Disclaimer: I own nothing, though I wish I did.
A/N: I don't know if I will continue this, but I'd certainly like your thoughts on it. Go easy please, This is my first fic. And I'd like to thank my friend Orby. He's been a great help.
Part 1: Paths
I stood in front of the Temple on the Rakatan home world, wind blowing through my hair, listening to the Elders chanting. While waiting for the energy field to come down I cannot help but wonder where my path will go from here. The pivoting point of my destiny approaches. I can sense it. The Force was shifting, restless. Or it could merely be my apprehension, it has been growing ever since I learned my true identity. My true identity. Ha! Even after more than 4 weeks I still cant believe that I was once Revan, the Dark Lord of the Sith.
Its inconceivable. I am a sensitive person, always aware of other peoples suffering. Because of this I always try to help when I can. I cant believe that I have caused so much pain and misery. Nobody who knew me ever suspected who I was. I am not physically imposing, with almost-shoulder-length plain brown hair that is always somewhat mussed and Grey-blue eyes. Storm blue, Mission once called it. I could be termed handsome I suppose, not that I pay attention to my appearance much. A Jedi shouldn't be vain.
I am vaguely aware that my calm acceptance of the fact that I'm Revan makes my companions somewhat uneasy. Sadly, they are wrong. It is not calm acceptance, but numbness. To think that Diamid Kiith'sid never existed, that I am merely a concoction of the Jedi council, a pawn, leaves me empty. Dark thoughts fill my mind whenever I think of it.
I want to break down and sob uncontrollably, to curl up in a corner and forget the world. I want to scream, to tear anything and everything that I can lay my hands on... No. I take a deep breath of the clear crisp air. Focus. There is no emotion, there is peace. Time enough later to become a vegetable or a gibbering madman. I laugh softly to myself. If there is a later.
I sighed as I recalled all that I and my friends have been through. Death. Destruction. But also rare moments of peace, happiness...which made them all the more precious. How in this galaxy was I able to cling to sanity? I smiled to myself. My companions of course. We were like family. Even when they found out I was Revan, they stood by me, even that paranoid Carth. Carth, loyal to the Republic almost to a fault. Canderous, a great warrior who seeks honorable battles. Zaalbar, silent and strong yet gentle. Mission, that pesky kid, as Carth calls her, so full of energy and naiveté. T3-M4, the all around droid. HK-47, Rev-no, my, creation, his blood thirsty ways and humorous comments on 'meatbags'.
Jolee, that crazy hermit who denies being a Jedi and his small crumbs of (mostly) welcome wisdom. Juhani, a fierce fighter, who doubts herself and her fitness to be a Jedi, constantly needing reassurance. Once she gets over her insecurity she'll be a great Jedi.
And Bastila. My Bastila. Sweet, kind, caring and arrogant as well. With more doubts than Juhani. The endearing way she talked-stammer actually-when she became flustered. And in some ways more innocent than a child. Oh, Bastila, I'll get you back. Even if I have to face down a thousand Malaks or destroy a million Star Forges, I will. I swear it. I knew that if anything happened to her I would blame myself. I never even told her that I...love her. I should have told her.
Lost in my musings, it took me a second to realize that the Elders had stopped their chanting. [What is it?] I asked in Rakatan.
He looked at me in indignation and a hint of anger. [Someone approaches.]
I turned to look around and saw Juhani and Jolee walking towards us. "What are you doing here?" I could barely contain my surprise at their interruption. They knew how important it was that I be alone.
What is it? Did something happen? I thought in concern. "We had a vision.", Jolee said.
I was startled,"What did you see?"
"It was more of a premonition than a vision." Juhani replied, looking pointedly at Jolee, "We sensed that if you went into the Temple alone it will have terrible consequences."
I was quiet for a moment as I processed this information as well as my earlier thoughts and feelings. So. They have sensed it as well. "I see. But unfortunately, the Rakatans wont let me in with you two. I'm supposed to go alone, remember? Their tradition." I raised my hand to forestall their protests. "I'll try to convince them." I turned to the Elder.[My friends wish to accompany me into the Temple.]
He looked at me in surprise. His startlement quickly morphed into fury. [No! They cannot! It is forbidden for more than one to enter the Temple! Before, we broke our ancient tradition and allowed you and your apprentice into the Temple and you betrayed us! I will not allow that to happen again!]
I sighed wearily. [I am not who I used to be. Have I not proved this to you?] He thought a moment then reluctantly nodded. [Therefore you should trust me. And much has changed. There will be many enemies in the Temple who will seek to destroy me. I cannot do this alone.] The Elder appeared to consider my words then started discussing it with the rest of his people.
"What did you say, Revan?", Jolee asked.
I barely stopped myself from retorting that I wasn't Revan. Instead I answered "I think Ive gotten him convinced that I need you as backup."
Jolee, in his most impertinent tone, said "Need us? Well, of course you need us! Are you saying that you can take on dozens of Dark Jedi and Sith masters? Don't get too cocky, child."
I ignored that last comment. "Malak wont put too many sith here. He needs them for the war." I shrugged. "I estimate maybe a little more than a dozen or so apprentices and masters."
Juhani looked at me, "Nevertheless, you should not be too over-confident. That will lead to the Dark Side."
I nodded. "Yes, Juhani, I know. I was merely stating that there are probably only a few sith in there."
Before she could reply, the Elder turned to me. [We have heard the wisdom in your words. We will allow these two to accompany you.]
I nodded. [Thank you.] I murmured. They resumed the chant. I looked at Juhani and Jolee. "They'll allow you to come with me."
Jolee looked pleased. "Good, good. Very good. You could talk sense into anybody."
I couldn't resist. "Anybody except you!" I quipped. He merely harrumphed. I heard a sound that sounded suspiciously like suppressed laughter coming from Juhani.
Apparently, he heard it as well. "How long are we going to be standing here looking like idiots?" He asked grouchily.
Smiling in amusement, I answered, "Most likely several hours. Why don't we meditate until then?" I suggested, kneeling on the grass and centering myself.
"Yes, we should prepare ourselves for the battle ahead." With feline grace Juhani knelt on the grass next to me, followed by Jolee. "Well, since we have nothing better to do than attract biting bugs..."
===========
"Lets go. The mechanism that controls the disruptor field should be at the Temples summit.", I told them, my voice slightly breathless. They nodded, understanding, as breathless as I.
We were in the main hallway leading to the summit. True to my assessment, there were only a few Dark Jedi in residence. Even so, we were scorched and bleeding by lightsabers, vibroblades and Force attacks by the time we found out how to open the massive doorway leading up. As we climbed we used the Force to heal ourselves and applied medpacks to the wounds that the Force wouldn't heal fast enough.
When we reached the summit I felt a dark presence nearby. I tensed as we walked into the court. There I saw a very welcome sight: Bastila!
My heart soared to see her alive and well. Then reality intruded on my gladness. Wasn't she supposed to be a prisoner? I felt a moment of intense shock as I looked at her. Really looked. She was wearing black robes that seemed to suck the light out around her. Sith robes. No. My mind denied what I was seeing. She must have stolen them. To escape, I thought desperately. Then she ignited her lightsaber and my heart sank somewhere near my feet. It was red. Blood red. No. It cant be. It cant! But it was. I couldn't deny it any longer. I sensed it now. Bastila was the source of the dark presence I sensed as we reached the top. When Bastila looked at me I felt despair bubble up within me. Her gaze held such hatred and anger.
She spoke, "Revan. I knew you'd come to try and save me. My master thought that you would be too cowardly to enter the Temple again. But Ive known you ever since you've changed."
Juhani cut her off and urgently said "Bastila! Quick! Come with us! We have to escape before Malak comes!" Bastila laughed coldly at Juhani, who was taken aback. Juhani hasn't realized it yet. I thought sadly.
"Escape? Foolish Jedi. You don't understand. I've sworn allegiance to Malak and the Sith. I am no longer a pawn of the Jedi!" I felt a chill run up my spine as I recalled my earlier thought. Pawn of the Jedi council.
"What are you talking about Bastilla?" I asked softly.
"Oh, you know what I mean Revan. No doubt it has crossed your mind, has it not?" I tried not to wince as she accurately deduced my feelings.
Apparently I did not succeed too well as Bastillas voice changed slightly. More.. sly. "You see it, I know. How they manipulate those who are strong in the Force towards their own ends." My despair doubled at these words. I breathed deeply and recited the Jedi code to myself. It pushed away my despair and turned it to determination. I knew that if I could be redeemed then so could she.
"Its not too late Bastila. You can still turn away from the Dark Side!" I pleaded.
Bastila dismissed my words with a wave of her hand. "I resisted at first, enduring the torment with the serenity of a true Jedi. Then after a week of endless pain I finally saw the truth. Malak showed me that emotions such as pain, anger, hatred, should not be suppressed. They have power."
I was shaking my head even before she finished speaking. "No, Bastila. Malak is lying. Those emotions will not help you. Nor will the Dark Side. They'll destroy you!"
Bastilas face grew darker as I spoke, "Lies?!" she burst out, "You are the one living a lie Revan! The Jedi programmed you, made you something you are not. Those memories of yours are not real! Diamid is only a figment of the demented minds of the Jedi council! They wanted you to be their slave! Like me!"
I shook my head. "You said yourself that my mind was damaged, and my memories couldn't be restored. The Jedi gave me a second chance--"
Bastila laughed harshly. "What made you think that your memories could not be restored? They could have been, but the vaunted, wise, all-seeing council deemed you to be too dangerous so they merely replaced your memories!"
My breath caught and my resolve wavered at these words. The council wouldn't be that cruel would they? No. Shes making me doubt the Jedi. I mustn't listen. "If restoring my memories made me into the monster I once was, then I am glad and grateful to the council for erasing them for good, not angry."
Bastilas tone and face turned disgusted at my words. "A pity. Your power is weakened, diluted. You could have been as strong as I am now. Stronger even. But that will never happen now. The power of the Star Forge is immense. With it, Malak will bring the Republic to its knees and conquer the galaxy. And I will be the one at his side. After I prove myself by killing you!"
Without warning Bastila attacked. I barely had time to ignite and bring my indigo blade up to parry her strike. As I saw out of the corner of my eye Juhani and Jolee move into position to attack Bastila, I jumped back out of Bastilas reach a moment. "Stay back. I'll deal with her." I told them, my voice full of sorrow.
They hesitated a moment then stepped away, but alert and ready to intervene if necessary. Bastila sneered and resumed her assault. We fought for several long minutes, exchanging blows. Even though I was weakened somewhat from the battle to get to the summit I managed to barely hold my own against her. However, my strength wouldn't hold out forever.
Finally, I decided to do something unorthodox. When Bastila aimed a blow to my head, I blocked it, as expected. What she did not expect, was me deactivating my lightsaber and ducking under her suddenly freed blade. It threw her off balance for a second. It was all that I needed. I quickly reignited my blade and brought it up in a vertical slash. It would have been a killing blow, but as a testament to her skill and training she managed to twist away at the last second. So instead of being cut in half from hip to shoulder, she merely sustained a deep cut on her right shoulder.
Hissing in pain she leaped away from me and deactivated her lightsaber. I hesitated, barely daring to hope that she was surrendering. She quickly dashed that hope with her next words. "It seems Malak was wrong about you. You are stronger than I thought was possible after what has been done to you. The power of the Dark Side is not lost to you after all, Revan."
I shook my head sadly. "I am not Revan anymore. You said so yourself. I am Diamid Kiith'sid now. He draws his power from the Light."
Bastila smiled cunningly. "You may deny who you are, Revan, but you are only fooling yourself. I have seen the shadows within your mind."
"Shadows? I don't have any shadows in my mind." I told her, my unease climbing.
I heard Jolee snort beside me. "You may not have shadows in your mind, but you've sure got rocks in your head! Hehe." I spared him a quick glance as I relaxed slightly.
Bastila ignored him as she would an insect, totally focused on me. "You've forgotten, Revan. I was there when you nearly died. I used the Force to save your life. We are linked forever!"
I nodded. "I remember we are bonded. And that is how I know that you can be saved from the dark path you are walking."
"You are speaking as a puppet of the council." She taunted me. "They used me-us-in order to find the Star Forge. They exploited the bond between us, hoping that I would draw out your memories of the Star Forge."
"They wanted to stop Malaks advance." I said. "Since it was the only way other than fully restoring my memories."
She smiled mockingly at me. "Oh, true. But what they did not count on was you giving me a taste of the so-called taint within you. I resisted it at first, ignoring its call. But now I fully embrace the power of the Dark Side-Your dark side!"
I looked at her uneasily. What is she talking about?Theres something going on here. "What are you saying Bastila?"
Bastila looked at me, her eyes filled with fire. "Its you who deserves to be the true master of the Sith, not that weakling Malak! I see this now. Come, join with me, and together we can destroy your old apprentice."
I blinked and stared at her, my mind reeling from what she said. How could she offer me such a thing? Does she know that I am in love with her? That I would be sorely tempted to join her? If only to be near her? How...cruel of her, I thought bitterly.
Juhani must have sensed my distress, for she spoke to Bastila. "Its not too late for you to be saved Bastila! The Jedi teachings can lead you away from the Dark Side into the Light and a true understanding of the Force."
Bastila rounded on Juhani snarling in anger, "You are beneath my contempt, Cathar. When you felt the true power of the dark side you fled and hid cowering in a cave like the animal you are! You know nothing of the Force or its true potential!"
Bastila turned to me, "But you, Revan, the power of the Dark Side is yours to command! You can use it to destroy your enemies and with my help you could rule the galaxy!"
Her words snapped me out of my stupor as I realized that she was sincere in her desire for me to surrender to the Dark Side and join with her. For a moment, just a moment, I contemplated taking up her offer.
But then I recalled those who have put their faith in me. The Jedi council, my companions, people who I have met along my journey, the Republic. And I would not do it for it would mean I would wound my friends deeply, not to mention hurt and destroy many more people in addition to those I already have in my reign as the Dark Lord.
I shook my head inwardly. No, I wont do it. If somebody is to be hurt, let it be me. I looked at Bastila. "The Dark Lord Revan is dead. He is no more. I serve the light now."
Bastila looked at me in contempt. "Then you are a pathetic fool, Diamid Kiith'sid . Together we could have defeated Malak and rule over an empire, but now I will be at Malaks side instead! You will be crushed along with the Republic and all the fools who bow down to the Jedi! No one can stand against the power of the Star Forge and the Sith fleet!"
With that she turned and quickly ran into the balcony where a previously unnoticed G-wing escape ship was docked.
We ran after her but she managed to vault into the cockpit and blast away. The resulting shock wave knocked us to the ground. As we picked ourselves up, Jolee let out a very un-jedilike curse.
"What is it, Old Man? Your bones are creaking from landing on your ass?" I asked him weakly. I winced at my poor attempt at humor.
"Humph! This is no time for dawdling, boy. Go find that thingamajig so we can get off this Force-forsaken planet!" I smiled at him and searched for the computer. After disabling the energy and disruptor fields, we made our way back to the Ebon Hawk.
A/N: I don't know if I will continue this, but I'd certainly like your thoughts on it. Go easy please, This is my first fic. And I'd like to thank my friend Orby. He's been a great help.
Part 1: Paths
I stood in front of the Temple on the Rakatan home world, wind blowing through my hair, listening to the Elders chanting. While waiting for the energy field to come down I cannot help but wonder where my path will go from here. The pivoting point of my destiny approaches. I can sense it. The Force was shifting, restless. Or it could merely be my apprehension, it has been growing ever since I learned my true identity. My true identity. Ha! Even after more than 4 weeks I still cant believe that I was once Revan, the Dark Lord of the Sith.
Its inconceivable. I am a sensitive person, always aware of other peoples suffering. Because of this I always try to help when I can. I cant believe that I have caused so much pain and misery. Nobody who knew me ever suspected who I was. I am not physically imposing, with almost-shoulder-length plain brown hair that is always somewhat mussed and Grey-blue eyes. Storm blue, Mission once called it. I could be termed handsome I suppose, not that I pay attention to my appearance much. A Jedi shouldn't be vain.
I am vaguely aware that my calm acceptance of the fact that I'm Revan makes my companions somewhat uneasy. Sadly, they are wrong. It is not calm acceptance, but numbness. To think that Diamid Kiith'sid never existed, that I am merely a concoction of the Jedi council, a pawn, leaves me empty. Dark thoughts fill my mind whenever I think of it.
I want to break down and sob uncontrollably, to curl up in a corner and forget the world. I want to scream, to tear anything and everything that I can lay my hands on... No. I take a deep breath of the clear crisp air. Focus. There is no emotion, there is peace. Time enough later to become a vegetable or a gibbering madman. I laugh softly to myself. If there is a later.
I sighed as I recalled all that I and my friends have been through. Death. Destruction. But also rare moments of peace, happiness...which made them all the more precious. How in this galaxy was I able to cling to sanity? I smiled to myself. My companions of course. We were like family. Even when they found out I was Revan, they stood by me, even that paranoid Carth. Carth, loyal to the Republic almost to a fault. Canderous, a great warrior who seeks honorable battles. Zaalbar, silent and strong yet gentle. Mission, that pesky kid, as Carth calls her, so full of energy and naiveté. T3-M4, the all around droid. HK-47, Rev-no, my, creation, his blood thirsty ways and humorous comments on 'meatbags'.
Jolee, that crazy hermit who denies being a Jedi and his small crumbs of (mostly) welcome wisdom. Juhani, a fierce fighter, who doubts herself and her fitness to be a Jedi, constantly needing reassurance. Once she gets over her insecurity she'll be a great Jedi.
And Bastila. My Bastila. Sweet, kind, caring and arrogant as well. With more doubts than Juhani. The endearing way she talked-stammer actually-when she became flustered. And in some ways more innocent than a child. Oh, Bastila, I'll get you back. Even if I have to face down a thousand Malaks or destroy a million Star Forges, I will. I swear it. I knew that if anything happened to her I would blame myself. I never even told her that I...love her. I should have told her.
Lost in my musings, it took me a second to realize that the Elders had stopped their chanting. [What is it?] I asked in Rakatan.
He looked at me in indignation and a hint of anger. [Someone approaches.]
I turned to look around and saw Juhani and Jolee walking towards us. "What are you doing here?" I could barely contain my surprise at their interruption. They knew how important it was that I be alone.
What is it? Did something happen? I thought in concern. "We had a vision.", Jolee said.
I was startled,"What did you see?"
"It was more of a premonition than a vision." Juhani replied, looking pointedly at Jolee, "We sensed that if you went into the Temple alone it will have terrible consequences."
I was quiet for a moment as I processed this information as well as my earlier thoughts and feelings. So. They have sensed it as well. "I see. But unfortunately, the Rakatans wont let me in with you two. I'm supposed to go alone, remember? Their tradition." I raised my hand to forestall their protests. "I'll try to convince them." I turned to the Elder.[My friends wish to accompany me into the Temple.]
He looked at me in surprise. His startlement quickly morphed into fury. [No! They cannot! It is forbidden for more than one to enter the Temple! Before, we broke our ancient tradition and allowed you and your apprentice into the Temple and you betrayed us! I will not allow that to happen again!]
I sighed wearily. [I am not who I used to be. Have I not proved this to you?] He thought a moment then reluctantly nodded. [Therefore you should trust me. And much has changed. There will be many enemies in the Temple who will seek to destroy me. I cannot do this alone.] The Elder appeared to consider my words then started discussing it with the rest of his people.
"What did you say, Revan?", Jolee asked.
I barely stopped myself from retorting that I wasn't Revan. Instead I answered "I think Ive gotten him convinced that I need you as backup."
Jolee, in his most impertinent tone, said "Need us? Well, of course you need us! Are you saying that you can take on dozens of Dark Jedi and Sith masters? Don't get too cocky, child."
I ignored that last comment. "Malak wont put too many sith here. He needs them for the war." I shrugged. "I estimate maybe a little more than a dozen or so apprentices and masters."
Juhani looked at me, "Nevertheless, you should not be too over-confident. That will lead to the Dark Side."
I nodded. "Yes, Juhani, I know. I was merely stating that there are probably only a few sith in there."
Before she could reply, the Elder turned to me. [We have heard the wisdom in your words. We will allow these two to accompany you.]
I nodded. [Thank you.] I murmured. They resumed the chant. I looked at Juhani and Jolee. "They'll allow you to come with me."
Jolee looked pleased. "Good, good. Very good. You could talk sense into anybody."
I couldn't resist. "Anybody except you!" I quipped. He merely harrumphed. I heard a sound that sounded suspiciously like suppressed laughter coming from Juhani.
Apparently, he heard it as well. "How long are we going to be standing here looking like idiots?" He asked grouchily.
Smiling in amusement, I answered, "Most likely several hours. Why don't we meditate until then?" I suggested, kneeling on the grass and centering myself.
"Yes, we should prepare ourselves for the battle ahead." With feline grace Juhani knelt on the grass next to me, followed by Jolee. "Well, since we have nothing better to do than attract biting bugs..."
===========
"Lets go. The mechanism that controls the disruptor field should be at the Temples summit.", I told them, my voice slightly breathless. They nodded, understanding, as breathless as I.
We were in the main hallway leading to the summit. True to my assessment, there were only a few Dark Jedi in residence. Even so, we were scorched and bleeding by lightsabers, vibroblades and Force attacks by the time we found out how to open the massive doorway leading up. As we climbed we used the Force to heal ourselves and applied medpacks to the wounds that the Force wouldn't heal fast enough.
When we reached the summit I felt a dark presence nearby. I tensed as we walked into the court. There I saw a very welcome sight: Bastila!
My heart soared to see her alive and well. Then reality intruded on my gladness. Wasn't she supposed to be a prisoner? I felt a moment of intense shock as I looked at her. Really looked. She was wearing black robes that seemed to suck the light out around her. Sith robes. No. My mind denied what I was seeing. She must have stolen them. To escape, I thought desperately. Then she ignited her lightsaber and my heart sank somewhere near my feet. It was red. Blood red. No. It cant be. It cant! But it was. I couldn't deny it any longer. I sensed it now. Bastila was the source of the dark presence I sensed as we reached the top. When Bastila looked at me I felt despair bubble up within me. Her gaze held such hatred and anger.
She spoke, "Revan. I knew you'd come to try and save me. My master thought that you would be too cowardly to enter the Temple again. But Ive known you ever since you've changed."
Juhani cut her off and urgently said "Bastila! Quick! Come with us! We have to escape before Malak comes!" Bastila laughed coldly at Juhani, who was taken aback. Juhani hasn't realized it yet. I thought sadly.
"Escape? Foolish Jedi. You don't understand. I've sworn allegiance to Malak and the Sith. I am no longer a pawn of the Jedi!" I felt a chill run up my spine as I recalled my earlier thought. Pawn of the Jedi council.
"What are you talking about Bastilla?" I asked softly.
"Oh, you know what I mean Revan. No doubt it has crossed your mind, has it not?" I tried not to wince as she accurately deduced my feelings.
Apparently I did not succeed too well as Bastillas voice changed slightly. More.. sly. "You see it, I know. How they manipulate those who are strong in the Force towards their own ends." My despair doubled at these words. I breathed deeply and recited the Jedi code to myself. It pushed away my despair and turned it to determination. I knew that if I could be redeemed then so could she.
"Its not too late Bastila. You can still turn away from the Dark Side!" I pleaded.
Bastila dismissed my words with a wave of her hand. "I resisted at first, enduring the torment with the serenity of a true Jedi. Then after a week of endless pain I finally saw the truth. Malak showed me that emotions such as pain, anger, hatred, should not be suppressed. They have power."
I was shaking my head even before she finished speaking. "No, Bastila. Malak is lying. Those emotions will not help you. Nor will the Dark Side. They'll destroy you!"
Bastilas face grew darker as I spoke, "Lies?!" she burst out, "You are the one living a lie Revan! The Jedi programmed you, made you something you are not. Those memories of yours are not real! Diamid is only a figment of the demented minds of the Jedi council! They wanted you to be their slave! Like me!"
I shook my head. "You said yourself that my mind was damaged, and my memories couldn't be restored. The Jedi gave me a second chance--"
Bastila laughed harshly. "What made you think that your memories could not be restored? They could have been, but the vaunted, wise, all-seeing council deemed you to be too dangerous so they merely replaced your memories!"
My breath caught and my resolve wavered at these words. The council wouldn't be that cruel would they? No. Shes making me doubt the Jedi. I mustn't listen. "If restoring my memories made me into the monster I once was, then I am glad and grateful to the council for erasing them for good, not angry."
Bastilas tone and face turned disgusted at my words. "A pity. Your power is weakened, diluted. You could have been as strong as I am now. Stronger even. But that will never happen now. The power of the Star Forge is immense. With it, Malak will bring the Republic to its knees and conquer the galaxy. And I will be the one at his side. After I prove myself by killing you!"
Without warning Bastila attacked. I barely had time to ignite and bring my indigo blade up to parry her strike. As I saw out of the corner of my eye Juhani and Jolee move into position to attack Bastila, I jumped back out of Bastilas reach a moment. "Stay back. I'll deal with her." I told them, my voice full of sorrow.
They hesitated a moment then stepped away, but alert and ready to intervene if necessary. Bastila sneered and resumed her assault. We fought for several long minutes, exchanging blows. Even though I was weakened somewhat from the battle to get to the summit I managed to barely hold my own against her. However, my strength wouldn't hold out forever.
Finally, I decided to do something unorthodox. When Bastila aimed a blow to my head, I blocked it, as expected. What she did not expect, was me deactivating my lightsaber and ducking under her suddenly freed blade. It threw her off balance for a second. It was all that I needed. I quickly reignited my blade and brought it up in a vertical slash. It would have been a killing blow, but as a testament to her skill and training she managed to twist away at the last second. So instead of being cut in half from hip to shoulder, she merely sustained a deep cut on her right shoulder.
Hissing in pain she leaped away from me and deactivated her lightsaber. I hesitated, barely daring to hope that she was surrendering. She quickly dashed that hope with her next words. "It seems Malak was wrong about you. You are stronger than I thought was possible after what has been done to you. The power of the Dark Side is not lost to you after all, Revan."
I shook my head sadly. "I am not Revan anymore. You said so yourself. I am Diamid Kiith'sid now. He draws his power from the Light."
Bastila smiled cunningly. "You may deny who you are, Revan, but you are only fooling yourself. I have seen the shadows within your mind."
"Shadows? I don't have any shadows in my mind." I told her, my unease climbing.
I heard Jolee snort beside me. "You may not have shadows in your mind, but you've sure got rocks in your head! Hehe." I spared him a quick glance as I relaxed slightly.
Bastila ignored him as she would an insect, totally focused on me. "You've forgotten, Revan. I was there when you nearly died. I used the Force to save your life. We are linked forever!"
I nodded. "I remember we are bonded. And that is how I know that you can be saved from the dark path you are walking."
"You are speaking as a puppet of the council." She taunted me. "They used me-us-in order to find the Star Forge. They exploited the bond between us, hoping that I would draw out your memories of the Star Forge."
"They wanted to stop Malaks advance." I said. "Since it was the only way other than fully restoring my memories."
She smiled mockingly at me. "Oh, true. But what they did not count on was you giving me a taste of the so-called taint within you. I resisted it at first, ignoring its call. But now I fully embrace the power of the Dark Side-Your dark side!"
I looked at her uneasily. What is she talking about?Theres something going on here. "What are you saying Bastila?"
Bastila looked at me, her eyes filled with fire. "Its you who deserves to be the true master of the Sith, not that weakling Malak! I see this now. Come, join with me, and together we can destroy your old apprentice."
I blinked and stared at her, my mind reeling from what she said. How could she offer me such a thing? Does she know that I am in love with her? That I would be sorely tempted to join her? If only to be near her? How...cruel of her, I thought bitterly.
Juhani must have sensed my distress, for she spoke to Bastila. "Its not too late for you to be saved Bastila! The Jedi teachings can lead you away from the Dark Side into the Light and a true understanding of the Force."
Bastila rounded on Juhani snarling in anger, "You are beneath my contempt, Cathar. When you felt the true power of the dark side you fled and hid cowering in a cave like the animal you are! You know nothing of the Force or its true potential!"
Bastila turned to me, "But you, Revan, the power of the Dark Side is yours to command! You can use it to destroy your enemies and with my help you could rule the galaxy!"
Her words snapped me out of my stupor as I realized that she was sincere in her desire for me to surrender to the Dark Side and join with her. For a moment, just a moment, I contemplated taking up her offer.
But then I recalled those who have put their faith in me. The Jedi council, my companions, people who I have met along my journey, the Republic. And I would not do it for it would mean I would wound my friends deeply, not to mention hurt and destroy many more people in addition to those I already have in my reign as the Dark Lord.
I shook my head inwardly. No, I wont do it. If somebody is to be hurt, let it be me. I looked at Bastila. "The Dark Lord Revan is dead. He is no more. I serve the light now."
Bastila looked at me in contempt. "Then you are a pathetic fool, Diamid Kiith'sid . Together we could have defeated Malak and rule over an empire, but now I will be at Malaks side instead! You will be crushed along with the Republic and all the fools who bow down to the Jedi! No one can stand against the power of the Star Forge and the Sith fleet!"
With that she turned and quickly ran into the balcony where a previously unnoticed G-wing escape ship was docked.
We ran after her but she managed to vault into the cockpit and blast away. The resulting shock wave knocked us to the ground. As we picked ourselves up, Jolee let out a very un-jedilike curse.
"What is it, Old Man? Your bones are creaking from landing on your ass?" I asked him weakly. I winced at my poor attempt at humor.
"Humph! This is no time for dawdling, boy. Go find that thingamajig so we can get off this Force-forsaken planet!" I smiled at him and searched for the computer. After disabling the energy and disruptor fields, we made our way back to the Ebon Hawk.