Xenosaga : Destiny of The Force
Part Two : Shadow and Light
Story:
A Star Wars/Xenosaga crossover. AU of Xenosaga 2. Sequel to Re-Ignition. Can Alexander keep his pledge in restoring the balance of the Force by defeating his arch-nemesis Darth Exodus?
Disclaimer:
I don't own Star Wars nor Xenosaga but I do own the characters Alexander Darkblaze, Daron Sol/Darth Exodus and E1-D1. KITT from Knight Rider is copyright to Universal Studios.
Chapter 7: Fateful Meeting
The crew were now on the bridge of Durandal after they were rescued from being sucked into the abyss. With Gaignun gone to Fifth Jerusalem, Jr. was the person in charge.
"So, what's the enemy's status?" Jr. asked Shelly, who was trying to hide her emotions after hearing about Alexander's disappearance.
"I'm afraid I don't very good news. The Immigrant Fleet has already descended into Miltia."
"Damn. We don't have much time. If we don't hurry, we're gonna lose the Zohar. Move the Elsa into the Foundation's dock. Have it repaired to Captain Matthews' specification. We're going right back out."
Mary gave a nod and left.
"Little Master, there's a transmission from Helmer. Shall I accept it?"
"Yeah, hook us up."
Helmer appeared on the monitor with a relieved expression.
"Helmer, I'm sorry. We let them get ahead of us." Jr. apologized.
"It's alright. It's important that you're safe. I'm glad you made it back." he said.
"Yeah. But we have to leave one of us behind..."
"I heard of it. I'm sorry. Alex is one of the best warriors this world has ever seen. I'm sure he is still alive somewhere, somehow."
"I hope you're right, Helmer. Shion's been distraught all this time."
Shion was inside Alexander's quarters, looking around the well arranged and clean room. She remembered the time when he joined Vector's First Division five years ago. He came across as silent type, preferring to focus more on tasks given diligently and without complaining about working extra hours. Despite designing the core of KOS-MOS' emotion module which Kevin Winnicot later improved, he never get any credit he deserved nor demanding any type of recognition. He and Shion maintained a basic relationship as colleagues at work, until that massacre where they were the only survivors of the event. From there, they got closer though he still remained secretive about his past. She never told anyone of what she felt after they left him alone with Exodus; a wave of darkness engulfed the light and faded.
She silently sobbed. "Alex..."
Shion looked at the workbench. It was cleaned up saved from a small toolbox and an old model of a portable monitor. The screen was located in between the various buttons and panels on either side. A camera of sorts was also attached on top of the monitor coupled with a set of LED light wired from the back. Curious, she approached the table and examined it.
"This looks very old. Maybe from over a hundred years ago. It doesn't seem to be in good condition but I'm sure Alex have a good reason in keeping it."
She pressed the ON button below the screen and a red, swooping LED light was activated, as well as various lights on each side. Shion was taken aback when the camera shifted around, as if it was looking around the area until it finally settled on her.
"Are you the one who activated me?" a masculine voice said, with its red voice modulator bar flashed on the screen.
"Y...yes..." she replied, half scared.
"What year is this?" it inquired.
"It's T.C. 4768."
The voice sighed. "Goodness. It's been fourteen years after I was deactivated. Where is he?"
"He? Alex, you mean..."
"Yes. I'd like to talk to him."
"He's...not here at the moment. Many things happened." Shion said.
"So I see. But before that, an introduction is in order, yes? I am the voice of the Knight Industries Two Thousand. K.I.T.T. for short. KITT, if you prefer."
"I'm Shion Uzuki from Vector Industries First Division. Call me Shion, please."
"Glad to meet you, Shion. Now I'd like to know what happened to Alex."
Alexander was imprisoned within an anti-Force prison on board Darth Exodus' flagship Flamewelle. His equipment was removed and only had his basic clothings on. He looked around the area. A combat droid and a silver armored Sith Trooper were guarding the premise.
"How in the Force did Exodus possess that much power? The Dark wave just overwhelmed me and here I am..."
Moments later, Exodus entered the room followed by a few Dark Jedi and a surgery droid.
"Enjoying your stay, Jedi?" he asked.
"Hmph. Very." he sarcastically replied.
"If you join me and become my apprentice, we will rule together. Don't you want that?"
"You gotta be kidding. Why would I want to join you?"
"Don't you want to see your loved one again?"
Alexander gasped and remembered Aileen. Then, he shook.
"The dead can't come back to life, Exodus. You don't have the power nor the knowledge to do so. No matter how powerful you are, you're nothing against the will of the Force."
"I suspect you'll say that, Jedi. That is why I seek the Zohar. With its immense power, I will be able to bend the Force to MY will. My rule."
"You have no idea where you're going, Exodus."
"Oh, I have, Jedi. And you, WILL join me. The hard way."
He gave a signal and the spherical surgery droid approached the prison. Various metallic arms popped out with various surgery tools. Alexander narrowed his eyes as he braced himself to what will happen to him.
"Everyone, I'm sorry. Looks like I won't come back after all."
The droid injected the sleeping drug into his system and the effect was almost instantaneous.
"Shion, KOS-MOS, Shelley, E1, KITT..." he called out as his view darkened.
"So you were actually created on Lost Jerusalem...I mean, Earth?" Shion asked KITT after explaining the current situation and getting to know KITT better.
"Yes. Around the year A.D. 1982. At that time, a computer like me was state of the art."
"Wow. You're pretty old by now..."
"Well, if you put it that way, yes. I was deactivated in the year 2018 and was shocked to see it was already ten thousand years had passed when Alex reactivated me. Not sure why no one got rid of me but I'm grateful."
"So, how did Alex find you?"
"He said he bought me on the cheap from a Junk dealer back in Fifth Jerusalem. Me, a once advanced computer, bought on the cheap for a measly fifty."
"I'm sure Alex already seen something even before he had you reactivated. But how did you survive all these years?"
"I had a change of optical storage over the years. The last one was twenty years ago. Alex was planning to put me into a new host after he came back from his military assignment and put me into this for a temporary time."
"So much for temporary..." Shion smiled amusingly.
"I'm sure he had his reasons." KITT said.
Her cellphone beeped. Shion picked up.
"Hello?"
"Chief? It's me." Allen said.
"Oh, Allen. What's up?"
"The repairs on the Elsa is almost done. Jr. wants us to get ready. We're heading to Miltia."
"Alright. I'll be there."
"You're leaving, I assume?" KITT asked.
She nodded. "Yeah."
"Can you please take me along? I hate being all alone here."
Shion pondered for a while then nodded.
"Sure, why not. I'm sure you and KOS-MOS will get along well."
"KOS-MOS?"
"She's a battle android but still on a steep learning curve in terms of human emotion."
"Well, it took a human to make me more human. But I suppose I can talk to her once in a while. How's E1 by the way?"
"He's doing fine. I'm sure you two have a lot to talk."
"Yes. I kind of missed those beeping tones of his..."
E1 beeped and rocked as Shion brought in KITT inside Alexander's room on Elsa.
"Hello E1. It's been a while." KITT greeted.
Shion put KITT on the table, smiling at their reunion. They talked for a while until Alexander's name was mentioned.
"You had something to show me?" KITT asked.
E1 acknowledged with a beep and then played a visual recording of Alexander in the cockpit of his AMWS.
"KITT. If you're watching this, I'm most likely not there with you and the others. Yes, I already forseen your reactivation though not sure who did it. And sorry for keeping you in that box for a long time. It's just that I haven't found a suitable host for you. But now, I did. If you agree, E1 will transfer you into this AMWS. Maybe it won't be as good as your previous bodies since this is not a car, but I'm sure you'll serve a much better purpose this way. Without overwriting your primary function, of course. After everything is done, please assist my friends as much as you can. When the time comes, I'll be back for you. That, is a promise. Later partner."
The record ended. There was silence.
"He already seen everything. His capture, your reactivation, everything." Shion commented.
"That's him alright. Still selfless as always." KITT said.
E1 beeped slowly. Shion kneeled and touched the droid's head.
"Hey, where's your courage? You're the one who told me to believe in him."
The droid wheezed. Shion smiled. "You're not sure, huh? That's okay. I can see why Alex treated you like his family."
E1 gave a questioning tone.
"You and KITT existed for many years and developed your own emotions and personality. In other words, you two had evolved beyond your programming."
"That's what my former partner said." KITT added. "Whatever it is, I'm still bound to my primary function; preserving human life."
Shion nodded. "I see."
"So, when will we get started?" KITT asked.
"You agreed about being transferred to the AMWS?" Shion asked.
"It's better than sitting in here." KITT sarcastically said.
"Alright. Me and Allen will help out too." Shion said. "I'll call him right away."
"Thank you. The soon we get to this, the better. I have to catch up everything quickly."
The Elsa already on the way to Old Miltia as Shion, Allen and E1 worked on installing KITT on the A.M.W.S. Galaxius. KOS-MOS watched on. Shion was working inside the cockpit, sorting out the wiring beneath the dashboard.
"I see Alex already made space just for you." she remarked.
"Yes. It seems that way." KITT's voice modulator flashed on the dashboard. "But it will take a while for my system to integrate with this machine."
"Chief, can you test the surveillance system now? I think E1 and I sorted it out." Allen said from beneath the craft.
Shion nodded. "Alright. KITT, I'm testing it now."
"Please."
She activated the surveillance system and the display panels lit up with various views of the garage displayed.
Shion ran the system further by turning on the infra-red and sound surveillance module. "Looks okay. What do you think?"
"Seems to be in order." KITT said.
Shion smiled and patted the dashboard. "Congratulations, KITT. You're up and running now."
"Thank you Shion. Allen, E1. You two as well."
E1 beeped in excitement as Allen smiled, slightly embarrassed. "You're welcome, KITT."
Shion went up to the bridge. Matthews turned to her.
"Dammit! I just had this ship remodeled, and it got wrecked again! Well, at least that old man who joined the crew could fix it. So, want to head for Old Miltia now?"
Shion nodded. "Yes."
"Okay! Tony! Hit it!" the captain hollered.
"Yes Sir!" Tony replied and hit the accelerator. The Elsa left the Durandal and the Foundation for Old Miltia.
Jr. entered. "Hey, here you are, Shion. Was looking for you."
"What's the matter, Jr.?"
"Ah, nothing. We were worried about you. That's all."
"Sorry for that..."
"That's okay. Losing Blaze is a huge blow to us. He is everything. A friend, a strategist and a mentor. Everyone is coping that loss in their own way."
"I know. I'm sure he'll get himself out." Shion said.
"I hope so. By the way, I saw KOS-MOS and E1 were conversing in the hangar. What's up?"
"Oh. I just installed KITT inside the AMWS. KOS-MOS and E1 are briefing him about our mission."
Jr. raised a brow. "KITT? THAT KITT?"
"You know him?"
"Hell yeah! I haven't talked to him since after Miltian Conflict."
"I'll take you to him then."
"I see. I got the whole situation now. We only need go into Old Miltia and take the Zohar with us, correct?" KITT said.
KOS-MOS nodded. "That is correct. It will be an ordeal. Are you capable of it?"
"On normal operation, yes. But I'm not used to weapons and firearms. I need a capable pilot to do that." he replied.
"How about me?" Jr. said from a distance. He was following Shion.
"Rubedo! Is that you? My word! You haven't changed at all!"
Jr. nodded. "I can say the same thing to you, KITT. Oh yeah. Everyone called me Jr. now. You might as well start calling me with that name."
"Very well, Jr. How's Nigredo doing?"
"Gaignun went to Fifth Jerusalem. Not sure why he went there though."
"Gaignun. I'll remember that name."
"Are you sure, Jr? About piloting the AMWS?" Shion asked.
"Hey, KITT and E1 can help me out if I'm stuck, right?"
E1 wheezed. "Of course." replied KITT.
"I'll leave the Asher to chaos and Jin for a while."
As if was enchanted by the sunset scenery, the Elsa was approaching the Submerged City.
"Oh, wow! The capital looks like it used to." Hammer exclaimed.
"Everything's exactly like it was then. Time has stopped in this world." Jr. said, sombred.
"The country of the hills of Mud, the land of Mu, was sacrificed. Being twice upheaved, it suddenly disappeared in one night. At last the surface gave way...and they sank along with their countries." chaos poetically commented.
Shion was puzzled. "What's that?"
"A fairy tale. A story about a land that vanished into the sea one night, long ago." the white-haired youth replied.
"Sacrificed...It definitely feels like it just looking of this place." Shion added.
"Yes it does."
"Attention passengers." Matthews voice echoed throughout the craft. "We'll soon be arriving at the designated coordinates. There's no way we're gonna get any further in this big hunk of metal. So if you wanna check inside any of those buildings, you're gonna have to do it on your own."
Jr. nodded. "All right. Let's hurry up and get this over with. I don't wanna spend too much time here, you know?"
chaos nodded.
"All right! Let's finish this!"
Canaan looked at the ruins.
"This area used to be the capital of Old Miltia. The area up ahead was ground zero fourteen years ago. It was filled with U-TIC Organization facilities. The area that handled the most important research was..."
"Labyrinthos." Jin finished. "The original Zohar should still be sleeping deep inside it."
"Rubedo, your objective is to secure the original Zohar, correct?" the combat Realian asked.
Jr. nodded. "Yeah. Shion? Shion, are you all right?"
Shion, who was spacing out, knocked out of her stupor. "What? Ah, yes. (Cecily and Cathe may be there as well.)"
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
"No, it's nothing."
"Now we can finally analyze the data in my head." Canaan said.
"Yes. We should hurry." Jin said.
"I agree. The Immigrant Fleet should already be here, but it's really quiet. That has me worried." Canaan said, cautiously.
The Sith battleship Flamewelle was descending to Old Miltia. Darth Exodus pulled up beside the admiral. Following him was robed figure which simply stood some distance away from the Sith Master.
"So this is Old Miltia." Exodus spoke.
"Yes my lord." Acknowledged the admiral. "From what we have gathered, the Miltian Conflict was caused by the original Zohar resided deep within the heart of the planet."
"And it is still sleeping, waiting for someone to take it away from this desolate place. The Force here is particularly strong if not powerful." Exodus continued.
"What will be our next step, my lord?"
"The Gnosis will notice us if we enter the atmosphere. I want the ship to remain within the orbit. I will take my personal Stealth-X to inspect the area."
"My lord, are you sure? It could be dangerous with all the Gnosis."
Exodus stared at his admiral coldly. "Hm? Are you doubting my power, Admiral?"
"No...of course not, sire. Will the Darkest Knights escort you down?"
"That won't be necessary." With that, he turned around and walked past the hooded figure. He smiled.
"I'm leaving you in charge, old friend."
The hooded man growled.
In their respected mobile units, the group was ready to left the Elsa to find Labyrinthos within the ruins of Old Miltia.
"This journey will be tough." Jin said.
chaos nodded. "I agree."
"I don't think we have a choice here." Shion added. "Not with the fate of this world in the balance."
"Jr., are you going to be okay?" MOMO asked.
"Yeah." replied the URTV from Galaxius' cockpit. "It will take some time for me to get the grip of this one."
"We will go on ahead. I assume you can follow us from behind." KOS-MOS said.
"Yeah. I can do that."
"Be careful. Who knows what we will meet up ahead." Ziggy warned.
With that, Dinah took the lead followed by Zebulun and Asher.
"KITT." Jr. said.
"Yes?"
"I'd like to scout the area. By air."
"Just activate the flight mode."
E1 beeped from its place just below. Jr. smiled.
"Don't worry, E1. We'll catch them up later. I just wanna look at what's left on this planet."
Jr. activated the flight mode and it transformed into flight craft.
E.S. Asher, Dinah and Zebulun navigated through the ruins and were now hovering along the spacious section of the underground area.
"Where could he be?" MOMO worriedly asked as she tried to locate AMWS Galaxius on the sensor.
"Don't worry, MOMO." chaos spoke gently. "Knowing him, he's probably scouting the area for other threats."
Suddenly, a loud scream was heard. "Why is this damn thing not working?"
They looked at the giant cannon pointing at them. "External speakers?" Jin said.
"We have mobilized all units, but we're all exhausted from training earlier. May I?" another, softer voice said.
A loud beating sound echoed.
"Line up, maggots! Did you pansies already forget your training? Do you know how bad you made me look? Listen to me! What you think means nothing! What you want means nothing! You do as I say! I am the boot in your buttocks! You! What is your problem? Were you born that dumb or did your drunk mama slap you on the wrong end when you squirted out? Why are you laughing? Do I amuse you? I'm tired of all you pantywaist nitwits! You make me physically ill! Drop and give me a million! I will break you!"
"That voice sounds familiar...Captain Vanderkam?" Shion said.
"Just listen to those insults..." Jin spoke.
"Enemy unit discovered on deck! Standby!"
"What did you say?"
"Looks like they've spotted us." Ziggy stated.
"All hands, prepare for battle! Target the Vector A.M.W.S.!"
With that, the cannon adjusted its aim as four beam pods appeared from the side.
"This is not a drill! Show me everything you've got!"
"Looks like we have no choice..." chaos said.
"Shion, prepare for battle." KOS-MOS said from her seat. Shion nodded. "All weapons on the ready."
"Let's take that cannon out. MOMO, are you ready?" Ziggy asked.
"I'm ready, Ziggy!"
Stealth-X, Darth Exodus' personal fighter landed on the surface of Old Miltia. Exodus got out to see Pellegri who was waiting for him. She was accompanied by a few Ormus soldiers.
"Lord Exodus."
"I don't need the welcoming party, Miss Pellegri."
"It's an order by Margulis."
"The Chief Inquisitor. Is he here?"
"Yes. Right now, he is proceeding towards Labyrinthos where the Zohar was located."
"He really doesn't want me to get that thing first, is he?"
Before Pellegri could reply, a group of Gnosis jumped out of the water and attacked. The Ormus troops were about to attack when Exodus signaled them to stop.
"Let me handle this. It's about time for me to show my powers."
With a hiss, his green lightsaber was activated and Exodus attacked the pack leader. With supernatural speed, he easily dispose of them as they were cut into pieces.
"Hmph. Gnosis have nothing on me."
"Are you alright?" Pellegri asked.
"I'm fine. Let's go to where Margulis is going."
"I can't believe...this thing give us a problem like this..." Shion muttered as ES Dinah blocked another shot from one of the beam pods.
"And our attacks do little damage to that thing." chaos stated as Asher fired endless rounds of bullets at the cannon. The bullets ricocheted off the plating and left only black marks.
"Something's coming on the sensor!" MOMO warned.
"What is it?" Jin asked.
"It's Jr.! The Galaxius!"
AMWS Galaxius burst through the roof of the cavern, in its combat mode.
"Looks like we're not late." Jr. said. "Need some help there?"
"Yeah. More or less." Ziggy replied.
"Alright. KITT, activate the missile launcher."
A huge launcher appeared and Galaxius held it with both hands.
"Are you sure? I'm detecting three life forms inside the cannon." asked the AI.
"Don't worry. I won't kill them. E1, input all possible routes as soon as the missiles were launched."
E1 beeped. Jr. smiled. "Alright. FULL BARRAGE!"
With that, countless missiles were launched and destroyed all four beam pods and dealt massive structural damage to the cannon. Jr. quickly discarded the weapon and pulled out a two handed sword.
"I'm slicing that cannon off!"
Using the routes given by E1, Galaxius easily navigate through the smokescreen and easily sliced the cannon off.
"Captain! We're losing power! The cannon's been taken out!" one of the troops said.
"I know that, dimwit! You two, get the hell out!" Vanderkam said.
"But Captain, we can't leave you..."
"Shut the hell up, pansies! I won't die this easy! Out you go!"
With that, the cannon exploded and utterly destroyed. Jr. sighed in relief to see Vanderkam and his soldiers already jumped into the water. Vanderkam could be seen swearing and cursing at the group.
"That's take care of that." Jr. said.
"Jr., that was great!" Shion commented.
"That was...kinda cool..." MOMO remarked.
Jr. smiled and shook. "Nah. It's all thanks to KITT and E1 here."
"Just glad to help out." KITT said.
The group proceeded further until they saw of what's was left of the Labyrinthos Tower. Despite being in ruins, it still served as a landmark in this dead place.
Shion looked up at the structure. "The Labyrithos Tower..."
"Yeah, we're pretty close now. Better get ready." Jr. warned.
MOMO looked at the structure in front of them. "But it doesn't look like we'll be able to go there in our E.S.s."
"Let's look for another entrance. There should be a small gap somewhere." chaos suggested.
"I've detected an entrance of some sort beyond the blockades." KITT said. "I suggest you bash through in order to get to it."
Jr. nodded. "Alright. Let's get to work!"
"Roger." KOS-MOS acknowledged. "Preparing Phase Transfer Cannon."
Dinah's wings extended and folded into twin cannons.
"Ready." she said. Shion nodded. "FIRE!"
Two streaks of cannon shots arced through the blockades, blasting a path towards an open area. The group proceeded further and reached the entrance.
"Looks like we'll have to walk." Shion said.
"KITT, E1. Are you two capable of miniaturization?" Jr. asked.
"Since I'm part of the craft, yes I am but E1 isn't." KITT replied.
E1 beeped low. Jr. smiled. "That's okay, E1. You can walk the rest with us."
On the other side of the ruins, Exodus and Pellegri were the only ones left after their escorts were killed by Gnosis. A few more Gnosis attacked them. Exodus called upon the Force and three lightsabers were pulled from his belt. They ignited and slashed the aliens mercilessly. The Sith Lord caught his companion before she collapsed to the ground.
"You alright?" he asked.
Pellegri regained her footing and looked at the carnage. Gnosis didn't have blood and composed entirely of salt but Exodus somehow made the sight rather uneasy. After he was certain that no more within the area, Exodus recalled his weapons and put it back on his belt.
"Let us proceed, Miss Pellegri."
She gave a nod and followed him. After trudging through the area for a while, she stopped. "I'm taking a short break here." she said. Exodus nodded as she took a seat on a flat debris. Exodus expanded his mind and detected several lifeforms on the far side of the area.
(So they're here.)
He turned to Pellegri. "I think we should keep moving. Seems that someone else is here."
"The ones from Kukai?" Pellegri said. Exodus nodded.
"Damn them! We have to get there before them."
"Let us go, then. But before that..."
Exodus touched her forehead gently. Pellegri suddenly felt a sudden rush of energy inside her. The Sith Lord grinned. "Feel better?"
"I...think so...yes. I feel re-enegized."
"If isn't because of the Chief Inquisitor, I'll probably carry you all the way."
Pellegri blushed. "That's...unthinkable, Lord Exodus."
"Heh. Apologies. Come. Let's hurry."
E1 unlocked yet another door that took the group closer to their goal.
"Wow. I never thought E1 is pretty handy for this kinda thing." Jr. commented.
"He is a utility droid after all. Right, E1?" MOMO patted the droid gently.
E1 beeped and rocked its body.
"He seems happy about it." Shion said.
"Yeah. He's very happy to help us out. He'll work hard to replace the absence of Alex." MOMO translated.
Shion smiled. "Alex taught you a lot, E1. Thank you."
Alexander woke up. He was now at the shore of a beach. Birds were flying freely. The water from the sea swept his foot gently. He recognized the calm scenery. It was a beach he used to visit on Mon Calamari.
"This is...why? Exodus did something to me...why am I here?"
"Are you alright?" a gentle, female voice said.
He turned to his side and gasped. "KOS-MOS? No, not her...but that voice..."
The brown-haired woman nodded and smiled at him. Her calm blue eyes gazed directly at his. "I was the one called out to you..."
"I see. How do you know me? I'm pretty sure we haven't met before."
She sat next to him. "I know many things."
"I'm sure you are. But tell me, where exactly am I?"
"A place between life and death. The soul left your body in search for a place to rest. This place came out of your fondness for it."
"I can't die yet. I still have a promise to fulfill."
She held his hand. "I know, Alex. But for now, please let your friends handle it."
Alexander felt a sense of calmness the moment they touched. "I understand. I'll hang around here for a while. But it still feels weird though. You remind of someone I know. Your face, I mean..."
"This 'Cosmos', you mean?"
"Yeah...hey, what's your name?"
"Me? I am Mary Magdalene. You can call me Mary."
Notes: Is Alex already dead? How will the group fare against Margulis, Pellegri and Exodus without him? Just...wait, eh?
