Anticipating the ambush that awaited us did very little to prevent it even when expecting it to happen. So focused on my goal of getting to Aayla that I was not mindful enough of my present surroundings, and when the Anzati attacked us, I was the first one they hit. My sky-cycle fell through the air and hit the ground with a crash, throwing me from it whereby I struck the ground at almost full momentum, barely managing to throw out the Force away from me to reduce the impact of my landing. Master Vos and I had both long since left the other masters behind, moving at a far swifter pace which meant it was only himself and me alone. Despite being taken down himself, he shouted my name with concern but before I could even pick myself up, I was captured by the Anzati and subdued in a thick and sticky green web like substance which made it near impossible to move.
My head rolled as I struggled to bring myself around from the concussion the crash had delivered me, groaning softly as I was dragged into a cave and thrown inside, Master Vos soon following after me. If Master Plo were here now, he'd be scolding me for looking too far ahead and not thinking about the many steps it took to reach one's goal. I had become impatient, which resulted in carelessness. At least hopefully with this rather humiliating capture, I have learned my lesson in that respect. "Theca? Theca Rouyn, are you alright?" Struggling and writhing to try and see me, I managed a pain filled groan to signal to Master Vos that I was at the very least alive, though perhaps not alright.
For a while I lay there in order to recover from the crash landing whilst Master Vos attempted to find a way to break free of the greenish web which had us both restrained, though our predicament did not last long. Whilst our captors were occupied elsewhere, possibly to deliberate on whether or not to eat us or bring us to their master, I sensed the presence of someone new growing into being nearby. It was the only way I could describe it, other than perhaps…transforming. From one life form to another, only this one was far more distinct, and soon enough it became clear as to why. The seemingly innocent looking tree that had been seemingly growing in the cave with us was now turning into a woman.
She was a Neti, and another Jedi Master at that. I could only stare in wonder as her form began to take shape, becoming a beautiful looking woman with bright eyes and hair that resembled tree roots, thickly clustered yet flowing seamlessly down her back as she smiled to us both. "Greetings, young ones. I am Master T'ra Saa. Allow me to be of assistance." Completely spellbound by the mysterious Neti before me, I could only gape with wide eyes as she freed us both from our bonds. I had to physically shake myself awake as our captors began to notice the disturbance, and as Master Saa freed Master Vos, the Anzati howled in outraged and rushed towards us. Not allowing room for hesitation, I launched myself forwards and Force propelled the enemy back, allowing Master Saa time to finish releasing Master Vos as I stood defending them from attack before all three of us joined together. I could not help myself but glance continuously towards the elusive and enigmatic Master Saa, who I had only heard about from rumours. It is said that she is far older than she appears, for her species can live for a very long time, and that she even had a hand in training Master Windu himself. I found the image of a padawan Master Windu being taught how to hold his lightsaber for the first time a highly amusing notion.
By the time we had defeated the Anzati, Masters Tholme and Zao along with Villie had arrived, however I was already impatient to continue after Aayla. I did not want to waste time, so as Master Tholme and Saa greeted one another in a rather close and affectionate manner, I paused only briefly to consider their interaction. I had heard time and time again of the taboo in the Jedi Code, to not form close attachments to anyone, and yet I have seen repeated instances where people could not help but be close to one another. Even at a single glace, I could tell how deeply Master Tholme and Master Saa loved one another, and such feelings between them could not help but ignite a subtle warmth in my chest which brought me peace and comfort.
It brought a flutter of a smile to my mouth, before I then turned away and focused on the direction that Aayla had gone whilst focusing on the Force and listening to its will, whilst simultaneously listening to Master Saa recounting the past when the Anzati Dark Jedi, Volfe Karkko, had been defeated and placed in stasis on this very planet for the past thousand years before Aayla had released him from his confinement. The presence of the Dark Side on Kiffex now made a great deal more sense to me as I listened, Master Saa continuing in her rich, willowy voice. "I was sent by the Council to bring you back, Quinlan Vos, however you are now faced with a choice. Knowing what you know now, and what you are to face, will you choose to stay and fight, or return to Coruscant as instructed?" She questioned him, and upon opening my eyes I turned around in order to observe him make his decision.
"I will stay and fight." His decision was quick and final, needing no time to contemplate on his options. In fact, I doubt there was ever any other option except to remain here and fight for Aayla. The masters now all turned to me, concerned that perhaps as a padawan I might now be a little too far out of my depth to deal with someone like Volfe Karkko, however I too stood my ground.
"Whether I live or die it will be the will of the Force. I am not leaving until I have seen my friend Aayla safely released from the clutches of the Dark Side. I am not afraid." And strangely enough, these words were true. I did not feel any fear of the unknown, or the prospect of death as I knew I was going to soon face someone who was undoubtedly far beyond my capability in matters of combat, but that did not deter me at all from my task. Perhaps it was the fact that I was fighting for Aayla which drove me onward, and I noted to myself that it was far easier to remain true to one's goal when fighting, and perhaps even dying, for something worthwhile. With my words as solid and unwavering as my conviction, the masters knew better than to try and dissuade me, so simply accepted my presence amongst them.
Master Saa led the way, as she had last seen Aayla and could find the trail once more. I said farewell to Villie who had decided that he had done more than enough to have earned a pass off this planet, so with a smile, I told him that if I perished, then he was welcome to take my ship. He laughed before realising that I was not joking, making his face drop all at once before quickly telling me that I shouldn't be reckless, and to make sure I don't give him a reason to take me up on my offer, as in his opinion, as far as Jedi went, I wasn't half bad. Grateful for his complementary words, I dipped my head before following after the masters, bringing up the rear whilst always alert of my surroundings. With my senses able to anticipate danger before it appeared, I was able to warn everyone of the Anzati as they swarmed to attack once more as we came upon a rather ominous looking temple that had been built around Volfe Karkko's confines.
All that remained of the Anzati zealots now descended upon us, though Master Vos was able to pass through them untouched as a malicious and dark voice welcomed him within, allowing him entry into his fortress. The cold voice brought chills to my skin and a few times I found my concentration wavering as I fought my way through in order to follow Master Vos, my intense determination to reach Aayla pushing me further and further as I spun my double bladed lightsaber until in a single twist, I separated the hilt. Now with two separate blades, I became a whirlwind of movement, never once stopping as I cut my way through the endless rows and masses of Karkko's worshipers, whilst all the while aware of Aayla's presence only a few paces away.
My promise to her burned through me, giving me that final push I needed to break through before all at once, I too was racing into the fortress. The walls were lined with the conscious forms of those who had been kidnapped from both the security compound as well as Deadend Town, the green webs holding them down as they moaned, cried and begged for help. I wanted to assist them, however my priority at the moment was neutralising the threat that we now faced. The return of Volfe Karkko. Fixing my lightsaber back together and twisting it securely to lock the two blades together, I then disengaged the blade to hurry forwards and streak through the fortress to where I could sense the conflict of the two sides of the Force, and upon reaching the inner sanctum, I saw Aayla herself locked in a fierce combat with Master Vos. There was death in her eyes.
So distracted with Aayla, I almost completely missed the fact that the Dark Jedi himself was also present, smirking with cruel delight to see an apprentice seeking the death of her master, all according to his will. He was a powerful looking specimen, overwhelming in all senses and for a moment I stood there to take in the scene before me, uncertain of what to do. The heavy gaze flickered towards me for only a moment, but it was enough to feel the brush of the Dark Side which brought back even more unbidden memories, where I too had come close to giving into it and accepting its embrace.
But I pushed past it, focusing on retaining balance. I had managed to overcome the Dark Side before, and I knew that Aayla, who was far stronger than me in every way, could do it too. She just needed to remember. Master Vos was desperately calling to Aayla, begging her to come back to the light but she rebuked his every attempt, continuing to fight him with the intent to destroy him where he stood. Unable to stay silent any longer, I called out with such a voice that carried throughout the sanctum, standing in full view as Aayla leaped back from Vos in order to disengage him, allowing her a moment to look my way.
Once more, that shadow of recognition flickered through her expression before she chased it away with a sharp scowl. "Who are you? Why have you chased me across the stars? What do you want of me?" She demanded, lifting her weapon and pointing the blade tip directly at me as I began to move forwards, Master Vos pausing in order to see what I would do.
"I am Theca Rouyn, Aayla. I am your friend. I am here to keep my promise to you." I told her truthfully, approaching her one step at a time as her eyes flickered between me and Master Vos. "I am here to help you."
"I do not need your help. I need only avenge my uncle's death, and his murderer stands before me here!" She cried out, now pointing once more at Master Vos before releasing a scream as she launched herself at him, however I moved faster. In a heartbeat I was standing between Aayla and Master Vos, Force pushing her back before grasping hold of my lightsaber and activating one of the blades to block her weapon as she swiftly recovered and counterattacked, locking blades between us with a clash of light and sound. "Get out of my way."
"No, I will not allow you to do something you will regret later, Aayla. I will keep my promise to you. I promised to be there for you when you needed me, and here I am. All you need to do is remember who you are, Aayla, and if you cannot, then I shall make you!" Gritting my teeth slightly as her strength threatened to push me back, I swallowed back everything that held me back and instead, allowed it to flow free and release itself in a burst of energy as my eyes fixed on hers. Unlocking our blades we clashed once more in a whirl of clashing movements, the both of us seeking an opening in order to reach the other. Having trained and sparred with Aayla throughout my life, I knew her movements better than anyone, better even than herself at this moment, for she lacked the joint memories that I had of our time together, and in this crucial moment, it proved to be my winning hand.
Overwhelmed by my sudden show of force, she was completely destroyed by my defence as I crippled her attacks and weakened her little by little until finally, I chose my moment. With a brilliant flourish, her entire body opened up to an attack which I took, rushing forwards to move past her defences, and once I was close enough, I lunged for my final attack without hesitation and watched as genuine fear bloomed in her eyes as she saw me coming for her. In my hand I deactivated my lightsaber as my arms rose forwards, and having reached past her own weapon, I locked Aayla into my secure embrace and held her close to me with no intention of releasing her, not for anything. Not even death should she choose to kill me now.
My unexpected actions had stunned her completely, causing her to freeze in place just as I had hoped before she then recovered. She began to move, lifting her weapon in order to strike me down, however at the feel of my familiar arms around her, I sensed the recognition begin to return to her. Although the memories may be gone, there were other things which felt so familiar to her as she stayed rooted to the spot. The softness of my clothing, the warmth of a shared embrace, the scent of my hair and the sound of my voice which called to her without even trying. Our friendship had been nourished for over fifteen years of our lives together, and that was not something you could so easily forget.
Her body relaxed little by little, each moment passing by as Aayla gradually began to recognise more by the second, and soon enough that recognition was becoming memory. I could feel them returning to her, flooding through her mind as the Force surrounded us both and she reached for me through it, opening the final gate to allow everything to flood through and once that last barrier had been removed, Aayla released a shuddering exhale before her own arms rose to return my embrace. "Theca. You came for me." Her trembling whisper brought a smile to my face, an unbidden tear rising as we reunited after what had felt like an age apart.
"I promised I would." So wonderful was the moment in which I felt my dear friend return to the light that I felt nothing else outside of it. We were complete, and I was glad to have her back beside me, however before I could fully relish in the feeling of having found Aayla and brought her back to where she belonged, my instincts flared into life a mere second before the both of us screamed in pain as our bodies became awash in terrible shocks and spasms of agony, the Force-lightning created by Volfe Karkko snatching away our moment and pushing us into oblivion.
When I came around, I was still holding Aayla in my arms, having fallen together to the ground wrapped in our embrace. Her arms also still around me, I lifted my head and forced myself to survey the situation, breathing labouredly as my lungs felt like they were on fire. Pushing myself upright, I saw Master Vos battling with Volfe Karkko, though I could distinguish little more than the bright light of their lightsabers and the shadows of their frames. Having been struck with unrestrained Force-lightning, everything felt numb and for a long while I was confused, uncertain of where I was and what I was meant to be doing.
In the end, I decided that the most sensible option was to try and pull Aayla out of the way, so I grasped her arms and staggered to my feet, managing to pull her a few feet away from the fight as my vision began to clear and I saw Master Vos being flung across the room at terrifying speed. "No!" My body reacted before my mind could even catch up with what I was doing, having sprung across the sanctum and ignited my weapon in order to distract Karkko who turned to meet my blade as I fell from above, barring his lightsaber blade to block my own. The shock that registered on my face from my own actions made him smirk and taunt me, effortlessly pushing me back as Master Vos struggled on the ground behind him.
"Foolish padawan, you have not a single hope of defeating me. My will is absolute, and you shall be made to bend or break." That was when I began to feel him probing at my mind, a slow pressure which gradually accumulated until all at once, I was in agonising pain. I cried out, gasping from the sensation of Karkko attempting to overrule my own mind and shape it into his own design before releasing a scream which brought me to my knees, dropping my weapon in favour of grasping my head. I felt like I would pull out my own mind just to be relieved from this sensation, the absolute torture and violation of my own mind bringing me to an entirely new realm of terror and fear. He laughed at my weeping, scoffed at my fears and belittled my past as he plucked the memories from my head and forced me to relive them, as real and horrifying as the day I had experienced them.
The pain was intolerable and pushed me towards wanting to beg for death just so that it would end, driven into an endless spiral of hopelessness and despair as I sobbed. Having reached the point where the pain could go no further, reaching the zenith of the torture a person could feel, I felt myself reaching for the Force almost reflexively, begging it to help me. I wanted it to take me away, to somehow save me, to do something to make it all stop, but somewhere underneath the torrent of bombardment against my inner sanctuary, I recalled my teachings. There was no memory or words which prompted me to think of what I had been taught by my masters, but a simple knowledge that my connection to the Force depended on my harmony, and so I sought out a solution.
Having endured this much, I found myself growing defiant and resilient against it as Master Vos continued to recover and the other masters rush in from the outside, meaning that I only had to hold on for a little while longer, and then it would all be over. It was a seemingly impossible task, being unable to even think under the immense pressure which felt like my head was going to explode at any moment, but then in a moment that I could only describe as enlightenment, I found my offensive. In essence, it all came down to sheer willpower. My will to survive. If I had learned nothing else over the years of my life, then it was how to survive even against impossible odds.
I retaliated with the Force, my shaking hand reaching out and stretching forwards before feeling it flow through me, and I willed it to take hold of the mind I was focused on. Master Vos. I sensed him jerk sharply as I melded my power with his just as the other masters arrived and, understanding what I was attempting, were swift to do the same. With three Jedi Masters as well as myself joining to empower Master Vos with everything we had, it accelerated his abilities in a manner which placed him on equal grounds with Volfe Karkko, who until this moment, had been so focused on me that he realised almost too late that Master Vos was back on his feet and moving to strike him down. The infiltration of my mind vanished in an instant which plunged me into an icy whiteness, going completely blind as the damage I had undergone began to make itself known after a few moments of blissful peace and silence. My hand remained outstretched towards Master Vos, and I held on for as long as I could, willing myself to maintain the connection to him through the Force until I sensed him slice Karkko in two at the abdomen, effectively ending his life.
A sob escaped me then and I collapsed where I knelt, unable to breathe or see anything except the same bright whiteness which felt as sharp and intrusive as sudden daylight after an endless night. For a while I lay there, weak and unable to recognise my surroundings until gradually, the lightness before me faded and I began to recognise blurry shapes and blots of colour. Not blind. That's good, it was something at least, but now my head was throbbing endlessly but I still remained partially conscious. In fact, the longer I lay there with the masters hovering over me, the more aware of my surroundings I became.
Master Tholme carried me himself away from that wretched place, and I decided that this was another planet I wanted to never visit again. Blearily I heard Villie call out my name, rushing to meet us from where he had called down his own ship, all of us boarding in order to travel to the twin planet Kiffu. Someone began to apply treatment to both Aayla and myself, but I could not tell who, I was too tired and too hurt to care. Instead I wallowed in limbo, sometimes awake and sometimes not, until we reached the surface of the sister planet where I could feel my master nearby. Master Plo. With him were Master Windu and Master Gallia, however upon learning of my condition, he rushed to my side in order to see me for himself. It was his voice I recalled more than anything as he called to me, gently taking my hand in his.
After that I remembered very little, only that I was carried by my master tenderly to the transport which would take us back to Coruscant, before I then woke up in a bacta tank several rotations later. My actions had already been reported to the Council, and I was recognised for my resilience and courage in facing Volfe Karkko in the wake of his torture, as well as successfully finding Aayla and bring her back into the light. I accepted their praise with humility, but in truth, wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep. I was exhausted, and it must have clearly showed in my expression as I was allowed to leave immediately after with my master walking me back to my room, ensuring that I rested properly.
It was a long time before I actually saw Aayla again, the both of us still recovering from the ordeal, but when our paths crossed finally in one of the mediation rooms, we sat down together in silence, and meditated through the Force. There was nothing to say, for words were unnecessary. I had kept my promise, and Aayla was home once more having almost become lost. Had our roles been reversed, I knew she would have done the same for me, and that was all that the other needed to know. In light of everything that happened, I was glad to finally have some well earned peace and quiet.