Concerning Love

Eleven years. Eleven years had passed by since Jernu had not set foot back on Tatooine. Since the event eleven years ago. He had been living on Coruscant since then. Living in the Temple. During this time, he had been teaching young Teyshar, who was not so young any more. He had blossomed into a strong and just Jedi, but was still headstrong, as most younger Jedi are. Syrik flew in and out of the Temple, going on various trips and missions. He had decided that he no longer wanted to do any more "covert" operations, and instead became an upfront warrior and Jedi Ace.

Ever since Phanius had left the Jedi, he began recruiting more and more Jedi to his cause and has started many open conflicts throughout the galaxy. Some have begun to call this the "New Sith Wars" with the wars 2,000 years ago being the "Old Sith Wars," but the Order has not declared open war yet. Although the Council does not worry much about the conflicts, most Jedi in the lower ranks are beginning to lose optimism.

The three companions met on many occasions through the time that had gone by, and many of their fellow Jedi in the Temple have began to start to call them, "The Three." Seeing The Three had become a common site in the Temple, except for when Syrik would be off. Teyshar had picked up the Common language well (better than Jernu expected). In fact, Teyshar had really picked up the intergalactic culture, showing that the Sand People could be more than just savages. Despite this, Jernu insisted that Teyshar follow the ways of his people, including always wearing his robes and mask (but not the traditional ones), and never showing his face to others. Jernu taught Teyshar all that he could remember about Sand People culture, as well as recording what he could in the archives.

On one seemingly uneventful day, Jernu and Teyshar were walking down the halls when they noticed Syrik coming toward them.

"Greetings Syrik, how has the day treated you?" asked Jernu, stopping to speak.

"I have had better days, but nothing interesting to speak of. Have you heard the news, Jernu?"

"What is it?" asked Jernu.

"Lord Ecclessis Figg has commissioned the Incom Corporation to build a city on the planet of Bespin."

"Is Bespin not a gaseous plant?" asked Teyshar, wanting to be a part of the conversation.

"Indeed it is," stated Jernu, who looked upon Teyshar with approval.

"They are going to build it with repulsorlift engines underneath and it will harvest the tibanna gas in the atmosphere. They're also building a Jedi enclave on the city and they want several Jedi to inhabit and begin its functionality. The council has asked that the three of us be but few that go to Bespin, to the Cloud City.

Jernu looked at Syrik for a moment, and then looked down to Teyshar. He realized that it was Syrik that had introduced his last life changing mission.

"Well Teyshar, I thought it was about time you truly saw the Galaxy. We'll go."

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Teyshar wasn't sure why Jernu wanted to take him as a Padawan. Jernu lead a much more philosophical, contemplative life. He lived his life wondering the mysteries of the Force. Teyshar, on the other hand, was training as a warrior. He wanted to become a guardian of the Temple, protecting it from what may come. What Teyshar did not know was that Jernu was the only one willing to take him on as a Padawan. Jernu wished him to become a Jedi so desperately, but no Jedi wished to train one of the Sand People. Though a philosopher and knowledge gatherer by nature, Jernu was very skilled as a swordsman. He taught Teyshar to learn finesse, which would compliment Teyshar's natural strength.

Teyshar was much more accepted outside of the Temple than inside. The reason is that most people are unfamiliar with the Sand People, except for the well educated Jedi. When Teyshar was being taught about his own culture by Jernu, he was troubled about how Jernu described the fear of outsiders from the Sand People. It had almost seemed that the rest of the Galaxy was not much different.

He was preparing for the new move to the planet of Bespin. He was so excited to be leaving the Temple, which he has only done on trips to the rest of Coruscant. While packing his belongings, Teyshar reached for his lightsaber. Jernu himself had constructed it for Teyshar, placing a blue crystal in the hilt to represent the blue skies of Tatooine, which Teyshar can not remember. Jernu had lectured Teyshar about how he should never be separated from his saber, and Teyshar had taken it to heart. Jernu had described how his culture was so war-like and how they prized their weapons, which Teyshar could feel in his blood.

Walking down the halls, Teyshar could feel the force flowing in him, even a connection to Jernu. But he also felt a wide gap in his person. This, though, he did know the reason. In the Sand People culture, individuals were bound with a Bantha, who would become his companion. Teyshar had no Bantha, and thus felt incomplete, but he also knew that the Jedi would not allow a Bantha in the Temple. He reasoned with himself, saying that this would be his continual test, with pain that follows him and tests him on his journeys.

As he entered the hanger, Teyshar beheld a familiar ship, the Harvester. Syrik did not officially own the Harvester, Syrik was granted first right to its use when not on a mission. Teyshar could see Syrik sitting in the cockpit working on whatever. Teyshar had little understanding of ships, like his Teacher. He also saw five other Jedi, including Jernu, hauling supplies onto the Harvester.

"'Bout time Teyshar," called Nroobi, another Padawan and friend of Teyshar. Nroobi was a young human female of the same age as Teyshar, who trained under Brocar, an "aged" Trandoshen Master. Nroobi and Teyshar would often train and meditate together, and had long conversations in the Temple halls. Jernu worried a little about the two falling in love, not only because those emotions are discouraged, but also because they were two different species as well, though neither truly knew that.

Brocar was bringing his other Padawan on the move to Bespin, as well as another Master and Padawan were going along with The Three on the Harvester. There were also two other ships making the trip to the Enclave. The three ships lifted from the platform, and made their way to the City in the Clouds.

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The smoke and vapors cleared away as he walked down the corridor. It seemed that even the air wished to leave his presence. The line of droids snapped into attention, blasters on their chest, as he walked past. Behind him, two of his students followed, flanking on either side.

"My Lord, are we prepared? Word says that nearly thirty of them are coming. Are you sure that we have the capability to combat them?" asked one of the students.

"You must understand, that whether we win or not now, they will loose in the end."

"How do you know this my Lord?" asked the other student.

"I have foreseen it."

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The clouds dispersed with the Harvester flying through. The star shinned through the heavy orange-red clouds and the Three were sitting in the cockpit. The Harvester was acting as the lead ship on the flight with the Juggernaut and Star Daze following behind. Jernu was flipping through his datapad, studying as much as he could about the City in the Clouds, as it would be his new home for some time.

Teyshar sat behind Jernu, not as interested in what was to come. He looked over Jernu's shoulder, saw what he was reading, and lost interest very quickly. Syrik was only flying the ship, so Teyshar left the cockpit, looking for Nroobi. He found her in the impromptu meditation chamber (mess hall) and began a conversation with her. No one else was in the chamber at the time.

"Are you as excited as I am about this?" asked Nroobi. "I can't wait to see what the Enclave looks like."

"I'm also fairly excited, but this seems like a fairly bland planet to go to."

"Haven't you seen the horizon, this place is beautiful!"

"Well…I suppose. But there are some other places I would rather go to."

"Such as…" asked Nroobi very playful.

"Well, my Master keeps telling me about my home planet, Tatooine. But, I don't even remember what it looks like. I haven't even seen another one of my own kind." Instantly, the mood went down hill, and there was a pause where Nroobi felt too awkward to say anything. Teyshar stared at the ground, while Nroobi kept sneaking looks at him.

"To tell you the truth," said Nroobi, breaking the silence, "I've never seen one of your kind, either. For that matter, what is your kind?"

Teyshar breathed deeply, lifting his shoulder, and then said, "All I know is what Jernu told me. Only I have seen my face under my mask, not even Jernu. He says that my culture does not let anyone except for their spouses to see their real face."

"How can it be your culture if you weren't born in it?"

"Jernu says that I should respect my people and practice their ways."

"What if Jernu is wrong?"

Teyshar threw what she said around for a second before he opened his mouth. Before he could say anything, Brocar opened the door, and stared at the two younglings sitting on the benches. The two looked up at him, Nroobi showing a feeling of embarrassment.

"Come you two, gather your things. We've arrived."

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Brocar didn't like Teyshar. He didn't like him one bit. Brocar didn't trust the Sand People. He had worked on Tatooine, and had seen the brutality of the Sand People. How one of them could ever become a Jedi was beyond him. He secretly wanted to kick Teyshar from the order, fearing that he may join Darth Ruin and the Sith. The fact that Teyshar was very familiar with his own Padawan didn't ease any of the feelings.

As the groups of Jedi walked of the Harvester, Brocar approached Jernu.

"Were you aware that your Padawan and mine were alone together in the mess hall?" asked Brocar, seemingly annoyed.

"And…?"

"I am beginning to fear that the two of them are becoming a little "attached" to each other."

"Brocar, I realize your feeling towards the Sand People, but Teyshar was not raised among them. He is not like the ones you met. That group was some bad fodder, not all Sand People are like them."

"You know full well this isn't about that. I feel that the two are becoming to close to each other. They may fall in love, and become attached. Attachment can lead to jealousy, the younger sibling of greed."

Jernu knew there was more to Brocar's emotions than concern for his padawn. He felt that Teyshar was simply waiting for the moment to strike and murder off Jedi one by one. Jernu felt that the relationship between Teyshar and Nroobi was just that of two children, but the two were getting older. "I will speak with Teyshar, but realize, I feel you are over reacting."

"Feel what you may," stated Brocar, who walked off towards his two Padawans. Teyshar jogged over to Jernu hauling his pack over his shoulder.

"What did Master Brocar have to say, my Master?"

Jernu paused before answering. "Teyshar, you are becoming of an age where you will feel certain things…..emotions. These will lead to….attachments to certain people, and you must try to avoid these. Friendship with others is accepted, but the fear of loss can lead to the your destruction. Do you understand?"

Teyshar was very confused, but didn't want to upset his Master. "I believe I do, Master."

The group of Jedi stood on the landing platform, waiting for their transport to the enclave. Teyshar looked around the group, until his eyes fell on Nroobi. Within his stomach, a slight pain swelled. His heart began to beat faster. He felt he needed to talk about his feelings, but after Jernu's lecture, he did not wish to talk to his Master. Looking past his Master, he then saw Syrik. He walked to Syrik casually, and engaged him.

"Syrik, could I ask you a question?"

"Sure. What is it, Teyshar?"

"Well, my Master talked to me about not becoming attached to people, saying that it can lead to my destruction. I'm not entirely sure what he meant, but…whenever I see Nroobi, I…I…I just want to…to…"

"Teyshar," said Syrik, placing a hand on Teyshar's shoulder, "It's completely natural. What you're feeling is called love. Love is fine, not part of the Dark Side. It is in fact the highest aspiration of the Jedi. What your Master is warning against is attachment. I was attached to my family for a while, even when they were such horrible people, and I was consumed by the Dark Side. When it came time for me to confront my family, my attachment held me back. Once I overcame that attachment, I became a better person, and was lifted from the Dark Side. You can still love Nroobi; just don't let that love blind your judgement."

Teyshar looked at Syrik. He never knew that Syrik was so wise. Suddenly what his Master said seemed so much clearer. He looked back at Syrik, said thanks, and walked back to Jernu. Just as he reached his Master, a transport ship landed and the Jedi filed on board. Syrik stayed behind and followed in the Harvester, along with the other two ships.

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The Enclave was drastically different from what Teyshar was familiar. Though the inside of the building seemed just like the Temple, the outside was far more industrial in appearance. It was square in shape, just as the Temple is, but far smaller. The Three found their quarters in the north-west end of the building. Teyshar immediately wandered the Temple with Nroobi, seeing all they can in the Enclave. With his mask on, Teyshar had poor peripheral vision, so he could not see Nroobi staring at him as they walked along. Brocar had had a long lecture with her about staying out of anything involving Teyshar, but she didn't agree with him.

While walking down the hall, they encountered Jernu and Syrik, who seemed to be engaged in an avid conversation. When they saw the younglings, they stopped and approached them. As they did, Syrik noticed how Nroobi immediately looked away and feigned no interest in Teyshar.

"How would the two of you like to come along with us on a tour around the City?" asked Jernu. The younglings seemed so excited at this new event, as they had lost interest in touring the Enclave. However, Syrik saw that Nroobi seemed less enthusiastic about it than Teyshar. 'Perhaps she would enjoy it more if the two of us weren't around,' Syrik thought to himself.

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"It is an honor to escort you around the city"

A young looking man stood on the steps outside of the Enclave as the Jedi emerged from the entrance. He stood at about 5' 10", and was leanly built. He had bright, straight blond hair and looked several years younger than he actually was. Syrik walked over to the man and shook his hand.

"Jernu, this will be our escort for the day. His name is Devin Skyrunner, and he's a mechanic here in the city. I met him a year or so ago. There is virtually no area in this city he doesn't know."

"A pleasure to meet you," stated Jernu, approaching Devin and shaking his hand. "This is my Padawan, Teyshar, and his friend, Nroobi."

Devin looked down to the two Padawans and gave a puzzled look when he saw Teyshar. Devin had never seen anything like it before. Was he a human? Either way, he was a Jedi, and that was good enough for Devin.

The four Jedi followed Devin down the steps and into the streets. The fact that the city was actually composed of several layers, Devin was only going to show the levels around the Enclave. The Enclave was itself was toward the top of the city, and most of the services were located around that same area. Above were hotels and resorts, while below were the machinery that worked for the city.

As the troop walked down the streets, Syrik would look behind to see the two Padawans. Teyshar seemed to be very caught up in all that was going on around him. Nroobi would try and talk to Teyshar, but after a few lines of dialogue, Teyshar would drop out, making Nroobi very annoyed.

Syrik looked over to Jernu, who seemed somewhat oblivious to the goings on between the Padawans. Syrik tapped Devin's shoulder and asked to find a place to rest. Devin found a small diner and the group sat for a bite to eat. Devin, Syrik, and Jernu sat in one booth, while Teyshar and Nroobi sat in another. As Devin walked away for some business, Syrik leaned across the table to Jernu.

"Have you been watching Teyshar and Nroobi lately, Jernu?"

Jernu adjusted his cloak and then looked directly at Syrik. "If you are about to say what I think you are going to say, I've already discussed this with Brocar…"

"Yes, I understand that you are familiar with the situation. But I think it's a bit more serious than you may think. Teyshar asked me for advice about it and I began to watch them throughout the day."

"So…you're going to begin blaming me on this, too?"

"Actually, it seems to me that Nroobi may be the instigator in this affair. As I've watched them, it seems that although Teyshar does love Nroobi…I can feel not just love come from Nroobi, but also passion. Every time they talk, Nroobi seems far more engaged than Teyshar, and she seems to be the most annoyed when they are parted. I fear Nroobi is the one that is attached."

Jernu breathed in heavily and exhaled audibly. "I have felt this as well. Teyshar seems to be the innocent." He paused. "However, I feel that I cannot speak to Brocar about it. He feels that Teyshar is the passionate one, and will not admit that it is his Padawan."

"Well, when you do confront him and Nroobi on this, I shall stand behind you. That ought to remove some of the stress."

Jernu let ought a light laugh with Syrik, "Thank you, Syrik. You are stronger in so many areas than I am. How it is I converted you I will never know."

"You underestimate your own strength. Your devotion to the Jedi Order has made you a far more honest and wise man than me, even if you can't articulate it that well."

"I'll take that as a compliment," said Jernu, and the two laughed again. Jernu then began to look around. Syrik saw a very confused look on his face.

"Where are those two, anyway?" Syrik looked around the diner and neither Teyshar nor Nroobi could be seen.

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"I can sense him. He has come here."

"Who do you speak of, my Lord?"

"None of your concern. Are the droids ready?"

"Yes, they are prepared to move out, my Lord."

The Lord cracked a smile under his long black hood. He turned to walk out of the room when another man ran into the room. The Lord stopped and looked over to the man.

"My Lord, we have captured two Jedi. They were wandering the streets alone."

"Any identification on them?" asked the Lord.

"No, but they are younger. I believe they are students."

"Excellent. Perhaps they can be 'persuaded,'" stated the Lord, who then let out a small cackle.

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It was cold, very cold. His head was throbbing and he couldn't move. He could taste water on the air. He couldn't quite see yet, but when he regained his sight, he found he was chained to a wall.

All Teyshar could remember was Nroobi convincing him to wander from the dinner. However, after that, he remembered nothing. The room he was in was very metallic and dark. Many pipes jutted through the walls, and it was very cold.

He was alone; Nroobi was nowhere near. He needed to get out. No matter who it was that imprisoned him, he needed to find Nroobi and escape. He looked above to see his chains attached to the wall about three feet above his hands, and he dangled a foot from the ground. He looked at his shackles and concentrated. He lifted his legs and placed the soles of his shoes against the wall. He continued concentrating on the shackles and they began to separate. They shuddered as they moved until Teyshar thrust off the wall. The force of the push busted the shackles open and he was free. He stood in the room and was ready to run out until two battle droids entered the room. They held blasters in their hands. Teyshar leapt into the air, twisted his body, and obliterated the head of one droid with his boot. When he landed, he turned his pelvis and the other leg threw out the legs of the other droid. Teyshar rose to a stand, lifted his foot, and stomped on the head of the droid. The head flexed inward, and the arms fell limp.

Teyshar looked over what he had done. He had not done this himself, but rather, his training had taken over. Teyshar was becoming a true Jedi. He entered the hallway and looked down both directions. He could see several droids, but they hadn't noticed him. He moved back into the room to find something to help him. His eyes looked over the room, until they fell on the pipes. He knew that these could be useful.

He reached over and grabbed a pipe that extended from the top of the room to the bottom. When he pulled it from the wall, it broke so it extended about six feet. He spun it around, and really enjoyed its feel. Teyshar, feeling up to the challenge, ran out of the room and charged the droids.

The three droids turned to see a rampaging Sand Person, shrieking its classic battle cry. They lifted their blasters, but he was too fast for them. He leapt into the air, twisted his body, and swung the pipe into the center droids chest. The chest collapsed and flew backwards. He landed and thrust his foot to the side, crushing another droid against a wall. At the same time, he pushed the point of the pipe into the last droid and impaled it. The pipe snapped and he was now holding two three foot pieces. He looked around to find another droid, but there was none. As he settled down, he saw a closed door a few feet from him.

Teyshar opened the door, ready to fight, but found no droids. Instead, there were many lockers along the walls. He cautiously entered until he was sure he was safe in there. He opened one locker to find rows of blaster. It was the same in all the other lockers until the last locker. Inside was a single chest. He opened the chest slowly, sensing no danger. When he peered into the locker, he did not expect to see what he did. In the chest laid dozens of lightsabers.

Teyshar began to sift through the sabers until he found his saber. He placed it on his belt, but then paused. As he looked into the chest, he thought about the pipe. He then placed his lightsaber back in the chest and grabbed one of the double lightsabers. He activated the blades, being curious as to the color. What he found was that one blade was a deep blue, and the other was pure white. He looked at the saber for a second, deactivated it, and placed it on his belt.

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The droids marched down the hall, running their routine patrol. They had heard a small commotion, and decided to investigate. When they rounded the corner, they were astounded to find a pile of smashed droids. They hesitated a moment, when their torsos were suddenly severed from their legs. Their bodies fell to the floor, and the last thing their memory banks registered was the hum of a lightsaber.

Teyshar ran of down the hall, not knowing where he was going. All he knew was that he needed to find Nroobi and get to the surface. However, the problem was just finding her. As he ran down the hall, his mind wandered to what could have come of Nroobi. Was she alright, was she dead? No, she couldn't be dead, he thought. He didn't want to think about this, so he concentrated on where to go.

Just as he rounded a corner, he found himself in a vastly open room. It had a 20ft dome roof and was 50ft long. The lighting was fairly dim. He stopped at the doorway, seeing an individual in the center of the room. He couldn't see who it was, as their back was toward him, but he was able to make out that it was not a droid. He slowly drew his saber from his belt and quietly tip-toed toward the figure. When he reached halfway between the door and figure, it began to turn around, and Teyshar froze in place. When it finally exposed its face to him, he could finally see who it was.

"Nroobi! It's you! Quick we must escape back to the Enclave."

"No, we don't Teyshar."

Teyshar stopped for a second, bewildered by the comment. "Why not? This place is full of hostile droids. Why should we stay?"

"Don't you see, they don't have to be hostile. We can live here in peace. They told me we can."

Teyshar still wasn't sure how to take the situation. "Who are they? The droids?"

"The men who brought us here. They said that we can stay here, together. We can finally be together." It was here that Nroobi ran toward Teyshar and embraced him. Teyshar only stood there, somewhat returning the embrace. Nroobi stood back, hands still on Teyshar's sides. "What is wrong?"

"How can we be together? The Code forbids it," asked Teyshar.

"That's just it," she said enthusiastically, "we don't have to listen to the Code. The men that brought us here told me they can teach us the force without all the limitations of the Jedi." Teyshar suddenly pushed her away and broke her grasp. He was pretty sure what she was driving at.

"Did they tell you what they called themselves?"

Nroobi suddenly grew a look of worry on her face. "I knew this would happen. Listen, there not bad people, just misunderstood. They want us to be together, to reach our full potential, Jedi Order be damned!"

"I…I can't do this Nroobi," said Teyshar, stepping back, "I can't join the Sith. It goes against everything I've been taught."

Nroobi's look immediately changed to anger. "Are you saying you don't want to be with me? I thought you loved me Teyshar?" she said beginning to circle Teyshar.

"I do love you, but…"

"But WHAT!? There is no 'BUTS' in love!" She stopped, her head hanging down. "You broke my heart, Teyshar. Now you must pay," she said coldly, completely lack of inflection. Out of nowhere, a lightsaber appeared in her hand, and a red blade sprung from the handle.

"Don't do this Nroobi. You don't have to fight me."

She only looked at Teyshar. She looked at him square in the eyes. She spoke, but it was so low he could not hear her, only read her lips. She said, 'You broke my heart.'

Like lightning, she lunged at him, and Teyshar somersaulted to the side. He pulled the double lightsaber from his belt and activated it. Nroobi flipped through the air and landed by Teyshar. She unleashed an onslaught of blows on Teyshar, which he parried. He didn't want to attack her, so he backed away during the attack, until his back reached a wall. He leapt into the air to Nroobi's back, but she simply spun around and continued. Teyshar then back-flipped about ten feet away from her and the two stopped in their tracks. The two had a stare down, neither moving a muscle.

Teyshar knew he couldn't stave her off forever. She wasn't going stop until either one of them were dead. Teyshar had to do something, and he knew the only thing he could.

Nroobi came in with a flurry of attacks, and Teyshar saw an opening. After parrying these moves, he spun to the side and the white blade passed through her torso. Her body fell to the floor, and her lower portion soon followed. He immediately turned away, so as not to see what he'd done. He heard no cry, no plea, no scream. Even the lightsaber she held had deactivated. He turned around keeping his head high, not looking to the ground, when his blood soon ran cold. From the door way, five figures entered the room. Each one was dressed completely in black with dark hoods. None of their faces could be seen. Behind them, five droids pushed past and stood in front. They held their blasters up and each fired one bolt.

Teyshar, thinking he was over, deflected one bolt back to its droid, but found that all five lay on the ground. He couldn't have killed all five, could he? It was then that he noticed a sound. Something he wasn't sure was good or bad. He heard lightsabers behind him. He looked behind to see two very familiar faces. One held a green saber with a curved hilt. The other held two red sabers. The two walked forward and flanked Teyshar. The Three stood in defiance of the five Sith.

"You shouldn't have come here Phanius!" called out Jernu to the five persons. Teyshar was puzzled until the center figure lowered his hood, revealing a pale, sunken eyed humanoid. However, unlike others of his kind, his eyes lacked pupils, and his nose had virtually disappeared.

"I am NOT Phanius! Phanius died that day on Tatooine! I am Darth Ruin, and you are soon to be like Phanius!" It was obvious that the mere mention of his old name had enraged him. His four acolytes activated their sabers, as did Darth Ruin. However, Ruin held two sabers, linked at the base by a cord.

For what seemed an eternity, no one moved. That was, until one of Ruin's acolytes charged. It was here that all hell broke loose. Teyshar leaped to the side and engaged two of Ruin's acolytes, as did Syrik. Jernu moved to the center and met blades with Ruin.

Teyshar had little maneuverability, but still managed to meet all the blows of the acolytes. He could find no opening to which he could take advantage, until one tried to flip to his back. Teyshar kicked the other acolyte in the chest, pushing him against the wall, and thrust backwards. The blade went through the second acolyte behind him.

Syrik found his fight to be easier than Teyshar. Not only was he a Knight, but he knew well how to fight two combatants at a time. When one acolyte thrust in, Syrik slid his arm under and locked it into place. Using his other arm, Syrik parried a swing by the other acolyte, and proceeded to behead him. The one he clutched was thrown over his back and collided with the ground. When Syrik spun to finish him, the acolyte thrust forward with an open palm and Syrik flew toward the wall.

Jernu had the toughest fight of all. Ruin's attacks were relentless, as Jernu could feel his hatred emanate from his body. However, Jernu had grown stronger as well, and could meet every attack with his green blade. At one point, Jernu swung down and the cord was severed between the two blades. He moved it up to block a downward hack with both of ruin's blades, and Jernu saw his opening. He thrust his palm and Ruin flew back into the corridor. The two surviving acolytes ran into the hallway as well and the door shut. Jernu ran to it, but found it to be locked. He lifted his blade, ready to cut through the door, when Syrik placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Well never catch him now."

Jernu stopped, and then deactivated his blade. The Three moved away from the door and walked off. Teyshar's eyes moved across the room, until they fell on Nroobi's body. She almost appeared to be starring directly at him. He turned his gaze away, when Jernu placed his arm around Teyshar's shoulder. Teyshar looked up and saw Jernu looking down at him. Jernu creaked out a smile, as did Teyshar. Jernu couldn't see his smile, but knew it was there.

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"How did those Knights get down here?"

"That doesn't matter know. We must prepare for our next attack. We must rally more troops," cried out Ruin.

"Why?" asked one of the acolytes.

Ruin slowly turned to him. "You dare question me?"

"Every thing you have done has lead to failure! You are being stripped of your title as Dark Lord of the Sith!"

"You can never supersede me!"

Suddenly, a red saber appeared in Ruin's chest, and he fell to the floor. The other acolyte stood with his saber activated and looked down on Darth Ruin, former Dark Lord of the Sith.

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The Three returned to the Temple on Coruscant as heroes. For their bravery and skill, Jernu and Syrik were granted the rank of Masters, and Teyshar was knighted. Jernu was also quickly offered a position on the Council, but declined the offer. Syrik became a General in the Jedi's forces. As promised, Syrik stood behind Jernu when He confronted Brocar.

"Brocar, I am saddened to bring you the news of your Padawan's death. She had fallen in love with Teyshar, and the opportunity to follow that path by joining the Dark Side became too seductive for her. She refused to turn from that path, and was killed."

Brocar simply looked into Jernu's eyes. Jernu was on the verge of apologizing, when Brocar spoke. "I'm sorry I acted so harshly. I had been focusing to much of my attention on my other padawan, I was not paying attention to Nroobi's emotions. I am sorry Jernu."

Brocar walked off, and Jernu looked back to Syrik, who was smiling back at him.

Teyshar's first assigned mission was to investigate Tatooine for any Sith activity. Upon his arrival, he immediately changed his mask, so as not to draw attention. It was just as beautiful as Jernu had described it. He never sought out any of his kin on the planet, thinking that they would treat him like any other outsider. He had invited Jernu to come along to Tatooine, but Jernu said it was still too soon.

One day, as Teyshar wandered the dunes outside of Anchorhead, Teyshar heard a cry over the edge of a dune. It didn't sound sentient, whatever it was. He peeked over to see a lone anooba. Anoobas were small, dog-sized hunters that worked in packs, so Teyshar was naturally cautious. However, he felt no other beings around him. He slowly walked over to it, and found that it had a broken leg. Despite this, it was still aggressive, and hissed at him as he approached.

Teyshar held his arm out, and the anooba immediately calmed down. He then felt something. That hole in his soul, the one where a bantha would fit, began to fill. Every second that he looked into the eyes of the anooba, Teyshar felt more complete. He eventually reached the anooba, and it didn't do a thing. It in fact began to nuzzle his leg. Teyshar kneeled down by the anooba and wrapped its leg in a cloth.

Teyshar picked the anooba up in his arms and walked back into town. He then realized something else. Not only had that hole in his being filled, but he also felt the sting from the loss of Nroobi fade as well. Holding the anooba, he looked out into the sky, only to see the duel suns hover over the horizon.

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