walk through when she noticed Carmilla hadn't moved. "Hey, Carm. You coming?"

"Uh, I'm gonna let you deal with all the politics, princess. Meet me by the markets when you're done," she answered without lifting her gaze from her nails. Laura frowned as she watched the pilot swirl around and strut away. 

The Jedi entered the building with her chest puffed out more. If she was going in alone, she was going in with confidence. 

"Miss Jedi. Welcome to Rwookrrorro," a Wookiee sitting on a wooden throne called out merrily.

"You must be the Chieftain," Laura answered with a smile. "A pleasure to meet you," she said with a bow.

"I have been told you wish to visit the Shadowlands."

The blonde gave a sturdy nod with her hands folded behind her back. "Yes, that is correct. I'm in search of one of the Shadowlands' beasts."

The Chieftain nodded slowly as if processing the information. "And which beast might that be?"

Laura took a deep breath. "A terentatek."

All of the guards, the Chieftain, and who Laura assumed was the Chieftain's wife due to the feather and flowers braided into her fur, stared back at her in silence. The Chieftain rose from his throne and approached Laura slowly. "You wish to find the Ritual Beast?"

"Um," the blonde stalled as she tried to grasp the situation. "Yes?"

The Chieftain's stare grew dark. "We have sent many hunters down to conquer the beast. It's darkness soaks into the trees; it consumes the creatures of our world. The plague continues to grow. The wildlife is getting restless and attacking homes. Children have been taken and slaughtered."

"I'm here to kill it," Laura clarified with furrowed brows. She may have been hesitant to kill the beast before, but now there was more to it. The creature was causing chaos for the planet. It was disrupting the natural order of things. Getting the blood wasn't enough now. She was going to help however she could. She was going to kill the beast.

The Chieftain's gaze rose to the heavens. "Our prayers have been answered!" he called up, his paws clasping together in joyous praise. He looked back down at the Jedi. "I fear this battle may be your toughest yet, Jedi. The Force you know so well is useless against this beast. And my village has sent many warriors to fight it. But I have faith in you. The trees speak greatly of your presence. I wish you luck," he finished with a bow of his own. He turned to one of the guards.

"Let them know the Jedi has permission to be lifted down to the forest floor." He turned back to Laura. "When you are ready, you may take the lift down." Laura thanked him with a bow and left the hut.

She walked back into the market area in search of her companion. She turned the corner and stopped. Just out of the market, in the corner of the pathway was a small shrine. A few Wookiees were bent before it; their heads bowed in respect. There were flowers and figurines carved out of wood resting against it. From the soft whimpering of a few, Laura knew they were in mourning. And behind the Wookiees stood Carmilla.

The brunette approached slowly and placed a single flower along the altar. She bowed slightly and began to turn before a child pulled on her hand to grab her attention. Carmilla stared down curiously before the Wookiee handed her something. The pilot began to resist, but after the child insisted, Carmilla took it. She patted the child's shoulder before turning and walking away.

Laura suddenly jolted forward and jogged to catch up to her companion. "Hey," the blonde announced her presence.

"Oh, hey," Carmilla replied stoically. She turned to the Jedi. "We ready to go?"

"Uh, yeah... What was that about?" Laura questioned, nodding toward the shrine.

"They lost someone yesterday. They're paying tribute," the pilot explained as she stared back in the shrine's direction.

Laura eyed the woman carefully. She seemed strangely different. The brunette was always so disaffected. But she had just witnessed something so gentle and genuine from her. 

"Here," the pilot said, holding out something wrapped in her hand. Laura looked down with furrowed brows before meeting her eyes. "It's a forest-honey cake. It's a traditional funeral food here."

"Why? Does it ward off evil spirits or something? Help the deceased pass on smoothly?"

Carmilla looked at her incredulously. "What? No. It's just a stupid dessert. Take it."

"It's yours though. I saw you-"

"I'm not as big on sweets as you are, cupcake," Carmilla cut in as she held her hand out more. "Plus, you've never been to Kashyyyk before. Experience as much as you can. I mean, we might die in a few hours."

The Jedi hesitated, but then took it. "Thanks."

"Let's go hunt a monster," Carmilla replied lazily with a sigh as she turned and led Laura toward the lift. The blonde eyed the treat in her hand before watching the retreating form of the pilot. This woman was still so mysterious.

Walking toward the lift, she took a bite of the small cake and was startled by the moan that came from her throat. Carmilla looked back over her shoulder to stare at her with a raised brow.

"This is delicious!" Laura admitted with tinted cheeks.

The brunette tried to hide her smile, turning to face forward again. She sighed heavily. "People try to find the good in their world when they lose someone. A tasty treat is a small victory in a vast ocean of grief."

Laura swallowed the dessert and cleared her throat. "That's... intense."

"Too deep for you, princess?" the pilot teased.

"Too depressing."

"Such is life," Carmilla answered as they approached the lift. Laura fixed her posture and approached the Wookiee guard. Carmilla hung back, examining her nails once again.

"Jedi?" the guard asked. Laura gave a swift nod and the Wookiee motioned for them to board the lift. The entire ride was silent. Laura took in the surroundings with earnest fascination. The descent was unlike anything she had ever experienced. The colors, the sounds, the scents; it was all so amazing to her. Eventually, the light began to disappear as they neared the forest floor. The Wookiee lit a torch on the lift as the darkness took over. He grunted when they reached the ground.

"Thank you," Laura said before leaving the platform. Carmilla followed her without ushering a word. They walked the paths without talking. It wasn't uncomfortable. Laura was just so mesmerized by her environment that it was unnecessary. She stared up at the looming branches overhead.

"Hey! Watch it!" Carmilla yelled as she pushed Laura out of the way. Her hands settled on the blonde's waist to steady her. She then growled, letting go as she stomped back toward where Laura was walking. She spun around with a frown directed at the very confused Jedi, and then kicked something on the ground. A trap suddenly sprung up and clamped shut.

"Plan on loosing a foot, cupcake?" she asked in annoyance. She sighed heavily as she shook her head and ran a hand through her hair. "I get you're all wide eyed and adorable right now because you're in a new place, but can you actually act like a Jedi and be aware of your surroundings? Poachers have set traps all over the forest. I can't watch where I'm walking as well as where you're walking."

Laura's mouth hung open for a moment before she glared with her arms crossed over her chest. "Don't call me adorable."

Carmilla rolled her eyes. She threw her hands in the air in defeat. "Of course you'd pick that part to focus on. Forget the fact that you're probably going to get yourself killed if you don't start acting like the Space Cowboy you were trained to be."

"Okay, okay. I get it. I'll pay better attention," the blonde replied before taking a deep breath. "Let's just get to that clearing Laf told us about." She watched Carmilla scoff as she turned to continue walking down the overgrown path. The pilot kept a hand ready on one of her pistols at all times.

"So you've been down here before, haven't you?" Laura finally asked after twenty minutes of silence.

"What makes you say that?" the brunette asked without offering her a glance.

"You know a decent amount about everything. Traps, creatures, certain plants we've encountered. You don't seem like someone in a brand new place."

Carmilla chuckled. "Not everyone gets all childish whenever they see something new."

The Jedi pouted. "I'm not acting childish! It's just all so exciting!"

"Dangerous creatures, poisonous plants, poachers, exiled Wookiees; yeah, seems wonderful, princess."

"You're such a grump."

"We're in the most depressing place in the galaxy. I think it's acceptable," Carmilla answered as they stood at a crossroads.

"You only think it's depressing because you can't see the beauty in it," Laura replied with her chin lifted slightly into the air.

"Beauty?" Carmilla asked as she began to laugh. "May I remind you of that pretty flower you tried to smell earlier that almost bit your face off?"

Laura crossed her arms over her chest and smiled cockily. "You did save me though..."

Carmilla frowned and stared at her incredulously. "Because if you die, I have to face a fucking terentatek by myself."

"You sure that's why?" Laura began to tease as Carmilla made a decision and led them down another path.

"What other reason could there possibly be?" the pilot asked in annoyance.

"Oh, I don't know... Maybe you enjoy my company?" the blonde added in amusement.

The brunette openly laughed. "Oh yeah. That's definitely it, princess..." she answered sarcastically. "Did you inhale some spores or something when I wasn't looking?"

A moment of silence fell between them before Laura spoke again. "I'm actually proud of you."

Carmilla finally turned back to stare at the Jedi. "You've seriously lost your mind."

Laura rolled her eyes. "If something were to happen to me, you said you'd still try and kill the terentatek. You technically wouldn't have to. You'd be free to run off and live on the lam. You could get your normal life back."

The pilot's dark eyes locked with the Jedi's. She hadn't realized she said that moments ago. Would she still try to finish the mission if something happened to Laura? That didn't make any sense. Why would she do that? She should get the hell out of the Shadowlands if something like that were to happen. She should get out and never look back.

But the heartwarming stare the blonde was giving her was doing something to her. It was making it hard to think clearly.

Carmilla cleared her throat, lowering her gaze to the forest floor as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah, well, I'd probably end up getting that stupid disease if we don't get the blood for that cure. Might as well try to save my own ass." It was the best selfish response she could come up with.

"Sure," Laura answered, unconvinced. She then frowned as they walked further. "Something feels off."

"What?" the pilot asked, turning to stare at Laura. 

"The energy nearby is... unsettling."

"Makes sense," Carmilla commented. "We're near the clearing."

"Is it really that powerful?" she asked in alarm.

"Well it isn't gonna offer us tea and biscuits."

"It's immune to the Force, Carm. I don't really know how this is gonna play out."

Carmilla turned to stare back at the Jedi. The blonde was looking out into the dark path ahead. Her face was etched with doubt. Carmilla couldn't blame her. To willingly walk into something after losing one of your senses? Having the Force get cut off was going to be disorienting; a constant blind spot. The brunette knew the Jedi was afraid. She had a right to be.  

Then, Carmilla placed a hand on the woman's bicep. Laura looked at her in surprise. "Everything's gonna be fine. I've got your back."

The Jedi stared back into those dark eyes. Even in the darkness of the Shadowlands, there was something in this woman's eyes that seemed even more mysterious. And to the Jedi's surprise, the blackness of her eyes revealed a hint of tragedy. 

"Thank you," Laura managed to whisper before they turned and began walking further down the path.

Carmilla's blasters were both out and ready. She led Laura into the clearing slowly; eyes frantically searching the battle arena.

"Carm-"

"Shh!" the brunette hissed, pausing them with her hand stopping Laura from walking any further. Her eyes squinted as she searched the dimly lit area. Laura slowly reached for her lightsaber; irritated that she didn't think to remove it from her belt in the first place.

Then, a screeching roar echoed throughout the clearing. 

Laura immediately ignited her weapon. The blaze of the laser cutting through the air as Carmilla gritted her teeth in preparation. Her hands gripped her pistols firmly and watched the shadows; her heart pounding out of her chest.

The clearing fell silent. Laura stepped quietly forward, creating space between her companion and herself. Carmilla continued to alter where her blasters aimed. And then the ground shook.

The beast came charging out of the darkness of the trees; teeth bared as drool fell from its jaw. Its claws extended outward in anticipation of tearing its prey apart. Its blackened eyes gleaming even through the shadows. It was large, but it was fast. And the two companions began to move in opposite directions.

Carmilla began firing immediately; the creature growling and getting angrier from each shot sent its way. Laura decided to try and use Carmilla's shots as a distraction; running as fast as she could through the shadows and outskirts of the clearing to attack from behind.

She leapt into the air and slashed at the beast's back, earning an angered shriek from the terentatek. It spun around and immediately began to chase the Jedi. Carmilla then started running straight for the creature, pulling a smoke grenade from her belt and tossing it in front of her.

A cloud of dense smoke took over, and after hearing the beast cry out in pain, Laura spun around. The blonde stared into the smoke and tried to make out any figure, but couldn't. There was another cry from the beast along with a few blaster shots, but still she saw nothing. She was about to charge back in when the smoke began to dissipate. And what she saw made her blood run cold.

The terentatek was on all fours, looming over the pilot flat on her back. Her blasters were scattered; too far away to reach either one. Carmilla's eyes seemed barely open; wincing and recovering from whatever hit she must have taken in the cloud of smoke. The beast's teeth and pincers drew closer to her and before Laura knew what was happening, she heard her own voice screaming.

"No!" came scorching from her throat as she sprinted toward them. The creature turned, and when Laura raised her weapon to attack, the beast swung its claw and buried it into the Jedi's chest.

Laura crashed into the ground; gasping for breath. Her chest burned, and the fire traveled throughout her body at an unexpected rate.

Carmilla's eyes widened. Her body had somehow jumped up with complete disregard for any pain running through it. "Laura!" Her scream felt rough against her throat; dry and strangling.

The creature hustled toward the blonde, beginning to wind up with its massive claws once again.

The pilot felt her body begin to tremble with rage. Her feet were planted firmly onto the forest floor. Her fists clenched tightly by her sides. Her blood pumped violently through her veins. And as the giant creature prowled toward the Jedi's limp body, Carmilla's vision grew darker. And then, it went completely black.

When the pilot came to, dark blood was stained all over her body. She stared wide eyed with haggard breaths at her bloodied hands and slightly tattered clothes. The beast laid upon the ground before her. Well, part of the beast. Its limbs were scattered. Its torso in two.

Her eyes urgently searched for the blonde. She was still motionless on the forest floor. Carmilla quickly sprinted toward the woman. She fell to her knees; hands hesitating and hovering over Laura's injured chest.

"Shit, shit, shit! God damn it, Laura! Don't you fucking die on me! Not now!" She saw the deep gashes in her chest oozing a liquid mixed of blood and pus. The pilot's hands clenched into fists; her teeth gritting together. The Jedi was poisoned.

She didn't know what to do. This wasn't a simple poison treated with a common antidote kit. This needed special treatment.

Carmilla quickly eased the Jedi's upper body onto the pilot's thighs. She pulled the comlink from the blonde's ear and placed it in her own. Then, she pressed the button on it. "Call LaFontaine," she commanded. It began to ring.

Carmilla looked back down and smoothed the sweat-soaked strands of hair out of Laura's face.

"Hey, L. What's up?" the ginger's voice came through. 

"Doc, it's Carmilla. Laura's hurt. The terentatek clawed into her. I don't know what to do!"

"Shit... Its claws are poisonous..."

"I fucking know! Blood and pus is coming out of her chest right now!"

"Fuck."

"I'm gonna need more than that, genius!" Carmilla's heart was erratic as Laura groaned on her lap. The blonde continued to sweat profusely.

Laura's eyes tried to open. The Jedi could only slightly make out the image of someone hovering over her. She vaguely felt someone wiping her forehead and running fingers through her damp hair. Her vision was too blurry though. The voice she heard was muffled and hard to understand. Her chest burned. Her body ached.

"What kind of doctor are you?!" Laura managed to hear. "Fuck this!" Then, the blonde felt a hand press gently onto her chest, causing her to hiss out in pain. "Hold on, princess. I got you."

A sudden feeling of weightlessness overcame her, and her vision was blinded by light. But a second later, there was only darkness.

When Laura awoke, she was tucked into a bed. The ceiling of a well-built hut hung over her. She moved only slightly and felt the ache of her body. The memory of what happened before she fell unconscious came flooding back to her. The terentatek. The fight. The claws slicing into her.

But as she moved, there was no significant pain. Her body only ached as if recovering from a day of too much exercise. She pushed herself up; eyes searching the room she was in.

"Miss Jedi!" A young Wookiee jumped to his feet and approached her. "How are you feeling?" he asked eagerly.

"Like I could use a massage," she grumbled. She began to stretch her back and then arms. "Where am I?"

"You're in the Chieftain's home. I'm his son," he said with a bow.

"How long have I been out?"

"About two days."

"How did I get here?" she asked with furrowed brows. Her memory was failing her.

"The outlaw carried you back. You were sickly white. We were concerned you wouldn't make it," he answered sheepishly.

"What outlaw?"

"The woman with the dark vengeful eyes," he answered simply.

Laura frowned. "What are you talking about? Where's Carmilla?"

The young Wookiee tilted his head in confusion. "Carmilla?"

"My partner. I was with her when I fell unconscious. She's incredibly pale. Dark wavy hair. Has practically black eyes that look like they could tear you to pieces-" she paused suddenly. "She's the outlaw," she stated in realization.

"Miss Jedi, I'm confused-"

"Where is she?" Laura demanded, pushing herself to her feet.

"You shouldn't move too much! You need to rest!"

"Where is your father? I need to speak with the Chieftain," she added firmly.

"He's downstairs-" he barely finished before she stormed past him. "Wait!" he yelled as he chased after her.

The Chieftain was in the middle of talking to a few others, but Laura marched directly toward him. "Where is the woman that brought me here?"

He looked up at the blonde in surprise. "Miss Jedi! You're awake! And looking well!"

"Where is she?" she demanded, ignoring his obvious relief for her well being.

"The outlaw is currently in her cell. We have been discussing what to do with her," he answered in a less casual tone.

"You're going to let her go. That's what you're going to do."

"With all due respect, Miss Jedi, you have no knowledge of the crimes she has committed to our community."

"With all due respect, Chief, she is my responsibility and I will not leave this village without her," she replied with a fiery stare.

"That is impossible-"

"Take me to her," she cut him off bitterly. His hard gaze lingering on her. "Now."

He narrowed his eyes before turning to a guard against the far wall. He gave a firm nod before looking back at Laura. "Follow him. He'll take you to her."

Her glare was still burning into him. "I'll be back," she promised before turning and following the guard out of the hut.

After a short walk past multiple guards, they entered another hut; a much sturdier looking structure. The guard repeated, "The Chieftain has given the Jedi permission to see the prisoner," multiple times. Finally, he stopped at a short hallway. He nodded down it.

"She's at the end on the right."

Laura immediately walked down the hallway. Fury was running through her body. She wasn't really sure why or who it was directed toward. The Chieftain had Carmilla, her partner, locked up. But apparently Carmilla was some outlaw? She wouldn't put it past the brunette. She was a criminal after all.

When she finally reached the cell, she saw the woman curled up against the wall. Her body looked weak. Something was wrong. Laura could feel it.

"Carm!" The brunette's eyes fluttered open; her usual intense stare lacked its normal strength. She looked far too vulnerable for Laura's liking. "Are you okay?" she asked urgently; her hands gripping the bars separating them.

Carmilla started to chuckle, but began coughing. She cringed and curled even more into herself.

"What the hell did you do to her?!" Laura exclaimed back down the hallway toward the guards. She felt anger begin to overwhelm her.

"They didn't do anything, cupcake," her raspy voice answered. The blonde turned her gaze back onto the pilot.

"What do you mean? Look at you! You're- you're hurt..." she stated, finishing quietly as her eyes raked over the weakened brunette.

"Not their fault," Carmilla clarified, hissing as she tried to lean up further.

"But they could have treated you!" Laura urged, her grip on the cell bars getting tighter.

"Heal the criminal?" she replied in amusement. "Even I don't agree with that."

"What happened to you?" Laura asked with concern drenching her words.

"We killed a terentatek, princess. Some pain is to be expected," she said with another chuckle. Laura's eyes continued to search the pilot's body. She couldn't find a wound. She saw the dried blood on her clothes, but there was no obvious injury.

"But I'm not in pain," Laura said softly. Her hand rose to her chest. The ripped material of her Jedi robe proved that the chest wound really happened. But there was no sign of injury on her skin. 

"Lucky you," Carmilla scoffed.

Laura's honey eyes pierced through the dimly lit cell. "You carried me all the way here?"

"Impressive, huh?" she answered with a halfhearted smirk.

"How? You're clearly hurt."

"Yeah. And it hurt doing it," the brunette grumbled.

Laura frowned and shook her head. "What the hell did you even do to these people? Why are you this intense outlaw? Did you steal that honey cake you gave me? Is that like a sacred crime you committed? Stealing the dessert of the dead?"

Carmilla stared at her like she was crazy. "What? No! How do you come up with this shit?" she shook her head. "You said it yourself, princess. I've been here before."

"And?"

She remained quiet, avoiding Laura's gaze. "You have to ask permission to enter the Shadowlands."

Laura stared at her in confusion. "So... you went down there without getting the green light, is what you're telling me."

Carmilla sighed. "Pretty much."

"That's it? All this drama for sneaking down there without their approval?"

Carmilla groaned. "It's not that simple, cupcake."

"Well explain it to me then," she replied sternly. Her patience was almost nonexistent now.

Dark eyes finally locked with her again. "They blame me for the darkness that's taken over their village."