Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Well here we go the second part of the Mystery of a Thousand Moons. I hope you all enjoy it and leave a review for me. Now let's begin.
(Start Iego)
It took a little while but the Xandu did indeed fly closer to the planet's surface. Looking from his position, Obi-wan nodded below them. "There, those are the roots we're looking for." Obi-Wan said as he saw their intended target.
Meanwhile Anakin looked and saw how the vines covered the ground above the roots. "Oh poodoo." Anakin muttered as he realized that they were going to end up touching the vines they were warned about regardless of how they landed.
The two let go of the Xandu and rolled on the ground touching the vines they weren't supposed to touch. The creature flew away as the ground began shaking the moment that they touched the vines.
I have a bad feeling about this…" Obi-wan said as he saw a large plant stem shaking free from the rock that previously held it underground. Anakin pulled out a spade from his pack and looked for a good place to extract the root.
"Don't take long with that." Obi-wan warned, activating his lightsaber held it at the ready.
"I'll go as fast as I can." Anakin shot back. He began to thrust at the barren rock ground until he felt it loose enough for him to pull the rook free to see the root. From the ground shot the multiple headed carnivorous plant species of Reeksa, resembling a multi-headed Venus fly trap. The heads looked blindly around as if searching for the ones that touched their vines.
"Anakin. Hurry." Obi-wan said knowing they had to move fast. However, his voice made the Reeksa locate the Jedi and prepare to attack.
"Anakin, now!" Obi-wan said, not liking this, looking back to see the Jedi Knight cutting at the root.
"Okay, okay. Got it." Anakin told him, pulling the root out, causing the plants to send two of the heads at the Jedi.
"Hold still." Anakin told his mentor, placing the root in his pack.
"We got to get out of here now." Obi-wan hurried, noticing the heads coming. In turn they began to run for it as they knew they had to climb up and get away from the plant monster hunting them down. Just then they heard gunfire and looked to see Reggie firing at the monster with his rifle as Yuvel had his gunblade in gun mode also firing at the creature.
Following it up was Laura who fired off fire based Techniques at the plant creature while Zurna proceeded to kick techniques at the plant monster. As they regrouped Yaga roared out and grabbed two of the plant heads before he proceeded to tear them out from the monster with his only his brute strength alone. As the group began their assault on the plant monster it was clear they were trying to give Anakin and Obi-Wan room to get away.
As the battle continued it seems that the plant monster was either going to die or be forced to retreat. It was clear the ARK's Operatives had the upper hand against this carnivorous foe. But as they went on to fight it off something changed and whatever it was it was not friendly at all. From the sky something powerful and dark crashed into the plant monster destroying it instantly much to the shock of those who were gathered here.
As the smoke rose off the ground it was evident that whatever this thing was may have arrived from space. When the smoke began to settle some movement could be both seen and heard from the crater the impact made. It was then to the shock of the gathered that they saw a monstrous form rise from the crater itself.
"No why here, why now?" Yuvel asked as he knew what this form was as even Anakin and Obi-Wan could sense the evil radiating off of this being before them. There was no denying what stood before them and that was the form of a Dark Falz. This massive form with six wings on his back and what seemed to be a massive curved blade on his back was none other than Dark Falz [Elder] the Gargantuan. This was his Hunar form which for all of the Dark Falz was their individual primary combat form.
"What the Kriff is that?" Anakin asked as he was also on edge right now.
"That's a Dark Falz." Yaga said to which the two Jedi were shocked to hear this.
"Which one is it?" Obi-Wan asked as he knew this could pose a problem for the gathered allies here.
"And while we're on the subject why is it here?" Anakin asked as he saw, Elder looking ready to fight.
"This guy is known as Dark Falz [Elder] the Gargantuan and let me just say he's physically the strongest of the Collective." Yaga said as he glared at the Dark Falz in contempt for him. "But the guy is battle crazed the moment he sees or senses someone strong he'll be on that guy faster than a man to baby back ribs." Yaga said as he looked at Elder knowing this guy was crazy strong.
"So he likes to fight." Anakin said summarizing Elder's personality.
"Dark Falz Elder doesn't like to fight this bastard absolutely loves to fight." Yuvel corrected knowing that Elder may prove to be a problem for them to take on here.
"So…" Elder began as he stood up glaring at them. "You were the ones I sensed." Elder finished as he focused in on Anakin and the ARK's Operatives facing him. "You must be strong." Elder said as he glared at the group who all looked ready for a fight.
"Ok it's obvious this jerk wants a fight." Yaga said as he took a battle stance. "Worse part we can't let him run around either." Yaga added as he glared at Elder ready to throw down with the evil Dark Falz
"Try and hold him off here we'll." Obi-Wan began only to be surprised when Elder made a bee-line for the Jedi rearing his fists back. Acting fast Anakin drew his lightsaber and blocked the attack. But to his shock the Lightsaber didn't slice through Elder in fact, Elder managed to challenge the laser sword easily. In turn Yuvel and Yaga went after the Dark Falz and proceeded to attack him with Yuvel swinging his sword at Elder and Yaga sending a powerful punch at him. The attack did some damage and in turn Anakin was able to push back Dark Falz Elder before the Jedi Force Pushed the Dark Falz. Elder fell to the ground and in turn gave Anakin some much needed breathing room.
Once Elder began to get up the ARK's Operatives and Jedi surrounded him knowing full well Elder wasn't going to let any of them walk away. They knew they had to fight their way through this but they knew the more time wasted here the less time they have to save the innocent people back on Naboo from the Virus.
The group surrounded him ready to fight and hopefully win against the Dark Falz. Considering what his fellows did to the Jedi Temple Anakin and Obi-Wan would be lying if they claimed they didn't want some sort of reparations for the Dark Falz Collective's actions. Thus as they all got ready the battle began as Elder charged at them once more. He went with hand to hand combat first as he swung wildly at the group who surrounded him. Reggie was keeping Elder at bay as he circled around him firing his rifle at him.
Meanwhile Anakin and Obi-Wan went at Elder head on who avoided his attacks before coming down with a powerful dropkick for them. The two Jedi were forced to fall back as Elder landed on the ground ready for more. That was of course until Zurna came in and swung two wire swords at Elder while Reggie switched to twin handguns to use on Elder to draw his attention. It seems energy and Photon based attacks and weapons were the way to go in combatting Falspawn and the Dark Falz from this confrontation. Brute Force helps but it doesn't solve the problem from the F-Factors. The more Photons in use the better it was for everyone when facing either a Falspawn or one of the Dark Falz's who command the Falspawn.
Elder roared out and then drew his massive sword causing his wings to burst out with power before he went for the full frontal attack. Seeing this Yuvel had an idea one which he hoped would work. Focusing his Photons into his sword he stabbed the blade into the ground. Once Elder's blade was swung the two weapons met and thus a reaction was made. Elder's weapon grinded against Yuvel's sword in turn causing the ARK's Operative to be flung back but managed to land safely with a backflip landing. Once Yuvel hit the ground he glared at Elder who glared back with all four of his eyes upon them. As the two sides glared at each other they in turn began to charge at him intent on taking down Elder before he could cause damage across the whole Galaxy.
The battle continued between the two sides as Anakin and Obi-Wan were both trying to end this battle as quickly as possible. In fact even the ARK's Operatives had similar ideas on ending this fight. The battle continued as nearby Jaybo saw the whole thing and was honestly impressed by the battle that took place. Just then Reggie fired off a grenade shot from his rifle before Laura followed up with an explosive spell knocking Elder back from the combo. In turn Yuvel jumped up and went at Elder only for Elder to glare at him and used his sword to block the attack. Once he did so he grabbed Yuvel by the head and proceeded to slam him down before tossing him aside like he was yesterday's leftover trash.
Once this happened Yuvel growled and in turn was wide eyed when he saw Elder coming at him. But before Anakin and Obi-Wan could move in to intercept Elder was in turn blocked by Yaga who had his gauntlets out as they were starting to release some flames. "Ok Elder keep your hands off my Operatives and the Jedi." Yaga said while glaring in contempt at Elder before pushing the Dark Falz away from them.
"How did you block my attack?" Elder asked as he glared at Yaga surprised the Council of Six member managed that. But when he saw that Yaga's gauntlets looked as if they were locked up Elder began to put the pieces together. "Unless… You've been holding back!?" Elder accused as he glared at Yaga shocked to hear that Yaga had been holding back this whole time.
"Yeap you got it." Yaga said as he smirked and got ready to unleash the power of his Cosmogenic Arms. "So as your prize I'll let my Cosmogenic Arms cut loose just for you." Yaga said and in turn the Photons began to gather around his gauntlets taking the form of a raging flame. "You all may want to step back for this!" Yaga called out as everyone here could tell whatever was going to happen here involve a lot of heat. Once everyone began to make some distance from the fight Yaga's happy-go-lucky grin in turn gained a savage air to it while the chains began to melt off his gauntlets to unleash the Cosmogenic Arm inside them. Following it up he raised his arms and crossed them out. "RAGE ASURA!" He began as he spread his right arm out as it gained a Buddhist motif to it with symbols of the god named Asura. "BURN IFRIT!" Yaga roared as he spread his left arm which the gauntlet on it had transformed into some sort of demonic goat look with eyes glaring at its intended foe in Elder.
Then with a mighty roar Yaga released a burst of flames that spread out and turned many of the remaining vines to ash. "Now then come on!" Yaga roared out as he charged at Elder who in turn did the same. When Yaga had charged he released some flames that game him a bit of a speed boost upon use. As Yaga went after Elder the two ended up clashing causing another burst to happen. The burst which was a combination of the Cosmogenic Arms fire and Elder's dark power went off in a brief wave as the two foes began to duke it out. As they began to fight it out Yaga's fists met with Elder's sword creating sparks with each clash due to the friction and the heat.
As this happened many who had managed to get to cover noted how it seems the fire and head from the Cosmogenic Arm that Yaga wielded was growing in intensity. The battle continued as the two went at each other like they were both possessed. Yaga was grinning through this until Elder managed to get a good hit on Yaga knocking him back. Yaga responded by digging his fists into the ground and stopping himself. Once that was done he grinned as he looked torts Elder no doubt excited to fight against the Dark Falz. The two continued to duke it out after charging at each other as Elder began to note that as the battle progressed it seemed that Yaga was getting stronger with the intensity of the heat increasing with the prolonged battle.
"I see you're starting to notice it, Elder." Yaga said as he smirked at his foe. "My Cosmogenic Arms Asura and Ifrit have a unique trait just like the other Cosmogenic Arms that are used by the Council of Six." Yaga said as he smirked to his foe ready to fight some more. "My Cosmogenic Arms however is more combat oriented then anything." Yaga said as he then pointed Asura at Elder. "Asura and Ifrit grow stronger as the battle progresses, the only drawback is that Asura and Ifrit gets harder to control due to this." Yaga said as he then took a battle stance once more ready to fight.
"IF that's the case why tell your opponent a fundamental flaw of your weapon and ability?" Elder asked as he glared at Yaga.
"Because Elder… don't you think a fight is more fun with stakes?" Yaga asked and thus Elder smirked no doubt Yaga had gotten this over Elder.
"That I cannot deny!" Elder roared out and thus went on the attack against Yaga of ARK's.
Nearby the Four ARKs operatives and two Jedi were climbing upward as they saw the battle take place. "How long do you guys think Yaga can keep Elder off our asses?" Reggie asked as he climbed up the cliff.
"Not sure, depends on how long Elder can last." Laura said as she climbed up from behind the CAST.
"We do need to discuss later how many Dark Falz are out there." Obi-Wan said as he knew that was an important bit of information they all needed for their alliance the Collective to work properly. Just then Anakin yelped in shock when Elder's sword stabbed into the wall suggesting Elder was disarmed. They all looked back to the fight and saw that Yaga had managed to disarm Elder of his weapon.
Back with Yaga and Elder's fight the two were glaring at each other as Yaga had performed an uppercut and had kicked Elder's sword away. But Elder would not be deterred and in turn the two began a fist fight against each other swinging wildly at their intended foe. As they continued their assault on the other it was clear this fight could go either way for the two. It basically dumbed down to who could, out last the other. Yaga being able to hold his control on his Cosmogenic Arms and Elder's own stamina in a heated battle. As they continued to duke it out some of their blows were hitting their intended targets causing sufficient enough damage to both parties in question.
They soon parted from each other when one of their fists collided causing the two to knock each other back. They in turn began to catch their breath as they glared at each other no doubt pushing the other to their limits. It was evident something had to give between them less they kill each other or pass out from exhaustion. But it was evident that neither was going to give in thus the two foes charged in once more. But it seems the Galaxy had other plans and all of a sudden a third party decided to intervene much to the shock of everyone who bore witness to it.
Persona from Force knows where jumped in between the two dual wielding a Twin Dagger weapon and forced the two fighters apart from each other. One Persona did that he proceeded to fight the two when they charged at him. It was clear Persona was fast and strong as he kept both of the fighters at bay with trained ease. Once Persona got the two fighters separated he glared at them both ready for more if they tried for anything.
This in turn caused Elder to begin reverting to his humanoid form as Elder lowered his defenses for the weakened Elder. The Two Dark Falz glared at each other before Persona then glared at Yaga. Once Elder's transformation was done Yaga swore he looked exactly like he did in PSO2 when he possessed that one psychotic asshole from Episode 1. "Who are you?" Elder demanded as he glared at Persona to which Yaga noticed. Why didn't Elder know about Dark Falz Persona? Either Persona was hiding something or he was recently created… He may need to start looking into each ARK's Operative to see if any of them had their own Matoi they'd sacrifice the whole universe to see alive.
"Dark Falz [Persona] The Masked." Persona introduce as he glared at Elder. "We, as in the other Dark Falz of the Dark Falz Collective and I, have been looking for you for some time Dark Falz [Elder] The Gargantuan." Persona said as he glared at Persona. "Where in the name of the Profound Darkness have you been?" Persona asked as he glared at Elder who had explaining to do.
"Stuck here when I woke up." Elder said as the Dark Falz glared at his fellow Dark Falz. He wasn't convinced Persona was who he claims but gave him somewhat the benefit of the doubt here.
"HEY!" Yaga roared out and charged in with his fists reared back. Seeing this Persona reacted and used his sword to block Yaga's attack. Once the two attacks met he saw Persona pull out the Lightsaber that looked exactly like Anakin's ready to use it. Yaga was then forced to jump away only for Persona to point twin guns at Yaga shooting at him. Yaga used his gauntlets to shield himself creating a Photon Shield with it. The attacks hit the shield and in turn Yaga managed to land safely and glared at the two Dark Falz standing before him.
"Seems we'll have to save our discussion for later." Persona said as he knew they had to leave right now.
"It appears so." Elder said as he and Persona stood side by side.
"Stay close." Persona said and in turn Yuvel moved in.
"Stop!" Yuvel called out but alas it was too late as both Elder and Persona vanished into a crimson portal created by Persona to make their escape.
When the group all began to gather up they saw that their foes had managed to escape leaving them in the dust. "Well this just keeps getting better and better." Anakin said as he realized things were starting to go from bad to worse when both the Dark Falz Collective and their Falspawn were involved.
"Come on we need to go now." Obi-Wan said and in turn they began to leave. They had what they came for and didn't have time to spare on a prolonged fight with those two. But as they left Anakin glared at where Persona was as they all shared a similar thought on this. How did Persona even know to come here and what limits did that Portal ability of his even have. If they wanted to the Collective could easily appear at any Republic controlled world and unleash enough Falspawn to overrun the planet and take the planet over.
(Scene Break later housing areas)
The group were making their way back to the Twilight as they now had everything they needed to save lives. Jaybo was leading them through despite the urgency of their mission on this planet. "The place ran dry once the Spice convoy stopped running." Jaybo spoke as he led the group through. "Out here, we're just one of the millions of little backwaters no one cares about." He said before turning to the group. "Those of us who are left can't leave because of the curse." Jaybo said to which Zurna rolled her eyes to this supposed curse existence.
"Sure curse." Zurna said with a sarcastic tone from the Deuman.
"Cursed we are!" A voice called out getting everyone's attention. "The planet is cursed!" An old aquatic like voice proclaimed, catching the attention of the four walking by. Coming out of the alley like section of a platform was an old Quarren male who seemed to have lost his species usual realistic ideals while being on Iego.
"Cursed by whom, my twitchy friend?" Obi-wan asked, politely as the group from ARK's saw the guy had a few screws loose and a fire wires that were crossed.
"The Ghost of Drol, that's who." The Quarren answered as Zurna was unconvinced of such things as supposed Ghosts.
"A ghost?" Anakin asked as his voice and posture showed his skepticism on the claim.
"The spirit of the thousand moons. Our protector and our destroyer." The Quarren elaborated his claim all the while as he held onto the pile of crates.
"If you ask me that sounds like a load of…" Anakin began to which Obi-Wan jumped in before Anakin taught Jaybo a new word he shouldn't be hearing right now.
"Superstition?" Obi-wan finished to which Yaga scoffed to this.
"Not the word I'd use." Yaga said with a cocky grin on his face.
See that the two Jedi and the four ARK's members didn't believe his words the old Qaurren decided to show the group some proof. "Superstition, you say?" The Quarren asked, pulling out an Imagecaster and putting it on the crate as it replayed a message of a Rodian in a pilot's chair.
"Can't hold on much… someone help me!" The Rodian cried out in the old message, before explosions went off and the image faded. It didn't take a genius to figure out what happened.
The group was silent for but a moment when they saw this. In turn Jaybo spoke up as he got their attention once more. "That was Taquito. He was a friend of mine…" Jaybo revealed as he looked to the group with deep remorse about what had happened.
The Jedi looked at the boy in sympathy with their allies from ARK's. "Try to leave this planet, and your fate will be the same." The Quarren said as he continued to hold onto the crates.
(Later)
The group had arrived back at the Twilight as they began to board it one by one. "Starting to wish we could just make portals at this point." Reggie said as he took his place on the ship all before they took off.
"Agreed." Yuvel said as Zurna rolled her eyes to the two.
"Don't tell me you idiots believe in that stupid superstition." Zurna scolded as she didn't think it was some supposed Ghost.
"The Ghost of Drol may be a local superstition, but something real blew up those ships." Obi-Wan said as he knew those ships didn't just explode for no reason.
"Not saying that those Ships didn't blow up on their own, something was causing it." Zurna said as Yaga nodded to this.
"Real we can handle." Anakin said knowing full well that something had to have caused those ships to explode and he was sure as hell it wasn't a Ghost.
"Agreed." Yaga said with a nod knowing full well something had to have caused the destruction of those space ships.
Anakin then went to the comm. Links and began to contact Jaybo. "Thanks for your help, kid. Couldn't have done it without you." Anakin said to which he was grateful for Jaybo leading them to their target before the Dark Falz got involved with that fight.
"Have you run into Drol yet?" Jaybo asked as he sounded a bit concerned for the departing group.
"Not to worry, Jaybo." Obi-wan assured the boy as they flew past the some of the Planet Iego's known miniature moons.
Unknown to them they had just activated something they should not. R2 ended up detecting it and in turn began to whirl and let the group know of it. "What's the matter Artoo? Don't tell me that you're afraid of a ghost." Anakin said as he didn't have any sensors like Artoo did. "Drol's just a superstition…" Anakin began before seeing what appeared to be lasers forming a grid from the many asteroids that became the moons for the planet.
"There's our ghost!" Obi-Wan shouted in alarm as he saw this.
"Lasers!" Anakin exclaimed as he flew the ship to avoid being hit by the power beams.
"HAH I knew it wasn't a ghost!" Zurna boasted as they flew about it.
"Yeah great now we can die knowing you were right." Laura countered with sarcasm at Zurna's slightly arrogant boasts.
"We must have triggered some kind of booby trap." Yaga called out as he saw the Lasers blocking their path.
Anakin of course tried to fly through relying on the Force to be his guide but it was clear that it was a useless cause. Things were getting worse and everyone here knew it be they Force Sensitive or otherwise. "Turn the ship around! We're never going to get through!" Obi-Wan said as he knew there was no way they could get pass this alive. Anakin had no choice but to agree and direct the ship fly back to the planet they had just left.
"Well this just complicates things." Yaga said as he was worried for Klara on Naboo.
"That is an understatement." Obi-Wan said as the Jedi Master agreed with the ARK's leader. It was then that they noticed that the energy field began to deactivate the further they got away from the moon belt around the planet. "The Separatists must have installed those lasers to prevent people from leaving the planet." Obi-Wan said to which Yaga had a theory why.
"What were they trying to keep Elder trapped her or was it something else?" Yaga asked as he knew something was up with the Separatist doing this.
(Later back on the planet)
As the Twilight made its landing the group was still reeling from what had just happened out there. No doubt some of them were trying to think of a way to get passed the array but so far they didn't have plans of escaping Iego that could work for them.
"Jeez how can this get any worse?" Reggie asked as he was no doubt worried about all of this happening.
Just then as if fate wanted to answer him the hologram projector activated. But to the horror of both Anakin and Yaga Padme, without her bio-isolation suit, Klara, and Asoka were seen looking to them. The Ahsoka and Padme were holding onto each other to prevent themselves from collapsing while Klara used her rod as leverage to keep on standing.
"Master, can you hear me?" Ahsoka asked as she saw the transmission was working.
"Artoo. Amplify the signal." Anakin ordered and in turn R2-D2 complied and injected a port into the computer. He in turn diverted power into the signal's array, allowing the communications between them and Naboo to become clearer and stronger.
"We've destroyed all the battle droids in the compound, master." Ahsoka reported despite the dire state they were in. "Naboo is safe from further contamination. I repeat, Naboo is safe." Ahsoka reported but alas hearing those words didn't make Anakin or anyone else listening to this feel any better.
Asoka then began coughing for a bit showing just how sick she was from the Blue Shadow Virus' effects on her. Once she was done, Padme looked to them with what may be her last request. "Promise me that no one will ever open this bunker." Padme said as she looked to them.
Anakin looked like his world was about to collapse around him when he saw and heard this. "Goodbye, Anakin. I…" Padme began to say but alas it was too late as the Signal was lost.
"No!" Anakin cried out when they lost the Senators Signal.
"Dammit Klara!" Yaga called out before he and Anakin were both on their feet and heading out of the ship. Obi-Wan was of course hot on their trail knowing those two might just end up doing something rash from this.
(Later outside of the ship)
As the ramp lowered Anakin and Yaga were seen walking out to hopefully enact a new desperate plan. "We'll borrow a power converter from Jaybo, and reprogram it to feed-" Anakin began but was in turn cut off by Obi-Wan.
"Slow down, Anakin." Obi-wan said, trying to reach for Anakin.
"Slow down? Slow down?" Anakin asked, causing his voice to become louder. He turned back to his master glaring at him for his suggestion to 'slow down,' "You saw them, Master. They're dying." Anakin yelled and in turn Yaga had his own two cents here.
"And if you haven't noticed Klara is still on the Council of Six and most of all she's still young!" Yaga yelled as he was worried for the girl. "We need to go rescue her before they die!" Yaga yelled as he knew they had to do something to save those dying by the Virus.
"A great leap forward often requires first taking two steps back to look at everything." Obi-Wan said reciting some words of wisdom for Anakin but Anakin had a better one.
"And sometimes, all it requires is the will to jump." Anakin countered and in turn Yuvel remembered the Vulture Droids Jeybo had.
"At least hear me out on this." Obi-wan said to his fearful friend.
"If I may interject." Yuvel began as he looked to the group getting their attention. "If we knew where the main part of the array was couldn't we send ships to act as Decoys so we can destroy it?" Yuvel asked and in turn the group began to think about this plan from the ARK's Operative.
Anakin stopped for a moment and saw some merit in Yuvel's plan. Even Obi-Wan saw what Yuvel was thinking since they all knew that Jaybo had reprogramed Vulture Droids at his beck and call. In turn they group began to walk to the crowd knowing they needed help the most in getting past the array trapping them all.
(Later)
After having the people brought together in the old Separatist meeting room, Obi-wan stood up. "Citizens of Iego! Drol is not a ghost." Obi-Wan began and in turn Laura jumped in while adjusting her rounded glasses.
"Rather it's a Separatist security system designed to activate and terminate anyone attempting to leave the planet on a ship." Laura explained as the Newman girl was being calm and diplomatic with these people.
"Nonsense! You were lucky to escape alive, simple as that." The Quarren from before shouted after pointing an accusing finger at the group before them. Laura and Yuvel were both calm as was Zurna knowing they needed to help these people not get them angry.
However Anakin and Yaga were like minded to have similar ideas to each other. "And who said we didn't make our own luck?" Anakin asked as he and Yaga stood side by side smirking to all of this.
"The Ghost of Drol does, that's who!" The Quarren said slamming his fist to the table all while holding onto the superstition.
"Nuts anyone?" Reggie asked quietly as he saw how held up on this superstition this guy was.
Obi-Wan sighed as this was getting them nowhere and knowing they had a job to do he knew he had to keep them all focused. "Did anyone inhabit Iego's moons before the Separatist arrived?" Obi-Wan asked hoping someone from those moons may have the information they need for their plan.
"The Angels of course." The Quarren said in a calm tone as opposed to his previous tone.
"Angels?" Yuvel asked as he didn't think Angels were a thing in this Galaxy.
Just then the door opened as a gentle luminescent being in a brown cloak walked forward. From its back they could see blade like wings protruding outwards. That instant, all eyes were captivated by the beauty of this being.
"Holy Sweet virgin mother of Jesus." Zurna gasped as she too was captivated while Laura performed a Christian cross movement with her hands as her glasses fogged up. Evan Anakin looked and stared, his hastiness and worries forgotten by seeing the very being he had compared Padme to when he first met her as a boy on Tatooine. He didn't think he'd actually see one in his life time, then remembered that they came from one of the moons of this very planet. Anakin quietly had to remind himself he was a married man and cheating on his wife would see him alone or in the dog house.
The Angel looked upon them for a moment before she began to speak. "We were a peaceful people before the Separatist arrived and drove us from our homes and stole our moon." She told her tale as she looked to the group before her eyes fell upon the ARK's members. "With them came monsters of darkness and evil birds who rained down hellfire, insect who poisoned and consumed our life, fish whom invaded and hunted our waters, and warped toys to haunt our children for centuries to come." The Angel spoke and thus to ARK's they knew who those were.
"Falspawn." Yuvel said as he knew if the Falspawn had done this then that meant the Dark Falz were responsible for this. But how did they not know Elder was here when they had originally took this system. In fact why didn't they finish the job in consuming it like the Falspawn and Dark Falz tend to do upon worlds?
"Yes and leading them all was one whom wore a mask yet radiated pain and suffering of time untold." The Angel revealed and thus Anakin was surprised.
"Persona?" Anakin asked as he was skeptic at hearing that Persona was apparently in agony.
"Makes sense, the Dark Falz possesses their hosts and force their will upon them. Rumor has it that a small part of their original selves are still inside crying out to be freed of being prisoners of their own bodies." Yaga said and thus Anakin was of course reminded that the Dark Falz don't need bodies to cause damage when they can just switch bodies on a dime.
"And which moon was that?" Obi-Wan asked as he looked to the Angel before him.
The angel opened its arms to reveal a holodisk, showing a miniature hologram of the very planet and moons. "Millius Prime." The angel revealed as one of the moons was lighting up red showing it as the moon Millius Prime.
"The primary node, it must be near Millius Prime." Anakin said and in turn the plan was in motion.
"Ok then, hey Jeybo can you reactivate those Vulture droids?" Yuvel asked as he looked to the kid who insulted his friend before.
"Sure." Jaybo said, smiling to the ARK's Operatives. "I can even fly them by remote control." Jaybo confirmed and in turn the plan was set.
"Good. We can have Artoo fly the droids as decoys into the laser field." Obi-wan said, explaining the plan as he figured that was where the ARK's Operatives were going with this.
"And since we know what we're up against this time, we can destroy the laser emitter." Anakin caught on, meaning the emitters on the smaller moons.
"And then cut a path right to Millius Prime." Yaga added with a grin on his face.
"And then we just go in blast it and Iego is free." Laura said while adjusting her glasses a bit causing the light to reflect off of it. The plan was in motion and after a bit of calibrating they would be off this rock and back to Naboo to save everyone.
(Back at the Bunker Lab Naboo)
Klara was sitting against a wall as Ahsoka and Padme were trying to keep the Troopers alive for a bit longer. Klara felt like crap and she knew it was because of the virus in the air. She hardly had the strength to awaken Eve like she did last time. She honestly couldn't believe it, this was how it was going to end. This was how her lights would finally go out and it was hard to even comprehend this. She didn't want to die she had so many things she still wanted to do. It took all of Klara's strength not to break down right then and there at the hopelessness of the situation.
"What a waste." Padme said as she saw all the lives who were dying here. Padme even saw how Klara was and knew the girl was scared of what would come once the virus ran its course through their systems.
"With all due respect, Senator." Rex began before he coughed a bit. "It's what these men were born to do." Rex said knowing that was the case of all the Clone Troopers born on Kamino.
"I hope that their sacrifice brings us closer to peace." Padme said hoping they would have peace.
Just then Ahsoka began to cough loudly getting everyone's attention. "It will, Padme." Ahsoka said as she looked ready to fall over. "You must believe that…" Ahsoka trailed off before she finally collapsed from the Virus.
"Ahsoka!" Padme and Klara cried out as Klara tried to move her body but only toppled over. Luckily Rex caught the Jedi Padawan and in turn Klara was wide eyed at what was coming after all this.
"We're going to die." Klara gasped as she rolled to her back and in turn the tears began. "We're all going to die. I'm going to die." She said as clearly the whole situation was taking its toll on Klara.
"Klara." Padme said trying to comfort the girl and taking her hand.
"I don't wanna die." Klara said and in turn Padme felt heartbroken to see someone this young about to meet their end. Yes Klara had clearly made great accomplishments in her own right what with becoming a member of the Council of Six among all of ARK's and also managing to lead so many people who were counting on her and her wisdom. But Klara was still a child in the end no matter how she tended to act and she feared this whole ordeal was traumatizing for the young girl to handle. All Padme could do was stay by her side until the end came with the silent hope that Anakin would make it back in time with the antidote for them.
(Later back on Iego)
The ARK's operatives and Jedi were back on the Twilight as they were ready for lift off. On the platform Jaybo was seen with a short range communicator ready to send them off and hopefully free Iego of their supposed curse.
"Ready, General Kenobi." Jaybo said into his communicator.
"Jaybo, activate the droids." Anakin ordered from the other end of the device ready to leave and save everyone's lives back on Naboo. The boy did so and in turn the droids came online ready to move.
(Meanwhile in the Twilight Cockpit)
Once Anakin saw the Droids were active he looked over to R2 who was ready for what came next as was the rest of ARK's. "Transfer controls of the Vulture Droids to Artoo." Anakin ordered and thus R2 went to plug into the ship to better control the Vulture Droids.
In turn the Droids optics were seen turning from red to green before they all took off. They in turn took off and not long after the Vulture Droids followed after the Twilight after entering their Starfighter Conversions for flight. The Droid flew in formation as they awaited their next order from R2 on how to proceed with this task.
Once the group was in space the ARK's ops began to get ready to jump in if things go wrong. While they did lack access to most of their Equipment for Space oriented missions they do knew a few things about guns and blasters should they need to do anything. Once they were in space the laser array activated once more with the intent of stopping any of the fliers from leaving the planet alive.
As they flew Obi-Wan saw that it was now or never for them and in turn went to give the orders to R2. "Artoo, intercept the lasers." Obi-Wan ordered and in turn Artoo did so by having the droids fly ahead of them. Once that was done they saw they were getting closer to their intended target and in turn the time to free Iego from this Drol Laser Array.
"Send the Vulture droids directly into the laser generator." Obi-Wan ordered and in turn one by one the droids were hit by the laser streams. Their resulting destructions provided the group excellent cover for both the Jedi and ARK's Operative to get near the primary generator of the laser grid.
Eventually they got close enough that Obi-Wan proceeded to take aim upon their intended target. Once the target was in sight Obi-Wan opened fire with laser blasts at the dish. The Dish in turn began to exploding from the shots that then triggered a chain reaction, causing many of the small asteroid like moons to explode from the Laser Array systems feedback.
(Back on Iego)
Back on the planet's surface, Jaybo, seeing the fireworks, was in awe. "Whoa! You guys okay?" Jaybo asked as he was worried for them. But all Jaybo got was static which caused the boy to get worried. "Guys?!" Jaybo asked with concern for the group.
Everything seemed to have been lost that they had made the ultimate sacrifice to free them. But suddenly he heard Anakin through the radio. "We're fine, kid." Anakin responded causing Jaybo to sigh in relief.
"I'm afraid that you'll need some new droids to boss around, kid. The ones you lent us were destroyed." Reggie said showing he was ok as well causing a look of relief spread across Jaybo's face when he realized that all of them had made it.
When the others heard that, they began cheering in joy, especially hearing Obi-wan telling them, "But the good news is that you're now free to leave Iego whenever you choose."
Everyone continued to cheer as they watched the sky lighting up from exploding laser defenses left behind by the Separatists. Jaybo looked up at the sky with a new found hope and satisfaction, thankful for the Jedi and their ARK's allies… all of them for freeing them from this prison.
(Back on the Twilight)
Once they were clear they all knew it was time to go. "Let's go we have lives to save." Yaga said as he wanted to get back to Naboo before it was too late.
"Right." Anakin said and in turn turned over to his Astromech friend. "Artoo, set a course for Naboo." Anakin ordered and in turn Artoo went about to carry out that order. In turn they were off into Hyperspace and back to Naboo with the desired antidote.
(Scene Break later on Naboo)
Once they arrived on Naboo, the antidote was made and administered to disinfect the lab and to cure the surviving people down below. The survivors of the virus were on stretchers, hovering over the ground, were all being led to the gunships by medical droids.
"Klara!" Yaga called out as he ran over to Klara who was on a stretcher.
Klara smiled a bit as she looked to Yaga. "Cutting it close you jerk." Klara said as she looked to Yaga grateful that he saved her life.
"Hey is that anyway to treat the guy who just saved you?" Yaga asked as he smirked at Klara.
"Maybe but I was at a point I said a few things I didn't want to say and was close to tears." Klara said as she tried to pass off what really happened down there. "So next time move faster asshole." Klara scolded but despite this she was truly grateful for Yaga saving her life.
Yaga seeing through this smiled and looked to her. "Your welcome." Yaga said and thus Klara flipped him off to which Yaga returned the favor as she was carried off.
Meanwhile nearby Anakin ran over to his wife to make sure she was ok. "Padme." Anakin began causing her eyes to flutter open. "I spoke with the medical droid. He expects you to make a full recovery." Anakin said as he was grateful to see that Padme would make a recovery to full health.
"I never lost faith in you. None of us did." Padme said as she was happy Anakin made it in the end.
"Well, that's good to hear, because there were a few moments that we weren't so sure of ourselves." Anakin quipped, trying to help her feel better despite his statement holding slivers of truth.
"Well, you did make it." Padme said happy to see that Anakin had pulled it off in the end.
They remained silent before the stretcher rotated in a perpendicular direction. "By the way, your Padawan was brilliant." Padme said showing her praise to Ahsoka. Looking back, Anakin was smiling at the accomplishments of his Padawan during the crisis.
"Yeah well your protégé did well on her first crisis while the other did the same on my end." Anakin responded as he looked forward to where Yaga and Klara's shared career will lead the two Operatives.
The two looked deeply into each other's eyes for a moment unaware of Yuvel passing by and noticing them both. "I trust I'll see you soon, General Skywalker?" Padme asked unaware of Yuvel being there.
With no one looking save for Yuvel, she and Anakin held each other's hands affectionately. "Of course, my lady." Anakin answered calmly before Padme was sent into the gunship as Anakin watched on. Yuvel opted to take his leave knowing it wasn't any of his business while regrouping with the ARK's operatives who were providing what aid they could here.
Nearby Obi-wan, while checking one of the troopers, noticed Jar-Jar Binks having trouble with getting his suit's helmet off, causing the Gungan to fall to the ground. "I heard you were quite brave fending off the battle droids, Jar-Jar." Obi-Wan said as he helped Jar-Jar remove the helmet.
"Really?" Jar-Jar asked once the helmet was removed.
"Senator Amidala, suggested that we offer you training to help hone your skills with a blaster." Obi-Wan said after getting back on his feet and helping the Gungan up.
"Really?" Jar-Jar asked as he stood before Obi-Wan.
"Really." Obi-Ran responded after dusting off the helmet and passing it back to Jar-Jar.
"Oh boy! Ima gonna be trained." Jar-Jar excitedly exclaimed happy about this while Rex was being pulled up.
"I am not training him." Rex said with a groan while on the stretcher. The medical droid pushed him along, away from the smiling Jedi and the waving Gungan.
Nearby Anakin had met up with Ahsoka as he can honestly say he was proud of her. "You did a fantastic job today, Snips." Anakin said as he was happy to see Ahsoka was ok.
"All thanks to your training, Master." Ahsoka said while smiling weakly.
"Yeah, you're right, I probably do deserve most of the credit." Anakin said with a smirk while reverting to his normal self. Smiling, Ahsoka rolled her eyes at her master's apparent "ego". "But not all of it." Anakin added and in turn Ahsoka smirked.
"Good thing. I know you don't mean everything you say." Ahsoka told her master, smirking back at her infamous Jedi Master.
"Pilot. Get these three out of here." Anakin ordered to the trooper at the controls.
"Thank you, Master." Ahsoka said, leaning her head back to rest and let the antidote do its work. The blast doors of the Gunship closed and it carefully rose into the air and flew back to the capital of Naboo. But unaware to any of them darkness still moves from deep within the shadows.
(Meanwhile with the Dark Falz Collective)
Persona appeared with Elder in the Collectives meeting room within their hidden hideout. As they entered Apprentice, Luther, and Gemini all saw Elder was here. "Oh Elder, I was starting to wonder where you've been hiding out." Apprentice said as she saw Elder was here.
"I found him on Iego if I had to garner a guess he found a host body there after we had already left." Persona said as he entered the meeting room with the other Dark Falz.
"Good thing too." Luther said not at all taking his eyes off his book. "If we intend to revive the Profound Darkness then we need to be as a united front." Luther said while changing to the next page of the book he was reading.
"But now that Elder is here, the Collective is at full strength again." Gemini Male said as he stood with his twin sister.
"Now that Elder is back the Collective is whole once more." Gemini Female said as she stood with her twin brother.
"With that in mind." Persona began as he stood up and walked to the exit door. "Luther inform the Separatists of Elder make sure they are aware that he will be a powerful ally now that he has returned to the fold." Persona said giving out orders. "Elder go have fun in the front lines on Separatist battles." Persona said and when Persona said 'have fun,' it didn't take Elder long to figure out the meaning behind those particular words. "Apprentice make sure you continue to get the Genosians to like you and Gemini…" Persona finished off as he then looked to the twins. "Stay out of trouble." Persona said before he took his leave. "I have private matters to attend to." Persona said as he knew he was due for another meeting with… HER.
(Later with Persona Private Quarters)
Once Persona arrived at his personal room he walked over to a latch on the wall. Once he got to the end he pulled open the latch and in turn opened up a hidden room to which he began to enter. Once Persona was through he walked through the hidden room until he eventually arrived at a circular platform.
When Persona got to the platform it began to rise up with the world around him spinning ever so slowly as a figure began to take shape. HE then kneeled down as the figure fully formed to that of a female form thought who she was behind the shadows was hard to tell. Accompanying her were two other shadows one was male and the other was seemingly a female of sorts.
"Persona… you're late." The voice spoke as Persona kept a kneeling position.
"My humblest apologies, but traversing the Realm between Worlds is difficult on its own, but sending communications through it is neigh near Impossible at times." Persona responded as she kneeled before the figure.
"Report." The woman said as she sat on a throne of some sort that seemed to hover above the ground.
"The Dark Falz Collective has successfully aligned with the Separatists and prior to that we had successfully sacked the Jedi Temple." Persona said kneeling to this mysterious woman.
"I see… yet I sense there is something more." The woman said as Persona looked to the ground where his fist clenched. "Oh I see, your beloved you wish them well." The woman said as Persona was silent. "Worry not so long as you hold your end then you are free to do with your beloved as you see fit. As long as I have a body or a medium to arrive to then our bargain continues to remain the same." The woman said as she looked upon Persona from the shadows.
"Still actions seem to be occurring similar as before." Persona said as he didn't need to mention ARK's in this moment.
"Darth Shiva Goddess of Annihilation is a woman of her word, though I suppose the same cannot be said for the Darkness I embody." Shiva said to which Persona remained quiet to this. "Ensure Elder is deployed to Ryloth I believe we should show both allies and enemies the upper limits of the power of a Dark Falz." Shiva said to which Persona nodded.
"As you command milady." Persona nodded and thus the room grew dark once more leaving Persona there alone. As Persona stood back up his fist was still clenched as wrapped around that particular wrist was the carved necklace that Padme possesses the same one Anakin had given her so long ago as but a boy. "I swear I will save you no matter the cost." Persona said as he began to leave the room. Persona couldn't help but smile though as he noticed the irony in all of this. After all Persona knew another who would go to similar lengths to save his wife from the reapers cold grip. Life truly does have an odd sense of divine irony.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we are another chapter done with. I hope you all enjoyed it and will continued to stay with me for whatever comes next. So until then folks be sure to review before leaving and as always ja-ne.