Chapter 28: The Legendary Master

Vette's eyes widened in horror. She had no idea what to do. It had never even crossed her mind that something like this could happen to Arkunov. He had always seemed unstoppable to her. Invincible.

She pulled him away from the pool's edge, then dove into the supplies Arkunov had requisitioned. Desperately searching for a medical kit. However, she was interrupted.

Vette whirled around, she heard footsteps running up behind her, her hands fell to the blasters on her hips. However, she relaxed her caution when she recognised the approaching figure.

"Sharack," Vette announced, "help me with him."

To her credit, Sharack didn't argue. She grabbed a medpac from the supplies and set to work on Arkunov. Vette was relieved, she had no idea what she was doing.

"How did this happen?" Sharack asked. She didn't take her eyes away from her work, carefully applying kolto to the most serious injuries.

"No idea," Vette shrugged. "He got into the pool, came out bleeding a few minutes later. He collapsed soon as he got out."

Sharack was about to respond, but was interrupted, by Arkunov.

"Forbidden pass. Yonlach." He rasped.

Vette turned to ask Sharack what Arkunov meant, but narrowed her eyes at the look of complete terror on the other woman's face.

Yonlach's eyes opened slowly, his vision blurry. He got up, feeling the ache in his muscles from being sat in meditation for so long. Yet he ignored the pain, there were more important matters to be concerned about.

Leaving his personal quarters, Yonlach stepped into the main room of his home. In the centre of the room, Yonlach saw his former apprentice, Yul-Li hard at work on his drills. The young Jedi Knight's lightsaber was a blur, green afterimages following in the wake of his every movement. He stopped when he noticed Yonlach's arrival.

Yul-Li's eyes widened in concern, as he saw the expression on his master's face.

"Master Yonlach, what's wrong?"

The old master sighed as he replied, "There is a disturbance heading towards us. A dark one. I sense that the Sith, Nomen Karr warned us of is heading this way. He is coming for us."

"He will not harm you, master. I will not allow it." Yul-Li answered, his voice filled with adamant resolve.

Yonlach's only answer was to sigh. He was proud of his former pupil, Yul-Li was one of the best that he had ever trained. Certainly the greatest swordsman.

But he had a flaw. One that Yonlach feared he would never escape.

Yul-Li was far too devoted to Yonlach himself. It compromised his judgement frequently, preventing him from seeing the greater good of the galaxy and the Jedi Order. On occasion he even forgot Yonlach's own power, so fierce was his desire to protect his former master.

Yonlach shook his head, "You shall not face him alone, Yul-Li. I am more than capable of defending myself."

Yul-Li nodded, albeit reluctantly, but he didn't contradict his former master. Soon enough, the younger Jedi returned to his drills, rapidly moving through his routine. Yonlach turned away, heading towards the door and out into the desert.

Once he was alone, the old master sighed heavily. Something about this Sith troubled him. Even from here he had sensed the Sith's presence, he had sensed the dark side from the moment Arkunov had set foot on Tatooine. His power was incredible, especially for one so young.

"Such a waste," Yonlach sighed. On any other occasion he might have been tempted to bring him over to the light, but he had sensed something. Some aspect of the Sith's nature that had changed or become firmly set in place. Whatever the case, Yonlach was certain that he knew what had caused it.

The Reflecting Pool.

The old master still remembered when he had first visited that place. It hadn't been long after he had first arrived on Tatooine. And the thing he saw within... still made him shudder to this day. Yet it had set him on his true path. As it had Jaesa.

Yonlach dreaded to think what it had done for Arkunov.

Upon his awakening, Arkunov winced with pain. Looking down, he saw several kolto patches fixed to his skin.

Pulling himself into a sitting up position, Arkunov eyes darted across his surroundings. He was still by the reflecting pool, only a few paces away from the surface of the water. Stars sparkled on the surface of the water, apparently been unconscious for several hours.

"You're up. How are you doing?"

Turning Arkunov saw Vette sitting next to him, a look of mild concern on her face.

"Fine," Arkunov grunted. Refusing to admit to the dull ache he felt in his arms. It was irritating, but hardly crippling. "I'll be ready to move soon."

"Great," Vette replied. "So where are we going? You mentioned something about a 'forbidden pass' while you were passed out. I tried to ask Sharack about it, but she got all quiet and hasn't said a word since."

Vette pointed to Arkunov's left. Following her arm, Arkunov saw Sharack huddled by a small fire. Her knees brought up to her chin and her arms wrapped around her legs.

Arkunov pulled himself to his feet, ignoring the throbbing sensation he felt. For a moment Vette looked like she was going to protest, but she thought better of it and remained silent.

Walking over to Sharack, Arkunvo glared down at her, "Tell me everything you know about the Forbidden Pass."

Sharack hesitated for a long moment, but eventually said, "The desert beyond the Forbidden Pass is a place no one can survive. No one. Even the sand people don't go. You must not go."

"I have no interest in your local superstitions," Arkunvo scoffed. "I must go beyond the Forbidden Pass."

Sharack shook her head. "This is not some silly superstition," she replied, voice filled with protest. "Anyone who has gone beyond the pass has never been seen again."

"Clearly you are wrong. The Jedi is there."

"Your vision must be wrong. There is no way that he could have survived such a journey." Sharack hesitated again, eventually saying, "I will not... I cannot follow you there."

Arkunov's lip curled in disgust, "Fine then. I will not waste my time on a coward. You will show me where it is, and then you will get out of my sight."

Once Sharack had left, Arkunov pulled out his holocom and contacted Quinn.

He ordered the captain to find out about any Imperial attempts to scout the Forbidden Pass. Arkunov was frustrated at Sharack's words and wanted to prove her wrong. At least that was what Vette thought, though she didn't venture such a thought to the Sith.

Needless to say, Arkunov was not pleased when Quinn finally reported back.

"Unfortunately my lord, attempts to scout the area have been far from successful." Quinn explained. "An Imperial Reclamation Service team attempted to, but they never heard back from the men they sent. No other attempts have been made since then."

"What about satellite imagery?" Arkunov asked, "Have there been any efforts to scout the area from the air?"

Quinn shook his head, "I'm afraid not my lord. There are no such resources on planet and any efforts to acquire them have been unsuccessful. It seems that the Ministry of Logistics has deemed that such equipment be diverted elsewhere."

The Sith grunted, though he was clearly irritated, "Understandable. We shall have to make do. I will set out in the morning."

The Captain nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. Arkunov noticed this and asked, "What are you thinking captain?"

"There is an outpost not far from the entrance to the Forbidden Pass. My Lord, I would suggest you divert their and requisition a pair of Dewbacks. Supply convoys have been using them to move resources between outposts. The beasts are incredibly suited to the climate, able to cover huge distances during the day. Though you will have to rest once the sun sets, as Dewbacks become lethargic at night. They should prove more useful than a speeder over such a distance, sand tends to cause machinery to break down over such long distances."

Arkunov paused for a moment, chewing over the idea. Eventually he said, "An excellent suggestion Captain. I will make haste for the outpost as soon as possible."

The following day, Arkunov did exactly as Quinn had suggested. The captain had been absolutely correct, the Dewbacks made crossing the desert far more efficient. The pair of reptiles moved at a plodding pace across the sands, so while Arkunov and Vette's pace was slower on the their backs, the Sith felt more confident that they would soon reach his target.

Vette did not share his confidence. She was far from comfortable on her Dewback, her back aching as she bounced in the saddle. The sun didn't make things any better, Vette felt a consistent layer of sweat on her brow, every so often wiping it away, making sure that it didn't get into her eyes. Needless to say, Vette was glad when they stopped for the night.

What was more infuriating, at least to Vette, was that Arkunov appeared completely unaffected by the ride. He rode the beast effortlessly, as if he had been born to it.

Indeed, the only thing that bothered Arkunov was Vette's complaining about her various aches and pains. For the most part he tuned her out, and when he finally couldn't, one glare was all it took for her to shut up.

As they rode, Arkunov never once consulted a map. He seemed to sense where they needed to go, making adjustments to their course seemingly at random. At least, that was how it appeared to Vette. There was a time, not too long ago, when she would have questioned this, but she had been with the Sith long enough to know that such things were... normal among force wielders?

Whatever, it didn't really matter.

The whole time they were riding Arkunov reflected on his experience in the reflecting pool.

While he rejected the Jedi version of himself, he had to admit that the Jedi had made a point. Particularly about Darth Baras and his fear of the Padawan.

Arkunov's master had been terrified the moment he had heard the news. Even if he had concealed it physically behind his mask, Arkunov had sensed the panic and terror at the mere mention of Nomen Karr's Padawan and her strange power.

He frowned deeply as he thought. Arkunov muttered to himself, "Baras has placed too much of his power into his spy network. Both his greatest weakness and his greatest strength."

A smirk worked its way onto Arkunov's face, "If the Padawan served me, Baras would be defenceless. She is the perfect weapon against him."

A thought occurred to Arkunov. Baras' plan to draw the girl out, could render the Padawan ripe for conversion to the dark side. Though he had to admit, it would take time and take careful planning to ensure his success.

After two days they had finally reached their destination.

Arkunov brought his Dewback to a stop. They now stood atop a large dune, looking down at a small stone hut, resting in the dip below. Yellow eyes flicking across the sands, Arkunov saw two more Dewbacks below them. The beasts were tied up, ready to mounted at a moment's notice. Spurring their mounts on, Arkunov and Vette reached the hut and tied their Dewbacks next to the Jedi's pair.

Once dismounted, Arkunov turned and led the way into the Jedi's lair.

The moment that Arkunov stepped into the hut, Arkunov saw a pair of Jedi. One younger and one older. The younger Jedi was of the same height and build as Arkunov, and quickly interposed himself between Arkunov and the older Jedi, who remained sat behind a desk. Arkunov's eyes flicked towards the older Jedi, who he was certain was Master Yonlach.

A green lightsaber flickered to life in the younger Jedi's hand and leveled it at Arkunov. The Sith immediately drew his own weapon and held the crimson blade ready at his side. The Jedi's gaze locked onto Arkunov, fierce determination filling his eyes. Not taking his eyes off of Arkunov and addressed Yonlach, "Master, the Sith you've been tracking is upon us. Retreat to safety. I will take the intruder on!"

Yonlach shook his head in exasperation and said, "No, Yul-Li, control your feelings. Stand at my side. We shall face this trespasser together." Getting to his feet, Yonlach stood at his pupil's side, though he didn't draw his lightsaber. "Come no farther, Sith. I have been aware of your pilgrimage here. You are a fascinating and contradictory example of your order. I know why you've come. Nomen Karr's Padawan threatens you somehow. You seek to flush her out into the open and silence her."

"You've figured it out," Arkunov replied dryly. Allowing the Jedi to draw his own conclusions.

"I will not allow it. I won't be the cause of her exposure," Yonlach answered, vehemently. "She came to me for guidance, and the bond we struck was the most profound of my life. We are psychically linked, she and I, and I have already warned her about you. She will not fall for your manipulations."

A cruel smirk worked it's way onto Arkunov's face, "I assure you, I can be very convincing."

Yonlach's eyes narrowed, "Your will may be great, but hers is greater. And mine is unrelenting."

"You underestimate me."

"The disparity in our capabilities is equal to the disparity in our age. You cannot win. Turn away now."

"I fear no one," Arkunov scoffed. "You will not stop me."

"This is not an attempt at intimidation. Just a simple statement of fact. In me you face a full Jedi Master." He stated. Yonlach then gestured to Yul-Li, "and Yul-Li has greater command of lightsaber combat that any Jedi I've trained."

The Sith chuckled, "This might be a challenge then."

Behind Arkunov, Vette who had gone ignored by everyone for some time, whispered at the Sith, "Uh, colour me nervous. Have we ever faced a full-fledged, card carrying Jedi Master before?"

Arkunov glared at her and hissed, "Keep your wits, Vette."

It was then that Yonlach chose to interrupt again. "Your compatriot's query is moot, as you will be facing us on your own."

The Jedi Master raised his hand and waved it, in the exact way a Mind Trick was performed.

In the same instant, Vette fell to the ground. Unconscious.

Arkunov's muscles tightened; ready to attack the instant that Yonlach moved again. At the same time, he raised his mental defences. Fortifying his mind against such an attack.

Yet Yonlach didn't raise his hand again. Instead it fell to his belt and drew his lightsaber.

Yul-Li moved, swinging his weapon towards Arkunov's throat. The Sith caught the blade, and the two combatants stood together, blades locked.

"Well done," Yul-Li said, addressing his master. "Now please, retreat and let me face the Sith."

"Your concern is appreciated, Yul-Li. But I did not seize the advantage here to immediately relinquish it."

Arkunov chuckled, "It won't be enough."

He pushed hard, sending Yul-Li staggering away from Arkunov. The Sith prepared to charge towards Yonlach, crimson blade ready to remove the old master's arm. He never even got close.

Arkunov was sent flying backwards and crashed against the opposite wall, sending cracks spiderwebbing across the surface. Yul-Li pressed the advantage Yonlach had given him and charged forward, blade thrusting towards the Sith's heart.

Roaring in anger, Arkunov tried to pull himself free. Yet was pushed back into the wall, eyes flicking to the left Arkunov saw that Yonlach still held a hand out. Pinning him to the wall. Arkunov's let loose a bellow of rage, his power swirling around him in a torrent of dark side energy. Yul-Li's green blade was inches away, almost within reach of his heart.

Arkunov's power exploded outwards, sending the Jedi Knight flying backwards and shattering the wall behind him.

Yonlach's eyes widened in horror, but the master didn't falter. Rallying quickly, the Jedi Master thrust forward with both hands. Arkunov was sent flying through the air and out of the hut, rolling across the hot desert sand.

Akrunov got to his feet snarling, just in time to deflect Yul-Li's thrust towards his gut.

The two exchanged blows, both swordsmen launching equally aggressive strikes against each other. The whole time, Arkunov made sure to keep Yul-Li between him and Yonlach. For if the master was able to get him off balance again, Arkunov wasn't sure if he'd be able to survive whatever attack Yul-Li would follow up with.

Yet despite all of this, Arkunov was enjoying himself. Yonlach had been right, Yul-Li was truly an excellent swordsman. Yet Arkunov was better.

Using his greater strength as leverage, Arkunov pushed back against Yul-Li sending the Jedi staggering backwards. His defence broken, the Jedi's blade was sent flying up into the air. Taking full advantage of the opening, Arkunov's crimson blade flashed forward and removed Yul-Li's forearm. The Jedi's lightsaber still held in his loose fingers.

Yul-Li bellowed in pain and instinctively clasped his now smoldering stump. Yonlach tried to intervene, sending rubble from the broken wall flying towards Arkunov. None of it reached the Sith, he blasted them to dust with a casual wave of his hand.

Before the Jedi Master could launch another attack, Arkunov reached out with one hand and grasped Yul-Li by the throat. He hurled the wounded Jedi towards his master. The two collided with a bone crunching snap; Yul-Li's bulk pinning Yonlach to the ground.

Slowly, Arkunov advanced towards them, lightsaber held out before him. Ready to deal the killing blow.

"Stop" Yul-Li wailed, raising his remaining hand in a gesture of surrender. "Hold your weapon, Sith, I beg you!"

"Yul-Li, hold your tongue!" Yonlach barked.

Pulling himself to his feet, Yul-Li protested, "No, she is just a Padawan, you are a great master! I must bargain for your life." He turned his gaze towards Arkunov, "Sith, I'll tell you everything I know. If you just spare Master Yonlach."

Arkunov smirked, slightly amused, "Don't you want me to spare you too?"

"My life is less important. Master Yonlach is the greatest teacher the Jedi have. You may do with me as you please. My life is a small price to pay for his salvation." Gesturing with his lightsaber, Arkunov spurred Yul-Li to continue. "The Padawan's name is Jaesa Willsaam. Master Karr has taken her to..."

But before Yul-Li could reveal more, Yonlach scrambled to his feet and pointed towards Yul-Li.

"Yul-Li! You have no recollection of the Padawan this Sith seeks. Now, sleep." As Yonlach spoke, Arkunov could feel the force surge around him and flow into Yul-Li. It took effect instantly, and the Jedi Knight fell to the ground, unconscious.

Arkunov did not waste the opportunity Yonlach had granted him, and slashed once. Yul-Li's head rolled across the floor a moment later.

Yonlach looked at the head of his former Padawan. "His feelings for me got the better of him. I am sorry, Yul-Li, for not teaching you better."

"Don't try that sorcerous nonsense on me, Jedi." Arkunov spat.

"I would, if I didn't know it would be utterly pointless." Glaring up at Arkunov the Jedi said, "Jaesa is special, her power unprecedented. If untouched by the likes of you, she has the potential to lead the Jedi to greatness."

Arkunov smiled back at Yonlach, "Don't make assumptions, Yonlach. I mean her no harm. And I assure you, with me she shall achieve her full potential. You can be certain of that."

"I know your kind, Sith," Yonlach replied. "You twist the truth and manipulate weaknesses. You know Jaesa's name, but that is all you shall get from me. So, you may as well kill me. I welcome my death. Jaesa will sense only peace when I die. It will not pain her."

Arkunov smiled sadistically, "Wrong again, Yonlach. Your death will pain her greatly."

Okay chapter 28 is done!

Wasn't sure I was going to get this done in time. But I am glad I did.

Let me know what you guys thought.