Helping Zhar

Jedi Sentinel Jegialm Occul awoke in fellow Padawan Belaya's room shortly before dawn. Jegialm was a handsome Human male in his late teens with fair skin and an average complexion. He was of average height and possessed a slightly athletic build. He had short straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. Like most Human male Padawans, he was clean-shaven. At the moment, he felt slightly embarrassed, as he had fallen asleep by accident and had not originally planned to spend the entire night with Belaya in her room. He was also worried, as the Masters always warned against forming close attachments with other students in the Enclave. As he got out of her bed, Belaya stirred and opened her eyes. For an instant, they locked eyes with one another. "I should get back to my room," he whispered. "It would be bad if the Masters found out. The last thing we need is for either of us to get into trouble with Master Vrook."

Belaya silently nodded her head. She watched Jegialm put on his undershirt and pants. Once he had, she used the Force to pull him back to her. He landed unceremoniously on top of her and she gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "I'll see you at breakfast," she whispered to him. "And don't forget, we have lightsaber practice with Beledok Garen today."

"I won't forget," he whispered back. "See you at breakfast."

The two of them briefly kissed again. Then Jegialm stood up, gathered the rest of his belongings, and quietly snuck out of her room and back to his own. Once there, he got a fresh set of clothes ready before moving to the lavatory to freshen up. After he was done in the lavatory, he moved back to his room to get dressed. He put on a light brown undershirt, followed by matching pants. Then he proceeded to put on a light brown Jedi tunic, a matching tabard, and a matching obi. After that, he got into a pair of light brown boots. Finally, he attached a light brown utility belt around his waist. Satisfied that he was ready for the day, he went over to his footlocker, opened it up, drew out his pair of lightsabers, and closed the footlocker. After attaching his lightsabers to his belt, he left his room and headed for the dining hall.

When he arrived at the dining hall, he noticed that Belaya was already waiting for him. The two of them passed a silent glance between them and moved to get their respective breakfasts. Once they had made their choices for their meal, they moved over to an empty table. After they were seated, Jegialm casually delayed beginning his meal until Belaya took her first bite. Once she did, he let his delays come to an end and he started in. As they ate, they exchanged glances now and again.

About five minutes later, Jegialm noticed Padawan Nyalo Rulan come into the dining hall. He continued to watch as Nyalo quickly and quietly got his breakfast before sitting down alone at a table by the window. "Did you notice that Nyalo Rulan is here?" he asked Belaya.

"I did," replied Belaya. "You're thinking of inviting him to practice today, aren't you?"

"Well," began Jegialm. "We did overhear Master Zhar telling him that he thinks he could use more practice with his lightsaber. There's no harm in offering to help him."

"Well," replied Belaya. "I don't have any objections to inviting him. I don't think Beledok would object either."

"Then it's settled," said Jegialm as he stood up. "I'll be right back."

Jegialm moved away from his table and quickly over to where Nyalo was absently looking out the window. "Nyalo?" said Jegialm, trying to get his fellow Padawan's attention. Nyalo didn't respond. It was obvious that he hadn't heard his name being called. Jegialm knew that Nyalo was not one to simply ignore another person. As words had had no effect at getting Nyalo's attention, Jegialm decided that he needed to go with a physical approach and touched Nyalo unobtrusively on the shoulder. Clearly startled, Nyalo jumped slightly in his chair. He then turned his head to see who had touched his shoulder.

"Good morning, Nyalo," said Jegialm. "I'm sorry if I startled you."

"Good Morning, Jegialm," replied Nyalo as he settled back down. "Think nothing of it."

Jegialm smiled. "I was wondering something," he said.

"What would that be?" asked Nyalo.

"Belaya and I are meeting up with Beledok Garen after breakfast for lightsaber practice," Jegialm stated. "Would you care to join us?"

"I am grateful for the offer," responded Nyalo. "However, I think I'll pass."

"Are you sure?" asked Jegialm. "We heard Master Zhar say that he thinks you could use more practice with your lightsaber. We'd happily help you out."

"Again I'm grateful," said Nyalo with a weak smile. "But I'm still going to pass. Another time, though."

"As you wish," replied Jegialm. "If you change your mind, we'll be in the training room."

"Thank you, Jegialm," said Nyalo.

"You're welcome," said Jegialm. "May the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you, Jegialm," replied Nyalo. Jegialm gave him another smile, turned, and started to walk away. As he did, Nyalo became contemplative for a moment. "Jegialm?"

"Yes, Nyalo?" responded Jegialm as he stopped and turned back towards the Twi'lek.

"I was wondering," began Nyalo with a stammer. "That is to say…"

"Is something wrong?" asked Jegialm when Nyalo trailed off.

"Never mind," said Nyalo. "It's nothing. I'm sorry to have bothered."

"You're never a bother, Nyalo," said Jegialm with a reassuring smile. Nyalo smiled in return. Without any further word, Jegialm nodded his head, turned around again, and went back over to Belaya.

"What did he say?" asked Belaya.

"He declined," replied Jegialm. "But I don't think it's for the reason that you're probably suspecting."

"Oh?" inquired Belaya.

"Yes," continued Jegialm. "He seems, distracted, almost worried."

"Worried?" asked Belaya. "About what?"

"I don't know," said Jegialm. "I get the feeling he's just as puzzled as we are."

"Should we do something?" asked Belaya.

"Again I don't know," answered Jegialm. "I can tell that he wants to ask for help with whatever it is, but at the same time he doesn't want to trouble anyone. It might be best to let him move at his own pace, at least for now."

"Very well," said Belaya. "You should get back to your food before it gets cold."

Jegialm said nothing, but merely nodded his head, sat back down in his seat, and went back to eating. After the both of them were finished, they stood up, disposed of their dishes, exited the dining hall, and headed for the training room.

"Five credits says that Beledok's already in there warming up," said Belaya as they walked.

"No bet," replied Jegialm. "We both know you're right."

Belaya said nothing, but simply smiled and gave Jegialm a light touch on his arm. They continued in silence for the rest of their trip to the training room. When they rounded the corner at the end of the corridor that lead to the training room, they both saw that Belaya was indeed correct. Beledok was in the middle of a complex lightsaber kata. As they both knew that it was best not to interrupt nor distract him, they moved over to the side of the room and quietly and patiently waited for him to finish. While they watched, Jegialm's fingers lightly touched Belaya's hand. Without turning to look at him, Belaya interlocked her fingers with his.

Once Beledok finished his kata, the two of them instantly broke their grasp. "Your skills continue to grow," Belaya said, making sure to steer Beledok's attention to himself, just in case Beledok had noticed or suspected anything.

"Do you really think so?" asked Beledok as he deactivated his lightsabers. "I had not noticed."

"Of course you didn't," said Jegialm politely. "It's always easier for one to notice another's progress than it is to notice their own."

"Interesting," said Beledok with a look of understanding. "So shall we get started?"

"In a moment," said Belaya as she activated her lightsaber and waved it about to warm up her muscles.

"Likewise," said Jegialm as he activated his pair of lightsabers, with one being a yellow long blade and the other a blue shoto blade. He then went through a brief kata of his own for about a minute.

Beledok moved off to the side to yield the floor to them and patiently waited for them to get warmed up. When it looked like they were ready he moved back to the center of the practice area. "Is everyone ready?" he asked them both. Belaya and Jegialm both nodded. "Then come at me!"

Jegialm moved in on Beledok's left while Belaya came at him head-on. For the next few minutes, the three of them engaged in a spectacular display that would have made their primary teacher, Zhar Lestin, very proud. While both Belaya and Jegialm certainly held their own, it was obvious that Beledok was far more skilled than either of them with a lightsaber. Eventually, Belaya backed down and moved off while Beledok and Jegialm continued to go at it. Of course, once Belaya moved away, Beledok was able to go on the offensive and Jegialm quickly began to lose ground to him.

"I know you can give me more effort than that," Beledok said to Jegialm. "Show me what you Sentinels are capable of."

"Master Zhar warns against pride and impatience," replied Jegialm. "They are part of the path to the Dark Side."

"That he does," said Beledok. "And yes it is."

Suddenly, both Beledok and Jegialm lifted into the air, spun in place until they were dizzy, then dropped to the ground on their knees. Belaya grinned mischievously. "You guys," she said. Beledok recovered first and stood up. Jegialm got to his feet a few moments later, clearly still dizzy. After a few moments, they all started laughing happily.

"Do you think Master Zhar would approve?" asked Beledok through his laughter.

"It doesn't matter," said Jegialm, who was likewise still laughing. "It's a good move."

"Indeed," agreed Beledok. "I may have to try it out at some point."

"Just remember where you got the idea," said Belaya as she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes.

"Oh I will!" said Beledok. "You can be sure of it!"

A few moments later and without any warning, laser fire ripped through the training room and all three of them were knocked to the floor. Jegialm was stunned and unable to move until Beledok helped him up. "Come on," Beledok said to him. "We have to find Master Zhar."

Jegialm looked at Belaya, who managed to get up without any trouble. "I'm following him," he said. "Let's go."

Belaya just nodded her agreement. The three of them gathered up their lightsabers, ran out of the training room, and headed to the living quarters to find Zhar. They found him kneeling down tending to a youngling Apprentice. None of them spoke as they watched Zhar stand. "There is the Force," he said in a bittersweet tone. "Come, we must tend to others in the Enclave. Beledok, go find Deesra near the entrance and help him deal with things there. If you encounter any other Padawans on the way, get them to help if they are able. If they are not, tell them to try and make it to the West Corridor hangar bay."

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Beledok obediently.

"And Beledok," added Zhar. "No heroics, no noble sacrifices. If it looks like you're going to lose the front entrance, order the retreat, and withdraw as a single unit. Then make your way to the West Corridor hangar bay."

"Understood, Master Zhar," replied Beledok.

"Remember," warned Zhar. "You have to be on the shuttle before it leaves the Enclave. If you miss it, find your way to the plains and hide there until a rescue comes. Now, go! May the Force be with you!"

"Right away, Master Zhar," said Beledok as he ran off towards the front entrance of the Enclave.

"What of us, Master Zhar?" asked Jegialm.

"The two of you come with me," answered Zhar.

"Yes, Master," both of them said.

"We have to check that the exit in the rear of the Enclave near the East Corridor and the passage to the West Corridor hangar bay are secure," said Zhar as he broke into a run.

"Yes, Master," both of them said again as they ran after him.

Just as they got to the East Corridor, they ran into Padawans Bolook and Geviar Slyvin. Zhar stopped in front of them to catch his breath. "We are under attack," he said to them. "Geviar, go find Master Vrook and Master Dorak in the North Corridor and tell them to get to the West Corridor hangar bay. Bolook, go help Padawans Beledok Garen and Deesra out by the front entrance to the Enclave. Hurry, both of you!"

"Yes, Master!" Geviar said before running off to fulfill his orders.

"(Right away, Master,)" Bolook said as he turned away to head to the front entrance.

"We all need to work together in this matter if any of us are to survive," Zhar said to Jegialm and Belaya as if he were giving them a lesson. "Do the both of you understand this?"

"We do, Master Zhar," said Jegialm confidently. Belaya just nodded her head in agreement with Jegialm.

As they approached the doorway to the rear entrance, Zhar held up his hand for them to halt where they were. "Is there a problem, Master Zhar?" asked Jegialm.

"I hear a lot of blaster fire beyond this door," responded Zhar quietly, as though he didn't want to be heard. "It is not safe for us out there. We must wait."

"But, Master," interrupted Belaya. "Someone out there may need our help."

"Belaya is right, Master," agreed Jegialm. "We need to help whoever's out there."

Zhar smiled suddenly and confused them both. "No," he said plainly. "The Padawan out there has everything under her control."

Belaya and Jegialm looked at one another in confusion, but neither questioned Zhar. After about another minute, Zhar finally unlocked the door. "It's safe now," he said.

As Zhar opened the door, Jegialm noticed Padawan Keelie Brandor standing in the center of a group of dead Sith solders and he smiled despite the seriousness of the situation as the three of them headed outside to meet up with Keelie. Keelie looked a bit shaken by her altercation with the Sith, but seemed none the worse for wear. As soon as they got to her, Padawan Tilack Zuvvar vaulted over one of the hill-like ridges directly behind the Courtyard. Zhar let out a noticeable sigh of relief.

"Someone please tell me that this isn't happening," Tilack said as he deactivated his lightsaber. "This is a bad dream, right?"

"This is no dream," responded Zhar. "The Sith have indeed come to Dantooine."

"What can we do about it?" asked Keelie as she also deactivated her lightsabers.

"I have already sent Padawans Bolook and Beledok Garen to the main entrance to help Deesra," said Zhar. "They have instructions to get anyone they can to help at the main entrance. I've also sent Padawan Geviar Slyvin to find Master Vrook and Master Dorak."

"But what can we do?" asked Tilack.

Zhar let out a defeated sigh before continuing. "We have to abandon the Enclave. They won't bother the farmers if we're gone."

"Just like Taris?" asked Keelie. Zhar just held up his hand.

"We need to keep our heads," stated Zhar plainly.

"I agree," said Tilack.

"Tilack," said Zhar. "See what you can do to help those at the main entrance. Keelie, you stay here and guard the escape of those who come through here."

"But I can fight," retorted Keelie.

"No," said Zhar. "I need you to be mindful and guard the escape of those who come through here. It is of the utmost importance."

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Keelie. "It was wrong to question you."

"Think nothing of it, Keelie," said Zhar with a smile. "One last thing. Tilack, I told Beledok this and I'm going to tell you as well. If it looks like we're going to lose the ability to hold the main entrance, everyone at the main entrance is to retreat and make their way together to the West Corridor hangar bay."

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Tilack.

"And Keelie," continued Zhar. "Once you think that all who are going to make their way out the back have done so, get yourself to the West Corridor hangar bay as well."

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Keelie.

"Remember, both of you," said Zhar. "If you aren't on the shuttle when it departs you'll have to take your chances hiding on the plains until a rescue can come. Understood?"

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Tilack.

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Keelie.

"Excellent," concluded Zhar. "Now, you both have your instructions. May the Force be with you both."

"May the Force be with you, Master Zhar," said Tilack.

"May the Force be with you, Master Zhar," said Keelie.

Zhar smiled again before turning back to Belaya and Jegialm. "Come," he said to them as he walked back towards the door. "We still have to find Master Vandar."

Jegialm paused for a moment and looked at Keelie and Tilack. He knew he would probably be doing so for the last time. With a heavy heart he drew one of his lightsabers and activated it. "May the Force be with you, always," he said to them. Tilack and Keelie looked at one another and then activated their lightsabers as well. Silently the three of them touched their lightsaber blades to one another. When they broke their silent salute to one another, Jegialm turned and ran off to catch up with Zhar and Belaya.

Zhar paused for a moment when he sensed Jegialm's evident sorrow. "Remember," he said to the Padawan. "True friends are with you always. Nothing, not even the Force, can change that. Come, we must press on."

Jegialm said nothing, but simply nodded his head to his Master. Belaya put a hand on Jegialm's shoulder to comfort him as they walked. "There is no Death," she said to him.

"There is the Force," answered Jegialm.

Zhar smiled at the moment before continuing on. After a few paces, he looked at Jegialm. "Master Vandar tells me you bested him at Pazaak a few days ago," he said. "That is quite a feat."

"Thank you, Master Zhar," said Jegialm modestly. "I wish I could tell you that it was more than just chance that I beat him. He is one of the most skilled players I have ever known."

"I doubt that Master Vandar would agree with you, Jegialm," said Belaya.

"I think Belaya is correct," said Zhar with a smile. "Master Vandar thinks very humbly of his own skills."

Before their conversation could continue, the sounds of blaster fire and lightsaber combat could be heard down a side corridor. "Ready yourselves," said Zhar as he activated his lightsaber. Belaya and Jegialm looked at one another for a moment then activated their own lightsabers. Once they were ready, Zhar crept up to the corridor and peeked around the corner. "There are a significant number of Sith troopers and half a dozen Dark Jedi pushing back a number of Padawans and Apprentices. This will be a fight. Are you ready?"

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Belaya and Jegialm together.

"Then follow me!" said Zhar bravely.

With that, Zhar charged down the hallway at the Sith troopers and Dark Jedi who were there, with Jegialm and Belaya very close on his heels. Almost immediately, they were in the thick of the fracas. With unbelievable speed, Zhar cut through three Sith troopers and one of the Dark Jedi before they even realized he was there. Jegialm clashed with two of the Sith troopers and almost immediately began pushing them back. Belaya engaged two troopers of her own and halted their forward progress in its tracks.

Zhar quickly dispatched another trooper and then used a Force Push to send the dead trooper's body crashing into half a dozen other troopers, who were all knocked to the ground. As he did, Jegialm cut down both of the troopers he was facing while Belaya dispatched hers. Seeing their advantage vanishing before their eyes, three Dark Jedi attacked Zhar simultaneously. Zhar was unphased and held his ground. The Dark Jedi quickly encircled him and began attacking him from all directions. Given Zhar's years of training and years of training others, this tactic by the Dark Jedi was effective only in halting him in one place. Meanwhile, Jegialm engaged another Sith trooper while Belaya began a duel with a Dark Jedi.

Zhar delivered a powerful upward blow to one of the Dark Jedi he was fighting, causing the Dark Jedi's lightsaber to raise above his head, exposing his midsection. Seeing the intent of his attack had succeeded, Zhar delivered a powerful back kick to the Dark Jedi's chest, sending him flying backwards to the ground. Then he turned back to the other two Dark Jedi and delivered a series of furious blows that began to back them up. As he did so, he landed a particularly strong blow from his lightsaber to the lightsaber of one of the Dark Jedi. The Dark Jedi responded by bending forward to maintain his balance. Zhar immediately followed up his attack by giving the bent over Dark Jedi a vicious backhand punch, which knocked the Dark Jedi right to the ground. He then spun about and set his attention on the third Dark Jedi. The two of them engaged in a series of quick strikes and parries that quickly turned in Zhar's favor. Then, in a blur, Zhar got two quick slashes through the defenses of the Dark Jedi that connected with the Dark Jedi's chest. The Dark Jedi stopped right in his tracks, let out a low gasp, and fell to the ground dead.

During all of this, Jegialm went high and low with his attacks against the Sith trooper. The Sith trooper was unable to keep up with the Padawan's coordinated attacks and soon was struck multiple times by Jegialm's lightsabers. The contest ended with a downward blow from Jegialm's shoto blade that connected near the base of the trooper's neck. The trooper just collapsed in a crumpled heap at Jegialm's feet.

At the same time, Belaya landed a high front kick to the face of the Dark Jedi that she was fighting. Her kick staggered the Dark Jedi back and his guard lowered. Seeing her opening, Belaya moved forward and delivered two quick slashes to the Dark Jedi's torso. Just after the second blow connected, the Dark Jedi fell to the ground dead.

Zhar spun back around to confront the Dark Jedi he had kicked, who was only just now getting back to his feet. Before the Dark Jedi had any time to react, Zhar kicked him in the side of the head and sent him back down to the ground. Sensing that the other remaining Dark Jedi had recovered from the punch he had received, Zhar then spun back around and came down on him with an overhand strike from his lightsaber. The Dark Jedi had had no time to raise his guard and, as a result, Zhar's blow sliced right into him, sending him face first to the ground, dead. The third Dark Jedi, seeing no reason to continue the fight, scrambled to his feet and raced off down the hall to escape. Some of the Apprentices began to chase after him, but Zhar held up his hand. "Let him go," he ordered as he deactivated his lightsaber. "We have more important matters at hand."

With this fight now ended, Jegialm and Belaya deactivated their lightsabers as well and fell in line behind Zhar as he gave out instructions to the Padawans and Apprentices. When he was done speaking, the Padawans and Apprentices rushed off to fulfill Zhar's instructions. Then, Zhar turned his attention to Jegialm and Belaya. "Come," he said. "Let's press on."

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Belaya and Jegialm together.

The three of them made their way towards the West Corridor, intent on getting to the West Corridor hangar bay.

"So," began Zhar as they walked. "Are the two of you still sneaking around and pretending to not be intimately involved with one another?"

Jegialm's eyes went wide with shock and he stopped dead in his tracks. He looked at Belaya, who had also stopped and had a guilty look of surprise on her face. Upon realizing that they had stopped, Zhar halted and turned back to face them. "You two didn't really think I wouldn't find out did you?" he asked them.

"I'm think you must be mistaken, Master Zhar," said Jegialm.

"We're just two good friends, Master Zhar," added Belaya.

"There is use in denying it," said Zhar. "It's blatantly obvious just by looking at the two of you. Stolen glances. Light touches. All the signs are right there."

"Master Zhar," began Jegialm. "We…that is to say…"

"We're sorry to disappoint you, Master Zhar," interrupted Belaya.

"Disappointed?" asked Zhar. "In the two of you? I'm not disappointed. These sorts of things happen, and more often than you might think."

Jegialm and Belaya let their mouths fall open. Then they exchanged looks of shock with one another. Was Master Zhar really condoning their relationship, they both thought to themselves.

"Do any of the other Masters know?" asked Jegialm finally.

"Only Master Dorak and Master Vandar," replied Zhar.

"They do?" asked Belaya in surprise. "And what about Master Vrook? Does he not know?"

"Of course he doesn't," said Zhar. "Master Vandar has seen to that. Besides, if Master Vrook did know, you both would've received a lecture from him by now, and you'd both never hear the end of it from him."

"But we thought such things were discouraged between Jedi," said Jegialm.

"Well yes and no," replied Zhar as he resumed walking towards the West Corridor hangar bay. Jegialm and Belaya exchanged one more look between each other and moved to keep up with Zhar. "You see, such feelings can breed problematic thoughts and actions. That is why we discourage such feelings and relations. However, if the two of you manage to keep your heads about you and don't allow your feelings for one another to cloud your thinking and your judgment, then there will be no harm. Do you both understand?"

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Jegialm.

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Belaya.

"Good," said Zhar. "Then we don't need to discuss the matter again unless it becomes a problem."

Both Belaya and Jegialm breathed a sigh of relief. They weren't in trouble and they hadn't disappointed Master Zhar. Since Zhar had his back to them, they couldn't see that he had a smile on his face.

A few minutes later, they reached the West Corridor and made their way towards the West Corridor hangar bay. Turning the corner, they were greeted by the sight of several Dark Jedi fighting a number of Padawans, including Nyalo Rulan, inside the hangar bay itself.

"Come," said Zhar as he once again activated his lightsaber. "We have to help them."

"Yes, Master Zhar," replied Jegialm and Belaya as they also actived their lightsabers.

The three of them began moving forward at a brisk pace when suddenly Zhar froze in his tracks. Belaya and Jegialm barely had enough time to stop to keep from bumping into him.

"Master Zhar?" asked Jegialm. "What's wrong?"

Zhar said nothing, but turned around to face them. Once he had, he looked past them. "Darth Malak," he said at last. "I can sense him. He's here in the West Corridor."

Both Jegialm and Belaya could see that Zhar was shaken. "What should we do, Master?" asked Belaya.

"Get behind me and stay at the entrance to the hangar bay," Zhar instructed. "Allow no Sith to get past you. If you see me get into trouble, do not move to help me. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Belaya.

"Yes, Master Zhar," said Jegialm.

"Good," said Zhar as he moved back up the corridor. "May the Force be with you, always."

"May the Force be with you, Master," Jegialm and Belaya said together.

Without any further word, Zhar moved significantly away from them for the first time and stood halfway down the hall from them. Belaya and Jegialm then took up a defensive position a few feet from the entrance to the West Corridor hangar bay.

About a minute later, Darth Malak came into view with three Dark Jedi and a dozen Sith troopers right behind him. Belaya's hand shot out to grab Jegialm by the arm. "That's him," she said in a hushed tone. "Darth Malak."

Upon seeing Zhar standing defensively in the middle of the hallway, Malak stopped and held up his hand to halt those who were with him. "Zhar Lestin," he said. "The last time I saw you, I was still a lowly Padawan."

"Darth Malak," replied Zhar with a smirk. "The last time I saw you, you still had a mouth that moved when you talked."

Malak growled at Zhar's jab and absently touched his prosthetic jaw. "You'll pay for that," said Malak.

"I welcome you to try and make me, Alek," replied Zhar.

"That is no longer my name," seethed the Dark Lord. "I am Darth Malek now!"

"That will always be your name, Alek!" retorted Zhar. "Nothing you do can ever change that!"

Malak growled again and raised his hand towards Zhar. "That is where you are wrong, my former Master."

With that, a stream of Force Lightning erupted from Malak's fingertips and sped towards Zhar. An unphased Zhar held his ground and his lightsaber just absorbed Malak's attack.

"Did you know that a lightsaber could do that?" asked Jegialm to Belaya.

"No I didn't," replied Belaya. "But I do now."

"Knowing that will come in handy in the future," added Jegialm.

"I agree," acknowledged Belaya.

Malak growled once again at seeing his display failing to frighten or deter Zhar. Puffing up his chest, he let out a stronger stream of Force Lightning towards his former Master. Once more, Zhar calmly held his ground and let his lightsaber absorb the attack.

"This is going nowhere," said Malak with malice in his voice. "Very well. I shall deal with you another way."

"I welcome you to try, Alek," said Zhar almost mockingly. "Let's see if you've learned anything since you abandoned your studies."

Malak did not reply, but simply drew his lightsaber and activated it. "Once we begin," he said to those with him. "Move past us and into the hangar bay. Do not attempt to assist me. Master Zhar is mine to deal with."

"As you command, Lord Malak," responded one of the Dark Jedi.

Malak moved forward confidently with his guard up. Though the Dark Side had made him arrogant, he still knew better than to underestimate the skills of a Jedi Master. Zhar continued to hold his place and did not allow Malak's overbearing presence to influence him. Jegialm and Belaya continued to watch from where they were instructed to. Zhar gave them both strength. Once Malak was within range of Zhar, he lashed out at his former Master with a savage attack. Zhar countered and held his ground.

"You've grown stronger, Alek," said Zhar, still using Malak's real name in the hopes that it would make the Dark Lord careless in his disdain for it.

"Stronger than you've ever been," responded Malak.

The two of them began a furious duel, with Malak relying on raw power, and Zhar countering with agility and wisdom. Everyone else watching on both sides of the conflict were taken with how remarkable the fight truly was. After a mutual series of attacks and parries, Malak took a step back and tried to use a Force Stun on his former Master. Unfortunately for Malak, Zhar's years of training made it possible for him to shield himself from the Dark Lord's attack.

"You should know better than to try that with me, Alek," scolded Zhar. "Are you worried that your skills with a lightsaber cannot overcome mine?"

Malak growled at Zhar's words and resumed attacking him with his lightsaber. In a few passes, enough of a space opened up that the Dark Jedi and the Sith troopers were able to slip past them.

"Here they come," said Jegialm as he and Belaya readied themselves.

The Sith troopers moved ahead of the Dark Jedi and readied their blaster rifles. One of the troopers took a frag grenade from his belt and threw it at them. Belaya responded by using the Force to catch the grenade in mid-flight before sending it hurtling back towards them. The Dark Jedi casually moved backwards as the troopers scrambled frantically to get out of the blast radius. Fortunately for most of them, their armor absorbed most of the explosion, but they were all still dazed. Realizing that grenades were a foolish tactic, the troopers who remained leveled their blaster rifles at the two Padawans and opened fire with a vicious barrage. Jegialm and Belaya responded by deftly deflecting a number of the bolts. The Dark Jedi were unimpressed by the Sith troopers' lack of progress.

Meanwhile, Malak and Zhar continued their duel with neither able to gain the upper hand. Though Malak had significant skill, he was still relying on sheer power, which forced Zhar to remain reliant on agility and years of experience. He hoped that Malak's use of sheer strength would tire him out before his own strength gave out.

The troopers were getting nowhere with their blaster fire. Then, Belaya managed to deflect one of the blaster bolts back at one of the troopers and dropped him where he stood. That one move caused the rest of the troopers to falter and for a moment their volley ceased.

"Let's take the fight to them," suggested Jegialm.

"Agreed," said Belaya.

The two of them suddenly broke into a Force-aided run right at the Sith troopers. Within less than a second, the two of them were hacking into the surprised troopers with their lightsabers. Due to the previous damage that the grenade had caused, most of them were felled quite easily. The Dark Jedi looked at one another and exchanged looks of disgust for the troopers. "Enough fools!" shouted one of them. "Withdraw and return with reinforcements!"

The troopers who were able to do so backed away instantly and the three Dark Jedi moved forward with their own lightsabers drawn to cover the remaining troopers' escape and to confront the two troublesome Padawans.

"You two are both such a bother!" hissed one of the Dark Jedi.

"Our Master tells us that we need to be good at something," retorted Jegialm with a smirk.

The Dark Jedi were not impressed and set upon Jegialm and Belaya with a savage fury. As he wielded two lightsabers to Belaya's one, Jegialm maneuvered himself to take on two of the three Dark Jedi. Belaya instinctively knew what Jegialm's intention was and threw herself at the remaining Dark Jedi. Content with the match-up, the two Dark Jedi on Jegialm took a couple of steps back to allow their opponent to come to them while the third Dark Jedi moved forward with his saberstaff to engage Belaya. Jegialm purposefully adopted a more defensive posture to compensate for the fact that he was facing off against multiple opponents, while Belaya took the fight right to her opponent. Silently, both were grateful for all the time they had spent training alongside Beledok Garen, as they were now putting to use skills they had never before had to rely on. Jegialm maintained his composure and looked for an opening while simultaneously defending himself from both of his opponents. His opening came when both of the Dark Jedi made mirroring mid-level swings at the same time. Jegialm responded by dropping to one knee and raising his long blade up to block both of their strikes while his shoto blade swung for their knees. His tactic mostly worked as the Dark Jedi that was on the same side as the arm Jegialm used to wield his shoto blade quite literally had his legs cut out from underneath him, while the other took a nasty gash to one thigh. The Dark Jedi who had lost his legs cried out in pain and writhed in agony while the one who was merely wounded took a couple of steps back, allowing Jegialm to rise to his feet.

Meanwhile, Belaya and her Dark Jedi both moved in a furious flurry of blows and parries. Then, as the two of them locked up their lightsabers with one another, the Dark Jedi let go of his lightsaber with one hand and used a Force Push to hurl Belaya down the hall towards the hangar bay entrance. Belaya managed to roll with the move and came to her feet slightly dizzy, but otherwise unharmed. The Dark Jedi strode towards her confidently. As she fully regained her senses, an idea came to her. Casually, she took one hand off of the handle of her lightsaber and turned her side profile to the Dark Jedi.

"Help me, fool!" screamed the Dark Jedi who had lost his legs.

"I will help you," replied the wounded Dark Jedi venomously. "Oh, I will help you indeed!"

With that the wounded Dark Jedi moved back towards Jegialm, beheaded the prone Dark Jedi with a casual stroke of his lightsaber, and then gestured with his open hand to bring that Dark Jedi's lightsaber into his now waiting hand. "Now it's two-on-two," said the Dark Jedi with an evil grin. "Let's see how you fare now."

Jegialm said nothing, but moved forward and began a furious exchange with the Dark Jedi. Though the Dark Jedi possessed skill, Jegialm could tell that he did not normally fight using two weapons. As a result, he told himself to be patient and his next opening would eventually present itself.

Belaya moved in on her opponent and resumed their duel. The Dark Jedi began a savage series of strikes. In the stance she was now in with the grip she was now using, Belaya simply sought to block his various attacks. All the while, she kept her other hand tucked behind her back. After a few passes between them, Belaya side-stepped one of her opponent's incoming attacks, and parried the blade of his lightsaber downward. Then she brought her other hand out from behind her back and gestured out towards the Dark Jedi and used a Force Push to slam him back-first into the wall of the hallway, knocking the wind out of him. While he was temporarily stunned, Belaya resumed her normal grip on her lightsaber and delivered three quick slashes to the Dark Jedi's chest. For an instant, the Dark Jedi's eyes went wide. Then he slid down the wall and came to rest on the floor in a slumped sitting position, dead. Belaya let out an audible sigh of relief that her tactic had worked. After catching her breath she turned to see how Jegialm was doing.

Jegialm was matching his opponent strike-for-strike and parry-for-parry. He could tell that his opponent was beginning to get aggravated and on the verge of doing something desperate. Sensing his pending opening, Jegialm guided the next few series of strikes and parries until both of them had both of their lightsabers locked above their heads. However, before he could capitalize on the position the both of them were in, the Dark Jedi delivered a savage kick to Jegialm's chest that sent him reeling backwards. While he was off-balance, the Dark Jedi came in with two strikes aimed at Jegialm's sides, intending to cut him in half. Jegialm only partially parried the strikes and ended up being grazed on each side. As a result, he dropped to both knees and dropped both of his lightsabers.

"No!" shouted Belaya as she rushed forward. While Jegialm gasped on his knees, the Dark Jedi raised both of his lightsabers above his head and started to bring them down upon Jegialm's head. Belaya dropped to her knees and slid to the side of Jegialm and barely got her own lightsaber up in time to block both of the Dark Jedi's attacks. She then used a Force Push to hurtle the Dark Jedi back up the corridor. "Are you all right?"

"Not especially," Jegialm gasped. "I never imagined how much getting touched by a lightsaber blade would hurt."

Zhar, meanwhile, was beginning to lose ground to Malak. The Dark Lord's strength seemed unending, despite the fact that he was relying on raw power to attack his former Master.

"Your energy is fading, Master Zhar," taunted Malak as the two of them locked their lightsabers together. "You won't last much longer. Surrender now and I'll spare your Apprentices."

"I still have more than enough energy to see this fight through to its conclusion, Alek," said Zhar defiantly. To demonstrate that he was still very much in the fight, he shoved back against Malak and went on the offensive with several powerful strikes. Now Malak had to utilize some of his other lightsaber skills to fend Zhar off. Seeing that the tide had turned, Zhar's energy and strength renewed and he pressed the fight.

Belaya helped Jegialm to his feet while the Dark Jedi was recovering from being thrown back. Jegialm managed to get his breath under control and gestured downwards towards his fallen lightsabers. Instantly, his lightsabers jumped up into his awaiting hands and roared back to life. "Let's take him together," said Belaya.

"Agreed," said Jegialm, still in pain.

The two of them raised their guard and moved in against the Dark Jedi. They swirled and danced around him, exchanging strikes and parries as before. Then the two of them struck at once to lock up both of the Dark Jedi's lightsabers. Before the Dark Jedi could act again, Belaya briefly deactivated her lightsaber to allow the Dark Jedi's lightsaber to move just a bit. She then reactivated her lightsaber and locked back up with the Dark Jedi's lightsaber, pinning it away from him. Jegialm responded to Belaya's move by doing the same thing with his own lightsaber. Once he had pinned the Dark Jedi's second lightsaber, he made a horizontal strike with his shoto blade at the Dark Jedi's undefended neck and beheaded him. As the Dark Jedi's body fell to the ground, they both let out a strong sigh of relief.

Malak kicked Zhar in the abdomen and backed him into the wall. He followed up his attack by locking his lightsaber with the Jedi Master's in such a way that Zhar's blade bit into the wall on one side of his head while Malak's bit into the wall on the other side of his head, effective pinning him.

"Time to die!" Malak said menacingly. With that he took one hand off of the handle of his lightsaber and punched Zhar squarely in the stomach, forcing all the air from his lungs. Malak then broke the pin so that Zhar could fall to his knees. The exchange was enough that it got Jegialm and Belaya's attention. Both of them went wide-eyed. Malak's eyes glinted with evil. Before they could do anything, Malak delivered a fatal blow to Zhar and the Jedi Master crumpled face down on the floor.

"NO!" shouted Jegialm.

"Mast Zhar!" shouted Belaya.

Malak let out a mechanical laugh of pure malice. "Pathetic," he said. "He was no match for the power of the Dark Side!"

As Malak continued to laugh, Belaya and Jegialm charged at the Dark Lord, intent on avenging their Master, with Belaya managing to be just a couple of steps ahead of Jegialm in their run. Malak noticed their charge and turned to face them. With a gesture of his hand, he yanked Belaya forward and brought her throat into his open hand. Instantly, she gasped for breath as his hand began to squeeze. After only a couple of seconds, he opened his hand and Belaya flung back at Jegialm. Before Jegialm could react, Belaya's back slammed into his chest. With both now dazed, Malak took a few long swift strides forward. Then, in an instant, he ran them both through with a single thrust from his lightsaber. As they gasped, he began to laugh again.

"To think that you were trained by Zhar Lestin," Malak said with gleeful malice as he twisted his lightsaber inside of them. "Now you join him in death."

Jegialm's mind began to cloud from the pain in his abdomen and he knew he was moments from passing out. With the last of his strength, he brought one of his lightsabers up over Belaya's shoulder and thrust it out towards Malak's face. Malak was caught off-guard by the Padawan's desperate attack, but was still only delivered a glancing blow, right to one side of his prosthetic jaw piece where it connected to his face. Malak screamed out in pain and fell backwards, taking his lightsaber with him. Both Jegialm and Belaya fell to the ground. While they lay there barely conscious, Malak scrambled back from them, holding onto his prosthetic jaw to keep it from falling off of his face and revealing the wound that was his greatest source of embarrassment.

"You win this round," he seethed as he awkwardly got to his feet and deactivated his lightsaber while still holding onto his prosthetic. "But you have not heard the last of me!"

With that, Malak retreated back and out of sight. Jegialm managed to roll over and get to his knees. Then he fell back against the wall and pushed himself to a standing position. His legs could barely support his weight. While leaning on the wall for support, he edged his way over to the the body of Zhar to see if there was anything he could do. With a great thud, he fell to both knees next to his Master. After checking for Zhar's vitals, he came to the sorrowful conclusion that the Jedi Master was dead. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you fight him, Master," he whispered. Then he took up Zhar's fallen lightsaber and attached it to his belt. With great effort, he crawled back over to Belaya and pushed himself to his knees by her side. He put a hand to her throat to check her pulse and was relieved to find that she was still alive, though barely. With belabored breath, he gathered up both of his lightsabers and Belaya's and hooked them to his belt. He then put one of her arms about his neck and one of his arms around her waist and pushed himself up to a standing position. Belaya was out cold and limp in his grasp. He then became keenly aware of the distant sound of Sith Troopers converging on their position. "Terrific. Just what I need right now."

With the Force aiding him, he lifted Belaya into both arms and staggered towards the West Corridor hangar bay. "Come on," he said to her, though she could not hear him. "We're only a little way away. We'll make it. We have to."

To be continued…