ÿWPC< ûÿ2VB˜ W©ÿÿzNxxx ôU^Ûx Œ @ɇÏÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿCourier 10 Pitch#|xûÿ2:Imani Á ÁThe New Republic entourage was escorted into the palace of Queen Serenity. Her bodyguards made a path between themselves for Prime Minister Leia Organa Solo. The Queen gracefully stood and smiled warmly. She had long blonde hair held up in two long pigtails topped with buns. She wore a gold crown and white dress. She exuded an aura of friendliness that caused Leia to smile warmly in response. Á ÁQueen Serenity smiled. "I welcome you to Crystal Tokyo on the behalf of my people." Á ÁPrime Minister Leia nodded. "I am glad you granted us an audience. May I introduce my entourage?" Á ÁSerenity laughed. "Of course," Á ÁA man stepped forward. "This is my husband, General Han Solo." Leia said. She indicated another man. "This is my brother Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi Knights." Á ÁSerenity nodded to each and then indicated the man beside her. "This is my husband, Endymion." She pointed to where another blonde held a two year old. "The child is my daughter, Usagi. The one holding her is my older sister, Yassonni." Á ÁShe indicated five of her bodyguards. "These are the Sailor Senshi and my closest friends: Rei of Mars, Makoto of Jupiter, Minako of Venus, and Ami of Mercury." Each nodded at the visitors. Á ÁLeia nodded. "What have you decided on the alliance?" Á Á"I will join your Republic." Serenity said. "I have found great respect for you among your people." Á ÁLeia inwardly sighed wit relief. These would be powerful allies. "May I propose an exchange program to facilitate the alliance?" Á ÁSerenity considered and then nodded in acceptance. "We shall find someone by the time you leave. For now, I invite you to a state dinner." Á Á"We accept." Leia said. Gracefully the entourage left. * Á ÁEarly that evening Serenity sent for Yassonni who teleported in a few moments later. She didn't bow or show servility in any other manner, as it should have been. Á ÁSerenity lay on her bed. "Sonni, I think you should go. Things are bad for you here and the Generals return to service soon." Á Á"I can bear them easily." Yassonni said. Á ÁSerenity looked at her harshly. "I can feel your pain whenever you see him. I know you've forgiven him, but it hurts you anyway. You are bored and restless. You can't leave Tokyo without being hunted by someone. I know you can do good in this republic." Á ÁYassonni looked tired. "Serena, I know you are right. But I won't play the polotics game. I hate that." Á ÁSerenity nodded. "I know. I will also send Kei, Ami's daughter. You will be more of a cultural exchange; I'm certain you'll find something to do." Á ÁYassonni sat next to her sister. "Call me if there is any trouble." Á ÁSerenity grinned. "Of course, now go get ready for dinner. And dress nicely."Ô h)ÔŒÁ ÁYassonni grumbled about formality as she swept out the door. * Á ÁHan Solo grumbled about formality as his wife straightened his uniform. Luke walked in from the adjoining cabin. "Leia, these people are very strong." Á ÁLeia nodded. "I sensed that too. But sensed something else." Á Á"Like another Jedi?" Luke asked. When she nodded, he smiled. "So did I, one Serenity's higher ups." Á ÁHan turned to Luke. "Is it just me or do they all seem older than they look?" Á ÁLuke nodded. "Her Sailor Senshi as she called them, seem very young, but are not. Serenity herself seemed very old." Á Á"And she doesn't look a day over twenty," Leia quipped with a smile. To her brother, she said, "See if you can find this Jedi." Á ÁLuke nodded and they all headed out. *2* Á ÁYassonni sat at the table next to Serenity and immediately cursed. A dripping red rose was placed beside her plate. She seethed as the New Republic representitives sat down. Yassonni timed it carefully. Á Á * Á ÁLuke watched the Princess leap over the table, avoid several sharp flying pieces of wood, knock two of his guards out of the way, and tackle a concealed man that even he hadn't sensed. Á ÁHe saw that the man was unconscious and hoped she wouldn't kill him. Several of the Senshi ran to her, but she was sobbing over his unconscious form. Á ÁSerenity ran over to her and held her close. "Sonni," she whispered. The older Princess quieted and stood. She walked out into the gardens. Á ÁSerenity took her place. "I apologize, but my sister has had many difficulties. I hope you won't go." Á ÁLeia shook her head. "No, but may I ask you a question?" Á ÁSerenity nodded. "Of course," Á Á"You rule over Crystal Tokyo which takes up much of the planet now. However, there are some areas that are hostlie and while nominally under your rule, left to themselves." Leia said. Á ÁSerenity paused and then said. "My people ruled the nine planets of this Solar System two thousand years ago. But there was a war. We defeated the enemy, but all but my mother, Queen Serenity and two of her advisors were dead." Serenity's voice was sad. "Including me, my husband, my senshi, and my sister. Since we have been reborn many of our enemies have returned. Some have had survivors. We let them settle here on Earth. Most have made peace with us, some have not." Á ÁLuke nodded to himself. That would explain what he sensed from them. Á ÁA cat jumped onto the table in front of Serenity. Then it did something totally unexpected. It spoke. "Your Majesty, I belive your sister has gone off to find a way to kill herself again." Á ÁSerenity winced in pain but did not stand. "I assume she teleported." The cat nodded. "Thank you for telling me, inform me when she returns." Á ÁThe cat leapt to the floor and walked away. Then she noticedÔ h)Ô the odd looks she was recieving. "I'm sorry, I forget that you have not seen Lunar Cats. They are a sentient species of feline originally from the planet Mau." Á ÁLuke nodded. "It seems as if your sister attempts to commit suicide often." Á ÁSerenity nodded. "She is a warrior and she has nothing left to fight. She has lived a very hard life." Á ÁLuke decided to press his luck. "I have sensed that your sister is a Jedi. I am starting a school to bring back the Jedi. The Jedi were the defenders of the Old Republic. If she came to the academy I could give her something to fight for." Á ÁSerenity considered carefully. "I think it could work. I'll inform you when she returns." * Á ÁAfter Leia and Han left Luke stayed, waiting. A week after she had vanished Serenity called for him. He was brought to her quarters where she let down all her formality. "Luke, there are things about her which you may not like, but she cannot change. Give her a chance and don't judge. Many hunt her for that which is not her fault." Á ÁLuke nodded. "I understand." Á ÁSerenity smiled. "She is waiting in the garden. She probably already knows what you desire so don't hedge. And don't get her mad, you'd regret it." Á ÁHe nodded and walked into the garden. Yassonni had her long blonde hair free down her back. She wore a simple breeches and tunic outfit that made her seem more human than any dress. A sword hung on her back. Á Á"Princess Yassonni?" he asked. Á ÁWithout looking up, she said, "Call me Sonni, everyone has, no matter what my name was." Á ÁHe sat on the bench beside her. "Alright, call me Luke. Why do you want to die?" Á ÁShe shrugged. "Everywhere I go I am hunted by someone. To some I am the incarnation of evil. Not to mention that I've been reborn three times and each into a worse situation. I've killed more than I can count. I'm nothing anymore, just a burden. The one they have to hide to keep her alive." Á ÁLuke nodded. "You are a Jedi, I can sense it. You could help us, you wouldn't be a burden." * Á ÁShe looked into his eyes and saw hope, a burning passion for life. It was what she wanted, needed. She knew she needed no training, but she did need a purpose. And she had found one. She would protect the dreams of the owner of the eyes filled with such hope. Á ÁShe smiled. "Very well, I will come with you." Á ÁLuke grinned and stood. "When can you be ready to leave?" Á Á"Tonight." she said. "I will meet you by your ship." Á ÁHe nodded. "I will be waiting for you." * Á ÁSonni danced into Serenity' quarters. "You are a manipulative, little ......sister. And I love you for it." Á ÁSerenity's face lit up in joy. "I am so glad you decided toÔ h)Ô go with him." Á Á"See ya Serena!" and Yassonni disappeared. * Á ÁLuke was surprised Yassonni arrived so quickly, but was so happy she was happy that they left. Imani Á ÁYassonni awoke as they landed. Luke opened the hatch and the two headed out. Sonni wasn't expecting such bright sunlight and jumped back in pain. She ignored Luke's querryful look and prepared herself. She walked out and was amazed at the beauty of the jungle. Á ÁLuke watched her as she watched the animals at the outskirts in rapt fascination. Crystal Tokyo had come to be after a nuclear war had killed off all such jungles on earth. She hadn't seen one in hundreds of years. Á ÁShe turned to Luke. "You are very blessed." Á ÁHe nodded. "I know." He saw several of his other students and waved to them. Á ÁHe introduced them to Yassonni. "These are my neice and nephew, Jaina and Jacen." The twins smiled at her. They looked like their father Han Solo. Á Á"This is Tenel Ka of Hapes." Yassonni recohnized another Princess and grinned at her. Á Á"Lowbacca," was the wookie. Á Á Yassonni looked them over and said, "I'm Madison, but you can call me Sonni." Á ÁLuke remembered that that was her name from her third birth, her last one. "Training begins tomorrow. I suggest exploring the grounds." Á ÁShe nodded and headed off into the jungle. "Don't get lost." Tenel Ka advised. Á ÁMadison flashed her a grin. "I won't." * Á ÁAfter a few moments she could tell somone was trying to catch up with her. She slowed and Jacen walked over to her. "I thought I'd show you around. I've explored a lot of this jungle." Á ÁShe accepted and they headed towards the center. "So, what does your uncle do with his time?" Á Á"Teaches us mostly, though he has some of his graduates help with that. He sees mom and dad every so often. I think he needs a girlfriend." Jacen said. "He seems lonely sometimes." Á ÁMadison laughed. "Where are we going?" Á Á"The old temples are very interesting. I thought you' like to see them." Jacen said. Á ÁThe two crashed through the growth laughing. *3* Á ÁA few months later Luke was drinking with Han on Tatooine. "So, kid, what did you want to talk about?" Á ÁLuke blushed. "You remember Yassonni?" Á Á"Your student? Yeah, seen her once or twice when I went to visit the kids." Han said. Á ÁLuke laughed. "My student? No. That facade didn't last a week. She has a power called Prime that she was taught long ago that sheÔ h)Ô unconsciously used the Force to augment. She has made herself my bodyguard." Á ÁHan laughed into his drink. "That a problem?" Á ÁLuke shook his head. "She always knows my moods. She's never in the way." Á Á"You sound like you love her." Han said. Á ÁLuke shrugged. "I'm not sure. She is an enigma. My mind keeps telling me she's too old or too young. I know very little about her." Á Á"Well, I say go for it." Han said. Á ÁLuke nodded. "I think I will." * Á ÁLuke dozed in the cockpit on his way back to the academy. Suddenly an alarmed blared. The ship shook. He jumped to his feet. A star destroyer sat just outside his widow. * Á ÁAt the academy a least a hundred TIE fighters and several star destroyers jumped out of hyperspace. The students ran into the forest to avoid being hit as the ships attacked the planet. Á ÁSeveral troop transport were sent down. The soldiers were winning due to number. Someone had set up the attack o that everyone was off guard. Á ÁMadison took down alot but was pushed into a corner and killed by a stray laser before she could really fight. Imani Á ÁMadison woke to find the Academy in ruins. The rocks smoked and she could see the remains of stormtroopers. Her head ached an she was starved, but it wasn't a human urge. If she had found an enemy alive they would have been terrified, but the only stormtroopers who were present were dead. Á ÁMadison wasn't surprised that the Academy had been hit, death followed her, but wouold not claim her. Damn her imortality! She reached out for Luke's mind. * Á ÁLuke felt her mindtouch and immediately latched onto it. ^Where are my students?^ Á Á^I don't know.^ she answered. ^I just revived. I see lots of dead stormtroopers though.^ Á Á^Probably killed by their own commander.^ Luke said. ^Call Leia. I'm trapped on a Star Destroyer and am being blocked by ysamalari.^ Á ÁMadison cut the link. She stood and cupped her hands. The light that appeared grew into a crystal. Light washed over her and turned her into Princess Yassonni. She shifted into her warrior dress then. Silver and red tunic and shirt. Sword hanging on her back. A plate over her heart. Á ÁThen she vanished. * Á ÁLuke felt her cut the link and sighed. When she was angry she was ver dangerous. Better them than him. *2* Á ÁYassonni appeared before the imperal admiral. "That wasn'tÔ h)Ô very nice." Á ÁHe aimed a gun at her but it crumpled. He looke around. "You can't be using the Force. I have ysamalari all over the ship!" Á ÁShe smiled. "Really? Well, I guess I'm not using the Force. Where are the Jedi and Luke Skywalker?" Á ÁThe admiral ordered the stormtroopers to kill her and she sighed. Her augmented strength and dexterity brought them down in a matter of seconds. She telekinetically jammed the door and grinned ferally at the admial. "We can do this one of three ways: you can tell me, I can ask your blood, or I can rip it from your mind. Pick one." Á ÁThe admiral spit at her and she dodged. She stepped up to him and hugged him. "I was hoping you would say that." Á ÁHe looked very confused. She kissed him. Then a moment later she bit him. Á ÁHe gasped and tried to pull away, but her vampele strength held him still. He fell to the ground and she stepped away, sated. And she knew. * Á ÁFirst she knocked every imperial unconscious throght the use of her Prime abilties and her crystal. Then she appeared in Luke's cell. She said nothing as they then appeared in a cargo bay serving as a holding cell. She and the Jedi appeared on the planet. Á ÁShe held up the crystal and shoved the ships into a universe that Centerpoint could care for them in. Then she collapsed. *3* Á ÁLuke sat by her as she woke up. "I see what Serenity meant now. You are immrtal, a vampele, a Prime, and other things. That explains much." Á Á Sonni nodded. "And you can't love me. I am too harsh, too cold." Á ÁHe opened his mouth to protest, but she shook her head. "I can feel it. I understand. It is better for both of us." Á ÁHe nodded. "Alright then, but I do love you." Á Á"It would never work." she said. "But thank you for showing me life." Á ÁShe began to glow and then vanished, like a dream. ~Epilogue~ Á ÁPluto looked at the crystal Madison had called on. "It is nothing I have heard of before. It is not the Silver or Golden crystals. I say take good care of it." Á ÁMadison nodded. "I shall. Tell Sere I will return someday, but for now I travel." Á ÁPluto nodded. "I shall. Be careful." Á ÁThen Madison disappeared from the universe. *******