Author's Note: Hey everyone! Thanks for all your reactions (favorites/reviews/follows). It has been very exciting reading what everyone has to say! This next chapter is a little short, but only because of the flow of the next chapter. I hope you all enjoy it!

Disclaimer: Star Wars is owned by Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. The following work is not intended to add to, promote or distort this series. This is a work of fanfiction, and the author does not profit in posting. This is simply a writing exercise written for fun.

Sidious's speeder stopped before the private landing port he'd signaled the 'darkness' to descend to, pulling it closer to him as though a tractor beam were in his palm. In truth, he'd used another Sith technique to mask his presence while drawing the occupant of the craft to him.

And he was amazed by what descended from the wing of the small fighter that landed moments after his speeder had arrived. The ship was clad with the unique marks of the Altean Jedi, a branch that might as well have been exiled if not for the war. They were a loyal bunch, but practiced their own way when it came to the Force.

Needless to say, Sidious was intrigued at the sight of its owner.

Callista Masana.

She was a Jedi known to him through Anakin, who spoke of her from one of his missions. His account of her was entirely positive, contradicting what he saw before him. She stumbled a little, as though intoxicated, and it was soon apparent that she was... On the Dark Side of the Force.

"I am looking for Skywalker." She finally spat as she approached the hooded figure, "Take me to him immediately."

Chuckling, Sidious nodded and then waved at her, silencing her weak mind and body into a sleep that left her a crumpled mess on the floor. It startled him how easy she was to control. Slowly he approached her, his hand held above her form as she lay, sensing the peculiarities of her signature as he moved.

She was peculiar indeed, parts of her still alive with light while others teemed with darkness. This was a sickness she was infected with, one that consumed another into sheer madness. He had to smile at himself... perhaps this could be utilized. The potential of this venomous darkness seemed limitless as his mind contemplated more options.

But for him to use this, he needed to examine the woman's symptoms further and determine how she became ill in such a way. No, he suddenly decided, not ill... Improved.

Ushering to his droid driver, the man soon loaded the sleeping woman into the trunk of his speeder and sped off into the night. Needless to say, he was grinning the whole time.

Despite the fact that they'd worked this far together, in a matter of speaking, she still did not like him. Every time Anhilis saw that blasted demon, she nearly attacked him in defense. Demantis had a deep, piercing stare that made her feel more a platter of food than a warrior, but she knew better than to question him before her master.

Prostrating herself beside Devaro, the two implored forgiveness from Pestilis for their failure to destroy Wezz on the Naboo. Yet this action seemed only to convey to the witch that they were weak. And she'd seemed most frustrated by that, "Did you at least recover a DNA sample for us to compare with Skywalker's?" Of that, the two of them shrugged, surprised by the idea.

"I was under the impression we had no samples from Skywalker." Devaro pointed out, his darkness growing as his irateness heightened. "Unless you collected them without our knowledge."

Frowning, Pestilis flailed a hand at him and reminded him sternly, "We still need the twins to return us to our time... Verification can occur whenever we procure them." That only seemed to frustrate Anhilis more. For being her brilliant master, this woman was starting to show her senility. Or perhaps it is her dark boyfriend... Anhilis thought maliciously, her eyes glancing in his direction where he continued to read in the shadows.

His detachment from the conversation only fed her rage.

"And what have you done with your time, my master?" She shouted out accusingly, her anger overcoming her, "While we do all the work, what have you and your precious ghost accomplish-" She was unable to finish that statement, as Pestilis threw her hand out and lifted the woman off the ground, stretching her body from limb to limb until it felt like she would be pulled apart. The pain was staggering, bringing tears easily to her eyes.

Not once had Pestilis ever done anything so damaging to her and she was beginning to regret some of her choices in this moment.

"Done all the work have you?" She sneered at the Mirialan, her crumbling teeth exposed by her speech, "Was it your work that took us to Isis to establish that Callista Masana is one and the same as the one Luke Skywalker had a tryst with in the future? Or perhaps you infected her with Shaetin venom to create a sufficient distraction against our foe?" Anhilis was unable to answer, not that she had a retort at the ready. "I did not think so."

She then released the woman, slamming her to the ground a distance away and knocking her unconscious. Devaro watched the woman fly, biting his lower lip so as to avoid similar punishment.

Yet, even as he did, it seemed that he would not go without some parting gift from his master and her ghost. In the corner of his eye, he saw Demantis cross the room, throwing his DataPad to the side as he grinned maniacally. Unsure of what to make of this, the Togruta swallowed a lump in his throat, even as the raging Sith inside demanded he take the offensive.

"Devaro." The ghost teased as he knelt down, "I sense that there is more to your tale than we've been apprised of... Did something significant happen while on the Naboo?" Turning his eyes down, Devaro attempted to conceal his thoughts from the prying Shaetin.

His attempts were a complete failure.

"Ah... I see..." The ghost chuckled, his fangs glistening in the slight light as he patted at one of Devaro's montrals. Inside, he quivered, unsure of what to make of any of this creature's behavior, "Anhilis almost killed your father, preventing your birth for this purpose." The man-creature then stood and turned about, moving over towards a table where various arts of Sith Alchemy lay astray. "You stopped the attack in self defense, which is understandable, even if it is... unforgivable."

Pestilis fumed, "How do you advise we treat this betrayal, Lord Demantis?"

To that the demon turned, "This is Ahsoka Tano's son and Skywalker knows it." He said while strolling back towards the uncertain man, "All this time we've had significant bait and never used it. Perhaps it is time we rectify that mistake. Masana shall soon land and throw the man off his game, but we should pull the rug out from under him regardless." Devaro glared his brown eyes back up at the man, fear strengthening his limbs for whatever attack might come.

And it came, lacing his body with shock. Demantis took a syringe he'd been clutching and stabbed it straight through Devaro's intact hand, pinning him to the floor as he grabbed his montrals and pulled his head to the side. There claws met flesh, filling him with a burning sensation that sizzled through his entire being even as his blood began to rush onto the floor.

All at once, Demantis disappeared, reforming behind Pestilis's throne like chair. She stood there, startled with her jaw agape. Stupefied. "What have you done?" She asked aloud, her voice nearly drowned out by the screaming of her apprentice's quivering form.

Smirking once again, Demantis answered her, "I've poisoned him with darkness... A lesser dose than Masana, but enough to inspire a vicious warrior from him. One Skywalker cannot save."

Stunned, the ancient witch turned her eyes back to her apprentice, her jaw slack as she observed all the blood that had flooded out of his veins turning a black color before turning heel and flowing back inside the wound. Whether it was miracle or curse, she could not determine. But the yellow and red gaze of her apprentice seemed to lean towards the former as he grinned at her.

As the MediDroids finally cleared out, Leia turned towards the forlorn form of Anakin Skywalker in wonder. Once the report had been filed and the Jedi Council contacted, the man had retreated to the furthest outdoor point of the house to fret over his situation. Well, at least, that is what she believed him to be doing. Somehow, in his heart of hearts, he'd known exactly who she was and he'd come to her defense. And if he realized that, he's likely very troubled.

Seating herself on the couch to watch the man meditate outside on the landing pad, attempting to release his anxiety into the Force for what was likely a nasty meeting at the temple tonight, Leia found herself wondering about her next plan of action. He'd injured a man while protecting her, all be it from a man she could have done in herself, but protecting her nonetheless.

Closing her eyes brought images of the capture of her ship above Tatooine all those years ago, seeing Vader threaten her sternly. And she had to wonder...

He'd strangled Captain Antilles for transporting those dreaded plans. He'd executed numerous guards simply for standing in his way. He'd killed Jedi who were once his brothers. He'd killed children for being Force sensitive. But he didn't kill her on that day, nor any other; she, who was protecting those plans, standing against him and insulting him, the daughter of a powerful Jedi who was highly Force sensitive. Yes, he tortured her, but it was Tarkin who'd signed her order for execution. He never even tried once to take her life...

He even attempted to take her away with him on Bespin.

Had he known, even then, while clouded with darkness? She and Luke had always suspected something of that nature, but this, this act of instinctual protectiveness near solidified the argument. Something inside of this man genuinely sought to protect them, overtaking Anakin's senses when she most needed a savior.

There was no polite way to push that buffoon Rush Clovis aside, and to have made a scene at the party while her mother's entourage would have likely pushed the Roonen away. They were highly sensitive to every indecent act, blaming hosts rather than guests for the misbehavior of their friends. Padme currently was so embarrassed and angry, she'd hidden herself away once the security detail and investigators had left.

And Anakin was so ashamed he would not leave his perch.

Something else about this situation also bugged her, something she desperately wanted to talk to Luke about. He was seated contentedly on the opposing couch, studying the HoloNews which was already broadcasting the news of the day with gusto. It seemed that punching a traitor and representative was a hot topic, especially if the fist belonged to the 'Hero with No Fear.'

He wanted to know about father. Leia suddenly shared, pulling Luke's attention away from the viewer. His icy eyes regarded her carefully and he nodded for her to continue, He wanted to know how often father was here and whether he stayed the night. All sorts of uncomfortable questions... He said mother's career hung in the balance.

Letting loose a slow sigh, Luke brushed his bangs out of his eyes, He's on to them.

Leia nodded and wondered, Should we stop him?This time her eyes returned to her young father, still motionless in the sunset. Him leaving the Jedi could be a good thing.

Luke shrugged and stood up, turning the projector off with the wave of a hand as he did, Yes, because I'm sure father wants to control when he's disgraced. He paused and moved towards the lift, I'm positive that leaving the Order under someone else's terms will do him little to no good. Leia had to nod in agreement at that.

Before any more could be exchanged, Luke opened the doors to welcome two Jedi into the apartment. Leia immediately recognized them. "Master Windu, Master Kenobi," she greeted kindly, "Good to see you both again."

The two of them bowed to her and Luke, prompting them to echo the behavior. But rather than engage in small talk, the taller master chose to get straight to business, "We are here to collect Skywalker." Leia found herself thinking pick one sarcastically. She also noticed how Luke fought a small smirk at the quip.

They turned to find Anakin rising from his meditation, his head hung low as he gathered his cloak and approached the group. "Hello masters." He greeted, bowing rigidly, "I am ready."

But as he stepped forward, Leia had to ask, "What will happen to him?"

Sighing, as he clearly desired to get the day over with, Master Kenobi explained, "Anakin is to be court marshaled for his behavior before the Jedi Council. From there he will face sentencing for his actions." Feeling a sudden protectiveness wash over her, Leia turned to Luke with pleading eyes. Sensing her desires, he nodded with determination.

Again addressing the two Jedi masters, Leia proclaimed, "Then I am going with him." That seemed to surprise both Windu and Kenobi, who's brows raised slightly, "Anakin's actions defended me... It's the least I can do for him." At first, they both seemed reluctant to include her, eyeing one another in deliberation.

"I'm afraid this a closed Jedi situation." Kenobi asserted, "And considering all the official testimonies we have received, yours included, your participation is unnecessary."

She frowned, "Words on a paper can be emotionless, Master Kenobi." She pointed out, "Words in the air hold a flavor all their own which might sway the taste of the council."

Crossing his arms, Windu informed her, "The Jedi prefer their deliberations bland, Ms. Darklighter."

Frustrated, Leia turned to Luke for some sage comeback. Politics she could handle; Jedi code was his thing. And Luke did not disappoint, "Are we not Jedi, Master Windu? Do we not hold some level of privilege enough to form our own words?"

Clearly tired of the conversation, Windu uncrossed his arms and retorted sternly, "Our council does not recognize the Altean Order, Mr. Darklighter, ergo you are not true Jedi."

"Yet you still make use of us on the battlefield." Luke pointed out, "An odd thing to do when we are not official Jedi, don't you think? Or perhaps Master Altis would be interested in this fare-weathered treatment."

That seemed to stop his logic, bringing a frown to the man. "Very well then." He begrudgingly conceded, "Ms. Darklighter may accompany us." He then turned about, leading the way for the party of four down the lift to where their ride was, seeming as the craziness of the day left the higher level docks rather occupied.

As they entered the lift together, Leia turned towards Anakin, noticing that he was a bit shorter than his future counterpart, and smiled. The last time they'd been in a lift together, she'd watched Alderaan crumble moments before. He'd been silent then too. It was eerie, his calm, even as she fought back her tears. But in that moment, just as she'd near lost her control, the mechanized terror spoke.

"Princess," He'd said, not turning to her to address her formally, "Know that you had no choice, no option that could have spared your people. Their deaths are not hinged on your actions alone. Their fate was inescapable the moment you received those transmissions."

Anakin sighed as they passed yet another level, pulling her from her reverie. The doors opened to reveal a young Twil'ek couple who'd were coming home. Leia recognized them from her duties. When they realized the lift was occupied, they backed off with faces of awe and let the contraption continue.

The awkward silence persevered through that small disturbance, allowing Leia time enough to find her courage and make a small gesture towards her father. "Anakin." She said firmly, not turning to address him formally, "His injury was not hinged on your actions alone... I could have done more to shake him off me, but I am grateful that you came to my rescue."

And like she had in her memory, Anakin kept still and quiet. He offered no reply to her attempts at comfort. Just as she had remained silent as Vader consoled her. As the lift opened to reveal the Jedi's speeder, she had to wonder if Vader had also allowed a small smile on his face when he realized how his words had helped her.

Sidious sighed as he continued to observe the struggling Masana, now pale with whithering skin, inside of the holding tank he'd secured in his hideaway. She was clawing at the walls, growling and foaming at the mouth as though rabid. And tearing at her own flesh.

It seemed she wanted to die, which made him question whether the poison that tainted her was suitable for weaponization.

So, as his curiosity gave way, he sent a MediDroid into the tank to collect various samples, along with a few other droids of a combat sort of nature. While Masana threw three of the useless figures across the space, shattering them and shaking her holding cell in the process, the others managed to hold her down enough to collect the material he needed.

When they returned, he instructed the droid to break down any and all toxins in the woman's system and to provide him with all the data while he consulted various ancient texts regarding their condition. Surely there was history behind such a formidable disease.

And it seemed that his prognosticative eye was quick to fetch the very Holochron he needed. Unlike the Jedi version, his was older, less maintained, yet just as vital. He opened it with the Force and watched the information pour out like water through a dam.

The Legendary War of Shaetin and Drajdai.

The document detailed nothing more than a myth that predated the old Sith Empires. Though riddled with information, there was hardly any solid evidence that this ancient story held any merit to his current inquiries. That is, until he found an account of a Sith Lord infected with the venom.

...The venom is nothing more than a peculiar blend of alchemy these ghastly creatures manufacture. Conjured by absorbing the darkness in those around them, the Shaetin are both stewards and dependents of the darkest arts of the Force. Stored in both claw and fang, varied doses of venom can be administered to individuals to either lock the victim's minds into a loop of anger or kill the target by eating away at their living bodies, much like a corrosive. The latter victims usually die, their spirits joining the Shaetin horde.

Such a threat was this group of dark users that the young Je'daii Order permitted a small grouping of skilled warriors to delve deep into Ashla of the Force, severing all ties with darkness to form a being to balance the darkness of the Shaetin. These were the Drajdai.

Though successful in fending off the Shaetin, the focus required to create a Drajdai required more time than the venom that formed their enemies. Regardless of their services to the Je'daii, the doctrine of balance on their home world, Tython, excluded them as much as the Shaetin. It was decided that neither Shaetin nor Drajdai had a place roaming the galaxy, and so a home far from the core was selected to house them. The Shaetin were imprisoned within the crust of their new world, Advorosia, with the Drajdai and their descendants their wardens...

It seemed that Sidious had found more than the information he'd been searching for and he could only grin wider for it. Moments such as this reminded him just how much he enjoyed delving into the oldest histories, most lost until recent times. The accounts of the records continued to show him the very nature of a Shaetin bite; how it slowly ate away at someone until their physical vessel disintegrated and all that was left was an angry spirit, capable of spreading the toxins further. Each stage was detailed to the most minimal observation. It was astounding, yet he had to wonder if this venom could be tempered, toned down and used to pollute a person to his liking.

Smiling, he stepped away and approached the MediDroid's station, noticing several patterns in the tests that indicated there was a great deal of chemical and a great deal of Sith alchemy at work here. Yes, he soon surmised that he could use this new knowledge to further his own designs, whether that be to inspire more aggressive behaviors in his most stubborn subordinates or eliminate competitors.

This new weapon would require much tailoring, but who to test this compound on was the question.

Author's Note: It amazes me how a chapter half the size of most of them can actually explain more than one twice it's size. Especially in regards to Leia! I feel like she's grown so much so far.

I'm sure many of you were wondering where I was going to stick the origin of this Shaetin/Drajdai stuff in and the answer is +25,000 years ago :) At first I wasn't sure how well the idea of Shaetin would fit into the story, but then I found the article about Rajine on Wookieepedia, which made some of these ideas feel less out of place. The idea was to incorporate these original elements as something old and forgotten. I hope you all liked it and please let me know if any of it is confusing.

Thanks again and please don't forget to review!