Trouble: A Knights of the Old Republic Fan-fiction
by: Sam Lincoln
Obi-wan and Revan sat in the cockpit of a scout ship the Jedi Council provided them for their mission. Revan had wanted to take the Ebon Hawk, but Yoda the Hawk was too distinctive for the low-profile mission they were on. Revan stared at the swirling colors of hyperspace and drummed his fingers on the ordinary lightsaber clipped to his belt, another concession to the Jedi Council. Considering all that Revan had given up to go on this mission Revan was starting to wonder if it was worth it. He glanced at the chrono and saw that they were still several hours away from their destination. "I'm going to practice in the back," he announced as he stood up. Revan walked back to the ship's crew area and started to run through a series of training katas with his new lightsaber. It had been quite sometime since he last used a single-bladed lightsaber and he wanted to work some of the rust off of his form.
Obi-Wan followed Revan into the crew area. He was curious to see the unknown Jedi Master handle a lightsaber. When he walked into the room Revan was already well into his routine. Obi-Wan was amazed, he had never seen anyone move so fluidly with a lightsaber. He watched in silence as Revan ran through an advanced training routine with ease. Ob-Wan was tempted to challenge Revan to a duel. Ever since defeating the Sith on Naboo many in the Order considered Obi-Wan to be one of the premier swordsmen in the galaxy. However he recognized that he was far out of Revan's league and he didn't want to be embarrassed.
That was remarkable Master Delwynn," Obi-Wan said when Revan finished.
Revan shut down his lightsaber and turned to face Obi-Wan. "You are too kind Master Kenobi, and please, call me Aarn."
"In that case call me Obi-Wan. Tell me, how did you get to be so skilled with the lightsaber?"
Revan shrugged, "Perfecting training routines is hardly noteworthy. What's important is how you handle yourself when it counts."
"I noticed you were using routines meant to defend against a lightsaber. Have you ever had to use them?"
"On occasion," Revan said without elaboration. "What about you?"
"I thought everyone knew that story."
"I've been out of touch for a very long time," Revan admitted.
"I'll say, it was during the crisis on Naboo. My master and I encountered a Sith Lord."
"And you obviously struck him down since you're talking to me now. Yes, I can see how that would make you a celebrity," Revan mused.
"But not before he killed my master," Obi-Wan said mournfully.
"I'm sorry, I know what it feels like to lose someone you care about to the Dark Side." Revan was amazed at how easy it was to lie by telling the truth.
"If I didn't know better I would say it was the Force's way of keeping me humble. If my memories of that day weren't so bittersweet I might be more inclined to view myself as some sort of great champion of the Force."
"Seems like a harsh way to teach a lesson," Revan observed. "Especially since that assumes you were predestined to win."
"I know, I've also thought that the Force simply demanded balance, one Jedi for one Sith."
"It's been my experience that staring at your navel trying to unravel the meaning of the Force will accomplish nothing, other than helping you see how much lint is in your navel."
Obi-wan laughed. "In that there is much wisdom."
"So Master Kenobi, would you like to test your vaunted dueling skills against mine?" Revan asked.
"But you just finished your training regimen," Obi-Wan protested.
"That was barely a warm-up. Something to work off some nervous energy. So what do you say?"
"What will we use for sabers?"
Revan ignited his lightsaber. "I know I'm good enough to spar with this, how about you?"
Obi-Wan was taken aback. Sparring with lightsabers, while not unheard of, was not something the Jedi regularly did -- the consequences of an accident were too great. However training blades were a poor imitation of the real thing. Ob-Wan removed his saber from his belt. "I suppose we're about to find out."
The two Jedi circled each other for a moment before beginning the duel. Revan advanced on Ob-Wan with a series of slow, easily defended attacks meant more to gauge Obi-Wan's abilities than to score a hit. After Obi-Wan turned aside Revan's attack they retreated to opposite corners of the room.
"Satisfied?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Not hardly," Revan replied.
The two Jedi walked back into the center of the room and resumed their fight. This time Revan increased the speed of his attack and drove Obi-Wan back towards his corner of the room. In desperation Obi-Wan called on the Force and knocked Revan across the cabin. Revan twisted in the air and landed gracefully on his feet.
"Good, never limit yourself to just your saber when you're in a fight," Revan said. "And always be ready for your opponent to do the same." Revan raised his hand and shot a wave of Force energy at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan was amazed at the amount of power Revan was able to channel. He was barely able to raise a shield in time. Even with the protection of the Force he was buffeted by the shockwave Revan unleashed. AS the wave passed by Obi-Wan looked up and saw Revan charging him, his saber poised to strike. Acting purely on instinct he dove forward and parried Revan's blow.
"Very good," Revan said as he continued to bear down on Obi-Wan. The two sabers crackled and hissed filling the cabin with the stench of ozone. Obi-Wan strained to keep Revan from overpowering him. With Revan pressing down he couldn't move his saber. Instead he did the only thing he could do and swept Revan's legs out from under him. The move caused Obi-Wan to lose his balance and he also fell to the deck.
The two Jedi picked themselves up off the deck and began circling each other. "Ready to give up?" Revan asked as he feinted with his saber.
"Not on your life," Obi-Wan replied with a grin. He launched a flurry of attacks on Revan in hopes of catching the other Jedi off-guard.
Revan swatted away Obi-Wan's charge and countered with an attack of his own. He was impressed, even though Obi-wan was not as strong as he was, the Jedi was still as good as any of the dark Jedi Revan had faced in his time. Revan decided that he had learned all he could about Master Kenobi from the fight. He called on the Force to boost his speed and renewed his attack.
Obi-Wan was staggered by the increase in the intensity of Revan's attack. He felt his defenses weakening until finally Revan caught his lightsaber at the right angle and sent it flying across the cabin. Before Obi-Wan could call it back with the Force Revan had the tip of his blade to Obi-Wan's throat.
"I think this means I win," Revan said dryly.
"Indeed, it does. Congratulations Aarn, you truly are the best swordsman I have ever met."
"You aren't too bad yourself," Revan admitted as he shut off his lightsaber.
"But not the best you've ever seen."
Revan shook his head, "I'd be lying if I said otherwise, but they were all dark Jedi so don't feel too bad."
"Who was the best you've ever faced?" Even though he was older than the other man there was something about him that made Obi-Wan feel like a Padawan again.
"That's easy it was..." Revan paused. He almost said Malak, but caught himself. "It was my best friend. He turned to the Dark Side, I tried to bring him back, but he was too far gone..." Revan fell quiet. The guilt he felt over Malak's death washed over him, but he quashed the feeling as quickly as it arose. Malak had followed Revan freely, his fate was not Revan's complete responsibility.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up." Obi-Wan could see he had touched on a sensitive topic.
"No, it's alright, talking about painful memories is helpful, but we're not talking about this one again."
Obi-Wan smiled, "As you wish Master Delwynn." Obi-Wan reached for a towel to wipe the sweat off his face. "How long were you in the Outer Rim?"
"Longer than I intended," Revan said.
"That's hardly an answer," Obi-Wan complained.
"I'm a Jedi Master, I'm supposed to be cryptic," Revan said. "They'd take away my membership to the club if I gave you a straight answer."
"I suppose that is how our Padawans see things," Obi-Wan admitted. "But I would like a more informative answer."
"Sorry, you're not getting one," Revan said as he walked into the crew quarters.
A short while later Revan found Obi-Wan sitting in the cockpit. "The fresher is free is you want it," he announced as he sat down in the copilot's seat.
Obi-Wan nodded and stood to leave without saying a word to Revan. Revan sighed, he could tell that Obi-Wan was upset with him and that would make the mission that much harder. "Look, I know you have questions, but I can't answer them, and I can't say why."
"But how do I know I can trust you?"
Revan was reminded of a conversation held thousands of years earlier on a dead planet with a dead man. "Believe me when I say I know where you're coming form. All I can say is that you have to trust the Council."
Obi-Wan sighed, "Alright you win, if I can't trust the Council who can I trust?"
"Yourself. Always trust your feelings, no matter what anyone else says, even the Council."
"But isn't that contradictory to what you just said?
"Perhaps, but it's up to you to figure out when to take which piece of advice."
Obi-Wan looked thoughtful for a moment, "You've given me much to think about Master Delwynn." He told Revan before walking out of the cockpit.
The rest of the flight passed in silence until the navcomputer announced that they had arrived at their destination. Obi-Wan brought the ship out of hyperspace and they found themselves approaching a red planet.
"Korriban," Obi-Wan announced. "I'm still not clear on why you insisted we start our search here. This planet has been deserted for thousands of years."
"Over the years Korriban has been a stronghold of the Sith," Revan explained. "The Dark Side is very strong here and this is where anyone looking to restore the Sith would start."
"Alright, so where should we start looking?"
"There used to be a colony near the Sith ruins. That should be a safe place to set down."
Obi-Wan nodded and steered the ship into Korriban's atmosphere. "The sensors are picking up the remains of the colony," Obi-Wan announced. "I'm setting a course for them."
Revan watched the windswept landscape of Korriban as it sped past them. The last time he had seen this planet he had been reeling from the events on the Leviathan. This time his emotions were in just as much turmoil. The realization that everything he had ever known was now nothing more than dust was a hard one to grasp. In that respect he was grateful for the mind wipe the Jedi Council performed on him. Since all of his memories were fake it was easier for him to deal with their loss. He had no idea how Bastila was hanging on and he cursed himself for giving into the Council so easily. She should have been with him, the only person in the galaxy she knew, rather than surrounded by strangers in Coruscant.
Revan was stirred from his musing by the scout ship landing. "We're here," Obi-Wan announced. "Now what?"
"We go poking through some ruins," Revan replied as he stood up.
"I know that's what gets me up in the morning," Obi-Wan quipped as he followed Revan out of the ship.
The landing pad was much like Revan remembered it, except more decrepit. There were small plants growing up through cracks in the permacrete. The walls of the landing bay were beginning to lose their battle with the elements and were showing signs of falling down.
Obi-Wan breathed in the harsh Korriban air. He could feel the Dark Side, it seemed like it permeated every inch of the ground. In all his time as a Jedi he had never experience anything like it. "Which way to these ruins?" he asked.
Revan pointed at a rusted out blast door. "That way," he said.
They were forced to use their lightsabers to cut open the blast door. Inside the abandoned colony they found more of the same, crumbling walls and cracked floors. In his mind's eye Obi-Wan could see the bloodstains from the poor souls who had died here. For Revan their walk through the remains of Dreshdae was even more draining because to him only a few months had passed since his last visit. He peered into the remains of the Czerka company store in the hope of finding something but instead found nothing but a collapsed ceiling. They came to a stop in front of another set of rusted blast doors.
Revan reached out and touched the door. "I'm amazed these doors are still standing."
"Why is that?"
"This colony was founding over four thousand years ago, and from the looks of things was abandoned not long after that. It almost seems a shame to destroy something that's survived this long."
"It's just a door," Obi-Wan pointed out.
Revan activated his lightsaber. "I know." He sliced a hole in the door.
The path to the former Sith Academy was strewn with boulders. Obi-Wan and Revan climbed over the obstacles as they made their way towards the still imposing ruins.
"I'd say the Dark Side has an even stronger grip on this place than the colony, if that's possible," Obi-Wan commented.
"Just wait till we reach the Tombs of the Ancient Sith," Revan quipped as he pushed on the door to the Academy. The decayed door groaned in protest but did not budge. Revan reached out with the Force and tried again. The door shuddered and crumbled in the face of Revan's efforts. Revan activated his saber and entered the Academy.
"Much blood has been spilled here," Obi-Wan observed as he examined the imposing figures carved into the walls.
"The Sith used this place to train new followers in the time of Revan and Malak," Revan explained. "Their training methods were not what you'd call pleasant."
"I wouldn't imagine they would be," Obi-Wan said as he turned on his lightsaber. It's blue glow combined with Revan's to light the chamber."
They searched the ruins of the Academy for signs of recent habitation. They were standing in what Revan recognized as Uthar Winn's quarters when Revan paused and looked around.
"There's something not right about this," Revan announced.
"How's that?"
"Korriban's been abandoned for centuries right?"
"More like millennia."
"Wouldn't you think there's be more dust?"
Obi-Wan looked around the room. He paid close attention to the thing layer of dust that coated everything. "I'm not expert but I think you're right."
Revan thought for a moment. "So someone's been here, but not recently."
"A Sith expedition perhaps?" Obi-Wan theorized.
"Probably," Revan agreed. "But even in its time the Academy wasn't the main attraction of Korriban. If someone was looking for something to revive the Sith they'd look in the tombs." Revan lead Obi-Wan through the ruins to the door leading to the Valley of the Sith.
"How do you know where to go?" Obi-Wan asked when Revan came to a stop in front of the remains of a door that lead out of the Academy.
"Can't you feel it? The Dark Side is very strong in this direction," Revan answered. It was a half truth at best, but Revan knew it was that or tell the young Jedi Master the truth. It bothered Revan somewhat, but part of him enjoyed the deception. Aarn Delwynn wasn't a four thousand year old former Dark Lord of the Sith. It reminded him of a simpler time in his life when all he had to worry about was avoiding Sith patrols on Taris.
Obi-Wan didn't notice that Revan was lost in thought. He was too busy trying to feel the Dark Side influence Revan spoke of. He closed his eyes and reached out with his other senses. Instantly he felt the Dark Side roil around him. He quickly let go of his connection to the Force for fear of being overwhelmed. "Yes, very strong," Obi-Wan stammered. "Are you sure we have to go out there?"
"You're not afraid are you?" Revan asked with a smile.
"Fear can be a good thing," Obi-Wan pointed out. "It teaches us humility. You just can't let fear dominate your life."
"Don't worry, everything in that valley is long dead."
"It's the dead I'm worried about," Obi-Wan muttered to himself as he followed Revan into a narrow, winding crevasse. Obi-Wan shivered as he looked at the tall walls of rock that nearly blocked out the sky. They were forced to scramble over a rockslide that clocked their path. Revan paused to examine the rubble from the slide.
"This wasn't natural," he announced. "How can you be sure?" Obi-Wan asked.
Revan pointed to the rock wall. "See that, scorch marks, like from an explosive. Somebody wanted this path blocked."
"The Sith?"
"That would be my guess," Revan said as he continued towards the valley.
The narrow path eventually spilled out into a large valley. It was remarkably unchanged from Revan's time. The four tombs still pocked out of the valley walls. The valley floor was littered with debris, but devoid of any signs of recent visitors. Revan spotted a clear patch on the ground and walked into the valley to investigate.
Obi-Wan stayed at the mouth of the valley while Revan went ahead. "This is getting tiresome," he muttered to himself as he felt the Dark Side swirl around him like the wind that whipped at his clothes. He could sense an ancient malice that inhabited the valley. Obi-Wan steeled himself with a brief recitation of the Jedi Code and followed Revan into the valley.
Revan stood over a small hollow in the valley floor. He bent down and ran his hand over the dusty ground. "Did you find something?" Obi-Wan asked.
"A ship landed here," Revan announced. "The rocks are scorched and the dirt here has been fused."
"Signs that a ship landed on this spot right, but that doesn't prove the Sith have been here recently."
"No it doesn't, but I bet if we examine these tombs we'll find something."
"Why are these tombs so important to the Sith?" Obi-Wan wondered.
"The Sith are obsessed with their past. They always have been. They look to it for clues on how to regain the strength they once had," Revan explained.
"Fair enough, so where do we begin?"
Revan looked around the valley. "Where does the Force tell you?" Revan knew where he wanted to look, but he was curious if Obi-Wan had the insight to figure it out.
"The tomb over there in the far left hand corner of the valley," Obi-Wan said after a moment. "The Dark Side is strongest there."
Revan nodded, "Let's check it out." He was anxious to examine the tomb of Naga Sadow to see if the Star Map was still there.
They walked towards the tomb with Revan in the lead. Obi-Wan was impressed with his ability to shrug off the overwhelming presence of the Dark Side. At the same time it was just one of many things about Master Delwynn that struck Obi-Wan as odd. He couldn't help wonder if Aarn Delwynn wasn't being truthful with him. Obi-Wan squashed those thoughts quickly. The Jedi Council had placed Aarn on this mission and the Council could not be fooled by anyone.
They came to a stop in front of the tomb's ponderous stone door. Revan called on the Force to open the door which slid open with ease. With their lightsabers at the ready the two Jedi entered the tomb. The interior of the tomb was surprisingly well preserved. The floor was clear of debris and the corridor was lit by a string of work lights.
"I guess this definitely proves that someone has been here," Obi-Wan noted as they walked into a large intersection of two hallways.
"You go left, I'll go right," Revan ordered. Obi-Wan nodded and walked off towards the room Revan pointed to. Revan wondered if the trap in the room he sent Obi-Wan to was still functional. The slamming shut of the massive stone door said that it was. Revan wasn't concerned about Obi-Wan's safety. He knew the trap wasn't lethal, and Kenobi seemed smart enough to get himself out without any problems.
Revan chose not to examine the chamber where he fought the Terrentaks. He could feel himself being drawn to the heart of the tomb, to the Star Map. The acid pit that blocked his path on his first visit had either evaporated or leeched away and in its place was a deep pit. Revan cleared the chasm with a Force-assisted jump and walked into the Star Map's room.
The room was just as Revan remembered it with the Star Map dominating the area. Revan walked over to the Star Map. He was curious if the map held more information that it has in his time. Before he could activate the map his surroundings dimmed and visions began to appear before him. He saw impossibly large warships destroying defenseless cargo ships. He saw figures clad in white armor slaughtering innocent civilians. He witnessed the extermination of the Jedi and the destruction of the Jedi Temple. He watched in horror as a planet he couldn't identify exploded. Throughout all the scenes of death there was one constant; a figure hooded and cloaked. Revan could not see the being's face but the malice it bore marked it as the Dark Lord of the Sith. The images continued until Revan was overwhelmed and he fell to the ground.
Obi-Wan breathed a sigh of relief when the large door snapped open. Being caught in a millennia old trap had been both unexpected and unsettling. Fortunately the trap proved to be more a nuisance than life-threatening. He looked around but could not see Revan. He reached out with the Force and followed the path the other Jedi took.
"Master Delwynn?" Obi-Wan called out when he entered the Star Map chamber. His concern for Revan grew when he found him lying face down on the floor. "Master Delwynn!" Obi-Wan shouted as he rushed to Revan's side.
Revan groaned as he regained consciousness. "Bastila, where's Bastila?" He said. In his disoriented state he could not feel the bond between the two of them.
"Who's Bastila?" Obi-Wan asked. "Did you hit your head?"
Revan paused a moment to collect himself. "No, I'm fine, just a little disoriented." He tried to stand up which caused his vision to swim.
Obi-Wan reached out and caught him by the arm. "Easy there, what happened?"
"When I walked into the room, I had a vision. It must have been too powerful for me to handle."
"A vision of what?"
"The future, if we don't stop the Sith," Revan said gravely.
"Is that what I think it is?" Obi-Wan asked. He pointed at the Star Map.
"It's one of the five Star Maps Revan found," Revan confirmed. He walked over to the map and tried to activate it, but the map remained closed.
"After all these years it's probably broken," Obi-Wan offered.
Revan frowned, "The Rakatans used a self-repairing technology," he muttered to himself. "The Star Maps survived 30,000 years before Revan found them. Unless they drew their power from the Star Forge itself," Revan shrugged. "Regardless it doesn't work now." He looked around the room. "Which leaves us where?"
"Well it's obvious that someone has visited this tomb recently, but we're no closer to finding out who they are." Obi-Wan frowned, out of the corner of his eye he saw a cargo crate hidden in the shadows. "This might help," he said as he went to examine the crate.
"What is it?"
"A shipping container, and we're in luck. I recognize the logo on it. It belongs to a shipping company owned by a Hutt crime lord named Pardu."
"And where can we find this Pardu?"
"I believe he operates out of Nar Shadaa. It certainly makes a good starting point."
"Nar Shadaa it is then. There's nothing more for us here."
As they walked out of the tomb a man dressed all in black watched them from the rim of the valley. He recorded their movements until Obi-Wan and Revan returned to the Academy and then took out a com. "Prepare a message for Lord Sidious, the Jedi have found the valley." The man got into a speeder hidden behind and outcropping and raced off away from the valley.
by: Sam Lincoln
Rating: PG
Summary: Will Trouble ever let a pair of Jedi Knights be?
Spoilers: If you haven't finished the game you'll be damn lost.
Trouble: Chapter FiveObi-wan and Revan sat in the cockpit of a scout ship the Jedi Council provided them for their mission. Revan had wanted to take the Ebon Hawk, but Yoda the Hawk was too distinctive for the low-profile mission they were on. Revan stared at the swirling colors of hyperspace and drummed his fingers on the ordinary lightsaber clipped to his belt, another concession to the Jedi Council. Considering all that Revan had given up to go on this mission Revan was starting to wonder if it was worth it. He glanced at the chrono and saw that they were still several hours away from their destination. "I'm going to practice in the back," he announced as he stood up. Revan walked back to the ship's crew area and started to run through a series of training katas with his new lightsaber. It had been quite sometime since he last used a single-bladed lightsaber and he wanted to work some of the rust off of his form.
Obi-Wan followed Revan into the crew area. He was curious to see the unknown Jedi Master handle a lightsaber. When he walked into the room Revan was already well into his routine. Obi-Wan was amazed, he had never seen anyone move so fluidly with a lightsaber. He watched in silence as Revan ran through an advanced training routine with ease. Ob-Wan was tempted to challenge Revan to a duel. Ever since defeating the Sith on Naboo many in the Order considered Obi-Wan to be one of the premier swordsmen in the galaxy. However he recognized that he was far out of Revan's league and he didn't want to be embarrassed.
That was remarkable Master Delwynn," Obi-Wan said when Revan finished.
Revan shut down his lightsaber and turned to face Obi-Wan. "You are too kind Master Kenobi, and please, call me Aarn."
"In that case call me Obi-Wan. Tell me, how did you get to be so skilled with the lightsaber?"
Revan shrugged, "Perfecting training routines is hardly noteworthy. What's important is how you handle yourself when it counts."
"I noticed you were using routines meant to defend against a lightsaber. Have you ever had to use them?"
"On occasion," Revan said without elaboration. "What about you?"
"I thought everyone knew that story."
"I've been out of touch for a very long time," Revan admitted.
"I'll say, it was during the crisis on Naboo. My master and I encountered a Sith Lord."
"And you obviously struck him down since you're talking to me now. Yes, I can see how that would make you a celebrity," Revan mused.
"But not before he killed my master," Obi-Wan said mournfully.
"I'm sorry, I know what it feels like to lose someone you care about to the Dark Side." Revan was amazed at how easy it was to lie by telling the truth.
"If I didn't know better I would say it was the Force's way of keeping me humble. If my memories of that day weren't so bittersweet I might be more inclined to view myself as some sort of great champion of the Force."
"Seems like a harsh way to teach a lesson," Revan observed. "Especially since that assumes you were predestined to win."
"I know, I've also thought that the Force simply demanded balance, one Jedi for one Sith."
"It's been my experience that staring at your navel trying to unravel the meaning of the Force will accomplish nothing, other than helping you see how much lint is in your navel."
Obi-wan laughed. "In that there is much wisdom."
"So Master Kenobi, would you like to test your vaunted dueling skills against mine?" Revan asked.
"But you just finished your training regimen," Obi-Wan protested.
"That was barely a warm-up. Something to work off some nervous energy. So what do you say?"
"What will we use for sabers?"
Revan ignited his lightsaber. "I know I'm good enough to spar with this, how about you?"
Obi-Wan was taken aback. Sparring with lightsabers, while not unheard of, was not something the Jedi regularly did -- the consequences of an accident were too great. However training blades were a poor imitation of the real thing. Ob-Wan removed his saber from his belt. "I suppose we're about to find out."
The two Jedi circled each other for a moment before beginning the duel. Revan advanced on Ob-Wan with a series of slow, easily defended attacks meant more to gauge Obi-Wan's abilities than to score a hit. After Obi-Wan turned aside Revan's attack they retreated to opposite corners of the room.
"Satisfied?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Not hardly," Revan replied.
The two Jedi walked back into the center of the room and resumed their fight. This time Revan increased the speed of his attack and drove Obi-Wan back towards his corner of the room. In desperation Obi-Wan called on the Force and knocked Revan across the cabin. Revan twisted in the air and landed gracefully on his feet.
"Good, never limit yourself to just your saber when you're in a fight," Revan said. "And always be ready for your opponent to do the same." Revan raised his hand and shot a wave of Force energy at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan was amazed at the amount of power Revan was able to channel. He was barely able to raise a shield in time. Even with the protection of the Force he was buffeted by the shockwave Revan unleashed. AS the wave passed by Obi-Wan looked up and saw Revan charging him, his saber poised to strike. Acting purely on instinct he dove forward and parried Revan's blow.
"Very good," Revan said as he continued to bear down on Obi-Wan. The two sabers crackled and hissed filling the cabin with the stench of ozone. Obi-Wan strained to keep Revan from overpowering him. With Revan pressing down he couldn't move his saber. Instead he did the only thing he could do and swept Revan's legs out from under him. The move caused Obi-Wan to lose his balance and he also fell to the deck.
The two Jedi picked themselves up off the deck and began circling each other. "Ready to give up?" Revan asked as he feinted with his saber.
"Not on your life," Obi-Wan replied with a grin. He launched a flurry of attacks on Revan in hopes of catching the other Jedi off-guard.
Revan swatted away Obi-Wan's charge and countered with an attack of his own. He was impressed, even though Obi-wan was not as strong as he was, the Jedi was still as good as any of the dark Jedi Revan had faced in his time. Revan decided that he had learned all he could about Master Kenobi from the fight. He called on the Force to boost his speed and renewed his attack.
Obi-Wan was staggered by the increase in the intensity of Revan's attack. He felt his defenses weakening until finally Revan caught his lightsaber at the right angle and sent it flying across the cabin. Before Obi-Wan could call it back with the Force Revan had the tip of his blade to Obi-Wan's throat.
"I think this means I win," Revan said dryly.
"Indeed, it does. Congratulations Aarn, you truly are the best swordsman I have ever met."
"You aren't too bad yourself," Revan admitted as he shut off his lightsaber.
"But not the best you've ever seen."
Revan shook his head, "I'd be lying if I said otherwise, but they were all dark Jedi so don't feel too bad."
"Who was the best you've ever faced?" Even though he was older than the other man there was something about him that made Obi-Wan feel like a Padawan again.
"That's easy it was..." Revan paused. He almost said Malak, but caught himself. "It was my best friend. He turned to the Dark Side, I tried to bring him back, but he was too far gone..." Revan fell quiet. The guilt he felt over Malak's death washed over him, but he quashed the feeling as quickly as it arose. Malak had followed Revan freely, his fate was not Revan's complete responsibility.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up." Obi-Wan could see he had touched on a sensitive topic.
"No, it's alright, talking about painful memories is helpful, but we're not talking about this one again."
Obi-Wan smiled, "As you wish Master Delwynn." Obi-Wan reached for a towel to wipe the sweat off his face. "How long were you in the Outer Rim?"
"Longer than I intended," Revan said.
"That's hardly an answer," Obi-Wan complained.
"I'm a Jedi Master, I'm supposed to be cryptic," Revan said. "They'd take away my membership to the club if I gave you a straight answer."
"I suppose that is how our Padawans see things," Obi-Wan admitted. "But I would like a more informative answer."
"Sorry, you're not getting one," Revan said as he walked into the crew quarters.
A short while later Revan found Obi-Wan sitting in the cockpit. "The fresher is free is you want it," he announced as he sat down in the copilot's seat.
Obi-Wan nodded and stood to leave without saying a word to Revan. Revan sighed, he could tell that Obi-Wan was upset with him and that would make the mission that much harder. "Look, I know you have questions, but I can't answer them, and I can't say why."
"But how do I know I can trust you?"
Revan was reminded of a conversation held thousands of years earlier on a dead planet with a dead man. "Believe me when I say I know where you're coming form. All I can say is that you have to trust the Council."
Obi-Wan sighed, "Alright you win, if I can't trust the Council who can I trust?"
"Yourself. Always trust your feelings, no matter what anyone else says, even the Council."
"But isn't that contradictory to what you just said?
"Perhaps, but it's up to you to figure out when to take which piece of advice."
Obi-Wan looked thoughtful for a moment, "You've given me much to think about Master Delwynn." He told Revan before walking out of the cockpit.
The rest of the flight passed in silence until the navcomputer announced that they had arrived at their destination. Obi-Wan brought the ship out of hyperspace and they found themselves approaching a red planet.
"Korriban," Obi-Wan announced. "I'm still not clear on why you insisted we start our search here. This planet has been deserted for thousands of years."
"Over the years Korriban has been a stronghold of the Sith," Revan explained. "The Dark Side is very strong here and this is where anyone looking to restore the Sith would start."
"Alright, so where should we start looking?"
"There used to be a colony near the Sith ruins. That should be a safe place to set down."
Obi-Wan nodded and steered the ship into Korriban's atmosphere. "The sensors are picking up the remains of the colony," Obi-Wan announced. "I'm setting a course for them."
Revan watched the windswept landscape of Korriban as it sped past them. The last time he had seen this planet he had been reeling from the events on the Leviathan. This time his emotions were in just as much turmoil. The realization that everything he had ever known was now nothing more than dust was a hard one to grasp. In that respect he was grateful for the mind wipe the Jedi Council performed on him. Since all of his memories were fake it was easier for him to deal with their loss. He had no idea how Bastila was hanging on and he cursed himself for giving into the Council so easily. She should have been with him, the only person in the galaxy she knew, rather than surrounded by strangers in Coruscant.
Revan was stirred from his musing by the scout ship landing. "We're here," Obi-Wan announced. "Now what?"
"We go poking through some ruins," Revan replied as he stood up.
"I know that's what gets me up in the morning," Obi-Wan quipped as he followed Revan out of the ship.
The landing pad was much like Revan remembered it, except more decrepit. There were small plants growing up through cracks in the permacrete. The walls of the landing bay were beginning to lose their battle with the elements and were showing signs of falling down.
Obi-Wan breathed in the harsh Korriban air. He could feel the Dark Side, it seemed like it permeated every inch of the ground. In all his time as a Jedi he had never experience anything like it. "Which way to these ruins?" he asked.
Revan pointed at a rusted out blast door. "That way," he said.
They were forced to use their lightsabers to cut open the blast door. Inside the abandoned colony they found more of the same, crumbling walls and cracked floors. In his mind's eye Obi-Wan could see the bloodstains from the poor souls who had died here. For Revan their walk through the remains of Dreshdae was even more draining because to him only a few months had passed since his last visit. He peered into the remains of the Czerka company store in the hope of finding something but instead found nothing but a collapsed ceiling. They came to a stop in front of another set of rusted blast doors.
Revan reached out and touched the door. "I'm amazed these doors are still standing."
"Why is that?"
"This colony was founding over four thousand years ago, and from the looks of things was abandoned not long after that. It almost seems a shame to destroy something that's survived this long."
"It's just a door," Obi-Wan pointed out.
Revan activated his lightsaber. "I know." He sliced a hole in the door.
The path to the former Sith Academy was strewn with boulders. Obi-Wan and Revan climbed over the obstacles as they made their way towards the still imposing ruins.
"I'd say the Dark Side has an even stronger grip on this place than the colony, if that's possible," Obi-Wan commented.
"Just wait till we reach the Tombs of the Ancient Sith," Revan quipped as he pushed on the door to the Academy. The decayed door groaned in protest but did not budge. Revan reached out with the Force and tried again. The door shuddered and crumbled in the face of Revan's efforts. Revan activated his saber and entered the Academy.
"Much blood has been spilled here," Obi-Wan observed as he examined the imposing figures carved into the walls.
"The Sith used this place to train new followers in the time of Revan and Malak," Revan explained. "Their training methods were not what you'd call pleasant."
"I wouldn't imagine they would be," Obi-Wan said as he turned on his lightsaber. It's blue glow combined with Revan's to light the chamber."
They searched the ruins of the Academy for signs of recent habitation. They were standing in what Revan recognized as Uthar Winn's quarters when Revan paused and looked around.
"There's something not right about this," Revan announced.
"How's that?"
"Korriban's been abandoned for centuries right?"
"More like millennia."
"Wouldn't you think there's be more dust?"
Obi-Wan looked around the room. He paid close attention to the thing layer of dust that coated everything. "I'm not expert but I think you're right."
Revan thought for a moment. "So someone's been here, but not recently."
"A Sith expedition perhaps?" Obi-Wan theorized.
"Probably," Revan agreed. "But even in its time the Academy wasn't the main attraction of Korriban. If someone was looking for something to revive the Sith they'd look in the tombs." Revan lead Obi-Wan through the ruins to the door leading to the Valley of the Sith.
"How do you know where to go?" Obi-Wan asked when Revan came to a stop in front of the remains of a door that lead out of the Academy.
"Can't you feel it? The Dark Side is very strong in this direction," Revan answered. It was a half truth at best, but Revan knew it was that or tell the young Jedi Master the truth. It bothered Revan somewhat, but part of him enjoyed the deception. Aarn Delwynn wasn't a four thousand year old former Dark Lord of the Sith. It reminded him of a simpler time in his life when all he had to worry about was avoiding Sith patrols on Taris.
Obi-Wan didn't notice that Revan was lost in thought. He was too busy trying to feel the Dark Side influence Revan spoke of. He closed his eyes and reached out with his other senses. Instantly he felt the Dark Side roil around him. He quickly let go of his connection to the Force for fear of being overwhelmed. "Yes, very strong," Obi-Wan stammered. "Are you sure we have to go out there?"
"You're not afraid are you?" Revan asked with a smile.
"Fear can be a good thing," Obi-Wan pointed out. "It teaches us humility. You just can't let fear dominate your life."
"Don't worry, everything in that valley is long dead."
"It's the dead I'm worried about," Obi-Wan muttered to himself as he followed Revan into a narrow, winding crevasse. Obi-Wan shivered as he looked at the tall walls of rock that nearly blocked out the sky. They were forced to scramble over a rockslide that clocked their path. Revan paused to examine the rubble from the slide.
"This wasn't natural," he announced. "How can you be sure?" Obi-Wan asked.
Revan pointed to the rock wall. "See that, scorch marks, like from an explosive. Somebody wanted this path blocked."
"The Sith?"
"That would be my guess," Revan said as he continued towards the valley.
The narrow path eventually spilled out into a large valley. It was remarkably unchanged from Revan's time. The four tombs still pocked out of the valley walls. The valley floor was littered with debris, but devoid of any signs of recent visitors. Revan spotted a clear patch on the ground and walked into the valley to investigate.
Obi-Wan stayed at the mouth of the valley while Revan went ahead. "This is getting tiresome," he muttered to himself as he felt the Dark Side swirl around him like the wind that whipped at his clothes. He could sense an ancient malice that inhabited the valley. Obi-Wan steeled himself with a brief recitation of the Jedi Code and followed Revan into the valley.
Revan stood over a small hollow in the valley floor. He bent down and ran his hand over the dusty ground. "Did you find something?" Obi-Wan asked.
"A ship landed here," Revan announced. "The rocks are scorched and the dirt here has been fused."
"Signs that a ship landed on this spot right, but that doesn't prove the Sith have been here recently."
"No it doesn't, but I bet if we examine these tombs we'll find something."
"Why are these tombs so important to the Sith?" Obi-Wan wondered.
"The Sith are obsessed with their past. They always have been. They look to it for clues on how to regain the strength they once had," Revan explained.
"Fair enough, so where do we begin?"
Revan looked around the valley. "Where does the Force tell you?" Revan knew where he wanted to look, but he was curious if Obi-Wan had the insight to figure it out.
"The tomb over there in the far left hand corner of the valley," Obi-Wan said after a moment. "The Dark Side is strongest there."
Revan nodded, "Let's check it out." He was anxious to examine the tomb of Naga Sadow to see if the Star Map was still there.
They walked towards the tomb with Revan in the lead. Obi-Wan was impressed with his ability to shrug off the overwhelming presence of the Dark Side. At the same time it was just one of many things about Master Delwynn that struck Obi-Wan as odd. He couldn't help wonder if Aarn Delwynn wasn't being truthful with him. Obi-Wan squashed those thoughts quickly. The Jedi Council had placed Aarn on this mission and the Council could not be fooled by anyone.
They came to a stop in front of the tomb's ponderous stone door. Revan called on the Force to open the door which slid open with ease. With their lightsabers at the ready the two Jedi entered the tomb. The interior of the tomb was surprisingly well preserved. The floor was clear of debris and the corridor was lit by a string of work lights.
"I guess this definitely proves that someone has been here," Obi-Wan noted as they walked into a large intersection of two hallways.
"You go left, I'll go right," Revan ordered. Obi-Wan nodded and walked off towards the room Revan pointed to. Revan wondered if the trap in the room he sent Obi-Wan to was still functional. The slamming shut of the massive stone door said that it was. Revan wasn't concerned about Obi-Wan's safety. He knew the trap wasn't lethal, and Kenobi seemed smart enough to get himself out without any problems.
Revan chose not to examine the chamber where he fought the Terrentaks. He could feel himself being drawn to the heart of the tomb, to the Star Map. The acid pit that blocked his path on his first visit had either evaporated or leeched away and in its place was a deep pit. Revan cleared the chasm with a Force-assisted jump and walked into the Star Map's room.
The room was just as Revan remembered it with the Star Map dominating the area. Revan walked over to the Star Map. He was curious if the map held more information that it has in his time. Before he could activate the map his surroundings dimmed and visions began to appear before him. He saw impossibly large warships destroying defenseless cargo ships. He saw figures clad in white armor slaughtering innocent civilians. He witnessed the extermination of the Jedi and the destruction of the Jedi Temple. He watched in horror as a planet he couldn't identify exploded. Throughout all the scenes of death there was one constant; a figure hooded and cloaked. Revan could not see the being's face but the malice it bore marked it as the Dark Lord of the Sith. The images continued until Revan was overwhelmed and he fell to the ground.
Obi-Wan breathed a sigh of relief when the large door snapped open. Being caught in a millennia old trap had been both unexpected and unsettling. Fortunately the trap proved to be more a nuisance than life-threatening. He looked around but could not see Revan. He reached out with the Force and followed the path the other Jedi took.
"Master Delwynn?" Obi-Wan called out when he entered the Star Map chamber. His concern for Revan grew when he found him lying face down on the floor. "Master Delwynn!" Obi-Wan shouted as he rushed to Revan's side.
Revan groaned as he regained consciousness. "Bastila, where's Bastila?" He said. In his disoriented state he could not feel the bond between the two of them.
"Who's Bastila?" Obi-Wan asked. "Did you hit your head?"
Revan paused a moment to collect himself. "No, I'm fine, just a little disoriented." He tried to stand up which caused his vision to swim.
Obi-Wan reached out and caught him by the arm. "Easy there, what happened?"
"When I walked into the room, I had a vision. It must have been too powerful for me to handle."
"A vision of what?"
"The future, if we don't stop the Sith," Revan said gravely.
"Is that what I think it is?" Obi-Wan asked. He pointed at the Star Map.
"It's one of the five Star Maps Revan found," Revan confirmed. He walked over to the map and tried to activate it, but the map remained closed.
"After all these years it's probably broken," Obi-Wan offered.
Revan frowned, "The Rakatans used a self-repairing technology," he muttered to himself. "The Star Maps survived 30,000 years before Revan found them. Unless they drew their power from the Star Forge itself," Revan shrugged. "Regardless it doesn't work now." He looked around the room. "Which leaves us where?"
"Well it's obvious that someone has visited this tomb recently, but we're no closer to finding out who they are." Obi-Wan frowned, out of the corner of his eye he saw a cargo crate hidden in the shadows. "This might help," he said as he went to examine the crate.
"What is it?"
"A shipping container, and we're in luck. I recognize the logo on it. It belongs to a shipping company owned by a Hutt crime lord named Pardu."
"And where can we find this Pardu?"
"I believe he operates out of Nar Shadaa. It certainly makes a good starting point."
"Nar Shadaa it is then. There's nothing more for us here."
As they walked out of the tomb a man dressed all in black watched them from the rim of the valley. He recorded their movements until Obi-Wan and Revan returned to the Academy and then took out a com. "Prepare a message for Lord Sidious, the Jedi have found the valley." The man got into a speeder hidden behind and outcropping and raced off away from the valley.