Chapter 18
The strike team has split in two, the first party going to New York City, the other going to Stonehenge.
So, I may have accidentally caused a civil war. I swear I didn't mean to do it, but hey, it's worked out for us greatly. To think that Porn would actually have a use. The troops were killing each other because the CO was the star, and her other actors were members. One person called another a 'Harlot'. I may have not helped any by shooting a gun in the air.
Okay, so it might not have been as much of an accident as I thought. Hey, maybe this will start to bleed into places. One guy shooting someone by accident, then groups fighting, then eventually the whole army.
"What is with these people?" Sander mutters repeatedly, running for his life through the thick forest. We were running to a truck. We get to it, having to deal with a duo of imperials, which we took care of quickly, then James got into the front seat. I got shotgun, while the rest got into the back.
"Sorry about that!" James shouts as he puts the car in reverse, turns around and drives down the slightly bumpy road and away from the carnage.
As we were driving away, the Jedi in the back of the truck stared at the forest as someone shouted very loudly, "I'm sorry! Please let me help you get those balls out of you!" This was followed by a woman in Imperial Army armor running out of the forest seconds later, screaming loudly and pulling at something on her back until the two sticky grenades on her back explode, blue fire engulfing her corpse which falls forward.
"What is with this system?" Anakin asks incredulously.
"I don't know." Leia replies baffled at the chaos they used as a distraction to leave the base unnoticed. As the truck drives down the bumpy road, those who are sitting in the back are watching as the last light of the day dissipates and gives way to night.
"So, where are we going to go?" James asks as he continues driving down the road at speeds that would get him thrown in prison.
"We need to recharge before we confront the Emperor. I have a contact here in New York who has no love for this Empire. He is a waiter at a small diner on the edge of Brooklyn called the Winchester." I said.
So, this guy's sister was a wizard. I bet you can tell why he's helping us. Went to the mafia first, but they turned him down. Then he went to the order. The order pointed him to me.
"Okay. Well, then you better get some rest. This is going to be a long ride." James replies then pays closer attention to the road as they pass through a small town.
I lean back in my seat and close my eyes. I think I deserve a little break after everything I've been doing.
I think back to when I came to this place. It was so long ago. Soon I'll be back there. The forests, the towns, the people. I miss it all. Nostalgia rocks me to sleep.
I saw Sander and Leia in the temple. Dread filled my mind. I knew what this day was. I saw Leia look for Sander, but she couldn't find him. A clone got a lucky shot at her, but she didn't give up. She took down a squad of elite clones before dying.
I didn't want to watch this night. Not again. Not like this. I saw Sander come out of his hiding place. He saw his master on the floor. Two clones came into the room, but they didn't last long. Sander took his master's lightsaber, and clone armor, then fled. He got to the docking bay before anyone stopped him. He took a ship but was seen by Skywalker.
I remember why I hate Skywalker. It wasn't his attitude, or his terrible disguise, but this. He was a hero, but now he's ruined everything.
I wish I killed him back then.
I see Sander flee to… Remnant? It's here?
He and I share a lot of our beginning. We both worked with the Schnee's, Weiss mainly He saved Weiss from the white fang like I did the week before we went to Beacon. I saw it all.
I saw inside his mind.
I saw he had a hatred for someone.
He had a hatred for me.
That crushed my spirit. After arriving at Beacon, our paths changed drastically.
I see him going though Beacon, and him going though the rest of his trials. I see him meeting his mother, and defeating Cinder. I see him become a master, then the vision ends.
"You shall meet again." I hear. I look around and see Leia.
"What?"
"You and Sander. Your stories are not yet completed."
"I don't understand. Why is he going to hate me?"
"You will return home today." I turn and see Master Yadder standing there.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. We are sure."
"But I thought you said our journeys aren't done yet." I said.
"They are not. Merely separating for a time." I saw Obi-Wan.
I look down and see that I'm on the island again.
"Why do I keep coming back to this island?" I ask. I see Yoda appear.
"Because, your heart is."
"What do you mean?" I asked
"This place is your vertex."
"This is where everything in your life come together." Master Yadder said.
"I don't understand"
"You don't need to."
"If I go back home then how will I come back?"
"The same way you came here." Leia said.
"Return you will. First, a problem have you to deal with." Yoda said
"What's that?" I asked.
"There are Sith who are going to awaken, and if you don't take care of them, your world will be plunged into darkness. The death of all mankind shall be the reward." Obi-Wan said
"Then Sander will hate me, but I save my world. Who am I to doom all the people on Remnant for the feelings of one friend?"
"When you return, everything will be new to you. No longer the prophet when you return." Leia said
"What about Salem?" I ask
"She will not be a threat. She will only strike if the war is waging." Master Yadder said.
All the Jedi except for her disappear.
"Now my student. You have completed every test that has been given you, but this last test, will be given to you today. If you succeed, then you shall be a knight."
"Master, are you saying that… I'm ready?"
"Yes."
Hearing that brought a tear to my eye. I ran up to her and gave her a hug.
"I won't disappoint you master."
"You never have. I love you son."
This was the first time I heard her call me that. She might not be my mother, but she's my mom.
"Thanks, mom." I add. She smiles at that.
"I think I like the sound of that. It's time for you to go back."
I wake up to James shaking my shoulder.
"Well, the good news is that we got to your place. The bad news is that we are out of gas, so we will need a new ride."
I let out a slight moan at having to do stuff. Hey, I'm tired. Don't judge me.
"…Leave that to me. I'll wake the others. Stay here and look for any fishy activity." I said. I go to the back of the truck. Leia is holding Sander. I smile at that. Thankfully, Anakin wasn't trying to hold Obi-Wan.
"Alright, dudes. Nap time's over." I said. I hated acting like this. They're just stereotyping me because I look like a surfer guy. Well I'm one of the deadliest people in the galaxy.
The Jedi in the back sit up, rubbing their eyes slightly, before they jump out of the back and get their first good look of their surroundings. "Where are we?" Obi-Wan asks while Sander re-adjusts the crown to sit just right on his head.
"Well, Leonard, we are near New Portsmouth, a rather young port-side town." I whisper, getting close enough so everyone could hear what I is saying without saying it too loudly. "That is the Winchester. It may not look like much, but this is our only shot if we are going to reach Manhattan Island without being discovered."
"And who vill zhese place help us exactly?" Anakin asks, sounding a little tired and confused. Soon. So soon. That's what I must keep telling myself not to punch him. I'm pretty sure that Agent Berlin wouldn't like Anakin right about now. Berlin was from Germany. I guess I don't have to say that. I think She's on our side. Last time I talked to her she seemed to be leaning towards my side.
"I have an acquaintance who works here. While we may not exactly see eye to eye, the dude can help us out. If he wants to."
So, what happened is that his sister tried to kill me. I didn't kill her, but because of what I did, she was captured. Thankfully this was in battle, and the republic got to her before the empire. I may have had a hand in that.
"Great." Sander states. "Real confidence builder right there."
"Come on, dudes. This is gonna be fun. I get to show you what a diner is supposed to look like." I lead the four Jedi through the parking lot, past the many rows of trucks and towards the bar with the numerous coming out of the windows. I hope that spell James cast works. Obi-Wan would stand out less if he ran across naked. At least then he would be considered homeless.
The suit he was wearing would look like a green suit to people, so someone might call him a leprechaun but that's better than him bringing attention to me. Which would bring attention to everyone else.
Thankfully it worked.
Suddenly, the double doors under the illuminated sign burst open and a sleazy-looking man wobbles out, holding a bottle in his hand. "Hey. What are you looking at?" He asks sharply once he notices the Jedi staring at him with odd expressions.
"Nothin', man." I said, trying his best to change his accent a little. I was trying to go with a tourist theme. Please let it work. "I was comin' in to satisfy my munchies."
The drunk man grunts. "Knock yourself out." As we walk towards the black front doors, the man keels over and starts retching violently and loudly.
We stare at the scene with wide eyes before focusing their attention on the inside of the pub. It is a rather spacious diner with checkered floors, a long wooden bar directly in front of them with tall wooden stools lining the bar, on the right of the bar, in its own room, is a massive pool table surrounded by ten older men in biking outfits holding pool sticks, and many red-cushioned booths lining the walls.
Many waitresses are walking around, giving food to the hungry patrons. The most interesting aspect of the bar is that on the far-left side of the bar, there is a small stage and that a holographic image of four men wearing black clothes with silver lining of various designs and have their faces painted in such a bizarre fashion.
I know, shout hypocrite
Three of them are playing their electric guitars masterfully while the fourth is playing on a set of drums. The man who is standing just a little bit in front of the other two is holding a microphone and music is blaring in the dimly lit diner.
"Everybody shout it out now. Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud! Oh yeah, shout it. Shout it. Shout it out loud! Hear it gettin' louder, shout it. Shout it. Shout it out loud! And everybody shout it now. Shout it!"
As the song ends, the holographic projection of the four men dissipates and vanishes, leaving the empty stage. Everybody in the diner stops what they are doing and start cheering loudly for the music, among them being Sander with his eyes aglow. After a few seconds, the cheering dies down and everyone starts doing what they were doing before. Suddenly, a new voice blares out of the speakers. "And that was Shout It Out Loud by Kiss. Upcoming are more '80s classic hits, right after this brief commercial break."
Then the speakers go out and the whole diner is in silence. We walk towards the bar and get ourselves seated. The waitress, who is wearing the same jet-black suit jacket over a white button-down shirt and a short skirt, immediately walks up to them. "Hello. How may I help you all?"
I saw the menu and smiled. I loved America.
Oh, and they have some crappy British food. I mean what British food isn't
"Yes. I would like to order the bowl of baked potato soup. And they will have the fish and chips."
I smirked. They've only had British food. I feel sorry for them. I get flashbacks to the "American Experience" on the train to Hogwarts. Murphy and Cecilia took me to get real American food, and I was made quite aware to the criminally bad food on that train.
The waitress nods whips out a notepad and writes the order down on it before walking through the open doorway leading to the kitchens. "What a place." Kenobi mutters, looking around and seeing the people going about their business as usual. Deciding to risk it, he then takes his helmet off and sets it down at the bar next to him. Everyone saw it as a green bowler hat.
I'd have to thank James.
"I'd buy that for a dollar." One of the men at the pool table shouts in the pool room, making everyone else in the room laugh like idiots. He then walks out of the room to fetch a bottle of beer sitting there and notices Kenobi. "Hey, you!" He shouts, walking toward the Jedi. Kenobi looks up at the buff man who is standing a whole foot taller than the Jedi. "Do I know you?"
"No, you don't." Kenobi states, looking back at the bar. But then the man grabs Kenobi's shoulder and pulls him back towards the man.
"Yeah, I remember now. You look like that Jedi general everyone's talking about. What was his name, Kentori or something?"
"Please." Kenobi replies bluntly. "I'm just an actor who decided to myself up like the Jedi Kenobi. Besides, if I was the real Kenobi, I wouldn't be walking around without a better disguise, would I?"
The buff man looks thoughtful for several moments, then laughs hard and slaps Kenobi on the back. "You have a point. Say, could you tell me the name of the doctor who gave you that plastic surgery? That dude certainly did a number on you."
If this was a video game, then Obi-Wan would have maxed out speech right then.
The guy then picks up his beer bottle and heads back to the room with the pool table.
Anakin smirked at Obi-Wan.
"Shut it." He said
The Jedi continue to sit at the bar patiently for a good five minutes before a different waiter walks out of the kitchen, carrying a tray laden with plates and a bowl. The waiter himself is a rather tall and built man in his late 20s, with short, messy light sandy brown hair, a small stubby beard that is the thickest on his chin, and the most vibrant deep blue eyes the Jedi have ever seen. He sets the bowl of soup and a spoon on top of a napkin in front of my spot before giving the fish and chips to the Jedi.
But as he sets the plate in front of Sander, the man gets a good, long look at the boy's face. The waiter's eyes dilate to the point of being as big as dinner plates, and he lets out a silent gasp. What really caught the Jedi's attention was that they felt the amount of shock at seeing Sander's face. "Um… are you okay?" He asks, looking confused and mildly concerned.
The man suddenly regains control of his breathing. "Of course, I am. It's just that… we don't get many children here." He replies, then looks at the Jedi. "I assume that he's with you guys."
I forgot this was a bar.
"You betcha." Leia replies, winking in a flirting manner. "I'm Hart, by the way. Harriet Hart." She then wraps an arm around Sander, pulling him to the side a little. "And this is my son, Ryan Haywood Jr."
The man stares at Leia, his eyes flashing dangerously before a small smile forms on his face. "Of course. Enjoy."
Since none of us knew when we would be getting to eat next, we tore into their meals with great zeal, occasionally drinking from the tall glasses of water they also received. Within minutes, they are finished and the waiter stares with a baffled expression before smiling. "Well, you certainly enjoyed it." He then grabs the plates and walks away.
I then put down his napkin down on his plate before standing up. "Well, dudes. I just realized that I forgot where I put my stash. Could you help me find it?" I said
After the Jedi nod and they are about to stand up, Kenobi putting his helmet back on, the ten motorcyclists walk out of the pool room, still laughing. "Hey there, hot stuff." One of the motorcyclists who has shoulder-length black hair that is starting to grey states, walking over to Leia. "You look lost. I could give you some company."
To her credit, Leia manages a warm smile. "Why, yes I am. I am looking for the nicest place to spend a day to shop in peace."
The motorcyclist scoffs slightly. "Do ya think I'm an idiot? Manhattan Island is the place to go. It's that way."
"Um, that way?" Leia asks, then nods. "Thanks, I'll be heading there now."
As she's getting up to leave the diner, the man grabs her arm. "Actually, I was wondering if you would like to join us for a drink. We haven't gotten ours yet."
"Um, no. I will be going now. Come, Ryan." She says, then pulls her arm out of his grip as Sander walks forward. Slowly, he reaches for the lightsaber hidden under his kilt in the eventuality of an encounter.
"Hey, babe. What's your problem?" Another man, this one having black hair and a darker skin tone asks, stepping forward.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. She's got fangs, and she knows how to use them." I said. They just ignore me.
Leia said something I didn't expect. When she started, I made sure to put my hands over Sander's ears again.
She forgets Sander's only like 7. I don't want to teach him the birds and the bees. That's not my job.
The bike rider made a comment about Leia giving him a… well I'm just going to skip over that next part.
The tension is starting to steadily rise in the room as Leia just stands there, her smile fading into a frown as the motorcyclists start spreading out. Then she turns around and grabs the doors and starts locking them shut. "It seems that you boys have never heard of a little thing called manners. Let me teach you all about that."
I tried to warn them. I tried. But no one listens to me.
The motorcyclists look at each other with confused expressions. Then their leader speaks up.. "I don't care who the fuck you think you are. This is our bar, and you don't get to…" He is interrupted when Leia grabs a nearby chair and slams it into the man's head. The power behind the impact sends him falling to the ground and out cold. By now, everyone just stares at the carnage that is happening without paying attention at all to what they were doing previously.
"So, are you going to stand around all night like idiots. Or are we going to fight?" She then asks, getting into a fighting stance while the voice over the speaker rings out once again.
"And now, here's Kono, the official '80s radio station. Take it away!"
Then the holographic projection flares to life once more. But unlike the last song that played, there is now a darker-skinned man with curly black hair, wearing a rather large red vest with black highlights, long red pants and black shoes standing on the stage. Several tense seconds pass as the two sides stare each other down, while the music continues playing. "They told him don't you ever come around here. Don't want to see your face, you better disappear. The fire's in their eyes and the words are really clear. So beat it, just beat it."
If there's going to be a song during this, then at least it fits.
Once the lyrics start, the first motorcyclist throws a right hook at Leia's face, only for the blonde Jedi to duck under the punch. She then straightens herself up and punches the man in his jaw. The power behind the punch is so extreme that a tooth goes flying out of his mouth, blood spiraling in all directions before the dentine tips impale themselves into the eye of an unfortunate gangster who is standing off to the side. He recoils from the attack, screaming in pain while Leia lunges forward and punches another man in the face. He goes flying backwards, smashing into the table and rolling backwards before collapsing face-first.
The rest of the motorcyclists lunge in at once to try and take her down, but Leia starts blocking each of their punches before she jumps into the air and does a spinning kick into the side of another gangster's head. He instantly goes sprawling, knocking every standing member of the gang to the ground. The member who hit on Leia gets back up and runs forward, holding a pool stick over his head before bringing it down on the female Jedi. Unfortunately for him, Leia rips the pool stick out of his hands, smashes the stick to pieces after she slashes it into his stomach. It shatters, with splinters flying in all directions and she then stabs it into his right leg. While he lets out a final moan of agony, Leia grabs him and punches him in the stomach, sending him and another motorcyclist who is getting back up and they both smash through the window behind them, smashing it and falling out of the diner as the song that was being played finishes.
Is she trying to kill them? Obi-Wan and I try to calm her down.
Leia stands amidst the carnage she created, searching for any more who are willing to fight while the flabbergasted looks on everyone's faces. Sander, however, is blushing up a storm and has an absolutely mortified look on his face. Leia then looks up, a sheepish look on her face. "Sorry about the mess. I had a bad week, so I needed to vent out on somebody. How much do you want in compensation?"
You must be kidding me. I'M THE ONE WHO HAS TO PAY FOR THAT!
I mean, it probably won't be much, but still. It's curtesy to warn someone before you cause a scene that will make them pay for damages. At least that what master Yadder told me.
The crowd looks at each other before an older man with thinning grey hair, thick black square glasses, and is wearing an expensive suit stands up. "You know, miss? As manager, I can make sure that you and your friends will have your meals and drinks on the house. It's about time someone stood up those rapscallions."
Stand up to them? She almost killed them! I get out a few thousand and go to the owner. I hand him it. He just looks at me but doesn't say anything about it.
"You know?" Sander says, his voice an octave higher than usual, "I think we should be leaving now."
He then walks towards the doors, unlocks them, and runs out as fast as he can. The Jedi do the same with Leia being in the back of the group. The waiters and waitresses start muttering with each other, amazement on their faces while the patrons just stare at the dismantled room. She even hears someone mutter, "Poor kid."
Yeah. If only I could take him. He doesn't deserve to have to go through so much pain. But the Force is telling me that he has work yet to do.
We then step out of the bar, taking in a deep breath at being out of the bar while the two motorcyclists are lying on the ground with large shards of glass lying around them, unconscious and hugging each other. "I have several questions. The most important of them all is this; have you ever heard of the word 'subtle?'" There may have been another word, but Leia made sure Sander didn't hear. A voice states. The Jedi tense up and turn towards the waiter who served their meals.
"Who are you?" Kenobi asks warily, gripping his lightsaber.
"Whoa, man. Calm down." I say, getting between the Jedi and the waiter. "This is my contact. His name is Daniel Gecko, and he can get us to Manhattan Island."
Daniel nods. "Yes, but we won't have much time. I would be shocked if the Emperor hasn't already learned of your presence here. Luckily, I know my way around the city, so I can tell you where your destination is."
"But how will we get there? Our truck isn't going anywhere, and we can't exactly steal someone else's car." Kenobi asks.
Daniel smirks slightly. "Simple. Follow me." He then walks away from the group and heads towards the back of the diner.
"Hold on. I need to fetch my stuff real quickly. Be right back, dudes." I placed it in the truck. How did I lose it? I shake my head. I'm just so tired these days. Back on Remnant I might sleep for a whole day. I get James, and we go back to the rest of the group.
"Thanks James, now people won't see… whatever Obi-Wan wears whenever he walks around.
Daniel leads the Jedi through the parking lot, after-which they stop near a large, silver truck that looks big enough to house the entire group and many more. "Zhat looks ztupid. Vhy should we take zis?" Anakin asks, looking at it with mild irritation.
"Oh, what, you think flying around in a f-ing saucer like the Jetsons do will keep your cover?"
They don't know what you're talking about.
Daniel asks sarcastically. "And admittedly, the fuel and engines of automobiles has drastically improved since the Empire took charge, so the speeds it can go will compensate. Hop on." He then swings the door open and stands aside to allow his guests to enter.
James walks on-board first, followed by the Jedi with Sander at the back. Daniel stares at Sander's back for several long moments before closing the door and walking to the driver's seat. When they are on-board, they look around. For a portable home, it is extremely organized, with a large kitchen in the back with a fridge and microwave, a small bed in the corner with a closed oak wardrobe in the opposite corner. To top it all off, the floor is tiled like a checkers board.
"Well, this is nice." Sander states, sitting on the bed and looking out.
"Too nice." Kenobi states suspiciously, taking off his helmet. He uses the Force to pull down the slot, so he can talk with Daniel. "Pardon my intrusion, Mr. Gecko, but how did you pay for this? The van is too clean for a simple waiter to maintain."
Daniel lets out a sigh. "Well, you're right. I'm not just a waiter. I'm also a smuggler from time to time."
"What! The last time I saw you, you promised that you would keep a low profile!" After breaking your sister out of Prison, you think he'd be more helpful.
Daniel scoffs. "What? And let those rich 'bloody' lackeys of Kadabra do whatever they want when they want? It feels so satisfying to do a job that knocks them down a notch from time to time." The engines then turn on, and the RV pulls out of the diner and starts driving down the roads at alarming speeds, towards Manhattan Island and to find the Emperor himself.
I wish I had a profanity filter right now for Sander.
We got in the RV, and we started driving for the big city. We didn't have much longer to wait.
Daniel drives his RV along the black paved freeways while the rest of us are in the back. We were talking silently among each other. I could see the start of the city and so can Daniel. He stares at the street with the lights from the lamps on the opposite side of the road providing illumination, a deeply distant expression on his face.
He remains in silent for several long minutes until he snaps out of it when he notices the enormous skyscrapers of the approaching island of Manhattan.
He's hard to read. He didn't add colorful language this time
With a small smile on his face, he drives over the massive bridge stylized like the Golden Gate Bridge. His smile vanishes as the RV arrives on the last stretch of bridge, where a massive checkpoint is waiting for him, guarded by a dozen Imperial troops. He taps the back of the window and flips down the hatch. "Hey. Whatever you do, don't make a sound." He then pulls the hatch up and rolls down the window as the RV pulls to a stop and a soldier walks up to him.
Leia puts a hand over Sander's mouth.
"State your purpose." The guard says coldly.
"I am just coming to visit an old buddy of mine in the city. By the way, when did this whole checkpoint bs start?"
"Yesterday, upon Supreme Admiral Vizsla's orders. Rebel cells across Gaia have been acting up. Until our great Army sweeps the scum away, extra security is needed."
I smiled. I had no small part in that. I even created a few of them. I was proud that they're working so well together.
Daniel nods. "I see. I suppose you would want to see this as well." He then reaches into the pockets of his pants and pulls out a black leather wallet. Flipping it open, he finds his identification card with his image on it. He pulls the card out of the wallet and gives it to the guard. He takes the card and swipes it on the side of his portable computer. The soldier stares at it for a long moment before a green light washes over his face and the portable computer lets out a series of beeps.
"Well, looks like your papers are in order. Move along. Next!" The soldier stands aside and the metal spikes that once lined the road slowly lower until they are of no hazard. Daniel nods in gratitude, then puts his foot on the gas and drives the RV through the checkpoint and down the remainder of the bridge while the other cars get processed.
As he continues driving down the dark roads of Manhattan, he takes in the sight of the massive buildings that stand dozens of stories tall, with no signs of natural life anywhere. As the we stared out at the tall shops and massive grey buildings lit up with orange lights, I couldn't help but feel reminded of the streets of Coruscant.
After a half hour, Daniel stops the RV at the edge of the Hudson River. "All right. You can get out now. I've got to take care of something." He says.
I put my armor on, and James cast another spell, disguising me.
I don't like the way he said that
We immediately comply, getting out of the RV and standing out on the side. Daniel just sits in his van, rubbing the steering wheel for a long moment. "You've done me well. But it's time we go our separate ways." He then holds out his hand. A metal rod flies into his hand and he perches it so that the rod is firmly pressing against the gas pedal. As the RV starts back up, Daniel opens the driver's door and jumps out of the seat.
The RV starts back up and drives over the concrete barriers and right into the river. It floats in the water for a brief second before it sinks into the river.
I knew I wouldn't like it. I shake my head. How much did that cost him?
Am I greedy? A lot of my thoughts have been around money.
I just stare at the Daniel, shocked. "What was the meaning for that?" Sander asks, his eyebrow raised slightly.
Daniel looks back at the boy and smiles slightly. "Covering our tracks. Honestly, I may not spout non-sensible prophecies like the oracles of old did, but I can already tell you that nothing will be the same around here, whether your Republic Army succeeds in its invasion. So, are we going to get this show on the road or not?"
We look at each other before we look back. "We appreciate all you have done for us, Daniel. But I think it would be best if you stayed out of sight until this whole mess has blown over." Kenobi says, not liking what he said but knowing it's true.
Thanks, Kenobi, for saying it.
Daniel just stares at the Jedi incredulously. "Are you serious right now? I just helped you get here, and now you just want to set me aside? What a rip-off."
Kenobi steps forward and places a hand on the younger man's shoulder reassuringly.
"No, Daniel. We thank you very much for your help in getting us this far, but we can't ask you to risk your life any further. We are about to face off with Emperor Kadabra; we can't guarantee anything in the fight to come. The whole galaxy hangs in the balance."
Daniel looks up at Kenobi, a look of surprise on his face. He then contemplates those words for several long moments before he makes his choice.
"All right. But I want James there to come with me and help the American branch of rebels fight the Imperial forces. I'm not going to sit out while you have all the fun."
"Can ve go now?" Anakin asks, staring at the city and the skyscrapers that were built even taller than in the days before the Empire's rise.
You don't have to keep doing it. I swear.
"Yes. I wish you the best of luck in your mission." Daniel says, smiling slightly. As we start walking away from the bank of the river, he places a hand on Leia's shoulder. She turns around, ready to get into another brawl, but the expression on his face makes her hesitant. "Hold on. I want to ask something real quick."
He says, then leans in to whisper. "Whatever you do, promise me that your boy, Ryan, has a happy life."
I may have listened into the conversation using the force.
"Why do you care so much about that?" Leia whispers back, deeply suspicious and confused about this request.
"Because I had a little boy in my life. He left my life many years ago; he'd be about Ryan's age right now. I made many mistakes in my life, especially as a father, and I believe that one must be aware of the past for there to be a secure future."
I never knew that about Daniel. He sounded… like me.
"Of course. I promise." Leia replied.
"What was that about?" Sander asked
"Nothing. It's no big deal."
We walked to the building. We were standing in front of it. After we enter this building there will be no going back. I open the bag and look inside it. I see Lily and Ninalex shake their heads.
"Thank you." I say.
I look at the building.
"The Empire State Building. It was once one of the most famous places in the entire nation. Hundreds of people would come to Manhattan and see it, among other national monuments. Now, ever since the Empire has taken over, it has gained the infamous reputation of being an apartment center for the highest officials of the Empire."
"And that's where the Emperor is?" Kenobi asks, starting to feel a hint of suspicion in the back of his mind.
"Since a major meeting of the Imperial Senate is about to happen, yes. Though do keep your senses clear; I'd be shocked if he hasn't sensed our presence yet." I say.
"I have a bad feeling about this" Anakin said.
He didn't need to say it, but we all had that.
As they make their way towards the main entryway of the Empire State Building, they notice a receptionist standing off to the side and staring at them with a raised eyebrow. "I'm sorry. But are you looking to meet someone?"
Anakin steps forward and waves his hand at the receptionist's face. "You will allow us entry to Emperor Kadabra's complex."
I pray this is going to work. I'm not a religious man, but I just prayed to all the Gods of this world.
The Force instantly breaks the man's mind, and his eyes glaze over. "I will allow you entry to Emperor Kadabra's complex." He then presses several buttons on his console, and the elevator on the far side of the granite-walled level slides open.
I was on the Hindu God at this point.
"Thank you." Leia asks, deciding to give the man a wink before the group walk across the tiled floors and into the elevator. The doors close and the elevator starts riding up the elevator higher and higher.
"This is it. It's been an honor fighting with you." I say. "I may not make it, but I'll give it my all."
"Don't say that" Sander said.
"I'm scared. I have to be honest about this." I said
"We'll make it." Leia said
All of us are fiddling with our lightsaber lightsabers, getting themselves mentally prepared for the fight. Suddenly, after two solid minutes, the elevator jolts to a stop and the doors swing open.
Standing there, framed in the doorway and standing in the middle of a wide-tiled corridor, is Darth Siren. Her black robes hang loosely at her side, long blonde falling down her back, with a slight smirk on her face. Held in her right hand, pointed away from her body, is an activated staffsaber, with its blades giving off a blood red glow. "You." Leia says, activating her purple lightsaber.
"Me." Siren says, smirking even wider. "Look what I have dragged into my cage." She cast her eyes at me, and her face twitched ever so slightly.
She was mad
But the secret was, so was I. I learned about something when I went back to Hogwarts a month ago. I just never knew how to tell her.
I know what happened to her sister.
My anger was directed towards our 'Emperor'
"No." I say, stepping forward. "I will take care of her. You go on ahead."
"But…" Leia said
"GO" This was my fight.
The four Jedi look at each other, uncertain that this is the best choice. But then I activate the Dawnbreaker and set my backpack on the far wall. "I said, I'll take care of her. Go."
It was unbuttoned, so Ninalex and Lily could come and help me out, but that was the last thing I wanted.
They left. The room we were in was a large one, so we had a lot of room to fight in.
"So, you've come back. I was so worried about you." She said.
"I can see that." I said
She charges forward, but I blocked the hit. She looked at the blade.
"You got a new toy?" Siren asked.
I didn't say anything. I had to be focused if I was going to survive. I've become a lot stronger since we first met, but I know she was holding back. I've never seen her at full power before.
"Well, lets test it out" The venom was practically dripping from her.
She was fast. And she pushed me to the back of the wall. Thankfully, she was a second too late, letting me kick her away from me. The room was covered in pillars, so I jumped behind one. I placed the black saber there. I needed to be quick. Siren was fast. She thought I didn't have my armor on, but then the spell faded. She stopped for a second, which revealed that it was gone.
I put up my hand, and gathered a ball of electricity, and pointed it at Siren.
Siren was able to absorb the blast. She laughed.
"That's so pathetic. Feel real Sith lightning!"
She fired a blast of electricity at me. I fired two lightning rods down in the ground and held my lightsaber up. The lightning caught on the rods, but a little amount of it got through. I was easily able to absorb the power.
Siren laughed.
"You know, I think this is going to be fun. I don't know your limits, and you don't know mine. But I must warn you." She narrowed her eyes "I tend to break my toys."
She was more unhinged then I've ever seen her.
It scared me. She slammed the staffsaber into the ground and pulled out a regular lightsaber.
That look in her eyes. It could kill a man.
I blocked a hit, but she grabbed me by the throat, and lifted me up. I wrap my legs around her head, then I bring us both down to the ground. I start to make a coal shot, but then I press it down on her arm to make her let go of me.
She screamed but let go of me.
She used a force push so powerful that I flew, even with my force shield up. I was stuck in the wall. Siren pulled me out, into the ground. I could taste blood.
She brought me back up and sent a large blast of force lighting my way.
That was it. I was dead. I failed them…
Then Ce came up. She showed herself to Siren, and took the hit for me. But that didn't make sense. She didn't have a body. The electricity was going… to my head.
It all made sense now.
My helmet had a strange stone on it.
What's on my head is why no one else had AI.
Oh God. I was protecting a horcrux. Ce is a horcrux.
Ce was screaming. I reached out my hand.
"NO! CE!" I cried.
"I'm saving… You're life!" She was able to say.
Ce took one last look at me.
"Thank you for giving me a purpose" She said.
Then the horcrux cracked. Ce started to show physical damage, if you can call it that.
He image was in half.
I was crying.
Siren wasn't stopping
Ce didn't cry out anymore.
"I'm free."
Those were Ce's last words.
The horcrux exploded. The dark side energies burst, shaking the whole building. It opened the bag, and Ninalex and Lily came out.
The room was covered in smoke.
Siren started to laugh
"We're getting closer to killing Kadabra! How did I not know that he would have done something like this" She laughed with a crazy crackle.
She continued to laugh, holding onto her face.
I took off my helmet.
"Go to your rest." I said
I could feel the touch of someone on my shoulder. I looked back and saw a woman. She had Hailey's eyes.
I turned to Siren. She looked at me. In an instant, she was next to me, holding my face. She licked the blood from my face, then punched me in the gut.
I fell to the ground. Lily and Ninalex got ready to fight, but I yelled
"NO! This is my fight."
Siren turned and saw them
"You corrupted their minds. They have to be punished."
"If you touch them, I'll end you."
She smiled
"Oh, well then, I'll get them to do it for me."
Two Mavens dropped down.
Agents Lyon and Paris. Two of Siren's most trusted mavens, besides me and Lily.
"I'll Kill them too." I said
"I'd like to see you try."
Siren and I got back into our fight. She wasn't a pushover.
For every hit I gave, she sent five. I was barely able to hold on. Then I saw Ninalex. She had a deep slash in her arm. She was on her knees.
"No" I said. I let my emotions take hold of me for a moment.
I pushed Siren away, and with a Speed I didn't know I had, I was at Lyon. In less than a second, I cut of both his arms, and his head. Ninalex looked at me.
"Thank you again."
Siren dragged me back with the force.
"You killed him. In seconds." Siren said "He was weak. You dealt with him back at Hogwarts. Remember?"
"No"
"He was the one you threw into the wall."
I remembered now
"I guess that means that you need to get better help."
"He was motivated. His goal was to kill you. He wanted you to pay for making a mockery out of him. Sound Familiar?"
I didn't say anything
"Skywalker. You asked Kadabra to be the only one allowed to Kill him. Tell me why?"
I don't know why she was so interested.
"He killed my master." I said.
"Master? Whatever could that mean?"
"I am a Jedi! Is that what you wanted to hear?"
"How did you come to Gaia then?" She asked, not letting up on her attacks. I barely had time to answer her.
"I appeared here." The force was telling me to tell her the truth.
She had a look on her face. Then we both heard a groan being let out. Lily had killed Paris.
"It's so hard to find good help these days." She said. She than picked me up and tossed me into a pillar, knocking it down. She rushed up to me, holding my head in her hand, lightsaber against my neck.
"Tell me more."
"I'm not from this universe." I said
Siren turned off her lightsaber and punched me. Lily was getting ready to come fight Siren, but she cast a spell that paralyzed her.
She turned her attention back to me.
"Don't lie to me."
"Look in my mind." I said.
She didn't. She threw me behind her. I rolled onto broken glass.
She started to walk towards me. I used the force to send the glass at her, but she had a force shield up, blocking the glass.
"I can't respect liars." She said.
She came up to me and fired an electric shock. I fell on the ground, screaming.
It was a terrible pain. She was going slow to torture me. It was working.
"Tell me the truth"
"I'm from a few years in the future in a different universe. I know Palpatine is Darth Sidious, and Anakin Skywalker will become Darth Vader."
Siren stopped for a second.
"How did you know about Sidious?" She asked, then she crushed my arm. I screamed.
She seemed to enjoy hearing me scream. She smiled and pulled out a knife. She brought it to my cheek, and cut in. Blood flowed down. She put her finger and caught my blood.
"I'm not going to kill you right away. I'm going to make you my slave. You'll help me kill all my rivals. You'll watch as I kill all your friends, as all the Jedi die, as the Order is destroyed, and the republic is decimated. You'll see it all, and then after it's just you and me. Then you will die."
She told me.
"Kadabra killed your sister. She turned into a horcrux" I said
Siren just looked at me. It worked
I aimed my arm at the floor, then activated my attack. The vibrations caused the floor to shake and start to crack. Siren threw me away, some of the vibrations hitting her. She jumped from the spot.
I stood up and took out my original lightsaber. The blue light shot out.
"I am a Jedi. I will not give up so easily."
I only had the use of one arm. My good arm. I closed my eyes and went deep into the force.
I heard a voice call out to me.
"Trust your feelings."
Everything slowed down.
The battles going on above me, the war going on below, everything was slow. I took in a deep breath. I could feel the living force for the first time in so long.
The Horcrux was feeding my dark side energies and making me weaker.
Kadabra saw that the light had hold over me. He tried to weaken me.
He tried to control me.
"Let the force guide you."
I was in the vertex again. Jade Yadder looked at me.
"Let me help you."
She said. She walked into me, and I could feel great power fill me.
I could feel my arm. I could here Jade's voice in my ear. I could feel her. She was with me.
I opened my eyes. Siren started her charge towards me, but I sidestepped it. The arm that I had less use out of was feeling better. I used the force to call my black lightsaber to m hand.
I gave Jade control over my broken arm, and I used my good arm. Siren didn't see it coming.
Now I had the advantage of speed.
I hit harder and faster now. Each hit taking more and more out of Siren. She could barely move now.
She tried to send lightning at me, but I blocked it. I could sense fear in her now. I kept pushing her farther back.
I wasn't in control now.
Something in me changed. I could feel the force even stronger now. Every second I could feel the power. I could feel the strength entering me.
Soon I was able to knock Siren's lightsaber out of her hand. I held my lightsaber up to her throat.
"Darth Siren, you have lost." I said.
She just looked at me.
"How? How could I lose?" She asked
"I do not want to kill you. Come with me." I said
"Where?" She asked
"I told you no lies. Come with me and come to a world that's free from the Empire. Come with me and obtain a new life."
She just looked at me.
She didn't say anything. I turned off both my lightsabers and held put my hand.
"You were a great friend to me. Let us leave this place. All of us. Let us go back to my home."
Siren grabbed my hand. My soul cheered out
"Thank you."
Siren uncast the spell that kept Lily frozen.
"What are you doing?" Lily asked me.
"All are capable of obtaining second chances. Even the gravest of sinners."
She just looked at me. She didn't say anything else.
"Know, Siren. The Machine I came here with was on Mars when I last saw it. It was about as big as I was. Do you know where It is?"
Siren though. Lily went to Ninalex and started to heal her. Ninalex would live.
"I think I know what you're talking about. It's here, at the top of the building." Siren said.
"Then let's go." I said. Lily and Ninalex went back in the bag. I got it and went with Siren to the top floor of the tower. I heard fighting going on at every level.
When we get to the top I see a communicator that will ring out to all the imperial channels.
I had to do this.
I went to the communicator.
"To All who can hear my voice. This is Agent Pennsylvania, otherwise known as Karel Allusis. I have fought for the better part of a year with the Empire. I was there when we introduced ourselves to the Galaxy at large. I know of the evils that this empire has committed. If you need any evidence look no further than what I have done. I was complicate in massacres, and murders. I was an active part in stealing the freedoms of so many worlds and billions of people. I want my name to be know as an example of what happens when the powerful don't rise up. I have destroyed the lives of too many to count, and I have no way to repay even a millionth of the debt I owe. The Maven Program was made to have an elite force wipe out life from planet to planet. The freedoms of America were taken, all of Gaia. No all of Earth has been scarred from the actions of this empire. We are a wicked people, but we can repent, and become what we once were. We have been blinded by our pride and our need to survive. We have told ourselves that everything we do is a good thing because we need it to be done. We have done the worst things the universe has ever seen. If you do not believe me then look at the Chiss people. They had a home world until just days ago. We created a holocaust of the Chiss. We destroyed their world, and for what cause? Look to Agamar, once a planet that made food, now a frozen wasteland. We did that. We have robbed people of everything they once held dear. We have willingly let an entire generation be raised learning only to keep their heads down. We may say we have freedom, but we do not. We murdered it and replaced it with the ugly head of contempt. To all the Mavens who have seen like I have, do not forget that it was the Empire that murdered Agent Alaska, Philip was my friend. He gave his life, and the Emperor forgot about him. I have let his death go on in vain for to long. Rise up! When the Republic arrives, join with them! Long live Freedom!"
I end my message.
"That should inspire people. How did you activate this thing before?" Siren asked.
I grabbed hold of her hand and placed my hand on the machine. It started to make those noises that were burned into my head. We were shot forward. I was holding onto everything, trying to keep it safe. I don't know what happens if we lose anything in this state.
I could feel Siren's hand slipping. I turned my head to her, and she looked at me. Then she let go.
She disappeared. I cried out but couldn't hear anything. Was Siren dead? Was she back in the tower? Was she somewhere else? I don't know.
Then everything stopped. I fell to the ground.
I heard foot steps walking towards me.
Then I opened my eyes. I was in a metallic place. This wasn't the tower. It wasn't Mars. This was something different, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
I lifted my head and saw her.
Bora turned the corner.
She looked at me, and I looked at her.
I was back home. I stood up, just in case this wasn't real.
"B-Bora?" I asked
"Karel?"
I stepped forward and hugged her. This was real. Her arms were still out behind me.
"Why do you look so different?"
"I've been gone for a year."
She looked at me.
"What are you talking about, it's only been a minute since I last heard from you"
Author's Notes: So I've got an epilogue, then I'm done.
This has been a great experience, and I'm a little sad to see it go.
You have no idea how long I had that final plot twist in my head.
Remember to support SonicXBen for writing the main story, and to read his stuff.
If you want more want to read more about Karel, go to the series he's from.
Jedi Hunter. It's under RWBY X Star Wars.
This was the first Collab between me and SonicXBen
May the Force Be With You
-DragonZlayerx12