New Blood in a New Hope

By Michael Weyer

A New Lesson Plan

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Buffy winced as she sat up, making sure not to bump her head in the low hut. The rain outside appeared to have stopped as she looked out the window. However, the swamp appeared to be exactly the same so she had to take it for granted it was indeed morning. She threw off the light blanket as she moved to the main room.

Yoda was already mixing together a pot in the middle, his back to her but Buffy could tell he knew she was there. "Morning," she said. "At least I assume it is."

"Day comes, night comes," Yoda remarked. "Dagobah remains same. Comforting, it is." He placed a piece of meat onto a plate and handed it to her. Buffy took it, her uncertainty about alien food pushed aside by the last few years in this galaxy. She chewed on it while studying Yoda. She could feel the power from him but still, the idea of this little guy as a great warrior…

"Greater things we are, then mortal shells," Yoda suddenly said and Buffy started. "Part of Jedi creed, never judge by mere appearance." He looked to her. "Understand that, I think you would."

Buffy rubbed her legs self-consciously. Before she could reply, Luke entered the room, nodding to Yoda. "Master," he said respectfully.

Yoda fixed him with a glare. "Earned the right to say that, you have not yet." He handed a bowl to Luke who started to chew on the food.

"I was wondering," Buffy said. "How come this place doesn't show up on any charts? And the disturbance we felt trying to fly in…"

"Like my privacy, I do," Yoda simply answered.

Buffy stared. "What? You're keeping this whole planet shielded?" She chuckled but then took in Yoda's face and her smile vanished. "Wait…you don't mean…"

"Enough breakfast!" the gnome said as he reached to pull the bowls away. "Outside! Training begins." He began to limp out as Luke and Buffy exchanged glances before following him.

The Jedi Master limped into the mud as Artoo stood outside, the droid showing the effects of a night in the rain. Yoda pointed to a pack nearby. "Wear that," he told Luke. "Carry me on your back, you will."

"Um…all right," Luke said as Yoda stepped into the pack. Luke hefted it onto his shoulders, surprised at how light the Jedi was.

Buffy nodded as she moved in. "So it's some running exercises? Okay, I can do that…"

"No." Yoda gazed at her. "Stay here you will. Physical ability you have. But mental strength you need."

Buffy narrowed her eyes. "Okay, you better not have just made a blonde crack."

The hard glare continued. "Sit. Meditate. Feel the Force. Let its connection flow through you."

Buffy raised an eyebrow. "Not used to just sitting around…"

"Tell that, I can," Yoda dryly stated. "But more to being a Jedi than just fighting. Understand the Force, you must. Sit and wait for our return." With that, he gave Luke a tap on the shoulder to urge him to go. Luke gave Buffy an uncertain look before jogging off into the swamp.

Buffy watched them go, then turned to brush off a broken log branch. She folded her legs in as she sat and closed her eyes. Steadying herself, she tried to breathe evenly and let her mind drift, trying to access that strange energy she always felt around her…

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The record room was one of the least used places aboard the Executor. Its main function was to provide a link to the Imperial record database on Corcusant, including a full list of all known Jedi, just in case one was discovered in hiding. It was these records that Angelus was perusing with interest.

Computers had never really interested him before. It wasn't surprising given his long life and disdain for most technology. But he'd given himself a crash course and it wasn't that hard to run these search systems. It had taken him only a few moments to access the archives and cross-reference "Jedi" with "Skywalker." Only one entry came up…but it was a doozy.

Anakin Skywalker. Date of birth: Unknown. Accepted to Jedi Order at late age of nine. Trained under Obi-Wan Kenobi, grew to prominence during the Clone Wars as "The Hero Without Fear." Date of death: Unknown, presumed killed in initial purges of Jedi Order.

A long list of noted missions followed, each more impressive than the last. The image that accompanied the report showed a young man with dark blonde hair and deep eyes with a confident look on his face. Later images showed that face marked with a scar on one side and another showed him with a mechanical arm due to an injury.

Angelus leaned in, studying the picture carefully. He checked the database again and as he hoped, found some holographic footage of Skywalker in battle. He studied it, the way the young Jedi moved, the arcs of his lightsaber, the athleticism and then hit pause. He ran back to a moment with Anakin throwing his blade downward at some sort of droid. He ran it back again and again, noting the slice, the way the blade moved and the young man's stance through it all.

Angelus sat back and looked at the footage. The way that sword swung was quite close to what he'd seen of Vader in battle. There were differences of course but then all that armor would be a factor. Still, the way he moved, the stances, even that attitude when standing still…

"Son of a bitch," Angelus whispered. He couldn't prove it of course. He had no real hard evidence. But he had a feeling in his gut that this young man on the screen was now the dark-garbed figure that struck terror in the galaxy. Which meant that Luke Skywalker's connection to Vader was a lot deeper than the Dark Lord let on.

"Well, this makes things more interesting," Angelus noted as he turned off the screen and began to move to the doorway. It looked like he wasn't the only one to have a personal interest in finding the Rebels. Of course, it also brought up the question of what Vader's true purpose in finding them was...and somehow Angelus thought finding that out was going to be important to his overall plan.

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"A Jedi's strength flows through the Force. Feel it; contemplate it. But beware the Dark Side."

"The Dark Side…what won Vader over…"

"Fear. Aggression. Anger. The Dark Side are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it control your destiny. As it did Obi-Wan's apprentice."

"Is the Dark Side stronger?"

"No! No, quicker, easier, more seductive. To weakness it appeals. But yours must be the strength not to flow from rage."

"But…How do I know the good side from the bad?"

"You will know. Now go. Go!"

Buffy opened her eyes with a start. It took her a moment to realize her surroundings. That conversation between Yoda and Luke had been so clear, it was as if she was actually there. She could feel the Force given off between them, the way it was so strong in Luke, helping him through his physical training. It was amazing how bright it was, so strong and powerful, letting her feel everything from the beat of winged creatures in the air to the way the marsh moved to the bar flying through the air toward her head…

Her eyes snapped open as she spun around, igniting her lightsaber and automatically swinging. The bar was easily cut in two, the pieces landing on the ground. Buffy remained in place, alert as soft footsteps came toward her.

"In seven pieces, that would be, if a Jedi you were," Yoda stated as Luke came forward.

Buffy smirked at him. "I think I'm in good enough shape for you, little guy."

"Good shape?" Yoda grumbled as Luke lowered the pack to the ground. The Jedi hopped out of the pack, resting on a nearby rock. His big eyes studied Buffy as he spoke. "By whose definition, good shape you are? Hmm? Forget what you have been taught. Unlearn. Unlearn."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "You and Giles would have such interesting conversations." She yelped as she felt his stick smack into her ankle. The Jedi Master was pointing it at her, his face serious.

"Mind your tone, young one! Take light your teachings, grave shall be the consequences." He leaned toward Buffy. "The way of the Jedi is a path of commitment. In utter agreement for it, body and mind must be. Do not use your humor to block your fear."

"Fear?" Buffy snorted. "I've seen things that are scarier than you, Yoda."

The Jedi studied her and nodded. "Believe you, I do," he said, his voice a bit softer. "But curb your fear, you must. Confront it, fight it, do not let it fill you. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."

Buffy swallowed, the Jedi's steady gaze making her sarcasm wither a bit. "I get it. I do. It's just…I'm kinda used to going my own path. In fact, it's what's helped me live so long."

"Life?" Yoda raised an eyebrow. "Physical life is more than a Jedi strives for. Not this weak flesh are we. The Force makes us what we are. Remember that, you must."

Buffy took that in before nodding. "Okay…what now?"

"Now…" Yoda turned and started to pace toward the hut. "Truly begin, your training does."

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Angelus stared out at the windows, a bit of unease filling him at the sight of the asteroids flowing before the Super Star Destroyer. Cannon fire would occasionally echo to blast random rocks that flew by but several Destroyers bore the burnt of hits. The vampire had to admit to being worried. Sure, he didn't need to breathe but he wasn't sure how his body could handle the sheer vacuum of space.

As he watched, a large boulder smashed into the bridge of a Destroyer. Turning, Angelus saw Vader standing before a group of holographic images of various captains. One image suddenly threw up his hands and gave a yell before dissolving into static, showing him to be the captain of that ill-fated vessel. Vader didn't even react, focused on another officer.

"And that was the last time they appeared on our scopes, Lord Vader. Considering the amount of damage we've sustained, they must have been destroyed."

"No, Captain," Vader rumbled. "They're out there. I want bombers sweeping any hiding places and I want that ship found." At a wave, the images faded as Vader turned to Angelus. "I trust you are finished with whatever task consumed your time earlier?"

"I am," Angelus replied, his voice even. "It was…eye-opening."

Before Vader could ask him about it, Piett walked up. His stride seemed shaky, his face white as he stammered. "My…my Lords…we…just…"

"Speak up, Admiral," Vader snapped.

Piett swallowed. "It…was the Emperor. He demands you make contact with him at once."

Vader didn't pause. "Move the ship out of the field so we send a clear transmission. And code it to my private chamber." He and Angelus instantly hurried off the bridge as Piett tried to still his heart enough to carry out their orders.

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Only one being in the entire universe could instill utter terror in the hearts of both Darths Vader and Scourge. Waiting inside the hidden chamber, both men tried to keep themselves calm in the face of their dark master. No one on the ship would have dreamed to dare disturb them now but if they had, they might have noticed the extra tension in Scourge and perhaps caught how Vader's automatic breathing still managed to pick up a bit. But no one did and thus they were left waiting.

The area before them flashed and the two bowed their heads. An image appeared, a scratchy bluish appearance of that hideously sunken face in its dark hood. Both Vader and Angelus knelt, Vader with a bit more respect. "My servants," he spoke, that cold voice seeming even more chilling over the distance of holo-space. "There is a great disturbance in the Force."

"I have felt it, my Master," Vader stated.

"That's one of us," Angelus muttered.

"We have a new enemy," Emperor Palpatine announced. "Luke Skywalker. He and this…this…Slayer you spoke of, Lord Scourge. Their ability in the Force is growing."

"He's just a boy," Vader stated. "Obi-Wan cannot help him."

"Obi-Wan was not the only Jedi to escape the Purges, Lord Vader," Palpatine reminded him. "We cannot risk them finding another teacher. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi."

"So we kill him, end of story," Angelus said. He had an eye on Vader and could see the slightest tension at that idea. "Don't see any problem with that."

Vader seemed to be in deep thought. "If he could be turned…" he slowly said. "He would be a powerful ally."

Palpatine appeared to think that over. "Yes…" he softly said. "Yes…he would indeed. Can it be done?"

Vader looked up. "He will join us, Master or die."

"And Summers?" Angelus asked.

"She can simply die," Vader stated.

Palpatine nodded. "Indeed. Very well. Let it be so." He passed his hand over them before his image vanished.

Angelus was quiet for a long moment before looking over toward Vader. "You really think you can turn him?"

"He is still untrained," Vader stated as he rose up. "That makes him easier to sway to the Dark Side."

"True," Angelus said. "And if not…hey, always family ties to call on, right?"

Vader froze in place. Angelus smirked at the helmet facing away from him. "I know a bit about blood, Vader. So I know you've got more important reasons for getting Skywalker than you're letting on. Me, I don't really care much about your family reunion. Just get me to the Slayer and I'm a happy camper."

He began to walk past but stopped to look back at Vader. "Oh and by the way? In case you couldn't read between the lines of what your boss was saying, if you don't waste this punk, I will. Believe that."

It was the sort of casual, yet certain, tone he'd perfected over the centuries to get his message across and more often than not, left the recipient more than a bit terrified. So Angelus was a bit thrown when he was slammed against the wall by an invisible grip. He tried to fight it with his own Force powers but Vader simply slammed him again as he stood motionless before the vampire.

"Should anything befall him outside of battle…I will hold you accountable, creature. And I shall devote as much time as I can to end your existence as slowly as humanly…or inhumanly…possible."

For the first time, Angelus realized how it must have felt to be on the other end of all those threats he'd made over the years. Despite himself, he feat a shiver of fear race down his spine and what was worse, he knew Vader could see it. The Dark Lord waved a finger and Angelus fell to the ground. Vader walked off as Angelus snarled at him. Oh, it's coming, big man. Sooner or later, it's coming…

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Buffy wasn't sure what kind of orbit Dagobah had or what it's revolutions were. She was, however, suspecting that the days and nights were much longer than a regular planet. That or the training wasn't as long as it seemed, which didn't seem possible.

"Unlearn," Yoda had said and Buffy was finding out what he meant. She had thought herself to be in good enough shape until the Jedi sent her through one physical trial after another. Sure, she'd trained to fight on uneven surfaces. But levitating herself upside down and then using a lightsaber to cut rocks hurled at her head was something else.

Indeed, she could tell that Yoda was putting her more through Force exercises than physical activities. She hadn't done as much training in that before. Sure, she'd felt the Force but it just didn't seem to call to her the way it did to Luke. Yoda seemed to sense that as well which was why she was being put through different paces than Luke was.

"Yes…yesss…" The small figure said from his place behind her. He was watching as Buffy stood on her hands, her feet focused up. Her eyes were fixed on a large boulder, bringing all her concentration on trying to lift it. "Feel the Force within you…Let it flow to the boulder…Be one with it…"

"Be one with a big piece of rock? Nice imagery…"

Yoda frowned. "Quiet! Told you I have of your attitude. Take things too lightly…"

"Heavy shall be the consequences, yeah, yeah," Buffy said. "You should just print those on flash cards, save yourself the talking."

She yelled out as she felt herself flipped upside down and to the ground. Yoda was in her face, his own glowering. "If ignore my lessons do you, why are you here?"

Buffy pushed him back, her face set. "I'm here to learn the Force with Luke."

"Luke?" Yoda raised his eyebrow once more. "Hmm…I see…Care for him, you do."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't even…"

"Test me, do not," Yoda snapped. "Put your feelings for him aside, you must. No place for love in Jedi code."

Buffy gave him her patented "Whatchu talkin' about?" look. "Exsquise me?"

"Love is an emotion most powerful," Yoda explained. "To the Dark Side such power leads. Vader learned that."

"Oh so he turned evil because he fell in love with someone?" Buffy scoffed. "Please."

"Part of our traditions, it was."

"Yeah and if what Obi-Wan said was right, it was sticking to the old ways that caused you guys to get wiped out in the first place!" Buffy regretted her sarcastic tone as soon as she spoke.

Yoda was silent for a moment, tapping his cane on the ground before speaking. "Correct, you are."

Buffy stepped back, blinking. "Wow. We agree on something."

"Foolish you are as well."

"And the moment passes."

"Kept to the old ways too long we did," Yoda said. "Stagnant we remained while evolved the Sith did. To our downfall that led." His eyes focused on Buffy. "But also, emotion led to our end. The love Luke's father held for a woman led to their deaths."

Buffy stiffened. "What do you mean? How?"

Yoda turned and began to walk off. "Hey!" Buffy said. "Come on, you can't just leave me hanging like that!" She was about to follow when a chill struck her. She stopped in place, looking around before her eyes focused on a spot nearby.

It was a large tree with a black center, branches twisting about in all directions around it. It was quite frankly the ugliest tree Buffy had even seen and not just in appearance. There was an aura around it, one of darkness, darkness Buffy had only sensed once before, in the Master's cavern on Prom night.

"What is that?" she whispered.

"Great in the Dark Side," Yoda stated. "Not ready for it, you are."

Buffy looked at him. "Oh I see. It's another test? You tell me I'm not supposed to go so of course I go."

Yoda just stared back, giving no answer or hint whatsoever.

Buffy shrugged. "All right, fine, I'll play it that way." She checked her appearance, making sure her lightsaber was off. "Beats having to listen to more of your Charlie Chan fortune cookie talk."

She began to walk toward the tree, taking deep breaths and centering her emotions. Behind her, Yoda bowed his head and let out a deep sigh of disappointment. "The young never wait," he whispered to himself. "To death they rush too fast." Bringing himself up, he turned to pace back to where Luke was training.

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For the first time, the humidity of the swamp faded as Buffy stepped into the interior of the tree. Instead, there was a massive chill that filled every fiber of her body. What was worse, it also hit her spirit. It was as if every step into the tree reminded her of every dark event of her life.

The Master…Angelus…Stabbing Faith…Jenny Calendar topping a long list of those she couldn't save…Obi-Wan cut down...

She instinctively flinched as she saw a large snake coil around a mud bank nearby. She made her way into the cave, her lightsaber in her hand. Something was there. She didn't know what but she could feel it nearby, something…strange.

Strange. Yeah, that's about par for the course for this place.

She heard a snapping sound behind her and whirled around, the lightsaber igniting. She held it up as a shadowy form seemed to shimmer in place before her. She held the saber forward, the light of the blue blade illuminating the small alcove.

She froze, staring in utter shock at the dark-haired figure before her, clad in black pants, shirt and jacket. "You?"

The figure stared back with a matching look of disbelief before her lips curled into a cocky smirk. "I'll be damned…well, actually, I probably will be eventually." She put her hands on her shapely hips and cocked her head at the stunned Slayer.

"Long time, no see, B," Faith Lehane said.

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As you can tell, this is going to be a very interesting conversation as next chapter also picks up on Willow, Xander and the rest. Hope you can keep the good comments coming!