Knights of the Old Republic: Journey to Oblivion

by Darth Shihiro

LSM Revan/LSF Exile Revan is gone. The Exile is gone. Now a threat looms greatly that could bring the republic to its knees and the jedi council is searching desperately for its heroes. The True Sith have come. Reviews are greatly appreciated.

1. Prologue

Knights Of The Old Republic: The Journey to Oblivion

Prologue

Blaster fire raged all around effectively pinning the two jedi down. The forest they had been scouting had been nearly consumed by the fires of war as trees fell everyway they turned cut down by the heavy fusillade of Mandalorian guns. Taking cover behind the hulking form of a destroyed basilisk war droid General Damien Den' Marko a human jedi nearly jumped as he heard laughter right next to him. His friend and fellow jedi general was actually laughing even as they were moments away from death. "Damn you to hell Revan what do you find so bloody funny?"

Trying to catch his breath Revan Dragoon replied, "Damien my friend embrace this battle for it may be your last! What a thrill it is on the edge!" With a chuckle Revan spins out from the basilisk igniting his cyan lightsaber he decapitated a Mandalorian Shock trooper before unleashing a smoldering blast of lightning sending three more to their doom. Returning to cover Revan sees Damien looking at him with utter curiosity. "Damien I sense your turmoil. Its screaming in my ears. We are in the right here our actions are justified. The jedi in all their stupidity fail to see the repercussions of letting this menace go unchecked. How many worlds must burn? How many innocents slaughtered?" Patting his long time companion on the shoulder Revan continued with a snicker, "Also a battle with Mandalorian Shock Troopers is not the time for doubt."

"Yes Lord Revan I Understand." With Revan's words bolstering his resolve Damien just nodded before leaping atop the war droid and letting out a tremendous scream amplified by the force. Revan, glad it was not directed in his direction grunted in approval of his comrades efficient use of his signature force power. Damien's scream busted the ear drums of every enemy soldier up to fifty yards in front of him and as one they collapsed holding their heads and crying out in agony. Taking advantage of the distraction Revan placed his lightsaber vertically in front of his face in a traditional salute of his people on the steppes of the planet Engra. Normally an Engram warrior would kiss his blade but wielding a lightsaber cut that part of the tradition out. Throwing his head back his shoulder length jet black hair flew back as he yelled " Tu Grama!" which in engaman means for honor. Revan charged out immediately dividing a rising Mandalorian in two. Four more steps and two more enemies fell still disoriented from Damien's attack. Summoning the force to him Revan lifted a fallen enemy off of the ground and as he writhed in pain crushed his body entirely with sheer strength of will. Damien knew how strong his friend was but still every time Revan used his power he was shocked. The force came to Revan with an unnatural ease and strength the many jedi masters couldn't match. His power was blinding to the senses. Looking down Damien saw Revan calmly stepping up to a prone Mandalorian. He heard the soldier yell out something in the Mandalorian language but whatever he was saying was abruptly halted as Revan's lightsaber flashed and his head hit the ground rolling to the basilisk. "Well this was just the quiet scouting mission that you promised."

"Ha your telling me these bastards are so hard to catch off guard." Revan laughed in reply. As much destruction and mayhem these beings caused Revan could harbor nothing but respect for the Mandalorian race. Their regard for honor matched that of the Engram people and their desire for battle was nearly identical. They were almost like brother races except Revan's people only embraced war when war was unavoidable but when that battle came they met it with a ferocity that would even give an Iridonian pause. Taking the air of Dxun into his lungs Revan remembered first stepping onto this damned moon when the oxygen wasn't tainted with blood and the fires of battle. "What a waste. Lets return to camp."

"But you said we were going to recon the base."

"Well this was obviously the vanguard for a larger attack. There is a disturbance in the force and I sense a large offensive directed towards our base camp. It's odd though."

"What is?"

"They were dug in rather nicely. There is no tactical advantage in throwing their forces at our defenses when they could just bunker down and wait for us to throw ourselves at their walls. They'd only do this if they were damn sure they can overwhelm us with a single swipe. Double time hustle up we need to return." using the force to amplify their speed all thoughts of stealth gone Revan and Damien ran back to their base.

"Where's General Vali?" exclaimed Revan walking up to a lieutenant of the republic.

"She returned just recently my lord she's in her quarters." replied the soldier with a crisp salute.

"Very well organize the defenses we'll be attacked shortly they are about to mount an offensive."

"An offensive but"

"Follow orders soldier!" shouted Revan his sky blue eyes flaring with power even a force blind fool could see the general was not to be questioned. Impotence was not a virtue that Revan tolerated.

"Ye Yes milord!" saluted the lieutenant before running off shouting "Men at your stations on the defensive you hesitate I will shoot you myself the Mandalorians are coming!"

Nodding at the lieutenants change in demeanor Revan realized he did not even know the mans name. Better lose a nameless face then a comrade. Frowning at the realities of war Revan left for his loyal friend Vali Stalon's tent.

"Damn it that turret ain't gunna shoot its self you bloody green bastards you call yourselves soldiers?!" Damien was so tired of yelling. It seemed that was all he did nowadays. Blinking his green eyes irritated by the ever stifling smoke he found what he was looking for. Damien stepped up behind a light lavender twilek soldier wearing a rather nice corellian powersuit in republic colors and cleaning a rather menacing looking disrupter rifle obviously heavily modified. Sergeant Tau Raven was a soldier of soldiers. He followed orders to the T and recently saved Damien's skin by pulling him from a shot down troop transport in the beginning of the fight for Dxun. That made them friends.

"Sergeant."

"I thought I smelled you Damien." smiled the twilek soldier.

"While you were here cleaning I was fighting the enemy so excuse me for smellin a bit." said Damien in response while running his hand over his shortly cropped blond hair.

"So they're attacking?"

"Yeah he called it. I swear Revan's powers grow daily he senses everything from the outcome of a dejarik game to a future itch."

"Well my men are ready General my captains indisposed so I'll be leading today."

"Indisposed?"

"A tree fell on him broke his back the idiot. I swear the republic gets its officers based on who kisses the most ass."

"Well the Tatooine 23rd has a good leader on this day." smiles Damien shaking Tau's hand. "May the force be with you."

"Forgive me jedi but I trust this more." responds Tau placing his rifle on his shoulder with a smile.

"Whatever works my friend."

"Shalok!" screams a young woman in pain. General Vali Stalon tightened the kolto soaked bandage around her burnt forearm courtesy of a Mandalorian blaster. Shalok was a rather vulgar curse word she still retained from her home world of Taris. She heard some Aqualish say it and it stuck. Her long light brown hair was tied back in a bun with a single braid which dropped down the side of her head. It was not a padawan braid she just liked the way it looked. Her beautiful orange eyes which were known throughout the camp to make men's hearts race were watering as she used the force to help the healing process. War. What a way to live. But she had no regrets. She'd follow Revan to the bowels of hell itself if need be. Not that Dxun was any more welcoming then the gates of that fiery place. The flap to her tent flew open as a powerfully built armored man walked in. His long black hair fell to his shoulders and his sky blue eyes froze her entire body. His black and crimson armor was marked by scorches she knew would just wash off the magnificent armor and his black hooded robes were tattered which she knew to mean his little scouting mission did not go as planned.

"Revan."

"Vali."

No more words were spoken as she rose from her bed and her lips hit his with a passion. His powerful arms embraced her and he lifted the woman off her feet and back onto the bed.

Putting on his boots General Revan Dragoon glanced back at the reclined still nude form of his love. "They are coming soon dear."

"I know I can sense their anger approaching. By the way you should visit the med quarters."

"I'm not injured hun."

"Obviously. Malak was hurt not bad or anything but enough to warrant some attention."

Malak. Revan loved the man like a brother but the bald oaf was so damn irrational sometimes. If It was said that Revan embraced war then Malak simply loved it. He reveled in the slaughter of these Mandalorians. No matter what the council said though Revan, Malak, Damien, and Vali were not slipping to the darkside. They were helping the republic and saving what the council would let burn. Whatever they said did not really matter to the Engram warrior. He was utilizing the tools that would win this war. Already his name was spoken with the utmost respect by all in the republic and Mandalorians alike and no matter what he if he could go back and change anything their wouldn't be even the slightest chance he would change a damn thing.

"Revan we must exercise caution!" screamed Vrook Lamar from his seat. Revan stood in the middle of the jedi council surrounded by Vrook Lamar, Bala Nisi, Zhar Lestin, and Vandar Tokare accepting their berating stoically. When Vrook finished however was a different story.

"Vrook you and the council are so blind. Blind, ignorant, and damned hypocrites."

Vrook snarled in anger before controlling himself and Vandar just shook his head.

"Revan you are being rash. Think about what this war will do to those that will surely follow you. This will lead you down a dark road that many may not return from."

"You preach justice and patience Vandar but our so called patience is the reason countless others are dieing. If we would have joined this from the get go innocents could have been spared and this war would be over! We cannot just sit idly by while the Mandalorian menace strips the republic citizens of their lives and freedom! I'd of thought better of you who want justice but sit on your plump asses while the Mandalorians rape this republic you swore to protect. So you can sit and relish your cowardice but I am going to bring the fight to these bastards and drive them out of our space. No Mandalorian will survive this I swear to you!"

"Listen to yourself Revan you are falling isn't it obvious." spoke Bala in a quiet voice. " Calm yourself this behavior is not befitting of a jedi."

"This council no this ORDER does not deserve the obedience of true warriors and upholders of justice. You keep catering to the weak you fake bantha spit. If my desire to keep people free from these monsters and save the republic is not befitting of your order then I gladly resign." The council was shocked at this outcome. Revan was one of the most aspiring jedi they had ever seen his power was astonishing and his swordsmanship second to none even those on the council. Losing Revan was a blow to the jedi order in many ways. His charismatic nature was sure to bring many young jedi flocking to his side this was going to split the jedi. Turning on the council Revan walked towards the exit his tan and brown robes flowing behind him. Zhar just frowned as his student turned from him and the jedi. Vrook stood up and walked towards Revan's retreating form and grasped the mans shoulder tightly. This action almost caused a battle that would of shook the enclave to its foundation. As he grabbed Revan Vali, Malak, and Damien Who stood sentinel at the door all as one reached for their lightsabers. Revan's power flared and many that day thought that Vrook's life was an instant from ending, which it indeed was. Revan's sheer strength in the force pushed Vrook violently away. "Do not ever lay a hand on me again!" Vrook just ignited his green lightsaber.

"You leave us then you leave your saber boy."

Calling the force to him Revan's lightsaber floated up in between him and the jedi master before completely shattering.

"I'll build another." with those words Revan walked from the chamber.

As he passed his companions they threw their weapons at the feet of Vrook and followed Revan Dragoon out of the council chambers. As he exited Revan saw many students milling around the large center piece of the jedi enclave on Dantooine. With a dramatic flourish Revan leapt up and called out. "Jedi where are you from?" pointing to a young Cathar male padawan. He knew to target the younger less brainwashed of the jedi to follow him on his crusade for the older ones would heed the will of the council.

"Um...me? I'm from Cathar sir." which the wily Revan already knew. Revan jumped down to the young man and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Then you Know full well the reason why the Mandalorians have to be stopped padawan."

"Yes sir my family was on Cathar they...they...they're dead." Too easy.

"Follow me and we will make sure that no more innocent life is taken. I plan to take this war to the doorstep of the Mandalorians. Those who wish it come with me. No more innocent blood will be shed while the council debates whether or not to act! Evil triumphs when good men and women do nothing!"

"He is good." says Malak with a smirk.

"He could talk a hutt into throwing a charity event." laughs Vali.

"I can come with you?" the young Cathar boy asks.

"Yes you can padawan?"

"Mughara sir."

"Mughara you are welcome to join us. Anyone else is to! If you wish to come then I will be at the spaceport awaiting transport to Coruscant where we will join the war effort!"

"Nice speech." smiles Damien as Revan walks back towards his friends.

"We leave as soon as possible I will not tolerate another innocent dieing because of inaction."

Revan stood at the foot of the hospital bed watching a med droid put a large gash in Malak's side back together. "What happened?"

"Damn Mandalorian took a chunk outta me with a vibrosword."

"Didn't see it comin? Your getting careless."

"I do not need you to chastise me Revan. I had two on me and he snuck up if I'd of tried to defend one of the other two woulda got me so either way I'd be here. Vali saved me though. That Mandalorian just stood over me ready to give me my death and bam purple lightsaber flew through cuttin all three of em to bits. She's a damn fine warrior."

"And you are my second...and my friend. Don't play these games with your life I know how you get."

"How I get? If those bastard jedi would get off their pondering backsides maybe I wouldn't be here getting stitched up! Yes I have rage, yes I'm throwing it at the Mandalorians what the hell else can I do Revan? Can't you see what is happening? Look at Damien. He's hard now, different. He never used to be without a smile now its like pulling teeth to get him to smirk."

"War changes people Malak."

"Except you. You hold on to your precious honor like nothing can scratch you. We all feel ourselves slipping and our nerves are shot Rev. But you. You just go through it all like nothings amiss."

"I've learned my friend. What the jedi taught us has failed. They sit while we fight. War is old men talking and young men dieing and these jedi are proving that proverb to be correct."

"Death. I feel the darkside Revan. It flows through me it makes me strong. But it perverts me. My rage overcomes me and I am scared Rev. For the first time in my life I'm scared."

"If this war has taught me anything its that the yin and yang of the force doesn't exist. Both extremes make me sick now. The jedi and the sith are just blind, one by duty one by rage. I've held on tightly to this so called darkside cause this war is far from the light and to survive one must adapt, basic instinct will kick in and if the jedi call that the darkside then so be it. But we are the ones saving this republic not them and their indecision. Take comfort in that no one else will end up like Juhani or Mughara."

At the thought of Juhani Revan's power bristled. Those that needed slaves were weak and this war drove him to the point of utterly despising weakness. He saved her on Taris from in his mind a fate worse then death. To have ones freedom broken that is the true darkside of the universe. And he was glad those slavers ended up on the wrong side of his lightsaber.

"Well get better you don't have much time they move to attack." with those words Revan stormed from the med bay leaving his closest friend to heal. Malak was left to his thoughts. How far would he follow this man Revan Dragoon?

The laser turrets barrels were glowing red from overuse and Revan knew that their defenses would fall. The Mandalorians hit them hard at nightfall using stealth generators first and infiltrating the base before the shock troopers hit for and amazing display of shock and awe tactics. They flew in on their jetpacks and decimated the republic forces before an effective counter measure could be taken. The makeshift walls were destroyed and the main Mandalorian force had republic soldiers shaking with fear. As a psychological warfare technique they also lit the forest on fire around the republic base making it more difficult for the republic soldiers who didn't have the benefit of a Mandalorian helmet to filter the fumes. Also the sight of Mandalorian soldiers some of the most feared warriors of the galaxy stalking to attack through blistering flames shook the republic morale violently. Vali Stalon stood at the forefront her purple lightsaber a beacon of hope for those around her she dashed here and there fighting valiantly to inspire the republic troops. She had taken a slash to her right knee but while still fighting had managed to use the force enough to stem the blood flow and attempt to get it healed but still it pained her greatly. Ducking as a hail of blaster bolts shriek overhead Vali brings her saber up deflecting more some even returning to find their owners. As soldiers came to her she yelled, "Fortify the flanks! Do not I repeat do not let them encircle us!" As she blocked a powerful stab by one of the shock troopers and absent mindedly throwing a backhand with her saber and taking the Mandalorians arm before thrusting the purple blade of pure energy through his chest she though to herself, where the hell was Revan?

Revan hated not being on the frontlines with his troops. That's why his men loved him so he didn't expect them to do anything he himself wouldn't do. He led by example but right now he needed undisturbed thinking. The Mandalorian assault was fierce and potent but not strong or good enough for the enemy to abandon their strong defenses. There needed to be a solid tactical reason for this but nothing came to him. Rubbing the stubble growing on his chin Revan's thoughts raced faster then a swoop bike before it hit him like bothan stunner to the face. A huge disturbance in the force. Trusting his power and glancing upwards he saw the flaring of vessels hitting reentry. Closing his eyes and opening his mind to the force he saw that six basilisk war droids were entering the atmosphere of Dxun.

"Dammit!" he had personally organized the strike on the basilisks on Dxun there couldn't be anymore. Unless...Trying to reach someone's mind aboard The Firaxa, his battleship in orbit that had brought them to the moon of Onderon, he yelled in anger. Nothing. The Firaxa was destroyed. How the hell did they get reinforcements?

"Oh well." sighs Revan putting on his crimson and black mask and pulling his hood up over his head. pulling his saber from his belt General Revan Dragoon left his chambers and walked right into the raging battle.

Blocking two vibroswords at once Damien spun his double bladed green lightsaber in a flowing arc removing the heads from two enemies bodies. Even in the heat of battle he felt Revan push into his mind. Looking up he saw what his friend wanted him to. "Aw hell basilisks." he had had enough of the war droids to last him a life time.

"I'll handle em you just get to Malak and Vali." Revan's thoughts echoed in his mind as he spoke to him through their force bond. He'll handle them?

"He really just might be insane."

Malak and Vali both aware now of the incoming reinforcements turned up the intensity. The two friends worked around each other lightsabers flashing in all directions intercepting blaster bolts and cutting through any enemies that stayed to close. All around them republic soldiers rallied inspired by their jedi generals and fought with a passion they themselves did not know they had. Raising his blue saber to block a Mandalorian's downward slash Malak pushed up with all his might and deftly turned his saber taking both of his enemies hands. The vibrosword fell only to be grabbed by Malak's other hand before he twirled it and slammed it into the gut of the Mandalorian. Blood splattered on Malak's already red light echani armor. Throwing her brown jedi robe off and into the air Vali smiled as it fell atop a Mandalorian blinding him for only an instant but enough for her to take advantage. Her purple lightsaber sliced neatly across her enemies chest. Before she knew it there was a red blur and she was flying across the field her ears ringing loudly. Malak had sensed what she hadn't and threw her from harms way as a frag grenade exploded right where she was standing. Getting up she saw Malak atop her a rather large piece of shrapnel protruding from his lower back. Tears fell from her eyes as she realized that the bald man had saved her. Dropping her saber and placing both hands on his back she used the force to pour healing energies into her friend. He would not die she promised herself. The republic troops around the two jedi surrounded them blasters firing trying to hold back the enemy force by sheer firepower. A single Mandalorian Shock Trooper broke through though his vibrosword raised to end the foolish jedi who was wearing nothing but her tan and white jedi tunic. These jedi were worse then the echani wearing no armor in war how stupid. As the killing blow fell a flash of green blinded him for a second before he knew that death was upon him. Damien had spun deflected the vibrosword and thrust his saberstaff back right into the gut of the Mandalorian.

"Is he ok?" asked Damien worry clear in his voice.

"He will be. I need to get this metal out help me." sobbed Vali in reply. Reaching down and gripping the piece of metal imbedded in his long time friend Damien closed his eyes and pulled. Blood squirted out onto his face. Looking like he had been drug through hell and back Damien's black robes were entirely gone and his matching black jedi tunic was torn to shreds revealing his grey massassi light armor beneath he let the healing powers flow through his hands adding to Vali's constant outpour. Malak's eyes shot open.

"Ready to fight?" smiled Damien grasping Malak's forearm and pulling him up slowly.

"Always." laughs the red armored jedi.

"Revan?" asked Vali.

Damien just shrugged, "He's got something up his sleeve.

Mandalorians threw themselves foolishly onto Revan's light blue lightsaber every one of them seeking the honor of killing General Revan Dragoon. He spun and twirl his onyx robes flowing behind him and his lightsaber flashing in every direction taking limbs and lives from every enemy in his path. He was a blur of black and red and he danced a dance of death. His mask was the last thing many of the enemy saw that day the black and red Mandalorian steel was death's face to them. It was a beautiful thing to watch so articulate and skillful. Revan's swordsmanship shone like a lone star in the black of space. Deflecting blaster bolts Revan glanced up again to see the approaching basilisks and frowned in annoyance. These enemies while not a challenge were slowing him down. Bashing aside a vibrosword directed at his heart Revan twirled knocking his opponent's blade up. He then crouched, spun and dragged his lightsaber through the Mandalorian's midsection. Before the top half of his enemy even hit the ground Revan rose in a deft twist taking a leg and halting his spin only to take the enemy's head with a vicious slash. Throwing his saber down across his back he blocked a strong swing from yet another Mandalorian. The Mandalorian froze knowing he was clearly outmatched but smiled as Revan turned and slammed his light blue saber right through his heart. Revan stood lightsaber vertical in front of his face in the midst of fallen enemies looking just like the hero the republic had made the crusading jedi out to be. Disengaging his blade Revan placed in back on his belt and closed his eyes. Every jedi at that moment on Dxun felt the force gather around their leader in a torrent. To those that could see the force Revan's form was aglow in sheer power and to those that couldn't it was a tangible feeling in the air that felt as if it could be cut with a sword. The basilisk raced down to the Dxun surface and Revan extended his hands immediately having an effect on the war droid. The basilisk pilot seeing the jedi opened up with the droid's heavy blaster cannons. But that was it's last act. The force cocooned the basilisk and with a scream Revan collapsed his power on the war droid literally making it explode. Flying metal tore through the next basilisk effectively destroying it as well. Revan collapsed to the ground sweat cascading down his face his eyes actually shining with power. On his knees Revan saw the four remaining basilisks open fire on the republic defenses. He was weak and enraged that he couldn't summon the strength to help out even more. Revan's clear sky blue eyes dulled. They took on a yellowish decaying color and became instantly bloodshot. With a growl of defiance Revan floated up from his knees throwing his hands out as lightning burst from his body in an explosive fury that would of been unmatched by even the strength of ancient Sith Lords. The lightning detonated a basilisk engulfing it in flames as it crashed down to the moon. Three more. Still levitating in the air Revan's power lifted the second basilisk he had destroyed and launched it into the path of another. Two more. Republic forces and Mandalorian alike stood in awe at the display the Mandalorians not even daring even with all their vaunted honor in battle to come near the figure of the floating Revan. One basilisk peeled off thinking it better to attack a different part of the base while the other swooped low blaster cannons rapid firing at the jedi general. Before getting within ten feet the blaster fire swept away from the powerful jedi repulsed by his strength of will. Igniting his cyan lightsaber Revan landed back on his feet and stood his ground like an immovable black and crimson obelisk. The helmeted face of the Mandalorian locked with the hooded and masked form of Revan before the former jedi hurled himself at the war droid. Thinking the jedi a fool and prepared to claim the honor of slaying the renowned general the Mandalorian pilot laughed. He was the fool. Trusting completely in the force Revan whipped his saber around right into the cockpit of the basilisk impaling the laughing warrior and silencing him forever. The basilisk smashed into the ground sliding right up to Revan's feet. Walking up to the downed war droid Revan pulled his saber from the throat of perhaps the hundredth Mandalorian he had slain. Looking around he saw the enemy forces in complete disarray. The Mandalorians wouldn't retreat. They would die here today to the last man. Revan drained from his fight with the war droids just sat on a fallen piece of debris and dropped his masked face into his black and red gauntlets. Sensing a presence Revan looked up into the awe filled face of his closest friend. Malak's armor had seen better days.

"H...How?"

"I knew if those basilisks weren't stopped we would have lost. I don't know what happened but something within me snapped. My anger amplified my power tenfold. I've never known such passion. Even my love for young Vali pales in comparison. I don't know what came over me but...I liked it."

Standing guard over his two friends as they conversed Damien Den' Marko tore a hanging piece of cloth from his tunic. He realized at this moment that there was no turning back. He sensed the darkness in Revan and Malak and even within himself. He also knew that Vali was slipping and that where they were headed was beyond what they originally thought. With a smile Damien turned to go assist his friend Tau with the cleanup.

"Woo!" screamed the twilek sergeant as he unleashed a torrent of blasts from his overpowered disrupter. Damien just laughed. He knew Tau had been an elite enforcer for the exchange before joining the military to fight the Mandalorian threat and it showed in his love for confrontation. The remaining enemy forces were slowly being eradicated by the victorious republic soldiers. Tau had led his men against the last of the enemy that was bunkering down. Damien had joined to clear up his thoughts after hearing Revan and Malak talking. A blaster bolt caught the green eyed jedi off guard and hit the hilt of his saberstaff knocking it from his hand and almost taking fingers with it. "Sith blood!" cursed Damien jumping behind a tree to avoid a hail of blaster bolts. Seeing his friend in trouble Tau rises from cover and takes careful aim before squeezing his trigger and sending three blasts one in each of three Mandalorian helmets. As the other enemies turned to him he threw a grenade and returned to crouching behind a large fallen tree. As the grenade exploded it sent a fluid over five Mandalorians before the super cooled liquid instantly froze causing extreme agony and letting the republic soldiers take out all five without trouble. Knowing that they were backed into a corner the Mandalorians fought more fierce then the republic soldiers had ever seen. One by one they dropped as the Mandalorians superior skill slowly overcame the odds stacked against them. Running from behind the tree Damien used the force to power his leg's strength and he leapt out landing feet first on the chest of a Mandalorian warrior driving him onto his back. Unsheathing the vibrosword from his enemies waist he drove it down through his skull. He looked up directly into the barrel of a heavy repeater. As the Mandalorian yelled in Mando'a "Oya!" Damien thought his death was upon him not for the first time on this force forsaken moon. Before the Mandalorian could pull the trigger and kill the damned jedi Damien notice a rather neat smoldering hole right in the center of his forehead. The Mandalorian fell back and the jedi looked back to see Tau his disrupter pointing at a prone enemy and his blaster pistol pointed towards him. "That's twice now that I owe you my life you damn twilek." Holstering his pistol and hanging his rifle from its strap over his shoulder Tau walks over and hands Damien his lightsaber. "Damn its ruined." The hilt of his saberstaff was broke beyond repair. "Revan's gunna have a field day with this."

The battle for Dxun was won at the cost of thousands of republic soldiers. It was one of the most costly and bloody battles of the war. The republic rallied at the victory and Revan led their forces to many victories after that. It was Malachor IV that ended the Mandalorian threat. Revan assembled all his forces at Malachor consisting mostly of those whose loyalties were in question. Vali Stalon was in charge of the forces at Malachor IV.

"You are joking right?" Damien had known that Revan had changed throughout this war but now he just seemed suicidal. You plan to board the bastard's flagship? Mandalore the Ultimate's elite troops will be there more then enough to take out even the biggest boarding party we can muster. Not to mention that Mandalore himself is an accomplished warrior which he had to be to claim the damn title of Mandalore.!"

"If your scared you can stay here with Vali." Scowls Malak his arms crossed across his chest.

Damien had really started to dislike the bald former jedi ever since Dxun. They had all delved slightly in the so called darkside but this man dove right in. His eyes were sunken and yellowish and his skin had lost its healthy color and it had an unnatural pallor.

"I'm coming Malak don't worry I'm just trying to point out some flaws that might catch our genius plan." Revan's power flared at Damien's words and the green eyed general flinched. Revan's power had grown drastically and to say he now scared Damien would be an understatement to say the least. His fuse had shortened and his temper would break loose a lot easier then normal especially to one with jedi training. Looking at the crimson and black armored Revan Dragoon , Damien sighed. This was what this war required from its participants he realized that but it still gave him pause. His blond hair had gotten shaggy for he didn't really care for grooming when there was more important things to worry about. His face had about a months growth on it and he ran his hand through his now near shoulder length hair which was now getting to be a habit when he was stressed.

"So who is with me?" asked Revan tired of the silence.

"You know I am milord." bowed the ever obedient Malak. Revan just looked up at Damien waiting for a response.

"You can count me and Tau in of course Revan." Tau and Damien's friendship had grown stronger since Dxun and the only six remaining of the Tatooine 23rd had become a sort of personal guard to Damien.

"Good. We leave in ten minutes."

Damien threw on his black robes over his matching black tunic that he still wore. Stretching out and testing his movements in his new echani battle armor which resided under his tunic Damien thought to back on Dxun when he felt his friend fall. Placing his new saberstaff on his waist and holstering his Mandalorian ripper pistol on his thigh he walked out of his quarters right face to face with Tau Raven. Like always Tau looked splendid in his shining corellian powersuit in the colors of the republic with his modified disrupter hanging from his shoulder and his heavy blaster pistol holstered on his left side. There was a combat knife strapped hilt facing down on his chest plate and Damien knew that the lavender twilek's expensive armor had special compartments for grenades.

"You ready sir?"

"You seem awfully bloody chipper." growled Damien walking past Tau as his men and the twilek fell in behind as he approached the hangar bay of the Inexpugnable-class tactical command ship The Inferno which served as General Revan's flagship.

"This could damn well end this war Damien why wouldn't I be happy?"

"Cause if you could sense what I do You'd understand this may just be another beginning." Damien did not know how right he was.

The Ministry-class orbital shuttle streaked towards Mandalore the Ultimate's flagship blaster fire reflecting off the powerful shields Revan installed precisely for this mission. Tau, Revan, Damien, Malak, and the six veteran soldiers rode in silence the entire way before the modified boarding ship hit the hull of the Mandalorian battleship. Explosions rocked the ship as the breaching charges went off the doors to the ministry shuttle opened directly into the heart of the Mandalorian ship. Before the Mandalorians could react Revan and Malak had unleashed lightning into the hole frying seven enemies as Tau and a human soldier tosses two frag grenades in. The twin explosions sent alarms ringing through the ship and the republic soldiers led by Tau filed out blasters blazing. "Clear!" shouted Tau as Revan, Malak, and Damien walked calmly down the boarding ramp. "Men we head for the bridge no retreat. Today is the day we end a war." said Revan igniting his cyan colored lightsaber and stalking towards where he knew the bridge to be.

Blaster fire hit the wall as Revan and Damien rolled back behind it for cover. Malak and the 23rd had been separated when an enemy grenade disabled a door dividing the small republic force. Now Revan and Damien were pinned down by at least a score of Mandalorian elite.

"Bloody hell!" shouted Damien as a blaster bolt connected solidly with his shoulder as he tried to fire his pistol around the corner. He fell at Revan's feet before the blue eyed general grabbed him pulling him behind. In a fury Revan summoned the force and leapt out twirling and maneuvering his saber like a true master deflecting blaster fire killing two enemies off the bat before throwing his lightsaber out decapitating another while brutally thrusting his shoulder into the armored gut of a Mandalorian and tackling him to the ground. Rolling and avoiding a downward slash to his exposed back Revan smiled as the Mandalorian sword took his allies life for him. Dropping into an echani martial art stance the leader of the Mandalorian squad held up a fist telling his men to hold. Lowering his dual pistols to the ground the red armored Mandalorian removed his helmet and stepped up to face the former jedi. The Mandalorian smiled as he let loose with a thundering kick to Revan's stomach. The man had speed thought Revan thanking the force for his chest plate absorbing most of the blow. Revan doubled over but turned it into a forward roll right under the Mandalorian's following roundhouse kick. Getting to his feet faster then his opponent thought possible Revan threw a straight kick to the back of his enemy's knee. The leg buckled and he collapsed to his knees until Revan leveled a brutal elbow right in the temple. The Mandalorian fell unconscious on his back and Revan slammed his armored boot into his throat ending his life. Damien now recovered ran from cover activating his new golden bladed saberstaff and rolling taking legs off and rising only to twirl his saber taking out two more.

"Ears!" yelled Damien. Revan knew what that meant and activated his masks sound dampeners just in time to block out the raging scream that left Damien's mouth. The remaining eleven soldiers dropped in extreme pain as Revan calmly walked through ending their suffering with quick deadly slashes with his saber. Approaching a rather ornate door Revan knew he had reached the bridge.

Growling Malak leaped throwing his blue lightsaber out wide taking a Mandalorian's head before flipping and thrusting back piercing through the chest of another as he landed. Tau had lost his rifle and was wrestling with a rather large warrior but Malak had to much to handle on his own so he couldn't reach his twilek ally. Finally getting on top of the Mandalorian Tau rammed his knee into his diaphragm knocking his breath out with the boosted strength courtesy of his powersuit and got a hold of his pistol and fired it point blank into his enemy's face. Rolling onto his back he lets loose four more shots into the back of an enemy soldier approaching Malak's unprotected rear. Sensing the disturbance Malak turned and sliced the dieing Mandalorian in half and nodding his appreciation to Tau then turning and extending his hand sending two more enemies flying into the wall. They hit with a bone crushing crack and Malak knew they'd no longer be a problem. Before he knew what was even happening he heard Tau shout out and white blinding pain filled the jedi's vision. As vision sort of returned Malak saw Tau above him wrenching the rifle from a Mandalorian and driving the stock into his throat. Tau's victory was short lived as at least three blaster bolts caught him in the chest knocking him to his back and Malak looked up into the twin barrels of heavy repeaters as two red armored elite Mandalorians fitted him with a neural disrupter.

In a single moment everything changed for Revan and Damien. A fallen Mandalorian somehow that the jedi had missed for Revan believed him dead let go of a concussion grenade throwing both of the jedi face first into the door. Blackness consumed both of them.

Revan's eyes fluttered open to take in the scene around him. Malak was curled up at his feet a neural disrupter around his neck. That sent a shiver down Revan's spine he knew firsthand how dreadful those damned things were. Not being able to form a single though and nightmares remaining playing over and over again. Taking in everything Revan saw Damien in a force cage next to him while he was chained up to the wall of the bridge. Mandalore the Ultimate stood directly in front of him his arms behind his back staring into Revan's sky blue eyes.

"You have caused us much trouble Jedi Revan. This war would of been over had you not joined the republic war effort. You have earned our respect especially by your actions on Dxun."

"Save you respect fool, you want to give me something hand over your life before I gladly rip it from you."

"Strong words Revan. Now you shall watch as you forces are overrun." laughed Mandalore gesturing to the view port of his flagship. It was obvious by the scene of carnage that the Mandalorians were winning but Revan smiled. The Mass Shadow Generator was nearly ready and the Mandalorians had took the bait and fallen neatly into place. Now it was time for his part. Using the force Revan sent it out in a burst knocking Mandalore back and shattering the chains shackling him. For some reason the code of the sith came to Revan's mind. Through victory, my chains are broken. Revan launched into action using the force to amplify his strength he jumped and kicked a Mandalorian in the face actually snapping his neck. He landed and grabbed the now dead man's vibrosword and turned barely blocking another enemy's sword. With a perfectly executed parry the Mandalorian fell forward only to meet his end at the tip of Revan's stolen vibrosword as it stabbed through his stomach and out of his back. Throwing the dead weight off his new sword Revan turned to Mandalore only to get a face full of blaster bolt. His mask saved him but the force of the blast knocked the strong Mandalorian steel mask from Revan's face. He stumbled back ready to dodge but stopped as he heard "Halt!" The Mandalorians ready to attack him stood down as Mandalore the ultimate stepped forward wielding a rather nasty looking double bladed sword. Both of the blades were wickedly serrated and Revan could see the sheen of poison upon the blade. Revan held his vibrosword in front of his face and kissed the blade in the Engram salute and to his surprise Mandalore did likewise but without the kiss most likely because he wore a helmet or because the blade was poisoned either way. Revan and Mandalore circled each other each measuring the defenses of the other like the true warriors they were. Mandalore lunged forward throwing a powerful slash that Revan promptly blocked. The sheer strength of the blow sent numbness through the jedi's arms. This is what this entire war had come down to the two top warriors of both sides in a duel to the death. Retaliating with a lightning quick to the side of Mandalore's knee and slightly buckling it Revan pushed the double bladed sword out wide before hammering his armored elbow into the facemask of his opponents helm. Determined to end this fight without the force for he knew if he summoned his power Mandalore's allies would jump in immediately Revan jumped and threw another kick this time into Mandalore's chest before coming down with a vicious downward slash. His blade screeched against the strong Mandalorian armor of Mandalore the Ultimate and his enemy fell back slamming hard against a wall. Not letting the jedi capitalize Mandalore pushed himself off the wall in a turn attacking Revan high and low forcing the jedi to be on his toes and purely on the defensive. The fury of the Mandalorian leader's attacks pushed Revan back and prevented him of even thinking about taking the offensive. Ducking a blindingly fast slash Revan thrust up finally being able to make an attack of his own the blade came so close to ending the duel as it sliced up towards the Mandalorian's throat. Bending back Mandalore preserved his life just barely with the nimble dodge as he spun his double bladed sword taking Revan behind the knee lifting him off the ground and onto his back hard. Revan cursed under his breath for the poisoned blade had penetrated the weaker part of his armor and he felt the cold blade cut through his skin. Instantly an intense burning filled his blood and Revan's body started to convulse. Engram despised the use of poison. They thought it was the way of a weak warrior to try and overcome his betters and there was no honor in that. His jedi training helped as it fought off the venom giving him enough rational thought to roll out of the way as Mandalore's sword came crashing down nearly impaling the former jedi. Hopping to his feet Revan shook the mental cobwebs off and spun avoiding a thrust that would of skewered him. Sweeping his sword out Revan bashed the blade aside and kicked out again connecting with Mandalore's chest. Mandalore nearly fell back but regained his footing only to take a powerful slash to the side of his helmet. Revan's strength drove the sword into the helm and slightly into Mandalore's scalp. As Revan pulled his sword back the helmet of the Mandalorian leader came off and bounced heavily on the floor. Revan got his first glimpse of Mandalore the Ultimate. Mandalore had a large scar running from his left ear to his chin and his right eye showed the milky white of blindness his left a fiery red. His short cropped light brown hair was now caked in blood that fell freely down his face. The anger on the Mandalorian's face was evident and he charged enraged that this Engram had gotten the better of him. Revan felt more weak then he ever had in his life. The poison was slowly draining him and it took all he had to keep his eyes from closing. He was sluggish and he failed to properly block Mandalore's attack as the one of the blades slipped passed his defenses and right into his shoulder. His armor deflected the blade but the force of the strike sent Revan tripping backwards. Revan knew he needed to act fast but his muscles refused to respond. With a strong slash Mandalore knocked the vibrosword from the jedi's weakened grasp. Turning a throwing his double ended vibrosword at Revan's neck Mandalore's shock was complete as Revan ducked and threw his shoulder into the Mandalorian's chest and kicking the double bladed sword out of his hand. Grabbing behind Mandalore's knees Revan lifted slamming him to the ground the force of it slightly cracking the floor. Before Revan could strike again Mandalore's armored fist caught him right on the cheek as blood flew from the jedi's mouth and he fell from atop him. Mandalore tried to rise but Revan spun on his knees and kicked him in the eye flattening him again. Both warriors struggled to get to their feet and Mandalore reached a standing position first and drove his foot into Revan's ribs but screamed in pain. As his foot connected Revan had stabbed his combat knife that was hidden in his right boot right into the side of Mandalore's knee. The leader of the Mandalorian's fell onto his back holding his hurt knee. Revan stood and strode over to the fallen Mandalorian his face a blank slate and brandishing his knife menacingly. Mandalore looked up into the eyes of the victor and closed his eyes. Revan placed the knife violently through the Mandalorian leader's throat. He held the blade there as blood bubbled out and Mandalore's final scream came out as nothing but a gurgle. As Revan stood back up he glanced around the elite Mandalorians kneeling as he looked at them. One in yellow and blue neo-crusader armor picked up the Mandalorian leader's helmet and tossed it to the jedi general. He bowed and said one thing Revan would remember for all his life. "Mandalore."

Revan held the helmet and freed his friends releasing the neural disrupter from Malak's neck and giving him a sorrowful look. "My friend welcome back to reality." As Revan walked over to the force cage holding Damien he smiled as the green eyed jedi smirked and said questioningly, "Mandalore?" Revan just shrugged.

"GET OUT OF MY MIND!" screamed Damien knocking the two jedi back with pure force strength. Bastila Shan and Atton Rand got up brushing themselves off. They had been reading Damien's mind trying to coerce knowledge as to where Revan could have disappeared to. Atton didn't care all that much about the former sith lord but he did care about the woman that had set him on his path of being a jedi before leaving him to join Revan beyond the outer rim. He was a little stung but she had told him before she left to form a new council and keep strong and that is exactly what he did. The only thing though that they were able to get from this prisoners mind was memories of the battle for Dxun and Malachor IV but still he was happy for the small glimpse he had of Vali. "You try that again Shan and I will kill you where you stand!"

"Damien calm yourself we just want to find Revan and the Exile.."

"Vali!" shouted Atton in reply to Bastila referring to her as the Exile.

"Vali then."

"If they wanted you to find them you would know. I have known both of them my whole life and I know enough that where they are you couldn't hope to survive. Revan is not the light hearted fool that destroyed Malak to save the galaxy no. He is something else. He is power. He knows that the only way to fight fire is with fire."

Rubbing his head Atton just replied, "Or water." in his typical sarcastic tone. The glare that Damien gave him quieted him rather quickly.

"You think that he fell. No he chose his fate. It was a step not a fall. He gladly plunged into the darkside to...You do not even know what we found out there." Damien's eyes took on a far away look and for a second they resembled the old shimmering green before his corruption. But then he regained control and they shot back to the bloodshot yellow. And if you did say goodbye to sweet dreams. You think Marko Ragnos was bad? Freedon Nadd? Ha! You don't know power."

Just shaking her head Bastila patted Atton and left the room followed soon by the other jedi.

"What do you think?" she asked as the door closed behind them.

"If anything what he said made me want to find them more. What if she needs our help?"

"Revan will take care of her." she should have chosen better words because the look on Atton's face was pure jealousy. She knew how he felt. She loved Revan just as he loved Vali and they both saw a glimpse into the two's relationship and to be honest both of them felt the pangs of hurt. As they reached the new council that Bastila and Atton had set up together on the planet of Dantooine the alarm klaxons went wild. They both stormed out and stopped suddenly as they saw Damien wielding a green lightsaber as Mical laid on the ground unconscious and Visas was suspended in the air being choked. Lowering her to the ground strangely gentle like before looking straight at Atton and Bastila. With a maniacal grin he disengaged his saber and flipped the black hood of his dark jedi robes over his head and laughed. With a wink and a mocking bow Damien sprinted off into the distance as a blur.