CHAPTER 33

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

MELTED MINDS!

*:･ﾟ✧

Gazing: an alien custom in which a Crenata and their trusted confidant share dreams.

No matter the variety of experts, none have been able to deduct or conclude an answer as to how a Crenata may fuse their dreamscape with friends or family, whether the individual are of the same species or not. The link between minds originates from the lead operator which is the Crenata, always. Somehow they're able to communicate with a person whom they deem worthy of their respect and love, wandering a world private only to them; a world where it's just those two, secrets and truths. Gazing is regarded as a truly intimate ritual, which leaves them radically open to surges of revered emotion.

Gazing happens with every single member of the species. Meaning once an adolescent Crenata reaches adulthood, they're prone to the random acts of Gazing with other people.

Therefore it's taught to them how they should manage the swings of liable Gazing, and repress invading another person's safe space. If not, it may appear entirely at chance and return with each powerful rift of emotion until it's somehow carefully taught otherwise.

Gaia, personally, was never taught to master that aspect of herself. She knew what Gazing entailed, but as she was nearing her thirties and the first signs of the procedure were scheduled to show, her parents weren't there to guide her through any of it. And to Gaia's great disappointment, it never came for her.

As fingerprints are unique to each individual, some Crenatas happened to be "late bloomers", including Gaia who went on to experience her first act of Gazing years later:

Mando.

Gaia has wondered if it were a mere coincidence or if he was actually the one to trigger it. The thought is shattering because she never Gazed with Lavendea, not even once. However, just as Gaia never went through it, Lavendea never shared her own dreams either. Gaia has thought about it many times before and speculated if it were because of the circumstances they had found themselves in. The Crenatas who were enslaved suffered suppression in numerous ways: they were forbidden to speak in their language, practice any sort of religion, and were forced to be separated. The only times a group of Crenatas could be seen together were during lunch, training sessions, or certain missions with their assigned squad.

Such an anguished pondering has crossed Gaia's mind on several occasions, and even now in her miserable position right here.

A slumbering ache resides upon Gaia's temple with a developing bruise, wherein the uninvited guest had struck her when she was warned in the dead of night by an invading force within the Razor Crest. She has absolutely no clue how they managed to pry their way inside the ship, but doing so out of good intentions were far from it. As a result, Gaia barely managed to rouse when she was attacked and rendered unconscious. Some hours must've passed by while she was out. The sun shifts if she elevates her head, dimples of sunlight spilling through the canopies. If she moves, she may be able to spot it behind the tree she's been shackled to.

Gaia has utilised her time to battle her restraints ever since she awoke, yet the metal swathing her wrists above her head like sheer rivers of silver seem relentless. They're remote-controlled and locked to the heavy chain around the tree preventing her escape.

And while she's spacing out, a voice alerts:

"Beautiful morning, isn't it?"

Gaia jerks in surprise. Facing forward, she's met with a female Kessurian perhaps as old as she is, or possibly just a few years younger. Her elongated ears are stretched in the direction of her slicked-back hair, as light as amber and conniving eyes to match; red skin reminding Gaia of the clay found on some specific desert planets — these pits of dark red and maroon sharing lovely hues with a breathtaking sunset. Although this person in front of her appears as anything save for a pretty sky. She's sporting a convenient yet subtle outfit, garbed in hysteric black colors.

"I'll ask again: beautiful morning, isn't it?"

The Kessurian offers Gaia a mild grin. Her hands are supported by her hips as if she has done nothing wrong, tilting her head up at the thick tree branches swaying overhead.

Gaia's stare is intent. "You're a Hunter."

"Tsk~ You're no fun," she drawls with a wicked gleam in her eyes, "but I guess you could say that. My clients never change though, you see, only the commissions. I work for just one man and one republic, but I wouldn't call it that. You know what I mean."

Gaia's breath unwinds. The statement upon her tongue tastes like ink. ". . .The Empire." Her eardrums are buried in the throb of her heartbeat, banging like drums of war. This person right in front of her is an agent of the Galactic Empire, visibly standing there with a devil-may-care attitude and looking as though she's ready to bounce around in joy for hours.

Gaia's eyes dart around the other person, seeking the blinking red dot of a tracking fob.

"Nope!~" The Kessurian smiles sickeningly sweet before smoothing her robes down, pretending to search for the same thing. "Like I said," she teases while grasping her clothes, "I'm not carrying a fob or 'puck' on me. I won't receive any money, but I will be getting a reward of my own when I return to Nevarro. He is so very eager to meet you, you know. . ."

"Who?"

"My boss," the Kessurian clarifies in a nonchalant manner. "He's been really grumpy lately because of you and your massive oopsie with the Guild some months ago, taking off with the asset and all that. You've been a real pain. Don't worry though, he'll be relieved once I turn you in with this little fella here."

"No, that's—!"

Gaia struggles against her handcuffs upon seeing the Kessurian leave and return with The Child in her possession. Nothing but a confused coo emanates from him, held in place by a robust cage as she looks down at him. "It's ugly, right, but like in a cute way~" She places the cage down onto the ground.

Gaia is silent, a tremor wrapping around her spinal cord like a venomous snake when she breaks out in a cold sweat. Her hands curl together in frustration and her fingernails dig painfully into her palms. If this agent of the Empire has managed to kidnap both her and The Child right after one another during the same night, could that mean Mando is also here somewhere and being held captive?

Don't think about it. Just keep talking.

"What does your boss want with. . .it?" The Kessurian lifts her head, watching Gaia with intrigue. "What's so special about the asset?   I don't understand how I'm important, too."

Sudden laughter echoes all around them like a mocking symphony. The Kessurian bends forward a bit, grappling for breath during her scorn. "You really don't know anything!" she howls, stuttering and sighing harshly. Her amusement dies down shortly after, and a strained calm is draped over her. "I honestly expected more from a former Imperial assassin and an operating bounty hunter. I won't tell you though, it's a secret~ Besides, you'll find out later, but for now I'm curious to know how such a promising individual as yourself could fall for such a grisly creature."

The Kessurian gestures toward The Child.

Be smart, an obscured voice within Gaia hisses. Bargain for your life's worth. Do it!

Gaia falters. "I never did," she insists all of a sudden. A vague frown overtakes her captor's expression and it prompts Gaia to continue by saying, "I was planning on delivering the asset as soon as I got my chance, you know."

The Kessurian shifts, casually. "Then how come you ran away with the Mandalorian?"

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer: have you ever heard that phrase before? Well, I decided to take it quite literally." Gaia writhes, feeling her rigid body persist against the tree. "As it turns out, the Mandalorian was quite the nuisance, right? He still is, in fact. I bet it would make a lot of people happy if he suddenly disappeared, but in order for that to happen I needed to get close to him, earn his trust so he would lower his guard around me. It takes time as I'm sure you'd know, and that's why I haven't been able to carry out my perfected plan just yet."

The Kessurian is quiet. It takes a while before she moves, striding closer towards Gaia with leisurely dragged steps. She kneels down in front of her and tilts her head, as if spotting a clement fascination in the person before her.

"That's a beautiful lie," the Kessurian whispers in a low voice, "but I won't fall for it. You're no longer with the Empire, and we both know how much you secretly resent us."

"And if I truthfully don't?" Gaia retorts, brawling to match her captor's austere tone. "What if I actually side with the Empire and you hurt me because you chose to be dull? I'd wager that your employer wouldn't be too happy about that." She holds the Kessurian's gaze in a scaling conundrum, eyeing her with a unified look. Rearranging her posture, Gaia dives forth to take a high risk. "Come on, you're just itching to play. I know it, and that's why I offer you a deal. What do you say to me joining you as we travel back to Nevarro with the asset. We turn it in — you get your reward while I talk with your boss. You vouch for me in return, and I'll be in his service for as long as he requires it. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? It's an outcome that's ideal for the both of us. What do you say?"

"I say that it sounds rightfully boring," the Kessurian drones. "What's in it for me, huh? If you fool me you're dragging me down with you, so what do you suggest as a substitute?"

Gaia suppresses a knowing smile, focusing on her own breathing. "You get a right to kill me." That catches the Kessurian's attention. "If I try to flee or harm anyone from your side, you can have my head on a platter."

The Kessurian is adamant, refusing to break the suspense between their gazes. She's looking deeply into the dark depths of Gaia's eyes and quietly humming to herself. A kind smile grows on her face, hands outstretched towards the handcuffs collected above Gaia's head then. Hope unfurls in her chest and victory seems assured, yet it never truly was.

The Kessurian strikes faster than Gaia can blink. "I know a liar—" she snarls as her fingers coil around the other alien's throat, squeezing tightly, "when I hear one. I did like your little spiel though, but there's one thing you should know about me: I hate playing games." The smile has evidently gone from the Kessurian's facial features and a baleful darkness looms instead. "You've gone soft."

"If. . .If you keep saying that—"

"It's true! I know it is!" the Kessurian exclaims angrily. "Look at you, thinking you can weasel your way out of this by acting all cheeky and coy. It's not working, and you won't get what you want. All you've accomplished is pissing me off!" Vexation is riddled in her stance, in her eyes: a certain lethality which Gaia has never dreamt of rivalling. "You're not getting away this time."

"I'm sorry t-that I've upset you," Gaia forces out with limited opportunity, the grip around her throat pulsating. "I never meant to make you angry, but I do want to meet your boss."

"No. No, you really don't. Stars, your lies are so bad that even a newborn Womp Rat would've been able to see through them."

"Gah! — I'm not lying. I swear!"

The irritation within the Kessurian fades. Gaia shudders as a smirking abyss greets her in its stead, pulling her in by the soul and allowing her to palpitate helplessly, as if her feet has been tied to a boulder."I was ordered to bring you and the asset back safely," the Kessurian reveals, quietly. "I was specifically told to not touch the "Mando", but since I'm a little defiant I've changed my mind. That armor of his may not be worth as much as your life but it'll still pay a hefty amount."

Her captor draws closer, and Gaia's breath hitches in her throat. Blue skin stained with fresh blood flashes before her repealing eyes, a whisper of a beautiful 'rose' falling off of chapped lips like smooth petals of peace, chipped nails no longer clawing at dirty armor and warm air strangling a moribund body in colors of decay. A dilated, enraged scream would echo like supernovas running amok for minutes but it might as well have been hours, hands of solace concealing a creature made broken in the span of mere seconds worth of time; unbeating hearts sweeping the ground in purple and red as the colors fuse together to create chaos and ruin, a combination so fatal that it has brought people to riot and wither, burn and mortify.

"So," the Kessurian resumes while Gaia fights for breath, "since you're not "lying" then I guess I'll just take off now and deal with the Mandalorian myself when you don't have a problem with it. I'll find him and wait until he's truly alone, and then I'll slit his soft throat when he least expects it. He'll immediately collapse onto the ground and as he's dying — wondering where you are — I'll peel that incredible beskar off his body. I'll take the braces, the chest piece, everything; even his stupid shiny helmet. I'll see the light in his eyes disappear as I'm doing it, all the while knowing you're not there to save him."

Gaia, numb and cold, shiver as her voice just barely leaps forth. Damaged and idle. "I. . ."

Gaia, let go of her. We have to leave. Now.

They'll be wondering were we are, and I can't take another hour of them beating me! Are you even listening?! You're endangering our very lives, you ralldagh! *asshole!*

For the love of Stagia, just leave her alone, you two! She's grieving — we're all grieving!

It doesn't matter! Lavendea is gone!!

The pressure around Gaia's throat is gone.

"I'm sorry. . ."

The Kessurian has risen to her feet, heavy footsteps sounding further and further away.

Panic swells in Gaia's heart, and pleading as well as desperation swallows her whole. "I-I lied. I'm sorry!" A sharp pain crawls through her wrists as she pulls hard at her restrains, thrashing and flailing with all of her might in hopes of breaking free. "Do you hear me!? Hey, I said. . .I said I was sorry!" she cries out, voice pitching as her tone converts to horrified screams, "No! Please wait! Please just stop, I'm sorry — I'm sorry I lied! Don't take him away from me, I'm begging you!"

Stout tears momentarily blinds Gaia when her voice cracks like weathered pavement. Loud defeated sobs rips their way out of her throat as her imploring falls on deaf ears, withdrawn footfalls no longer in the capacity of being perceived while she objects over and over again like an awakened beast; even long after silence has taken its rightful place. Her skin would be mangled and bruised by then, thin trails of blood smeared around her wrists, throat and voice sore from having screamed for so long, body bent in angles of hatred against the handcuffs cutting her freedom short. The Child could only watch from his own cage the entire time, his cooing never close to matching with his caretaker's wails — his attempts of comfort unheard. . .

He's alone, and so is she.

— Author's Note —

I honestly didn't think I could write almost an entire chapter of just Gaia and her kidnapper talking, but lo and behold I did it and now I get a well-earned cookie! 🍪 Also, sorry for the long chapter but at one point I was in the zone and just wrote away😅

—

(the next chapter is going to be bittersweet so have some candy for comfort: 🍬🍬🍬)