A/N: Alright sorry for the delay, exam week is here and I have been trying to prepare. With that out of the way Chapter 26: To Capture a Maiden of War!


Chapter 26: To Capture a Maiden of War


Though, after two months had passed from Yang's betrayal, elsewhere in the galaxy more Jedi were being thrown at the War Maiden of Tatooine as she was being called by the Jedi, a feral dark force user causing trouble across the planet, subjugating, plundering, looting, and more various heinous acts. In route to deal with her was Jedi Master Artorika Bladedragon and her now close friend and fellow knight Jaune Arc.

They were tasked with this mission a few months after another Jedi by the name of Edrik had failed to report in. Assuming the worst the council sent in the mobile heroes of the order. Jaune personally was still reeling from the shock and suddenness of Yang's betrayal. Though after what Artorika told him, he couldn't blame her, she wanted to find her sister, something Jaune could not fault. Though, he found it distasteful that she had to use the dark side to escape. What Artorika found the most disturbing thing to arise from this matter was the comparison of Yang to Malserik, something completely unfair, Malserik went looking for violence, wherein Yang's case the Jedi responded with violence.

Artorika knew Jaune did not take this news well, as four had become three. Also according to Surik, Yang and her father bolted right for the unknown regions of space, something that puzzled all of the Jedi. Though Surik's theory was she could be trying to link up with Revan for some reason, an Idea that made Surik distraught beyond belief, for some reason. When she and Jaune returned to Tython, they would have to talk to Surik to figure out what was going on.

As for right now, they had a mission to tend to, They had rested with the ship in orbit around Tatooine, as last time Artorika was on the planet she had to chase off some scavengers trying to loot her Defender Class Corvette. When they woke up, the two Jedi ate a hearty meal then packed up their gear on to their swoop bikes. They were going to gather information in the town of Anchorhead to assess the strength of the war maiden's war band, along with land their ship there to protect it against what Artorika called 'those foul cloaked rodents,' or better known to the population of Tatooine, Jawas.

Jaune had just finished packing his camping rations and tent. He was nervous as this war maiden was a cold-hearted killer of Jedi and civilians alike. He had heard the rumors of what she was capable of. She was apparently very skilled in combating lightsabers with her light pike which bore a unique pink blade. She had great power and strength in the dark side of the force. If those rumor' were to be believed, and the Jedi had no reason to doubt them.

"Are you ready Jaune?" Artorika asked as her normally blue robes and armor were switched out for more rough tan and brown ones. One thing Jaune learned from his master, be prepared for any environment and situation. Artorika despite being a Jedi did have robes and armor for every environment imaginable. Though unlike the dress like formal Robes, these had trousers meant for riding a Swoop bike, something Artorika was known for in the order. Like his master, Jaune had a tailor craft up variants of his robe and taken to riding a swoop bike of his own.

"Yeah, just finishing packing my field kit," Jaune replied with a feigned smile on his scarred face. If that was one thing Jaune liked, it was that scar that blue Sith gave him. When people saw it they saw a Jedi willing to fight, not some kid pretending to be a Jedi. The scar gave him some respect and authority among some of the Jedi many due to how he got it.

"Well we are going to check in with a few contacts in Anchorhead before we head out," Artorika informed the young Jedi, "I want to know exactly where we are going beforehand." She announced, as their last mission turned into a wild goose chase after a lack of intelligence, and Artorika didn't want the same blunder to happen twice. Jaune could only hope the people of Anchorhead would cooperate, though from what he read in the report, they would be more than likely to help.

Though out of all the things that made Jaune nervous about this mission, firstly it was rumored the War Maiden had access to Aura and Semblance or what seemed like it, from what some of the reports read. By the force, if the war maiden is a Remnant, Jaune thought to himself, the thought someone he knew could become a marauder like that, frankly terrified him. Then the second part of the mission, she was to be taken alive. They were given strict orders from the council not to kill her, under any circumstances.

"Jaune, I know that she could be a Remnant, I understand if you want to remain in town," Artorika commented, she knew how Jaune would respond, though she wanted to give him the comfort of having the option if he wanted it.

"Artorika, you know I won't do that," Jaune replied, no matter how nervous he was, he wouldn't back down, that's not what Ruby would do. There were people to be helped, he wasn't going to let his nerves keep him down.


After his gear was stowed, Artorika set the course for the starport in Anchorhead. The descent was gentle, no major turbulence, the only major threat to them was a sandstorm. Though, looking at the surface from orbit, they could tell the weather above the town was clear. The touchdown was gentle enough. Having their basic field gear on their person they left the ship and walked into town. The town wasn't that large, nor was the cantina hard to find. Jaune stayed outside of the 'wretched hive of scum and villainy,' as Artorika put it. He didn't mind being outside. he stood next to the door with the Aqualish bouncer, who didn't seem to want to chat with a nosy Jedi.

Inside Artorika was talking with the patrons of the cantina, trying to gather intelligence on the war maiden and her camp. They seemed to be very cooperative, providing very good information that connected with her reports. Though, some of the patrons did seem

Despite confirming the information, she remained, as there was an ulterior motive for her being there. She was meeting up with one of her contacts that provided her with information on Sith operations. Her contact was a cybernetically augmented smuggler that ran an information brokering operation on the side, though as of late his services have been sanctioned by the republic, giving him access to Republic agents. Artorika saw her contact in a booth sitting alone. She could tell it was him by his silver arm, his metal eye, and his distinct coat. He gave a quick hand gesture over to the knight letting her know to take a seat

"Well met, Dyet," Artorika smiled as she sat down in the booth, "I understand you have information for me?"

"Correct, " he replied pulling out a datapad, and laying it gently on the table, "it's a bit of an interesting situation that I got wind of from Korriban, take a look." Hearing this, she picked up the datapad, glancing down at the screen. what she read disturbed her, apparently the Sith had been struggling with a feral force user that lived in the tombs. According to the report, the Sith had difficulties with dealing with her. The one thing that she read that concerned her was the that Volitika, Velocitous, Imperious, and Malserik's apprentices were the ones, to take her down, the one thing that made her concerned was how the report showed that Imperious had taken up an apprentice.

Darth Imperious was a character that was feared by the Jedi as she was a massive unknown. Her abilities, her fighting style, her goals, motives and now an apprentice, all of these unknowns concerned the council greatly. The council would do anything for info on who she is and where she came from, as she is so different from all of her counterparts, from what the Jedi knew, she did her own thing, though their intelligence had reported how Darth Malgus, along with a few other high ranking Darths expressed concern over her operation and anything that 'concerned' Malgus was of concern to the Jedi

"Am I correct in assuming you have no information on Imperious?" Artorika inquired of the smuggler as she set the datapad down on the table and slid it back.

"No, I have some but it isn't much, apparently she has relocated her base of operation to Hiskal," The smuggler replied, this response made Artorika tense up. Hiskal, Malserik's City, don't tell me she is... Before she could continue that thought, Dyet continued with an added point, "Apparently she has teamed up with you know who, again. Also, our two agents in Hiskal have been extremely quiet as of the past year or so,"

"Have Dornettz and Balikor been compromised?" Artorika asked, as those agents were the only way she could keep tabs of her old friend, though they were there to keep an eye on Hiskal in general, though as close as they were to Malserik, they still had to play it safe.

"No, apparently they are keeping quiet as to not arise suspicion, as they are in the gundark's nest, frankly with the amount of Sith around them, and the fact apparently one of them can 'see' deception, they are being extremely cautious, and I don't blame them," Dyet explained as Artorika's mind snapped right to another fallen Jedi, Jaesa Willsaam, a Jedi who could open anyone's mind. She joined up with a Sith by the name of Darth Destrus, the Empire's Fist. If the Sith have another person like Jaesa, on their side that could become problematic later down the line, especially if this person knows how to use their ability. Returning to the discussion at hand Artorika asked,

"So, Dyet any information on the War Maiden?" Artorika inquired, just to see if he had any further information that could help her cause.

"Minus that she isn't a sand person, and location, the only thing I have is that I heard she can speak basic, so you can communicate with her," Dyet replied, he was kind of baffled by the inquiry as the War Maiden wasn't of any major concern to the Republic Intelligence network. Dyet himself even wondered why the Jedi were so concerned about her in the first place, she really didn't pose a threat to the republic.

"Well then, if that is all, fair travels, Dyet," Artorika smiled bidding her ally farewell.

"You too, Artorika, be safe," He replied pleasantly as she stood up and navigated her way out of the Cantina.


Jaune was on the verge of dozing off as he sat outside, Artorika was taking a while in the Cantina. He managed to find a chair as he watched the crowd in the town's streets. These are the people I am protecting, He thought, People who have children and families, people who can't stand up for themselves against someone like the War Maiden. Jaune thought as a little girl no older than nine or ten darted over to him with her mother in toe. Who was saying something about 'not bothering him' as they approached. Jaune sat up as the girl drew close, and looked at the pair.

"Are you a Jedi?!" The girl asked cheerfully, she was excited and happy, almost reminding Jaune of Ruby, if that was one thing Jaune thought was impossible it was how Ruby could become a Sith, a theory he outright dismissed. Her a Sith, Ruby would never, Jaune thought. Turning away from his memories, he addressed the little girl.

"Yes I am a Jedi, young one," He smiled nervously as the little one looked happy and joyous, while the mother had the look of 'what did my daughter get me into,' written on her face. Though not missing a beat the girl started a barrage of questions that Jaune couldn't keep up with easily. He did, however, after having a lengthy conversation with the Girl, Artorika had walked out of the Cantina, though she did catch the tail end of the conversation.

"Artorika, are we ready to go?" Jaune inquires as he sees his former master walk out of the Cantina.

"Yes, I feel we have enough information, Jaune," Artorika replied as she asked, "So who were you talking too?" She asked quite curious of his interactions with the local population.

"I was talking to some girl and her mother, apparently her daughter is really interested in Jedi, so I decided to let her know about the heroes of the Republic," Jaune smiled as that girl was so happy to talk to a Jedi finally. He admired her spirit, she was passionate about the Jedi, alas that is one thing Jedi's can't have passions. The reason for her passion was apparently when she was six she was rescued by a Jedi, something that told Jaune she wasn't force sensitive, despite the odd feeling the girl gave. Ignoring that feeling, she was still pleasant to talk to for a spacer kid. According to her mother the Jedi that Rescued her daughter was Anderon Alik-zander, which was odd a Jaune only thought the giant of a healer remained in the temple, Jaune made a note to ask Artorika about this when they got back.

"Well that is pleasant, normally our work goes un-thanked," Artorika replied with a smile as they walked back to the spaceport to retrieve their Swoop Bikes. From some of the information she had gotten, the War Maiden and her crew had been scouting out Anchorhead, so this had become a priority to remove her from power, as to avoid Tatooine losing one of its most valuable settlement.

Returning to their ship, the Jedi quickly rounded up their things and got ready to set out on the desert. Though before they left the ships protocol droid warned them about a sand storm that was just starting to crop up, it was to the west of the location of the War Maiden's camp and that was to the east, so when they got there they would be riding into the storm.

"So are we going to wait for the storm to pass, Artorika?" Jaune inquired, curious of what she thought of the situation and what their course of action will be.

"We will set out as planned, though we will mask our faces," Artorika explained as she pulled out some spare fabric, and started to tie the wrap as she tossed another bolt of fabric and a set of desert goggles over to Jaune who proceeded to wrap the mask and goggles around his neck himself, once completely covered Artorika and Jaune departed on their Swoop bikes.


They walked down the ramp of the ship with their swoop bikes, Jaune's was a standard Republic model. While Artorika's was extremely modified for enhanced speed and maneuverability, though she also had custom bodywork installed to give her bike a unique look and style, fitting her knightly appearance.

Once they had their Swoops outside of the spaceport and on to the streets of Anchorhead, they mounted their bikes and tore off, darting through the sandy streets and into the desert. They maintained a close formation as they rode over the dunes of scorching sand.

Jaune was never one for vehicle's before his training under Artorika, as he had a tendency to get motion sick. During his training, Artorika helped him cope with such a weakness. She got him used to flying and riding on various high-speed transports. Now he could keep up with his master on a swoop bike, and even engage targets in mounted combat, whether it be off the back of a creature, or on a swoop.

Artorika, however, was known for her prowess on the swoop bike. If anything it was a hobby to her, a passion, something the council allowed as she understood where to draw the line with it. She loved going fast, as it allowed her to get to her destination efficiently. She also loved how she could feel the air rushing past, feeling the hum of the repulsor lift engine, she was having fun, something Jedi didn't do that often.

"Jaune stick behind me we will be entering a narrow canyon soon," Artorika announced as she the canyon started to emerge on the horizon. Artorika heard from the locals that the canyon would put them within walking distance to the camp, along with that there was a cave to hide their bikes from the sandstorm.

The Duo whipped through the sandy canyon which narrowed to a pass, the roar of the repulsor lift engines echoing throughout the rocky walls. The confines were close, a few meters of error on either side, one negligent twitch of the controls and one of them would smash into the rocky walls of the pass. Artorika had done things like this before, in her opinion forests and jungles were much worse. For Jaune, this pass was nerve racking, he felt like one clumsy mistake could be the end of him. He couldn't help but smile when they reached the end of the pass and the cave they were told of.


They couldn't have gotten to the cave at a more perfect moment, as the sandstorm was just about to funnel into the pass. Stowing their bikes they took their spare face wraps and goggles, and put them on. With their equipment stowed in the cave and all skin covered from the torrent of sand outside their hideaway, Artorika asked "Jaune are you ready to continue?" Her voice was muffled by the wrappings, but she was still completely understandable.

"Yes, let us go," Jaune smiled nervously under his mask, just hoping that the sand people's War Maiden wasn't anyone he knew. He held the cross hilt to his face giving a light prayer as they walked out of the canyon.

Walking up to the camp they kept their lightsabers on her belt, concealed from the raging sand and prying eye. Using mind tricks they skated past the main contingent of sand people, unopposed. Disguised by illusion and their clothing they entered the main hall formed from a krayt dragon skeleton. It was at this point Artorika applied an area of effect mind trick, tricking all the sand people to clear out their War Maiden's court.

The War maiden to note of the two intruders, under her mask she smiled, and due to the conforming nature of her mask, this smirk was visible to the Jedi down below. Her eyes bright and wide with a brewing insanity beneath her Grimm-like mask. Looking up at her Jaune couldn't tell the identity of the maiden, but she was intimidating. Artorika even found herself nervously grabbing her the hilt of her lightsaber.

"Oh look, another soon to be Sloth," The War maiden chuckled at her, readying her lightsaber pike, igniting its pink blade. Jaune's mind locked at the sound of that voice, despite the low rasp and tone, it sounded like his former teammate Nora. With the ignition of a lightsaber, the Jedi replied in kind with the ignition of their own weapons.

the girl smiled wickedly under the thin black face mask. The red tinted glass showing her eyes brimming over with insanity. Making random noises the feral woman charged with her pink ignited pike. Artorika parried cross guarded gold lightsaber named "promised victory." Parrying the first strike Artorika engaged on the offensive trying to cut the shaft of the pike, though the girl was quick on redirecting that attack while shifting her attack to the Jaune. Jaune static blocked her attack, something he regretted as her attack hit like a train.

"I love how you sloths covered your faces," The war Maiden hissed in a taunt as she did something strange, she charged herself with force lightning. It was at this moment the young knight was certain that this was his lost friend. He leaped back to avoid her next attack, which was very much like the swing of a hammer. To respond to this Jaune ripped his face wrap off along with his goggles exposing his face as he said,

"Nora, it's me Jaune!" This announcement caused the maiden to hesitate for a moment allowing Artorika to get a quick strike in on the mask on the girl's face, slicing right off while she was distracted. This allowed the bindings keeping her hair contained to fall to the floor, exposing her head. both Artorika and Jaune saw her face her eyes blazing orange, her hair a dull light orange, her skin paler than any Sith she had ever seen. Her lips blackened, her eyes shadowed. Though, her skin was unburdened by blackened veins and mottling and wrinkles one would associate with someone this immersed in the dark side of the force. though she bore bold black tattoos on the upper right quarter of her face, that looked slightly worn in.

She was beautiful in her own feral way Artorika thought. Looking at her face that's when Artorika saw no mark on her face, that's when she saw a pink pulse behind the girl telling her one thing she was a Remnant, to Jaune this was a confirmation of what he already knew. The look of shock on Nora's face changed from shocked to pure unbridled fury.

"How dare YOU!" Nora yelled as she charged the two Jedi, as her pike clashed with Jaune's blue one, she continued, "How dare you claim to be Jaune, slandering his name, and his Memory!" Nora yelled, ranting as she fought off both of the Jedi. Artorika and Jaune both managed to get hits on the War maiden, though her Aura took the hits. This made things a lot more complicated as the duel continued as they had to take her alive, no exceptions.

Figuring this duel was going nowhere fast, they leaped back and unleashed a massive force blast, slamming her into a rib of the greater krayt dragon skeleton. The Maiden, however, recovered quickly. though Artorika slammed her back, again and again, Nora tried breaking the cycle, but she could not, with each blast, She felt her aura fading with each blast. They saw her aura dissipate, allowing Jaune to pin her to the ground. Holding her to the ground, he ripped her lightsaber from her hand as he disengaged his own. Jaune regretted the action's though they were necessary, as this Nora, wasn't the Nora he remembered. Clipping their saber to their belt they restrained the feral darksider. Artorika injected her with a large dose of sedative to keep her quiet and unconscious till they could get her on a more secure Republic ship. The sand people cleared out of the Jedi's way as they carried the unconscious girl back to her swoop bike.

By this point the Sandstorm had died down, Jaune had secured Nora to the back of his swoop bike. He was thanking the force she wasn't snoring, as the sound of her sleeping could overpower the roar of the Swoop Bikes. The young Jedi was shocked that Nora could do the things she did on Tatooine, the killing, the plundering, what had she become? Jaune asked, and if this happened to Nora, he feared what happened to Ruby and the rest of them. Nora had become a monster, a villain, someone who hurt innocents, someone corrupted by power, especially considering the sand people looked at her like she was divine. Why? How? How could someone so sweet become like this? He asked himself as they rode back to town.


Watching the Jedi retreat from the Sand people camp through the sight of a blaster rifle, a man smiled. He tapped his communicator,

"Watcher 4, this Cipher 57, The War Maiden has been captured. Relaying all know information, Jedi Captor, Artorika Bladedragon, plus one Blonde Male Jedi." the agent said with a finality in his voice, he was a cold professional.

"Good work Cipher 57, I will file the report and activate the bugs on her ship. Relocate and await reassignment." The agent's handler said as she started to formulate the report for the Dark Council.


Returning to the Defender-class ship, the townsfolk of Anchorhead cheered the Jedi as they saw the unmasked War Maiden resting on the back of Jaunes swoop. The people wanted to parade her body through the streets but the Jedi wouldn't allow it, as she was unconscious, not deceased, something the Jedi were working hard to keep secret. Once in the ship, Jaune was still in a state of shock at the state of his friend. They secured her in the med bay, activating the energy door while locking her onto the table in the off chance she woke up.

Jaune severely disliked and disagreed with how she was to be restrained, but he understood the precaution, considering how Nora went ballistic hearing who he was. It was in that moment he realized, to her, he was dead, long dead.

"Jaune, I know this must hurt, seeing your friend like this," Artorika said as she approached Jaune who was standing looking into the med bay to watch his friend.

"It does, she was my teammate, and Ren's partner," Jaune explained looking at Nora, who despite her corrupted looks, looked quite peaceful. "So what happens to her now?" Jaune inquired, unsure of the answer he was going to get.

"They will most likely hand her off to Surik, and let her alter her memories," Artorika admitted, she did not much care for this new redemption tactic, but it was a necessary evil at this point.

"We can't memory wipe her," Jaune protested, he wanted her to come to her senses naturally, not artificially. Besides, he wanted to know what she knew of what happened on Remnant.

"That is what the council will do I'm afraid unless you can convince her to join us willingly," Artorika spoke with disdain, Jaune knew that she would help as much as possible, but this was to be his burden.

"I will convince her and if I can't Lie Ren will," Jaune replied nobly accepting the task. "I will go on to the Republic Cruiser with her so she isn't alone,"

"You are a strong friend now Jaune, I am proud of you," Artorika said giving her permission for what Jaune wanted to do. "This is hers she will most likely want it if you convince her to become a Jedi," the queen of knights said as she handed Nora's lightsaber over to Jaune. With that out of the way the Jedi Master, sent a message to a ship named the Pride of Alderaan, though unknown to her she sent out a carbon copy, right to Imperial Intelligence.


A/N: Well that was Chapter 26: I really don't have much to say at the moment, minus I wanted to add some more stuff for Jaune to do before things happen to him. Along with that I also wanted to put some espionage into this chapter, as this does take place in the Cold War of the Old Republic, so spies on both sides. Thing pertaining to the status of the story is on CH1 right now.

(Responses)

Hornofdesolation: I am glad you are enjoying the revisions so far!

Now with that out of the way feel free to ask any questions if you have them, or give suggestions or corrections once again if you have any please give them or leave a review. Alright, everyone, be safe, have fun, and may the force be with you!

Blitzing Raptor