Knights of the Old Republic II: Sith Lords - Volume 3: The Enclaves.

Knights of the old Republic and Starwars are owned by George Lucas (I think he owns them both).

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all characters belong to Joss Whedon.

I own nothing here. As said by many wise men..and women…please don't sue me.

The timeline for Buffy takes place about three years after the end of Buffy. No exact date has been decided. KOTOR 2 timeline starts right from the beginning of the game. I apologize now for my lack of grammar etc, etc. I've never posted anything I've written until now. This bug has been floating in my skull since I first read Slayers of the old republic by Michael Weyer. It definitely fed my imagination. Thanks Michael. Anyways on with the show. Please comment. It won't get better in quality or quantity without constructive criticism.

Korriban - Unknown Tomb…

Xander blinked several times out of habit, then stepped forward. One moment cautiously advancing down a dark stone corridor, with Bastila and Mission beside him. And the next, he was alone. Standing on what could only be the bridge of a warship.

Men and Women of various species moved around the cavernous pits that lined either side of the bridge. Dressed in distinctive Orange and Yellow Uniforms, trimmed in grey.

All told nearly a hundred people went about their business, all with a sense of urgency that even he could feel.

Movement above him drew his gaze, a massive vessel shaped like an arrow head moved into view beyond the massive windows that lined the bridge above.

"What the hell?" he muttered.

"Commander, a report for General Kracek" a man said from behind.

Turning quickly he found himself staring at a young Rodian Ensign. His uniform identical to the others, but missing the trinkets and adornments an officer would have.

And he was holding out a Datapad.

Xander hesitantly reached out for it, and took a deep breath as he felt the object in his hand. It was solid. "Uh…thanks".

"The General is waiting sir" the Rodian said, nodding towards the front of the bridge where a small collection of officers had gathered.

Xander looked back "Dismissed?".

The Rodian nodded and left, the turbo lift doors sliding shut behind him.

With another deep breath he turned towards the small gathering and moved to join them "This is just getting too weird".

The bridge was massive, at least a hundred meters long. But somehow he crossed that distance in one step. Standing next to several familiar faces. The four JedI who had joined Malak along with Shayla.

And speaking of the devil, Shayla Kracek herself, or at least a younger version. Maybe nineteen at most stood before a hazy blue hologram. The life sized figure fully cloaked, and wearing a stylized mask.

General Kracek, are your forces ready?.

"Yes Master Revan, once General Kae's forces have engaged the bulk of Mandalore's fleet. We shall move in to cut off any escape, they won't have time to react before we arrive" she replied.

Excellent, and the device?.

"My technician assures me the Mass Shadow Generator is ready, it will crush them all….including Kae's fleet unfortunately".

They are aware of the risks, this war has gone on long enough. If we cannot end it here and now. The Mandalorians will easily be able to rebuild and reclaim the worlds we took back within a year. You have a job to do General, get it done.

Shayla saluted "Yes General".

She turned to regard the group even as the hologram vanished. She regarded the four Jedi standing next to him, and finally made eye contact with him specifically.

"You have a report for me?".

Her words caught him off guard "Uh, oh. Yeah…Yes General" he stammered, and held out the Datapad.

She took it quickly and read the contents on the spot. "It seems Revan requires the four of you for another matter" she said to the four standing next to him "Your to report to Revan's flagship immediately. Make it quick".

The four saluted, and simply faded from view as they walked towards the turbo-lift.

"I can imagine how confusing this all seems" Shayla said a moment later.

Xander blinked hard "Huh..Shayla?. What is this?".

The illusion stepped closer "Another connection. The past as seen through her eyes".

"I need a little more than that" he replied, and followed her as she turned back towards a holographic display of a solar system.

She pointed to a world, the fourth in the system. The display shimmered briefly as it zoomed in, showing a holographic view of nearly sixty ships of various designs arranged in three separate formations.

"Malachor V" she said quietly "This is the end of the Mandalorian Wars. And the beginning of Revan's Sith Empire".

He stared at the image before him, "This isn't making any sense Shay. Why am I seeing this?".

"Because you must. You need to understand" she replied.

Everything faded around him suddenly, the calm around him instantly replaced by the distant muffled sound of people calling out. The bridge was now a swarm of frenetic activity.

And above him, the sight of a massive battle was raging.

He could see at least four ships out in space, huge monstrosities. Firing massive energy cannons off out beyond his view. Return fire splashed harmlessly against the shields of two of them, but one received several direct hits, white armour plating blackening from the powerful energy blasts it took.

Shayla stood in the same spot, her hands bracing the display table "Look" she said, her voice strained.

He followed her gaze, and took in the holographic images before him. The sixty ships arrayed around the planet flashing in blue had been reduced by almost half.

Outnumbered by three separate fleets of ships, flashing red. The Mandalorians.

"There's nearly a hundred ships" he gasped "Against thirty?".

"Mandalore sent in nearly everything he had, taking Master Arren Kae by surprise. Even knowing they would come they caught us in a perfectly coordinated three prong assault" Shayla explained, even as she adjusted the holographic display.

Zooming out slightly another fleet of ships appeared, flashing green "This is my fleet".

"Still outnumbered" he commented, counting only forty ships.

She nodded "What you are about to see changes history, changes the future. It will affect everything that happens over the next ten years, and create ripples that will be felt for thousands more".

The holographic display flashed, and a small image of Bao-Dur appeared. It was easy to recognize him, even though he still had both arms at this time.

General, the device is ready. Just give the word.

Shayla nodded "Are you ready Xander?".

"For what?. What am I suppose to see?" he asked, leaning forward to stare into her eyes "This isn't making any sense!".

She smiled, suddenly looking more tired and exhausted than he had ever seem before "It will".

"Activate the Mass Shadow Device" she ordered, not once looking away from him.

Xander kept his gaze locked onto Shayla's, not even blinking. She inhaled slowly, finally breaking the contact to close her eyes.

"I'm sorry Xander, but you must understand".

"Sorry?…".

He felt something, a pressure, crawl up his spine. And then a pain unlike anything he had ever felt flared in his head.

He felt a hundred different pains, all of them indescribable. Yet he knew what each of them were instinctively.

He knew burning.

He knew being crushed.

He knew suffocating.

He knew electrocution.

He knew Death.

And all he could do was scream.

Dantooine - Kinrath Caves…

Willow held her head high as the leader of the Mercenaries slowly moved down the wide line they had been forced into.

After being relieved of all weapons first of course.

She stopped before Willow, towering over her by only an inch or two, yet somehow seeming far more taller. The look in her eyes cold and uncaring.

"Who are you people?" the woman asked, her left hand resting nervously on the handle of a rather large blaster strapped to her thigh "Not locals, no ones stupid enough to risk the Kinrath. More merc's maybe?. Looking for work, or perhaps to take our bounty out from under us?".

Another mercenary stepped up, holding a bag that now contained all of their weapons, the man, sporting a heavy set of scars on the left side of his face glanced at willow only briefly as he leaned in close to the woman, nodding towards the bag even as he held it open for her.

She stepped back a foot before looking down at the contents, and pulled out one of the lightsabers claimed by Shannon. The interesting display of emotions that flashed across her face would have been amusing in any normal situation.

"So, a rescue then" she smiled "JedI coming to rescue one of their own, now this is interesting".

Shannon snorted lightly to her right "Ain't no JedI here love".

The woman instantly crossed the distance, invading the eighteen year olds space with the weapon clenched tightly in her hand "Really?".

Shannon didn't back down "Really" she smiled, leaning forward slightly "Go ahead, turn it on. Tell me what colour it is".

The woman hesitated as the realization of what Shannon was insinuating entered her mind. Finally she stepped back and hesitantly held the weapon out. It flashed to life a moment later, glowing a bright crimson red.

The reaction from the now fourteen assembled mercenaries was hard to miss. Hands clenched weapons tighter and a nervous energy seemed almost palpable on her tongue.

They were scared.

Willow seized onto it instantly, "Forgive my apprentice, she has difficulty in restraining herself".

Every eye was now on her, and it was all she could do to hold the eyes of the scary mercenary leader. Knowing that if she stopped to think about the situation she'd likely stutter, and that would give away the entire ploy.

She had no idea how she was going to bluff her way out of this, but she had to try. But how could she pretend to be a Sith, that was the question.

Arrogance my dear, Sith are generally Arrogant, and rarely show anything beyond anger and hate.

Willow glanced annoyingly at the still caged JedI Master, standing absolutely still, eyes closed and hands tucked into the sleeves of his robes, a slight smirk gracing his features.

Don't do that! she hissed back through the link.

Vrook remained silent, but the rapidly weakening mystic link managed to convey his odd sense of amusement at the situation.

"Sith.." the woman gasped under her breath, not quite convinced even as she said it.

Willow looked back to the mercenary leader. "You have doubts?" she asked, pulling on every ounce of willpower she had to maintain eye contact, and not blink.

An unexpected flood of confidence flooded into her, foreign and unfamiliar energy. She fought the urge to look back to Vrook, the source of the emotion.

"Why would the Sith be interested in Dantooine?" the mercenary hissed "Last I heard your all as dead as the JedI".

Willow stepped forward "What would give you the idea that I care what you think?" she asked quietly "But to answer your unspoken question, the Sith are dead because it suits us for others to believe it".

The woman's face betrayed the confusion she obviously felt, giving Willow just a little more confidence. The more time she could buy them, the better chance Shayla and the others could hopefully arrive. Assuming they too hadn't been captured, or delayed.

The woman shook her head "Doesn't matter anyway, we're here, and there's more of us than you".

Willow smiled "Really? I was only aware of the lot of you at the camp, and of course those of you here. I hardly call that a sizeable force".

The insinuation was received and processed in record time. The woman's face darted to the faces of the four of them quickly as she puzzled out what Willow had just said.

"Perhaps we can work something out" she suggested.

"Captain" the man next to her hissed "Azkul..".

"Isn't here" she snapped "I am".

Willow smiled "I can see you're an intelligent woman, a rare quality amongst mercenaries".

"Like Azkul, I was Sith Special Forces. They don't recruit idiots" she smiled.

"No, they most certainly do not" Willow replied "What exactly do you suggest that may allow us to all leave without an unnecessary display of death and destruction?".

"Depends on why the Sith are here to begin with?" the woman said "I'm willing to listen, but I'm not totally convinced".

"Truthfully, I have my orders. Which are to take Dantooine as quickly and as quietly as possible. Which means drawing as little Republic attention as possible" Willow replied.

The woman seemed to think hard for a moment before nodding "I'm pretty sure I can convince most of the others to leave. For the right price, but you should know. The price tag isn't going to be cheap".

Willow rolled her eyes "Please, spare me. I know all about the Exchange and how much their paying you. My suggestion is to take your merry little band of cut throats and leave while you can. A far more richer purse than trying to negotiate for credits I think".

"A percentage of nothing is still nothing, and we have a powerful need to eat" the woman retorted.

"What of breathing?" Willow asked "Leave now, and take as many mercenaries with you as you can convince. Or stay, and I promise many days and nights as my personal pet".

The subtle malevolent shift in Willow's voice and body language almost shocked herself, taking even more effort to maintain the act. The darkness that Willow always felt, stirred deep within her.

It would be so easy to demonstrate for this pathetic little worm standing before her.

A gasp escaped the mercenaries lips, even as she opened her mouth to respond. Her eyes widened slightly and actual fear flitted across her face.

Willow wanted to reach out and feed on that fear. But somehow she forced it back down.

The woman swallowed hard "What..of the JedI?".

"He's mine" Willow whispered, her lips twisting into a mockery of a smile.

The man standing next to her tightened his grip on the Blaster Rifle "Teril, we give up the JedI and Azkul will skin us".

Willow felt the darkness uncoil within her, unpleasant thoughts filtered into her brain "And if you do not, I'll skin you right here" she purred, sounding far to happy even to her own ears.

Oh god…I cant…No. I have to hold on!.

The mercenary leader nodded and stepped back "No, that's not necessary" she snapped out quickly. Her demeanour now reminiscent of a scared rabbit. Even the man who had spoken up against Willow's suggestion was suitably convinced, all from a little acting, and maybe a subconscious show of power.

"We're leaving, just…give us time to do so" the woman asked, no…pleaded.

Willow tilted her head to the side "You have until sundown" she replied quietly, yet somehow it carried across the entire cavern easily.

Teril, the leader of the small group of mercs didn't need to be told twice. The fear radiating from her, and from her associates was nearly overwhelming, taking nearly everything Willow had to reign in the very real urge to give in to the whispering deep in her heart.

All fourteen of them collected what few belongings they could grab and headed for exit, which wasn't much.

No sooner had they all disappeared from sight when everyone burst into action. Shannon and Visas headed after them, stopping only long enough to grab their weapons, and make sure they really were heading for the cave entrance.

Giles however bee-lined right for Willow, and wrapped her into his arms as quickly as he could, she could barely hear his whispering voice, like a second set of whispers under those trying to convince her to let out all of her anger, pain and hate.

She felt her arms slowly return the embrace, Giles soothing voice and nearly physical touch of concerned emotions helped to force back the need to let go. She felt her legs give out a moment later. And the familiar lump in her throat before the tears started to flow.

She didn't cry though, somehow she held it back enough to focus on the darkness and force it down, and with the strength coming from her mentor, willing strength, she managed to lock it down beneath a complex web of her happiest memories.

Voices echoed throughout the room just as she finished, and she lightly pushed Giles back enough so she could see what was going on.

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, the worry in his eyes almost enough to make her cry in happiness.

She nodded , swallowing back the lump futilely "Yeah, that….probably wasn't the best of idea's" she said, laughing nervously.

Looking past him she could see Shayla and the rest of the group, minus Caridad and HK-47 who were still back at the ship, now exchanging words with Vrook. Though more than a few looks of concern, and a little bit of suspicion from Vrook were cast towards her.

"Help me up" she whispered, finding the strength in her legs was still lacking. She leaned on Giles as they made their way across the cavern.

"Sorry about the display guys…my shields weren't enough to hold everything back" she explained as everyone stopped talking.

Shayla looked to Kreia briefly, standing strangely just behind Graham and Riley, as if trying to remain unseen.

"We didn't see anything Willow" Shayla smiled "But Master Lamar was just filling us in" she explained, looking to the old JedI with accusing eyes.

Now that she stopped to think about it, everyone, minus Kreia were now looking at Vrook with less than happy gazes.

Willow looked to the man in question, and was surprised to find the mystic link was still there. For a brief moment she could feel his concern, and a far more noticeable amount of mistrust through that link.

"I was simply explaining what had occurred" he explained.

"No Master Lamar, you were explaining to us how Willow's actions were unbecoming of a JedI, and perhaps made the situation here on Dantooine even worse?" Shayla quickly defended.

Willow sighed "Guys, I screwed up. But no one died, so I call that a win. Now. Since the Mercs have something to think about, maybe we should move this back to the ship. And work out what to do next?".

Giles nodded "That's an excellent idea Willow".

Slowly everyone nodded in agreement, even Vrook. Though he moved slower, not once letting anyone out of his sight as they collected what they could from the mercenaries left over gear, and headed for the exit.

The entire trip out of the caves Willow knew that Vrook was very unhappy with what he had witnessed in the cave. She could only hope that his mistrust came back to bite them in the ass.

Korriban - Unknown Tomb…

Pain flaring in his head made it hard to see clearly, or think clearly for that matter. Everywhere he looked, when his eyes focused, he could see nothing but rough carved stone. Definitely hewn by the hands of man, or something at least as intelligent.

But for the life of him, he couldn't focus on how he had gotten here. Every time he tried to remember it all came back blank, and then the pain flared again, leaving him breathless as he growled in agony.

Stumbling forward he nearly lost his balance, and collapsed against a wall to keep himself from falling entirely. His strength barely able to support him.

Resting his back against the sloped wall, he ground the palms of his hands into his head. A gasp escaping his lips from the repeating thump of pain behind his eyes.

It subsided a moment later, only for the wall to his right to grind loudly as it slid down into the floor, a large room shrouded in darkness and white smoky mist coiled across the ground just below the entrance.

He pushed himself off and clumsily stumbled into the room, pulling his lightsaber free from his belt as he moved, and thankfully keeping a firm grip on it.

"You won't need that Xander" a familiar voice called out.

"Wha.." he managed to get out before very familiar face seemed to coalesce into view.

"I…I know you" he stammered, one hand grinding into his head as another wave of pain smashed it's way through his head.

The face cleared in his vision even as the pain subsided. He realized suddenly that it had driven him to his knees.

Shayla Kracek, clad in an unfamiliar black uniform and matching set of robes knelt before him, a gentle hand cupped his face "Your almost done Xander, you just need to hold on a little longer" she smiled.

"Shayla?" he asked, shaking his head, as if it could clear the confusion away "How…Where are we?".

"You've seen glimpses of my past, of choices I made that shaped me, that shaped a Galaxy. It's your time to choose Xander" she smiled, gently caressing his cheek.

"Choices?" he asked hoarsely "What choices?".

"Xander!. Get away from her, she's a dark JedI!" hollered another familiar voice.

He spun, managing to climb to his feet even through the pain still throbbing away inside his head, the approaching form solidified, revealing the armoured form of one of his closest friends.

"Buffy!?" he gasped "What..".

Shayla stepped passed him, "I've had enough of your contempt and suspicion Buffy" she exclaimed, a crimson blade erupting to life in her hand.

Xander stumbled forward "What…Wait!" he called out.

Willow suddenly appeared next to Buffy, holding a very sharp looking sword "Xander, listen to us. We only want to protect you from her" she exclaimed, levelling hate filled eyes at Shayla.

He shook his head, and tried to push his way to stand between them "Wait…just what the hell is going on?!".

"Stay out of this witch" Shayla hissed "This is between Buffy and I".

"You have a problem with Buffy, you got a problem with me Shayla" Willow snapped back.

Another familiar voice echoed from the darkness, even as the face of Giles appeared "Listen to them Xander, we only have your best interest at heart".

"Giles….no…wait…you shouldn't be here!" he gasped out, not knowing how he knew, only that it felt right. None of them should be there.

"The three of you dare challenge me?. I've burned entire worlds!. You sorely underestimate the power of the force!" Shayla replied with barely suppressed anger.

"Xander" Buffy pleaded "She's fallen to the dark side!. Please, stand aside. Let us deal with her!".

"No…she wouldn't…." he said, even as he looked towards the blonde woman "Shayla?".

She met his eyes, and took a deep breath "I gave in Xander. They're right, I did take up the power of the dark side, I gave in to my emotions and in doing so grew stronger. All for you".

The words, and emotion tore through him like a lightsaber. He stumbled slightly even as he turned to his friends, his family "Guys…wait…we can work this out" he pleaded.

Buffy stepped forward slightly "Xander. She's evil!. She needs to be stopped!".

"No, wait….come on. No one's beyond redemption!" he turned to Willow "Wills!. Please?".

His closest friend shook her head sadly "I'm so sorry Xander. I never thought I'd see the day you'd protect something evil".

Shayla stepped forward "This isn't your fight Xander. I cannot ask you to stand against your family".

He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath "No…It's my choice. I always thought evil and good was clear cut. No middle ground…." he looked up into Shayla's eyes, noticing for the first time the sickly yellowed eyes.

"You can be saved Shayla" he blurted out, reaching out to caress her face "And I won't stop until I do".

"You stand with her, you stand against us" Buffy hissed, the pain in her voice nearly breaking his heart.

He spun, facing three of the most precious people in his life with pleading eyes "Then back down!" he hissed "Let me save her!".

All three readied their weapons "Your no better than a Sith" Giles spat.

All three rushed forward, anger and hate filling their eyes.


Wow, another chapter done and still the idea's are flowing. This feels awesome.

I felt it necessary to keep to Willow's POV for the Vrook encounter, mostly as I just really wanted to have her the star of the moment. I also never felt all that sold on how the overall Dantooine mission goes over in the game. Always wondered why there was never a peaceful or even semi peaceful resolution to the Mercenary/Khoonda conflict.

Don't worry though, I still have some measure of surprise in store for the gang before they leave. Willow's use of her darker impulses will definitely have consequences.

Those who have played the game will understand what happened here with Xander, I hope I sold the overall encounters well enough and kept in character for the most part. I've gone over it more than a few times and I think it works. As for the changes in the Korriban scenes, I really wanted to expand and tailor the visions for Xander while exploring the link to the Exile.

Any idea's anyone may have, by all means drop me a line.

Again, thanks to everyone who's spent time to read this, and double thanks to anyone who's left comments/reviews.