Answers to reviews:
Spectacular Webhead 11: He won't be a Sith or Jedi by any means, more of a gray Force-user that embraces the Light and Dark Side of the Force, kinda like Revan.
HughJasz: thanks.
Arch-Angel-Writer: I'll need to read those comics before I even go into that.
StarLord93: I won't.
Takodana. A remote, neutral planet located in the Mid Rim, though it fell in the southwestern region of the galaxy known as the Western Reaches. overed in an abundance of lush forests and dotted with small lakes, Takodana, located on a hyperspace route between Chalcedon and Noe'ha'on, was a popular departure point that offered easy access to trade routes that connected the Inner and Outer Rim.
For those heading outwards toward the galactic periphery, the planet was seen as a last taste of civilization, while those heading Corewards saw it a last grasp of frontier living. Travelers found the planet's neutrality and distance from galactic politics appealing, and as a result Takodana became a haven for fugitives, smugglers, and explorers. Takodana was known as the longtime home of Takodana Castle that served as an open port to spies and dubious travelers alike. The world was connected to the Ring of Kafrene mining colony by the Biox Detour hyperspace route
Thousands of years ago, a battle between the Jedi and Sith occurred on the planet. There was even an old Jedi temple built on this world during the days of the High Republic Era, approximately 300 years ago. The temple and surrounding area came under attack from members of the Nihil led by Krix Kamerat, who wished to destroy the temple. Malagán proved more than a match for the Nihil forces, however, destroying most of their ships and prompting the rest to flee.
Now the Clone Wars had been brought to the planet.
Republic forces have arrived as part of an apparent campaign to retake worlds in the Mid-Rim. The Separatists could not afford to allow the Republic to take Takodana, what with their hold on the Mid-Rim already in a questionable state.
It was here, that Jayden Shan AKA Darth Khan had led his forces into battle and taken Takodana from control of the republic, killing any Clones in his path. However, he happened to be unaware of a trap being set up for him.
A trap made by the Republic.
Jayden's boots crumpled the grass underneath as he walked through an open and empty area. he sensed something was off, that this was just too easy and he didn't like things being too easy for him. He looked left and right as he searched for any signs of Jedi or Clone, or even a trap but he could see nothing... yet he could sense something was amiss.
And he was right.
All of a sudden, multiple explosions went off all around him, sending Jayden flying back off his feet in surprise and he landed on his back with a grunt. He shook some dirt off his mask's visor and stood to his feet, about to grab his Lightsaber.
"Open fire!" He heard a distant voice shout. Then he heard the staccato of rifles firing as multiple bogeys attacked him. The first few shots were wide, grazing his mask and armour. Jayden flinched back as the shots hit him and one managed to hit his arm, making him drop his crossguard Lightsaber. Jayden grunted as he felt a shot go through his armour and burrow into his skin and he quickly felt blood, making him realize that these weren't normal blaster rifles... they were using weapons that can cause blood instead of a burning blaster shot.
He was being struck all over, his blood absolutely flying from an innumerable amount of holes that were being punched in his armor. Jayden felt every hit and impact, felt every slug pass through his armor and into his skin, felt every ounce of burning pain that came with each shot that struck him. His arms, shoulders, torso, chest, legs, he felt each blow all over his body as a slug struck him and passed clean through his armor.
'What is going on?! How did the Republic manage to surprise me like this?!' Jayden thought with anger at being caught off guard like this. He should've known this felt too easy, perhaps the Republic had planned this in an effort to take him out for good.
He needed to get out of here, collect himself, and then think of a solution... and fast.
With that in mind, Jayden used the Force to call his Lightsaber back to him, then ran as fast as he could from the area and avoid taking more shots, but he felt blood flowing down his body from the shts that hit through his armour. he'd need to repair it when he managed to get back to the ship. Jayden leaped onto a tree branch and grunted as he felt a side wound flare up in pain when he heard the sound of a rocket launcher firing and looked before he went to jump but the rock struck the tree right beside him and sent him flying off and crashing to the ground.
"Dammit!" Jayden grunted but he looked and growled when he saw Clones with weapons. So it was the Republic... that's good to know.
"We got him boys!" One of the Clones cheered as they fired relentlessly at the Sith Lord with their usual blasters instead of the other rifles, but Jayden had a feeling those bogeys were coming. Growling, Jayden used the Force to smash fallen tress into the Clones, giving Jayden time to run and hopefully find a place to use cover.
There, he would get a breath back, and think this situation over as well as a way to escape.
"We've got him on the run." Anakin Skywalker said with a grin as he stood at the Republic's central command hub with Obi-Wan, Ahsoka and Captain Rex.
"We sure caught him off guard." Obi-Wan nodded, stroking his beard. "Having watched the footage of his past battles closely, we've somewhat learned his movements and tricks. But we'll need to be careful still, he is still a Force-user and armed with Lightsabers."
"Don't worry." Anakin said with a confident grin. "We'll weaken him enough that he can't defend himself and he'll either surrender... or he dies."
Meanwhile, Ahsoka was frowning yet managed to hide her concern and worry for Jayden. She hadn't expected this, but it seemed Anakin had found a way that could bring down Jayden for good and allow him to be captured as they have been ordered. Jayden was still a top priority to capture and be locked away for his crimes against the Republic.
Jayden leaned against a tree, far from his attackers, he looked down at his armour where he can see the shots that went through into his skin and the blood flowed out of his wounds. he'd be fine, but he needed to get off this world and get medical aid.
He will not die here!
"There he is!" he heard and ducked in time to avoid getting a headshot from a Clone's blaster rifle. using the Force, Jayden crushed that Clone's throat like paper but he was then shot upon by Heavy troopers with Heavy Weapons such as the Z-6 rotary blaster cannon. Without hesitation, the Clones fired on Jayden who managed to avoid it but he got a few shots to the back and shoulders, sending him to the floor. the Clones were not stopping at al as they fired, but Jayden managed to get away from them, though they were in pursuit of him.
"The Republic has stepped up their game." Jayden noted to himself as he leaped onto a tree branch high enough that he couldn't be spotted. So he sat there and waited.
The Heavy troopers came to where he was, searching left and right for their target. Jayden tensed as he gripped his Lightsabers before he jumped down, activated the red and purple blades and slashed two Clones in half before leaping out of view as the others fire don him. Jayden used the Force to his advantage as he threw trees and rocks at the Clones to knock them off balance of distract them, then he'd rush in and slash them and cut them down, not stopping for a single moment until he had taken out each and every one of the Heavy troopers that were in this area with him.
Jayden heard a rocket whizzing through the air and whirled around, using the Force to halt it in mid air but he didn't expect a second to be shot that exploded a few inches away from his legs, sending him flying off his feet and nearly making him drop his Lightsabers as he crashed through a tree that fell down.
"Definitely stepped up their game." Jayden muttered with a pained groan as he tried to ignore the pain from the gunshot wounds. "this must've been Skywalker's idea no doubt."
While the rest of the Clones were busy sweeping the edges of their operating zone, Ahsoka had taken a small group of 501st Clones and started searching the second grid of the map where Jayden had last been seen. She led them in a slow, methodical approach known as 'mowing the lawn', essentially leading the group from one side of the sector to the other as they worked their way down. Time ticked on as the Republic affiliates dutifully searched the nocturnal woods for their Separatist prey, the whole ordeal painfully boring.
But then, as she was leading the group onwards, Ahsoka suddenly sensed a familiar presence through the Force. She could sense a weakened person nearby... and could only guess who it was. The Clones were a little ways behind her, so Ahsoka took a moment to peer into the darkness. Knowing Jayden, he was likely doing everything to avoid being seen, which indicated to her that the surprise attack must've really done a number on him.
How bad a number? That she was determined to find out.
"All clear so far." The lieutenant behind her reported as he walked up. He was quick to notice Ahsoka's distant look. "Commander?" The Togrutan quickly thought up an explanation, and a means to get these Clones out of here.
"I... think we're going about this the wrong way." She told him, turning about. "If Khan really is as wounded as they say, then he'll be looking to hide, not run." She explained. The Clone slowly nodded.
"That does make sense, sir." He replied.
"We should split up, we'll cover more ground that way. Just make sure your visual scanners are maxed out, you don't want to get ambushed out here." Ahsoka instructed them. "I'll keep searching around here, you five move along." None of them argued with her and they all immediately moved to obey, much to her relief. As the Clones moved along, Ahsoka acted like she was searching the area. But as soon as they were out of sight, she quit acting. "Jayden?" She softly called to the darkness. "Jayden, it's just me. I know you're there."
Suddenly she felt herself be lifted by an unseen force and found herself on a high tree with a unmasked and bloodied Jayden.
"I'm glad to see you here." Jayden said with a relieved smile. Ahsoka gave him a weak one back before gasping at the sight of the holes in his armour where she can see blood had already stained. "But we should've picked a better time than now."
"Shut up." Ahsoka said as she checked him over. "you're hurt."
"This is nothing." Jayden tried to wave her concerns off but she gave him a fierce glare that made him pause. "...Force, you look so sexy with that look."
Ignoring the blush from his compliment, Ahsoka checked his wounds which made him grunt in pain. "You need medical attention." Ahsoka said after a moment. "Jayden, just surrender and you can get that."
Jayden scoffed. "The Republic would sooner admit their corruption than help someone like me. Why are you out here?"
"Anakin sent me to scout and see if we can.. find your corpse." Ahsoka said with an uncomfortable expression, clearly not wanting Jayden dead or near it before she can redeem him.
Jayden grunted before he put his mask back on and threw his hood up.
"We need to go." Jayden said before he jumped down, grunting a little as a leg wound flared up. One of the earlier shots must've struck his right leg. Ahsoka leaped down after him.
"Jayden, just stop!" She begged, pleaded, making him pause. "You don't have to keep doing this. Don't let your pride get in the way of your own life."
Jayden went to say something to her when a shot rang out and Jayden suddenly lurched forward with a cry as a slugthrower shot ripped clean through his shoulder. Ahsoka barely got her arm up in time to shield herself from the ensuing spray of blood that splattered her, crying out in surprise and dismay as she was suddenly decorated with red droplets. She looked up at him with wide, fearful eyes as Jayden struggled to stay on his feet, blood flowing from the new wound in his shoulder.
"Jayden!" She exclaimed, frozen in place but desperate to help him.
"G-Get... Get down...!" He finally told her and they both dropped to the ground, Jayden positioning himself so that his body would protect her. More shots started to rip through the woods, bouncing off trees and shredding foliage as they tried to find their mark. A few more were embedded in Jayden's back and he growled as fresh pain consumed him. Ahsoka looked up from the ground, hearing his pained grunts and it made her heart beat with worry and nearly made tears come down her cheeks. But then a larger, more thunderous shot reverberated throughout the woods and Jayden lunged forward with a cry as multiple projectiles struck him at once, causing him to almost collapse atop Ahsoka. The Togruta cried out as he fell forward, his blood leaking from the shot wounds and stained her own clothes from their close contact.
"Jayden?!" She was desperate to know if he was okay. Jayden managed a pain growl in reply as he gathered his senses.
"G... G-Go..." he managed to tell her, "run!" Ahsoka quickly crawled out from beneath him and started running.
But Jayden didn't follow.
He knew that if she was caught with him, the ramifications for her would be far worse. Even more grave was the possibility that she could be struck while with him, an accident that could prove fatal the longer she stuck around. But Jayden was determined to not let either of those come to pass. He would shift their focus and ensure she was left out of this.
Letting his rage and anger drive him, Jayden managed to stand and activate his Lightsabers as he breathed in and out. He felt the Force around him and closed his eyes as he felt the Dark Side flaring... but he also felt the Light.
"There is no power a Sith holds that a Jedi cannot choose to wield... You must be strong enough to master the Force in it's entirety."
Revan's words... they never left him, always in his mind, as if offering a different path than just the path of the Dark Side, the path of a Sith Lord, like there's an alternative from just thinking the Dark Side is the way.
"Order is balance. light and Darkenss intertwined. One cannot exist without the other..."
'Only a fool embraces just the Dark or the Light...' Jayden thought to himself as his grip on his Lightsabers tightened. 'I will embrace both like you did, Revan. I will walk your path and become more powerful than anyone. More powerful than Skywalker, Kenobi, Dooku, even Sidious, even Jedi Master Yoda... if I don't die here.'
Ahsoka paused in her running and saw Jayden ready to face off against his attackers, regardless if he was too weakened to do so. She could feel the Force around him, feeling how strong it was around him, the Light Side and the Dark Side swirled around him before they seemed to join together like one entity but she didn't have to focus on that as she made a decision. She ran and pulled him back, using the Force to make some trees topple but made sure it looked like his doing.
"I won't leave you!" She exclaimed in determination, helping him to his feet.
"Ahsoka-" Jayden tried to retort before she cut him off.
"You stayed to help me on Wasskah, now it's my turn!" She told him. But before she could say another word, a slug grazed her shoulder, leaving a red trail in it's wake and she cried out in pain as she stumbled into him.
"Ahsoka!" Jayden shouted as he clutched her, quickly using his body like a shield once more to keep her from getting hit. Just then, Anakin burst out from the trees alongside the mercs, just in time to see Ahsoka in Jayden's clutches. At first glance it seemed like he was taking her hostage, putting her at risk of being shot.
"Ahsoka! Hold on!" Anakin shouted, using the Force to pull his apprentice away from Jayden and over to him. Little did he realized that was the last thing she wanted him to do.
"Master! No!" Ahsoka exclaimed, struggling against his invisible grip as she was torn away from Jayden's close hold and over to her master. Jayden reached out for her, almost as if he were trying to bring her back. But a sudden volley of slugs stopped him in his tracks.
"Open fire boys!" Rex ordered and the Clone squad with Heavy weapons, normal blasters, slugthrowers, they all fired at Jayden. the Sith grunted and yelled in pain with each strike as Ahsoka looked on, eyes wide, mouth agape, as Jayden was being shot down.
"Cease fire!" Anakin ordered eventually and the firing stopped as Jayden fell to his knees, his deactivated Lightsabers slipping from his hands as he fell onto his front, breathing weakly as he tried to think a way out of this mess. He clenched his fists as his anger and rage grew and he managed to find some strength to make it to a knee...
When a Lightsaber pierced his stomach.
Ahsoka gasped with horror as she witnessed the sight of Jayden being impaled by a Lightsaber... Anakin's Lightsaber.
"That was for Tibrin." Anakin growled in Jayden's masked face before he pulled his Lightsaber out and deactivated it as Jayden fell onto his front. "We finally got you."
"T-the...c...c...Clones...t-t-took...m-me down... you... didn't!" Jayden growled and spat blood out but it merely stuck inside his mask which annoyed him.
"You always thought you were invincible, that you could never be taken down." Anakin said with a arrogant sneer on his face as Jayden looked up at him though his mask. "And yet here you are here defeated. I was in this position once, remember?"
Jayden was silent as he merely rolled onto his back, expressionless mask staring straight up at Anakin.
"Hey, don't tell me you died already." Anakin said as he kicked Jayden's side, but there was no sound or grunt from the Sith. Anakin crouched down and reached for the mask when suddenly Jayden's purple Lightsaber flew to his hand, activated, the purple blade being swung and it was slashed across Anakin's chest then into his prosthetic arm, causing Anakin to yell in pain as he fell back.
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan shouted a she activated his own Lightsaber but Jayden yelled out with anger and rage as the Force-sensitives in the area felt the Force gather around Jayden before he unleashed a devastating Force repulse that sent Jedi and Clones flying backwards. Jayden grabbed his crossguard Lightsaber and ran for it, in the direction of where he had landed and cloaked the Rogue Shadow.
He managed to make it onto the ship and took off, activating the autopilot for his destination then he passed out from the blood loss...
Yeah, this got dark and bloody. i know it looked like Jayden seemed weak here... but he was caught off guard by the Republic and it allowed them to gain the advantage as he wasn't expecting them to use such weaponry to take him down. they used a mixed of weapons and explosives to knock him off guard and try shooting him down enough to weaken him... or let blood loss dot hat for them.
And don't worry, Anakin's alive... just gonna have a new Lightsaber wound across the chest and a new arm needed.