Hey guys Merry Christmas! It has been a long time since I got a chapter out and I know some of you have been waiting so without further ado here's the chapter. More details at the end!


Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of their intellectual property. I also do not own Bio Ware or their IP

Notes

Speaking: "..."

Thoughts: '...'

Sounds/effects: *...*


Intermission: To Build an Empire

(Phantom, Typhon, Jedi Temple)

(Shmi PoV)

I sat quietly in the main area of the ship…personal cruiser… luxury yacht?... wherever I found myself. I couldn't keep the sigh coming from my lips, the blanket draped over my shoulders giving me just enough warmth to hide how cold I actually was, or I hoped it did.

The truth was I had no clue where I was, where I was going or what was going to happen to me and that was truly a scary thought. Over the years, as a slave, I would admit this wasn't the first time this had happened, but I had never been on a ship this nice before. I hadn't always been on Tatooine and when I had been moved from planet to planet all the ships were more akin to barges, filled to the brim with others just like myself.

It had been a long time since then, which explained how cold I was on the ship. It was always hot on Tatooine and I had gotten used to it. I hope Ani was ok out there in the wider galaxy, I felt my eyes redden just a little at the thought of my little angle.

The shinning walls, the high-tech equipment, even the holo-table that was stuck in the middle of the room, which was unusual, all just showed the difference in the wealth of my new master or I guess… mistress. I might have held hope that my new owner was a kind soul after all the bad ones I had been through over my life, being treated relatively nicely, giving me a blanket for the cold ship.

Yes, I would have had my doubts if I hadn't seen what had happened to Watto. I had seen many things on a scum world like Tatooine having been in the possession of Gardulla the Hutt for a short time as well. It was likely that experience plus many others that desensitized me to the death of the Toydarian, though I did take a small amount of pleasure in hearing his screams as I changed hands.

He had been so mean to Ani over the years, I knew he owned us, but what mother wouldn't want a little retribution, a little payback after it all. I felt my nerves fray once more as another wave of cold passed over my skin.

I hadn't fought, complained or said anything as my new mistress walked into the back room after getting the codes to the slave chip, though I was worried. Why did she want me so desperately? I couldn't possible miss the lightsaber… or lightsabers that she had clipped to her belt, especially when she started swinging it around.

It was what Mister Jinn, the one who took Ani carried. My doubts and fears worsened as I waited for us to arrive at the destination. Had I done the right thing letting Ani go with them?

I was at least glad that she had given me time for myself. No words were said as she led me out of the shop, back to her ship and taken off without a moment's notice. I didn't have time to take any possessions, not that I would have many to begin with and I'm sure none would question my sudden disappearance.

I had a few friends or I guess acquaintances that might wonder, but I was just another face that would soon disappear into the sands of Tatooine, I guess that was all in the past now. I couldn't be sure if it was a mental tactic or not that she had just left me to my own devices. She had gone to set course for our destination and come back later to give me the blanket… what was her game? I tried to get a read on her but I couldn't read her face when she moved closer.

From what I could tell she didn't care, that didn't stop me from properly thanking her. I've had masters in the past that would feign giving something to a slave and expect the proper response. 'To not be thankful for a gift would be considered an insult and be punishable.' I had seen many take pleasure in those small games.

I felt the almost forgotten rumble of the ship exiting hyperspace and knew that I had reached my new home, where I would serve… possible until I die. Unlike all my past owners I could tell there was an aura of power that surrounded my new mistress. I couldn't believe she would lose me to someone like Watto and I didn't believe for a second she wanted to sell me to another.

No I would die working for her, or be disposed of when I wasn't useful. I guess I still had some years in me left. Though Anakin was already 9 thankfully I had given birth to him young. I couldn't remember now if it was when I was 18 or 20, birthdays become a thing of the past in the slave trade.

I always remembered to throw one for Ani to make him feel special, to make him feel like an actual person. But myself… I couldn't remember anymore when I was born. Going off that though, I could say I was still under 30…just.

Maybe another decade or two before I became too useless for the heavy labor… other talents… I did know about droids, I taught Ani everything I knew till he outgrew even that. But what else was I good for? My looks had deteriorated on the sand ball, my beauty destroyed and by then it wouldn't matter…

My thoughts continued to drift as I finally felt us land. I quickly folded the blanket I had and put it to the side. I didn't have to wait long before the echoing boot steps of my new mistress came from the cockpit.

I tried to hide the small amount of fear that wormed its way through me as she stepped in front of me in all her glory. The armor, the powerful face and montrals, everything about her radiated assured power and it made me want to shrink back every second her eyes focused on me.

Her eye locked to mine in a second as I stood up, making sure to be submissive as she stood there for a short while. I wanted to clench my hands behind my back to hide my nervousness but knew I couldn't do that as I waited for her to say something.

Time seemed to stretch on for a long period of time before I heard her boots continue once more to the ramp of the ship. I was quick to follow. Reaching the ramp she stepped to the side as she pressed the button for it to lower.

A small amount of sunlight started to peek through the opening gap as the mechanical whirling of the servos lowered the mechanism. It was at that moment that she smiled at me. I just caught it as I still had my head lowered, but it was clear as day when she motioned to her side.

I knew not to disobey and quickly went to her side. She kept the smile on her face as she moved to the side, planting me firmly in the center of the still lowering ramp. I don't know why but a feeling of dread filled my bones as the ramp continued to lower, my fate hanging in the balance and my mind conjuring the worst nightmares possible to predict what I was about to see.

I just wished I could see my baby boy one more time. It was the only thought going through my mind as my heart rate sped up and it was clear for me to see what was outside. There was a dull thump as the ramp hit the soft ground outside and my head subconsciously lowered in resignation at whatever cruel fate may come.

As I dwelled in my pit of self-despair and fear all I could think of, all I could grab a hold of was the thought to see my boy one more time, I would give anything for that to happen. "Mom?" The words seemed to echo in my ear for a second startling me to look up, but my eyes were unfocused.

I stood there for another second as all my doubt and fear ebbed away as if it was all a dream. A feeling of determination washed over me so powerfully it was like I was a new person…or as if…as if my mind was finally clear.

I felt my body straighten and my eyes sharpen as I held my back straight. It reminded me of the times before my parents died, before that fateful day when we ran into pirates…of the early years when I still thought back against my captors.

Maybe it wasn't the smartest idea or notion with my predicament and my new master, but I strode down the ramp with a new found determination. I didn't know what, but something was telling me, something whispering in the back of my head was telling me that I would see my son once again!

Until that time was to pass I would stay strong I would conquer any challenge that my new mistress set! I would survive to give my child one more hug in the future!

Stopping at the bottom of the ramp I took everything before me in. Groups of Twi'leks shuffled around the open area before me, moving rubble and tending to the grounds. It was easy to tell for someone in their same position that they were reshaping the ground or concrete work, as well as planting new seeds for grass and plants that littered spots throughout the courtyard.

Some of the spots even looked like they used to be a part of some type of stream that went through the courtyard. I had worked on similar types of restoration projects when I was younger but hadn't touched such work in a long time.

Thankfully it was something I had done in the past and could grasp quickly. My eyes quickly moved further up to a part of the courtyard that already seemed to be cleared and worked on. A different more physically built group of Twi'leks were standing around learning some type of fighting techniques from an alien I hadn't seen before.

I could just make out the small cylinder that was attached to the scary aliens that was leading them, bringing another bout of worry to my mind. How many more of these monsters were here?

The thought quickly reminded me of my new mistress. A small shudder of fear went through me as I realized I had stepped off the ship before my master, one could even say barged in front of her, cutting her off.

Though the fear was kept back with my new found reserves of will power and confidence, I was still worried. I quickly stepped to the side and turned around, bowing in apology to my new mistress. Once again she didn't speak a word as I clearly heard the clink of her boots as she made her way down the ramp. I stayed still to wait for a possible punishment before I felt her slender hands cup my cheek.

The slow force from her hand made my head rise and I waited for the worst as I once again stared into the slightly red eyes of my new mistress. Her red eyes seemed to bore into my soul as she held me there looking at them for an uncomfortable amount of time.

Her head tilted to the side for a short while as her eyes seemed to glow even harder before a smile came back to her lips. I wanted the smile to unnerve me, to look wrong on her face, to be distorted by anger or a hidden malice, but I saw none of that.

There almost looked to be a type of intrigue behind the smile, something confirmed when she finally spoke, the first words I had heard from her since she spoke to Watto. "A strong bond indeed." I think my lip trembled in apprehension as the words left her but I couldn't be sure as she quickly turned from me and started to walk toward the main building before us.

I just swallowed the sigh of relief that was about to leave me as I quickly trailed behind her. I would usually lower my head in such a situation, watching the boots of my new owner and following them to my destination. But that feeling of comfort, of confidence that assaulted me when we reached the planet once again made me head lift ever so slightly as I kept taking in all around me.

Other than the group of Twi'leks fighting and the others clearing and reshaping the courtyard, there were more that were working on the small steps that my new mistress was walking up. It was clear they didn't have the right equipment to fix the broken and chipped stairs but they were clearing them and de-weeding them for easier access.

The weeding wasn't just happening on the steps. All around the courtyard weeds had grown and were being cleared out, the best example being the vines that clung to what I could only assume was a temple.

A shiver passed through my body as I looked to the side still following my mistress. The warrior training the others, the one with what seemed to be a mask made of bone, was staring straight at me as we passed. His eyes trailed me for a short but meaningful few seconds before they turned back to the group in front of him practicing fighting stances.

My heart beat sped up once again but I quickly moved on as my eyes starred up at the massive walls we were closing in on. The magnificent of the walls before me couldn't be hidden even with them cover in small bits of undergrowth and chipped as they were. I knew that if I was back here when this temple was fist established it would be a sight to see.

Maybe that's what my new mistress had been hoping to achieve? It was a small light of hope, but if it was the case my situation was better than it had been in years, working on Tatooine.

Walking through the huge double doors that signaled the entrance, there were two path ways that split off, likely giving people who entered and exited two options on their way in and out, though one side was now full of rubble that had yet to be cleared.

I made sure to keep up with my mistress as her boots quickly walked past the center of the temple. Some type of square rested in an empty pool right in the middle of the room. The inside of the temple was a lot worse than the outside. With rubble scattered all over the place, but at the same time being cleared by more Twi'leks. Multiple room split off from where we stood and two huge ramps spiraled on both sides to the top where the second level was.

My mistress didn't stop for a second and only a few of the Twi'leks stopped for a few seconds to stare at me before the got back to work. Walking up the ramps a new set of double doors stood in our way.

My mistress stopped at the doors and beckoned me closer. Doing as told I walked right to the entrance of the doors and stopped waiting for them to open. A new thought started to enter my mind as I started to process what was happening.

I could just make out a small mechanical whine as the doors creaked open, the first thing peeking through, that I could see, was a throne type chair, an unidentified figure sitting on it. Was I wrong? Do I actually have a new 'master'? Was 'she' just delivering me?!

The thought filled my mind as a hand clasped the back of my neck. My body stiffened at the sudden contact, 'her' voice behind me speaking softly. "I think that's enough for now." The words echoed in my head once before her hand left my back.

I wanted to turn to her to ask what just happened, I wanted to know what she was talking about, I wanted to know why I was once again feeling apprehension and fear swell at the bottom of my stomach… I needed to know many things…

But…

…I was out of time.

The doors finished opening and I got a full glimpse of the figure sitting on the throne. 'She' walked around my body seemingly not caring that I wasn't following as she made her way deeper inside. Before I knew what was happening my own body was floating behind her.

I couldn't draw my eyes away from him as he sat there getting closer and closer. I only had one thought as I saw her knell before him as if he were a king…no an emperor.

What have I gotten myself into?


(Typhon, Jedi Temple, Council Chambers)

(3Rd Person PoV)

*Click*

The slow clicking of the council doors closing ignited the start of the meeting. Sitting at the end of the room, in the center, and first visible for any that entered, sat Mace Rook. No emotion sat on his face, as he looked at those around him. Sitting in the once Jedi Council chairs were his companions; the companions he had travelled with for a long time, the only ones in this time he truly knew.

To his right and left were Vette and Vaylin respectively, followed by Ashara, Nadia and Xalek rounding to the right and Ayillh, Jaesa and Blizz going to the left, his new dark council. Pushing out in the force gently, Mace set up a small sound barrier, before turning his head towards Jaesa.

"How goes the Twi'lek's relocation." Giving a small nod towards her long time master and lover, Jaesa spoke with zeal as she looked towards him. "They have been integrating nicely with their new surroundings, their more docile attitude cultivated by a millennia of suffering makes them very malleable."

The sadistic grin on her face told everyone in the room what she had done with such information. Her smile only got wider as she continued. "By experimenting with my new pet I have found they take well to positive reinforcement and will break easily if put to the test. Something that will have to be rectified if they are to look after our temple."

Giving a small nod at her words, Mace turned to Blizz and Xalek. "How has the elimination of the Flesh Raiders been going?" Blizz seemed to deflate at the words, his body slumping forwards almost comically in his big seat.

"Flesh raiders worse than Kowakian mokey-lizards! Blizz boom boom, but Fleshies just keep appearing. Blizz running low on ammunition, Blizz not happy." To his side Vette just stifled her laugh, while also thanking her lucky stars that she hadn't been given the near impossible mission.

"My Lord, the Jawa is right. Their population is more numerous than expected, killing them village by village will take a lot of times and they are no warriors, disgraces to my blade." There was a slight pause as Xalek spoke up, his hood down and mask off, his discontent clear to see.

Vette finally spoke up in the short lull gaining Mace's attention. "We could employee the use of the phantom to clear out the villages in a large swathe, but the energy drain to the systems would be high and we haven't found how compatible our ships cells are to modern technology. Blizz and me have been working on it, but it will take some times to find the differences and upgrade the ship."

The news wasn't something Mace wanted to hear, the frown that appeared on his face clear evidence of the fact, but these small annoyances were not why he had called a full meeting. Sorting through the issues in his mind he turned to Ayillh, who was quietly awaiting his orders a sharp look in her eyes.

"The docile personality of the Twi'leks while...disappointing is not unacceptable, their home world of Ryloth is the best example, it is well known their whole species has and is still willingly submitting themselves to slavery. Only a few of their people that hold onto a strong will have truly risen above the rest and broken free of such chains."

Shooting a small look at Vette from the corner of his eye he could just see the disappointment and shame that came over her face at the declaration. His eyes lingered on her for a second before continuing.

"Ayillh, as they have willing submitted themselves to our rule we must strengthen them. Though they will not be the only subordinates that we will have to gather, they are our first, so we must reforge them... make them something truly terrifying…" A smile finally appearing on his rough visage, "This brings me to the main point of me calling all of you here."

Everyone in the room grew attentive at his words, a slight pressure in the room suddenly appearing demanding all of them pay attention to his next words. "Me and Alira have been talking." He paused for a second to let the weight of his words settle in; all of them knew how much importance Mace put on the words of his wife. Even Vaylin who had been traveling with the outlander for a short time had recognized the trust of her council.

"To build our budding empire we both agree that we must start with 3 integral objectives, Resources, Connections and Knowledge." Mace swept his gaze around the room for any objections, but no sound was uttered.

"Let's start with knowledge. Since we arrived here, we know that it has been around 4 thousand years since the time we knew. The Empire is long gone, the Republic stagnant and weak, but the prevailing force in the galaxy. What else?"

Ayillh was the first to speak up. "From what I saw on Tatooine the Hutt cartels are still a major player in the outer rim, the republic though considered a major force in the galaxy has not dealt with them…"

Before she could even finish Vette spoke up with disdain and a simmering anger behind her eyes. "Of course they haven't been wiped out, the republic may preach peace, no slavery and all that jazz, but it's just not profitable for them to take out those Hutt slime!"

Though she was interrupted Ayillh didn't say anything, she knew Vette's past. Though blinded by anger for the moment, Vette had enough clarity to realize quickly her blunder after speaking up. Looking down in embarrassment, her eyes shifted to the side to look at Mace.

A few words were passed between their eyes before Mace nodded towards Ayillh. "Continue." Giving a nod back she continued. "What this shows is that the outer rim and possibly other swaths of the galaxy may be outside the republics reach, or in their reach but not monitored closely, best example being the recent happenings with Naboo. Something we can take advantage of."

A few smiles appeared in the room at the words and Mace also nodded his head in acknowledgment at her assessment. As the only one among them to have taken a trip into the new galaxy so far, Ayillh was best suited to provide and speculate about the new galaxy.

Though Vette had been tapping into the galactic holo-net for information, it would still be a while before they would have a proper outlook on the universe. "As for what I've seen on Courscant, the Jedi seemed to have centralized their order there. Anyone I asked about the matter didn't know if they had an enclave or temple on a different planet. Whether this is from ignorance or not I couldn't find out."

She rubbed her chin in thought for a moment before continuing. "Though if this is the case, the Jedi have truly crippled themselves. A strong enough attack on their main temple and their order would crumble, especially if we could take out their council masters and grand master." Her cypher training was on full display as her mind instantly looked for ways to dismantle the Jedi Order.

Before she could get too lost in her thoughts though Mace raised his hand for her to stop. Shaking his head slightly a sigh of disappointment couldn't help but leave his lips. The Jedi were seemingly weaker than his expectations the more he learned of them and his expectation were already low to begin with after Naboo.

"The Jedi aren't our concern right now. We can deal with them later. Was there anything else you noticed on your trip?" Conceding the point and retreating to her thoughts for another few seconds she spoke up once more.

"The last point of interest I noticed during the trip was the technology of the era. Most interesting was the surprise at my personal equipment, specifically my vibro-knifes, full body armor and cloaking technology. From their reactions it seems such technology isn't heavily used…in the republic anyway. Once I said I was a bounty hunter they seemed to not question it anymore."

Her mind working every angle once more she continued. "It is possible that protective armor is only used by mercenaries right now. Other than that, the hyper drive on the Naboo ship we used had advanced technology I haven't seen before. Though some of it was familiar, the size of the parts I recognized were tiny in comparison to the Phantom and we all know it was made by the top engineers in the Empire. That officially ends my findings."

Mace slowly sat back in his chair as he absorbed the information. The idea that heavy or full body armor wasn't in prevalent use was a small surprise to be sure. With a galaxy at war for so many years it was an accepted fact that nearly all Republic and Imperial forces used some type of armor in fights.

First had been the Sith to adopt such practices of course. Why go into battle in only a robe, when you could better protect yourself, better kill your enemies. This had bled into Jedi attire years before the war when it was only the sith and Jedi fighting each other, if they hadn't adapted they wouldn't have stood a chance. This had branched out to smugglers and operatives as time went on until it was just an everyday part of life.

'Perhaps the Jedi in their lulled sense of security had deemed armor to aggressive at some point, a threat hadn't come up that had forced them to fight back, to evolve.' Mace shook his head after a minute to move on from that thought, though he filed it away for later, he could use this little fact to his advantage when he started to build his forces.

Focusing back on the points raised, his mind turned to the technology of the future. If what Ayillh said was right and he did trust her judgment, mind and intuition. Though personal, 'barbaric', fighting technology wasn't in regular use and had stagnated, galactic ship building must have flourished.

Bigger ships, more powerful shields, stable and fast hyper-drives and though the republic preached peace, there would of course be planetary systems that had advanced weapons technologies that could be used. 'Finding and making connections with them must be a priority and developed fast; not to mention acquirement of star charts and maps.'

Back in his time such data was the most prized and sort after by both the republic and Empire. Faster routes, trading routes, smuggling lanes, changes in the galaxy that their own couldn't possible account for. It would be a high priority in the future to update them as soon as possible. They couldn't rely on the generally available maps on the galactic holo-net.

No one interrupted Mace as he sat quietly going over the small information he had, taking into account the current Twi'lek population that they had gained as well as the temple and surrounding forest, ideas were shifting through his mind at light speed.

Finally he spoke up as new plans formed in his mind. "Now to Connections…" Trailing off as his eyes once again locked onto to Ayillh, the glint in his eye instantly made the former cypher agent straighten her back in attention.

"Ayillh though you are the head of Imperial intelligence, to reform the organization will take a while and I'm in need of your services elsewhere. Because of the actions of the trade federation and your involvement though it can't be certain your code name should have reached a few ears by now." Ayillh nodded her head as she anticipated her new orders.

"Right now you're our best bet at making multiple connections in the underworld of the outer rim. Your cover as a bounty hunter can be used to our advantage. Not to mention your close connection to the Queen of Naboo." Ayillh nodded in ascent. It was the next logical step in creating a persona, something Ayillh had done multiple times. Building a name for herself; a reputation that would follow her around and create 'favors' and debts' in its wake, all which she would exploit in the future.

It wouldn't be the quickest, but they did have time to spare. The influx of credits and connection to possible weapons dealers in the underworld would be a welcome addition to their resources. That understanding was not lost on both of them as they looked into each other's eyes.

Looking around the room again Mace's eyes landed on both Xalek and then Nadia, thoughts of other connections that could be established resting on his mind. Though he would have to check the galactic climate and their interests, both their home worlds could possible be swayed. The same thought came to mind as his eyes shifted to Vaylin, but after having the empire wiped from history, the likely hood of Zakul, an antagonist of both galactic super powers, still being the same were minimal at the best.

Finally his mind drifted to the old allies of the empire, from his vision in the force he knew they were still around, though he couldn't tell if they were still as strong. 'If I promised to help them in the future, which I have to do anyway, I could gain quite the boon from their technological advances not to mention other areas.'

A smile finally appeared on his lips at the thought as he leaned back. "Finally resources. Though most will have to be acquired after making a few connections and earning a few favors, such as technology, equipment, ships, etc. We must work with what we have now."

He turned his head towards Xalek. "First thing we have to improve are the Twi'leks. Xalek as commander of my forces, I need you to rotate through the Twi'lek population and begin to train them. Start with their warriors and break them in, they can help you instruct the others. I'll have Ashara and Jaesa help you when they can, but they will also be busy."

"My lord." Xalek's deep baritone voice sounded out as he moved on, while Jaesa and Ashara looked to Mace for direction. "Ashara last meeting you mentioned the Twi'lek force sensitives, how many have you found so far?" She nodded in confirmation.

"I've discovered 50 in total already, only 5 too old to be trained in the Sith arts…" A frown of concentration appeared as she continued. "From what I can tell, the high rates of force sensitives has been caused by generations of the Twi'leks living on the planet, not to mention the inbreeding that must have occurred over the years."

Mace nodded in understanding, a few of the old sith practices researched into inbreeding of stronger sith to produce more powerful force sensitives, especially in the Sith race, ones purity of blood was a major focus. The findings differed per research paper, but it seemed to have borne fruit on this world…possibly because of it's a nexus of the force?

It was something to consider and Ashara wasn't done yet. "The Jedi haven't come from what I can tell because their force signatures have been hidden by the nexus in the force. Usually they could divine where they are given enough time, but because of the nexus they have become blind."

A small smile appeared on her lips at the findings. "This will also help hide our presence in the force should they come looking. Not that we wouldn't be able to avoid them if we wanted." The same smile appeared on Mace's lips. This would be a great helps to their plans in the future, especially when training their new order. Nodding to himself as another few plans formed in his mind he looked back to Ashara.

"Gather all of them and start training them in the ways of the force. I don't particularly care which methods you use and I'm talking to you Jaesa when I say this, don't break them." Mace's eyes turned to Jaesa in a second, a small pout already tugging at her lips. Their eyes locked as he continued. "They are now a part of 'our' empire and 'our' first batch of Sith. I don't want attack dogs I want proper sith. I don't want them coddled but I know how you can get some times."

Jaesa's tongue slowly licked the top of her lip as their eyes stayed locked and her mind turned to the new lambs she would be teaching. Ashara could only roll her eyes as she caught her antics in the corner of her eye. Both stood from their council chairs and bowed as they responded. ""As you wish Master.""

His finger moved to Ayillh as he moved on . "Though I will have you off world most of the time creating contacts I'll still need you to create a program and select a few of the Twi'leks brightest to start Imperial intelligence."

"Commander!" Ayillh stood a gave a small salute already running a few Twi'leks through her mind, she had catalogued all the Twi'leks in the small village already, she just hadn't personally tested them yet.

"Those will be your main duties while everyone remains here on Typhon. Because we only have the Phantom, most of us will be spending our time here while the others complete their missions. That is until we can procure a few more ships for use."

Finally Mace's head moved towards the ones that hadn't been given a task. First he looked at Blizz. "Blizz, I know you have that pile of technology you took from Tatooine to look over so I won't bother you too much. Until we get a few more ships I won't be able to provide you much to tinker with until then."

Blizz didn't raise any complaints as he nodded back. "Big Sith good, Blizz interested in new technology found!" The excitement was clear in his voice as Mace moved onto Vaylin. A small smile that hadn't been seen before by the others was resting on her lips as she awaited his words.

Mace noticed the change but said nothing about it as he spoke up. "Vaylin, there is nothing that particularly requires your attention right now. You can help Jaesa and Ashara train a few of the Twi'lek adepts if you want, or even help Xalek with training the recruits. Do whatever you feel like."

The smile still rested on her face as she nodded back. "As you wish my Emperor." Mace nodded back in kind before looking at Both Vette and Nadia. "Both of you still need to continue your training. Vette more than you Nadia. I will personally start to up your training in the coming days. Though you will have to gain more experience as well."

Motioning towards Jaesa at the same time he spoke to Vette. "Jaesa, Vette as my wraths I have a mission that you will need to accomplish when we have the time…" turning a pointed look at Vette he finished. "…I'm sure you personally will like who I'm sending you after."

Though she was confused at who he meant Vette didn't ask outright and gave a small bow towards him. "As you wish, Wrath." A small chuckle left his lips at her words but he said nothing else to her. Looking around the room one more time he moved onto the last matter of business.

"Now onto the final matter. Nadia, Ashara and Ayillh it seems we have our first mission." Those called tilted their heads in question but didn't speak up. A wider smile graced Mace's lips as he thought about where he was going. "If we are to have you train new sith, even though we are knowledgeable we will need other material to help teach them and if Ayillh is right, we know exactly where to find them."

A light of understanding passed through Ayillh's eyes before the rest, a smile appearing on her lips as well. A small thought running through her mind that she couldn't stop. 'This will be fun.'


The end of the meeting finally came to a close. Wide smiles were on both Ashara and Jaesa's lips as they left the room, while Nadia looked a little apprehensive. Though Mace couldn't blame her for that, especially with what they were going to do.

She was moving along nicely in her training, but she was sentimental for her old master and what he stood for, funny as it was an emotion that the Jedi would want to suppress. He would talk to her later, the trip could possible help her finally take the last steps she needed to become a Darth. But only time would tell.

Xalek and Ayillh where close behind her as they walked out, followed by Vaylin at a slow pace. As the others left the room though one stayed behind. Mace looked at Blizz as he stood in front of him; head slightly tilted in question waiting for the Jawa to speak.

"Big Sith need knowledge of galaxy, Blizz know importance of hyperspace routes. Blizz remember Bigg boss help good friend. Good friend companion, Big Fur talk to Blizz. Big Fur say he mapping Hyper routes for an archive. Big Fur say best in galaxy."

Mace leaned forward at the broken words, a newly found glint in his eyes.

"Tell me more."


(?, ?, ?)

(? PoV)

The man couldn't understand why they disobeyed.

*Smack* "You useless piece of Bantha schutta, what the hell do I keep you around for?! A droid could do a better job than you, you sack of poodoo. Get out of my sight!" 'His' shout filled the room as he flung away one of his war aids to the ground.

'Useless the lot of them!'

In his anger his fists crashed into the table in front of him, sending splinters of wood flying in all directions, eyes from around the room looked on in silent fear and dread as they watched their commander rage.

'They think I'm too tough, too cynical, toooo logical. Don't they get it! This was war! We needed to win, we needed to start pushing these damned Huks back!'

'So what if we lost a few of our troops as bait, we were fighting for our survival!'

'I'm doing what I must!'

His thoughts raged through multiple complaints as his blood shot eyes darted side to side behind the ever-present mask he always wore, a symbol of his prestige, of the respect they should give him. His eyes roamed from one person to the next challenging any in the room to question his orders, question him.

But even after a few seconds none did.

'They're weak, indecisive, I have to lead them. Schutta, it would be so much easier if they didn't get caught up in their emotions.'

Quiet finally returned to the room as he moved his eyes back to the holo-table in front of him, or in this case, the war table. The real time efforts of his troops played in front of his eyes as the war raged on, one he was determined to win. But it wasn't going good, a troop of ragged soldiers rushed back towards friendly lines as a stronger force pushed them back with bloodlust and violence, men and women dropping every few steps.

His eye twitch and then flickered down to his arms as he felt a new sensation begin to spread through them, blood dripped down from the gashed and bruised forearms that had slammed into the war table.

'Weak.'

The look of disgust was instantly recognizable on his face but hidden as he looked down at his own body.

'Useless flesh…'

'I need more power if I want to turn this around and once I take care of these damn bugs I'll take down their backer, the oh so glorious republic.'

The look of disgust only intensified at the thought of the republic, bile threatening to bubble to the surface as it stuck to the back of his throat. But he didn't have time to be distracted, he forced the feeling of bile down as he refocused on the war table.

'I still have a fight to win.'

"Get your men to blow the thermal charges now. I don't care if our forces are still in the blast radius, do it." His voice was hard as he gave his command, the only trace of emotion, anger that threatened to bubble to the surface should his order be delayed. A hard stare made sure the comms officer quickly relayed the words.

But even with the issuing of the order, no explosion filled the screen, his eyes continued to watch and grow in anger as his forces were slaughtered before his eyes, right over the trap he had laid for the main force that was chasing them!

Finally as the last stragglers started to succumb to the enemy force he couldn't keep his emotions in check and screamed towards someone, anyone in the room that would let his plan not go to waste. In his eyes he could almost see the enemy forces laughing in his face at their pitiful display.

'They are right there, just as planned, blow it now.'

'BLOW THE CHARGES!'

"EXECUTE THE PLAN!"

His deep and menacing voice was deafening as it exploded around the room, causing more to look his way in worry and fear. But even with the outburst nothing changed in front of him, no explosion went off, quiet returned to the room.

The figure might have cared about the looks pointed his way at the outburst but none of that mattered all that matter was…

'…the execution of the plan!'

…..

….

..

As the last of the forces were routed and the enemy started to charge their other defences, quickly moving clear of the trap set below them, 'his' eyes turned cold. Once again a plan on his had been foiled…wasted.

'The emotional factor the downfall of another decisive victory.'

Finally his emotionless voice spoke into the cold of the room, his eyes not for one second leaving the advancing sight of his enemies. "Fall back." Even more of 'his' forces dying as the order to retreat was followed.

The figure stood there, not a sound leaving them as if a statue to those around. He stayed like that for a few minutes before finally moving, twisting away from the table, looking at those in the room.

His eyes in short order quickly locked onto his 'partner', concern flowing in her eyes as she looked at him. When was the last time he had seen that look? If he was questioned he honestly couldn't answer, his best guess would be before the war.

It had been a long time since someone had not looked at him in fear or something else similar, he could easily remember those looks. 'Ignorant schutta can't see how much I help them…guide them, only thinking of those lost in battle.'

His thoughts darkened further as he continued to look into the eyes of his partner. 'This is a war of annihilation and no one is going to come help us. We have to survive on our own!' It was this thought that turned his eyes cold.

As his partner continued to search his eyes, looking…searching for the man she once knew, her 'Jai', it was that look that started to crush her hopes into nothing. The coldness only increased as he mentally started to 'break/improve'.

'I have no time for her sentimentality, it is a weak emotion, like many others that weren't needed.'

'I don't have time to pander to her wants or needs.'

'I 'need' to be better, to become powerful.'

'To show these invaders what happens when they dare attack me!'

Our of pure instinct he grabbed his blade resting next to the war table, still locking eyes with his lover. He knew what had to be done.

'I must gain their obedience through fear, show them that if they will not follow me, then they will die.'

His first victim was already decided as he broke eye contact, eyes as cold and frozen as ice. The Commander of his recently failed plan. 'Directly disobeying orders.' A reason already fit for the public executions in mind, his boots made measured steps as he left the room only one thought as he moved onto his path of domination.

'I will win, no matter what.

A pair of eyes following his every move, and as he left the room a heart began to shatter.


(Coruscant, Jedi Temple)

(3Rd Person PoV)

Master Cin Dralig gave a warm smile as he watched the younglings slowly file into the main training area, a smile only his best students had ever truly seen. Standing on the mat before him, he had to repress the laugh welling within as he saw their eyes instantly glue to the small item on his hip, his lightsaber.

The wonder in their eyes was so innocent he couldn't help but feel sad that their innocence would in the future diminish. But hope welled in his chest when he thought of the duty that they would perform, the sacred duty they all carried to keep peace in the galaxy.

Though the innocence would fade, their serenity, wisdom, compassion; all would grow as they progressed forwards. As the Battle Master of the temple it was his duty to make sure that they all could protect that which was precious to the whole galaxy, life.

Though some Jedi may find other ways to accomplish their goals, it was inevitable that they would have to draw their lightsabers at some point throughout their journeys.

The group before him was younger than he was used to, but that was the whole point of why they had come here today. He kept the warm smile on his face as the last girl sat on the floor behind him. Looking to the Master who led them in, he gave them a small bow before exiting from the room.

Dralig gave a small bow in response to the retreating back before turning back to the younglings. Though they had only started recently on their path in the order, they were rather well behaved, even if they were balls of energy. He could tell some of them wanted to jump up and use a few of the practice sabers that littered the walls.

*Cough* Gaining the attention of the kids before him, he paced slightly as he walked over the practice mat. "Hello young ones, my name is Master Dralig and I am the Battle Master of the Order." He flashed another smile as he saw the rapt attention he was getting from the young ones.

"Normally it would be in a few years when you would first be introduced to the arts of lightsaber combat..." He could see a few of their eye instantly drop to sadness and could feel one or two of them about to burst into protest at such a long wait.

It was almost novel to Dralig to see such emotion from the younglings, almost refreshing as in a few years they would have better control over themselves. "But..." The hope reignited once more. "Master Jinn thinks, it would be beneficial if we changed some of our practices and the council agreed." Their eyes opened wide in surprise and awe, it was no surprise.

They may have been younglings, but by now everyone in the temple had heard of the four Jedi that faced down and defeated the Sith that threatened Naboo. Though the general Public were more ignorant on the details, all the Jedi, even those out on missions had heard the news.

The sith, monsters that truly could put the Jedi on edge, all thought to be extinct, had come back, and four brave Jedi had faced the threat and defeated it. Of course Dralig was the Battle Master of the order, he knew things that others didn't, knew that it was not them that had truly done the deed but another of those accursed sith.

Though he hadn't seen how it had affected Jinn or Voss, he easily saw how it affected Secura and Kenobi. Both could be found more and more in the training hall, practicing and perfecting techniques and form sets, though because Kenobi had a new Padawan to train, he wasn't in nearly as much as Secura.

The threat of the sith had been an ever present teaching material and fairy tale that has and continues to be drilled into every Jedi that trained in the halls of the Jedi temple for the past millennia, it was no wonder that the four had become somewhat considered celebrities in the temple; especially for younglings and padawans, all looking up to them now more than ever.

"From now on you all will be coming here every few weeks to observe different lightsaber forms and fighting styles to help you choose one for yourself in the future. Sadly you will still have to wait till the proper age before you yourself can practice and you must all practices the first form of Shi-Cho.

There was a small smirk on his face as he watched their faces drop once more. "Now for the first Jedi that will be helping me today..." He paused as the kids held their breath, eyes searching the room for who they would first get to watch.

"The newly promoted knight, Aayla Secura." Once more the younglings' eyes sparked in wonder and mouths gaped in disbelief. Having waited for this moment, the blue twi'lek slowly entered the room and smiled at the children watching on.


(Aayla PoV)

I smiled brightly as I caught sight of the younglings all looking up at me with wonder in their eyes as I walked into the room. Sure it had been getting a little tiring seeing all those looks over the last few weeks, but It was nice when I saw the young ones.

It was a nice feeling to know that I brought them comfort and that I was keeping them safe. Though it did add another pressure to what I would have to deal with in the future. Though many didn't know, the sith would be back and I had a long way to go if I wanted to protect the Jedi order.

I had jumped at the chance to showcase and help guide the younglings when I was asked by Master Jinn, over the last few days my dreams had been plagued with nightmares of that fateful day. They came and went, but had steadily developed into a recurring pattern.

Standing on the pylons, fighting for me and my masters life as my opponent switched from one lightsaber form to the next blocking all my attacks, no matter what I did. It had begun to affect my meditation and my training had also started to take a strain on me when I went.

I didn't want to concern Quinlan, but I knew he sensed something was wrong. Maybe I should ask for an audience with master Yoda, he might know how I could calm my mind…

I shook my head for a second to center myself, my mind had been wandering more and more, something I thought I had learned to control ages ago…some knight I was. I focused back on Master Dralig as he sent me a look.

He had been talking to the younglings as I regained my mind and I knew he had sensed my sudden shift in emotions. Giving a deep bow to cover for my small mental blunder I playfully gave a wink towards the younglins as I went down.

"Master Dralig." He quickly gave a bow back, no doubt to keep with the ingrained etiquette that was taught at the temple towards other Jedi. We didn't always have to stick to it, especially with people we knew quite well, but it was a learning experience for the younglings.

"Knight Secura, I'm glad you have enough time to give a demonstration today. Your help is most appreciated." Straightening myself from the bowing position, this time I only gave a nod as I replied in kind. "No thanks are necessary, the younglings are our future and I'm glad to help guide them."

He gave a small smile in response as he turned back to the younglings to give them another small lecture. It mainly concerned the different types of lightsaber forms, and what they would have to learn in the future. He kept it simply because they were young from what I could hear and the kids were wrapped around his finger from the get go.

They hung on his every word, their excitement about wielding a lightsaber clear to see. Some threw a few looks my way and I tried to nod back towards them each time. A few minutes past like this before Master Dralig finally turned back to me.

I hadn't been told much about what I would have to show the younglings, but I did hope it was one of the forms I was good at. I hadn't trained in everything, something that I was thinking to change in the future, especially after 'that' fight, but for now I was only proficient in forms 4 and 5 respectively.

I had known Dralig for a long time and we were both relatively close, him having trained me quite extensively in my younger years as I had shown promise in lightsaber combat, before I finally became a Padawan of Voss.

So it was with this intimate knowledge that when he threw a smile my way I could see the small teasing light behind it. For a small moment I thought he meant for me to face him in a mock spare, something that filled me with no little amount of dread.

"Knight Secura, as the Younglings are still inexperienced with lightsaber combat I wouldn't want to overwhelm them with an actual spar for your demonstration today…" I could hear the small groans of disappointment that came from my side, while just keeping the sigh of relief that was threatening to leave my lips at the words.

The amused glint in his eyes showed he knew exactly what I was thinking as her continued. "…So I think it would be prudent if you were to go through a set of lightsaber motions or something similar. I don't mind what form you go through, just showing them the grace and strength required to move their bodies would be good, maybe some realistic kicks and rolls."

I thought about his words for a few seconds as he moved closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "If you want to, you can fight an imaginary opponent and compare your blade against theirs. It's a good mental trick to sharpen your mind and body, something I'm sure you've done many a time in the practice halls."

He said the last part out loud no doubt meant to inform the younglings that were keenly listening in. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the raise of his voice before nodding my head. No more words needed to be said as he moved off to the side to stand next to the younglings.

I watched him walk back to them and gave a small bow for curtesy sake before moving to the other side of the room. A mat was already placed down and would usually be used by two Jedi wanting to spare. I set that as my area to work within as I calmed myself.

I found I fought better when I calmed my mind. My eyes closed out of reflex as my hands brushed against the handles of the two lightsabers handing on my waist, I was still getting used to the feeling of both of them, but it was becoming a part of who I was…I could feel it.

The room faded away into nothing, no sound getting to me as I entered my own little world thinking of the opponent I was about to face. Having upped my training over the last few weeks, I had done this many times already and no matter what I did or tried, I would always face the same opponent.

My eyes fluttered open and turned into slits right away as my mind focused, before me stood my greatest obstacle, my greatest opponent… my greatest fear. Wearing the same armour he donned on Naboo, the expressionless mask staring right back at me was the 'sith'.

He was already in his fighting stance, but his silver blade was held to his side in a loose manner, as if taunting me to attack him while his guard was down, I knew that wouldn't work. I couldn't let him goad me.

I took a shuddering breath as I looked at the menacing figure before me, hands swiping down past my belt, clasping my two hilts in a practiced motion before igniting them, "Snap Hiss", signalling the start of my battle.

He was on me in a second before I could respond, his lightsaber already pushing my right back, throwing me off balance. I quickly tried to recover as I shifted my feet for purchase blocking the next swipe with my left.

Following through with the motion I used my momentum to make some distance before moving forward to attack. But 'he' was waiting for that. He hadn't pursued me after throwing me off balance he had waited. He intercepted my first overhead strike and used the force of it to dodge my left handed slash.

Feeling no hindrance in my slash I turned my body lashing out with my leg hoping to trip him up, but he just did a small jump over it, already slashing down to meet my two upward cuts. I gritted my teeth slightly as I felt the phantom pain of the weight behind his blow.

I knew he wasn't there, but at the same time he was, in my own world, when I was training like this, there was no difference. Still gritting my teeth I pushed his blow away before a swing came for my face.

My eyes flickered fast at the attack and I just moved my head before the blow struck. Augmenting my body with the force I sped up my reaction so I could get another two swipes as he retracted his arm, but as I came up he had already backed off.

I frowned and felt my grip tighten on the blade once more, his blade had moved back to lazily swinging at his side, he was taunting me…playing with me!... I was nothing before him!... No!... I had to defeat him!

I grit my teeth as memories of that day came rushing back, the humiliation, the casual disregard, it was happening again! I wouldn't allow it. I redoubled my effort lunging forwards for my next attack, moving faster and bolder than before, overhead chops, sweeps, left and right slashes, all moves easily blocked.

I would win!

I must win!


(3rd Person PoV)

All the younglings starred unblinkingly at the spectacle before them as they watched Knight Secura move and fight down the training mat. One little Togruta looked on with stars in her eyes, as she continue to watch the lightsabers flow freely before her. Her eye couldn't escape the grace which unfolded before her as they flowed like a river, seamlessly connecting each blow to the other.

She wasn't the only one, the other younglings knew what they were looking at now was something they would remember into the future. As the fight went on the figure before them only seemed to move faster and faster, using more of their body as they went. Legs jutted out in kicks, leg sweeps she even used the force to jump back away from some unseen blow.

To the younglings this was the highest level of lightsaber skill a person could reach, but to Cin Dralig he could see what was really happening before him. A small frown appeared on his face as Aayla lost herself in her own mind, her setting completely forgotten.

No longer was the mat in front of her empty, no, he could see her eyes turned into slits as a phantom menace appeared before her, taunting her with its skill. Though he couldn't see what she was facing he had his suspicions.

'Is it the sith?'

He kept the thought to himself but prepared to stop Secura if this continued for much longer. He could feel it, the younglings couldn't yet but he could. There was a small smattering of darkness that was coiling beneath the surface, something not found unless actively watching.

He could tell it was fueled by anger, as most dark things were, or rather emotions in general. The frown on his lips only got worse as she continued to retreat and trade blows with her opponent. This did not bode well.


(Aayla PoV)

Why!

Won't!

He!

Fall!

I wanted to scream my frustrations to the world as I unloaded every trick in the book I had to defeat him, to then have it all blocked, dodged, parried and then mocked at the same time! My breath came in light ragged gasps as I slowly backed away from my opponent trying to figure out how to defeat him.

I had been pushing myself, not even caring if I tapped into the anger that welled up inside so I could move faster, hit harder, be stronger. I didn't care all I wanted to do was beat him!

"She was right, you are weak."

Again his voice came to mock me as he waited for me to attack. He had stopped attacking half way through my assault, mocking me even more by not fighting back and only blocking. What the hell do I do?! I had tried to incorporate form 7 to enhance my movements even more while keeping a strong offensive but it wasn't working.

"What a waste of a Jedi."

"Why would I take you serious if this is the best you've got."

"After I kill you, I'll kill your master."

I shut me as his words continued to ring in my ear, my head dropped in despair as I felt helpless. My grip tightened even harder on my hilts as my mind cut everything out, trying to rack my brain for an answer, any answer I could use, even his taunts slowly disappearing in my single minded determination.

Finally I heard it. "You have potential, but you have not practiced Jar kai before. When facing an overwhelming threat. When fighting a life or death battle, always stick to your strongest skills." My body froze at the words…at the voice.

It was like I had an epiphany in that one second, my shocked eyes looking down at the two glowing blades in my hands. It wasn't the voice I was expecting to make sense in that moment, not the voice I was expecting to help….but I got it…what it…he was trying to tell me.

My thought drifted over the battle I had had so far, I had based all his responses, all his battle techniques and taunts off what I had fought before on Naboo, combine that with my worst nightmare and I got what was before me. Sure it wasn't completely accurate to his true strength but it was close enough. I played the fight in my head, I played the fight I had on Naboo…

I finally understood.

I understood why he only used one lightsaber, it finally made sense!

Determination welled up inside me as I slowly turned off one of my lightsabers and clipped it back onto my belt. It was almost like slipping back into a shoe, gripping one lightsaber with both hands. The slight unbalance in my form that had been caused by wielding two lightsabers was fixed right away.

The figure ahead tilted his head for a second at the sudden change, his lightsaber finally entering a proper form as he stepped forwards, finally again bringing the fight to me. A lung was the first attack sent my way which I side stepped.

Raising my own lightsaber for a slash, he flicked to the side to block the blow. We held a lock on each other pushing back and forth before finally disengaging, once again then trading blows. I felt in my element as the blows we traded felt steadier. Without the other lightsaber, I could put more power into my blows and I was steadier, not to mention I wouldn't get in my own way with the other lightsaber.

It was the little things that you had to worry about when using two lightsabers that took a while to get used to. I hadn't thought about it much, already being able to fluidly chain my attacks with them, even after the change, but I could feel the difference now.

When he used a single blade against my two, he positioned himself and parried my blows so it was me myself that was throwing off my rhythm, getting in my own way from continuing a blow. He would deflect my sabers so I was off balance and not prepared to go for another swing.

It was a high level of saber play I had never encountered before, never thought of. To use that type of saber play when facing one blade wouldn't work, I would be able to move my body differently with only one saber, or have more strength to resist a deflect.

I finally understood.

It was with this understanding that after 2 minutes of trading fast blows, only using one blade, that I saw my opening. He used a heavy downwards slash to put me on my back foot. With two blades I wouldn't have been able to keep my blade as steady, but with one…

I pushed back with all my strength giving me enough room to jut my elbow into him, hitting his lower chin, it was all the distraction I needed to throw him off balance. I used my right foot to sweep his leg, which he only just dodged after my concussive hit sending him off balance once again, I used the momentum of my leg swing to pivot my body around a full 360 for another slash.

He saw that coming as well, just getting his lightsaber up in his bad position to block my blow. What he didn't see was my second hand swiping my second blade as I turned and positioning it behind his guard, aimed directly at his body as he stopped me.

I couldn't help but let out a relaxed smile as I pressed the button, "Snapp Hiss", Letting the blade skewer right through his armor and out the back. If I could see the face behind the mask…if this was a real battle I was sure there would be a shocked face behind the mask of the sith.

I turned off the blade and let my other drop to my side as I watched the body slowly drop to the ground.

I had won.

I had won!

It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulder as I finally defeated him…or rather my nightmare of him. The question was though…is he stronger in real life?

I had no doubt that he was.

It was a sobering thought, but I looked to the silver lining. I finally understood the principle, the tactical reason for the 'humiliation' I received. How stupid had I been, he wasn't humiliating me, he was…he was…teaching me?

No that wasn't right…or was it. Why else would he give me advice at the end…why else would he bother?

I felt a shiver run down my spine as my downed opponent appeared in front of me again, but this time I hadn't called him forth. I could feel the smile that hid under the unblinking mask as it slowly started to disappear after standing up, all the while looking directly at me.

"You have promise, don't disappoint me now."

The words from that day played once more in my mind filling me with an unknown dread before a hand clasped my shoulders. I snapped out of my daze and turned to look into the eyes of master Dralig. He gave me a probing look, something in his eyes telling me he was looking for something in particular as he stared at me.

We stayed like that for a short time, before he smiled and turned to the younglings. "What a spectacular showing by knight Secura…" The rest of his words were drowned out as I felt that dread slowly settle inside, my eyes couldn't help but look to the closest window, looking out into the city of Courscant.

I finally refocused when he came to the end of his lecture, turning to me. "Is there any knowledge you would like to pass onto the younglings before we finish for the day." I looked at the master, then looked at the younglings. They all had stars in their eyes as they waited for my finishing words.

I plastered a smile onto my lips; a smile that I was glad was genuine after seeing their hopeful looks. I pushed down on that growing dread inside as I knew what I had to say, what lesson I had learned just now, even if it was from a Sith. It was a lesson for any warrior.

"When facing an overwhelming threat, when fighting a life or death battle, always stick to your strengths and always… always, trust in the force."


(3rd Person PoV)

Hushed whispers of excitement were traded back and forth as the younglings were finally allowed to leave the class room. After the 'awesome' lightsaber display by Knight Secura, the young ones couldn't contain themselves, all wishing they could grow older faster so they could become knights of the republic!

Some fainted swings and jabs as they were corralled out by a new Jedi Master, taking them to their next lesson. Master Dralig gave the new entrant a small smile and they both gave eye rolls as they looked at the excitable kids. They just knew their next teacher would have a lot of trouble calming them down. What they both didn't know was that their next class was meditation practice, complicating the matter tenfold.

As the kids finally left the room and made their way through the temple, a certain Togruta trailed behind her mind completely focused on the words left by the blue Twi'lek, a light shinned from the depth of her eyes as she repeated the words to herself over and over, fantasizing about becoming a Jedi knight.


(Rattatak)

(? PoV)

Blood gushed out from my finale blow, the last of the raiders falling at my feet, rage still plastered to his ugly face. I gasped for breath as the adrenaline of the situation finally left my body. There had been so many this time, more than any other. My sword arm felt weak from swinging the blade for so long, it could only hang limp as I walked away from the pile of dead bodies that surrounded me.

We were lucky to survive this time.

My knees felt weak and my feet were heavy as I made my way over to my master. He was already leaning against a piece of the building we had been in when this all started. First they had tried to take us out with rockets and explosions, luckily Master had been able to feel the attack coming and get us both to cover.

It had been an uphill battle from then on. I hadn't been training with him for too long, but it had been enough for me to finally have an impact on the fight. I had been able to take down 10 of the raiders while the rest were dealt with by Master.

I had almost gotten distracted a few times in my own fight as I watched the power of the weapon he wielded, his lightsaber. The sword could cut through any obstacle, fell any raider that crossed it's path. I couldn't wait to get my own, Master said I would get one someday. I couldn't wait.

Finally making my way closer, I succumbed to my tiredness as I flopped on to the rubble next to him. He sent a small smile my way, a peaceful look in his eyes, but I had been with him long enough now. I could see the sweat that gathered at his brow, the struggle he had at not taking deep breaths of air.

He was just as tired, maybe even more so than me. He had taken more than 50 of them down by himself, moving from target to target using the force, something I still had to master. But I would. I would make him proud.

It was in this state of tiredness that I couldn't help but look at my master once more. It had been so many years since he had picked me up, but at the same time not long at all. His haggard face didn't always looks so old, I wonder when it started to get all the wrinkles.

Even his brown hair and goatee were starting to get a little grey tinge to them. I had asked his age before but he had never given me a proper answer. Though I didn't mind, the only thing I did mind was his pony tail, he could do so much better.

That small thought brought a smile to my face, something that didn't go unnoticed by him. The smile on his face turned a little brighter, but he said no words. We stayed like that for another few minutes.

I knew we would have to get moving soon, keep ahead of the warlords and all, but right now I just wanted…needed to rest. I knew he could see this in my eyes, but he still got up in the end. "It's time to go young Padawan."

I wanted to roll my eyes at the word, I did have a name you know. Though I had learned after the first few years it was 'tradition' for the Jedi to use such words, and to not form attachments, I couldn't help forming one with him.

He had been my carer for half my life now, I may have started to call him Master to please him, but he would always be Ky to me, sometimes I got away with 'Master Narec' when he was in a good mood. I knew he secretly liked that one, he always brightened up when I said that.

Forcing my body to once again righten itself, we quickly made out way out into the jungle that surrounded us. It wasn't long before I heard the tell-tale sound of air transports moving in on where the battle occurred.

The warlords had been getting more organized recently, maybe we had been doing such a good job they were working with each other? I hope not….no I mustn't think like that. Ky said a Jedi doesn't back down from any odds, the two of us should be enough to take them down, to finally rid them from the galaxy.

But I couldn't help but think at the same time as I followed him through the jungle. 'Why didn't the Jedi just send more to help.' If not to help the people as they said, at least to help one of their own order. A little spike of anger wormed its way through my heart, but I forced it back. A Jedi shouldn't give in to anger. I had been told multiple times.

It was when I bumped into the person my thoughts centered around that I realized he was looking at me, and if his expression was anything to go by, he was doing that Jedi thing again, the one where he knew what I was thinking.

I hated that one.

A small frown was on his lips but I played it off, trying to move past him, get back on track, get back to the mission, our self-imposed one…

His hand gripped my shoulder, a little pressure to tell me to stay in place. I didn't say a word as my head dropped, a little in shame… a little to hide the anger still on my face. "What's wrong Padawan." My hands balled into fists, once more with the name.

Why did he want to make this impersonal! To distance himself?!

I couldn't help my burst of emotions as I finally turned to him, the adrenaline leaving my system completely, my emotions running high from the previous battle, and brain strung out from the consecutive battles we had over the last few days, more than what we usually get in a month.

"Why haven't the Jedi sent help!"

The damn had burst, once the words came out I couldn't stop them.

"Why did they leave you stranded on this planet!"

"Why won't they help a planet so clearly in need when they 'guard the peace' of the entire damn galaxy!"

"Surely they know about our mission through the 'all connecting' force."

"They have to get off their asses to help! It's what they're trained for!"

"It's…it's…..it's not fair that we have to do this all by ourselves, while they…*Hic*…while they get to sit back and relax in their comfy temple…."

*Hic* "Why do they have it so easy." *Hic*

His strong arms wrapped around my shoulders, as the rest of my body failed me. It was almost an out of body experience as I sat there on my knees, him gently running his fingers through my hair, I could feel his presence start to calm me through the force, wrapping me in a warmth I so desperately needed in that second.

The anger… the desperation…the fear.

It was too much in that moment.

I couldn't tell how much time passed before his words finally reached me, him pulling back just a little to give me his trademark smile and calming eyes. "Don't worry Asajj; Everything's going to be alright."

He'd finally said my name, acknowledge me as a person he cared for….

For a moment I wanted to believe him… I did believe him. It was the only thing that could get me to move back onto my feet and follow him into the winding jungle, to continue our mission. To wipe this planet of the oppressive warlords that ruled it.

But at the same time, using what he taught me…feeling in the force….I could feel….no I felt, a bad premonition, a pit in my stomach growing with every second that we stayed on the planet, every second that we continued forward.

I tried to push it away, but in the end it stayed ever-present. I could only hope that my fears weren't warranted, that the Jedi would come to help their brethren in need…come to help us. Cause I knew one thing for certain as I continued to trek forwards.

If my premonition was to pass….if anything was to happen to my Master… I would…

Actually I didn't know what I would do.


(?, ?, ?)

(3rd Person PoV)

A gentle breeze made its way through a balcony as soft sunlight shimmered through an open door providing minimal illumination into the room inside. The source of light stuck the ground inside and provided just enough light to show the inner throne room in all its splendor. Six pillars dotted the room, standing high and mighty, holding the roof from collapsing.

A small stream wormed its way through the left side of the room, ultimately ending in a pond hidden to the side, resting behind two pairs of see through curtains hung up on their own. Small patches of greener could be seen following the stream as it snakes its way through the ground, while in the middle of the room a large throne sat quietly, waiting for its intended purpose.

Sat at the top of a small set of stairs, the oak throne had gold and another material woven throughout as intricate details littered the chairs body. A large rug ran from the top of the steps all the way to the large doors that stood as the entrance to the room. Made of the finest material on the planet, the rug was a deep purple, with a dark orange trim weaving it's way on both sides of the predominate color.

Next to the throne sat 2 smaller chairs that while magnificent in their own ways, paled in comparison to their main contemporary. Though both areas were Spartan in nature, it was the other side of the throne room that held the most color.

Flashes of purple, blue and orange made up the small alcove of cushions and lounges that sat in front of another window into the room. A lone figure floated quietly in place, pieces of cloth and other items floated around them as they kept their eyes closed.

No sound entered the room, no noise made by the small spectacle that was happening, the area was enveloped in an almost sacred feeling as the sun continued its journey around the planet, but all things had to come to an end. *Tap* The small noise was the only indication of the persons arrival before the floating figure.

With their head down, the figure was draped in battle full battle armor. Wearing a skin tight dark material that covered them from their soles to their neck, it was easy to tell the new entrant was female by the contours of her body.

Over the protective material the secondary and main pieces of armor clasped to her body, all made from the same type of light but dense wood their ancestors had been using for generations, interwoven with other materials to strength it, dense enough to stop a lightsaber if only temporary.

Ancestral patterns littered the woven armor, which started at her feet in booted greaves, ones that reached up to her kneecap, another two pieces of armor crafted specifically to protect over the knee cap and lower thigh. Her upper thigh armor was non-existent as to provided better mobility, instead a belt rounded her waist and dropped 4 armored pieces to cover her lower body, a replacement for an armored skirt.

Over her chest a form fitting 4 piece armor set covered her upper body, one piece to wrap over the shoulders, behind her back and around her body specifically made to order for each wearer. Another piece creating a short collar around the neck for any high blows that might come.

Finally the last two pieces sat over the top of the first, one placed over the abdominal region to block body blows and the other on top of that to provide protection to the sternum and upper body. All pieces coming together to provide and sturdy defense against body blows. The lower waist just below the abdominals was left bare once again to provide mobility in a fight.

On both shoulders rested thin protective pauldrons leaving a small gap at the elbow before reaching the vambraces on her forearms. She wore no gauntlets to keep dexterity in her fingers even though gauntlets were provided if asked.

Finally to finish off the armor a connecting hood made from a yellow cloth material rested over her head, hiding her hair and neck, an expressionless detailed mask resting on her face. Made from the same material as her armor, if one were to look at her they would only see bright green eyes looking back.

"My Queen." The voice was soft, but held a hard tone to it as the person floating, the Queen, finally woke up. Slowly the objects floating around her started to descend towards the ground as her body shortly followed suit.

The armored figure didn't say a word and waited quietly as trained in the royal guards. It wasn't long before the Queen finally reached one of the soft cushions positioned beneath her. A long flowing robe adorned her body.

Consisting of the prominent colors in the room, purple and orange, it wrapped her body loosely. The hood was down showing off her silver white hair and flawless face as she finally turned to the new entrant. A small smile on her lips as she recognized the guard before her.

"Have they made a decision?" The royal guard finally lifted their head at being addressed, confirming the reason she had entered the throne room. "Yes, they think your proposal to branch out is too aggressive and advise against such action."

The small twitch of her eye was the only indication that said Queen was annoyed with the verdict. She had enough self-control not to let herself slip, 'though', she thought to herself, 'it is only me and her in the room'.

Thinking it over for less than a second, the Queen finally relaxed. The tension in her body loosened as her back slumped a little, the frown on her face clear to see. "Well 'thankfully' I'm the Queen and what I say goes. I'll push through the changes if I have to!" The sarcasm, annoyance and slight petulance was clear in her voice as she reached for the bowl of fruit next to her. Her own armor and mask sitting next to the bowl.

Her eyes lingered on the armor, the one custom made when she had become queen. 'I'll have to get some practice in soon, I can't let my blade dull.' Her eyes flickered to her new weapon as it sat quietly next to the armor set, waiting to be used.

Lost in thought for just a few seconds, it was the slight roll of the eye from the royal guard that finally got her attention back. "Don't think I didn't just see that!" Her pointing finger and expression would have made anyone laugh had they seen it, but it was only the two in the room.

The Royal Guard tilted their head at the accusation, an unreadable expression in their eyes. It was the Queens turn to roll her eyes at the innocent look. "Don't you try that with me, I've know you for too long sister."

A little mirth finally entered the Royal guard's eyes as she looked at the Queen… at her sister. An unreadable message was passed between the two as they looked at each other, the smile on the Queens lips just a tad bigger after the previous news from the council.

Sure she had the overall say in what happened, she was Queen, she had the right, she had earned it, but the acceptance of the council at the same time would have been nice in her opinion. The Queen couldn't understand why those on the council wouldn't want to expand their territory.

They had stuck to an isolationist policy for so long, she thought it was about time they finally reintroduced themselves to the galaxy. They were strong enough to carve a place in the galaxy for themselves.

If they could get some revenge on those traitors at the same time she was all for it, or rather that was her plan all along. The Queen had heard the stories of the past, of the betrayal. It stung… and now in a position of power, she wanted to prove a point.

Once again her sister didn't interrupt her as she retreated to her thoughts. It was something she used to do all the time and still did to this day. Quickly rearranging her thoughts she once more looked to her rigid sister, still kneeling before her.

If she were being honest the thought of her sister being so subservient was a little off putting, she had heard the whispers around the palace after she had become Queen, the 'Golden Twins' they had been called.

A no-named outsider beating all the clan heirs to become Queen and her non-gifted sister making it into the royal guards, both situations that happened rarely… if ever, the pressure was immense, and the tutelage she had received after finally becoming Queen had been extensive.

When she had heard her sister had actually managed to make it into the Royal Guards, a unit that almost never accepted the non-gifted she was over the moon. The strict professional relationship that followed not so much, she couldn't help but want to connect more with her sister, like they had been in their younger years.

"Soooo, how's the Royal Guards?" The words came out as awkward as she thought they would, but this would be the first time in a while since they could talk without another in ear shot. Her sister didn't reply after the question though, she too was in her own mind, it racing between what she should do in the situation.

She knew what her sister was trying to do, frankly she also wanted to catch up with her. But the training in the Royal guards had been intense, more so for her, it at sometimes made her wish she was gifted like her sister.

Though she knew none were around, she was the only one assigned to the Queen at that moment, a trained part of her still fought back against talking to her so casually. The tension slowly filled the room as seconds almost turned to minutes as the Queen waited for her reply.

Just as a sigh was about to leave the Queens lips the royal guard replied. "It has been tough…but fulfilling…" A smile once more came to the Queens lips, happy for her sister. "…I'll tell you more after my shift ends, maybe during dinner. Of course if you'll allow that my liege"

The smile on the Queens face only got bigger with each word; she rolled her eyes at the seriousness that she delivered the last line and in a mock serious voice she answered. "I shall allow it." Though she couldn't see her sisters face under the mask, she knew she was smiling as she finished her words.

With the small bonding out of the way, a short quiet settled over the room as the Queen gathered her thoughts. A sharp look finally entered her eyes as she addressed her Royal Guard proper. "Have any major complaints from the clans been risen from my expansion proposal?"

Her Sister didn't even have to think before she replied in a business-like manner. "Clans Reltor, Yarn and Wenx have spoken up to reject the proposal, but they will follow any orders you set. They are more worried about the ramifications of possibly re-joining the galactic community."

The Queens eyes narrowed once more as she filtered those names away and prepared herself to talk to them later, not to mention all the other clan heads that might want to object to her decision. They might not like it, but they would follow her lead. Either way it was still expected of her to come up with the proper arguments and incentives to tide them over or show them the benefits such an action would bring.

Giving a small nod to acknowledge the news she moved onto the next point a more inquisitive tone in her voice. "Has there been any progress from the Seer's in regards to the disturbance." The disturbance she was talking about had sent a ripple throughout their world.

No one knew the location of the disturbance specifically, but all had seen the results. All the gifted littered over the planet, those in the royal guard, the military, in all the clans, the Queen herself. Even a few that weren't known to be gifted until the event, had blacked out for a few seconds, some longer than others.

It was as if a physical blow had knocked them all down at the same time. Some that were unlucky had been preforming dangerous tasks, such as flying at the time, or handling dangerous equipment. They hadn't been lucky; many injured, some dying from the happenings.

The reason it had affected their world so much was the fact that it had affected so many in major positions of power. If it had been permanent or possibly killed all of them at the same time, the planet might not have recovered.

Even now there were talks about changing some of the governmental and political structures that had lasted them millennia in the wake of the disturbance. The Seers were the first to bring any news to the Queen about what happened. The seers were the most Intune with the gift when it came to visions of the future or bad omens, trusted for millennia in their reading of the gift and their interpretations.

Though they had no concrete details to tell at the time, they had felt through the 'gift' that it was a sign of either great providence or a sign of great disaster. This was another reason the Queen had decided to expand out once again into the wider galaxy.

It was possible that whatever had caused the disturbance was known to them, and that their isolationist policy was making them ignorant of the dangers. All these thoughts raced through the Queen mind as she waited for a response.

After that day the Seers had all retreated into silent meditation to unravel what was happening with their gift. She had only received word recently that they might have come to a deduction. Her sister paused for a second, mind thinking back to what was said to her before she was to report to the Queen. The seers thinking it better for her to deliver the news.

Finally her mouth opened. "The seers have come to a conclusion. They say it is a great providence that will come. They say…" The words seemed to leave her before she could finish the sentence, a joy bubbling to the surface at the prospect at her next words.

The Queen instantly noticed her sisters excitement, leaning forward just a little to hear better. Her sister composed herself before finally finishing. "They say the Disturbance could be a sign of 'The Saviours' Return."

The Queen leaned back floored, 'A sign of the Saviour!', the thought ran through her mind at light speed, the implications not lost at all. 'Was it possible that the prophecy will finally come to pass'

Like her sister beforehand she couldn't help the excitement that welled forth, but she had to calm herself, a not so easy task. "Are they sure?" The words came out in barely disguised hope. Her sister nodded back having checked 3 times herself.

"Yes, they are sure. The gift whispers her return to them." The Queen couldn't control herself anymore, her eyes blazing in joy. She would be the Queen when the Saviour returned! She had no time to waste.

Any that were opposed to her expansion policy would be pushed aside, they must find them! Or it was possible that they would come to them! It mattered not, any that stood in her way would be silenced at this news. It was time for them to make a mark in the galaxy once more. They were ready.

The robes dropped from her body in quick order as she began to don her armor, ready to face the world, no the galaxy. Her back had turned to her sister as she started to get dressed, her imperial regal, taught since she had taken her position, finally showing through as her voice hardened.

"Form the council at once, we are going through with my proposals as soon as possible. I want everyone there, I won't accept any absences." Head still lowered her sister intone in her soft voice once more before swiftly disappearing from the room.

"As you wish my Queen."


(Hyperspace)

(3rd Person PoV)

A 4 year old girl quietly poked her head out from behind the cock pit door as she spied on her parents. She hadn't been happy recently, being told they were leaving home and leaving the same day, it had been a rather quick and sudden decision, one that had hurt all that more for a young girl still growing up.

She didn't even get to say goodbye to a few of the rare friends she had actually made on the planet. But now she was going to be living somewhere else. Her parents wouldn't say where when she asked and they wouldn't reconsider either.

At the clear refusal to answers she had done what any other young child did, she sulked. Throwing a small tantrum all the way from their humble home, to the ship they were currently in, it had continued even as they set course for wherever they were going.

It was only after she spent herself out, fell asleep and then finally woken up that she decided she would talk to her parents again. She didn't know what had set her off so much and she was feeling bad about how she acted, if she knew what complex emotions were she might have realized she was feeling a little guilty at how she had behaved, but she didn't know that.

She didn't know how, but she had a feeling something bad was going to happen, it was there ever since her parents said they had to go, one of the main reasons she wanted to stay. It got even worse when she subconsciously realised how afraid her own parents were.

This had led to this moment, where the young girls hazel eyes peeked from around a corner watching as her parents talked, waiting for their destination to arrive. She may have been young but she had been learning galactic basic. She was a bit shaky with each word but enough to understand what her parents were saying. She made sure she stayed quiet so they wouldn't stop talking like had happened in the past…

"Do you think we lost him?" The soft voice of her mother sounded out in worry as she drew her eyes away from the window in front of them. She couldn't keep the trepidation out of her voice as the safety of her daughter was concerned.

With brown hair and eyes, she would have been a beauty to behold if she hadn't been stressed out over the last few months. Especially with the recent happenings. The man sitting next to her, put a strong hand on her shoulder as he leaned over, providing a shoulder for her to lean on.

With red hair and blue eyes, the beginning of a messy beard were showing on his Jaw line, his tired eyes looked down at the exhausted figure of his wife. He thought about her question for a short few seconds, hoping beyond hope that they had escaped their assassin, but a new feeling, one that he had only recently started to have said that no, no they hadn't.

Not only that, it was also telling him, that 'he' was coming after them now. 'He' knew he could now use the force and wanted what was his, the thoughts sent a spine tingling shiver down his back. The only silver lining in the discovery of his new abilities was hope, another different feeling that told him exactly where he had to go, to protect Rey at least.

The grim look in his eyes must have been all the confirmation his wife needed to understand what was happening. Tears sprouted to her eyes causing him to pull his wife even closer. He felt his throat tighten but held back the small sob that wanted to come forth.

"Everything's going to be alright. We'll protect our Rey, I promise." He could only fall back onto words of reassurance as he comforted her. Had he known this day would always come? He wanted to say no, but couldn't help but think this was his entire fault.

As he started to loose himself in the embrace of his wife, it was that feeling that once again made him look towards the exit to the cockpit, a look right into the blue eyes of his daughter. His surprise was quickly shared by his wife who quickly tried to hide the tears and put on a big smile.

They both knew she was getting to old to fall for that though. Her eyes looked so scared at the prospect of the unknown he couldn't help but motion towards her. "Come in Rey." She took tentative steps into the room, possibly hesitating after the tantrum she threw.

A warm smile appeared on his lips, motioning again. "Come on…i'm not going to bite." Finally reaching her parents, her hands raised up grabbing towards them and her father was happy to oblige. Wrapping both arms under her armpits and lifting her up quickly giving her a warm hug.

A quiet giggle finally left her lips, as his wife also laughed to the side, having calmed herself down, barely a trace of her tears left to see. Ruffling her brown hair as he gave her over to his wife, the man once more looked down at their coordinates.

He hoped his feeling was right. His head turned back to his happy family. He would do anything to keep them safe.


(Courscant, Jedi Temple, ?)

(3rd person PoV)

Anakin didn't know where he was. He had been in the temple…he had just gone to sleep….he had been having a nice dream when suddenly it turned black. Everything around him turned dark. He felt a pulling sensation and then nothing.

His blue eyes darted around the black nothingness looking for something, anything that he could identify, but he could find nothing. At first he was strong; he was growing to be a Jedi. He had promised his mother, he had promised Qui-Gon, he was not going to fail them.

But as the minutes ticked on, as time continued to move, he became more and more afraid and in the young boys mind, there was nothing more he wanted than to see his mother once more. His thoughts drifted to the woman that had raised him, took care of him, loved him.

It was as he was starting to feel afraid that he finally felt something else tug at him. Relief flooded through him as he felt it, maybe he would finally get to leave this dark place. Or he hoped so.

One moment he was in darkness and then the next second he was looking into a blue sky, light shining from above. The light was blinding for only a second before he finally felt the warmth that surrounded him and he noticed what had changed.

His body had changed; it had gotten smaller, like when he was a child. He could still remember when he used to get piggyback rides from his mother, when they had free time outside of their working hours.

It was exactly like that, he was on the back of his mother, using her once again as a blanket as he fell asleep. He smiled to himself as he tightened his grip on his mom. The safety, the comfort, the confidence, it made him feel whole again and after spending a few weeks at the Jedi Temple he really wanted some of that right now.

He basked in it for a few seconds, before he finally started to look around. He had no clue where he was, he had never been to a planet with such terrain other than Naboo and even then that was different to whatever planet he found himself on. Not only that his mother was just the same as when he left her.

What was going on?

Before he could look around further he felt it. The darkness that came from behind. He wanted to turn his body but realized he couldn't, it was like he was a passenger, just someone on for the ride as he watched on.

That thought brought another small fear to the front of his mind. Was this where his mother was right now? What happened to Tatooine? Was she in danger? Judging from the darkness he felt behind her right now, he would say yes, yes she was!

Finally, mercifully for Anakin his mother finally turned around and he came face to face with the darkness. He couldn't make out any features. It was like they were blurred from his vision. All he could see was the darkness that wafted off them, the darkness that wrapped them.

And they were getting closer!

Anakin's body started to tremble as they moved closer and closer, finally only a step away from them. Even though he was scared, when the gloved hand reached out towards his mother he couldn't help but shout.

"Stay away from my mom!"

If his words were heard the darkness didn't seem to acknowledge him. Their hand came to rest on his mother's face as she stood still not saying a word. Anakin said nothing either, convinced now more than ever they couldn't hear him.

It was just as the thought went through his mind that the darkness moved, its eyes seemed to lock onto his, its voice traveling out. "A strong bond indeed." Anakin flinch as he caught sight of the red tinged eyes looking at him, before shaking his head, he was just imagining things.

They couldn't see him.

They couldn't!

It was at that moment the darkness turned and started to walk away. Anakin let out a breath of relief, thinking it was finally over before his mother started to follow! What was she doing, why is she following the darkness?! Anakin wanted so badly for her to get as far away as possible, but she couldn't hear him, none of them could!

Anakin could only tag along as his mother started to move behind the darkness, eyes gradually sighting a few of the Twi'leks that were working around his mother. He couldn't see everything that was happening. He could only see the sky as well as a few feet around his mother. It was like the others disappeared when she walked away from them.

It was as he was looking around he saw the second darkness, this one just as dark as the last. It was off to the side and didn't seem to have noticed Anakin as his mother passed, but oh how wrong he was.

Just as his mother passed he felt the eyes of the second darkness lock onto him as if it knew he was there. Once again the thought traveled through his mind that it could see him. But they couldn't, could they?

As he couldn't move he prayed his mother would also move on and not look back, but as if hearing him and doing the exact opposite, that's exactly what she did. Starring at the second darkness, Anakin shrank back behind the protective back of his mother, only peeking slightly over her shoulder to look at it.

The darkness only focused on him for a few seconds before turning back to whatever it was doing. Something Anakin was grateful for. His mother also turned back to the other darkness and moved to catch up with it at the same time.

One part of him at that time wanted to leave, to go back to the safety of the Jedi temple, but the other wanted to protect his mother. It was the protection of his mother that won out in the end as he prepared himself for whatever was to come, he wouldn't abandon his mom.

It was with that determination that they finally walked within a temple? Anakin couldn't see it quite so well, but a feeling told him that was what he just entered. Walking up a large staircase to the second floor Anakin once again felt a darkness.

But this darkness was so different from the other two…it was larger…denser….all encompassing. He felt his body tremble as they walked closer and closer to two large doors, almost like two gates keeping something at bay.

The darkness turned back to his mother for a second, saying something he couldn't hear before finally locking eyes with the young boy. There was almost a twinkle of amusement in her eyes as she looked at him, something that instantly set his nerves on edge.

That was when the gates started opening…when 'it' was released. The darkness he had felt doubled…no tripled instantly causing his body to shake even harder. Glowing red abysses glinted from within the opening doors that petrified the boy to his core.

It was as he was about to be overwhelmed that he realized the other darkness was behind him. Not only that, her hand had grabbed the back of his neck, sending a shiver of pure ice down his spine. He could once again make out the words of the darkness.

The chilling female voice that would haunt him for many weeks and months to come as he thought back to this exact moment.

"I think that's enough for now."

And then….

Anakin was standing in front of the Jedi Temple. His body once again his own age, still frozen stiff. It was as he stood there that he saw it, his eyes opening even wider in fear. The temple was being covered in darkness, slowly but surely the whole building being turned a pitch black color.

His heart hammered in his chest as he fell back on his but in pure terror. He just wanted this nightmare to end. He just wanted this nightmare to end!

And with that it all finally stopped, the darkness disappeared, the blackness came back, but Anakin just sat there, finally letting the adrenaline leave his body and his body tired itself out. His eye lids grew heavy as his body fell backwards sinking through the ground he sat on as if it wasn't there, disappearing from that black space.

Leaving the waking nightmare behind

Qui-Gon Jinn frowned as he knelled next to the sleeping form of Anakin Skywalker, having a connection with the boy, he was one of the first to feel the fluctuations in the force that he was causing that night.

He knew that a few of the other masters had probably sensed it by now, the feeling he was giving off was something disturbing, a tinge of darkness seemed to have rested over the boy, something that did not bode well.

The other children in the clan room had quickly been moved out when the other Jedi had started to feel the disturbance, the room next door as well when it became quickly clear that they could not wake the boy.

The force was telling him something, that Qui-Gon was sure of, but what he did not know. Going of the dark presence that surrounded the boy it could not be good. Some other masters had already gathered in the council chambers awaiting his report on the matter.

Qui-Gon had to sigh at this. Anakin was already considered an outcast after joining the order so late, by putting him into a clan when he was so much older it was no wonder he had started to become isolated, something Qui-Gon had quickly caught onto. It didn't help that he excelled at his training in all aspects except meditating.

He already had a master in Obi-Wan and though they were young, the children could tell he was focused on by the council. It was no surprise that he had been coming to the old Jedi master for advice and comfort more and more over the last few weeks.

Just as Qui-Gon was preparing to pull a chair over for him to sit down on, the young boy finally awoke, the grip of the dark side quickly leaving him. *Gasp* His sweating forehead, ragged breaths and wide eyes instantly told a tale of a nightmare that would harrow the boy for many nights.

It was only the quick hand on his shoulder and the calming presence from Jinn that kept the boy from possibly hyperventilating. "Anakin are you alright?" The concern in his voice couldn't be faked, and would likely be frowned down upon, even if it was for someone so young.

Anakin didn't respond for a few seconds, his eyes still seemingly out of it, glazed over by whatever the force had showed him. A frown appeared on Jinn's lips as he went to ask another question, but he was beaten to the punch when Anakin started to talk, his words half gibberish and sleepy.

"Mother in danger….have to help…darkness take her…darkness come here…temple black." Qui-Gon's eye brows almost shot into his hair line at the words. The ramifications on what they meant not lost on the Jedi master.

Anakin's body couldn't take anymore stress, before Qui-Gon could do anything else his body fell limp in his bed, finally reaching the land of dreams. *Sigh* This time Qui-Gon really couldn't keep himself from sighing.

He knew the affect Anakin's words would bring to the council when he reported them, the biggest reaction most likely coming from Master Windu himself. They would all be fixated on the last part of the vision, yes vision, he knew that's what it was.

The boy was special, it did not surprise him that the force would show him such a vision. No what concerned him in that moment was what happened to that kind woman he had met on Tatooine, the one that had let her son come and become a Jedi.

He hoped he was wrong about the feeling…he would have to check himself. But deep down he already knew. He felt it deep in his heart, he had failed her. *Sigh* Qui-Gon finally pulled himself up. The darkness that had surrounded Anakin during his vision had vanished. They might have to ask him a few questions later.

But for now he had to report to the others. He had a trip to make and possibly, a temple to defend.


Hey guys it's been a long, long time. Unlike last year I haven't been able to do something crazy such as create a 40k word chapter, only around 19k chapter. Now I hope you guys aren't too disappointed with the chapter, I took a long break from writing over the year which has delayed the release of this chapter, as well as the fact it was meant to be an intermission chapter has really restricted how long it was going to be.


When I say intermission, I mean all this chapter was supposed to be, was a set up for many different story arcs later in the novel. This can be seen with over half the scenes alluding to something that will come in the future. Some faster than others.


Now I wanted to get this out of the way as well. The first scene and last scene in the chapter and any other chapter I generally do, are likely to not be in chronological order. As can be seen with the Shmi start to the chapter, followed by the council meeting.

If you were to look at a timeline of events the council meeting happens before the Shmi scene when she arrives on the planet. I have done this so it's harder to determine a proper time line, generally because this gives me a little leeway in what I can put into each chapter.

I think that having the first and last parts of the chapter, possibly being out of chronological order gives me a lot of opportunities to set things up in the future. Almost always I would say the last scene in the chapter will be set outside the timeline of events that happened in the chapter. Ranging from weeks to months into the future.

Of course in the case of this intermission, there is a little chronological order in the timeline of scenes, but it is hard to tell because there is nothing so connected that you can tell. Outside of the first two scenes and the last scene. (Honestly hope I'm not confusing you guys too much here)


Now moving on, as I haven't been writing at all this year, outside of a few small chapters I really would love to hear what you guys think. I believe that the council scene wasn't bad, as well as the Shmi scene. Though my forte does not lye with political scenes and I find them hard to write, especially the planning that happened in the council scene.

Other than that I also think I did a not too bad job with the self-realization with Aayla, though I think I could have possibly done it better. The mental image in her head that she fights was very hard to write in my opinion. Also I'm sure a lot of you noticed who cameoed there.


Speaking of Cameos

In regards to the Commander of his forces…. I dropped about 3 hints into that part of the chapter, 2 small one and a major hint. For those that figured it out. This is going to be an amalgamation of both canon and legends that I'll be working with. I want to make the character more logical and impersonal; really give off a power went to his head kind of vibe to him, which will change how his back story and name are given to him. It will be very fun when a certain (Hint), Demi-god and Living-God meet… I'm thinking (Foreshadow) The battle of Hypori.


So as in regards to Ventress. Yes she will be in the story in the future as an apprentice no less! But who's apprentice shall she be?…. I mean I think a few people can make logical jumps to figure it out. It's pretty damn obvious when you think about their personalities and how they match up. But again this is really just a set up for her, like everything else in this chapter. Now onto the main point here. I don't know her full backstory, I'm still going through it right now. But to those avid Ventress fans, no I don't know which version of her back story I will use, legends or canon. There are good parts about both. In regards to her father figure/master I'm still deciding if I should have it that he killed her first slaver/father that she grew attached to. I think it's a good story point to explore, just don't know if I will.


Finally on to the mysterious planet and the queen. As I have said already in the other notes, all of these little scenes connect one way or another into story lines that will play out with the main characters/companions. So going off that some might figure out who this connects to. Really only 2 people that I could be talking about.

This is an original created planet, in that I mean, the planet name when revealed will be from star wars, but their culture, political structure, military, religion etc. will all be fiction made by myself, which is something that evolved from events mentioned in past chapters. Take your best guesses in the comments, sadly I won't be able to confirm or deny whether you are right until a later date.


Finally I know I'm going to get some hate, but I obviously put in a scene about Rey. Yes I will be doing a story line with her. Yes a future version of her, yes a young version of her (Which means I can turn her into anything, don't immediately jump the gun on hate… and yes I have thought about other people in the clone war periods that I could use instead of her. Yes I will be using most of the ones you will list for different story lines, Best example right now Ventress herself.)


Other than that I also think I should mention I might tone down the introduction of new female characters specifically. I mean I feel like I've just been introducing way too many of them. When it came to the 'Golden Twins' in this chapter, I originally had it that they were both sisters, but almost changed it to a brother/sister relationship. It wouldn't change much. It was just after thinking about it, this story really does have a lot of female leads, even though Mace is the main character, I have focused on, Aayla, Nadia, Padme, Jaesa, heck even Rey.

I would like to know what you guys think, I find I've done that with stories in the past, introduce a lot more female characters compared to male ones. Now that's not to say I don't have any Male characters I will be introducing, actually next chapter I'm going to be introducing one. It just seems like there are a lot of females right now. Your thoughts?


PS. Ventress is like around 12 or something like that for people that are wondering. She is still young and there are 10 years before the start of the clone wars, so lots of time for her to grow.

PPS. For those wondering, the armour used by the Royal Guard is based on the SWTOR Exiled Padawan Armor Set.


Next chapter: Temple Ransacking (Working Title)


Now I'm very tired, excuse me while i go sleep!

Zevren out!