***Author's Note***
Good Afternoon, my friends! I know, I haven't posted all week. It's been crazy busy around the Darkwind household, and on top of that, I've been exhausted and suffering from writer's block. However, as you'll see, the block is completely gone now! I guess I've been working too hard for too long, but then I've been doing almost nothing but writing for the last four months! I guess I burned myself out a little. Anywho, this chapter is kinda a doozy, so I hope you enjoy!
***End Note***
The Masters
The Falcon arrived on Naboo in short order, Huur's ship directly behind them. Being well known on Naboo, they were greeted warmly by the locals, especially Ben and Rey. They did their best to be polite while they were being swarmed by locals, but were quietly relieved when the Togorians joined them on the landing pad, causing the crowd to back away, casting cautious glances at the massive feline creatures. Anakin had been silent since they'd landed, his eyes oddly unfocused as he searched for his sister, "They're definitely here, Dad! I can sense her and the others, but it's a bit...distorted, somehow."
Ben nodded, "I know. I feel it, too. We're being blocked." Turning to one of the locals, Ben spoke quickly, "We need to acquire enough speeders for all of us."
"Um, well, you're going to need a fleet just for your – ah – friends. They do speak, don't they?" The man cocked his head as he considered the Togorians, genuinely curious.
A ripple of growls tore from the Togorians' throats, tails twitching and claws flexing. Ben held out a hand for them to stop before he spoke, "They do, yes. They're called Togorians. You see the one with black fur and blue eyes that towers over the others?" The man nodded, his eyes wide, "He is the King among his people. His name is Huur, and he is highly respected among both the Jedi and Neutral Orders."
The man paled and turned to Huur, "Your majesty," he bowed as he spoke, "Please forgive my ignorance. I did not intend any offense. Allow me to begin again, my Lord: What sorts of speeders are your people familiar with?" Ben had to glance swiftly away when he caught sight of the poor man's trembling hands so that he would not see the highly amused smirk on Ben's face.
Huur thrummed deep in his chest with approval, "No matter. All is forgiven. To be ignorant is no crime – failure to correct ignorance is. Appreciated is your apology. In answer to your question, my people are rather different. It is the females who are confident with technology, not the males. Requiring pilots we will be."
The man bowed again, "My Lord. Are you content to ride with the others, or will you need to hire pilots?"
Huur smiled, his blue eyes sparkling brightly, "Enough pilots there are here already, thank you."
The man bowed again and scurried away, gulping air like a man who had nearly drowned. Thamian chuckled, "Not even I get that kind of reaction. Being a member of your race surely has its benefits!" Huur joined in Thamian's laughter as he laid a massive paw on Thamian's shoulder. Tuk-Tuk jutted forward off of Ben's shoulder, gazing about curiously, Long time since here last. The Younglings are here, yes?
Ben nodded, "Yes, Tuk-Tuk. The younglings are here. All that is left now is to find them and get them out of there." Tuk-Tuk nodded sagely Stay out of sight? Ben smiled, "Yes, you should stay out of sight. Very wise, Tuk-Tuk."
Just then, the man returned to lead them to their speeders – nine in total, and no one spoke again for a long time. The Togorians were distributed among the speeders – Huur rode behind Twila, as he was the largest, and she the smallest. The remaining of their number were paired together thus: Ben and the twins, Rey and one of the Togorian guards, Lilia and Matthew (in a cunning maneuver by Luke), Poe and a guard, Anakin and Luke, Thamian and a guard, Finn and a guard, and finally, the only female Togorain, one of her fellows, and Chewie. They looked rather fierce, Ben thought, paired together as they were, save Chewie and the Togorians; Chewie just looked dwarfed between the two felines. Glancing to his left, he saw Rey bent low over the handlebars of her speeder, a fierce scowl on her face, and an equally fierce expression on the Togorian behind her. As Ben was one of the largest humans, he was one of those that did not have a Togorian behind him. Instead, he had the twins behind him, as they could not pilot a speeder just yet – he and Rey hadn't been able to bring themselves to teach the boisterous teens, for fear of their own lives. They had flatly refused to be separated from each other, so Ben had acquiesced and allowed both of them to ride with him. Ben thought they must look like quite the army, with their little band of speeders hurrying across the green fields and rolling hills of the Naboo countryside. Just then, Ben caught a thought from Anakin, Father! Just over there – the bunker, do you see it? Ben squinted in the direction that Anakin's thoughts directed him. I see it. But it would seem that we are expected. That's not just an army...Those are mercenaries! They really did plan this, and quite well, too. Out loud, Ben shouted, "We're almost there! We're expected, though; there's an army of mercenaries waiting for us, so when we get there, you two stay as close to your mother and me as you can!" Ben sensed the twins' assent and narrowed his eyes in concentration as he leaned low over the controls, punching the accelerator.
A short distance away, Lilia and Matthew sped along in the middle of the pack of speeders. Lilia was far superior as a pilot, and Matthew had offered no argument when she had taken the controls. He tightened his grip on her waist, sensing her turmoil. He reached gently for her mind, they'll be alright, Lilia. They may be young, but they're strong. Besides, Leia's with them. She's so much like the Chancellor that if she hasn't taken charge, I'll be astonished. Lilia's back pressed into his chest as she sighed, causing him to blush. I hope you're right. I just can't shake the feeling that this is my fault. I was in charge, and we might as well have handedthe littles to the Knights. Matthew smiled to himself; that was so like her. Well, if you're at fault, then so am I. He felt her shock, followed by embarrassment. It's alright, Lilia. I'm not offended, but I will be if you keep blaming yourself. They managed to surprise Luke Skywalker, for pity's sake! If even hewas caught off guard, then anyone would have been! He sensed her smile as she reached down to squeeze his hand, making his heart clench in response, thank you, Matthew. Just then, an image flickered into their minds, showing a bunker surrounded by hundreds of mercenaries. "By the Power," Matthew muttered to himself. Louder, he called, "We're almost there! Angle a bit more to the right; I'll jump first and give you cover!" She nodded as Matthew removed his light-saber from where it was clipped at his hip, readying himself for the Jump.
As the speeders drew nearer, Lilia saw the lines of Mercs begin to scurry about, readying themselves for attack. She felt Matthew's muscles bunch, and his weight suddenly left the speeder. She watched as he flipped gracefully through the air, engaging his light-saber a he went. Lilia's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him landing gracefully in the midst of a large group of mercenaries. Lilia angled the speeder towards the mercs as she pulled her feet up onto the seat of the speeder. She stood as it neared them and flipped backwards off the speeder, sending it careening into the mercenaries and engaging her mismatched blades as she went. Lilia landed with both blades held at angles behind her and one knee on the ground. Her hair fell away from her face as she looked up at the men surrounding her and smiled ferociously. A few seemed to lose their nerve slightly, backing away from this unexpected development – clearly, whatever attack they'd been expecting, it hadn't been Jedi. The rest simply opened fire.
Lilia twisted and spun her way to her feet, deflecting blaster-bolts with ease and deadly grace. As she spun through her deadly dance, there were none who could stand before her sabers. Glancing over her shoulder, sh saw Matthew making his way towards her, though he was having a bit of trouble. Lilia sighed and Force-Jumped over the mercenaries between them, landing neatly beside Matthew, easily truncating two men with one blow from each light-saber as she turned to him. "You're completely hopeless, you know that?" He laughed as they stood back-to-back and faced the mercs together.
Across the field, Ben and the twins had been joined by Rey, Anakin, and Luke. The six of them moved as a single entity, their skill at meshing their minds and skills making them the deadliest force on the battlefield. A short distance away, Ben could see Thamian fighting alongside Finn and Twila; the three were well-used to fighting together during the war with the First Order, and it showed. Finn and Twila gave Thamian's enormous vibrosword a wide berth, knowing first-hand what he could do with it. Perhaps the most frightening sight, however, was the Togorians; the normally-docile creatures were truly terrifying when they were roused, as they were now. Their spears, broadswords, and poleaxes made short work of the mercenaries around them, drenching their fur with blood. Each had a feral gleam in their eyes, and Ben knew it would be quite some time before the bloodlust faded enough for them to regain their logic.
He didn't know how long they'd been fighting, but what Ben did know was that he was growing tired. It seemed there was no end to the flood of men rushing at them. At last, just when Ben thought they couldn't last much longer, he heard the unmistakable whine of approaching transport ships. By the time he was able to glance back, the ships were already off-loaded. His mother had been true to her word; answering blaster-fire flew overhead as his mother's promised reinforcements joined the battle. More surprising, however, was the army of Jedi and Neutral Masters and age-appropriate Padawans that was moving over the fields like a wrathful storm, Hrii at their front, outstripping the others by a respectable distance. Ben smiled as the mercs drew back slightly in dismay; they didn't stand a chance now, and they knew it. The battle grew more heated for a moment, the mercs steadily falling back. Another whine was heard and heads turned upwards all over the battlefield as a shuttle landed near to the bunker, three large figures stepping into the light. Ben stopped dead; he knew that armor..."Phasma," he said to himself.
Rey glanced sharply at him, "What did you say?"
Ben tore his eyes away from the shuttle, "Phasma. She's here. I don't know who that is, but I'm thinking he's the new Master of the Knights. As for the third figure...I'd know that Force-Signature anywhere. He was one of my subordinates in the Knights; he was directly under me in rank. He always wanted to take over, but he feared my power; I shudder to think what he might have become since then. His name is Gavin." As though he'd heard his name, Gavin's head turned to Ben; Rey could have sworn that he'd smiled under his mask. He came at them, faster than it should be possible for anyone to move, sending Force-Waves at anyone that got in his wave, no matter which side they were on.
"So," he said when he'd reached them, "Here is my former Master. I am Master of the Knights of Ren, now. The Darkness commands us all, and all you love will fall and burn before him."
Ben rolled his eyes, "I've heard that before, Gavin. Padme didn't manage it, and neither will your new Master, though there is one thing that has not changed. You remain, as ever, nothing but a dog." Gavin bellowed in rage and charged at Ben, twirling his double-bladed light-saber with great speed and dexterity. As Ben raised his twin blue blades to intercept the blow, their blades sparked and crackled. "Stay back, kids; this fight is your mother's and mine!" Rey sprung over the pair of them, striking at Gavin's back, but he was ready. Before long, they were engaged in a complicated rhythm as Anakin and the twins watched in amazement as their parents fell away and two deadly warriors replaced them. They had always known that their parents were great warriors and they'd heard all the stories about the wars, but now they could see it, and the effect was at once terrifying and awe-inspiring. Wrenching their eyes from their beloved parents, the three Solo children rushed to their Great-Uncle's side, helping him with the mercenaries, whose numbers were quickly beginning to wane.
Finn and Twila were staying carefully away from Thamian's enormous blade when the shuttle landed. They paused for a moment as Gavin disembarked and launched himself into battle with Ben and Rey, but they had no time to notice anything more as they saw the other two figures coming towards them. Finn and Twila gripped the hilts of their light-sabers more tightly as they recognized that signature silver armor: Phasma. The sharp reminder of Finn's former life struck him hard in the gut as he heard Thamian's vicious curse and felt the beast of a man's presence at his side, "What's that witch doing here? She has no business here."
Finn shook his head, "No, I'm guessing that we're finally seeing who's really in charge now."
Phasma and her companion reached them at last, and they got their first good look at their unknown enemy. He was of medium height but powerfully built; he reminded Finn and Twila of someone, but they just couldn't put their fingers on it. Whoever it was was garbed very much like the Knights, though his mask was of black and made of ebony. His robes and cloak were some sort of flowing, shimmering substance that seemed to draw the light out of the very air. A great sense of evil power surged from him, causing those around him to shrink back in fear. "It's been a long time," came the altered voice from behind the mask, "I'm sure you are confused as to my identity, but you'll figure it out soon enough, and no sooner than you should. I see why Padme Solo wore a mask; they are very empowering things, these. No worries, you are not going to die today. You're just going to hurt for a very, very long time." With that, Phasma drew a riot baton from her back, twirling it and engaging its electric current as she advanced on Thamian. Thamian only laughed and roared a challenge at her.
Finn and Twila, however, made no move; they simply waited for their new enemy to make his. At last, he did, drawing from his hip a hilt that was black as night. Twila reached for Finn's hand, taking a half-step backwards. Chuckling, the man engaged the blade; it was as dark as night, sucking the light from the air and emanating a terrible sense of hunger. Finn and Twila could feel its hunger for their blood; this was the truth of the Darksaber, and before them stood its bearer. "So, you're the coward that stole a bunch of children. I hope you're proud of yourself." Finn shouted in challenge.
The Darkness laughed at them, bringing the Darksaber in front of him, "You challenge me, Finn 'No-Nerves'? Very well! I accept your challenge. You, your mate, and your half-breed offspring will burn!" The Darkness charged at Finn and Twila, the Darksaber nearly singing as it swung again and again for them. Finn and Twila knew they were outmatched, but still they fought. The most they could manage was to block each blow he aimed their way. Exhaustion began to set in and, at a critical moment, Finn's knees buckled after a particularly powerful blow, sending him to his knees. Hie eyes went wide as the Darksaber came at him, slashing at his chest. "Finn!" Screamed Twila, as blood began to seep into Finn's robes from the massive gash on his chest.
The Darkness seemed to smile, turning to look towards the bunker, "Time to go," he said softly, "Not that I haven't enjoyed our little reunion, but I have more important things to see to right now."
Across the field, Ben and Rey were still doing their best with Gavin, but his power had grown to incredible levels, and only seemed to increase as the fight went on. Ben and Rey sensed a disturbance in the Force and heard Twila's scream, both turning towards the sound with ice in their hearts. Just then, Gavin aimed a powerful Force-Blast at them, knocking the breath from their lungs and sending them flying. Gavin stood over Ben, his light-saber raised for the final blow. Just as the blade was about to pierce Ben's heart, Gavin's head snapped up like someone had called his name. He stood still for a moment, then disengaged his light-saber. "You're lucky. My master tells me it's time to go. Another moment, and you'd be dead. Next time, we'll finish this, I promise." With that, the Knight spun on his heel and sprinted back to the shuttle where his Master and Phasma were waiting.
Rey stood and hurried to Ben's side, "Ben," she sobbed, "Are you alright?" Ben nodded, unable to speak, "Thank the Powers. I saw him standing over you, and I thought..." Rey collapsed onto Ben's chest, sobbing.
"It's alright, my Light. I'm fine." He wrapped his arms around his wife, holding her close as the twins hurried over to their parents.
Ben glanced up at them, but saw they were not looking at him. Instead, they were staring towards the bunker. "Dad.." said Padme quietly, "Something's happening in there. I can feel it." Ben and Rey struggled to their feet just in time to see the massive blast-doors explode outwards, and a flood of fully-armed Knights come rushing out. The sight made no sense for a moment until they realized what, exactly, they were seeing. The Knights were running backwards, light-sabers activated; it seemed they were already engaged in battle; indeed, many were already wounded. The battle came to a halt as the Masters and Mercenaries alike turned to watch in bemusement as, with a mighty roar, the Padawans swarmed out of the bunker, wielding their own light-sabers with deadly accuracy and skill. To their further astonishment, Ben and Rey saw little Leia, her face fierce with battle and concentration, at the very head of the army of children.
The Masters were the first to realize what was happening, and let out a cheer of exultation at the sight of their lost Younglings before charging forward to join in the battle. The remaining Knights turned, and upon seeing that they had been caught in a pincer, scattered; it was almost comical in appearance. The surged to the left and right of the bunker, where there stood a number of transport ships, waiting for them. They made it to the ships, and Ben thought to the others, Let them go. We'll have another opportunity later. Right now, see to the children. Ben and Rey rushed forward, their youngest daughter in their sights. She turned then, and caught sight of them, as well. Leia turned, grabbed at Han's hand, and dragged him forward so that he could see who had arrived. Rey saw his little face light up, and suddenly, there was nothing that could keep him from getting to his mother. Rey put on more speed, catching Han up in her arms as Ben did the same with Leia. Anakin and the twins hurried behind their parents, and before long, they were a mess of arms and tears as the family was reunited. "We thought we'd lost you," Rey whispered to her two youngest, "Come on; let's go home."
A pair of terrified young voices suddenly rose above the clamor, drawing the attention of the Solo family; it was T'arla, "Dad? Dad! Come on, Dad, get up! Wake up, Dad!" His young voice cut over the plains as the entire gathering fell silent. The only sounds were the wind passing over the fields and the crying of T'arla and Jar'lek over their father's motionless body. Ben and Rey told their children to stay put and hurried to their friends' side.
Twila sat, staring into nothing, with shock in her eyes, holding Finn's head in her lap. His eyes were closed, and he looked so peaceful that he could have been sleeping, but he was far too pale for that, and there was far too much blood pooled on the ground around him. Rey gasped as her hand flew to her mouth, shaking her head in denial as tears began to stream down her face. Luke had beaten them there, and was already kneeling beside their fallen friend, "We've lost him. I can't sense him." A high-pitched keening sound came from Twila's throat and her pink eyes lost all sense.
Ben and Rey felt someone pushing at their knees, and stepped apart, "Wait," came Leia's small voice, "Wait. He's not dead, not yet, but he won't last long. I think I can save him, if I can have the other Padawans help me." Twila's pink eyes snapped back to Leia's brown ones, a glimmer of intelligence returning to them. Leia nodded, "That's right. I might be able to save him, but we need medical facilities."
One of the Chancellor's men spoke up, "We have medical facilities on-board our ship, young Master. Will they suffice?"
Leia looked him directly in the eye and probed his mind, "Yes. They will do, for now. Forgive the intrusion into your mind, but there was no time. Master Thamian, will you please carry him?" Thamian nodded, his green eyes unusually grave, as he bent to lift the much smaller man. Finn's head lolled uselessly as he was lifted from the ground, causing an odd choking sound to come from Twila's throat. Leia reached out to the other Padawans, My friends, we don't have much time. We've got to help Master No-Nerves. You managed to save me by yourselves, now please help me save him. She sensed assent from every Padawan with any healing ability at all, and nodded as she turned to Han, who had followed her like a baby duck, "I need you to stay here with Mom and Dad, okay? You don't need to see what I'm going to have to do." Han nodded with tears in his little amber eyes, squeezing himself in close to his mother's leg. Leia and Thamian hurried into the ship that the soldier had indicated, leading a long line of young Padawans, and no few Masters, who wished to offer their services to save the life of the beloved and well-respected Master No-Nerves. Leia led Thamian to the medbay and he laid the lifeless, utterly still body of Finn on a hard, metal exam table. "Okay," she said, "Let's get to work. Thamian, please leave. I mean no disrespect, but it you stay, it may cause you harm." Thamian nodded, his eyes still grave, and crossed the large room in three long strides, the doors sliding shut behind him. Leia turned back to her patient, her mouth a grim line, "You know what to do. Keep his heart beating while I heal the wounds. I'll need every bit of strength I can borrow, and I'll need you to let me into your minds with no trouble." The assembled group followed her instructions to the letter, and fell into a trance-like state that often comes in the face of a long and daunting task. It would be nearly three days before any of them were heard from again.
***Author's Note***
Poor Finn! Oh, no, what will happen! I know, you're probably hating me and my love of cliffhangers right about now, but hey; I have to make sure you come back to read more somehow. ^_- Anyway, I'll try to get more put up tonight, but no guarantees. Thanks for reading! Lots of love, Darkwind out!
