Knights of the Old Republic 2: Sith Lords

Beginning of an Exile

((Author Note: I only edited this twice so I may have missed stuff since I normally do it three times. I wanted to post this before I leave for spring break so enjoy. Also tell me if I start falling out of character, I'm trying my best to stay try to their personalities even though they are not going to be right on the dot since the war stuff hasn't happened so they're still fairly normal…))

Chapter 2

Kavar opened the door to exit the private council chambers; the meeting was over for now, however they had all planned on meeting again later. Master Vrook and Master Zez Kai Ell were following right behind him. Both masters had their eyes locked upon Kavar's sturdy figure as he glanced over his shoulder feeling there staring eyes. Kavar wasn't exactly sure what they wished to speak to him about since he had thought the discussion in the chambers was over, but he acknowledge their presents with a nod, "Master Vrook…Master Zez Kai Ell, how may I assist you?"

"Master Vander tells me that you know about Rena's incident with my padawan," Master Vrook said as he raised an eyebrow to Kavar, watching his expression carefully.

Kavar was aware that Vrook was trying to see if he could stir some sort of reaction out of him. Master Vrook was wary of Rena due to her natural ability to form close bonds with other people just by simply being with them for a short amount of time. Her powers didn't seem threatening, however it was a sith technique. Kavar didn't feel they should treat Rena as a fallen jedi simple because she had a technique that the Sith wanted. Her ability was natural.

"I have heard about it." Kavar simply said as he glanced to Zez to see him smiling lightly to him. The jedi master was only there for amusement since he was good friends with Kavar and he was curious on the outcome of the situation.

"She is becoming a problem," Vrook said as he stared intensively at Kavar wanting to hear what Kavar really thought, "Training her any further would be a threat to us all."

Kavar folded his arms over his chest as he gathered his thoughts. Vrook had always been strict in the jedi code. Any hint that someone was diverting from the code worried him and Rena just happened to be in the master's sights lately. Kavar had always thought that maybe Vrook had a padawan that fell, but he didn't know Vrook as well as the other masters and it was something he shouldn't assume. "Rena hasn't shown any sort of aggressive behavior. She has always followed the jedi code. She wishes to help and protect people, hardly a threat if you ask me. Her ability simply needs to be controlled and with that she needs more training."

"Your feelings for her blind you, Kavar. Even with the noblest of deeds, she can still fall," Vrook said as if Rena was doomed to fall.

Kavar's eyes grew wide as he heard Vrook's words. Master Zez Kai Ell must have noticed Kavar's reaction as he stared at him a long time wondering if Kavar could keep his composure in front of Master Vrook.

Kavar managed to keep his tone steady, but his feelings felt jumbled around inside him. He disliked hearing how Vrook regarded Rena as some lost cause. She was a normal student apart of the jedi order as far as Kavar was concern.

"Your eyes only see light and dark. You are unable to see the person who stands there," Kavar said as he turned to walk away from the two masters. The conversation was over as far as he was concern. He ignored the two master's call for him to come back. Kavar wasn't sure why he felt so…upset. Perhaps being accused of caring for someone bothered him. Having such bonds was forbidden, but he couldn't ignore the fact that he did care for Rena whither it was passionately or as a student.

Before he knew what he was doing he found himself standing in front of Rena's room. Maybe he felt like he needed to talk to someone who would listen to him without trying to challenge his judgment and way of thought. His hand pressed against the doors controls gently for the door to slide open. The door hissed in a soft voice before it completely opened to reveal that Rena wasn't there.

"That's odd. The students should all be resting by this hour…"

"I see your favorite student is missing," Zez Kei Ell said from behind. Kavar quickly turned on his heels to see Zez with an amused expression, "Don't worry. I promise to keep your secret, however you will be the one to tell Vrook when the time comes."

"I understand that," Kavar said with a sigh as he rubbed his forehead. He was already going to hear an ear full from Vrook about their discussion, now he was going to get a stern lecture from all the masters, "I will take responsibility for this."

"Why? Zez asked as he watched Kavar continue to rub his head as if the answers would come to him faster that way, "You're not her master."

"Well someone has to stand by her. You and the other masters are wary of her. You treat her as if she is diseased."

"We are only cautious. Her ability is harmless as it is, but what will it become in the future? Even the force refuses to see beyond such a question."

Kavar was silent since he knew all the dangers and possibilities if she fall, but she wouldn't fall if he was there to guide her, "Let us speak more about her when we know her whereabouts."

"Agreed," Zez said as he slapped his hands together. He seemed eager to help Kavar look for Rena, "I will ask a few students if they have seen her."

"I will start in the gardens," Kavar said as he rushed off down the hall. He knew he could trust Zez's help since he shared similar concerns for Rena only he didn't share the same feelings."

Meanwhile…out on the Dantooine Plains

It had been awhile since Rena had left the academy. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to have the fresh Dantooine air blowing in your face. She had normally stayed fairly close to the academy since there wasn't much to see besides a few of the local wildlife. The only time that Rena ever ventured off was to search for crystals and she got a stern lecture from Kavar about sneaking off. She wondered what sort of lecture would result from her actions this time.

"Are you ok?" Mical said interrupting her thoughts as he rested his arms against the edge of the speeder, "You've been quiet for some time now."

"Huh?" Rena said suddenly as she tightened her grip around the speeders controls. She was glad she had force abilities since if a normal person had day dream like she did they would have crashed by now. "I was just thinking about a few things, I never been out this far before."

"Nether have I. I have seen the area on a map.

"You and your maps," Rena said with a sigh, "Don't you get bored of that stuff?"

"How can you possible get bored of such knowledge?"

"Easy, I stare at it for about ten minutes and then my mind just sort of blanks out."

"Perhaps it is you who need more training," Mical said as he pressed a few of the navigational buttons ignoring the stare Rena was giving him.

"As soon as you get a lightsaber, it's you and me in the spar room!" Rena said happily as she patted the controls. She enjoyed a good spar with anyone but her level of training compared to Mical was a big difference. The poor guy wouldn't have a chance.

"I shall look forward to it," Mical replied in a joyful tone as he leaned back in his seat after he had adjusted the navigational computer.

"Wha-?" Rena hadn't expected such a happy reply.

"Anytime I spend with you is something to savor."

"You're creeping me out," Rena said as she glanced over towards him. Mical caught her glance and smiled back at her playfully. They were only playfully teasing each other however Rena couldn't help but wonder why Mical was so attach to her. There were far better students to train with, but Mical had never given her a straight answer. No matter how many times she had asked him.

"Rena there's something ahead of us," Mical said as he pointed to the figure that stood before them.

Rena could barely make out who it was. She could tell he wore a long dark robe that shadowed his face. The longer she stared at the strange figure in the distance the stranger she felt. She didn't like the feeling she was getting from him and she pulled at the controls to turn away, but they were stuck, "What the?"

"We can't turn?" Mical said stating the obvious as he watched her struggle to turn the speeder that was drawing closer and closer to the strange person.

"No the controls aren't responding."

"The computer is acting funny too," Mical had noticed that the view screen was flickering oddly, "There might be some sort of interference here."

"We have to jump," Rena said as she stood up in the speeder. There wasn't any use trying to steer since it was obvious the landspeeder had its own plans. Rena could see the dark figure ahead of them grow larger and larger in detail as the speeder came increasly close to him with each passing second. Her eyes could see his pale skin while his hand twitched armed with a lightsaber in his grasp. "Lightsaber?" Rena said out loud as she noticed the weapon.

She realized that this was the person who must have kidnapped Hakan, Mr. Noshi's son. He was a dark jedi by his appearance and they wouldn't last long against someone like that. Rena pulled Mical out of his seat as she saw the dark jedi raise his hand, "We're jumping. Just trust in me and the force."

Mical nodded as Rena let him go. He tumbled out of the landspeeder in a curled up ball rolling across the grassy plains. Rena turned her head back towards the dark jedi one last time before he leaped into the air. The last thing she remembered was his red lightsaber slicing through the landspeeder causing a large explosion without taking a single step.

"Rena…wake up."

Rena heard her name being called, but the voice sounded so distant to her.

"Maybe she's dead."

"She's not dead, Rena wake up."

Rena slowly began to hear the voices clearer now as the fog that shrouded her mind began to life. Her eyes rolled open slowly, but she could hardly see whoever was in front of her. Dry blood was caked over her left eye making it difficult for her to see. She tried to wipe it off, but she found her hands were tied behind her back. She founded herself leaning back against a stone wall to support her sore body; Rena guessed she was in one of the Dantooine caves.

"Rena are you ok?"

"Mical?"

"Yes it's me," Mical replied as she slowly raised her head. This time she could see him a little bit better. Her eyes adjusting to the lack of light. He was leaning against a rock with his hands tied together like she was. Next to him was another young man whom she didn't recognize right away. He had short brown hair that seemed well maintained. His cloths also looked fairly expensive but they looked like they had been torn and stained by blood. His face was bruised in a few spots, but his eyes burned with a desirable passion to live. Rena wondered how long he had been in this cave to have such a look. "Is that, Hakan?"

"Yes, apparently that dark jedi captured him in hopes a jedi will come to rescue him," Mical said as he tried to tug his hands free but it proved useless.

"Why?" Rena said as she shut her eyes lightly trying to center herself.

"You and your jedi problems should stay in that academy of yours," Hakan snapped as his eyes stared at Rena first and then Mical. It seemed Hakan was on edge, but the reason wasn't clear besides the point that he was fearful for his life.

"Do not speak of the jedi like that," Mical said as Hakan growled low at him in return.

"Let him be," Rena said as she shook her head of a few fresh drips of blood. She couldn't tell the extent of her injures but it seemed like she had a gash just above her left eye, "He can speak badly about the jedi all he wants, though he should also remember the jedi are the ones saving him in the first place."

"Yeah some rescue," Hakan grumbled as he tucked his head down against his chest. "He's coming back…"

Rena was surprise that Hakan could sense the dark jedi coming towards them. He hardly made any footsteps and the only way to really sense him coming was through the force. Rena toyed with the idea that Hakan was force sensitive but it was hardly the time to wonder about a force sensitive since Rena should be worrying about their safety. The dark jedi stepped into the dim light of the cave. His dark robe still blocked out most of his physical details, but one look at him told her that he was an empty shell of a person.

"Two students? The jedi really must be busy to send students rather then masters" he said in a slow voice. His yellow colored eyes stared down at Rena suddenly sensing something coming from her. He studied her closely wondering what she was hiding, "You, I sense something."

"That's nice," Rena said trying to remain calm. She had never felt the dark side from someone before. The feeling was icy cold in her mind almost to a point where it was painful to feel. She just had to remember her training and she would be fine.

"I sense a rare gift, tell me what is it?" the dark jedi side as he lowered himself to her level. His gloved hand held her chin so she would look directly at him. Rena narrowed her eyes slightly. She disliked him touching her, but she couldn't let herself get upset over such a trivial matter.

"I have no clue what you're talking about," Rena told the truth since she was unaware of the hidden ability she possessed.

"I see," the dark jedi said as he switched his lightsaber on. The red blade was just inches in font of her face as its red glow eliminated in the shadows, "We shall do it my way then."

"No! Leave her alone," Mical said as he thrashed against the rock. Hakan didn't say anything, but his face grew grim as he tried to ignore what was transpiring behind him.

"Ah you will have your turn, the girl is first however. Such a pretty thing," he ran his hand through her hair, "How I enjoy watching the fear roll off your face."

"Don't touch me," Rena said as she pulled her head away.

The dark jedi chuckled lightly as he stood up. His laugh wasn't enjoyable to the ear; it had a cold eerie feeling to it. He raised his lightsaber and swung it across Rena's leg burning the skin badly.

"Ahhh!" Rena yelled as she heard her skin sizzle as the lightsaber swept across her legs, near her knees. Her head rolled back as she summoned her jedi training to ease the pain, but it was difficult to focus as she felt a few tears roll down her face. She was struggling to use the force to heal.

"Now that is truly a satisfying look, wouldn't you agree?" the dark jedi said with a mischievous grin as he looked over his shoulder towards Mical and Hakan.

"You are a twisted son of a rancor!" Mical yelled as he sat there. Rena could tell he was trying to contain his anger by the way his body had tensed up, but he was doing a horrible job of letting his feelings overcome him. Hakan seemed disgusted by what was going on and he made no effort to hide the anger that dwelled in his body. He stared at the dark jedi coldly who in return gave him the same look.

"Leave them alone," Rena said, blocking out the remaining pain she felt.

"Young jedi. I see the masters have taught even more fools. Your requests are pointless. I will do as I will with you all. I will make you suffer at my hands until your wills are broken. You will be the first. I will make you suffer and bleed until your secret is spilled from your dying lips."

"I have no secrets," Rena said in a tone that dared the dark jedi to continue. If his focus was on her then it meant Hakan and Mical would be safe until she could think of a way to escape. Rena accepted death if it was needed, she didn't fear it as all jedi were taught.

The dark Jed proceeded to continue with his fun as he swung his lightsaber at Rena. Each one of his swings grazed either her legs or arms. His attacks were slowly becoming deeper which made Rena struggle even more to maintain her concentration on her body to heal itself and withstand the torture.

Hakan seemed more disturb by the torturing now as his head snapped towards Mical angrily, "Do something you useless jedi!"

"I would if I was able to…" Mical replied in a struggled tone. It was painful enough for him to watch, but he felt worst admitting that he was incapable in helping her.

The dark jedi paused as he looked over at the two arguing men, "You both seem concern about her. What is she to you?"

Mical and Hakan were both silent since they weren't exactly sure where their feelings were coming from. Rena laughed lightly despite her burns over her legs and arms, "Are you only capable in using your lightsaber? No control over the force. I'd figure that from a dark jedi."

"Yeah that's real smart, just keep taunting him some more maybe you'll get lucky and lose a limb!" Hakan yelled as the dark jedi turned his attention back to Rena. Her comment seemed to have touched a nerve in him as he switched his lightsaber off his eyes were narrowed in a devilish fashion. He raised his gloved hand in the air and Rena felt her body being lifted by the force, however if felt like she was being lifted by her throat.

"I will allow your precious force to crush you a fitting death. You can keep your secrets, I am powerful enough without them," the dark jedi seemed pleased with Rena's expression as she choked in mid air.

Rena twisted her tied up hands behind her back towards her belt reaching for her lightsaber. Even though her lightsaber was broken from her spar, the crystal was exposed, making it a useful tool to cut her bindings. Luckily the dark jedi had used traditional rope rather then something electronic. With two quick flicks of her wrist her hands were free. The dark jedi was shocked to see that she had freed herself and it had interrupted his concentration slightly which was enough for Rena to make use of. With his broken concentration Rena was able to move her body enough to sweep her foot at the dark jedi knocking his lightsaber right from his hand.

The dark jedi fumbled for his lightsaber realsing Rena from his powerful grip. Rena landed on her feet perfectly gasping for air, but she couldn't let this opportunity leave her. She quickly got back on her feet and raced for the fallen lightsaber that had tumbled towards the back of the cave behind a few rocks. While the dark jedi may have had a head start to get the lightsaber he was having trouble concentrating. Rena realized this particular dark jedi lacked focus. He was unable to focus his powers when the situation became tense or if multiple things were going on. Rena however felt herself completely focused. She could feel the force flow around her as her muscles drove her forward at an amazing speed. While Rena was exhausted from using the force to ease the pain of her injures she could feel the force from Mical and from Hakan. Just knowing its presents helped drive her on. She saw the blurred image of the dark jedi as she ran past him quickly. She gracefully flipped over the rocks and force pulled the lightsaber to her hand. The lightsaber felt too bulky to her as her small hands struggled to get a good grip around the lightsaber. She was use to her own lightsaber, but now wasn't the time to be picky. She ignored the red blade as it ignited before her eyes she pointed it directly at the dark jedi as he skidded to a stop realizing that he had underestimated Rena greatly.

"Ah so you do have some skills. Now then, what will you do?" he said as his lips curled in a amused expression as Rena narrowed her eyes at him the lightsaber still pointed directly at his chest, "Strike me down?"

"Kill him!" Hakan yelled as Mical kicked him in the side.

"Do not listen to him. He lacks the knowledge to the jedi ways."

"And who are you to question those ways?" the dark jedi said as he remained stationary, "You think I am worthy of redemption? I will never go back to the jedi. Let me live and I will fine more jedi to corrupt and destroy. Kill me and save the lives of your jedi brethren. What will you do?"

Rena felt herself falter as she stared at the dark jedi longer. She wanted to kill him, stop him from hurting everyone else, but no one deserved death. Rena felt herself struggle with the choice it tore her mind in two completely. If she killed him she could save others, but that was against the jedi way. She knew the right choice, however it didn't seem correct to her.

The dark jedi noticed she was hesitating and he lunged forward to try and disarm her like she had to him. Rena was quick to realize what he was trying to do and she leaped back before he could grab her arm. She switched the lightsaber off and used the hilt to strike him across the face. Her swing struck him in the lower jaw, knocking him to the ground completely unconscious. Rena paused a moment to catch her breath before she turned to help Hakan and Mical.

"I'd say that was a close one," Hakan said as he tilted his head back to see Rena approaching them, "You're pretty strong for a woman."

Rena bent down to untie their arms, "I see you have an old fashion state of mind."

Hakan stretched his arms once they were free as he rested against the rock, "Yeah, well you jedi are more old fashion then that."

Rena helped Mical undo his restraints as she shook her head at Hakan, "You speak strange about the jedi. What have they done to you?"

Hakan didn't reply, while Mical thanked Rena for helping him, "You're head is still bleeding. Let me get my spare medpack." Mical unhooked the bag from his belt while Rena watched him. While she sat bent over she sensed something familiar to her.

Hakan noticed that Rena was staring down one of the cave paths intensively, "What's your problem?"

"I think its Master Kavar and Master Zez Kai Ell," she said as she glanced over to Hakan with a smile, "I knew they'd find us." Hakan shrugged lightly since he had no clue who they were except more jedi.

"They can help us with your injures then," Mical replied when suddenly he pushed Rena out of the way as he lunged over her.

She tumbled to the ground on her back while Mical was engaged with the dark jedi who had gotten back on his feet to attack Rena while she was distracted with the two men. Hakan had amazingly joined in to help as he struggled to keep the dark jedi from advancing any further. The dark jedi seemed like he had let his anger and frustration take over as he viciously struck the two men and force pushed them back, "I will make you all pay! No jedi students will defeat me!"

His hands stretched out as if he was going to use some sort of twisted force power on them when suddenly he saw his lightsabers red glow through his chest. His head slowly turned to see Rena with her hands holding the lightsaber. Her face seemed almost regretful that she had struck him. The dark jedi was also surprised to see such a regretful face. His face softened as he struggled a few last words.

"You face show's pity…for me. Why…?" The dark jedi fell to the ground before his question was answered. His body rested face down against the cold cave floor.

"That was one heck of a strike," Hakan said was an amazed look.

"Indeed and it was in self defense," Mical said, proud that Rena hadn't given into the dark side but as the two men looked to Rena they saw her drop the lightsaber and collapse.

(Scene Break…I always wanted to say that)

Rena had strange dreams as she laid in the darkness of her mind. She saw great battles being fought in the stars. Ships were destroying each other while there escape pods flooded the planets below them. She saw herself on a jungle planet leading a few of the soldiers herself. She felt like she was serving a worthy cause, but deep in her body she felt like something was dying. Something apart of her and that's when she saw the dark jedi's dying face as the force left him. She felt the sudden lost of life in the force and the feeling coursed through her body. She suddenly jolted awake sitting up quickly in her chair. Her eyes saw the darkening Dantooine sky as her head looked around frantically confused on where she was.

"Calm yourself," Kavar said as he looked down to her from the seat next to her, "Center your thoughts."

Rena took a few deep breaths before her senses began to slowly tell her what she needed to know. She was sitting inside one of the landspeeders Kavar had brought with him. They were near the academy as Rena stared up at its familiar shape lurking in the distance.

"Rena, we have had this discussion before about leaving the academy," Kavar said as he began to lecture her, "Not only did you leave the academy but you led someone along with you. You also-" Kavar paused a moment when he noticed Rena was beginning to cry. Her hands were clutched around her head as she seemed like she was trying to block something from her mind.

"I can still feel it…" Rena mumbled, "It's my fault."

Kavar felt himself sigh. He had tried to be stern with her, but he just couldn't force himself to do it. He gently pulled her towards him to embrace her. No one was there to see him comfort her and Zez was ahead of him anyway so there really wasn't any harm in making someone feel better, "We all feel a death of a jedi. You were able to turn him towards the light before his death."

"Why do I feel this way?" Rena said as she buried her head into his robes.

"I suppose you…" Kavar knew the reason but he was forbidden to tell her of her strong connection with others, but if he made it sound like a one time event then there was not any harm to what he was about to say, "Perhaps you were able to connect with him before his death. He saw the light through you. The feeling will past with time. You are tired from your injuries, sleep and you will feel better."

Rena nodded her head lightly as she closed her eyes again. Kavar allowed her to sleep against him as he slowly directed the landspeeder back to the academy. Hakan and Mical were with Master Zez who had already arrived back at the academy. Kavar knew the general details about what happened in the cave from what Mical and Hakan had told him. It seemed to him that Rena's bond with the two boys were what caused them both to protect her and it was Rena's desire to protect them that led to the slaying of the dark jedi. What concerned Kavar was the dark Jedi's death had affected her. What would the consequences of more of her bonds dying? It worried Kavar that it could destroy Rena in the end and it was something he could not protect her from nor could he offer any training that would help. The masters chose to ignore it since a large scale slaughter of the jedi seemed unlikling to them all, yet the possibility was still there in Kavar's mind. Nothing was meant to last, including the jedi. He stopped the landspeeder in the garage when they had arrived at the academy. He noticed a dark hair women leaning against one of the walls with her arms folded over her chest. Her eyes caught Kavar's as she smiled to him, pleased that he had finally arrived.

"Master Kavar, I'm glad you are finally here," she said as she walked towards the landspeeder looking at the sleeping Rena, "Master Zez Kai Ell told me of your situation and I believe I can offer some insight on the girl's problem."

Kavar wasn't sure who this woman was for a moment before her name suddenly crossed his mind, "Revan it has been quiet some time…"