Here comes another one. As always, I ask for reviews, favorites, and follows. And I hope that you enjoy this story. Have a nice read.
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Chapter 20
Revan was in some sort of vision. Or a memory. Yes, it was a better term for what was happening around him. He found himself in some sort of tomb. The architecture was ancient, that's all, that he could state. Revan quickly recognized this place. These were the ruins, that were placed here, somewhere in the plains of Dantooine. He was watching from a distance himself and Malak. The imagination of him was wearing a regular, black Jedi Knight robes and his recognizable mask. His younger self was pacing back and forth in front of the doors, while Malak stood motionlessly. His former best friend had his battle suit on. He also had his jaw and not a metallic prosthesis.
"The Dark Side is strong in this place" Malak stated. His voice was quiet, as in fear of the ancient ruins, they were in. "I can feel its power!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists in a victorious pose. Revan watched, as his younger self came to the sealed doors, and started to open them with the Force.
"Is this wise? The ancient Jedi sealed this archway" Malak reasoned, trying to defeat the Dark Side, that was claiming him, only to fail miserably. "If we pass beyond these doors, we can never go back. The Order will surely banish us" he added, shaking his head. But Revan ignored him, as the doors began to give away.
"Are the secrets of the Star Forge so valuable?" Malak tried again to reason his friend, but again, it fell on deaf ears. "Can its power truly be worth the risk" the bold man seemed to be conflicted inside, but that didn't stop him from following Revan further into the ruins. They walked in silence to a stone monument, that opened itself. Inside was a map of the Galaxy, though it was incomplete. It contained Dantooine and few systems surrounding it. One of those systems was Kashyyyk, where the second Star Map was. Revan watched as his younger self and Malak walked to the ancient device. Then, the vision started to fade away.
Revan woke up with a groan. He didn't like to come back from sleep, and certainly not when he had no possibility to drink a cup of coffee. Despite the lack of window in his quarters, he knew, that the sun was already up on this side of Dantooine. He wiped his face in order to drive out sleepiness from him for good.
Revan lifted himself up into a sitting position. He supported himself with his hands. He blinked few times, but it didn't bring any results. He still would prefer to sleep for another three hours. Or even six, but that was a luxury, that wasn't destined for him. Sleep was for those, who had no purpose in life, or nothing to accomplish. And Revan certainly wasn't one of these people.
He wiped his face again. This time, the consciousness started to come back to him. Just as he has fully woken up, Carth came into his quarters.
"Good to see you awake," he said, leaning against the door frame. "Bastila wanted me to tell you, that you're supposed to meet her and the Council in the chambers" Carth announced. He eyed the younger man for a moment.
"This morning's getting stranger by the minute," he said after a while of silence. "First Bastila comes out looking like she saw a ghost, and you look pretty much the same."
Revan watched the man without any understanding.
"I guess, that I just hate waking up" he replied, wiping his face once again. "Did Bastila say anything else?" he asked.
"No, she didn't" Carth answered. "She didn't seem well, as I recall… and for that matter neither do you. Are you alright?" he asked with a concern in his voice.
"I had a rough night… let's go" Revan replied, giving Carth a clear message, that the conversation was over. The Republic officer said nothing in response. He only turned around and left the younger man's quarters.
He stood up and put his shirt on. He used the same white one, that he purchased back on Taris. He also put on the gray jacket, that made his appearance similar to the one of a smuggler. He slept in his brown trousers, so, after half a minute, he was prepared to walk out of the Ebon Hawk.
When Revan walked down the loading ramp, he had to cover his eyes from the sun, that was high above in the sky. It shone through the opened roof of the landing platform of the Jedi Academy. The bright rays were lighting the inhabitants of the Enclave, as every one of them was making his way to his own business. Revan followed their lead and headed towards the Council chambers. He wondered if the Jedi decided to take him for a training once more. If yes, then they couldn't make it any easier for him. He would be allowed to use the Force freely once again, and that was something he was looking up to.
He thought if Vrook hadn't died by accident due to the heart attack. The previous day, the old man's face was changing colors from dead pale to red, to livid. Revan smiled at that. Perhaps the Council's decision would spare him dealing with that fool? He would gladly comply to such turn of events. He would even thank them on his knees.
He passed the tree and entered the Council chambers. Unfortunately, Vrook was standing there, safe and sound. Though he did have a displeased expression. Revan smiled slightly again. Perhaps as Alen, he will be able to annoy that old fool and mock him, just as he used to do, as a Padawan.
The Jedi Masters haven't noticed him at first. They were discussing something of a great matter, if the way, they gesticulated was any indicator to that. Vrook, apparently, was most displeased at the result of their conversation. Revan fought back an urge to use his Bond with Bastila to get information. Sooner or later, he would know, what they were talking about.
He walked further into the chambers. He was noticed when he walked under the lights of the lamps, that were hanging from the roof. The first one to see him was Master Vandar.
"Bastila has told us of a most unusual development," the low Jedi said to the former Dark Lord. "She claims you and she have shared a dream, a vision of Malak and Revan in the ancient ruins here on Dantooine" he finished.
"These ruins have long been known to us" Master Dorak spoke. "But we believed them to be merely burial mounds. Perhaps they are more than we first suspected if Revan and Malak found something there."
"Yes… they seemed to be searching for something" Revan replied. There was no point in telling otherwise. Perhaps the Masters would send him to investigate these ruins? He chuckled in spirit at that. They really made things easier for him.
"Bastila has described this shared dream to the Council in great detail" again it was Master Vandar who spoke. "We feel it is more than a dream. It is a vision. The Force is acting through you as it acts through Bastila."
"What do you mean?" Revan asked, deciding to play his role.
"You and Bastila share a powerful connection to the Force… and each other" Master Zhar cared to explain. "This is not unheard of. Connections often form between master and student, but rarely does a bond develop so quickly."
"Whatever danger may lay ahead, we cannot ignore the destiny that has brought you and Bastila here to us. Together" Vandar spoke. Revan blinked few times to make sure he heard well. Has the Council given him permission for being with Bastila?
"Are you saying I'm… joined with her?" he asked, bringing up his surprised expression. It seemed to work for the Masters.
"You and she are linked, as is your fate to hers. Together, you two may be able to stop Darth Malak and the Sith" Vandar explained, though this time he was interrupted by Vrook.
"But do not let your head be filled with the visions of glory and power!" he exclaimed. Revan didn't expect to hear that from the old man. "Such thoughts are the path to the Dark Side," he said. Ah yes, always the one to lecture everyone around, the former Dark Lord thought. "The way of the light is long and difficult, as you must learn. Are you ready for such hardship?" he asked him. It took a moment for Revan to realize, that Vrook was waiting for an answer.
"Of course, Master. I seek to follow the light" Revan mocked and gave a deep bow. He had a small grin on his face, but the smile escaped his lips, as he straightened himself. The three Masters were emotionless for his little show-off, though Vrook looked like he was about to launch himself at the man in front of him and choke him to his death. His fists and teeth were clenched and his face was of an unnatural red color.
"Understand that there is little choice in this matter, for you or us" Vandar spoke, looking up in order to find the younger man's eyes with his own. "Across the Galaxy, the numbers of our Order dwindle. We have sent many Jedi in quest of a way to thwart Malak's advance… many have not returned. The Sith hunt the Jedi down like animals, ambushing and assassinating our brothers wherever they are found. We fear it is only a matter of time until they attack even this hidden refuge."
"Other Jedi have fallen from the Light and embraced the Dark Side, giving their allegiance to the Sith and Malak, their Dark Lord" Vrook interjected. Revan fought an urge to answer back, that he was the rightful Dark Lord. Malak was only a fool and a coward. But, thankfully, he held his tongue back.
"Do not fear Masters, I will not fall" he replied instead. It was partially true. He wouldn't fall to the Dark Side. He would only reclaim his mantle of the Dark Lord and his control over the Star Forge. So, technically, he wouldn't fall.
"The lure of the Dark Side is not easy to resist" Vrook continued, ignoring Revan's comment. "Malak's power grows as more and more planets fall to his conquering armies."
"If Malak is not stopped" Zhar interjected. "the Republic will fall, and the Jedi will be hunted to extinction. The Galaxy will enter a time of darkness and tyranny not seen for a thousand generations."
Revan eyed the purple Twi'lek for a moment. Malak was a fool, not a threat. The true threat was waiting in the Unknown Regions. If Revan doesn't stop Vitiate, the Galaxy will burn.
"The Council has decreed that you and Bastila must investigate the ancient ruins you dreamed of… once the Council deems you ready" Master Vandar said. Revan almost felt offended. They were in no position to judge if he was ready or not. He was like hell.
"Perhaps there you will find some clue, some explanation, of how Revan and Malak were corrupted. And perhaps there you shall find a way to stop the Sith" Dorak added.
"Of course, Master. Anything to further the light" Revan said in the same mocking tone, that went on deaf ears of everyone, except Vrook. And again, he was the one to comment.
"The Force flows through you like no other student we have ever seen. But you are willful and headstrong… a dangerous combination" the old man said. Revan almost grinned. You have no idea how dangerous, Master, you have no idea, he thought, smiling in his mind.
"Before we send you to investigate the ruins, you must be trained in the ways of the Jedi so that you can resist the darkness within yourself… within all of us. Otherwise, you are doomed to fail" Master Vandar said.
"I surrender myself to the will of the Council" Revan mocked again, placing his hand above his heart. Then, an idea struck his mind. "Under one condition" he added, looking at the Masters. They had a surprised expression and waited for him to continue. "Spare me the lecturing of that old man," he said, pointing at Vrook. The said man reddened furiously, while other Masters still had a surprised expression. Only Master Zhar snorted slightly at that.
"We must begin your training at once," the purple Twi'lek said, after he made sure, that his voice won't fail him. "You have a destiny upon you that must be prepared to face. The entire fate of the Galaxy is upon you."
"I can only hope you will prove up to the task," Master Vrook said with an angry expression. Revan smirked at that. He really enjoyed seeing the man infuriated.
Revan collapsed on the bed. He and his companions received the living quarters in the Enclave, so they didn't have to sleep in the Ebon Hawk anymore. The former Dark Lord smiled at the blindness of the Masters. He received his old quarters, where he used to live, as a Padawan.
It was a long day. His training began immediately after the audience with the Council. He was being lectured again about the Jedi ways, the Code and all that extremely boring stuff, that haunted him in nights, during his time as the Padawan. Fortunately, Vrook wasn't teaching him. He muttered quiet thanks to the Force for that. He would, sooner or later, commit a suicide, if that old man lectured him. But thankfully, he did not.
Revan wiped his face. He was tired, but one thought kept bothering him. He was able to fulfill his plan alone, but still, he needed the advice of one of the Masters, that was here on Dantooine. Vandar would understand him. He always did.
With that in his mind, he forced himself up from the bed. He didn't take any weapons with him. None were necessary. He put on the Jedi robes, that he received. Thankfully, the Masters didn't protest on his pick of colors. The dark robes were certainly his favorite.
Revan walked out of the living quarters, wrapping his robe tighter around himself in order to protect himself from the cold night wind, that was blowing through the opened roof, where the tree was growing.
The former Dark Lord found who he was looking for. The small Jedi Master was walking alongside the platform in which the tree grew. Revan came closer to Vandar Tokare. The small green alien wasn't facing the young man, though he sensed him.
"What is it that you want, student?" he asked, turning himself towards the young man.
"Be careful not to get winnowed, Master," Revan said with a small smile. "I… I wanted to speak with you, Master," he said quietly. Vandar eyed the younger man for a moment, before making a slight nod.
"I don't think, that this is a good place for it, student" he replied. "Come to my chambers. There, we shall talk" he added, passing the younger man by and heading towards the Council chambers. Revan followed him closely behind.
They walked in silence all the way. From the Council chambers, there was a passage to the Masters' personal living quarters. Everyone one of them had a separate room, so there was no danger, that someone could be eavesdropping.
"So what do you want to talk about, student?" Vandar asked after he sat on a small chair, gesturing to Revan to do the same. The younger man complied. He began to sweat lightly, though he didn't know why. He wiped his face in order to get rid of the annoying liquid, that was coming from his skin.
"Calm yourself, young one. There is nothing you should be afraid of" Vandar spoke, trying to sooth Revan. In some way, it worked.
"I… I don't know where to start, Master" he muttered, looking down on the floor. He didn't understand the reactions of his body. What was he afraid of? Of a small Jedi? Of telling the truth? Of sharing his secret? He did not know. But he was nervous, and he was trembling.
"I suggest you begin from the beginning, student" Vandar encouraged him with a small smile. Revan chuckled slightly at that. Yeah, it would be a good beginning. The old Jedi Master always knew how to say a good word. This is why the former Dark Lord respected him so much.
"Well, in the beginning, let's say, that I'm not a student" he started. Vandar frowned at that. "Not anymore, at least. I'm a… I'm a Jedi Knight. Or I used to be. Yeah, this would be a better term."
"What do you mean, young one?" the Jedi Master asked intrigued and with a concern in his eyes.
"I'm not the person Bastila introduced to you. I'm not Alen Royce. I'm… I'm Revan" he muttered. At that Vandar's eyes widened in shock and surprised. But he didn't do anything beyond that.
"Are you here for revenge then, Revan?" he asked quietly. The younger man stared at him in shock, not understanding the old Jedi Master. "I've helped to erase your identity, after all" he clarified.
"No, Master" he replied with a small chuckle. "I'm here, cause I need your advice" he added. That caused Vandar to open his eyes even further if that was even possible. After a moment, he regained his posture.
"A Dark Lord of the Sith asking for a guidance a Jedi Master? That's unheard of" he replied, smiling slightly. Revan, encouraged by Vandar, chuckled slightly. Fortunately, the old Jedi Master wasn't making it any more difficult for him, than it was already.
"Yeah, I know" he replied with a small smile dancing across his lips. "There is one thing, that I've said back on Coruscant, in the Council chambers. About the True Sith" he added, looking at the old Jedi Master.
"Ah, I recall that" Vandar replied. "We've discussed what you have said after your trial was over. But we came with no solution to what you have announced. What is it, that you need to know?"
"I have met them, deep in the Unknown Regions" Revan began. The images from before two years stood before his eyes. The planet of Dromund Kaas was as fresh in his mind, as he was there one day ago. "They haven't extinct after the Great Hyperspace War, as the Council claimed. They've hidden and waited for a good moment to attack the Republic, to have their revenge. As you've said, there was something behind the Mandalorians. They were forced into this war by the Sith, that waited in the Unknown Regions. They were planning to weaken the Republic, so later they could conquer it on their own."
"They haven't expected, that I will stand up against the Mandalorians, defying the Council. After the Malachor V, I have found them on a far world, deep in the Unknown Regions. I and Malak tried to fight against the one, who called himself the Emperor, only to fail miserably. It's pointless to say, that he defeated us without so much as twitching his fingers. We were broken. We laid under his feet, prepared to die. But he refused to bring the death upon us. I wonder if it would be better if he killed us that day. Instead, he sent us to find the Star Forge. That's why we were in the ruins here on Dantooine. It contains a map, that leads there."
"Nevertheless, we have found the Star Forge. At that point, I have managed to free myself from the Emperor's influence. That was then when I contacted you. I don't know why I have done that. After all that the Council has denied us during the Mandalorian wars, it was a miracle, that I was still willing to talk to you. But nevertheless, I have contacted you. I've told Atris and Vrook about what I have found in the Unknown Regions of the Galaxy. In turn, they have announced, that I've betrayed the Jedi Order and that since then, I was a Dark Lord of the Sith."
"That was what caused me to invade the Republic. In that moment, I was driven by hatred and anger. I felt betrayed. I turned to the Council seeking help, and I've received a rejection. My war against the Republic was also dictated by something else, though. After I have managed to free myself from the Emperor's influence, I decided to stand against him. I wanted to defeat him and to save the Galaxy. Not for glory or anything like that. I've seen what he was capable of. And I wanted to defend those, I swore to protect from that fate. But in order to do that, I had to make the Republic and the Jedi Order stand back and allow me to act on my own. I knew, that I wouldn't be listened to if I tried to reason with you. You would turn your back against me. So I had to do what I've done for the greater good."
"I know, that you are not convinced by what I have said. I don't want to justify my deeds. I will understand if you decide to ignore what I've told you, but I need your guidance, Master. Of all the Jedi Order, you and Master Nomi Sunrider are the only ones, who are able to help me. Maybe Master Zhar can as well, but I don't want to share it with many persons. If less knows of that, it will be better."
"What is it, that you want to know then, Revan?" Vandar asked. He was impressed, he had to admit. He didn't consider, that the former Dark Lord would come to him and started confessing his deeds to him. Until now, he remained silent.
"I know what I have to do to stop the threat from the True Sith, Master Vandar" Revan said. Now he was a little relaxed, after sharing his life with the small Jedi. "But I need you to help me accomplish that."
"And what is that, Revan?" Vandar asked intrigued. He didn't see the man in front of him as a threat. Not after what he has just said to him. And if he was capable of that, he would help him. Revan has truly impressed him when he came to him. He was willing to help, as much as he could.
"In all my years I have never seen one who has mastered the initial training so quickly," Master Zhar said to Revan. They were standing next to the tree on the crossroads. "You have done in weeks what many cannot do in years. I am honored to welcome you fully into the Jedi Order" the Twi'lek said, shaking Revan's hand. The man returned the gesture and smiled. Things were now a lot easier for him.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you did, share it with me. You know ho,so I won't be telling it. If you have any propositions of what should I change, then write it in the comments as well. As for now, see you in the next chapter!