Avengers: Infinite Wars

by free man writer

The Clone Wars are in full swing with the galaxy divided. The Jedi lead the clone army against the infinite droid army of the Separatists. Yet a wild card enters the fray. The Avengers. From there, newer, more sinister and deadlier threats emerge and The Galaxy, no, the universe, shall never be the same again. Co-written by Jebest4781 and BulletStormX. Now in Season 4.

92. All A Distraction

Is it selfish to ask for follows and favorites so this story can reach the 2k mark? Kinda, yeah, am I still gonna do it?

Why do ya think I phrased that question like that?

Cause the other reason being I want this story to become more popular to incentivize people to do other stories and crossovers. If you already know, got a serious annoyance that a majority of the crossovers on this site are Naruto and Harry Potter and they're all THE SAME THING.

Come on people, I know you guys are way more creative than that.

That and I'm competitive with myself, wanting to see this story rise above others cause in the words of Captain Holt from Brooklyn 99. VINDICATION!

Anyway, on to the conclusion of the Onderon Arc.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 92: All a Distraction.

Inside the rebel base in the city of Iziz, things were a tad busy in the early morning.

Most people were early risers, others weren't. And some of these people were the ARC troopers as they were training a number of the resistance fighters in another part of the complex. After all, they were conditioned on getting up in the early hours.

It wasn't just them and those being trained this day, but others who were patrolling and scouting the city to guard their base for it to remain hidden from King Sanjay's forces.

Within its walls and on various floors of the building they occupied, there were various individuals sleeping in cramped rooms. A good number had to share the space. More room in the complex could've been available if it weren't for the fact much was already taken by the equipment or the large training room that was in constant use of rotation.

There were workstations for those wanting to work on their weapons and gear. Some were already occupied, either for brief periods for brief tune-ups or for extensive inspections.

At one such table, Steela Gerrera was working over some of her gear and upgrading her sniper rifle.

With the pilfered Chitauri and Sakaaran weapons, she thought to understand and integrate parts into her trusty rifle. Making the scope better along with her ammunition. Well, the latter will take a far longer time to adjust from the type she had grown up using and the galactic standard.

Thankfully, the three Avengers on hand appeared to be expert mechanics and had been dismantling their looted weaponry to have a better understanding of them. Honestly, it will take time for the resistance fighters to handle such technology, a luxury they don't have as their efforts might not be successful.

"Steela."

The girl barely shifted to acknowledge Lux, pausing in her thoughts for a moment before resuming.

She heard him sigh though she didn't expect him to place his hand on her shoulder and make her turn to him.

"You need to take a moment, Steela." Lux firmly said, placing his other hand on her other shoulder. "You must. Ever since we took out the power generator, I have seen you sleep only once. Your brother is no better. The two of you need a moment of respite."

"I'll get it when I have freed my city." Steela stubbornly said, much to Lux's annoyance.

"If you intend to free it, don't die in the process."

Turning around, Steela revealed the bags under her eyes. Her eyes were a tad red, not because of crying but from exhaustion.

"I am more than willing to die for my city. For our people. For what we're fighting for right now."

Bonteri released a sigh, shaking his head at her response.

"Steela, that's incredibly brave of you, really, it is, but you must rest. What if something were to happen to you during the next mission or even when we'd least expect it."

"I'll handle it when the time comes."

"You'll handle it by taking a moment's rest now."

"I can't as I have my duties to perform."

After the successful raid at the power generator, the resistance fighters quickly voted Steela as their leader during their celebrations. She reluctantly accepted the position, despite her thinking someone else may be better for the position. Not to mention she had quite the discussion with her brother, who -while didn't voice it- wanted to be the leader of their ragtag group. But after their chat, Saw accepted his sister as boss.

Since then, she had been working hard to fulfill her leadership role. Unfortunately, she's been doing it a bit to the extreme. Not of overworking those under her, but herself.

"I get the responsibility of being named leader weighs much on your shoulders, but you can't carry this burden alone." Said Lux, worry marrying his features. "You have the Jedi and Avengers for support. You have others in the resistance who are willing to help you."

"Like who?"

"Your brother." Lux paused for a second. "Me."

Steela turned to him, brow raised. "You?"

"Yes, me." He said with greater determination now. "I came here for three reasons. This planet is my home. This is where I come from and I shall fight for her people. The second is my mother has enough on her plate leading Parliament into a ceasefire with the Republic so all of us can even have a chance at a better tomorrow. And the third is the Avengers showed me that there is a time for politics and words but there is also the time for doing what is right, regardless of the consequences. But that is a rash and dangerous thought, something they had tempered out of me."

"What's the point to all this, Lux?" Steela impatiently asked now.

"The point," The son of Mina calmed himself to collect his thoughts. "The point is that I came here to fight for Onderon and I see someone who shares this sentiment. Someone who is brave, selfless and noble but is too focused on others to not realize what would happen should she perish."

The Gerrera sister was unsure of how to respond here.

"Think of what those who follow you would go through, what your brother would suffer through," He then reached forward and tenderly took her hands into his. "What I would have to endure if I saw you dead."

Steela was at a loss for words, her brain momentarily short-circuiting.

"I… what?" She stammered out, suddenly feeling her face heat up.

Lux couldn't help himself, smirking at the reaction he received.

"What? Too forward?" He then laughed at the color of her face, making her scrunch her expression up in embarrassment before shoving him back and briskly walking away.

He continued chuckling at her behavior, hearing a grunt a moment later.

Lux turned to see Saw standing at a doorway, grumbling and rubbing his eyes.

"The hell are you in such a jolly mood?" He grumpily asked.

Bonteri hummed coyly to himself. "I do believe I finally convinced Steela to get some proper sleep."

"You did?" Saw grunted. "About damn time. I was gonna asked Barriss if she could knock her out with the Force."

"We may need to resort to that. You should know how stubborn a Gerrera is."

"Yeah, they-OI!"

Elsewhere in the base, Peter was laying on a cramped bed that was oddly comfortable.

Why, one may ask?

He was entrapped.

Entrapped by a pair of girls, ensnaring each side of him.

They completed the "trap" by holding one another's hands, both in a near mirror position, their heads managed to prop themselves on Peters' chest with their foreheads touching. Their legs interlocking with each other with arms hugging his own Every other time, the subconscious motion of them snuggling deeper occurs, like them enjoying a warm and cozy body pillow.

Then came this overwhelming, foreign smugness that was not of his own.

It was then that Peter realized that though he didn't see it, he could tell that the symbiote was giving him a "coy" look that made him want to tell him to shut up.

And he could, kinda, being mentally linked in all.

Still a weird sensation.

'So glad I don't have the need to go use the restroom or else I'd be miserable.' Was the thought, merely enjoying the moment.

Luck won out for Parker as he and his girlfriends ended up having to share a room together. The base they were utilized for the duration of their stay had gotten cramped quite fast in recent days.

Since residing at the rebel base, Peter opted to sleep on the floor or on a web hammock while letting Barriss and Ahsoka take the bed.

Or that was the original plan.

His two girlfriends all but pulled him into their bed and the three slept like this almost every night.

By some miracle, no one had ever walked into their room to see them like this.

But that did not mean their small interactions had gone unnoticed.

They were young and still new to this relationship and despite two of the three being Jedi, meaning emotions had to be kept in check, easier said than done when exploring such new feelings.

There were moments of them holding hands, leaning on each other, hugs that lasted far longer than usual.

And Ahsoka was certain that she and Barriss were spotted coming out of what essentially was the base's broom closet.

But those thoughts were dispelled when he felt the pair sleeping on him begin to stir.

The Mirialan was the first to wake up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, having a wide smile in place as soon as she saw her two lovers in front of her.

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of waking up to this."

"Me neither." Came the yawning response from Tano who was just waking up herself.

"Pleasant morning, my loves." Barriss leaned forward to peck Ahsoka on the lips before going up to kiss Peter.

"Mornin' Nurse." He said before kissing Ahsoka. "And good morning to you, Snips."

She only hummed, resting her ear atop his chest while holding Barriss' hand over her cheek.

"I love this feeling." She whispered, holding both her lovers tightly. "I want to have this every day."

"Don't get greedy." Barriss lightheartedly admonished, placing a loving kiss on Ahsoka's forehead. Her hand caresses her girlfriend's Lekku, causing pleasant shivers to crawl up her spine. In turn, Ahsoka brought her hand over to cup Barriss' face, who leaned into it.

"Much as I would love to stay like this all day, you both know duty calls." Peter spoke up, much to his own and his girlfriends' displeasure.

"I'm fairly certain we can and should stay like this for a bit longer." Barriss argued with an adorable pout.

"Oh?" Ahsoka giggled at the sight. "And why's that?"

"It helps build our bond further." Offee plainly said, resting her chin on Peter's shoulder. "Helps allow for our love to strengthen."

"You are so sappy." Peter quipped, nuzzling his nose with hers for an Eskimo kiss. "And we love it."

"Mmm, and I love you." She whispered.

Ahsoka giggled, lifting her head and moved to steal a quick kiss from Barriss.

"Oi, I was gonna do that." Peter jokingly complained.

Both his girlfriends laughed at his response, the Mirialan Padawan being the first to get up from their hammock.

"Come on." She said, stretching herself out. "Much as I wish we could stay together all day, we have a responsibility to adhere to."

Peter rolled his eyes good-naturedly at her comment, shaking his head, which made her pause.

"What?"

"Nothin' just," He shrugged. "Guess Uncle Ben's saying really stuck with ya."

"As it does with you." Ahsoka pointed out, still laying on top of him. "I mean, it's a really good saying."

"Really good," she says." Parker remarked.

"Oh, and it's not."

"You know what I mean." He shot back. "Just didn't realize how much that meant to you."

"I believe it's something the Jedi should abide by." Barriss resolutely said, any form of humor disappearing. "The power that we have that has been bestowed upon us by the Force isn't something to be used lightly but to be used with a steady hand and responsibility. We abide by the will of the Force yes-"

"But we should also work to serve the people of the galaxy wherever we are needed." Ahsoka finished for her. "Like here and now."

The Mirialan nodded. "We work with the senate, yet believe the Jedi serve the senate. We're doing all we can to help the people."

"What we honestly should have been doing from the beginning." Ahsoka firmly declared. "Like you do all the time on Coruscant. Nobody asks you to help the people on the ground but you do it anyway."

Peter seemed a bit bashful, shrugging at the two. "Well… You don't have to be an Avenger or Jedi to help the people. And I sure know that you don't need the government to do the right thing. Most of us took up the mask 'cause we believe in doing good." He then grimaced. "I can only imagine how hard it would be if we were against them or vice versa."

"I'd rather not think of that implication, more so if it was with the Jedi." Ahsoka said.

Such a thought was unsettling for the three.

The trio began freshening themselves up with the wallcrawler leaving their living quarters first.

Walking out of the room, Peter nearly ran into someone. He was quick to apologize when he realized who he came across.

"Guys?" He said in confusion, looking at the entirety of Domino Squad. "What are you guys doing here?"

Fives looked between Peter and the room he just came out of and gave him a skewed look.

"Strange, feels like we should be askin' you the same thing. That's Commander Ahsoka and Barriss' room."

Peter glanced back at the door and then at the clones. "Er… uh, yeah, it is."

"And we were just comin' to talk to Commander Tano about the next set of training regimes today." Cutup said in a slow manner whilst eyeing the young teen, unsettling him slightly.

"Y-Yeah." Parker stammered out.

"So… we've been wonderin'," Hevy idly said. "It seems that you and the Commander have gotten real close in the last few days."

Peter cleared his throat. "Well, we are f-friends. Good friends-"

"Really good friends." Echo interrupted with a pointed look.

"And not just with our Commander." Cutup leaned forward now, a small sweat appearing on Peter's forehead.

"...Yeah… so-"

"Are you two timin' our Commander?" Hevy bluntly

There was a pause on this before the New Yorker released a sigh.

"...God, I feel so wrong when I say this, but I WISH it was that simple." Peter seized up, realizing what he had just said but it only served to bewilder Domino Squad.

"Uh… what?" Was their collective response.

"So you're not seeing the Commander?" Says Hevy.

"You guys know?" Peter nearly exclaimed until his hands clapped over his mouth.

"So you are dating Commander Tano." Fives stated.

The young hero tried to come up with something to dissuade such notions. Sadly, nothing could properly form and come out of his mouth. Soon enough, he relents.

"Y-Yeah, we're dating now." He admitted with a prolonged sigh. "...Was it that obvious?"

"Yes."

"Sorta."

"I thought you guys were already seeing each other."

"...Wow. Just… wow."

Flabbergasted somewhat sums up Peter's reaction to all this.

"Well," Fives shrugged. "Nothin' wrong with it. I mean, we think you're a good kid."

"Uh, what?" Peter held up his hands in a T-shape. "Timeout, don't you guys know about the whole Jedi none-attachment thing?"

"I'm pretty sure our general and commander aren't the ones to follow that sort of thing." Echo stated. "Case and point."

Spidey actually couldn't formulate a proper response to that for a few seconds. "Ok, now I feel dirty."

"What's wrong with that?" Fives asked with a shrug.

"Just so many, complicated things that would take forever to explain. Heck, I doubt I'd even get every one of them right."

It was at this point did Echo mutter something which briefly crossed his mind.

"The commander has been real cozy with Commander Offee as well, now that I think about it."

Whatever decompressing mood Peter was trying to get into caused him to suddenly seize up as this was mentioned.

And it got a tad worse when someone approached from behind Peter, trying to leave the living quarters.

"What's going-EEP!"

The clones soon saw Ahsoka leaving the same room, yet she scrambled back upon seeing them.

"Is something going on here?"

"No. Nothing to worry about, Barriss."

Looking further in, the ARC troopers saw the Mirialan padawan there. Her gaze soon focused on them, causing her to become rather timid and scurry away out of an odd bit of reflex.

Seeing all this, some pieces in the minds of Domino Squad got rearranged.

"So… you're not… or are you… two-timing her?"

"No, we're not… it's not like… it's complicated." Peter felt a bit exasperated in saying this.

Nothing was really said from there. Only a look aimed at the young Avenger.

"We got our eye on you, Parker."

"Guys… seriously, Anakin's already on my case with Ahsoka-"

"We're just messin' with ya." Hevy assured with a laugh. "We know we got nothin' to worry about."

"But you are gonna have to explain what's the deal with Commander Barriss in all this."

"I'm honestly afraid to."

For a bit of saving grace, Cutup got a notification from Wasp.

"We got a transmission comin' in." Cutup spoke up. "It's coming from Senator Syndulla."

"Let's see what he wants." Peter commented.

They walked down the corridor, entering a room where Scott and Hope were already in, the latter waving them to join them.

"Come on guys, he's waiting for us." She said.

At the holotable, the clones, Jedi and Avengers surrounded it as the holo-image of Cham Syndulla appeared.

"Good day to you all." He greeted them with a small nod.

"Same with you, Senator." Five respectfully.

"I hope things are alright on your neck of the galactic conflict."

"Wish it was. Came across several road hazards."

Cham simply nodded again in understanding. "I can imagine so. How are the resistance fighters?"

"They are restless and growing in number." Ahsoka answered. "After our last mission, we've gotten a swell of new recruits. We've had to find other places to have them stay since it's already cramped as is."

"One of the sacrifices you'll have to make for the time being." Syndulla said, not in any patronizing way. After all, they were all well aware of where he was coming from with these words. "But how has the training progressed? Any sense of proper development and cohesion?"

"With us leading the charge, yeah." Hevy stated. "But they still have ways to go to work without us always directing them."

"I understand. My people have their own means of fighting but Captain Keeli and Master Gun-Di managed to instruct us to become an effective fighting force despite our opposition's power and numbers. These things take time, much as it is a rare luxury by now."

"With respect, Senator," Hevy spoke up. "I'm fairly certain that you weren't facing what we're up against right now."

Cham gave a brief nod. "When I was liberating Ryloth, only the droids were my peoples' obstacle. Hearing about these Chitauri and Sakaarans on Onderon does worry me."

"We also might be dealing with an Acolyte here." Barriss added on.

The senator hummed. "One of Dooku's enforcers?"

Ahsoka frowned at that. "Maybe. Maybe not given it was our first time seeing this guy."

Cham tilted his head at this, Hope continuing after Tano.

"This dude is augmented, or enhanced like the other Avengers sometimes call it." Spidey remarked.

"Augmented?" Syndulla parroted.

Peter pointed at his eyes. "He was literally shooting energy blasts out of his eyes. No way that's a Force ability."

"It isn't." Barriss muttered, a troubled look appearing as she thought back to the black-skinned Twi'lek they encountered. "None that I am aware of."

"And he's strong as all hell." Cutup winced, a hand over his chest. "Like, Captain Rogers or Parker's types of strong."

"Even with these ceasefire talks going on, Dooku may have other things playing in the background." Said a disgruntled Fives.

"I don't know." Scott was very much unsure of this. "I mean, why? Like really, why? We've heard all about this guy and the way he does things but this feels really out of left field, doesn't it?"

"You have something on your mind, Scott?" Says the senator.

"This whole situation is really off." Lang stressed out. "Like really, really off. Everything that's happened doesn't feel right. And what happened the other night doesn't help either."

"What happened?"

"When we were infiltrating the palace, we saw Rash talking to this person. His backer no doubt. Force wielder to boot. And yet… something strange is going on. More to all this than what we know." Hope elaborated, still troubled by what happened during their recon in the palace.

"What else is new?"

"Then what of the bill?" Came the brief change of topic.

"The bill's testing is for the local populace to at least know how to properly fight back. The Jedi and Avengers are to be the observers when not training them alongside the Clones. That was the intention when it was merely with the droids and by extension Ultron."

"And yet things aren't as they're supposed to be initially."

"Given circumstances -and through a number of political mumbo jumbo as Pietro refers to- these unforeseen elements would make you ignore most limitations of the test." Cham stated. "For the most part, the main thing many politicians are looking for is simply a success story. Much as I loathe to put this upon your shoulders, so long as Onderon is liberated with the local population taking action, many within the Senate would approve of the Bill. But even I know that's a rather menial qualification at best. We're gonna need to cream of the crop to make sure the best are trained for the future of this army."

"At least we have better clarification. We can work with this." Echo said with a nod.

"But we're also having another problem here," Hevy stated. "We've got new recruits comin' in from all over and not nearly enough equipment and resources to arm them. Stealing from droids is one thing but the Chitauri and Sakaarans are a different story. Their equipment exploded after some time away from them."

"We've dismantled as many as we could to salvage intact parts. Integrating them into the weaponry for the resistance. Not really fun, I tell ya."

"Some we've managed to disarm entirely but there's only three of us and we can only have so much time to teach everyone how to do that." Hope said with a tired sigh. "I can admire such a thing. Effective too. An enemy not acquiring one's armaments and equipment with failsafe's."

"Just the factor we're on the receiving end is what grinds my gears." Muttered Scott, soon noticing Hope blandly looking at him. "What?"

"No more Family Guy from you."

"Seriously? That's what you picked up on? I was honestly being serious about that. I wasn't trying to joke."

The others in attendance rolled their eyes or shook their heads, having grown used to such talk from the couple.

"What you need are weapons of your own." Cham stated more than suggested. "Though the question as to where remains unanswered."

There was a brief pause in the room as everyone was momentarily stumped on such a topic that was until an idea came into Spider-man's mind.

"Actually…" He held up a finger to the ceiling. "We may have that covered. We gotta make another call."

"To who?"

-Scene Cut-

Over at a mountain region, far away from the city of Iziz, an assembly of the resistance group was meeting up with their suppliers.

"Can we really trust these guys?" Saw Gerrera's suspicion was evident as he along with Steela and Lux stood alongside their off-world allies, looking up at a ship model none from Onderon had ever seen before.

"Peter, Hope and Ahsoka vouch for these individuals." Lux said confidently. "Peter even spoke of them having made friends with another one of the Avengers and he has fought alongside them in Mandalore of all places. So they are perhaps more trustworthy than we give them credit for."

"Plus their team name ain't exactly the rough, stab-in-the-back kind of title any old pirate or smuggler's crew would use." Steela commented, eyes on the unique ship that touchdown in front of them.

"Weird, we're dealing with smugglers of all people." Came her brother's response.

"Wouldn't call them that, per se." Said Peter, walking up to them. "You should have seen them on Mandalore. These guys are crazy tough."

The back ramp to the ship opened up to reveal their suppliers.

Several of them were human.

The others…

"Alright, what're we dealin- The hell? Kids? Seriously? We're delivering weapons to kids?" Spoke a short, talking rodent.

"Jubilation: But Master Rocket, can you not see the importance of such a task? We're teaching fleshy meatbags the importance of violence at an impressionable age! The more we teach these youngsters the means in which to eliminate their enemies, the more likely the meatbag population will continually drop even further."

"Hello new comrades whom we are to deliver weapons of mass destruction!" Said a cutesy female voice. "I hope we come in nickel of time."

"It's "in the nick of time", Cosmo."

"Yes, Nickel."

"Ni-nevermind."

"Nickel is a metal."

"Very good Drax, do you wanna cookie?" The rodent deadpanned at the tattooed muscular alien.

The entirety of the group that had gathered to greet them could only stare in complete perplexed bewilderment.

None more so than the Avengers.

"I remember Gamora and Vision telling us that they were a weird group…" Hope murmured, slowly pointing at the two furriest members present. "Just never expected to see two *cough* animals *cough* from Earth."

Scott gave his girlfriend a look. "Why'd you cough?"

"I didn't mean to sound rude."

"What? It's just a dog and a raccoo-"

"Who said that?!" Rocket snapped, looking around viciously, pulling out a small pistol that expanded into a literal cannon. Scott immediately clamped up.

"Forgot to mention that." Hope sheepishly said. "Some of the other Guardians talked about their… "furry" teammate having a temper whenever anyone mentions… that about him."

"And the dog?"

Hope and Peter both tilted their heads at the Labrador in the cosmonaut suit that padded down the ramp.

"They didn't mention having a dog, did they?" The latter asked the former

Wasp frowned, recalling the Guardians she had met back on Mandalore and what Vision had told of them and she shook her head. "She's new."

Looking towards the recently appeared Cosmo, the Mirialan padawan felt all sorts of emotions.

"Oh my goodness." Barriss could barely contain herself, dropping down to her knees to pet Cosmo. "You are the most adorable thing I've ever met!"

"You think Cosmo adorable?" The Labrador's ears perked up before she began wagging her tail and panting happily as the Padawan found a sweet spot behind her ear. "Oh sweet Soviet Russia, please continue of the head scratches please."

Barriss only giggled in delight at this, Ahsoka letting out an "aw~" along with Steela, the three girls crowding around the space dog, showering her with affection.

"How can she talk?" Scott asked, squatting down next to the girls fawning over Cosmo.

"She's a telepath." Rocket answered walking by the former thief who looked between the talking raccoon and the telepathic dog, noticing something about the suit she wore.

"Wait…" Lang let out a bewildered huff of disbelieving laughter. "Is that a Soviet astronaut suit?"

Cosmo's ears perked up again, jumping over to Ant-man.

"You know of Mother Russia?!" She excitedly asked, tail wagging about.

Before Scott can answer, the human in the maroon jacket called out to the dog.

"Save it for later Cosmo, come and help Drax out with the unloading."

"Of course, Comrade Quill." Cosmo responded, barking quickly before bounding over to the Benatar.

Sitting, Cosmo used her psychic abilities to lift up and unload one crate at a time. Some of the resistance fighters and Republic members thought the Labrador was Force-sensitive, yet they'll never know that wasn't the case.

"Whoa~" Ahsoka remarked in awe.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Spoke a sage voice that made the two Padawans turn to a man with pearly white eyes and a walking stick.

The pair both scrutinized the man, getting his with a wave of familiarity with him until the Togruta recognized him.

"Chirrut, right?"

"Hmmm?" The blind force user regarded Ahsoka and Barriss momentarily. "Ah yes, I do believe we last met almost a year ago now after Baze and I came to the Jedi temple with Matthew. Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee, yes?"

"We are." The latter confirmed with a small bow. "A pleasure to see you once more, Chirrut."

"And it is good to see you both as well." Imwe said with a small smile, tilting his head slightly, frowning in concentration. "Hmmm… the two of you… the Force surrounds you both in a far greater capacity than most I have come across."

"Really? How so?"

Chirrut focused on the pair, looking between Ahsoka and Barriss with a scrutinizing air.

"Something unites you two. A bond forged." The girls shared a look and smiled.

"But there is also something else," The blind warrior turned his head towards the orange-skinned Padawan. "You, young one… the Force… I have only come across something close to it when I met Vision. The stone he possesses. And now…" He faced Barriss who inclined back slightly. "Fascinating. My dear Padawan, do you perhaps feel something… different about yourself?"

She was thrown off by this query. "I'm… not sure how to describe it."

"Try. Attempt." He encouraged with a patient tone. "You have been taught in letting the Force flow freely through you. Let your emotions be your guide."

As adverse a way of training she had received when she was just a youngling, Barriss knew that now, with where she is, to let her emotions flow through her.

It made her feel scared, vulnerable and uncertain. Yet at the same time… powerful, confident… loved.

"I feel a bit freer on my connection, lately." She awkwardly responded. "Beforehand, it's been constrictive. Like a coil."

"And now?"

"I just…" Barriss turned to Ahsoka who appeared to have a hint of concern. Not knowing if they could openly admit to such details. The man before them isn't a member of the Jedi Order, but he follows the Force. His opinions may differ from those they're used to interacting with.

Taking a collective breath, the Mirialan resumed.

"Different. I'm trying to work through my teachings, but recent events have made me feel conflicted. While I'm happier with what I've obtained, I'm worried about what could occur if my master were to learn of my new bonds."

"Barriss." Ahsoka softly said.

"She'd tell me to… I don't know. She would tell me that emotions muddle purpose. As Jedi, our feelings would be a hindrance in our duty to the Republic, the Galaxy and the Force. I'm scared of what could happen. Losing the progression of exploring these emotions I've perhaps regained after so long; one's I've discovered on my own or with guidance."

The Guardian of the Whills was silent, processing what he had heard. Not just the words, but the emotions which blended with her speech.

"Affection is confusing, Barriss Offee. One often has struggles in discerning them towards friends and family. Even those towards those beyond a simple or close friendship."

The two padawans shared a look.

"You could tell?"

"My connection with the Force comes from my sacrifice to sight. But in return, I am able to see things that others cannot properly understand. I can see how one bonds with another at such a level."

"And yet we hardly interacted with each other."

"You pick up a few other things along the way." Chirrut cocked his head a little. "You sound surprised."

"Of course I'm surprised."

Chirrut chuckled, placing a comforting hand upon the Mirialans shoulder. "That's because what I believe is holding back the Jedi Order at this time is perspective."

"Perspective?" Ahsoka repeated in confusion. "But we're always taught by the Order to view things in every alternative and angle possible."

"Have you?" He challenged, humming a moment later. "Perhaps you have more so than others, young Ahsoka. But Barriss here is a Jedi I have encountered on many occasions in my lifetime." Chirrut gestured his stick to the eclectic group of individuals all interacting at this time. "Life, as we all know it, comes from many aspects, each with their own set of ways, thoughts, beliefs and feelings."

Using his cane, Chirrut began drawing several symbols into the dirt. The Padawans soon took focus on them as he spoke.

The pair could see the first-ever symbol of the Jedi Order. A star with sprouting wings from the sides. Neighboring it was a similar sigil, but with some sort of tower in the middle with a different set of wings.

"The Order has changed over and over again which is something that comes naturally in time. Council members -over the past generations- perceive several notions to be harmful, not realizing they're beneficial, casting away things that at one point made them the foremost power within the Force."

Following these drawings was a different symbol of some sort of orb with sporadic mountain-like etchings surrounding it. Next to it was an octagonal image with arrows coming out from its center. The girls recognized this drawing as the once-ancient emblem that signified the Sith.

"It's not just the Jedi, but the Sith as well. In fact, their changes are that of the extreme with one iteration killing what came before. A violent cycle of death and rebirth. At one point, they ceased such ideas and tried to thrive. They would have succeeded in truly overwhelming the Jedi, if it wasn't for one of their own to call them all heretics and wiped them out. As a result, a new order, this so-called Rule of Two I've heard of, began, resuming the old practices with a few additions."

The blind Force user drew some more, but more of surrounding the images in circles with them overlapping each other.

"The light and dark. Even if one isn't sensitive to the Force, people take qualities from each side to make up their very being. Drawing wisdom from different places to support your own. One can't solely rely on one side in its entirety, or else an unbalance to their internal nature occurs in an unpleasant fashion." Chirrut tapped his cane against the ground several times. "The Jedi Order as it is now, has maintained peace, or a perceived peace for over one thousand years. That is not an accomplishment to be taken away. But in that, they have become stagnant, adopting dogmatic tendencies and restrictions that have made them blind and ill-prepared for the darkness that has swept over the galaxy."

The Padawans couldn't really think of a proper rebuttal to such a statement because… he was right.

In all the bluster and glory the Jedi Order boasted, the war started due to their own ignorance or even refusal to properly intervene when they perhaps needed to.

"In times of conflict, people can become strong. But in times of peace, they become weak. Never assume peace is ever-lasting. One shall always come around the corner when you least expect it."

Silence surrounded the trio. The padawans were deep in thought, which the Guardian of the Whills took note of.

"Apologies." Chirrut sheepishly said, a slight bow at them. "I didn't mean to take up your time like this. We are here to assist you in your conflict, not give you a lecture."

Barriss found herself surprisingly smiling at him. "No, it's quite alright."

"You've given us a lot to think about." Ahsoka added in.

"Hopefully a way to distract you from some personal problems."

"Or over-encompassing them."

From within the ship, one of the Guardians on this job run not set foot off the spacecraft looked out with a mixed face of rage and disbelief.

"You have got to be kidding me." Asajj Ventress seethed to herself, backing away into the ship to remain unseen.

Of all the places to see faces from the past so suddenly, it just had to be Onderon for some stupid cosmic reason.

She was so lucky to stay behind to man the controls, in case this job run went sideways. If she were to step outside of this ship, with these Avengers and padawans in particular, she'd have several issues on her hands.

The Dathomirian couldn't believe her luck right now.

"Just stay inside and focus on anything else. It'll all be over soon." Ventress told herself.

"Ventress, are you-"

"Leave me alone, Mantis, I need to make sure everything is alright with the ship." Asajj all but hissed under her breath at her half-sister.

Mantis was thrown off by her sibling's harsh response but noticed the slightly panicked look on her face, tilting her head in concern.

"Is everything alright, Asajj?"

"No, Mantis, it isn't." She retorted through gritted teeth.

"What's the matter then?"

"I'd rather not talk about it."

Her half-sister scrunched her face a little before relaxing it. "If you say so."

Shortly after joining the Guardians and slowly learning about her Celestial heritage, she had to at least come clean on her identity. Partially, mind you. Telling them the alias she gave them was of her mother's name with Asajj being her real name. They accepted it and moved on, much to her confusion.

The Dark Jedi expected them to pry into her history, more so with her relation to Quill and Mantis. All they said was her history was her own. She was free to bring it up if she wanted to, but they didn't really have the right to force it out for a whole number of reasons.

It was a really strange feeling for her.

To be… she wasn't sure if they trusted her or not. Maybe they did. Maybe they don't but the acceptance of her true name on top of them not asking anything in regards to her past.

That was until the rodent spoke to her about that.

"We're all dealin' with baggage here, baldy. Bullshit and bad memories comes with the territory on this team. Get with the program."

Much as she wanted to throttle Rocket for the way he spoke to her… and most everyone really, Ventress was quick to see what he meant.

They were clowns, assholes, morons, dipshits, nerf herders, mudskuffers, the whole nine yards.

But one look in their eyes was all she needed to see.

Behind it all was something she had seen in any reflection she looked at of herself.

Pain.

Regret.

Loss. Be it of a loved one, innocence or their existence.

Maybe… maybe…

Asajj shook her head, slinking further back into the ship, sitting down in a separate compartment that would leave her unseen.

She really didn't need any of this right now.

Sometimes, if the Force did indeed have a will of its own, it tended to be a massive jackass.

Back outside the ship, two individuals of similarly sounding names and planet of origin stood face to face.

"Hey, Peter Quill, Star-Lord."

"Huh, so you're the other Peter Gamora talked about." The Wall-crawling Avenger said with a small grin. "Peter Parker, Spider-man."

"Oh yeah, she mentioned somethin' about another Peter running around out here." Quill greeted, matching the New Yorker's expression.

"Say," Parker looked over the shoulder of the leader of the Guardians and around at the others present. "Where is Gamora?"

"Not here, clearly." Rocket curtly said, Peter gazed at the raccoon and he opened his mouth to point out the talking furball when Quill quickly answered Parker's question.

"She's doing another job." He hurriedly said, detecting the oncoming comment that always infuriates their gadgeteer genius. "We had a job recently and she's handling the fallout on her end with the rest of the team. Something you want to talk to her about?"

Spider-man shook his head. "Nothing at all. Merely curious."

"He is simply eager to return to her and consummate their union again." Drax butted in, making Quill jolt.

"What? Dude, what are you even- No, he just wanted to know where Gamora was cause he met her first."

"Ah, apologies, I wasn't paying attention."

Most unfamiliar with Drax's tendencies could only stare at the tattooed, muscle-bound man.

"Uh… and you are?"

"Drax the Destroyer."

Saw and Steela looked at one another, several others doing the same.

"The Destroyer?" The Former asked for clarification.

"Reverence: Master Drax achieved this title by murdering multiple meatbags in a revenge quest that would put many Sith to shame. Longing: I wish I could have been there to witness such bloody glory. Hope: Perhaps I shall bear witness to one if instigated properly."

Everyone only stared at the two, the gray-skinned, red-tattooed humanoid not denying the assassin droid's description of him smirking and nodding to himself in pride at what he had done in the past.

"Are you sure we can trust these guys?" Echo asked in a low voice to Fives, Hope and Barriss. "They seem, or really are-"

"Hey, Vision vouched for the whole team." Hope countered. "Gotta count for something."

"I know that ma'am, but still…" Echo left his statement unfinished, gesturing in the direction of Drax who was now talking about a topic that seemingly came out of left field.

"You should tell them about the dance-off that saved the galaxy."

"-What dance off?" Ahsoka asked in bewilderment, Chirrut snorting at this.

Star-Lord began stammering. "Th-That's nothing. It was a long time ago now and-"

"What? Like in Footloose, the movie-?"

"It's exactly like Footloose!" Quill said excitedly, pointing at Parker, bewildering his fellow Terran. "Is it still the greatest movie ever made?"

Peter Parker snorted. "It never was."

Star-Lord's face fell into a frown. "I thought Vision was joking when I brought it up."

"I mean it's still good as a small cult classic." The Ant-man said off to the side. "Not gonna let somethin' like that get forgotten. I mean come on, it's Kevin Bacon."

This got the leader of the group to brighten up.

Seeing where this was eventually going, the Wasp gave her boyfriend a look. "Scott, don't encourage him."

"But Hope, you do know that's the truth."

Shaking his head, clearly not getting any of this reference at all, Lux Bonteri interrupted this odd conversation.

"Okay. All joking and side-tracking aside, what supplies do you have for us?"

Rocket soon listed off the various cargo on the delivery as the Gerrera siblings opened up some containers.

"Got your standard weapons, but with an extra kick to them, thanks to yours truly. Rocket launchers for any big fellas you have. Better bombs."

"Sales pitch:" HK-47 took on the posture of a gameshow host presenting an award that has just been won. "We have everything your meaty blood pumpers desire from bowcasters from Kashyyyk to sniper rifles custom-made from the bodies they were extracted from."

"Oh man," Saw Gerrera hefted a rocket launcher on his shoulder, somewhat fiddling with the sights. "Now this is what I'm talking about."

"Careful with that thing." His sister chided.

"Please. It's not like it's loaded."

"It actually is." Chirrut said.

This immediately got Saw to carefully put the weapon back where it belonged, stepping away awkwardly while not meeting his sister's narrowed, chastising gaze.

"That's…" Echo narrowed his eyes at the launcher. "And RPS6-Launcher. Standard issue for Clone Troopers."

This caused the other members of Domino squad to tense up and even the Padawans now looked at the crates with some wariness.

"Some of this… is Republic gear." Hevy said, a clear look of suspicion directed at the Guardians.

"You'd be surprised how easy it was to get this." Rocket boasted. "And not from one of your bases, let me tell ya."

"We got this from a recent raid on an enemy organization." Quill said, slapping his hand over one of the boxes. "These guys were loaded with all kinds of crap from every side of the galaxy."

"The less we know, the better." Said Lux. "Plausible deniability… or something in this case."

"I like your style, kid." Rocket complimented with a roguish grin. "Come on, let's get you all loaded up. We got shit to do ourselves."

"Let's get to it." Steela declared, the rebels and their allies unloading everything the Guardians had brought them.

-The Next Day-

A Chitauri/droid patrol was walking through the city, two dozen of them in total.

And flanking them were two large, beefy Chitauri Gorillas, the pair of giants following after the patrol with absolute obedience. Behind the two behemoths were two AAT tanks hovering by, the droids manning the tanks scanning for potential threats.

Around them, the citizens, both native and visiting gave a wide berth to these strange aliens that have taken their city and placed it under their thumbs.

Some looked on in fear, others a more neutral look but a growing number of them displayed anger and resentment.

Then there were those garbed in black and brown cloaks with hoods that obscured both their faces… and what they held beneath the fabric.

Standing alongside Cutup, Lux Bonteri watched as the patrol passed by, hearing a whizzing sound fly by his ear.

"Everyone's in position." Hope Van Dyne said, hovering next to the son of Senator Bonteri.

Looking up, he spotted Steela atop a roof, flanked by Barriss and Fives.

He then heard the telltale sounds of *thwips* close by and he knew Spider-man was in position.

"We're good to go." Said a gruff voice behind Lux, the teen recognizing it to be Saw.

Exhaling a shaky sigh, Lux waited for the signal from Steela to begin the attack.

As this was about to occur, Ahsoka was moving through the streets of the city, being followed by Cutup and Echo. They already planted some holo-disks at key locations in the city where heavy traffic occurs. When the time was right, Steela's message would be broadcasted.

Passing by some stalls, Ahsoka briefly bumped into someone. Glancing over, she saw a Trandoshan merchant putting away some of his wares.

"Pardon me." She apologized.

Ahsoka walked off, not noticing the lingering gaze kept on her.

Not particularly on her form, but an item in particular. One which was partially revealed through the cloak the Togruta wore.

Reptilian eyes soon caught onto a glint originating from the hidden lightsaber. A split moment later, he smirks.

This went unnoticed by her as she and her Clone comrades quickly got into their designated positions in front of the oncoming patrol.

From the rooftops, Steela and her party were awaiting the patrol of enemies to draw near.

Slowly, she raised her sniper rifle, aligning the crosshairs on her first target.

Barriss already held her lightsaber in hand, glancing between the patrol and Steela until the Gerrera nodded in silence.

A moment later, she fired her sniper rifle, hitting a Chitauri right between its eyes and the assault began.

Barriss jumped down from on high, a downward vertical slice of her lightsaber, cleaving a super battle droid in half.

The rest soon joined in, attacking the large patrol from all sides.

A B-1 battle droid went onto the comms during the firefight. "It's an ambush! We need reinforcements!"

As soon as it sent out the request, a small figure the size of a pin punted its head right off its body.

The rest came in, practically swarming the patrol.

Saw used one of his newest acquired rocket launchers, firing one directly into the face of a Chitauri Gorilla.

The hefty beast roared in pain stumbling back, unable to see as it had been blinded only to keel over dead from a half dozen yellow bolts going into its neck.

Ahsoka and Domino squad worked in tandem with each other, whittling down the patrol in rapid succession.

That was until Hevy tilted his head up, hearing something in the distance.

"Incoming!" He yelled out.

The rebels all turned their heads at the sight of Chitauri coming in on flying chariots, blasting at the resistance fighters. Yet such actions were quickly interrupted by Spider-man swinging in and kicking the lead one off their ride. Before the others could properly react, a pair of webbing strands latched onto its back. With a harsh yank, the young Avenger had flung the rider elsewhere.

"Ok, how do I drive this thing?" Peter asked himself, looking at the control system. A moment later, he just gave up. "Or I could get off before I crash."

He did just that, leaping away, avoiding a collision between the vacant Chitauri chariot with a Chitauri Gorilla on the ground, resulting in a rather harsh blow.

With the lead Chariot now wrecked because of an Avenger, the rest scattered about, picking targets at random and firing at whoever was in their sights.

"We gotta take those out!" Saw said aloud, switching to a standard rifle, firing at them.

Wasp was already flying after them, having taken Scott along with her.

She managed to catch up to one, dropping her boyfriend down who landed behind the driver and grew to full size.

The shift in weight caused the back gunner to turn and see Ant-Man, rounding on him with his rifle raised. Scott immediately shrank back down, just as the gunner fired his weapon and struck the driver of the chariot in the neck, killing it.

The chariot turned upside down, crashing right down upon a gorilla that roared in aggravation at this.

It slammed its bulky arms on the ground, charging forward and smashing several Rebels aside.

"Ahsoka!" Barriss called out to her, running right at the Chitauri Gorilla.

Her girlfriend immediately joined, already knowing what Offee was going for and the pair charged at the outer galactic species that ran right back at them.

Once getting in close, both girls crossed paths just as the gorilla threw its arms up to smash them into the ground.

Their movement disoriented the lumbering beast and the Togruta Padawan zipped in close to its back leg, cutting it open with two quick slashes of her lightsabers.

The beast roared in pain, faltering back.

Before it could make a retaliation attack, Barriss came over and sliced at the tendon area of one arm. This made it inoperable and hard for the Chitauri gorilla to work with. She then used a Force push to make it stagger back if it actually could. All it did was cause the hulking creature to fall back, leaving it vulnerable to an attack on its head. With a swift movement, Barriss plunged her lightsaber into its skull before deactivating it to move elsewhere for the fight.

Over on his end, Lux with Saw and Domino squad took out the two AAT tanks, short-circuiting one while blowing up the other.

Once the patrol was all but eliminated, Steela rappelled down from the rooftop she had perched herself on and quickly moved to stand atop one of the destroyed AAT tanks. There, was visible to all the citizens of Onderon as she stood tall and proud, despite a slight tinge of nervousness within her as she readied herself to address the crowd.

She knew that this was to be their rallying cry outside of their constant raids and ambushes.

Now was the time to get the people truly over to their side.

As to how, the Onderonian thought back to a conversation she had with the Clones and Jedi the other night.

"You haven't really asked yourselves the question that should have mattered from the beginning." Was what Fives said.

"Either you have, haven't or simply forgot. But the main question should be what is the endgame here? Why are you rebelling against King Rash?" Echo's addition to the conversation.

That was the question posed to them that made them momentarily falter.

"Just saying that you wish to depose the current King isn't enough." Were Barriss' sage words of wisdom. "You can take him down, yes, but that is in the moment. What will you do afterward?"

"Yeah, just taking out the King won't help you guys in the long run unless you have something proper in mind for what your people will need after the fighting is done." Ahsoka had pointed out. "So what do you guys have in mind? Is it to join in the ceasefire, be neutral, what?"

It didn't take long for Steela to come to the realization of what was actually needs to be done. The only safe way to have a better future for their people.

"We need to find and rescue Dendup and reinstate him as king."

"Are you absolutely sure?" Barriss had questioned. "This isn't a single decision here. This all has to be unanimous by all in this cause."

Her brother Saw immediately voiced his support as did Lux a moment later with the rest of the rebels within their main base and all the other ones sending their message.

Reinstate the former King.

With everything somewhat settling on the impromptu battlefield, Steela used her wrist device, activating the holo-disks spread throughout the city to broadcast a live feed on her speech.

"Do not be afraid, brothers and sisters." In multiple parts of the city, civilians gathered around the projection of Steela as she addressed all who listened. "We mean you no harm. People of Onderon, the time has come to take back our freedom. We have all been deceived. King Rash is a traitor who has sold Onderon to an outsider for the crown. But Onderon is ours. We need your strength to reclaim our planet and restore our sovereignty under our true king, King Dendup. Do not forget that it was he who kept us out of the war that plagued the galaxy despite Senator Bonteri representing us in the Separatist Parliament. It was Dendup who kept the sons and daughters of Iziz out from needlessly throwing their lives away from a war he didn't believe in, something Senator Mina supported. King Sanjay is a false King and tyrant who needs the aid of a droid army backed by a foreign set of races that have shown nothing but cruelty and evil toward our people. My brother and I know it, our men and women know and all of you know it. This is a planet founded on individualism and the strength that we possessed from within. So I call upon you, my brothers and sisters. Join us in ousting the mad ruler and place Dendup the Wise back upon the throne."

Though some in the city didn't do anything in response, those present where she broadcasted her speech were moved and captivated, openly cheering her now as they all raised their fists in support of her.

Saw witnessed all this and shot his sister a look of pride whilst Lux came up to her from behind.

"I'm impressed," He complimented, nudging her with his shoulder. "I didn't know you had that in you."

"Neither did I." Steela nervously admitted with a shaky laugh. "Saw is usually better at this stuff than me."

"Well, you sure proved yourself wrong." Lux praised, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "When this is all over, I'd love for you to meet my mother. She would positively adore you."

Steela only smiled, feeling her cheeks heating up as she and the others vacated the area.

It took some time after this broadcast for the citizens to react. While they couldn't revolt accordingly, like attacking their oppressors, due to how dangerous they were, they merely protested against the current regime.

Several days went by and now, with a more clear objective in mind, the raids, ambushes and attacks by the rebels escalated.

Multiple Sakaaran, Chitauri and the remaining droid patrols and squads were hit fast, hard and with little to no survivors.

With the Clones, Avengers and Jedi assistance on top of the growing sense of unit cohesion and communication between the Onderonian insurgents, their raids were garnering effective results.

Three bases and outposts stationed around the city were destroyed in brutal fashion. More influence for the resistance cause was spreading more and more. But above all else, the main rule ingrained into the rebels was the focus of the people and making sure they were safe.

Their rebellion could not grow if the people of Iziz were against their actions. This was why Steela's words on top of their open actions of making sure the people came first had the populace growing more in their favor as time went on.

Galvanized by her words of taking their planet back from these invaders under the rule of the false King Sanjay Rash, it was by far inevitable that the usurper's rule would be coming to a swift conclusion.

Sooner or later, the people will indeed rise up. Sooner or later, they'll finally realize enough was enough of the new regime and they would demand the old one back.

Sooner or later, things will not be the same ever again.

As for the King's response to all this…

"I have HAD IT!" Sanjay bellowed within the throne room of the palace, flinging his bowl of fruit at a nearby wall. "I've had it with these terrorists! They're no longer a nuisance, but a threat to Onderon!"

All the fruit clattered to the floor upon smacking against the wall saves for one that was caught in midair before reaching it. The lone fruit floated over into the hand of Maul who casually took it out of the air and bit a piece out of it.

"You know, this is a rather serious waste of good fruit." The former Sith Lord lightly admonished. "When I had one, I never knew Onderon possessed such delicacies."

Sanjay rounded on the Zabrak, looking positively deranged.

Despite his look and his stomping up toward Maul, Savage Oppress stood to the side and didn't lift a finger or react in any aggressive manner. He had come to quickly learn of this King's bluster and flaunting of power that isn't really his.

This man could try all he wants in shouting, raving and getting in the face of his brother but that will still change nothing in the end.

He was merely all bark with no bite, after all.

"You," The venom in Rash's voice would have been palpable had he been able to elicit just a smidgen of fear in them. "I don't understand, why are they still fighting?"

Maul looked at the king as if he were a child. "Are you completely unaware that they recently achieved a great victory in destroying the Power Generator? Since then, they've been slowly growing in power and influence from your influential order."

Sanjay had veins bulging on his forehead, looking almost possessed with rage.

"THEN WHY HAVE YOU DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT?! ARE WE NOT ALLIES?! AM I NOT THE KING?! ANSWER ME, MAUL!"

Whereas Savage would react accordingly, erupting in turn to show his form of dominance, Maul did the more quiet approach. Softly speaking, the complete opposite of Onderon's king right now.

"In that order… We are doing something about it. We are observing and learning about their capabilities. We are allies. You are the king, yet aren't acting like one at this time."

Rash sneered at this answer, hunching his shoulders up. "Not acting like a King? You dare mock me to my face! Your "observations" are clearly done halfheartedly with the amount of madness you are allowing for those blaster insurgents to conduct upon my city."

"Lest you forget King Sanjay," Maul said his title dismissively yet the tone he held was laced with danger, the Zabrak stepped right up to Rash, making him falter. "You only hold this crown as long as I say so. I'm supplying you with the additional forces since you don't wish to fully use the Royal militia to enforce and proclaim your rule. Through them, I've provided extra security. Through my council, prior to the arrival of the rebels' allies, your grip on this city was absolute and it was my army that sent them running into the jungle, not yours; and most certainly not the droids. My guidance that secured your city at this time, not yours. I have not been the one to make foolish decisions in harassing civilians and making random executions of anyone remotely suspicious in your eyes. I had told you, that sort of action only breeds descent, not loyalty."

Sanjay faltered but shook his head, forcibly regaining some of his gusto, puffing his chest out.

"I am the King of Onderon, am I not?"

"That you are." Maul acquiesced. "What have you exactly been doing since you took the throne?"

Rash now appeared to look as though he had been slapped in being asked such a question. "I've been busy-"

"Doing nothing." Maul cut him off. "All you've done is sit there, strutting around the palace, eating your fruits and doing nothing while I've done everything to keep your rule stable."

"But still, what of the rebels and their allies?" Rash said impetuously.

"I'm doing what I can to keep my end of the bargain while counseling the king on matters about which he doesn't really understand."

"I haven't been counseled."

"You are being counseled at this very moment." Maul drably said.

"I should be consulted on such things." Sanjay now sounded like a child.

"You would understand more if you used your time productively to properly know how to run your government." Maul shot back, now having checked out of the conversation. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must find a way to salvage-"

"Did I say we were done?" Sanjay snapped, getting in Maul's path and actually having their chests bump into each other.

It was then that Savage's eyes narrowed and he let out an audible growl while his brother's expression shifted into a cold one.

Though the Onderon King felt a shiver go down his spine, miraculously, he managed to stand his ground despite the cold sweat he was now experiencing. The two brothers were exuding a dangerous aura that felt like a pressure that was now weighing down upon the newly crowned monarch who felt his legs tremble.

He tried to uphold a strong visage but eventually, it became too much for the man. He released a shaky breath, almost stumbling back as he regained his bearings. "Uh… right… apparently, we are done."

Soon after Rash says this, the weight in the room seemed lifted and was a bit warmer.

Maul snorted at this, unimpressed with what he just saw, a sentiment Savage shared. "Good. Now if you'll excuse us-"

"Lord Maul."

Their confrontation was interrupted by Blackout, the Twi'lek walking into the throne room, got right up to the Zabrak brothers and fell down to one knee.

"Yes, what is it?" Maul inquired.

"We've found it." The Twi'lek declared.

It wasn't long before the others in the chamber knew what Blackout was referring to.

"Then it's time we move." The Red-skinned Force User proclaimed.

Rash looked at Maul questionably, momentarily forgetting the near clash they were about to have. "What now?"

"Come, King Sanjay. The power that you seek for your absolute rule is now within grasp." He then turned to a Chitauri covered in high-class armor compared to the standard uniform of its species. "Let madness reign."

As preparations were made for their departure, there was a moment of utter calmness that befell the city.

Something which unnerved the rebels within Iziz after a string of chaotic but decisive victories over the occupational force of the false king.

Atop a roof that had one of the bases of the insurgents stood Saw Gerrera, overlooking the city and the palace that was at its center. Next to him were Fives and Lux, the former watching over the city, same as Saw whilst the latter was polishing his rifle.

"What is going on here?" Fives quietly whispered, something Bonteri heard.

"Hmmm?" The teen looked up from his weapon, glancing at the ARC trooper who slid his helmet on. "Is everything alright, Fives?"

The trooper shook his head, walking forward slightly.

"Something's up. I can feel it."

Saw looked over at Lux, seeing he had the same look of trepidation.

"What's wrong?" Saw asked, moving to stand beside Fives who pulled out some scopes and held them up to his eyes.

"That's just it," Fives grunted. "Nothing seems to be wrong. That's when the worst of it usually… wait-"

The Clone seized up, focusing on the palace.

More specifically, what was coming out of it.

A few dozen chariots soon turned into almost a hundred that came out of the palace and descended onto the city.

"Oh shit." Fives exclaimed him, Lux and Saw watching in horror as the Chitauri chariots reigned fire upon the city.

"What the HELL are they doing?!" Saw raged, seeing red at the sight of his city being mercilessly attacked like this.

"Call them all in." Fives yelled, the three of them grabbing their weapons and running to get out onto the streets. "All hands to battle stations. Get out onto the streets now and start taking those chariots out. Get to your mounts and get to the skies stat."

"What's going on, Fives?" Came the alarmed response from Ahsoka.

"The Chitauri, they're attacking the entire city." He informed her, running out of the base he had been occupying." I don't know why but I don't care now. All that's important is the safety of the people and taking down the attackers now!"

"They're attacking everywhere!" Spider-man chimed in, explosions and blaster fire being heard in the background. "Chitauri, Sakaarans, all of them."

"What the hell is happening right now?!" Ant-man yelled, having suited up and growing to be taller than the buildings.

His large size caused several Chariots to crash into him, making him jolt about yet he stood strong.

With a grunt, Gi-Ant-Man swung his fist, punching a chariot out of the sky and into another chariot that flew by.

Wasp was flying around her boyfriend, covering his blind spots.

Ahsoka, Barriss and Peter were fighting on their end while getting civilians to safety.

The rebels were out in force, old and new, fighting viciously against the Chitauri/Sakaaran army.

"What is going on? This is all too sudden and completely uncalled for." Lux exclaimed, shooting a Chitauri gunner from a chariot, moving to assist to pick up a child and run over to where her mother and father were, handing her over to them.

"Why would Sanjay do this?" Saw questioned. "He wants to keep things under his thumb not incite chaos."

"Then something is clearly wrong here." Hevy said, firing his rotator cannon in every direction that an enemy was seen. Next to him, Cutup had tackled a Sakaaran down, plunging his vibro-blade into its neck.

Over with the last member of Domino Squad, he was the one that was positioned closest to the palace.

In being one closest to the building, in the midst of the battle, he caught something out of the corner of his eye.

"The hell…?"

This query didn't go unnoticed by his batch brothers.

"Echo, what's up?" Hevy asked.

The ARC trooper took a moment to get into a position where he can more properly see just what it was that caught his eye.

His response was soon given once Echo radioed everyone.

"We need some eyes on the streets. Just saw people exiting the palace, but it's hard to tell what one of them was carrying." Echo utilized his rangefinder attachment on his helmet, zooming in on one of the figures. "I see Sanjay Rash! He's leaving the palace!"

"What?!" Came the synchronized response from all on comms.

"What do you mean, you see Rash?" Saw aggressively asked, though he was nearly hit by a stray blaster bolt had it not been for Lux grabbing the back of his shirt and pulling him back.

"That's just it, I-Dammit!" Echo exclaimed, nearly being blown up by a Sakaaran wielding a cannon. "I lost sight of them!"

"Contact the outskirts." Steela ordered. "We need eyes on Sanjay now."

The battle in the city raged on.

Despite the surprise attack, a quick response was managed to be thrown together but they were still unprepared for the most part.

But at the same time…

"What is this?" Ahsoka asked, deflecting blaster bolts from all sides, taking out enemies side by side with Barriss. "This feels-"

"Like a distraction." Spider-man said, landing right next to them. "All of this is just a show.

"But for what?" Barriss added in. "What could King Sanjay possibly hope to accomplish here? This will turn all of the city on him if it hasn't already."

"We have to figure out what-Ahsoka?" Peter said, realizing she was gone.

Barriss saw this too and they rapidly looked around in worry until they heard her voice nearby.

Looking over, Peter and Barriss saw Ahsoka talking to a few Trandoshans amidst the chaos in an alleyway. They saw that they were chattering in a near-panicked state, rapidly pointing toward the palace and the alarm Ahsoka had on her face made her two lovers seize up.

"What?!" Ahsoka shrieked. "Are you absolutely certain?!"

"My brother is on the other side of this city." A gray-scaled Trandoshan hissed out. "He joined your cause and saw it with his own two eyes."

It was then that Barriss and Peter went over to her.

"Ahsoka, what's going-"

"They've taken King Dendup out of the palace!" She said, not just to her lovers, but swiftly over the comms.

Once more, surprise swept over those listening in.

"What? How, when, where?" Steel rambled off in stunned disbelief.

"These Trandoshan merchants I'm, one of their own who joined us saw some hooded figures taking the former ruler out of the palace."

"And King Sanjay is with him!" Lux recalled.

"We need to go after them now!" Saw growled out.

Many soon abandoned their present actions yet were immediately reminded that there was still an alien army running rampant in the city.

Only a good dozen were able to break away, focusing on getting to the edge of the city. Eventually, they met at the city's main entrance, discussing their next course of action.

"This is bold, I'll give them that. Using the attack on the city as a distraction to move the king elsewhere." Lux muttered in angry bewilderment.

"But why? For what purpose? I don't understand," Steela turned to her off-world friends and allies in bewilderment. "What are they doing out there? What's out there?"

"Are they after something?" Bonteri questioned worriedly.

"I… I'm not sure but," Barriss had a deeply troubled frown, one that Ahsoka emulated. "The Force, there is something shifting in it. I have a bad feeling about all this."

"We need to save the King." Saw emphatically said. "If we don't save him-"

"We can't just leave the city and let these bastards rampage." Ant-Man said in the comms.

"Then we split up." Steela immediately said. "Saw, stay here and help take out Sanjay's army. Get the people out of the streets and move to the palace."

"We'll stay with you." Hope said, zipping around, taking out several flying chariots in the sky.

"A small squad should be enough." Lux chimed in. "Fast and nimble to catch up to wherever Dendup has been taken and hopefully take him back."

With the quick assignment of members, they split up for their hastily given tasks.

Today will most certainly be the day of Onderon's liberation.

No one knew how different things will be by the end of it.

-Scene Cut-

They had, at last, found it.

After a more than tedious amount of time from Maul's perspective, the object of their desire was in front of them.

Soon, their patience would be rewarded.

"This had better yield the results that you had promised." Said the snide voice of King Sanjay Rash, the small irritation that they would soon be relieved of.

"That and more, your majesty." Maul assured smoothly. "With this, all that troubles you will be wiped away like dirt to the ground."

Rash was unable to hold back his sadistic smile that sprouted upon hearing this, his mind awhirl with evil thoughts and actions as to how he intends to punish the "terrorists" that have caused him such grief in a short amount of time.

He was forced to flee from the city, due to the resistance having prevailed on their goals. Maul had to go under protection duty in securing Rash's safety.

For added measure, Dendup was taken as well. If he didn't get into the rebels' hands, then the control of Onderon won't be shifted all so easily.

Several Chitauri were carrying the old man who didn't show any signs of stirring from being lugged around through the thick jungle. Presently, he was placed into a state of unconsciousness, courtesy of Maul using the Force keeping him as such.

The entryway to their destination was covered with all sorts of trees and other plant life, practically making the two stone doors invisible to most.

"Blackout, if you would."

Wordlessly, the black-skinned Twi'lek stepped forward, eyes radiating with red energy. Blackout didn't fire randomly, instead concentrating on a set path with his beams that tore the plant life apart, multiple branches and vines falling or being burnt away.

After a few seconds, the way had been cleared and the feeling was immediate.

The group was washed over with the feeling of the Dark Side that permeated from the doors themselves.

It was as if the jungle was keeping such a thing buried under its roots to make sure the tomb remained hidden and untouched.

Savage actually took a moment to breathe in deeply, almost savoring the sensation of the Dark Side coming over him like this.

It was an incredibly enthralling feeling.

"Perfect. The entryway to my ancestor." King Rash smiled, placing his hand on the doorway. He then turned to his benefactor with a question in mind. "How do you plan on opening this?"

"Through the archives I read through, there is a way to open it. Originally it was through the Force, but that changed after the time of the Old Republic. The seal became altered. Not only the Force can open this, but one of Onderon's royal family needs to be present and willingly offer their services to open the doorway."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

Rash puffed his chest out, the smuggest look the man had possibly ever made in his entire life. "Well then, open it up. I, King Sanjay Rash of Onderon, descendant of Lord Freedon Nadd, command you -with my blessing- to open up his tomb."

"Naturally." Maul then turned to his brother. "Savage."

In an instant, the taller brother's arm snapped forward, grabbing Sanjay by the neck and hefting the man up.

The Onderon King's eyes widened exponentially, clawing and punching at the arm of Savage in a futile escape attempt.

"Wh-What are you doing?!"

"Opening the door." Maul said as though it were the most obvious thing. "But… there is a caveat to the inscriptions and old texts. See… a proper sacrifice must be made in order to access such a tomb. Nadd was adamant about making sure those who pursued his knowledge were devoted to the needed practices of such a thing. And what better sacrifice then his own blood."

"Wh-what," Sanjay stammered in fear, a terrifying feeling befalling him as he began to realize just what was about to happen. "B-But what of our deal?! Our alliance?! You promised that you would immortalize my name on Onderon."

"Too true and so you shall," Maul gave a grandiose gesture. "By being the blood needed to gain access to a power long forgotten by the galaxy."

With a swift flick of his wrist, Savage snapped Rash's neck, ending his life.

Maul simply held out his hand, using a Force technique that left a deep gash in the chest of the now-dead young King.

Blood seeped out from the body of Sanjay which flowed into the wall, lining unseen veins upon the doors. They soon moved, courtesy of Maul using the Force to guide them.

"Was that necessary, my lord?" The Blackened Twi'lek inquired.

"It was." Said Maul. "What I didn't tell Rash was that not only the person had to allow the tomb to be opened, but their life must be spent and used as the key."

"Rather complex."

"It is, but effective to promptly guard this place so no one else may properly intrude after these millennia, courtesy of the Jedi Exile collaborating with the royal family."

Blackout gave a small nod, seeing the blood working its way through the door. Before long, the blood disappeared and the door began to open up for them all.

Just as they were about to enter the tomb, Maul turned to face the Twi'lek.

"Blackout, stay here and guard the entrance, the rest of our forces are en route to reinforce you. I imagine the rabble will be here soon enough. So long as they are kept out of the tomb, that is all that matters."

Zamuso nodded, nudging his head at the Chitauri who walked over to Savage, handing the still-unconscious Dendup over to him. After this, they handed over a container to Maul's brother, which he took without knowing of its contents.

Minutes passed before the brothers traversed through the dark tunnel. Minutes passed with hardly a sound could be heard, courtesy of their feet scraping against the rock and dirt. The only light guiding their way was Maul's red lightsaber.

Wasn't much longer before they came to a big chamber.

"The Tomb of Freedon Nadd." Maul whispered in reverence. "Enduring the annals of time for nearly 4400 years."

Savage said nothing but he too couldn't help but gape slightly at where he stood.

To be here, a relative novice into his journey in the Dark Side of the Force and stand within what many Sith would consider to be sacred ground is rather astonishing.

He walked a step behind his brother, taking in the many carvings on the walls and pillars of the tomb.

Eventually, the pair with their unconscious prisoner reached a large chamber with many statues, carvings, weaponry and shelves of ancient scrolls and books long since forgotten in time.

And at its center, on an elevated platform with a small staircase was a large, intricate sarcophagus made out of Mandalorian iron, showing the scars of time yet remaining firm and unwavering in its appearance.

The Dark Side oozed out from the cracks of the tomb.

"Behold, Savage," Maul held his hand up to their surroundings. "The true resting place of Freedon Nadd. One is often presumed looted and raided of its fortune. But a Sith Lord such as Freedon possessed substantial foresight of his personal treasures."

"And why hasn't it since this place was last used several times over?"

"Respect, most likely. Or knowing this place is best used to keep everything safely secure. Nevertheless, we'll be using it now."

The red-skinned Zabrak then ushered his brother to open up the container he was given earlier. Complying and placing the container onto the ground, Savage opened its compartments. From them revealed a number of items, which were soon pried out with the Force, courtesy of Maul.

There was a heavy blaster pistol in rustic bronze-gold plating. Several inscriptions were carved along nearly every large piece.

There was a Holocron that was primarily blood red in coloring with black etchings.

Lastly, there was a lightsaber hilt that radiated in the Dark Side. When it landed in Maul's hand, he activated it with a hiss and revealed the unique short bronze blade.

"What… are these, brother?" Savage whispered in reverence and fear, seeing Maul hold up the unique items with both his hand and in the Force.

"Nadd's personal effects. His personal blaster, his lightsaber and Holocron. Each were not easy to find. But they were well worth it for what we will do here." Maul hummed to himself, stroking his chin. "Ironic. Darth Zannah had once been rumored to have found the Holocron of Freedon Nadd and yet it is here. In truth, it was her master who originally found it and only grasped some knowledge. But she got everything else. Perhaps she had other secrets that were withheld from Darth Bane. Regardless, that is the past. Right now, it is time to enact our plan."

Using the force, Maul opened another compartment from the container with a unique jingle being heard. Looking into it, Savage was quick to see what they were.

"Kyber crystals? What for?" He said, seeing dozens -if not over a hundred- in all shapes and sizes.

"Fuel for the ritual." Maul revealed. "Amongst them is not just any Kyber crystal."

Reaching down, Maul pried out one in particular. He made sure Savage got a proper look at the crystal in his hands, the red Kyber having black veins and wisps wafting off and around it. This Kyber crystal in particular was something Savage recognized, despite the short instance he had seen them.

"The Kyber Crystal of Darth Andeddu!" He said aloud in realization. "But how? It's supposed to be inside of Dooku's palace with its Holocron."

"Have you forgotten, brother, of your own contributions since joining my side?"

Savage racked his brain, recalling much of what he told his brother when he joined him and his group. Soon he remembered him telling about his time on Serenno and then-

"How did you sneak in undetected?" Oppress inquired in astonishment.

"I have my ways. But it wasn't easy, I assure you, with all of Dooku's acolytes. Took some time planning to get in and out undetected. But it was worth it."

"You plan on using it for yourself or someone else?"

"No."

Confusion surfaced once more. Pieces soon fit together in his head, making him glance back to the Kyber crystals still in the one container compartment. How it was merely thrown amongst them instead of separated.

"You… You mean to sacrifice such an item?" Savage asks bewilderedly.

"It is of naught cause. The Holocron remains intact along with its knowledge of how to create more. Darth Andeddu was a spiteful, petty Sith Lord but he wasn't called the immortal king for mere fanciful titles. His work on the Dark Side -if respected by all, even if the man himself- was nothing short of a coward in the end. Regardless, his work shall benefit us today, Savage."

Tossing the crystal back into the compartment, Maul asked for Savage's assistance.

Using the Force, the two Zabraks lifted up the lid of the ancient Sith's sarcophagus. Once it fell off to the side, both brothers saw the skeletal remains of Freedon Nadd.

The man who once threatened this galaxy through his seat of power on this very planet, his remains still bore the Onderonian-styled, iron armor. Not much could be seen aside from this, due to other possessions that were taken by those in the past. Some of which have recently returned.

Savage moved to take Dendup's unconscious body and lay it at the foot of the sarcophagus and stepped back, standing alongside his brother. And using the Force, Maul had the artifacts of Nadd hover around the Onderon king. Following them were the litany of procured Kyber crystals, joining the artifacts like satellites with Darth Andeddu shining predominantly.

"Prepare yourself, Savage." Maul said with a severe degree of seriousness. "This will demand both of us to accomplish this. You must remain rooted in the physical plain lest the Dark Side consumes your very soul."

If he were anyone else, Savage might have buckled under such instructions but he was not just anyone else.

His name was Savage Oppress, brother to the man once known as Darth Maul, having shed his Sith title and reborn with greater power and purpose that exceeds the confines of this galaxy. And he was placing his faith in him, a newcomer to the Force to resurrect a long-dead Sith Lord from thousands of years ago.

He would not waiver nor falter.

Savage waited for his brother's cue.

After a few moments, he felt it. The shift in the air, the growing pressure that now hung down over them.

One by one, the exposed Kyber crystals began cracking. Each releasing their contained power. From each crystalized blast, a great weight filled the chamber. And a split moment later, the crystal remains began getting consumed by an untold void, yet the power remained. The Kyber crystal of Darth Andeddu was the last and it made things rather dense once its power joined the collective.

The moment the final exposed crystal vanished, Dendup's eyes shot open, the aged king gasping in shock which immediately morphed into agony and pain. The energy of the Kyber Crystals, rather than entering the body of the former king through… "conventional" means, instead the chaotic energy solidified into red tendrils and stabbed into Dendup.

He began screeching his vocal cords out, writhing about as the tendrils dug themselves into his body and he began contorting into angles no human body should endure. His screams soon became inhumane before his vocal cords no longer functioned.

The two Zabrak brothers held on, sweat glistening on their skin and breaths becoming labored from the obstacle they were undergoing.

All the while, their dark ritual did not go unnoticed or rather, it didn't unfelt by those attuned to the Force.

Across the galaxy, Force Users from every walk of life felt a powerful surge within the Force itself and its source came from the Dark Side.

On Coruscant, many Jedi at their temple felt a massive chill run down their spines. A majority actually stopped what they were doing to see if they were all feeling the same thing, looking at each other in shock and terror.

The Council was equally as disturbed, a Korun Jedi Master sharing a disturbed glance with the Grandmaster of the Order.

Over at the Senate Building, the current lord in the Banite lineage of Sith was busy doing his duties as a Chancellor surprisingly. That changed when the dark shockwave came, all but freezing the secret Sith Lord in place, dropping what he held in his hands.

Slowly, the hidden Darth's chair turned to the window behind him and he stood up, mouth apart slightly as he realized what was happening. He didn't know what or where this was coming from but he would find out soon enough.

On the planet of Serenno, Dooku and many of his acolytes were undergoing training when the dark sensation washed over them. They were utterly surprised at what they felt. Some ended up blasting their comrades away by accident, due to them losing their focus.

Dooku narrowed his eyes at the direction of where this came from, processing this feeling of unsettlement.

On Dathomir, its residents were unsettled by the overwhelming feeling sweeping their world. It was similar to when Wanda awakened as the Scarlet Witch but was more malicious in nature.

Amongst them, Mother Talzin felt something else amongst the sweeping force. Signatures she hadn't felt in quite some time, one far more than the other.

"Savage… Maul… what have you done?" She whispered in abject dread.

Situated within a spacecraft, Ventress and Quill conversed with Mantis about their paternal heritage when they halted their talk. Them feeling dread sweeping over them.

On a world steeped in the Dark Side, many followers felt the odd shift in the air. Many wondered what made this happen. Amongst them, a Celestial being with piercing red eyes gave off a peculiar look of curiosity and intrigue.

Within an isolated system, the planet of Atollon, a being of the Force within its center, narrowed his gaze; contemplating on what was to be done as the balance of the Force was shifting.

Elsewhere, a green-haired Celestial in her self-imposed prison looked up in utter shock and worry.

Elsewhere -in separate parts of the galaxy- those deeply touched by the Mind Stone felt the odd sensation, making them mixed in responses.

Outside the tomb, not far from where it lay, two young Padawans gasped, a cold, horrid feeling washing over them.

Their lover was no better as he felt the symbiote release a warble of fear from the sensation in the air and his sixth sense screamed in his head.

These aforementioned worlds and more containing those who were sensitive to the Force -even on space crafts- felt this ritual.

The entire galaxy, though most remained unaware of what had just transpired, a cold air briefly wafted over all in the galaxy, even those on the desert and molten planets.

The chamber began to settle down after what felt like hours.

Both Zabraks felt like collapsing after their ordeal but held on as they felt someone now appearing in the tomb. Someone who was strong in the Force, but wasn't here physically.

Looking over to where the skeletal corpse lay, there was an entity hovering over it.

He was large and imposing, due to his armor and figure. His exposed skin was a tad lanky, which matched his slack jaw. His eyes were blinding white spheres.

This was the long-dead king of Onderon. The former padawan of the Jedi Order turned Lord of the Sith.

The spirit looked down at the body of Dendup before seemingly collapsing into it.

Once more, Dendup's body convulsed and jerked about only this time, there was a visible change.

Like a marionette, the body moved oddly before it began shifting in an unsettling manner.

The aged King, filled with the energy of the Kyber crystals, began transforming before the eyes of the Zabraks. First was the bones, having snaps and pops being heard. From there the body began to expand to adapt to some unknown fashion. Rips and tears followed, due to Dendup's clothing no longer fitting the new appearance, only parts of his pants remained as they now resembled a loin cloth.

In mere moments, the once wrinkled, bearded visage of Dendup was replaced with the hallowed haunting look of his great ancestor, the man who started the lineage of the Onderon Kings.

It took a few seconds but Freedon's head twitched in a manner as if the last part of his spirit was integrating itself into his new body.

Once that was done, there was an audible exhale of air from the newly transformed Dendup or rather, the reborn Freedon Nadd. His eyes opened, revealing white blanks for the two brothers to see. They were directed at the duo that stood there in silence.

"You… you have brought me back from Chaos." The disembodied voice of the long-dead Sith Lord reverberated off the walls of his tomb. Most predominantly it came from the very man himself standing before the Zabraks. "Thousands of years of eternal damnation-"

"And you shall return to your place there in due time unless of course you heed my words and don't play me for a fool." Maul said straight away, his eyes burning into Nadd's blank ones.

The newly resurrected Sith Lord eyed the two brothers before focusing on the one in charge with a skewed look.

"What is it you want to know?" Freedon asked, white sunken eyes narrowing at the red-faced Zabrak who stepped in close, his presence overshadowing that of the old Sith Lord. "Why is it you have revived me? I doubt it's out of-"

"What do you know of the Soul Stone?" Maul interrupted.

Freedon Nadd reeled back, truly stunned by the question. How did this Zabrak know of such a thing?

"I know…" Nadd spoke pensively and with caution. "Of several rumors and facts about what you speak. Why do you wish to know of such a thing?"

All he got in response was a smile that seemed to unsettle the revived Sith spirit.

-Scene Cut-

Outside the tomb, Blackout stood at the ready, arms crossed and eyes already glowing with power.

He could sense them coming. Even through the sudden surge of the Dark Side washing over the land.

They were closing in on him.

"Get ready." Blackout murmured to the Sakaarans and Chitauri around him, all raising their weapons in anticipation.

He could hear movement from the jungle, closing in on his position.

Without waiting for any surprises, Blackout unleashed his eye beams onto the jungle, the burning red beams through the wood and shrubs.

Many trees fell, smoke emanating from their burnt bark.

Though he initiated the first attack, the Twi'lek knew they were still alive.

And lo and behold, a string of blaster bolts was sent his way.

He ignited another lightsaber he still possessed, deflecting them with rapid succession as he saw the group that came after them into the jungle.

It was that Spider Avenger with the Mirialan Padawan, and two of the three ring leaders of the Rebels, the woman and Mina Bonteri's son along with two Clone troopers. They came in two separate groups that converged together.

Blackout was quick to fire another beam from his eyes, specifically at Spider-man who jumped over them and shot a webline right at him.

Snagging his chest, Peter tugged on the line and pulled himself in like a rocket.

Bracing himself, Blackout hissed in pain as Spider-man struck with a powerful punch that sent him skidding back, undoubtedly either cracking or even breaking one of his ribs.

That punch was one he certainly didn't hold back on.

Despite his pain, Blackout actually grinned at this, cackling as he unleashed another beam that Spider-man jumped away from. The Twi'lek didn't relent, pursuing the webhead with his line of sight, causing the New Yorker to constantly move about so as to not get caught in the attack.

As the pair fought against one another, the others were taking on the Chitauri and Sakaarans that were stationed with Blackout.

In the midst of the battle, Steela looked ahead, eyes on the large open gates that led into a structure of some kind.

"What is that?" She asked aloud.

"It looks like an entrance to an underground chamber." Lux noted from his cover.

"Do ya think that's where Kind Dendup was taken?" Fives inquired, popping out from behind a tree and taking out several Chitauri in rapid succession.

"That's more than likely the case." Cutup surmise. "But the question is, why?"

"What do you think, Barriss?" Lux asked with a grunt, narrowly avoiding a blaster bolt that bounced off his cover.

The Mirialan Padawan had actually taken a moment to get to cover and realized two things.

One, Ahsoka wasn't here.

And two… the Dark Side… by the universe, the Dark Side radiated here to such a degree it was actually overriding her thoughts on where her girlfriend was.

There was something truly sinister beyond those doors, likely the direct source of the abject dread she experienced just moments ago.

What in the galaxy happened there?

The presence of the Dark Side was almost overwhelming her, nauseating even.

Something or someone was inside that structure and they needed to get in there now. To take out whatever evil is either festering in there or worse and more likely, whatever evil had just been awakened.

If only…

"Blackout, do you copy?"

The Twi'lek managed to throw Spider-man away in time to respond. "I hear you, my lord."

"Be ready for extraction."

The black-skinned Twi'lek nodded, not questioning just how they would escape, simply awaiting whatever Maul had in store.

Suddenly, everyone on the battlefield froze up as a wave of Dark Side energy expunged itself from the inside of the stone doors.

"What," Lux felt terror grip his heart. "What is that?!"

"The Dark Side." Barriss answered in dread, holding her lightsaber aloft. "Get ready!"

Shooting out of the Tomb of Freedon Nadd, this blackened haze swept through the area. No one was prepared for such a thing.

It blinded everyone's vision, everything become black in their eyes.

There were shouts and yells of just what was happening, all waving around and trying to get this darkness from their perspectives when it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

They were all left standing there in complete bewilderment.

Steela, in the midst of it all, managed to find Lux and had latched onto him, Bonteri holding her close. Fives and Cutup stood close to one another, Barriss at their back and Spider-man was on his bum, seated right in front of the entrance of the tomb.

"What in the hell was that?" Peter asked, rubbing his head, trying to make sense of what they just went through. "What just happened?"

"I… I don't know." Barriss was shaking slightly, getting her bearings together as she recovered from that revolting feeling the Dark Side gave her.

It almost overwhelmed her.

Almost did everyone, really.

"Where are they?" Cutup abruptly spoke up, seeing all their enemies had vanished. "Where'd they all go?"

"Likely used whatever that black mist was to get away." Peter surmised, getting back up to his feet and walking over to Barriss. "Are you alright?"

"I will be." She assured him, seeing him give her a concerned look. "I will be," Barriss reiterated with a strained smile. "Trust me, Peter."

Spider-man released an acquiescent sigh when he finally realized something.

"Wait, where's Ahsoka?"

Remembering that she had thought of this earlier, Barriss began looking around, turning to the others.

"That crossed my mind earlier but there was a reverberation in the Force that came from within there," She pointed to the tomb. "The Dark Side, something happened in there and it had me distracted, unfortunately. Has anyone seen Ahsoka?"

"I…" Steela frowned. "I guess we were so focused on getting to Dendup and Rash that…" She shook her head. "She's gotta be around here somewhere, right?"

Fives and Cutup shared a look and immediately went for their comms.

"Commander, this is Fives, do you copy?"

Static.

"Commander," Cutup now tried. "What's your location?"

More static.

A slow creeping dread began to seep into the group.

Lux and Steela tried to reach out to her whilst the ARC troopers got into contact with their brothers back in Iziz to see if they perhaps knew where Ahsoka was.

The shocking response they got was the Chitauri and Sakaarans that were still alive retreated in full.

The city was theirs.

But that didn't matter to the group outside the tomb of Nadd at this time.

"Ahsoka, where are you?" Peter was now trying to contact her, same as Barriss.

"... Ahsoka, do you copy?" The Mirialan quietly asked, feeling a knot forming in her gut.

"Ah-Ahsoka, stop playing around, this isn't funny." Spider-man stammered out.

"Ahsoka…"

Barriss' heart suddenly clenched up and next to her, Peter felt a horrid feeling well up from within as the two became a wash with an overbearing pressure of pure dread.

"Snips?"/"Love?" They asked, nearly in synch.

Not even waiting for another response, Spider-man took off into the jungle, yelling at the top of his lungs.

"Ahsoka?!"

The group heard his voice even with him already gaining a considerable distance away from them.

"AHSOKA!" They heard him bellow at the top of his lungs, causing many creatures within the forest to flee from him.

Steela and Lux held looks of disbelief and panic, the ARC troopers now running into the forest themselves, calling out for their Commander.

Barriss could only allow dread to fully embrace her. She subconsciously reached out to the Force Bond that she has with Ahsoka and felt a numbing feeling wash over her.

The Padawan fell to her knees, a tear falling from her eye.

"Ahsoka…" She whispered in horror.

AN

And at last, Onderon comes to a quick and sudden end but one with ramifications beyond the planet.

That's right folks. Freedon Nadd is back and Dendup and Sanjay are unfortunately dead. Even though Steela is still alive, where there is death, there is death. It must come to pass regardless of what has changed.

And now, Ahsoka has been kidnapped.

Bet ya none expected it to be here.

And as to the how and why, you'll have to find that out in the next arc, the next chapter being one that we know is gonna rock the boat hard.

But any who, there are some star wars stuff to discuss being that of the Bad Batch and Mandalorian. My comrades and I… have mixed opinions on what we've been seeing lately.

Jebest4781: I find it weird that while Bad Batch has been rocking it so far on its second season, Mandalorian has been lackluster. We are already at the halfway point of the season, yet no message or theme has been established. It's frustrating, especially with what we got last week as that episode was heavily mixed but primarily bad.

FMW: Mandalorian Season 3's main issue is unfocused. What exactly is the purpose of this season? From what the trailers insinuated, it felt like they were gonna focus on uniting the scattered Mandalorian sects and clans but we haven't gotten that whatsoever. In fact, Din ain't even the main character from what it feels like. Bo-Katan is. Not that there's an issue with that but again, what is the purpose here?

Jeb: From what has been going around, it seems things are just shaky at Disney. Mostly trying to tread over the thin ice that is studio interference. Not to mention Dave perhaps juggling over several shows like the upcoming Ahsoka series. Doesn't seem much, but it's a lot. Whatever the case may be, hopefully, this issue will be resolved as it's getting ridiculous.

FMW: Yeah, we say this cause we love the Mandalorian so to see this show just flounder around isn't really helping. Come on Filoni, I know you can get things back on track.

Jeb: At the very least, Ahmed Best has been redeemed with his latest role in Star Wars as seen in the latest Mandalorian episode. The man had it rough over the years, due to all the hate he got from portraying Jar Jar Binks. Happy he's getting better treatment with quite a significant role in greatly affecting things.

FMW: Yeah, here's to ya Ahmed.

But yeah, Onderon is done and originally, was gonna be way, WAAAAY longer but then we would have been stuck here for a lot longer. Arc was already four chapters long as is from the originally intended three.

So next up, Padawan Lost with one gigantic moment that we've been giddy to get to.

Freedon Nadd's revival is another we can check off the list of the crazy shit my comrades and I have been wanting to get all season long and now, the next one is next chapter.

Hope you guys are hyped.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

We're off to see John Wick Chapter 4!