We both left the chamber as defiantly as we entered before. All the Jedi stared at us as we exited the chambers. Whispers filled the halls trying to discern what exactly our fate was. Not many people knew that I wanted to go to war for the Republic but I was sure if I publicized it, many would see reason in my cause. Luckily, the Council gave us a grace period before leaving the temple permanently.
"Malak, are you still holding up okay?" He was not crying anymore but one could tell that there was a lot of weight on his head. "You did not have to do this me. I was prepared to bear this burden alone but you came to my side despite the risk. I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart." Malak peered at me and smiled,
"You do not have to worry about me but I do appreciate your concern." We walked until we were away from the general vicinity of other Jedi. I told him of the plan to get other Jedi to aid us. He gladly accepted and we went to separate sections of the temple trying to convince other Jedi. I headed towards the Room of Thousand fountains and stood atop the highest of steps. Jedi that were walking to and fro from the fountains stopped and gazed at me. I was after all, the Jedi that people were talking about.
"I understand that you have many questions for me especially why I requested an audience with the Jedi masters. I will answer all those questions in time but I want you to observe the beauty that is within this room. I want you to see the gurgling stream of water that gently pats the leaf glades of the delicate flower, providing it the life it requires. We have much to be thankful for. We get to see the continuous of cycle of the life force, making us whole, complete. Privilege, however, does not come without responsibility.
As of now, countless worlds have been stripped of life. Peace and freedom is replaced by chaos and slavery. We are under attack, ladies and gentleman. Jedi Council would like you to believe otherwise, trying to regain control of a situation that has already gotten out of hand. Remember who we are. We are Jedi, defenders of justice of freedom. When our Republic is under attack it is our duty to protect it. The Council is wise to preach caution. Caution gives us the chance to make informed decision. However caution does not mean inaction. The threat has revealed itself and we must counter. Come join my crusade. Together we can put an end to tyranny, cruelties and slavery. "
Every word I uttered, I used the force to augment it in tone and emphasis. At a young age, I knew I was good at speaking, weaving disparate words into a cohesive and influential power. The force only made the words more substantial and persuasive. After finishing my speech, I heard an almost deafening applause. I think there were only a few who did not respond but it did not matter. I had won the battle today not the council. "Malak and I will be leaving tomorrow to join the republic fleet. If you are interested, meet us at Republic Senate building in 8:00 galactic standard time. "
I proceeded to leave the room to meet up with Malak and see what he was doing. However, I was stopped by a familiar voice. I almost forgot about him considering he has been my mentor, sparring partner, and friend the past few weeks.
"Revan, hold on a second. I know you are busy with your "plans" but can you at least spare some time with an old friend." He let out a decent smile with his hands open palmed and his arms sprawled outwards.
"Off course, Master Kavar," I chuckled giving a slight curtsy on top of that. Kavar was neither much taller nor stronger than I was. However, he radiated a sense of confidence and wisdom that begged for at least a certain level of reverence.
"I noticed you made quite a commotion back there. You always had a gift with words."
"You were there during my speech?" I asked with a slight shock. He must have hid his force presence well, if I could not detect him in the crowd.
"Why wouldn't I be?" He replied as if he took my comment as an insult to our friendship and trust. "I also wanted to add. If I was not a Jedi Master, I would definitely join your cause. I would join you just because of your eloquence, your oh so beautiful voice." He stated jokingly but there was truth in his words.
"I hope you wanted ask me something not just to crack jokes," I replied.
"I have to be honest with you. This question has been plaguing me ever since you decided to join the war. What is the real purpose of you fighting the Mandalorians? And please do not give me the "defend the Republic" bullshit." I was slightly taken aback by his directness. His wore a stern expression on his face now trying to illicit my deepest thoughts. I gave a sigh. There was no point in holding a secret.
"I want to find the source of the corruption so as to eliminate the threat utterly."
"I was afraid you were going to say that, "he said grimly. " Do you know why the council members want to draw this "corruption" out instead of finding it directly?"
"I am not sure what you mean."
"If you recalled your history lessons… The mandalorians were corrupted once before during the times of Exar Kun. Enamored by the fallen Jedi's rhetoric, they allied with the Sith against us. Exar Kun was utterly defeated and the Mandalorians humiliated. It would be very hard for someone or something to convince Mandalorians to attack the Republic again." Master Kavar paused for a few seconds. He wanted the next line to sink into my mind. "There is something in the Outer Rim that is so sinister and so powerful that it can convince the Mandalorians to wage another war so quickly."
"Are you implying that I too, will be corrupted? Like the Mandalorians? Like Exar Kun?" I lashed back. I almost spoke out of anger but it was more out of disappointment that the Jedi council could not trust me.
"I am not just implying. I am stating a fact, my friend. We have received a force premonition that after winning the war, you will attempt to invade the Republic with the forces under your command. So I ask you: Is that what you want?" Oh… Kavar was so clever. He too knew the art of persuasion and managed to trap me without a rebuttal. All I could respond was,
"You will just have to hope that I am strong enough to resist the temptation, to not follow destiny." I uttered those words from the bottom of my heart with as much confidence that I could muster within myself.
A still quietness befell us. We only stared at each other, waiting…
"Fight me, then." He quickly took a few steps back and ignited his two lightsabers, the blue on his right and the green on his left. "As the Echani say: Only through combat may I be able to test out the extent of your resolve." I promptly obeyed and took out my purple saber, cocked close to my head in an upward angle.
In one somersault, he closed the distance and attempted to do a double cleave to my chest. I instinctively took a step back. The cleave barely missed me which allowed me to do an overhead slice. He lazily blocked with the green saber and retaliated with a jab from the other saber. I was forced to circular parry the blue saber and butterfly kick out of the way.
To tell you the truth, Carth, I never was able to beat Kavar until that day. He was one of the most famous Jedi Guardians of the time and had perfected the very difficult lightsaber form of Juyo. Every time I launched an offensive, he could quickly manipulate his two sabers to defend his vitals. It was almost impenetrable. Whenever he retaliated, he could quickly catch me off guard with the flurry of his attacks. I would always defend and then flip out trying to regain lost energy. Eventually I would be tired and make one stupid mistake leading to the end of the duel. This time, however, I had a plan.
Kavar wasted no time. He jumped above me hoping that I would high block the first saber so that his second could attack my side. I rolled out of the way completely avoiding the strike and launched a downward side sweep to his legs. Kavar had to jump again and then finally I could go on the offensive. I channeled the force to guide my arms so that they would attack faster and longer. I attempted to jab his legs from a distance and he responded with a double saber lock so I could not attack again. I stuck my saber to the ground and used its tension to propel my body upwards and parallel to the ground. I gave a double side kick to his chest forcing him to lean back. He swung upwards to catch me while I was vulnerable but I somersaulted higher picking up my weapon and nearly dodging his. I landed behind him and held my saber to his neck just as he turned to face me.
"I admit you deserved this win. You have finally learned how to control your actions into an impenetrable force. You have a just purpose, fighting now with all your heart. For that, I can but only admire you." He extinguished his sabers and placed them into his belt while I did the same. He just had a beaming smile that filled my spent body with renewed warmth.
"Thank you, Master Kavar."
" I only have one request ."
"Off course, anything."
"Take care of my apprentice, Vashti. She will be joining you while I stay here. She has much to learn in the ways of the force."
"I will not you let down." We shook hands while exchanging long glances. No words needed to be said. I was leaving now.
For anybody wondering, Revan was using Ataru which allows the person to use the force so as to increase her range, power, and quickness. This chapter was definitely longer than I expected but I wanted Revan to have some sort of closure from leaving the Jedi Council.