Mahara Kesh.
This majestic temple stood in the middle of the ocean, on a converted square island surrounded by breakwaters, between which a path led to the port.
Essentially, the upper part of the temple was simultaneously a port and a spaceport, while in the center of the island rose a majestic malachite spire.
And right above that spire, literally a few meters away, hung the Tho Yor.
The main part of the temple was, effectively, underwater.
What trials this place endured during storms—I tried not to think about, but apparently, they’d gotten used to it.
Since the locals had been warned of our arrival, one of the temple masters was waiting for us.
A Zabrak in a monk’s robe with a kind, welcoming smile.
“Welcome to Mahara Kesh, wanderers.
I am Master Sharif, and it falls to me to begin your group’s instruction,” the master said enthusiastically.
When we bowed in return and introduced ourselves, he looked in surprise at Hadiya, who showed no signs of leaving.
“And you, young lady…” “I’m with them.
Just for company.
Or is that not allowed?” she raised an eyebrow haughtily.
“No, not at all.
Of course you can—stay, we’re always glad to have guests, as long as they arrive in one piece and not in pieces,” Sharif joked good-naturedly.
Hm… Medics have an interesting sense of humor.
“Please, follow me.
I’ll show you the guest rooms.” Gathering our things, we followed the master.
As we walked toward the elevator, Sharif began telling us about the temple, its history, and what they did here.
Contrary to my expectations, they didn’t just train with the Force—they also practiced perfectly ordinary medicine, unrelated to the Force at all.
He spoke about its rich history, about methods of practice, asked what specifically interested us, and whether there was anyone among us interested in medicine.
Ramira, who had been silent, first said “me” uncertainly and quietly, and after only five minutes, was already enthusiastically discussing topics with the master that only they understood.
“…but Master, the flow of Force can’t be directed through the ‘Ta’ and ‘Gu’ points—they’ll rupture…” “You’re mistaken, young prodigy.
There are no points in the body incapable of receiving healing energy — you just need to know how.
Specifically, the ‘Ta’ point will respond easily if you first bring it into resonance with ‘Ti,’ ‘Tu,’ and ‘Te.’ The energy will distribute evenly, and as a result, it will prevent overload.” “And if…” “Hey, do you understand any of that?” Zeng asked me as we walked down the corridor.
I just turned my head and looked at the Zabrak.
“Yeah, me neither.” “Grui-ir-aur-r-r.” “Yeah, Gris, medics are sca-a-a-ary,” Vessira chimed in.
Unlike the temples before, the rooms in Mahara Kesh were smaller and felt more cramped, with all the furniture standing almost right up against each other.
In my subjective opinion, it was barely nine or ten square meters here.
The toilets were separate, albeit individual stalls, but in a specific zone on the floor — same with the showers — so right in the hallway you could easily see a Padawan walking around with a towel on their shoulder and soap in their hand.
But there was a pool here.
A large underground pool designed for a hundred faces at once.
I’d never seen such luxury anywhere before — a whole swimming pool.
Besides that, there were also baths, but those were used for healing purposes.
Oils, special waters with additives, and so on.
“I didn’t think there was a sanatorium on Tython,” Hadiya commented.
“And you have one?” I turned to the Twi’lek in surprise.
“Not where I’m from.
There is one on Kalimar.
I was there once, when I was very little.” “I see.” But the “sanatorium” was only on the first few floors.
Going lower, we saw an actual hospital.
Sharif showed us through a special window the operating block, what sections for patients there were, rooms saturated with the Force for the most severe cases.
There was a lot of stuff here in general.
And if you went even lower, there was a floor dedicated directly to studying.
Conference halls, classrooms, a library, a second cafeteria.
The first one was in the “sanatorium”; the second was here for lunches and snacks during studies.
By the way, I only just now noticed that the kitchen was staffed by perfectly ordinary non-Force-sensitives.
In all my life, I’d never noticed that before.
But that wasn’t the limit.
There was one more floor, the last one.
You could call it the production workshop.
Tools, expendable supplies, bandaging materials, and medicines were made there, and ready-made first-aid kits were also assembled there.
And there was an industrial warehouse that stored absolutely everything.
“So, our tour has come to an end.
Have I managed to interest you?” Sharif asked, folding his hands businesslike.
“Yes!” Ramira exclaimed.
“In what specifically, my lady?” “Everything at once!
Can I?” “Uh…” “Shade,” Ves tugged at me.
“M?” “You did exactly the same thing to the teachers at Qigong Kesh,” she nodded at Ramira’s puppy-dog eyes.
“No way… I didn’t make eyes at anyone.” “But you wanted everything, right away, and more.” “Mmm…” “What, really?” Hadiya looked at me with fresh eyes.
“You have no idea,” Vessira snorted.
“But you wouldn’t believe how many problems that caused.
Not a single technique works right in his hands — everything has to be reworked.
That’s why they especially disliked him.” “Hmm…” Recalling the past, I sigh sadly.
What is, is.
Turning around, I look at the blazing Ramira, whom Sharif is trying with all his might to cool down and get across the simple truth that everything at once just won’t work, no matter how much desire, zeal, and talent you have.
“Listen, Hadiya.
Okay, we’re on a pilgrimage, but what are you even doing here, really?” “Don’t say that.
While I was in Akar Kesh, I picked the local weaponsmiths dry and learned something new.
Same deal here — pharmaceuticals are a very profitable business, but I have no experience.
By the way,” she perked up and snapped her fingers.
“Master Sharif.” “Yes?” the master turned around.
“Is this a restricted facility, or can one move around freely?” “And what would you need that for?” the Zabrak squinted suspiciously.
“I want to see your equipment, your preparations, and also talk about possible cooperation.
You see, I represent an organization that could serve as an intermediary, or ideally take on part of your supply responsibilities.” “Is that so?” the Zabrak raised his eyebrows in surprise.
By the way, I only just now noticed how small his horns were.
“Yes.” “In that case, I’ll introduce you to a person responsible for supply — he’ll answer all your questions.” “Thank you.” “Ramira, that’s enough, pull yourself together,” Zeng pulled the girl back.
“But it’s so interesting here!!!” “Zeng, accept it — we knew we were bringing her to El Dorado,” I snort.
“Where?” the twins turned around, and the others also took interest.
“The Golden City.
A fictional place used as an example of the most valuable treasures.” “Ahh.” “And what about you, wanderers?
Has anything caught your interest?” Sharif turned to us now.
“Yes, my brother and I are interested in first aid,” Feng nodded.
“And second aid too, because we won’t always have the chance to at least reach the ship with a medical station.” “We’ll show you,” Sharif nodded seriously.
“Aur-rg gri-e er-r-ae.” “That too, we’ll show.” “I’ll go with them,” Ves nodded at the twins.
“I’m in too,” I crossed my arms, “…but there’s something else.” “Oh?” “I heard that Mahara Kesh has techniques capable of putting a subject into stasis.
As well as its variants, where you can survive even on ground with elevated radiation levels.” “Why would you need that?!” Sharif’s eyes went wide.
“That’s an advanced course, one of the higher Force techniques.” “I don’t want to die if I suddenly end up in space without a suit.
My mother is a hunter, and I plan to follow in her footsteps — and in that line of work, even worse things can happen.” “I understand,” Sharif nodded seriously, his kind smile returning.
“But you do realize people train for years to learn this?” “I do.
But since we’re technically on a journey, I’d like to ask you to show me the technique itself — how it’s achieved — and then I’ll study it on my own, and come back here with certain results.
Because I won’t be able to replicate it perfectly anyway, and I’ll have to adapt it to myself regardless.
I have that… peculiarity.” “Commendable.
But that’s not what I meant,” the master shook his head.
“I meant that showing you the technique is no problem — I could even do it right now.
The problem is that you won’t be able to absorb it at all without preliminary preparation.” “I know.
But my request includes that too.
The full package, from beginning to end.” “In that case, you’ll either have to stay here, or I could provide a holocron.” “While I’m here, I’ll study right away, and then, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to take the holocron with me.” “Of course.” And so we agreed.
Hadiya went to establish new connections, Ramira checked into the library, and for us, the time had come to learn how to patch up our dear selves.
Master Sharif was very surprised when he found out where I got such a beautiful “tattoo” on my arm, but he kept quiet.
But where he couldn’t stay silent was when he learned how often we got injured and how Ramira treated us.
It would seem — how can you make a kind, sociable being, a master of his craft who’s always on a positive wavelength, swear profanely?
Just show him a big screw-up.
A very big one.
And right now, it was related to Ramira.
Essentially, our medic kept hitting us with heavy artillery every time, which is why we got back on our feet so fast, but what none of us knew about was the side effects.
As it turned out, that kind of strain could easily harm her.
That’s also why she was the first to pass out when we were going through the “Wandering Lights” path.
She herself needs rest and peace to put herself in order, not to channel the Force for us idiots so we wouldn’t die.
And on top of that, as it turned out, the process is far from pleasant.
Because when you heal with the Force, you sort of connect your aura with the patient’s aura, and you hear echoes of their pain.
After that, I was just ashamed to look Rami in the eyes, while the twins mentally drew wings and a halo over her, taking the image of an angel from my stories.
And she’d never said a single word about any of this — that shy little dandelion cutie.
I remember how she’d clench her teeth, bite her lip, with sweat on her forehead, putting us back on our feet, and it turns out she was just enduring a string of rather unpleasant sensations.
And that lightning… Yeah, even Irbis hadn’t brought me down like that, and he’d tried.
And who would have thought that our weakest squad member, clenching her bit, would pull the load for the entire squad at once?
Everyone went through her.
Everyone had their share.
And all of that poured onto her alone.
It was just… My hands clenched into fists by themselves.
I’d always supported Rami, helped her believe in herself, but even I couldn’t understand her, see her essence.
An invisible veil of shame and guilt hung over our small group, and it was clear to everyone: leaving this as it was — unacceptable.
On that note, our whole squad quietly and peacefully conspired to throw a celebration for our dandelion.
Hadiya also wanted to participate, just for company, but something came up on her end, so the Twi’lek locked herself in her ship.
The plan was drawn up immediately.
Fish Rami out of the library and drag her to point X under any pretext.
The twins brought treats from the kitchen, Gris rearranged the room a bit so everyone would fit, and Ves and I prepared a gift for Rami — a pendant on a chain.
Together, we went through the female part of the temple and traded up with an extra fee for the jewelry — after all, it’s not just tight with stores here, it’s nonexistent, you have to improvise.
Most people just order what they need and wait for the next supply shipment.
The jewelry itself looked like two white falcon wings, with a blue faceted stone set between them.
Rami, naturally, had no idea about any of these preparations, so when Zeng, by the elbow, towed her to Gris’s room, and when the door opened, the girl was a bit shocked.
And she wasn’t about to come to her senses, even when they sat her on the bed and shoved a piece of pie into her hands.
Alas, the guys couldn’t find any cakes, but a pie would do.
Our dandelion only thawed out when she saw the gift.
And then she demanded an explanation — our guilty faces were too obvious.
So we explained, to which she called us all idiots, then thanked us, then called us fools who always get into things, and then hugged each of us, and in a burst of emotion, kissed one specific one.
“Rami, we apologized earlier, and we’re apologizing now,” Zeng began, pulling back.
“We’ve been wrong about you twice already.
You’re the strongest member of our small squad, and if I dare to offend you, just hit me on the horns, okay?
For prevention.” “Hee-hee… I’ll try.
But I can’t promise.” “Eh… You’re too kind, Rami,” I shake my head.
“You’re no Zabrak.” “Then who?” “An angel.
Just an angel,” and after a pause I add, “With horns.” “Er-r-ra arg rue.” “Yes, yes, I fully support that,” Feng nodded.
“We really are very lucky to have you.” “Are you going to keep embarrassing me?!” crimson-faced Ramira puffed.
“Yeeeess,” the room echoed with a drawn-out, sarcastic chorus, and Gris even purred indecently as he hugged the Zabrak girl.
And so, on a calm, beautiful evening, we expressed our gratitude to one overly shy and withdrawn girl.
And only at night, when it was long past time to sleep, did we begin to drift back to our rooms.
Well, “drift” Gris was moving his furniture from the hallway back into the room, Feng was returning his bed to his place, Zeng went to see Rami off, and I lingered with Ves.
More precisely, at Ves’s place.
Because you have to periodically pay attention to your own girlfriend too, right?
Especially when you’re constantly being tempted by another.
But what I didn’t expect was what would happen in the morning.
As it turns out, Hadiya had been waiting for me in my room, and I never showed up.
By the way, I really should learn to close the door behind me.
Sure, theft isn’t customary in the temples — even the natives of Shikaakwa wouldn’t dream of it, those aren’t the conditions — but to avoid surprises, it’s better to close it.
But back to Hadiya.
Since I didn’t show up, the logical question arises: “My good man, where were you last night?” Well… Since I’ve never lied to Hadiya, and I’m not very good with lying in general — better to omit than to lie — I had to tell the blazing sun the truth.
“Well, you know we threw that celebration for Ramira…” “All night?” she raised an eyebrow.
The guys at that moment were diligently working their jaws, making every effort to look like they weren’t there.
But why do I have the feeling this trio is watching us like some kind of reality show?
Bastards… “No, Hadiya, of course not.
When it got too late, we went to our rooms.
And since Ves lives right next to Gris, I decided that my room was just too far away.” “Is that normal?” Sharif asked quietly, also having breakfast with us.
The sight of an angry Hadiya poking sharp metal things at me threw the Zabrak off balance.
“Don’t pay attention, just mating rituals,” Feng shrugged.
Then he realized what he’d blurted out and promptly vanished.
Interesting technique — I’ll have to ask him where he learned it; I don’t remember noticing it before.
“Ahem.
Hadiya, what else could I possibly be doing with my girlfriend in her room?” “Grrrr…” “Don’t growl — be more decisive, more persistent,” Ves intervened as if nothing was wrong, drawing attention.
“Huh?” Hadiya raised her eyebrows.
“I’ll tell you a secret — this guy won’t take a single step himself, trust me, I’d know.
I took everything into my own hands the first time and went straight for the bed.
He doesn’t get it otherwise.” “Gulp…” “…” “Ooooh,” Gris.
“…” Hadiya instantly cooled down and looked at me with a completely different gaze.
A very unpleasant one, but so familiar to me.
It’s the exact same look she gives her prey when she realizes how to act.
“Ves…” “M?” “Why?” “I got tired of watching you pine and her struggle.
By the way, Hadiya.” “?” “You may be a talented intriguer, politician, and fighter, but you’re completely unsuited for ordinary life.
In all the time you’ve been hanging around with us, you always keep quiet, your questions are always to the point, as are your answers.
You talk like you’re giving orders, or like you’re conducting another round of negotiations.
You can’t even hold a simple conversation to make it… well, just for fun, about shared interests, at least.
But when it comes to work, you open up completely.
Seriously, is it really that bad on Shikaakwa that you don’t even have anyone to chat with?” “Shade is the only one I’ve talked to ‘about nothing.’ Just from the heart,” the Twi’lek admitted, sitting down next to me.
“It’s hard for me to trust anyone, even if you’re Shade’s friends.
Not because you’re bad — I just have paranoia.” “That’s fine.
With your life, it can’t be any other way,” Zeng supported Hadiya, and I put an arm around her.
“It’s okay.
Just try to relax.” “I am relaxing.
As long as you’re nearby, no one will touch me.
That’s the only way I can truly let myself go.” “Alright, let’s drop it.
Not here,” I put an end to the argument.
“Master, what’s the plan for today?” “Ramira continues studying techniques in the library — I’ve given her a plan,” the Dandelion nodded in agreement.
“With you all, we’ll continue studying your organisms and methods of affecting them with non-Force means.
And you…” “I have a meeting with the Temple Master today,” Hadiya took the floor.
“You don’t waste any time,” I snort.
“I never waste anything, Shade.” “Heh.” “You don’t believe me?” a vibroblade pointed at me.
“Faith won’t hide the truth!” “Shade.” “Heh-heh-heh-heh…” And so, joking and outlining plans, we went our separate ways.
I learned how to administer aid with the guys, Ramira busied herself somewhere apart from us, periodically taking private lessons from the masters, and Hadiya was building bridges of perspective with the temple.
Time once again began to fly by unnoticed, but it stopped when my “wish list” was added to the main program.
Sharif immediately handed me a holocron that contained simply indecent amounts of information regarding my request.
Just the list of introductory topics stretched over several pages, and each topic had its own contents, and only then came the material.
“Mother of Darkness and Father of Light…” “I warned you.
There’s a lot of material.” “Master Sharif… There’s ‘a lot,’ there’s ‘very much,’ and then there’s ‘a freaking ton,'” I glance sideways at the teacher.
“Well… I guess I never noticed when it’s interesting.” “And do you command this?” flipping the top corner, I close the pyramid-shaped holocron and glance at the teacher.
“Relatively.
I can enter hibernation trance, but I drop out of it fairly quickly.
To maintain it, you have to constantly be in balance — it has to come naturally — but when I personally enter it, one of the sides suppresses the other and I drop out.
Something like that.” “Oh!
Does that mean that with good self-control, it’ll be easier to master?” “Exactly.
Because inner self-control is the foundation for certain techniques, for example: Tutaminis, hibernation trance, Force enhancement, the doppelganger, and several others.” “Even so-o-o.” How interesting.
Does that mean I just went into a deeper form of self-control and started to comprehend the Force through it?
As if through myself?
Why am I finding out about this in a temple of healing, not meditation?!
“Yes.
There are a number of preparatory exercises practiced both here and in Akar Kesh.” “I didn’t notice,” I mutter, recalling Akar Kesh itself.
“But it’s even good that self-control plays such a role.
Because, oddly enough, my problem is the opposite — breaking the balance inside myself.” “That’s the first time I’ve heard of anything like that,” Sharif shook his head.
“It is what it is.
I’m just that unique,” I spread my arms.
“And modest,” Ves snorted into her fist.
“And modest,” I nod in agreement.
From that moment on, ordinary training was supplemented with Force exercises in body enhancement techniques.
Hibernation trance is, in a way, one of the peaks of such manipulations — when you can enhance your body with the Force to such an extent that you stop all processes without harming the body for an indefinite period.
As it turned out, the better you are at maintaining balance, the more reliable the trance.
Given that I was doing well in that regard, the first stages of immersion and enhancement came very easily — especially since I already knew some of them from my mother, and had learned part in Qigong Kesh.
Ah… Why are there so few hours in a day?
Should I try cloning myself?
Oh right, we don’t have that kind of technology.
It’ll come later.
Too bad.
Now I have to spend evenings alone in my room in a meditation pose, learning the Force through targeted body enhancement.
Not a task for the faint of heart — it feels like sorting a sack of grain with tweezers, brrr.
And so on every single day.
I even started only seeing my squadmates during joint sessions, or if we caught each other during meals.
It often happens that someone gets so engrossed they simply don’t show up in the cafeteria.
“Knock-knock-knock!” Damn, who’s there now?
Wait… Hadiya?
“Come in, shrimp,” I call out without opening my eyes.
“You’re the shrimp,” she muttered, squeezing into the small room.
“Alright then, ‘big’ one,” I open my eyes, looking up at her from below.
Rolling her eyes as if to say “oh, whatever,” she walked forward and sat on the bed.
“Did something happen?” “Yes.
I wanted to ask — when are you going to tell your people about wanting to go to the ruins?” “And what makes you think I want to?” I get up, kicking the pillow under the bed with my foot.
But Hadiya didn’t even need to answer — one look at her expression was enough.
“Alright, you’re right, I do want to.
But I’m still just thinking this through.
I don’t want to drag the guys along at all.
It’s fine that we’re going through the temples together — that’s necessary.
But this is purely my own initiative, my personal business, so to speak.
I don’t want them to get hurt because of my stupidity.” “So you’re thinking of going alone?” “Of course not!” I pull up a chair, sit down, and throw my legs onto the bed.
“I’m not that crazy — I’m sane enough to assess my chances.
You need a group for that.
A well-prepared, coordinated group.” “Which we have.” “We?” I raise an eyebrow.
“I’m coming with you.
I’ll just restock my ammunition, call in a special squad, and I’m going.
And just try to object,” the blade tip hovers in front of my eyes.
“And if you try, I’ll just take more people and arrive there ahead of time to clear the ruins, regardless of any stealth considerations.” “Heh.
Calm down, Hadi.
Maybe something will happen that makes us have to abandon this idea anyway.” “Unlikely,” I just shrug my shoulders.
“Which temple is next?” “Next stop is the temple of science — Anil Kesh.
I need to consult with someone about my own ideas.
By the way, Hadi.” “M?” “I wanted to ask you…” “You?!” “Yes, believe it or not.” “Well, well,” she playfully cupped her ear.
“Don’t be smug, I’m serious.
I’m not in great shape financially, but my comrades and I could really use some good armor.
Sealed armor, with filters in the face mask, in case of smoke or gas.
It can all be made in Vul Tepe — they have state-of-the-art equipment there — but…” “You need materials,” Hadiya nodded.
“Shade, why are you asking for something so trivial?
It’ll be taken care of.
I order ships — what’s a couple of kilos of iron for armor?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Fine, not iron, but still.
It’s a drop in the ocean.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “By the way, how are things on your end?” “Well… Officially, I’m still on Shikaakwa — I’ve just gone underground temporarily.
People are hunting me, you know.” “What?” I leaned forward.
“Nothing special, just the usual nonsense.
I’m giving orders, all meetings are by video conference.
So everything works the way it should and goes according to plan.
All unforeseen situations that arise are dealt with immediately.” “Mmm, you just let me know if anyone decides to mess with you — I’ll cut them short right away.” “Well, of course, you’re my bodyguard,” Hadiya laughed, without a hint of sarcasm.
“Listen, that’s why I popped in.
There’s a pool here, right?
Let’s go — otherwise we’ll never get a swim in?” “Mmm…” “Actually no — I’ll carry you.” “You?!” I raise my eyebrows playfully.
“Yes.
I’ll take you by the leg, and a couple of my guys will grab you by the arms, and that’s how we’ll carry you,” Hadiya smiled.
“Right.
Fine, I agree to go voluntarily.” “Good then — I’ll wait for you outside the door.” “And you?” “I’m already ready,” she unzipped her leather jacket, revealing a swimsuit.
“Refusal was not part of the plan.” “Oka-a-ay, I’ll be out in a minute.
You’re always making a fuss when I just want to study.” “Yes, that’s us — you never invite anyone on a date, Ves already complained to me.” “Gulp!” And that’s how they got me.
Eh… Whatever, let’s not give in to despair — if we can’t stop it, we need to lead it!
So we headed to the pool under my guidance.
“Shade, what are you always munching on?” Hadiya asked curiously, hugging my arm.
“Sweet Joy.” “Isn’t that a kids’ candy bar?” “So?” “Well… for children.” “And?” “Um… I get it, question withdrawn.” “By the way, it’s delicious stuff.
Ves and Rami are constantly stealing it from me.” “Really?” “Forget it — I’m NOT giving you any to try!” I cut her off immediately; I don’t need another leech on my blood reserves.
I can barely stockpile them as it is.
“Not even for please?” “Not even for please,” I nod.
“What if I kiss you?” “Even less so.” Thump!
— a fist landed in my ribs, and I was met with such righteous indignation that… “Ow… Fine, fine, I’m sorry.
I’ll share, just don’t hit me.” “Jerk!” “Fully agreed.” “My jerk.” “Nope, don’t agree.” And so we walked, bantering and trading jabs.
Since it was already not even evening but night, there were minimal people in the corridors, and consequently, minimal witnesses — so Hadiya could finally relax completely and stop watching her tongue.
To my surprise, we weren’t alone in the pool area.
There were other night-swimming enthusiasts here too, both among the students and a couple of masters, but they were just floating, relaxed with their eyes closed.
“Interesting way to meditate…” The pool itself was finished with green malachite tiles, diode lamps glowed on the walls and ceiling, and the air held a light aroma of spicy dried herbs.
While I was surveying the spacious hall filled with the hum of working pumps and filters, Hadiya tossed her outerwear right on the floor and approached the water.
Mmm… I already knew her figure was something else — no worse than Ves’s — but now I could see that she-devil in all her glory.
“What are you staring at, hunter boy?” she turned around.
“Just admiring, marveling…” “Funny — I’ve never seen her in makeup, not even lipstick.” “Then look,” turning to face me, she began to slowly lower herself into the water, walking backward.
“As I recall, the last person who saw you in your underwear is currently lying cemented in concrete at the bottom of a river,” I recalled a moment from her biography, nonetheless stripping off my uniform and unwinding the bandages from my arms and legs.
The offender, as ironic as it sounds now, turned out to be a medic from a clan Hadiya despised, who was “assessing the physical condition of the future wife of the clan leader’s son.” “Are you afraid I’ll drown you right here?” she went to the section where the first tier of the bottom was and, slowly waving her hands through the water, with her eyebrow raised, kept backing away.
“Maybe.
I’m not much of a swimmer,” I sigh and climb in after her.
The pool water felt room temperature to me, but for Hadiya it was warm — after all, our body temperatures are different.
Completely submerged where the bottom was no longer reachable, I helped myself swim with the Force.
As I told Hadiya, I’m not much of a swimmer.
And apparently, she sensed something.
“You’re using the Force to help yourself, aren’t you?” I nod.
“I don’t have much practice.” “Well then, how about I teach you?
Trust me, you won’t drown.” Damn, it was both scary and tempting.
But still, having overcome the fear of sinking to the bottom (drowning in a pool… with a girl… I’d win the prize for the stupidest death!), I withdrew the Force influence and, holding onto the pool’s edge, looked at Hadiya.
Swimming around me, she demonstrated how the process worked, what movements to make—in the clear water, it was very easy to see.
Then, giving me moral support, she detached me from the saving shore and pushed me into the deep end.
Yep, it’s definitely better not to see that—washing off such shame isn’t easy—but do I even care?
Right, I don’t care, so—poker face, breathe correctly and paddle, paddle, paddle…
At one point, something went wrong, and I nearly panicked for real, but Hadiya appeared before I resorted to the Force.
That’s how we swam.
Me, with panic and nerves, constantly reining myself in from the reflex to use the Force; Hadiya, with enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and support for me.
At some point, looking around, I noticed we were the only ones left; the last swimmers had left the hall.
Hadiya noticed it too, glanced around quickly, and looked at me with a sly glint.
And there was something about that look I didn’t like.
Though I saw nothing in her emotions.
They still sparkled with mischief mixed with calm.
I don’t get it… “Hadiya, what are you up to?” “Nothing special,” she swam closer, “just taking what’s mine.” Gripping the pool’s edge with one hand and wrapping the other around me, Hadiya kissed me.
Again clumsily, but again very earnestly.
And right then, her emotions changed drastically.
Triumph raged within her, mixed with desire for me.
At that moment, my self-control packed its bags and stood neatly by the door with the famous ‘Exit’ sign.
“I… don’t know how.
Will you teach me?” she asked in a whisper, pulling back without a hint of shyness.
“Hadi, wait.
You understand that I won’t choose, right?” “And?” “Listen.
I respect you.
I respect you as a person and don’t want to hurt you later.
But I can.
And I warned Ves about this in my time.
But now you’ve stepped up to the line, beyond which I’ll take matters into my own hands.
And I’ll be greedy—I’ll take everything at once, you hear?” I took her hand and squeezed it slightly.
“It’s about time…” She kissed me again, wanting to give herself over, to finally shift the burden of the relationship onto someone stronger.
Without a shadow of hesitation or doubt.
That was the trigger.
A shot rang out—audible only to me—and sending everything to hell, I ran my fingertips up her back and, holding the back of her head right under her lekku, I responded.
Only breaking away for a new breath, I looked into those happy and truly satisfied eyes.
“I did it.” “Satisfied, you little devil?” “And I didn’t know you could growl,” she ignored me, beaming a victorious smile.
“Also, your eyes are glowing gray.” “They always glow at the peak of an emotional surge.
And that’s the only way I can growl.” I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close, holding both of us afloat now.
Taking my face in both her hands, she kissed me again, and the initiative passed to me.
In principle, this could be considered training—me training Hadiya and enjoying myself.
Though, it’s better not to go into details.
Neither I nor Hadiya noticed how long this ‘training’ lasted.
At some point, we just grabbed our things and quietly moved to my room.
Intoxicated by the heat—and me further hooked like an addict by her emotions—I began to caress her neck without thinking.
“Only… this is my first time,” I heard a whisper.
“There won’t be any pain, I promise.” “I know…”
It all helps promote the story.