Hey all! World's going crazy at the moment so my life has too. Political bickering and my job going to shit makes everything a mess.

Also I have to say rest in peace to the beautiful bastard John Hurt. Such a brilliant actor.

On a lighter note: This chapter is longer than normal cause I wanted to get the story rolling a bit more.

Reviews:

KingKimi0317: Ah shite indeed.

hunter139: Main point to cover is about reinforcements. At the moment the Inquisitors are pretty well stocked. Eighth Sister is working with Salem. Seventh Brother is... well you'll see. Both want to succeed without relying on the other or extra Inquisitor reinforcements. But who knows, I have my secrets. For now...

Also with the Fifth Bro and Seventh Sister, the Inquisition was next to non-existent by Rebels. As far as we know, the four we see in the series are the last. And so, not expendable.

Darth Vader, is tricky for me to slot in just now. But who knows. I may take some creative liberties.

As for Ahsoka... read on.

Fulcrum

I was no stranger to stealth missions. The Clone Wars had seen to that. Between the missions and my time as a fugitive of the Jedi and later the Empire, I had developed a knack for stealth.

Getting onto the planet that my target was orbiting was real tricky though. My stealth deflector net was a little worn, forcing me to constantly keep checking it. Although the Inquisitors only possessed a repurposed medical ship, there was no doubt TIE Fighters were stashed on board. Approaching them was entirely out of the question. Instead I resorted to slipping around the far side of the planet and finding a suitable place to land. From space, I intercepted transmissions that were on a strange wavelength. All the transmissions seemed to bound between four points on the planet.

"Well I guess it's a start." I muttered to myself as I pulled into the planet's atmosphere. Most of the Empire's attention was on one of these points, given the positioning of their ship. Closing in the surface of the large, middle continent, I noticed multiple fires and columns of smoke dotting the landscape. I could only assume they were towns, burnt to ash. My resolve to end the Imperial threat only strengthened as I passed by the hollow wreckage. Curiously I noticed creatures of black fur and white bone prowling the dead villages below. They were unlike anything I'd ever seen, but they did not scare me. I had seen worse.

Minutes passed as I continued my search for a suitable landing spot. Then a stone tower caught my eye. Forest and mountain sheltered another razed village. I gently set down ship in a small alcove of trees, hidden from any prying eyes above. Confident I would remain undetected for now, I began tinkering with my comms in hopes of patching myself into this planet's network. It took me mere minutes to set up all the safety routines. Evading the Imperials was key to my mission currently, although I doubted they had the equipment and skills to properly hack into such a vast network. If there was another Jedi on this planet, then my anonymity was crucial in order to help them. After all, secrets can win wars.

Another half hour passed by as I paged through the basic text filtering through my screen. Kingdoms, Grimm, Huntsmen, The Great War. All these pieces of information were fascinating, but not what I was looking for. Then I came across the Vytal Festival. A promotion of peace topped with a fighting tournament. A tournament that was recently interrupted. News articles popped up on my screen as I sifted through the images. Most were of the Inquisitors and their troopers. It made me sad to see good soldiers fighting for the wrong cause. Briefly my mind wandered to Rex, who I had last seen on Mandalore. I would have dwelled on the good times with Rex, if another photo hadn't popped up.

My heart could have stopped then and there.

'Unknown Warrior Saves Civilians'

Attached to the title was a photo of someone unmistakeable. She had grown up since I last saw her. Then again, so had I. Her skin was still pale, complete with her deep blue eyes and blonde hair, which was tied back in a longer ponytail than during the Clone Wars. Nothing I did held me back from shedding a happy tear and laughing to myself. Lena was alive. All I had to do now was locate her.

I connected the links slowly over another half-hour. Vale to Beacon, Beacon to Ozpin. Ozpin and the Councils. The further I pressed, the more I came across blocked information. If I was to get in contact, I needed a direct source. A Scroll. Peculiar tablets that serve multiple functions, from day to day activities to even health monitoring. Conveniently they were widespread and easy to come by. All this progress boosted my morale greatly, spurring me to work harder.

Again, I muttered to myself, but with a little more joy in my voice. "Step-by-step, Ahsoka."

Ozpin

Qrow's aversion to these meetings was starkly clear. Repetitive and dull, often they yielded no decisive results. Thankfully I prided myself on my enormous level of patience for these things; given I had been provided some coffee beforehand. My most trusted and active Huntsman, was not the only one who suffered from this bureaucracy though. Corlena had been dragged to almost every meeting on the principle that she was our 'specialist'. I could see without even needed to look deep that she was being dragged down mentally. Shouldering her burden, however, was something I could not do.

And so, it was a great relief that our latest meeting noticeably had Corlena absent. After her recent interaction with the man now known as 'Hex', she had been granted a week's leave so long as she remained within the vicinity of Vale. Not that the young Jedi had anywhere to go without being stalked by the Inquisitors. For the first time in weeks, the Council had made a decision I agreed with entirely. But my approval was shattered by the latest member to our war council.

On the insistence of General Ironwood and the Atlesian Council, Jacques Schnee had been added to our numbers as a consultant and supplier of Dust. While his ruthless attitude and honest opinions promoted far more action than we had seen in the previous weeks, said attitude did not grant him any favour among the more liberal of us. I was quite glad Corlena was absent for his induction into the Council, as her opinion of the Schnee hierarch was far from positive.

Combine Jacques' ego with the repetitive drivel of reports, plans and hypotheses, and you created one utterly boring meeting. All the coffee I had in my mug could not brighten my mood. Thankfully I had retained an impressive poker face from my many years of work.

"This stand-off is ridiculous!" Declared Leo, Haven's headmaster. A man of lean build, his form hid a resolute will and sharp mind under a tidy comb-over of auburn hair. "It is more than obvious that the enemy will simply wait us out. Taking the fight to them is the only option!"

James was quick to answer. "I agree. Our problem is they have a base beyond our reach." All of us nodded as the General clasped his hands together. "It might as well be an impenetrable fortress."

"Then we lure them from it." Leo countered, as if the execution of such a move were easy. I took that moment to interrupt.

"The Inquisitors will only move if we hand them Corlena on a silver platter. Given their ruthless desecration of minor villages, her fate is not one I particularly wish to think upon."

Jacques naturally barged in with his uncaring viewpoint. "Then I say we let them. What is one girl to an entire Kingdom? Or four for this matter." Many glares were directed at Jacques, including my own.

"If only Jacques." Sighed James loudly. "But the public would not take kindly to us throwing their saviour under the bus. And neither would I. Everything she provides us preserves more lives."

"Not to mention she is perhaps the only person on this planet capable of combatting the Inquisitors personally." My input was not entirely wrong. Admitting there were more, however, would create… complications.

I could tell Jacques was frowning behind his impressive moustache as he replied. "Well… I would not pool all my faith in one girl."

"Then you underestimate the Jedi."

Everyone's gazes scattered around the room, searching for the disembodied female voice echoing in the air. In the silent panic, I could not help but raise an amused eyebrow. There was no hostility in the voice, only youthful optimism adorned with a shred of familiarity to the topic.

"Show yourself!" Ordered Leo, rising from his seat in tense readiness.

Again, the woman spoke, but it lacked the professionalism of her previous tone. "Ah. Sorry! One moment. If I just fiddle with this here… bypass this… aaaand there!"

On her last word, the central table flickered with its holographic technology. A combination of confusion and fascination filled me as a hooded form smiled at us all. Nothing was clear, only the smallest hint of mirroring tattoos adorning her cheeks. She was bold to so openly speak to us, having just bypassed layers of Kingdom security.

"Hello. You may call me Fulcrum." A codename, without a doubt. While the others seemed cautious, I seized the opportunity to converse with Fulcrum.

"A pleasure, in most circumstances. You have, however, just intruded into our network."

A small smile twitched on Fulcrum's lips. "Habit of occupation. Still… nice to meet the man responsible for keeping Corlena safe."

Murmurs drifted through the meeting as I smiled back. Vale's Councillors provided their all too familiar looks of disapproval at me. Ironwood had overcome his shock to take control of the conversation.

"You are familiar with her?" A simple question on first glance, but loaded with meanings if one were to think deeper.

Again, our guest smiled. "Aside from your media's zealous coverage, Jedi were quite well known in the galaxy a few years back."

Everyone's suspicions were confirmed by her words, shared glances between us all. Catching James' eye, I nodded to let him continue. My intention was to glean as much subtle information as possible while the two talked.

"Then who do you work for?"

"Many and few." Fulcrum answered. A cryptic answer at that. "Funnily enough, not everyone obeys the Empire."

"So we can expect your co-operation?" Ironwood was obviously cautious. His negotiation skills left a lot to be desired in the tact department though.

"I will help where I can. My priority is keeping the Jedi alive, and ending the Inquisitors."

"If I may." Interrupted Jacques briskly. "While your help may be invaluable, your priority does not inspire confidence that we will benefit from your aid."

Fulcrum's face lacked expression to Jacques' words. "Getting the Empire off your world should be enough as is. Further aid can be negotiated afterwards, if you want."

Jacques seemed to approve, but I knew not much truly satisfied the man. "And your identity?" I could see Ironwood inwardly groan in his seat. Jacques Schnee's appetite for leverage was dangerously voracious.

Fulcrum's bubbly personality had vanished; replaced with severe professionalism. "I do not exist. For your planet's sake, the Inquisitors should never learn about me. There is far worse out there than those two."

"Consider our discretion a sign of trust then." I intervened, hoping to salvage to an amicable alliance. Her smile at my offer secured my opinion of her. Fulcrum was to be trusted.

"Thank you. I look forward to the day I can meet you face-to-face, Ozpin." The blue glow illuminating the meeting hall faded with our new ally. There was now much to discuss.

Yang

Ruby, for being the most adorable baby sister ever, was a little bit of a slave driver when it came to teamwork training. Undoubtedly her imaginative combat moves had saved our butts more than a few times. Yet the training we had forced ourselves through only hurt our butts when we messed up. Now the glorious Team RWBY trudged through school, sore and tired.

"Rubes. I think we should take it easy for a while." I proposed to my usually energetic sister. Naturally I threw in a dig at Ice Queen. "Weiss might not be able to make our notes for us." I got the Ice Queen stare but I knew she was soft at heart really.

"You can hardly read my notes, you dolt." Retorted Weiss while reaching out to flick my face. I barely felt the contact, but couldn't resist the urge to be dramatic. The mood required it.

First came the exaggerated injury. "OH! You've wounded me!" I clutched over where Weiss flicked me, extending a hand looking for 'help' from the Ice Queen. Ruby was already giggling childishly behind her hands as Weiss rolled her eyes. Blake was hiding a small smile behind her latest novel. I would have made a dramatic fall towards Weiss, but life decided to walk me into someone as we rounded a corner. Falling on my ass, I rubbed it tenderly as I looked at my unintentional assailant. To everyone's surprise, it was Corlena.

"Oh, hey!" I immediately forgot the incident. Aside from Weiss, it was rare we saw Corlena. And unsurprisingly she looked deep in thought. But our collision had startled her enough to allow her to notice us.

"Afternoon. I'm sorry, I was a little distracted."

I waved it off. "No biggie." Pulling myself to my feet, I offered my fellow blonde a hand. "Why the long face?" Sure, it was a pointless question, but it had to be asked.

Corlena's face dropped again, looking at us after a small time. "How good are you guys at solving puzzles?"

Our answers were simultaneous and equally short.

"Eh?"

Corlena

The Force's agenda was an eternal mystery. Grey Jedi were perhaps the closest to an actual answer, implying the Force sought balance throughout the universe and within itself. As to why, no one could really fathom. This led to some confusing events that the Force laid upon those capable of wielding it.

Namely visions.

Deceiving or helpful, visions ultimately came as cryptic displays of the future that took the combined effort of great minds or one outstanding mind to solve. Even then they could be entirely wrong when making a guess at the events shown. So how was a fugitive Padawan supposed to solve them?

They came as I meditated on my past. My whole body became heavy. Followed by voices.

'Vytal was where the Great War was ended.'The voice was Ozpin's, followed by a flash of a large temple carved into stone. Its worn façade bearing few identifiable points.

'Such power resides here. Can you not feel it?'Jasper. It was unmistakeably Jasper. He appeared illuminated by a singular blade of his lightsaber in the darkness of a tunnel.

'The Queen shall be pleased. Mmmheheee!' The male voice brought me chills. Crazed purple eyes peering into my face.

'Balance sits within your grasp. Your arms restrained by doubt.'All I saw was an altar, intricate yet drab, gleaming in the light. No woman to match the ethereal wisdom I heard.

As her words faded the altar flared brilliantly. Next I knew I had come to my senses, lying on my side in my room. I groaned loudly, my head aching violently. Visions were rare among less-experienced Jedi, and I could feel the effects of not being prepared for them. Rolling onto my front, I pushed up and paced towards my door. Subconsciously I summoned my lightsabers to me as I left. Ozpin was the first voice I heard. Perhaps he had enough knowledge to make sense of some of my vision.

"A vision? Are you sure you've not overworked yourself again?" Weiss' concern was touching, but my latest experience was not something I would joke about.

Clear of the headaches, I found myself walking to Ozpin's office with a few tag-alongs. "Visions are extremely influential, Weiss. Seeing the future is a powerful weapon. A double-edged one perhaps, yet powerful."

"It is a little crazy." Chipped in Yang without tact. "I mean, you'll soon be saying you can stop lightning with your bare hands."

"Nora can do that Yang." I heard Blake mutter from behind her book.

Yang continued as we reached the outside. "Yeah but Nora doesn't really stop it. You saw JNPR's second round fight." The CCT was only a little further away. Fresh air was entirely welcome for my throbbing mind. I tuned out the idle banter of the other four girls, my mind turning to the prospect of facing Jasper again. Just like most of my current issues, I was being torn in two. First was the eagerness to confront Jasper again and discover the truth. But that was undercut by the swelling dread of having to face him once more. From our last fight, it was starkly clear that he had no problem ending my life. As for me. I was not sure I could end him unless he provoked me enough; which was dragging nearer to the Dark Side.

My second issue, was Velvet. If nightmares did not plague my nights, then dreams dominated the rest. Most of my dreams consisted of a peaceful existence on Remnant. And of those dreams, a majority involved Velvet. Beautiful was the first word to come to mind every time I saw her. Couple that with her shy compassion and loyalty to her friends and I could not deny she was an exceptional person. The problem was I strongly believed that getting romantically involved would cause terrible complications. Remnant was at war and I was fighting for my life. I simply couldn't take the risk. Could I?

Discovering what was best for me had to wait though. Ozpin's office was only a short ride up the elevator. Team RWBY continued to chatter like the close friends they were until a soft 'ding' signalled our arrival. Unsurprisingly, Ozpin was sat at his desk. In one hand a coffee mug, in the other a Scroll tablet.

He smiled warmly as we shuffled into his office. "Ah, Corlena, Team RWBY. How can I help you?"

Weiss was about to speak when I cut to the chase. "Are there any ancient temples on Vytal?"

An eyebrow was raised at me as I expected. His confusion and surprise was surfacing in his emotions. "A… strangely particular question… but yes there are a few. Vytal was where the Great War ended. And not just because it was neutral territory. Why do you ask?"

Caught in the sense of déjà-vu, I let Weiss answer for me. "She's claiming to have had a vision. Involving a temple on Vytal and the male Inquisitor."

"Hmm." Mused the Headmaster as I straightened myself out. "And what did the temple look like?"

"Worn down mostly." I recollected, rubbing my own temples to jog my memory. "But massive in scale."

"The Temple of the God-Brothers." Supplied Ozpin immediately, making the rest of us blink in unison.

"The what-now?" Ruby asked for us all.

Ozpin was quick to fiddle with the tablet before him. Soon the exact same front of the temple was displayed before us all.

"Two Gods. One of Light, and one of Dark. Brothers who shaped the world as we know it if you follow the religion."

I stared a little while longer at the picture before speaking again. "Has anyone ever been inside?"

"No." Mumbled Ozpin from behind a sip of his rich-smelling coffee. "The doors have never opened. There is no record of it."

"Yet there is a way in." I replied eagerly, remembering the altar and Jasper in the tunnel. "I have seen the interior in my visions. Which means I got inside."

"Really?" Ozpin queried with another of his raised eyebrows. "Doctor Oobleck will be most jealous."

I knew deep down that Ozpin was never going to not let me go. His own personal curiosity and nonchalant behaviour almost guaranteed it. There was something else hidden behind all that which was holding him back. For all I could sense from our distance apart, it was something quite serious.

"All I require from you is a ship and supplies." I requested, ignoring Ozpin's attempt at humour.

His answer was stern and decisive. "I cannot do that."

For a moment, I froze, unsure how to go about negotiating.

"Why not Professor?" Blake asked for me.

"The Council has my hands tied I'm afraid." The way he said that before sipping on his coffee gave me the impression he did not care at all.

"So… I'm expected to find my own way there?" The question was stupid. Visions meant I was guaranteed to end up at the temple. How I got there should not have mattered.

"Not quite." All of us watched intently as he set aside all his items and stood tall. Slowly he paced past his desk, swiping his cane along the way. "What I am saying is… I alone cannot help you."

"You expect me to go to Ironwood for help."

He smiled at me, giving me my answer. I was not excited to go requesting aid from the General, given his tendencies to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements that more often than not, aided Atlas over the rest of Remnant. Make no mistake, Ironwood had admirable intentions. His means, however, left a lot to be desired. Not to mention our rather rocky start.

I let out a long, exasperated sigh. "Choice is not something I have a lot of right now." My lips thinned as I pressed my mouth together in thought. I needed to get to the temple. The gears of this war were turning, and I intended to be a few steps ahead.

"Fine. But I'll want 'him' out for a trial run."

RWBY were giving me confused looks as Ozpin smirked. "I will see what I can do. He is quite the stubborn fellow."

It was my turn to smirk at Ozpin's opinion of Hex. "I put in a good word for you. He'll listen."

"Excellent." Ozpin smiled before turning to my friends. "My apologies, but I need to speak with Corlena privately for a brief while. I shall return your friend to you shortly."

Ruby, bless her child-like nature, took no issue with this. "Okay Professor! We'll see you in a bit Corlena." I returned her friendly wave, giving the rest a nod as they bundled into the elevator. I waited a few seconds after the door had closed before turning back to the Headmaster, not sat back in his chair. Without need for an invitation, I sat myself down in front of him.

"Now…" Ozpin began, tapping casually away on his tablet. "I have my own terms for this little excursion. But first…" He finished typing a message and clasped his hands together. "How familiar are you with Remnant's fairy tales?"

Jasper (Seventh Brother)

Vytal.

I had researched into the history of Remnant. War being the most prominent factor to form their latest society. One determined on peace and co-operation between all four kingdoms. It was a naïve idea. Naïve because their precious peace relied on the principle of everyone stood together… or no-one.

Such hypocrisy. The Faunus, as they were known, shared little of the unity that many bled and died for. Those humans who stood beside the Faunus did so out of pity or blind belief in 'true equality'. Either way I did not care. I was stronger than them, and would continue to grow so. Only Corlena stood in my way. Which is why I had come to the island.

Reading through texts and accounts of the island, I had come across the mention of ancient temples. Most had been delved into, revealing nothing but fancy trinkets and dusty coffins. The one that I stood before, however, had not been opened at all. All the tricks had been tried to gain access. None had succeeded. This was because they could not feel the power seeping out of the withered stone. The Force was strong at this temple. And its secrets would be mine. Anticipation wracked my body. With my fellow Inquisitor off drawing the attention of the four kingdoms, I had free rein to do as I pleased. All that was needed was a way in.

I brushed my hands gently against the face of the temple, which was carved into the hill. Ebbing and flowing power emanated from the walls, focused all about the heavy door made of a similar, obsidian-like stone. Pressing my hand against the massive door, it reverberated under my touch. Flowing the Force into the door, it shuddered. No matter how much effort I put in though, the door simply would not budge. I tried again, with two hands. I exerted myself to the limit of my power but all the door did was rumble in protest. Something else was needed. Someone else, was needed.

Glancing up at the peak of the door, I noticed an intriguing carving. On it two figures were depicted. In the light of the sun, however, one was shadowed in dark, the other coated brightly in the light. Considering my connection to the Force for a moment, I understood what was needed to enter the temple.

Corlena.

One wielder of the Light Side, one of the Dark Side.

I chuckled. It grew into full-blown laughter at the absurdity of it all. After three years apart we needed each other once more. I drove her away to become more powerful. And now… I had to have her by my side to gain more. Life was truly strange.

Moving the hand slapped mirthfully to my forehead, I ran it through my messy locks while the last remnants of humour escaped my being. Eventually I forced the dregs out with a short sigh.

Now temple courtyard was tranquil. The overgrown marble littered with fallen pillars and sprouting roots. While most would see an astonishing piece of history; I saw an arena. My opponents were not too far away, given the howls and cries approaching every second. A setting sun laid the stage for me. Crimson eyes crawled onto the stone, drawn by my contempt, my disregard for everyone. Their eyes may portray hate and hunger… but it was nothing compared to the searing rage welling up inside me.

Cool metal in my hand did little to sooth my urges, allowing me hear the distinct snap-hiss that brought fear to the fearful beings of the galaxy. The Grimm may possess crimson eyes, but it was nothing to the fiery red of the blades that spun before me. If the Grimm had been intelligent, I would have commended their bravery for assaulting me. But they were nothing but mindless beasts. I was a higher form of predator.

One lunged. Its head severed by me with no effort. Another was run through. Both dissipated in seconds. Slowly they prowled around, learning that I was no morsel for them. I grinned, then I slaughtered them.

I revelled in my power. Tearing through them like I had so many before. They almost felt like battle droids, but even more ridiculous by stepping into range.

Severed limbs evaporated into thick, black smoke. Once the first wave of carnage was complete, my arena appeared like it had been set ablaze.

Heavier footsteps echoed through the ground. My newest challenger being what the people called a 'Beringel'. Fancy names mattered little. The ape of smoke and bone before me was nothing more than a beast. It roared, challenging me while drumming on its chest dominantly.

I scoffed at its display, tightening my grip, I allowed my lightsaber to wind up. Now I would wait; let the beast come to me. And it did. But not before throwing a lesser Beowolf at me. My slice was clean down the middle. Satisfyingly the Beowolf split either side of me. Yet I could not revel in combat as the ape soared forward with a single leap.

Waiting for the last moment, I spun my lightsaber above my head. A light push of my feet propelled me into the air and over the Grimm. Dropping when above it, I planted a heel into its neck. The heavy thud that came as a result was incredibly pleasing.

Standing directly on my opponent, it writhed and roared as it got to its feet. Weaving between the wild grabs it made at me on its shoulders was easy, and boring. I snapped my lightsaber down to a single blade and jumped off the Beringel. Upside-down and halfway through my aerial twist, I slashed with my lightsaber. The roaring stopped.

Now the night was silent. Serene in the pale light of a broken moon. I was spent of my fury and bloodlust. Waiting for the Jedi would be torturous. Breathing out a disappointed sigh, I deactivated my lightsaber and found myself and comfy enough pillar to rest on. No more Grimm would bother me tonight. Only the chilling wind and the moon would keep me company. I felt so hollow…

Why?

Hex

"Ain't there anything more comfortable?"

When I agreed to the 'trial run' that the Jedi had offered me – I had not expected to be shoved into an uncomfortable Atlesian uniform. Admittedly the design was smart, with advanced tech that outclassed the Phase Two Clone armour, and solid armour which gave decent protection from most threats. It just didn't fit right.

My redecorated Clone armour was locked up tight. And I doubt I was going to see it any time soon. Considering the fact I had no fancy Aura like the four kids waiting at the landing pad, the growing feeling of vulnerability did not sit well with me. At least the Jedi walking in front of me was halfway in my boat. No Aura meant she'd dropped dead with one clean round. Professionalism and some damn good deals were the only things holding me back from that.

The red-trimmed, grey armour may have been a pain; but the weapons were nothing to scoff at. Sure, they were not much compared to Huntsman weaponry and lacked the stopping power of a good blaster – but it had an excellent fire rate, reliable accuracy and consistent recoil. Also, it weighed hardly anything. Then again, I was genetically engineered from a renowned Mandalorian bounty hunter. Small details really.

Approaching the Atlesian dropship slowly, the Jedi finally turned her head to me.

"We're lucky the General loaned us all that equipment. No-one was particularly pleased to leave you in my custody."

I shrugged, more to adjust my armour than dismiss Corlena's words. "Eh. I'd lose my head quicker than a clanker can raise its weapon if I turned on you. Speaking of…"

Along with the 'Huntsman' team, as they called them; there were two Atlas soldiers in blue trim equivalents of the armour I wore. Beside them was a small squad of deactivated 'Atlesian Knights'. I scoffed at their name. Clankers were clankers. No droid could replace a living, breathing soldier.

Close enough to the dropship to see the Huntsman team clearly, they were a strange bunch. Most obvious of the lot was a towering kid, armoured only with an olive-green segmented shoulder guard and matching gauntlets. A monstrous buster blade on his back. Second was the overly dressed girl. A beret and sunglasses atop her head and a… purse? Her weapon choice was peculiar. Stood with said girl hanging off his arm was a tanned kid with slicked copper hair. His gaze was creepy, given he had pure white eyes. His numerous scars also gave the impression he'd seen some tough fights. I could respect that.

Last and perhaps most surprising was the Faunus girl. Surprising because she came almost bounding up to Corlena with a wide smile on her face, not because of the large ears on her head. Whatever the Jedi had between her and the Faunus, it meant they were strangely close. Clones and Jedi were quite close before, but everything was professional respect. The two in front of me seemed… more than that under the surface. Perhaps I was thinking too much into it. After all, I was just a soldier. I let the two chat a little before coughing into my hand.

"Any chance of an introduction?" All four of the Huntsmen trainees perked up at me speaking so casually.

Corlena nodded, pointing with an open hand. "Hex. This is Velvet." Velvet politely nodded, but said nothing but a mumbled 'hello'. "Fashion Queen is Coco, who is also Team CFVY's leader." She gave me a confident wave, which I returned with a nod. "The big guy is Yatsuhashi. And the other is Fox." More polite greetings. Normally I would've complained about all the niceties; but compared to the last few weeks, they greetings were refreshing.

Given my identity was unknown, I chose to introduce myself. "As you heard – name's Hex. Consider me the Jedi's personal bodyguard… or something like that." The last part I mumbled out, and I could've sworn Velvet's ears atop her head twitched. Ignoring the girl, I turned back to the Jedi, only to be interrupted by Coco.

"Since when did Lena need a personal bodyguard? In fact, since when did she need protecting?"

I knew the Jedi didn't need protecting better than they did. A nice little lie patched up that logic though. "General Ironwood's orders. Although I expect the Commander will be saving my ass more than I will hers."

"Commander?" Rumbled Yatsuhashi, picking up on my slip of the tongue. Good thing Corlena was quick to cover it.

"Temporary title. Given we are at war, technically." They took the lie well, Coco giving Corlena a slap on the back for her 'promotion'. Though once their backs were turned I received a pointed glare. Although it was clear they everyone on the mission was to be trusted, my identity was not something I could openly admit.

On the dropship, we carefully took off, the blue-trimmed squaddies piloting the ship. I sat silently, letting the kids chatter between themselves. My eyes were glued partly on the Jedi, the rest of the time on the clankers that Atlas had 'graciously' leant us. Ten droids weren't gonna amount to shit if we came across the Inquisitors. It was a hollow gesture in my eyes.

I was getting a few looks from Team CFVY, but none of them could see underneath my helmet, so I was content to let them stare. Only once we'd been in the air for over half an hour did I speak up.

"Now we're all cosy. Mind telling us where exactly we're going?"

Corlena hardly budged in her Jedi robes. "There's a temple out on Vytal. I need to investigate it."

Ancient temples were trouble. Especially if they were Jedi or Sith temples. I'd seen the effect some had taken on Inquisitors that entered unprepared. Most of the time they just saw things. But sometimes… sometimes they just straight up vanished or began crazily defending themselves. Damn creepy if you ask me.

"Expecting to find something?" I asked plainly, not quite sure what answer I wanted.

She shook her head. "Partly. Something and hopefully someone."

Most of us were confused at first. Then the answer clicked. Credit was due to Velvet beating me to the answer.

"The Inquisitor? The Male Inquisitor?" A slight nod was our confirmation. All of a sudden I felt the vulnerability returning. If a trap was laid for us – then not everyone was going to make it out. The mood dropped considerably. Quiet chatter was our only noise besides the engines. At least until the pilots piped up over the tannoy.

"Vytal is in sight. Five minutes to landing."

Instantly I got up. A gentle cracking of my neck and a quick run-down of my weaponry set my mind straight. For the first time in weeks I was heading back into action. My blood began to warm. For some reason, I grew excited while fighting for a new side. My checks and fiddling was eventually interrupted by another tannoy report:

"Temple sighted. Setting down outside boundary… You see that? There is someone outside the temple." The fading comment chilled everyone a little. Uncertainty was written on Team CFVY's faces, but not on Corlena's. That, is what made my blood run cold. She knew exactly who was out there. And so did I.

Dun dun duuuuuuun. (Okay, not quite.)

I loved writing Ahsoka for this chapter. She's not quite past her childish Padawan stage, but is maturing. Also she's still not the smooth-operating Fulcrum we see in Rebels.

Hope you enjoyed the extended chapter. Please leave your thoughts as a review. I love reading feedback.

Wardtortle, out!