AN: A story told through shorter scenes and just a little more ridiculous than the source material.

War! The Republic is crumbling

under attacks by the ruthless

Sith Lord, Cornelia Arnim.

There are champions on both sides.

Evil is everywhere.

In a stunning move, the

CIS has swept into the

Republic capital and kidnapped

Chancellor Arundel, leader of

the Galactic Senate.

As the Separatist Droid Army

attempts to flee the besieged

capital with their valuable

hostage, two Jedi Knights lead a

desperate mission to rescue the

captive Chancellor...

"Why bother with this little show?" cried Cornelia, dancing between the Jedi's blades. "There's only one way this ends!"

Gathering the Force in the palm of her hand, Cornelia thrust out and pushed, sending Byleth sailing across the ship's bridge. But before she could capitalize on the moment, Edelgard's lightsaber came up, severing the Sith Lord's arms and sending her lightsaber into the air.

The leader of the CIS gasped as she fell to her knees in shock, eyes wide as Edelgard caught the weapon and held both lightsabers at her neck. She looked up at the disdainful face of the Jedi Knight, then looked over to the satisfied visage of Arundel, smug as if he were already sitting upon his throne, and realization came to her.

"I see… So this is the storyline you've written for me…" She took a shuddering breath before a few deranged giggles left her throat. "It's a masterpiece… And the one getting caught up in it… was me."

Edelgard crossed the blades, letting Cornelia's head roll where it would.

"The tide of the war is turning in our favor," commented Byleth as she and Edelgard walked together. "The Republic has scored victories in over a dozen systems since Cornelia was killed."

"That's good to hear," nodded Edelgard. "Soon the galaxy will return to peace. Though I imagine it will take some time for the scars of war to fully heal."

Byleth frowned, but agreed solemnly. "There's been so much destruction over the past few years," she reflected. "And there will be more before this war is over."

Edelgard made a noise of consternation as she observed the sadness in her mentor's eyes. "Apologies, my teacher. I didn't intend to ruin your mood."

"You haven't," replied the blunette. "And it's important we remember the cost of peace, lest we take it for granted."

"Indeed. On that note, I've heard you received your next assignment?"

"I have," confirmed Byleth. "I'm to depart in a few hours."

"Is that so? Then I'll not hold you up any longer," smiled Edelgard. "It's been a pleasure to see you again, my teacher."

"Likewise, Edelgard," returned Byleth with fondness. "Being in your company is always a joy. Stay safe."

"And you as well."

As her teacher headed off, the younger knight schooled her expression, banishing the traces of pink on her face as she scurried away with purpose.

Pressing herself into an out of the way alcove along one of the lesser used corridors of the Jedi Temple, Edelgard took out a small communicator and thumbed the activation rune. A small holographic image of a shadowy figure appeared and addressed her.

"Report."

"With Cornelia out of the way, the Jedi are committing even more of their forces to fight the Separatists."

A dark chuckle. "The time grows near. Make yourself ready then. Your next mission with the Jedi will be your last."

Carefully maintaining her mask of neutrality, Edelgard inclined her head in deference. "As you command… master."

Reclining in his office chair, the man publicly known as Chancellor Arundel considered the most optimal way to leak his secret identity as the Sith Master the Jedi were searching for.

Perhaps he could Force-choke an obstructive bureaucrat at the next Senate meeting? Flash his blood red lightsaber on intergalactic television for all to witness? Or maybe he could even post a confession letter in the Order's daily advice box?

Ah, choices, choices…

He lifted a glass of wine to his lips and drank deeply, savoring the sophisticated taste of exotic liquors as he deliberated. Whatever method he would use had to be subtle yet shocking, something significant enough to force the Jedi to act but not so grand as to draw the attention of the galaxy at large.

Sifting through the possibilities, Thales allowed a malicious grin to form on his face as he made his selection. His choice would directly involve the Jedi while simultaneously letting him revel in the fear and terror of an undeserving innocent.

The dark lord contacted one of his underlings.

"Master," acknowledged the gravelly voice on the other end. "What is your bidding?"

Thales made no attempt to smother his wicked delight. "Jeritza. There's a padawan I want you to abduct."

Thales smirked as the four Jedi entered his office. Everything was going just as planned.

Schooling his expression, the Sith Lord swiveled around to face the sacrificial lambs. "Master Seteth," he began, "I take it the Separatists forces have been beaten back? I must say, you are… earlier than I expected."

Seteth's face was grave. "In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you are under arrest, Chancellor." Four lightsabers ignited from the assembled Jedi, and Thales took a moment to look over his would-be captors.

Master Hanneman von Essar, skilled in the Force but a scholar at heart. Master Manuela Casagranda, a devoted healer and capable swordswoman. Knight Cyril, young and zealous, overly focused to the point of close-mindedness. And Master Seteth, a stern combatant of terrifying ability and the most dangerous Jedi among the four. But their combined might would not be enough.

"Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?" continued Thales, malice slipping into his voice.

"The Senate will decide your fate," declared Seteth.

"I am the Senate."

"Not yet."

Thales stood, fully allowing his façade as a mere politician to slip away, his bloodlust and hatred on open display. His lightsaber fell from his sleeve into his hand, a red blade emerging with a hiss. "Then it's treason," he growled eagerly.

He hurled himself at the Jedi with a howl, and the slaughter began.