His fingers trembled both from the Force in his body, and the sight of his familiar Master, who had been missing for some days. Bando looked older to him, his hair somewhat grayer and his skin holding a faint wrinkle. There was peace in him, a balance Avlis never noticed before now. The way Bando was looking at him, as though it had been years, was strange.
"Master Bando," Avlis smiled, "I've been looking all over for you!"
Mara chose to keep her cool when she realized who this man was. He could very well have been the one who murdered Garm, yet she did not feel the presence of a Jedi. Jedi and Sith have distinct aura's in the Force. This man—his aura—was blurry.
"It's so good to see you, Avlis," Bando said with a grateful smile, "You've both been through a great deal to get here."
"What are you doing here?" Asked Avlis, "Where have you been?"
Bando took a deep breath as he felt the Force all around him. That feeling of balance and peace was stronger from him now as he gestured to the young warriors, "It is a long story, at least for me," he paced around the room, "I came to Tanqua after we had received a strange signal coming from the surface. When I had arrived, I found a small temple, completely empty. It was there that I encountered a boy; a young Inquisitor in training."
Mara finally spoke up as she stepped forward with hostility, her saber still drawn, "Did you kill Garm?"
"Yes," Bando admitted, a heavy guilt in his words, "And I have regretted it every day since. He was a child doing what he was told; in a way, we all are. I didn't have to kill him, but I did because I believed it was the Jedi way. I was wrong," He turned to face her, "And I am sorry. Believe me when I tell you I have served my penance."
She was still bitter toward this man, especially with how quickly he admitted it, but she could feel he was being truthful. The amount of guilt inside of his heart was unfathomable, yet that sense of peace and happiness overtook it all like a wave of water, washing it all out. It was enough for her to retract her saber into its hilt, and stand down.
"Master," Avlis interjected, "What do you mean you've served your penance?"
Bando chuckled faintly, "Yes, of course," He picked his saber from his belt and held it in his hand. When he ignited it, it was a pure white color, "After what I did to that poor boy, the temple reacted to my dark deed. A red light surrounded me, and before I could do anything, it had transported me away."
"Where?"
"I found myself in this …other realm," He retracted the saber, "An endless, empty void of grey. My voice echoed with the slightest whisper, for it was the only sound I could ever hear beyond my own thoughts. There, in this other world, I remained trapped for five years."
There was a pause, as Avlis needed to be sure he had heard him correctly, "Five years? It hasn't even been that many days!"
"For me, it has. Time moved differently in this other world. I had no need to eat or sleep, or even rest. I was alone for a very long time, with nothing but the energy of the Divide."
"Divide?" Mara questioned.
Bando grinned, as he had waited long for this moment. With a wave of his hand, he focused on the pillar of light which had previously erupted behind them from the fountain. That light began swirling around the room effortlessly, pulling droplets of water from the fountain that sparkled in the air, "The Divide," Bando continued, "Is the thin line between the Dark and Light side of the Force. It is true balance in the galaxy. I spent Five years learning to control this power, and it was only after I had mastered it that I finally escaped."
The energy quickly dissipated, dropping the bits of water onto the ground.
"This temple we stand in, as well as the others, were created by the first and only two wielders of the divide, thousands of years ago," Bando gestured to the images on the walls, "They could see far through time, into both the past and future, and by entering this other realm, they could transcend."
"Transcend time?" Avlis questioned, "That's impossible."
"What if it's not?" Mara spoke up, a sudden realization hitting her, "In the temple on Tatooine, I saw your past; I hugged your younger self and YOU remember feeling an invisible embrace. What If I had projected myself back in time …with the Divide?"
Bando moved closer to them, looking over them like the guardian he has become, "You two have been blessed with this power since the moment you got those markings on your hands. The wielders of the past knew you would come together, and prepared these temples for you."
"Why?" she asked.
"For the sake of the future," Bando's expression faded, "I have looked into the destiny of this galaxy. I have witnessed an Empire which grows to rule all for generations. This does not have to be the future. The old wielders saw this and knew it had to change."
"So, they could change time?" Avlis questioned, "Why not prevent the Empire from happening?"
"Because there was no timeline where the Empire didn't rise. All they could do was make the preparations necessary to ensure their downfall, and not their eternal rule."
All of this was far too much for either of them to take in at once, forcing Avlis to sit down and take deep breaths. The idea that there was ever a Jedi OR Sith who could project themselves through time was a concept he couldn't wrap his head around. It explained where their new abilities came from, and why these temples are around now; they had come out from the other realm, but none of this should be possible. The Force doesn't do this, does it? It doesn't have other realms or time bending abilities like this.
"There is much about the Force you don't know," Bando explained, "There is much that none of us know. I learned all this when I had found the ability to see through time. I watched the old wielders, and I watched you. I even watched THIS moment as it unfolds. I know what needs to happen and why."
"…What needs to happen?" Mara asked.
"The Empire must do one thing no one ever thought they could; Fear," Bando knelt down to Avlis, "You've met young Luke Skywalker, yes?"
Avlis looked up at him in surprise, "You saw that too?"
"I am the one who used the Force and guided you to him," He confessed, "Just as I am the one who rescued you after your first fight with Mara."
Avlis remembered hearing a voice back on Tanqua, one that told him to 'seek her'. He knew someone rescued him, but had never suspected it was his master, "That was you?"
"You needed to live, to meet her again and find your destiny," he stood up straight, "In the best possible timeline, Luke Skywalker is the one who defeats the Empire once and for all, bringing an era of peace upon us. The only way that happens is if you two strike fear into the heart of the Emperor and Vader himself."
Mara scoffed, "The Emperor doesn't fear anything."
"He fears those with unmeasured power. The Empire will find this temple momentarily, and you two will be forced to fight. That fight determines the future. If they fear you, they will become desperate and build a mighty planet-killing ship. These events lead to Luke becoming the greatest Jedi who ever lived."
She wanted to disprove him, but the images on the walls depicting all that had happened told her he was telling the truth. This had been her destiny for thousands of years, long before she was ever even a concept. It scared her, as it should. It was so much responsibility to take on; to make the Empire fear her for the sake of the future. Yet, looking back on everything, it had made sense to her.
"Avlis," Mara said, "I think he's right."
"Are you sure?" Asked Avlis.
"Yes. I can feel it. My power has been edging slowly to that thin line, as has yours."
Bando helped Avlis to his feet, before giving the boy a strong hug. Even though Bando had seen this event play out a hundred different times in a hundred different ways, he was grateful to finally take part in it and say the words he spent years planning out, "I am so sorry, my Padawan. I forced you to keep the Dark Side at bay and hide your feelings, when I should have let you accept them."
To hear those words from Bando of all people is what had finally broken him. It was as though in this moment, he finally had permission to accept all that he had been feeling and to not be judged for it. Finally, he let himself cry as his tears fell onto Bando's cloak.
"The Dark Side isn't to be feared," He continued, "Perfect balance between the Light and Darkness is where true power comes from."
"Bando," Mara gestured, "Why can't we just take down the Empire ourselves?"
"Simple," He grinned, "If you do, you create a timeline where they inevitably return. When Luke defeats them, he does it by turning his father back to the light, and together they kill the Emperor."
A family bond, of course, It made sense to her now. A defeat by a couple of traitors would never really last. Only a defeat by Vader himself would send the message and keep peace for a longer time. She never thought Vader was capable of sentiment, or any form of love for that matter. A Vader that feels love is a timeline she would definitely like to see.
"I have waited years to see you two together," Bando said, letting Avlis go and placing him next to Mara, "The time has come now for you two to face your destiny. You must fully claim the power of the divide and face Vader and Helene in battle. Only by defeating them will the seeds of fear grow in the Empire."
The young warriors looked to each other for guidance. This was far more than what they had signed on for, but they both knew none of it was a lie. All the signs were there from the start. The way the Force had been pulling them together, increasing their power. How they began to peer through time into each other's past. The warriors of the past knew they had to work together, and they set them on this path long in advance. This was their fate; their destiny.
"How long do we have?" Avlis asked.
Bando only pointed upwards, and a loud boom had erupted overhead, "Minutes," Said Bando.
…
The massive star destroyer came into view of the planet as it exited lightspeed. Imperial ships immediately dropped from it and made their way toward the planet. One ship in particular was a cargo ship, meant for carrying troopers by the dozens. As it came down from the atmosphere, it landed on top the giant floating island, just in view of the temple steps. Civilians watched from down below in fear, unsure of where the floating building had even come from, but more so in fear of the troopers walking around with their pistols armed and ready.
As the cargo ship landed, the doors opened and dozens of troopers came marching out, with Vader and Helene trailing behind them as their capes moved with the high winds. Helene had gotten the upgrade in armor, making her look more like an official Inquisitor. All she needed was the helmet to complete the look, but she wanted Mara to look her in the eye when she faced her.
"There is a strong presence inside," Said Vader, "I can sense three decedents of the Force hiding within the temple walls. The troopers will remain out here and guard the exit; you and I will go inside to be rid of the traitors once and for all. Once that is done, we will find the secrets to these temples and bring their power to the Emperor."
"Yes, Lord Vader," She bowed to him, keeping her head down out of respect for his great strength and leadership.
Vader could feel the rage coming from within Helene as though it bled from her. The betrayal she felt when Mara switched sides was one she couldn't find herself to forgive. She liked Mara; she really did. They were best friends and always had each others backs during training. Now, it seemed like she betrayed her so easily. It made her question if Mara was ever truly her friend; if their friendship ever meant anything to her at all.
"It is time to finish this," Said Vader as he led Helene up the steps of the temple.
…
The three warriors could hear the sound of troopers marching outside, giving commands and getting into position for them. They could sense it; Vader was here, and he wasn't alone. A spectacle such as this temple wasn't going to go unnoticed by the man himself. Bando didn't seem that worried, this is likely what he wanted to happen. This is what NEEDED to happen.
"This is the moment," Bando said confidently, "This is the turning point for the future. You must defeat them in battle and lock in the future Luke needs. It's time to fully accept the power of the divide for yourselves, and follow the path set for you thousands of years ago."
Avlis became skittish, unsure of the coming conflict, "Master, what if we can't?"
That was a question Bando heard a hundred times when watching this moment unfold. In almost every possible outcome for this day, Avlis always asked that question. He planned his words carefully, viewed every possible timeline where the right words made him stronger, and chose them for this moment. "You can. You always could. When I rescued you from Skywalker, I saw how much strength you had. My greatest mistake was forcing you to keep that power hidden."
"But-"
"Avlis Bismur," He cut in, "You can do this; you BOTH can."
An ancient power bestowed to them, a future not yet set, and a destiny to claim. They had no choice but to be ready.
Bando turned their back to them and drew his saber into his right hand, facing the door, "Touch the pillar of light and claim your power. I will hold them off for as long as I can."
Leaving him to fight Vader alone wasn't something Avlis wanted to do. He had just gotten his master back and didn't want to risk losing him again. Mara had placed a hand on his shoulder, though, and gave him a look of sympathy. He knew what he had to do, even if he didn't have the strength to do it.
"May the Force be with you," Bando smiled, "Always."
No more words could be traded without dragging things on for too long. Time was short and they had a destiny to fulfill.
They approached the fountain, where the pillar of light was still erupting from the water. The closer they had gotten, the more they could hear sounds and voices from all over; things that have and will happen, all at the picking. It frightened them, but that fear didn't need to be pushed out. Instead, they accepted it as reality, and moved beyond it for the greater good.
In that moment of bravery, they touched the pillar of light.
…
Immediately, they were thrown into a trance. Events from the past, present, and future filled their minds. They could see into the void of endless grey, and hear sounds echoing through it. Images of warriors branding great sabers appeared, fighting against the enemy with passion and desperation. From a duel of fates on Naboo, to the desperate attack of Exegol. A timeline so vast and full of possibilities, that only now did it all truly make sense as they viewed the history they were now a part of.
"You can't stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting."
"Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi's life. So, you might say, that we are encouraged to love."
"You were the chosen one! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the force, not leave it in darkness!"
"When I left you, I was but the learner. Now I am the master."
"Do or do not, there is no try."
"You already have Luke, you were right, you were right about me, tell your sister, you were right."
"I am no Jedi, but I know the Force. It moves through and surrounds every living thing."
"I will never train another generation of Jedi."
"Be with me."
The voices an image of heroes throughout the ages empowered them, seeing all that is, was, or could ever be. This was the true power of the Divide; the power to use both the Light and Dark sides of the force in perfect balance by understanding their use in the galaxy. Light is not always on the side of good, nor can the Darkness always be wrong. A perfect balance of both is the TRUE balance in the Force, one so many have ignored.
Now, they finally understand what they were meant to do.
…
The doors of the temple were forced open using the Dark Side. Vader came in with his saber drawn as Helene trailed behind him. There, Bando stood between them and the young children, who were drawn to the power of the pillar of light. Vader could sense its power from here, and finally knew he had found what he came for.
"There," Vader pointed, "That pillar of light is the power we seek. You will retrieve it for me, Inquisitor Helene."
Helene bowed and prepared to move forward, but Bando remained in her way with his saber held to his side. There was no fear in this man's heart, nothing that Vader could sense or take advantage of. It was an abnormal phenomenon, one he rarely ever encountered, for someone to feel no fear toward him.
"Step aside, Jedi," Vader commanded, "That power will belong to the Empire."
"I'm afraid not, Anakin," Bando said.
"Anakin Skywalker is dead," Vader said sternly, "I am Darth Vader, Jedi."
Bando held his ground and went into a defense position, "I am no Jedi."
"You will die like one."
Bando made the first move and launched forward with a downward strike. Vader blocked it easily and pushed him off, engaging in a trade of attacks between them. Helene tried to move past them toward Mara and Avlis, but Bando had quickly pushed Vader off and used the Divide to throw her back against the wall. In that moment, Vader had nearly sliced through him, had Bando not quickly floated backwards and skid on his feet.
This time Vader jumped forward with a powerful stabbing strike, which Bando managed to avoid by blocking and spinning around him, cutting through a piece of his cape.
Vader watched as a part of the cloth fell to the ground, engulfing in flames, "Impressive. This power you've obtained will belong to the Empire."
"By the end of this day, the Empire will know fear."
"We will see about that."
Helene quickly recovered and ignited her saber, flying in from behind with a swipe strike. Bando flipped behind her and watched as she nearly collided with Vader, only for the dark lord to push her aside with the force. She tumbled to the ground and dropped her saber as it retracted.
Bando and Vader collided for a powerful encounter. They used the Force to push against one another, creating a small hurricane of wind around them. Vader, for once, was somewhat impressed. Not often did he meet anyone who could survive this long against him. Most would have perished by this point. Perhaps Vader would need to use more of his power after all.
"You and the children will die," Vader stated, "And this power will be mine."
"The galaxy won't bow to you forever," Bando said, "The Empire will fall, and it will be your fault."
They pushed off each other and floated several feet away, now remaining in standoff. Bando could see that the pillar of light was growing thinner, meaning the process was almost complete. The two of them were powerful enough to take on these wielders of darkness on their own. There was no longer a need for him to continue fighting.
Bando retracted his saber and dropped it to the ground before getting to his knees. Vader watched him with curiosity, but thought nothing more of it as this was a display he was used to seeing, "Surrendering, Jedi?"
"My destiny is not to defeat you, Anakin," Bando admitted, "Your defeat will be one you will never expect. It cannot be by my hands. I accept my fate. Strike me down, and you shall accept yours."
Jedi nonsense, that's all it was to Vader. He saw this as nothing more than a victim making peace with his demise. This was the fate of all Jedi.
There was no hesitation as Vader struck him down, ending his life as his body disappeared.
It was only now that the pillar of light finally disappeared, all of its energy transferring into the bodies of the young warriors. Their eyes opened, now a strong, grey color to match. They had seen so many possible futures; it had felt as though they spent hours in there, days perhaps. The concept of time was irrelevant with their minds in that fascinating world. They understood what they needed to do now, nodding to one another with determination.
They turned around to find Bando's cloak on the ground, his body nowhere in sight. They knew what had happened, for they had seen it themselves in the future. The future was ready to be set, and it was theirs to carve in the stone of history.
"Were you waiting for us?" asked Mara, "Sorry to keep you."