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Chapter 24

Revan enjoyed the warmth of the setting sun on his skin. This was his last day on Dantooine. In few hours he and his companions were supposed to go to Kashyyk.

He sighed with relief. He was laying on a small hill on Dantooine that was located not far from the Jedi Enclave. He had his eyes closed and his arms crossed behind his head. He heard the barking of the kath hounds in the far. Every now and then a cloud or a ray cast a shadow on him blocking for a moment the sun.

Even if he was someone who was quite familiar with the Dark Side, he liked to relax like that. He really enjoyed the moments when he was forgetting that the fate of the Galaxy was in his hands. After all, everyone deserved some rest.

Suddenly a shadow rested on him. The former Dark Lord expected it to pass in no moment, but that didn't happen. He slowly opened one of his eyes.

He noticed a human shape over him. Nothing more due to the sunlight. The person, that was standing next to him, kept its hands on its hips. Revan covered his eyes with his palms to somehow block the sunlight that was causing him to not see many details.

The shape turned out to be Bastila. He didn't see much of her face, but she seemed to be amused by the sight before her. Revan's lips curled up in a small smile.

"I was wondering where have you disappeared" Bastila announced when she saw that Revan acknowledged her presence. She sat next to him, looking at the man with still amused expression. He let out another pleased sigh.

"Why? Were you worried about me?" he teased. His smile grew wider. She smirked lightly at his response.

"Don't have such high self-opinion about yourself" she replied. Somehow the closeness between them worked soothingly at her, despite her feeling guilty about her part in erasing Revan's identity. This Alen Royce possessed many features of the man who previously lived in this body. „Something like that can lead to pride" she added. In response, the man next to her turned his head in her direction and looked at her with amusement.

"If I wanted to be lectured, I would have visited Master Vrook" he replied. At that Bastila laughed loudly. Revan lifted himself into a sitting position. He rested his arms behind his back to not fall down. Only now he noticed, that he was sitting on the same hill where he and Bastila shared their first and only kiss.

The scenery reminded the one from over four years ago. Again, they were sitting there alone with the setting sun casting last lights on their faces. Revan closed his eyes, waiting for Bastila to stop giggling. He enjoyed one of the not so many pleasant memories. As it happened, most of them were connected with the woman next to him.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Bastila asked. Revan reopened his eyes and looked at her. Her expression wasn't the amused one anymore. Now she wore a relaxed one. She was looking straight at the sun.

The former Dark Lord watched the woman sitting next to him. He couldn't play it anymore.

"You are beautiful" he murmured. Bastila turned to look at him only to notice his face mere millimeters from her own. Her eyes widened in shock but she did not move. She let out a small gasp when she felt his lips on her own ones.

Her senses returned to her and she tried to break free, but she found out that she was being strongly held by the man next to her. Bastila tried to resist him, but her strength was fading quickly. A little unwillingly, she returned the kiss.

His lips were soft. She was surprised with that. The young Padawan certainly didn't expect that. His kisses were delicate as feathers. She felt him smiling.

"I've missed you, Bastila" he murmured quietly against her lips. Her eyes opened wide with shock once again, as these words made their way to her consciousness. Once again, she tried to break free, but he held her even stronger.

He remembers!, her mind screamed at her. She had to contact the Council. She had to stop him.

Bastila felt his lips moving away from her own ones, but his hands remained on her body, holding her firmly. Revan was looking into her eyes.

"I remember" he confirmed. "I remember since I was assigned to the Endar Spire" he continued. "I know who I am. And I know that I've missed you. For over four years I kept thinking about you, Bastila" he finished. She was astounded with his words.

"Why have you done that?" she asked in response. "Why have you done what you did after the Mandalorian wars?" she clarified.

"I'll tell you one day" Revan replied. With that, he kissed her again.

This time she was more cooperative. Bastila returned his kiss eagerly, catching his face with her hands. Revan's arms snaked around her, bringing her closer to him. She found herself being lifted into the air and after a moment she was sitting on his legs, straddling him.

Revan pressed softly against her lips, urging her to open them. She complied willingly.

Bastila felt Revan's tongue probing her mouth. He explored the cavern of her mouth as he did over four years ago. He was touching her teeth, lips and even her own tongue. Bastila twitched a little at the sensation of two muscles touching each other. She returned the gesture, tasting him in her mouth.

They didn't know how much time has passed, but soon they had to part from each other because their lungs were screaming for air. But they remained in the same position. They had small smiles dancing across their lips with eyes remaining closed. The two Jedi enjoyed their memory and the presence.

"How have you returned?" she asked curiously. They were laying on the same hill for over an hour already. The sun has set long ago, but they remained at their favorite spot. The stars and the moon were casting small light on them.

Bastila was resting her head on his shoulder, while Revan surrounded her slender form with his arm. He kept his chin on top of her head. He smiled a little, thinking what he should say.

"I've prepared myself for that" he replied after a moment. Bastila raised her head to look at him. "I knew that it was about to happen. I've managed to secure myself from that" he continued. She nodded slowly, confirming that she understood.

"Does anyone else knows?" she asked. She felt him nodding.

"Canderous knows" he confirmed. "As well as Rex, Fox, and Wolfie. I've also told Master Vandar" he added. She lifted herself from the spot on his shoulder and looked at him with a questioning gaze.

"Why?" she asked simply. Revan sighed.

"I needed his guidance… and his help" he replied quietly.

"What do you mean?" she asked again. Revan let out another sigh.

"I'll tell you one day" he replied. "Let's go back to the Enclave," he said, standing up. "It's getting cold here."

The former Dark Lord gave Bastila his hand which she gladly accepted. Revan helped her stand up and caught her when her legs refused to keep her weight for the first few seconds. He gave her another soft, brief kiss on the lips. With that they turned towards the Academy, cracking jokes on their way there.

"You leave tomorrow, Padawan," Vandar said, not looking at the man who has just entered his quarters. Revan closed the doors behind him and stood there patiently. "You may sit, Revan," the Jedi Master told him after blocking the room with his thoughts from the spying ears.

Revan complied silently, sitting on a small chair. He rested his hands on his knees.

"Have you followed my advice?" Vandar asked. Revan nodded.

"Yes, I have, Master. She knows" was his reply. The old Jedi nodded his head.

"Good," he said after a moment. "This may be helpful in your mission. Hiding it from Bastila would be difficult due to your Force Bond. But I sense something troubling you, young one. What is it?" he asked curiously.

"I'm worried, Master" he replied quietly. "I'm afraid that I won't manage to complete this task" he clarified. Vandar nodded again.

"This what you took on your shoulders is dangerous at least," the old Jedi said. "I must admit that I was surprised at what you told me a month ago. But you seem to be sure about the necessity of your actions?" he asked. Revan nodded in response. "Then you are going to succeed," Vandar said. "But you will be needing help. You can't do it without anyone. Remember: Jedi is never alone. If Bastila knows, then don't be afraid of turning to her for advice. She might be young, but she is wise."

"But I haven't told her everything, Master" Revan interjected. "I don't want to tell her what I've told you. I know that she would want to come with me. And where I must go, I cannot take anyone I love" he finished. Vandar thought about that for a moment.

"You care for her, that's obvious" he commented. "But don't allow your attachment to her cloud your mind. If you will be too afraid of losing her, you might doom your mission to failure. Remember that those we love never abandon us" he warned him. Revan nodded in acknowledgment.

"Thank you, Master" he replied and stood up to leave.

"May the Force serve you well," Vandar said after him. Revan smirked at that.

"And may the Force be with you, Master" he returned, leaving the old Jedi's quarters.

He stopped when he reached Vrook's room. The old fool was in the training room, teaching the younglings. And Revan had a small gift for him. He decided to leave it in his quarters. The former Dark Lord smiled as he imagined the reaction of the old Jedi Master on seeing it.

The morning came rather quickly. Revan was woken up by the sun's rays entering his room through the small windows. He lifted himself up. He was relaxed after sleep. Telling Bastila the truth worked soothingly on him.

He stood up from the bed and took a small bag that contained few of his personal things. After visiting Master Vandar, he spent the rest of the previous day preparing the ship for the take-off. He and the rest of the crew packed all things and supplies so now in the morning they could only wake up, eat something, and be ready for the departure.

Revan walked out from his quarters and turned to the other doors. A loud snoring was coming from behind them. He knocked loudly, waking up Canderous which was almost impossible. The old Mandalorian possessed an incredible skill in sleeping like the dead.

Revan walked to another door and woke up the rest of his companions. He smiled lightly when he heard a loud groan as well as a roar from Zaalbar. He could swear that he even heard curses from Fox's room. He smiled even wider at that.

The former Dark Lord was waiting patiently for everyone to leave their quarters. It took them fifteen minutes to walk out from their rooms.

The first one was Bastila. As always, she had her hair tied up carefully in a ponytail with two strands around her face. She was wearing her usual robe that stood out a little from the Jedi standards. She had a cloak wrapped around her tightly. The young Padawan smiled when she saw Revan. She came to him and planted a small kiss on his lips as a 'good morning'. Revan returned the smile.

Carth and Rex were next. The Republic officer wore a tired expression. He wiped his face to get rid of the sleepiness of his face.

Rex looked similar to the man he walked behind. He was still exhausted but his soldier nature didn't allow him to sleep for a long time, even if he wanted it.

Fox and Wolfie left their rooms few seconds after Carth and Rex. Their expression also showed that they would most likely sleep for another few hours.

Mission nearly jumped out from her room. Of all crew, she was the only one who was getting bored in the Enclave and she gladly accepted the news of the departure. She was on cloud nine when the morning came and couldn't wait for the Ebon Hawk to be in space again.

Zaalbar, as always, didn't express any emotions. He walked in silence without even a growl. He followed the blue Twi'lek without any sound and stood next to her as her shadow.

Now they were only waiting for Canderous. Revan sighed heavily and walked to the doors where the Mandalorian's room was. He knocked several times on the wooden doors, trying to wake up the old field marshal.

"Wake up, Canderous!" he exclaimed. "We're waiting only for you!"

"Usen'ye!" Mandalorian replied in his native language. Revan, Rex, Fox, and Wolfie who knew the Mando'a laughed at that.

"Motir Mando'ad!" Revan shouted in Canderous' language. He heard the old man grown behind the door. Soon the heavy footsteps could be heard and the Mandalorian left his room.

They walked towards the landing pad. They were supposed to eat on board of the ship, as they had little to no time. They had to be airborne in few minutes. The route to Kashyyk was long. Their ship would make this hyperspace jump in around nineteen hours. And it was quite a long route.

They quickly found themselves next to the Ebon Hawk where Juhani was waiting for them. Carth and Wolfie walked into the ship, heading towards the cockpit. They turned on the engines, preparing the ship for the take-off. The rest of the crew also entered the ship, except Revan and Bastila. They waited outside for the Jedi Masters.

After few minutes the Council has appeared. They walked up to the two Jedi for the last lecture before their departure.

"Remember our teachings" Zhar began. "They may be of a great use in your mission. The Jedi is never alone. Don't be afraid to turn to your companions, if you need any help. You are also always fully welcomed here in the Enclave if you will need our guidance or a good word."

"Also, make sure to be discrete" Vandar said. "Malak will surely try to get you if he finds out about your mission" the small Master added, looking at Revan. The young man understood that gaze and smiled slightly.

"Be careful as to your deeds, young one" Vrook added. "If you're reckless and unwary you may easily fall into a trap or fall to the Dark Side. You must be cautious. The lure of the Dark Side is difficult to resist" he repeated what he said the previous day in the Council chambers.

"If you need knowledge as what you should do, feel free to contact us or the High Jedi Council on Coruscant," Dorak said. "We will aid you as much as we possibly can."

"Go, young Padawan," Vandar said, showing that the farewell was done. "And may the Force be with you" he added. Revan smiled as he looked at the small Jedi Master.

"May the Force be with you, Master" he replied. "With all of you," he added, looking at other three Council members. With that, he turned to the ship.

Bastila gave a deep bow towards the Masters and followed Revan to the Ebon Hawk. The loading ramp closed behind them and everyone gathered on the landing pad took few steps backward as the ship was being launched. The Jedi Masters had to keep their robes tightly as the wind threatened to blow them away.

The Ebon Hawk quickly left the atmosphere. T3 was standing at the computer terminal, setting the coordinates to Kashyyk. It wasn't long before the ship left the Dantooine system, jumping into hyperspace. They had a long route to the Wookies' homeworld.

Darth Malak was walking towards the bridge of his flagship. He was infuriated. Not only Revan was alive, but he was also out of his reach, as well as Bastila. On his way towards the command center of Leviathan, soldiers he passed saluted him. He didn't even bother to look at them.

"Lord Malak, the Star Forge is operating at two hundred percent capacity – far beyond our expectations" Admiral Karath reported, when the Dark Lord made his way towards the bridge.

"I am more interested in the young Jedi Bastila and her battle meditation" he replied with anger in his voice. "Have you learned how she escaped the destruction of Taris?"

"She was aided by Carth Onasi, a decorated war hero of the Republic and a legendary soldier" Saul answered. "During the Mandalorian Wars, he was honored many times for his bravery."

"You know this man?" Malak asked intrigued.

"Yes, Lord Malak" Admiral replied. "He served under me when I still followed the Republic. You could say I was his mentor."

"Interesting. How did you acquire this information, Admiral?" the Dark Lord asked with a neutral voice.

"An eyewitness, Lord Malak" Karath answered, mentioning at the doors. Malak turned around and saw a man dressed in a quite odd outfit walking towards them. He had a blue top, black trousers, and some strange white cap. He was also wearing goggles that were hiding his eyes.

"Calo Nord, a bounty hunter, was there when Bastila and Carth escaped the planet" Admiral reported. "Apparently they left him for dead."

"A Jedi and a war hero – it's a wonder you survived the encounter," Malak said impressed.

"I am hard to kill, Lord Malak" the bounty hunter answered simply.

"Calo has agreed to help us capture the young Bastila – for a very hefty fee, of course," Saul continued on. "But I assure you he is well worth the price. His reputation as a bounty hunter is well-earned."

"Her companions are nothing to me, Calo – but I desire the young Jedi taken alive if at all possible" Malak said to the bounty hunter.

"Lord Malak, forgive me" Admiral interjected. "There is something else. May we have a private audience away from the ears of the common soldiers?"

"I trust you are not wasting my time, Admiral Karath" the Dark Lord replied.

"I promise you will be very interested in what Calo has to tell about Bastila's other companions, Lord Malak" he replied. "Also, we have captured the last man loyal to… your former friend" he added and was immediately caught in the Force choke.

"Do not refer to him as my friend, Admiral" Malak warned him dropping the man. "He is my enemy."

"Of… of course, Lord Malak" he stuttered.

"Let's go then, Admiral," the Dark Lord said now with the peaceful voice. They left the bridge and headed towards the prison cells.

"The man we've captured is Atton Rand," Karath said as they were passing other rooms locked with the force field. "He was sent to the Unknown Regions by Revan months ago. He was supposed to investigate the Dromund Kaas. He returned a few hours ago and was immediately put in prison. We are waiting for your command as what to do with this man."

"Interesting" Malak commented simply. They reached the cell where the said man was being held. It was a light-skinned, young, human male with dark brown hair. He was lying unconscious in a small room. He wasn't wearing any chains or restrains. The force field was able to keep him secured since he wasn't a Jedi, though the Force was in him. In the time of Revan being the Dark Lord, Atton was his best assassin, except HK-47 of course. He was highly skilled in killing Jedi, what guaranteed him a high rank in the Sith Empire.

"Since he didn't know about the recent shift of power, we decided that he may cause some troubles" Admiral kept explaining. "He is the last man loyal to Revan. Shall we execute him as the others?" Karath asked intrigued.

"Patience, Admiral" Malak replied in an emotionless tone. His metallic voice was reflecting from the walls of the ship, returning to them louder in the echo. "Interrogate this man first. Find out why he was sent to Dromund Kaas. If you detect that he has nothing more to say, you can kill him" he finished.

"Of course, Lord Malak" he replied, bowing deeply.

"You said something about Bastila's other companions?" Malak urged him when the man straightened himself. Commander of the Sith fleet had a confused look for a moment and then his eyes widened in realization.

"Oh yes," he said with a slight blush. "Calo has reported that the Canderous Ordo was amongst them as well. I'm sure that you remember this man, Lord Malak? During the Mandalorian Wars, he used to be the field marshal, second only to Cassus Fett."

"A Mandalorian working with the Republic?" Malak asked with suspicion in his tone. "That's unusual."

"And here comes the biggest problem, Lord Malak" Karath added, looking at his feet. He visibly was afraid of telling what the bounty hunter communicated him. "Calo Nord believes that he has seen Revan's personal bodyguard. All three of them" he added. The Dark Lord's expression hasn't changed at that. Only his eyes took a deeper shade of gold. "He also said that they were following a young man with brown hair pulled backward" he finished.

Malak, even if he didn't show it, was infuriated. And a little afraid. Calo Nord has confirmed his worst gut feelings. Revan was alive and he accompanied Bastila. And if he knew well his former master, he could be sure that the General of the Republic army during the conflict with Mandalorians was going to reclaim the mantle of the Dark Lord.

Malak eyed the Admiral in front of him. He had a temptation of blowing off steam on that man, but he rethought that. Rarely he wasn't tormenting his men for delivering the bad news, but Karath proved himself a good and loyal servant. He watched as the said Admiral was slightly huddling in fear of the potential penalty.

"Straighten yourself, Admiral" Malak said without any trail of anger in his voice. Saul did as he was ordered, but still, he was looking at his feet. "I won't punish you. I suspected that Revan is alive. You have only confirmed that. That's not something that deserves a penalty."

"Thank you, Lord Malak" Karath answered, looking up at the Dark Lord.

"However, we have to take action" Malak continued. At that, Admiral Saul straighten himself even more, if that was possible, and entwined his hands behind his back. "The task I told you before is still topical. If Revan is alive, we have to make sure that he is being dealt with."

"I'm sure that Calo will take care of him. After an extra charge, of course," Karath said. Malak only shook his head.

"I have my suspicions as to the bounty hunter killing the Jedi," he said. "Even if I hate Revan, he still is powerful. I believe in Calo's reputation as the bounty hunter, but I doubt that he will be able to best him in combat.

"Nevertheless it's good to try," Karath said. "Perhaps he will be able to help us deal with that problem, sparing us some time."

"Perhaps, Admiral, perhaps."

"That's all I found out from Calo."

"Good, Saul" Malak replied, turning to leave. "I suggest you prepare the room for our guest, Admiral" he added and disappeared in the elevator. Karath bowed even if Malak didn't see it.

Atton woke up with a groan. After the consciousness returned to him, he realized that he was pinched to the table. He tried to look around, but the bright light that was coming from above didn't allow him to do so much.

But he managed to notice that he was almost naked. He felt the cold of the table on his back, as well as the metal around his wrists and ankles. He looked down and saw that he was wearing only the underwear.

"Ah, you're finally awake," a voice behind him said. Atton tried to see the man who spoke that, but he failed miserably.

"Yeah, I would be pleased, if I knew who I'm talking with" he replied in the usual cocky tone.

"You don't remember me already? Pity" the voice replied.

"Well, I'm pinned to the interrogation table and my vision is slightly lessened" he spat back, trying to keep his natural tone, not letting know the person that was there, that he was afraid.

"I assure you that you will remember my name for days to come," the man said coming into the light. When Atton saw his face he was forced to close his eyes immediately as the fist in a metal glove made contact with his midsection.

"The Star Map is located in the Shadowlands," Revan said. He was sitting with Bastila in her private quarters. "The device is highly protected, cause the Dark Side that emanates from it draws many creatures. This is the reason why I want you to stay on the ship."

Bastila looked at Revan as he suddenly grew up a second head. She had no intention to let him go alone.

"There is no way you're going on your own" she replied. "If there truly is dangerous then you will be needing help" she added, praying for him to understand her point of view.

"I didn't say I will go alone" Revan answered, taking her hands into his own to calm her. "I just said that I don't want to take you with me to the Shadowlands. There are things that can be too much for you. I just want to make sure that you will be alright" he reasoned. Bastila seemed to relax a bit at that, but still, she wanted to go with him. After all, who could take the better care for Revan than she?

"I want to go with you," she said sternly.

"What I told you wasn't a request" he answered in the same tone. "I announced you, that you're not coming down to the Shadowlands with me. I won't be alone, don't worry. Canderous will come with me, as well as my bodyguard. I will be safe" he added. He kissed her palms to help her see his reason.

Bastila smiled at his actions. At first, she was afraid when she realized that Revan regained his memories, but then the fear subsided, allowing happiness to take its place. She didn't feel so happy for the past four years and she couldn't imagine anything breaking it.

She pulled Revan's head upwards. He looked at her with love visible in his eyes. Her heart melted at that. Bastila brought his lips to her own, catching him in another deep kiss. She swore that their lips would be bruised next day, after a number of kisses they exchanged through the past hours, but she didn't care. She only cared about the man holding her in his arms.

Vrook was sitting in his quarters, trying to contain the anger that was building up in him.

He has just finished displaying a message that was delivered to him in a small datapad. The device used to lay under his pillow and now he was holding it with his hands, almost crushing it.

Inside was a message from Revan.

Not from Alen Royce, but from Revan – the fallen Jedi and Lord of the Sith. And this massage caused his blood to boil and his face turned into a fierce shade of red. The Ebon Hawk and its crew were away from Dantooine for sixteen hours already and he found this datapad no longer than a few minutes ago.

Dear Master Vrook, the image of Revan said, I must congratulate you. I haven't expected you to find out the truth so quickly. But sending an assassin for me? Really? Is this a Jedi way? I highly doubt that. Nevertheless, I hope that Nemo is now one with the Force. I truly regret killing him – I'd rather duel you, at least I wouldn't feel any remorse if I killed you. But unfortunately you decided to send someone to do the dirty job for you, but he failed. I think that you have to take the matters into your own hands and fight me personally. I'll be waiting for you patiently. And may the Force serve you well, Master. Oh, and one more thing. I must congratulate your ability to pass the knowledge. Your apprentice is as arrogant and shortsighted as you are. Well, she used to be until I convinced her to follow me. I must admit that she has quite soft lips. See you soon, Master Vrook. I'm sure that we shall meet one day. I'm looking forward to this.

The old Jedi made his decision. He would challenge Revan. He had a permission from Atris to kill him, and he would do just that. Screw Malak and the Galaxy. Revan was a thorn in his side for far too long.

Well here comes another one. Let me know what you think about the events I portray and this story so far. If you like it, then you know what you are supposed to do. Until the next update, and may the Force be with you!

Translation of Revan's and Canderous' talk:

Usen'ye - rudest way to tell someone to go away.

Motir Mando'ad - stand Mandalorian.

I haven't found a phrase that would mean 'wake up' so I used the one closest to it. These words are the original Mando'a (it's on Wookieepedia).