Two months into the war, and the Republic's army was crumbling in the face of the Mandalorian onslaught. Even the Jedi Council couldn't hide the news that had spread throughout the galaxy on how fast the enemy was sweeping through the Outer Rim territories. As Master Vandar and Master Atris had predicted there was dissent amongst the younger students. They didn't understand why the Jedi were refusing to join in the fight, help aid the Republic. There was one vital piece of information from the Jedi Masters that they had sent to the Outer Rim, which they had so far kept from prying ears, rumours, whispers of a nameless fear.

Knowledge is power, or so they say. It can also be a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. To the Council, Revan was knowledge personified, he knew every piece of known text, from the formation of the Republic, to the despicable views of the Sith. It was he who had been one of the first to be stunned at the Councils ignorance of the war, their blindness to the suffering of countless millions on hundreds of worlds.

"Hypocrites"

"What?" asked Malak

"Hypocrites. The entire Council is made up of hypocrites. I don't believe I never saw it before, no matter how many times I pored through the history books I never realised it. It's all there. Through out the entire history of the Jedi Order, all their beliefs, all their actions, it all comes down to hypocrisy. They're no better than the Sith"

Revan, Malak and Logan were in their dormitory. To neither Malak's nor Logan's surprise, Revan was still fuming over the lack of action by the Council. They could feel his anger pulsating in the room; it was so strong it was almost overwhelming. The very room seemed to darken in response.

- - -

Vandar stirred from his meditation. Anger he had felt emanating through the Force. Strong and quickly it seemed to flow. He rubbed his forehead and grabbed his walking-stick, and sat up to leave.

"He is becoming dangerous, Vandar" it was Vrook who had entered the room, his arms crossed as he leant against the door "I told you; she wouldn't be able to handle the responsibility. She cares too deeply about the boy. Her feelings are clouding her perception"

"There is hope for him Vrook. Do not forget he is very capable of controlling the Force" Vandar turned to face him

"He is only human. He believes he can control his emotions, no one can do that"

"There is someone who can help him though"

"Oh no. Master Hestra says she wants her Padawan to have nothing to do with him anymore. This bond that is forming between the two will not be able to contain what lies within him. Kreia said it herself, he is power"

"Love, can do incredible things Vrook, incredible things"

- - -

"Ow" Bastila yelped as the Training Droid hit her

"Concentrate Bastila" urged Hestra

"Sorry Master"

Bastila resumed her stance and waited for the Droid to strike again, concentrating all of her will on the Droid, allowing the Force to flow through her.

"I am not going!" cried Bastila, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"You will go! Your father can no longer afford to keep you. As for me, I am sick of your stubbornness, you arrogant child!" shouted her mother, her fist slamming upon her bedroom table

"I am not going!"

Anger. Bastila could feel it through the Force. It felt so strong; she could feel the intensity of it ringing inside her.

"Ow" the Training Droid struck her again. It didn't matter, she knew where this – feeling was coming from.

"Alright Bastila, apparently you have no concentration today and have something else on your mind. Go take a break" said Hestra, waving her away.

- - -

Revan leant back against his favourite tree by the lake. He always came here when he felt upbeat or annoyed. Lately he had been coming here to get away from the rest of the world and just to - think. He could hear the brush of water against the lake shore; feel the light breeze upon his skin. It felt so good here, so calm. Revan could feel himself edging towards sleep -

"Revan"

He opened his eyes. It was Bastila, how in the world did she find him here?

"Um, Bastila. H-Hi, what are you doing here?"

Bastila sat down beside him, avoiding his gaze "You were angry about something. I could feel it. Of course your not now, I mean you -"

Revan smiled, "Don't worry Bastila, I know. I'm alright now, it's just that…lately I've just been feeling slightly aggravated at the Council. It's – it's just me that's all"

Bastila looked out across the lake and watched some birds fly off from the forest. She felt the smooth grass between her fingers.

Revan watched her out of the corner of his eye. They had grown really close over the years, closer than he thought anyone could ever get to her. She really has come along way since the day I met her in the corridor, thought Revan, she's grown up real quick. He smiled to himself, he'd promised to take care of her like a sister, but lately he felt different around her, he felt like he loved her more than a brother ever could. Nahhh, she would never accept it, she believes too deeply in the Jedi Code, Revan thought.

"Revan. I - I think it's time I told you about my mother and father, and why I act so – stubborn sometimes. It's – um – something I need to get off my chest. You see my mother -"

"Your mother? I always thought it was just who you were" Revan joked

Bastila smiled and slapped him playfully on the arm

"Sorry. Go on" Revan put his head on his knees

"Well, my mother was always milking my father for money you see. He was a really wealthy and kind man. My mother exploited him for it. She used to send him on some lousy treasure hunt or another, wasting hundreds of credits or she got him to spend the money on her" Bastila paused, she was speaking so softly Revan could barely hear her, the leaves in the tree rustled against the wind, "When I was eight, they realised I had a gift, and my mother persuaded my father to send me to the Jedi Academy for training, just to get me out of her way. I cried and cried for days, my father he – he – he couldn't -"

Her voice cracked, and her eyes started swelling. She felt stupid for feeling like this, especially in front of him. Revan leant forward and put his arm round her shoulder. "You don't have to say anymore Bastila" he whispered. He pulled her closer to him, and she leant her head against his shoulder. She could feel him running his fingers through her hair.

Her sorrow began seeping out of her. She felt so comfortable in his arms, comfort she hadn't felt since she met him all those years ago.

The sun was sinking below the hills, its dieing embers dancing off the lake, its waters turning a golden hue. A flock of birds flew against the sun. The gentle lapping of waves against the lake shore, the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, wavering through the grass. They sat in silence, as they looked out across the lake.

Revan could hear her gentle breathing, her soft hair against his cheek, and realised…this is what being a Jedi meant. Not for doing what is right or what is wrong, not for believing you can police the galaxy, but for following your own heart, to believe in what you were doing is right, to fight for those you cared about to whatever end. Revan stared down at Bastila, and finally he understood what he had to do.

She looked up towards him, and smiled as their eyes met. She didn't know why she did it, maybe it was the power he had over her, or maybe she was just so caught up in the moment. It didn't matter. Her heart was thumping so hard against her chest she could hear it. She pressed her soft lips gently against his.

Revan didn't push her away, but pulled her in closer. He pulled her in so tight; they were inseparable.

An electric current seemed to run through her entire body, it was so startling and terrifying, but at the same time the sensation was so pleasant she held on to him, never wanting to let go.

"I love you Revan"

He leant back and looked into her sparkling eyes. The last rays of sunlight made her skin shine. She was absolutely beautiful in that one moment. He sighed and said, "I could stay awake, just to hear you breathing. Watch you smile while you were sleeping. Every moment with you is a moment I treasure. But - " he had to do it, for her, "I can't love you, Bastila. You believe too deeply in the Jedi Code, they would expel you and you've worked too hard for me to let that happen"

"Revan, I don't care. Not about this, you said yourself - "

"– that to not show emotion, is to be like a droid" they both smiled.

Revan sighed again, and looked out across the lake as the sun finally disappeared and the area was cast into shadow. "Bastila, you're kind, smart, funny, beautiful. You have those eyes which – sparkle, like stars whenever you smile, and when I look into them I can't help but smile back, because I feel happy too. You're the only person to have made that happen, to make me feel this way"

"So do you?"

He kissed her on the cheek, and stood up

"I - I can't"

- - -

"Well?"

"The first of the Jedi are preparing to leave Dantooine to help the Republic, my Masters"

Seven, cloaked figures sat, in a dank, dark room. Their Empire spread out behind them. The power that one felt from the room was so overwhelming; one couldn't help but become twisted to the evil that lay here.

One of the seven spoke up, "Excellent, the cogs are finally in motion"

"But – but my Lords I must warn you, there is a - a very powerful Jedi amongst those readying to leave"

"If they are mere Padawans and Knights they are no threat to our plans, slave"

"If you – if you insist, milord"

- - -

The rift between the Council and some of its students had widened over the months since War was declared, and with every month it was Revan who stood before the Council and pleaded for them to act, and every time they turned him down. This month though was different; he made sure of that, it was time for him to take action into his own hands.

"Do you realise the extremity of what you are saying Revan?" asked Zhar Lestin

"If I didn't do you think I would be standing here" Revan crossed his arms

"Then you realise, if you and your fellow Padawans leave the Enclave you shall all be expelled from the Jedi Order" stated Vrook, casting Revan a steel gaze, his face full of contempt.

"Expelled? For doing what is right? The Senate has been calling for aid the past two months, and still the Council denies sending them help?"

"For doing what is right?" Vrook laughed, "Well I guess it depends on your point of view"

"We have our reasons young Revan" Vandar spoke calmly, as though this was nothing more than a friendly debate

"Well perhaps if you lot bothered to fill the rest of the Enclave in on this, then perhaps we might not go off on our 'crusade'"

The Council went silent at that remark. Revan glanced over the Masters, "You do realise you are all hypocrites? Doesn't the Jedi Code say that we are supposed to protect those weaker than ourselves, regardless of the type of life form? And I swear it has been stated more than once by one of you that we are Peacekeepers of the galaxy, well we don't seem to be doing much peace-keeping at the moment. In fact, we Jedi are supposed to be selfless, but right now this Council is acting just like the Sith, self-centred and only caring about themselves. I never truly comprehended how fine the line is between both the Jedi and the Sith."

"There are times Revan, when even the Jedi must go against the rules in order to do what is right, therefore one may assume we are doing nothing wrong" remarked Vandar

"Well it seems, that ones point of view really does make you who you are, as do your choices…as Master Vrook has so kindly pointed out" replied Revan, sarcastically

"This is not a debatable topic anymore Revan. If you want to play war-hero and tread the path of the Darkside, then you will not do it under the guise of a Jedi Knight" Vrook was now standing up from his seat, shaking in rage

Revan stood there, before the Masters, and laughed at Vrook, "You can't be serious; the only person in this room to show any inclination of the Darkside is you, Vrook. I may not have faith in the Jedi Code, but it doesn't mean I'm willing to follow the same path as Exar Kun. I mean c'mon, look where that got him"

The Council went into silence again; obviously they were still reeling from their failure.

"There is obviously no swaying your mind, Jedi Knight. Then leave as you see fit, we shall not hold you back any longer" muttered Vandar.

Well that was something no one saw coming. Not only was Revan surprised at this sudden change of heart, but so too was the rest of the Council.

"Good luck, I hope not to see you again until the Republic has gained victory in this war" Vandar smiled up at the dark features of the young man, "Goodbye Revan"

Not knowing what to say, having been so flabbergasted, he turned around and walked out the Council chamber.

"Do you realise what you've done Vandar" cried Vrook, looking down at the little Master

"For once I agree with Vrook, are you out of your mind Vandar? The galaxy had to deal with one Dark Jedi, it is not ready to deal with another" said Dorak

"I too agree. I sense much anger and fear in him" said Zhar

Vandar simply sat back into his chair, put his hands to his chin and replied, "Redemption is never impossible. There is something else I sense in him."

- - -

The hum of a transporter-ship was all that broke the ringing silence, in the Enclave. Those Jedi who hadn't allied themselves to Revan's cause stood watching, as Revan and his followers packed their things onto the ship. It was only a couple of hours after the debate that had taken place between Revan and the Council, and he had decided it was best all round if they left as quickly as possible. When the last of the baggage was placed on the ship, Malak came up to Revan who was standing by the stairwell leading up into the ship, greeting those who wished to accompany him.

"Rev, you absolutely sure about this, mate? I mean we might never be allowed to come back here"

"I'm sure Malak," replied Revan, his voice firm, "Who knows, the Council might not want us but all those lives were going to be saving, I'm pretty damn sure their gonna want us"

Malak laughed, "Yeah I guess. You really think this pitiful band of Jedi can make a difference?"

"Why not? The smallest person can change the course of the future Malak"

"Well I guess then this is the last time I'll every look upon Dantooine"

"It's not too late to go back, Malak, to change your mind. You can choose stay here"

"No Revan. I said to you before, as did Logan, were sticking with you right to the end. Were the best of friends, we'll never turn our back on each other"

"Thanks"

Malak nodded, and climbed the stairwell into the ship.

Revan turned around as the last of the accompanying Jedi clambered on board, he could feel the eyes of those who were staying, looking at him with disgust. When he glanced over to them, they just turned their eyes elsewhere. Once the most popular Jedi, now he was seen as an Outcast, to even look at him, they felt was to be tainted by the Darkside.

Revan looked around, at the faces and at the Enclave one last time, and climbed up the stairs.

"Wait! Wait! Revan!"

Revan turned around, and saw Bastila pushing her way through the crowd. He jumped off the top rung of the ladder and landed just as she got to the stairs.

"You were just going to leave without saying goodbye?" said Bastila

"I'm sorry Bastila, but I didn't want to drag you into this"

"What do you mean drag me into this? You wouldn't need to Revan; I would have come with you!"

"I would never let you do that Bastila. Never"

"You know who sound like? My mother. Always telling me I can't do this or that! Its stuff like that which makes me stubborn Revan" she could feel her eyes starting to swell with tears.

Revan could see it. He knew that she was dieing to go with him, even to War, but he couldn't let her come, not if there was a chance she would be hurt. He could never let that happen.

As she stood there, resolute, Revan understood that she knew it too. That no matter how hard she tried, he would never let her tag along.

Revan reached into his pocket, and took out something small, wrapped in cloth.

"I was meant to give this to you on your last birthday, but I got kinda wrapped up in all of this and forgot. Here"

He placed the cloth in her hands, and she un-wrapped it to find a yellow crystal, nestled inside.

"I know how lonely you get when either me, Malak or Logan ain't around. Also I know how much you hate green" Revan smiled, "So what I want you to do Bastila, is that whenever things get rough or you feel lonely, I want you to look at this crystal and remember. Remember the time we were at the lake, the warmth of the sun against your skin, the soft grass under your fingers, and I want you to smile, Bastila. I want you to be happy"

Bastila had no idea what to say. She looked at the sunny, yellow crystal in her palm, and she could remember the lake, the sun, the grass, the breeze, Revan.

"Thank you"

Revan leant in and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll never forget you Bastila"

"I'll never forget you too"

"And I promise you Bastila, I'll come back. I promise."

With that he turned around and climbed back up the stairs, just as he was about to enter the ship, Bastila cried out, "I love you"

He smiled, "I know. Goodbye Bastila"

Tears rolling down her cheeks, her heart thumping, "Goodbye, Revan".