Author's note: Welp, the outage kind of ruined the release plan for Friday but here's Ch 18, I do want to apologize about the recent delays between chapters, life is still kind of shaky but I hope to get back on track with the two chapters a month goal. I also want to again thank everyone for reading this story, for their follows and favorites, it truly does push me forward to see everything through. Before I forget, it has been over a year now since Through Worlds Unknown was released, again thank you so much for reading and taking part in this journey. Enjoy and may the force be with you!
An unlikely meeting, having sought refuge in the isolated world of Ahch-To, Jedi Outcast Kyle Katarn has come to an unexpected path with Jedi Grandmaster Rey Skywalker who has come to the ancient world in search of guidance. As tensions run high across the Galaxy the two Jedi of differing views and goals must now decide whether they will see each other as adversaries or friends. Meanwhile, the Reformed Republic continues with their search of Katarn, unbeknownst of Rey's encounter with him…
The room was silent and near empty, its stone walls illuminated by the soft glow of a pair of embedded sconces casting long shadows across the floor. Two Republic soldiers stood at attention near the edges of the room, their stances rigid and expressions impassive, the only signs of life in an otherwise still environment.
At the center of the room, Sela sat cross-legged on a simple mat, her presence serene. Her silver hair dangled around her pale, tranquil face, and her eyes remained closed in deep meditation. The soft sound of her breathing was the only thing that broke the silence.
Suddenly, the heavy door to the chamber hissed open, lieutenant Okul stepped inside. His boots clacked against the stone floor, and he paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Sela. Her serenity seemed to challenge the rugged demeanor he carried with him.
Okul's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the young Jedi, his curiosity evident. He moved to a nearby chair positioned near the door and sat down with a sigh, the chair creaking under his weight. The soldiers glanced at him briefly but remained silent and alert.
Sela remained unmoved, her meditation unbroken by Okul's presence.
As Sela continued her silence, Okul took out a roll of t'bac and lit it up, the pungent smoke curling into the air. The billowing smoke barely caused Sela to flinch from her meditation as Okul inhaled deeply, savoring the taste.
"You know," Okul began, his voice breaking the stillness, "back when the war ended, I didn't understand the point of the truce. It was clear that the Mandalorians wouldn't stop their desire for galactic conquest. If anything, it was merely delaying the inevitable."
He exhaled a long plume of smoke, watching it dissipate, "To an extent, I admire Kyle for having the guts to face the Mandalorians, he even came out alive. Some say he singlehandedly killed hundreds of Mandos."
Okul chuckled, tossing the cigarette onto the stone floor and crushing it under his boot "That's probably bantha fodder, but it sure makes for a good story."
He leaned forward, his rugged face only a meter or so from Sela, who remained in her meditative pose, "Irrespective of that, war is looming earlier than we could've prepared for, and Kyle is the one responsible. Hundreds of Jedi died in the war, and more will probably die if we can't catch Katarn."
Okul's eyes narrowed as he continued, his tone growing harsher, "I understand you've decided to break yourself from it all, be silent and mysterious as so many Jedi seem to be. But that doesn't show any strength. It shows carelessness. And I think you actually feel guilty for it."
Sela remained silent, her eyes still closed and her face serene. The soft glow from the sconces cast long shadows across the room, dividing the serene Jedi and the hardened soldier.
Okul finally realized he wouldn't get anything out of Sela. With a resigned sigh, he stood up, the chair creaking in protest. He brushed some ash from his uniform and glanced at the serene Jedi.
"We've already requested transport for you back to Lothal," he said, his tone edged with frustration, "Hope you enjoy life meditating in a cubic cell."
Sela remained silent, her eyes still closed, her expression unchanged. Okul shook his head and exited the room, the heavy door hissing shut behind him.
As the door sealed, a beep emitted from his holo projector. Okul pulled it out, the small device casting a blue glow that revealed the image of Captain Halcyon. The captain's expression was stern, his voice urgent.
"Lieutenant Okul, there's been new developments. Report to the command center immediately."
Okul nodded, acknowledging the command, "Understood, Captain. On my way."
He tucked the holoprojector back into his pocket and began to make his way down the hallway, his boots echoing against the stone floor. The corridor was dimly lit, shadows stretching long and eerie along the walls.
Unbeknownst to him, a figure observed from behind, hidden in the shadows.
The command center at the temple's great hall was a flurry of activity. Soldiers rushed past Lieutenant Okul, their movements hurried. At the center of the chaos, Captain Halcyon stood by a holo table, his eyes darting across the various readouts and projections. Several technicians were packing up computers and monitors as well.
Okul approached Halcyon, weaving through the crowd "What's going on?" he asked, his voice raised to be heard over the din.
Halcyon looked up, his expression tense, "We've been given the order to pull out," he said plainly.
"Tensions are high between the Dominion and the Republic. It's almost certain that war is coming."
Okul frowned, confusion evident on his face, "I was still readying up search squads for several planets where Katarn may have been spotted."
Halcyon shook his head, his attention divided between the holo table and Okul, "We can continue to operate from elsewhere. But the longer we stay here, the more likely a Mandalorian face-off becomes."
"And what about the Jedi?" Okul asked, his tone edged with concern.
"Officially, they're still under Republic support," Halcyon replied, his voice blunt. "Unofficially, it seems the Republic is cutting their losses."
Okul's conflict was visible, he closed in to Halcyon, "The Jedi will be massacred if we leave," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Halcyon sighed, a rare moment of empathy breaking through his professional demeanor, "It's more likely than not. But the Jedi aren't exactly unfamiliar with that, unfortunately."
He paused, his gaze shifting from the table to Okul, "It seems even Master Rey decided to run."
Okul's eyes narrowed, "What do you mean?"
"She left," Halcyon said, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Without notice. On that aging freighter, the Millennium Falcon."
Okul's mind raced with the implications, his thoughts a tumult of duty, loyalty, and the grim reality of their situation.
The once vibrant glow of the twin suns behind Kyle had faded to a faint hue, the dark of the night beginning to encompass the island. Rey stood before the saddle, the vast horizon stretching before her with Kyle at the center of it, the silence between them stretched longer, an unspoken tension hanging in the air. Both their minds raced with thoughts, questions, and uncertainties, yet no words were spoken.
The silence was abruptly broken by the mechanical voice of none other than AD-10.
"Master Kyle," the loyal droid called out, his voice echoing slightly as he ascended the stone stairs, "terribly sorry for intruding in your expedition master Kyle but I must insist you have some nourishment..."
AD-10 rattled on, his metallic body clinking with each step. As he reached the top the droid's photoreceptors focused on the scene before him. Rey and Kyle, two Jedi of different paths, stood facing each other, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity as they both looked at the droid. The droid halted, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected encounter.
Both Kyle and Rey kept their glances at AD-10 for a moment before their eyes met once more. The droid's presence, though mundane, somehow broke the long tension between the two.
"Rey," Kyle finally said, his voice breaking the lingering silence between the two, "I didn't expect to see you here."
Rey nodded slowly, her eyes searching his face. "Nor I you," she replied softly, her voice steady but filled with underlying questions.
AD-10, sensing the gravity of the moment, remained silent, his usual chatter subdued.
Before Rey could say anything, Kyle continued, "Night's coming. It's better if we just walk away and pretend this meeting didn't happen." He turned away from the saddle and walked past Rey, who seemed somewhat baffled by his abruptness.
Rey's mind racer with a myriad of thoughts and emotions, she knew she had to act, she knew this opportunity may not come again, she had to be decisive.
"No..." she whispered to herself.
As Kyle made his way to AD-10, the sound of a lightsaber igniting stopped him in his tracks. He turned around to see Rey wielding a yellow lightsaber, her stance ready for battle. She took off her robe, holding the saber with both hands, and spoke boldly, "In the name of the Republic, I'm placing you under arrest."
Kyle remained completely unfazed, dropping his backpack on the ground. "This isn't going to go the way you think," he warned.
Rey replied, her voice steady, "I don't think so." With that, she leaped toward Kyle, her lightsaber aimed at him.
Kyle's blue lightsaber erupted into life with practiced speed, meeting Rey's yellow blade in a shower of sparks. He swiftly dodged to the side and assumed a defensive posture as Rey pressed forward relentlessly, not allowing Kyle time to compose himself. The encroaching night painted their dueling lightsabers against the darkness, each clash echoing through the stillness of Ahch-To.
Rey's determination fueled her strikes as she lunged at Kyle once more, her attacks coming in swift and strong. Kyle deflected each blow with ease at first but his grip soon tightening on his lightsaber as Rey increased her tempo. The duel led them deeper into the island, the uneven terrain adding complexity to their dance of blades.
Finally, Kyle seized an opportunity, parrying Rey's lightsaber with a forceful maneuver that created space between them. But Rey didn't relent; she closed the distance quickly, her eyes focused on her foe as she advanced. Kyle found himself stepping backward, each retreat met with Rey's unyielding pursuit.
As Rey continued her relentless attacks, Kyle remained mostly on the defensive. His mind raced, searching for a way out of the situation, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Every time he thought he saw an opening, Rey's yellow blade was there, forcing him to dodge or block.
Rey couldn't afford to relent. She couldn't back down. The survival of the Order, and possibly the whole galaxy, relied on stopping Kyle. Her strikes were driven by fierce goals, preserving peace at any cost.
The two Jedi battled their way toward the darkened entrance of a temple, their lightsabers casting erratic shadows on the ancient walls. Kyle had no time to look at his surroundings as Rey's yellow blade kept him on edge. He barely managed to dodge or block her attacks, each one coming closer than the last.
They moved deeper into the temple, the dim light adding a confined atmosphere to their duel. The sounds of their lightsabers echoed off the walls, filling the ancient structure with the hum and clash of their battle.
Kyle grew more frustrated as he parried Rey's strikes.
"Rey, stop!" he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice,"I don't want to fight you!"
Rey's expression was initially emotionless, a determined gleam evident on her gaze. But as Kyle continued to plead, her face twisted with anger. She groaned and pushed him away, her attacks becoming faster and more aggressive. Kyle struggled to avoid the rapid slices, his movements becoming increasingly frantic.
"Rey, listen to me!" Kyle shouted, his voice echoing off the temple walls, "We don't hav-"
With a swift, forceful strike, Rey sent Kyle to the floor. He landed hard, his lightsaber still in hand, but his expression was one of visible concern, even fear, at Rey's power. He looked up at her, breathing heavily, his mind scrambling for a way out.
Rey stood over him, her lightsaber glowing with fierce intensity. She looked down at Kyle with clear-cut anger in her eyes, her breathing heavy as well. For a moment, a strained silence emanated from both of them, the only sound the steady hum of their lightsabers.
Rey looked at Kyle with wide eyes, her breath still fast as she spoke, "Whatever you wanted to say doesn't matter. You've already proven you can't be trusted. You're a menace, a threat to peace."
She raised her lightsaber, her voice trembling with emotion, "I've worked hard, lost too many people. I'm going to end this, once and for all!"
She pointed her saber at him, "Fight."
Kyle struggled to stand, but he did so slowly. His mind went back to the lessons of Luke, to his mentor's memory and words. He knew he'd made mistakes and caused many problems, but that didn't mean he was going to stop trying to make things right. As he stood up, he tossed his lightsaber to the side and answered her, "No."
Rey readied her saber, visibly prepared to attack, "Fight!" she demanded.
"I'm not going to fight you," Kyle replied calmly.
"Pick up your saber and fight me!" Rey shouted, her frustration evident.
Kyle remained silent for a moment before saying, "This isn't what Luke wanted."
Rey's rage exploded, "Never mention Luke again!" she screamed, her strikes toward Kyle becoming erratic and filled with anger. Kyle, now unarmed, dodged her rage-fueled attacks. He had been on the dark side before; he knew it made one powerful but also misguided and more importantly predictable.
As Rey brought her saber down against him once more, Kyle raised his palm and stopped it midway, channeling the Force to hold it. She struggled against his power, using all her strength to attack, but Kyle seized the chance to push her away, sending her sprawling backward.
Rey landed on the ground, her mind now feeling lost and unclear for a moment. She looked around, recalling the lessons she once gave to her students in this very temple, passing down the knowledge of Luke and countless other Jedi. She had failed them, allowing darkness to overtake her, and for that, she felt guilt and shame.
She turned and found Kyle standing before her, his own lightsaber in one hand and Rey's in the other.
Rey looked at Kyle, her gaze filled with visible shame and sorrow as she lay on the ground in defeat. A tear flowed from her eyes, and she hid her face from Kyle, who looked at her with sympathy. He then spoke softly, "I know what it's like, to lose people and be tempted by the dark. But that path will only lead you to misery."
Kyle glanced at Rey's saber handle. It was a peculiar, rugged type, and he seemed impressed by it. As Rey continued to recoil on the ground, he moved closer to her. She murmured, "I'm not a real Skywalker. I'm just a fool who thought she could do right, but I don't know what right is anymore."
Kyle knelt beside her and placed the saber before her. He extended his hand, "You can do the right thing now."
Rey looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for sincerity.
Before either of them had a chance to say anything else, a voice spoke from elsewhere in the darkened temple, seemingly commending Kyle's words, though sarcastically so.
"Well said, Katarn. Truly inspirational."
A figure emerged from the shadows, the light of the moon shining upon them through the natural gap within the cave. The man appearing before Kyle and Rey was tall, with dark hair hanging to his shoulders, short stubble, fair skin, and silvery eyes. He wore a brown outfit with armored shoulder pads and dangling red fabrics at the sides. Kyle immediately noticed the lightsabers hanging from the man's belt—four of them, each one a distinct design.
He stepped forward with slow, deliberate steps. Kyle's grip tightened around his lightsaber, his wariness evident. The man's presence was commanding, and his eyes flicked between Kyle and Rey with a cold, assessing gaze.
Then, six other figures emerged from the shadows, each wearing different outfits, some with face masks that obscured their features. Kyle's senses heightened as he looked around in surprise. Rey, however, didn't seem surprised in the slightest as she rose from the ground.
The man with the silvery eyes smirked, "You truly are a popular man, Kyle Katarn. Yet you've been quite hard to find." He glanced around the temple with a look of disdain, "I never thought I'd find you here, of all places."
Kyle's eyes darted to Rey who's expression was that of uncertainty. He took a defensive stance, ready for whatever might come next.
"Who are you?" Kyle demanded, his voice steady despite the situation.
The man chuckled, a low, humorless sound, "Introductions can wait. For now, let's just say we have an interest in your... talents."
He looked at Rey, then back at Kyle, his smile never reaching his eyes, "And perhaps a bit of unfinished business."
As Rey stood behind Kyle, she spoke up, her voice tinged with derision, "These are the Unchained, Kyle. Mercenaries who help the highest bidders… Nothing but fallen Jedi who've embraced the dark side."
The man scoffed, addressing Rey with a mocking tone, "Master Rey, such a narrow way of seeing things." He turned his silvery gaze back to Kyle, who remained unamused, "So you're the famous Kyle Katarn. I've heard quite a bit about you."
Kyle's eyes flicked to the masked figures beginning to encircle them. He maintained his defensive stance but kept his lightsaber deactivated, "And you are the so-called Unchained, I've heard much about you myself," he replied dryly.
He glanced around at the group, his tone turning more sardonic, "You don't seem any different from the countless dark side cults I've fought, tell me whose grave or holocron did you dig up and gives you guidance from the other side eh?"
The man seemed to take offense, though his expression remained half-hearted. "Light and dark—that's such an antiquated way to see the Force. We serve no lord, no masters or teachers. We are free."
The man stepped closer, his eyes fixed on Kyle, "You see, Katarn, we're not so different, you and I. From what I've heard, you're a Jedi outcast, you walk a path outside the rigid structure of the Order, much like us."
Kyle's gaze hardened, "I might be outside the Order, but I'm nothing like you."
The man smirked, unbothered by Kyle's defiance, "We don't want to fight you, Kyle. Though the price on your head is high, your potential is higher. The Unchained would welcome you with open arms. You don't need to be an outcast." He opened his arms in a gesture of encouragement, his tone persuasive, "Join us."
Kyle seemed in thought, his eyes narrowing as he weighed the man's words. The man continued, sensing a moment of opportunity, "Think about it, Katarn. No more running, no more hiding. You could be part of something greater, something free from the constraints of the old ways. Be truly free, why follow this pretender when you could follow your own destiny."
Kyle looked back at Rey, her eyes filled with worry and guilt. He then turned his attention back to the leader of the Unchained.
Kyle's gaze swept over the Unchained, his expression turning from pensive to resolved, "Perhaps what you say is true, that I should follow my destiny," he said slowly, "But that destiny isn't with you."
The leader of the Unchained's face fell into a disappointed frown. He shook his head and sighed, "So be it," he said, a hint of genuine regret in his tone. He gestured to his companions, who began to close in on Kyle and Rey, "If you will not join us, then you're of no use beyond your bounty."
He looked at Rey with cold eyes, "And it's a good thing you drew the Jedi Grandmaster out here. Now we can put an end to her as well."
Kyle and Rey backed away, their senses heightened as the Unchained approached from all sides. Several of them unveiled their lightsabers, their colors a mix of red, yellow, orange, and green. Kyle and Rey found themselves back to back, in that moment both of them knew they had to fight.
Kyle ignited his lightsaber, Rey did so as well.
"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice steady.
Rey gave a determined nod, "Watch the left," she warned.
The Unchained closed in, their lightsabers humming menacingly. Their leader stood back, watching with a smug expression as his followers moved to attack. Kyle and Rey then moved in unison, the pairs movements fluid and synchronized as they raised their lightsabers and the Unchained attacked.
The first clash was explosive, the sound of lightsabers crashing together echoing through the ancient temple. Kyle deflected a strike from his left, his movements precise as he kicked the attacker back. Rey spun around, her yellow blade cutting through the air as she parried a blow from another masked attacker, causing them to stumble back.
The Unchained fought with a mix of aggression and skill, their styles varied but deadly. Kyle found himself facing two opponents at once, their red and orange blades coming at him in a flurry of strikes. He ducked and weaved, his blue lightsaber a blur as he deflected each attack.
Rey, meanwhile, faced off against another duo, the assailants wielding green and yellow blades. She moved with a speed honed through years of training, her saber flowing through defensive and offensive maneuvers. She deflected a strike aimed at her head and responded with a powerful slash that sent one of her attackers staggering back.
Kyle saw an opening and took it, slashing at one of his opponents with a swift strike to the chest. He then spun around, using the Force to knock another Unchained off balance. Rey followed suit, her lightsaber cutting through the air with deadly precision as she cut an Unchained right across their upper chest, killing them instantly.
As the battle raged on, the darkened temple was filled with the glow of clashing lightsabers. Kyle and Rey fought close to each other, each covering the other's exposed flanks and not allowing the Unchained to get the drop on either of them.
In the midst of the chaos, Kyle glanced at Rey, who was fending off an attacker with another one coming upon her from the side, he twirled his lightsaber quickly and blocked the incoming attack.
Rey quickly took the opportunity and with a fast swing sliced the attacker's abdomen followed by a second finishing stroke up the neck.
The leader of the Unchained watched from a distance, his expression growing more concerned as Kyle and Rey held their ground.
As the battle reached its peak, Kyle and Rey stood back to back, their lightsabers humming with energy. Both of them staring down at the last three remaining attackers, their blades at the ready as the Unchained circled them once more, providing the pair with a short respite while their attackers assessed their next moves.
The trio of Unchained then launched their coordinated assault with renewed aggression. Two of them focused their attacks on Rey, their red and yellow blades slashing at her with unrelenting ferocity. The third, wielding a green saber, charged at Kyle with a savage intensity. Rey fought valiantly, her own yellow saber flashing as she parried and countered, but the combined assault proved overwhelming. With a forceful strike, one of the Unchained managed to break through her defense, pushing her back and separating her from Kyle. She stumbled, quickly regaining her footing but finding herself isolated and forced to fend off both attackers alone.
Kyle, seeing Rey being overwhelmed, attempted to move to her aid, but the Unchained attacking him was relentless. The attacker called a fallen lightsaber to his hand, igniting the red blade and dual-wielding it alongside his green saber. He pressed his advantage, launching a flurry of strikes at Kyle, each blow aimed to keep him off balance and prevent him from helping Rey. Kyle's blue saber met the blows with a skilled defense, but the intensity of the dual-wielding assault kept him firmly in place.
Rey struggled against the relentless assault of the two attackers, their red and yellow blades slashing at her with unrelenting brutality, barely allowing her to react. Each strike pushed her closer to the corner of the temple, her movements becoming more delayed as she tried to deflect their blows. Her breath came in ragged gasps, the effort of maintaining her defense against the combined might of her foes beginning to take its toll.
Meanwhile, Kyle reached a breaking point. His attacker's relentless strikes drove him to the edge of his patience as he found himself being pushed to the ground by his attacks. The Unchained's face twisted with anger, his blades then locked in a furious clash with Kyle's blue light. Kyle's eyes narrowed as he decided it was time to unleash the power he had been holding back for far too long. Sparks began to emit from his left hand, crackling with raw energy. Suddenly, he thrust his hand forward, and lightning erupted from his fingertips, striking the Unchained with a torrent of electricity. The assailant convulsed and cried out in agony, the lightning coursing through him for several seconds before he collapsed to the ground, incapacitated.
Rey, caught in the midst of her own struggle, saw the display of Kyle's power out of the corner of her eye and felt a jolt of shock. The other two Unchained faltered, momentarily stunned by the sight of their brethren's defeat. Even their leader's expression shifted from confident disdain to surprise, his eyes widening at the unexpected turn of events.
As Kyle rose from the ground, his hand still lightly sparkling from the power he had just unleashed, he gazed at Rey, who remained rooted in shock. His eyes betrayed a sense of regret and shame as he looked at the fallen Unchained, who laid visibly recoiling and shaking in pain before finally going motionless. The raw display of power had clearly disturbed him as much as it had his allies and enemies.
Suddenly, the brief moment of quiet ended. Kyle's senses flared, and he turned around just in time to see a pair of flying lightsabers hurtling toward him, aiming to pierce him from behind. With a swift motion, he ignited his lightsaber and blocked the attack, the red and green blades clashing against his own with a resounding crackle of energy. The force of the impact pushed him back, but he held his ground, his muscles straining as he kept the deadly sabers at bay. The renewed intensity of the fight jolted him back into the present, the danger far from over.
The leader of the Unchained stepped forward, he seemed calm in his step as the two blades kept pushing against Kyle on their own, they pushed him to the wall keeping him in frictitious impasse.
"You're stronger than I expected," the Leader admitted, his tone filled with grudging respect, "But this ends now."
As Kyle struggled against the pair of lightsabers pressing against him, the Unchained leader moved calmly towards him. His eyes glinted with a mixture of admiration and menace as he observed Kyle's efforts. With no apparent movement on his part, two of his own lightsabers floated into the air, igniting with vibrant red and purple blades.
The sabers began to spin rapidly at his sides, creating a whirling barrier of deadly energy as they slowly approached Kyle. The sound was a low, menacing hum, echoing through the ancient stone chamber. The Unchained leader's steps were slow as he advanced, the spinning sabers forming a vortex of lethal intent. He appeared almost serene, his expression one of grim willpower, as he closed the distance between them.
Kyle's muscles strained as he held the two attacking lightsabers at bay. His mind raced, calculating his next move, knowing he had to act fast. The spinning sabers at the Unchained leader's sides were a clear threat. He gritted his teeth, preparing for the onslaught that was about to come.
Rey's voice cut through the tense moment, "Kyle!"
Both Kyle and the Unchained leader turned their stares toward her. She stood with two yellow lightsabers in hand, the bodies of the two previous Unchained foes lay still on the ground behind her. Her eyes, filled with determination, locked onto the Leader's own.
"Catch!" she yelled, hurling one of the yellow lightsabers across the temple and towards Kyle.
Kyle reacted swiftly, releasing one hand from the hilt of his own saber and catching the incoming weapon. With a powerful slash, he severed the two sabers pressing him against the wall, freeing himself. The Unchained leader's expression darkened as he redirected his purple spinning blade towards Rey while the red one continued to pursue Kyle.
Dodging the attack, Kyle advanced towards the leader with his own blue and the newly acquired yellow saber.
Rey, meanwhile, parried the purple spinning blade with her remaining yellow saber. Sparks flew as the blades clashed, and she charged towards the Unchained leader. In that moment the Unchained Leader found himself caught between two skilled Jedi.
As Kyle and Rey attacked, the Unchained leader unveiled his other two remaining sabers, this time using his actual hands. One glowed a vibrant blue, while the other pulsed with an ominous black energy. With a simultaneous move, he managed to block both their attacks, then gracefully flipped past Rey, landing on the floor right over the signet of the Prime Jedi. His two floating sabers hovered menacingly beside him once more.
Rey and Kyle exchanged a glance, nodding to each other before advancing again. Their coordinated assault found a formidable opponent in the leader, whose skill in dueling was evident. He parried and blocked their strikes with his blue and black sabers, while his levitating sabers spun and attacked, keeping Rey and Kyle on the defense just as much as on the attack. The leader's defense seemed impenetrable, forcing Kyle and Rey to back away, both visibly tired and breathing heavily.
The pair began circling the Unchained leader, looking for an opening. The leader glanced around, seeing his fallen followers. He shook his head in apparent disappointment.
"You are powerful, Katarn," he said, his voice filled with a mix of respect and warning, "but do not let yourself be led astray by the false Skywalker, as I was."
Before Kyle and Rey could fully register his words, a potent wave erupted from the leader, sending the two flying back across the temple. The sheer power of the wave left them momentarily stunned.
As the attack dissipated, Kyle struggled to his feet, searching for the Unchained leader. To his surprise, the leader was gone. Rey also rose and approached the Prime Jedi's floor mosaic, now shattered in two, quite literally divided.
"What do you mean 'she just left'?"
Jacen Syndulla stood in the center of the council chamber, his presence imposing as he reprimanded several Jedi Masters in front of him. Among them were Jan and Garen, both looking embarrassed and ashamed. His voice was filled with frustration as he demanded answers.
"We are on the brink of war, and our grandmaster has vanished without a trace!" Jacen's eyes bore into each of them, seeking an explanation. Neither Jan nor the others could reply; they were completely at a loss for words.
Jacen's anger was barely contained as he slammed his foot against the floor's hologram projector, causing it to flicker momentarily.
Jan finally found her voice, albeit noticeably shaky, "Our priority was monitoring for Katarn's whereabouts. We couldn't have known that Master Rey would leave."
Jacen scowled at her, his frustration only growing, "At this point, wherever Katarn is doesn't matter anymore." His voice rose, "In case you haven't noticed, the Republic is withdrawing as we speak. It's only a matter of time before the worst comes to bear, and we don't have Skywalker!"
Garen, sensing the gravity of the situation, spoke up. "Master Syndulla, should we begin evacuation protocols then?"
Jacen calmed slightly, pacing the room as he considered their next steps. He ran a hand through his dark green hair, his mind racing through the implications. The council chamber felt colder than usual, once more every single event that had led to this disaster bore down on his mind.
Before Jacen could speak, the doors to the chamber opened, and Master Serni walked in, accompanied by a couple of Jedi. She approached the scene with visible concern. Jacen looked at her silently for a moment before asking, "Have they all left?"
Serni replied, "Most have. Right now, it seems they're waiting on transport to take Sela."
Jacen's gaze darkened as he stated, "Then our worst fears are coming true." He looked at Garen and ordered, "Begin preparations to evacuate."
Garen bowed his head quickly and exited the chamber. Serni seemed concerned as she told Jacen, "You can't make that call unilaterally."
Jacen plainly stated, "I have no other choice, I won't risk another Ahch-To."
Serni didn't bother arguing as she turned to Ronan, the young Jedi looking uncertain but nevertheless ready to take his master's orders. Serni instructed him, "Begin compiling copies of all our data tapes and gather all our holocrons. Prepare them for evac."
Ronan nodded and, as he exited, Jacen suddenly called out to him, "Ronan…"
Ronan stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Jacen, who eyed him for a second before asking, "Where is your fellow Knight, Jack?"
Ronan seemed confused by the question he then answered, "I don't know master Syndulla, I have not seen him since yesterday..."
Jacen, seemingly convinced, then dismissed him, "Go on then…"
As Ronan walked out of the chamber, Serni turned and inquired, "What's happening?"
Jan answered, explaining, "Jack has been missing since yesterday."
Perplexed, Serni turned to Jacen and asked, "Is it possible...?"
Jacen simply said, "I hope not."
Meanwhile, as Ronan made his way through the hallways towards the archive rooms, he stopped, taking out his commlink and asking, "Jack, are you there?"
After a short pause, Jack's voice answered, "I'm here."
"They're asking around for you," Ronan said.
Jack's voice came back, "Keep them busy."
Ronan hesitated, "If they find out, it's all of us getting thrown in Republic jail."
"Remember, we're Jedi. We don't follow the Republic; we follow the Force."
Ronan nodded, though still somewhat nervous, "I'll try to keep you informed." He then signed off.
The waves of the sea clashed against the rocks of the island, the sound a rhythmic counterpoint to the natural silence. Above, the clouds began to dissipate, revealing a vast expanse of blue skies. The twin suns enshrined their early morning glow on the island, casting long, warm rays across the rugged terrain.
Rey sat on a small islet just off the shore where the Millennium Falcon was docked. She gazed at the horizon beyond; the serene beauty of the sunrise on Ahch-To was a contrast to the turmoil within her. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair, and the salty scent of the sea filled the air. Despite her tranquil surroundings, her focus was elsewhere.
Suddenly, Rey felt the presence of someone else approaching. She didn't bother turning her head; she knew who it was. Kyle Katarn sat beside her. The islet was barely large enough for the pair to sit together but was nonetheless accommodating. Kyle remained silent for some time as Rey continued to look toward the horizon, the early orange glow of the morning dissipating as the suns basked their light on the pair.
Kyle broke the silence, asking, "How did you know I'd be here?"
Rey replied quietly, "I didn't."
Kyle was surprised at Rey's response, "Why did you come here then?"
Rey's response was seemingly dry, "I don't really know. I thought I'd find answers but didn't expect to find you here."
Kyle then asked, "So this ws your first temple?"
Rey nodded but clarified, "It was the first temple. The birthplace of the Jedi Order, at least that's what Luke believed…"
Kyle looked to the island's steep cliffs with a momentary wonder, "From what Luke told me, Tython was where the Order first originated," he said, pausing before adding, "Perhaps the real answer is lost in time."
Rey nodded, stating, "Perhaps it is." She paused for a moment, then continued, "I hoped I could see Luke if I came here. He hasn't communicated with me for some time."
Kyle looked at her, concerned, "How long has it been?"
"Since the end of the war," Rey replied.
Kyle was quiet for a moment, the sound of waves crashing against the island filling the silence. He then asked directly, "What happened in the war, Rey? What really happened?"
Rey closed her eyes, memories flooding back. She felt her heart sink before she finally spoke, her voice filled with regret, "It was all my fault."
Kyle looked at Rey with a pondering face and said, "Mandalore the Resolute started the war, his whole 'Crusade for Peace.' How could that have been your fault?"
Rey gulped, her voice trembling as she let out a breath, "I allowed it to happen," she confessed. "When the Mandalorians began their crusade, I decided to keep the Jedi as a neutral force. I refused to help the Republic or stop the Mandalorians by force, instead advocating for dialogue and peace. I ordered my Jedi not to interfere, to aid refugees and tend to the sick and wounded, but never to unveil their blades in violence. I virtually disarmed them…"
Kyle listened intently, his expression empathetic.
Rey continued, her voice filled with sorrow, "My decisions left us exposed, open to slaughter. When the time came, the Mandalorians showed no mercy. My first student, my friend, the person who had believed in me since the start, died because of my choices..."
A tear began to fall from her eye. Kyle gently asked, "Who was it?"
Rey's voice broke as she answered, "His name was Finn..."
Kyle nodded, absorbing the weight of her confession, "I lost many friends and students too, Rey. We all make choices we think are right, and sometimes they lead to great pain. The war I fought... it was different, but the pain and loss were the same."
Rey looked at him, seeing the shared burden of their experiences, "Did your choices ever lead to the death of countless…"
Kyle sighed, looking out at the horizon, "My selfishness did, my grief, my anger. I fell to the dark side, was close to doing so again more than once… the power I used back at the temple, it was one I swore I would never use again and yet I did, because we're never perfect Rey, we'll eventually stumble, but from that point what matters is what we do next."
Rey wiped her tears away, finding herself connected to Kyle, "I also swore off that power, I once believed I had killed my friend because of it. It's the fear of what I truly am that drives me, drives me away from action, because I'm afraid of what I am."
Kyle was somewhat surprised at Rey's words, raising an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
Rey took a deep breath, seemingly preparing for what she was about to say, "I'm not a Skywalker," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm a Palpatine."
Kyle's eyes widened slightly, unsure of how to react, "A Palpatine... is that what the Unchained meant by you being a pretender?"
Rey nodded, her eyes downcast in shame, "His name is Alon. He was also a student of mine. He turned against me when the war ended. I can't fully blame him, many of his fellow Jedi died because of my decision, because I told them not to use violence, and they obeyed because my name was Skywalker."
Kyle was silent for a moment, processing the revelation, "So, he knows your true lineage?"
Rey looked up at him, pain evident in her eyes, "Yes. He's one of the few who knows the truth, only his followers believe him, but I know some in my own Order whisper about it."
Kyle shook his head slowly, he looked at the distance, "I was a Stormtrooper," he said plainly, the reveal making Rey raise her eyes in what seemed to be curiosity.
"I know it doesn't compare to being related to the most infamous Sith in the galaxy but I ignored the tyranny of that same man for years, until my father was killed by the hands of the Empire, the very regime I served," Kyle glanced at Rey, her eyes locking into his, "Your past doesn't define who you are, Rey, much less your heritage. Your actions, your choices—that's what matters."
Rey sighed, "I know that Kyle, Luke told me that as well, but it's hard to shake the feeling that I was always destined to bring destruction, to fail those who believed in me, even when I tried to do good it led to disaster."
Kyle placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "We all have our demons, Rey. I've battled mine, and it sounds like you're still fighting yours. But the fact that you care so much, that you feel this deeply—that's what sets you apart. That's what makes you a true Jedi, perhaps it's that fight within you that makes Luke unable to speak with you, that's why you must do what is right."
Rey looked at him, tears brimming in her eyes once more, "But what is the right thing to do… I tried to do what I believed was right and it led to pain and suffering. I don't know how I even managed to preserve the Order, I don't know what to do Kyle…"
Kyle's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly, "Rey, you've shown strength, bravery, and a commitment to peace, even when it was difficult. Your journey doesn't end because of tragedy, it barely commences, I know that because I have to atone for my mistakes in this Galaxy now. And you also can make atonements," he rose up, Rey gazed up to Kyle as he stood before her, his figure standing against the twin suns, he then held his hand to her, "Join me, help me find Polina, help me end Mandalore's reign, help me save your Galaxy!"
Rey looked at Kyle with wide eyes, her mind racing with a mixture of uncertainty and a glimmer of hope. For so long, she had carried the pain of her decisions alone, grappling with doubts about her place in the galaxy and her role as a Jedi, doubting if it truly was what she wanted or rather what had been pushed on her. Kyle, with his calm assurance and his own journey of redemption, offered her not just a path forward, but a new goal, a new purpose.
As she gazed into Kyle's outstretched hand, the weight of her lineage, the mistakes of the past, and the uncertainty of the future seemed to momentarily fade away in the presence of this pivotal moment. Rey knew deep down that this decision could lead to challenges and dangers unknown, but also to the clarity she sought. This was Luke's message to her, Kyle was Luke's answer.
Rey's hand moved to meet Kyle's, their fingers intertwining as Kyle pulled her up and the two now stood face to face. The crashing waves and the warm glow of the twin suns offered a semblance of peace as they continued their ascent over Ahch-To, casting a warm light upon the pair as they stood together, Rey felt a sense of calm, a belief that perhaps, just perhaps, she could find her way back from the darkness that haunted her. Kyle smiled at her for his part, nodding as he now knew the two of them banded together, together as allies.