Naruto: Maelstrom Part II
The Gentes Ruins
Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Wars
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Thanks everyone for their reviews and input. This is the first new chapter since the story was divided into parts I & II. Here is Chapter 4. Enjoy!
{ } Signifies an alien language
…
Last time:
Naruto was riding doubles on a borrowed resistance speeder bike with Natasi when they came upon a small pastoral village called Schell that had been a hiding place for the resistance. Naruto knew about it from his nerf-herding days. It was here that they found the source of the presence they felt.
The people of Schell were looking a bit confused when Naruto and Natasi came roaring into town. The whisker faced pair found a particular house that seemed to be the center of the village's distress and saw several people saying things like, "She's doing it again!" and "What are we going to do with her?"
The two Jedi saw an adorable little toddler with red-gold hair, fair skin and emerald green eyes. She was laughing and playing near a spring levitating and manipulating the water. "Ah, this little one! She's so cute!" said Natasi as she hopped off the speeder. "-And so strong in the Force!"
Naruto climbed off also was talking to the locals while his daughter played with the laughing baby girl.
"Her Father died in Mathilde City last year spying on Lott Dod's forces." said the child's caregiver. "She was born here in Schell but her Mother died of complications shortly after giving birth a year ago. The little girl is sweet as can be, but she has powers we don't understand."
They saw Natasi levitate water droplets and gently sprinkle the child making her laugh even more. "That girl can do it too!" said another villager.
Naruto said, "That baby girl is showing Jedi traits. Does she have any living family?" Seeing the locals shake their heads 'no' sadly, the blonde asked, "What is her name?"
The caregiver said, "The name her late Mother gave the child is Mara Jade…"
…
Chapter 4
Year 15 BBY
Core worlds, Planet Coruscant, Jedi Grand Temple, Jedi High Council Chambers
Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi was standing before the Jedi High Council with Shior Atlee. The Lethan Twi'lek was a powerful Force user, but could they trust her?
"Though I have my reservations, the Jedi Council has agreed that the Neo-Sith is too great of a threat to be ignored." said Mace Windu. "For that reason and that reason alone, we have agreed to grant you amnesty and secure your help Shior Atlee."
The Twi'lek woman bowed and said, "Thank you, Masters."
"Do not make the mistake of thinking we are naïve and that you can betray us." said Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. "Though I personally believe that you are repentant, you will be assigned to a Jedi Master that will deal out swift justice if you turn to darkness."
Shior gulped and asked, "Who is to be my Master?"
"Your Master will be the former Jedi General Aayla Secura." said Master Plo Koon. "Though she is only five years older than you, she is very experienced. You will find she has superb insights and is an excellent leader. Follow her example loyally and you may find yourself walking as a trusted Jedi Knight someday."
Seeing Shior nod in acceptance, Grandmaster Yoda said, "May the Force be with you, young Atlee."
…
Obi-wan led Shior down to meet her new Master, Aayla Secura. Shior asked, "Master Obi-wan, why did the Council choose Master Secura rather than someone else?"
He raised an eyebrow, "Do you have objections to Aayla Secura? I can assure you; she is more than competent Shior."
The Lethan Twi'lek shook her head. "I have no objections; I'm just surprised the Council picked a fellow Twi'lek…like my old Master."
The bearded Jedi Master smiled. "Perhaps Aayla will explain it someday…" he said mysteriously.
…
Outer Rim Territories, Centrality Sector, Planet Renatasia III, Dispersal Landing Field M-22
Jedi Master Naruto Uzumaki was saying farewell to Grissa and Cordo Roche along with his daughter Natasi. Natasi hugged her Mother and brother goodbye and said, "Until we meet again, may the Force be with you."
After everyone finished parting, Naruto led Natasi aboard the T-4a shuttle to join Ahsoka Tano in the cockpit. In the back of the shuttle in a force cage was Lott Dod who was restrained with manacles as well. The Neimoidian was complaining about all the mistreatment and his rights as a sentient being until Naruto put a sound dampener up so the three Jedi couldn't hear him whine anymore…
…
Ahsoka's eyebrow was twitching madly as Natasi was effortlessly destroying her at Sabacc. "Let me deal this time." said the Togruta.
"Sure thing." chirped Natasi as she handed over the deck of cards. "There is nothing like a few rounds of Sabacc to pass the time." Her blue eyes glinted with mischief. "You seem a bit stressed Master Ahsoka. You haven't won a single round."
"Oh, I'm sure it's just a fluke." said Ahsoka with a manic smile...
…And Naruto couldn't have been prouder. The blonde would have been playing cards with them himself but being the only one with real experience with children (read: Luke and Leia) it fell upon him to take care of little Mara Jade. "I foresee amazing things from you little one." said the Jedi Master. Mara giggled as the blonde played with her. "I hope you find great joy in the future."
…
Core worlds, Planet Coruscant, Jedi Grand Temple, Hanger Level
Days later, Master Mace Windu was waiting for Naruto's party when they landed at the Grand Temple with four Jedi Guardians. He glared at Lott Dod and said curtly, "Welcome back to Coruscant, former Senator Dod. The Republic Senate is eager to see you once again." He turned to the four Guardians and said, "Take him away."
After the crooked Neimoidian was led to a cell, Master Windu said in a much more congenial tone, "Welcome back Master Uzumaki, I see you brought back a little sunshine along with that dark cloud Dod."
The blonde nodded at the little girl he was holding. "All things in balance Master Windu. May I present Mara Jade. She shines so brightly in the Force. I believe she has the potential to become a great Jedi Knight someday."
Grandaster Yoda came strolling in and said, "Well you all have done liberating Renatasia…and this little gem you have brought back with you! Surely it was the will of the Force that you found her."
Ahsoka said, "Pong Krell-"
"Out of our reach he is for now young Ahsoka." replied the Grandmaster. "Hear your reports now, the Council will. Come young ones, much to discuss there is."
…
Jedi High Council Chambers
The High Council listened to the reports of all three Jedi and praised Ahsoka and Natasi for defeating someone as formidable as Pong Krell in a light saber duel. They also agreed that Krell had nothing to do with the Neo-Sith, at least at this point.
For the time being, Mara Jade was to be placed in the Jedi Creche under the Jedi Caretaker, Master Ruta who had the Uzumaki twins in her care during the day and had helped raise Naruto and Natasi when they were younglings.
…
Jedi Master Naruto Uzumaki's Quarters
The blonde was overjoyed to be welcomed home by his beautiful wife Padmé who greeted him with a passionate kiss. "Welcome home my love." she said with fire in her eyes. Padmé smiled and turned to Natasi before hugging her eldest daughter. "I see you kept your Daddy out of trouble Natasi. How is my girl?"
The lilac haired girl smiled brightly, "I'm glad to be home Mama, it was hard."
"Tell me about it." said the Senator. "I took the afternoon off when I heard you both were home."
Natasi said, "It turns out I have an older half-brother…"
Padmé listened to her daughter as she related what had happened on the mission with Grissa, Cordo and Pong Krell. Natasi confided in her Mama that meeting Grissa made her heart ache, but she would always think of Padmé first.
In the meantime, Naruto was playing with the twins when they were brought home. He knew Natasi needed to bond with Padmé right now and Leia and Luke needed their Daddy.
…It wasn't until later that night that Naruto and Padmé were able to give into their desire for each other and made love until dawn…
…
Naruto awoke to the sound of the twins getting into mischief first thing in the morning. Making a shadow clone, he said, "Go see what the little ones are up to. I'm worn out."
The clone said, "Wimp. You just don't want to get out of bed with Padmé."
"Just go." muttered Naruto as his shadow clone departed.
Padmé smiled sleepily. "It's always fun hearing you argue with yourself first thing in the morning."
…
Later that day, Anakin Skywalker and his wife Riyo Chuchi-Skywalker stopped in and Riyo exclaimed happily, "Ani and I are expecting! We are going to be parents!" The young Pantoran woman was practically glowing with happiness.
Padmé immediately congratulated the couple and Naruto followed suit.
Anakin was looking happy but overwhelmed. He said to Naruto, "I just can't believe it. I'm going to be a Father."
Naruto smiled and slapped Anakin on the back. "Welcome to my nightmare." he said evilly. "Remember all those times you laughed at me changing diapers? Now it's your turn! Ahahahaha!"
Skywalker looked terrified. "Maybe I can get Ahsoka to help…" he squeaked out uncertainly.
"Yeah, maybe Master Windu will help with diaper duty too." said Naruto sarcastically.
Padmé smiled and bumped hips with her husband. "Don't scare him too much Naruto. I'm sure you'll do just fine Anakin."
Anakin smiled weakly and said, "Thank you Padmé."
'That kid has no idea what he's getting into.' chimed in Kurama. 'Make sure to give him hell for it.'
'Oh, I plan to, Kurama.' replied the whiskered blonde with a grin. 'Anakin Skywalker will never know what hit him once that baby is born.'
…
Jedi Grand Temple
Obi-wan Kenobi laughed at his former apprentice. "Me? Raising an infant?! Hahaha! That's outside my area of expertise Anakin. You're on your own! Hahaha!"
'I really hope you end up marrying Duchess Satine Kryze, Master Obi-wan.' thought Anakin '…And have a dozen little Mandalorian kids!'
…
"Snips, Riyo and I are having a baby." said Anakin proudly to his former Padawan.
Ahsoka's eyes got huge. "Well, let's hope the baby takes after Riyo! She's a sweetheart. The Galaxy can only take one of you, Master!"
'Brat…' thought Skywalker.
…
"So, hoping for a girl or a boy?" asked Grandmaster Yoda.
"Riyo is hoping for a girl, but I'll be happy either way." replied Anakin.
"No chance of using chakra, thankfully…" muttered Yoda with a haunted look and a shiver.
'What has the Grandmaster so spooked?' wondered Riyo's husband.
…
Sparring Rooms
Barriss Offee's padawan Gungi was using his powerful Djem So light saber form to spar with his best friend Natasi Roche and her chaotic Kyuubi form. They were conversing in Shyrilwook as they circled each other. {"Anyway, Pong Krell was unbelievably tough! Having four arms gave him a huge advantage."} explained Natasi as she blocked a strong blow from Gungi and spun away from his follow up strike.
{"But you and Master Ahsoka prevailed by dividing his attention."} replied Gungi as he took a defensive stance to block Natasi's multiple strikes from different angles. {"I wish I could have been there to see it."}
{"I was so tired after the fight I had to lie on the ground for a bit."} said Natasi as she blade locked her furry friend.
Gungi sprang back. {"Sounds intense!"} he said excitedly.
A little while and much discussion later, they both deactivated their light sabers and bowed to each other. "Well done, both of you." praised Barriss. "You are both improving greatly. Master Naruto…?"
Naruto was meditating on the spar and cracked open one eye. "You both are getting better at sensing the ebb and flow of battle. But you still tend to exhaust yourselves. We need to train you both more in conservation of energy. Barriss is a master of that. Let's take a break."
The two tired Padawans sat down and drank some water to replenish themselves. Naruto said, "You've grown again Gungi. It won't be long before you tower over all of us."
Gungi laughed. {"I've still got a lot of growing to do. It is handy when I need to reach things up high though."}
…
Jedi Master Naruto Uzumaki's Quarters
Naruto was meditating on Lord Hoth's Holocron when he saw a vision of the Ugnaught*① people of Gentes. Scanning through the holocron for data he found the information he was looking for. "Shortly before the final Battle of Ruusan 1000 years ago, the Brotherhood of Darkness operated a Sith Academy on the world of Gentes that specialized in the training of Sith Warriors*② and Marauders*③." he thought aloud.
Looking up a more recent history, the blonde Jedi Master saw that during the Clone Wars, General Grievous conquered the planet Gentes by destroying the Ugnaught Administration Hub and rounded up many Ugnaughts as slaves. Then Grievous' forces herded many remaining Ugnaughts into a single, massive building which was blown up by turbolaser bombardment from orbit.
'Damn, the Ugnaughts suffered badly thanks to Grievous and the Clone Wars in general. It looks like Gentes is sparsely populated now.' thought Naruto. 'Who founded the Sith Academy on Gentes…?'
Naruto found an entry on an ancient Sith Lord from the Brotherhood of Darkness named Kopecz that he wasn't particularly familiar with other than being a dissenter among the Sith.
Natasi came in and asked, "Daddy, did you find something?"
Her Father nodded. "I'm afraid so. Look up a Sith Lord named Kopecz."
She quickly looked up the Jedi library entry on Kopecz and found a short history of him. Natasi read aloud, "Kopecz was a male Twi'lek Dark Lord of the Sith who lived during the final decades of the New Sith Wars. A former Jedi, Kopecz turned his back on the Jedi Order to join the ranks of the Sith, becoming one of the first members of Lord Skere Kaan 's Brotherhood of Darkness. He spent much of his time at the forefront of the Brotherhood's campaigns against the Galactic Republic, including the final battles both orbiting and on Ruusan."
Naruto added, "According to Lord Hoth's Holocron, as a Sith, Kopecz became well respected by his comrades for his practical nature and formidable skills, becoming a source of authority and mentor for others in the Sith ranks. He also came to be well regarded by those on the other side of the conflict. The Jedi Lord Hoth and Lord Valenthyne Farfalla both had a manner of respect for Kopecz …He also helped found the Sith Academy on Gentes in the Anoat System."
Natasi frowned. "On the Outer Rim…? You've found where the Academy is then?"
The blonde nodded. "I've got the place where it was anyway. Whether it still exists today is a matter of conjecture."
…
Jedi High Council Chambers
Jedi Master Plo Koon asked, "So using Lord Hoth's Holocron you've found the exact location of the ancient Sith Academy on Planet Gentes?"
"I have the grid coordinates of the Academy assuming it survived like the one on Ryloth did." replied Naruto.
Master Ki-Adi-Mundi was curious. "Do you foresee anything there, Master Uzumaki?"
The blonde shook his head, "No, but I didn't foresee anything about the Sith Academy on Ryloth either until I'd actually been there."
Mace Windu said, "I feel you and another experienced Master should scout it out. It is no place for your Padawan learner."
Naruto fidgeted. "I agree it would be best if Natasi stays behind given the possible dangers there. I would ask though, who will be her temporary Master?"
Grandmaster Yoda said, "Act in your place, young Ahsoka Tano will. A mutual respect those two have developed for each other."
Obi-wan Kenobi commented, "It will be a good opportunity for both of them to branch out and learn a bit."
Naruto slowly nodded in acceptance and asked, "Who will be joining me on the mission to Gentes then?"
The Kel Dor Master Plo Koon stood up and said, "With the Council's agreement, I will be joining you Master Uzumaki. I'm rather curious about this place…and your methods."
The blonde just sweat dropped…
…
Jedi Master Naruto Uzumaki's Quarters
Naruto was meditating on the Force with Natasi when his eyes clicked open suddenly, "I should have thought of it before. I need to see our Grandmother Zannah on Ambria."
"As in Darth Zannah?" asked Natasi in disbelief.
The blonde nodded. "She is family too. Besides, she hated the Brotherhood of Darkness with a passion. She told me her master Darth Bane said that 'The Brotherhood of Darkness was nothing but a twisted perversion of the Jedi Order, a dark parody of the very thing the Sith stood against.' She has much greater insights into the Sith than we will ever have. I wouldn't be surprised if she was willing to help me."
"What if she doesn't want to help you?" asked Natasi.
"Then she'll zap me with Force Lightning, and I'll run away screaming." replied the Jedi Master.
"Great. Just great." said the lilac haired girl with a sweat drop. "…I hope you live through this."
"Oh, ye of little faith." laughed Naruto.
…
Jedi Grand Temple, Hanger Level
Plo Koon was in a good mood. The wizened Jedi Master had always wondered what made young Uzumaki tick. The two hadn't worked together during the Clone Wars except in passing so he was looking forward to it. After Naruto bid his family farewell, the two Jedi Masters boarded a T-4a shuttle and soon were off.
"…I hope they stay out of trouble." said Natasi.
"I'm sure Master Plo Koon will guide them safely." replied Ahsoka.
Natasi burst into giggles. "You don't know my Daddy very well, do you?"
The Togruta sweat dropped, "Actually, I do…" 'Please stay safe Master Plo!'
…
Naruto's T-4a Shuttle
Plo Koon said, "Shall I lay in a course for the Outer Rim?"
The blonde said, "We're going to make a stop at the Inner Rim first. There's someone I need to talk to."
Master Plo asked in a puzzled tone, "Who might that be?"
Naruto punched in the coordinates, and they made the jump to light speed. "My Grandmother, Darth Zannah."
"Oh, dear." said the Kel Dor.
…
Inner Rim, Airon Sector, Planet Ambria
Darth Zannah was bored. Of course, being a dead Force Spirit was generally boring by definition. That's when she saw a ship land on the other side of the cliffs near her grave marker. She reached out with her senses and felt the presence of two Jedi Knights. Perhaps they were do-gooders she could destroy the minds of to entertain herself for a bit…
Then she sensed a twisted deviance that matched her own. She smiled wickedly and said, "Naruto…"
Master Plo Koon was less than thrilled to be on a corrupted world like Ambria. He was even less thrilled that Naruto had come with the sole purpose of meeting up with one of the most powerful Lords of the Sith that ever existed…dead or otherwise…
Truthfully, Zannah was delighted to see her grandson and how much more powerful he'd grown. She was curious as to why he was there though. She appeared standing on the rocks where Naruto and Master Plo Koon could see her. Her hood was up, and her glowing blue eyes sparked with power as she gave a fanged smile. "So, what brings you here Naruto?" she asked menacingly.
Naruto matched her smile and said, "I've come seeking knowledge about the Brotherhood of Darkness. A group of darksiders calling themselves the Neo-Sith seem to be following in their footsteps."
Darth Zannah snarled and said, "Bah! How pathetic! Just what will you do with this information?"
"I'll put a stop them of course." said Naruto to his Grandmother.
'That's my boy.' thought Zannah. "She pointed at Plo Koon. "What about the Kel Dor?"
Naruto laughed. "He's trying to figure me out."
"Just tell him your alignment is Chaotic Good and leave it at that." she said. "Come, we have much to talk about."
After the two blondes walked away to talk, Plo Koon thought, 'Chaotic Good eh? That actually makes sense…'
…
Zannah's Grave Marker
"So these Neo-Sith dug up the old Ryloth Sith Academy and tried to learn its secrets…" said Zannah. "They are bound to turn on each other you know."
"They already have." replied Naruto. "About two thirds of them went crazy and killed one another."
She nodded. "They can't control what they don't comprehend. It took centuries to develop that knowledge. It took years of study before I became a Sith Sorceress. They probably tried to learn it all overnight."
…Naruto talked to Zannah for a few hours before he bid her goodbye again. Returning to the ship he said to Master Plo, "The Neo-Sith will probably try to capture Jedi and convert them to their cause…like they did with Jiraiya and me. We need to stop them before they grow in numbers. If the Sith Academy on Gentes still exists, then we may have to destroy it to keep the corruption from spreading."
"Darth Zannah said this?" asked Plo Koon in disbelief.
The whiskered blonde replied, "The Sith Rule of Two was created to stop insanity like the Brotherhood of Darkness and the Neo-Sith. The true Sith want to destroy the Jedi and rule the Galaxy. They don't want to share the power with anyone else. It's as simple as that."
…
Outer Rim Territories, Greater Javin, Anoat Sector, Anoat System, Planet Gentes
Naruto and Plo Koon entered the Anoat System a few days after their detour to Ambria. They were reading the computer entry on the Ugnaught homeworld. "Gentes is the third planet in orbit around the star Anoat and has one moon, Belsus." said Plo Koon. "The surface is primarily covered in volcanoes and swamps. Sounds like you'll need a breath mask Naruo."
"It sounds like a regular vacation paradise." replied Naruto sardonically. "We're looking for grid coordinates N-173 in the northern hemisphere. There is a small Ugnaught Colony about twenty kilometers south of there called Nassus in the wastelands. We should probably land there."
…
Planet Gentes, Nassus Colony
The Jedi T-4a shuttle alighted on a seemingly abandoned landing platform east of Nassus which was nevertheless in a good state of repair. The two Jedi were looking about for locals when Naruto said through his breath mask, "We're being watched."
Plo Koon got out some macro binoculars and saw several Ugnaughts watching them at long range. The Kel Dor Master said, "You are correct Naruto. They seem wary of us."
Naruto amplified his voice using chakra and said, "Is there anyone around here that can do repairs? Our port engine is not running optimally." (Which was true. Naruto was meaning to check it himself).
Several Ugnaughts came out of their hiding places hearing that there was work to be done and that the visitors appeared to be friendly. The apparent leader of the locals said, "I am Peris. What are two travelers doing way out here?"
"We are Jedi Archaeologists searching for the remains of an old Sith structure north of here." said Naruto. If it still exists it could be a source of evil that needs to be sealed off."
The Ugnoughts muttered among themselves for a few moments and Peris said, "We know the place you speak of. We avoid that area because of the nightmares we get when we are near there. It is full of traps and pitfalls for the unwary."
Plo Koon looked at Naruto who nodded subtly. "That sounds like the place. Is there someone who could show us the way?"
A younger Ugnaught said, "I will lead you to the entrance. I am Korek."
"Thank you, Korek." said the blonde. "How may we pay you for your services?"
Korek said gravely, "Silence that place forever."
Plo Koon replied, "We will do our best of course."
…
The journey on foot was rather treacherous and took about two hours because of the winding path and dangerous terrain. They were up on a ridge and saw a large entrance in a cliffside with several crates and a camp of some sort set up there. No one was around but both Jedi Masters sensed great evil reeking from the place.
"Somebody is already here." said Naruto. "They seek to unlock this place instead of sealing it. Korek, this is as far as you go. I can't ask you to put yourself in further danger."
Korek asked, "Who are they?"
"They are dark side Force users." said the blonde. "They may be part of the Neo-Sith. Master Plo Koon and I will have to deal with them either way."
The Kel Dor Jedi Master turned to Korek and said, "Head back the way we came and inform your people of what we've seen. Tell them to keep away from this place."
The young Ugnaught nodded. "I will do as you say and tell the others. Be careful my friends."
…
Gentes Sith Academy Entrance
Two Neo-Sith guards came wandering out of the Sith Academy looking disgruntled. They wore black robes that looked similar to the garb that Jedi wore. "All it is, is a damned tomb Norgk! There's nothing here for us to gain." said a tall, lanky human to his Gamorrean*④ compatriot.
The Gamorrean snorted {"Master Hrissu promised us great power Makle."} in his native tongue. He gave an odd whistle and a pair of three-meter long Gamorrean watch-beasts*⑤ came trotting up, {"There's my boys!"} cooed Norgk.
…
Up on the ridge
Naruto was looking through his macro binoculars and groaned, "Great, watch-beasts. They'll detect us long before those guards will if we aren't careful."
Plo Koon smirked behind his mask. "You've dealt with them before?"
The blonde nodded. "They are dumb as rocks but tenacious as guards. They have good eyesight and an excellent sense of smell. Getting around them won't be easy."
The Kel Dor said, "We'll just have to distract them then." Reaching out with the Force, he caused the brush to move in the direction opposite of the two Jedi, and the two watch beasts howled and took off like lightning, leaving the surprised Norgk and Makle behind. The two Jedi heard Nargk say in the distance, {"Intruders! Come on Mackle!"} Then the two guards drew their blasters and ran after watch-beasts.
The pair of Jedi couldn't decide if the guards or the watch-beasts were dumber as they silently slipped inside the ancient Sith Academy…
…
Naruto took the lead as he saw ur-Kittat hieroglyphs on the wall and said, "It's the old Sith Tongue, let me translate. Na-hah ur su ka-haat. Su ka haru aat. Typhojem." hissed Naruto.
Plo Koon was a bit disturbed at the harsh, hissing language and asked, "What does that mean?"
"Lead the Sith to us if there are any here, Typhojem." translated the blonde. "Typhojem, the Left-Handed God, was a deity worshipped by the Sith priest caste called the Kissai."
"Are you the translator they sent? Thank the darkness, I couldn't make heads or tails of that." said a woman's voice. "I'm Hrissu of the Neo-Sith. What's your name?" The woman turned on a small light revealing she had black hair and dark skin. She was about twenty and covered in ceremonial Sith tattoos.
Hrissu's eyes widened in horror when she saw Plo Koon however. "M-master Plo?!" she stuttered.
"Ava Hrissu of the Jedi AgriCorps*⑥…" said Plo Koon. "…I knew you failed to become a full Jedi but to sink to this… What went wrong child?"
Her eyes sparked with anger. "The Jedi went wrong Plo Koon! I was more than capable of becoming a Jedi Knight but they reassigned me to tending plants in the AgriCorps! She ignited her red lightsaber. I-I'll defeat you!"
Naruto's ghostfire blade ignited cut the emitter off Ava Hrissu's light saber in the blink of an eye and she dropped the smoking hilt in fright.
The Kel Dor said sadly, "I don't wish to fight you, Ava; and I don't wish to harm you either. What are you doing here? Are you in charge of this place?"
She focused all her anger and tried to unleash Force lightning at Plo and Naruto. Grunting with exertion, she fell to her knees and began to sob. "Why do I always fail?!"
Plo Koon came forward and said, "Ava, this place is not for you, I-"
Naruto pulled Master Plo back as she lashed out at the pair with Force lightning. The blonde's ghostfire saber deflected the torrent of energy away. Her eyes were gold and slitted now. She said in a double voice, "I'll show you power Plo Koon!" as she caused the entire cave to tremble.
Both Jedi Masters had to shield themselves using the Force to avoid being crushed by debris from the roof. Ava laughed madly as she unleashed another massive bolt of Force lightning. "Die fools! Taste my might!"
"She's been possessed by the Force spirits here!" yelled Naruto as he deflected the Force lightning back at the cackling woman causing her to scream in pain.
"How do we free her?" asked Plo Koon.
"We find the focal point of the spirits and destroy it!" said the blonde. That's when he saw an ancient Sith assassin's blade in her sash. Naruto quickly pulled the blade away from her using the Force and cut it in half with his light saber.
Ava Hrissu screamed before she fell like a puppet with its strings cut only to be caught before her head hit the ground by Master Plo. The woman was completely expended and passed out…
The Renatasian Jedi Master sensed the evil presence in the place was no longer there and exhaled deeply. All there was left was ancient ruins now…
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Ugnaught- Ugnaughts are diminutive, porcine humanoids who have pink skin, upturned noses, white hai, and thick layers of jowls. Some have tusks that they use in blood duels. They are strong and resilient, and their lifespans reach up to more than 200 standard years. They are industrious and loyal workers with a rich oral tradition. See Wookieepedia for their appearance.
*②: Sith Warriors- Sith Warriors, self-described as 'unstoppable forces of darkness,' are combat specialists of the Sith Empire, and serve as the champions of the battlefield. They are loosely the counterparts of Jedi Knights.
*③: Sith Marauders- Sith Marauders are fueled by hatred, rage, and cruelty; the Marauders will typically use Force Rage when entering a battle, entering a battle-fury fueled by the Dark Side. Thus, most Sith Marauders can duel any average Jedi toe-to-toe and win. They are roughly analogous to a Jedi Weapons Master.
*④: Gamorrean- Gamorreans (derogatorily known as pig-lizards) are porcine, brutish humanoids from Gamorr, a lush jungle-world in the Outer Rim. Gamorr's technological level is equivalent to the low-tech periods which Human civilizations had experienced circa 25,000 BBY. They are typically green skinned, with a large and powerful physique; and have a well-deserved reputation as fierce warriors, prized much more for their strength and personal combat prowess than for their wits.
*⑤: Gamorrean watch-beast- watch-beasts are native to forests of Gamorr and are domesticated to be guards. They have gray fur, large, squat, and sturdy bodies with large heads, and long, porcine faces and snouts. They have short horns on their head as well as tusks. The predators also have thick, furry legs which culminated in four powerful paws with dull claws. See Wookiepedia for further information.
*⑥: The Agricultural Corps, or AgriCorps was one of the four Service Branches of the Jedi Order. Some younglings and Padawans who failed their Jedi training sought to be reassigned to the Service Corps, as they desired to serve or possessed useful skills. As part of the Service Corps, a Jedi was still able to serve the Galactic Republic, although they did not use a light saber. See Wookieepedia.
A lot more data dumping in this chapter than originally planned. Next chapter we'll wrap up the short Gentes Academy arc. See you next time. Blue out. 1/23/24