Hello and welcome back to this story :)
This is the second part of the first chapter: A Waltz with the Damned.
As usual you will find more info at the end and I hope you will enjoy it :)
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The initial phase of Obi-Wan and Skywalker's investigation was rooted in Rhodia. Following the abrupt departure of the Trade Federation, the planet's databanks had been left in a state of chaos and in their hurry to flee a battle for which they were not prepared, the Neimoidians even abandoned military assets; several hundreds B1 battle droids scattered across the planet, a few isolated Multi-Troop Transports and fortunately for the Republic, a handful of OOM command battle droids which spent time directly linked to Separatists Central Control Computers processing data. Working in tandem with the team of the Republic Intelligence on site since the liberation of the planet from Gunray's grasp, Anakin and Obi-Wan had to spend days sifting through the digital wreckage, files were fragmented, data streams broken and many logs encrypted or partially deleted.
Amidst the vast sea of data, certain patterns began to emerge, each small piece revealing a part of a larger narrative. There were recurring transactions, coded communications and cargo manifests. Anakin, using his technical expertise with droids, confirmed Senator Farr's hunch, in record time he managed to decode and compile a series of the relevant shipments, shipments that all came from a singular location: the Smuggler's Run. But there was more. Embedded within the data were the clues they were looking for; names of ships like the 'Stellar Nomad' or 'Rim Wanderer' and more importantly part of their crews, even some known figures within freelance transporters and the smuggling community, who had been making frequent and discreet deliveries from this perilous asteroid belt to various Trade Federation's outposts.
With this lead, the Smuggler's Run had been their next destination. A notorious stretch of space, amongst small colonies so far in the Outer Rim that it inevitably became a haven for those who wanted to operate outside the law, even that of the Hutts and the criminal organization of the galaxy. Navigating its treacherous asteroid-laden paths was a challenge even for seasoned pilots, but for Jedi, it had simply been a test of their capabilities and their connection to the Force.
The asteroids themselves were a patchwork of ice, rock and metal, often laced with tunnels and caverns, hollowed out and repurposed into makeshift hideouts or secretive trading posts illuminated by the occasional flicker of artificial light. In this bustling underworld of illicit activity, the air within these hidden enclaves was thick with the scent of engine oil, exotic spices and the murmur of clandestine deals.
As they ventured deeper into the Run, they kept a low profile, blending in with the myriad of traders and smugglers, using only their innate skills and intuition to guide their interactions. Approaching the locals and the crews they had identified wasn't easy. In the world of smugglers, suspicion was a constant reality, whether wary of enemies, outstanding bounties, or fierce competition, many offered nothing more than curt refusals. However, a select few, whether swayed by Jedi persuasion or the allure of credits, divulged crucial information. They spoke of shipments from a forgotten world, a planet known to be rich in minerals but abandoned by the Mining Guild.
The few archives and information that they could find painted this world, Naos, as a once-thriving locally created mining hub, so successful that the corporate sector ended up buying it out. However, so far in the Outer Rim, costs often skyrocketed; equipment malfunctioned, tunnels collapsed and industrial accidents plagued the operations. The challenges became insurmountable due to the logistics and in a decision that shocked many, the Mining Guild abruptly ceased all operations on Naos to send personnel and material somewhere profitable. The planet had since faded into obscurity, its rich mineral veins forgotten, yet, the recent activities hinted at a re-establishment of some sort, a secret operation breathing life back into the abandoned mines.
Guided by the Force and this newfound knowledge, Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi set their sights on what they hoped would be the final destination for their investigation: Naos, a forgotten world situated at the very end of the Corellian run, beyond the Outer Rim and deep into the Wild Space.
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In its prime, the planet had been a beacon of industrial prowess, gigantic mining complexes dotted its surface, once extracting valuable minerals that fueled the galaxy's insatiable demand. However, the relentless pursuit of resources came at a cost. The once-verdant landscape was transformed into a labyrinth of deep canyons, vast quarries and towering mesas, the scars of industry were evident everywhere, a sadening reminder of the planet's exploited past completed when it was finally abandoned by the Mining Guild. The once-thriving settlement turned into a ghost town, the sounds of machinery replaced by the silence of desolation.
It was onto this silent world that Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi descended in their unassuming cargo ship, entering the thin atmosphere that casted a muted light over the surface. As they approached the surface guided by the force, they noticed the anomalies they were looking for, signs of recent activity amidst the decay. The old facilities, though battered by time and neglect, showed indications of use. Lights flickered in some remote buildings and heavy machinery seemed to have been moved recently.
As their ship touched down on the planet's surface and they disembarked, the two Jedis exchanged a glance. The feeling they had since entering the solar system kept increasing as they reached the planet and now both were sensing the same unusual disturbance in the Force. It was a sensation neither had felt before, a shadow that was close to the dark side but had a distinct, tinged aura of death and decay. It felt like a cold, creeping shadow, an ancient force that was siphoning the essence of life away.
Obi-Wan, his brow furrowed in contemplation, voiced his concerns. "Anakin, this place, it's not just abandoned, there's a presence here. It's as if the Force is being twisted in a way I've never heard of before."
His friend's grip tightened on his lightsaber's hilt. "I sense it too. It's fortunate Ahsoka is occupied on Coruscant with the 501st and her duties at the Temple. This isn't a place for a padawan."
Moving cautiously, the two Jedi navigated the sprawling industrial wasteland. The vastness of the abandoned facilities was overwhelming, massive structures, now rusted and silent, loomed like ancient monoliths. Conveyor belts, which once transported precious minerals, lay dormant, covered in layers of dust.
Fortunately, as they ventured deeper, they began to notice the oddities they were looking for. Some sectors, though showing signs of long-term neglect, had machinery that appeared recently used. Faint projectors in the distance, the faint buzz of generators could be heard and soon the unmistakable hum of machinery grew louder. Following the sound, they traversed a series of interconnected canyons and ruins of old facilities, their path illuminated by the stars and the occasional rusty light panel.
After what felt like hours, they finally stumbled upon a vast quarry where the sight that greeted them was both fascinating and unsettling. The scene before them was a stark representation of industry and dark powers intertwined, amidst the gaping pits and the rusty remains of ancient machinery, a literal macabre workforce toiled under the dim ghostly starlight.
Skeletal figures, their bones bleached and distinct against the dark soil, moved with an eerie lifeless precision, each movement methodical, devoid of the weariness that marked the living as their bony fingers extracted minerals from the earth and rocks. They were working tirelessly, their hollow eye sockets fixed on their grim task, as if locked in a perpetual cycle of labor from which death could not release them.
Beside them, droids of varying models and eras trundled back and forth, their mechanical whirrs and beeps a discordant symphony against the silent diligence of their worrying counterparts. The droids, indifferent to the macabre nature of their companions, focused solely on the transport of the shimmering ore to a looming, dilapidated processing facility that stood like a silent sentinel over the quarry.
Anakin's hand hovered over his lightsaber, a reflexive gesture born of unease, "I'm not sure of what we are seeing." he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the spectral calm. "These workers are ... not alive. It's as if they've enslaved the dead."
Obi-Wan's expression was somber, his keen gaze sweeping over the undead laborering as the Force around this place felt twisted, a dark tapestry woven with threads of decay "Someone or something is manipulating them, binding them in death" he agreed quietly. "The natural order has been defiled here. Death should be a release into the universe, not a condemnation to servitude and darkness."
They stood at the edge of the quarry, the Force pulsing a rotten taste around them, the sight of the undead bound to eternal toil a gloom reminder of the dark paths the Force could be twisted into. It was a perversion of life's cycle, a manipulation that left a cold void where the Force should flow freely.
The droids, seemingly reprogrammed for only their work, paid no attention to the Jedis, however, some skeletal miners occasionally paused, their empty eye sockets staring into the distance towards the observers, as if sensing the presence of the living among them, before resuming their work.
Taking care to remain unseen, they found a concealed spot atop one of the towering mesas, giving them a panoramic view of the mining operation. From this vantage point, they could see the skeletal miners and droids working silently in tandem, transporting the extracted ore to an underground complex, conveyor belts moving the ore inside, where it disappeared from view, likely being processed or stored for transport. It was clear that this mining operation was vast, organized, and driven by a purpose they were yet to understand.
Anakin, piecing together the scene, observed, "This is it, this is the operation we were sent to find. And it's nothing like we expected."
Obi-Wan, watching the bustling activity below, responded, "It is certainly a massive setup, but it doesn't smell like the usual CIS work. Something else is definitely at play here."
They knew before coming to Naos that they were potentially dealing with a rising power on the galactic stage, but realization dawned on them that it was one with capabilities and intentions that they knew nothing about and maybe couldn't fathom. So far what they learn only served to thicken the plot. The undead laborers, the efficient machinery and the sheer scale of the operation suggested a power and organization that was both formidable and unfamiliar.
The younger Jedi, his voice tinged with concern, said, "We came here to gather information and establish contact, but this... this changes things. Whoever is behind this isn't just another supplier."
His elder nodded, "Our mission just became more complex. We need to be careful, gather as much information as we can and report back. The Council needs to be made aware of this new development before we can make a decision."
The atmosphere grew tense as Anakin and Obi-Wan continued their covert observation, discussing what they should do and what could be the evil secrets of this necromantic planet. The vastness of the exploitation, the eerie silence punctuated only by the mechanical hum of droids and the clinking of skeletal miners working, was unsettling, but it wasn't just the sight before them that had them on edge; it was the feeling of being watched.
Out of nowhere, a cold, creeping and malignant sensation prickled at the Jedi's senses. Trusting his instincts,Skywalker whirled around, lightsaber igniting with a brilliant flare and went to cleave through a lurking figure that seemed to be made from the very shadows. Before they could fully comprehend the situation, the shadow rose, taking on a three-dimensional form as it transformed into an emaciated figure, its entire being a shade of pitch black, save for two sickly glowing yellow eyes that stared at him with determined malignance. When the glowing lightsaber entered in contact with the creature attempting to avoid the blow but failing, the shadowy figure let out a chilling, raspy rattle. It bursted into the air leaving no trace of its existence but the Jedi standing over the now still silhouette of his own shadow.
Obi-Wan, momentarily taken aback, looked at his former apprentice. "What was that?"
"A shadow," his friend replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings for others, "I don't know how or why, but it was alive, or at least sentient."
Before they could further discuss the mysterious entity, a bone-chilling, guttural roar echoed through the canyons, reverberating off the walls and sending a shiver down their spines, its malevolent resonance echoing in their ears long after it had ceased. It was a sound neither Jedi had ever heard before and its dark, foreboding nature was clear. The atmosphere thickened, the weight of impending danger palpable in the air.
Kenobi, worry visible on his face, whispered, "Anakin, we need to move. Now."
Without hesitation, the two Jedi tapped into the Force and jumped through the air as they darted through the maze-like canyons, aiming to reach the safety of their ship. The terrain was treacherous, but with their training both of them navigated it with grace and agility.
However, as they sprinted through the rugged terrain, the unmistakable sound of an armored walker clanking grew steadily louder, echoing ominously through the canyons. Risking a glance over his shoulder, Anakin's eyes widened at the sight of two imposing figures in pitch-black armor, relentlessly giving chase. Their armor seemed to absorb the very light around them and their presence exuded an aura of hatred and wrath that was palpable even from a distance.
The Jedi's initial plan was to reach their ship and make a hasty escape, but as they raced on, it became problematic. Somehow, these pursuers possessed a chilling ability; At regular intervals, they would dissolve into a shadowy mist, surging forward with incredible speed, then reforming closer to the Jedi. The distance between them was closing fast and the Jedi realized that a confrontation was inevitable.
Accepting that they wouldn't make it to their ship in time, Obi-Wan called out, "We can't outrun them, we have to stand our ground."
The two Jedi skidded to a halt, lightsabers ignited, casting a vibrant glow against the dim surroundings. Reforming one last time from the mysterious dark mist the monsters used to rush, the two hulking figures towered over them, standing at an imposing height of more than two meters tall. Their black metal armor, engraved with crimson bloodlines, gleamed menacingly and sharp spikes protruded from every inch of the armor, making them look like incarnations of violence and death. In the left hand of each figure was a massive shield, covering most of their body, while the right hand wielded an immense serrated sword. The helmets, crowned with two demonic horns, revealed a rotted face beneath, with dark eye sockets that glowed with an evil red light, filled with hate and intent to kill.
Tension filled the air as the confrontation began and the younger Jedi lunged forward aggressively, his lightsaber clashing against his opponent's massive sword and shield. Each strike sent sparks flying and Anakin quickly realized that, unlike most materials, the monster's equipment resisted his lightsaber's cutting edge, only showing some minor damage with each attack. Moreover, the armored figure's strength was formidable, it retaliated with powerful swings, often forcing Anakin to use the Force to enhance his agility, narrowly dodging the blade.
Obi-Wan, drawing upon the defensive techniques of Soresu, skillfully parried and redirected the onslaught from the second armored assailant, the sound of his lightsaber against the dark metal filled the air. Once again, each deflection seemed to chip away at the figure's sword, but the creature's sheer strength and its size made it a frightening opponent.
At one point, wanting to create some distance, Obi-Wan tried to use the Force to push his adversary back, but the weight and power of the creature made that insufficient, forcing him to jump instead to avoid the blow. In spite of that, his armored enemy, showcasing up close the dark mist ability that they saw previously, closed the gap in an instant, catching the Jedi Master off guard.
The two Jedi had to rely on their deep bond and teamwork. Anakin, noticing Obi-Wan's momentary vulnerability, Force-pulled his adversary towards him, giving his former a brief respite. The two Jedi then switched opponents, using their different combat styles to catch the armored monster off guard.
As the battle raged on, the creatures' swords and shields deteriorated noticeably under the relentless assault of the lightsabers and soon, both dark blades were shattered, leaving the figures to rely on their immense strength. But even without their swords, they were dangerous, their powerful blows, even with just their enormous fists and shields, posed a lethal threat.
Yet, as the duels continued, a pattern emerged. Despite the creatures' astonishing resilience and endurance, their tactics became increasingly predictable to the seasoned Jedi. Each strike, each lunge, following the same patterns over and over like a rehearsed rhythm. It was as if they were bound to a set of predetermined actions, lacking the creativity and spontaneity of a trained warrior, bound by invisible chains to a predetermined set of movements, unable to deviate or adapt. This predictability became their downfall, using this realization to their advantage, Anakin and Obi-Wan began to anticipate the monsters' moves, dodging and parrying with increasing ease.
Skywalker, with his aggressive combat style, seized upon this pattern, his lightsaber dancing through the air with precision and grace as he targeted the shield of the monster, his strikes growing more forceful and determined. Tapping into his innate strength, he delivered a barrage of blows against his opponent and the massive piece of unknown metal, now scorched and partially melted splintered into fragments, leaving the dark warrior exposed.
With the figure's defense shattered, Skywalker didn't hesitate, his blade slicing through the air with lethal intent, finally removing the snarling head of his enemy. Yet, when his lightsaber should have delivered a fatal blow, the headless monster staggered but improbably remained standing, its body refusing to succumb to what should have been a mortal wound.
Realizing the power of the dark forces at play, the Jedi gathered his strength and focused. With a fierce cry, he unleashed another powerful strike, channeling his connection to the Force into his blade in hope to destroy the dark magic that bound the creature. This time, his lightsaber found its mark, profoundly cutting through the armored chest of the monstrosity. With a final, gruesome shudder, the monstrous knight collapsed, its connection to the Force severed.
Meanwhile, the elder Jedi, showcasing his strategic prowess, observed this anomaly and adjusted his tactics accordingly, luring his foe into a repetitive sequence of attacks. Sensing the rhythm, Obi Wan seized an opportune moment, launching into a graceful acrobatic maneuver, leaping over the creature as his lightsaber decapitated the creature in one fluid motion. The headless monster continued to move, a somewhat grotesque effect of the mysterious dark magic that compulsed these creatures. It was only with a second, decisive strike that Obi-Wan managed to dismantle his foe, bringing an eerie stillness to the battlefield.
Catching his breath, Skywalker looked down at the fallen adversaries. "These creatures, they are unlike anything I've ever seen. But even if their raw power is evident, I'm not sure they are truly alive, they seem bound to a predictable pattern."
Obi-Wan crouched beside one of the armored figures, attempting a closer inspection. Yet, as his fingers brushed against it, both flesh and armor began to dissolve into a viscous black substance, quickly absorbed by the earth. "Gaining insights about them won't be easy," he remarked, wiping away the dark residue.
His companion nodded thoughtfully, "It's as if they were transformed or created for brute strength, without individuality or sentience. And this decay... it's a clever way to keep their secrets."
Rearranging his clothes and hair, Obi-Wan mused, "In the Force, they felt like an abyss, cold, vast and empty, trapped in an endless cycle of violence. Similar to the miners, all of them devoid of true essence, as if merely animated and manipulated by strings."
"Someone or something is pulling those strings," Skywalker interjected, "and after facing these creatures, It's clearly not the Separatists. I don't even think it could be a Sith."
"We must remain vigilant, my friend," Kenobi whispered, "this planet still holds mysteries we've yet to uncover."
Resuming their route towards their ship, they cautiously navigated the eerie stillness that had descended upon the landscape. Soon, Skywalker and Kenobi felt the weight of an oppressive silence as the distant hum of machinery and the whispers of the canyon winds were conspicuously absent, leaving behind a void that seemed to thicken the air around them.
It was within this blanket of silence that they first noticed the unusual figure standing in their path. Nearing their ship, a solitary figure stood ahead, an unexpected presence that seemed to punctuate the stillness with its mere existence. As they drew closer, the details of this enigmatic figure began to coalesce from the shadows, revealing a child whose appearance was a mosaic of contradictions.
Golden hair cascaded around a youthful face, framing it with a luminescence that seemed to capture the scant light, creating an almost halo-like effect. The child's eyes, one a deep blue and the other a vibrant green, looked at them with an annoyed glare that belied the innocence suggested by its sweet visage as the pointed ears and dark skin hinted at a lineage far removed from any familiar species the Jedi had encountered.
The child's attire further compounded the enigma. Clad in a suit that seemed to dance with a life of its own, reflecting the light with a scaly blue iridescence, the figure was draped in a white and gold vest, the fabric adorned with an unfamiliar sigil. The ensemble was completed by a short white skirt, exposing slender legs and high socks, giving to the child a definite feminine appearance and an air of vulnerability, in certain contrast to the firm, assured grip with which the child held a staff of twisted black wood.
The elder Jedi paused, his senses reaching out through the Force. Obi-Wan was feeling a whirlwind of energies, layered, violent and concentrated, emanating from the child. It was, once again on this strange planet, unlike anything he had encountered before; a presence neither dark nor light, but something that felt as primordial as nature itself, accompanied with visions of volcanoes and earthquakes. Her appearance was deceivingly innocent, yet the Force around her felt incredibly dense.
Skywalker, sensing his former master's contemplation, whispered, "This presence Obi-Wan, it's like the Force behaves differently around her"
Kenobi, his gaze still fixed on the child, replied in a hushed tone, "I sense it too, Anakin. It's neither Sith nor Jedi, neither dark nor light. It's... complex. I'm not sure what she is."
As they cautiously moved forward, intending to communicate, Kenobi, always seeking understanding, raised a hand in a gesture of peace, "Greetings young one, we come in search of information, not conflict. Can you tell us who you are and why you are here?"
The air around the Jedi began to thicken, a palpable tension appeared and the atmosphere around them shifted dramatically, the weight of anticipation pressing down on them as the girl remained silent, looking at them fidgeting her staff. It was as if they were targets and an unseen predator was about to pounce on them. Both Skywalker and Kenobi, sensing the imminent threat, reached for their lightsabers, their senses heightened to a razor's edge.
Suddenly, with a blur of motion and a gust of wind, a figure leaped from the shadows, somersaulting from the heights with incredible agility, cutting through the air like a falcon diving for its prey. It was another child, bearing a striking resemblance to the first, but with eyes that burned with fierce determination and a definite smirk of anticipation. His golden hair trailed behind him like a comet's tail and as he landed gracefully, his eyes, a mix of blue and green, gleamed with predatory intent. His attire, another scaly leather but reddish-black and completed by pants this time, was also covered by a sleeveless white suit arboring the same mysterious symbol. A coiled whip and a huge scroll were around his waist and a large, ornate bow was slung across his back.
Before the Jedi could react, thick vines, sharp as razors, shot up from the ground, wrapping around their limbs and pinning them in place. Turning their heads, they saw the first child, staff raised and from its tip, a glowing strange circle seemingly made of light filled with intricate runes.
In a mere heartbeat, the scene before them shifted dramatically, the boy with the whip unfurled the giant red scroll from his waist with a flourish. The painting on the scroll was a masterpiece and though simple in its depiction, was beautifully crafted, capturing the essence of a lush jungle with an almost ethereal quality, rendered with such skill that it seemed to pulse with an inner life. As they watched, the painted jungle began to expand and envelop their surroundings, its borders blurring as it reached out to envelop them in its vibrant embrace, drawing them into its depths.
The transformation was disorienting, the familiar rocky terrain of the canyon melting away to be replaced by the surreal, lush, vibrant and rain-soaked embrace underbrush of a jungle in the throes of a monsoon. Rain hammered down in sheets, soaking them to the skin, the water painting rivulets down their robes, drenching them instantly. The thick vegetation pressed in from all sides, but upon closer inspection something was off; it appeared incredibly alien. The leaves, the bark, even the very droplets of rain that clung to them, all bore the unmistakable strokes of a brush, vibrant but unnaturally so, as if they had stepped into a dream or, more accurately, a painting come to life.
Skywalker, blinking away the rain from his eyes, looked astonished and shook his head, as if to dispel the illusion, but the improbable reality remained steadfastly around them. "This... this is unreal," he murmured, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and disbelief, before exclaiming "We've been pulled into the painting".
Kenobi, pushing back his drenched hair and looking around, his eyes alternated between wonder and concern. The Jedi Master, ever the curious one, ran a hand over a nearby leaf, watching the painted water droplets roll off his fingers "This is incredible, it's indeed like we've literally walked into that scroll," he mused, his gaze sweeping over the vivid, painted landscape. "The Force here is... different, as if materializing the very fabric of this place. Everything here, from the rain to the trees, we are in some artist's idea of a jungle, a painted idea."
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Thanks for the reading :p
This first pair of chapters turned out pretty much how I wanted, but it took me some time to find the good tone and balance between the two.
I very much give my thanks to the reviews here and on the discord for my fanfiction, including some help with the beta-reading that helped very much, please continue so I can improve the quality :)
I will take some time to answer some of the reviews here, but if you really want to discuss the story or have access to files in advance, check the discord : FszvzGTgVu