Chapter 85: Witches of the Mist
The path to evil may bring greater power, but not loyalty.
Recap: Mysterious deaths. Unknown to the Jedi, a new threat has been unleashed on the galaxy, Savage Opress, a pawn in the dangerous game between Count Dooku and his former assassin, Ventress. The victims of his brutal massacre on the planet of Devaron are being returned to the Jedi Temple for evaluation. It's up to the Jedi Council to find this mysterious killer and eradicate him.
It was raining on Coruscant as a shuttle was shown flying toward the Jedi Temple. It landed on the platform; Jedi Masters, Kenobi, Luna, Plo Koon, and Adi Gallia were approaching it. The back of the shuttle opened, and a group of clones known as Delta Squad emerged from it.
"There were no survivors on Devaron. Everyone was killed, including Master Halsey and his Padawan," said the leader of Delta Squad.
Hovering from the shuttle were the coffins that contained the body of the Jedi as all four Jedi Masters saw their fallen brethren and sighed while mourning the loss.
"In the past, only Dooku's assassin was capable of such an effort, but she was presumed dead at the battle of Sullust," stated Master Gallia as she and Luna had their hand on the coffins as the lighting and thunder went off.
"Not everything is what it seems. There may be a new threat," said Master Plo.
"Someone or something has eluded us... perhaps a newly appointed Sith Lord." stated Luna.
"This is not the work of a Sith Lord or a Jedi but a reckless, impulsive animal," stated Obi-wan as he stroked his beard, trying to think of what could have caused this.
With Dooku, he was currently training Savage. The pair were in his office as the Sith Lord had his lightsaber out; Sunset was also present as she was watching from afar, as usual, leaning against the wall. Savage now had his own lightsaber as it was dual-bladed, but he held it as a single lightsaber as only one of the blades turned on.
The pair began to move in a counterclockwise rotation, waiting to see who would make the first move. Savage rushed forward as he swung, to which Dooku merely stepped to the side. The brute then turned and swung some more as Dooku merely moved out of the way as he could see that his new apprentice was just swinging without any form or plan. Soon he lunged, tumbling to the floor as Dooku spun.
"You have no technique," stated Dooku as he saw Savage on the floor.
Savage got up angrily as he swung his blade, which Dooku blocked. He swatted it away as the Sith Lord swung his blade down to his feet as he blocked Savage's attacks. The brute continued to make more basic attacks as Dooku blocked each one without a problem and then swatted the weapon from Savage's hand as he disarmed his foe. The Sith Lord then stuck his hand out as he lifted Savage into the air, holding his throat.
"Sloppy," stated Dooku as he released his hold and dropped Savage to the ground as he tried to regain some oxygen in his lungs. Savage tried to grab at Dooku, who moved to the side.
The Sith Lord put his hand out as he grabbed Savage's lightsaber and positioned the lightsabers in a scissor-like formation at the brute's throat as he was just getting back up.
"But with the proper training, you could be a powerful warrior. You have a natural ability, but we must hone it," stated the Sith Lord.
Sunset was full of pure joy and happiness at seeing Savage fail.
"Sunset!" stated Dooku.
The girl approached the pair as she stepped in front of Savage. The girl was now going for a quick round against the brute as Savage grabbed his lightsaber and turned it on. Sunset stood with her fists up as she didn't bother turning on her blade. Savage rushed forward as Sunset ducked and did a series of quick punches to Savage's body as she hit some pressure points. The brute fell to a knee as she did a superkick that knocked him onto his back.
Sunset spat as it hit Savage in the face, who got up from the disrespect the teen showed him. He was enraged as he charged ahead, to which Sunset leaped over him and landed. Savage turned around as Sunset swept him from under his legs as he fell. The girl then leaped onto him and began to deliver punches to his face as she was ruthless in her assault.
"That's enough!" stated Dooku as Sunset's fist was coming down on Savage for another attack.
The girl retracted her fist as she got off. The smirk on her face showed pride as she showed the brute where he belonged in terms of the power struggle.
"A little girl just dropped your Goliath ass!" said Sunset once again, spitting in the face of Savage.
"Are you up for the challenge of putting your hate to better use?" asked Dooku as he loomed over his apprentice and held out his lightsaber.
"Yes, Master," replied Savage as he grabbed his weapon and bowed before Dooku.
On Coruscant, Master Windu, Yoda, and Luna were in a room as they were discussing some things. Soon the door opened, and Obi-wan and Storm entered as they had been summoned by the trio.
"Master Yoda, you called for us?" said Obi-wan.
"Master Kenobi, show you something we must," stated the small Jedi Master.
"We have recovered surveillance footage of the massacre on Devaron," stated Windu.
Luna put the hologram device on a pedestal as the footage began to play. It showed Savage slaughtering the clones and droids; it then showed him fighting Master Halsey as it stopped just moments from when the Jedi was impaled by the brute's weapon. However, while watching the footage, Obi-wan's face dropped as a look of horror overcame the Jedi Master.
"Darth Maul alive? It can't be," said Kenobi as the terror in his voice could be heard.
"Who's that?" asked Storm as he had no clue who his friend was referring to.
"He's the one who killed my master on Naboo," replied Obi-wan, saying that brought a painful memory he hadn't experienced in over a decade.
"Qui-Gon," spoke Storm softly as he put the missing pieces together on the story his friend told him long ago about how a Sith Lord struck down his mentor during the Invasion of Naboo. "So... he's the one who struck down your mentor."
"Yes, but I don't understand. I killed him myself," stated Obi-wan as he disposed of the foe who killed his mentor as the Jedi Master thought for sure he couldn't survive the fatal blow he did to the Sith Lord back then.
"Correct you are, Obi-Wan. A creature of the same species he is, from Dathomir," said Yoda.
"Dathomir? The planet of the Witches? I was under the impression that Darth Maul's home world was Iridonia." stated Obi-wan.
"Dathomir is the planet where Maul was raised. Iridonia is where the rest of the males of the species dwell," said Windu.
"Travel to Dathomir, you must. Find the source of this threat you will," stated Yoda to the pair.
The pair went to go grab Anakin as this was a mission that was going to be tough.
"Be careful, Storm. You're not dealing with no ordinary Sith Lord, but a bloodthirsty beast," muttered Luna as she prayed that she'd see her student return safely.
Speaking of Savage, the Zabrak was outside at the temple's walkway entrance while doing another lesson with Dooku. Sunset was watching as she couldn't wait to see how Savage would fail this time.
"You must strengthen your connection with the Force, my apprentice. Feel its power within you," stated Dooku as he stood before Savage.
The Sith Lord closed his eyes and lifted his arms. The pedestals to their side began lifting up as they hovered in the air. All around, Savage was impressed by the power he saw in being able to lift so many at once. Dooku then released his hold as he placed them back into their position with a thud.
"Now, lift them," the Sith Lord instructed his apprentice.
Savage put his hands out as he tried to do what Dooku asked. The Zabrak grunted as he tried to lift the objects as they wobbled.
"Concentrate," stated Dooku.
Savage tried to focus as the objects slowly began to lift. Dooku and Sunset were leaning in to see what would happen when Savage reached his limit. He dropped the objects as he fell to a knee and panted heavily from how strained his mind was.
"What you ask is impossible," said Savage as he was out of breath.
"Impossible?" said Dooku to his apprentice. He then made a head gesture to Sunset as the girl walked forward.
"Watch and learn," scoffed the girl.
The girl closed as she took a deep breath. Sunset raised both her arms as the objects began to react to her. They were lifted from the ground as the girl concentrated and focused. Savage was stunned by seeing the teen who managed to lift the many objects at once and began to spin them rapidly. Sunset opened her eyes as a smirk came on her face; she then dropped the pedestals as she turned to address Savage.
"Punk-ass bitch!" growled Sunset to the Zabrak.
"The task is only impossible because you have deemed it so. You must connect with your hatred," said Dooku as Sunset showed him what he needed to do. The Sith Lord struck his hand out as Force Lightning came out and began to shock Savage, who screamed from the pain.
"Focus on your power building. Do not think of anyone or anything else," said Dooku as he sent out another lightning to Savage, who screamed even more before it stopped.
"That's it. Your anger is your strength," said Dooku as he could sense Savage's feelings while circling him.
"I hate you," said Savage as he shuddered while standing up.
"Good," stated Dooku before turning around and doing another Force Lightning to Savage, who fell to his hands and knees again.
Dooku turned up the voltage as Savage continued to scream in pain. Soon the Zabrak stood up as he had his hands out. The pedestals reacted to his anger as he managed to lift them up. He held them for a solid moment before dropping them as Dooku released the voltage and smiled.
"Beginner's luck," muttered Sunset at seeing Savage lift the objects.
"How does one defend against such power?" asked Savage as the lightning stopped and he breathed heavily.
"A wise master does not reveal all his secrets at once. In due time, my apprentice," stated Dooku as he walked off. Sunset did the same as she kept on smirking at Savage.
The Jedi were on a ship as they were heading for the planet Dathomir. The ship entered the atmosphere as they were heading toward the base of the village where Savage was from.
"There's the village," stated Anakin as he parked the ship near the village's entrance.
The trio got out as they entered the village.
"Be on guard. These men are ferocious warriors, and they will show no mercy," stated Obi-wan to his pals.
"Don't worry. I won't start anything," said Anakin.
The Jedi were shown walking as emerging from a hiding place; they saw the trio as they soon disappeared.
"Let me handle the negotiations," said Kenobi as they passed a building with some villagers.
The village leader gave the signal as the Zabrak next to him stood up and shouted. They all charged ahead as the ones on the roof of the building jumped down. The trio was now surrounded with weapons pointed at them as they turned on their lightsabers. A few tried attacking the Jedi, but they ducked and kicked them back.
"So much for not starting something," said Storm as he looked in Anakin's direction.
"Hey, don't look at me!" shouted the Jedi.
"Don't harm them," said Obi-wan to his friends as they ducked and dodged the attacks, all while countering.
"Don't tell us; tell them!" shouted Anakin as all they were doing was countering.
The Jedi Knight saw the village leader on top of a building as he leaped up. The village leader went for a punch; Anakin caught it and delivered his own punch. He then quickly went behind the Zabrak, holding him with his lightsaber to his throat.
"Back off!" shouted Anakin to the rest of the men.
The rest of the villagers who were fighting Obi-wan and Storm saw their leader in danger as they stood down. Soon everyone turned to look at the Jedi Knight.
"We are not here to fight you. We're here for information," stated Anakin.
"A man from your village murdered two Jedi. We need to know where he is," said Obi-wan as he and Storm turned off their lightsabers.
"What makes you think he is one of ours?" asked the village leader.
"The Jedi Council knows he's from this village. We have seen him," stated Kenobi.
"Mother Talzin should know of his whereabouts. One of her women took him as a mate," said the village leader.
"Mate?" said Storm as he looked at Obi-wan, who merely stroked his beard.
"I apologize for the intrusion then. Anakin, kindly release him, please," instructed Obi-wan to his student.
The Jedi Knight turned off his lightsaber and released the village leader as he gave a two-finger salute. He dropped down to his friends as all the other men kept a close eye on the Jedi leaving. They were about to attack them when their backs were turned.
"Stop! Let them go," instructed the village leader to the men.
"Who is this, Mother Talzin?" asked Anakin as they walked back to their ship.
"She's the leader of an ancient order of witches, the Nightsisters," answered Obi-wan.
"Great. Warrior-like men, witches... this place has all kinds of fun," said Storm as this was going to be another out-of-this-world adventure.
"I'm glad you both think so," said Kenobi to his pals.
They returned to their ship and headed toward Mother Talzin and her clan. Meanwhile, Dooku was beginning the next part of his plan for Savage's training.
"You have completed the first stages of your training, and I am sending you on an assignment to Toydaria. You will bring me King Katuunko alive. Kill all who might interfere." instructed the Sith Lord.
"Yes, my master. It will be done," said Savage as he entered the ship and took off.
"You're really taking a risk by not sending me with him," said Sunset from afar. The girl had been instructed to not go with Savage as a way to see if he could fulfill a mission by himself.
Back with the Jedi, they had arrived at the location of the Nightsisters as they docked their ship near a dense forest.
"I don't know much of Mother Talzin, but I don't expect to be welcome here," said Obi-wan to his pals as he got up.
"You never know. We tend to be popular with the ladies," snickered Anakin as he was referring to him and Storm as they did a high five.
"Too popular," said Obi-wan as he shook his head at his pals.
"Hey, it's not our fault girls like Jedi," said Storm as Anakin backed him up on that statement.
The trio exited the ship as the back of it opened, and a ramp extended. They walked down the ramp and began to walk forward. Moving in the background were some Nightsisters as they noticed the Jedi arriving as they stalked them from afar. Obi-wan put his arms out in front of his friends as he got them to halt.
"We've got company," stated the Jedi Master.
He looked, as did the Jedi Knights, as they saw a glimpse of some Nightsisters who slipped out of view. They all looked at one another as a whole squad appeared and surrounded the Jedi. Anakin was reaching for his weapon, but Obi-wan stopped him. Instead, the Jedi complied as they put their hands up as their lightsabers were taken from them.
"Jedi, come with us," said one of the Nightsisters as she led them with the others, keeping their weapons on the Jedi.
The trio was brought to the temple as they were led to a room. Inside was Mother Talzin, who sat at the head of the table as the Jedi took a seat on the side.
"Master Kenobi," said the witch as she knew who the Jedi Master was.
"Mother Talzin, thank you for your hospitality," stated the Jedi.
"I believe you have a question for me," asked Mother Talzin, who got up and walked around the table.
"Yes, you're right. We've had reports of a Dathomiri male on the loose. He's already killed two Jedi. Perhaps you know who he is?" asked Kenobi.
"Master Jedi, we have no control over the males. Our clan has been in exile for years," stated Mother Talzin.
"Don't play innocent with me, Mother. Everyone in the galaxy knows females are dominant on this planet. I do not believe anything happens here without your clan knowing about it." stated Obi-wan.
"To think that the Jedi collect their facts from mere rumors," said the witch as she walked behind the Jedi, examining each one of them.
"Rumors. You call two dead Jedi rumors?" shouted Anakin.
He stood up as Obi-wan grabbed his arm to keep his student from doing anything reckless. The Nightsisters had their weapons aimed at the Jedi, ready to strike. Anakin calmed down as Obi-wan began to speak.
"This thing, this animal, is extremely dangerous. If you have any information about his whereabouts, you must tell us," said Obi-wan to the witch as he planted his hands on the table.
The witch sat back in her chair and waved her hands in front of the crystal ball on the table. The object began to reveal some images as it showed the identity of who the Jedi were tracking.
"Savage. Savage Opress," stated the witch.
"Mother?" said Obi-wan.
"He is on Toydaria," answered the witch.
"Thank you," stated the Jedi Master as he and his friends ran, with Storm taking their weapons back from the Nightsisters.
Mother Talzin watched the Jedi leave as she had a small smile. Once the Jedi were gone, she was now in their base as she spoke with Ventress.
"The time has come, Sister. You must put your plot against Dooku into effect now."
"He isn't ready, Mother. He needs more training," stated Ventress as she had been kept in the loop of how Savage's apprenticeship was going with Dooku.
"He has to be ready. Together the two of you will be able to eliminate the Count. But you must act now. We cannot keep your new assassin a secret forever." said Mother Talzin as she felt now was the perfect opportunity to strike.
"I will have my revenge," stated Ventress.
"You will, Sister. You will," stated the witch as Ventress began to leave.
The planet Toydaria was shown as a ship approaching the landing pad. The guards noticed the ship as they began to investigate who was arriving. Out came Savage as he turned on his lightsabers and slashed at the guards. He grabbed one of the guards and flung him into the door. The Zabrak approached the door, putting his hands on it to see if it would open. He then turned on his lightsaber as he began to make an opening.
"Your Highness, there is an intruder at the door," said one of the Toydarian guards.
"Stop him!" ordered the king to his guards.
Some guards began to hover toward the door when it burst open and hit the guards. Savage rushed in as the guards fired at the brute as he used his lightsaber to dispose of them. He got on a platform as it lifted him to the king's throne.
"I will not be intimidated," said the Toydarian King as he pulled out his dagger.
Just then, the Jedi's ship was shown arriving as they landed with a thud and rushed out. The Toydarian swung his dagger as Savage cut the blade off with his lightsaber. He then tried to fly away as the brute grabbed his leg to keep him in place. Savage then threw the Toydarian into the wall and knocked him out. Savage grabbed the Toydarian as he put him on his shoulder and was about to escape.
At that moment, running through the hole were the Jedi as they saw Savage.
"At last," stated Obi-wan as they all turned their lightsabers on, ready for a fight.
The trio ran to separate platforms as it began to lift them up. Before the Jedi could get to him, Savage jumped and landed on Obi-wan's platform as he began to fight the Jedi Master. The Jedi Master dodged and moved out of Savage's attacks as he blocked an upward slash. Obi-wan went for a slash as Savage jumped to avoid as the Jedi Master flipped to another hovering platform.
Storm and Anakin used their combined Force power to throw one of the platforms into the one Savage was on as he lost his balance. The King awoke as he slipped from Savage's grip and flew upwards. The Jedi took that moment to jump and dogpile onto Savage as they tried to use their combined strength to hold him down.
The King was looking to escape as Savage put his free arm out and put the King in a hold as he started to choke. Savage used his arm to punch each Jedi off of him to give him a chance; as he twisted his fingers ever slightly, a crack sound was heard with the King falling to the floor.
Savage then threw the Jedi off his back as Anakin held onto a platform's ledge, with Obi-wan grabbing his student's leg and Storm holding onto Obi-wan's. Savage then hopped onto their platform and put his foot on Anakin's hand as he made them all fall to the floor. He then slammed on the hovering platform as it came crashing down on the Jedi, trapping them under the rubble.
The Sith warrior then jumped to the floor and began to drag the dead King's body with him. He made it to his ship, where he tossed the body inside as he looked at the Jedi's ship. He concentrated and thrust his arm out as he managed to push their ship off the edge.
The Jedi managed to push the stuff off of them as they popped out and ran with their lightsabers turned on. They made it outside as they didn't see Savage in sight. They noticed smoke coming from below the platform as they made it to the edge and saw the destroyed remains of their shuttle.
"I guess that's what's left of our ship," stated Anakin as they turned their lightsabers off.
"We'll borrow one from the Toydarians," stated Obi-wan as he pointed to another platform. The trio raced toward it as some nearby Toydarians were shown with the Jedi talking to them.
Savage's ship was heading toward Dooku's Separatist frigate. Dooku was awaiting in his cabin as Sunset had been instructed to remain at the castle and await for them to return. The door opened as Savage tossed the body of the dead Toydarian King at his feet.
You ignorant beast. I told you I wanted him alive!" shouted Dooku in anger. The Sith Lord then stuck his hand out as he Force Lightning Savage for failing to listen.
"Forgive me, my master," groaned Savage as he fell to his knees and pleaded with Dooku for mercy.
"That is not the way of the dark side," growled Dooku as he went back to torturing his apprentice as Savage let out some more painful cries.
The doors opened to the cabin as a shadow loomed over Savage.
"Ventress," said Dooku in shock as he stopped the lightning. The Sith Lord was in disbelief at seeing his former apprentice alive as he thought she was dead.
"That's no way to treat your apprentice. I should know," sniggered Ventress.
"Savage, you can make amends for your mistake by destroying this witch," demanded Dooku as Ventress laughed.
"I don't think that will be happening, will it, Savage? Remember where your true loyalties lie," said Ventress as she touched his forehead and put him under her control.
"With you, Mistress," stated Savage.
The pair turned on their lightsabers as Dooku did the same. At the same time, the Jedi were in one of the ships they borrowed from the Toydarians as they were looking to find Savage.
"Look. A separatist dreadnought. The king's murderer must have fled there," said Anakin as he looked at the scanner and window.
"Dooku sent his assassin to exact his revenge on the Toydarians," stated Obi-wan.
"We'll make him pay for it!" responded Storm.
The ship entered the dreadnought's hangar as they docked. The trio got out and ran to the door as it opened to some droids who were about to open it.
"Halt! You are now pri..."
The Jedi didn't let the droid finish talking as they swung their lightsabers and chopped them down. They ran past them as they began to search the ship for Dooku and his forces.
Meanwhile, Ventress was fighting Dooku as she wanted her revenge. The woman swung her blades forward as the Sith Lord backstepped before blocking her next set of attacks. He dragged the blades downward so that he could kick Ventress away. Savage was shown rushing from behind the Sith Lord as he moved just in time to avoid a downward slash.
Ventress soon recovered as she swung at Dooku; he blocked that while swatting away Savage's attack. He clashed with Ventress again as Savage charged, but the Sith Lord barely got out of the way. Dooku was between the two assassins as he clashed with Ventress again; the Sith Lord managed to kick Ventress back to the floor as Savage leaped into the air to bring his lightsaber down on the Sith Lord, but Dooku moved to the side. He then ducked to avoid Savage's next quick swing, but Savage managed to disarm Dooku as his lightsaber flew.
"Finish him now!" ordered Ventress as Dooku was on the floor.
Savage went to bring his lightsaber down on the Sith Lord, but Dooku got to his knees and put his hands out as Force Lightning shocked Savage. It stopped the brute in his tracks as he was sent flying into the wall. Dooku put his hand out to grab his lightsaber, but Ventress did the same as she was quicker and kept the Sith Lord from getting his weapon.
Ventress then ran along the walls as she tried to slash at her former mentor, who ducked and began to move out of the way of her next series of attacks. Savage recovered and tried to charge at Dooku as he and Ventress stepped back. The brute turned around as Dooku once again shocked him into dropping Savage to his knees.
Ventress went for an attack as Dooku leaped over her and appeared right behind her. The Sith Lord stuck his hand out as his weapon flew into his hand and turned just in time to block an attack by Ventress. The Sith Lord was now holding off Ventress as Savage recovered to attack. Dooku neutralized the Zabrak using his Force Lightning as he managed to hold his own in the handicap fight.
"Get up. We must defeat him. Get up!" shouted Ventress as she and Dooku had their blades clash in place.
Savage got to his feet as Dooku pushed Ventress back a few feet while the Sith Lord stuck his hand out. He again used his lightning powers to make the Zabrak drop to his knees as he winced in pain.
"Kill him. Kill him, you fool!" yelled Ventress to Savage.
"Ahh! I can't. He's too powerful," groaned Savage in pain.
"Your weakness will not be my downfall," stated Ventress as she wanted to get her revenge.
"A failed apprentice makes for a foolish master," declared Dooku as he was about to overpower Ventress.
Savage, at the moment, was filled with rage. He stood up with his arms out as he grabbed hold of Dooku and Ventress. He lifted both into the air as they were clutching their throats.
"Savage, no!" stated Ventress as the male acted of his free will.
The pair were thrown into the wall as Savage charged at them, both moving out of the way. It was now a three-way battle as Savage was looking to kill them. They were thrust back into another wall with the brute charging at them. Dooku stuck his hand out to do another Force Lightning as Ventress pushed him back as Savage went flying. Dooku made another lightning attack as Ventress blocked it with one of her lightsabers.
Dooku made it to the escape hatch in the middle of the room as he dropped down, with Ventress following him. Savage was too late to get in as the hatch closed; just then, the doors opened as in came the Jedi.
"Stay on guard, guys," said Storm as they all had their lightsabers out and were slowly approaching Savage.
"We'll take him together," ordered Kenobi to his pals.
"Right," stated Anakin as he was willing to listen to his master about working as a team to take down Savage, given they were facing someone like an end-of-level boss.
Savage saw the trio as he charged at them and let out a cry. The next image saw the trio flung out of the cabin and colliding with the wall. They quickly stood up and turned back on their lightsabers. Dooku was shown down in the level below them as he thought he could get away. However, he wasn't alone.
"Leaving so soon, Master?" said Ventress.
"You are no match for me without the aid of your monster," stated Dooku as he turned his back to her.
"Hmm, that remains to be seen," stated Ventress.
"As you wish," declared Dooku.
Ventress then ran toward him as she leaped into the air, trying to go for Dooku's head as he ducked down.
He went for an attack while ducking and missed Ventress as she landed in front of him. Upon landing, she began to attack as Dooku blocked her strikes. Back with the Jedi, they were fighting Savage in a narrow corridor as despite having the numbers game, the Zabrak was pushing the trio back. Savage blocked all three lightsabers with his dual-bladed and pushed them back into some nearby droids who were guarding.
Anakin and Storm simply grabbed the droids and threw them into Savage as sacrificial sheep. To which the Zabrak just smashed their heads in before tossing the body into the wall behind him. They moved along the hallway with Dooku and Ventress as they continued their fight. Ventress flipped off a wall to attack, but Dooku blocked it. He then thrust his hand out as he sent Ventress into the wall.
The Sith Lord still had her in his grasp as he brought his arms down to control Ventress' arms and make her drop her lightsabers. Dooku then shot another lightning attack as Ventress cried in pain before leaning against a gas pipe.
"Time to end this once and for all," declared Dooku as he brought his blade at Ventress' face and looked to end her.
Dooku was bringing his blade down as Ventress used her hands and the Force to move the blade inches from her face and impale the gas pipe next to her. Steam shot out and hit Dooku in the face as the Sith Lord backed up and winced in pain. Ventress ducked underneath the gas leak as she kept low to the ground and pulled her lightsabers to her hand. She slipped into an escape hatch on the floor as it closed, with Dooku being a few seconds behind to stop her. Ventress made it to an escape pod as she ejected herself; she saw the frigate as she leaned back and sighed relief.
In the hangar, multiple droids were present.
"Commander, Savage Opress is a traitor. Destroy him," said Dooku to the commando droid.
"Roger, roger."
At that moment, the door opened. There was Savage still fighting against the trio. The Zabrak held back all three blades as he pushed them back. Obi-wan spun as he saw the droids, and they began to fire. The Jedi began to block them, as did Savage, with the Jedi slowly moving to the side as the droids turned all their attention to the large brute.
"They're not after us. They're attacking that monster," said Anakin as they cut down a few droids in their path.
"Well, I ain't complaining!" shouted Storm as he was glad the droids were shooting at someone else for a change.
The droids managed to surround Savage as they kept on firing. The Zabrak was using his dual-bladed and spinning it to block shots. A few blaster shots hit Savage, but it didn't do much due to his armor. But soon, they began to pile on as he stumbled in place while being shot. Savage released a painful scream as he struck the ground and used the Force to make everyone fall to the floor, even the Jedi.
Savage then got on his ship as it zoomed out of the hangar and into space.
"You're not supposed to be here. Hey!" said a droid as he saw the Jedi and was cut down by Anakin.
Soon the rest of the droids turned their attention and fired at the trio.
"Great, they're back to shooting at us," stated Storm.
"No sense in hanging around here," said Anakin.
"My thoughts exactly," replied Obi-wan.
The trio made their way to their ship while blocking some blaster shots. They started their ship and took off as they escaped from the Separatist ship. With Savage, he was approaching Dathormir, as he was shown in the Nightsister's base while clutching his side. He entered the room where Mother Talzin was.
"You have come home to us," said the witch as Savage fell to the floor.
"I was betrayed by Ventress. The Jedi are after me. I'm not nearly strong enough to defeat them all." said Savage as he was sat up by the witch.
"Calm yourself. You will be," stated Mother Talzin as she helped him up.
"I don't understand. Who will teach me?" asked Savage.
"You have a brother," stated Mother Talzin as she pointed to her crystal ball
"A brother? But all of my kin were killed," said Savage as he stared at the crystal ball.
"Not all of them. He lives in the Outer Rim in exile. You will find him. He will teach you everything you need to learn to become even more powerful." said Mother Talzin as an image of someone's face was shown.
"My brother... How... how will I find him?" asked Savage to Mother Talzin.
"This talisman has been imbued with the power of our clan. It will be your compass," said Mother Talzin as she put the charm around Savage's neck. "You have an important destiny to fulfill, Savage Opress... you and your brother. Go. You will know where to find him."
Savage turned his hand out as his weapon came into his hand.
I will return, Mother," stated Savage as he left.
Mother Talzin smiled as she turned to look back at the crystal ball. The image was shown, but it wasn't just any image. The image that Savage and the witch referred to was someone from Obi-wan's past.
Upon returning to his castle, Dooku was in his office as he was thinking about all that had gone down.
"Knew you couldn't trust those hags!" said Sunset as she was also in the room. "So you lost another apprentice in record time. If you're gonna take someone under your wing, make sure they can get the job done correctly."
"It seems you're rather correct. I need a capable apprentice. Someone who knows what it takes to embrace the dark side of the Force. Someone who hungers for revenge." said Dooku as he got up and walked toward the teen.
Sunset merely looked at the Sith Lord as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"Do you want revenge on your old master?" asked Dooku.
"More than anything," responded Sunset.
"Then, under my tutelage, you shall have it," said the Sith Lord.
"You mean..." spoke Sunset.
"You are now my secret apprentice," stated Dooku to Sunset as that got the girl to be shocked.
"Thank you, Master," said Sunset as she bowed before Dooku with the Sith Lord bestowing the honor upon the girl. "I promise I will not disappoint you."
Dooku stood before the girl as he smiled; Sunset had the biggest and most wicked smile as her quest for revenge came true. The darkness inside Sunset had now evolved; the girl stood up and thrust her hand out as lightning came out from her fingers and shocked some nearby droids as they exploded. With her newfound powers, the girl was letting out a sinister cackle as she couldn't wait to make her foes suffer.
At the same time, two individuals were sent a message by the Force.
"Sunset!" said both Storm and Celestia at the same time.
The Jedi Master was on Coruscant as she was looking out of a window. The sun was moments from setting as it left, and darkness soon only remained.
Author's Note: Tons of surprises. And the biggest one being is that Sunset has now fully embraced her dark side. As most of you know, that when Sunset turns on her villian switch, she becomes a dangerous villain. She's not so much the seductive, flirty girl as she's now become Dooku's apprentice. And it seems the darkness surrounding her has not only given her new powers, but she's embraced being a Sith Lord. And it seems a certain someone has felt her change, which means her quest for revenge is slowly becoming more real by the second. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts on the chapter.