Chapter 8: Darth Gemini, Dark Lord of the Sith
"The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions" – Unknown
Jim slowly opened his eyes, he felt drained, weak and … "Tim?" He asked suddenly rejuvenated, he sat up and looked around his hospital room. "Tim where are you?" He asked, reaching out into the Force as Master Katarn had taught them, searching for his presence anywhere. "Can't find him … he was hurt … they could have taken him to Coruscant … I couldn't sense him all the way there … right?" He asked himself.
The door slid open and Kim walked in. She glanced up and her bloodshot worried eyes went wide upon seeing her little brother sitting up. She stared for a moment before tears appeared in her eyes and she dove at him in sobs. "Jim!" She cried as she hugged her little brother for dear life.
"Where's Tim?" Jim asked weakly when Kim finally stopped trembling. "And is Ron ok? What's wrong Sis?"
Kim looked up at him horrified at the questions.
"Jim …" Luke said as he entered in behind Kim. "Good to see you up and a bout son…" He said sitting down beside the Possible siblings on his bed.
"Where's my brother and Ron, Master Skywalker? Why are you two acting so funny?" Jim asked, growing nervous at the unsettled looks his sister and the Jedi Master were giving each other. "What's happened?"
"Darth Fist's replacement …" Luke sighed, his eyes traveling all over the room as he thought this through. "A Sith Lord by the name of Darth Demonus … he killed Fist and then with Darth Shego's aid hit us with a surprise attack while we tried to help save Ron … Shego killed your brother and Darth Demonus murdered Ron … I'm sorry Jim, I'm really sorry." Luke looked away from Kim's stunned look and the shattered surviving twin. "Demonus was a friend of mine and Ron's, but he was seduced by the Dark Side of the Force … he betrayed and murdered your friend."
"Demonus?" Jim asked in a low soft tone.
"Yes, that's … his name …" Kim whispered, staring at her lap.
"I'll kill him and Darth Shego …" Jim growled murderously.
"No, Jim, don't give in to vengeance," Luke warned, "You know that will lead to the Dark Side."
"With all due respect, Master," Jim said as he stood up shakily at first before regaining balance. "I really don't care right now …"
"Jim, wait!" Kim called after but her younger brother was already gone.
"Let him have his space, Kim …" Luke sighed, "Force, I owe Ben an apology …"
Jim ran past Anakin and Tahiri not even sure where he was headed. All he knew was he was filled with pain and loneliness. He ran far into the forest toward the lake where he and the Solo kids used to hang out and relax. When he reached it he froze at the sight of the girl sitting on the edge of the lake with her knees upped up to her chin. "Hey, Jaina …" He squeaked as he slowly approached her.
"Jim …" Jaina replied in a hoarse monotone voice.
"Are you ok?" Jim asked seeking some sense of comfort from his and his brother's friend.
"My boyfriend is dead, Jim, what do you expect?" She asked angrily. "Doesn't help you look exactly like him."
"I can't help it …" Jim whispered, taking a step back as if she had slapped him.
"Yes you can, you can stay away from me," She said looking away.
"Jaina, if I could take Tim's place … if I could go back and die in his place I would in a heartbeat …" Jim stated no longer fighting the tears or hurt in his voice.
"Yeah …" Was Jaina's only reply.
"One way or another, Jaina …" Jim stated turning his back, the force in his voice startling her, "I'm going to make everything right … I'll make everything ok again … one way or another."
"Whatever …" Jaina said hugging her knees tighter.
Jim just stared his only remaining last real life line and connection to his brother pushing him away; his first crush and his best friend turning her cold shoulder to him. Was she really always this selfish … this hurtful … Jim lifted his hand and Jaina spun around in shock before being pulled to her feet by an invisible force on to her tip toes. "How can you be so cold …" Jim growled angrily.
"J-Jim …" She gasped, and the boy finally saw her puffy red eyes.
"I don't need you … or my sister …" Jim growled before throwing her back into the lake, "I'm going to kill them and make everything ok again. Even if I have to cut out all the Sith's still beating hearts."
That's it, Jim, use your anger and your hurt, a voice spoke in his mind, Come to me, and I will complete your training … I will make you whole again.
Jaina gasped as she was Force shoved backwards into the lake.
"JIM!" She gasped, as if the first time sensing the darkness radiating off him. "Jim don't!"
Jim Possible just glared before turning and running toward the ship dock.
"Oh no … what have I done … Jim I'm sorry …" Jaina breathed watching him disappear in the distance. "I'm so sorry …"
On the flagship inside the Sith Fleet Darth Sidious sat upon his throne awaiting the transmission to link. "Lord Demonus?"
"Yes, Lord Sidious," Darth Demonus hologram appeared before him standing his full height in defiance.
"You will refer to me as Master, my Apprentice." Sidious growled.
"I am not your apprentice, and you are not my master, Lord Sidious," Demonus replied evenly, "I was under the thought that we understood this…"
"Why are you on Bespin," Sidious pressed on to avoid another meaningless argument and clash of wills.
"I am taking care of some business of my own, which has nothing to do with you, my lord," Demonus stated, crossing his arms across his armored chest.
"It is my business, Lord Demonus, or have you forgotten who saved you from certain death," Sidious growled growing angrier.
"Yes, I remember," Demonus nodded, "again, give your daughter my thanks."
"You … you will not get under my skin, Lord Demonus, but do not forget, I am watching you …" Sidious growled, his fists clinching.
"Worry not, I'll remember," Demonus said as he faded out and, Sidious slammed his fist on the arm rest.
"Foolish … ungrateful …" Sidious growled before sitting back, "How goes the operation, my daughter?" he asked glancing toward the shadows.
"We are ready for your mark, Father," Darth Shego stated walking out of the shadows.
"Tell the forces to stay ready but stand down," Sidious said as he laced his fingers together before his face. "We will invade the New Republic and I shall once again stand in the capitol of Coruscant … as soon as Demonus shows his hand …"
Kim and Luke stepped out of the hospital wing of the Academy with the Jedi Master's hand on the broken hearted redhead's shoulder. "You ok Kim?" the armored Boba Fett asked as he approached the pair, glancing down to see Luke's hand rest on his lightsaber. "You needn't worry, Jedi. I have no intention of harming my business associate."
As if to add another sign of good faith he reached up and removed his helmet to show his scared but clean cut and shaved face. "I know you're upset, Kim, but Ron wouldn't want you to sit and sulk … and you know it."
"Thanks … do I call you Wade?" Kim asked looking up at the man.
"Wade's the program I use to communicate with you, I really don't care what you call me," Fett stated, before turning to the Jedi Master, "So, what are you going to do about this mess? Are you going to sit on your collective butts and let all this shit happen like your worthless forerunners, Jedi?"
"The Old Order Jedi …" Luke started, but Boba cut him off.
"Sit on their butts and let Palpatine and Vader wipe out them and their Republic and barely lifted a lightsaber," he growled, "I know, Jedi, I was THERE."
"Is that why you hate the Jedi so much?" Luke questioned.
"No, I have more personal reasons," Boba stated, "reasons personal enough for me to blast my way out of a giant man-eating worm."
"I always wondered how you survived that…" Luke mused, glancing away.
"Don't ask, Jedi," Boba said turning his back, "You don't want to know … and I don't like remembering."
"Uncle Luke!" Jacen said as he and Anakin came running up with Tahiri gripping Jaina's arm roughly, "We've got trouble!"
"What's wrong?" Luke asked as Boba placed the helmet back on.
"It's Jim," Anakin stated, glaring at his elder sister.
"What about Jim?" Kim asked glancing around at the younger children.
"Tell her what YOU did, Jaina," Tahiri hissed as she shoved Jaina's arm.
"I was … I was crying at the lake …" Jaina whispered not making eye contact with anyone, "And Jim showed up …"
"Jaina … what did you do?" Luke narrowed his eyes on his niece.
"I … I couldn't … It wasn't my fault … he looked so much like Tim … it hurt and I started to ignore him hoping he'd go away …" Jaina whimpered, tears starting to form in her eyes. "I just wanted to be left alone … I didn't mean to hurt him …"
"Jaina …" Luke sighed pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"Then … then he choked me …" Jaina whispered in a small voice, "I made him so angry … I've never seen anyone so angry … he … he choked me with the Force … Uncle Luke, I really hurt him …"
"Where is he, Jaina?" Luke asked in alarm.
"I … I don't know …" She sniffled, "He … he ran toward the ship dock last I saw of him …"
"Sith spit …" Luke cursed, turning to glance around, "Sith spawn … Sith … crackers!" He yelled as he ran toward the ship dock with the others right behind him.
Luke spun around on the computer terminal and began typing frantically. "damn … one ship missing … an old hyperspace capable A-Wing … destination unspecified … shit … shit …shit ..."
"Can't you find him in the Force?" Kim asked, her eyes wide with worry.
"I trained him early on to shield his thoughts … with him being a twin it would give them a greater since of privacy and help them operate independently …" Luke moaned into his hands.
"Then how do we find him?" Anakin asked.
"Slave-1 can track the hyper drive trail," Boba Fett offered.
"Ok, you kids go find Kyle, Mara, and Rue-Fus," Luke ordered, "Boba, Kim, we're going after Jim."
"Hold the jets, Jedi," Boba held up a hand, "my ship's refueling now; it'll be at least half a cycle before it's ready to fly again."
"Blast … we'll leave as soon as we can, then …"
Jim's A-Wing settled down on the landing bay of the seemingly abandoned Cloud City. He narrowed his eyes as he gripped the two lightsabers on his belt. No security patrol ships … only a few lights, including the single lit landing pad. "I have a bad feeling about this …" he said as he unclipped the lightsabers from his belt and walked into the barely lit city hallway.
He silently walked through the lit hallways of Cloud City. It seemed he was expected as there were only certain halls lit, as if showing him the path. "Anyone here?" he asked as he entered into the carbon freezing chamber of the city.
"Greetings my old friend," the dark voice of Darth Demonus spoke up as he stepped out from behind some machines.
"Demonus …" Jim growled as he lit his lightsabers.
"I have been waiting for you my brother, I require your help." Demonus said as he lit his own lightsaber.
"Why should I help you?" Jim yelled as he brought his sabers down on Demonus who easily deflected the attack.
"It is what you were born to do," Demonus stated, "As I am doing what I was born to do."
"You're a Sith! You're going to destroy everything!" Jim growled as he spun slashing and stabbing but hitting nothing but air and Demonus' lightsaber.
Jim's eyes flared up when he recognized the Sith's blade. "How dare you?" He asked as he pressed his attack again, "You're using my friend's lightsaber! I'm going to take it back you freak!"
"You want my saber? Come and take it," Demonus said blocking his attacks, "That's it Jim," He hissed, "Strike out with your anger … your hatred. It made me stronger … it made me free, do you feel it? Do you feel the freedom it brings?"
"Shut up and fight!" Jim shouted as the two combatants made their way outside the compound into a large open air way.
"You know …" Demonus said with an amused tone, "This is where Master Skywalker learned that Darth Vader was his father?"
"What's that have to do with anything … AH!" He gasped when he was force shoved across the platform.
"I tire of this game, old friend," Demonus said, approaching the boy.
"Well I know that you're not my father, you bastard!" Jim yelled as he jumped at the Sith again.
"I know," Demonus said, as he pushed him back with the saber. "Master Skywalker and your sister never told you what really happened to your friend Ron, did they?"
"They told me enough …" Jim growled, "They told me you killed him!"
Demonus was silent for a moment before he started chuckling then a full blown laugh. "That is just natural of Master Skywalker …" Demonus chuckled darkly.
"Jim …" Demonus stated standing up and deactivating his lightsaber. "I didn't kill Ron Stoppable. I didn't kill myself."
"W-What?" Jim paled as he stared at the Sith's faceplate. "That's not true … Ron would never become a Sith …"
"You don't know the power of the Dark Side, Jim …" Demonus boldly.
"I … I don't believe you …" Jim shook his head in shock.
Demonus took a deep breath as he clipped his lightsaber on the belt of his armor, and then reached up with both hands to grip the clamps on the side of his helmet.
With a hiss the protective helmet slid from his face revealing a pale freckled face, unkept blond hair, and brownish red eyes. "Ron … no …" Jim breathed as he dropped his lightsabers to the metal floor.
"Join me," Demonus held out a hand to the young Jedi, speaking in Ron's voice.
"You … the Sith killed my brother … and Yori, I'll never join the Sith …" Jim shook his head, tears forming in his blue eyes.
"No, Darth Sidious and Darth Shego murdered them," Demonus stated, "Once I purify the Jedi, I will destroy Sidious and Shego avenging those WE lost, brother. But I can't do it alone. I need your help."
Jim stared silently weighing his old friend's words.
"I can finish your training, as Sidious foolishly finished mine. I can teach you to use the Dark Side as easily as the Light," Demonus offered. "Together we can free the Galaxy of the hypocrites … and we can make everything right the only way we can. We MAKE it right."
"We can make everything ok again, Jim," Demonus gave a small smile. "Join ME not the Sith Fleet, we will make everyone who have crossed us pay …"
Jim continued to stare for a moment before he reached out and took Demonus' hand. "We shall purify the Jedi as the Order was always meant to be … Darth Gemini."
"Should be ready any time now, Master," Kyle said as Luke, Kim, Jaina, Jacen, Anakin, and Tahiri waited for Mara and Rue-Fuswhile Boba Fett preppedSlave-1to fly.
They stood in silence for a few more moments before Jaina yelped loudly and dropped to her knees.
"Sis! What's wrong?" Jacen asked as they gathered around her.
"Jim … something horrible happened to Jim …" Jaina breathed clutching her chest. "It … it didn't feel like this … it didn't this badly when Tim died …" Then another wave hit, and this time they all felt it. "JAMES!" Jaina screamed as all force sensitive present felt the disturbance of their friend's place in the force seemingly to disappear. Anakin and Jacen barely was able to shake off the shock from the sudden disturbance to catch their sister who fell back in a faint.
"What happened?" Kim asked glancing from the Solos to Luke.
"I …I'm not sure Kim," Luke breathed looking toward the sky. "But I have a bad feeling about this …"
To Be Continued …
AN: Sorry bout the long wait for this one but it's finally flowing again, I think we have two or three more chapters to go on this one and I hope to get this one done and Episode III of this fic series up at the same time Episode III hits DVD on November 1, BUT no promises yet. also in the meantime check out Geor-Sama's awesome crossover with KP and Hellraiser, good stuff! and don't forget to review!