Hey guys, sorry for the late upload! You'd think with summer now being out I'd have plenty of time to do whatever I want and write these stories, and it's true: I can do whatever I want. That means I've been distracted with other things that are fun. Like Minecraft. I've had that game since 2012, and now it's making a comeback, so naturally I'm playing it again. And it's fun.
But don't worry, I'm still writing stuff!
Author's Note: Man, last chapter was very sad, and this one won't be much better for Jarik's mental health. However in case any of you guys need something to cheer you up, I posted a drawing of Jarik and Ahsoka's wedding on my DeviantArt page! :D
The Ghost - Chopper Base - Atollon
Jarik POV...
"Commander please, you need to calm down!"
"Oh I'm perfectly calm Boil," I growl out, slashing my lightsaber against the wall.
"No you're not! Listen, I understand why you're upset-" he starts to say.
"Oh do you?!" I exclaim, whipping around to glare at him. He backs up nervously as I storm in his direction. "Yeah, that's why you all prevented me from saving my daughter!"
"But there was nothing we could do in that situation," Kanan states. "You know better than any of us how powerful Vader and the Emperor are!"
"I could've saved her Jarrus. I COULD HAVE!" I say with a roar, turning on him.
"Dude, just chill out! I'm with the others on this one, we couldn't have saved her," Hayden says.
"And what do you know, smuggler?" I snarl, glaring at him. I vaguely notice Rylla moving in front of him defensively but I don't care. "You couldn't even begin to comprehend anything that I'm capable of."
"Jarik, please! You're not being yourself!" Rylla urges, laying a hand on my shoulder.
"OF COURSE I'M NOT!" I shout furiously.
I smack her hand off and throw my lightsaber away carelessly to relieve some of my rage, my eyes full on gold. I hear a few startled yelps as the saber barely misses a few people, but I could care less.
"Karabast!"
"Watch it!"
"Shut up!" I growl, refocusing on Rylla. "Why would I be myself? I just lost my own daughter to kriffing Palpatine and Vader! Maul ducked out during the escape like a pansy, and now I'm surrounded by total morons who wouldn't let me go save my FREAKING DAUGHTER!"
Only I didn't say 'freaking.'
"None of you could ever understand a single kriffing thing!" I state with a seething glare.
Feeling the Ghost touch down on the landing pad, I call my lightsaber back to my and place it on my belt, storming for the ramp doorway. Another hand was laid on my shoulder, and I glance back to see Boil standing there.
"Jarik please, just listen to us-" he starts.
I smack his arm away and use the Force to blow him back, where he skids across the floor with a grunt. Lowering my gaze I stomp forwards and bring up my left arm, using a combination of the Force and its strength to punch the door clean off. I know there's a button to open it, but I am too angry to care, just wanting a way out and to relieve some of my fury.
There are some surprised shouts, but I ignore them and jump out of the ship, storming across the landing pad in the direction of the Knight Hawk. Several people nearby take notice, but wisely stay out of my way as I make my way for my ship. All the while I'm steaming with fury inside of my head. It's just... who do those people think they are? I could've saved Mara by myself! I found Palpatine to a kriffing standstill, actually had him on the defensive for once! I know I could take him on to rescue her!
And I can't believe I just let her get taken like that... I should've been prepared. I should've been faster! I should've caught her before she was yanked away! I should've pushed Vader back before making the jump! How could I have not stopped that?! Not only are my hopes of saving Ahsoka gone, but I also lost my daughter on what was supposed to be a mission to save her!
Seeing the Knight Hawk in view, I pick up the pace and move faster towards it, faltering for a moment.I come to a halt, reaching down and feeling the shape of a pyramid object in a pocket on my belt. Glancing down, I pull back the pouch to get a glimpse of the broken Sith holocron.
When did that get in there...?
I shake my head with a scowl, uttering to myself and continuing on my way, cursing out everything in my mind all the while. That kriffing holocron isn't even important. It's broken, so it's not like it could help me anyways. As if I'd want to use that stupid thing in the first place. It gave me the vision of that 'Soul-Stone-sacrifice' garbage, where I then was shown Ahsoka would be on Onderon. What a lie. And Snoke was obviously lying as well, just to get my hopes up.
The entire kriffing universe is against me! What more do you want?!
"R5, ready the ship," I say into my comlink. He starts to beep back in confusion, but I close out of it before he could say more.
Reaching the Knight Hawk, I use the Force to open the entry ramp, and am about to make my way up it when a voice stops me.
"Jarik, wait a moment."
I still for a few seconds, not turning around.
"What do you want Shaak?" I ask in a low voice.
"Where are you going?" she asks me.
"None of your business," I reply.
"Jarik, now of all times is the time where you can't afford to make a rash decision," she says in a disapproving tone.
"I'm not Mace Windu, thank you very much," I retort sarcastically.
"You're planning to go find your daughter," Shaak replies, ignoring me. "Right now in your current state, that would be a foolhardy move."
"Oh really?" I ask doubtfully, turning around to glare at her. "So what would you suggest? Meditation? Patience? Or even worse, let her go?"
I take a few steps closer to her, and she stares back at me firmly.
"I don't know if you noticed Shaak, but I could care less about the advice of a 'Jedi Master!' All it's led to is ruin," I growl at her.
"I'm not saying you should abandon her Jarik," she replies with a frown. "But you are in no condition to go flying off after the Sith in an attempt to rescue Mara by yourself!"
"I'd like to see you try and stop me," I shoot back mockingly.
"That was a low blow, and you know it," Shaak states in disapproval.
"Oh I'm sorry, are your feelings hurt?" I reply with mock concern before turning around and scoffing in annoyance. "I don't have time for this. I'm going to get Mara."
"Think about what you are doing Jarik. You cannot take on the Sith by yourself!" she pleads.
"I've survived Sidious three times. I know how to beat him," I argue in response. "And I certainly know how take out Anakin!"
"So you're going to do exactly what you argued against Mace doing?" she states.
I turn back around to glare at her, seething with cold fury. "I'm nothing like that arrogant moron."
"Then stop ACTING LIKE IT!" Shaak yells.
The sudden shout of anger from Shaak has me stunned, momentarily shocked out of my rage.
"Do you not realize what you're considering?! Mara is no doubt being held on Coruscant right at this moment, in the Emperor's palace. Surrounded by legions of stormtroopers, Royal Guards, and security forces, not too mention the massive blockade surrounding the entire planet!" Shaak exclaims, hovering closer to me. "Not even you, with all of your skills and power, could ever attempt to breach that defense. You'll be killed! Who would save your daughter then?"
I slowly take in her words, the rational side of me seeing the sense behind it. But still... I just can't give up on Mara! There's no way I'm going to not try and rescue her from those monsters.
"I'm sorry Shaak," I murmur quietly, hardening my gaze. "But I'm still going to try."
"Jarik-" she tries to protest, but I storm inside the ship and hit the button, closing the ramp behind me.
Once I walk inside however, I stop in surprise to see Rylla standing there, before narrowing my eyes again in irritation and annoyance.
"How did you get in here?" I demand.
"I'm a bounty hunter," she shrugs in response. "With the extra perk of being a Force sensitive. Y'know, I'm kinda like Asajj Ventress, except without the sadistic personality of cour-"
"Get out," I state, interrupting her.
"I'm not going anywhere Jarik," Rylla replies, just as hard. "Not when you're gonna try and do this."
"Like I told Shaak, you can't stop me. So... go away," I tell her, gesturing towards the exit.
"I know I can't stop you, that's not what I'm doing," she retorts. "Do you honestly think you can go to Coruscant by yourself and just waltz into the Imperial Palace, demanding her freedom?"
"You're not far off, but I never I said I would be alone. And you won't be of much help against the Sith," I tell her. "So leave."
"Oh, I'm guessing you're going to get Elita One, the giant robot for backup?" she replies, irritating me by how she's ignoring my demand. "By the way, where exactly is she? I'm guessing on that planet you told me about, with all of those Viking/dragon kids?"
"I'm not taking you there," I state.
"Why not?"
"I don't want to risk its exposure."
"Oh for kriff's sake Jarik, will you just stop it?!" she exclaims angrily. "Do you really think I would tell anyone?"
"What if the Sith got you? They wouldn't hesitate to pry the information from your dead body!" I retort.
"Look at me Jarik, do I look that important in their eyes?" she demands, gesturing to herself.
"After your little bout with Vader, I'd say yes, you do!" I snap at her.
"I just want to keep you from falling to the dark side!" she shouts.
"What are you talking about?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at her suspiciously.
"Jarik... I know you're afraid of turning to the dark side. It's already getting to you right now," she says quietly.
"That's ridiculous," I scoff in response. "I'm not going to be a Sith-"
"Ahsoka told me," Rylla interrupts calmly.
I freeze up, widening my eyes in completely bewilderment and confusion, my breath catching.
"...what did you say?"
"She told me that you're afraid of turning to the dark side, and that you need help to keep it at bay," she informs me, stepping closer. "That's why you've felt so horrible without Ahsoka around, and why you've been so desperate to keep Mara safe. You love them both... and you need that attachment you share with them to push back the dark side."
I remain quiet as Rylla talks, continuing to step closer to me.
"Ahsoka told me that you need support from loved ones to stay good. You need a gentle soul close to you for that. You've always sought for support from your loved ones, and from your family. That's why you're so protective of them, despite what the Jedi taught. And you don't want to risk hurting them."
My eyes become watery, a lump of emotion forming in my throat.
"When... when did she tell you this" I murmur.
"Just before you left for Malachor. She sent me a message," she says.
"Why?" I ask, my voice a quiet whisper.
Rylla sighs sadly. "Because she didn't plan on coming back."
That statement nearly breaks me, and I stare down at the floor, silently shaking as I try to contain the grief threatening to break forth. Rylla lays a comforting arm on my shoulder, which slowly becomes a loose hug. All the while I don't move a muscle. Eventually she steps back with both hands on my shoulders, looking at me directly in the eyes.
"I'm going to help you get Mara back," she says firmly. "If you'll let me."
"Ok... you can help," I murmur in response.
"Thank you," she replies with a smile. "Now we just have to figure out if there's actually a way to sneak into the Imperial Palace."
"Well..." I start off, wiping my eyes. "We have to get Elita first, she'll be a big help."
Temple Island - Ahch-To
The entire trip back to Ahch-To I was focused only on a plan I could carry out in order to infiltrate Coruscant and rescue Mara. Compared to the Empire, Elita is already a powerhouse by herself, but certain weapons can be a danger, some of which Thrawn has already implemented. Not to mention those kriffing Decepticons are still out there. Relying on Elita's strength alone is foolhardy, as Coruscant is the most heavily fortified planet in the galaxy. And as much as I would like to just blow my way into that Palace and cause some serious damage to the Emperor's stuff, it's just not physically possible.
I didn't speak while thinking up different solutions to the problem, resulting in Rylla and R5 giving me cautious glances from time to time. R5 has been thankfully quiet since hearing the news of Mara being captured. I don't think I could stand another bit of attitude from him without putting him on a conveyor belt.
Eventually though the ship's sensors start to beep and I pull the lever to bring us out of hyperspace, revealing the blue planet of Ahch-To, clouds spread throughout its atmosphere. As I fly the ship in the direction of Temple Island, Rylla observes the place with a sense of wonder, curiosity, and confusion.
"The Force feels so... present here. And tranquil," she remarks.
"So you're using the Force again?" I ask dryly.
"I never stopped with my senses," she replies. "Just with fighting."
I grunt in response, and the clouds now pass around the ship as we fly lower down the atmosphere, Temple Island visible in the distance.
"Why does the Force feel like this here?" Rylla asks me, and I take a while to answer.
"...You can't tell anyone," I finally say, giving her a serious look. "Not even Hayden can hear a breath of this place."
"Why not?" she asks, confused. "I'm assuming Senator Organa knows at least."
"Not even he knows," I respond firmly, and she looks at me, even more confused. "Because this is the sight of the first Jedi Temple."
Rylla widens her eyes in surprise with a quiet gasp, and refocuses her attention on the island, which is now right ahead. Flying around it gave us a good view of the Jedi Temple up on top of the hill, as well as the Caretaker's village, and the Jedi Village. I ignore he curiosity and focus on setting the ship down on the landing zone, where Elita seems to be waiting.
"You found this place?" she asks me.
"Accidentally," I tell her, shutting off the power. "Our hyperdrive was damaged just as we activated it."
Getting up from my chair, I instantly make my way through the ship towards the exit, with Rylla and R5 following along behind me. I hit the button to open the ramp, and it lowers to the ground. Once I step out with the others, I look up to see Elita looking down at us, crouching to the ground.
"Hey Jarik," she greets with a smile, before noticing Rylla. "Oh, who are you?"
"I'm, Rylla..." she says, faltering in surprise at the sight of her. "Wow, you guys really are big."
"More like you fleshy people are tiny. But, it happens," she replies with a smile of amusement, and Rylla relaxes at the joking manner before Elita refocuses on me. "To be honest, I thought you said you weren't bringing anyone else here?"
"It's complicated," I say in response.
I remain still with my arms crossed, glaring down at the ground with a dark look on my face. R5 lets out a low beep of sadness as he swivels to look at me. Subconsciously I reach up a hand to touch my neck, where I implemented the kill switch.
I'm not turning to the dark side... I'm not.
I'm just angry... and enraged... and I want to kill someone because of it...
I'm not turning to the dark side...
"Where's Mara?" Elita asks with a confused frown, glancing around. "Was your mission successful?"
Rylla stills and glances at me, while I continue glaring at the ground. Elita focuses her optics on me, uneasiness filtering through her gaze.
"Jarik, what happened?" she asks.
"It was a kriffing set up," I growl angrily. "The Sith were waiting for us."
Elita's optics widen in horror. "Don't tell me she's-"
"Dead? No," I say, shaking my head with an angry scoff. "Instead she's captured, suffering a worse fate at the hands of the Emperor I'm sure."
"Oh Primus... I'm so sorry Jarik," she says apologetically, lowering her gaze.
"Yeah, well that's not gonna bring her back," I remark irritably.
"I'm trying to make sure Jarik doesn't do something rash to try and save her," Rylla explains.
"I'm not trying to save her, I will save her," I snap bitterly, unable to not think about Master's Yoda's favorite words of encouragement.
"So what is your plan so far?" she shoots back.
Before I could answer, the roar of a dragon gets my attention, and Zenna comes flying in for a landing, fluttering her wings. She instantly starts to look around, moaning in apparent distress, trotting up to the ship to sniff it, and then rushes over to me. I stumble back in surprise and she presses her muzzle against my side with pitiful moans, and I awkwardly give her a few soothing pats on the head.
So far I've just been angry and furious, but with Zenna knowing that Mara's missing—considering her reaction—her reaction brings out the sadness in me, thought I don't cry. I just lose all of my anger for the time being, and instead feel sad and lost.
"A dragon?" Rylla asks in surprise.
"That's Zenna. She's Mara's dragon," Elita explains for me. "And is apparently Force sensitive.
"Oh..." she says in reply.
The cry of a Night Fury signifies another arrival, and moments later Hiccup and Toothless come in for a landing, followed by Astrid and Stormfly. The rest of the dragon gang also lands further back, eyes on Elita in a mixture of curiosity, interest, wonder, and some nervousness in Fishlegs's case.
"Hey, you guys are back!" Astrid exclaims.
"Zenna seemed really upset, and started flying over here so we just followed after-" Hiccup starts to explain.
"Wait a second!" Tuffnut interrupts, causing Hiccup to look over in annoyance. "Why is Mara purple now? And with two weird head thingies? And older!"
Rylla blinks her eyes, frowning as the Twins go on, and I roll my eyes angrily, muttering under my breath.
"Maybe using that purple lightsaber made her that way," Ruffnut suggests.
"Or maybe this creature is impersonating our esteemed, tiny, Force-wielding-red-haired-false-jade-stone!" Tuffnut exclaims.
"Muttonheads," Snotlout scoffs.
"I'm... not imperson-" Rylla starts to say.
"It talks!" Ruffnut shouts.
"Hiccup, if those two don't shut up I'm about to beat their faces in," I state calmly, but with an underlying sense of warning.
Hiccup takes notice of my subdued anger, but nods his head anyways.
"Guys, this isn't Mara. She's just a new person, ok?" he scolds them, before focusing on Rylla. "I'm assuming you're a friend of his?"
"Yeah, we met as younglings," Rylla confirms. "I'm Rylla. And you're, Hiccup and Toothless right?"
Toothless warbles upon hearing his name, and Hiccup looks at her in surprise.
"Oh, yeah. You know about us?" he asks.
"Jarik and Ahsoka explained a little bit about you guys to me," Rylla says, a small smile on her face.
"Wait, you guys met as 'younglings?' You're a Jedi too?" Fishlegs asks curiously.
"Not anymore really, no," she replies. "It's complicated."
"Why's your skin purple?" Snotlout asks.
"Snotlout-" Hiccup sighs in exasperation.
"Wait... where's Mara?" Astrid suddenly realizes, glancing around.
The riders have all dismounted by this point, and we're now looking around in realization of what Astrid said. I remain quiet, pulling away from Zenna to glare at the ground.
"Yeah, where is she? I thought she'd be out and rolling her eyes at us or something," Snotlout comments.
"More like threaten you with the Force," Ruffnut snickers.
"No she wouldn't!" he exclaims, thought Hookfang seems to laugh.
"Jarik?" Hiccup asks in concern.
I still don't answer, so Elita does it for me, sighing.
"She's been captured by the Empire."
There were a few gasps of horror as everyone goes still, even the Twins and Snotlout shutting up, looking worried and serious for once. The dragons perk their heads up, with Toothless looking on sadly while Zenna continues to whine in despair, Stormfly doing her best to calm her down.
"Captured?" Astrid says uneasily.
"We were on a mission to another planet, because we thought Ahsoka was still alive and being held prisoner there," Rylla explains, and they listen intently. "Instead, Vader and the Emperor himself were waiting for us to come. During our escape they managed to get Mara."
"Oh gods..." Hiccup says, swallowing.
"I can't believe it..." Snotlout murmurs.
"This is horrible!" Fishlegs wails.
"Well, How are we gonna rescue her?" Astrid asks fiercely, shoving down her own sadness with anger, wiping away her watery eyes.
Before I could respond, the Twins step in.
"I'll tell you how! Me and Ruffnut, we go up to his castle-" Tuffnut starts.
"-and then Barf will unleash a huge cloud of gas, and then-" Ruffnut exclaims, interrupting him before being shoved in the face.
"Belch ignites it, and we blow them all up!" he shouts fiercely.
"Right, right right!" Snotlout says.
"Guys, we need a real plan here!" Astrid growls at them.
"I highly doubt we could just 'fly' on over to the Emperor's palace," Hiccup tells them irritably.
"Haha! You're so right Hiccup!" I drawl sarcastically, getting their attention as I pace around, shaking my head. "You- you're making it sound like your planning to fight the Empire."
"To save Mara? Without a doubt!" Astrid declares.
There are a few nods of agreement from the others, and I scoff at them.
"What exactly do you think you can do huh? This isn't an Outcast raid, this isn't Dagur the Deranged- it's not Calder! It's not the Red Death!" I state firmly with a glare. "It's the kriffing Empire! And their capital world at that, the home of he most powerful being in the galaxy. Why do you think you can face them?"
I can tell they're a bit hurt and surprised by my reaction, but Hiccup steels himself for a response.
"Because she's our friend," he says slowly. "Jarik, you, Mara and Ahsoka have fought for us for years now. For once, let us do the same."
"And you're right, we don't know what the Empire is like, but we're not simple guys either. We can fight: we have our dragons, who can also do so good damage. And we've caught a glimpse of how dangerous Inquisitors can be."
"Yes, except the Emperor and Vader aren't Inquisitors," I retort. "They're kriffing Sith Lords. The Emperor can summon fire and lightning on a him, and Vader could kill you all in mere moments. It's impossible for you to face them, even with dragons!"
"Jarik, let them help," Rylla urges. "I'm sure they understand, yet they're willing to do this anyways."
"I can see the benefits too," Elita adds in agreement.
"6 kids and 6 dragons isn't much against the Empire," I state irritably.
"It's more than just one person though right?" Tuffnut asks, and I send him a glare that causes him to wilt nervously.
"Jarik... surely you could think of some kind of plan to get in there, right?" Rylla asks cautiously.
"I DON'T KNOW ALRIGHT?!" I shout angrily, pacing around. "I don't know how to sneak onto Coruscant, much less that stupid palace! It has a blockade of several dozen Star Destroyers, many of which are most likely capable of spotting cloaked ships! The Emperor could sense us approaching anyways, and the palace is even more fortified than it was as the Jedi Temple!"
I collapse onto the ground, glaring at it with anger and hopelessness, all the while everyone watches on sadly. R5 lets out another low beep, and Zenna moans in depression.
"Sneaking into the palace is impossible..." I murmur quietly, losing hope of reaching my daughter. "Even more impossible than blowing my way in."
"Wait, blowing your way in?" Elita asks.
"What of it?" I ask quietly.
She's silent for a few moments before responding. "What if we actually could blow our way into the Imperial Palace?"
"With our dragons?" Ruffnut asks eagerly.
"Probably not," Fishlegs says.
"What, have some of the Autobots come to say hi?" I ask with bitter sarcasm.
"No, but I found something I think could really help you out," she states.
"Like what?" Rylla asks with interest.
"Come with me and I'll show you," she says. "I just hope you don't mind getting wet.
So apparently Elita says she's found something that she thinks could really help support us, maybe even actually blow our way through Coruscant's defenses. And it's hidden in the ocean, where she spent her time looking for her own ship. Unless it's an Infinity Stone, I don't see how anything could help us.
Nevertheless, Elita's enthusiasm is what saw me and Rylla sitting in her vehicle form while she drove along the sea floor. I had grabbed two A99 aquaria breathers and two pairs of goggles at Elita's insistence, so that the two of us could breathe underwater when the time came. Somehow that doesn't reassure me.
"I thought you were looking for your own ship," I comment.
"Unfortunately I never found it. At this point it may not be worth the effort," Elita says, disappointed.
"Your ship?" Rylla asks.
"I crashed here over six thousand years ago when I was attacked by Decepticons, forcing me into stasis," she explains. "Jarik and Mara found me beneath their island."
"Huh," she comments, looking over at me curiously.
"We're here," Elita announces, coming to a stop.
Me and Rylla both narrow our eyes in an attempt to peer through the watery darkness, but even with Elita's headlights flaring at their brightest, it's impossible to see very far in the dark, murky waters.
"Congratulations. We can't see a thing," I drawl sarcastically.
"Oh right. I'll show you a sonar image," she says.
The window in front shows a holographic screen, which displays an image of whatever's directly ahead after a quick sonar scan. Me and Rylla get a good look, observing the sight. Just a few feet in front of us the ocean floor drops deeper into a wide open space. And directly ahead is the form of a massive structure, which I slowly widen my eyes in shock upon seeing.
"It can't be..." I breathe out.
"Is that a... Venator-class Star Destroyer?!" Rylla asks incredulously.
"I thought it seemed similar to Imperial Star Destroyers," Elita comments.
As hard as it is to believe, the sonar image clearly shows the form of a Star Destroyer, submerged underneath the ocean. The bridge of the cruiser was above us, looking out over the wide valley that the ship is sitting in. I'm frozen in comeplete bafflement at the incredulity of the fact before regaining my voice.
"How- how in the universe did a Star Destroyer get all the way out here?" I exclaim.
"Who are you asking?" Rylla retorts, before refocusing on the cruiser with wide eyes. "As crazy and cool as it is... would that thing even still work? Who knows how long its been submerged under the ocean?"
"It'll work. These things were made to deal with extreme punishment. From my understand they could even withstand devastating cosmic storms for a short while," I explain, nodding my head slowly. "They aren't as powerful as Imperial Star Destroyers, but as long as there aren't any exposed openings... it should be in good condition on the inside."
"And the fuel's still good?"
"That's up for debate," I say with a shrug.
"And the electrical power works?"
"Ok, I get the point thanks," I respond irritably.
"Jarik's right though," Elita tells us. "From what I can make out, the outer hull doesn't have any major breaches, and the structure still seems to be fairly sturdy."
"I can't believe a cruiser got all the way out here though..." I murmur to myself.
"I'm warning you guys, I can't drive any further, so I'll have to transform," she warns us.
"Great," Rylla says with a sigh.
Nevertheless, we both pull out our breathers and goggles, applying them to our faces. Once they're secured, with the breathers supplying oxygen, we both give a thumbs up to display it. Elita begins a count down.
"In three... two... one... transforming," she announces.
We brace ourselves as she starts the countdown, also preparing the Force. As soon as she begins the transformation sequence, water starts rushing in around us, instantly taking away all of the air space in moments. Luckily our breathers keep us supplied, and the goggles allow us to see in the salt water that would otherwise be nearly impossible to see in without being blurred. Being so deep underwater without any form of a bodysuit would be dangerous from the intense crushing pressure; we make up for it by both using the Force to form a protective bubble around ourselves—not literally, just to ease on the pressure—which works like a charm.
It's why we didn't take anyone else, because they couldn't survive this depth like we can. Not even their dragons; only water dragons could.
Once she's transformed, Elita flares her headlights brightly on her torso so that we could see underwater, her optics also lighting up blue in the dark. We swim over to her and hold onto her shoulders on either side. She then starts moving through the water in the direction of the cruiser, bounding down the steep slope as if she were in a low gravity environment. Me and Rylla continue to hold on as she moves closer in the direction of the cruiser. Eventually we finally are able to see it ourselves with Elita's headlights, far below the top of the hill, the edge of the hull extremely massive. One of the wings towers above us, and I start to think of a way inside.
Glancing up at the wing, I think about how to get in there without filling it up with water, and quickly come up with a plan using what I know about how water works. Tapping Elita's shoulder, I gesture up once she looks over at me, and then kick off and begin swimming in that direction. Rylla soon follows after, and we begin to swim as well as we could, with Elita's headlights pointed up to provide clear vision. She's too heavy to swim properly, which kind of sucks for her, but if we can get inside, we'll be able to get her in as well.
Finally reaching the underside of the wing, I hover along it, pressing my right hand against the hull and focusing with the Force. I spend a good two minutes at least trying to find a good spot, moving around and feeling for it. Finally, I sense an area that's thin enough for me to cut my lightsaber through, and look at it. Pulling out Ahsoka's lightsaber, I activate the glowing green blade, which is thankfully able to handle being underwater. Ahsoka made it capable of that during the Clone Wars in preparation for her mission to Mon Cala. I stab my lightsaber through the hull, going all the way to the hilt, and begin cutting through. Being underwater it's hard to move properly, so the cutting takes awhile, but I eventually manage it.
Floating away, I deactivate the lightsaber and give Rylla a nod. Together we use the Force to pull out the hole, the thick slab of metal slowly coming out. The melted sides sizzle and hiss as they make contact with the water, but eventually we get it out, and let it sink down to the ocean floor. I then move first into the hole, which slowly fills up with water, and make it three quarters up before the water level stops. Reaching it, I lift up my goggles and pull out my breather, taking a breath of air, before reaching up my arms to pull myself into the dark room of the ship. Looking down as Rylla surfaces, she takes off her own equipment and then accepts my hand, and I pull her up inside.
"Can't believe that worked," Rylla comments, taking a moment to rest.
"That's the last time I'm swimming with a cloak on," I reply with an exhausted sigh.
"We better call her," she suggests.
"Right, right," I say in agreement, lifting up my comlink. "Elita, we've made it inside."
"Glad to hear that Jarik," she replies. "Any way for me to get in?"
"We'll figure something out. If the cruiser has power, we'll direct you towards an entrance in the side hanger bay," I tell her.
"Alright. I'll be waiting then," she says.
I shut down the transmission, and look at the hole I made in the floor again. Luckily the water level isn't rising due to the fact that the hole is underneath the ship, and not above it. It's like taking an empty can, and putting it into some water top side up: oxygen gets trapped, so it doesn't fill with water.
"So... where to?" Rylla asks.
In response, I pull out my blue lightsaber to illuminate the dark room. Looking around reveals us to be in some sort of engineering room, filled with pipes and other machinery I could only begin to guess. I hand Rylla my second lightsaber, and she activates the green blade for her own light source.
"Right now, we see if we can find a source of power," I tell her. "And see if this thing can be used in battle.
"Jarik, I know a negative comment is probably the last thing you want to hear right now, but it has to be said before we waste our time," Rylla says cautiously. "Even if by some miraculous miracle we get this cruiser into space and in fighting shape... how can it go against an entire Imperial blockade?"
It is a fair question, especially considering Imperial Star Destroyers are more powerful than a Venator. Luckily though, I've already thought of an idea.
"Remembering that talk about blowing our win in?" I remind her. "I think the best way to do that, is to literally, blow our way in."
"What do you mean?" she asks in confusion.
"I'm gonna take a page from Ahsoka's book," I comment, thinking about one of her campaigns with Anakin in the Clone Wars.
Vader's Castle - Mustafar
3rd person POV...
Despite capturing Jarik Shan's adopted daughter, Vader has no time to dwell on the satisfying victory. Not when he learned that his personal castle on Mustafar… had an intruder!
When Vaneé's urgent message came through, Vader was furious that the security of his personal fortress allowed someone to break in, while also completely shocked by the fact that someone even dared to try, even more so that it seems they succeeded! The Emperor was much in the same state, and swiftly dispatched him to deal with the issue and learn who was responsible, not pleased that this occurred.
So that's why Vader is currently marching through his fortress with a squad of twelve Royal guards behind him, as well as a platoon of Purge Troopers. He silently observes the corpses of two dead guards that are lying on the ground, the wounds obviously inflicted by a lightsaber.
Eight of the Royal guards and all of the Purge Troopers that came with him spread out to search the fortress, while the other four guards remain behind as guards. Footsteps approaching quickly gets their attention, and Vader looks up to see Vaneé making his way over, stopping to kneel respectfully in front of him. The Royal guards readies their weapons at his approach, but pulled back to their regular stances upon recognizing him.
"Lord Vader," Vaneé says.
"Vaneé. It is most pleasing to see you remain unharmed," Vader says, gesturing for him to rise.
"Thank you my Lord. I did what I could when the invaders arrived, but ultimately I am powerless, and had to remain undetected from the intruders," Vaneé replies.
"Who were these intruders?" he asks.
"The first was female, possibly of Dathomirian descent, who goes by the name of Sylvia according to our recordings. She wielded a lightsaber," he reports, and Vader narrows his eyes at the description. "The other intruder was the Third Brother."
The mention of the Third Brother makes his blood boil with rage and contempt.
"So, the Third Brother was conspiring with the Jedi all this time to break into my fortress," he growls angrily.
"It would appear so my Lord," Vaneé replies. "However, I do not believe the female was a Jedi, nor did he conspire with them."
"Explain."
"She was ruthless, brutal, and used the dark side of the Force," he reports. "Definitely not aligned with the Jedi, or the Rebellion."
Vader remains silent after hearing this, mulling over the possibilities in his head. If that's true, then this would present a much larger problem than he originally thought. As far as Vader's aware he and the Emperor are the only truth Sith in existence, yet this clearly powerful dark side warrior is lurking around the galaxy. Perhaps she is a rogue Force user like Maul, but he senses that doesn't seem to be the case.
"What were they after?" he questions.
Vaneé glances at the guards for a brief second and then replies, lowering his voice a little.
"They were headed for the lower caverns," he reports.
Vader widens his eyes in shock and disbelief, which quickly turns to anger, and then turns to his guards.
"Remain here," he orders.
"Are you sure my Lord? The intruders could still be here," one of the guards questions.
"If they were still here I would sense it," Vader growls firmly, leaving no room for argument. "Continue your inspection of the security. I have business to take care off."
"Yes Lord Vader," the guard replies with a nod.
Vader then storms down the dark hallways for the lower levels, Vaneé following right behind him, his head remaining bowed. Once they were out of earshot from any unwanted listeners and down in the dark caverns, Vader continues to speak while they walk.
"What do you mean they headed for the lower levels?" he demands.
"I'm afraid that the Third Brother and this, 'Sylvia,' knew about the source of power hidden beneath the castle my Lord," Vaneé informs grimly.
"How could they have known?" Vader growls.
"I do not know my Lord," Vaneé replies apologetically.
Rage and worry filling him, Vader comes to a stop in front of the thick set up doors that led to the chamber containing the powerful stone. He raises an arm and calls upon his anger and great power to open the thick doors with the Force, allowing them both access to the inside. Vader wastes no time in marching into the dark chamber, with Vaneé following dutifully behind him. Vader halts, his eyes widening in pure outrage as he takes notice of only one thing; the stone block was blown apart, and the stone was gone.
He slowly walks up to the remains of the stone block, choking on his rage. It appeared to have been blasted open, and scorch marks of some powerful fire lined the walls.
"They took it..." Vader seethes furiously.
Roaring in fury, Vader clenches his fists and starts crumbling the stone to smithereens with the Force, large cracks appearing in the chamber walls as he expels his rage. Vaneé remains standing behind him, flinching at his masters anger and lowering his head in a mixture of shame and defeat.
"This entire time, the Third Brother infiltrated the Empire so that he could steal this stone from me!" the Sith Lord growls.
"Actually my lord... he never recovered the stone," Vaneé corrects.
Vader whips around to face him. "What?!"
"Those two weren't the only ones present here," he informs him.
As Vaneé reveals who really took the stone, Vader's eyes slowly widen in bewilderment and angry confusion.
"...how is that possible?" he demands. "She is dead. And I was on Onderon! He could not have been in two places at once!"
"It was them, I saw it," Vaneé insists. "And they fought Third Brother and Sylvia for the stone, eventually succeeding."
Vader was adamant in refusing to believe that could be the case, as it just couldn't be! There's no possible way for someone to be in two places at once, nor is it possible for a dead woman to be stealing from his own castle! And yet he could detect no lie in Vaneé, as he was genuinely telling the truth.
For a long time, Vader didn't know what to think.
Unknown Location - Space
3rd person POV...
"You FAILED?!"
Sylvia flinches at the angry yell of the Other, but steels her face to hide it and scowls back at him.
"Obviously..." she growls lowly.
"How could you of all people have failed in your mission?" the Other demands incredulously. "And where is the Third Brother?"
"The traitorous fool tried to claim the Power Stone for himself," she replies, no further explanation needed.
"Yet that does not explain why you do not have it with you!" he snarls. "How could you let this happen?"
"Because we were not the only ones with knowledge of the Stone's whereabouts!" Sylvia seethes, glaring at him.
"Who?!" he demands.
When she explains what happened, the Other's yellow eyes go wide with surprise and anger underneath his dark blue hood.
"They knew... and now you're saying that the togruta possesses the Staff of Morai?" he asks.
"She does," she confirms bitterly.
"Fool! With that staff in their possession, they can now harness the power of an Infinity Stone!" the Other roars furiously.
"You think I don't know that?!" Sylvia snaps angrily. "Where do you think I got this from?"
She gestures furiously towards a burn mark on the side of her face, and the Other scoffs in contempt. "A meager punishment compared to what the Great Titan will do to you for failing."
Sylvia flinches at that fact, knowing that what lies ahead for her is far worse than anything her enemies could dream of. The Other circles her slowly like a predator, eying the Witch down.
"In all my years of servitude, none have ever failed him," he whispers coldly. "How unfortunate for you to be the first..."
Many different things in this chapter, the most shocking of which I'd say is the Venator-class Star Destroyer submerged in the oceans of Ahch-To! How did that get there?! You'll just have to find out next chapter!
:3