Sorgan - Outer Rim Territories
3rd person POV...
Alec Slavin looks ahead in a mixture of shock and slowing increasing horror, unable to believe what he's seeing. His Padawan, Lilian Palri, trembles anxiously by his side in worry and no small amount of fear.
Standing before the two Jedi is a fearsome zabrak warrior with red skin and black tattoos, dressed in all black robes and wielding a crimson lightsaber. At the dark warrior's feet is the slain body of their comrade, Temmin Buddim, a slash mark across his chest.
"It cannot be..." Alec whispers.
The dark warrior stares back at him silently, bloodshot yellow eyes gleaming with malice.
Strengthening his resolve Alec straightens up with a stern glare, refusing to back down. Sith or not, he is only one warrior. And Jedi are never alone.
From all around the master and apprentice the rest of the scout team emerges to stand with them.
Jedi Knight Finterr Scapet flips off a nearby ledge for a graceful landing in front of them. Jedi Master Devron Kolvar, one of the finest Jedi Battlemaster's in recent years, leapt forward to stand beside Padawan Palri and glares at the dark warrior with fierce intensity. Following him was Jedi Knight Adora Ti who ignites her green lightsaber and the other two do the same.
Smirking in anticipation the Sith warrior turns to face his opponents without fear and ignites the second blade of his saberstaff.
Adora grips her blade tighter in unease, sensing the darkness emanating from the enemy.
"We shouldn't have come here," she says.
"We must inform the Council!" Devron advises.
"There is no time, we have to deal with it ourselves," Alec states grimly. "Everyone focus! Don't let him get away."
The Sith silently observes the assembled group of Jedi, taking note of each stance and attitude.
"Stay close to me," Alec murmurs to Lilian, who nods anxiously.
The brief interaction doesn't go unnoticed by the Sith warrior and his gaze narrows in on the master and apprentice. He grins, practically smelling her fear. She is the weak link.
Jedi Temple - Coruscant
While in the middle of her meditation a young Jedi Master, Shaak Ti, opens her eyes with a quiet gasp, feeling a dreadful aching in her soul. Something terrible has happened.
The bond she shares with her twin sister, Adora, has been cut.
Sorgan - Outer Rim Territories
Lilian Palri stumbles while running through the forest, desperate to find their ship, desperate to get away from the horrors behind her. Fear drives her onward while grief and despair hamper her stride.
Her master... everyone that came to this planet with her... they're all dead! DEAD! All because of that dark warrior.
Surely she must be dreaming, right? Surely this is a nightmare. The Sith are extinct! And even if not, surely not even a Sith can best an entire team of skilled and powerful Jedi Knights and Masters!
And yet that's what happened. And she is all alone.
Lilian stumbles once more, this time tripping over her feet and face planting on the sandy ground. She groans weakly and drearily lifts her head up, having not even noticed she's enter a large field hidden within the great expanse of forest.
Pushing herself back to her feet and taking in her surroundings, Lilian spots a large structure up ahead. She frowns, observing what looks to be a fortress made of stone. Whatever it is, it must have people there. Maybe she can find help! Maybe she can send a distress message to the Jedi Council! Or if none of those, at the very least she'll have a place to hide. She begins trekking in the direction of the mysterious structure, panting heavily in exhaustion.
A looming shadow in the Force halts Lilian in her tracks and she trembles with fear. She can sense him, the Shadow, standing behind her.
Watching.
Waiting.
She wants to cry out at the universe in anger. Hasn't she suffered enough already? She has lost everything! Now she has to wait in fear as this monster tauntingly stalks her before killing her?! NO! NO MORE!
Lilian grits her teeth, practically snarling in anger at the thought of this demon mocking her to her grave. She wants to kill him, needs to kill him. She needs to make him pay for taking everything from her. Brimming with fury, Lilian turns around and faces off against her hated adversary.
The Sith narrows his eyes at the Padawan, surprised by her resilience and determination. However, a faint smile quickly spreads across his face at this new challenge, who he will eagerly oblige with a duel.
The Shadow ignites his lightsaber and she follows suit, wielding her fallen master's green blade and standing strong with rage. The Shadow starts to pace around her, analyzing her stance and sensing her raging emotions through the Force. Her eyes never leave his, not even blinking, as she stares him down. After a long while Lilian's rage peaks and she growls under her throat before charging at her adversary.
The Sith waits as she comes to him, letting her make the first strike.
Jedi Temple dormitory, Jedi Temple - Coruscant
The frightened youngling wakes up in the middle of the night with a quick gasp and pulls his blankets closer to himself.
Jarik whimpers quietly to himself, having seen yet again the monstrous Shadow in his dreams. It was just like the one he had before; a young girl fighting against the monster, trying and failing to overcome him, and then being slaughtered in cold blood.
As were the rest of the Jedi.
Sorgan - Outer Rim Territories
The Sith assassin stood quietly over the slain body of the Padawan, Lilian Palri, whom he had just killed. He completed his task, leaving no survivors, and yet he can't help but feel that her death was a waste. She had rage, power, which was merely untapped. He could've been the one to teach her, to guide her on that path. The ultimate path in the Force.
But that is not what his master had wished for. And he knows far better than to go against the designs of his master, especially when he was watching. The probe droid continues to hover silently behind him as he gazes down at the young Padawan's corpse, waiting for his master's next instructions.
"You have done well, my apprentice. The Force is strong with you," his master's voice declares softly. "I have led these Jedi here for you. And every kill has made you stronger. No mercy, no compassion, limits you!"
The Sith apprentice takes every word in silently, pleased at the compliments and acknowledgment, pleased at his own growing prowess.
"You are truly powerful..." his master continues with a smile. "Darth Maul, your training is complete. This is the beginning of the end for all Jedi."
Darth Maul lifts up his head at that statement with conviction, his previous thoughts about the Padawan now forgotten. This is only the first look step in the quest to victory.
From now on, everything will change. Everything will lead into his master's grand design. Everything will lead to his eventual and ultimate ascent.
"Yes, my Master," Darth Maul whispers proudly.
THREE DAYS LATER...
High Council Chamber, Jedi Temple - Coruscant
The Jedi High Council had all convened following the latest revelation, something which had not occurred for a long time in recent history. The scout team they had dispatched to investigate the strange signal originating from the Outer Rim had failed to report back to the Order. None of them were answering calls made to their communicators. They had effectively vanished, and that was not good.
"I suggest we send out another scout team. I am willing to lead," Master Plo Koon declares.
"That would be a reckless move, I fear," Ki-Adi disagrees. "Without knowing the cause behind their disappearance, we risk the same fate befalling others."
"Surely we must do something," Depa Billaba argues.
"I do not disagree," he says in reply. "I am merely stating the danger. We must be cautious."
"Do the authorities in the local region have any insight?" Yaddle inquires.
"Sorgan is a lawless world. The only authority there are Klatoonian pirates," Even Piell states grimly. "We will find no help from there."
"Nor would they be capable of something like this," Mace adds with a troubled frown.
"What if our fears our unfounded? Are we absolutely certain anything ill has come upon them at all?" Oppo Rancisis questions. "There could be any number of reasons for their silence."
Master Yoda's frown deepens and he lets out a heavy sigh.
"Felt through the Force, a disturbance has been," he informs the Council. "Confirmation of Adora Ti's death, we have, through her twin sister, Master Shaak Ti."
Mace nods his head in response to Yoda's statement.
"Perhaps she was the only one who fell. But if the others were aware of this they would not have failed to report it," he explains grimly. "Whatever struck at Adora, struck at them all."
"But to overcome an entire team of six, let alone Master Kolvar..." Eeth Koth says in astonishment, shaking his head. "Who would be capable of such an act?"
An unseen shadow seems to pass over the entire Jedi Council as their minds all come to the same logical conclusion regarding just what type of being would be capable of killing six Jedi in combat. The main problem is that their conclusion is just as illogical, perhaps even more so.
"I am sure we all are of the same mind in our line of thought," Yarael Poof remarks. "The question we must answer is if it is indeed true."
"The Sith have been extinct for a thousand years. Their teachings were all but erased from the galaxy," Saesee Tiin shakes his head. "If it is indeed a rogue Force wielder, they must have come from elsewhere."
"I agree with Master Tiin," Ki-Adi says. "It is likely that the culprit is a skilled Force wielder, but ultimately it still could be anyone."
"There is no shortage of beings in the galaxy beyond the Sith who are capable of combating Jedi," Oppo adds in agreement.
"But against six at once?" Plo interjects skeptically. "I am not fond of it either, but I feel it is only wise that we consider the possibility of a Sith."
He takes a moment before continuing, letting out a heavy sigh.
"If you remember, Qui-Gon has not been shy over his suspicions regarding the one responsible for the events that led him to find Jarik Shan," he explains. "Given the nature of these two incidents, I believe there is a likely correlation."
"And you believe Qui-Gon's suspicions about it being a Sith?" Yaddle asks cautiously.
"I have no reason to believe that this is the work of a Sith," Plo responds firmly. "But I also have no reason to discount that possibility."
"But we know for a fact that the Sith are extinct," Ki-Adi argues.
"Their ancient teachings and knowledge, certainly. But their philosophy is another matter," he counters.
"Regardless of whether or not the Sith are responsible," Depa interjects. "We can at least agree that we must do something about this tragedy, yes?"
"Agreed," Mace nods. "Risky as it may be, the best way to find answers is to search their last known location. Master Plo will take charge of this issue. All in favor?"
Though there is some reluctance in a few of the Council members the vote is unanimous as everyone raises their hand in support.
"Then it is settled," Mace concludes.
"May the Force be with us," Master Yoda says.
Jedi Temple refectory, Jedi Temple - Coruscant
Something that the very young Jedi initiates have just started on in addition to their basic language and comprehension classes is a time of meditation on the Three Pillars―the core tenets of the Jedi Order. They don't understand very much of their significance just yet, only that it is an important bit of doctrine that they must learn to know by heart.
Under Master Irris's instruction the Akul clan began their first meditation on the Three Pillars early in the morning and she challenged them to ponder what the pillars―namely the Force, Knowledge, and Self-Discipline―meant to them, and what they understood about them. Rylla took the instruction to heart in her desire to learn while the rest held their own confusion and uncertainty of how to go about such a task: the oldest among them is barely four years of age, after all.
However, young Jarik found himself struggling immensely during his meditation. Having been plagued by nightmares of the Shadow for the last several days he was absolutely exhausted, yet he's been too frightened to ever fall asleep at night. Master Irris is seriously contemplating taking him to the Halls of Healing for a diagnosis to try and find a solution to the problem.
Following their meditation the clan made their way to the refectory, the main dining hall for the Temple, to have breakfast. Jarik sat somewhat more separate and closed off from the others, hardly touching his food. His fellow clanmates found themselves at a loss of how to handle the challenging situation.
"Uhh... your bunn is getting cold," Weron tells Jarik.
"What?" the young human replies, confused before looking at his food. "Oh, yeah... not hungry..."
Jarik prods at the bunn and eggs on his plate using his fork, jabbing it aimlessly from time to time while the rest of the younglings watched with varying reactions, ranging from baffled to concerned.
"Why're you stabbing it?" Kurhran frowns.
He merely shrugs in reply, continuing to do so.
"Jarik, you haven't eaten anything!" Ahsoka exclaims.
"Not hungry," he once again mumbles as a response.
Ahsoka groans in frustration while Rylla slowly stuffs her worried-looking face with blue buttermilk pancakes. Vifi mumbles quietly but doesn't say anything out loud for the others to hear.
From across the refectory hall Xudi stood near one of the many columns and observed the interaction between her young students, a troubled from on her face over Jarik's behavior. She may very well need to bring Jarik to the Halls of Healing after all, if he won't even eat. Entering the room nearby is Qui-Gon and he makes her way over to Xudi, who acknowledges him with a nod.
"I get the feeling my Padawan is getting exasperated with how often I've been visiting," the Jedi Master comments.
"I share his sentiment, then," Xudi replies, crossing her arms. "One would think you might be growing an attachment to this boy."
"Maybe so," Qui-Gon doesn't refute her. "But these are unique circumstances."
Xudi gives a quick nod in reply and hums in agreement.
"How is Shaak doing?" she then inquires.
"She seemed well enough, last I saw her. Saddened, of course, but she has not let it overwhelm her," he responds. "Master Plo will be taking her and many others on a search for the lost team."
"I hope they will find answers to this," Xudi sighs, shaking her head. "I can't recall such a thing happening before; not in my lifetime, at least."
"Likewise," Qui-Gon agrees. "But I fear our adversary will have taken steps to unsure their actions remain hidden."
Xudi spares Qui-Gon a wary glance, catching the implication being made.
"You suspect it is Jarik's would-be-abductor?" she questions carefully.
"It is possible that it is pure coincidence," he admits. "But my senses tell me otherwise. There is something that we are missing."
Xudi takes in his words with a slow nod, still skeptical but finding no reason to refute his argument.
"Until then, I shall do my best to see Jarik's attitude change," she sighs.
Qui-Gon contemplates what he knows about the struggles coming about with Jarik's reoccuring nightmares, not finding it a favorable situation either.
"Is is alright if I take him somewhere for a short while?" he then asks her. "No more than an hour at most, I assure you."
Xudi frowns but concedes to his request with a nod.
"If you think you can help him in someway, I would be glad for the assistance," she tells him. "If nothing improves my next solution is taking him to the medical wing to see if they have a way to treat this."
"That is reasonable," he acknowledges. "Thank you for permitting me."
Xudi gestures him towards the younglings and Qui-Gon makes his way over to them. The younglings conversation has since shifted a bit with Weron and Kurhran now taking charge with a bit of a debate going on regarding what breakfast food is the best. Vifi offered some of her own suggestions every so often, typically switching her support between Weron's side or Kurhran's side over and over as a means of subtly provoking their arguments, the other two girls chiming in with their own thoughts whereas Jarik remained silent. Qui-Gon readily makes his presence known to them upon reaching the table, bringing a pause to the discussion.
"Hello, my young friends," he greets.
"Hello Master!" the younglings quickly respond, even Jarik.
"I take it your morning has been good so far?" Qui-Gon asks.
"Sure," Ahsoka answers.
"I loved the meditation!" Rylla chirps.
"Oh joy," Vifi says in reply.
"That is good to hear," Qui-Gon smiles in response. "I'm sure you will have classes to get to very soon, but would it be alright if I borrow Jarik for a moment?"
Jarik blinks in surprise and looks up at him. The other younglings all look at Jarik and then Qui-Gon in confusion and curiosity.
"Me?" Jarik asks meekly. "What for?"
"Given everything that you've been struggling with, I would like to show you something that might help," he tells him.
Jarik shrinks inward slightly out of nervousness, but he musters enough courage to give a faint nod, trusting Qui-Gon. He slips off the bench and then quietly moves after the Jedi Master whilst Qui-Gon holds out a gentle guiding hand behind him.
"Master, where are we going?" Jarik asks curiously.
"To the training grounds of the Temple," Qui-Gon answers. "There's something there I think you should see."
Jarik nods his head with a quiet hum in response, nibbling on his finger as he waddles after the Jedi Master. Soon enough they're entering a large exterior courtyard, permitting a view of the clear blue sky. At the opposite end of the courtyard down a gradual slope of steps stands the only living addition to the space.
"Woah…" Jarik widens his eyes at the sight.
A great uneti tree stands before the two. A multitude of thick branches with gleaming leaves and flowering buds all stem from a wide base. The tree itself isn't incredibly tall, but it portrays a unique sense of majesty and wisdom with its age and beauty. The leaves flutter and the branches sway as a gust of wind blows through.
"Incredible, isn't it?" Qui-Gon asks.
"Yeah…" Jarik nods with a smile, running up to the tree's base. "Does it grow from rock?"
"No, not from the rock," he replies with a faint chuckle. "From the soil it is planted in."
"Cool!" Jarik chirps in awe.
Qui-Gon moves up beside the youngling himself to observe the tree.
"I felt the same way when I was your age. Coruscant is where I was born, so for much of my childhood I had never seen a real tree," he tells him.
"Never?" the youngling asks sadly.
"Never. Except for this one," Qui-Gon states. "My master would bring me here often. The leaves, especially during the autumn season, were a sight to behold."
"Yeah," Jarik nods before frowning. "But… why's it like that?"
"The Force, Jarik," he explains. "It exists in every living thing. It is never stronger than where you will find an abundance of life."
"Woah..." the boy murmurs in wonder.
Qui-Gon places a hand on the boy's shoulder and kneels down on one knee in front of him.
"I share this with you because I want you to come here often," the Jedi Master advises. "If you are ever scared, lost, or experience a nightmare, come to this tree. Connect with the Force here, and I can promise you will find peace."
Jarik nods his head quickly, a shimmer of joy and delight entering his eyes again.
"I will!" he promises readily.
Senate Office Building - Coruscant
Strewn about Senator Palpatine's office is a number of datapads all displaying information that he's currently sifting through. The expression on his face shows that he is less than pleased: rather irritated in fact. But it is necessary, important work.
There can be no error in the details. No mistake is too small, lest suspicion be cast upon him.
A transmission request beeping on his desk interrupts the Nabooian Senator from his work and he looks over to see the caller ID, and his frown depends even more.
Nevertheless, he sets aside his work load and stands up from his seat, ensuring his office is locked and that all recording devices were shut off. Once he's satisfied he presses a button to accept the transmission and then kneels down to one knee with his head bowed as a holographic image of a hooded Munn's head appears in front of him, gazing down at him with gleaming yellow eyes.
"Lord Plagueis," Darth Sidious greets respectfully.
"Sidious, my old friend," Darth Plagueis responds jovially. "How fare your days in office? I sense you are most anxious."
"The days are long. Dealing with the trivial matters of these beings can be quite taxing," Sidious growls with contempt.
"Indeed," he nods in agreement. "Then you will be pleased to know that the time of your ascension has come."
Sidious pauses and lifts his head to look up at his master, his anticipation tempered by his caution.
"Of course, my Master. You are certain?" he inquires.
"The Jedi continue to question Shan's origins," Plagueis responds.
"Only one Jedi does," Sidious says dismissively.
"One too many," the Sith Master states coldly.
Sidious grits his teeth but hides his displeasure and frustration by bowing his head once more.
"I understand, Lord Plagueis," he acknowledges.
"Contact our dear associate," Plagueis instructs him. "I'm sure you know what to do."
"Of course, Master. I will do so at once," Sidious promises.
With the instructions given Darth Plagueis's hologram then vanishes. Darth Sidious looks back up and stands to his feet, a thin frown of cold fury, yet great purpose, leaking through the mask of Senator Sheev Palpatine. His master doesn't know just how right he is.
He will ascend.
Oh, how he will ascend.
Author's Note: Hello everyone! For those of you who may not be aware, the sequence at the start of the chapter with Maul comes from the YouTube fan-film, Darth Maul: Apprentice! Give it a watch if you haven't seen it before, it is really good!