Chapter 13

ONE YEAR LATER…

"Something is going on with Killian," Argyle said to Terra as they watched the children train in the courtyard below them,

"What do you mean?" Terra replied, looking at her husband before zeroing in on her adopted son.

It had been a year since the Republic had bombed the gathering, a year since Mandalore had declared war on their hated enemy and allied themselves with the Sith empire; the Republic had sent envoys to Mandalore, at first, to try and attempt reconciliation, but after Lec had sent back the envoys heads, the message was clear that there would be no peace between Mandalore and the Republic.

"Surely, you've seen it, Terra?" Argyle said as he stared down at the children below who were currently doing pushups while Buta shouted at them, "He's not the same as he was; he's become…. different."

"He has suffered more than any child should, Argyle," Terra replied sadly, "Is it any wonder that he has changed in the last year?"

"It's more than that, Terra," Argyle said seriously, turning to her, "Last night, I saw him and Darth Malgus together speaking in hushed tones,"

"What were they speaking about?" Terra asked, turning to Argyle with worry written across her face.

"I don't know, but I have my suspicions," Argyle answered with a grimace,

"You think Malgus has discovered his abilities? And that he's been teaching the boy?" Terra said quickly,

"I don't know," Argyle replied, "But if Killian is discovered, then the consequences could be disastrous."

The two Twi'lek watched the children beneath them in silence for several moments before Terra spoke again,

"I'll speak with him; I'll discover what is going on between the two of them,"

Argyle nodded quickly at his wife,

"Come, Lec has called another meeting to discuss the upcoming battle,"

"Will the Sith be leading this one again?" Terra asked scornfully,

"So it would seem…." Argyle replied with a sneer as the two of them turned and walked back inside.

XXXX

"DOWN! UP! DOWN! UP!" Buta roared at the children before him; for the last hour, those had been the only words that the old man had said as the children pushed against the pain in their arms and tried not to stop, knowing what would happen if they did, Buta's wrath was well known to them all by this point.

Sweat poured off of Killian like rain as he focused on the pain in his arms and on using the force to carefully pour strength into the rest of his squad, careful to do so without them knowing he was doing it.

For the past year, since beginning his training under Darth Malgus, Killian had been burning the candle at both ends; during the day, he would do his training with the rest of his squad, but at night, once everyone had gone to sleep, he would sneak out of his room to meet with Darth Malgus to train in the ways of the force.

True to his word, Magus had been hard in his training with Killian; at times, Killian thought too hard, but the results seemed to speak for themselves as Killian's mastery of his abilities had grown over time.

His mastery over his abilities wasn't the only thing that had grown over the past year; were you to look at Killian now, one would never be able to see the small, shy boy he had once been.

Now, Killian was lean, with shoulder-length hair that he kept tied in a tight ponytail; the constant training with Buta and Malgus had also trimmed the fat from his body and replaced it with muscle until, at last, Killian began to look like the Mandalorian he aspired to be.

"Alright, scum! That's enough!" Buta finally called, making many fall to the ground as the last of their strength finally gave out, except the third squad, who, thanks to Killian, had not suffered near as bad as the rest.

"On your feet, scum! Now!" Buta called out, making the squads in front of him slowly climb to their feet wearily before finally standing at attention, their bodies shaking from exertion,

"I had hoped that after a year of training, you scum, you would have at least begun to show that you were worthy of wearing our clan's symbol, and yet you're all still a disappointment!" Buta yelled as he stalked up and down the lines, staring at all standing before him.

"The only ones even close to deserving to wear the sigil of clan Farr is the third squad,"

Killian and the others seemed to stand straighter at Buta's words while receiving death glares from the other squads.

"Don't think that means I plan to go easy on you!" Buta sneered as he stood in front of Killian's squad, "You are all equally worthless, but at least your squad is showing some level of promise, though you all still have a long way to go before you earn the right to call yourselves Mandalorians, is that clear?"

"Yes, sir!" The squads called out as one; Buta stepped back and leveled a glare at them all before spitting onto the ground in contempt,

"You are all released for your midday meal, be back here in an hour or else!"

As the groups began to disperse, Killian turned to his squad, only to sense as a group approached,

"Think you're so special, teacher's pet?!" A hard voice spat, making Killian turn around in annoyance, already knowing who it was,

"Not particularly, Malcolm, and you should know that Buta doesn't have any favorites," Killian said wearily as he faced the first squad leader.

Malcolm Bane had immediately taken a dislike to Killian and his squad from the first day, and Malcolm had made it his squad's mission to make Killian and the third squad's life miserable; from using horrible slurs to Aola and Dani to attacking Killian and his friend's whenever the two squads encountered each other; on more than one occasion, Killian or one of the other's had spent a night in a bacta tank when Malcolm or one of his cronies would go too far during their mock battles.

As Killian stared at his hated rival, he had to admit (loathingly) that Malcolm was the closest to what Killian thought a Mandalorian should look like; Malcolm was tall, standing head and shoulders above the rest of his squad, with long red hair that hung loose to his shoulders, giving him a wild look; his handsome, chiseled features and hard muscular physique had won him adoration with many of the other females, but Aola and Dani saw behind the mask and found him distasteful, even telling Malcolm so when he had tried to woo them, the humiliation of that encounter had ensured a perpetual hatred in Malcolm for the third squad.

"Perhaps we're just better than you," Aola added, quickly coming to the defense of her adopted brother,

"No one asked your opinion, tailhead!" Rebecca, Malcolm's second in command, spat angrily;

Rebecca seemed to be the antithesis of Malcolm, where he was solid and muscular, Rebecca was lithe and quick, and the only one able to match her speed was Dani; Like Malcolm, she had flowing red hair and a bronze tan that gave her an attractive physique that she used like a weapon.

"You watch your mouth!" Killian spat back, taking a step forward and glaring at the girl who, to Killian's surprise, took a step behind Malcolm;

"Awfully brave, scum," Malcolm sneered as he stared Killian down, "Perhaps you've forgotten what happened the last time you challenged me,"

Killian glared as he remembered how he had challenged Malcolm almost seven months before and wound up with a broken arm and a severe concussion before Buta had ended the match.

"I am not the same scared boy I was, then," Killian said in a cold whisper as he stepped in close, "And I am done letting you disrespect my squad, do so again, and I will bury you!"

Killian and Malcolm stared hatefully at one another for a few moments as their two squads watched in interest.

Killian sensed what was going to happen before it did and grinned as he ducked beneath Malcolm's sudden swing before delivering two quick punches to Malcolm's stomach, followed up by an uppercut, using the force to increase the power of the blows;

To the watchers' astoundment, Malcolm lifted off the ground and landed hard onto the ground with a painful "Oomph."

Before Malcolm could move, Killian was upon him, delivering blow after blow to Malcolm's face before someone roughly pulled him off and threw him to the ground a few feet from Malcolm.

As Killian quickly jumped to his feet, he swore angrily as Malcolm's squad stood in front of their leader in a defensive position;

Killian's squad soon did the same, and the two squads eyed each other angrily before a loud voice called out,

"That's enough!"

Turning, Killian saw Buta's assistant Marcus approaching with a look of annoyance on his face, "Since you two seem so intent on fighting, you'll get your wish!" Marcus sneered as he stopped in front of the two squads, who quickly snapped to attention,

"What do you mean, sir?" Malcolm asked as blood ran down from his nostrils,

"After today's training is finished, you two will have a match in front of the rest of the squads, sound fair?" Marcus snapped, making Malcolm smile at Killian,

"Yes, sir," Malcolm replied, followed quickly by Killian.

"Good, now both of you get inside and eat before I decide to make the two of you run laps around the courtyard instead!" Marcus said with a sneer before turning on his heel and walking off.

As Malcolm's squad began to move towards the building slowly, Malcolm stopped and stared at Killian for a moment,

"This match won't stop at first blood, scum," Malcolm spat, "You're going to die today,"

"I'm your huckleberry," Killian said with a smile, making Malcolm frown in confusion at the words before he spat at Killian's feet and led his squad into the building.

"What was that?!" Aola said, turning to Killian once Malcolm and his cronies were gone,

"What?" Killian asked as he began to walk towards the building,

"You know what I'm talking about!" Aola replied, grabbing Killian's shoulder and spinning him to face her, "Since when do you act like Malcolm?"

"His bootlicker insulted you," Killian replied, "Was I just supposed to let her do it?"

"Of course not!" Aola retorted, "But you have been acting really strange lately, more aggressive!"

"She's right, Killian," Ben added, "We've all seen it; something's happening to you…."

"Whatever it is, we can help if you let us," Dani added quickly, "That's what friends do, after all, isn't it?"

Alexander simply stared at Killian for a moment as though trying to read his mind,

"Look, guys," Killian sighed, "I'm fine, really! I'm just tired of Malcolm and all his cronies treating us like we're scum to be scraped off his boot, aren't you?"

"Of course we are, Killian!" Aola cried, "But that's no excuse to lose your head and pick a fight! Mama and Papa taught us better than that!"

"You heard Malcolm," Alexander said softly, "He won't stop at first blood this time; he plans to kill you, cousin,"

"I can beat him," Killian replied through grit teeth,

"How?!" Aola yelled, "How do you expect to beat him when every time you two have fought, he's nearly killed you!? Do you really want to die that badly?!"

Killian stared at her in shock as tears began to slide down her cheeks, quickly Killian pulled her into a hug and gently rubbed her back,

"I promise, sister, I will win this time and that scum will never bother us again."

Aola pulled away from Killian and stared at him for a moment before replying softly,

"I don't want to see you die, Killian, so promise me that if he starts to get the upper hand, you'll tap out."

"Aola, I…." Killian began before his sister cut him off,

"Promise me! Your pride be damned; I won't lose you again!"

Killian stared at his sister for a moment, her eyes were pleading, and he sighed inwardly before replying softly,

"Alright, Aola, I promise."

XXXX

Instead of heading into the chow hall with the others, Killian went to his room for a quick meditation; he was not surprised to find someone inside waiting for him, leaning against the far wall, arms crossed, having sensed the being's presence as soon as he stood in front of the door to his room.

"Your still sloppy with your attacks, boy," Darth Malgus said softly as he gazed at Killian, "Your attacks need to be more precise in order to deal the greatest amount of damage possible,"

"I have to be careful not to show too much power," Killian responded, "I can't have the others getting suspicious, and I was already worn out from pouring strength into them for the last three hours."

"Then you are a fool!" Malgus sneered, "What have I been teaching you for the last year, boy?"

"That the strong rule and the weak serve," Killian growled back as he stared at his feet, "But they're my friends and family! So I had to help them!"

"For those who want power, you cannot let yourself become chained down by foolish emotions or silly ties like friendship!" Malgus sneered, "To be a Sith means to crave only power; friendship is nothing but a chain that weighs you down."

"And I told YOU I don't want to be a Sith!" Killian replied angrily, "I'm only learning from you to master my abilities, so I can protect my family and my clan!"

Darth Malgus chuckled at the boy's words before fixing Killian with an icy stare that seemed to freeze the boy in place,

"Fool, you truly believe you can learn the ways of the dark side and not be a Sith?"

"I am a Mandalorian," Killian replied with a scowl, "And that is all I ever wish to be."

Darth Malgus chuckled for a moment, his cold almost freezing the blood in Killian's veins,

"It is too late, boy," Malgus said with a small smile, "You have tasted the power of the dark side, and it won't be long before you desire more of that power; you will inevitably become one of us."

Killian's fist closed into a hard grip as he struggled to control the anger and fear that began to course through him at Malgus' words, a moment later, the room started to shake slightly, and Malgus chuckled at the display,

"Very good, boy; use your anger, let it make you stronger."

"Get out," Killian breathed, "Now,"

Malgus shook his head in amusement as the room slowly began to stop shaking; with a sigh, Malgus strode past Killian, stopping at the door,

"I leave for Korriban in the morning; perhaps when I return, you will finally accept the power you have been given and give up this naïve idea that you can use the power of the dark side and not be consumed by it."

Without another word, Malgus exited the room, leaving a shaking Killian behind him to ponder his parting words; before he could consider them for long, however, the door hissed open, and Terra strode in, a look of worry written across her face.

"Hey, mom," Killian said, doing his best to appear calm, "What's up?"

"I wanted to talk to you and imagine my surprise when I see Darth Malgus leaving your room," Terra replied in a tight voice, "I want to know what's going on, and I mean right now."

Killian felt the blood run from his face as he desperately tried to think of some way to explain,

"Mom….I….it's not what you think! I was just…."

"No more lies, Killian!" Terra growled, cutting him off, "You promised me you wouldn't lie to me anymore, remember!"

Killian's mouth opened and closed like a fish as his brain seemed incapable of replying,

"What was he doing in your room, Killian?" Terra asked, taking a step forward angrily,

"He was just…." Killian began but stopped as he realized there was no way out of this, "He's been teaching me to control my abilities," Killian muttered as his eyes fell to the floor.

Terra's eyes went wide at the revelation, and for a moment, she was rendered speechless,

"How long?" Terra breathed; at last, Killian winced at the coldness of the words, and it took him a moment to respond.

"A year,"

"A year…." Terra said in shock, "You've been learning from him for a year, and you never thought to tell your father or me?!"

Killian took a step back in fear as his mother's fury washed over him,

"I did it for you," Killian replied quickly, "To keep you all safe,"

"To keep us safe?!" Terra retorted, "Do you even realize how childish you sound?!"

"I…..just wanted…." Killian began before he was cut off,

"You are a child!" Terra yelled, "My child! It is not your job to protect your father and me! It is our job to protect you! Do you even realize how dangerous the path you're following is?!"

"I'm not going to become one of them, mom!" Killian countered,

"You're learning from a Sith, Killian!" Terra sneered, "It doesn't matter how noble your reasons are; the fact remains that you are learning the dark side, and it always comes with a price!"

"I'm not going to let it go that far!" Killian replied uneasily, taking another step back as Terra stalked toward him.

"It's already gone too far, Killian!" Terra snarled, "Everyone has seen it! You've changed, become angrier! More aggressive!"

"And that's a bad thing?!" Killian countered, his anger overriding his fear, "Aren't Mandalorians supposed to be aggressive?!"

"The fact that you cannot see the difference between being aggressive in battle and amongst your people shows me that you still have much to learn about being a Mandalorian," Terra sneered.

Killian stared at Terra in shock at her words, tears beginning to run down his cheeks,

"Why can't you see why I have to do this?" Killian asked softly, "I was kidnapped, tortured, and almost sold! Then I almost lost you all AGAIN when the Republic tried to blow us all up! So I want to get stronger and never risk losing you again!"

Terra's angry expression slowly melted away into hurt as tears began to run down Killian's face and sobs wracked his slight frame,

"You and Argyle saved me!" Killian cried, his voice hoarse, "You gave me a family and showed me what it was to have someone care about me! And I don't want to lose that! I don't want to be alone again!"

Terra suddenly swept forward and pulled Killian into a tight hug as the boy cried into her chest,

"Oh, Killian," Terra said softly as she gently stroked his hair, "Your father and I will never leave you, and even if something does happen to us, you will never be alone; clan Farr will always be there for you."

Killian pulled away and looked up at Terra with watery eyes as she continued,

"But learning from the Sith is dangerous, and once they get their hooks in you, it's very hard to break free; I don't want that for you, my son."

"But…..but mom, I'm finally able to control my abilities!" Killian said quickly, "I no longer have to be afraid of someone finding out what I can do!"

"And that's wonderful!" Terra replied quickly, "I'm happy you can finally control your gift but learning from the Sith is dangerous! I know you think you can control how far down the path of the Sith you go, but the truth is very different!"

"I just want to protect you," Killian said softly as tears ran down his cheeks,

"That's not your job!" Terra replied harshly as she bent down onto one knee and placed her hands on Killian's shoulders, "I'm your mother; it's MY job to protect YOU!"

Killian's head dropped at the words, and he stared at his feet in despair and anger as Terra stood up and stared down at him, her hands on her hips,

"You're to have no further contact with Darth Malgus, is that clear?" Terra asked in a firm voice, making Killian's head shoot up so that he stared at her in open-mouthed shock.

"But…. But my training isn't done yet!" Killian said quickly, "I have more yet to learn!"

"My decision is final, Killian!" Terra growled, "I will not have my son becoming a Sith, and it's already beginning; I can see it, even if you can't,"

"That's not fair!" Killian shouted angrily, making a nearby cup shatter, surprising both Terra and Killian, who jumped at the explosion of glass.

"I'm…. I'm sorry, mom!" Killian sputtered, "I didn't mean it!"

Terra stared at Killian for a moment in silence before she finally spoke in a soft voice,

"I know you didn't, Killian, but that accident simply shows the truth of my words; Darth Malgus' teachings are turning you into someone else, someone dangerous, and that is why they cannot be allowed to continue."

Killian glared in impudent rage at Terra as tears ran down his cheeks,

"I'll be speaking to your father about what we spoke of, and we will ensure that you and that Sith have no further contact with one another."

"But…. But I need his lessons!" Killian sputtered, "We're at war, and Mandalore needs every warrior it has!"

"You are NOT a warrior, Killian," Terra replied firmly, "Your time will soon come to prove yourself, but that day is not yet here; you are a boy, and I will not let that Sith filth poison you anymore with his rhetoric than he already has!"

Terra glared at Killian for a moment more before turning and walking out the door, leaving Killian alone; for a few moments, Killian glared at the door before finally, he shouted in anger and despair, and the room around him shook violently for a moment before Killian collapsed to the floor and sobbed.

XXXX

The night air was cool against Killian's skin as he stood in the center of the courtyard facing Malcolm; surrounding the two, the other squads stood at attention, watching with interest as Buta stood between the pair, eyeing them both scornfully.

"Alright, scum," Buta sneered, "You both know the rules; the fight goes on until one taps out or until I feel as though the fight has gone too far! You both ready?"

"Yes, sir," Killian and Malcolm replied in unison,

"Very well then," Buta said quickly, "Take your places and ready yourselves!"

Killian immediately raised his fists and assumed the defensive stance that Buta had drilled into them; Malcolm copied the position as Buta walked away and crossed his arms over his chest,

"Fight!" Buta shouted into the silent courtyard, and Killian tensed as Malcolm exploded into action, taking a mighty swing at Killian's head which he easily evaded before delivering a swing of his own to Malcolm's jaw, which connected with a satisfying 'crack.'

Malcolm jumped back and rubbed his jaw angrily before raising his fists again,

"Well, well, well, look who's finally learned to fight," Malcolm spat angrily as he and Killian began to circle one another,

"I've learned a lot of new things since last we fought, Malcolm," Killian spat back,

"Whatever you've learned won't save you," Malcolm replied, "You're still just a weakling unfit to be called a Mandalorian!"

Killian felt his temper rise at the words; he had been so consumed in his misery over Terra's decision that he had almost been late and had had to listen to Malcolm's taunts for the rest of the day until Killian felt as though he could no longer control his rage, he needed someone to direct it at, and Malcolm was the perfect target.

"Allow me to convince you otherwise," Killian replied in a cold voice as he rushed at Malcolm, surprising the large boy and giving Killian the second he needed to deliver three powerful punches, backed by the force, to Malcolm's stomach.

Malcolm fell to his knees and threw up onto the ground as Killian jumped back and watched angrily,

"Get up!" Killian growled, "You've made my life a living hell for a year now, and I want reciprocity for it! So, get up!"

Malcolm dry heaved once more before slowly rising to his feet and glaring at Killian,

"You filthy scum!" Malcolm snarled, "You think you can defeat me?! I will be the best warrior of our generation! Some pathetic nobody will not defeat me!"

"Then let's see what you got, Malcolm!" Killian countered, "Prove the veracity of your words!"

Malcolm charged at Killian, releasing a roar of rage that made Killian suddenly nervous and gave Malcolm the second he needed to tackle Killian to the ground and begin smashing his fist into Killian's face as he tried to push Malcolm off of him.

Killian's vision began to dim as Malcolm delivered another powerful punch to Killian's temple,

"I will not lose to this bastard!" Killian thought angrily, "Not again!"

Using a little bit of the force so as not to be discovered, Killian raised Malcolm off of him just enough to get his knees under Malcolm's body; with a burst of strength, Killian shoved Malcolm off of him and rolled away before quickly rising to his feet.

The two boys circled one another again as Killian spat blood onto the ground; Killian's right eye was quickly swelling shut, and his nose felt as if it were broken, but still, he refused to allow Malcolm to claim victory.

"Not looking too good, runt," Malcolm taunted, "Why don't you tap out now and avoid further injury,"

"Why?" Killian asked with a smile, "Afraid I'll embarrass you in front of the rest of the squads? Show them how weak you are?"

Malcolm's face went pale with anger, and Killian smiled at the effect he had on the large boy,

"Good, get angry," Killian thought, "An angry opponent is a stupid one,"

Malcolm roared again and charged but this time, Killian was ready; quickly, he stepped aside and tripped Malcolm, who landed hard on his stomach.

Killian quickly raced forward and delivered a powerful kick to Malcolm's stomach, followed by another and another, until Malcolm was wheezing painfully and lay on his side, holding his stomach.

Slowly, Killian walked toward Malcolm, like a predator stalking prey; with a savage cry, Killian brought his foot down on Malcolm's leg, smiling as he heard the 'crack' that meant he had broken the large boy's leg, followed by Malcolm's cry of anguish.

"You said you were going to kill me, Malcolm," Killian said in a cold whisper that seemed to echo in the silent courtyard, "It seems only fair that I respond in kind, wouldn't you agree?"

Malcolm sobbed as he held his broken leg, and Killian smiled as he raised his foot to deliver the final blow onto the bully's skull when a loud voice yelled out,

"Killian! No!"

Turning to see who had spoken, Killian was surprised to see Aola looking at him in fear with tears running down her face,

"That's enough! He's been beaten; you don't have to kill him!" Aola cried, "Please, don't kill him!"

Slowly, Killian felt the battle rage leave him as he gazed down at the sobbing boy; he suddenly saw himself, and the image repulsed him as he realized he had become just like Mrs. Murray, a bully, and a monster.

Fear suddenly swept through him, and with a cry, Killian turned and ran past the squads and into the building as Buta watched through narrow eyes; it had only been for a split second, but Buta could have sworn that boy's eyes had been yellow, the same color as the Sith.

XXXX

Author's Note:

This story, for some reason, seems to be more challenging to write than any of my others; that's why it takes me so much longer to update a new chapter; I enjoy writing it but want to make sure it's good for you all to read. So I hope you enjoy this new one as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I'll try and get the next one out asap.