Hello there, everyone, and welcome back! Did you miss me? By the looks of the Reviews, it looks like you have. This is the one and only SuperHeroTimeFan, coming back to you after six months, now with a brand-new Chapter for my great Star Wars and Young Justice Crossover story, Journey of the Knight: Honor Bound! It's been such a long time, and for that, I apologize greatly. I have been pushed to find a job, which I have, as well as trying to get through the Corona Virus that has been going around, and don't get me started on trying to stay safe during the George Floyd Riots. That's been Hell. Now, I am back, and here with a new Chapter for the Fourth of July this year! Thank you all very much for your continued support. That goes for MinuteMan76, MartyrFan, The Mandalorian Terminator, Jacqueline Karst, Logan GC, FusionBase27A, Ezra Wren, Ultimate Advent Story Dude VII, Eubulon Zenith Extreme, Geo Hikari The 2nd, Cycomatrix Eternal, fire-storm-amagi, Jack Sparrow 475, Hay Lin x Tsukasa Kadoya, Ross Blum the IV, Rebel Sabine Bridger, HarmonyGirl567, Riku Soncazenosee, Dwayne McDuffie, Bowser3000000, animebella09, Slade The Terminator, High Supreme King Of Awesome, Tines Sensahthe, Ultra Neo Kamen Rider 15, Awesometacular Extravaganza, 17lakect, Hodges Jaxon, the conman w, Dark Knight Discord, PHL360, Maximum Rhapsody. Spartan of Chaos, Tristan Riddle, GundamTachiagate, Phily76, WanderingMD, crea9587, dragonslayerajahn, LadySerentity22, Draco91, DJ Meltdown of Ground Xero, Dragon Slayer John, rspendragon, SuperFlarrowLover, Houndini, Just a Crazy-Man, SethBloodFallen, The Dark Warden, Wolfman2010ism, ItsJustABook, Joey Lumbley, Mr. StrangerMan98, Rebecca Chambers Rules, Sleeping Skeleton, Nibra Ha Rishon, Mr. FNAF Fan-Gamer, LadyStar10, Neos the Final Builder, wolf579, Kat1017, Maniiikz, 1049, Taiski, ToLegitt2Quit, RebeccaSnow23, Carlos Jacob, Armando Andres Romero Lozano 7, Wolfslick, CT7567Rules, Outplace, TheGreatGodzilla, Darth Sicarius, AbbyDobbie, Maximus Potter, Darth Khan, Virgil1989 The Crossover King, and of course, all of you Guest Reviewers. This really means a lot. Thank you so much. Now, before I start, I would like to apologize for something else. I had the Chapter meant for today already a quarter way through, but my computer crashed the same night, and I lost all the data on what I had, so this Chapter, I had to start over from the beginning. So sorry. Now, with that being said, please allow me to address the reviews, mostly from T-Bone. For the record, it was easier to call you Carlos Jacob. First off, I won't have Katana or Metamorpho reveal anything to Ahsoka and the Young Justice. A'Sharad Hett wanted the hologlove just because he wanted an Earth Item. It won't play anything major later on. Yes, in Chapter 28, that was Master Fay. She is still alive, since she hasn't appeared at all in Canon, as far as I know. Not sure about the Tech Citadel doing all of those upgrades. Also, before you ask, I have indeed finished watching Star Wars Resistance and Star Wars The Clone Wars. I absolutely loved both, and can't wait for The Mandalorian Season 2. Now, with all the questions out of the way, here is my newest Chapter! Please feel free to review, rate, and as always, please be sure to enjoy!
Chapter 31: Xion's Past
In Memory of Dennis O'Neil (May 3rd, 1939 - June 11th, 2020)
One's character is not defined by their outer evil, but their inner good.
Chase for the terror! After the victory against the Shadow Collective on Naboo, the Republic and the Separatists, still aligned as the Allied Forces, continue to find out more about secret links with the Shadow Collective and their ever-growing army. With their arsenal now including Battle Droids from Geonosis, a manhunt for every member of Darth Maul's syndicate continues to go underway! Tracking down a small battalion on the Planet of Nevarro, we find our heroes locked in a fight to prevent them from escaping, and to learn more about the expansion of Darth Maul's forces!
On Nevarro, Ahsoka led the Young Justice and her new Clone Squadron against several Death Watch Devils and members of Vaapad Rage. As both sides opened fire on each other, she deflected the enemy fire before Kid Flash ran in, taking out several turrets that had been planted near the mountain.
"Go!" Wally called before Artemis and Paula flew forward with Superboy and Rocket. The four landed behind the destroyed turrets before engaging in close combat with the Death Watch Devils sniping from their respective locations.
Several of Ahsoka's new Clone Battalion ran forward and continued to fire before Robin leapt out and tossed several guided Birdarangs, causing most of the weapons of the Death Watch Commandos to drop before Miss Martian flew back, locked with the blade of a Vaapad Rage member with a jetpack. As soon as she landed, she activated her second lightsaber and stood back to back with Ahsoka, the two continuing to deflect blaster fire before the rest of the Young Justice ran in.
"You gotta admit, finding a secret outpost for the Shadow Collective all the way out here was a long shot," Miss Martian said as she sent a blast right back at a Death Watch Commando. "I'm surprised we missed out on the mission to retake Ringo Vinda, to be honest. I like Masters Tiplee and Tiplar."
"Anakin has it under control at the moment!" Ahsoka called out as she clashed with a member of Vaapad Rage. "He's got Master She to help him soon, and we're assigned to track down bases of the Shadow Collective right now!" she exclaimed before slashing away the Vaapad Rage member she was fighting.
"Does anyone see the ship?" Aqualad called out as he slashed away several of the Death Watch Devils. "If there's a base, there's a ship we can access."
"Found it!" Barriss called as she flew overhead, now using new mechanical wings in place of her old ones. "Whoa!" she exclaimed as she spun from enemy fire. "These things are hard to use, Jaybo!"
"Get used to it!" Jaybo called out as he tossed a grenade at two Death Watch Commandos. "Dr. Boll and Rig Nema are almost done with the cure for your Symbio Enhancer. You'll have to adjust to still using your powers in a different way!"
"Got it!" Barriss called before seeing more Death Watch Commandos fly at her. She sighed and sent out several energy blasts from her new gauntlets, taking them down.
"Heads up!" Katana called out, slashing off the head of a Vaapad Rage Member with her Shadow Saber. As soon as he fell, she spun around and stabbed another in the chest before Metamorpho ran at more, slamming them away while Zatanna cast a fire spell that caused an explosion near a generator.
"Everyone get clear!" Zatanna called out.
"On it!" Serra called as she used the Force to launch several of the Young Justice to a safe distance while the Shadow Collective Forces retreated.
"Hold on!" Ahsoka yelled, holding out her hand to the ship that Barriss found.
Miss Martian noticed what was going on and outstretched her hand as well. The two used the Force to lift it and throw it to where Superboy and Metamorpho were. The two caught it before everyone else cleared away before the base exploded.
"Well… that happened." Metamorpho said as everyone got clear.
"Who'd we lose, Alpha?" Ahsoka asked.
"Ten of the boys," Captain Alpha replied. "Admiral Dodonna is still pulling in other Clones to join this squadron."
"That's good," Ahsoka said as she stretched. "Look, sorry we got so many casualties. I didn't think we'd be losing that much."
"They knew what was in for them," Captain Alpha said as he put away his weapons. "Everyone who is brought in for this squad does."
"Still, I don't feel good about how those men died under my command," Ahsoka said.
"Not really the kind of leader I was aiming to be."
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it," Robin said as he started to scan the Shadow Collective Ship. "Just as I thought. The ship systems are deadlocked. We try to see what the Shadow Collective was up to, and the whole thing will explode on us."
"We need to get it to a hacker," Ahsoka said. "Good thing Nevarro has a good variety of business dealers. We wouldn't want to waste any fuel here."
"Good idea," Miss Martian said. She was about to move until Ahsoka stopped her and turned her back to them. "What? Did I miss something?"
"Robin said that the ship control systems were down," Katana said. "I think he means that we can't remotely pilot it either without setting off some sort of a bomb."
"Which means…" Ahsoka started out before she reached her hand out to the ship, causing it to lift off of the ground slowly. "That it's time for some lifting."
Miss Martian, Barriss, Katooni and Serra all looked to each other before holding out their hands as well. Soon, the ship lifted off of the ground easily.
"Nicely done," Nomad said, looking up. He saw a drone fly towards them and rest itself on his arm. "My drone picks up no other Shadow Collective Forces. We're all clear to bring the ship to the nearest system hacker."
"Where to?" Katooni asked.
"Down there, to the east," Nomad said, pointing in a direction for everyone to turn to. "There's a garage on the left side."
"Okay," Ahsoka said before looking to Captain Alpha. "Draw as little attention to yourself as possible when you make your way back to the Gunship," she ordered. "In case Nomad missed anyone, we don't want hidden Shadow Collective fighters to call in any reinforcements," she ordered. "Plus, I don't think that the people here are all too trusting of Clone Trooper presence. No offense."
"None taken," Captain Alpha said before looking to the rest of his men. "Let's move out!"
In town, Ahsoka led the Young Justice towards the garage. Inside of it was a young man, working on several speeder bikes. He had black hair, an Asian ethnicity, with facial markings on the right side of his face, and a bandana around his left hand, colored black with a blue stripe on it.
"Just fix this part here… and we should have…" the teen said before the speeder bike he was working on started to hum. "Ah, that's more like it. I do love the noise of a good engine."
"Excuse me?" Ahsoka called, getting the attention of the man. "We're looking for the one in charge of here."
"That would be me," the young man said as he walked forward, shaking hands with Ahsoka. "My name's Nyx, Nyx Okami. Engineer, repairman and hacker, thought the last title is legal in a select number of systems."
"Well, we need your help with this hacking job," Zatanna said as she showed Nyx the ship. "I take it you've heard of the Shadow Collective at this point?"
"The guys everyone wants to put six million feet under, even the most peaceful types in the Galaxy?" Nyx asked. "Yeah, I sure do. This belong to them?"
"I know this place may not be too welcoming to Jedi, but we are with the Allied Forces, and we do need your help," Serra said. "This ship could hold vital information on what Darth Maul is planning, and the system is deadlocked."
"We figured that since you're a hacker, you can get into the system without triggering any failsafes," Ahsoka said. "How much will it charge you?"
"To challenge the Shadow Collective and put that Sith Head in his place?" Nyx asked. "I've got seventeen speeders in need for a crime family. That'll be nothing compared to what I'm about to do. This one is on the house."
"Thank you," Aqualad said. "This is very much appreciated."
Everyone watched as Nyx got his tools. They all followed him into the ship, and he started to get to work on the control systems. As he did, he noticed the Xiphon hanging from Ahsoka's belt. Immediately, his eyes widened.
"How did you get that lightsaber?" Nyx asked.
Ahsoka took out her main one to show. "I made it…" she said.
"The other one." Nyx said, pointing to the Xiphon.
Ahsoka looked to where Nyx was pointing and picked up the Xiphon. "You know this?" she asked. "How do you know about the Xiphon? The weapon of Sonia Sky?"
Nyx sighed as he put a pause on his work. "So it's true then," he said. "Xion passed away in the fight against Gemini Rouge," he said sadly. "I didn't want to believe it at first."
"Hold up," Katooni said. "You're referring to her as Xion, not Sonia."
"Yeah," Rocket said. "Why?"
"Because…" Nyx said as he looked to the bandana wrapped around his arm. "It was Xion who gave this to me… my two friends on Coruscant never understood why I would accept a gift from a Jedi, but she was always something else."
"She was a Sith as Xion," Ahsoka said. "She became a Jedi as Sonia."
"Well, from my time with her, she was different," Nyx said as he went back to work. "Don't worry, I can multitask, so I'll share with you what I know."
"Which is what… exactly?" Paula asked.
"What if I told you… Xion actually did some good before her death?" Nyx asked. "This is what I know…"
One Year Ago…
On Mygeeto, several Droid Fighters were in the air, shooting down at ORDER Troopers as they fired at the Battle Droids on a large bridge. Ultraboy flew through the air, leading air troops to chase after them, while Prowler was on the ground, leading a team against several sniper droids.
"We are making record time," General Lok Durd said to a Tactical Droid as several more Battle Droids were being deployed. "While the Republic have not engaged us, we shall succeed where they failed, and make short work of the ORDER."
"Do not be too overconfident, General," Count Dooku said, walking up. As he did, several Fortress and Saber Striker Droids were deployed. "After their kidnapping of both the Supreme Chancellor and Darth Sidious, the ORDER is stronger than they appear to be."
"Agreed," the Tactical Droid said. "We must test our new Droids on the ORDER before we test it on Jedi."
"Indeed," Lok Durd said as he saw several Saber Strikers take out ORDER Swordsmen before Enola flew back, defending herself from the firepower of the Fortress Droids. "I must say, they are quite powerful. Why were they not deployed in your attempt to recover the Water of the Lazarus Pit?"
"They were still in development," Count Dooku replied. "These are merely prototypes. The final results will be made depending on the errors these early models face."
"The soon we can do that, the better." Lok Durd said before the Tactical Droid was suddenly pulled forward.
Everyone watched as a black lightsaber blade was activated. As soon as the Tactical Droid flew, its head was cut off.
"She has arrived…" Count Dooku said.
"Oh my." Lok Durd said in a rather surprised tone.
All of the ORDER Forces watched as Xion stood back up, keeping the Xiphon aimed out. Cracking her neck, she raised the Xiphon into the air towards the large cannons being guarded behind a Ray Shield.
"Forward!" Xion yelled, causing the ORDER Troops to cheer before most of them charged to take out the cannons.
"Xion, this is your father," Sylas said through Xion's earcom. "Striker, Syrena and I have almost finished up with our squadron. Do you need assistance?"
"Fire on that girl!" a Battle Droid ordered, causing the cannons to fire on Xion.
"That won't be necessary, Father," Xion said before using the Force to stop the cannon blasts and launch them at several Sheathipede Shuttles. As she did, several MagnaGuards started to emerge. "Actually, a little assist from you would be very much appreciated. I'll try to save a little for you for some Father-Daughter Time."
"That's my girl." Sylas said with a chuckle as Xion cut off the head of a MagnaGuard before tossing its head at several more and locking with ten others.
"She decimated both Republic and Separatist Sides!" Lok Durd exclaimed. "We must retreat!"
"Hold your position, General," Count Dooku said as he used the Force to pull his lightsaber into his hand. "I shall take care of this." He said before levitating off the ground and towards Xion.
Xion continued to walk forward, deflecting droid fire or simply dodging blasts before seeing Count Dooku fly at her. Grinning, she stood ready, stopping several other blasts that were heading her way, before the Count of Serenno landed in front of her.
"Count Dooku," Xion said as she kept a calm stance. "We meet at last."
"You once kidnapped my Master… and succeeded where others had failed in taking the Supreme Chancellor," Count Dooku said as he aimed his lightsaber at Xion dangerously. "A Sith Apprentice is a title you do not deserve."
"Oh? What about Sith Master?" Xion asked with a sly grin on her face. "My recent missions have proven my Master, Messiah, to give me such a title."
"Your Master is nothing compared to the true lord of the Sith." Count Dooku remarked.
"Is that why he bowed to mine?" Xion asked. "Face it, we know more about the Dark Side than you, and when it comes to the end of the Clone Wars, we, the ORDER, shall be the ones to stand on top."
"We shall see!" Count Dooku yelled, slashing at Xion.
Xion held up the Xiphon against Count Dooku's Makashi attack, using Ataru to defend herself. She continued to back away from the attacks before twirling around. Changing her grip to a reverse-grip, she began to use Soresu to put the Count of Serenno on the defensive, forcing him to switch hands from time to time. Eventually, he broke off and sent Sith Lightning at her, but she used her finger to draw a circle in front of her. It turned to Sith Fire, which blocked the attack, before she inhaled the fire in before breathing it out, sending it at Count Dooku, who spun around his lightsaber to part the flames. When they did, Xion slashed at his neck, only for him to block it with Shii-Cho before the two brought their blades down to the side.
"You disappoint me, Count," Xion said as she spun around before breaking off as Count Dooku continued to aim his lightsaber at her. "Sidious holds you in such high esteem."
Count Dooku simply saluted Xion, to which she saluted back. The two charged again and locked blades, Ataru against Makashi. As they were trying to gain momentum, the Count sent a blast of Sith Lightning through the ground towards Xion.
Xion looked down and noticed what was happening. She leapt into the air to attack, but Count Dooku punched her away. Luckily, she landed on her feet and slid to a safe distance away, keeping the Xiphon activated.
"Your skills are impressive as well, Xion," Count Dooku said before he and Xion aimed their hands out at each other. "But it is time to end this game."
"Glad I made it just in time then," Sylas said, stepping up. "Hope you like what my daughter can do, Count."
"Father, I had this all under control." Xion said, hardly breaking away from her glare.
"You honestly did not." Count Dooku argued.
"You face two apprentices to Messiah now," Sylas said, activating his black lightsaber blade. "It will be the last mistake you make, attempting to murder my daughter."
"I was handling well, but a family…" Xion said, standing up and swinging around the Xiphon. "Is stronger than a Sith."
"Do not assume that just because there are two of you, you have the advantage." Count Dooku said as he swung his lightsaber out again.
Xion grinned as she slashed at Count Dooku from behind. He blocked the blade before Sylas struck with Vaapad. Count Dooku turned to him and started to parry off his attacks as Xion joined in. He managed to fend off against the two with enough precision and focus before swatting Xion to the side and forcing Sylas to the other, fighting him as the two started to now utilize the same Form II technique against each other. As they fought, Xion slashed at the ground several times, creating sparks that flew into the air. One of them flew onto Count Dooku's cape as he was pushed back. Taking notice, he simply brushed it off before seeing both Father and Daughter on his right and left sides respectively.
Xion and Sylas both charged, using Niman against Count Dooku. Count Dooku raised his lightsaber up to block both blades before forcing all of them down. Pushing Sylas and Xion back, the three sent Sith Lightning. All three blasts collided with each other before Xion ran forwards.
"Here!" Sylas called out, tossing his lightsaber.
Xion grinned as she first started to clash with Count Dooku, forcing him back. She kicked him a few feet further away before catching her father's lightsaber. Spinning both around, she started to force Count Dooku away, using a combination of Vaapad with Niman to keep him off-balance. However, the Count of Serenno managed to disarm her of both of her lightsabers.
"Big mistake." Xion said with a grin before blasting a small combination of Sith Lightning and Sith Fire at Count Dooku, getting him to back away as his lightsaber flew into the air. Grabbing it, she aimed it at him, with her disarmed lightsabers floating next to her.
"Shields are down!" Striker called as he flew in with Syrena.
"Charges planted!" Syrena called out.
"Good," Sylas said before looking to his reinforcements, being led by Catwoman. "All forces, move in for the kill!"
Xion and Count Dooku heard what was happening, but kept their focuses on each other.
"Looks like Mygeeto belongs to the ORDER now," Xion said, tossing the curved lightsaber back to Count Dooku, who caught it easily, as she regained her Xiphon and levitated her father's lightsaber back to Sylas. "Take this opening… and do the right thing for once."
"This is hardly over." Count Dooku said, carving a hole in the ground underneath him. He fell through it, and his Solar Sailor flew to pick him up. It took off with several other Droid Fighters and Carriers, with the rest of the Separatist Forces left behind.
As Battle Droids were getting shot down, some of the Separatist generals present laid their weapons down and placed their hands behind their heads.
Silver Martian flew to Xion as she and Sylas deactivated their lightsabers.
"We got the rest of the Separatists under the bridge," Silver Martian reported. "The Planet is ours."
"Good," Xion said as she and Silver Martian smiled at each other. "Did Ultra freeze up again?"
"One red gem, and he went stiff as a rock." Silver Martian replied with a grin.
"As much as I would like to hear the rest of this innuendo…" Sylas said as both Xion and Silver Martian turned to him, making his way over. "We have prisoners and resources to bring back."
"Yes, Master," Silver Martian said, curtseying politely. "I shall round up what we have gathered and bring them back to the Marauder." She said before flying off, with several ORDER Jet Troopers joining her.
"Another successful mission," Xion said. "The Force is truly with us."
"That it is," Sylas said before an ORDER Gunship flew to them. "And you did well, leading our troops."
Xion smiled before he and Sylas made their way onto the Gunship. It flew off, with several of the other ORDER Carriers flying after them soon after while other fighters stayed to help with the exports.
"Despite out setback with the Lazarus Pit Water, we have many more opportunities to become a ruling power in this war, Father," Xion said as the Gunship started to approach the Marauder. "I think that if we pull together enough resources, we can amass the army we had been working to create, one that outnumber both those of the Republic and the Confederacy."
"One victory at a time, my daughter," Sylas said before the Gunship landed. "We have already lost Barriss Offee. We cannot afford to lose anything else. Our onslaughts have been the best we have to regaining what status we had before losing Mandalore and the Lazarus Pit water."
"I'm just saying, now that we have ceased our operations for now, there is much we can do to rebuild," Xion said, walking out before the Dark Bioship emerged, with some of the Terror Titans emerging while the others came out from their Respawn Chambers. "We have different regions to explore. An endless smorgasbord to choose from, all for us."
"Don't forget, with the loss of Death Watch, we have another enemy to worry about," Sylas said with his eyes narrowed. "Darth Maul."
"Lord Sylas," Stockman said, approaching Sylas and Xion. "We have a situation with one of the Planets we have been attempting to maintain a base on."
"What kind of problem?" Xion asked sternly.
"It's coming from Ajan Kloss," Stockman reported. "You two will have to come with me for a more detailed explanation."
Sylas and Xion both looked to each other before they followed Stockman.
"Right here," Sergeant Slick said, pointing to an area on a holographic map of Ajan Kloss. "It's a large clearing, close to some valuable resources that can boost our weaponry," he reported. "We send in ships, but none report back."
"In the hours or minutes?" Sylas asked as Falcon, Kyd Wykkyd and Blood Bane looked to the map.
"Seconds is more like it," Sergeant Slick replied. "And all recon teams have not reported back in even less time."
"Some kind of resistance?" Blood Bane asked.
"That would be my guess," Stockman said. "We would have brought this up, but the mission to gain the Lazarus Pit Water was underway, and your mission to take Mygeeto, which I must congratulate you all for, took place immediately after. We have tried to send in drones, even probes, but they have gone dead as well."
"As in, offline, or DOA?" Xion asked.
"Unsure," Stockman said. "Not much has been known from our attempts to establish a base."
"What of our cargo that went with the first transports?" Sylas asked.
"One went in with Dark Hearts, but it was lost," Sergeant Slick replied. "For the best, to be honest, after seeing what it did to most of the ORDER."
"I see," Sylas said. "Hold off any other shipments to the Planet."
"But what about the resistance we are picking up there?" Stockman asked.
"Leave that to me," Xion said, stepping up. "I'll go investigate, and see if there is anything happening there that is interfering with our operations."
"Out of the question," Sylas said. "I will not have my daughter venture into what could possibly be a suicide mission."
"Father, all the ships and pilots who headed there were just normal people," Xion said. "I have the Force, and the blessing from Master Messiah. With enough of the Force I have gathered through the Xiphon, I will have more of a chance," she said. "And even if this is a trap, or a death sentence, I will ensure the saboteur that the ORDER is the only judge, jury and executioner."
Sylas nodded. "Very well," he said. "But keep in touch on all developments you come across," he ordered. "The first sign of anything beyond our control, you turn back."
"Yes, Dad," Xion said, rolling her eyes as Falcon started to snicker a little. "Now, I will require a new fighter."
"Not much, I'm afraid," Stockman said. "We have Barriss's old fighter, but not much else."
"I'll take it," Xion said, walking away. "Also, as for the search for Barriss, do not bother. Her tracker has been disabled."
Later on, Xion was in Barriss's old fighter. Readying the controls, she took off and flew out of the Hangar Bay.
"Coordinates for Ajan Kloss are set," Xion said. "Jumping to Hyperspace now." She said before making the Jump to Hyperspace.
"Are you sure about this decision?" Catwoman asked Sylas on the bridge.
"She is strong," Sylas said. "Messiah knows it… he knows everything."
Soon, Xion arrived over Ajan Kloss. She looked around, slowing down the speed of her fighter. Noticing the debris of several ORDER Ships, drones and probe droids, she made her way through the wreckage.
"Xion to the Marauder. I have found wreckage so far," Xion reported. "The sensors aren't picking up any kind of energy grid, but… wait!" she exclaimed as her sensors started to spike. "An energy grid!"
An energy grid activated, destroying several asteroids around. Xion took notice of them and held out her hands, creating Sith Lightning that surrounded her Fighter before she started to absorb the energy. She released it and flew down with the absorbed power acting as a booster. However, one of her wings bust from the overload, and her alarms went off.
"Come on, come on!" Xion said, pressing the controls. "Oh, how did Widow ever manage to control this piece of junk?! Her small hands?!" she complained before using the Force to land the fighter onto the ground. Going over several trees, she landed down on a cliff side and halted her crash, just as both she and her fighter were about to fall over the edge.
"That… was too close," Xion said. She got out and readied her Xiphon as she looked around. Once the coast was clear, she climbed down and closed her eyes, using the Force to sense for hidden enemies. "Now… what is going on here?" she asked, continuing to use the Force to sense around.
After a while, Xion opened her eyes. Sensing no danger around so far, she sheathed her hilt and started to walk into the jungle. Looking at the hologlove scanner on her wrist, she marked where she was, as well as where the clearing for the planned ORDER Base would be. As she was heading through, she felt her foot almost sink. Stopping, she looked down and stepped back, narrowly falling into a large pit. She looked around and found a vine. Grabbing it, she pulled it off of the tree and swung to the other side, where she suddenly heard a twig snap. She turned around and took out the Xiphon once again, making her way towards the source of the sound. As she was looking, she started to sense something approaching. Slowly, she turned around before quickly activating the Xiphon, its black blade locking with a light blue lightsaber blade. She saw her assailant, donned in a dark cloak.
The assailant broke off and took out a blaster, shooting at Xion, who simply spun around the Xiphon to deflect the shots sent at her. She spun through the air, evading more shots before slamming her hand on the ground. A Force Wave was sent through that sent the assailant off of their feet before she rushed at the assailant, kicking them into a tree. She used the Force to lift him up, but he shot another blast at her, forcing her back. She chuckled softly and shot a small blast of Sith Lightning from her finger, disarming him of his blaster.
The assailant ran at Xion and clashed with her again, but she gabbed his hilt and kicked him back, revealing him to be Nyx Okami.
"Not bad," Xion said. "Not bad at all."
'Wait a minute…'
Present…
"You're a Jedi?" Artemis asked as Nyx disconnected several wired.
"You don't look the part." Metamorpho said.
"I had a lightsaber," Nyx said. "Still do. I never said I had the Force."
"Good point," Ahsoka said as she looked to her comlink beep. She pressed it and a hologram of Anakin came up. "What's the matter, Master?"
"Captain Alpha just called, and let me know of your situation," Anakin replied. "What progress have you made on decoding the Shadow Collective Ship?"
"Getting there," Ahsoka replied. "We've hit a few blocks, but we're getting there."
"Well, Master She has taken my place with her battalion over Ringo Vinda," Anakin said. "Stay where you are. I'll be there to help take the ship once you have what you need."
"Got it, Master," Ahsoka said. "Will do."
"And keep up the good work." Anakin said with a smile before he signed off.
"Sorry about that," Ahsoka said. "Anakin won't be here for a while, with the distance from Ringo Vinda and here," she said. "So, what happened next?" she asked Nyx.
"Hold on, just disconnecting the tracker…" Nyx said before pulling twenty wired that were all connected to each other. "Okay, got it."
"Your encounter… with Xion," Ahsoka said, reminding Nyx of his story. "What happened next?"
Nyx looked up. "Well, this…" he started out as he went to work on the terminal.
One Year Ago…
"I didn't think anyone would make it here," Nyx said. "Name's Nyx Okami. You a Jedi… or a Sith?"
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," Xion said. "What's it to you?"
"We don't want the War here, not with what's been going on," Nyx said. "We have enough problems as it is."
"Is that why all the ships are a graveyard above?" Xion asked. She looked to the lightsaber she grabbed. "Crude design. You make it?"
The lightsaber had a Sith-like design to it, with a black hand-guard and black and white activator. There was also a blue orb on the guard, and when she activated it, it let out the same blue blade as before. Deactivating it, she tossed it back to Nyx.
"You can say that," Nyx said. "Found it from the remains of a crashed fighter. Seemed that a Jedi and Sith were fighting each other. None of them won. I found the saber remains and combined them. This here is to ward off any intruders, especially the Scarlet Waste."
"What's that?" Xion asked.
Before Nyx could answer, several thudding noises were heard.
"If we're caught here, we'll never see daylight again," Nyx said as he grabbed Xion's hand. "Come with me!"
"Let me go!" Xion protested, almost whining. "I am perfectly capable of running without some wannabe genius holding my hand!"
As soon as Nyx and Xion cleared the jungle, several tanks rolled in. From one of them was a Nikto man with silver face paint.
"Tell Vos that we lost the trail. No one enters Ajan Kloss without him knowing."
Nyx continued to pull Xion through until she used a little bit of Sith Fire to cause him to let go.
"Don't ever touch me again!" Xion ordered with a glare. She was about to keep walking forward until she saw what was in front of her.
Before Xion and Nyx was a village, made from spare ships, most likely from the ones that crashed through the energy grid. All around, several men and women of different species were harvesting different minerals from the ground. Others were by the river, pooling for food, while food itself was being prepared by others. She looked around more to the village to see food being handed out to some other villagers while mechanics and engineers were busy, either welding ship parts back together or taking them apart for other uses.
"Welcome to Caspian City," Nyx said. "We've been thriving here for years."
"Amazing," Xion said as she looked around. Several children looked to her and hid themselves away, causing her to look away. "They afraid of something?"
"It takes a while for everyone to get used to outsiders," Nyx explained. "When your ship made it through Vos's energy grid, we knew there was trouble. We've been alert ever since."
"Vos? He's on Earth," Xion said. "I've encountered the Jedi Master at least twice before."
"If you're talking about Quinlan Vos, that's not the one," an elderly Abednedo man said. "I must say, I'm surprised to see another Force-Sensitive on this Planet. I never thought we'd get a second, not in a million years."
"Wait," Xion said in surprise. She turned back to Nyx. "You have the Force?"
"No, I'm just an engineer and a mechanic, hacker too," Nyx said, shaking his head. "Vos is the one who's a Force-Sensitive."
"I swear, the way you say that, he sounds like a member of the Vos Clan," Xion said. She turned back to the village elder. "Who are you, exactly?" She asked. "I'm usually not the kind to ask, but I want to know the name of the man who knew I had the Force."
"They call me Goliath Orion," the Abednedo elder said. "I'm the one who leads this village, despite the way you look at it," he said before standing up, revealing that he had a cybernetic leg. "What is your name, Force Wielder?"
"Xion," Xion replied. "That's my only name."
"Walk with me, Xion," Goliath said, leading Xion and Nyx to the upper levels of the village. From there, a better view of the village could be seen. "The Scarlet Waste was once a part of this village, until a man, dubbing himself as the one this Planet needed in order to survive, made off with most of our weaponry, and started a revolution that put us to ruin. While he set up the energy grid to prevent outsiders from rising up against him, we have seen fit to use it to our advantage."
"The debris and cargo that falls from the ships." Xion said, realizing how the village was thriving.
"We live a millennial life, working from the technology and combining it with our old ways, all of them," Nyx went on. "To get help against Vos and the Scarlet Waste would be a miracle. Even Jedi who have sensed the disturbance here ended up on a suicide run once they entered the grid."
"It is even more of a miracle that you somehow managed to make it," Goliath said. "You must be strong with the Force to endure the parasitical power that the energy grid gives off."
"I've been… trained well," Xion said, trying not to reveal too much that she was a Sith. "But the Scarlet Waste sounds like it's too big of a problem for you. Do you not have fighters?"
"Ajan Kloss and its village were meant for all people to start a new life," Nyx said. "Even Death Watch and some Clone Troopers have laid down their weapons once they reached here."
"Only for a majority of both to be wiped out by the Scarlet Waste," Goliath went on. "Any time we made a stand, we were met with death or worse. They mutilated and murdered my husband."
"I'm… very sorry for your loss," Xion said, looking down. Seeing some more people on the ground, she gasped. Some of them were either coughing so loud she could hear them or were getting counseling while others were getting replacement limbs. Seeing all the pain, something boiled down inside of her. Slowly, she tightened her grip on the railing. "Where are your speeders?" She asked.
"Leaving already?" Nyx asked. "I don't blame you. It's been Hell trying to survive."
"I'm not leaving the Planet," Xion said. "I'm leaving… to find the scum who's doing this to you."
"Where did this come from?" Goliath asked.
"If I'm telling the truth, not even I know," Xion said. "But this bastard has another thing coming for making you suffer," she said as she looked back up again. "Now, I'll ask you again… do you have any speeders?"
A while later, Nyx brought Xion into a garage. Inside were several speeders, as well as ships that looked like they were under construction. Xion looked to them, seeing that they had parts of Jedi Starfighters and some Earth ships as well.
"We keep a lot of our vehicles hidden here," Nyx explained. "I'm tasked with making sure they remain hidden so no one from the Scarlet Waste tries to destroy what little we have left."
"These are very interesting designs," Xion said, looking to the fighters. "How is it possible to combine Earth and Galactic technology together? It's considered a failed experiment where I see most developments."
"I've found that our tech and the tech from Earth are slightly similar," Nyx said. "There are vast differences, of course, but I managed to isolate the matching factors and weld the parts together. Our only tactical advantages. The Overlord Fighters."
"They look… amazing," Xion admitted. "Why haven't I seen these before?"
"For one, they're not done yet," Nyx started out. "And for another, I want them to be used for the dreams I've had them, to fly through the air free and true," he said. "I don't care if they're used for a good air show on Earth or for combat in the War. I only want to see them fly, no matter the purpose anyone uses them for."
"That's quite a dream," Xion said. "I promise, I can try to find a way to make it a reality, for them to fly. Once this is all over, I promise you that I can get your fighters to be out for a good use, once this all blows over."
Nyx chuckled. "I guess that's enough to make me smile," he said. "My friends on Coruscant might be wrong about Jedi after all."
Xion smiled, but part of her did not know why. She walked over to a speeder and started it up as Nyx started up another. The two looked to each other and nodded before racing out through a passageway. It quickly closed the moment they departed, and the two were off.
"Vos bases himself near the mountains!" Nyx called out to Xion. "I know the way best! Follow me!"
"I'll try to keep up." Xion called back teasingly as the two raced through the jungle.
Soon, Nyx and Xion came across a large line of soldiers, dressed the same but all different species. They aimed their weapons at the two as their speeders approached.
"We gotta stop here!" Nyx called.
"I say we make ourselves welcome." Xion said. She accelerated her speeder and plowed through some soldiers while others dove to the sides.
"She's wild!" Nyx exclaimed as he rode on after Xion.
Nyx soon caught up to Xion as they continued to race into the mountains. Coming at a cave entrance guarded by Gammoreans, the two stopped as they aimed their axes at them.
"Hello, boys," Xion said as she walked up, the two keeping their weapons aimed. "Vos paying you well?"
One of the Gammorean Guards tried to grab Xion, but she grabbed his hand and flipped him over before elbowing the other in the chest. She spun around as he jabbed her with the bottom end of his axe, getting her to back into a wall.
Nyx was about to run in with his lightsaber, but Xion motioned for him to stop. He did so just as the Gammorean charged at her. At the last second, she leapt over him and pressure-pointed him at a certain area in his neck, causing him to fall. She got up and wiped some dirt out from her hair before Nyx walked over.
"You weren't kidding when you said you were taught well," Nyx said. "I could never get past these guys."
"Well, you never had me," Xion said as she looked to see several more guards arrive, armed with Electro Spears. "Easy, boys and girls. We just wanna see your Sleemo boss. Vos, I thought he was called?"
"Come on." A soldier ordered, preparing to grab the Xiphon from Xion, only for her to coldly grab his hand.
"Touch my saber, and I touch you in a way you won't like," Xion said. "Same for him too." She warned, motioning to Nyx.
The soldier backed off and led Xion and Nyx further into the cave.
Deeper inside, a man with dark clothing and sandy brown hair was looking at a holographic map of the terrain of Ajan Kloss. At his side was a lightsaber, and concealed within a sheath were what appeared to be two knives. Behind the map was a wall of weapons and stands that had different relics or pieces of art on them.
"Boss, we have guests." A female Trandoshan said as she and a male Bothan noticed the guards arriving with Xion and Nyx.
"Okami again?" The man asked.
"Yeah," the Bothan said. "But he's not alone this time."
"If you want the ship, then too bad," the man said. "We've already taken it. Seems to still be in working order. I might even add it to my armada."
"I'll be sure to leave with it, then."
The man's eyebrow raised. He turned to see Nyx standing with Xion, and walked up.
"I see you've brought a friend this time," the man said. "Surely, you know who I am."
"The guy making a village suffer for no reason," Xion replied, sending a glare. "Vos."
"Dryden Vos. Leader of the Scarlet Waste," the man said. He noticed the Xiphon on Xion's belt. "You a Jedi?"
"Something like that," Xion said. "I take it you're a Sith?"
"Same answer," Dryden Vos replied. "What do you want…?"
"Xion," Xion finished up. "And what I want is to make sure…" she started, pushing Dryden Vos's chest. "That you know," she went on, pushing him again. "That the Caspian Village isn't taking any more of your nonsense."
Everyone looked to Xion before taking a step back. She noticed this as the Trandoshan and the Bothan marched on up to her.
"If you barge in here and assault our boss, you gotta learn some rules from Kazarina," the Trandoshan said. "First, the strong stand above the weak…"
Xion started to chuckle, getting Kazarina and the Bothan, with the guards as well, to look at her both strangely and cautiously, before it turned into a hysterical laugh.
"Look, Kaz, I've been through this, I invented it, the whole threatening thing," Xion started out. "And after hearing what this wannabe gang has done, I just don't care," she said with a stern glare. She walked to a vase and balanced it in her hand. "Some people are given a bad day. I give them a bad life. If they want something, we take it from them," she said before tossing the vase into the wall, shattering it and causing a claymore to fall. She caught it and spun it around. "The fight they win is the war they lose," she continued before cutting off the head of a guard and aiming the now-stained weapon at Kazarina. "Threats work on people who have something to lose. For those you oppressed…" she started before letting go of the claymore to activate the Xiphon. "They've already lost it all!" She yelled before a grin came onto her face. "And you can't be any good at this, because you just dropped your guard."
Kazarina gasped as the claymore was flung first into her shoulder before it broke off, stabbing into the leg of the Bothan. Both personal guards to Dryden Vos yelled in pain. With them subdued, she aimed the Xiphon at Dryden Vos, who activated the lightsaber he had, shining a red blade, before aiming it back, the two blades almost touching each other.
"Don't think you're safe." Dryden Vos said as red markings started to show on his face.
"Interesting. A Yiga. Bit far from Shei'Ten Kar, aren't you?" Xion asked. "No wonder I sensed something familiar about you, your taste in art and weapons, it all makes sense," she said. "But I'm not here to make observations. I'm here to tell you to stop screwing with the people who already claimed their land. You and your little entourage can take this scrap and leave."
"We have weapons," Dryden Vos said as Nyx watched the two keep their blades aimed at each other and get back up. "Ones that can clear away the jungle and that pathetic village too. What they have will soon be mine."
Xion kept her emotionless glare. "I sense a threat," she said. "Or rather… a declaration of war, perhaps?"
"I only stopped searching for your village because I had my sights on something greater… with someone more powerful," Dryden Vos said. "You've forced my hand, Xion. By tomorrow morning, I will find your hidden village, and everyone will die, knowing you condemned them all to damnation."
"Then by that logic, you've just been condemned too," Xion said. Without raising a finger, her damaged fighter crashed through the wall. All but her and Dryden Vos jumped out of the way. "Last chance, Dry," she said as Nyx got up. "Stand down, or submit to my order."
"I'll see you dead first." Dryden Vos said with his markings still red.
"You had your chance." Xion said.
Both Xion and Dryden Vos pulled their hands back and thrust them forward. The Force from the two collided and sent them back, both crashing to the ground and their weapons deactivating.
"Xion!" Nyx called out, running to Xion's aid. "You okay?"
"Been better," Xion said as Nyx helped her back up. She and Dryden Vos looked to each other, sharing a final glare. "I think we're done here anyways." She said before using the Force to lift herself and Nyx into her fighter. Soon, it started up. Though a little damaged, its engines powered up, and it flew out of the cave, blowing away the soldiers and the guards.
"Boss, you okay?" Kazarina asked, only to feel a Force Choke on her as Dryden Vos got back up.
"Ready everyone," Dryden Vos ordered. "And don't make the mistake of bringing in a Jedi like her again!" He yelled before throwing her into the wall.
Back at the village, Nyx and Xion stood before everyone, Goliath the closest in front of them.
"Dryden Vos has had it with us now," Nyx said. "He doesn't know where we are, but he'll mow down every tree and detonate every mountain until Caspian Village is discovered."
"How did it come to this?" Goliath asked before turning to Xion. "What did you do?"
"Seeing people suffer for no reason vexes me," Xion said. "I wanted to get it clear with Vos that no one gets away with the schadenfreude he gets out of tormenting you."
"A Jedi wouldn't have resorted to aggression!" One former Clone Trooper called.
"She's no Jedi!" Another former Clone Trooper called.
"We're about to lose everything because of her!" A Weequay yelled.
Everyone was soon in an uproar. As Goliath attempted to calm them down, Xion took out the Xiphon. Nyx, while trying to calm everyone down, noticed this, and ran to Xion.
"Using a lightsaber won't do much to change their opinion of you." Nyx said.
"Trust me… please." Xion said.
Nyx nodded as Xion placed the Xiphon to her mouth. Using its flute function, she began to play a tune.
Everyone slowly stopped fighting and looked to her as she continued to play the serene melody. After hitting the last note, she stopped, took a deep breath, and looked up.
"Calming, isn't it?" Xion asked. "It's funny, really. Out of all my childhood memories, my mother playing the song 'Love Goes On' was the one I remember most. I don't remember much about my mother, but I can never forget her kindness," she recalled with a smile on her face. She looked up and walked forward. "I'll be honest, what I do is not considered a Jedi, I will not deny that I'm not one, but I will fight for you, your Jedi warrior. And if I'm the only one, so be it," she said. "We each follow our own paths. It is what defines us. I could tell you that I am a Jedi, but I'd be lying. I could say I'm a Sith, but in all honesty… my heart tells me that it's not my place," she said. "So, at the very least, even I am unsure of what I really am. But I will not stand to see others suffer for the pleasure of others. There is a difference between evil and cruel. Those who are evil have a reason to be. Those who are cruel have nothing to justify their actions. And cruelty is something I will not stand for."
"Wise words," Nyx said. "For someone who isn't a Jedi, you take action like one."
"Thanks," Xion said with a smile while trying to hide a blush. She looked back to the villagers. "If you don't want to fight, I can understand. But know that I will fight for you all, whether or not you be gracious for my actions. I will fight… and you will live!"
Everyone cheered for Xion as she activated the Xiphon and raised it into the air.
"You're not fighting…" the first former Clone Trooper said, stepping up. "Not alone, at least."
Other villagers stepped up as well. Xion looked to them with surprise before smiling brightly.
"So… will you fight for us?" Goliath asked, revealing his walking stick to be a sheathed Vibro Sword.
Xion looked to Goliath, thinking deeply. Nyx watched, waiting for an answer, as did the rest of the villagers. As she was about to answer, several beeping sounds filled the air.
Present…
"So, what happened next?" Kid Flash asked as Nyx hacked into the computer systems of the Shadow Collective fighter.
"Sorry, got busy breaking through the firewalls," Nyx apologized before turning to Ahsoka. "Shouldn't you be looking out for your Jedi Master to pick this up?"
"Anakin? He's already here." Ahsoka said, motioning to Anakin as he was in a seat, listening intently.
"Whoa!" Barriss exclaimed, jumping back in surprise. "When did you get here?"
"Sometime around when Xion and Nyx came to Dryden Vos," Anakin said. "I didn't want to interrupt. I got pulled into the story."
"Well, good thing I'm a pro at multitasking," Nyx said. "Gonna be done soon."
"Yes, yes," Katooni said hurriedly. "But what happened next with Xion?"
"We gotta know!" Serra exclaimed, almost jumping up and down like an excited toddler.
"Serra, you feeling alright?" Raquel asked.
"Okay," Nyx said. "Here's what happened next. Though I think you know what her answer was…"
One Year Ago…
Having agreed to fight for the Caspian Village, everyone was getting ready for their fight. Nyx was with Xion in one of the houses, helping to set her up while she watched some villagers train. She chuckled a little before walking into the bathroom. While it was not completely ideal, she understood the problems the villagers were facing, and made do with what she had.
"You said it earlier," Nyx said. "You're not a Jedi."
"Yes, I guess I did." Xion said, looking to the moon.
"So, what are you?" Nyx asked.
Xion sighed as she turned back to face Nyx. "I'm a part of a group known as the ORDER," she explained. "You may or may not have heard of it."
"You led the group on Felucia that ruined the capitols of the Republic and Separatists," Nyx said, causing Xion's eyes to widen. "And, you managed to capture both the Supreme Chancellor and Darth Sidious?"
"Well, it seems you do," Xion said, awkwardly playing with her hair. "I'm a Sith Master. I was taught to embrace the Dark Side to its fullest, let nothing interfere with my destiny… but what I said was true," she admitted. "There are times when even I'm unsure of who I really am. That time you heard me play was one of the few memories I have of my mother. I never knew her, but her kindness seems to reach me at the rarest times."
"Well, I know what the Sith are," Nyx said. "And you're anything but that."
"I came to find out why the ORDER ships couldn't establish a landing to set up base here," Xion explained. "I was going to find out what the problem was, and clear it so we could establish it, but… when I saw this village and learned of your struggles, I just couldn't ignore it. I had to do something. I never thought it would be this."
"You said it yourself, you're unsure of who you are, and you are anything but cruel," Nyx said. "I'm not gonna force you to be a Jedi, but I want you to know… that I believe in you. That you can do more than be a Sith."
Xion chuckled. "The words I need to fight a gang called the Scarlet Waste," she said as she looked up. "I never got what it meant, fighting for something other than the Force. I guess after fighting her for so long, I never gave it much thought."
"Whoever 'her' is, I think you both are wise," Nyx said as he walked to Xion, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Brave, and true. I had a low opinion on Jedi before. As you said, you might not be one… but you helped change my opinion on them… and to save us for the greater good."
Xion felt herself blush as she and Nyx sat on the bed. "Thanks," she said. "Am I crazy for acting like a Jedi when I'm supposed to be a Sith?"
"What does your heart tell you?" Nyx asked.
Xion smiled and leaned in towards Nyx, giving him a kiss on the lips. "That it's not all that bad." She said with a smile.
Nyx smiled and gave Xion another kiss. The two placed their hands on each other and smiled before Nyx left, just as Xion went into the bathroom, her shoes now removed and her robe starting to slip off.
The next day, Xion came out, dressed once again, and with her Xiphon at her side. She made her way to the main hall, where the villagers who opted to fight were busy drawing out their plan of attack.
"We have an hour before Dryden brings his Scarlet Waste to comb the Planet for this village," Nyx said to Xion as she approached. "As you know, some of these guys used to be Clone Troopers, so they should know some good tactics."
"We need to set up a barrier away from the village, and somewhere in the path of the village, to throw them off," a former Trooper said. "That way, they'll be diverting their forces, so we can deal with a handful of them at a time."
"Is there another way?" Xion asked, looking to the holograms. "Aside from being a great swimmer, I studied all the terrains and areas of this Planet, like I do for others. Surely, there's a place where they can't get through without going around."
"Their tanks are made to withstand every environment," Goliath said. "Even if they came across the deepest pit on this Planet, they'd navigate their way to the bottom and come out on top in seconds."
"Well… wait," Xion said, recalling something on her arrival. "What exactly is powering the energy grid? The one with all the crashed ships?" she asked.
"Generators around the jungle," a former Death Watch Trooper replied. "We took one of them out at one point, but they're highly volatile. Can explode at any moment and take out at least ten acres of land."
"How many are there?" Xion asked. She pulled up another hologram, showing the crash site of her fighter. "I might have an idea."
"What is it?" Goliath asked.
"Just trust me," Xion said. "What you need to do is draw the foot soldiers away. I'll handle every heavy hitter," she explained. "And no matter what… make sure all of his precious weapons are focused solely on me."
Nyx nodded as he walked up to Xion, placing his hand in hers. "You got it." He said.
Later, Dryden Vos was on top of a tank, leading his entire army through the jungle. Mowing down trees, the tanks started to open fire on everything, explosions going off all around.
"Don't stop firing!" Dryden Vos ordered. "Find that village! Take everything from it! I want those parts for my empire!"
"An empire, Vos?"
Everyone turned to hear several blasters power up before Xion stepped out of the clearing, holding her Xiphon in her hand.
"Xion…" Dryden Vos said with a snarl.
"This is bad comedy." Xion quipped as a grin came onto her face.
"Where are your forces?" Dryden Vos asked.
"Busy waiting to shoot down yours," Xion replied. "I told you before, you will never oppress these people… you don't have the vision."
"I know of you, Master Xion," Dryden Vos said, readying his lightsaber and knives. "Sith Master of the ORDER. Apprentice to the enigma, Messiah. What would he say? What would your Father say, to seeing you help these weaklings?"
"I think they'd hate to see someone with no motivations for what he considers evil," Xion replied. "As I said… you're far from that… you're just cruel."
"You are such a disappointment to the name of the Sith." Dryden Vos said with a chuckle before several of his soldiers aimed their weapons at Xion.
Xion chuckled. "Just the normal ones?" she asked. "Surely… you can do better than that."
"Are you challenging me, Sith?" Dryden Vos asked.
"These ones aren't that strong," Xion said. "My friends can handle them. What I want… is you and your strongest…" she said. "So… to answer your simple question… yes… give me a challenge!"
One of the villagers then fired on the soldiers, causing the normal ones to charge at the trees. Xion grinned and activated the Xiphon as Dryden Vos growled, his markings glowing red again. As they did, he activated his lightsaber and aimed his knives forward, motioning for the more muscular and stronger-armed soldiers to charge at her.
Xion held the Xiphon in a reverse-grip before slashing at one solder, cutting him down. She spun around and stabbed another before deflecting a single shot from a Rodian. Running forward and deflecting the shots, she slammed the Xiphon into his chest before using the Force to bring two large Crolutes about to take on the villagers towards her. As soon as they were close enough, she kicked one of them in the face before grabbing the other by the neck.
Xion turned to see several snipers prepare to shoot her down. Swinging the other Crolute in front of her, he took the blasts before she tossed him at them. More tanks rolled in and fired at Xion, but she simply held her position and deflected the blasts while reaching her hand out. Several trees were lifted from the ground and were sent at the tanks, one of them brushing off of the top of Dryden Vos's hair.
"Kill her!" a Gammorean cried out, only for Xion to leap on top of him and drive the Xiphon into his head. She looked to a Twi'lek next to him before kicking him into another tank, causing it to explode.
"Xion!" Xion heard a voice cry out.
Xion turned to see Kazarina approach with a Cortosis Blade in her hand while the Bothan now held a flail. Several more of Dryden Vos's forces surrounded her, all armed with weapons of their own. She grinned and held up her hand, motioning for them to charge at her.
One soldier with a cybernetic hook for a hand led his forces, but she used the Force to pick up several remains of tanks and drop them down. Without even moving from her spot, the tank remains all crashed down, killing most of the Scarlet Waste while the cybernetic hook soldier prepared to stab her. Still not moving, she sent him tumbling backwards before holding the Xiphon behind her to block Kazarina's Vibro Sword.
"I don't think so." Xion said before turning around and kicking Kazarina away. As she did, the Bothan swung at her, but she allowed his flail to wrap around her right arm. Swinging it, she swung him into several spiky rocks, where she covered his body afterwards by slamming a tank on top of him.
Turning her attention back to Kazarina, Xion locked with her Vibro Sword, which started to spark with electricity, before getting pushed back. She blocked an attack from a short dagger, but was hit by the Vibro Sword, letting out a small groan. Kazarina grinned and slammed at her again, this time cutting off part of her robe.
"You're not so tough after all." Kazarina said with a chuckle.
Xion chuckled as she looked to her ripped robe. "You're strong," she said before ripping it more, giving her more room to fight with. "Fought stronger."
Kazarina chuckled as she spun around her blades. She and Xion slowly circled each other before slamming their weapons at each other, Xion using a calm version of Soresu. Seeing she was locked with the Dagger, she spun to avoid getting hit by the shock end of the Vibro Sword before sweeping her leg at Kazarina.
The Trandoshan General to Dryden Vos cackled and struck down at Xion, who blocked with the Xiphon before getting punched away. Xion felt her face, seeing some blood drip.
"All that for a single drop of blood?" Xion asked. She cracked her neck and advanced on Kazarina again, who stabbed at her with her Dagger. Xion gasped as she felt it, but managed to grab Kazarina and stab her in the chest with the Xiphon. "Shame this couldn't go on longer." She admitted before tossing her dead body away.
Xion looked to the Dagger in her side and pulled it out in annoyance. Looking to see another sniper making his way towards her, she tossed it at him before seeing Dryden Vos on top of a tank.
"If you wanted a fight… you should have given it to me!" Xion called out, spreading out her arms.
"Your mistake!" Dryden Vos called out. He leapt off and held his lightsaber out, his facial markings turning redder than ever.
Back in the jungle, Nyx and the other villagers continued to take on the weaker soldiers as they retreated away. Several blue and red blasts went back and forth, with most of the Scarlet Waste going down.
"Remember the plan!" Nyx called out to a former Death Watch member. "Don't let them close! Let them gang up on Xion!"
"Still a bit iffy on her plan," a Nikto villager said. "It's suicide!"
"Don't worry! She knows what she's doing!" Nyx called before casually shooting down twenty Scarlet Waste gang members in five seconds flat.
Xion stared down Dryden Vos as he advanced at her with his lightsaber. As she stood ready, more tanks started to surround the two until more brutes arrived. One of them used an electrostaff to slam at her back, but she held her hand behind her, causing everyone to gasp.
In Xion's right hand was Nyx's lightsaber, now activated. She remembered back to what Nyx did before they went into battle.
Earlier…
Nyx nodded as he walked up to Xion, placing his hand in hers. "You got it." He said.
Xion looked down to see Nyx place his lightsaber into her hand. She looked up and nodded. "May the Force be with us." She said.
Now…
Xion grinned as she pulled the lightsaber out from behind her back. Dryden Vos and the rest of his forces looked on in surprise, but she gave them a quick cute and innocent face with a shrug before cutting down the brute with the electrostaff. As soon as he was down, other soldiers ran at her, but she used both of her blades to cut them down with ease. When twelve Lasats with Vibro Bisentos charged at her, she placed her weapons in a reverse-grip and clashed with all of them before they all slammed at her back. Placing her weapons behind her, she spun around, throwing them all off, before jumping up and slashing all around her. They all fell, heads falling off, before she focused her attention back on Dryden Vos.
"You do see you are vastly outnumbered, right?" Dryden Vos asked.
"I see people that I'm vastly going to enjoy destroying." Xion said with a grin.
Dryden Vos roared as he lunged at Xion. Xion held her ground and held up her Xiphon, blocking the attack, before rolling away to dodge another. Dryden Vos slashed at her with Vaapad, but she managed to use Shii-Cho to counter all of his movements before he took out his knives and slashed at her sleeve. It fell off, but she tossed it at his face before a sniper shot at her. She spun and deflected his shot before another shot from a tank hit her near her feet. Holding her arms up, she deflected the blast, only for half of her robe to fall, revealing her clothing underneath.
Xion panted as she saw Dryden Vos slash at her with both his weapons again. She held up her weapons and blocked the blades before kicking him away. As three more grunts charged at her, she spun and kicked one of her boots at them, disorienting them, before tossing Nyx's lightsaber. She turned back and slashed the knives out of Dryden Vos's hands as he tried attacking with them again, and leapt up, kicking away an incoming group of Rodian soldiers. As a Gammorean prepared top bring his axe on her when she landed, she removed her other shoe and stabbed his eye with it before cutting off his entire torso. She panted again as Dryden Vos slashed at her back.
Xion grunted and fell as Nyx's lightsaber flew back to her. She tried to catch it, but Dryden Vos kicked her and caught it before slashing at her again. She managed to block the attack, but found more soldiers and tanks advancing at her.
"You were unwise to fight me alone," Dryden Vos said. "I have an entire army. What do you have?"
"Something you don't," Xion said as she looked all around her. "See, you made a mistake. By seeing me as the main threat, you diverted all your forces at me."
"The ORDER will bow to me when you surrender." Dryden Vos said with a grin.
"Oh… I'm not surrendering," Xion said. "In fact… you might want to look where your army is positioned… where they are all under."
Dryden Vos raised an eyebrow before looking up. Noticing the Energy Grid and the destroyed ships that crashed into it, he chuckled.
"What difference does it make?" Dryden Vos asked slyly.
"All this time, everyone's been throwing everything they've had at me," Xion said as her hands started to glow. "But like you… they don't know… my POWER!"
Dryden Vos gasped before Xion unleashed an enormous torrent of Sith Lightning and Sith Fire into the air. Both hit the Energy Grid and started to overload it. Soon, the generators for the Energy Grid exploded, and it soon deactivated. As it did, every crashed ship from the sky started to fall, destroying the tanks and taking out the soldiers.
"Boss, help!" a soldier cried out before getting crushed by a fighter wing.
"You… harridan!" Dryden Vos yelled. He yelled and ran at Xion with his lightsaber, but Xion ceased her attack and send a ball of lightning and fire at him, sending him back.
"Let's see how powerful you are when your greatest ally is mine!" Xion yelled. She deactivated the Xiphon and started to play it like a flute.
Dryden Vos looked up and gasped, feeling the Force leave him. Slowly, as ships continued to crash down and destroy his army, his power left him and entered the Xiphon. Xion continued to play it before eventually, every crashed ship from the air stopped, all now on the ground, covering an army of destroyed tanks and dead members of the Scarlet Waste. As soon as the last tank imploded, she stopped playing, the stream of the Force from Dryden Vos now leaving him and entering into Xion.
"What… what have you done?" Dryden Vos asked as he tried to use the Force, only for the rock he was holding his hand at to hardly budge. "What did you do to me?!"
"I've taken away your powers forever," Xion said as she walked forward. She used the Force to grab Nyx's lightsaber back, albeit damaged, before aiming her Xiphon at Dryden Vos. "I could kill you here… show you I am a Sith…" she said. "But that's not what I am… not today… not like this." She said before deactivating her weapons.
"Get back here, Xion!" Dryden Vos yelled as his facial markings continued to show, only not glowing anymore. "I'm not finished with you!"
"But I am," Xion said sternly. "You're not worth it, Vos… not anymore." She said before walking away just as he fainted.
Back in the jungle, Nyx and the rest of the villagers shot down the last of the Scarlet Waste. At least seventeen were left dead while others were wounded or still standing strong.
"Xion, I saw that!" Nyx exclaimed as he ran up to Xion, who looked to Nyx's lightsaber with guiltily. "That was incredible! The Scarlet Waste is no more!"
"Yeah… they're all gone," Xion said before showing the damaged lightsaber to Nyx. "I'm sorry. I tried not to damage it… I really did."
"You are more important than any weapon." Nyx said.
"I can fix this for you," Xion said. "But… I'd have to leave."
"As I said, you're more important," Nyx said as he hugged Xion, surprising her. "If it will make you feel better, go ahead, but you being alive is all that matters to me right now."
"Thank you, Nyx," Xion said before hugging him back. She looked to the damage of the Scarlet Waste combined with the crashed ships and grinned. "I think it's safe to say that you have enough to make a better village."
"Or… to get off," Nyx said. "Thanks to you, our village is safe, and we can leave whenever we like."
"Will you?" Xion asked.
"In time," Nyx replied. "For now, I want to keep helping," he said before punching Xion lightly. "You should think about it sometimes."
"Guess I will."
All of a sudden, Xion's comlink sounded. Xion and Nyx looked to it before she answered it.
"Xion, what is happening there?" the voice of Sylas asked. "We read a large energy reading just a few minutes ago. Is the area clear for our base?"
Xion looked to her comlink hesitantly while Nyx held his breath. Looking to the villagers, as well as the village hidden from prying eyes, she turned back and spoke.
"The Planet is not suitable for the base. Seems we need another location to make our outpost."
"Are you sure?" Sylas asked.
"Have I ever steered you wrong, Father?" Xion asked with a chuckle.
"Alright," Sylas chuckled back. "Come back here. We have some more work to do."
"Will do," Xion said. "Xion out." She said before signing off.
"Thank you." Nyx said.
"Any time." Xion said with a smile.
Later, Xion, now with her robes fixed and with new shoes and clothes, walked back to the garage. Her fighter was fixed as Nyx made some final adjustments.
"You're good to go." Nyx said.
"Thanks," Xion said before looking to the Overlord Fighters. "You know… I was serious about making your dreams fly."
Nyx smiled and handed her a data drive. "Everything is on here," he said. "Be sure you know who to credit."
"Indeed," Xion said before climbing into her fighter. "Farewell, Nyx Okami." She bid before flying off.
At the battle site, Dryden Vos groaned as he reached for his lightsaber. However, something pulled it, and Darth Maul walked over, admiring the hilt.
"What a unique design. I think I shall keep this," Darth Maul said before looking down. "Dryden Vos, I presume?"
"What do you want?"
"To help you rebuild this… in my name… as my puppet. You shall rule again, but as a new organization in my syndicate… Crimson Dawn."
Present…
"A few months later, I left," Nyx told everyone. "Then I heard rumors of my fighters finally flying. Granted, it was against the Republic and Separatists, but that was all I wanted, for them to fly… then I heard Xion passed afterwards. We all remembered her as a hero."
"I never knew this about her," Ahsoka said, looking to the Xiphon. "She was a Jedi before she even died."
"As long as you carry that… you'll know the good in her," Nyx said before the systems started up again. "One Fighter, ready and with data on everything Shadow Collective."
"Thanks," Anakin said. "How much…?"
"On the house," Nyx said. "Just beat the Shadow Collective for all of us."
"We shall." Ahsoka said as Sonia's spirit watched with a smile.
"Thank you, Ahsoka. Thank you… Nyx."
All the fighters soon took off away from Nevarro, and into Hyperspace for the next adventure.
Author's Notes: Well, everyone what did you think of my newest chapter? Sorry it took so long, but as I said before, I had a lot of work, and a lot of other hobbies and duties got in the way. Still, this took a lot of effort and thought, so I hope you enjoyed it. I'll try to have a new Chapter out soon. Please review, rate, and as always, if you can, Private Message me for anything on the story. After all, I'm always keen to hear from you, so long as what you have to say is positive. For now, this is SuperHeroTimeFan signing off. Happy Fourth of July, everyone! See you all soon!