The more I write this story, the more I wish events actually played out like this.
Rebirth
Hours after leaving his homeworld, Terecept meditated, in his chambers. His concentration was suddenly broken, with a vision.
...
Lying in bed, fast asleep, Cariana would dream a horrible nightmare. She would see a hideously deformed monster, making men suffer, befor enjoying the slow manner in which he murdered them. She would hear the screams of the dying, and the begging of a voice, saying "Please, Lord Terecept, mercy!" The monster would stand before the frightened man, weilding a blood-red lightsaber, and say to him, "A Sith never shows mercy!" The monster would then decapitate the man. Then, sitting on a throne, a red-skinned being would laugh a terrifyingly evil laugh, and would yell, "Griffin Walker is truly dead!" He would then start to disappear, with his laugh slowly fading as well. Then, the monster would sit in some sort of chamber. And the helmet would start to retract, revealing a face.
Though she could barely recognize him at first, with his eyes yellowed, and skin extremely pale, Cariana was shocked when she realized that the face was that of her deceased husband, Griffin Walker. He was crying, and he spoke quietly, saying "I'm so sorry, Cariana."
Hearing this sentence, in an all too familiar voice, Cariana shot awake, tears in her own eyes, as she spoke, "Griffin, are you still alive?"
...
As Terecept regained his composure, he found that he had not only caused damage to his room, but to his entire ship. The Blade's Edge's alarm was blaring, at a deafening level, indicating damages. Terecept reached out with the Force, and shut it down. He retracted his helmet. For that brief moment, there was no corruption on his face, and he did not look like Darth Terecept. He looked like Griffin Walker. And in that moment, he spoke out loud., in a non-dark sided voice. "Yes my love. I am still alive." His corruption then returned, as he stood up, and forced his helmet back into place.
Meanwhile, at Revan's apartment...
Bastila was out, taking little Vaner to his doctor's apointmment. Revan floated, in the communications blister, meditating. He set his feet back on the ground, after the comm went off. He answered. Caros Morae's image popped up. "Caros, is everything alright?"
"No Master Marek." Caros started. "Far too much has happened. We've... failed. General Varus is... dead. Terecept tracked him down, and arranged for his ship's crew to fly by the CorSec Force Academy, and bomb the General's office."
"He just becomes more, and more unpredictable. Did you four suffer any damages?"
"Nimas had a confrontation, with Terecept himself. He now has a lot of scars, bruises, and no right hand. But we got there in time, to save his life."
"Get yourselves back to Coruscant. Nimas will need a doctor."
"Master, before the call ends, you need to know something. Terecept knew who all four of us were. He said something about the five of us together, being a 'reunion'. He gave us a choice, and his exact words were 'stop me, or save our friend.' the key word being 'our'. And, Raymond can confirm this, Nimas said that Terecept retracted his helmet, and revealed his true face. Nimas has learned... that Darth Terecept... is Griffin Walker."
"Maybe Cariana is right. She sent me a message, said that she saw Griffin, in the Sith Stallker Armor. He said that he was crying, saying he's sorry to her."
"Revan, Nimas was unable to bring Griffin back. Personally, I think you're the only one smart enough to bring him back."
"On that note, I think I have an idea. Caros, I know Griffin was... is Raymond's, Nimas's, Matilian's, and your best friend. I promise you, I will bring him back."
"Thank you, Revan. May the Force be with you."
The holo call ended. "If I can pull this off, I'm gonna need a wise man, to examine Griffin. I wonder what old Jolee is up to." Revan dialed in a call, to the retired Jedi.
"Good to hear from you again, sonnie."
"You too Jolee. How's retirement treating you?"
"Most relaxing time of my life. I'm assuming you called to ask me more than just that?"
"How much do you know about a piece of equipment, called Sith Stalker Armor?"
"Exar Kun would put his most elite Sith Assassins in that armor. A couple of fallen Jedi, as well. What do you want to know?"
"Is it possible to remove someone, from that armor?"
"One of those Jedi I mentioned, was redeemed, and subsequently removed from the armor. His right arm had to be amputated, an he had to have a prosthetic replacement."
"Could someone be taken out of the armor, without amputation?"
"Back then, no. But its been a long time since the War. Nowadays, it may be possible."
"Could you do this?"
"What's this about, Revan?"
"I have solid evidence that my apprentice is still alive. His body was taken into Sith space, and he has now been corrupted, and placed in the armor. But he may still be able to be redeemed. If I can do so, I'll need some help getting him out."
"I can only oversee the operation. However, I also happen to know one of Corusacnt's best surgeons, Dr. Ira Kapp. If anyone can do this, it'd be him. I'll send the location of his office, to the Hawk's computer."
"I'll be there soon. I need to pick someone up first."
The call was cut. Revan then recorded a message, so his wife, and child, so they'd know why he'd left, and that he would be back. He then sent a message, to his apprentice's wife. Heading to the Ebon Hawk, he brought along his T3 Droid, to serve as the pilot.
At Griffin's apartment...
Cariana waited outside her complex. Revan arrived an hour after he sent his message. "Revan," Cariana started. "what could be so important, that you want me to leave my son?"
"Maybe so he has the chance to meet his father."
She was clearly puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Caros, Matilin, Ramyond, and Nimas have intercepted a murderous Sith Lord, named Darth Terecept. This Terecept has revealed his true identity. He is their old friend, and your husband, Griffin Walker."
"What?"
"You're message was 100% accurate. Griffin is alive."
"But, he's fallen to the Dark Side."
"Maybe, but I think he can be redeemed. And I think you are the key. Come with me, and will save him."
"If it means saving him, I will do so, without hesitation. Where are we going?"
"Need to pick up some experts, who may be able to help with Griffin's issue. Once we pick them up, we'll be heading to Alderaan."
Revan led Cariana to the Hawk, went to the good doctor's office, and picked him, and Jolee Bindo up, on the rooftop. The Hawk then left the planet, looking to steal the Sith's best weapon.
Two days later...
Revan had called ahead, and explained his new plan to the team he had sent to Alderaan. They were gone by the time he got there. Strong supporters of the Republic, and Jedi, the Organa family opened up their palace's hangar bay, to the Order's Grand Master. Once they landed, Jolee Bindo had a concern. "Revan, before you and Cariana head out, I'd like a word."
"Very well. What troubles you?"
"Your plan is a solid one, but are you certain it will work? Griffin has been a Sith Lord for three years now. It may already be too late."
"You may be right, Jolee. But, if there's even a chance Griffin can be redeemed, the risk will be worth the reward. If I'm right, I won't even need to activate a lightsaber. As soon as Terecept sees Cariana, Terecept dies, and Griffin is reborn."
"If you're sure, then I have faith in you." The retired Jedi extends his hand. Shaking it, Revan smiles at the old man. "The doctor and I will be waiting your return."
"Be ready to work, because I will be bringing Griffin back."
Revan, and Cariana left the Ebon Hawk.
The next day...
Exiting hyperspace, Terecept spoke, with his droid, about his next target. "What have you learned, CID?"
"Answer: Republic records indicate that the human Henry Organa, acted out as a child. He seemed to dislike his privalleged childhood, seemingly believing it to be an unexciting existence. He was seventeen when he managed to escape from Organa palace. He used his personal funds, to secure passage off of Alderaan, and then disappeared. Addendum: He would resurface five years later, as a smuggler for currently missing Exchange boss, Goto. After Goto's disappearence, Henry would take his services to the Republic, and assisted in laying the foundation, for their Top Secret Spy operation. Conclusion: After the operation was officially established, Henry returned to his homeworld, and used the many credits he had earned in his career, to build his own, heavily fortified residence."
"Does his family know he's here?"
"Answer: It would seem Henry has had no contact with his family, since leaving home."
"They could still prove a problem, should they detect trouble. This will require speed."
"I'm sorry to interrupt," Hunter Rar'bell started. "But we'll be touching down, in fifteen minutes."
"Thank you, Hunter."
After Rar'bell walked away. "Query: Master, is The Dark Jedi ever going to be trustworthy?"
"Not a doubt in my mind, that he never will be. If he hasn't made the choices he has made, I may be able to show him not only trust, but my respect. But as it stands, he has none of either."
"Theory: It may be better for everyone, if he is eliminated, when we have no further use of him."
"I will kill him the moment he uses up his last strike, my friend. If he plays his cards right, he will survive this."
"Query: Can you sense Jedi, Master."
"Let me find out." Terecept took a moment. He then gasped.
"Concern: Is everything alright, Master?"
"It's... Revan. My old Master is here. Alone. And if he's alone, he's setting the perfect trap."
"Query: I've heard the stories, but can Revan truly catch you in a perfect trap?"
"Revan is the most brilliant person, I've ever met. Whatever his plans, we must proceed, with extreme caution."
At Henry's stronghold...
Revan was finishing a call, from Master Rand. "Organa is off planet, this is obvious. Where is he exactly Atton?"
"Space station, 1,000 parsecs away. He doesn't usually leave far from home, these days. Are you sure about Terecept?"
"Honestly, not entirely. But I'm sure enough. That will have to suffice. If I'm wrong, then the Sith threat will end the way I don't want it to." He cut the call.
"Revan please tell me you are highly certain." Cariana said.
"There is no certainty, when dealing with the Dark Side. But I strongly believe that you are what will save Griffin. Henry's security systems are down. Let's head in."
Three hours later...
Terecept had spent time, around a town close to Organa palace, searching for information, that would lead him to his target. A drunken noble, who knew Organa, since they were kids, told the Sith Lord of Henry's residence. He was in front of the bunker, and was ready to enact his plans. As he would walk through the bunker, he would use the Force to silently disable every part of the security. By the time he reached Organa's location, he would take out his target from behind, then turn his attention to his former Master. But, he realized his plans may have to change, very soon, as the door was easily opened, and it looked as though all the security systems were already switched off. "Revan is waiting for me."
A minute after Revan heard the door open, he told Cariana to hide, and await for his signal, to come out. She disappeared, just before Terecept entered the room. "So," the Sith Lord started. "The Grand Master of the Jedi Order decided to deal with me himself. I'm flattered. I had not realized that I had built up such a reputation, so quickly."
"You know that is not the only reason I am here," Revan paused. "Griffin."
"Ahhhh... So Nimas survived, and told Caros, and the others. And in turn, they told you. I always wanted to prove my fall was complete. Now, I willhave the chance, by taking the five of you out, personally. Although, I never would have though I would start with you, 'Master'." Terecept coldly stated, as he spun his twin red lightsabers, in his hands, before bringing them to a halt, and activating them. "Are you ready to die?"
"Is this all there is to it, then?" Revan asked, taking his hood, and mask of his signature look, off. "Is this Sith instrument of evil, all that's left of the good man, and model Jedi, that was once called Griffin Walker?"
"Y-yes... It is."
"Is that uncertainty I hear in your voice, 'Terecept'?"
"My actions have eliminated my chances of returning to my old life. Griffin Walker is dead. I am Darth Terecept. These two facts, the galaxy must accept. As must you."
"If the Darkness has truly consumed you, completely, then why can I still sense a bright spot inyou, shining brighter than a Star?"
"And what exactly would that spot be, Revan?"
"The knowledge of you wife... and your son, as well. You know about Jeff."
Revan could swear he could hear a sniffle, before "Teredept " spoke again. "After everything I've done, the monster I both look like, and am, how could either of them ever possibly want to see me."
"Not one person, myself included, outside of Sith Space, know what you did, in the past three years. Not one little bit of it."
"AND WHAT ABOUT CARIANA?!" Terecept yelled. He suddenly then used the Force, to retract his helmet, revealing his corrupted face, but also now speaking completely, as Griffin Walker. "What am I to do about that, Revan?! After everything I've done, how could a woman like Cariana, ever love me again?"
"She could never love Darth Terecept, but I know that's not who I'm talking to right now, boy. I'm talking to Griffin Walker, Cariana's husband. You two are still married, she never found anyone else. She still loves you."
"But after everything Terecept did, could she ever truly forgive me, for allowing it to happen?"
"She can't forgive you, for what she knows nothing, about. Besides boy, remember this: as Darth Revan, I committed atrocities, more than likely far worse, than you did. Malachor V was probably my biggest. And I would commit many more, all of which I now remember, and they all still haunt me. But despite all I did, Bastila still loved me."
"Because she fell for you, during the Jedi Civil War."
"No. I also later found out that she fell for me, long before that. As more, and more of my memories returned, and through her tales, I can remember to as far back, as when she was nine, and I was eleven. When she first met me, she thought I was just going to make fun of her, the new kid. I didn't. I was nice to her. I taught her how to fight like a Jedi, how to use the Force. I helped her study for her tests, and exams. And over time, I no longer looked at her, like she was my best friend. I looked at her like I was looking at a girl I liked. And before I left for the wars, kid, I told her goodbye. I told her I loved her, kissed her, and promised her I would return. And then, after realizing all of this, I learned something new. When Bastila's strike team boarded my flagship, and Malak betrayed me, Bastila didn't save me, because she was a Jedi, she saved me, because she still loved me. And ever since we all thought you were dead, I've spent a lot of time, consoling your family. In that time, I've learned that Cariana is like Bastila, in that just as Bastila missed me, everyday I was gone, in the Unknown Regions, Cariana has missed you, everyday you've been gone, in the Unknown Regions."
Griffin's voice had returned completely to normal. "You really mean it?"
Revan raised two fingers, and made a come here motion. "Why don't you ask her yourself?"
Cariana then came out of hiding, and into Griffin's view, making him gasp. She started walking up to him. Griffin deactivated both of his red lightsabers, and dropped them to the floor. Tears began to form up in his eyes. He used his natural strength, to rip the blades attached to his right arm, and fingers, off. The metal arm, that destroyed the skin of his arm, keeping him from bleeding out, but he still felt immense pain. The blades cut the palm of his left hand, but he didn't care, as he had the Force to patch up the wound. The closer she got to him, the more the corruption of his face started to fade away. When she was only inches away from him, he spoke. "Did you really?" She threw her arms around his neck.
"Of course Idid!" She replied, tears streaming down her face. "I loved you before you went to Korriban, and I may have thought, for so long, that you were dead, but I still love you now." She said.
Griffin could no longer hold his own tears back. He let them all fall down, as he held his wife, long andhard, for the first time, in far too long. "With everything that I am, every part of me, I love you, too." His corruption had completely faded away. "I said on our first night together, on Corellia, I love you, for the first time. And all that time I spent in the Unknown Regions, I never forgot you. You were what kept me from completely giving in to the Darkness. It was because I always saw visions of you. And our son. I want to meet him."
"He wants to meet you, too. But first." She looks at him, and kisses him, for the longest time. When they break apart, she speaks again. "I've wanted to do that again, for so long."
"I could say the same damn thing." Griffin suddenly picks Cariana up, off theground, and slams his lips back onto hers.
Watching this whole scene, Revan smiles. He then contacts the Hawk. "Jolee, have thedoctor ready for work. Griffin's back." He says the last two words, with a smile on his face.
Both the one in this story is back, and so is the real one! I had my share of personal problems, but now I'm back, and I'm revving up my engine, swinging for the fences, and ready to go!