Chapter 4: Setting the Trap
The cool air blew through the opened court of the Jedi Praxium on Yavin IV. The full student body and Jedi Order as well as Jedi's families such as the Solos were gathered around a burning pyre. Tahiri Veila, who most of the time was found happy and cheerful, sobbed as she clung to Anakin Solo's best robes. Anakin in reply held the trembling girl in a comforting embrace.
Next them Jedi Knight Ron Stoppable slowly stepped toward the pyre where Luke Skywalker was standing near the blaze. He handed him a set of neatly folded robes. Luke nodded and used the Force to place the robes onto of the fire. "There is no emotion." Luke stated as he turned toward the gathering.
"There is peace," the Jedi present echoed.
"There is no ignorance," Luke spoke again.
"There is knowledge." Again they echoed as Ron approached Anakin and Tahiri.
"There is no Passion." Ron gave a sad smile to Tahiri as he placed a pair of short-saber hilts in her trembling hands.
"There is serenity." Tahiri's lip trembled before she threw her arms around Ron's neck and sobbed into his shoulder.
"There is no chaos," Luke spoke as Tahiri finally let go of Ron only to once again cling to Anakin.
"There is harmony." Kim whispered as she left Erik's side to hug Ron's arm and lay her head on his shoulder comfortingly.
"There is no … death …" Luke said glancing back at the now fully engulfed robes.
"There is the Force …" Ron breathed, as he glanced up at the rising smoke.
"Let us not dwell on Jedi Yori Onasi's death," Luke stated again in a voice where they all could hear, "Let us all depart from here remembering her life, which continues on in the Force … she is now here, and on Coruscant, and the farthest reaching star, and inside each and every one of us; binding us all together." Luke gave a consoling smile to Tahiri before gripping Ron's shoulder.
Kim nodded to the Master Jedi before giving Ron a tight embrace and kissed him softly on the cheek. "It'll be ok, Ron …" she whispered before going to the devastated Tahiri's side.
"I'm truly sorry, my friend." Erik said approaching Ron who was gazing up at the fire. "I know you must hurt, but you can use that you know?"
"What?" Ron asked, glancing to the young representative.
"The hatred, anger, pain," Erik stated softly, watching the smoke rise. "Harness it, Ron, it can make you powerful."
"But … that's of the Dark Side …" Ron whispered weakly.
"Only if you let it control you," Erik stated with a nod. "If you control it, it'll only open up your full potential."
Ron-chan, no! Don't!
"Yori?" Ron whispered, glancing up after hearing her voice in the back of his mind.
"Do you wish the one who killed her to go unpunished?" Erik asked, a sad smile on his lips. "You have the power to stop him if you just use it. I beg you, stop him before he hurts someone else as he has Yori and you."
"Just think about it my friend," Erik said patting his shoulder, then moving to where Kim was speaking to Anakin and Tahiri.
"Something stinks with that guy," Kyle Katarn said to Luke as they watched from a distance. "Something stinks badly."
"Yeah, I know," Luke narrowed his eyes. "Amidala was my mother's last name when she served as Queen of Naboo."
"Don't say it Luke …" Kyle whispered, narrowing his eyes on the dark-haired young man talking to Kim, Tahiri and Anakin. "I know, but don't …"
"I have a bad feeling about this …" Luke sighed.
"Sith-spit, Luke, I TOLD you not to say it!" Kyle blanched. "I already know it looks bad, but every time … EVERYTIME you say that it always ends up being WORSE!"
"Truth, that seems to be," Rue Fus nodded, neither noticing his arrival at their side. "Have something to do with the Sith, think I do."
"Yeah, me too." Luke nodded, turning to Master Katarn. "Kyle, think you can handle it or the old commando skills rusty?"
"Already contacted Jan," Kyle smirked, crossing his arms. "She's on her way to pick me up now."
"Good man," Luke nodded, before turning back to the representative. Luke's eyes widened when he noticed Erik was staring at him, with a strange, almost disgusted look on his face.
Green and green clashed as Tim and Jaina spared with their lightsabers inside the training hall. "You're slow," Tim stated, as he swung at the higher ranking Jedi Apprentice.
"Just distracted," Jaina smiled at the teenager as she took a swing at him again which was blocked easily.
"Didn't know my good looks effected you in such a way," Tim winked, making Jaina roll her eyes.
"Stop acting like my father," Jaina smirked, slashing at him again.
"So what's really up?" Tim asked parrying her attack. "Only person more focused then you around here is Tenel Ka."
"It's Yori," Jaina sighed shutting down her lightsaber, looking up to the glass skylight of the chamber. "And all the Sith coming back … I guess it's a little scary."
"Hey, it'll work out," Tim said comfortingly, "Your uncle kicked the poodoo out of the Sith the last time, and he'll do it again."
"Tim?" Jaina asked looking at the more powerful of the twins.
"Yeah, J?" Tim asked glancing her way.
"If … I went to the Dark Side, would you fight me to stop me?" She asked somewhat timidly.
"I don't think I could do that," Tim sighed, "Besides … in a real fight you'd probably kick my butt."
"That's ok I guess …" Jaina looked away before Tim cupped her cheek and gave her a timid kiss. Less then a second later she wrapped her arms around him and deepened it.
"Hicka Bicka B- oh … I-I'm sorry …" Jim said bursting into the gym freezing at the sight of his brother and Jaina kissing.
The two broke the kiss and gave Jim an embarrassed look. "I'll … uh … I …I'll leave you guys alone then …" He forced out before turning and running away.
"Jimmy, wait!" Jaina called after him, but he was already gone.
Jim ran hard from the gym and finally stopping just outside the temple grounds and sat down roughly on an old overturned log and laid his face in his hands. "Stupid Tim … Stupid Jaina …" Jim mumbled into his hands
"I saw that in there, my friend," Erik said, seemingly to appearing beside the boy making him jump.
"When did you get here?" Jim yelped turning to see the Nabooian representative.
"Just now," Erik gave a lopsided grin, before growing serious. "Sad example of a long time truth; women go for the more powerful."
"But I'm stronger then Tim, I know it!" Jim exploded, standing up before his angry expression melted. "I just … well …"
"I know you are, son," Erik patted his shoulder, urging him to sit back down. "She's not worth your time if she can't see that, my young friend."
"What do you mean?" Jim asked his elder sister's friend.
"She's made her choice obviously," Erik shrugged, smirking slightly. "If anything, she's jealous of you."
"Jealous?" Jim quirked an eyebrow at the Nabooian.
"Yes, you have a bond with your brother she'll never have with him," Erik stated, looking up at the stares. "You and your brother have a bond through the force she'll never experience."
"Jaina's not like that …" Jim said glancing down at his lap.
"Are you certain?" Erik asked with a quirked eyebrow, and patted the boy's shoulder when he deflated. "I have an idea that'll make you feel better, son. How about showing off your skills in front of everyone, including Ms. Sol?"
"What?" Jim asked curiously.
"I was going to ask if Master Skywalker would allow a sparing match to take place so I can see how a Jedi duels. You and your brother would make a fine mock-battle if you asked me." Erik said with a smile. "That way you can clear all those dark bad thoughts and practice at the same time. What do you say?"
"Sure," Jim nodded, "Not like it's the first time we've dueled. Sounds like fun."
"Excellent," Erik grinned before standing up, "You better scamper off and get some rest, my young Jedi, I'll be watching you closely." Erik said as Jim left toward his dormitory.
Erik smiled after the younger boy before a soft voice spoke up behind him. "It's a nice night …"
"Hey, Kim," Erik smiled as he turned to face the redhead. "How's Ron?"
"Haven't talked to him actually …" Kim said hugging herself. "He's kind of cut himself off for now. Can't say I blame him… I can tell he's hurting right now."
"He really cared for Jedi Onasi. It'll take him time to recover from the loss." Erik said as he and the redhead walked into the dormitories. "It's quite unusual you have a room her, Kim," Erik said as they stopped at her bedroom.
"Yeah …" Kim said rubbing her arm slightly. "I was raised here with Ron practically. Master Luke took me in so we wouldn't be alone on Tatooine."
"Incredibly generous of the Master," Erik said moving closer. "Did you know the Old Jedi Order didn't allow attachments; family or otherwise?"
"Yeah? Some new aged Jedi seem to feel the same way," Kim said looking away, then jumped slightly when she felt his fingers brush her cheek. "Erik?" she managed to get out before he swept her up into a mind-blowing kiss. Kim was shocked for a moment before she dove into the kiss hungrily. She fumbled with the doorknob of her door and pulled Erik into the room, not fooling with the light and jerked him all the way to the bed.
Hands roamed all over and for the first time since Ron left her, Kim felt very much alive. At least until …
"Kim … KP? Are you still up?" Came Ron's muffled voice as he knocked on her door.
"Three years," Kim groaned, rubbing her face. "I wait three years for him to come to my door and … he has to come NOW?"
"It's ok, Kim," Erik kissed her softly before climbing off the bed. "He needs you right now."
"Yeah, you're right …" Kim said adjusting her tank top straps back and pulling her jacket back on. "I'll let him in."
"No I'll get him on the way out," Erik smiled, "I'll speak to you in the morning, princess," He winked before walking toward the door.
Kim gave an apologetic smile as he opened the door and smirked slightly at the suddenly gap jawed Ron. "Good evening, Master Jedi." Erik greeted the stunned Knight.
"Um … hi …" Ron squeaked staring as the Naboo Representative walked out adjusting his robes. "I … am I interrupting?"
"It's quite alright," Erik patted his shoulder as he walked past the young Jedi. "Enjoy your last night together," he whispered so softly Ron barely caught it.
"I'm sorry, Kim," Ron said sheepishly as he entered the small one room apartment.
"It's ok, Ron, there's always tomorrow night for me and Erik," Kim said teasingly watching Ron narrow his eyes and blush. "I'm kidding, you're still fun to tease. Seriously though, are you ok?"
"Yeah, no, kinda, I don't know," Ron sighed, flapping his arms in frustration. "Can I take your couch? I tried to sleep in our … mine and Yori's room and …"
"This is a big bed," Kim scooted over and patted the side of the bed. "Plop down here, Jedi Knight."
"Um … Kim, you know, last time we shared the bed we kinda … ya know …uh …" Ron blushed crimson.
"Went like a pair of womp rats in mating seasons?" Kim asked, chuckling when he blushed even harder. "That was three years ago, Ron. Plus we just SLEPT in beds together since we were four, remember? I trust you not to use your all powerful Jedi Mind-Tricks to seduce me and make me your wanton love slave."
"I don't need the Force to defeat you, Kim Possible. I can still tickle you into submission with ease as I always could." Ron smirked down at her.
"That was a long time ago, Ron Stoppable," Kim said with a smug smile. "When last we met I was but the learner, now I am the master."
"Oh yeah?" Ron broke a grin.
"Yeah." Kim nodded firmly before squealing when Ron dove for a tickle assault.
"Alright, welcome to Naboo," Jan Ors said as the Raven's Claw soared down over the capitol city of the planet. "Which dock we booked with?"
"Oh, we're not," Kyle Katarn smirked as he checked his lightsaber and blaster.
"We're not?" Jan turned to her long time boyfriend, "Clarify 'we're not' please."
"I didn't book any docking protocols," Kyle said before checking the charge on his rifle. "By all legal rights of the New Republic, we could be shot down at any time."
"Kyle …" Jan growled.
"Don't worry! It's Naboo, they're harmless … I think. They were a few years ago anyway." Kyle said rubbing his beard.
Jan rolled her eyes as the Jedi climbed from his seat and ran from the bridge. She watched as the gangplank of the Claw lowered and the Jedi Master leapt down and made his way stealthily into the capitol. "Be careful, Kyle …" She whispered before pulling the Raven's Claw up and away.
Kyle made it into the capitol with ease, as the security was very lacking. "City's got like barely a percentage in crime rate especially in this part of the city, why worry about heavy security?" Kyle chuckled before he eased into a computer chamber. "Now time for work."
"Now let's see … Amidala, Erik …" Kyle said as he typed into the search program.
"Birth date checks out … no criminal record …" Kyle whispered to himself as he read the boy's file. "Hold on, back it up!" He said as his eyes widened.
"Attended Taris School of Political Academics?" Kyle narrowed his eyes, "That school was leveled over forty years ago."
"When was this data entered and by whom?" Kyle asked out loud as he began hacking the system. "Well this is interesting … all uploaded at the same day four years ago … by Nom Anor? Who the heck's this guy? And how did he get access to the Naboo records? Only high ranking officials can do that …"
"He's not on any records as a senator or ruler … lets see who's access codes he used …" Kyle said as he punched in another keystroke.
Kyle's eyes widened even wider and the color faded from his features as the face and file of the person who had the codes appeared on screen. "No … it can't be … it … just … cannot Sith Spitting be …" Kyle shook his head as he noticed some familiar features on the older gentlemen's face with one other he knew. "Access older photos …" he typed and the next image almost made the Jedi Master throw up. "This is bad …very, very … very SLAGGING BAD!" He said getting up and running from the room. "JAN, GET DOWN HERE AND PICK ME UP! AND PREPARE FOR A LONG RANGE TRANSMISSION TO YAVIN!"
"It's Naboo he says," Jan's complaining voice replied on the com link as Kyle exited the capitol building. "They're harmless he says … you idiot!" Jan yelled as the Raven's Claw rocketed over his head being chased by six Sith Fighters.
"Well then stop complaining, lower the plank, and fly low toward me!" Kyle yelled as the ship circled toward him. "Force …don't let me down …" he said as he took a flying leap and made a tumbling landing inside the ship. He jumped to his feet and quickly shut the plank and made a dash for the bridge. "Let's get out of here, Jan!"
"Don't have to tell me twice!" Jan said as the Raven's Claw turned upward and started flying toward orbit.
"Katarn to Skywalker, come in, Skywalker!" Kyle said pulling on a headset, but heard nothing but static. "Slag, they got the long range com-dish didn't they?"
"Sorry," Jan shrugged, giving Kyle an apologetic smile.
"Great, just great," Kyle rubbed his face, "Lets just get to Yavin as fast as possible."
"What's the hurry?" Jan blinked, "You afraid the school won't be there when you get there?" she asked, earning a very disconcerting look from her boyfriend.
Dawn had arrived on Yavin as the students and teachers of the academy were gathered in the gym for the 'duel' with live sabers. Luke didn't like it, but Erik had requested it, and Jim and Tim volunteered so there was little the Jedi Master could do. Now here he stood in the center of the large mat with the bleachers filled completely to see the Twin Jedi students fight. Luke glanced up to Erik who was seated between Kim and Ron.
'I have a bad feeling about this …' Luke thought as he glanced down to his niece and nephews at ringside. Anakin and Jacen looked exited as usual, but for some reason Jaina looked really anxious.
Jim and Tim looked at each other with absolute seriousness on their features, which was a rare case for the twins. They activated their lightsabers and green and blue met for a split second. "First to disarm the other wins. Ready?" Luke asked, back stepping away from the two. "BEGIN!"
Jim and Tim twirled around slashing and hacking at each other, their lightsabers hissing and popping as they clashed.
Jim took a step back and ducked to dodge his brother's slash, before catching sight of Jaina watching. 'I'll show her who's the better between us …' he thought before pressing hard into an forward attack that made Tim take three steps back. That's it son, Erik's voice spoke in Jim's mind. Show them both how powerful you are. Jim fought even harder.
Jaina's eyes stayed glued to the fight as she and everyone else was surprised by the ferocity Jim was displaying against his brother. Do you see my dear? Erik's voice sounded in the back of her mind. He's jealous of you and his brother. He feels as though you have taken his brother from him … he's going to hurt him for betraying him … because of you.
At that very moment Jim struck Tim's saber and knocked it from his hand. Jim used the Force to pull the lightsaber to his hand and held the blue and green blades toward his brother. "It's over, Tim," Jim grinned at his defeated brother, before he was struck hard with a force shove and sent tumbling across the mat.
"Don't you dare hurt him!" Jaina yelled, stunning everyone including the two combatants as she stood between them.
"What?" Tim gawked at the girl as Jim pulled himself to his feet.
"I just beat him," Jim said as he tossed Tim back his shut down lightsaber. "Jaina he's my brother, why would I hurt him?"
"But … I thought … you … I …" Jaina stammered looking around to see all eyes were on her expectantly.
"Thanks you my dear for the distraction," A voice called from the skylight of the gym.
Luke and the others glanced up and saw Darth Fist hanging by a grappling cord with Erik in his grasp. "Here's a gift Jedi, thank you for the Representative." He grinned before dropping a thermal detonator down to the floor.
"Clear out!" Luke called as they all dashed out of the gym away from the impending explosion.
"ERIK!" Kim called as Ron grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder and used force-enhanced speed to get out of there right as the detonator exploded.
"Dang it, we just rebuilt that gym!" Corran complained as the Sith shuttle flew over head and out of the atmosphere.
"Ron, Erik!" Kim whimpered gripping Ron's arm as they watched the Sith escape.
"The Wildecat can catch that thing," Jim stated, running up to the two.
"It's the fastest of the fast, it doesn't stand a chance." Tim added as he joined them.
"Ron, we have to make sure everyone's ok here," Luke stated looking over the chaos. "You and the twins go after them with Kim, Mara and I will follow as quick as we can."
"But they're not even Apprentice level yet," Ron argued.
"Right but they're the best pilots in the order right now." Luke nodded to the twins. "Now go before the trail gets cold!"
"I'm coming too," Jaina said bouncing up to the group.
"Why?" Jim narrowed his eyes angrily.
"So you can protect me from my crazed brother?" Tim finished, "Thanks but no thanks."
"Jim, I didn't …" Jaina turned her attention to the other brother.
"Didn't mean to force shove me across the gym floor? Yeah right," Jim stated in a hurt tone. "We've known each other for years, Jaina, you were my best friend … I thought you knew me better then that … I guess not." He said turning his back on the stunned girl. "Don't worry I'll bring your boyfriend back to you safe and sound. I see now he's the only one of us you actually care about."
"But …" Jaina whimpered.
"Look, Jaina, I care about you, and I was happy when you became my girlfriend," Tim stated as tears began to form in her eyes. "But Jim's blood, Jaina. As much as I care about you, we're a packaged deal. Take it or leave it."
"I wouldn't … Jim Tim … don't … I …" Jaina stammered shaking her head in shock. "I didn't mean … I …"
"Jaina, I need your help over here," Mara called giving Jaina an escape which she took in a dash.
Jim and Tim watched her go before in unison let their shoulders droop and sighed sadly.
"I know you guys are having lady trouble but your sis needs your help with her own man trouble so what say we go kick some Sith ass?" Ron asked patting their shoulders. "Hicka Bicka Boo?" Ron winked.
"Hoosha!" They said in unison then led their elder sister and Ron to the Wildecat.
Darth Fist walked from the bridge of his Sith Shuttle to the storage room where Erik sat watching out the window. "The Corellian ship Wildecat is following us," Fist stated.
"Slow down, let them follow us. Set a course for Korriban." Erik stated, giving an evil smirk. "You have done well Lord Fist."
"Yes, my Master," Fist said giving a deep bow to the Representative.
"Our plans are almost complete, Lord Fist," Erik stated lacing his fingers before him. "I have one last mission for you, my most faithful apprentice."
"Anything thy desire, my Lord Sidious." Darth Fist said humbly.
"Choose one of the Possible twins, it doesn't matter to me which." Erik smiled wickedly, "And kill him."
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Arise, Darth Demonus