Chapter 3

 

The firelight flickered, the light barely able to penetrate the blackness of the night.  Silence filled the area, as if the entire forest was fast asleep.  But Obi-Wan knew that there were many creatures that were awake.  What kind, he was not sure, for even after their entire day of trekking, they had not come along any type of creatures, friendly or otherwise.

 

Obi-Wan sighed once, his breathe echoing softly in the stillness of the night.  He closed his eyes, slowed his breath, and calmed himself as he started to sink into his meditations.  All at once, the forest was filled with life.  He could see animals weaving through the forest, pausing every now and then to listen for their enemy.  The wind whistled softly through the trees, just enough to bend a few branches.  The calm, even breathing of his apprentice was barely audible over the sounds of the forest.  And though he could barely hear it, he heard the uneasy rest of the mysterious girl who they were taking to Coruscant.  He slowly expanded his reaches with the Force, scanning the entire area for any sorts of danger.  All he could find was the sounds and sites of animals.  He opened his eyes, satisfied that they were safe for the time being.

 

He looked into the fire, staring hard into the depths of the flames.  His now slightly longish hair fell forward, whisking the skin by his eyes.  He did not even notice it, though, for he began to grow with the Force, opening his range.  Mere milliseconds felt like days as his mind slipped through the universe, searching for the one who he needed to talk to.  Planets flew by him as he directed his mind towards a planet covered in buildings.  Coruscant.

 

He reached his destination:  the tower of the Jedi Council.  He felt his own presence materialize into the chamber of the Jedi Council, as though he had been expected.  He looked around, surprised to find that the seats were empty.  He circled slowly, frowning as he saw the darkness of the room.  A sudden burst of light caused him to spin around, calling upon the Force to guide him.  A slight smile crossed his lips as he saw Master Yoda sitting in his usual chair, staring at him.

 

*Surprised you were,* Yoda stated, his voice croaking softly as he watched Obi-Wan, the picture of calmness.  *Have not gotten used to travel, I see*

 

Obi-Wan looked away, feeling almost sheepish as he heard the words of the Jedi Master.  *Just a little nervous, Master.  Current issues have found a way to cloud the Force, it seems.*

 

*Coming of dark,* Yoda said wisely, slowly standing up and walking over to the Jedi Knight.  Obi-Wan kneeled on one knee, eye-level with the Jedi Master.  Obi-Wan was stricken to see that much of the usual humor that was in Yoda's eyes had been replaced by worry, by a sense of knowledge.  *Blocked the senses of Masters, it has.  Knowledge is scarce about the coming of dark.  But you have knowledge, I see.  Tell me.*

 

*There is a girl that is traveling with us.  She appeared on the planet of Naboo a few days ago, claiming that she was being chased by these being called 'stormtroopers.'  She told about a villainess, Kanara, who destroyed her entire word and who is after her now.*

 

Obi-Wan looked at Yoda, hoping that he would have something to say.  But Yoda simply looked at him, waiting for him to continue with his knowledge.  Obi-Wan sighed, mentally putting together words to explain what he had felt.

 

*There is something about her, Master.  She seems to be able to block the Force somehow.  I can't read the Force on her.  But there is a sense of...a sense of wrongness about her.  She's hiding something, I know that for sure, but I am not able to tell what.*

 

*Very secretive, she is, for secrets she has.* Yoda croaked, looking seriously at Obi-Wan.  Take her lightly, you mustn't, for holds she does very important information.  Felt her, have we.  The power of hers has traveled over many miles.  Carefully watch her.*

 

A sudden memory of his conversation with Anakin came to mind as Obi-Wan listened to Yoda.  *There is one more thing, Master.  Anakin told me that he was watching her when our ship suddenly malfunctioned.  He said that she smiled, as if she was pleased by what was going on.  And, her eyes flashed purple in color.  I have never heard anything like that happening before.  Do you know what this means?*

 

Yoda shook his head slightly.  *I know not.  Careful you must be.  Dangerous, very, she is.*

 

Obi-Wan nodded at Yoda's words.  Suddenly, he felt a slight tugging and slowly, very slowly, he began to disappear from the chamber of the Jedi Council.  Yoda watched him slowly disappear, calling to him only once.

 

*Be with you may the Force be.*

 

Galaxies whipped by Obi-Wan as he passed them at an impressive speed.  A burst of light pounded before him, causing him to open his eyes in slight alarm.  One of the logs in the fire had crackled and popped, spraying ashes only inches away from Obi-Wan's face.  Obi-Wan looked around, checking to see if everything was the same as he had left it.  Relief filled him as he realized that nothing had been touched in his absence.

 

I wish my conversation with Yoda had not been cut off like it was, he thought.  I wanted to hear more of what he and the Council knew about the gathering forces in the universe.

 

Obi-Wan glanced over at Anne, vaguely making out her still form.  She is to be watched, for Yoda is right about that.  I still have this feeling that she is hiding many things from us.  I wish I knew what exactly what to do, about her and about other events.  Even now, I am still unsure about taking Anakin on as my apprentice.  I know that it is what Master Qui-Gon would have wanted, but I don't know if I'm ready to train anyone yet.  After all, I just became a Jedi Knight.

 

Obi-Wan looked once again into the fire, watching as the colors of the fire merged together into one.  As he watched the flames dance back and forth, an image began to form.  He watched intently as the image grew clearer.  He leaned forward, trying to get a better view.  When he saw what it was, he pulled back, shutting his eyes against it.  His former master, Qui-Gon Jinn reached out of the flames, as if calling Obi-Wan.  Obi-Wan refused to look back into the fire.  He closed his mind to the fire and began to fall back into the meditative state he had started an hour ago.  Calmness seeped back into him, allowing him to push the image aside.

 

A gust of cold air whipped at Obi-Wan's tunic, his eyes snapping open.  He turned around, hand hovering inches about his lightsaber.  He slowly stood up, taking a step into the darkness as he did.  He searched, using both external and internal sources, trying to find what had caused the gust of air.  A sudden brightness in the Force caused him to turn to his right.

 

There, sitting by the fire, was Qui-Gon Jinn.  Not the Qui-Gon that Obi-Wan knew, for now he was but a spirit that existed through the light.  Qui-Gon looked at his former apprentice with calm eyes, motioning for him to sit down once again.  Obi-Wan did as he was told, too shocked to do anything else.

 

"Master, is it really you?" he asked, his voice nothing but a whisper.  The image nodded slightly, then shook it's head.  Obi-Wan looked at it, his forehead wrinkling as he leaned forward.

 

*It is me, but I am much different now,* Qui-Gon said, his words carrying on the wind.  *Things have changed since we last met, Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Many things have changed.*

 

Obi-Wan nodded, thinking of all the events that had recently transpired.  Him becoming a full Jedi Knight, taking Anakin as his apprentice, training Anakin, working on Naboo, and of course, the events that had brought him onto this moon.  "Many things have changed, Master.  Some for the good, but also some for the bad."

 

*You are unsure of yourself, Obi-Wan.  Do not let that take control of the events that have and will occur.* Qui-Gon said.  *You are ready for the journey that lays ahead.  Watch over Anakin, but let him travel on his own path.  Many things are changing now, Obi-Wan, and you and Anakin are in the heart of these events.  Remember, watch and then act.  Watch.*

 

Obi-Wan had no time to react as the image of Qui-Gon faded into the firelight.  He reached forward towards the spot where his former master had sat just moments before, but there was nothing there.  A slight weight of disappointment fell upon him, but he barely noticed it as he thought of the words he had just heard.

 

What events are Yoda and Qui-Gon talking about? he thought to himself, thinking deeply.  And what part do I play in all of this?

 

"Master?"  A voice shattered the stillness of the night.  Obi-Wan slowly turned around, feeling the familiarity of the Force behind him.  He glanced at Anakin, silently questioning him.  "It is my time for the watch.  The alarm went off."

 

Obi-Wan nodded, stretching his legs slowly as he stood up.  "Things are pretty calm out there, Anakin, but be careful."

 

"I know," he said as Obi-Wan lightly tapped him on the shoulder.  Obi-Wan walked over to his own pack and settled in, letting sleep take over.  As his eyes slowly began to droop, he caught one last glimpse at Anakin.  But instead of the blonde hair that reflected the firelight, he thought he saw the shine of a black metal winking at him.  A man enveloped all in black seemed to be staring back at him as he slowly nodded off to sleep.

 

******

 

Obi-Wan sighed briefly as his eyes wandered down the path they traveled, watching as it led deeper into the forest.  Already it was their second day in the forest, though it seemed as if they had been traveling for weeks; even with all this traveling, they had come upon no one.  All they had been able to find was the exotic species of vegetation that surrounding them, at some parts even covering the path they traveled upon.  A slight movement of the Force on his left caused Obi-Wan to turn slightly.  Anakin looked up at him in surprise, his hand raised slightly in the air as if he were going to lightly touch Obi-Wan on the shoulder.

 

"Is something wrong, Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked, taking in Anakin's tired face and slight limp to his walk.

 

"Can we take a break, Master?  I'm kind of tired and hungry."

 

Obi-Wan smiled and nodded, remembering back to the days when he had tired that quickly.  Though it seems I tired much more quickly than Anakin has. 

 

The three sat down in a circle at the edge of the path.  Anne opened the bag she had been carrying on her back and pulled out small containers full of food for each of them.  As Obi-Wan received his he called upon the Force, making sure that the food was safe to eat.  He felt nothing wrong with the food and, satisfied, began to eat.  Anakin waited until Obi-Wan to start eating before he ate his own, for he still did not trust Anne.  In a matter of minutes, the food was mostly gone and each of them sat in contentment.

 

"I don't know about you, but I know that I needed that," Anne voiced quietly, smiling slightly as she glanced over at them.  Anakin smiled while Obi-Wan nodded while giving her a half-smile.  Suddenly, a loud crash caused all of them to jump to their feet in alarm.  Obi-Wan immediately pulled out his lightsaber, readying himself to ignite it if danger was about.  Obi-Wan spun to his right as he saw five small creatures jumping out of the immense bushes by the path.  They were small bear-like creatures, each a different shade of brown or gray.  Each carried spears, the tips very sharp.  The largest one, the darkest brown in color, wore a tan headband and was obviously the leader.  He barked out orders in a gibberish and language and the small creatures attacked.  As Obi-Wan prepared to ignite his lightsaber, a spear was thrown at him.  He lunged to the ground, going into a roll in order to avoid the spear.  Crashes were heard all around the humans as dozens more of the creatures appeared, each carrying weapons.  Though their fighting was very limited with little strategy behind it, the creatures completely outnumbered the three.

 

"What are these creature?" Anne cried as she ducked just in time to miss an oncoming spear.

 

"Ewoks, I believe," Obi-Wan answered as more creatures, Ewoks, descended on him from the bushes.  He leapt away from the fray, flying a good five feet in the air and landed further down the path.  The Ewoks looked around in confusion, trying to find where he had gone.  One of the Ewoks glanced back and spotted him, yelling out in its gibberish language.  As the Ewoks started after him, he lit his lightsaber, preparing himself for their spears.  The Ewoks froze in their tracks, staring at him in awe and fear.  All of the Ewoks turned towards Obi-Wan, Anne and Anakin suddenly forgotten. 

 

Suddenly, more creatures jumped out of the foliage.  But these creatures were much different.  They were small in stature, but they were very humanlike in appearance.  They wore simple outfits, made up of green or brown fabric.  The females wore simple green dresses, which ended about an inch above their knees.  A gold rope tied around their waist.  They wore either light green or light brown skintight pants on their legs and their feet were completely barefoot.  The males wore green tops and loose brown pants, a gold rope tied around their waist.  They were very short, for they only came up to Obi-Wan's waist.  The only way one could tell that they were not human was the slight point they had to the ends of their ears.  One of them, a female in the front of the group, called to the Ewoks in slightly accented English.

 

"It is okay, little ones," she called gently in a child-like voice.  "They are not here to hurt you."

 

The Ewoks backed away from the three slowly and, in a matter of seconds, disappeared back into the woods.  Anne, Anakin, and Obi-Wan looked around in shock, seeing and hearing none of the Ewoks who had been there only seconds before.

 

"Who are you?" Obi-Wan asked, knowing the answer almost immediately.

 

"We are the Erans," she replied simply.  "And it looks like you are in need of help."  Anakin nodded as he approached the young girl cautiously.

 

"Actually, we are.  Our spaceship broke down and we are trying to find someone to help us with it." Anakin explained, eyes pleading for help.  The girl smiled at the three of them and backed away, motioning for them to follow her.  She turned around and went back into the woods, the other Erans following after her.  Anne, Anakin, and Obi-Wan glanced at each other for a moment then quickly followed the Erans, not wanting to lose them.

 

After a few minutes of fighting their way through the dense bushes, they suddenly stumbled upon a small clearing.  Though Obi-Wan could feel a strong sense of life surrounding them, there was not a sign of any living thing around them.  He turned to the female Eran, his eyes questioning as she looked up at him.

 

"It will all make sense in time," was all she would say.  She turned away from him once again, slowly walking over to a large tree at the edge of the clearing.  It was by far the largest tree in the entire clearing, towering over all the rest.  It looked to be many centuries old, and Anakin looked at it in awe.  He had never seen a tree that was this big.

 

"How does it live so long?" he asked the girl.

 

She gave him a queer little smile, and he could sense at once that she was hiding something.  "It didn't."

 

Before any of them could ask what she meant, she pulled a small control box out of the pouch on her back and typed in a short command.  She then walked over to the tree and, to the amazement of all three, she walked into the tree.  As she walked into it, she turned around and waved to them, motioning once again for them to follow.  Obi-Wan was the first to do so, cautiously making his way into the tree.  As he disappeared, Anakin followed next, then Anne.  As they went into the tree, they found themselves at the top of a stairway.  They could not see very far, for the stairs descended in a circular pattern.  Torches lit the way for them, and the walls and stairs were made completely of gray stone.  The three slowly walked down the stairs, watching for anything that looked suspicious.  They walked what seemed to be forever when they saw a brighter light coming from the stairs just ahead.  They walked faster, but just as they had gotten to the light, darkness poured over them, causing them to freeze.  But just as suddenly as the darkness had come, it disappeared, leaving them in a pool of light.

 

The three looked around, amazed by everything they saw.  The world that they had walked into was completely different from the land above.  In the land above, there was nothing but trees and greens.  In here, technology ruled.  Everywhere they looked, Erans were busy working on strange looking machines, though Obi-Wan could tell at once that they were incredibly advanced.  The young girl that had led them in turned to them once again. 

 

"Come," she beckoned.  "It is time for you to meet our leader."

 

She once again started off with the three following her closely, not wanted to lose her in the crowd.  She took them out a door and into the main city, where they passed a few simple but clean buildings and homes.  A few young Erans watched them curiously as they walked by, though the older Erans paid no attention to them.  Soon, they found themselves in front of a small yet ornately decorated building.  Their guide turned to them and waved them into the building.

 

"Hurry up.  You are expected." she urged.

 

They entered the building, walking into the beginning of a small hall.  The ceiling of the hall was rather low, for it was only a few inches above Obi-Wan's head.  Candlelight flickered from the sides of the hall, yet the room was filled with light.  The ground beneath them was soft and Anakin was surprised to see that they were walking on a grass-like material.  Flowers of all kinds grew on the edge of the "path" that led to a small throne.

 

On the throne was a young female, obviously the leader of the Erans.  She smiled at them as they approached, her waist-length blonde hair shimmering with streaks of gold.  Her small but ornate crown sparkled with tiny jewels in the light of the room. But what the three of them found incredible was her eyes.  Her eyes were as blue as the night sky, and starlight seemed to twinkle out of them. As they came before her throne, she stood up and walked down to them.  Obi-Wan smiled at her, introducing all of them.    

 

"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi.  This is Anakin Skywalker, and this is Anne."

 

"Welcome.  I am Sarina, leader of the Erans." she greeted, her voice amazingly strong for a creature so small.  "You have been expected."

 

"Expected?" Anne asked.  "What do you mean by that?"

 

Sarina looked Anne squarely in the eye, years of wisdom pouring out of the girl.  "We have heard of your misfortune and have been awaiting your arrival."

 

"Then you know about our ship?" Obi-Wan asked, looking hopefully at the leader of the Erans.  She nodded, smiling at him and Anakin.

 

"Yes.  Zarian," she said, motioning to a male Eran standing by the side of her throne, "and the other reparians will help you to repair your ship.  They will repair your ship for you, Obi-Wan, if you will be so kind to lead them there.  Your two companions will stay here and rest until you return."

 

Zarian turned to Obi-Wan.  "Are you ready?" he asked.  Obi-Wan nodded and followed the Eran out of the door.  He turned around once to glance at his companions.  Anakin smiled at him and motioned for him to go, while Anne looked unhappy with the arrangements that were made.  Sarina turned towards the young female that had brought the travelers in.

"Floita, show the young one to a room to get rest.  I need to talk to this one," Sarina said, indicating Anne.  Floita nodded and turned to Anakin, a smile shining on her face.

 

"Come Anakin," she said sweetly.  "Let me show you to a room."  With that she and Anakin left the room, the rest of the people in the hall following.  Soon, only Sarina and Anne remained.  Sarina turned to Anne, her eyes filled with suspicion.  The smile that had been on her face since their arrival disappeared, living a grim frown in its place.

 

"Why are you traveling with people with whom you do not belong, child of evil," Sarina ordered, her voice filling with power.  Anne looked at her, her eyes filled with innocence and questioning.

 

"What do you mean, Your Highness?" she asked, puzzled by the leader of the Eran's coldness.  "I am merely trying to get away from the person who destroyed - "

 

"Do not try to deceive me, Kanara,"  Sarina barked, her deep blue eyes filling with anger.  "It will take more than the power that you have to lie to me."

 

Anne raised her eyebrow at the young leader, all of the innocence on her face evaporating.  She glared at the female, her once sincere demeanor gone.  She took a step towards her, glaring menacingly at her.  Sarina, to her credit, did not even flinch, even as a wave of evil passed over her.

 

"So, you know who I am do you?" Anne hissed, a cruel smile crossing her face.  "And how did you figure that out?"

 

"My wisdom is more greater than that which you will ever have," the leader of the Erans explained calmly.  "I have seen the evil that you have hidden from the Jedi's.  The magic that we use is different than theirs.  Ever since the moment you first stepped onto this planet, I knew you were here.  Every living thing screamed out in anger, hate, and fear when they felt you walk upon this land.  I can feel every though and feeling of the living things on this planet, and they knew you were wrong.  You do not belong here, or with the Jedi's."

 

"I belong wherever I want," Anne spat out, her teeth tightly clenched, silently questioning how Sarina knew that Obi-Wan and Anakin were Jedi's.  The evil that she had been able to contain through the journey spilled out as Sarina stared at her.  Though she could not explain why, Anne felt threatened by the small creature.  This young girl, unlike any other being she had run into, could see who she actually was.  And Anne did not like that.  Not at all.  "And there is nothing you can do to stop it."

 

"There is," Sarina said, watching as conflicting emotions played on the girl's face.  "I will tell the Jedi's who you are.  After all, they know that something is wrong with you.  I will tell them all I know, and then your plan will be ruined."

 

Anne's eyes widened as she glared at the girl.  "No.  You will never tell them.  I cannot have you ruining my plans!"

 

Anne took another step towards Sarina, a flash of purple enveloping her as she did.  When the flash disappeared, Anne was wearing a black outfit, her eyes glowing an unearthly purple.  Sarina looked at her in shock.  "You are stronger than I had at first thought."

 

"Got that right, loser," Anne scoffed, raising her hand in front of her.  Her palm began to glow and soon a purple ball of light glowed steadily over her palm.  Sarina tried raising her arm to block the attack she knew was coming but found that she could not.  She looked at Anne in shock.

 

"You wouldn't dare," whispered Sarina.  "They will find out!"

 

"No they won't.  No only will ever find out."

 

As she advanced on the girl, Sarina looked at her in fear, shocked at the immense power that surrounded her.  She had never found a creature who had been this evil, and her powers seemed to be useless against her.  Anne smiled as she prepared to send the purple light at the girl when suddenly, she could no longer see Sarina.  Instead, she saw the ghostly image of a person she had known long ago.  The person's bluish black hair shimmered in the purple light that radiated from Anne.  Her light yellow sundress glowed as she smiled at Anne, her eyes shining with friendship.

 

"Don't hurt her Kim." The image of Trini Kwan said.  "Go home.  Go home to your friends.  They still love you."

 

As quickly as it had appeared, the image disappeared, leaving the cowering girl in its wake.  For a split second, Anne felt the stirring of something deep inside of her. 

 

Stop hurting those I love! the voice screamed out.  Get away from me!  Anne's eyes narrowed and a flash of purple overtook her once again.  When the flash disappeared, the voice was buried deeper underneath the evil.  Anne once again glared at the girl, her eyes flashing.

 

"This is the end for you, Eran," she hissed.  She pushed the purple ball forward, light streaking towards the leader of the Erans.  Sarina opened her mouth to scream as the ball of light hit her, but she was suddenly overtaken with a great pain.  She fell to the ground in agony as evil power coursed through her veins.  Anne bent down to the girl, a cruel smiling twisted on her lips as she watched her shudder in pain.

 

"This sickness will run course through your body, making you feel like you want to die.  And after five days, you will." Anne whispered, taking pleasure in the pain she was causing.  Sarina tried to reply, but the pain was too great.  "I could kill you right now, but I want you to suffer.  Oh, and by the way, this is highly contagious.  So I'd be careful who you talk to."

 

Anne stood up and began to walk away, but turned around one last time to look at Sarina.  "I will not have you messing up my plans.  After all, I have so much in store for these Jedi."

 

*****

 

A few miles away from the hall of the Erans, Obi-Wan watched in astonishment as the small Erans worked diligently at the ship control, trying to fix the ship.  He had never been very interested in machinery, but had learned because he knew he might need to know how to fix them someday.  But what the Erans were doing was incredible.  Even though they had run into a few problems, they had quickly gotten past them.  Now, they were almost finished fixing the ship.  Obi-Wan walked over to the one in charge, Zarian, and placed a hand on his back. 

 

"Is the ship almost ready?" he asked.  Zarian nodded as he tore his gaze away from the controls and glanced up at Obi-Wan.

 

"Yes. I am just checking the controls one last time before you can leave.  I still cannot believe that you were able to make it here with so much damage!" Zarian cried, shaking his head in disbelief.  "How did you sustain so much damage if you were not in battle?  Did you check the ship before you left?"

 

Obi-Wan nodded, looking as confused as Zarian.  "I don't know what happened.  We made sure to check it before we left, because we wanted to make it to Coruscant as quickly as possible.  I don't know what could have caused this!" he said, even though he had a slight suspicion that Anne had something to do with their emergency landing.

Zarian shrugged and turned his attention back to the controls.  Silence filled the ship, the buzz of the control panels the only noise that could be heard.  Obi-Wan turned his attention away from the noise and looked out the window of the ship, seeing nothing but dense forest.  Turning back to the Eran he asked, "How are you able to find your way through this forest?"  Zarian chuckled for a moment then walked over to the window.

 

"We were born in these woods and we die in these woods.  We know them as well as we know the back of our hands."  He smiled and looked up at Obi-Wan, who towered over the small Eran.  "Not only that, but we are all connected to our leader.  If we are lost, the leader will show us the way no matter where we are.  When she is happy, we are overjoyed.  When she is sad, we are unhappy.  When she is in pain, we share in her pain.  We are all connected to each other."

 

"But how are you connected?"  Is there a ceremony that binds you all somehow?"

 

Zarian nodded.  "Yes.  When the leader is picked, we all join together in a ceremony to announce the new leader.  At that ceremony, the spirits of the woods connect us with our leader, and we will be connected to her until her spirit passes to the tress.  Everyone is connected to the leader, some more than others.  The higher ranking Erans, like me, are exceptionally close to her because we spend the most time around her.  The lower ranking Erans are not as close, because they do not see her as much.  It is a custom, though there are some that do not agree with it."  As Obi-Wan prepared to ask another question, Zarian smiled.

 

"You are an inquisitive creature, Obi-Wan," he grinned.  "I like that.  I can see also see why you were chosen to be a Jedi."

 

Obi-Wan looked at him in surprise.  "How did you know that I was a Jedi?  I didn't tell anyone that I was."

 

Zarian looked at him solemnly.  "The trees tell of the Force that sings in you.  The Force is strong to you, making you sensitive to your surroundings."  His grin crept back upon his face as he glanced up at Obi-Wan.  "Besides, Floita told us about your lightsaber.  No one can amaze the Ewoks unless they use the Force for the side of good." 

 

"The woods tell you a lot." Obi-Wan commented.  "But why doesn't anyone know that much about you?  What you told me is the most I've ever heard about your race."  Zarian's grin disappeared as he looked out the window sadly.

 

"No one ever asks questions about us because they seem to forget about us.  They ask for our help, then leave the planet and never return."  he explained.  "No one wants to come back to us, even though we do so much to help them.  We are not sure why, either.  It might be the magic that we use.  Our magic effects everyone who comes near us.  For some, it makes them never want to leave and for others it makes them forget about us completely.  Maybe it is for the best, though, because we are a very peaceful people.  If too many people came in, the Ewoks would become unhappy and would start fighting." 

 

Silence once again filled the ship as Obi-Wan looked out the window, contemplating everything he had just heard.  Suddenly, Zarian gave a small gasp before falling heavily against the window.  Obi-Wan reached down for him in alarm, catching the small Eran before he hit the ground.

 

"Zarian!  What's wrong?" he asked in panic.  Zarian looked up at him, a wild look in his eyes.  His face contorted in pain as he looked up at Obi-Wan.

 

"Something...wrong...queen..."  Zarian began to babble incoherently as pain filled him.  As Obi-Wan tried to think of what to do, a small beeping broke into his thoughts.  He reached down and grabbed the beeping communication device from his belt.  He turned it on to see a hologram image of Anakin, looking around the room frantically.

 

"Obi-Wan!  Something's wrong!" he shouted.  "Floita and I were talking when she fell over and started mumbling something about the queen and a bunch of other stuff that I didn't understand!  Do you know what is going on?"

 

"Anakin calm down.  I don't know what is going on, but I'll get back to the Eran camp as soon as I can."  As Anakin nodded, Obi-Wan turned off the communication device.  He carefully picked up Zarian and walked out of the ship.  There he found the other Erans obviously in pain, yet not as much as Zarian. 

 

"We have to go back to the camp." he said. 

 

The Erans nodded and quickly made their way into the woods, even with their pain.  Though the camp wasn't that far away, to Obi-Wan it felt like hours until they reached the tree.  When they went into the camp, Obi-Wan looked around in shock.  Chaos was the only way to explain what it was like.  Many Erans were like Zarian, the pain stronger then anything else around them.  Others didn't seem to be affected at all, though Obi-Wan could tell otherwise.  Though he wanted to stop and help them, he knew that he had to take Zarian to the leader.  When he entered the building, he looked at the leader in shock.  The young Eran was lying on the ground, hair disarray and face contorted in pain.  Every few minutes a shudder would rack through her body, causing even more pain.  Anne was carefully tending to her, trying to make her as comfortable as possible.  As Obi-Wan looked at Sarina, he found it hard to believe that this girl was the one he had met not too long ago.  He quickly ran over to her, and leaned down.

 

"Sarina!  What's wrong?  What is going on?" he asked forcefully.  She opened her mouth to answer him, but he could tell that even a movement as small as that used all of her strength.  "Never mind.  You need to rest."  

 

Suddenly, Anakin ran into the room, half supporting half dragging Floita.  As they neared, Obi-Wan turned towards them.  Anakin carefully lowered Floita to the ground.  But she surprised them all by sitting up and looking up at them.

 

"Leader.........sick.........find.....cure."  Floita spoke in halting words.  Though it was painful for her, she knew that they needed to try and find out what was wrong with the Erans.  Obi-Wan kneeled next to her, watching her carefully.

 

"Do you know what caused this?" he asked.  Floita could only shake her head, unable to use the strength to say anything.  Obi-Wan nodded and stood up, turning his attention back to Anakin. 

 

"We have to do something Anakin.  We can't let...."  Obi-Wan was suddenly interrupted by the beeping of his communication device.  He reached down quickly and turned it on.  "What is it, captain?  Is something wrong?"

 

The captain of the ship answered immediately.  "We have to get out of here!  There are ships heading straight towards this moon, with many weapons on them.  We've also detected many life forms on the ships, including the forms of the ones that attacked Naboo."  Obi-Wan looked at Anakin in alarm as he replied to the captain.

 

"We'll be right there."  He shut off the communicator and turned back to Anakin.  "We can't stay here any longer.  We have to go."  Anakin opened his mouth to disagree, but quickly shut it when Obi-Wan glared at him.  Obi-Wan glanced at Anne, whose face had turned pale.

 

"They won't get me again.  They can't!" she whispered as she glanced at Obi-Wan.  Obi-Wan nodded and turned back to the leader.

 

"We can't stay here.  I'm sorry." he whispered as he looked into her pleading eyes.  "But we will take Floita with us, and the Jedi Council will try and figure out what is wrong.  We have to leave.  I hope you can understand."  A smile passed through the leader's eyes as she gave a barely detectable nod.  Obi-Wan walked over to Floita, and picking her up, motioned to Anakin and Anne to follow him.  They quickly made their way out of the Eran camp and into the woods.  With Floita's help, they were able to get through the woods and to their ship.  As they jumped out of the bushes into a small clearing, Obi-Wan was relieved to see that they had made it back to the ship.  He went inside quickly, without even a backwards glance.  Anakin and Anne quickly followed. 

 

"Anakin," Obi-Wan commanded.  "Take her to the medical bay.  We need to get out of here."  Anakin nodded and Obi-Wan slowly put Floita down, so she was standing on her feet.  She leaned against Anakin and he quickly led her to the medical bay.  Obi-Wan barely acknowledged that they had left, as he turned to the captain.

 

"Let's get out of here," Obi-Wan ordered.  The captain nodded, and quickly turned the ship on.  As they took off, Obi-Wan noticed that the ship wasn't handling well.  In a flash, the ship flew off the forestry ground of the planet and had entered the atmosphere.  They barely gotten out of the atmosphere when the captain turned to Obi-Wan in alarm,.

 

"There's something wrong!" he exclaimed.  "The hyper drive won't work!"  Obi-Wan barely heard it, though, as he looked out the bridge window.  Quickly gaining on the small Naboo ship were a dozen cruisers, each bigger then the other.  The captain looked at Obi-Wan for a minute, then followed his gaze out the window.  His expression mirrored that of Obi-Wans.  The captain turned back to the controls, frantically working to get the hyper drive to work.  But nothing happened.  Meanwhile, Anne watched their futile attempts in scorn.

 

Idiots!  They're never going to get the hyper drive to work.  Soon, Darth Sideous will have this ship, and he will have his way with the Jedi apprentice.  When the Jedi's are defeated, the universe will be mine to control!  Anne thought, watching as the ships drew closer.  Suddenly, the ship rocked violently.  A red light began to flash on the bridge, causing the captain to turn around and look at Obi-Wan.

 

"We've been boarded." he whispered, his voice full of dread.  Obi-Wan responded immediately, closing the blast doors on the bridge.  Then, as a second thought, he closed the blast doors on the medical bay as he remembered Anakin and Floita.  Suddenly, a loud pounding on the blast doors caused everyone on the bridge to jump in alarm.

 

"They're here!"  Anne screamed, stating the obvious.  Her face turned pale as she looked around wildly, trying to figure out the controls.  "We have to get out of here!" 

 

The captain turned around to glare at her.  "That is what we are trying to do!"  He turned back towards the controls and frantically worked to fix the hyper drive.  But even as he worked, the blast doors were slowly being pushed in. 

 

"Hurry up!" cried Anne as she shook the captain's chair.  He looked at her in irritation as he continued working on the controls.  Suddenly, the red light started to flash yellow.

 

"I'm onto something!" yelled the captain.  But before he could get any farther, the blast doors were pushed in, and stormtroopers filled the room.  One of them pulled out a laser, and shooting once, hit the captain.  Anne screamed and jumped out of the way of another bolt, directed at her.  The captain slumped forward onto the controls, completely unconscious. 

 

Obi-Wan pulled out his lightsaber, deflecting all the  laser bolts.  He brought the Force around him and was able to predict where the stormtroopers bolts would go.  Suddenly, a deep dread filled Obi-Wan.  He turned to the door just in time to see Anakin being dragged in by three stormtroopers.

 

"Give us your weapon, Jedi, and the boy will live."  One of the stormtroopers ordered.  Obi-Wan glanced over at Anakin, whose frightened eyes stared up at him.  Obi-Wan quickly went through all of his options, watching as more stormtroopers entered the bridge.  Even with is powers in the Force, he could not stop all of them at once.  One of them would still have the ability to hurt Anakin.  Obi-Wan sighed as he turned off his lightsaber and handed it to a nearby stormtrooper.  Suddenly, a slight frown crossed his face as he looked around and saw Anne standing behind of the stormtroopers, looking unsure of what do to.

 

"Anne!" he called out, trying to get her attention.  Anne turned to him, and to his slight surprise, a cold sneer crossed her lips. 

 

"What's wrong, Obi-Wan.  A bit in over your head?" she mocked as she stepped towards him, pushing the stormtroopers out of her way.  A purple light enveloped her, causing Obi-Wan to look away.  When the light disappeared, she looked nothing like she had moments ago.  Instead of the pink t-shirt and jean shorts, she was wearing a black bodysuit that shone under the lights.  Silver metal was imbedded deeply into parts of the black material, giving her a menacing look.  On her feet she wore black leather boots, completely with three inch heels.  In her right hand was a silver staff with a purple jewel at the end of it.  Her brown hair had streaks of purple running through it and her lips were coated in a shining purple lipstick. And her eyes...her eyes were a deep shade of purple that flashed with evil and hatred.  She strolled over to Obi-Wan, smirking as she saw the range of emotions that played on his face.

 

"Grab him," she ordered, her voice cold.  The stormtroopers nodded, roughly grabbing hold of the Jedi.  As she walked past them, each of the troopers fell onto one knee and bowed before her.  When she stopped in front of Obi-Wan, the stormtroopers forced him down.  He glared at her as he was pushed onto his knees.

 

"I thought you would be a worthy opponent, Jedi." she mocked, staring down at him.  "It didn't take much to bring you down.  Still haven't recovered from Qui-Gon, have you?"

 

With the mention of Qui-Gon Jinn, a fire lit in Obi-Wan's eyes.  He looked into Anne's eyes, seeing nothing but evil.  His own eyes hardened as he looked at her.

 

"Who are you?" he demanded.  She looked at him and smiled, a cruel, cold smirk.

 

"Kanara, Queen of Evil," she exclaimed, purple sparks falling from her hands.  As she opened her mouth to say more, the entire ship jerked violently.  Kanara fell to the ground, her staff going airborne. 

 

Obi-Wan reacted immediately, calling on the Force and willed his lightsaber into his hand.  He slashed it quickly, taking out the nearest stormtroopers.  Before anyone else recovered, he leapt a good eight feet through the air and cut down the stormtroopers that were holding onto Anakin.

 

"Thanks," Anakin said breathlessly as he pulled out his own training lightsaber.  He stood next to Obi-Wan, preparing to fight.  As the two sides prepared to attack each other, two figured jumped through the doors of the bridge, towards the stormtroopers.  They knocked a few of them down and quickly stood next to Obi-Wan and Anakin.

 

Both of the figures wore colored robes, much like those of the Jedi Knights, except that one of the figures had a purple robe and the other had a red one.  They looked at each quickly and nodded, leaping into action.  They knocked the stormtroopers down with a series of smooth punches and kicks, working tirelessly.  Obi-Wan and Anakin glanced at each other for a moment before joining the two figured.  Though Anakin and Obi-Wan did not know why they were, they felt a purity within them that they had not felt with Kanara.

 

As the stormtroopers were knocked down, they would suddenly disappear from the room.  One by one the troopers disappeared, until Kanara was the only one left.  She looked at the figured in the colored robes with a mixture of hatred and confusion.

 

"Who are you?" she hissed, glaring at them.

 

The two figured threw their robes down to reveal two humanoid creatures.  The men that had worn the red robe was wearing dark blue jeans and a right red t-shirt.  His long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail.  His eyes flashed with looks of excitement, wariness, and sadness.  The girl, on the other hand, wore right leather black pants and a black shirt with a v-neck.  Her long blonde hair was pulled back with a dark pink headband.  Obi-Wan watched in interest as Kanara's eyes flashed a deep purple. 

 

"What are you doing here?" she screamed.  She then pointed to the man in black.  "Especially you.  You're dead!"

 

"Not completely, Kanara," he said, calmly meeting her eyes.  "The Power Rangers are back and we're more than ready to take you on."

 

Kanara glared at them for a moment, a small smirk crossing her face..  "I don't care of the rangers are back or if you're alive.  Neither will last very long."

 

With that, Kanara leapt at the man, and lashed out with a crisp tornado kick.  He quickly ducked, and swept her feet out from under her.  She quickly recovered and swung her legs up, hitting him under the chin.  He fell back slightly, giving her enough time to recover herself.  The two of them carefully eyed each other, silently daring the other to make the first move. 

 

Suddenly, without warning, the girl that had worn the purple robe leapt forward, intent on attacking Kanara.  But Kanara saw her coming and with a flash of purple, a force field appeared around her and the man.  The girl hit the force field and fell to the ground in shock.  Obi-Wan and Anakin ran over and helped her up.  All three of them watching the dueling forces behind the force field in amazement.  They were each other's equal, each able to block the others move.  The man seemed to be a bit rusty, though, giving Kanara a slight advantage.  Kanara suddenly jumped into the air, backflipping over the man.  As the man spun around, she did a side kick, hitting him in the gut.  He doubled over and she took advantage of the situation. She leapt upon him, knocking him to the ground with a tornado kick.  As his back hit the ground, she pressed her heeled shot onto his neck, smiling cruelly at him. 

 

"This time, Tommy, I'm doing it right," she hissed, pressing down on his neck.  The girl outside the force field looked at Tommy in horror as he struggled to breath.  She closed her eyes, pushing back any thoughts that were not necessary and called upon a power she had not used in years.  Suddenly, the force field around Kanara and Tommy started to disappear.  Obi-Wan took advantage of it and leapt at Kanara, knocking her to the ground.  Tommy slowly sat up, gasping for air.  For a split second, Kanara laid under Obi-Wan, staring deeply into his eyes.  Obi-Wan saw conflicting emotions running through them, but the coldness was still there.  Before he could do anything, though, Kanara pushed him away and warily backed away from the group.

 

"This isn't over," she threatened.  "Just you wait,"  With that she disappeared in a flash of purple light.  As soon as she did, the girl that had been in the purple robe fell to the ground in exhaustion.  Tommy leapt forward, just in time to catch her before she hit the ground.  As he helped her back up, Obi-Wan walked over to the controls and was frustrated to see that the hyper drive was still off-line.  Anakin walked over to him, looking out the window nervously.  The cruisers still sat there, menacingly pointed at the small Naboo fighter.

 

"What are we going to do, Master?" Anakin asked softly as he looked up at Obi-Wan.  Before Obi-Wan could reply, a series of whistles and beeps caused them to turn around.  A genuine smile crossed Anakin's face as he saw the cause of the beeps.  "Artoo!  Where did you come from?"

 

The small droid beeped at him, a red light lighting up as he did.  Anakin looked at him in uncertainty as he listened.

 

"Are you sure you could fix the hyper drive?  The captain couldn't..."

 

His sentence was cut off as the droid whistled at him, seemingly insulted by the lack of confidence.  The droid wheeled past Anakin and over to one of the councils.  A small metal arm emerged from an opening on the droid as it checked over the systems of the chip.  He emitted a series of short beeps, causing Obi-Wan to turn back to his own counsel.  Anakin watched in fascination as his master punched in a few codes.  Suddenly, the ship jerked forwards, the stars behind them turning into streaks as the hyper-drive started.  Artoo gave a series of short whistles and beeps as Anakin walked over and smiled at them.

 

"Thanks Artoo."  The droid whistled in return.  Obi-Wan also turned to the droid and nodded his thanks before walking over to the newcomers, looking at them in interest.

 

"Who are you exactly?" he asked.  Tommy walked over to him, falling into his leader mode.

 

"I am Tommy Oliver and this is Karone.  We come from the planet Earth, and we're on a mission to help a friend that was captured by evil." he explained.  "We are the Power Rangers of Earth.  Part of them, at least."

 

*****

 

As the small Naboo fighter blasted into hyperspace, Kanara appeared on the bridge of the main cruiser, obviously frustration by the latest turn of events..  As she appeared, the commanding stormtrooper turned to her.

 

"The fighter has gotten away, milady," he stated.  "There is no way..."  His sentence was cut short as she turned to look at him in disgust.  With a flick of her hand, purple energy emitted from her fingertips, hitting the stormtroopers in the chest.  The trooper fell to the ground, gasping for breath.  Kanara glared at him once before looking up at the others on the bridge.  The looked at her in fear, slowly backing away.

 

"Let this be a lesson to anyone who brings me back news," she hissed.  With that, she whirled around and stalked out of the room.  As she stormed through the halls stormtroopers jumped out of her way, afraid of her wrath.  Those that did get in her way regretted it immediately.  They were thrown halfway across the hall, slamming into the ground.  When she got to her room, she stomped in, closing the door behind her.  As she fell onto her bed, the transmitter on her table lit up.  She groaned as the three dimensional image of Darth Sideous projected out of the transmitter.

 

"What do you want now?" she demanded as she glared at the robed figure, anger dripping in voice.  He looked at her, and she caught a glimpse of his glowing yellow eyes.

 

"You could not get them.  You failed." he stated, evil filling his voice.  She glared at him, her hands clenched into fists as she stalked towards the transmitter.

 

"It's not my fault they got away!" she screamed in frustration.  "I had them in my grasp!  If the stupid rangers hadn't been there..."

 

"You said you had taken care of the rangers long ago," Darth Sideous said calmly.  "Obviously, you had not."

 

"Rita said she was taking the Earth for her own.  She was the one who should have been watching it and any rangers.  The Earth and it's inhabitants are not my responsibility."

 

"The Earth may not be your responsibility, but the rangers are.  After all, you were the one who destroyed many of them years ago.  They will tell the Jedi everything they know about you," said Darth Sideous.  "Now that the Jedi's know who you are, you can no longer sneak past them."

 

Kanara smirked.  "Good.  I didn't like all of this sneaking around.  Attacking them with full force is not only more productive, it's a lot more fun.  Besides, I've grown greatly in power since the rangers last saw me.  The only thing they know is Kimberly Anne Harte.  That won't help them now.  Kimberly is no more.  I am the one in control."

 

"Are you?" the hooded figure questioned.  "They why have there been so many...hesitations when you were around the Jedi Knight?  Was it just hatred or was it something deeper?"

 

Kanara's face flushed slightly, but it quickly disappeared as she glared at him, her eyes flashing.  "I don't know what you're talking about, Sideous.  I will destroy him, as I will any other that get in my way."

 

"How do I know that you will be able to hold up?  If I'm not mistaken, the force field that you build with your power disappeared.  Are you as strong as you said you were?"

 

"Of course I am!" she snapped, her eyes flashing a deep purple as her hatred for the being began to grow.  "It was that stupid purple ranger.  She still has powers because of her time as Astronema!  But you don't have a thing to worry about.  Now that I know she still has her powers, I can take care of her.  She will not stop me."

 

Darth Sideous sighed as he slowly nodded his head.  "Good.  The Jedi's are traveling to Coruscant, where I will be waiting for them.  I will send word onto where Obi-Wan and his young apprentice are going, if I do not catch them first."  With that, Darth Sideous disappeared and the transmitter shut down.  Kanara rolled her eyes at the spot where the robe figured had once been.

 

"Stupid Sith," she muttered under hear breath as she picked the transmitter up and placed it on a shelf.  "Always thinks he's right.  We'll just have to see about that.  Once I find out where the Jedi is going, he'll see my true power."

 

As she turned and walked over to the bed a sharp pain passed over her, causing her to gasp in pain.  She cried out as the pain spread, feeling as though fire was coursing through her body.  She fell to the ground, landing heavily on her hands and knees.  She gritted her teeth as she tried to gain control, but the pain was too great.  As the pain heightened a voice deep within her mind screamed out.

 

No!  Don't hurt the Jedi's or any of my friends!  Get away from me!  Kanara hissed as the voice slowly began to grow stronger.  I will not let you hurt them any longer!  Kanara managed a small laugh as she pushed herself off the ground, slowly beginning to gain control once again.

 

"You like him, don't you?" she mocked.  "Not that it matters.  You will never have a chance with him, after all that's been done to him.  He hates you."

 

No, whispered the voice, growing weaker.  He doesn't hate me.  He hates the thing that controls this body.  You will not always be in control.  I will not let......  The voice disappeared completely as a purple light covered Kanara, and she was filled with even more evil power she had ever had.  Kanara took a deep breath and stood up, smiling as she realized the voice was once again covered up.

 

"Stupid girl." Kanara muttered.  "Doesn't she realize that I control this body?  After all, I am a part of her."  She slowly walked over to the window and she looked out.  A smirk crossed her face as she watched the passing stars.

 

"Soon this will be mine."  She whispered.  "Soon all of this will be mine."