The Exiled Ghost King
Chapter 14: The Man Beneath The Mask...Or Is It Boy?
Everything hurt.
Reaper could see flashes of light. He was awake one second, blackened out the next. But he managed to see a few things.
He saw Ahsoka and Skywalker grab him and pull him through the airlock. He saw Secura yelling at the pilot to get out of there. He saw bright flashes and he realized they were explosions. Then he blacked out once more, his last thoughts of the man he had seen...
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Ahsoka stood next to Reaper, assessing the damage done to him. He had been torn up pretty bad.
The cloth around his legs had been totally burned away, leaving only his dark pants, which had a few holes burned in them. His arms and chest had taken the worst damage. His black suit was more than halfway gone, leaving only his chest, waist, and legs covered, and even those had holes burned in them. The claws that were on his fingers were gone, along with his sleeves, although his wrist computer was still attached. Ahsoka saw that his skin was extra pale, and he had multiple scars on his exposed limbs.
Before Ahsoka could think much more, she heard Reaper's breathing. It was slower, and pained, as if every breath hurt.
Reaper's helmet was in good condition, probably from the fact that it was made from Mandalorian Iron. There were a few burns here and there, but all-in-all, he was at least alive. "Let's get him to the medical bay," Skywalker said.
Ahsoka nodded, and the two began to drag the Sith Lord to said destination.
Meanwhile, on the bridge, Secura was talking with Yularen.
"We have to dock. Our prisoner is in critical condition," she said.
"Docking in the middle of a battle? Are all Jedi so reckless?" Yularen asked, annoyed.
"Just the good ones," Secura smirked. Just as the ship was about to attach to the Resolute, multiple vulture droids flew in and fired at the cockpit. Sparks flew, and the pilots were knocked out, one of their helmets hitting a switch on the dashboard.
"Blast! The hyperdrive's been activated!" Rex yelled in alarm. Secura quickly reached out and turned the controls away from the Resolute. The Jedi then watched as the view lightened up, and the ship erupted into hyperspace.
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Skywalker and Ahsoka stood over Reaper's unconscious form. His mask was helping him breathe, but they had attached some equipment to him to assist his recovery.
"He risked his life to save us," Skywalker said quietly. Ahsoka nodded, but said nothing. The two turned as the door opened and Secura walked in, followed by Commander Bly.
"I need you two up on the bridge," she said.
"You don't need us both. Bly and Master Skywalker should be enough. I need to stay here with Reaper," Ahsoka protested.
Skywalker was about to chastise her when Secura said "We need everyone we can on the bridge Ahsoka. It's the only way you can help him."
Ahsoka was quiet, but nodded in defeat. Then Rex walked in, a grave look on his face. "We have a problem," he said as he turned on the computer to show an image of a ship flying towards... A star.
"The coordinates were put in wrong. We're about to smash head-on into a star," he told them.
Skywalker nodded and said "Let's go, Rex. See if we can fix that." Rex and Skywalker left the room, the door losing behind them.
"We'd better go with them," Secura said. Ahsoka nodded and followed the Jedi, taking one last look back towards the Sith Lord.
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On the bridge, Rex and Skywalker were working on the circuits, while Bly was attempting to change the flight course.
"Nav computer's fried," Bly growled in anger, punching the machine.
"If we shut down the power, we can reset the coordinates," Skywalker suggested.
"But that'll cut off Reaper's life support!" Ahsoka protested.
"We have to do it Ahsoka. If not, all of us are going to die," Secura said grimly. Ahsoka sighed and took the pilot's chair while Skywalker worked on the controls in the back of the cockpit.
"Power off... Now," he said.
The power began to shut down, the auxiliary power the only thing keeping the ship going. "Prepare to shut it down on my mark. Three... Two... One... Now!" Ahsoka yelled. Skywalker hit the auxiliary power, the ship shutting down completely.
The ship blasted out of hyperspace, a large bright star in front of them. Ahsoka began to turn the ship as the others were bombarded by the star's gravity. Secura, Skywalker, and Rex were all knocked against the back wall, leaving them unable to reach the auxiliary power switch.
As the star grew closer, Secura and Skywalker both extended their hands. The auxiliary power switch flipped up, everyone falling to the floor as the gravity was re-engaged. Ahsoka reacted quickly, going around the star and using its gravity as a slingshot.
The ship flew past the star, a planet becoming visible in the window. "Well, we had to hit something," Ahsoka muttered as the ship descended towards the atmosphere.
Entering the atmosphere was rocky, to say the least. The ship began bucking from the turbulence. There was a sickening lurch as one of the engines flew off. "Well, this is gonna be painful," Skywalker said as the ship prepared to (crash) land.
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In the medical bay, Reaper sat up as his life support was re-engaged. "Who the hell's driving this thing?!" he roared. It was the only thing that came to mind for him to say. But he felt the pain once more and a bright flash filled his vision. The images returned.
That same man who called Reaper Nico, gave Reaper a silver skull ring, and a black sword…
A teenager, with sea green eyes, stood in front of Reaper with a bronze sword and a playful smirk…
A man who had an aura that shined like a sun, advanced on Reaper, saying "I am Apollo, god of the sun. You brought this on yourself when you killed my children son of Hades…"
Reaper's vision returned, and he let out a roar of pain. The medical droid was flung against the wall as Reaper released a Force Repulse, destroying most of the medical lab. Including his life support.
Reaper's hand went to his chest, which began to hurt. "Not good," he muttered as he fell back, the blackness threatening to swallow him once more...
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The ship hit the ground hard. And that pretty much sums it up. But to the people in the cockpit, it seemed more than that. They felt every bump, every jump, fearing that the ship could explode and kill them any second.
After about a minute, the ship stopped moving, and everyone quickly began climbing out. Skywalker and Ahsoka tried to go after Reaper, but the way was blocked. Part of the ship had caved in, cutting off access to the medical bay.
"We'll go in from the outside," Skywalker said. Ahsoka wasn't sure that would work, but it was the only idea they had.
Skywalker and Ahsoka ran outside, then turned to the ship. "Now where do we begin cutting?" Ahsoka asked. Before Skywalker could answer, he felt something strange in the Force. Then part of the ship blew open, and everyone ducked down to dodge the debris.
Skywalker and Ahsoka looked up to see a large circular hole in a section of the ship, and a form began crawling out.
Reaper was using his arms to drag himself outside, but Skywalker and his Padawan ran forward to give him a lift, lying him on his back outside. "Nice landing," Reaper coughed, trying to sound upbeat.
"Think you could have done a better job?" Ahsoka asked.
Reaper coughed a few times and said "I would have used the Force to land it gently. Just an idea." Ahsoka, Secura, and Skywalker looked at each other, all three sharing a look of slight embarrassment.
Ahsoka looked back down at Reaper. He wasn't saying anything else.
She put her head on his chest, only to hear his heart beating. Barely.
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In about an hour, the group set up a campfire, a makeshift tent, and a perimeter around the area. Ahsoka looked inside the tent, where Secura was checking on Reaper.
"He doesn't have much time. That helmet can only help him so much. We have to find help tonight," Secura told the young Padawan. Skywalker walked up in time to hear her say that.
"Okay, me and Rex can head north. You can take Bly and head south, while Ahsoka guards Reaper here," Skywalker told Secura.
The Twi'Lek shook her head and said "No. We must all move tonight. It's the only way to get back in time."
"We can't all leave him!" Ahsoka protested.
Skywalker backed her up, saying "He'll be defenseless. We can't let him die."
"We cannot move him. We will leave him behind with Rex while the rest of us look for help. That is the way it must be. The Force will decide if he lives or dies," Secura told them.
Then, out of nowhere, Reaper began laughing hysterically. "The Force will decide? I hope your plan is better than your lightsaber skills!" Reaper yelled, still lying on the ground.
"Calm down, General. The more effort you spend, the less chance of survival you have," Secura warned. Reaper didn't listen, instead using his arms to sit himself up, wincing at the pain.
"I refuse to die. Not until I find out why I'm seeing all these visions!" he snapped as he attempted to stand up. Secura and Ahsoka quickly held him down. He attempted to struggle, yelling out "You hear me, sun god?! You see what you've done to me?!"
Ahsoka had no idea what Reaper was talking about, but she didn't think about it. Her thoughts were on holding Reaper's arm down, and he was strong.
"I WILL NOT DIE!" Reaper roared as he released a Force Repulse. Secura, Ahsoka, and Skywalker were blown away from the tent (which miraculously still stood after that Repulse).
Ahsoka quickly stood up and ran towards The Ghost King. But it was too late. He had knocked himself out from the effort of the Repulse.
"We must hurry. The fool may have shortened our chances," Secura said.
Bly then ran up, saying "General. I found something."
Ahsoka, Skywalker, and Secura turned to see Bly holding what appeared to be a piece of wood. But when Secura held it, she saw carvings on it. Including one of a tree.
"Someone was looking for giant trees," Skywalker noted, putting the tablet in Ahsoka's backpack.
Ahsoka turned to Reaper and knelt by his feet, saying "Hang in there."
"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to him," Rex said. Ahsoka gave him a look, and he added "I promise not to shoot, maim, or injure him in any way."
Ahsoka nodded and she was pretty sure she heard Reaper mutter "Swear it on the bloody Styx." But didn't bother asking about it instead she headed for the search party. The three Jedi and three clone troopers headed out, running as fast as they can. They didn't have time to waste.
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A while later, the group fell into a heavy trot, the three Jedi out in front. "I sense your worry for Reaper," Secura said to Ahsoka. The Padawan lowered her head, as if she were ashamed of that fact.
"I know he's the enemy, and he's killed people, but I can't help but feel that he can be on our side," Ahsoka said, trying to explain her reasoning.
"I understand, Ahsoka. I, too, knew a dark warrior who I thought could become a Jedi again. And soon, he did," Secura said, remembering her old master.
Skywalker knew what she was talking about. He had heard of Quinlan Vos.
"But I realized something. I could not risk thousands of souls just to save one," Secura added.
Ahsoka thought about that for a few seconds. "Maybe. Doesn't mean I can't try," Ahsoka said confidently. Secura glanced at Skywalker, who shrugged in humour.
Secura shook her head and rolled her eyes. Those two were very much alike. Secura then wondered how Reaper was faring.
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It was now nightfall, and Rex sat next to the campfire, his helmet next to him and his weapon on his lap. Every now and then he would look behind him and check on Reaper. Every now and then, the strained breathing from the helmet would be interrupted by mumbling. Rex heard things like "Apollo", "Percy", "Thalia", "Hazel" and "Olympus".
Rex shook his head, trying to stay awake. Then he heard some of the tall grass rustling. He immediately put his helmet on and grabbed his blaster, ready for anything.
He stood up and walked backwards toward Reaper, checking on the Sith Lord. Still unconscious. No mumbling.
"Sometimes I hate this job," Rex muttered as he began pacing, his trigger finger at attention.
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Ahsoka sighed in relief when she saw the enormous trees. They were here.
The group walked up to a nearby tree and looked around. "I don't see or sense anybody," Skywalker said.
"No life signs nearby," Bly agreed. Then from above came a rustling sound. The three Jedi looked up to see something massive falling from the tree. Falling toward Bly.
"Look out!" Secura yelled as she tackled the clone. The two landed, the object crashing two feet away. Then more became falling, and the group had to start rolling, jumping, and turning to dodge the objects.
"Under the tree!" Skywalker yelled. The others nodded and ran under the bark. "Well, we know why it's deserted now," Skywalker noted dryly.
"It's a deathtrap! You'd have to be insane to stay here!" Ahsoka said.
"But someone seems to have found a use for them," Secura said. Ahsoka and Skywalker turned and saw what looked like a trail made from dragging these giant seed pods.
"Well, let's go," Skywalker said as he took off running. Ahsoka and Secura looked at each other, a sense of amusement on their faces. Then they followed the eager Jedi, the clones right behind them.
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Rex continued his patrol of the small area. He felt uneasy, like something was watching him. He heard the grass rustle again, and immediately whirled around, blaster at the ready.
He stood there for a few moments, his eyes on the grass. Then he heard a familiar hissing sound behind him. Rex turned to see Reaper stumble out of the tent, his black lightsaber blade in his right hand. His left was on his chest.
"What are you doing?" Rex yelled at him, thinking Reaper was about to attack him.
"We *cough* have company," Reaper replied. Rex turned and looked around.
"I don't see anything," he said.
Reaper walked up beside him and said "You can't sense them, but they're here." Then, as if on cue, a loud screech came from the grass to their right. They turned to see some kind of bird-like beast erupt from the grass.
The beast charged toward the two, roaring as it came. "Mastif phalones. I've heard about these," Reaper said as he threw his left hand out, black Lightning flying toward the beast. It roared in pain as it was thrown back into the grass.
Rex prepared to fire until a heavy weight slammed into his back. He fell and heard growling over his head. One of the beasts had jumped him from behind. The phalone roared and prepared to bite down. Rex then heard a sizzling sound, and something thudded on the ground next to him. The phalone fell off of him, and Rex looked up.
The phalone's head had been separated from its body. Rex looked to see Reaper standing above him, putting his lightsaber back on his belt. The Ghost King held out a helping hand. Rex grabbed it, and Reaper pulled him up.
"Thanks," Rex said.
Reaper coughed and fell to his knee, saying "Don't mention it." Then he fell on his stomach, out cold again. Rex sighed and began dragging the Sith back toward the tent.
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At that same moment, Ahsoka, Secura, and Skywalker deactivated their lightsabers. A group of mastif phalones had attacked them as well. It had not gone too well.
"Lucky and Flash are dead," Bly reported. He then looked behind him. He had managed to shoot one of the phalones in the head, its dead carcass now lying nearby.
"These are mastif phalones. We must be on Maridun," Secura reported.
"We have to keep moving. Every second is crucial," Skywalker said. The three remaining warriors nodded and they all began following the trail again.
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The sun was beginning to rise when they found civilization.
It looked like a village made from the seed pods they had just avoided. "Pod central," Skywalker noted. The four walked down the hill toward the village.
The village was populated by small creatures with large yellow eyes and tails. The locals didn't look too happy to see armed visitors entering their village.
One of the villagers walked forward. This one was obviously the oldest here, as he had a large beard and walked with a cane. He reminded Ahsoka a little bit of master Yoda.
"What have you come here for?" the old one asked. He had a bit of an accent, Ahsoka noted.
"We are Jedi. Peacekeepers. Our ship has crashed, and we need medical help," Secura said.
"Peacekeepers? Violence only breeds violence, Jedi. For instance, that weapon you carry," the old one said, pointing an accusatory finger at Secura's lightsaber. "We only use violence to fight for freedom," Ahsoka protested.
"And freedom requires death? War?" the old one inquired. Skywalker and Secura looked at each other, unsure of what to say. "We came to this planet to get away from the destruction and violence of your war. Your arrival will only be our end," he continued.
"Either way, we still need your help," Skywalker said, stepping forward.
"I'm afraid I can't. For my people," the old creature said as he began walking away.
"Please. Can't we have a few medical supplies? Our friend is dying!" Ahsoka pleaded. The old man stopped, and sighed. He waved his hand, and one of the locals walked forward.
"I cannot let someone die on my watch. My son, Wag Too, is a healer. He will go with you to your friend. But only one Jedi can go," the old man said.
"You don't trust us?" Skywalker asked.
"We cannot afford someone kidnapping our only healer," the old one replied.
Skywalker turned to Ahsoka and said "Snips. You go ahead, alright?" Ahsoka blinked in surprise, but nodded.
"Take Bly with you. Extra support. And don't argue, you'll need help if the phalones attack again," Secura added, noticing Ahsoka about to argue.
The Padawan nodded and began running in the direction they had come from. "We'll be back soon," Ahsoka called back. Wag Too jumped into the air and formed into a ball shape, rolling after Ahsoka with Bly right behind them. They ran through the grass and disappeared from sight.
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Back at the campsite, Rex leaned on the side of the makeshift tent, blaster at the ready. Those creatures hadn't been back since Reaper decapitated one of them. That bady had served as Rex's dinner, and its meat hadn't been too bad after a while of cooking.
Rex heard movement from the tent and looked in. Reaper sat up, saying "Here they come." Rex leaped to attention, Reaper struggling to get up.
"That's not wise," Rex warned.
Reaper chuckled and said "Who said I was wise? You want wisdom, talk to Master Yoda."
Rex smiled slightly and looked around, waiting for an attack. He heard the hiss of a lightsaber blade behind him, and Reaper walked out. He wasn't holding it in reverse-style.
A phalone jumped from the grass and roared at the two. Reaper chuckled and stuck out his hand. The phalone yelped in pain as a Force Push sent it flying into the air.
Two more leaped from the grass, hissing. Reaper prepared his lightsaber. He couldn't use the Force again, or else he'd fall unconscious. The phalones charged. Rex fired a blast that hit one in the head, killing it.
The other kept charging, Reaper shoving Rex out of the way and diving to the side. The phalone smashed into the tent, knocking it into pieces. As Reaper began standing up, he sensed something behind him.
He turned to see Ahsoka, Bly, and some rolling furball approaching. "About time, princess," Reaper said as Ahsoka ran up to him.
"Don't call me princess," she said, but she was happy that he was at least able to crack jokes.
Wag Too leaped and began running around the phalone with a rope. After he went around it a few times, he pulled on the rope, trying to knock the creature down by pulling out its legs. Ahsoka, Bly, and Rex went to help, all four pulling on the rope. The legs gave way. The phalone landed on its side.
Reaper stumbled forward and activated his lightsaber, ready for the kill. "Don't!" Wag Too cried. Reaper locked eyes with the beast, and then he raised his hand. The beast growled a little, and then closed its eyes.
"It's out cold. Just like me," Reaper said as he fell backwards, his lightsaber rolling out of his hand.
"Whoa there, Reaper," Ahsoka said, checking him. He was breathing, but weakly.
"Don't worry about it. He's in good hands," Wag Too said.
Ahsoka sighed, saying "He'd better be grateful for this."
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Reaper woke up surrounded by little creatures, all of them watching him closely. "Ahsoka, help me!" He said desperately.
Ahsoka walked up and asked sarcastically "The great Lord of the Sith Reaper, The Ghost King, needs the help of a teenage girl?"
Reaper chuckled slightly and looked around while saying. "Put my age into account princess," He appeared to be in some kind of hut. The furry creatures outside as the one from before came in.
"It'll be hard to heal him with that helmet on," the little guy said.
Reaper turned his head and said "Could you cover up the entrance?" Ahsoka nodded and pulled a cloth over the door, away from prying eyes.
Reaper lifted his left wrist and used his right hand to push a few buttons on the comm. Then a hissing sound came from his helmet, and it moved slightly. "You're gonna have to pull that off," he said.
"Won't you die?" Ahsoka asked.
"Not immediately. I can survive for a while without it," Reaper replied. Ahsoka knelt down and gently pulled the helmet off the Sith Lord's head. Ahsoka Tano and Reaper were face-to-face for the first time.
Reaper's face was much more different than she imagined. She pictured someone bald, with evil red eyes, sharp teeth, and maybe a few scars. Reaper had none of those traits.
He was handsome, she could say that much. He had olive skin. His brown eyes were so dark that they were almost black they were peaceful, carrying a sense of calm in them, but if you looked close enough you could see wisdom and pain that was way beyond his years. He has black hair that looks like he just got out of bed (messy and shaggy), but the most shocking was that he looked around her age, which Ahsoka should have expected, seeing how many hints he gave away. He didn't look evil now. He actually looked rather cute and handsome.
"I pictured you differently," Ahsoka said, a small smile on her face.
Reaper smiled back, saying "I'm better-looking than you thought, right princess?" Ahsoka blushed slightly, but covered it up by rolling her eyes.
"I'm gonna have to ask you to leave. He needs to heal," Wag Too said as he began preparing some oil from the pods, which apparently is good for healing. Ahsoka nodded and prepared.
"So long, Reaper," she said as she opened the cloth outside.
"Ahsoka," he said. She turned to see him watching her. "My name is Nico," he said. Ahsoka's eyes widened, and she walked outside partially stunned. So he did have a name.
She looked up to see the sun setting. She sensed someone approaching, and turned to see Aayla Secura walking forward. "You did good today, Padawan. Our prisoner is alive and well," Secura praised, a small smile on her face.
"I just hope he doesn't stay our prisoner. He can really help us," Ahsoka said.
Secura nodded, saying "I know. I see that now. But remember, Ahsoka. Once you turn to the Dark Side, it always stays with you. Even if you turn back to the Jedi way."
Ahsoka understood what she was saying, and added "You were right, Master Secura. If I had stayed behind, he might not be here now."
Ahsoka then turned back to look at the sunset. "That may be. But I sense our troubles on this planet are not over," Secura said, watching the sunset with the Padawan. Ahsoka felt it too, but she didn't care at the moment. She just enjoyed the view, happy that she helped save a life.
And that's that. Reaper has finally taken his helmet off, he tells Ahsoka his real name and we finally have our very first Nico/Ahsoka moment.
All in all I think I'm doing pretty good for my very first story on Fanfiction, if you have any questions just ask me in the reviewers box or PM me. Please review.