Chapter Sixteen: Destiny
The ruins had dotted the surface of Dantooine since the founding of the Republic. No one knew what their origins were and few dared to explore them. Those who did, never returned. The Jedi discovered the ruins after they constructed their Enclave, and shunned them. They could feel clearly what the settlers only had the barest hint of; the ruins were steeped in the Dark Side of the Force.
Two figures stood in the antechamber of one of those ruins, contemplating a door that barred their way. One leaned uneasily against a huge carving that served as a doorpost, the other paced restlessly back and forth in front of the door. They were different from the men who had once ran across the mesas outside these ruins, feeling the breezes, marvelling at the life around them. They were older now; they had seen death.
Malak watched his friend pace back and forth as though trying to make a decision. He was uneasy, and he could feel the Dark Power surrounding them. It intrigued him and frightened him at the same time. He could feel currents, hear whispers, see shadows at the edge of his senses. He felt that there was a pattern to them, that he might learn that pattern and use it to his gain, if the thought did not terrify him. He rubbed his bald head nervously.
"Are you sure this is wise, Revan? This place is strong with the Dark Side." He knew Revan could feel it, maybe more keenly.
Revan stopped pacing and looked at Malak. The dark shadows danced at the edge of his senses continually now, he could almost see them with his waking eyes. Malak could see their reflection in his eyes. "The Republic is weakened from four years of war, Malak. The Jedi will be no help. They will debate, and discuss, and gather reports, and in the end sit still, mired in a stagnant philosophy. We can strengthen the Republic, together, so that nothing can harm it again. But we must make it happen, we must lead and command, just as we did in the war. Behind this door lies the way to accomplish that. Are you with me?"
As he watched Malak struggle to make his decision, he heard a soft voice whisper in the back of his mind, a voice from the past. Few have returned who started down the Dark Path; can you pay the price it will demand? Malak started, almost as if he had heard the voice as well. He looked into the eyes of the man who was his dearest friend, a friend he had followed to war and back. Why should this time be different? He smiled sadly as he spoke. "Yes, Revan. I'm with you."
Revan nodded and turned toward the door. He raised his hand and called upon the dark energies swirling around him. With a soft sound of grinding stone, the door parted and drew back into the wall. The chamber ahead was dark, with shadows everywhere. In there, they had shape and form, they were beckoning.
Revan and Malak stepped forward into the darkness.
The End