Three Months Later
In the short time of three months, the Council of Ten had transformed the crew of the Ebon Hawk from merely talented individuals to true masters in the art of war. Not a single moment was wasted. Every waking moment was spent sparring, learning, training, preparing and mastering every skill they had before and one they were learning.
"Concentrate Bastila," encouraged Revan as Bastila scowled fiercely, sweat running down her face in rivulets.
"This is harder than it looks Revan," muttered Bastila as she struggled to levitate the Ebon Hawk. So far she had managed to lift up a fourth of the massive ship about 5 feet in the air.
"Here, the key is not to command the Force. It is to submerge your entire being into the Force and gently guide it. The tree that bends is the tree that does not break," said Revan as he tapped into the lyrical flow of the Force and easily lifted the Ebon Hawk high into the air with just a thought.
"What you're doing should be impossible," breathed Bastila as she watched in amazement while Revan made the Ebon Hawk do flips and turns around the docking bay.
"And yet, I am doing it," said Revan with a smile.
"Revan, we have him. Our fleet has surrounded the Leviathan. Alec is on board," said Arus from the loud speakers.
"I understand. Prepare a shuttle for my companions and myself. It's time I opened Alec's eyes. He once was blind, but now shall see," said Revan all traces of mirth leaving his voice as he slowly returned the Ebon Hawk to where it was before his training session with Bastila.
"Are you alright Revan?" asked Bastila.
"No. I caused all of this. I should never have taken him with me. He is my responsibility. Arus, I need you and the Council to stay on your ships in case anything goes wrong. If I die, you are the Emperor. Tell Jerc that he needs to watch and see if the True Sith are anywhere near us," said Revan as his eyes burned with his humiliation at failing to save his friend and his determination to correct that mistake.
As the shuttle approached, the crippled Leviathan Revan glanced at the people sitting in it with him. Each one of them had overcome limits that they had never thought possible. He was immensely proud of all of them, and knew; without a doubt, that arrayed in front of him were some of the galaxy's best and brightest. Bastila wrapped her hand around his while sending comforting emotions through their bond as Revan mentally prepared to face his best friend.
"This is what it comes down to.So much devastation has been caused by my mistake. I can't allow it to continue. If I can't make Alec see reason…," thought Revan. Well, he seriously hoped he wouldn't find out what he would do if Alec continued down the dark path he was on.
"Right. Canderous, HK-47, Carth you guys are going to be leading four squads down to the detention level and securing them. You have permission to use lethal force if you encounter hostiles. If anyone surrenders you are to take them alive. Zaalbar, Mission and Juhani, I need all of you to secure the main deck. You will be given three stealth squads to do that. Jolee and Bastila are coming with me to the Bridge. May the Force be with you all," said Revan as he gave out commands to everyone aboard.
As the shuttle landed in the Leviathan's docking bay Revan immediately sensed hostile Dark Jedi surrounding it .with a sigh he motioned for the others to leave it to him. As he exited the shuttle, he immediately sent a shockwave of force from his body knocking all of the Dark Jedi back as he ignited his white and black sabers. He settled into his Jar'kai stance as glanced at each of his opponents and knew that he would not be able to open their eyes.
"I'm sorry I lead all of you down this path," said Revan quietly before all of them leapt into action.
Before their time with the Council of Ten none of Revan's companions would have been able to see what happened next. Now they saw each strike, each slash. They saw every blow and every death. Bastila saw the deep regret etched into every line of Revan's face as he danced through the Dark Jedi in front of him. There was no wasted movement. There was no overly elegant parry or spin. Every movement was defined and had purpose. Revan exemplified what it meant to achieve perfection. Grace, technique, skill, speed, strength, and mastery were all perfectly melded together to form an unstoppable force with only one goal, the salvation of all life.
Some of the Dark Jedi realized the futility of their situation. One such warrior was Dustil Onasi. He had been trained to hate the Republic and everything it and his father stood for. But as Revan purposefully cut down everyone in his path Dustil started to wonder. How could the Republic be all that bad if someone as powerful and wise as Revan was fighting to save it? Surely if it had such a vaunted protector it must hold some redeeming qualities. As Revan came closer and closer to him Dustil deactivated his lightsaber. He didn't know if the Republic deserved to be saved, but he did know that Malak wasn't worth dying for. He turned around and threw his hood over his face shadowing it from view, but not before a flash of recognition appeared on Carth's face.
"Dustil wait!" shouted Carth as he ran towards his son.
"No. Don't come any closer father. I'm leaving," muttered Dustil as he reached for the Force in case anyone tried to stop.
Carth skidded to a halt in shock as Revan cut down the last of the other Dark Jedi. The entire group turned to watch the unexpected reunion between father and son. Dustil turned to fully face his father and Carth saw just how much his son had changed. Any trace of a child was gone from Dustil's features. He face was hard and completely emotionless. The only thing that betrayed his feelings were his eyes. They burned with an inner spirit and fire that Revan knew rivaled Arus Khan's. If this degenerated into a fight he wasn't sure that he could stop Dustil before he killed his father.
"I may be Sith but my allegiance is to myself. If you're here for Malak he's on the bridge. I try to stop you," said Dustil as he raised his chin defiantly towards his father.
"D-Dustil… What happened to you? I thought… I thought you were dead…," whispered Carth in disbelief.
"A former Sith saved us. He trained me before letting me go. He told me to go out into the galaxy and test his teachings first hand and see if they would hold up. They haven't failed me yet," replied Dustil a note of pride colouring his voice.
"Who was your master, Zen, Vahlok Do Laas?" asked Revan.
"It has been years since I have been called that. Ysmir, Dovah Do Faal Brom. My master was Raen, Fin Vul Thur," replied Dustil.
"What did you call my son Revan?" asked Carth as he glanced at the exchange with a sinking heart.
I called him Zen, Guardian of Life. He replied answered my name Ysmir, Dragon of the North. His master was Raen, the Dark Overlord. He and I are part of a very small group of Force users that have a true understanding of what it is. I am the current head of our order. There are only four of us at the moment. Zen, Raen, Jundomiin, and me; Ysmir. We are the few that have full control of the infinite aspects of the Force," replied Revan.
"Dustil come with us. If you're as talented as Revan says we need you. The galaxy needs you." Begged Carth.
"No. You have your motivations and I have mine. This will not come to pass father. You must accept that," said Dustil slowly his eyes softening as he stared at his father.
"Revan can't you order him to come with us?" asked Carth in desperation. Revan shook his head.
"I may be the head of our order but I can't command the others to do anything. Being the head just means I am the most powerful of us four. The most I can do is ask for their help or wisdom. It is up to each member to interpret the wishes of the Force. As each person is unique no two members will arrive at the exact same conclusion as how to best serve the Force. Raen, felt the best way was to pass on his knowledge. Jundomiin, The King of Eyes has always been someone who tries to view an event from all possible viewpoints and offering advice to those drawn into the midst of the unfolding event. I have always taken a direct approach," replied Revan.
"I was taught that the best way to fight an enemy is to observe for any weaknesses that can be exploited and exploited them at the best possible time. If there are no weaknesses create one. If no weakness can be created than you wait until it your foe creates one themselves. I am the Guardian of Life and I will fight the True Sith when the time comes. But that time is not now. Farewell Ysmir, Dragon of the North. Goodbye father," said Dustil as he walked to one of the fighters and climbed in.
"Wait! What about your mother?" asked Carth before the Dustil could lower the hatch.
"She's under Raen's protection. Last I heard they were on some planet in the Outer Rim," replied Dustil before the roar of the engines drowned out all sound. Carth watched helplessly as his son left The Leviathan. Carth felt a hand on his shoulder.
"You will see him again. Of that, I am sure. Now we have job to do," said Revan as he raised his hand and ripped the doors out of the wall before charging forwards.
Jolee and Bastila followed him as the others left to fulfill their own duties. Revan charged forward with both lighsabers ignited carving a path straight to the bridge. Hundreds of Dark Jedi and Sith Lords fell before his blades as he Jolee and Bastila merely followed behind him. With a thought the doors to the bridge of The Leviathan were blasted inwards crushing the Dark Jedi that were waiting behind it.
"You've come Revan," said Malak as he ignited his ruby red lightsaber.
"I shall make you see Alec," replied Revan.
"We shall see who should be Lord here and now," said Malak as raised his arms and fifty red lightsabers ignited and floated around him forming a formidable shield and weapon.
"Copying my move Alec?" Asked Revan as he raised settled into his Jar'kai stance.
Revan leapt through the air letting the Force flow through every aspect of his being he moved faster than even Malak's trained eyes could follow. Every slice announced the destruction of another one of Malak's lightsabers. Getting desperate, Malak sent all of his lightsabers towards Revan. Revan deactivated his lightsabers and merely raised a hand a hand and focused a blast of pure energy so strong that it shattered all of Malak's lightsabers save for the one he was using.
Jolee and Bastila watched the fight in amazement as they realized just how far above them both Revan and Malak were. They were veritable gods fighting for dominance over the Revanchists. Malak bellowed as Force Lightning; no a continuous beam of force lightning erupted from his hand towards Revan. Revan reached out and grabbed the Force Lightning and gently guided it as he spun in a circle and redirected it at Malak. Malak eyes went dark with rage as he shouted at the Force Lightning, shouting it out of existence.
Revan took the opportunity to reactivate his lightsabers and charged at Malak at speeds faster than even a Jedi Master would've been able to obtain. Malak barely managed to block the attack in time. The two became locked in a duel as both struck harder and faster than any Sith Lord or Jedi Master would have been able to withstand. Revan spun and executed a complex spin-backflip-triple slash. Malak parried with dodge-charge –whirlwind strike.
Malak threw his lightsaber at Revan like a javelin who dodged by doing a front flip. Malak then used the Force to pull the lightsaber back towards Revan's back. Just as Bastila was about to shout a warning Revan parried the strike with his white lightsaber and smiled at Malak.
"This old trick Malak? You must be running out of ideas," replied Revan as he turned and slashed the handle of Malak's lightsaber, leaving his best friend defenseless. Revan turned as Malak backed away feeling fear for the first time in this duel.
"It is time that you see Alec! Vokul Dir! Dahmaan Hin Heyv" shouted Revan pouring his entire mastery of his Force into a massive Force wave that struck Alec and launched him into the window of his bridge cracking it. Breathing heavily Revan relaxed when Alec looked up and the yellow tint of the Sith was gone from his eyes. Alec's eyes showed the horror that he had realized the destruction he had caused. Revan smiled as helped his friend stand back up.
"Wha- what did you do? I was in darkness, blind… falling…" whispered Alec as he tried to comprehend what Revan had done.
"With the Force I can rid an individual of all taint from the Darkside. I forced it to release its hold over you. The technique is… taxing to say the least. But I am glad you are back Alec," replied Revan with a genuine smile.
"Revan you have to leave!" shouted Alec as he grabbed Revan and forcefully threw him towards the door to the Bridge. "Get your friends, get off the Leviathan! You have to go! Now!"
"Whats wrong?" asked Revan in surprise.
"The Emperor's coming! While I was still his pawn he told me that he would be coming to personally ensure that you were dead. He's taking his entire battalion her to make sure that you die," shouted Alec as he turned and activated the Leviathan's long range scanners.
"Revan we need to leave!" shouted Arus over Revan's comm link. "I have massive amounts of inbound ships. It looks like the entire Sith armada is converging on our location."
"Go Revan. I'll hold them off," said Alec with a fire in his eyes.
"No! If you do that you'll – "
"I'll die. I'm eternally grateful that you've brought me back Revan but this is how it has to be. I will stay with the Leviathan and cover your escape. I was never destined for greatness, I see that now. We no longer walk the same path Revan, you must go," said Alec, sadness readily apparent in his eyes. Revan pulled his best friend into a bear hug, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Goodbye Alec. I swear we will meet again," said Revan before he turned around and ran with Bastila.
Bastila turned her head to catch one last glimpse of of the man known as both Darth Malak and the Jedi Knight Alec. He was standing upright there was no trace of fear in his stance, only determination. She saw him through the Force. He was no longer a void, extinguishing all light around him, He radiated a cold light, not pure like a Jedi but righteous and honorable. This was the man that Revan respected and befriended, this was the man that led Jedi time and time again to war and emerged victorious. This was the resurrection and final chapter for Alec.
"Everyone on board!" shouted Revan at his companions who were gathered around the shuttle. "We need to get out of here!"
As the shuttle boarded The Emperor Revan and his friends rushed up to the bridge to rendezvous with Arus. Revan stopped when he looked out the window to see the amount of Sith ships exiting hyperspace.
"How are our ships?" asked Revan.
"We managed to pull most of them out before the Sith could spring this trap. Alec is drawing most of their fire as he's attacking the Sith Emperor's ship," said Arus with a hint of sadness and admiration tinting his voice.
"Sir, the Leviathan is ramming the Sith flagship head on!" shouted one of the navigators as he alerted Revan and the others.
Revan turned to watch from The Emperor's bridge as the entire Sith fleet concentrated its fire on the Leviathan while it rushed towards the Sith flagship.
"He'll never survive that, with how damaged his shields are! What is he thinking?" asked Canderous.
"He's not planning on surviving. He's drawn all fire away from us, allowing us to jump to hyperspace," said Revan quietly, as more tears rolled down his face.
Revan watched without blinking as the Leviathan smashed into the Sith flagship exploding the moment it did causing critical damage to both the flagship and the ships around it, temporarily crippling the Sith fleet.
"Make the jump," said Revan as he turned away from the sight. "Goodbye Alec. May the Force be with you," whispered Revan, so quietly only Arus and Bastila could hear.
Alec smiled as his ship collapsed around him. Funny, he had always been afraid of death, now he had accepted it. A beam collapsed behind him as he continued to guide his ship towards the Sith flagship. He knew this wouldn't be enough to kill the Sith Emperor, but it would give Revan the time he needed to escape. He would never be remembered in any history books or records as anything more than a hated Sith Lord, but that was fine with him. At the very least, Revan knew and that was enough for him. The Sith flagship was only seconds away. He had no regrets, he had befriended the greatest man this galaxy would ever see, and been lucky enough to be rescued by him. He closed his eyes, smiled, and everything was gone.
Author's Note:
I'm really sorry it took this long to update, but college is a lot more different than I thought it was going to be. I finally found time (the week before finals! . to finally start writing again. So I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. It's a bit short but it is necessary for the story.)
