**Chapter 488**
**Unexpected Guests**
**Riyo Chuchi POV**
**500 Republica – Riyo Chuchi's Apartment, Coruscant**
Riyo Chuchi stood frozen in the doorway of her bedroom, eyes wide as she took in the chaotic scene. Nine figures had materialized out of thin air in a blinding flash of white light — Dagon Marek and eight women, all completely naked and streaked with dried blood. The air smelled faintly of ozone and something metallic.
"Riyo… it's actually a funny story," Dagon said, trying to sound casual while quickly grabbing a nearby throw blanket to cover himself and the girls as best he could.
Cal, her husband, stood beside her with his mouth hanging open, wine glass still in hand. "I… uh… wow. Hi, Dagon. Ladies."
Dagon winced, clearly embarrassed. "Yeah… it was."
It really was.
A few frantic minutes later, after Riyo had ushered them all into the spacious living room and provided spare robes and towels, the group had cleaned up in the refresher. Dagon emerged first, wearing one of Cal's shirts — which was far too small for his muscular frame. The fabric strained across his broad shoulders and chest, leaving his midriff exposed and revealing a sculpted 10-pack of abs, old scars, and faint blue lightning-vein marks running across his skin.
"Uhm, thanks for the extra pair of clothes, by the way," Dagon said, tugging awkwardly at the hem of the too-tight shirt. "And the use of the shower."
Cal blinked, still processing. "Yeah… no problem. Uhm, question — how did you end up here, anyway?"
Dagon sat down on the large couch, the girls gathering around him in the white Temple-style robes Riyo had provided. Their own bloodstained clothes were currently being washed in the refresher unit.
"I opened a portal," Dagon explained, rubbing the back of his neck. "So the Temple wouldn't notice the ritual. As you can see, it doesn't exactly line up with Temple standards."
Shin Wren, sitting closest to him, blushed faintly as she adjusted her robe. "And I might have left my bra behind…"
Ahsoka snorted. "Only you would worry about that after nearly dying."
Erictia leaned against Dagon's side, still looking a bit flushed. "Yeah, and I might have left my panties too…"
Riyo raised an eyebrow, trying to keep her expression neutral. "Ritual?"
Dagon sighed, leaning back. "The Jedi Temple was built on top of an ancient Sith shrine. Dooku's dark acolytes infiltrated it and attempted to use a modern version of the Thought Bomb to destroy the Temple, the Senate, and a couple billion citizens in one go."
Cal's eyes widened. "A *Thought Bomb*? Like the one from the old wars?"
"Exactly," Dagon continued. "I stopped it, but it nearly killed me. I ended up on death's door. The only way to bring me back was… the miracle of Resurrection."
Erictia picked up the explanation, cheeks pink. "Two or more Force-bonded individuals bonded to one can heal through a moment of intimacy. It's an ancient technique. The shared love and connection channels the Force to repair the body."
Kayla nodded, her pink skin glowing softly. "It worked. But it was… intense."
Visenya smiled shyly. "Very intense."
Riyo sat down slowly, processing. "So you all…?"
Shin nodded, still blushing. "Yes. To save him."
Cal let out a low whistle. "That's… one hell of a healing ritual."
Dagon chuckled weakly. "Tell me about it. I woke up covered in blood and tree roots. The peach blossom miracle helped stabilize the Temple, but I needed the girls to finish the job."
Ahsoka leaned against his shoulder. "We weren't going to lose you. Not after everything."
Zule kissed his cheek. "Never again."
Flare traced a finger along one of the visible lightning marks on his abs. "You're stuck with us now."
Stella, ever quiet, simply hugged his arm tighter.
Riyo shook her head, a small smile forming despite the absurdity. "Only you, Dagon. Only you could turn a near-death experience into… this."
Dagon grinned, pulling the girls closer. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."
Cal laughed. "Well, you're welcome to stay as long as you need. Just… maybe warn us next time before you portal in naked with eight women."
"Deal," Dagon said, finally relaxing.
Outside, the lights of Coruscant continued to sparkle, oblivious to the miracles and secrets hidden within one Senator's apartment.