Leaning against the balcony rail, Cassandra watched the sun rise over Coruscant. The brisk wind blew through her hair, still damp from the shower. It was cold, the sky dense with dark snow clouds. She inhaled the icy air deeply, wrapping the blanket tighter around her shoulders.

Cassandra longed to see a trace of green in the glass and steel landscape, missing nature with a suddenly fierce ache. Sure, the Jedi Temple had a garden and potted plants scattered around the grounds, but it wasn't the same as disappearing down a forest trail accompanied by the sweet music of songbirds.

Coruscant could be bleak at times. She had thought getting some fresh air would clear the ache in her head left behind from the bad dream. No luck so far.

Her right hand cramped and she released her hold on the rail. The balcony doors slid open behind her. Cassandra knew without looking Anakin had come seeking her. "If we go out today, we'll have to dress warm." She told him.

Anakin came beside her and leaned his forearms against the rail. "You'll get sick standing out here in your nightgown."

"I haven't been out here long." Cassandra turned from the view. She noticed the furrow between his brows. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing in particular." A gust blew Anakin's hair back, exposing the stern sculpted lines of his face. "The Council has summoned us."

"Way to rain on my parade." The Jedi probably wanted to discuss the Flerkittens that hatched yesterday. Cassandra sighed exasperatedly. "I'll get dressed."

She headed for the bedroom, Anakin right on her heels. "Need some help with that?"

Cassandra smiled at his suggestive tone. She'd like nothing more than to crawl back into bed and get naked with her Jedi. "Tempting but we can't keep the Jedi Council waiting."

Smug, Anakin folded his arms. "I do it all the time to spend time with you."

"And I appreciate that." She dug through the closet for her warmest set of Kamar Taj robes and changed into them. The kind she wore when she gathered eggs in the hen house for breakfast in the winter.

Pushing down the straps, the nightgown fell to the floor, pooling around her feet. Behind her, Cassandra heard Anakin groan in desire. She suppressed a smile and dressed.

Anakin came up beside her with her brush. "At least allow me this?"

"Oh, alright." Cassandra caved, giving him permission to brush her hair. For some reason he enjoyed it.

The brush slid smoothly over her scalp. "Want to tell me about your nightmare?"

Ah. Of course, Anakin noticed and waited until her guard was down to broach the subject. "I recall bits and pieces. Nothing clear." Cassandra squinted, thinking hard. "You were on Mustafar fighting someone. I couldn't tell who. Both of you wielded lightsabers."

"Another vision?" He suggested.

"I haven't had a vision since Caranda. It was just a bad dream." Cassandra dismissed, unwilling to believe it was more than that.

"Hmm." Anakin made a noncommittal noise. "If it happens again tell me. If you had a vision, we can't ignore it."

"Alright, I promise." Cassandra reluctantly agreed, feeling a wave of empathy for him.

 In the past, he'd had a vision of his mother dying and was encouraged by Obi-Wan to dismiss it as a nightmare. The other Jedi's poor judgment had cost Anakin dearly.

When Anakin finished working out the knots and tangles, she wove her hair into a fishtail braid, tying it off with an elastic. After a moment's hesitation she grabbed her staff. "Alright, I'm ready."

Anakin returned the brush to the vanity table, the hem of his robe spilling around his feet. He reached inside a pocket. "Here, I had these made. I forgot to give them to you yesterday because, well, you know." He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

Amused, Cassandra returned his knowing look. "Oh, I know."

Her husband thrust a pair of gloves at her. "These are for you."

The gloves were black and almost identical to the ones Anakin wore except they were much smaller, designed for female hands. "Thank you."

"Try them on." Anakin urged, taking her staff from her so she could.

First, she slid the glove over her right hand which had started shaking again. The fabric was soft and supple molding to her hand. To her surprise the cramping eased almost immediately. Cassandra darted a surprise look up at him. "How?"

"The material is specially designed to support weakened appendages. I thought it would help with your hand..." Trailing off, Anakin rubbed the back of his neck shyly. "Does it feel any better?"

She flexed her fingers, testing the glove which appeared to be a kind of brace. Cassandra nodded slowly. "Yes, I feel an improvement." She put on the other glove and stretched out her hands to admire them. "I love them."

A knot she hadn't been aware of, loosened in her chest. Cassandra took a full unimpeded breath and smiled. "You always take care of me."

"I always will, Cass. I'm your husband." Anakin promised, drawing her in for a brief hug. "We better get going. If we're later Obi-Wan will lecture us."

"I can do without an Obi-Wan lecture today." She agreed, pulling back. "Again, thank you for the gloves."

Smiling sunnily, Anakin returned her staff. "No problem."

*********************************************************************************************

Weak sunlight slanted in through the windows illuminating motes of dust spinning through the air. Half the chairs were empty, the Jedi on the battlefronts. However, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Mace Windu, Aayla Secura, and Plo Kloon were all present.

Since most of them were involved with the Flerkitten round up the day before, this wasn't a surprise.

What was surprising is that they were asking for her aid again.

"You want me to what?" Cassandra stared at the Jedi Council in disbelief.

Obi-Wan steepled his hands underneath his chin and leveled a serious gaze in her direction. "Ideally, we would ask another Jedi to accompany us, but we are short-handed at the moment."

"I'm confused. I thought you wanted to talk to me about the Flerkittens." She replied, fully expecting to be blamed since she brought Goose with her to Coruscant.

Goose was curled up in Obi-Wan's lap, purring loudly. Completely serene after the fiasco she caused yesterday. That was a cat for you. They had no shame.

"We have yet to discuss how to handle the Flerkens." Windu said slowly as if she were stupid.

"Flerkens are handy in a pinch. The Jedi Temple can always use more security with Cad Bane breaking in all the time." Cassandra reasoned. "You can form the first ever Flerken Defense Force."

Her suggestion was greeted with stony silence. Anakin coughed loudly into his fist. A warning to back off.

Fine. No Flerken Defense Force. The Jedi Council wouldn't know a good idea if it bit them in their stuck-up asses. Cassandra glanced at her husband for help. 'Do something!' She implored with her eyes.

They were so close to unraveling crucial knowledge about their connection. They couldn't falter now when they were about to figure things out! Someone else could go on this mission.

"Master Pierce has not fully recovered from her ordeal on Mustafar." Anakin jumped to her defense. "She should remain here on Coruscant."

Ugh, that was not what Cassandra meant by help! Anakin needed to stay here too! It would take both of them to learn more about the Dyad.

"That is unfortunate, but we need her on this mission." Obi-Wan refused to budge. "A Jedi distress signal that has not been used in two thousand years has been picked up by a Republic communications station. It must be investigated."

"It's probably a trap." Cassandra said, interrupting him.

"Perhaps, perhaps not. Either way, the mystery must be solved." The older Jedi said flatly.

Great. Another one of Obi-Wan's numbskull strategies. Why did the man like to trigger traps? It was much smarter to avoid them entirely.

Folding his arms, Anakin glowered. "What planet are we going to?"

"We aren't sure it is a planet. The area of space the signal originates from has been little traversed. However, exploring the Archives we were able to find a partial map that indicates some form of landmass exists there." Obi-Wan explained, stroking the Flerken on his lap.

"I don't think it's a good idea to travel into wild space with only one ship." Anakin said, eyes darting toward Cassandra. Worry for her shone in his blue depths. "We'll need a fleet in case this is a trap."

"All necessary precautions will be taken. You'll take the 501st, Skywalker." Windu spoke in a cool, detached voice. "Be mindful. There is no telling what you will encounter."

At least they'd be confronting the trap with an army at their backs. Cassandra blew out a breath, resigned to another detour from her plans.

The Jedi had little regard for her sorcerer duties and acted like she had nothing better to do than to fight in their war. It was so frustrating!

"It's settled. Anakin, Cassandra, and Ahsoka and I will investigate the signal." Obi-Wan declared, scooping Goose into his arms and standing. "The two of you will meet me in the hangar in an hour." His censorious gaze cut to the sorceress. "Make sure you have whatever you need for your spells."

*********************************************************************************************

The military shuttle jolted out of hyperspace. Cassandra rested her head against the headrest, groaning. "I'll never get used to that."

Ahsoka glanced over at her from the other rear seat in the cockpit. "Are you alright, Master Pierce?"

"Never better." Cassandra sat behind Anakin and leaned over his shoulder to peer out the shuttle's windshield. "Where's the fleet?"

A sea of star-spangled space greeted them. Empty of the promised landmass or Republic Army. Had they gotten the coordinates wrong?

"Good question." Anakin murmured, checking the radar. "What's going on?" He pressed the transmission button. "Captain Rex, come in!"

"Sir!"

Confused, Anakin checked the coordinates. "Rex, where are you? We've arrived and don't see anyone."

"Sir, there must be some confusion. The fleet is waiting for your arrival." The clone captain replied sounding equally puzzled.

"Something's wrong." Anakin flipped switches above his head to strengthen the signals and turned to Obi-Wan gesturing in frustration. "He's there and we're not there. We're here and he's not here."

"Uh, guys..." Ahsoka began nervously.

"Uh-oh." A giant black diamond had appeared out of thin air, floating in front of them. Cassandra gripped Anakin's shoulder tightly. "Looks like the trap has arrived."

Anakin swore when the entire console went blank, shutting off. He pressed buttons frantically. "Not good! Whatever it is, its drawing us in!"

A blinding light washed over them, engulfing the entire shuttle. Cassandra's last thought before she passed out was that she knew something bad was going to happen.

******************************************************************************************

Anakin came to slowly. Moaning, he rubbed the back of his head. "What happened?" The last thing he remembered was arriving at the origin point of the distress signal and contacting Rex to locate the missing fleet.

Outside, beams of sunlight descended from a clear blue sky over a lush green landscape. Obi-Wan appeared just as puzzled. Anakin twisted around to look back at Cassandra. She was awake and offered him a strained smile. "Well, we survived whatever that was."

"Yeah, but where are we?" Ahsoka scrambled over to the computers. "Everything seems to be working. According to the readings, this place has enough oxygen to support lifeforms."

"It appears we've found our mysterious landmass." Obi-Wan remarked, unfazed like usual.

"Then we should have a look around." Anakin clambered out of his seat and helped Cassandra unbuckle herself. "Here." He gently pulled her upright. "Stay close. We have no idea what's out there."

Cassandra clutched her staff with her good hand and nodded. The satchel draped over her shoulder bulged with potions she'd brought along. The sorceress was fully prepared for their adventure this time.

Legs still unsteady, Anakin staggered down the platform with Cassandra. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan followed close behind.

Islands were suspended in the sky held aloft by the powerful Force energy flowing through this place. Anakin had never felt it so strongly before. He wasn't sure what to make of it.

'Are you the One?' An austere feminine voice asked.

"Huh? What?" Anakin glanced around searching for the source. They were the only ones standing in the field.

By his side Cassandra regarded him quizzically. "Anakin, I didn't say anything." She squinted in the bright sunlight. "What do you sense?"

'Are you the One?' This time Anakin realized the voice echoed in his head. He turned around coming face to face with a giant green-haired woman. Sliding protectively in front of Cassandra, he reached for his lightsaber. "Who are you?" He demanded.

"Hello." Obi-Wan said in a flirty tone.

"My God, keep it in your pants for five seconds Obi-Wan!" Cassandra hissed angrily.

"I'm not-" The older Jedi began to protest.

"Are you the One?" The green-haired woman asked Anakin.

He crinkled his nose. "The one, what?" Who was this crazy woman? He peered over his shoulder at Cassandra and jerked his thumb in her direction. "Get a load of this one."

His wife nodded, cinnamon eyes containing a hint of wariness. The crystal atop her staff glowed, drawing the stranger's attention.

Long green hair floated around the other woman like she was under water. She took a step toward Cassandra. "What are you?"

Picking up the undercurrent of threat in the stranger's words, Anakin ignited his lightsaber. "Stop. Don't come any closer."

The green woman's blank face gave nothing away. She stared at Cassandra for several seconds then returned her gaze to Anakin. "You are in grave danger if you remain here. Follow me."

"What do you think?" Ahsoka whispered.

"I think we should follow our new friend's advice and follow her." Obi-Wan said, stroking his beard.

"You are way too trusting!" Cassandra snapped. "She's trapped us here!"

"We don't know that." Obi-Wan replied calmly. "If we're going to learn anything of value we must take this chance."

Anakin considered the best course of action. He didn't want Cassandra anywhere near this woman. However, she couldn't stay with the ship alone if they followed the green woman. What if there were others like this person? No, the best option was for her to remain with him.

"We're going." He decided.

"Come, we must move quickly. The Father is waiting." The green woman urged, motioning them to follow her.

The green woman led them up a narrow mountain path. They had to travel single file, using the mountain for balance. The air was heavy with Force energy. Plants bloomed and died around them within the hour-breaking the laws of nature.

Anakin was determined to get some answers from the green woman while they traveled. "What are you?"

"We are the beginning, the middle, and the end." The green woman said cryptically without breaking stride.

"Thanks for clearing that up." He said sarcastically.

A wide crack split the mountain up ahead. A veil of red ivy withered as they approached, shadow stretching across the chalky stone. "Look out!" Anakin yanked Cassandra forward as the top of the mountain sheared off and tumbled down where they stood.

He whirled around, a giant stone now blocked the path cutting them off from Obi-Wan and Ahsoka.

Anakin glared at the green woman suspiciously. "What game are you playing?"

"It was my brother." She looked up frantically to where the stone fell from, her face twisted in fear. "Wait here, I'll go to the Father." Then the green woman hurried up the path leaving them behind.

"Here, I'll get Ahsoka and Obi-Wan over here." Cassandra went to draw a portal. Magic sparked and fizzled out. "What the hell?"

"Let me." Anakin tried to create the portal with similar results. He could feel the magic brimming inside him attempting to answer his call. It surged forward encountering an invisible wall.

The green woman was a speck in the distance. Anakin was convinced she was responsible for the barrier. The question is why. "I sense a barrier. This isn't your doing." He told his wife.

"What should we do? We can't get back to the ship, the path is blocked by that huge boulder." Cassandra said, unbuttoning the high collar of her sorcerer tunic. "Phew, it's getting warm."

The temperature had risen several degrees, fresh greenery sprouting on the mountainside. Beads of sweat rolled down Anakin's temples. His commlink flashed on his wrist. "Skywalker."

"Anakin! Are you alright?" Obi-Wan cried urgently.

Cassandra scowled; aware she had been left out of the older Jedi's inquiry.

Anakin stared ahead. "We're fine. However, there is a problem. Cassandra's magic is being blocked. She can't conjure a portal to let you guys through."

"Hmm, troubling. Very well, Ahsoka and I will return to the ship. Stay where you are." Obi-Wan ordered.

"No, we'll go on ahead."

"Anakin-" Anakin turned off his commlink, cutting off Obi-Wan's irate protest.

Cassandra smirked. "I've always wanted to do that." She confessed and pointed her staff forward. The crystal glowed faintly, unimpeded by whatever block affected the sorceress. "Onward, General Skywalker."

*********************************************************************************************

The path widened allowing the couple to walk side by side. Anakin's eyes roved over the landscape, searching for hidden threats. Piecing information together based on what the green woman had told them; he deduced at least three beings lived on this land mass. He wasn't sure what these lifeforms were, other than deeply connected with the Force.

Soon they left the mountains behind entering a large valley with softly rolling green hills. With the constantly shifting seasons, Anakin had difficulty keeping track of time. Everything seemed to change rapidly and without warning.

Night fell as they traveled. Ominous storm clouds built rapidly in the sky, blotting out the moon. Lightning flashed, striking a nearby tree. Cassandra yelped when it burst into flames. "We better find shelter!"

Anakin scooped her up and jumped into a hollow in the ground, barely avoiding the next lightning strike. He lay over her, shielding her from the bright flashes. "Whoever we're looking for is at the monastery."

Cassandra's nose brushed his cheek as she pulled back to look at him. "I didn't see a monastery."

"I saw it before we jumped in here."

The lightning stopped. Anakin climbed out of the hollow, reaching back to haul Cassandra out. "Next time you pick me up like some damsel, give me warning, I dropped my staff."

"Sorry." He apologized, catching a whiff of lingering ozone in the air.

Her staff was lying in the grass. Cassandra checked it over for damage. The wild lightning had spared the relic. "I suppose we'll go find your monastery. Someone in this place must have answers."

"That's what I'm hoping, Angel."

The monastery lay at the top of a towering rock formation. Cassandra grumbled as they climbed the steep stairs. "There's like a million stairs. Why couldn't they have built this place on the ground?"

When they reached the top, Cassandra was panting and leaning heavily on her staff for support. "Water." She croaked.

Anakin fished out a canteen from his pack. Cassandra tipped it back and guzzled the water desperately. He didn't point out they had to conserve supplies. She drained the entire canteen and shook out the remaining droplets on her tongue. He capped the empty canteen. "Better?"

She nodded, face red from exertion. "Yeah, I'm fine."

The doors to the monastery were propped open. Anakin waited for Cassandra to catch her breath. "Stay sharp. Don't let your guard down. We don't know what these people want."

"We know they're interested in you." Cassandra objected. "Maybe we should wait for Ahsoka and Obi-Wan."

Lightning struck the spire atop the monastery without warning, the reverberations rattling the stones under their feet. Anakin pulled Cassandra inside as another burst of lightning erupted. "It's too dangerous to linger outside. The weather is unpredictable. We'll have to handle this ourselves."

His wife nodded resolutely. "Alright, we'll do this your way."

The monastery was more like a temple to an ancient god. Wide black columns supported soaring cathedral ceilings. At the front of the room an old man knelt on the dais, his long white beard spilling over his folded knees. The stranger was utterly still. Anakin sensed the same energy encircling the old man as he had the green woman. He approached cautiously down the aisle.

"Runes." Cassandra murmured, pointing at the glowing symbols etched into the floor on either side of the long black runner.

"Stay close." Anakin instructed, raising his lightsaber as they closed the remaining distance to the kneeling old man.

After a pause, the old man released a long, weary sigh. His eyes snapped open; they were an unnatural shade of blue. "I've been expecting you, Chosen One."

A/N: I can't believe I got this up so soon! Normally I can't write this fast, but as the saying goes, strike while the iron is hot! Our heroes have arrived at Mortis. I'm not sure if I'll follow the arc to the letter, we'll see how things go!