Author's notes: Sorry for the delay, I had to rewrite some bits.

Dark Lord Daishi – she'll get to Korriban, don't worry. I think I'm getting the hang of the old coot, don't you?

EDIT!!! LYRICS ADDED!!! Enjoy.

X X X

Intermezzo V – Burning

Part Two

X X X

The story behind the painting I drew is already told
No more tearstains on the pages of my diary
Tired but unable to give up since I'm
Responsible for the lives I saved

The play is done
The curtain's down

All the tales are told
All the orchids gone
Lost in my own world
Now I care for dead gardens

-Nightwish, Dead gardens

X X X

Eventually, after many difficult battles, the Republic began pushing the Mandalorian invaders back. By then, Revan had achieved the rank of general and had her own personal flagship, which she named the Adamant. And the Mandalorians soon learned that the name was highly accurate – rumors even grew that while Revan was aboard, no one could shoot it down.

Malak had also become a respected figure in the military. For his key part in a few crucial battles, and the capture of a Mandalorian general, he was also granted the title of general and effectively became Green Squadron leader. The squadron was actually renamed Shyrack Squadron by the Jedi themselves, but Malak wasn't really celebrating that. As he said, "Being Shyrack 1 isn't pleasurable… and I have no annoying nickname for them anymore!"

The planet Serenno was eventually retaken as well and strike teams were sent to the destroyed towns and cities. Revan didn't have the heart to go there. Imagining that maybe, just maybe, her family was there, among the burned corpses… that was too much. Even for her. And the ruins of the capital were quite clearly visible even from their camp. Jedi healers were tending to survivors.

Revan chose solitude once again, sneaking off without her disguise. The city was in ruins. She wasn't very interested in helping civilians, but when a blaster shot almost hit her, she knew that she was too lost in her thoughts and calculations. Immediately, she slipped behind one of the ruins.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are, Jedi!" There was absolutely no doubt what race it was. Revan remained crouched behind the pile of rubble, hidden from the Mandalorian´s sight. It only took a second. Her eyes widened and she quickly Force jumped away – the plasma grenade exploded immediately. Assuming a defensive position, she clearly saw the group of about a dozen fully armed Mandalorians, not too far away.

"Well, well. A little Jedi, all alone in the ruins." One of the Mandalorians noted, clearly smirking underneath his helmet. "You're risking your life out here, little Jedi. Do you have any idea who we are?"

"Oh, yes. One big pile of bantha poo-doo." The challenge was clear, but her face was firm. And it was accepted, since the Mandalorian made a move for his weapon. Revan´s hand flied up, shooting a lightning bolt at him.

The lightning intensified. The Mandalorian was yelling in pain before a lightsaber flied at him, putting him out of his misery. Revan caught her weapon and twirled it into an offensive position.

"Who's helpless now?"

"Kill the Jedi!" The apparent leader of the raiders roared.

The warriors threw away all ranged weaponry and drew vibroblades with distinct clan insignias, charging at the lone Jedi. She remained motionless in her stance. Then, as she ducked the first blow, she began spinning her blade around her body in various angles, shielding herself from attacks and attacking at the same time. The kata attack progressed. Random warriors ended up with deep wounds or decapitated. More than a half of them were dead already, while the others attacked with more ferocity. The onslaught continued, like a rising storm. And a storm surrounded them, a hurricane of dark Force powers. Energy swirled around them, the currents frying the unfortunate Mandalorians, until only one remained standing. The crimson-armored leader, who ordered the attack.

Before he could draw his sword, Revan lifted him from the ground, bending his back sharply. She almost broke it. "What are you doing here? Answer while I'm still patient."

A nasty crack. "We… heard… Revan is here… an attack­… soon." He was twitching in pain. A blast was heard in the distance and the Mandalorian´s aura signaled smugness and acceptance of death. "You… can't warn him…­ Jedi…"

"You just did." Revan clenched her fist and the Mandalorian´s body snapped again, bending him in the other direction, crushing him into a ball. Uncaring, Revan searched for the holocron – it was broken. Her eyes narrowed and she snarled a few insults at the now dead Mandalorians, including a theory of their origins.

Her comlink beeped. "Revan, I'm listening."

"Sir, the camp's been ambushed by Mandalorians – we never saw them coming! They've got basilisk war droids with them and some heavy artillery!"

"Reinforce the front line defenses. Contact the fleet and call for help. Keep the enemy in front of you, so you don't have to worry about your flank – form a circle around the camp." Her eyes moved to the dead Mandalorians. "Lieutenant – send General Malak and his team to the coordinates I'm sending you. I have a plan."

X X X

The sun is sleeping quietly
Once upon a century
Wistful oceans calm and red
Ardent caresses laid to rest
For my dreams I hold my life
For wishes I behold my nights
A truth at the end of time
Losing faith makes a crime

I wish for this nighttime to last for a lifetime

The darkness around me

Shores of a solar sea

Oh, how I wish to go down with the sun

Sleeping

Weeping

With you

- Nightwish, Sleeping sun

X X X

"This is so insane it might actually work." Malak muttered, "But I can hardly see through this thing. It's like wearing a stabilizer mask upside down."

"If you keep complaining, it will fail. Now shut up and act like a Mandalorian." Revan hissed back. The group of Jedi, completely unrecognizable in the stolen armor, briskly approached the battlefield on Mandalorian swoops. The Republic was losing, badly.

"About time you showed up!" A tall yellow-armored Mandalorian made his way through the crowd of warriors, directly to Malak, who wore the captain's armor. All Jedi agreed that he had the best chance of being mistaken for a Mandalorian.

"Republic scum is crawling all over this rock now. We ran into a Jedi." Malak noted, in fluent Mandalorian.

"I'll say. We've got them trapped like rats now. And scouts said their precious Jedi savior is with them. Ha!" he snorted.

"Maybe he got afraid." Malak suggested, believably smugly.

"Yeah, probably. And who knows what they'll do once we ambush the Corporate Sector? Major supplies will be cut off – they won't stand a chance." Revan kept her head slightly bowed, studying the battlefield through the Force. The ruins provided some cover for the Republic, but the lightly armed troops had little chance.

"So, how'd the Jedi die?" Her attention returned to the conversation. To Malak´s credit, he really showed no signs of tension. He seemed rather amused by the situation, really.

"How do all the kids with glowsticks die? Outmatched."

Concealed until now, Revan produced her lightsaber, stepping out of the line and handing it to the Mandalorian. He took it without question and examined it slowly. There wouldn't be a second chance. Before anyone could notice, Malak whipped out his own saber, running the sapphire blade through the Mandalorian´s lungs. The other warriors reacted a second later – by then, the newly arrived group of "Mandalorians" already had lightsabers of various hilts and colors at the ready, a small circle in the sea of enemies.

The Republic quickly recovered after this. With the help of the Jedi, the Mandalorians were crushed into a thin line between the two groups of defenders. Most Basilisks were destroyed, the few surviving Mandalorians were captured and sent for interrogation.

The "intruders" finally took off their helmets – of course Malak was the first one to kick it away. All of the Jedi were human, to fit into the armor and helmets. Consulars - the redhead twins Aiden and Aisha Navarr, Padawan Galathea Mai, the only Sentinel in the group – Inara Seiko and three Guardian Jedi – a Padawan and two Knights, Tyrone Lew, Damon Alwin and Kael Zohar. All high-ranking among the Jedi who joined the fleet… and all friends of Revan.

"Nice right hook, Ari." Aiden congratulated Inara.

She grinned, "Mandalorian fighting, y´know. You have to be creative." Mandalorians outmatched in their own little game. A sight to see. She clipped her saber back to her belt – the silver lightsaber, admired by quite a few Jedi. Some even joked she would find the Heart of the Guardian next.

"Not like you, bro – you actually seemed bored." Aisha teased.

"Because of the lack of Mandalorians that I had to fight, sis! You guys did too good of a job. Or perhaps they just realized who was superior and…" he suddenly landed on his butt.

"All talk, no action. Typical Consular." Damon noted from behind him, grinning as Aiden picked himself up. "I should trip you more often. With luck, you'll hit your head and become and amnesiac. That'd be great."

"Hey! Where would you guys be without me?" Aiden whined.

The group mock thought for a moment, before replying in unison, "On the Jedi Council!" The point – the fact that none of them wanted to be there – was unimportant right now. Aiden didn't even get a chance to get the point. The Jedi were immediately called to assist in the camp.

X X X

Denying the lying
A million children fighting
For lives in strife
For hope beyond the horizon

A dead world
A dark path
Not even crossroads to choose from
All the bloodred
Carpets before me

-Nightwish, Planet Hell

X X X

The battle for Malachor V. The battle that would go to history as the greatest feint of the Mandalorian wars. The invaders constantly kept bringing more and more troops, refusing to surrender… they had no idea of the little surprise that awaited them. This war would really end with a bang.

It was a risk, going to the battlefield personally – it was uncertain whether the Republic ships would survive the battle. The Adamant, hovering near the outer parts of the Malachor System, observed the battle from afar. Things were going well for them.

"Sir! Sir!" a young ensign called to captain Sorel of the Adamant. The captain, a human man in his mid-fifties, was surprised at the ensign's excitement and perhaps panic,

"What is it?"

"Mandalorian warship, trying to contact us! Code says they'll only speak with…"

"You have something?" both men jumped slightly at the sound of a heavily robed figure's voice. The black figure approached them, her footsteps gentle despite the heavy boots she wore.

"Yes, m´lord." The ensign quickly babbled when the general's eyes darted into him. "Mandalorian class warbird, they want to speak with you."

"Holocom." The General simply ordered. The holoprojector panel flashed to life, the 3d image of a high-ranking Mandalorian. His mask identified him immediately. "Speak." Revan ordered tonelessly.

"These petty battles are getting tiresome. Perhaps you would be interested in another solution?"

"Maybe. Specifically?"

"A duel – just you and me. Vibroswords, neutral grounds. Your death means your surrender. Mine means my defeat."

"I assume you're aware that if you die, your warriors will be mine?"

Mandalore nodded, "I'll take that risk."

"I accept. I'll be waiting on Malachor V. Gather the squadrons – we leave for Malachor V in half and hour." Revan ordered over her shoulder.

Mandalore, though startled that his opponent would choose the single planet that was somewhat forbidden to his people as the grounds, nodded. It was a worthy end of a worthy battle. The communication ended. Revan turned sharply and briskly walked to her quarters, ignoring the dead silence that followed her.

X X X

It is the end of all hope
To lose the child, the faith
To end all the innocence
To be someone like me
This is the birth of all hope
To have what I once had
This life unforgiven
It will end with a birth

No will to wake for this morn
To see another black rose born
Deathbed is slowly covered with snow

Angels, they fell first but I'm still here
Alone as they are drawing near
In heaven my masterpiece will finally be sung

-Nightwish, End of all hope

X X X

The dark figure stood there, motionlessly, as if waiting. A gash across her arm, hidden from sight. Her opponent, dressed in midnight black armor. On his face was also a dark mask, obviously a "gift" from the Sith that have talked him into unleashing his armada upon an unsuspecting Republic.

"So we finally meet. The legendary Revan. If I didn't know better, I'd call you a Sith." Mandalore said, with an obvious sneer. True enough, the jet-black robes of the Jedi weren't very Jedi-like anymore. But it was still Revan beneath it.

"I would call you deadt. Your people will be broken. And I swear to you, I will never allow them to attack us again."

"They will return. You are strong, but you're still only one."

"And yet I have stopped an army. We both know how this will end."

Two vibroblades, identical, seemed to appear out of nowhere in Mandalore´s hands. "I am willing to fight against the odds, Child of the Jedi."

"The odds are too great, Mandalore. I'm your worst nightmare embodied." The golden-hilted vibrosword in her hands contrasted sharply with her attire. Its length and sharpness was clear.

Mandalore charged at her, swinging both vibroblades with all his might. It was the only chance to attack he got. The onslaught of blows, he managed to block. But one attack, one that seemed ridiculously strong, managed to knock one sword from his hand. A twirl of the silver blade and Revan ran her sword through his heart. Their faces were inches from each other as Mandalore slowly collapsed to the ground.

Revan pulled off the mask disguising her. The hood remained in position, but the face underneath was clearly visible to the dying Mandalore.

"No Jedi or Sith. Only Revan."

Mandalore´s eyes widened underneath the mask. He wanted to say something, but didn't have the strength. And with a final choking sound, he let out his last breath. The world around them froze, all eyes gazing at the corpse and the dark warrior, until one of the Mandalorian generals, in full crimson battle armor, hurried to his leader's corpse. Revan took off Mandalore´s helmet. Whoever had it commanded the clans. He hadn't guessed that she might hide it far, far away… until the time was right.

No one would reunite the clans before she would want them to rise again.

"You may take his body." Revan said in Mandalorian. "But this is mine now."

The general nodded, impressed, motioning to several warriors to take the corpse. But he remained standing there, gazing at Revan warily. "You are our leader now. What do you command of us, Mandalore?"

"Call back your fleet. This war is at an end. Your lives and your honor will be spared. That is my first and final order."

"You reject your right to take his place?" the general asked, barely above a whisper. He seemed to regret it. All the Mandalorians would.

"I am not a Mandalorian, but I will not see another one rise in his place. The helmet I will keep. Anyone who would want it will first have to deserve it."

The general nodded and departed to give the warriors instructions and signals. The space battle had also been won, several hours later. The ships were intentionally destroyed, to ensure the Mandalorians wouldn't break their promise.

"So, this is the end?" Malak asked as he caught up with Revan, who walked briskly to her shuttle.

"Do I sense regret from you?"

He shrugged slightly, "More preaching from the Council isn't a tempting prospect."

"How can you be so self-centered?"

"I'm just practical. You're the dreamer."

"And my dream has come true. Wasn't it more a vision than a dream?"

"I'm not answering that."

Revan nodded. "Much is yet to be done. Savor our greatest triumph, my friend. And once you're done with that, I'll be on the Adamant." she said before hopping into the shuttle.

X X X

Oh how I wish
For soothing rain
All I wish is to dream again
My loving heart
Lost in the dark
For hope Id give my everything
Oh how I wish
For soothing rain
Oh how I wish to dream again
Once and for all
And all for once
Nemo my name forevermore

Nightwish, Nemo

X X X

Revan barely made it out of the fighter before a group of celebrating soldiers and Jedi rushed in. Well, they had every right to be happy. The war was over, at long last. The question remained – what now? Many would suggest returning triumphantly to the Jedi. But she was weary of arguing with them. And there was another threat out there – she thought of the Sith and how they might try to strike them again. The Republic was too weak to withstand another strike. The Mandalorians might have been just a taste of the power the Sith wielded.

The Jedi would be powerless to stop them. If the Code would work, it should be able to help her! But it didn't. She had accomplished all on her own. She overcame the insanity clouding her judgment. But she still had to get rid of it.

She couldn't. She didn't want to, actually. There was a strange warmth within her whenever she thought about it and everything seemed better, brighter. Beautiful. There was still hope. Never in her life had she felt something so bittersweet. But this couldn't go on. This… she forced herself to admit it. Face her own fears.

She felt a sharp pain in her arm and remembered the cut. Reluctantly, she did as she promised to her escort – those that noticed her injury. A shadow aboard the Adamant, she quietly disappeared to the medbay.

X X X

Bring me home or leave me be
My love in the dark heart of the night
I have lost the path before me
The one behind will lead me

XXX

Redeem me into childhood
Show me myself without the shell
Like the advent of May
Ill be there when you say
Time to never hold our love

My fall will be for you
My fall will be for you
My love will be in you
You were the one to cut me
So Ill bleed forever

-Nightwish, Ghost love score

X X X

A very narrow escape. She was sitting in the medbay, waiting to be released. After congratulating her again and a short conversation, Malak left to join the celebrations (after she convinced him to do so, of course).

A kiss. He actually asked for that as a reward. Teasing had its merits – which, for the record, seemed to be a non-factor for Malak – but this was beyond even his standards. It really was the last straw. She needed help. Someone to confide in. Someone worthy of trust. There was only one possible candidate. And that person was on Dantooine.

X X X

The small fighter flied through the atmosphere. The fleet was assembled near Bastion, so traveling to a planet in the same Sector was really easy. She was always one for speeches, but this time, she couldn't think of anything to say. How should she address Zhar? How to ask him for help?

"Unidentified vessel, please state your name and purpose." A surprisingly warm voice said through the comlink.

"Shyrack-alpha, Republic air forces. I carry a message for Jedi Master Zhar Lestin." She wondered whether they would buy it.

"Affirmative, Shyrack-alpha. You have permission to land in docking bay 5." It worked.

Her fighter landed cleanly in the hangar of the Jedi Academy and Revan gracefully hopped out of it. The fact that she still wore her black robes and cape drew attention from others, Jedi and settlers both. She ignored the stares, avoiding whoever she could and searched the Jedi Enclave.

A high-ranking Jedi Master, moved to this dump. Preposterous. She was positively sure that one day, Zhar would be head of the High Council. And then they moved him here.

Outrageous.

There were many Force users around her, so she focused on the only presence she recognized, noticeably stronger than most of them. It didn't take long to find him. Zhar looked the same as always, not yet old, but rather weary of the world. Kind by nature. Unmistakable in his navy blue Jedi robes, he was talking to a young human girl. The Padawan was turned away from Revan. She wasn't immensely Force strong, but had a presence that couldn't be ignored. And potential. Her dark mahogany hair was in pigtails, her skin fair, from what could be told from her hands. There was something strange about her, though.

Revan quietly stood in the background, blending well with the shadows. She would be willing to switch places with the girl anytime.

Come… she heard the voice from Manaan again. But it was closer this time.

Wield… she looked up and whirled on the spot, searching for the source of the voice. Images of temples… the great shadow…she could find it! There was a hint here, somewhere…

Rule… Ruins…east… kath hounds howling. It was very close. Near this Enclave. Right…

"Revan?" Zhar´s voice suddenly called. Her images faded… but she knew where to go. Before the Padawan could turn to notice her, before Zhar could stop her, she ran down the corridor, away from the enclave.

She crept through the plains, avoiding all life. The world was blank to her sight right now. The ruins were near – in perfect condition. A dark power, this strong, and the Jedi would just ignore it, even though it's on their doorstep? She sighed mentally, but continued walking. The darkness intensified so much that ebony seemed white compared to it.

The temple interior was just as decorated as the exterior. Ornaments on each wall. It took her a few minutes to see the connections between symbols. In an hour, she could read the script. In three hours, she was able to translate them. She immediately hailed the Adamant. A trial awaited her and only one other person was worthy enough to see what she was planning to do.