Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars, Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance, Star Wars
Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back, Kail Jahoam(See Wedge Antilles's story
Rejuvenator at fictionpress.com) or Digimon, period.
A time not so long ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
STAR WARS
The Jedi Elite
Episode I
A New Empire
A few months have passed since the capture of EARTH by the resurrected
GALACTIC EMPIRE. Survivors of the planet have seeked refuge on the NEW REPUBLIC captial of CORUSCANT. Others who stayed behind were either killed
or taken in as slaves for the Empire.
MATT ISHIDA has completed his JEDI training along with his friends. They
now go to BESPIN for a vacation along with the heroes of the REBELLION.
They hope nothing will be interrupted. Meanwhile, the resurrected EMPEROR PALPATINE has found a new heir to the
Empire, hopefully acting both as a spy and DARK JEDI. Meanwhile, a lost Republic ship has entered Imperial space and has come under attack by new
Imperial fighters...
Space. The supposedly final frontier. A lone New Republic ship moves through a unknown system. Captain Gerrard stands watch infront of the viewport. A officer walks up to him.
"Report," Gerrard said.
"Sir, we are picking up Imperial fighters coming out of hyperspace," the officer said.
"Imperial fighters with hyperdrives? What kind are they? Defenders or Advanced?" he asked.
"Neither, sir. These are unknown craft, but they do have Imperial markings on them." The captain sighed.
"Launch the fighters then," he said. The officer left and soon afterward, the X-Wing fighters left the hangar bay. The unknown TIE fighters went out to meet them. The fighters looked way different, some did not. Some normal TIE Fighters had laser cannons mounted to their wings. Some only had one wing with a cockpit one side and another metal ball on the other side that had a turbolaser mounted to the end of it. Some were TIE Interceptors with warhead launchers mounted on their wings.
Some TIE fighters had a huge engine mounted to the back, making it go really fast. They started engaging the fighters.
"What the hell are they..." the captain said. In moments, the X-Wings were reduced to rubble. The fighters then fired on the Republic ship itself.
"Fire at them!" the captain shouted.
"We can't sir!" a gunner in one of the gun stations said over the comm. "They're coming in too fast!" The Republic ship was then blown into space dust.
Later, near Hoth...
Space. The blackness against the stars is filled with debris, machines, cranes, half completed Imperial vessels being built and of course, many Star Destroyers. A Super Star Destroyer is almost complete, along with a half completed Death Star and a half completed Darksaber(Author's Note: Even though this takes place before Darksaber, it's my story.). TIE fighters dart and fro. A shuttle is seen boarding the almost complete Super Star Destroyer. Darth Vader stands aboard the bridge. The Emperor walks up to him along with a new arrival.
Vader kneeled before Palpatine.
"Rise, my friend," Palpatine said and Vader stood. Palpatine signaled the newcomer and he stepped forward.
"This is the Digimon Emperor," Palpatine said. "He is a clone of the real one, but that was a long time ago. He wishes to join us and I find him most intriguing."
"Very well," Vader said. "Why do you want to join us?"
"I despise the New Republic and their friends," the Digimon Emperor said.
"Wait," Vader said. "Friends? Who are they?"
"I will get to that in a moment. But my followers have located a Rebel base on the planet of Bespin. It is on Cloud City." He handed Vader a datapad containing the location of the base. Vader took it and looked it over.
"I see," Vader said. "But can you do anything special? I sense the Force in you."
"Oh yes, I can do what I wish." The Digimon Emperor turned toward a couple of stormtroopers goofing around and he extended his hand. The stormtroopers suddenly appeared to choke themselves to death. They both fell to the ground, dead.
"Very impressive, Digimon Emperor," Vader said.
"As for those friends, here are the details about them." He yet again handed Vader another datapad and Vader took it. He looked at it for a few minutes.
"Most intriguing. My master was correct," Vader said. "Very well. Once this ship is complete, we will head for the base."
"The base is beyond the Hoth asteroid field so you will have to be careful."
"We will take note of that." Vader signaled two of his troopers.
"Escort him to his quarters." The troopers left with the Digimon Emperor. Palpatine sensed what Vader was thinking.
"I sense you share my interests in him," the Emperor said. "You approve of him, do you not?"
"Yes," Vader said. "I sense he will be a valuable asset." With that, the Emperor and Vader stood silent.
Meanwhile...
The Millenium Falcon escorted by two X-Wings sped toward Cloud City. The Falcon landed on a platform while their escorts left and went to land elsewhere. Matt Ishida and the others stepped out on to the platform. Leia Organa Solo was busy elsewhere at a diplomatic meeting.
"Well, here we are," Han Solo said.
"Well, where's your friend?" Matt asked. "You said he was here."
"Relax, kid. Trust me, he'll be here." Soon after he said that, Lando stepped through a doorway with his guards and Lobot, his android assistant.
"Hey you old pirate!" Lando said. "What are you doing here? I hope it's not repairs this time."
"No, it isn't. Good to see you again."
"You too." Lando eyed the new group of people.
"Who are they?" They introduced themselves. After the introductions, Lando decided to let them into Cloud City.
"Well, we better get moving," Lando said. "One of our spies said that they have seen some Imperial patrols near here recently and we'd better be careful. After the Battle of Mon Calamari I'd thought we were done with the Empire. But now we got another Palpatine on our hands."
"Things change, I guess," Han said. They exited through the doorway and entered the hallways of Cloud City to their new quarters.
Meanwhile, the Imperial fleet, now complete with the Super Star Destroyer Phantom, cruised through the Hoth asteroid belt. Darth Vader sat inside his chambers. A officer walked up to him.
"My Lord, we are nearing the planet Bespin. One of our spies have reported they have seen the Millenium Falcon drop out of hyperspace there and they have landed on Cloud City."
"Very good, officer," Vader replied. "Once we arrive, deploy the units."
"Yes, Lord Vader." With that, the officer departed. Shortly afterward, the Digimon Emperor walked up to Vader.
"You called?" he asked.
"Yes, I did," Vader said. "I have a mission for you. Once we arrive at Bespin, you are to depart in a shuttle and land with the invasion force on a separate platform. You are to capture the famed heroes of the Rebellion and their new friends. If you can, I want you to freeze their leader, Tai Kamiya in carbonite. No disinigrations. Try to capture Matt Ishida also. He would be a valuable ally, like you."
"As you wish, Lord Vader." The Digimon Emperor left.
When the fleet finally did arrive at Bespin, the officer appeared on the bridge where Vader was now standing.
"My Lord, we have arrived at Bespin," he said. "Shall we deploy the units now?"
"Yes," Vader said. "You have your orders. Take over the city. Do not fail me."
"As you wish, my Lord. I will not fail you."
"We will see, officer...for your sake..." The officer left.
* * *
Meanwhile, the Digimon Emperor was entering his shuttle. They have seen me once, but when they see me now, they will cringe in fear, he thought about his enemies. They shall have no mercy... The shuttle then exited the hangar.
Meanwhile, in the heroes' lounge room, Matt and the others were talking.
"I have a bad feeling about this," he said. "What if those Imperial patrols locate us? I mean, it can only be a matter of time before they realise we're here."
"Even if they did realise we're here, I don't think they would be anywhere near Hoth," Tai said. "It's too barren, and it's unlikely the Imperials would choose a location like that."
"Not so fast," Luke said. "The Imperials have changed. I think they wouldn't build a base on Hoth. It's most likely they decided to just orbit it. Plus, we have no way of knowing if they're on the other side of the asteroid field."
"Are you saying that we should check it out?" Han asked. "After escaping Hoth years ago, I never want to go through that little adventure again. I mean, really. I don't think I want to hide in another asteroid again."
"That's not what I'm saying," Luke replied. "They probably have set up defenses in the asteroid field. Plus, I bet their ships have some kind of cloaking device. After seeing the Emperor's Eclipse Star Destroyer, it's a wonder we were able to detect it."
"Speaking of detection, I think I sense something," Sora Takenouchi said. "It's Vader and the Emperor. I think they are here."
"What do you mean they are here?" Kail Jahoam said. "If they were here, I think Lando would have said something by now."
"As I said, they must be using cloaking devices," Luke said. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
"I sense something," Matt said quietly. "Something I've not felt since..."
"What is it, Matt?" Sora Liang said.
"It's...it's nothing, I think we'd better get a move on."
"I have a idea," Luke said. "Matt and I can call for help. There's a Republic outpost not far from here, I think we should go there."
"Great, here's another of Luke's crazy ways to die scheme," Han said.
"It'll work, trust me. Come on, Matt." Matt left with Luke and headed for a shuttle.
"Great," Han said. "Anyone else got a idea?"
"I say we stay here and defend the city," Tai said.
"Well, at least it's better then Luke's. Come on, let's go." They all left with Han.
* * *
Soon after they set up defenses, they heard a clanking sound coming from one of the airlocks in the corridors.
"Hey," Kail said. "What the hell is that noise?"
"Whatever it is, it can't be good," Tai said. "Stay back. Ready your weapons." The small group of Bespin cops ducked behind their tripod mounted guns and wrapped their hands around the handles. Everyone else either drew their blasters or lightsabers. Now they could hear a buzzing noise as sparks flew around the edges of the airlock seal. A moment later, the airlock burst open, sending debris flying and sending wind down around the nearby corridors. Three squads of stormtroopers marched through the blasted airlock and started shooting at the defenses Han and the others had set up. Lasers flew everywhere, lightsabers deflected and troopers went down on both sides. The firing stopped.
Bodies of fallen Imperial soldiers and Bespin cops were practically everywhere in the smoke filled corridor. Why did they stop firing? Tai thought. His question was answered as the Digimon Emperor entered the corridor.
"What?" Tai said, unbelievable. "No! Ken's on Coruscant, this is impossible!"
"Oh, it is not impossible, Kamiya," the Digimon Emperor said. "Thanks to the Empire, I have been cloned. Your friend is safe in the pathetic little nest you Republic scum built for him." Everyone was silent. Finally Tai spoke up once again.
"What do you want with us?" he said.
"I'm taking you as prisoners. And you Kamiya, I have something special planned for you."
"You're not taking us anywhere," T.K. said as he ran at the Digimon Emperor. The Digimon Emperor extended his hand and T.K. flew into a wall, unconscious.
"Uh uh uh," the Digimon Emperor taunted. "You're all doing as I say. Refuse, and we will kill you all."
"You wouldn't dare!" Tai said.
"Listen to him Tai," Izzy whispered in Tai's ear. "I'm sure Luke and Matt will think of something." Tai took a deep breath and then agreed with the Digimon Emperor. They were then led away.
Meanwhile, Matt and Luke were in the shuttle, heading for the hyperspace marker near Bespin.
"Luke, I felt something," Matt said.
"What is it?" Luke asked.
"It's the Digimon Emperor. He's on Bespin. He's captured everyone and he's planning to do something to Tai! We've got to go back!"
"Wait a minute. I thought you said that this Digimon Emperor character is gone. Now he's back? Besides, Ken wasn't with us on the Falcon."
"It's not Ken, I know it isn't. He doesn't have the Force. This one is a clone."
"Well, we can't go back. We need to call for help." "And leave our friends to die? No. Turn the ship around." Luke thought for a moment then reconsidered."You remind me when I was training to be a Jedi. I sensed my friends were in trouble and I left to save them. Well, okay. We're going back." The shuttle changed course and headed back to Bespin. (Author's Note: There's going to be a lot of Empire Strikes Back reference here, but it fits in well with the story.) After being tortured, Tai and the others arrived on the carbon freezing platform. There is great activity on the platform. Six ugnaughts frantically prepare the chamber for use. A special coffinlike container is put in place. With the Digimon Emperor in the lead, a squad of six stormtroopers brings in Tai and the others. Realizing what is about to happen, Chewie lets out a wild howl and attacks the stormtroopers surrounding Han. Within seconds, other Imperial reinforcements join the scuffle, clubbing the giant Wookiee with their laser weapons. The stormtroopers are about to bash Chewie in the face. "Stop, Chewie, stop!" Han shouted. "Yes, stop, please! I'm not ready to die," C-3PO added. Han breaks away from the captors. The Digimon Emperor nods to the guards to let him go and the former pirate breaks up the fight. "Chewie!" Han said. "Hey, Chewie, this won't help us." Han gives the Wookiee a stern look. "Save your strength," he said. "There'll be another time. You hear me?" Tai winked at the Wookiee, who wailed a doleful farewell. In a flash the guards have slipped binders on Chewbacca, who is too distraught to protest. Tai turned to Sora. They look sorrowfully at one another, then Tai moves toward her and gives her a final, passionate kiss. "I love you," Sora said. "I know," Tai replied. Tears roll down Sora's face as she watches the Tai walk to the hydraulic platform. Tai looks one final time at his friends - and then, suddenly, the platform drops. Chewie howls. Sora turns away in agony. Lando winces in sorrow; it makes a life-changing impression on him. Instantly, fiery liquid begins to pour down in a shower of sparks and fluid as great as any steel furnace. "What...what's going on?" Theepio said. "Oh...they've encased him in carbonite. He should be quite well protected, if he survives the freezing process, that is." Chewie is in no mood for technical discussion; he gives the droid an angry glance and barks. "Somehow this seems strangely familar," Han said(Author's Note: I agree). A huge mechanical tong lifts the steaming metal-encased Tai out of the vat and stands him on the platform. Some ugnaughts rush over and push the block over onto the platform. They slide the coffinlike structure to the block and lift the metal block, placing it inside. They then attach an electronic box onto the structure and step away. Lando kneels and adjusts some knobs, measuring the heat. He shakes his head in relief. "Well, Calrissian, did he survive?" the Digimon Emperor asked. "Yes, he's alive," Lando replied. "and in perfect hibernation." "Good. Reset the chamber for Ishida." A Imperial officer walked up to the Digimon Emperor. "Sir, ship approaching," he said. "a shuttle. Ishida is aboard." "Good," the Digimon Emperor said. "See to it that he finds his way here. Calrissian, take the others to my ship." "You said they'd be left in the city under my supervision," Lando said. "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further." Lando's hand instinctively goes to his throat as he turns to the remaining heroes. Meanwhile, Luke and Matt were talking near a doorway near the landing platform they landed their shuttle at.
"Here's the plan," Luke said. "You go try and to rescue the others. I'm gonna go and try to call for help. Hopefully the communications aren't destroyed yet. Got that?"
"I sure do," Matt said.
"Great. See you around." With that, Luke went through the door and turned down a hallway. Matt decided to turn down a different one. As Matt moved carefully down a deserted corridor, he heard a group of people coming down a side hallway. Boba Fett enters from a side hallway followed by two guards pushing the floating, encased body of Tai Kamiya. Two stormtroopers, who follow, immediately spot Matt and open fire on him. The youth draws his blaster and blasts the two troopers before they can get off a second shot. The two guards whisk Tai into another hallway as Fett pulled out his blaster rifle and fired a deadly laser at Matt, which explodes to one side and tears up a huge chunk of the wall. Matt rushes to a side hallway, but by the time he reaches it, Fett, Tai and the guards are gone. A think metal door blocks the passage. Matt turns to see Lando and the others being herded down a second hallway by several other stormtroopers. Sora Liang turns just in time to see Matt. "Matt!" she said. "Matt, don't - it's a trap! It's a trap!" Before she can finish, she is pulled through a doorway and disappears from sight. Matt raced after the group. Matt runs into an anteroom and stops to get his bearings. Sora and the others are nowhere to be seen. Behind Matt, a giant metal door comes slamming down, cutting off Matt's exit. Several more doors clang shut, echoing through the chamber. Matt cautiously walks forward among hissing pipes and steam. Seeing an opening above him, he stops to look up. As he does, the platform he stands on begins to move. Matt rises into the chamber, borne by the platform. The room is deathly quiet. Very little steam escapes the pipes and no one else seems to be in the large room. Warily, Matt walks toward the stairway. Steam begins to build up in the chamber. Looking up through the steam, Matt sees a figure standing on a walkway above him. Matt holsters his gun and moves up the stairs to face the Digimon Emperor. He feels confident, eager to engage his enemy. "The Force is with you, young Ishida," the Digimon Emperor said. "but you are not a Jedi yet." Matt ignited his blue bladed lightsaber in answer. In an instant, the Digimon Emperor's purple bladed saber was lit. Matt lunges, but the Digimon Emperor repels the blow. Again Matt attacks, and the swords of the two combatants clash in battle. Sora and the others marched along, guarded by six stormtroopers. The group reaches an intersection where Lobot and a dozen of Lando's guards stand at attention. The guards immediately aim their weapons at the startled stormtroopers. Standing there with the guards, is Luke.
"Luke!" Han said. "How did you know?"
"No time to explain," Luke said. Taking the stormtroopers' weapons from them, Luke hands the blasters to Han, Lando and Chewie. "Well done," Luke said. "Hold them in the security tower - and keep it quiet. Move." As Lando's guards quickly march the stormtroopers away, Luke undid Chewie's bindings. "There's still a chance to save Tai," Luke said. "He's being taken to the platform east of here." Lando and the others run down a Cloud City corridor. They find the block of carbonite in a corridor guarded by a few stormtroopers. They blast them. "I'll take Tai with me," Luke said. "I'll get him to the Falcon." "We'll see you there," Lando responded. "I have to give the order to evacuate." "Right. I'll see you there." Luke then left with the carbonite. "Oh, no!" Theepio said. "They're behind us!" Everyone turns to see what Threepio has already spotted coming from the other direction; a squad of stormtroopers running toward them. Artoo peeks out from a elevator. Sora and the others start firing at the troopers as Lando makes a break for the elevator. Laser bolts continue to explode around the others, but they refuse to budge. Lando sticks his head out of the elevator and motions for the pair to run, but they barely notice. They seem possessed, transported, as all the frustration of captivity pour through their death-dealing weapons. But after a few moments, they begin to move through the rain of laser fire toward the elevator. Once they are inside, the door slams shut and the stormtroopers race forward. Matt and the Digimon Emperor are locked in combat on the platform overlooking the chamber. Their swords clash, the platform sways. Matt aggressively drives the Digimon Emperor back, forcing the Emperor to use defensive tactics. "You have learned much," the Digimon Emperor said. "You'll find I'm full of surprises," Matt replied. The Digimon Emperor makes two quick moves, hooking Matt's sword out of his hand and sending it flying. Another lightning move at Matt's feet forces the youth to jump back to protect himself. Losing his balance, Matt rolls down the stairs to the circular carbon-freezing platform. There he sprawls on the floor, surprised and shaken. Just in time he looks up to see the Digimon Emperor, like a giant black bird, flying right at him. Matt rolls away as the Emperor lands. Crouching, Matt keeps his gaze steadily on his enemy. "Your destiny lies with me, Ishida," the Digimon Emperor said. "Skywalker knew this to be true." "No!" Matt said. Behind Matt the hydraulic elevator cover has opened noiselessly. All the while, Matt slowly, cautiously moves back, away from the Dark Lord. Suddenly, the Digimon Emperor attacks so forcefully that Matt loses his balance and falls back into the opening. There is a rumble, and in an instant freezing steam rises to obscure the Emperor's vision. The Digimon Emperor turns aside and deactivates his lightsaber. "All too easy," he said. "Perhaps you are not as strong as Vader thought." Through the steam behind the Emperor something blurs upward. Liquid metal begins to pour into the pit. The Digimon Emperor turns around - and then looks up. He sees Matt, who has leaped fifteen feet straight up and who now hangs from some hoses on the carbonite outlet. "Impressive," the Emperor said. "Most impressive." Matt jumps down to the platform where he is separated from the Digimon Emperor by the steaming carbonite pit. He raises his hand. His lightsaber, which had fallen on another part of the platform, swiftly jumps into his outstretched hand and is instantly ignited. The Emperor immediately lights his lightsaber as well. "Luke has taught you well," he said. "You have controlled your fear...now release your anger." Matt is more cautious, controlling his anger. He begins to retreat as the Emperor goads him on. As Matt takes a defensive position, he realizes he has been foolhardy. A quick sword exchange and Matt forces the Digimon Emperor back. Another exchange and the Emperor retreats. Matt presses forward. "Only your hatred can destroy me," the Digimon Emperor said. Breathing hard, Matt jumps in the air, turning a somersault over the Emperor. He lands on the floor and slashes at the Digimon Emperor as the room continues to fill up with steam. The Emperor retreats before Matt's skillful lightsaber. The Digimon Emperor blocks the sword, but loses his balance and falls into the outer rim of pipes. The energy Matt has used to stop the Emperor has brought him to the point of collapse. Matt moves to the edge and looks down, but sees no sign of the Digimon Emperor. He then deactivates his lightsaber, hooks it on his belt, and lowers himself into the pit. Moving through a tunnellike entrance, Matt cautiously approaches the reactor room. He ignites his lightsaber and moves into the room and toward a large window as the Emperor enters. Matt raises his sword and moves forward to attack. Behind Matt a large piece of machinery detaches itself from the wall and comes smashing forward toward his back. Matt turns and cuts it in half just as another machine comes hurtling at him. Using the Force, Matt manages to deflect it and send it flying as if it had hit an invisible shield. A large pipe detaches and comes flying at Matt. He deflects it. Sparking wires pull out of the wall and begin to whip at the youth. Small tools and equipment come flying at him. Bombardment from all sides, Matt does his best to deflect everything, but soon he is bloodied and bruised. Finally, one machine glances off his and goes flying out the large window. A fierce wind blows into the room. Unmoving, stands the dark, rocklike figure of the Digimon Emperor. A piece of machinery hits Matt and he is knocked out of the window. Matt falls onto the gantry, rolls, and hangs over the edge, holding his deactivated sword in hand. He puts the sword on his belt and begins to scramble up. Lando and the others come around a corner and head for the door to the landing platform. They glimpse the Millennium Falcon for a moment before the door slams shut. The group ducks into an alcove as stormtroopers arrive at the end of the corridor. The troopers send a rain of laser bolts at the group. Sora and the others return their fire as Lando punches desperately at the door's control panel. "The security codes have been changed!" he said. "Artoo, you can tell the computer to override the security system," Threepio said to Artoo-Detoo. He points to a computer socket on the control panel. Artoo beeps and scoots toward it. Lando meanwhile has connected up to the panel's intercom. "Attention! This is Lando Calrissian," he said. "The Empire has taken control of the city. I advise everyone to leave before more Imperial troops arrive." Artoo takes off a computer cover and sticks his computer arm into the socket. Suddenly, a short beep turns into a wild scream. Artoo's circuits light up, his head spins wildly, and smoke begins to seep out underneath him. Quickly, Chewie pulls him away. "This way," Lando said. Lando and the others flee down the corridor. As he scoots along with them, Artoo sends some angry beeps Threepio's way.
"Don't blame me," Threepio said. "I'm an interpreter. I'm not supposed to know a power socket from a computer terminal." In a panic, Cloud City residents are trying to get out of the city. Some carry boxes, others packages. They run, then change direction. Some are shooting at stormtroopers, others simply try to hide. Other stormtroopers pursue Lando and the others who are firing back at them. Artoo works on another door to the landing platform. Sora and the others retreat along the corridor. A triumphant beep from Artoo - and the door snaps open. "I never doubted you for a second," Threepio said to Artoo. "Wonderful!" Artoo lays a cloud fog, obscuring everything, as the group dashes outside. They race for the Millennium Falcon as a battalion of stormtroopers reaches the main door. Lando and the others hold off the troops as the droids get on board with Han and Chewbacca. They start up the ship. The giant engines begin to whine as Lando and the others race up the ramp under a hail of laser fire. "Go!" Lando shouted. The others got on aboard, thankfully seeing Luke with the encased Tai on board. Chewie worked the controls in the cockpit as Han pilots the ship and Lando watched over their shoulders. As Chewie pulls back on the throttle, the ship began to move. The Millennium Falcon lifted gracefully into the twilight sky and roared away from the city. Troops fired after it and TIE fighters took off in pursuit. Matt moved along the railing and up to the control room. The Digimon Emperor lunged at him and Matt raised his lit lightsaber to meet the Emperor's. Sparks flew as they dueled, the Digimon Emperor gradually forcing Matt backward toward the gantry. "You are beaten," the Emperor said. "It is useless to resist. Don't let yourself be destroyed as other Jedi did." Matt answered by rolling sideways and thrusted his sword at the Digimon Emperor so viciously that he nicked the Emperor on the shoulder. The black armour sparked and smoked and the Digimon Emperor seemed to be hurt, but immediately recovered. Matt backed off along the narrow end of the gantry as the Emperor came at him, slashing at the young Jedi with his sword. Matt made a quick move around the instrument complex attached to the end of the gantry. The Digimon Emperor's lightsaber came slashing down, cutting the complex loose; it began to fall, then was caught by the rising wind and blown upward. Matt glanced at the instrument complex floating away. At that instant, the Emperor's sword came down across Matt's right forearm, cutting off his hand and sending his sword flying. In great pain, Matt squeezed his forearm under his left armpit and moved back along the gantry to its extreme end. The Digimon Emperor followed. The wind subsides. Matt held on. There was nowhere else to go. "There is no escape," the Emperor said. "Don't make me destroy you. You do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover you power. Join us and we will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy." "I'll never join you!" Luke said. "If you only knew the power of the Dark Side. Luke never told you the truth about your parents." "He told me enough! You killed them on Earth." "No. He is your father. Mara is your mother." Shocked, Matt looked at the Digimon Emperor in utter disbelief. "No," Matt replied. "No. That's not true! That's impossible!" "Search your feelings," the Emperor said. "You know it to be true." "No! No! No!" "Matt. You can destroy the Empire. Vader and the Emperor have foreseen this. It is your destiny. Join us, and we can rule the galaxy together. Come with me. It is the only way." The Digimon Emperor put his lightsaber and held his hand out to Matt. A calm came over Matt, and he made a decision. In the next instant he stepped off the gantry platform into space. The Dark Lord looked over the platform and saw Matt falling far below. The wind began to blow at the Emperor and the torrent finally forces him back, away from the edge. The wind soon fades and the wounded Jedi began to drop fast, unable to grab onto anything to break his fall. Suddenly Matt is sucked into an exhaust pipe in the side of the shaft. When the Digimon Emperor sees this, he turns and hurried off the platform. Matt tumbled through the exhaust pipe. He slid to the end of the slickly polished pipe and stopped as his feet hit a circlar grill and knocked it open. Matt clawed at the surface of the pipe, trying to keep from sliding out into space. Unable to hang onto the pipe, Matt tumbled out, emerging at the undermost part of Cloud City. Reaching out desperately, he manages to grab onto a electronic weather vane. He called out to Luke. "Luke," he said. No answer. "Luke, please!" Still no answer. Matt tried to pull himself up on the weather vane but slips back down. He hooked on of his legs around the fragile instruments. All the while, a powerful current of air rushes out at him from the exhaust pipe. He called out to Luke once more. "Luke..." No answer. Maybe he was busy. But then he sensed it. Could it be? But she doesn't have the Force. But something reassured him and he called out to- "Sora!" There was an ominous cracking sound from the base of the weather vane and a piece broke off, falling into the clouds far below. "Hear me, Sora!" Hear me, Sora! Sora Liang heard those words. But how? Matt was not with them. But then she knew.
"Matt..." she said. "We've got to go back." Chewbacca growled in surprise.
"What?" Han said.
"I know where Matt is," Sora said.
"But what about those fighters?" Han asked. Chewie barked in agreement.
"Chewie, just do it," she said.
"But what about-" Han started to say. But Chewie cut him off.
"All right all right all right," Han said defensively. The Falcon makes a graceful banking turn back toward Cloud City.
* * * The Digimon Emperor entered the landing platform and watched as the speck that is the Falcon disappears. The wind blows at his cape. He turns to two aides who are standing near the entrance to the landing platform. "Bring me my shuttle," the Emperor said to them. "Right away, sir."
* * * Nearly unconscious, Matt hangs upside-down on the weather vane as his body shifts in the wind. The Falcon dives to the underside of the floating city. Three TIE fighters close in on the starship. Sora tried to remain calm. "Look, someone's up there," Han said. "It's Matt," Sora replied. "Chewie, slow down. Slow down and we'll get under him. Luke, open the top hatch." Luke rushed out of the cockpit. Matt hung by one arm from the crossbar of the weather vane. He slipped from the bar and grabbed onto the pole of the vane as the Falcon banked toward him. The Falcon positioned itself under Matt as Luke moved up through the opening of the hatch. Matt began to slide and finally fell from the vane into space. Out the cockpit window, Sora sees Matt falling from the bottom of the city. The ship gains on him. "Okay," Han said. "Easy Chewie." The Falcon closes in on Matt. The three TIE fighters raced toward the Falcon, firing away. The hatch popped open with a hiss of pressure. Luke reaches out to help the battered warrior inside the ship. Flak bursts all around it as the Falcon banked away from the city. Han and Chewie struggle with the controls. Sora keyed the comm unit. "Luke?" "Okay, let's go," he said over the comm unit. The Falcon races away. It is closely followed by three TIE fighters, all of which keep up a heavy laser assault on the fleeing starship. Explosions erupt all around the Cockpit, buffeting the ship wildly. Chewie howls as he frantically tries to control the ship. Sora, Han and Chewie turned to see Matt, bloody and battered, enter the cockpit supported by Luke. Sora jumped up and hugged Matt while Chewie barked in joyous relief. "Sora..." Matt said, with relief. "All right, Chewie," Han said to his co-pilot. "Let's go." Sora helps Matt from the cockpit as another huge blast rocked the ship. The Falcon, still followed by the three TIE fighters, race away from the cloud-covered city. Matt rested on a cot, his injured arm wrapped in protective cuff. Sora gently wiped his face. The ship lurched again. "I'll be back," she said. She kissed him, then left the quarters. All over the ship muted alarm buzzers sound. Han anxiously watched the flashing lights on the control panel and hurriedly adjusted some switches. Seated next to him, Chewie pointed out a new blip appearing on the control panel. Sora, watching over their shoulders, recognized the shape. "Super Star Destroyer," she said. "All right, Chewie," Han said. "Ready for lightspeed." Another explosion rocks the ship. Sora noticed a green light on the panel next to her flashed on. "All the coordinates are set," she said. "It's now or never." Chewie barked in agreement. "Punch it!" Han said and they went into hyperspace. While they were in hyperspace, Luke talked with Matt about their family connection.
"Luke," Matt said. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I felt you weren't ready," Luke said. "I couldn't have told you when we first met. You didn't even know me. Plus, I was afraid you would turn to the Dark Side. Things happen like that. I never expected the Digimon Emperor to tell you."
"Well, he did, and did I turn evil?"
"No."
"So there's nothing to worry about, right?"
"Yes."
"How did I end up on Earth?" Luke told him the whole story(Author's Note: See my prologue fic, A New Age, the prequel to this story. Read chapter one. It will tell you the whole story.).
"You are supposed to be the Chosen One."
"Me? Why me? I thought your father, Anakin was."
"He was supposed to be, but he fell to the Dark Side. He hunted down and killed almost all the Jedi. He was the original Darth Vader. The Jedi found that they were wrong about him bringing balance to the Force. Anakin stayed Vader until he died. He was redeemed, but he never really did bring balance to the Force afterward. Then when you came, I compared your midichlorian count to the other Jedi who ever lived. It seems you are stronger then Yoda and my father. You are the Chosen One."
"Wow. I never really thought of that."
"Don't take to much pride in it, as it will lead to the Dark Side."
"Thanks father. Thank you for telling me the truth."
"You're welcome, my son."
The End So you like it? Long, I know. But somehow I knew you people would get tired of the same old short stories. I almost thought this was gonna have to be divided into two chapters! If you don't like the idea of me putting ESB and then making a excuse because of it, well too bad. Again, this is MY story. This surely has made my arms ache, so I will take a bit of a break. Just a couple of quick shoutouts to my friends, Sora Liang and Kail Jahoam(No, that is not their real names, those are their screen names they use in chats and stuff.)! I hope you two like the idea of adding you both in the story! Keep on the look out for chapter 2!
A time not so long ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
STAR WARS
The Jedi Elite
Episode I
A New Empire
A few months have passed since the capture of EARTH by the resurrected
GALACTIC EMPIRE. Survivors of the planet have seeked refuge on the NEW REPUBLIC captial of CORUSCANT. Others who stayed behind were either killed
or taken in as slaves for the Empire.
MATT ISHIDA has completed his JEDI training along with his friends. They
now go to BESPIN for a vacation along with the heroes of the REBELLION.
They hope nothing will be interrupted. Meanwhile, the resurrected EMPEROR PALPATINE has found a new heir to the
Empire, hopefully acting both as a spy and DARK JEDI. Meanwhile, a lost Republic ship has entered Imperial space and has come under attack by new
Imperial fighters...
Space. The supposedly final frontier. A lone New Republic ship moves through a unknown system. Captain Gerrard stands watch infront of the viewport. A officer walks up to him.
"Report," Gerrard said.
"Sir, we are picking up Imperial fighters coming out of hyperspace," the officer said.
"Imperial fighters with hyperdrives? What kind are they? Defenders or Advanced?" he asked.
"Neither, sir. These are unknown craft, but they do have Imperial markings on them." The captain sighed.
"Launch the fighters then," he said. The officer left and soon afterward, the X-Wing fighters left the hangar bay. The unknown TIE fighters went out to meet them. The fighters looked way different, some did not. Some normal TIE Fighters had laser cannons mounted to their wings. Some only had one wing with a cockpit one side and another metal ball on the other side that had a turbolaser mounted to the end of it. Some were TIE Interceptors with warhead launchers mounted on their wings.
Some TIE fighters had a huge engine mounted to the back, making it go really fast. They started engaging the fighters.
"What the hell are they..." the captain said. In moments, the X-Wings were reduced to rubble. The fighters then fired on the Republic ship itself.
"Fire at them!" the captain shouted.
"We can't sir!" a gunner in one of the gun stations said over the comm. "They're coming in too fast!" The Republic ship was then blown into space dust.
Later, near Hoth...
Space. The blackness against the stars is filled with debris, machines, cranes, half completed Imperial vessels being built and of course, many Star Destroyers. A Super Star Destroyer is almost complete, along with a half completed Death Star and a half completed Darksaber(Author's Note: Even though this takes place before Darksaber, it's my story.). TIE fighters dart and fro. A shuttle is seen boarding the almost complete Super Star Destroyer. Darth Vader stands aboard the bridge. The Emperor walks up to him along with a new arrival.
Vader kneeled before Palpatine.
"Rise, my friend," Palpatine said and Vader stood. Palpatine signaled the newcomer and he stepped forward.
"This is the Digimon Emperor," Palpatine said. "He is a clone of the real one, but that was a long time ago. He wishes to join us and I find him most intriguing."
"Very well," Vader said. "Why do you want to join us?"
"I despise the New Republic and their friends," the Digimon Emperor said.
"Wait," Vader said. "Friends? Who are they?"
"I will get to that in a moment. But my followers have located a Rebel base on the planet of Bespin. It is on Cloud City." He handed Vader a datapad containing the location of the base. Vader took it and looked it over.
"I see," Vader said. "But can you do anything special? I sense the Force in you."
"Oh yes, I can do what I wish." The Digimon Emperor turned toward a couple of stormtroopers goofing around and he extended his hand. The stormtroopers suddenly appeared to choke themselves to death. They both fell to the ground, dead.
"Very impressive, Digimon Emperor," Vader said.
"As for those friends, here are the details about them." He yet again handed Vader another datapad and Vader took it. He looked at it for a few minutes.
"Most intriguing. My master was correct," Vader said. "Very well. Once this ship is complete, we will head for the base."
"The base is beyond the Hoth asteroid field so you will have to be careful."
"We will take note of that." Vader signaled two of his troopers.
"Escort him to his quarters." The troopers left with the Digimon Emperor. Palpatine sensed what Vader was thinking.
"I sense you share my interests in him," the Emperor said. "You approve of him, do you not?"
"Yes," Vader said. "I sense he will be a valuable asset." With that, the Emperor and Vader stood silent.
Meanwhile...
The Millenium Falcon escorted by two X-Wings sped toward Cloud City. The Falcon landed on a platform while their escorts left and went to land elsewhere. Matt Ishida and the others stepped out on to the platform. Leia Organa Solo was busy elsewhere at a diplomatic meeting.
"Well, here we are," Han Solo said.
"Well, where's your friend?" Matt asked. "You said he was here."
"Relax, kid. Trust me, he'll be here." Soon after he said that, Lando stepped through a doorway with his guards and Lobot, his android assistant.
"Hey you old pirate!" Lando said. "What are you doing here? I hope it's not repairs this time."
"No, it isn't. Good to see you again."
"You too." Lando eyed the new group of people.
"Who are they?" They introduced themselves. After the introductions, Lando decided to let them into Cloud City.
"Well, we better get moving," Lando said. "One of our spies said that they have seen some Imperial patrols near here recently and we'd better be careful. After the Battle of Mon Calamari I'd thought we were done with the Empire. But now we got another Palpatine on our hands."
"Things change, I guess," Han said. They exited through the doorway and entered the hallways of Cloud City to their new quarters.
Meanwhile, the Imperial fleet, now complete with the Super Star Destroyer Phantom, cruised through the Hoth asteroid belt. Darth Vader sat inside his chambers. A officer walked up to him.
"My Lord, we are nearing the planet Bespin. One of our spies have reported they have seen the Millenium Falcon drop out of hyperspace there and they have landed on Cloud City."
"Very good, officer," Vader replied. "Once we arrive, deploy the units."
"Yes, Lord Vader." With that, the officer departed. Shortly afterward, the Digimon Emperor walked up to Vader.
"You called?" he asked.
"Yes, I did," Vader said. "I have a mission for you. Once we arrive at Bespin, you are to depart in a shuttle and land with the invasion force on a separate platform. You are to capture the famed heroes of the Rebellion and their new friends. If you can, I want you to freeze their leader, Tai Kamiya in carbonite. No disinigrations. Try to capture Matt Ishida also. He would be a valuable ally, like you."
"As you wish, Lord Vader." The Digimon Emperor left.
When the fleet finally did arrive at Bespin, the officer appeared on the bridge where Vader was now standing.
"My Lord, we have arrived at Bespin," he said. "Shall we deploy the units now?"
"Yes," Vader said. "You have your orders. Take over the city. Do not fail me."
"As you wish, my Lord. I will not fail you."
"We will see, officer...for your sake..." The officer left.
* * *
Meanwhile, the Digimon Emperor was entering his shuttle. They have seen me once, but when they see me now, they will cringe in fear, he thought about his enemies. They shall have no mercy... The shuttle then exited the hangar.
Meanwhile, in the heroes' lounge room, Matt and the others were talking.
"I have a bad feeling about this," he said. "What if those Imperial patrols locate us? I mean, it can only be a matter of time before they realise we're here."
"Even if they did realise we're here, I don't think they would be anywhere near Hoth," Tai said. "It's too barren, and it's unlikely the Imperials would choose a location like that."
"Not so fast," Luke said. "The Imperials have changed. I think they wouldn't build a base on Hoth. It's most likely they decided to just orbit it. Plus, we have no way of knowing if they're on the other side of the asteroid field."
"Are you saying that we should check it out?" Han asked. "After escaping Hoth years ago, I never want to go through that little adventure again. I mean, really. I don't think I want to hide in another asteroid again."
"That's not what I'm saying," Luke replied. "They probably have set up defenses in the asteroid field. Plus, I bet their ships have some kind of cloaking device. After seeing the Emperor's Eclipse Star Destroyer, it's a wonder we were able to detect it."
"Speaking of detection, I think I sense something," Sora Takenouchi said. "It's Vader and the Emperor. I think they are here."
"What do you mean they are here?" Kail Jahoam said. "If they were here, I think Lando would have said something by now."
"As I said, they must be using cloaking devices," Luke said. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
"I sense something," Matt said quietly. "Something I've not felt since..."
"What is it, Matt?" Sora Liang said.
"It's...it's nothing, I think we'd better get a move on."
"I have a idea," Luke said. "Matt and I can call for help. There's a Republic outpost not far from here, I think we should go there."
"Great, here's another of Luke's crazy ways to die scheme," Han said.
"It'll work, trust me. Come on, Matt." Matt left with Luke and headed for a shuttle.
"Great," Han said. "Anyone else got a idea?"
"I say we stay here and defend the city," Tai said.
"Well, at least it's better then Luke's. Come on, let's go." They all left with Han.
* * *
Soon after they set up defenses, they heard a clanking sound coming from one of the airlocks in the corridors.
"Hey," Kail said. "What the hell is that noise?"
"Whatever it is, it can't be good," Tai said. "Stay back. Ready your weapons." The small group of Bespin cops ducked behind their tripod mounted guns and wrapped their hands around the handles. Everyone else either drew their blasters or lightsabers. Now they could hear a buzzing noise as sparks flew around the edges of the airlock seal. A moment later, the airlock burst open, sending debris flying and sending wind down around the nearby corridors. Three squads of stormtroopers marched through the blasted airlock and started shooting at the defenses Han and the others had set up. Lasers flew everywhere, lightsabers deflected and troopers went down on both sides. The firing stopped.
Bodies of fallen Imperial soldiers and Bespin cops were practically everywhere in the smoke filled corridor. Why did they stop firing? Tai thought. His question was answered as the Digimon Emperor entered the corridor.
"What?" Tai said, unbelievable. "No! Ken's on Coruscant, this is impossible!"
"Oh, it is not impossible, Kamiya," the Digimon Emperor said. "Thanks to the Empire, I have been cloned. Your friend is safe in the pathetic little nest you Republic scum built for him." Everyone was silent. Finally Tai spoke up once again.
"What do you want with us?" he said.
"I'm taking you as prisoners. And you Kamiya, I have something special planned for you."
"You're not taking us anywhere," T.K. said as he ran at the Digimon Emperor. The Digimon Emperor extended his hand and T.K. flew into a wall, unconscious.
"Uh uh uh," the Digimon Emperor taunted. "You're all doing as I say. Refuse, and we will kill you all."
"You wouldn't dare!" Tai said.
"Listen to him Tai," Izzy whispered in Tai's ear. "I'm sure Luke and Matt will think of something." Tai took a deep breath and then agreed with the Digimon Emperor. They were then led away.
Meanwhile, Matt and Luke were in the shuttle, heading for the hyperspace marker near Bespin.
"Luke, I felt something," Matt said.
"What is it?" Luke asked.
"It's the Digimon Emperor. He's on Bespin. He's captured everyone and he's planning to do something to Tai! We've got to go back!"
"Wait a minute. I thought you said that this Digimon Emperor character is gone. Now he's back? Besides, Ken wasn't with us on the Falcon."
"It's not Ken, I know it isn't. He doesn't have the Force. This one is a clone."
"Well, we can't go back. We need to call for help." "And leave our friends to die? No. Turn the ship around." Luke thought for a moment then reconsidered."You remind me when I was training to be a Jedi. I sensed my friends were in trouble and I left to save them. Well, okay. We're going back." The shuttle changed course and headed back to Bespin. (Author's Note: There's going to be a lot of Empire Strikes Back reference here, but it fits in well with the story.) After being tortured, Tai and the others arrived on the carbon freezing platform. There is great activity on the platform. Six ugnaughts frantically prepare the chamber for use. A special coffinlike container is put in place. With the Digimon Emperor in the lead, a squad of six stormtroopers brings in Tai and the others. Realizing what is about to happen, Chewie lets out a wild howl and attacks the stormtroopers surrounding Han. Within seconds, other Imperial reinforcements join the scuffle, clubbing the giant Wookiee with their laser weapons. The stormtroopers are about to bash Chewie in the face. "Stop, Chewie, stop!" Han shouted. "Yes, stop, please! I'm not ready to die," C-3PO added. Han breaks away from the captors. The Digimon Emperor nods to the guards to let him go and the former pirate breaks up the fight. "Chewie!" Han said. "Hey, Chewie, this won't help us." Han gives the Wookiee a stern look. "Save your strength," he said. "There'll be another time. You hear me?" Tai winked at the Wookiee, who wailed a doleful farewell. In a flash the guards have slipped binders on Chewbacca, who is too distraught to protest. Tai turned to Sora. They look sorrowfully at one another, then Tai moves toward her and gives her a final, passionate kiss. "I love you," Sora said. "I know," Tai replied. Tears roll down Sora's face as she watches the Tai walk to the hydraulic platform. Tai looks one final time at his friends - and then, suddenly, the platform drops. Chewie howls. Sora turns away in agony. Lando winces in sorrow; it makes a life-changing impression on him. Instantly, fiery liquid begins to pour down in a shower of sparks and fluid as great as any steel furnace. "What...what's going on?" Theepio said. "Oh...they've encased him in carbonite. He should be quite well protected, if he survives the freezing process, that is." Chewie is in no mood for technical discussion; he gives the droid an angry glance and barks. "Somehow this seems strangely familar," Han said(Author's Note: I agree). A huge mechanical tong lifts the steaming metal-encased Tai out of the vat and stands him on the platform. Some ugnaughts rush over and push the block over onto the platform. They slide the coffinlike structure to the block and lift the metal block, placing it inside. They then attach an electronic box onto the structure and step away. Lando kneels and adjusts some knobs, measuring the heat. He shakes his head in relief. "Well, Calrissian, did he survive?" the Digimon Emperor asked. "Yes, he's alive," Lando replied. "and in perfect hibernation." "Good. Reset the chamber for Ishida." A Imperial officer walked up to the Digimon Emperor. "Sir, ship approaching," he said. "a shuttle. Ishida is aboard." "Good," the Digimon Emperor said. "See to it that he finds his way here. Calrissian, take the others to my ship." "You said they'd be left in the city under my supervision," Lando said. "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further." Lando's hand instinctively goes to his throat as he turns to the remaining heroes. Meanwhile, Luke and Matt were talking near a doorway near the landing platform they landed their shuttle at.
"Here's the plan," Luke said. "You go try and to rescue the others. I'm gonna go and try to call for help. Hopefully the communications aren't destroyed yet. Got that?"
"I sure do," Matt said.
"Great. See you around." With that, Luke went through the door and turned down a hallway. Matt decided to turn down a different one. As Matt moved carefully down a deserted corridor, he heard a group of people coming down a side hallway. Boba Fett enters from a side hallway followed by two guards pushing the floating, encased body of Tai Kamiya. Two stormtroopers, who follow, immediately spot Matt and open fire on him. The youth draws his blaster and blasts the two troopers before they can get off a second shot. The two guards whisk Tai into another hallway as Fett pulled out his blaster rifle and fired a deadly laser at Matt, which explodes to one side and tears up a huge chunk of the wall. Matt rushes to a side hallway, but by the time he reaches it, Fett, Tai and the guards are gone. A think metal door blocks the passage. Matt turns to see Lando and the others being herded down a second hallway by several other stormtroopers. Sora Liang turns just in time to see Matt. "Matt!" she said. "Matt, don't - it's a trap! It's a trap!" Before she can finish, she is pulled through a doorway and disappears from sight. Matt raced after the group. Matt runs into an anteroom and stops to get his bearings. Sora and the others are nowhere to be seen. Behind Matt, a giant metal door comes slamming down, cutting off Matt's exit. Several more doors clang shut, echoing through the chamber. Matt cautiously walks forward among hissing pipes and steam. Seeing an opening above him, he stops to look up. As he does, the platform he stands on begins to move. Matt rises into the chamber, borne by the platform. The room is deathly quiet. Very little steam escapes the pipes and no one else seems to be in the large room. Warily, Matt walks toward the stairway. Steam begins to build up in the chamber. Looking up through the steam, Matt sees a figure standing on a walkway above him. Matt holsters his gun and moves up the stairs to face the Digimon Emperor. He feels confident, eager to engage his enemy. "The Force is with you, young Ishida," the Digimon Emperor said. "but you are not a Jedi yet." Matt ignited his blue bladed lightsaber in answer. In an instant, the Digimon Emperor's purple bladed saber was lit. Matt lunges, but the Digimon Emperor repels the blow. Again Matt attacks, and the swords of the two combatants clash in battle. Sora and the others marched along, guarded by six stormtroopers. The group reaches an intersection where Lobot and a dozen of Lando's guards stand at attention. The guards immediately aim their weapons at the startled stormtroopers. Standing there with the guards, is Luke.
"Luke!" Han said. "How did you know?"
"No time to explain," Luke said. Taking the stormtroopers' weapons from them, Luke hands the blasters to Han, Lando and Chewie. "Well done," Luke said. "Hold them in the security tower - and keep it quiet. Move." As Lando's guards quickly march the stormtroopers away, Luke undid Chewie's bindings. "There's still a chance to save Tai," Luke said. "He's being taken to the platform east of here." Lando and the others run down a Cloud City corridor. They find the block of carbonite in a corridor guarded by a few stormtroopers. They blast them. "I'll take Tai with me," Luke said. "I'll get him to the Falcon." "We'll see you there," Lando responded. "I have to give the order to evacuate." "Right. I'll see you there." Luke then left with the carbonite. "Oh, no!" Theepio said. "They're behind us!" Everyone turns to see what Threepio has already spotted coming from the other direction; a squad of stormtroopers running toward them. Artoo peeks out from a elevator. Sora and the others start firing at the troopers as Lando makes a break for the elevator. Laser bolts continue to explode around the others, but they refuse to budge. Lando sticks his head out of the elevator and motions for the pair to run, but they barely notice. They seem possessed, transported, as all the frustration of captivity pour through their death-dealing weapons. But after a few moments, they begin to move through the rain of laser fire toward the elevator. Once they are inside, the door slams shut and the stormtroopers race forward. Matt and the Digimon Emperor are locked in combat on the platform overlooking the chamber. Their swords clash, the platform sways. Matt aggressively drives the Digimon Emperor back, forcing the Emperor to use defensive tactics. "You have learned much," the Digimon Emperor said. "You'll find I'm full of surprises," Matt replied. The Digimon Emperor makes two quick moves, hooking Matt's sword out of his hand and sending it flying. Another lightning move at Matt's feet forces the youth to jump back to protect himself. Losing his balance, Matt rolls down the stairs to the circular carbon-freezing platform. There he sprawls on the floor, surprised and shaken. Just in time he looks up to see the Digimon Emperor, like a giant black bird, flying right at him. Matt rolls away as the Emperor lands. Crouching, Matt keeps his gaze steadily on his enemy. "Your destiny lies with me, Ishida," the Digimon Emperor said. "Skywalker knew this to be true." "No!" Matt said. Behind Matt the hydraulic elevator cover has opened noiselessly. All the while, Matt slowly, cautiously moves back, away from the Dark Lord. Suddenly, the Digimon Emperor attacks so forcefully that Matt loses his balance and falls back into the opening. There is a rumble, and in an instant freezing steam rises to obscure the Emperor's vision. The Digimon Emperor turns aside and deactivates his lightsaber. "All too easy," he said. "Perhaps you are not as strong as Vader thought." Through the steam behind the Emperor something blurs upward. Liquid metal begins to pour into the pit. The Digimon Emperor turns around - and then looks up. He sees Matt, who has leaped fifteen feet straight up and who now hangs from some hoses on the carbonite outlet. "Impressive," the Emperor said. "Most impressive." Matt jumps down to the platform where he is separated from the Digimon Emperor by the steaming carbonite pit. He raises his hand. His lightsaber, which had fallen on another part of the platform, swiftly jumps into his outstretched hand and is instantly ignited. The Emperor immediately lights his lightsaber as well. "Luke has taught you well," he said. "You have controlled your fear...now release your anger." Matt is more cautious, controlling his anger. He begins to retreat as the Emperor goads him on. As Matt takes a defensive position, he realizes he has been foolhardy. A quick sword exchange and Matt forces the Digimon Emperor back. Another exchange and the Emperor retreats. Matt presses forward. "Only your hatred can destroy me," the Digimon Emperor said. Breathing hard, Matt jumps in the air, turning a somersault over the Emperor. He lands on the floor and slashes at the Digimon Emperor as the room continues to fill up with steam. The Emperor retreats before Matt's skillful lightsaber. The Digimon Emperor blocks the sword, but loses his balance and falls into the outer rim of pipes. The energy Matt has used to stop the Emperor has brought him to the point of collapse. Matt moves to the edge and looks down, but sees no sign of the Digimon Emperor. He then deactivates his lightsaber, hooks it on his belt, and lowers himself into the pit. Moving through a tunnellike entrance, Matt cautiously approaches the reactor room. He ignites his lightsaber and moves into the room and toward a large window as the Emperor enters. Matt raises his sword and moves forward to attack. Behind Matt a large piece of machinery detaches itself from the wall and comes smashing forward toward his back. Matt turns and cuts it in half just as another machine comes hurtling at him. Using the Force, Matt manages to deflect it and send it flying as if it had hit an invisible shield. A large pipe detaches and comes flying at Matt. He deflects it. Sparking wires pull out of the wall and begin to whip at the youth. Small tools and equipment come flying at him. Bombardment from all sides, Matt does his best to deflect everything, but soon he is bloodied and bruised. Finally, one machine glances off his and goes flying out the large window. A fierce wind blows into the room. Unmoving, stands the dark, rocklike figure of the Digimon Emperor. A piece of machinery hits Matt and he is knocked out of the window. Matt falls onto the gantry, rolls, and hangs over the edge, holding his deactivated sword in hand. He puts the sword on his belt and begins to scramble up. Lando and the others come around a corner and head for the door to the landing platform. They glimpse the Millennium Falcon for a moment before the door slams shut. The group ducks into an alcove as stormtroopers arrive at the end of the corridor. The troopers send a rain of laser bolts at the group. Sora and the others return their fire as Lando punches desperately at the door's control panel. "The security codes have been changed!" he said. "Artoo, you can tell the computer to override the security system," Threepio said to Artoo-Detoo. He points to a computer socket on the control panel. Artoo beeps and scoots toward it. Lando meanwhile has connected up to the panel's intercom. "Attention! This is Lando Calrissian," he said. "The Empire has taken control of the city. I advise everyone to leave before more Imperial troops arrive." Artoo takes off a computer cover and sticks his computer arm into the socket. Suddenly, a short beep turns into a wild scream. Artoo's circuits light up, his head spins wildly, and smoke begins to seep out underneath him. Quickly, Chewie pulls him away. "This way," Lando said. Lando and the others flee down the corridor. As he scoots along with them, Artoo sends some angry beeps Threepio's way.
"Don't blame me," Threepio said. "I'm an interpreter. I'm not supposed to know a power socket from a computer terminal." In a panic, Cloud City residents are trying to get out of the city. Some carry boxes, others packages. They run, then change direction. Some are shooting at stormtroopers, others simply try to hide. Other stormtroopers pursue Lando and the others who are firing back at them. Artoo works on another door to the landing platform. Sora and the others retreat along the corridor. A triumphant beep from Artoo - and the door snaps open. "I never doubted you for a second," Threepio said to Artoo. "Wonderful!" Artoo lays a cloud fog, obscuring everything, as the group dashes outside. They race for the Millennium Falcon as a battalion of stormtroopers reaches the main door. Lando and the others hold off the troops as the droids get on board with Han and Chewbacca. They start up the ship. The giant engines begin to whine as Lando and the others race up the ramp under a hail of laser fire. "Go!" Lando shouted. The others got on aboard, thankfully seeing Luke with the encased Tai on board. Chewie worked the controls in the cockpit as Han pilots the ship and Lando watched over their shoulders. As Chewie pulls back on the throttle, the ship began to move. The Millennium Falcon lifted gracefully into the twilight sky and roared away from the city. Troops fired after it and TIE fighters took off in pursuit. Matt moved along the railing and up to the control room. The Digimon Emperor lunged at him and Matt raised his lit lightsaber to meet the Emperor's. Sparks flew as they dueled, the Digimon Emperor gradually forcing Matt backward toward the gantry. "You are beaten," the Emperor said. "It is useless to resist. Don't let yourself be destroyed as other Jedi did." Matt answered by rolling sideways and thrusted his sword at the Digimon Emperor so viciously that he nicked the Emperor on the shoulder. The black armour sparked and smoked and the Digimon Emperor seemed to be hurt, but immediately recovered. Matt backed off along the narrow end of the gantry as the Emperor came at him, slashing at the young Jedi with his sword. Matt made a quick move around the instrument complex attached to the end of the gantry. The Digimon Emperor's lightsaber came slashing down, cutting the complex loose; it began to fall, then was caught by the rising wind and blown upward. Matt glanced at the instrument complex floating away. At that instant, the Emperor's sword came down across Matt's right forearm, cutting off his hand and sending his sword flying. In great pain, Matt squeezed his forearm under his left armpit and moved back along the gantry to its extreme end. The Digimon Emperor followed. The wind subsides. Matt held on. There was nowhere else to go. "There is no escape," the Emperor said. "Don't make me destroy you. You do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover you power. Join us and we will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy." "I'll never join you!" Luke said. "If you only knew the power of the Dark Side. Luke never told you the truth about your parents." "He told me enough! You killed them on Earth." "No. He is your father. Mara is your mother." Shocked, Matt looked at the Digimon Emperor in utter disbelief. "No," Matt replied. "No. That's not true! That's impossible!" "Search your feelings," the Emperor said. "You know it to be true." "No! No! No!" "Matt. You can destroy the Empire. Vader and the Emperor have foreseen this. It is your destiny. Join us, and we can rule the galaxy together. Come with me. It is the only way." The Digimon Emperor put his lightsaber and held his hand out to Matt. A calm came over Matt, and he made a decision. In the next instant he stepped off the gantry platform into space. The Dark Lord looked over the platform and saw Matt falling far below. The wind began to blow at the Emperor and the torrent finally forces him back, away from the edge. The wind soon fades and the wounded Jedi began to drop fast, unable to grab onto anything to break his fall. Suddenly Matt is sucked into an exhaust pipe in the side of the shaft. When the Digimon Emperor sees this, he turns and hurried off the platform. Matt tumbled through the exhaust pipe. He slid to the end of the slickly polished pipe and stopped as his feet hit a circlar grill and knocked it open. Matt clawed at the surface of the pipe, trying to keep from sliding out into space. Unable to hang onto the pipe, Matt tumbled out, emerging at the undermost part of Cloud City. Reaching out desperately, he manages to grab onto a electronic weather vane. He called out to Luke. "Luke," he said. No answer. "Luke, please!" Still no answer. Matt tried to pull himself up on the weather vane but slips back down. He hooked on of his legs around the fragile instruments. All the while, a powerful current of air rushes out at him from the exhaust pipe. He called out to Luke once more. "Luke..." No answer. Maybe he was busy. But then he sensed it. Could it be? But she doesn't have the Force. But something reassured him and he called out to- "Sora!" There was an ominous cracking sound from the base of the weather vane and a piece broke off, falling into the clouds far below. "Hear me, Sora!" Hear me, Sora! Sora Liang heard those words. But how? Matt was not with them. But then she knew.
"Matt..." she said. "We've got to go back." Chewbacca growled in surprise.
"What?" Han said.
"I know where Matt is," Sora said.
"But what about those fighters?" Han asked. Chewie barked in agreement.
"Chewie, just do it," she said.
"But what about-" Han started to say. But Chewie cut him off.
"All right all right all right," Han said defensively. The Falcon makes a graceful banking turn back toward Cloud City.
* * * The Digimon Emperor entered the landing platform and watched as the speck that is the Falcon disappears. The wind blows at his cape. He turns to two aides who are standing near the entrance to the landing platform. "Bring me my shuttle," the Emperor said to them. "Right away, sir."
* * * Nearly unconscious, Matt hangs upside-down on the weather vane as his body shifts in the wind. The Falcon dives to the underside of the floating city. Three TIE fighters close in on the starship. Sora tried to remain calm. "Look, someone's up there," Han said. "It's Matt," Sora replied. "Chewie, slow down. Slow down and we'll get under him. Luke, open the top hatch." Luke rushed out of the cockpit. Matt hung by one arm from the crossbar of the weather vane. He slipped from the bar and grabbed onto the pole of the vane as the Falcon banked toward him. The Falcon positioned itself under Matt as Luke moved up through the opening of the hatch. Matt began to slide and finally fell from the vane into space. Out the cockpit window, Sora sees Matt falling from the bottom of the city. The ship gains on him. "Okay," Han said. "Easy Chewie." The Falcon closes in on Matt. The three TIE fighters raced toward the Falcon, firing away. The hatch popped open with a hiss of pressure. Luke reaches out to help the battered warrior inside the ship. Flak bursts all around it as the Falcon banked away from the city. Han and Chewie struggle with the controls. Sora keyed the comm unit. "Luke?" "Okay, let's go," he said over the comm unit. The Falcon races away. It is closely followed by three TIE fighters, all of which keep up a heavy laser assault on the fleeing starship. Explosions erupt all around the Cockpit, buffeting the ship wildly. Chewie howls as he frantically tries to control the ship. Sora, Han and Chewie turned to see Matt, bloody and battered, enter the cockpit supported by Luke. Sora jumped up and hugged Matt while Chewie barked in joyous relief. "Sora..." Matt said, with relief. "All right, Chewie," Han said to his co-pilot. "Let's go." Sora helps Matt from the cockpit as another huge blast rocked the ship. The Falcon, still followed by the three TIE fighters, race away from the cloud-covered city. Matt rested on a cot, his injured arm wrapped in protective cuff. Sora gently wiped his face. The ship lurched again. "I'll be back," she said. She kissed him, then left the quarters. All over the ship muted alarm buzzers sound. Han anxiously watched the flashing lights on the control panel and hurriedly adjusted some switches. Seated next to him, Chewie pointed out a new blip appearing on the control panel. Sora, watching over their shoulders, recognized the shape. "Super Star Destroyer," she said. "All right, Chewie," Han said. "Ready for lightspeed." Another explosion rocks the ship. Sora noticed a green light on the panel next to her flashed on. "All the coordinates are set," she said. "It's now or never." Chewie barked in agreement. "Punch it!" Han said and they went into hyperspace. While they were in hyperspace, Luke talked with Matt about their family connection.
"Luke," Matt said. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I felt you weren't ready," Luke said. "I couldn't have told you when we first met. You didn't even know me. Plus, I was afraid you would turn to the Dark Side. Things happen like that. I never expected the Digimon Emperor to tell you."
"Well, he did, and did I turn evil?"
"No."
"So there's nothing to worry about, right?"
"Yes."
"How did I end up on Earth?" Luke told him the whole story(Author's Note: See my prologue fic, A New Age, the prequel to this story. Read chapter one. It will tell you the whole story.).
"You are supposed to be the Chosen One."
"Me? Why me? I thought your father, Anakin was."
"He was supposed to be, but he fell to the Dark Side. He hunted down and killed almost all the Jedi. He was the original Darth Vader. The Jedi found that they were wrong about him bringing balance to the Force. Anakin stayed Vader until he died. He was redeemed, but he never really did bring balance to the Force afterward. Then when you came, I compared your midichlorian count to the other Jedi who ever lived. It seems you are stronger then Yoda and my father. You are the Chosen One."
"Wow. I never really thought of that."
"Don't take to much pride in it, as it will lead to the Dark Side."
"Thanks father. Thank you for telling me the truth."
"You're welcome, my son."
The End So you like it? Long, I know. But somehow I knew you people would get tired of the same old short stories. I almost thought this was gonna have to be divided into two chapters! If you don't like the idea of me putting ESB and then making a excuse because of it, well too bad. Again, this is MY story. This surely has made my arms ache, so I will take a bit of a break. Just a couple of quick shoutouts to my friends, Sora Liang and Kail Jahoam(No, that is not their real names, those are their screen names they use in chats and stuff.)! I hope you two like the idea of adding you both in the story! Keep on the look out for chapter 2!