The Lighted Path, Part Two

After revealing her identity as Chakra Ramahoshi, Sailor Chibi Dathomir, daughter of Nom Da'Gara, Chakra found that the weeks following were the best times of her life. She had been introduced to the rest of the Senshi, who all had been friendly and kind. Chakra spent a lot of time (in between her Force training with her mother and Neburaa) finding out about their personalities.

Yukiko, though she and Chakra got off to a rough start, was actually bright and cheerful. ChibiSuta was fun to pal around with, as were Kairiku and Audra. Miharu was charming, if a little overbearing at times. Numako was a great joke-teller. Priire and Ippin were beyond cool. Chakra felt as if all of these people were her extended family, lost and found.

Those she was closest to out of the Senshi were Suta and Kairi-chan. The older girls didn't mind that she hung around them--in fact, they enjoyed her company. In truth, with those she knew, Chakra was "kid sister" to most, "daughter" to some. She was never too loud, never got into mischief... well, ok, too much mischief, and gave the impression that she was much older than eight years old.

Chakra was still very close to Obi-Wan Kenobi and had grown closer to Anakin Skywalker as the time passed. Of everyone, he was probably the one who viewed her as a sister the most. She would look to him to explain things; he would show off for her and teach her the ways of the Temple. He even donned her with a nickname--"Cha Cha." Chakra managed to find this both endearing and infuriating. Naturally, it caught on quickly with the others, but only Suta, Kairi-chan and Anakin could use it without Chakra getting annoyed. Needless to say, Nom and Obi-Wan never used it.

If Obi-Wan wasn't in training with Anakin, and Chakra wasn't training with Nom, Chakra would seek out Obi-Wan at the Temple and beg him to show her the libraries or demonstrate a lightsaber fight, or simply tell her a story. It was funny, but whenever Chakra was around, Obi-Wan thought that he would like to have a child of his own one day. The girl always made him speculate what it would be like to be a father. In a sense, he was--to Anakin. Chakra, like Anakin, had never known a father. Both looked to Obi-Wan to fill that place, if subconsciously. Nom often mused that this was probably the reason why Anakin and Chakra were so close.

One day, after a history lesson with Nom, Chakra found she had some free time, and bounded to the Temple, seeking out Obi-Wan where she would normally find him--the sparring room, the common room... even his quarters. But he wasn't anywhere to be found. A little worried, Chakra decided to check out the library, a last resort.

She opened the door, just a crack, and saw an empty room... wait... no, not entirely empty... there was Obi-Wan! But... who was that?? Chakra's eyes went wide as she stared at the woman with Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was in turn, staring at him with adoring eyes. He reached up and brushed her cheek with his hand.

If it had been any other woman--any other woman--with him, Chakra probably would have stomped in there, folded her arms and glared possessively. Chakra always felt possessive around the Jedi Master... but... with this woman... Chakra leaned into the door just a tad further to get a closer look.

She might have been an angel. Chakra couldn't tell. Her white and pink hair and pretty face suggested that she was not of this universe, but of some unparalleled one where women were all beautiful, but she still stood out as the fairest of them all. Chakra didn't know who she was. She imagined her as a princess. The little girl wanted to ask her who she was... but she knew she would be disturbing, and she didn't have the heart to just march in there, and--

"Hey, Cha Cha! What are you doing?"

"Wha?!" Chakra whirled around and closed the door. She found herself looking at Anakin and Kairiku, both of whom looked fairly amused. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" Chakra admonished.

"Sorry," smiled Kairi-chan. "But what are you doing, Chakra?"

"Nothing..." Chakra blushed.

Anakin grinned slyly. "Yeah sure. And I'm not Force-sensitive. Come on, what are you up to?"

"I was just looking for Obi-Wan..." Chakra said, knowing that Anakin could see right through her. Well, part of that was the truth. She had been looking for Obi Wan... just not for the woman who was with him.

"Last time I saw him he was in the library. That's where we had our lesson for today... I left before he did," Anakin said.

"Oh, well, he's er... not there now!" Chakra said with a nervous grin, hoping to cover. Anakin and Kairi-chan exchanged looks but otherwise shrugged it off.

"Anyway, Chakra, want to come with us? We're heading off to see the Coruscantian Natural Preserve," Kairiku asked.

"Oh... I can't," said Chakra. "I promised Suta we'd watch a HoloVid with her this afternoon."

"Oh, all right," said Kairiku. "Well, I guess we'll see you later then, okay?"

Chakra nodded and smiled. Before he and Kairi-chan took off, Anakin glanced back at her. "Sure you're all right?"

"Yeah. I am fine, Anakin. Go on, have fun."

"Bye, Cha cha!" said Kairiku with a wave. Once she and Anakin had disappeared down the corridor, Chakra opened the library door and peeked in again. The white and pink haired woman was laughing, and Obi Wan seemed to delight in the smile. She kissed him lightly, quickly, then turned to go.

And she was coming right for the door at which Chakra was standing. Quickly, Chakra closed the door and started to run, but tripped--of all things, she tripped--and landed on her knees just outside the door. And to add to Chakra's embarrassment, the woman opened the door before the eight year old could get away.

Seeing her rubbing her knees, the woman got a look of concern. "Oh... are you all right?"

Flushed with embarrassment, Chakra stood quickly. "Yes... I am ok. Thank you."

The woman smiled. Chakra's eyes shone with admiration. No wonder Obi Wan liked her. She seemed so nice...

"You're Chakra Ramahoshi, aren't you?" She suddenly asked. Chakra was surprised she knew her. She nodded. The woman extended a hand. "I'm Annika. Annika Nesicha."

Chakra took the slender hand and smiled. "It is nice to meet you."

"I hear you're Nom's daughter," Annika said.

"Yes," Chakra said with pride. "From the future."

"Well! You must have a special reason for coming back."

Chakra lowered her gaze. She felt horrible, lying to the beautiful woman... but no one could know what she was looking for. Not even her mother.

"Actually, I do not know why I have come back... but I like it here. Everyone is so nice," Chakra said, smiling once more.

"I'm glad! And I'm sure you will lend a great deal of help to the Senshi," Annika said with a wink.

"Are...are you a Senshi too?" asked Chakra with awe.

Annika nodded. "Yes." Suddenly, she glanced at a watch on her hand, and looked concerned. "Oh no, I'm late... It was nice to meet you Chakra. If you are ever in the Room of a Thousand Waterfalls, be sure to visit." And with that, Annika left.

Chakra stared after her for a while. So that was who had captured the affections of the man whom she idolized. Unconsciously, Chakra had found another idol, one of three. Her mother showed her strength, wisdom and love, Obi-Wan showed her stability and life lessons, and now Annika... she showed her beauty and caring.

After pondering the encounter for another moment or two, Chakra reopened the library door and carefully stepped inside. She saw Obi-Wan at the far end, looking at a shelf of books. Chakra walked over, soundlessly. Before she reached him, however, Obi-Wan caught sight of her.

"Oh, hello Chakra," he said, smiling. "Done with lessons for today?"

"Hi Obi-Wan... yes, for now," Chakra said, walking up next to him. "What are you doing?"

"I'm looking for a book to aid in Anakin's next study session. Would you like to help me find it?"

"Sure," Chakra said. "What is the book called?"

" 'Jedi Folklore and Ancient Practices,' " Obi-Wan said, scanning the top shelf. "It should be around her somewhere..."

Chakra knelt looking at the bottom shelf. "Is this it?" She selected a book and gave it to him.

Taking it, Obi-Wan nodded approvingly. "Yes. Thank you, Chakra."

"You are welcome." Chakra sat at a table while Obi-Wan flipped through the book and told Charka a story of the ancient Jedi Knights. While he spun the tale, Chakra listened attentively, taking in every word with interest. Obi-Wan, though never much of a story teller, somehow found it easier in the presence of Chakra's attentive gaze.

Suddenly, however, they were interrupted by a young padawan. He was around nineteen, with dark hair and bright green eyes. "Oh, thank goodness I found you, Master Kenobi."

"Yes, Neeri? What is it?"

"There's a transmission coming in for you or Anakin... from Naboo. I can't locate Anakin at the moment..." Neeri said.

Chakra's eyes lit up. Naboo? The Queen! The one who might be the reason she's here... she quickly looked to Obi-Wan... prayed he would receive it...

Obi-Wan nodded. "All right. Put it through here, will you Neeri?"

Neeri tapped something on his wrist, and an image appeared right as Neeri walked out the door. Chakra looked up in wonder. It was a young woman of sixteen or so, dressed in elaborate ornamental clothing with white face makeup on, a beauty mark on her lower lip and a fancy crown. Queen Padme Naberrie Amidala of the Naboo. Her brown eyes suggested wisdom, and clarity. Chakra could feel this woman's light... and knew then... knew that she was the reason why she was here. Her duty. Protect the light...

The Queen smiled when she saw Obi-Wan. "Greetings, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to your initial transmission for some time. I have just recently finished negotiations with Ungul, our neighbor world, and I apologize, but I have not had much time for social calls," she said, good naturedly.

"I understand, Your Highness. And it's all right," Obi-Wan said.

"I hope you are well?"

"Yes, your Highness. Thank you. And yourself?"

"As well as can be expected Obi Wan, thank you." Now that the pleasantries had been doled out, Queen Amidala's eyes flickered lightly around. "Is Anakin there?"

"No, I'm sorry Your Highness, he's not," Obi Wan replied. The beautiful face of the Naboo ruler fell.

"Oh... that is unfortunate. I don't know when I'll be able to have a chance to talk with him again."

"I will give him your regards, your Highness."

"Thank you, Obi Wan." The brown eyes shifted again, to settle on Chakra. "May I ask who your friend is?"

Chakra froze. The Queen... The Light was talking to her. What would she do? What would she say... Obi-Wan urged her forward. Nervously, Chakra bowed. "I am Chakra Ramahoshi, your Highness," she said.

"Hello, Chakra. Do you know Obi-Wan well?"

"Yes, your Highness."

Amidala nodded, the barest hint of a smile on her face. Chakra could feel the gaze on her, scanning her--approvingly--at least, Chakra hoped so.

"Well," Queen Amidala said then, "It has been nice meeting you, Chakra. But I am afraid I cannot talk for much longer."

Chakra was deeply disappointed. She tried to think of some way of prolonging the conversation, but nothing came to mind. She simply bowed again. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Obi-Wan bowed as well. "We appreciate your time, your Highness. I will inform Anakin of your call."

"Tell him I am sorry I missed him," Queen Amidala added.

"I will."

"I hope you and yours remain well, Master Jedi. Goodbye." And with that, the image of the Naboo Queen vanished. Chakra felt hollow. How could a woman so strong with her Light die? How could anyone extinguish such a flame? It resembled...something she had seen before...the light of Padme's was familiar somehow. Chakra didn't know why exactly. But what was it...about that vision...maybe it wasn't only her...

"Chakra?"

Chakra looked up. "Yes?"

"Are you all right? You seemed pensive," Obi-Wan noted.

"Oh... it is just that I have never met a Queen before," Chakra replied.

Obi-Wan smiled. "There's a first time for everything. Now, would you like to hear more about the Jedi Knight Nomi Sunrider?"

"Yes, very much, Obi Wan!"

In minutes, Chakra had put to the back of her mind the Naboo Queen... yet something always prodded at her... even if she wasn't aware of the prodding...

Maybe what you're looking for is much closer than you think.

"You wanna go where?" Suta asked, absently eating something called "popcorn," a snack Chakra had never even heard of, much less eaten. The two girls were sitting Chakra and Nom's apartment, watching the HoloVid, as was planned. Chakra had just sprung on Chibi-Suta an idea she'd been having.

"I want to go to Naboo," Chakra said.

ChibiSuta looked over at her, quirking an eyebrow and wearing a grin. "What brought that on?"

"I saw Queen Amidala today."

"In person?!"

"No. Over the HoloNet. She was really nice... I wanted to see what Naboo was like. I have never been anywhere besides Dathomir and Coruscant. I want to go somewhere else..." Chakra said, looking sad. "I want to... go to exotic places and see things for myself... not just the stories Mother tells me."

Suta looked thoughtful. "Maybe Nom could actually take you."

Charka wrinkled her nose. "Between Force training and Sailor training? No."

"That's true," Suta agreed.

"But I HAVE to find a way to go, Suta. And you have to help me," Chakra said, determinately.

Suta laughed. "Whoa! How did I get sucked into this?"

"Come on, Suta-chan! Please? I cannot do it by myself," Chakra pleaded.

"How do you think you're going to get there. Are you gonna steal a ship?!" Suta asked jokingly. When Chakra looked at her very seriously, the smile she had been donning faded and she shook her head, slowly at first, then faster and faster. "Oh, no, OH NO Chakra. No way. Uh-uh."

"Know how to fly, Suta?"

"We're not taking a ship, Chakra. Especially not mine. I won't be responsible for getting you into trouble."

"Okay, okay." Chakra frowned. "Well... maybe another Senshi would take me. Mother would not... not now... but... some of the other girls have ships, do they not?"

"Yes..." Suta said. "But either way, Chakra, you're still going around Nom. Is that a really smart idea?"

"Not really, but this is important, Suta!!" Chakra folded her arms and frowned. "I will not stop until I get there."

Suta looked at Chakra with a furrowed brow. There was definitely something the eight year old wasn't telling her. "Why're you so adamant about going there all of a sudden? Surely not just because of Amidala..."

Chakra almost at once took on the guilt she had been harboring ever since she arrived in the past. How many more people would she have to lie to? How many more times would she shut people out? She looked at Chibi-Suta's concerned expression. Chakra liked Suta-she didn't want to betray her--or her mother.

Finally, Chakra sighed. "Suta-chan... I have not been honest."

"What? What's going on, Cha Cha?"

"I...I do know the reason I have come back to the past. I have been lying to everyone... because I was afraid if I let anyone know, I would not find out what I am looking for," Chakra explained.

"What are you looking for?" Suta asked.

"Queen Amidala," Chakra said. Seeing the look of confusion on her friend's face, Chakra explained her duty as Guardian of Inner Lights, the vision she received, how the Light that was presumably Padme Naberrie Amidala was extinquished, and how she had appointed herself protector.

Suta took it all in with a nod and a thoughtful expression. After Chakra was finished, Suta said softly, "I see."

"And do you see why I have to go and protect her?" Chakra asked.

"Oh, Cha Cha... I don't know..."

"Why not?" she asked in disbelief.

"Well... maybe you shouldn't interfere with destiny, Chakra." Suta explained. "Maybe it... horrible as it is... was meant to happen."

Chakra shook her head. "No, Suta-chan. I got a call from this time, a call asking me to correct what happened. I cannot ignore it."

"Are you positive that's what it meant?" ChibiSuta asked meaningfully.

What you are looking for may be closer than you think.

"Yes," Chakra said after a moment. "I am positive."

"Are you sure, Mistique?" asked Kendra, flipping a long ponytail from out of her odango behind her.

"I'm sure," said Mistique forcefully. "I sensed it even after I left the hangar. There was a distinctive energy about her."

"Chibi Dathomir..." Kendra said thoughtfully. "What could be special about her? Why is she not just another Sailor?"

Mistique shook her head. "Search me, but I even ran it through a distortion check." She pointed to a small monitor on the small ship they were occupying for the moment. "See? Even after they powered down, the hangar bay radiated with the energy, focused around Chibi Dathomir."

Mistique had discovered that there was a unique energy flux around Chibi Dathomir after their last battle when she had attacked Yukiko and Nom. Finding this reason enough to notify Kendra, she sought out the Leader of the Sith Senshi... not finding her until this date. Kendra was most intrigued with the news, however. This Chibi Dathomir may hold a hidden power source that could be used to their advantage.

Kendra nodded to Mistique, making a decision. "Find her, Mistique. We'll take her and see what power she holds..."

Suta and Chakra were heading to the Room behind the Waterfalls, ChibiSuta agreeing to go along with Chakra to Naboo, even if she didn't' actually fly her there herself. Chakra was grateful for the help, and Suta was surprised at the determination in her younger friend. She'd never seen her like this before...

Annika was there, conversing with Audra animatedly about something. Chakra pondered for a moment. "I.. .I wonder if Annika would take me?"

"I didn't know you knew Annika."

"Well... I do not know her very well... we... just met today," Chakra said.

"Little bit early to start asking favors, isn't it?" ChibiSuta said with a grin.

"Do you think so?" Chakra asked worriedly.

Suta shrugged. "You'll find out..." They both walked over to Annika, who was saying good-bye to a retreating Audra. She smiled upon their approach. "Oh, hello ChibiSuta, Chakra."

"Hi Annika," said Suta.

"Hello, Miss Annika," said Chakra, using her formal attitude as she always did with the older female Senshi.

"What's up, girls?"

Both of them didn't say a thing. Suta because she was waiting for Chakra to, and Chakra because she was frozen in awe. Suta nudged her.

"Uhh... Miss Annika... do you think... you could take Suta-chan and myself to Naboo?" Chakra asked in a timid voice.

Annika looked curious. "Why to Naboo? And right now?"

"Not right now," said Chakra.

"We... erm... sort of have some business there," Suta said.

"Did Nom okay this?" Annika asked. Chakra could tell she was suspicious.

"Well... not exactly," Chakra said, feeling horrible.

"Girls, I'm not so sure I should go against Nom..." Annika knew that Nom was Chakra's mother, and that she was also Force-training Suta's sister, Neburra. She decided that it would be Nom's decision and hers alone. These two were still too young to go somewhere unattended, Senshi or not.

"Oh, please Miss Annika?" asked Chakra.

"I'll tell you what, I'll go talk to Nom about it, and we'll see, okay?" Annika offered. The girls had no choice but to accept as Annika left the Room in search of Nom Da'Gara.

"Well this isn't going well," said Suta-chan.

"I know." Chakra sighed. They left the Room, going for a walk. To their delight, though, they soon ran into Kairiku and Anakin, fresh from their day trip.

"Hey guys!" said Anakin. "What's up?"

"We are going to Naboo," said Chakra casually, as if she were telling Anakin that she was going to play a game of Sabaac.

"What?" asked Kairi-chan.

"It's a long story..." said Suta. "But for now, we're a little stuck on how to get there."

"Why don't you just take her, Suta-chan?" Kairi-chan asked.

"No way! I'm not going to be the guilty one here. If someone else drives, fine..." Suta said.

"What about me?" Anakin said. "I'll take you."

"Are you crazy? The Jedi Council will freak out!!" Kairiku said.

"Anakin, will you?" asked Chakra with shining eyes.

"Sure, why not? We can borrow my friend Neeri's ship. He always said I could fly it whenever I wanted to," Anakin said with a confident grin.

Chakra flung her arms around him. "Oh you are the best, Anakin!"

"This isn't a very smart idea," said Kairiku. "I'm not so sure we should do this..."

"Oh come on, Kairiku... it's just one little trip. It's not like we're gonna turn to the Dark Side or anything..." Anakin said as he began walking to the Jedi Temple again, Chakra and Suta at his heels. Kairiku remained rooted in her spot for a moment.

She groaned, sighed and hung her head. "Man, do I hate knowing everything..."

They paused outside of the ship, looking up at it. Suta made a face, Kairi-chan still looked a bit worried. Chakra had no expression, and Anakin looked apologetic.

"I know it's not much to look at, but hey. It's a ship! Come on... we should get a move on..."

"Not so fast!"

All four of them turned to see Kendra and Sailor Sith Vortex behind them, looking pleased with themselves. The girls exchanged glances. This would not be fun...

"We've come for the little one," said Kendra. "The rest of you are of no concern. So back off while you can!"

Suta and Kairiku frowned. "Yeah right," Suta said. "You must be dreaming."

"Corellia Crystal Power..."

"Gungan Force Power..."

"Dathomir Planet Power..."

"MAKE UP!!"

In an instant, surrounding Anakin there was now Sailors Corellia, Chibi Naboo and Chibi Dathomir.

"So, we're going to do this the hard, way, eh girls?"

"If that's what it takes!!" cried Sailor Chibi Naboo. "Gungan Blue Ball Launch!"

Kendra and Vortex avoided the attack and swept in to carry on a fight with the Senshi. Anakin backed up, having no way to help the Senshi at the moment. He looked at Chakra with amazement... he'd never seen her as a Senshi before... and she was at least twenty years old... it was incredible..

The attacks came with ferocity.

"Crystal Shower!"

"Singing Mountain Scream!"

"Hando Daaku Batsu!"

However, Kendra eventually got the upper hand. She knocked Chibi Naboo across the face, and the girl fell to the floor. Vortex overtook Corellia, hitting her in the back. Chibi Dathomir wasn't going down without a fight, but two against one were unfair odds, and while Vortex kicked her knees, making her fall, Kendra took her Light Scepter.

"No!" cried Chibi Dathomir. "Give that back!"

" 'Give that back,' " mimicked Kendra. "Nice try..." But before she could do anything else, the Scepter began to glow brightly and shot a beam of light directly at Chibi Dathomir, who cried out in pain. Kendra was in pain too; evidently she wasn't controlling the beam, and the staff was now burning her hands. She was unable to let go, however.

"Stop it!" cried Corellia. "You're hurting her!"

"Chibi Dathomir!" cried Anakin.

"I... can't.... make it... stop!" shouted Kendra, cringing in pain.

The light continued to burn into Chibi Dathomir's chest for a few moments when, very abruptly, it stopped. Kendra dropped the staff and cradled her hands. Chibi Dathomir was unconscious. Corellia and Chibi Naboo went over to her, as did Anakin. Now, in front of her chest where the light beam had struck, there was a purple crystal in the shape of an exotic flower...

"Kendra!" cried Vortex. "Look!"

Kendra spotted the crystal and forgot about her burning hands. "That's it! That's the source of her power!!" She dashed forward. "Grab it!!"

"No..." Chibi Dathomir awoke and grabbed the crystal before Kendra or Vortex could. Very suddenly, she was wrapped in a violet light. Anakin, Sailor Corellia and Sailor Chibi Naboo backed away, curious as to what was happening.

When the light died down, Chibi Dathomir remained, but changed: Instead of her sliver and white fuku, she now had a long violet dress on, with a chain belt of crystal flowers, a scarf that wrapped around her neck and arms, and a crystal crown of flowers on top of her head.

"What's this?!" cried Vortex.

"Voniyati Yanos Strati, Voniyonoto Strati Nadeya!" cried Chibi Dathomir, in a language no one, even Anakin, could recognize.

A shockwave flew from Chibi Dathomir's outstretched hands at the two Sith Senshi, who screamed and had to teleport away before either of them was destroyed.

Once they had disappeared, Chibi Dathomir knelt on the ground, apparently worn out from the use of the power... and eventually, the new fuku faded to reveal her old one... before Chibi Dathomir powered down all together, lying on the ground. And eight year old Chakra Ramahoshi was out cold.

When she woke up, Chakra found herself in a bed in what she recognized as Anakin's quarters. She blinked a few times and saw Sutaru, Kairiku and Anakin all standing around the bed with wide eyes, apparently worried. Anakin had his arms around Kairi-chan, as she seemed to be upset. Chakra found this touching, and gave them all a smile.

"I am all right," she said softly, still a bit weak.

Her friends smiled. "You had us worried, Cha Cha," said Kairi-chan.

Chakra smiled back at her, then looked at the foot of the bed where her mother Nom and Obi Wan stood. They looked relieved, then stern.

"Hello Mother, Obi Wan," said Chakra, in perhaps an even softer voice than before.

"I am glad you are all right, Chakra," said Nom, going to sit on the edge of the bed beside her daughter. "Are you feeling well?"

Chakra nodded. "Just tired..."

"Too tired to tell me what you were up to before we found you?" Nom asked. Chakra looked guilty. Nom looked at her with gentle but insisting eyes. "Chakra, tell me."

Chakra sat up, her eyes cast downward, unable to look at her mother directly. "Mother... please do not be angry... but I am dishonest." Nom didn't say anything, so Chakra continued. "I... I am a Guardian Senshi. It is my duty to protect the Inner Lights of souls. I am sorry for not telling you sooner..."

Nom looked surprised. She moved closer to her daughter, sensing, perhaps subconsciously, that something was about to be revealed to her, other than her daughter's Guardianship.

"I do know why I have come back in time. I received a vision in the future, of this past... of someone whose Light has been extinguished... but it was not supposed to be. I have come back to defend that Light."

"Whose Light, Chakra?"

Finally, Chakra raised her crystalline blue eyes to her mother's. They were brimmed with tears--the little girl was obviously torn between telling her mother and protecting something... Chakra looked to Suta, the only other person who knew of who this person was. Suta looked worried.

With a quick glance at Obi Wan and Anakin, Chakra hung her head again, near sobbing. "Please do not make me tell, Mother. Not here. I know to cry is to admit defeat, and I am sorry to shame you."

"I am not shamed, Chakra," Nom reassured her daughter in a soothing voice. "But what were you doing in the hangar?"

"I... I need to get to Naboo, as part of my duty as a Guardian Senshi lies there. I did not think you would let me go... with all of my training."

"Chakra... your duty as a Senshi is very important! Of course I would have taken you! You should have asked," Nom said.

"I am sorry, Mother." Tears were still running down Chakra's cheeks.

"It is all right, Chakra. Stop crying." Nom hugged her. "But please, do not go behind my back any more."

"I promise."

Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Anakin turned to answer it. It was Annika, holding what appeared to be an ornate box in her hands.

"Sorry to bother everyone... but I need to steal Nom, Chakra, Sutaru and Kairiku, if that's okay."

Obi Wan nodded. "Come on, Anakin. We have to get to your last lesson for today, anyway." Master and Padawan left the room, heading down a corridor, while Nom and company followed Annika down another one that lead to the Room Behind the Waterfall.

Here, she set the box down on a table and opened it to reveal a violet crystal in the shape of an exotic flower.

"Do you remember this, Chakra?" asked Annika.

"Yes, Miss Annika," Chakra replied. "Kendra took it out of me with my Light Scepter. She tried to take it from me, but I got it first... then it changed me." Chakra wrinkled up her nose. "It gave me a funny power. It was kind of hard to control. And I said something..." Chakra closed her eyes and searched her memory. "Voniyati Yanos Strati... Voniyonto Strati Nadeya..." she said, remembering.

The violet crystal began to glow brightly in the box.

"Wow..." said Sutaru. "What is that?"

Annika pulled out a small stone tablet that had writing on it in basic from inside of the box. "This box and this tablet were both found in the archives of Jedi Temple. Apparently, this crystal was taken billions of years ago from a planet in the Unknown Regions by a Jedi Knight. It has many powers... however, the Jedi aren't able to use them."

"They can't?" asked Kairiku.

"No," said Annika, shaking her head. "Read the tablet." She gave the tablet to Nom, who read aloud:

"The Power of Nilalni is the Power of One
Used by A Woman With the Seed of Strength
Pretty Soldiers, from this Warrior Will You Take this Light
And All Who Touch it Use their Gift Wisely."

"So the stone is a sort of power up," Chakra said.

"Yes," Annika replied. "But it can only work once with each Senshi who touches it. And the power is unique to them."

"Ohh..." said Chakra.

"This stone will not work for you again, Chakra. However, if myself or Nom or Sutaru or Kairiku were to touch it in our Senshi state, we would recieve a power up. Only temporary, mind you, like yours was."

Nom nodded. "That is why the sith Senshi wanted it... they could do a lot of damage with that kind of power."

Annika raised her eyebrows. "You got it. But, it gets better. Since the crystal was inside of Chakra, it might have had certain effects on her." Annika paused, thoughtful. "The energy in this crystal is unharnessed and unpredictable at best. You should be careful, Chakra."

"Why?"

"Because... even though the crystal has been removed... its power still may remain inside of you. When you transform... it might appear. And since you are still a fairly young Senshi, you might have trouble controlling the power you hold," Annika explained.

"Ohh..." Chakra said softly. "I will be careful, Miss Annika..." The thought of this unharnessed power seemed to both intimidate and intrigue her.

Annika nodded, then raised her eyebrows as she looked back at the box. "Now... what to do with this..."

Sutaru thought a moment. "It should probably stay in the Temple."

"I think so too," said Nom. "It would be the safest place for it."

But Chakra, staring fixedly at the crystal, shook her head, slowly at first, then with more feeling. "No, please... may I keep it?"

Nom looked concerned. "But Chakra... you do not know if the Sith Senshi will come after it again... it might be a hazard to keep it with you."

Chakra's eyes pleaded. "But Mother... it is like a part of me." She turned her small face back to the crystal again. "I do not know how to show you... but it feels like it is important for me to have... to remember something..." Chakra struggled, trying to illustrate her feelings.

Annika's eyes met Nom's, and the Dathomiran nodded after a moment. "All right, Chakra. It is yours."

Chakra smiled up at the two older women. And went over to the box, closing it, and picking it up before she and Nom left Kairiku, Sutaru and Annika, heading for home. She held it close to her chest, a content sort of look on her face.

Now, she thought, I can keep him close to me...

Though Chakra didn't know who he was... this thought seemed to make perfect sense to her, and it filled her with an even greater comfort than before.