Kyle Katarn: The Rise & Fall
Book 2: Fall of a Jedi
Chapter 10: Dark Vision
A/N: Hello everyone! Sorry for the long hiatus. I can see it's been over a year since I've posted and I'm sorry for doing that. I am thankful to one kitten198485 who messaged me and reminded me I hadn't completed this. Not going to waste time with a bunch of excuses. I'm working to finish the story and hope have Chapter 11 done soon. In the meantime, please enjoy this one!
New Republic Base
Lapan 3
The Next Day
As consciousness returned to Jan Ors, the relatively peaceful blackness of her mind was replaced with a jumble of confused images.
Jade. What is she doing here? Where's Kyle?
You'll tell me where he is or…
The clashing of weapons, then kicks and punches.
She's good, better than I thought. But I won't lose. I can't lose.
The roar of a descending ship, being tossed to the ground.
Jade.
A sudden force slamming into her, her back screaming in pain.
Can't give up, gotta fight the pain.
The feeling of phantom fingers around her throat, unable to draw a breath. Her vision tunneling, failing.
No, I… can't… give up. I've got to…
Darkness.
Light.
"She's waking up," said a voice.
"I'll summon the doctor," said another.
Eyes opening, Jan cursed as the glare of the overhead light lanced into her eyes. A heartbeat later, nerves waking, the pain from her traumatized system flared like a supernova.
She closed her eyes, gritting her teeth and letting out gasps of pain.
A shadow fell across her, blocking the light. Opening her eyes and squinting as she tried to focus, Jan could make out an unfocused shape standing above her.
"It'll just be a moment," said the second voice she'd heard.
With the pain she was feeling nearly overwhelming her mind, Jan did her best to focus her mind, to try and ascertain the situation she was in. She tried to move, but found her hands restricted. The same thing happened when she tried to move her legs.
A new wave of pain kept from any further explorations. Closing her eyes once more, Jan concentrated on listening. There was the sound of a door opening.
"How is she?" called a new voice, the tone gruff and impatient.
"You tell us, doc," said the first voice Jan had heard, "It looked like she was waking up, but she isn't moving at all now."
"Well, if I'd been allowed to see her before now, I'd…"
There was a pause.
"What's the meaning of this?"
Apparently, there was no response.
"Who decided to leave her in this condition?! I want those straps remove right away!"
"Sorry, doctor," said the second voice, "Commander's orders. She's dangerous."
"I can hardly see how someone in her condition poses any kind of danger. Now, move out of the way so I can attend to my patient."
"Just don't remove those straps, doc."
"Do not presume to give me orders in my medical bay. Now, move."
Jan heard footsteps, drawing close.
"Of all the foolishness…"
The light passing through Jan's eyelids dimmed.
"Miss, can you hear me?"
Opening her eyes, Jan saw a blurry form leaning over here. She tried to speak, but her throat was dry.
"You, get me some water."
"Doctor, we're not supposed to leave the prisoner. The commander…"
"Certainly does not want this person suffering needlessly. Now, unless you wish me to get the Commander down here right here and now…"
A long pause.
"Here you go."
"Thank you," the doctor responded sarcastically.
With her vision still unclear, Jan couldn't see well as the doctor lowered the cup towards her mouth. She felt a touch at back of her head, being lifted and then the blessed coolness of the water touching her lips.
"Easy, take small sips."
Jan listened, letting the water pass into her mouth slowly, letting it do its work.
"Now, let's try this again. Can you hear me?"
"Yes," Jan answered, surprised to hear the hoarseness of her own voice.
"All right then, my name is Doctor Onda. I'm going to be taking care of you."
"It hurts," Jan said.
"Looking at you," the doctor said, "I can understand that. Just a moment."
There was another pause and then Jan felt pressure at her arm. Moments later, a feeling of relief swept through, calming the roaring pain.
"How's that?"
"Better," Jan said.
"Doctor?"
"Just a minute," he said to Jan, then to the guard, "What?"
"Can we speak to you for just a minute?"
A pause.
"Very well," the doctor said with a sigh. To Jan, he added, "I'll be right back."
Minutes passed before the doctor returned.
"Miss… Ors, these gentlemen have informed me of the circumstances that brought you here. I would like to help you, but before doing so, can you promise me you won't do anything foolish? Your injuries are extensive, and I don't want a situation to arise that would cause them to be aggravated any further.
It wasn't specifically a threat, but definitely a warning.
Jan took a moment to consider it. Now that the pain had faded, she wanted to get up and figure exactly what was going on. But given her current state of affairs, forcing things was likely to create even more problems.
Blinking her eyes, Jan looked up into the concerned face of the doctor, a human, his lined face knotted in a worried frown. Though she couldn't see them, the other voices she'd heard told her the guards were close.
Not really much choice.
"Well, Miss Ors?" the doctor pressed.
Doing her best to nod, Jan spoke.
"You have my word, doctor. I won't cause any trouble."
The doctor's expressed morphed into a cautious smile.
"All right then. Let's see what we can do for you."
He turned.
"I'm going to remove the straps on her arms."
"Doctor," said the concerned voice of one of the guards, "I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"Perhaps not," the doctor replied, "but if I'm going to treat her, it is necessary."
"We'll stand by, just in case," said the voice of the other guard.
"Very well."
Leaning closer, the doctor reached down. Jan felt the pressure on her arms ease as the straps were loosened.
"I'm going to sit you up a bit," the doctor said, "it may hurt."
Jan nodded as the doctor's hands disappeared from view once more. She heard the sound of a mechanism and then felt her head being elevated.
Pain flared.
"Almost there," the doctor said.
A moment later, the sound of the mechanism stopped and the pain began to faded.
Eyes closed against the pain, Jan opened them to see she was in a small room. Tables and equipment were along both walls, lights and indicators of various kinds in a panoply of colors.
"How do you feel?" the doctor said, moving into view.
Jan saw a short man, head completely bald aside from a few wisps of white hair. He wore a green colored uniform with instruments hanging from one pocket. Despite his aged appearance, his arms indicated strong muscles.
"Better now, thank you.
"You're welcome," the doctor said, "now, let's do something about these cuts."
Jan's gaze shifted to the guards, standing nearby, both holding blasters. One met her eyes with a cold response.
"Don't try anything stupid, Ors."
Taking the warning in all seriousness, Jan did not reply.
Wonder what they did with Jade.
And even as the doctor tended to Jan, Mara Jade woke to find herself similarly restrained and guarded by Ovall Aocrog.
"How are you feeling?," he asked.
"How do you think I feel?" she responded sarcastically, then grunted in pain.
"Pretty lousy, I'd imagine."
"Funny," she responded, "now, how about removing these restraints and getting me some help?"
"Not yet," Ovall said, shaking his head, "first, I want your word that you won't try anything."
"Like I'm in any shape to try and fight," Mara returned.
"Don't play games with me, Jade," Ovall responded, "I know who you were and what you're capable of. Now, unless you want to remain here indefinitely, I want your word."
Mara hesitated for a long moment. Had she not been injured, she was certain that she could battle the Jedi and win. But wounded she was and though she was already using the Force to heal her injuries, she was in no shape to fight.
"All right," she said flatly.
"All right what?"
"You've got my word," she said, annoyed.
"Very well. But just so you know, I've got my other hand on my lightsaber in case you even thinking of trying something. And don't think I won't know."
Rising from the chair he was sitting in, Ovall approached and removed the restraint straps holding Mara to the bed, allowing her to sit up.
Turning to sit on the edge of the bed, Mara rubbed at her wrists.
"How about some medical help?"
"The base doctor is busy right now making sure Jan is okay."
Mara paused, taking a moment to remember the battle. A small smile crossed her face.
"So I didn't kill her after all. Too bad."
"Consider yourself lucky you didn't."
Mara bit back the first response that came to her mind. Adding fuel to the fire wasn't going to serve her needs at the moment. She could deal with Ors at another time. She addressed Ovall.
"Do I have Skywalker to thank for you being here?"
"That's not the immediate issue here, Jade. Kyle's gone missing."
Remembering that she'd come to Lapan 3 for that very reason, Mara nodded.
"I'm pretty sure I know where he is. What I don't understand is why."
At Ovall's expression of curiosity, she explained the vision she'd had in the Force, Kyle calling her, asking her help.
"Well, at least we know where he is. But why Dromund Kaas? You said your research didn't find anything of worth there. So why would Kyle go there?"
Mara shrugged.
"I wish I could say, it doesn't make any sense. But based on the vision I had, he's there and probably in trouble."
"You're thinking to go to him?"
Mara nodded.
"He asked me to, and he's technically still my master. I can't ignore that or him."
Ovall nodded.
"I agree and until yesterday happened, I'd say good luck and see you off. But it's not going to be that easy anymore."
"Look, if this is about Ors, I can deal with her."
"Like you deal with her yesterday?" Ovall said, tone darkening, "you said it yourself, Jade, you nearly killed her."
"Hey, she started it. I tried to keep the fight from happening."
"Oh yes," Ovall replied sarcastically, "and I saw just how well you handled that.
Mara rolled her eyes.
"Fine, what do you want then. An apology? A promise to not hurt the poor thing anymore?"
"Your attitude isn't helping matters, Jade. The base commander is ready to lock you both up and throw away the key."
Mara took a moment to consider this, then nodded.
"Okay, okay, you're right. So, how do we handle this?"
Ovall gazed at her quizzically, "We aren't handling anything, Jade. The first thing you need to do is apologize for the incident. After that, pray you can convince him to let you go."
New Republic Base
Lapan 3
Two Days Later
Having spent a full day in a bacta tank, Jan emerged to find her injuries healed. A further examination by Dr. Onda pronounced her able to return to duty. However, as she soon learned, doing so wasn't going to be easy.
Under guard, she was brought to the base commander's office and now stood in front of his desk as Zex glared at her, letting the silence between them grow until it was quite uncomfortable. He was surprised to see that Jan didn't fidget or attempt to speak.
Growing tired of staring at her, Zex began with an exasperated sigh, allowing Jan to take one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"I would offer you welcome to the base, Commander Ors, but I can't say I'm pleased with how you've introduced yourself."
Jan said nothing in response.
"I'm not sure how you've conducted yourself previously, but here on Lapan 3, we don't go starting fights."
Again, the operative did not respond.
"By all accounts," Zex said, "I should have you thrown in the brig. And believe me; that is still an option. Now, would you care to offer an explanation for your actions?"
Jan drew in a breath and responded in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Commander Rydell, I understand that I've caused a disruption here. But I need you to understand that you've got a dangerous person in your midst. Mara Jade…"
Zex cut her off
"I am already aware of her presence and I can say categorically that her behavior up till recent events has been exemplary compared to your own. She has not demonstrated anything that could be interpreted as threatening or provocative, which leads us back to you."
Great, Jan thought, Jade's conned this guy into believing her.
"I'm waiting, Commander," Zex prompted.
Drawing in another breath, Jan decided to lay her cards on the table.
"Commander Rydell, the last thing I wanted to do was create a problem here. I can only say that Mara Jade is not someone to be trusted and my reason for attacking was to prevent her from causing any further trouble.
The words hung in the air for a long time, Zex's eyes never leaving hers.
With another exasperated sigh, he responded.
"Were it not for the information I have received from Admiral Drayson as well as the conversation I had with Miss Jade and the Jedi Ovall Aocrog, I would find your story without credence and have you thrown in the brig immediately. Fortunately, those conversations had shed a new light on the situation."
Thank you, Admiral Drayson.
"As such," Zex continued, "Jedi Aocrog has requested a meeting between you and Mara Jade regarding a matter of some concern. And while I am very hesitant about it, I have acceded to his request."
What?
"But I want one thing clearly understood, Commander Ors. I will have guards monitoring this meeting and if there are any outbursts from you, there will be severe consequences. Am I clear?"
"You are, sir," Jan responded.
That is, unless Jade starts something.
"Very well," Zex said, gesturing at the guards who had come with her, "my men will escort you to the meeting."
Rising from the chair, Jan's mind was awhirl. What was this meeting about? What was Ovall doing here? And most concerning to her, what had happened to Kyle?
Meeting Room
New Republic Base
Lapan 3
Jan felt her anger return full force as she was guided into the room, seeing Jade sitting at one side of the table, Ovall standing nearby.
"Thank you," he said to the guards, "if you'll just wait outside, we shouldn't need a long time to finish this."
"Our orders were to remain in the room," one guard said.
"I understand," Ovall said, his hand moving in a brief gesture," but this is a small room. It'd really be better for you to wait outside."
"The room is pretty small," said the second guard, "we really ought to wait outside,"
"Yeah, you're right," said the first guard to his partner, then to Ovall, "we'll be right outside."
"Thank you," Ovall said, waiting until the door had closed before speaking again.
"Very nice," said Mara approvingly.
"We'll see," Ovall replied, "now, we don't have a lot of time here, so…"
"Look, Ovall," Jan said," I don't know why you're here or what it is you want, but Jade needs to tell me where Kyle is, right now.'
"This again?" Mara answered with a groan, "how many times do I have to tell you I don't know?"
"Until you decided to stop lying to me and tell me what you did to him."
"I didn't do anything to him. I told you before he left and…"
"And I told you I don't believe your story," Jan said angrily, cutting her off, "now either start telling the truth or I'm going to…"
The sound of Ovall's hand slapping the table echoed loudly in the confined space. He glared at both women, then quickly smiled and waved as the guards turned to look. When they'd turned round once again, he spoke in clipped tones to them.
"That's quite enough from both of you. The more time we waste, the greater the danger is for Kyle. You two remember him, don't you?"
The stinging rebuke produced a long silence until Jan broke it.
"Do you know where he is?"
"Mara uncovered Information indicating he's gone to a planet called Dromund Kaas. At first it didn't make any why he would go there. But we've since learned that Dromund Kaas was once the Sith capital and in the past the site of a major conflict between the Sith and the Jedi. Mention of it in Galactic records was all but nonexistent until Luke learned of the world from the Jedi Holocron and transmitted the information to us."
"It sounds like a Dark Side world," said Jan.
"That's essentially correct," Ovall replied, "the buildings and temples constructed by the ancient Sith have been mostly taken over by jungle growth, but they still exist."
"Kyle told me he felt like had to investigate the place," Mara said, "I was suspicious, but he was determined to go."
"Did you even try to stop him?" Jan asked accusingly.
"Look," Mara replied, "I know you don't believe me, but I tried everything I could to keep him from going. Kyle wouldn't listen."
Something in her words reached the operative, and she took a moment to consider before responding.
"He can be stubborn," Jan admitted, then addressed Ovall, "so what's the plan? We go to Dromund Kaas?"
"No," Ovall responded, shaking his head.
He continued even as Jan's face morphed into an expression of incredulity.
"It's as you said, Jan. Dromund Kaas is a world shrouded in the Dark Side of the Force. Assuming you could even find the place and land safely, you wouldn't make it ten steps."
"According to you," she countered.
"Jan," Ovall said, unable to contain some of the frustration he was feeling, "you're not Force-sensitive and while I don't doubt your combat experience, this is something way beyond you."
"So does that mean you and I are going?" asked Mara.
Again, Ovall shook his head.
"No, just you."
"What?" Mara exclaimed.
"Over my dead body," Jan said, "there's no way I'm going to allow…"
"Listen to me", Ovall said, raising his voice, "I've already explained why you can't go, Jan. It'd be a suicide mission."
"But she can?" Jan replied accusingly.
"Yes," Ovall replied, "because Mara is Kyle's student. In order to find this planet and him, we need someone who has a connection with Kyle."
Jan started to protest again, but Ovall held up a hand, cutting her off.
"It has to be Mara, Jan, there's no other way."
Jan shook her head.
"No, you're wrong, there has to be another way."
Pushed to the limits of his patience, Ovall threw up his hands.
"Fine," he said, "then you might as well consider Kyle lost to us forever. I'm trying to help save him, but you refuse to listen. The two of you are acting like childish fools, so determined to have your own way. I've finished with this. You two can kill each other for all I care."
With that, Ovall strode from the room, closing the door behind him. The guards looked at each other, but otherwise didn't move.
Left alone, Jan and Mara sat silently for a time, looking everywhere but at each other.
It was Jan who broke the silence.
"Do you have idea where this Dromund Kaas is?"
"No," Mara replied after a moment, "at least, not exactly."
"Then how do you propose to find it?"
"There are moments," Mara replied after a pause," when I can feel Kyle's presence in the Force. I think I can use that to find him."
"But you don't know for certain."
"No," Mara admitted, "I don't. But at least there's a chance."
There was another pause before Jan spoke again.
"I don't like this. There's too many 'ifs'."
Mara didn't reply.
"I don't trust you, Jade."
"I know you don't," Mara said, "and I know why. But can't you put that aside, at least for a little while?"
"I don't know," Jan responded after a moment.
"Does Kyle mean that little to you?"
Now Jan turned to face the other women, an angry look on her face.
"That's a low blow, Jade. Kyle means more to me than you could ever understand."
"I know that, and believe me, I wish there was some other way to do this. But you heard Ovall. So, are we going to do this or are you going to let your mistrust keep me from helping Kyle?"
"How do I know you're actually going to help him?" Jan said, "For all I know, you'll turn him into the next Emperor's Hand."
"That's a lousy thing to say," Mara replied angrily, "I'm not that person anymore. I would never knowingly hurt Kyle."
"And I'm just supposed to believe that?"
"Oh for Force's sake," Mara said, "it's not like I'm in love with him, Jan."
Jan's expression grew a bit unsure.
"You're not?"
"Not what?"
"Not in love with Kyle."
"Is that what this is all about?" Mara said incredulously, "you think I have feelings for him?"
"Well, don't you?"
Mara stared back at Jan for a long moment before responding.
"I do, but not like that. Yes, he's my friend and mentor and someone I've grown to care a great deal about, but we're nothing more than friends, Jan. It's never been anything more than that."
"But, I've seen you two… together. You seemed so close."
"We're Master and Apprentice," Mara returned, "and yes, we do work closely together, but nothing beyond that."
"How do I know you're telling me the truth?" Jan challenged
Her temper cooling, Mara looked the operative full in the face.
"Let me explain something to you."
New Republic Star Destroyer Intrepid
Training Room
Some Time Ago
Sitting up from where he'd been knocked down, Kyle deactivated his saber and sat up, smiling at his apprentice.
"Nice move, Mara. I wasn't expecting that side kick."
"Guess the teacher still has something to learn," she said, wearing her own grin.
"Jedi are always learning," Kyle replied, rising to his feet, "you only stop when you die."
"A good perspective," she offered, "always being prepared for new encounters."
"Precisely," Kyle replied, glancing at his chrono, "well, we've been at this for four hours, I'd say it's time for a break."
"Getting tired, old man?"
"No more than you, young woman. Or are you ready to go again?"
For a moment, he thought she would say yes, but with a slump of the shoulders, Mara shook her head.
"Not right now, maybe later."
Moving to the equipment table, Kyle threw her a towel.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
As the two of them took long pulls of water and worked to calm their rapid breathing, the air around began to feel awkward.
"Something wrong?" Mara asked in an effort to mask her discomfort.
"Not with me," Kyle replied, "you?"
Mara shook her head as she mentally chided herself. For some reason, her eyes were drawn to Kyle as they hadn't been before.
I didn't realize what good shape he was in. These outfits don't leave much to the imagination.
For Kyle, his mind was consumed with similar thoughts. Mara may have once been an agent of the Empire and his enemy, but that couldn't hide the fact that she was a beautiful woman. With her red hair and green eyes, she was attractive in every sense of the word, plus the way the outfit she wore clung to her...
"So, listen," Kyle began, "I'm going back to my quarters. I'll…"
"Hold on a second," Mara said, cutting him off.
Kyle paused in mid turn, looking over his shoulder at him.
"Something wrong?"
"Not really," she replied, "but isn't there something we need to deal with?"
"What's that?" Kyle asked innocently.
"Look, Kyle, simply put, you're an attractive man and in other circumstances, I'd be tempted to make a move on you, but…
Her voice cut off as she felt a wave of relief in the Force.
"I understand what you're saying," he replied, nodding, "and to be honest, you're not bad looking yourself, but even with things as they are, I still love Jan."
"I know you do," Mara said, "and I'm willing to accept that. I just wanted to get this out in the open so it doesn't become a problem later."
Kyle hesitated a moment, then nodded.
"You're right, we probably should have talked about this sooner."
"I know you're an honorable guy, Kyle. So, how about we agree that we'll be friends, but never anything more than that?"
He considered this, then nodded again.
"It's a good idea, and I think we can trust each other to keep the agreement."
He extended a hand and she shook it. Moments later, they exited the training room, the awkwardness about them dealt with.
"And, that was it?" asked Jan.
"That was it," replied Mara.
"So you really don't have any designs on him then?"
"You really are a suspicious thing, aren't you?" Mara asked incredulously, " I just told you Jan, he's my friend. A good friend, but nothing more."
Jan stared at the former Emperor's Hand, mind still processing what she'd just been told. She'd been so sure, so certain about Mara and her intentions. But after listening to what the other woman had said, she wasn't as certain anymore.
Is she telling me the truth?
The answer came just a moment later.
I believe her.
She wanted to answer, but the words wouldn't come.
"Oh for the love of…" Mara said derisively, "did you really think I was that kind of person?"
Flipping her hair, the red-haired woman shook her head.
"Let me tell you something, Jan Ors. I can have any man I want. And if I'd wanted Kyle, I would have taken him. But that day I knew. Even if I'd thrown everything I had at him, his heart would still be yours.
Jan tried once again to speak, but could not. Turning her head, she looked away.
Rising from her chair, Mara approached the woman, gently laying a hand on Jan's shoulder.
"Don't do that. You need to face this."
There was still no reply, but one of Jan's hand rose to touch Mara's
It trembled.
"I'm sorry," the operative whispered.
With a sympathetic smile on her face, Mara gave Jan's shoulder a gentle shake.
"I'm sorry too. If I'd know this was the reason, I would have never let things get this far.
"It wasn't just you," Jan said in a low voice.
"True, but it would have spared us both a lot of problems."
Jan nodded, then with a deep breath, looked up at Mara.
"You think Ovall will still help us find Kyle?"
"Only one way to find out," answered Mara.
It was only after both had apologized to Ovall and convinced him of their sincerity that the trio returned to the meeting room.
"I have to admit, I'm both surprised and pleased that you two have had a meeting of the minds."
"We've got a more immediate concern," Mara said, "finding Kyle."
Jan nodded, adding, "And for that, we'll need all the help we can get. I've searched every star charts in the database here and found no mention of Dromund Kaas."
Ovall nodded.
"It's become more legend than fact."
"I did managed to find some data," Jan said, "enough to see why you said I shouldn't go."
"I'm wondering if I should either," added Mara, "if this place is half as bad as our research indicates, I wonder how I'm going to rescue Kyle. If he's fallen to the Dark Side, as strong as he in the Force…"
"I've considered that," answered Ovall," you're strong in the Force yourself, Mara. Along with your experience as the Emperor's Hand, I believe you have a distinct advantage.
At her questioning look, he added, "You've tasted of the Dark Side and know better than most what it's like to give yourself to it. If Kyle has fallen, you might be able to anticipate what he will do and counter him."
"Maybe," Mara replied, "but Skywalker told me how Kyle had his own struggle with the Dark Side and fought his way back. If his own resolve wasn't enough, how am I going to change that?"
Ovall didn't answer.
"We're getting off track here," Jan interjected, "Mara, you've worked with Kyle. You've seen how he fights, how he thinks. You can use that. What brought Kyle back before was seeing the cost of the power the Dark Side offered. Even if he has fallen, the Kyle Katarn I know would never knowingly hurt an innocent. You've got to appeal to his humanity, Mara."
"Jan," Ovall countered, "I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation here. Mara has a point. As strong as Kyle is in the Force, if he has fallen and even with every advantage Mara has, he may be far too gone to listen to anyone. In that event…"
He deliberately left the sentence unfinished.
"In that event what?" Jan challenged.
"Jan…"
She shook her head.
"He's not that far gone, Ovall. He can't be."
"But if he is…"
"Jan," Mara interrupted, "you have my promise that I'll do everything I can to bring him back. However, if Ovall is right…"
"Don't finish that sentence, Jade," Jan said firmly, the threat implicit, "just don't. Either you come back with Kyle or don't come back."
A long silence filled the room,
"I understand," Mara replied.
Dromund Kaas
Present Time
And now, here she was, landed in the wet hell that was Dromund Kaas.
A check of her equipment found only her lightsaber was functional.
Well, that simplifies my equipment choices..
Leaving the rest of her gear behind, she moved into the swamp, eyes scanning, ears open and her Force senses sweeping for any sign of danger.
Near constant flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder made concentrating difficult, but after a time, she was able to ignore the distraction. In the Force she felt life all around her, but it felt strange, its normal brightness dimmed somehow. She was ruminating on this when the sound of flapping wings reached her.
From around a bend in the path she was following, three creatures moved into view. It took Mara only a few seconds to identify them.
Mailocs.
With skin a sickly yellow in color and prehensile tails with spikes capable of penetrating armor and a screech that could shatter eardrums, the flying mass was thoroughly unappealing. Remembering how they used their tails during the initial attack, Mara shifted her lightsaber as the first of the creatures dove at her. Less than thirty seconds later, the eviscerated corpses of the Mailocs had sunk out of sight beneath the swamp, victims of the energy blade.
Reminding herself to be aware in case more showed up, Mara continued through a stand of trees, or what appeared to be trees. Their trunks were gray in color and misshapen, jutting out at various angles. It was as she passed under of the limbs that a form dropped towards her. When it landed, a geyser of water erupted, blinding her for a moment. Only a warning from the Force sent Mara leaping backwards as a gray-furred arm swept out and through the space she had standing in.
Blinking to clear her eyes, she was finally able to see the creature. She'd heard of Swamp Wampas before, but never encountered one. Only slightly less massive than their ice planet inhabiting cousins, their mottled black and gray fur made for an ideal disguise in the swamps of Dromund Kaas. With tusks jutting from the sides of its head and two large incisors in its lower jaw, the Wampa attempted to swat at her again.
A moment later, its small eyes blinked stupidly as the arm it had used went sailing into the air. Pain hit, and the creature screamed, reaching for the stump. Mara took the opportunity and drove her saber into the Wampa's chest. With another scream, it fell dead.
Breathing heavily, she took a moment to recover, reflecting that finding Kyle was going to be a lot harder than she'd thought.
Moving on, she was exploring what appeared to be a new path when the ground dropped out from under her feet. Soon, the water was over her head and she was sinking rapidly. Kicking with her feet, she was able to reorient herself, feeling the pull of the current that had grabbed at her. A low roar came next and she looked to see a bloated form beneath her. It appeared to be a Dianoga, but grossly deformed. Its tentacles reached out, trying to ensnare her.
With the water slowing her moments, she was able to keep the thing's tentacles at bay, the appendages retreating when they touched the lightsaber. With the constant pull of the current trying to bring her down to where it, Mara cast about for an idea, knowing she could hold her breath for only so long.
An idea came, but one that seemed completely reckless.
Not like I have a whole lotta choice.
Orienting herself so she was facing the Dianoga, Mara kicked with her feet once more, launching herself towards the creature, lightsaber extended.
Thinking its prey had given up, the Dianoga made no move to impede Mara's progress, its jaws opening to accept the offered meal. Regret and pain came moment later as the lightsaber sank deep, slicing into and vaporizing the creature's innards. It went limp, appendages falling away.
With her air nearly gone, Mara deactivated the saber and fought to concentrate, focusing all her energy into a single move. Using the Dianoga as a springboard, she coiled her legs, then pushed off. Even with the force of the current, her head broke the surface. Sucking in a lungful of air, she grabbed for the nearest ground, the current already threatening to drag her beneath once more. One last push, aided by adrenaline and the Force, had Mara back in the shallow water she had been walking through.
Rising to her feet, she bit back a curse, furious with herself for not being more aware of her surroundings.
This isn't some stroll across a skyway on Coruscant. Another mistake like that and I won't have worry about finding Kyle.
Brushing the water from her hair and frowning at her soaked outfit, she brought the lightsaber out and re-ignited it, determined that nothing else was going to get the drop on her.
Moving deeper into swamp, she fought off two more groups of Mailocs as well as another Swamp Wampa. Deciding to try using the trees to survey her surroundings, she found a likely branch and Force-leapt to it. Her ears caught what sounded like a chirruping sound, but when it didn't repeat itself, she leapt towards another branch. Landing successfully and not seeing any nearby dangers, she gathered herself and leapt once just as the chirruping sound came again.
I know that sound.
The change came so suddenly it took a number of seconds for her mind to catch on. Feeling as if she stepped inside a bubble, Mara tried to reach out to the Force, but it was as if a switch had been turned off. A moment later, the Jedi realized her leap was turning into a fall, her bodying arcing down towards the ground several feet below.
Stang!
Turning to her own not inconsiderable reflexes, Mara spotted a nearby branch and worked to angle her body that, arms extended. She was nearly successful, one of her hands slapping against the surface while the other gained purchase for a moment only to lose grip. With some of her momentum arrested, Mara's body spun once before impacting with the ground. The water cushioned the blow somewhat, but the ground beneath proved unyielding as Mara tumbled over and over, finally coming to rest against a tree trunk. She lay there for a moment, focusing on breathing, gritting her teeth against the pain that wracked her body.
It took nearly a minute before she was able to focus her mind enough to realize she could feel the Force once more. Making use of its healing energies, she regained her feet. Amazingly, she hadn't broken anything. Looking up from where she'd fallen, Mara expressed a silent thanks for her survival.
Hearing the chirruping sound once again, she worked to locate the source of the sound, Force leaping to a branch nearby. The sound was louder here and with a careful negotiation of the branch, she felt herself enter the bubble once more. The chirruping was much louder now and looking about, she smiled to herself, having located the source.
I should've known, she thought, moving forward and kneeling.
The small creature just before chirruped again, trembling in fear.
"It's all right," Mara said gently, "you don't have to be afraid."
She extended a hand.
"It's okay," she said again.
Still trembling a little, the reptilian creature slowly uncoiled itself from its hiding place, head moving slowly, nostrils flexing as it sniffed Mara's hand.
A moment later, it emerged, moving towards her, but still wary.
"There you go," she said, "it's okay."
The creature made a sound in its throat, one she knew well.
"That's right," Mara said, "you don't have to be afraid."
Moving carefully, she gently touched its back, eliciting another throaty sound.
"That's right, good boy,"
Seeming to almost smile, the reptilian drew closer, allowing Mara to stroke it.
"Well," she said, "how'd you get here, fella?"
The ysalamir purred once again, as if trying to answer her question. Though it was native to the planet Myrkr, it wasn't unusual to see ysalamiri elsewhere in the galaxy. Mara could only guess how this one had arrived on Dromund Kaas. Perhaps it been brought by the Jedi or the Sith. What made the creature important was its inherent ability to create a bubble in which the energy of the Force was negated, making it so any Force user would find themselves unable to use their powers.
Mara had first met the creatures while working for Talon Karrde. Despite their lizard-like appearance, ysalamiri could be quite friendly when treated well, but were also known for hiding from anything they deemed a threat. It was the musical-like chirrup they made that gave them away.
"Well, fella," Mara said, gently stroking the creature under its jaw, "I'd love to spend some more time with you, but I've got a friend to find."
Moving back until she stepped outside the bubble the ysalamir created, she leapt to ground and moved on.
Continuing through the swamp, she felt encouragement as the feeling of Kyle's presence which had grown so faint, now seemed to be drawing nearer. She moved through another copse of gnarled trees, pushing aside a curtain of plants to reveal a circular clearing.
And in the middle of the clearing…
The Redemption!
Alabaster hull standing out starkly against the dark colors all around, the Redemption sat in the middle of the space. Realizing the presence she felt was Kyle's lingering presence in the shuttle, she felt some disappointment.
Okay, Jade, you don't have time for this. At least we know he's here for sure.
Boosted by that thought, it occurred to Mara that she might search the shuttle for clues as to Kyle's state of mind, but as she approach the front of the vessel, it quickly became apparent that plan wasn't going to work.
Instead of the boarding ramp permitting her access to the inside, Mara found the shuttle's nose had sank into the swamp, the boarding ramp completely submerged. A brief check from outside showed the cockpit was already filling with muck from the swamp.
So much for that idea, she thought, feeling disappointed once again.
Mara.
Lifting her head, she cast about.
Mara.
She took a moment and then…
Kyle?
Mara, I am here. Come to me.
But where are you, Kyle? How do I find you?
Come to me, Mara.
As if a candle had been lit, she felt Kyle's presence in the Force. It was still faint, but clearly discernible.
He called to me, she thought, maybe it's not too late.
Hold on, Kyle, she called in the Force, I'm coming.
Inside the Temple
Kyle Katarn smiled in satisfaction, pleased with this latest development.
Mara has come, just as I knew she would.
But while her presence was a good sign, Kyle knew it was not enough.
Mara still holds to the weak-minded ideals of the Light Side. If she is to truly become my apprentice, I must break her of these confines, free her mind to see the truth as I have.
And what truth is that?
Smile disappearing, Kyle cast about, looking for the source.
"Who's here? Who said that? Show yourself!"
But nothing moved or spoke. Even the reformed sentinels remained motionless.
I must be imagining things.
Or perhaps you are not so certain of your own convictions.
"Someone is here!" Kyle said, enraged, "show yourself! Or do you think to hide yourself by trickery?"
When the voice didn't answer, Kyle's smile returned.
"As I expected, a coward, hiding in the Force. Well, do your worst, fool. You are nothing to me."
When there was no response, Kyle shifted his attention back to the present situation.
Come to me, Mara, and I will show you power such as the Emperor did not know.
Outside the Sith Temple
Mara dropped to one knee, breath coming in gasps.
Finally, there it is.
Though she'd managed to find the Sith Temple and felt Kyle's presence even more strongly, the journey had cost her. It was if every creature in the swamp had gathered to try and stop her. Mailocs, Swamp Wampas, even a flower that shot poisonous darts that made her both nauseous and dizzy. She had battled and defeated them all, but not without cost.
Her face was bruised and battered, her uniform torn in a number of places and her shoulders felt like they'd disengage from their sockets at the next saber strike.
A part of her wanted to return to the Shrike and blast the heck off this planet.
Drawing more heavily on the Force, she was gratified to feel from her injuries fade, though they did not go away completely. She could see a bath in a bacta tank in her future, assuming she survived.
But even worse than her injuries was the mental anguish she'd suffered. For only the second time in her life, Mara Jade had looked into the face of evil. The first time had been with the Emperor, but this second time had made even that pale by comparison.
Having reached what seemed to be an impasse to proceeding further into the swamp, Mara had utilized her Force Sight ability to locate an underwater entrance. Swimming into and emerging into a structure she had assumed was the temple, a voice had reached her ears, laughing derisively.
"No, my friend, you are still far from the temple, but it matters not. You will never reach it."
Mara looked around, a confused look on her face.
Was that…?
A form stepped into place, still chuckling.
Mara stared back in shock, not believing her eyes.
"Who… what are you?"
"Why Mara," the being said, wearing an expression of disappointment, "I'm hurt. Or are you so blind as to not recognize what is before you?."
For what stood a short distance away was another Mara, an exact duplicate, right down to the clothes the Jedi was wearing.
"No," Mara said, shaking her head, her voice uncertain, "this isn't real, it can't be."
The other Mara cocked her head to one side as if considering, then shrugged even as she reached for her belt.
"Well, aren't you the inconsiderate one? Perhaps the bite of my lightsaber blade will change your mind."
With a snap-hiss, a lightsaber blade flashed into existence, but unlike Mara's blade, this one was blood red in color.
Mara sucked in a breath, recognizing the weapon. It hadn't been so long ago that she'd wielded such a lightsaber, in fact the very one the other Mara was holding.
An instant later, the doppelganger had leapt into the air, dropping down with saber blade extended.
Still unbelieving, Mara made no move to avoid her attacker. It was only as the tip of the red blade bit into her flesh and white hot pain lanced into her brain that she realized this was completely real.
Spinning on her heel, the other Mara made to land a second blow. Teeth gritted, fighting against the pain from the wound in her left shoulder, Mara grabbed at her lightsaber, igniting the purple blade just in time to intercept the strike. The blades clashed, energy crackling.
"Well," said the other Mara, "it seems you're not completely helpless."
She leapt again, striking out with one foot, catching Mara under the chin. The former Emperor's Hand was lifted off her feet before tumbling to the ground, the safety mechanism built into the lightsaber switching the blade off as it left her hand. Breathing between her gnashing teeth, Mara looked up to see her opponent idly twirling her blade, waiting for her to rise.
When their eyes met, Dark Mara smiled again.
"I'll bet that hurt. Well, I hope you're ready for more."
Those words, along with her aching jaw, helped Mara to focus. Grabbing her lightsaber, she rose to her feet, re-igniting the purple blade.
"Oh," said Dark Mara, "a stoic silence. Well I'm not impressed!"
Twirling on her heel, the other Mara slashed out with her lightsaber. Mara met the strike and deflected it away, moving to make her own strike. But the red lightsaber was there, keeping the blow from landing.
"Aha," said Dark Mara, "finally it seems you're willing to battle, good."
"You gonna talk or fight?" said Mara.
"Oooh," replied Dark Mara, "I like that."
Initiating another strike, red lightsaber met purple, blades clashing together, strike and retreat, parry and riposte. But as Dark Mara try to leap away once more, Mara took one hand off her lightsaber and extended it. The Force Push hit Dark Mara, throwing off her landing and sending the doppelganger tumbling to the ground.
Rising to her feet, she swiped at a spot of blood on her lip, then smiled.
"Well, it seems you have some power after all. But then again, so do I."
Moving to the attack once more, Dark Mara struck at Mara, but then retreated. Confused, the Jedi contemplated the reason, but a moment later found her body yanked forward. A moment later, she was eye-to-eye with Dark Mara.
With an evil smile playing across her lips, the doppelganger jabbed downward with her saber, the blade flattening itself against Mara's leg. Screaming in pain, the Jedi made to strike with her own saber, but found herself knocked away by a Force Push. Collapsing to the ground, she tried to use the Force to help, but the pain was very intense, making concentration difficult.
Dark Mara leapt at her, touching down inches away, saber raised for a killing strike.
"No!" Mara yelled, commanding the Force to do her will. She raised a hand, Force Lightning leaping from her fingertips. It caught Dark Mara full in the chest. Calling out in pain, the doppelganger retreated, giving Mara a few precious moments. Grabbing at the Force in her mind, she commanded its healing energies to restore her. Somewhat restored, she rose to her feet, only to find Dark Mara also on her feet, seemingly unharmed.
"What? How are you moving? You should be dead."
"Is that so?" said Dark Mara, brushing at the burnt parts of her clothes, revealing no evidence of a wound.
"It seems that your pitiful Jedi skills just aren't good enough. Now, here is how a Force Lightning attack works."
Mara brought her lightsaber up just in time to catch the lightning. But even so, the force behind it was too strong and she could feel herself being pushed back. She called out the Force, commanding it to obey her, using all the force of her will to resist her opponent. When the attack faded, she felt a moment of relief only to find Dark Mara right in front of her.
A kick sent Mara tumbling to the ground, followed up by a strike that sent her lightsaber flying away. Dark Mara stood over her, then dropped to her knees. Her hand was suddenly gripping Mara's windpipe, the lightsaber held just above her face.
"You're a fool," Dark Mara said, "You should have realized you could never beat me. Palpatine would be so disappointed."
Cursing, Mara tried once more to use the Force, but the grip on her throat intensified and she could not breathe.
"And Kyle," Dark Mara said, "what a disappointment you must be to him. What a waste it was to even try and train you when you could not even remember the simplest lesson."
Vision tunneling, consciousness fading, this last phrase sparked a thought in Mara's mind, and suddenly she realized her mistake.
But is it too late?
The answer came in what seemed to be a vision. Though it was impossible, Jan seemed to be standing behind Dark Mara, looking down.
"You're Kyle's only hope, Mara."
The crimson lightsaber was now so close she could feel the heat of it. In her mind, there seemed no way to win. But then energy rose from inside, reaching from the center of her being, spreading all the way to her fingers and toes. The pain she felt faded and what remained was no less than stalwart resolve.
For Dark Mara, a vicious grin on her face, her hand crushing the other's windpipe, it was as if an explosion caught her. She was suddenly thrust up and away, sailing into the air. Twisting in mid-flight, she managed to land on her feet, wondering what had happened.
When her eyes caught movement, she stared in disbelief as Mara rose to her feet. The Jedi extended her right hand, her saber flying into it, the purple blade flaring into existence.
"What trickery is this?" said Dark Mara, "you were beaten, defeated."
"No," Mara replied, "not today and not by you."
Enraged by the comment and by the peaceful expression on the other's face, Dark Mara charged, swinging her lightsaber with the intent of cutting her enemy in half. Instead, Mara's lightsaber met the strike, deflected it, then shot forward, the blade slicing into Dark Mara's shoulder.
Screaming, the doppelganger backed away, even as her eyes stared in disbelief.
"No," she said in a low voice.
"Yes," Mara said, rushing forward using Force Speed. Her lightsaber shot out, aiming for her opponent. Dark Mara deflected several of the strikes, trying to mount her own offense, but found every riposte met with a parry and every strike met with a deflection.
Backing away, she tried a Force Lightning attack, but Mara caught the energy on her blade and sent it arcing away harmlessly. And then it was her throat that was gripped, the red lightsaber falling from her grasp and deactivating. Unable to move, she watched as Mara approached. But rather than wearing an expression of victory, her opponent looked placid, if not a little disappointed.
"It's over," Mara said.
Managing to chuckle, Dark Mara grinned maliciously.
"No, it isn't. You won't do this. You can't kill me. We're the same, you and I."
The confident smile morphed into an expression of disbelief as the lightsaber entered her chest. Eyes fading, Dark Mara fell to the ground.
"No we're not," said Mara," not anymore."
Despite her brave words, seeing the person she had once been had been painful to endure. Had she once been so callous, so willing to kill?
Skywalker's right, I have a lot to learn.
With her body restored, Mara looked at the temple. The imposing gray edifice lay a short distance away, and somewhere within its confines was Kyle.
Though she'd said nothing to Jan or Ovall, Mara had felt worried, and now that worry had grown exponentially. Could she really do this? What if Kyle was too far gone? Could she kill him if she had to?
The thought of having to tell Jan she failed…
No, I can do this. I have to do this. I made a promise.
Gathering herself, she moved towards the temple.
Inside the Sith Temple
Kyle Katarn grinned happily as he saw Mara coming towards the temple. He had watched her endure the attack from the swamp creatures and felt genuine pride at every victory Mara had achieved. A part of him wanted to intervene when she'd nearly been defeated by Dark Mara. But once again, his apprentice had proven worthy to the task.
Still, she had employed Light Side powers to defeat her double.
She must purge herself of this if she is ever to serve me.
The concern on his face morphed back into a smile seconds later. Now that Mara was able to enter the temple, she'd be exposed to the fullness of the Dark Side energy within.
Truly, that will be enough to turn her. And then, we can begin.
Or maybe the student will prove wiser than the teacher.
"Whoever you are," Kyle growled, "I will hear no more of this drivel. I have embraced my destiny, Mara will too.
If you are so certain of this, then why do you worry?
"BEGONE!" Kyle cried, "Speak to me no more!"
Minutes passed without a response, allowing Kyle to return to watching Mara.
I will not fail again.
Having gained entrance to the temple, Mara had begun to explore its confines. She could sense Kyle in the Force, but gaining a sense of where he actually was proved difficult. She had just entered a courtyard with several doorways when a low growl reached her ears.
Recognizing the sound, she drew her lightsaber and ignited it just as a white form leapt from one of the doorways. Leaping away, Mara watched a white-furred vornskr landed in the spot she'd been standing in. Heavily muscled and with a mouthful of sharp teeth, the feline-like animal also called the world of Myrkr its home. But unlike its more peaceable cousins, the ysalamiri, vornskrs were predators, having an unusual trait in that they could sense the Force. As such, they used their ability to hunt ysalamiri. But as some hapless Jedi learned, their use of the Force attracted vornskrs just as ysalamiri did.
And so this beast, having sensed Mara, now turned to face her, growling. Before she could begin to formulate a plan, it leapt, intent on crushing her beneath its formidable weight. But what the predator didn't count on was the lightsaber that bit into its skin. With a scream, the eviscerated vornskr collapsed to the ground, dead.
Taking a moment to calm her racing heart, Mara stared at the body for a long time.
As if I needed another problem. Who knows how many of these things are in the temple?
Finding a way out of the space via a long hallway, Mara spied an opening at the far end. What appeared to be a pair of very large doors stood opening and between them stood a form. Drawing closer, it resolved into a clear shape.
Kyle!
But even as elation rose inside Mara, the Force whispered to her that things were not as they appeared. Concentrating, she was able to sense it.
The Dark Side.
Just then, Kyle backed away from the entrance, the doors beginning to close. Using Force Speed, Mara dashed ahead, trying to make it through the narrowing gap.
"Kyle, wait!"
With a loud boom, the doors shut before she could reach them. Finding no obvious means of opening them, Mara was considering what to do next when a sound reached her ears.
It was the snap-hiss of a lightsaber activating.
Turning round, she saw the stone statues she'd passed seconds ago come to life. Stepping down from their perches, they began to shuffle towards her, each holding a lightsaber of the same color as Kyle's.
What in the pit?
As the statues drew closer, Mara remembered her foolish assumption regarding Dark Mara. Drawing her lightsaber, she ignited it, moving the blade to a guard position even as the first statue reached her and struck out with its lightsaber.
Catching the yellow-gold blade against her purple, Mara quickly determined that, despite their appearance, the statues were indeed using real lightsabers. But as they were made of stone, their movements were somewhat clumsy. Deflecting the strike from the first statue, Mara knocked the blade out to the side, then brought her own blade in a diagonal slash. Bisected, the statue fell apart, lightsaber falling to the ground and deactivating. Dispatching the second statue in much the same way, Mara began to realize that she was in a fight for her life. Rescuing Kyle would become a secondary concern.
Because if I fall here, he's as good as dead.
"Yes! Yes! Well done, Mara! You will truly be a fine apprentice to me!"
Watching from a post in the center of the temple, Kyle was nearly gleeful. He'd watched as Mara had taken on attacker after attacker. Be it vornskr, Mailoc or even the lightsaber wielding stone statues, she'd proven to be their superior time after time. True, she'd been outnumbered and wounded more than once, but her resolve was proving indomitable.
Still, there were more tests before she would prove worthy.
Watching as she dispatched a group of four statues in one of the temple mausoleums, he'd been about to praise her efforts when Mara had called aloud.
"Blasted Sith! Where are you, Kyle? Why are you hiding from me?"
"Hiding?" he muttered, "hiding? Do you truly think this, Mara Jade? Do you believe I fear you? You shall soon learn that I fear nothing."
Gathering the Force about him, he protected a double of himself into the room.
"You have done well, Mara. Now, let's see how you do against me!"
And with that, the other Kyle attacked.
Surprised at the sound of her master's voice, Mara had been shocked to see Kyle appear out of nowhere and engage her.
For a few minutes, it was almost like their duels during training. Attack and withdraw, riposte and parry. But then Kyle had disappeared from her eyes. Unsure, Mara held herself in a guard position, almost missing the move as Kyle's yellow-orange slashed out of the darkness. Catching the blow on her blade, Mara gave ground, then pushed off, sending the attacking blade skittering away.
I can't fight like this, she thought, unless…
Remembering another lesson, Mara concentrated and when she opened her eyes, she could see everything through a haze of blue. And in that field, she could see Kyle, her Force Sight power making him visible. They continued to battle, trading more strikes. When Kyle attempted a Force Lightning attack, Mara was able to deflect it away.
And then, with a blinding flash, he was gone.
"Well," Kyle said, staring at the dumbfounded Mara, "perhaps I have underestimated you. But are you strong enough to find me? We shall see."
He continued to watch as Mara penetrated further into the temple, feeling another rush of pride as she dispatched a group of Noghri that had taken up residence in the structure. Corrupted by the Dark Side energies, they had become little more than lifeless drones. Their combat skills, however, had been left intact.
Still, even with their massive strength and bladed weapons, each one fell before Mara. And still, she continued to employ her Light Side powers.
"If this final attack does not convince you, Mara, then perhaps I have judged wrongly that you are worthy of being my apprentice."
Watching as Mara entered a place where a dozen Sith Lords had been buried, Kyle raised his hand and sent a charge into each corpse. One by one, they rose from their crypts, walking dead without a mind of their own, but able to use their powers against his student.
When the first Sith zombie had emerged from its coffin, Mara had stared in horror at the hideous form, remains of clothes hanging from its body, its head nothing more than a lifeless skull. Somehow, the mouth opened and from within, horrible sound emerged.
As she tried to determine how to face this latest threat, the Sith zombie raised its hands and sent a cascade of Force Lightning at her. Mara was able to catch it on her saber blade, but then from behind she heard the same horrible sound. More Sith zombies were emerging and all were moving towards her.
Watching with intense interest, Kyle could hardly contain himself as Mara dispatched one of the Sith zombies with a precise lightsaber strike.
"Well done, Mara, but there are far too many to dispatch them one at a time."
As if hearing him, Kyle saw Mara coil herself, then launch herself forward, using Force Speed. With their clumsy movements, the Sith zombies reacted far too slowly as Mara circled them, moving almost too fast to be seen. Just as she passed by one of the stumbling creatures, her lightsaber flashed out, cutting it in half. With a rattling moan, the corpse fell to the ground in a collection of bones. Continuing the circle, Mara struck out at each zombie, felling each one until none remained.
Kyle exulted.
"Yes! Well done indeed! You have grown very powerful, Mara. But there is still another challenge for you."
Having found an exit from the room with the Sith zombies, Mara moved further into the temple. And while she still had more attackers to contend with, her mind was turning to other thoughts. One might think she would be concerned with whether she could save Kyle or not. Instead, Mara was wondering at the reason for all the attacks she was enduring.
So far, none of the enemies she'd faced had proved insurmountable. In a strange way, the Jedi was feeling as if she was being tested somehow. It didn't make much sense, but if Kyle was truly in the grip of the Dark Side, then why all this? He could simply obliterate her without even using his lightsaber. And if this was a test, what was the ultimate goal?
She just entered a hallway with a moth-eaten carpet of rich purple and was walking down it when she saw Kyle on the opposite side of an opening in the wall to narrow to get through. As she reached the opening, he spoke.
"Beware the ancient sentinels, Mara. They do not take kindly to trespassers."
With that, he descended out of sight, the sound of a lift mechanism reaching her ears.
Trespassers? What's that supposed to mean? I thought he wanted me to come here, so why this warning?
Shaking her head, Mara continued on.
"Good," Kyle said to himself," she is choosing to continue despite the warning. Your decision pleases me, Mara."
He watched approvingly as Mara figured out the proper combination of carvings in a set of doors on the outer periphery of the center of the temple.
"It is finally time, Mara, Kyle said, "so far you have held on to your foolish belief in the Light Side. I will give you one final chance."
Or perhaps you will finally see the folly of your decision.
Ignoring the voice, Kyle headed for the center of the temple to await Mara's temple.
Center of the Sith Temple
Having dealt with the carvings over the doors and finding the right combination, Mara emerged from yet another hallway into a large circular room. A sparkly substance flowed up from somewhere inside a massive opening in the center of the room. But what caught her attention was the smaller circular platform atop which Kyle stood.
Mara moved to within a few steps of the platform and that's when Kyle spoke, menace in his voice.
"Mara, you should not have come."
Wait, Kyle thought, why did I say that? I wanted her to come here, didn't I?
"What's going on, Kyle?" she asked forcefully, "When you located the temple, why did you report in?"
A part of him rankled at being asked, but he saw no harm in answering.
"Because when I found the temple, I found a part of me which I couldn't deny."
Raising both hands, he gestured at the space around them.
"I found a greater source of power than I had ever known."
He felt surprised as Mara gazed at him with skeptical eyes.
"Here? In these ruins?"
Ah, she truly does not understand. I shall have to educate her.
And for one fleeting moment, he smiled at her, seeming almost pleased at the question. But then his grim countenance resurfaced and he glared at her.
"Don't judge with your eyes, Mara, reach out with the Force. Sense the power of the Sith around you, accept it."
Sensing her probing at the power, Kyle felt pleased.
Now she will see. Now she will understand and accept that which I have to offer her.
But suddenly, he sensed… rejection?
"No!" Mara exclaimed, "I sense only evil and death here. Kyle, we have to get you away from here.
Away? Take me from this place? Take me from the greatest source of power I have ever experienced? Oh Mara, you truly do not understand. Perhaps it was a mistake to allow you to come here.
Nodding to himself, Kyle decided, and while it puzzled him that he should do so, he explained, speaking in forceful tones, a warning implicit.
"I have chosen my destiny and it lies here. Because of our friendship, I offer you the chance to leave. But do not persist in pursuing me. If you do, I will not be responsible for the consequences."
Please Mara, listen to me. If you will not accept what I have to offer, then you must leave. I do not wish your death, but if you stay, I cannot prevent it.
Even as he thought this, Kyle wondered at his thoughts. Why was he showing mercy? Why did he care what happened to one person, friend or no? The choice was clear and Mara knew what it was. Whatever her fate, the choice was hers.
With that, Kyle mentally commanded the platform to descend, intent on leaving Mara where she was. He decided he would allow her to leave and command the others who lived in the temple to leave her alone.
"Kyle, wait!"
Even now she continues to defy me? Then let your fate be on your own head!
He cast a Force spell at her, an orb of energy that would vaporize her. But at the last second, he diverted its course so it exploded in the air, knocking Mara to the ground, but doing her no further harm.