The multiverse is more than just a prism…
It is ever expanding and ever growing…
A place where one choice, one fork on the road can lead to many opportunities…
But every spark of brilliance there is a spark of madness…
These are the stories of both…
The Outsiders watched as Cain ran from side to side of the House of Mystery looking for some artifact he had in his collection. He'd been popping from door to door like a rat trapped in a maze in search for a piece of cheese. He muttered wondering which one of the pieces could be the one that he was looking for. Sometimes he said something like "not this one", "maybe this one" or "perhaps I left it in the other room, no wait, this one." The ramblings of the immortal nightmare sounded like the ravings of a madman as he tried to piece together a cohesive thought out of his mind. But despite all the strange calls and thoughts that Cain was mumbling, it served to show the other members of the makeshift team that the collection inside the Mouse of Mystery was filled with as many dreams as well as nightmares.
"Now I remember, I put it in the south room." Cain snapped his fingers before walking into another door.
"Is this normal for the freaky old man?" Bronze Tiger asked.
"Well, if you're immortal and you deal with nightmares and dreams on a daily basis?" Sideways surmised. "You might have a few screws loose after a few centuries."
"What exactly could he be looking for?" Metamorpho asked. "That thing that Nite Owl handed him seems to have gotten him going. What was it exactly, man?" Metamorpho asked, looking at Nite Owl.
"The object that I found appeared to be the handle of a weapon of sorts. But the design and mechanics used in it make it seem like a flashlight." Nite Owl pulled out the weapon. "The energy source is missing but it would've allowed for a constant flow of energy to generate a beam of light."
"In English, Birdman," Bronze Tiger said.
However, just as Nite Owl was about to answer, Cain appeared before the group with a large stack of books and different collectible items from around the whole House of Mystery. He carefully put down everything before dusting his hands with a proud smile on his face.
"The item is known as a Lightsaber, Metamorpho." Cain smirked. "It is a weapon from a more civilized time from a galaxy far, far away. A blend between the traditionalist sword fighting warriors of old and a more futuristic setting where star travel is possible. Originally used by a legion of knights but also by dark warriors. This is where Dr. Destiny seeks to achieve his next step in his mad scheme."
"Alright! Let's go and take that guy down!" Sideways jumped in excitement. "I always wanted to go on a spacefaring adventure!"
"I hear a 'but' coming," Punchline said.
Cain sighed, feeling that Punchline was right made him slightly annoyed.
"Sadly, Punchline is right," Cain admitted. "Each of these books and relics are from different variants of the Isles of the Great Library. Some depict dark fates, while some depict brighter ends to the stories. Some have beings that shouldn't have existed. And others are just too much for a few readers." Cain gestured to the different pieces before them and how some could reflect completely different from one another.
Nite Owl understood it completely. Every action, every decision made created a divergence on the road of destiny. Like a tree branch sprouting twigs. The possibilities spread in his mind like a wildfire, consuming all possibilities and reveling in the unpredictability. Chaos was cut loose in these worlds just like many others. He couldn't tell what was good, what was bad. All he knew was that the source of it all was the same as it always was.
"We gotta look over all of these versions and see which one Dr. Destiny is heading to." Cain picked one of the books. "Each one of you will look in and find which one reverberates with the piece Nite Owl found."
"How?" Punchline asked.
"Objects are drawn to the realms they originate from, think like a homing beacon," Cain explained.
"There has to be a quicker way to find the damn bastard amongst all this junk." Bronze Tiger growled.
"There might be," Nite Owl said. "Sideways, your powers are connected to dimensional rifts. Something that isn't normal, I presume?"
Cain saw what Nite Owl was leading to and it was a gamble that could turn in their favor. If Sideways was able to sense or detect the rifts that someone like Dr. Destiny created into the doors, then they could track him with more efficiency. But that all hinged on Sideways being able to detect them amongst the vastness of the different worlds that he had before him. And that would need a lot of concentration.
"I haven't really tried to do anything like that. I could mess up," Sideways said.
"Well, if you don't then you can live with knowing that you didn't do anything to stop the end of existence." Punchline whispered into his ear.
"What?! I don't want that! I-" Sideways began only for Punchline to lean into him.
"You're out of your depth, baby~. This is the grown up side of the pool." Punchline smirked. "Or else, you and everything you love will drown because you can't keep up."
"Hey!" Metamorpho snapped, pulling her off of him. "Back off, Punchline."
"That was uncalled for, Punchline. Don't forget that he's been pulling his weight long before you came along." Cain glared at Punchline.
Derek might've been young and more thick skinned than they gave him credit for, but dissidence between the ranks was the last thing Cain wanted.
"Let's see how it works." Sideways turned to Nite Owl. "What do I do?"
"Close your eyes and focus," Nite Owl said while Punchline made faces at him.
Sideways glared at the clown from behind his mask. He was not going to let her get under his skin. He looked at the mountain of books and relics before him. Stretching out his hands, and letting his energy flow through his body, he closed his eyes. He took in a deep breath, feeling all the power around him. He felt like he was diving into the ocean and everything around him was moving with full vibrant colors that he couldn't see but feel.
Cain's energy reminded him of the Halloween nights where he and Ernie would scare each other completely. Metamorpho's was shifting in place but it still felt some brightness from it. Punchline felt like a dark pit that drove anything close to it mad and dangerous. Bronze Tiger felt cool like a forest after a rain and a warm fire slowly warming your soul. Nite Owl felt cold and empty, almost like there was something missing or he was simply hollowed out.
"Guys, this feels… freaky…" Sideways stumbled a bit.
"Now, focus on the records and items of the worlds we seek." Nite Owl instructed. "They should tell you what you need to know."
Sideways turned towards the stack. He cautiously opened one of his eyes to see what he was looking for. As soon as he did, he saw what he'd only ever seen in sci-fi movies and amazing pieces of art. It looked like a large swirling of constellations mixing and matching against each other, taking different shapes and forms before his eyes. For a moment, it looked like a large eye with bright stars gazing upon him as she slowly made his way towards them. Like a moth to a flame, he flew towards the eye and saw glimpses of different events clashing and reshaping the galaxies. From giant battle stations being blown up, to clashes of warriors over spewing lava. From mystics holding the balance to musicians singing and dancing to their own beat. It was amazing and would make for an awesome live stream if he could broadcast it.
"Dudes, you should see some of this stuff," Sideways said.
"Focus, Sideways. Find the rifting that we seek." Nite Owl's voice echoed like a far off dream.
"Yeah, yeah, sorry for having some fun," Sideways said.
Sideways looked around for anything that might look out of the ordinary. But that was easier said than done. Everything looked so fantastic and advanced that he could've been looking at a rift and not known it. He watched more scenes take place before him. Some of great battles between creatures that looked like orcs from the Lord of the Rings. Others looked like strange crossroads between friends and people. He even caught a glimpse at a kiss or two.
But something caught his eye.
"Wait," Sideways said. "What's that?" He looked up at the image of a battle.
His eyes landed on what looked like a ragtag crew stepping back in fear of a woman with long black hair, glowing purple eyes and her hands covered in purple energy. She was dressed in fully black armor, metallic sleeves, forearm guards and mid-section. The energy in her hands glowed bright purple, almost like she held two small stars in her hands and looked like she was about to attack the group.
"Who's that woman?" Sideways reached out towards her, but then noticed something behind the woman.
Sideways looked at the image behind the woman. It resembled the ghost of Christmas Future with red eyes and had something hidden in his hands. The figure looked familiar. His mind suddenly clicked, reminding him of who that was.
"DR. DESTINY!" Sideways pressed his hand on the image, getting the figure's attention.
He jumped back in shock of the sudden movement of the image. And then, like a fish being reeled out of the water, he was pulled away from the image with only a small piece in his hand. He didn't have time to see what it was, but he found himself falling back on the couch. He held his head as it buzzed like a beehive. He slowly blinked himself awake, almost as though he'd been pulled out of a nightmare. He saw Cain, Metamorpho, and Bronze Tiger looking at him.
"Sideways, Sideway, you okay?" Metamorpho asked.
"What happened?" Bronze Tiger asked.
"Wha-? What happened?" Sideways held his head.
"We lost you there for a moment, young Derek." Cain explained. "It seemed like you were in some sort of trance."
"Man, it was wild. And amazing," Sideways groaned. "My head is killing me. Ever gotten out of the water after holding your breath as far as you could before breaking for air? Well, it was kinda like that."
"Did you find anything useful?" Nite Owl stepped in followed by Punchline and her sick smile.
Derek wanted to tell him to give him a minute and to rub it in Punchline's face. But he was still trying to figure out what he'd seen and what it all meant. It was so clear but also so strange that he couldn't put it into words for anyone, not even himself. He pulled up his mask up to his nose, getting more air in his lungs. He rubbed the sides of his head, trying to get a clear picture of what he'd seen. Just then, he felt something in his right hand. Looking down on it, he noticed that it was a hexagonal green jewel.
"I don't remember this being in my hand," Sideways said. "I… I think I got it from that picture? I-I saw him. I saw Dr. Destiny in it!"
"You did?" Cain asked before looking at the jewel. "I know that jewel. It's the Jewel of Mandalore, handed to the crowned princess of their warrior clans. Last one to have this was adopted into Clan Vizsla. It was an old abandoned tradition since…"
Earth -4102:
What if the Empire created a dangerous Inquisitor?
"The Blackfire Inquisition."
Cain walked through the streets of a strange world amongst the stars. He found himself surrounded by strange creatures and beings, speaking different tongues and pointing to goods that looked like mutated fruits or parts of animals he had thought long extinct. Some of the fruits were blue with purple spots while others looked fuzzy with creamy centers. Other merchants showed off pieces of advanced technology that although trinkets to some, were commodities to others. But Cain couldn't help but feel at home.
He was a stranger in a strange land that had long accepted strangeness as part of the norm. That's how he was walking down the crowded market streets without anyone looking twice at him. His eyes took in the colorful and the bizarre existing side by side. It looked more alive than any so-called melting pot cities he'd ever come across. He was currently in a world called Mandalore.
"Worlds that are connected to the vastness of space are far from simple walks in the park. More often than anything, you're bound to meet someone that will look extremely different from you and not bat an eye. With starcrossing trips between planets, there was little that couldn't be done or discovered. But there was always something that made such melting pots feel familiar."
"The Empire is here!" A short alien creature ran towards the market. "Run before they-! AAARGH!"
The alien creature was cut down by a red bolt fired by a man in a white armored stormtrooper armor. A whole squad of soldiers wearing the same armor stormed down the street, all holding similar black weapons and scary helmets. As soon as they walked in, a lot of people ran away, some vendors even closed down shop before hiding from them. The fear that people had for such people made Cain curious. So he decided to stick to the shadows and see what might happen before him.
The stormtroopers walked down the street, facing forward with their blasters ready. They stopped before the body of the dead little alien before another figure joined them. This one was much taller than the stormtroopers, covered head to toe in black armor with a black mask that resembled a skull, and a long black cape. He looked down at the dead alien as his heavy breathing echoed on the street. His mere presence made everyone hold their breath.
"I ordered the blasters to stunt," he spoke with a calm yet terrifying voice. "He could've led us to the branch faction of the rogue Bo Katan."
"He ran, Lord V-" The stormtrooper's words died out in his throat as he felt a hand gripping his throat.
The trooper held his throat, trying to pry off the hand strangling him. But there was no hand on his throat. He was slowly lifted from the ground by an invisible force. Even if he nor anyone could see it, his neck was being pressed and crushed by an invisible force.
"I expect obedience from all of you. If the rebellious Mandalorians aren't found, you will all suffer the same punishment your companion is suffering." Lord Vader turned to face the sacred Stormtroppers before their fellow trooper was dropped on the ground, gasping for air. "Proceed with the search."
Cain raised an eyebrow as the stormtroopers searched for these rebellious Mandalorians. He kept himself hidden in the shadows as the scene played out before his eyes. Though, he noticed this dark lord turning his head towards his direction a couple of times. It wasn't uncommon for some beings to detect him, but rarely did he meet someone that he wanted to avoid. However, their shared focus on each other's presence was cut short by a tiny, not very important-
BOOM!
…Explosion.
"Rebellions and dictatorships went hand in hand like iron fists and weak susceptible people. So, it came as no surprise that the Galactic Empire had more than a few unhappy eggs in their basket. In this case, a group of roguish Mandalorian warriors called…"
"Blackfires attack!' A woman called out amongst the smoke as she flew out like a bat out of hell.
Black armored Mandalorians got into a battle with the forces of the Empire, firing and taking out the white warriors with all their might. At the head of the attack was a female Mandalorian warrior wearing black Beskar armor with metallic sleeves and forearm guards and a midriff. And around her neck hung a green jewel. Her classic Mandalorian helmet covered her face, but she sounded younger and more aggressive than the other members of her squad.
She punched the Stormtroopers without a second thought, sending them flying like they weighed nothing at all. She snatched one of their rifles, breaking it in half with one hand before smacking another trooper with the remains of the blaster. She got blasted twice in the back by two troopers, but she didn't even flinch. She turned around with rage in her eyes before flying up to the troopers, snapping their necks with ease. It wasn't just her strength and resistance that was formidable, but she held great speed and power to compensate. For every fired bolt she dodged and received, she took out three different troopers. Her fighting skills and great physical prowess left no survivors.
Her glowing purple eyes landed on Vader, who just stood there and saw the whole onslaught take place before him.
"There's only one left, mistress." One Mandalorian aimed his blaster before an invisible force stopped him.
He was pulled towards Vader, who swiftly pulled out his lightsaber and sliced the Mandalorian's head off.
The warrior woman and the rest of her forces charged at Vader with all their might. But for the Sith Lord, their attacks were predictable and easy for him to fight off. His crimson red lightsaber deflected their blaster shots, taking out one of the Mandalorians before grounding another one. He reached out with his hand, pulling the downed Mandalorian to him before throwing him into another one of the Mandalorians. Sensing another Mandalorian coming towards him, he sidestepped out of the way before cutting off his arms with a swing of his red blade. Without mercy, he then slammed the Mandalorian through a wall. He then looked at the last member of the Blackfires. Just in time to stop one of her punches with the aid of the Force.
"You are a very difficult rebel to get a hold of," Vader softly said. "And your skills are far superior to that of any Mandalorian I've come across."
"I am a different breed of Mandalorian." She struggled against the power of the Force. "I am Komand'r, true heiress of the throne of Mandalore and the one that'll make the Empire kneel before her." Her eyes glowed bright purple, catching Vader's attention.
"There's something inside of you, Komand'r. A power unlike the Force, but it is powerful indeed." Vader redirected her attack away from him.
He watched her crash into the building and saw it break apart from the sheer strength of the blow. The ground trembled as she shot out from atop the building before charging at Vader once more. However, this time, her hands were engulfed in bright purple light. Vader took note of this development as she shot towards him like a falcon would upon its prey.
She shot her hands forward, throwing the purple starbolts at Vader. Using his lightsaber like many times before, Darth Vader attempted to block the attacks. But the power was so strong that he was pushed back. He did his best to counter the onslaught coming towards him but the sheer intensity of the attacks pushed him back. Komand'r saw this and smiled under her helmet as she charged at Vader with top speed. However, the Sith Lord sensed her plan.
He allowed the power of the Force to guide him, tapping into his anger and hatred like any good Sith. And then, he struck. He swung his lightsaber at her face just in time to knock her out for a loop. Her helmet was knocked off of her and she had a cut across her right cheek. Her long black hair and orange skin were revealed to the dark lord. She pressed her hand against the cut as Vader loomed over her.
"Impressive," he said.
She punched at him with a glowing purple fist, but Vader had expected it. Using his lightsaber, he blocked the purple coated hand and used his spare hand to press down on Komand'r. He focused on choking the life out of her and normally he would have. But she was too strong. Even as she clawed at her throat and he kept her from moving, he could sense her unbendable spirit pushing forward. This was the type of power and skill that would topple Empires. And what Sith didn't want that under their command. He sent a powerful Force shockwave at her, knocking her out.
He watched her, making sure that she was out of the fight. After a moment of silence he sheathed his lightsaber.
"You are powerful, Komand'r. But you have no technique nor ambition," Vader spoke. "But I will unlock your true potential."
Cain was intrigued, watching the crazy events unfold.
"The thirst for power the dark lord was taught to believe in and worship made him spare the life of the ruthless warrior princess. After all, what power hungry lord does not want an equally powerful warrior under their command?"
Komand'r opened her eyes to find herself in a dark red room. She'd been stripped of her armor and was bound by her hands and feet. Gritting her teeth, she pulled and struggled to break free from her hard iron bonds. She heard the metal creaking and bending but she couldn't break free. She was unable to move freely and that angered her. Her eyes glowed in rage as she tried to fight off her restraints, but she only got the same result as the last time.
"Impressive."
Komand'r turned her head towards the voice. She saw Vader walking towards her from the darkness of the room.
"Even with all those sedatives in your system, you still hold so much power and strength." Vader observed the restraints holding her back.
"Just wait until I'm free of them." Komand'r snarled only to receive an electric shock through her body.
"Those bonds are easier to break than the ones you've placed on yourself, Komand'r." Vader pointed out. "You could've easily turned the tide of the battle had you fully cut loose. But your warrior clan, the Blackfires, stifled your power. Did they not?"
Komand'r looked away with a scoff. Flashes of her childhood after being taken in by the Blackfires passed through her mind. After being found alive in a crashed spaceship, she was taken in by their clan's leaders. She excelled at the physical trials and the battling ways of her clan and quickly rose up the ranks. But as soon as her powers kicked in, she was feared. The elders called her a creature of dark sorcery, and wanted to cast her out, but her parents defended her. She followed the clan's ways until her parents were killed by the Empire's dogs. Once they were gone, she only had a few members of her clan by her side, the rest abandoned her. And now, she was alone.
"But I see something they didn't. Your potential." Vader's voice brought her back.
"Under your thumb?" Komand'r scoffed.
"I offer you a choice. Become an Inquisitor, rise up the ranks and then join me, as my apprentice." Vader offered. "Together, we shall unlock the true potential inside you and rule the galaxy together."
Komand'r narrowed her eyes at the dark lord.
"And if I refuse?" Komand'r asked.
"Then the Empire's scientists will find out what makes you special." Vader revealed.
The choice was simple. Komand'r was no fool, if she joined the Empire as one of its Inquisitors then she could cut loose and show the extent of her powers. She could get to live and have everything that she could ever want. But her warrior's blood would not have her bend the knee so easily. She wanted a challenge and being someone's lap dog was not one of her goals. She would claim everything from the Empire and make all those that tried to put her down. But she would play it smart for now.
"I agree to your terms, Lord Vader," Komand'r said. "But, I want two things in return."
"And those would be?" Vader asked.
"My armor, modified to suit my new task, and a new name." Komand'r broke free from her restraints.
"A name?" Vader asked. "Very well, from this day forth, you will be Blackfire."
A bit lazy in her mind, but she did appreciate the irony. Now she would honor her clan and strike fear in the hearts of all who doubted her.
The door opened up to reveal a large hulking alien with orange skin and tusks poking out of her chin. She wore a black uniform with black armored chest, shoulders, forearms and a helmet with a black visor.
"This is the Ninth Sister, she will introduce you to the ways of the Inquisition," Vader explained.
Blackfire and the Ninth Sister sized each other up like two fighters about to start a fight. The Ninth Sister was the first one to scoff at Blackfire.
"Is this really the runt I'm stuck with, Lord Vader?" Ninth Sister scoffed. "I've seen Twi'Leks more threatening than this little girl. I'm gonna enjoy breaking you." She leaned down, smiling at Blackfire.
"Ninth, huh? You'll do, for a punching bag." Blackfire tightened her fist.
The Ninth Sister reached for her lightsaber only to be punched in the face by Blackfire. Her visor was broken to pieces, as she was sent flying out of the holding cell, breaking the door on her way out. In two seconds, Blackfire had done what many fugitive Jedi had only dreamed of doing. Defeat an Inquisitor in one single blow.
"A bit of a blowhard, ain't she?" Blackfire smirked.
"...Yes, she tends to do that." Vader walked out of the cell. "I expect to hear of your progress soon, Blackfire."
"I will not fail you, Lord Vader." Blackfire bowed her head with a smile on her face.
Once Vader was out of range, she lifted her head. She could feel her body waking up as she cracked her neck. Whatever they had given her was indeed the good stuff. But she was far from being easily manipulated or put down. The galaxy was a big place and she would see it bend to her will now that she could cut loose and achieve her full potential.
"Let's have some fun with everyone here." Blackfire walked out of her cell, spotting the Ninth Sister groaning. "Nice meeting you, Ninth. But I can take it from here." She walked away towards the training grounds of the Inquisition, letting everyone that saw her know that she was not to be messed with.
Cain watched everything from the shadows as he pulled out the green jewel he'd snatched.
"A wise man once said, it is much easier to herd cats than it is to herd tigers. And Komand'r, or rather, Blackfire was indeed a fierce tigress out in the wild."
Blackfire trained hard amongst the inquisitors, learning to harness her emotions and focus them like a flame. She allowed a few strikes to hit her and give them a sense of superiority. Some were like tickles against her stronger body, punches, kicks, some blaster fire that stung. Others did hurt and taught her to endure the pain. She stood up and endured the worst the Force could dish out on her. Every blast from the Force, every shock of electricity and every attempt to break her spirit only made her stronger. And every time they mocked her for not having the Force, she made a note to remember their names and punched all of their teeth out when no one was watching.
Soon, after months of training and preparing, Blackfire walked up to the fighting arena for her final test. She looked up to the stands above the black rock surrounded by red hot lava as the Head Inquisitor walked into view. The feeling of his cold dark eyes looking at her used to unnerve her, but all it meant was that she was strong enough to challenge him. And that was a feeling she enjoyed more than anything.
"Blackfire, you came to us at the bequest of Lord Vader himself," The Grand Inquisitor said. "And although you possessed a power unlike any we'd ever seen, I thought you wouldn't last. But through many trials you've achieved great things under our tutelage."
"I am honored to live up to your great expectations, Grand Inquisitor." Blackfire bowed.
"Flattery as always. You have now one final trial to pass before you become one of us." The Grand Inquisitor snapped his fingers.
Blackfire was surrounded by the Ninth Sister, the Sixth Brother, and the Tenth Brother. They all pulled out their lightsabers, igniting the two blades from either side before they began spinning.
"Defeat all three of your new siblings and you will be one of us." The Grand Inquisitor tossed her a lightsaber, which Blackfire caught. "Fail, and you die."
She looked at the lightsaber before turning to her enemies.
"What happens if I kill them?" Blackfire asked.
The Grand Inquisitor only gave her a knowing look.
"Just wanted to make sure there were no hard feelings." Blackfire looked back at the Inquisitors as they approached her. "Let's give our master a show, shall we?"
The Sixth Brother growled in anger. He jumped at Blackfire, who ignited her lightsaber blocking the red blades with ease. The inquisitor grunted as Blackfire's strength easily pushed him back. Just then, the Tenth Brother jumped in slicing at Blackfire, trying to get her. But every single one of his swings was blocked or dodged by Blackfire. She blocked high and dodged low, parrying his strength with her own. She let him pass only to backhand him with her free hand. The Sixth Brother tried once more to attack while Blackfire was open, but she saw him coming.
Blackfire cut the distance between them, catching his hand with ease. She smirked as she added more and more pressure to her hold. The inquisitor groaned in pain as he felt his wrist and hand slowly cracking under her strength. She could've done it quickly but she was taking her time. The roar of the Ninth Sister caught Blackfire's attention. Ever since their first meeting they had been at odds but Blackfire wasn't one to care about it. She tossed the Sixth Brother at the Ninth Sister's legs, forcing her to jump. Blackfire took the chance, jumping to meet the large inquisitor before punching her in the stomach. She grabbed her by the leg before slamming her down on the arena.
"This the best you can do?" Blackfire smiled. "Pathetic."
"No, this is!" The Tenth and the Sixth Brother pressed down on Blackfire with the power of the Force.
Blackfire felt a great pressure coming down on her body. The ground underneath her was cracking and breaking. The two inquisitors put all their anger and hatred towards Blackfire in their combined attack. They hated how she seemed to be favored by their master and had no true respect for them or their mission for the Empire. But all that would change.
The Ninth SIster got up and started punching Blackfire like a drunken brute. She was the one that hated Blackfire the most and wanted her to suffer. She continued punching her with the Force enhancing her strength, but Blackfire only seemed.
"Are you done?" Blackfire asked bored out of her skull.
The brothers were surprised as Blackfire didn't seem bothered at all.
"My turn," Blackfire said.
The Ninth Sister brought down her lightsaber with all her might, but it was stopped by Blackfire's own lightsaber. Her eyes glowed bright purple as she pushed the blade back. As the blade got closer to the Ninth Sister's face, Blackfire punched her in the stomach so hard that she flew up to the ceiling. Not missing a beat, Blackfire broke free from the Force hold and flew up into the air. She pierced the inquisitor's chest with her own lightsaber before letting her drop. She turned, looking down at the two remaining inquisitors with a smile.
"Thanks for the workout, boys." Blackfire's hands glowed bright purple.
She flew down, picking them up by the face. She held them up as her hold on their masks grew tighter and tighter. They struggled and tried to break free of her hold, dropping their lightsabers in fear. Her hands glowed, brightly burning them with her full power. She then unleashed it, incinerating them.
The Grand Inquisitor looked in both amazement and fear at the great power Blackfire had just unleashed. It was no secret to him that most of their prey revolved around younglings and a few masters that had survived the fall of the order. The greatest strength of the Inquisitors revolved around their numbers, technology and Imperial backing. But to see Blackfire defeat three different Inquisitors with such ease was something that sent shivers down his spine.
"I take it that she's ready."
The Grand Inquisitor turned to see a holographic projection of Darth Vader looking at him with cold black eyes.
"She enjoys the battle a little too much for my taste, but aside from that, she's ready, Lord Vader." The Grand Inquisitor bowed as Blackfire flew up to where he stood.
"Congratulations are in order, Blackfire. Now you are an Inquisitor," Vader said.
"And I am happy to serve, Lord Vader." Blackfire bowed.
Her plan was working so far. Blackfire was once a warrior princess hated by all, but now she was a forged weapon of the Empire. And a weapon she would not allow anyone to wield but herself.
"And so was born the legend of Blackfire…"
"To many a myth, to many more a monster, to all a legend of the unknown reaches of the galaxy." Cain finished his story.
"Whoa, that was just insane!" Sideways said, putting his mask back on. "What is it about you and just watching supervillain origins?!"
"I watch and collect all manner of stories, good or bad, young man." Cain pocketed the green jewel. "And it seems that's where Destiny is headed."
"So, we're going to a world up in space where there's a crazy world-conquering sister with superpowers in hopes of stopping an equally crazy skull-faced cracker?" Bronze Tiger asked, looking at Nite Owl and Punchline.
"Yes," Nite Owl replied.
"Ooh, I can't wait to make everything go boom!" Punchline smirked with madness. "All those alien toys sound so much fun. Maybe I could get alien metal knives as a souvenir."
"No one let her near any of that or any explosives." Metamorpho sighed.
"Let's go before Dr. Destiny gets wise that we're on his trail!" Cain summoned the world's door into the House of Mystery.
The door appeared before the group and it looked as futuristic as it did intimidating. It was made out of metal like Blackfire's armor. It was all black with the purple silhouette of Blackfire punching through what looked like a large metallic moon as X-Wings and Tie-Fighters flew at her, firing at her but not even bothering her.
"Well, that just looks a bit on the dangerous side." Metamorpho pointed out.
"Question, how are we going to breathe if we don't have spacesuits?" Bronze Tiger asked.
"Oh, right. Mortals need to breathe to stay alive and can't survive in space," Cain said. "This should do it." Cain pulled out a few old spacesuits.
"Thanks, but I've got a better idea." Nite Owl's suit transformed into a space version suit.
Nite Owl's mask became a black mask that covered his mouth and nose, giving him red visor eyes. His cape became a pair of large sharp wings with a jetpack between them. His talons and boots glowed a bright silver with a sharp outline.
The rest of the team looked at Nite Owl's space suit and could only stare in awe.
"Just what kind of suit is that that you can pull this off?" Sideways asked.
"Enchanted protection?" Cain asked.
"Who cares what it is?! My pretty bird looks mighty fine in these new threads~." Punchline wrapped her arms around Nite Owl. "Do you have anything to match me~?"
"Are those two-?" Bronze Tiger asked.
"There are some stories I'd rather not know." Cain looked at Nite Owl with curiosity.
The rest of the team suited up in light purple spacesuits with large glass domes over their heads. The suits were anything too flashy, but they were packed with some tools on their belts, a backpack with enough air should they need it and magnetized boots and gloves to better move around. According to Cain, the team that owned the suits were part of an exploration team that went deep into space. And he then bought them off of them after they retired. Though some of them weren't completely cool with their new threads.
"Not that I mind the new threads, but how am I supposed to use my powers inside a space suit?" Metamorpho asked.
"We'll just have to hope we don't have to fight in space." Cain and the team went into the door. "Now, remember, we find Blackfire and Dr. Destiny. Stop Destiny no matter what. If a space battle does occur, use the suits, until then, keep them on stand by." Cain pressed a button in his suit's belt, making the suit slip into the belt.
"Well that's useful to know." Bronze Tiger did as Cain did.
The team arrived at the streets of the capital city of the planet of Lothal. They quickly mixed amongst the crowd looking for their prey. Though it did make them wonder why the door had sent them to that particular location.
"So, question, how are we going to find one woman in such a big galaxy?" Sideways asked. "As much as I'd love to rift around a whole alien planet taking pictures and streaming, how are we going to get Blackfire and Dr. Destiny to us?" Sideways held up his phone and started taking pictures and filming.
"Firstly, do put that phone down. You're starting to attract attention." Cain looked at the staring crowd.
"We're in space, boss. You're telling me that this is the first ever phone they've seen?" Sideways asked, gesturing to his phone.
"Hey, what's that funny little device?" A Twi'lek man asked.
"I've never seen anything like it," a human woman said.
"Is it connected to the holonet or something?" An old goatman asked, stroking his beard.
"Guess that answers that." Metamorpho scratched the back of his head.
Cain rolled his eyes at the attention they were gathering. However a glare from him sent them on their way.
"Guess that works," Bronze Tiger pointed out. "FYI, Nite Owl and Punchline are up on the rooftops." He pointed up with his thumb.
"Getting back on topic, Sideways," Cain sighed, hating Nite Owl's disappearing act. "The doors lead to where we need to be. Meaning, trouble will find us."
As if on cue, a loud explosion rocked the street, sending everyone into a panic. The Outsiders looked at the direction of the battle and saw Blackfire walking out of the black smoke completely unscathed as a tall purple cat-like man picked himself off of the ground with a large blaster rifle in hand. The cat-like man fired at Blackfire, only for her to smack the blast away from her with ease. She smiled before shooting a starbolt at him that sent him crashing into one of the walls. As all this was taking place, the silhouette of Dr. Destiny could be seen amidst the smoke, all but taunting the Outsiders to come for him.
"As I said, trouble will find us." Cain summoned his shovel.
"We gotta stop her." Metamorpho said. "She's gonna kill that guy."
"And that freaky skull guy will use this to get away." Bronze Tiger cracked his knuckles.
"Time to get the people out of here, Sideways' style!" Sideways created a rift for them to jump into.
Blackfire floated down to where Zeb was. She'd expected some light workout from one of the last of the Lasat and their legendary fighting skills. But so far, she wasn't impressed one bit.
"Tell me where your friends are, and maybe I'll let you live out the rest of your days in a cell," Blackfire said. "Minus your legs, of course."
Zeb spat out some blood from his mouth, glaring at Blackfire with defiance.
"Never." Zeb spat out.
"Okay, don't say I didn't warn you." Blackfire aimed one of her starbolts at Zeb's legs while her eyes shined bright purple.
"Hey crazy!"
A rift opened up below Blackfire before one of Metamorpho's arms shot out, uppercutting her. Blackfire was sent flying back before Sideways and Metamorpho jumped out of the rift.
"Looks like your little execution went a little Sideways!" Sideways stood ready.
"Good quip, kid." Metamorpho transformed his arms into spiked mazes. "Now, do your thing."
Sideways created rifts around the people nearby, sending them far from the dangerous area, leaving them and Blackfire alone.
"Who are you two supposed to be?" Zeb coughed.
"I'm Sideways, and this is my friend Metamorpho." Sideways jumped next to Zeb, pulling out his phone. "Say cheese!" He took a selfie with the Lasat, which left the alien confused.
Blackfire landed with a heavy thud, punching the ground as she glared at the new arrivals.
"Remember the plan, kid?" Metamorpho asked.
"Keep her distracted, right?" Sideways pointed out. "How exactly do we survive though?"
Blackfire shot herself at them with her hands glowing with power. Sideways created a shield rift, blocking the attack from the super powered inquisitor. But the shockwave that came from it, sent them back. Metamorpho got back to his feet, transforming into a massive tidal wave taking Blackfire by surprise. He sent her back with a powerful current only for her to jump out of it. She fired her starbolts at the moving water, trying to burn it into vapor. Sideways took the opportunity to make a rift behind her, cracking her across the face with all his strength. Only to regret it immediately.
"Ouch! Damn you must be made of steel or something!" Sideways held his hand in pain.
Blackfire grabbed him by the throat, glaring at him with glowing purple eyes. Sideways swung his hand, making another rift, giving Metamorpho a chance to punch Blackfire down to the ground with a metal hammer. She landed with a loud boom before getting back up. She didn't have much time to get her bearings before Sideways popped on top of her, stomping her on the back. Metamorpho jumped out of another rift transforming his arm into a battering ram and punching her in the face. Sideways appeared from the side, tackling her while keeping her off balance. Metamorpho followed with a kick to the stomach courtesy of quick drying cement, encasing her in a thick hold. Blackfire broke free with a mighty war cry.
"Well, we got her mad," Sideways said. "That's something!"
"Something bad!" Zeb snarled, holding his wounded chest. "Come on, Kanan, where the frick are you?!"
Blackfire went after Metamorpho, punching him over and over as hard as she could. He held up his arms, hardening them into the strongest metals and minerals that he could think of, but it was only giving him some breathing room. However, he did catch a smile on Blackfire's face.
"Come on, come on, come on!" Blackfire called out, loving the battle more than anything. "Give me a real challenge!"
Sideways created a rift behind Blackfire and Metamorpho. Metamorpho turned into a gas, sending the crazed alien warrior to the other side of the rift. She fell through, giving Metamorpho and Sideways a chance to breathe. But that didn't last long, she turned around and blasted a combined blast of her starbolts, forcing them to jump out of the way.
"This isn't over," Blackfire said.
Dr. Destiny smiled as she watched the two heroes fighting the inquisitor and loving every second of it. He just needed her to take him to the machines where he could modify the Dream Stone, but her thirst for power was making the stone even more powerful. It could work in his advantage to let her play around some more. With her food before suggesting she go back to the lab. It was kinda funny to see her beat up Cain's-wait!
Bronze Tiger kicked Dr. Destiny in the face, sending him to the floor. He smacked the Dream Stone out of his hands before pinning him to the ground. The rogue nightmare tried to reach for the stone, but a shovel got in his way.
"Sorry, but I think this is the end of the line, Dr. Destiny." Cain, leaned on his shovel for added effect.
"I don't think so." Dr. Destiny snarled.
Before they could ask what he meant, a red bolt passed over Cain's head. They turned around to see lots of Stormtroopers and armed vehicles coming into the scene, firing first and asking questions later.
"The footsoldiers are always close behind." Dr. Destiny elbowed Bronze Tiger off of him before kicking Cain back. "See you in your nightmares, Cain." Dr. Destiny snuck into the shadows.
Cain growled, looking at the Stormtroopers like he wanted to skin them. He quickly spun his shovel and cracked three across the face. Bronze Tiger didn't get left behind. He punched and disarmed the white armored enemies with swift punches and kicks. He broke their armor and struck them in their throats, pushing them back before joining with the others.
"Are kidding me?!" Blackfire snapped as Sideways snuck away from her hold. "I was finally having some fun!" metamorpho used this chance to encase Blackfire's head in quickly freezing dry ice.
Cain was about to get them out of the area when a smoke screen went off between them and the soldiers.
"Well thought, Metamorpho," Cain said.
"This isn't me," Metamorpho replied.
"Then who-?" Sideways was snatched into the thick black smoke.
"Kid-!" Metamorpho was blasted with something and quickly fell down.
"A kidnapping, of coruse." Cain was grabbed as well.
"You gotta be-" Bronze Tiger's world went blurry before being taken out.
Blackfire broke free of the dry ice with a pounding headache. Her eyes glowed brightly with a frown. She turned to look for the rebels and their allies but she saw nothing more than black smoke. Shooting up into the sky, she hoped to see any traces of her enemies. But she only saw the smoke being cleared out and some beaten Stormtroopers. Grumbling in anger, she floated down when one of the remaining troopers approached her.
"Inquisitor, Lord Vader's ship is-" Blackfire grabbed him by the neck, snapping it.
"Just when a girl is having fun, you clowns have to get in the way." Blackfire dropped the trooper before flying off to the base.
Unbeknownst to Blackfire, Nite Owl and Punchline watched her from a distance through a pair of binoculars.
"She looks like fun." Punchline dropped her binoculars. "Liked how she wasn't one to let a subordinate talk to her like that."
"Her indomitable spirit aside. Her raw power and instincts are what interest me." Nite Owl activated his jetpack. "She wants a kingdom, we shall give her one."
"What about BT?" Punchline asked.
"He's more useful to me with them than with us." Nite Owl replied. "Besides, they'll get Blackfire one way or another."
"I love your deviousness." Punchline licked her lips.
Cain groaned as his eyes fluttered awake. It wasn't the first time he'd been kidnapped, and that told him a lot about his kidnappers. For one, he was still alive, his restraints were meant to immobilize him but not shock him or anything. The second then was that he and his companions were all in the same room and were slowly waking up. And third and most importantly, they were not alone.
"Alright, I'm a fan of suspense as much as the next one, but please, be so kind as to step into the light before I'm bored to sleep." Cain sighed.
"Well, since you're very talkative, mind starting with answering a few questions?" Kanan asked, stepping into the light. "Who are you and where did you come from?" He was then joined by Ezra and Hera by his side.
"Very well, I can answer those two," Cain said as the rest of the group woke up. "My name is Cain, and these are, well, most of my associates. Sideways, Bronze Tiger and the big fella is Metamorpho. As for where we come from, that's a bit harder to explain."
"Where are we?" Sideways asked.
"Don't know, but we're not dead." Bronze Tiger pointed out.
"Explain yourselves, who are you?" Hera asked. "You two fought against Blackfire and somehow survived. And the other two of you fought off Stormtroopers." Hera pointed to the pairs specifically.
"Don't forget they saved me," Zeb added from the shadows.
"Cat-man? You're okay!" Sideways broke through his restraints easily. "Um, oops. Sorry for breaking your things."
"Um, it's okay." Ezra shrugged.
Cain stood up, slipping out of his restraints while Metamorpho turned himself into mist and then broke Bronze Tiger's own restraints. There didn't seem to be any need for the restraints any longer. Of course that ended up with them getting blasters aimed at their faces. To which only Sideways flinched at.
"Kid, don't flinch, you're embarrassing yourself." Bronze Tiger glared at Kanan's mask, noting that he was blind. "Gotta give it to the crazy blind guy for pulling a gun at this brother."
"There's no need for hostilities, I'm sorry, I never caught your name." Cain defused the situation.
Kanan glared at Bronze Tiger once more before Hera put her hand on his shoulder. It was one of the few calming things in Kanan's life at the moment. But if these strange individuals could take on the strongest Inquisitor and give them their shot, then it was a longshot too sweet to miss out on.
"My name is Kanan Jarrus and these are my friends and allies. We're part… or possibly all that's left of the Rebellion." Kanan put his blaster away. "Ever since Blackfire has been on the front lines, we've suffered many casualties."
"Holy crap this is totally a sci-fi movie." Sideways whispered.
"We intercepted a transmission that said Darth Vader and the Emperor would be here in a few hours to see the final touches of their new super weapon." Kanan explained. "Zeb was on his way to tell us what we wanted to know and how to strike when Blackfire caught on to him."
"And that's where we joined in the story," Cain said. "Ms. Blackfire was and is still being aided by a person of interest for me and my colleagues. And we sought to strike while he was busy influencing Blackfire."
"Also because it was the right thing to do," Metamorpho pointed out.
Kanan looked at his friends, the closest thing he had to family. The words of the man before him rang true; neither he nor Ezra could pick up anything from them. Which meant that they were on their side for now at least. There were only three people that needed to be on board with this to make it official.
"What do you say, master?" Kanan turned to see three robed figures.
"I say that they speak truthfully and in uncertain times, the unexpected is to be our ally." The first figure unveiled himself, revealing his white beard and blue eyes.
The second and third figures removed their hoods, with one of them being a woman with orange skin and white and blue horns and the other a young man with short blond hair and blue eyes.
"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, this here is Ahsoka Tano and Luke Skywalker," Obi-Wan introduced. "And we would like to ask for your assistance in this plan against the Empire and Blackfire." He crossed his arms behind his back as a blue astromech rolled up next to an orange and white mech followed.
Cain took notice of that clear difference between the targets. This meant that Blackfire was close to making her own move and they needed to be ready to strike. It would involve them, but the end justifies the means indeed.
Blackfire knelt before Darth Vader as he scolded her for her defeat and the escape of the rebels. She'd heard the threats and suffered the wrath of the Sith Lord many times before and yet she was not looked up in defiance as Vader's master called them.
"My Master, I believe that it isn't safe for you to come to Lothal." Vader argued. "If there is a rebel presence and these new interlopers, then there is a chance you could be targeted. Allow me to head the hunt for them before your arrival."
"Nonsense, Lord Vader. Our weapon is almost complete and I will see it completed." Emperor Palpatine spoke. "Send your dog to find them and destroy them once and for all before I get tired of her. Afterall, the Inquisitors have all but gone since you allowed such a mongrel to join them."
Blackfire wanted to laugh. The old emperor forgot, cleverly forgot, that she had brought in more fugitive Jedi than any of the other inquisitors and they had all fallen by her hand. Then again, what could she expect from him? She was an unknown variable to his plans. And unknown variables tended to come back to bite someone in the ass. Which worked fine for her.
"Prepare Lothal for my arrival, Lord Vader, and make sure your mongrel doesn't fail us again." The Emperor cut off the transmission, leaving her alone with her master.
"So, what is thy bidding, my master?" Blackfire asked in her usual rebellious tone.
Vader glared at her through his helmet, clearly unamused by Blackfire's comment. All these years of planning and preparing to strike down the Emperor were now in jeopardy because of her actions. But it was too late to stop now.
"You will be head of security while I search for the rebels." Vader ordered.
"What? That's grunt work. I'm the inquisitor here, I-" Blackfire's words were cut short by the Force holding her throat.
"You might be the last Inquisitor, Blackfire. But I am still your master." Vader held her firmly with the Force. "You would do well to remember that. I can easily finish what you started years ago." He released her, telling her to leave him.
Blackfire huffed, leaving the half-man half-machine Sith Lord to his own musings.
Vader made sure to watch her leave the room before looking down in thought. He looked at his prosthetic hand and how much strength he had used on Blackfire. Narrowing his eyes behind his mask, he realized something he'd suspected for a long time. Blackfire was getting much stronger and was now only playing the part of the loyal hunting dog for her own agenda. But the more he tried to look into it, the more he understood that the strange alien girl wanted power, respect and a throne to sit on. She might not have had the Force in her but she was as power thirsty as any Sith. And it reminded him of an old Tatooine legend his mother had once told him.
That there was a race of beings called the Tamaranians that had come from the Unknown Sector. They were called the Star People and capable of many great things, including the power to fly without the Force, boundless strength, and glowing light from their hands and eyes. Blackfire matched almost all of these boxes, but they were known as pacifists with smiles that shined like the stars. But if it was the case, he would have to take her out as best as he could before she made her move.
Also, there was something that he wanted to check up on. There were a few presences that he hadn't felt since… he'd been reborn.
Blackfire walked into her room wanting to break something or someone apart. Her master was a fool taking orders from that decrepit old fool Palpatine. They should've killed him a long time ago. One blast of her starbolts and he'd be gone. But no, they were playing the loyal dogs. Maybe if she did it when no one was expecting-?
"This room is pitiful for a queen."
Blackfire turned around to see Nite Owl and Punchline standing behind her.
"Then again, I suppose it is meant to remind you that you're supposed to be a loyal dog instead of the one that should be bossing them around." Punchline jumped back on the bed. "It is hard to put a leash on a dog once you've put a crown on their head. I personally think the dogs should bite back if the masters are so weak." Punchline twirled with one of her knives.
"You two have five seconds to explain yourselves before I turn you to ashes." Blackfire's eyes glowed bright purple, blasting Punchline's knife out of her hand.
"You keep surprising me, Blackfire. Though, I should not expect anything less from the crowned princess of Tamaran," Nite Owl said.
"Tamaran?" Blackfire asked.
"Yes, a world in the Unknown Sector of the galaxy, filled with warriors like you." Nite Owl pulled out a holographic projector that showed a small planet to Blackfire. "The people there have great powers and a long history of being warriors. They can fly, have super strength starbolts and can withstand almost any kind of environment. Even space. Of course, they are also quite superstitious. Such as when a girl is born with purple light instead of green, like it's common."
Blackfire watched the images that Nite Owl showed her. They triggered long buried memories of a world unlike any other. Everyone had green eyes and powers like her own… except her bolts were purple. She remembered being put on a ship and fired away. Gritting her teeth, she tried to find any form of lie in his words but she found none.
"...Who are you?" Blackfire asked.
"My name is Nite Owl and this is Punchline, we're here to ask for your assistance in a certain endeavor." Nite Owl put away the projector. "In exchange, I can promise you your crown and everything that was denied to you."
Blackfire's fist glowed brightly.
"Don't bother, I want a special throne for myself." Blackfire walked out of her room.
"Smoother than I thought it would go." Punchline jumped out of the bed.
"Yes, but now she'll go in the direction that I want." Nite Owl turned to his communicator. "Time to get ready with the others."
Back with the rest of the Outsiders…
"Wait, this thing does all that and more?" Ezra, Luke and Zeb looked at Sideways' phone.
"I've seen many communicators before, but none like this. Must come from a very advanced world." Luke played with the screen.
"I'm actually surprised that you guys don't have these in spades." Sideways took his phone back before taking a picture of them. "Everyone has one back home."
"You're not stealing our souls with that thing, right?" Zeb asked.
Cain, Metamorpho, Kanan, Hera, Obi-wan and Ahsoka all gathered around a table with the holographic blueprints of their target.
"We were planning on going in through the sewers and working our way into the landing platform where we'd plant explosives for the Emperor," Kanan explained. "Given the extra security, that won't be an option."
"Sideways could rift us into the landing bay and plant the explosives if not drop you all in amidst the chaos." Cain pointed out. "Drop a few of your little smoke bombs with Metamorpho as backup and you should be golden."
"I could just turn into knockout gas if you want." Metamorpho offered.
"Thanks, Metamorpho." Hera nodded.
"Once their army is incapacitated, we'll take on the Emperor." Ahsoka added.
"You help us get in and we'll keep everyone busy for you to find your man," Kanan said.
"Do you know where he could be hiding?" Obi-Wan asked.
"He's probably heading to the armaments room where the super weapon is being held." Nite Owl and Punchline walked into the light, with everyone aiming their blasters at them. "I see you've made friends, gentlemen."
"I take it that you know these two, Cain?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yes, though sometimes it feels like they're on their own thing." Cain pointed out.
"Oh now you show up," Metamorpho groaned. "Where were you two when me and Sideways were getting our butts handed to us?"
"Buying slave bikinis for later on." Punchline smirked.
As soon as the Jedi rebels spotted the two new arrivals, all their senses told them that they were not to be trusted. Some would've called it paranoia but the fact remained that they had learned to trust their instincts and see who was a threat and who wasn't. And those two were indeed threats.
"Ha ha, very funny. I just heard from the communications team." Bronze Tiger made his presence known along with Sabine. "They just got word that Blackfire was seen shooting off into space. Apparently the Emperor's ship will be here shortly."
"Shooting off? The Emperor's ship?" Kanan asked.
"Yep, flying straight out of the planet." Sabine confirmed. "No ship or anything."
"I thought we still had time," Hera added.
"Well, this means that our biggest hurdle won't be there, we can move freely and take them by surprise." Nite Owl argued. "And I believe I know where Dr. Destiny might be. There." He pointed to the laboratory section of the blueprints.
"What better place to make changes to your fancy rock than where they are making the super weapon?" Punchline added. "All we gotta do is sneak in and take him by surprise. Easy peasy."
"I'm afraid you're ignoring something. There is still Vader to factor," Ahsoka said, making Luke tense up. "He will be there."
"All the more reason not to hold any punches." Nite Owl pointed out. "We should be ready to move in five."
"Risky, but it could be our best chance to sneak in." Obi-Wan stroke his beard.
"Then we shall strike swiftly and with caution." Nite Owl agreed. "I've already got an attack plan in mind."
Obi-Wan gave Ahsoka a look and she went off to speak to Luke.
"This Nite Owl, you trust him?" Obi-Wan asked Cain.
"Only to a mission's end." Cain whispered.
"Then I advise caution. There is no greater threat than the one we think best fits our ends." Obi-Wan explained carefully.
Cain took a second to think about the old Jedi's words. Nite Owl had been his first pick for the team and had been with him since the beginning. His strategies were always sound, but it seemed like every time they needed him, he was doing his own thing. His agenda clearly had priority. Was it possible that he'd gotten a wolf in sheep's clothing in his midst? A closer eye would be needed from now on.
The Emperor sat on his throne, feeling the great power of the galaxy around him. His eyes landed on Lothal as he reclined on his throne. After so long, he was the one that brought the ancient plan of the Sith to culmination and yet, there was still rebellion. Not more so annoying than his apprentice's pet project, Blackfire. He'd been against her joining the Inquisitors, but the results that she brought more than compensated for her strangeness and rebellious nature. According to the information he'd received, she was hard to control but her power was nothing compared to the power he possessed. If she ever looked at him in a strange manner or spoke in a defiant tone, he would end her pitiful existence with the snap of his-
"My Emperor," The captain of his ship spoke, snapping him out of his thoughts. "We're picking up something heading towards us."
"Another ship sent to shadow us?" Palpatine asked.
"No, my lord. The object is so small that we almost didn't detect it. It isn't a ship," the captain explained. "It'll be up on the screen soon."
Palpatine looked at the screen, showing a bright purple light coming towards them. His old eyes narrowed at the small light. It then started to grow brighter and brighter before his eyes.
"What sorcery is-?" Palpatine began.
A powerful purple blast cut through the Imperial ship like an arrow through a person's eyeball. All that everyone aboard the chip could do was watch as the blast tore through their unprotected ship and stuck down the Emperor of the galaxy. The blast ran through Palpatine's chest and throne with such power and intensity that the old Sith Lord watched his life of schemes and manipulations pass before his eyes as nothing more than a blur.
Blackfire watched as the spaceship exploded outside the atmosphere of Lothal. Even in the coldness of space, she felt at home with all her power coursing through her. It felt good to cut loose. Her only regret was not being able to look at the old bastard as she put him down.
"One down." Blackfire turned to face Lothal. "One to go." She shot down to the planet to destroy the last remnant of the old Empire.
Vader stomped to the control center in rage.
"What happened?" He demanded.
"We don't know, Lord Vader. The Emperor's ship was just attacked out of nowhere and was destroyed." The officer explained. "There wasn't even another ship near them when they were attacked."
"Was the weapon fired?" Vader asked.
"No, my lord." The officer shook his head. "Whatever destroyed the ship, it was powerful and fast, we barely detected it. It fired just outside the atmosphere of the planet."
Darth Vader narrowed his eyes behind his mask as an idea popped in his mind. There was only one person that was powerful to pull off something like this.
"So, she's making her move," Vader said.
"Lord Vader, something is coming down from space!" Another officer rushed to the dark lord's side.
The entire building shook as Blackfire smashed through the roof and ceiling, landing with a mighty boom. Her fist had sent a destructive shockwave that knocked everyone but Vader off their feet. She looked up with glowing purple eyes.
"Hey Master, ready for round two?" Blackfire got back to her feet.
"I expected you to make a move against us soon, Blackfire. But this isn't what I expected." Vader drew out his lightsaber.
"I figured the old fart would be too comfortable in his own throne to see me coming." Blackfire's hands glowed brightly. "Besides, we both know you're more powerful than him in a straight up fight."
"Then I will not disappoint you." Vader ignited his lightsaber before sending a powerful Force push at Blackfire.
Blackfire dug her feet on the ground, leaving a cracked trail under her strength. She looked up to see Vader swinging his red lightsaber down on her. Firing a starbolt at the red blade, she blocked the attack, pushing him back. Shooting at top speed at him, she swung a punch at Vader's face. The Sith Lord used the Force to block the punch, but it was still strong enough to send him back.
Vader landed on one of the walls with a loud crack of everything around him. Summoning the power of his hatred, he shot out his hand, commanding all the debris at Blackfire. She was forced to fly around and punch her way through all the large pieces of machinery and the building to reach her former master. But as she punched through a TIE fighter, she was met with Vader himself. He swung his red saber at the Tamaranian, sending her back with a slash across her armor. But he wasn't done. He thrusted his hand forward, sending her back with a mighty Force push.
Blackfire gritted her teeth, stopping herself before sending a volley of starbolts at Vader. Her attacks were fast and dangerously powerful, forcing the Sith Lord to use both the Force and his Lightsaber skills to block and divert all the incoming attacks. His red saber swung quickly and brightly, leaving a red trail as he pushed through the rain of power coming down on him. But like any force standing against a mighty torrent, he was eventually struck by the sheer amount of force behind his attacker's power. He was struck on the shoulder, losing a part of his armor. Another shot burnt through his cape. And another shot hit him on the thigh. Gritting his teeth in pain, he stood his ground. But he was then met by Blackfire's fist punching him in an uppercut.
Vader was sent flying with half of his helmet broken by the sheer force of the punch and power of Blackfire's starbolt. He skidded back, holding his face as he got back to his feet.
"Surrender, Vader. You can't match me." Blackfire straightened her hand, creating a starbolt blade. "Though thanks to your training, I got a few new tricks. Care to test them?"
"You will find them… lacking." Vader assumed his fighting stance as Blackfire charged at him.
The rebels jumped in, sending Blackfire back in surprise by a combined Force push from all the remaining Jedi.
"You look like you could use a hand, old friend." Obi-Wan looked at Vader.
"Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Luke," Vader breathed. "I expected a visit from you sooner or later."
"I take it your new student is more of a handful than your last one, huh?" Ahsoka drew out her lightsabers.
"That would be putting it lightly, Master." Luke took out his own lightsaber along with Kanan and Ezra.
"Surrender, Blackfire. It is over," Obi-Wan said.
"One or a hundred means nothing to me." Blackfire flared, making another star blade from her other hand. "I'll win this one way or another."
"That's yet to be seen." Kanan said.
The Jedi and the Sith Lord charged at Blackfire, who met their blades with her own. Her strength matching theirs with ease as she countered them.
Dr. Destiny smiled in sick glee as the modifications to the Dream Stone finished.
"At last." He picked up the stone. "Now all I need is the extra power to make my perfect world." Destiny looked at his reflection in the red stone.
"Assuming you'll live to use it." Cain shattered Dr. Destiny's look into his own reflection.
Dr. Destiny turned around to see all the members of the Outsiders surrounding him. He snarled at his enemies while they all prepared to strike him down.
"You've got nowhere to run, Destiny." Nite Owl pulled out his boomerang.
"Drop the stone and I promise you we'll go easy on you." Cain prepared his shovel.
"I was hoping to test this new power against someone else, but you'll do!" Dr. Destiny called forth the powers of the Dream Stone, warping reality around him.
A bright red light engulfed the laboratory, changing everything, giving it a nightmarish look to it. The Outsiders soon found themselves standing in what could've easily been described as a funhouse mirror world. The floor underneath them had missing bits and pieces, like a checkered floor where all the blacks had hidden traps inside them. The walls were curved and misshapen like the trees of some haunted forest from a fairy tale. The ceiling was now the eye of a red storm looking down upon them. And right in the middle was Dr. Destiny riding a large metallic snake with glowing green fangs as lightning crackled around it with metal slabs hovering next to it.
"A tad dramatic ain't it?" Bronze Tiger asked, pulling his knuckle dusters.
"Sideways, get us up there!" Cain instructed.
"One way ticket coming right up!" Sideways created a large rift for everyone to jump into.
The Outsiders jumped down with each of them attacking the large snake. Cain struck the top of the snake's head, going after Dr. Destiny. Metamorpho transformed himself into a large version of himself, punching the snake in the face. Sideways created rifts for the others to hop into, landing on different parts of the snake while others aided Cain in the chase. Bronze Tiger punched at the snake's bright green eyes, leaving it blind as it thrashed against Metamorpho's hold.
The snake roared in pain, firing a bright green laser at the heroes, pushing them back. The beast's thrashing almost knocked the heroes off of it, but they stayed strong as they battled the beast to a standstill. But every time the heroes pushed it back, the snake fired its green laser breath at them and the world around them.
On top of the large metallic snake, Cain, Nite Owl and Punchline ran after Dr. Destiny. They surrounded him as he summoned bright red weapons from the Dream Stone to attack them. Parrying and blocking the strikes of the dream weapons, they managed to hit their quarry once. And that one was Punchline stabbing the rogue nightmare in the leg.
Dr. Destiny fell to the ground, groaning in pain. He focused the power of the Dream Stone into his body. The wound quickly healed up but the pain was still there. He threw the knife back at Punchline, only to be saved by Nite Owl and his grappling hook. The hero blocked the knife with his cape before trying the villain's feet with his grappling hook.
"End of the line, Destiny!" Cain jumped to finish him off.
"Yes, it is. For everyone in this city!" Dr. Destiny held up the Dream Stone.
The mechanical snake transformed back into a large unstable canon. Inside it, a large green crystal crackled with power and unstable energy. It sent a pulse of energy, knocking back the Outsiders.
"Good luck being heroes." Dr. Destiny slipped into the shadows.
"This thing is gonna blow!" Metamorpho screamed.
"We gotta get the others!" They ran back.
Back with the fight against Blackfire, she was still holding her own against her opponents. She punched Kanan and Ezra away with ease before firing a starbolt at Luke. Ahsoka tried to cut off her head, but she caught the Togruta Jedi, breaking her hand with ease. Vader and Obi-Wan pulled Blackfire away from Ahsoke. Blackfire was unable to resist as they brought down their red and blue blades against her purple hand blades.
"Surrender, Blackfire, this battle is over!" Obi-Wan called out.
Blackfire looked at the downed Ahsoka as Luke went to help her. She wasn't sure what her master's relationship was with them, but she would at least take them down.
"Maybe, but I'll take some of you with me!" Blackfire's eyes glowed brightly, firing two beams of purple lasers at Luke and Ahsoka.
"NO!" Vader called out.
Luke heard Vader, pushing Ahsoka out of the way. But he wasn't so lucky.
Blackfire's eyebeams struck his right hand, cutting it.
Luke fell down in pain, holding his hand.
Blackfire used this moment of worry from the two masters to blast them off of her. She was about to finish the fight, when three green capsules bursted underneath her.
"Y-You think… this will stop me?" Blackfire inhaled a good chunk of the green smoke before falling to the ground.
"Anesthetic gas, not smoke," Nite Owl said.
"We need to leave, now!" Sideways said as the room and the building started collapsing as the energy from the weapon and Destiny's manipulation started to destroy everything.
Sideways created a rift as the wounded were carried in. But as they were about to go in, a wave of green energy went towards them. The weapon was exploding and it was going to take everyone and everything in its path. They all braced for the impact, but it never came. They slowly opened their eyes to see Vader and Obi-Wan holding back the power of the explosion.
"Go, while there's still time!" Vader said.
"That won't hold, go!" Obi-Wan added.
"I'm not leaving you, two!" Ahsoka tried to push them, only for the two masters to send her and everyone else through the rift.
"It is good to see you again, Anakin." Obi-Wan said.
"You too, Master." Anakin said as the explosion took them both.
After sharing goodbyes and wishing the rest of the rebels luck in the future in Dagobah, the mood at the House of Mystery was somber.
"You brought her here?!" Cain snapped.
Blackfire laid on a table, bound by magic but no less dangerous.
"What possessed you to do such a thing?" Cain asked.
"She would serve better under our supervision than in the hands of a rebel cell," Nite Owl explained. "That is, if there was anywhere in that world that could hold her."
"And what is she supposed to be, another consultant?" Cain asked.
"Extra muscle. Dr. Destiny is more powerful and not one to be easily bested with the modifications that he's implemented." Nite Owl argued. "She has nothing and nowhere to go. The offer of a place to belong should be sufficient."
"And if it isn't?" Cain asked.
"Survival is always an option, if not magical hypnosis." Nite Owl replied coldly.
Cain hated to admit it, but he was right. Dr. Destiny was getting too powerful for them to handle alone. Perhaps more allies would be useful. Allies of his choosing. If Nite Owl was planning something dastardly, Cain needed to be ready, quickly.