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.

124. Tales of the Jedi: The Gathering

Boy fucking howdy, do we got a chapter here for you guys.

Enjoy.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 124: Tales of the Jedi: The Gathering

Within a hallway, two figures were walking side-by-side towards the exit doorway.

As they walked, an aged woman spoke.

"The Jedi. Long have we stood as the vanguards for peace and justice against anarchy and oppression."

An'ya Kuro, master Jedi of the Order, approached Wanda Maximoff with Merrin and Illyana, speaking with the trio.

"Our duty, our life, our purpose has and always will be to the Force."

Kuro now stood before Plo Koon, Anakin Skywalker and Aayla Secura.

"And by extension, the people of this galaxy."

She was now conversing with Ahsoka, Barriss and Peter.

"But with that, we have stumbled."

The Dark Woman stopped to speak with Shaak Ti, Maris Brood, Luminara Unduli and a tall, male Lasat Jedi Master.

"We have strayed from the path."

Kuro now spoke with an audience of Widow, Hawkeye and White Tiger.

"We have allowed ourselves to be blinded by the light. Blinded by our triumphs of the past."

An'ya walked alongside Ant-Man and Wasp.

"And what we have learned from Tython only reinforces these sentiments."

She was standing before a group of Younglings, giving them each an expectant look.

"It is time for the Jedi to take hold of their own path. To face our failures, our failings, not ignore them."

The two Jedi stopped at the exit to the hallway they had been walking through, the younger of the duo glancing up at his master. She held a brief contemplative look before glancing at him and nodding.

Nuru Kungurama gave his Jedi Master An'ya Kuro an encouraging smile as the pair walked out into an open courtyard with a large assembly of individuals.

Over on the right were the Avengers An'ya Kuro had handpicked to come along what would be the Gathering.

It was quite the collection of odd choices but when one looks closer at the unspoken, interconnected similarity that these particular Avengers held, one would begin to understand why they were selected.

Black Widow, Hawkeye, Ant-Man, Wasp, White Tiger and the Scarlet Witch stood together next to the chosen Jedi Masters and Knights to come along for this Gathering.

Grandmaster Yoda, Anakin, Aayla, Plo Koon, Luminara Unduli, Shaak Ti and Jedi Master Jaro Tapal.

Over on the younger end of the spectrum were the Padawans to join them, save Nuru who was by Kuro's side.

Ahsoka and Barriss were conversing with Maris Brood and Peter Parker with the Mirialan Padawan shooting small glances in the direction of her Master who seemed… distant from her Padawan as of late.

The Dark Woman then focused on the youngest of this group, the prime reason why this "get-together" came about.

In the middle of these groups were the Jedi Younglings.

It was composed of seven Younglings who were selected as the best of their current generation, being the "heads" of their clans, so to speak.

Gungi the Wookiee, Ganodi the Rodian, Katooni the Tholothian, Zatt the Nautolan, Byph the Ithorian and Petro and Cal Kestis being the two humans of this group of Younglings. But these were not the only kids to be joining this Gathering.

Nearby Wanda Maximoff, her two wards, Merrin and Illyana, stood by her side. The pair seemed a bit apprehensive yet clearly wished to interact with other Force-Sensitives their age.

"Thank you all for coming," Kuro greeted the group with a small bow. "I know there are those who are aware of what this is and others who are not."

It was rather obvious for the Earthers to be not in the know.

Kuro faced the Younglings, crossing her arms behind her back.

"As you are aware, the seven of you have been selected by the leaders of your clans, meaning you represent the best of the young, up-and-coming Jedi of the Future. Whether that is to be true shall be determined on this journey."

"And what is this journey exactly?" Asks Scott Lang.

"An important part of the Jedi, the Gathering is." Yoda responds by holding out his hand and with a small application of the Force, his lightsaber unclipping from his belt and levitating over his palm. "The construction of your lightsaber, this is."

"One of the most important steps in the life of a Jedi." Plo Koon's baritone voice rumbled. "The most, one could say, as it is the first step for all Jedi."

The young kids all chattered excitedly, looking at one another in anticipation.

Merrin and Illyana conveyed their own interest and wonder at the thought of building a lightsaber.

"Ooooh, is that why we're here?" Scott asked, raising his hand. "Wait, are we also building a lightsaber?"

"I wouldn't mind a lightsaber." White Tiger remarked. "They're cool looking."

"You guys, we're not here for that." Hope blandly said before looking curious. "Are we?"

"Well, it's not like we can't show you." Anakin remarked. "But maybe later. This is more of a Jedi spiritual thing."

"Then why are we here?" Widow inquired.

"Delays for the Gathering are mostly known throughout the Order. In times of war, much like in the Clone War, we halt it to some measure of time. However, we had to put it on hold when Ultron was about until we were in a more stable time." Aayla explained.

"Even then, after Ultron and that warning he left behind, we shall not take any chances anymore." Shaak Ti stated. "Despite the momentary ceasefire that is still in effect, the war has not been officially declared to have ended."

"On top of all that, we had received word from the Guardians of the Whills, who informed us of the Kyber smuggling." The Lasat Jedi Master spoke up with a grim tone. "As such, we need to… change things for the Gathering this time around."

"Added protection for the Gathering is a necessity with how unstable the galaxy is at this time." Luminara calmly said. "But there is also the importance that we believe you should see how a Gathering occurs, especially you two, Natasha, Wanda."

"Us?" The two women said in surprise, turning to each other and then back at the Mirialan Master.

"Why us?" Wanda inquired.

"Well, isn't it obvious?" Anakin gestured to Merrin and Illyana. "You two have Force-sensitives in your care. You should at least have a look at how the Jedi do things in training young Force-Sensitives."

"I thought they would be too old for something like that." Wanda airily noted with Yoda grunting.

"Changing times, these are." The Grandmaster plainly stated. "Perspective is needed, new practices to be implemented."

"This isn't just a Gathering for the Younglings either," Kuro spoke up. "This is a journey for all of us, masters and students. We shall be undertaking old practices lost from the archives on Coruscant as well as experiencing new struggles that we will not be prepared for. All we can do is trust in ourselves, our training and the Force."

Clint, who had been silent for the majority of the meeting, eyed the young kids. He glanced at his fellow Avengers, giving them a quick look while his mind was at work, turning to stare at the Dark Woman who caught his gaze.

He squinted at her and she arched an eyebrow.

'Ah, so that's how it is.' Barton mused to himself, nodding at her for her insight and she in turn smirked at him.

"So what will we all be doing?" Hope inquired.

"You can learn yourselves and give input as well." An'ya answered. "Your added protection is a necessity but your team has been an instigator of change for the Order. It need not stop now."

"Oh, well, I dunno if we should go that far." Peter bashfully said.

"It is warranted." Anakin said, clapping the webhead on the shoulder. "So like Master Kuro said, if you have other perspectives and views on how this Gathering is going, don't hesitate to ask questions and point out anything. Outside perspectives need to be heard."

"With all that said, are you all prepared?" An'ya asked aloud and there were murmurs of agreement and nods from them all.

"Where to first?" Clint asked.

"Where it all began. Tython."

-Scene Cut-

Returning to the rooted homeworld of the Jedi and the Sith was somewhat of a common occurrence by this point.

Starfighters were going in and out of the planet of Jedi coming and going.

For what purposes, too many to list.

A large CR-90 Corvette came out of Hyperspace, carrying the large group of Avengers and Jedi, flying down to the planet.

Landing their craft at the western part of the Tythos Ridge, the occupants filed out and saw the present state of things.

New stations were being built, using blueprints and layouts found here on Tython as well as on other planets where knowledge was being discovered.

Their main focus was the large stone structure with four square towers. The painted stones were faded, but the purpose remained of creating large geodesic circles at each of the towers.

An'ya strode forward with Nuru next to her before facing the large group. She held out her hand to the large structures behind her.

"Kaleth, otherwise known as the Temple of Knowledge, here on Tython, is where this Gathering shall begin. Here lies countless millennia of knowledge and wisdom, lost in time now here for us to relearn. Unlearn what we have learned and gain new understanding from the Old. Younglings. Here is your first task. Trust only in the Force. Listen not to what you hear but to what you feel. The Force here is potent, ancient and permeates on a level that not even the Temple on Coruscant can match. Allow that to guide your actions, guide your choices. I cannot tell you what you must find for in the Gathering, each Jedi's path is distinct and unique. What you will find shall be the indicator needed for the next part of your journey. And it can be anything. A Holocron, a datasheet, a cloth, another lightsaber, anything that will begin your process. I shall be frank when I say your class is the first to undertake what is a reinvention of the Gathering. We are taking everything we have learned, what we will learn and molding it into something new. Masters, Padawans, that is where we shall also begin our own path. We are to take what we find ourselves, perhaps forging new lightsabers, new perspectives, and discover or rather, rediscover ancient practices and knowledge. But remember, trust not in your eyes, hearing or other senses. Let the Force guide your actions. Open yourselves entirely to the Force, it shall help you on your own path."

"And us?" Hope spoke up.

"I shall trust your discretion and insight." Was An'ya's response.

"And in that, I shall do the same." Yoda said, bowing his head.

"Wait, you're not coming, Master Yoda?" Ahsoka Tano asked in surprise.

"A path of my own, I am to take." Yoda gave them a pleasant smile. "Trust in you all, I do. Future of the Order, you are."

The worst possible thought occurred in the mind of a former criminal.

"Whoa, whoa, you're not like…" Scott squirmed. "You're not going off to die or something, are you?"

"Scott!" Wasp whacked her boyfriend's arm.

"Uh, I'm kinda with Scotty here." Hector sheepishly said. "I just watched Kung-Fu Panda again and this is sounding a lot like an Oogway Ascends type moment here."

Scott rapidly nodded and pointed at his fellow father.

"Hector, he's not gonna "ascend" on us." Clint dryly said.

"Wait, are you?" Now Spider-Man nervously asked.

"Peter." Ahsoka and Barriss admonished at the same time.

Yoda impishly shook his head, giving a mischievous look at the Jedi and Avengers. "Fortunately, no peach trees there are, hmmm. So no, no ascensions today. But, a path I do have, yes. One that I must take alone. New wisdom, new knowledge, needed for this old-timer. Still much to do I have, my own purpose for this Order, I must serve. To Master Kuro, I entrust this task."

Said Jedi Master bowed graciously.

"But before I depart," The Grandmaster zeroed in on two individuals. "Skywalker, Maximoff, a word with you two, if you please."

The named duo looked at the Grandmaster in slight surprise, taking a look at one another, and shrugging before going over to him.

"I guess we'll catch up." Anakin said to the others.

"We'll be here." Peter quipped.

While Anakin and Wanda went over to the side with the Grandmaster while the others turned back to Kuro.

"Now then," She said, focusing on the Younglings. "If you would follow me."

They entered the temple, the Dark Woman and her Padawan guiding the group to the center of the temple into a large garden.

"From here, you shall take your time, as long as it is needed," An'ya said with a sweep of her arms. "The Force here is strong, nurtured and empowered by the life gathered from plants from all corners of the galaxy." She focused on the Youngling Ithorian. "Byph, take pride in your people's efforts. It was Ithorian Je'Daii Journeyman and Jedi Masters of the past who brought many of these plants here."

Byph let out an intrigued warble, now looking around the garden with greater awe and wonder.

"Now then," Kuro gestured over to where there was a small elevated hill of sorts. "That is the center of the garden. There we shall meditate and let the Force be our guide. Masters, Padawans, I know that only two of you have come to this temple," She nodded her head in the direction of Plo Koon and Shaak Ti. "This is also your chance to familiarize yourselves with this temple as well as perhaps find something of value and importance, be it to yourselves and or the Order. Avengers, I encourage you to do the same. Learn. Explore. You may find something beneficial yourself. Do pass along the message to Skywalker and Maximoff."

The Jedi did as told whilst the Avengers felt a bit awkward.

Hope let out a hum, getting a glint in her eye before hooking her boyfriend's arm and pulling him in a random direction, Scott simply following along.

Ahsoka smiled at Barriss and Peter, with Maris Brood going over to them, same as Nuru.

The young teens all went off together whilst the Masters took separate paths. Hector called out to one of them, being Shaak Ti and ran up to her side, beginning to ask questions at random.

Black Widow opted to walk with Aayla, the Twi'lek welcoming her company.

Luminara held a brief glance in the direction of her Padawan, her lip trembling slightly and she berated herself when Barriss turned back to look at her. She didn't need to see the look of pain that flashed over her student's face, Ahsoka placed a comforting hand on her girlfriend's back.

The Mirialan Master shook her head, feeling completely foolish about how she was acting right now. Despite this, she walked off in the opposite direction, choosing a random corridor closest to her.

Of the adults that remained, Clint Barton stayed, hovering protectively over Merrin and Illyana along with the Lasat Jedi Master, Jaro Tapal.

An'ya Kuro had also remained, observing silently as the seven Younglings went about their own means of connecting through the Force.

Rather than meditating, Kuro instructed them on what they felt to be their own path.

Gungi went over to a large tree, placing his hand on the bark and closing his eyes.

Katooni was a bit more reserved but opted for familiarity and meditated.

Petro all but walked off, opting to take it by the ear and a bit of bullheaded stubbornness.

Zatt found a pond and idly traced his hands over the water with Byph nearby, eyes closed and hands outstretched, feeling the tips of leaves on his fingers.

Ganodi walked around, taking in the garden with inquisitive eyes and Cal Kestis found himself a bit stumped on what to do.

Kuro stopped by Clint, the archer not looking at her, keeping his hands on Merrin and Illyanas shoulders while his eyes were on the other kids.

"It's cuz we're parents, right?" Hawkeye quietly said, his voice low enough for only the Dark Woman to hear.

She only hummed in response. "Perhaps that. Perhaps more so."

"Do you think something will happen?"

"Something always happens now." She dryly retorted. "I would rather have it that beings outside of the Force can assist. I could have chosen other Avengers but the Force led me to you all specifically. Greater incentive for those who have their own to keep these children safe. And perhaps even more that we have yet to discover. Your two friends have Force-sensitives in their care. As I said, they too should see the way Jedi are trained. And even if they choose not to go the path of the Jedi, to have alternative and other means of observing the Force will be necessary for their growth."

Clint simply took her words in silence.

Jaro, while appearing not to have heard their conversation, kept his frown hidden behind his hand that he was holding up to his mouth as he observed the Younglings. His eyes went from each of them before landing on the lone Kestis who appeared to be frustrated.

The other Younglings soon began to… convey a shift in their mood.

"Ah," An'ya said with satisfaction, sensing their change. "We are starting to get somewhere."

"Where to now?"

"Now you all will be split up into groups, given you're being directed to different locations for the next part of the Gathering. Inside this temple, as I told you, shall be the instrument to give you the direction to the next part of your journey. The Force has begun its path for you and it is with you where the choice is to take the first step forward."

The Younglings soon walked off, Ganodi and Katooni sticking together wherein Petro went off on his own.

Byph felt a level of uncertainty but after being joined by Gungi and Zatt, he felt more confident as the trio walked off together.

Only Cal Kestis remained, slumping down on the ground.

Jaro arched a brow, going over to the Youngling and kneeling to him.

"Something wrong, young one?" Tapal gently asked.

Cal shook his head, looking a bit flustered. "I… I don't know. I didn't really feel anything and-"

"Worry not, Youngling Kestis." An'ya spoke up. "Just because you have not found it here does not mean that your journey is over. This Gathering shall be unique for all of you."

"Hey, in the meantime," Clint stepped forward, gently pushing the two Dathomiri girls to the Youngling. "How's about ya meet Merrin and Illyana? They could use some new friends around their age."

Cal glanced at them, a bit surprised before giving an awkward wave at them.

The pair didn't respond at first until Merrin meekly cleared her throat and waved back.

"Hi." She softly greeted.

Cal now smiled, standing up from his spot and went over to the pair, introducing himself properly.

-Scene Cut-

Two ships departed from Tython soon after with two distinct locations in mind.

On one ship were Petro, Zatt, and Ganodi with An'ya, Nuru, Luminara, Shaak Ti, Maris, Natasha, Scott, Hope and Hector accompanying them. Their destination was a planet that was once a Jedi stronghold, famed for possessing some of the most unique and potent kinds of Kyber Crystals and materials for constructing a lightsaber.

The rest went directly to the most famed and well-known planet to contain the core of all Lightsabers to the Jedi Order as a whole.

Upon landing on the planet Illum, the occupants of the cruiser were quickly met with the harsh, blizzarding cold.

Currently bundled up in winter attire, the individuals filed out with the younglings and Earthers doing their best to focus on the ones leading them.

The Jedi knights and master of Anakin, Aayla, Plo and Jaro led the Younglings of Gungi, Katooni, Byph and Cal with Padawans Ahsoka and Barriss and Peter, Clint, Wanda, Merrin and Illyana.

"Not the most hospitable place." Peter commented, wincing at the icy winds whipping against his face. Simby quickly formed himself over Peter's face, making the wall-crawler exhale, patting his cheek in thanks.

"I think that's the point." Wanda said, using her hex-magic to conjure barriers around them to stave off the wind. Merrin and Illyana huddled close to their guardian, shivering despite how much they were bundled up.

"I should have bought a second coat." Cal's teeth chattered, clutching himself tightly.

Gungi couldn't help but let out a small, mischievous warble, getting annoyed looks from his fellow Younglings.

"Not everyone can be a walking carpet like you, Gungi." Katooni retorted through a shivering voice.

Coming to a large wall of ice, the group eventually came to a halt.

Anakin knelt and wiped away some of the snow, the Jedi saw the symbol for the entrance to the caves.

Alongside her master, Ahsoka didn't pay much mind to the significance of the emblem when she first came here to get her own Kyber Crystal years back. However, having been part of the group to eventually rediscover Tython changed all that.

'The Mortis Celestials.' Mused the Togruta. 'How much influence do you have on the galaxy did we forget?'

She could feel a part of her tell her… a lot… beyond her comprehension. The Togruta felt a familiar hand, her own palm warming up as she interlaced her fingers with Barriss, shooting her lover a smile.

"It's a dead end!" Cal called out.

"Not all is as it seems." Plo said over the winds.

Jaro now stepped forward. "Younglings, this is to be the next part of your journey. Outstretch your hands and focus the Force. Together, and only together, we can enter."

The Younglings all shared a look, seeing the elder Jedi hold up their hands. They emulated their posture yet one of them felt something was missing.

Cal glanced over to Merrin and Illyana and got their attention. He wordlessly gestured their heads at the other Jedi and at first, the two girls appeared hesitant but they felt Wanda's hands on their backs. They looked up to see her give a nod of encouragement and after that, they did the same.

Recalling what they could from their own teachings in the Force, the two Dathomiri girls joined in the united Force technique.

Merrin and Illyana felt the others in their efforts in the Force and a moment later, their efforts were rewarded.

From the massive wall of ice, the gigantic sheets began to shift with clouds of snow falling down from above. Many covered themselves in the process but kept up with the task at hand. Before long, they saw the entrance just beyond them.

"Whoa~!" Peter exclaimed. "This is some video game, RPG-type stuff right here."

Wanda looked on in wonder along with her two charges while Clint was greatly intrigued.

"Now hurry. The sun has already risen, and we must begin." Aayla said aloud.

Entering the Illum temple, the younglings and Earthers saw several statues of Jedi using their lightsabers. At the ceiling was a large chandelier-like structure made out of crystals. The far end was a large and thick piece of ice that appeared rippled like frozen waves.

Plo stepped forward, having Aayla, Anakin and Jaro join him on a small, elevated platform in the center of the large room.

Ahsoka and Barriss stood by them now as they faced the Younglings.

"Through here, the Force is made physical." Plo's voice reverberated off the walls of the temple. "In that, the Jedi are also physical manifestations of the Force."

"It is in that comes a great responsibility." Anakin said, giving Peter a look with the young teen smiling slightly. "One that we hold to the Force and to the people of this galaxy."

Aayla now stepped forward. "How does a Jedi protect others?"

The Twi'lek emulated something Grandmaster Yoda did when she first came here herself years ago.

Her Lightsaber was unclipped from her belt and she idly hovered it between her hands.

"While your acts are one factor, the tools are another. As such, being here is integral for building your own lightsaber. But first, each of you must harvest your own crystal."

More chattering was made with the younglings.

Now it was Jaro who spoke. "The heart of the lightsaber is the Kyber crystal. It takes great focus from the Force from the Jedi."

Concentrating on the Force, the crystalline chandelier hanging above them began to shift. As it happened, a panel nearby opened up to reveal the sunlight peeking through. With its light, the chandelier lit up significantly before it hit a particular crystal. A beam shot out and struck the large, thick sheet of ice and swiftly melted it to become a waterfall which eventually revealed another entrance.

"If you are to become Jedi, you must enter the crystal cave." Plo said. "Trust yourself and in each other, you will succeed."

"Once you have found your crystal, do not remain inside." Aayla warned. "As daylight ends, the door will freeze over again, and you will be trapped inside."

Cal frowned nervously. "For how long?"

"For one rotation for the sun to shine once more." Anakin answered.

"...And how long is a rotation on this planet?" Was Katooni's hesitant query.

"Roughly nineteen standard days." Jaro stated, making the Tholothian girl wilt slightly.

"...That's a very long night." The girl quietly said.

"There will be nothing anyone can do for you until then." Aayla said. "Which is why, while you must not force yourself to rush, time is of the essence."

"This is another part of the test you must endure." Plo tacked on. "Calm while being under pressure. A true Jedi's nature comes when they are at their most vulnerable and when they are truly backed into a corner. Remember your training and remain steadfast."

"The storm of emotions can overwhelm you." Aayla held a serene air. "But it is in that where you will find the eye of the storm, the eye of serenity and your path will be made clear."

Byph let out several warbling inquiries.

"Only you can know which crystal is yours. Each is for you to discover for yourself. Now hurry." Ahsoka said.

Seeing as the younglings are no longer there, the obvious was mentioned.

"So… what we gonna do now?" Peter idly asked, shooting a webline above him and hanging upside down now.

"Does that not bother you?" Jaro asked in bemusement.

"Nope, not really."

"Didn't Kuro also bring you guys along for other reasons?" Clint asked the Jedi. "Isn't this a journey of your own?"

"Such is the Gathering is unique to each occasion." Plo said. "Perhaps we are merely here to observe or maybe, what our purpose will be shall come at a later time."

"This is the first Gathering since the start of the Clone Wars." Aayla mused. "And much has happened since. While things might go simple here, I have a feeling it will not go as expected later on."

"And the kids?" Barton's voice was sharper now. "Ya know I'm not too keen on just leaving them here for nineteen damn days in darkness. We might not do anything but I bet you Wanda can."

"And if not, we'll get the others to help." Wanda said.

"I wouldn't put it past you guys." Anakin commented with a small smirk.

"So~ since we might be here for a bit, any unique bits that happened on your crystal test? Kinda curious since you guys said it's supposed to be different for you all." Spider-Man asked with the Jedi all varying in response.

"Nothing really special on my part." Says Ahsoka. "It just felt… natural when I got my first Kyber Crystal."

Barriss then spoke. "My circumstance with the Gathering was… unique."

Her Togruta girlfriend faced her, curious. "How so?"

"I was the only person in my clan to go at the time. Luminara was the overseer for the event and after I had obtained my crystal, she eventually took me on as her Padawan." She softly said, a sad smile now at the memory. "It's strange to think, isn't it? It feels like a lifetime ago now."

"Such is the way of life, Padawan Tano." Jaro said with a small sigh.

Anakin spoke up. "When I was undertaking the Gathering, my circumstance was unique as well. Since I was… older than the others back then, Obi-Wan took me here by ourselves so I could build my first lightsaber."

"First of many." Ahsoka couldn't help but remark, shooting her master a cheeky grin.

Skywalker rolled his eyes on the jab. "Yeah, yeah. Anyways, I had a rather… strange trial. I found my crystal after some time, but when I was constructing it, I couldn't exactly recall how I did it as I was feeling stuck. Suddenly, things became a blur with me fighting someone and then Obi-Wan woke me up as I apparently fell asleep."

"Who were you fighting?" Wanda asked and Anakin frowned.

"I…" Anakin flinched slightly and there was a disturbed look that came over him. "... Maul. It was Darth Maul. The Sith Lord who… who killed Master Qui-Gon on Naboo."

There was a shift from the others, particularly the Jedi as the tale of Qui-Gon's death at the hands of the resurgent Sith was one all too familiar by now.

"Was there a particular reason why?" His Padawan softly asked.

Anakin grimaced and slowly turned to the entrance to the caverns containing the Kyber Crystals. In the back of his mind, he could almost hear the sounds of the memory playing in his head. "I honestly have no idea. Couldn't even recall what he… the manifestation was saying back then."

"Well, that's not creepy at all." Peter dryly said.

"I had my own encounters with the darkness." Aayla said with a small voice. "It was of my past as a slave." She caught Anakin grimacing out of the corner of her eye. "Masters T'ra and Tholme were here for my Gathering when I got my Kyber Crystal."

"Makes ya wonder what those kids will see." Clint muttered, a hard gaze now directed at the entrance.

Jaro held a pensive expression as he addressed the archer's concerns. "Every experience is different, but the lessons are relatively the same on the core values. Worry not, Mr. Barton. Have faith in the Younglings."

"Clint," The Avenger casually corrected. "I'm already a dad, don't need the 'mister' part to make me feel any older."

There was a small laugh shared amongst the group when Merrin shifted slightly.

"Um… Wanda?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Can… Can we go inside?"

The adults and teens paused, turning to face the two girls who had stayed with them.

"You want to go inside?" Wanda warily asked, making sure she didn't mishear them.

"Y-Yes." Illyana said, somewhat nervous but her face garnered a cute pout of determination. "We do."

The rest all exchanged glances, missing a certain Mirialan gazing into the entrance herself.

"Are you su-"

"I shall go with them." Barriss abruptly declared, going over to the pair, shooting Wanda a reassuring smile.

"What now?" Anakin said in complete surprise. "You too Barriss?"

"Yes, I…" She turned to the caverns, and her eyes squinted slightly. There is… something calling to me, an echo reaching its voice for me to hear."

Ahsoka was next to her now, eyeing her girlfriend before looking ahead.

"Perhaps this is what Master Kuro spoke of." Plo Koon stated in intrigue now. "She said that this wasn't just a journey for the Younglings. We ourselves might find something as well."

"You can come with us." Barriss said to Wanda. "I'm certain you will be able to keep your girls safe. Peter, Ahsoka, will you accompany me as well?"

"Us?" Peter detached himself from his webline. "But isn't this a Jedi thing? Aren't we just added insurance?"

Barriss shook her head. "You may all be perceived as voids in the Force but that does not mitigate the influence you have had on the galaxy and the Force, as we have all told you many times. Perhaps you will also find or discover something here. Master Kuro wouldn't have brought you along just for added protection."

Ahsoka turned to her Master and Plo Koon, both of whom simply nodded as their go-ahead.

"Go, Peter," Aayla encouraged. "Perhaps there is something you will find as well."

"Don't forget what happened and what was said to you on Mortis." Skywalker added on, giving his friend a pointed look.

The Queens native held a look of deep contemplation, directing his gaze at the cavern entrance.

After a few moments of contemplation, the group of Wanda, Merrin, Illyana, Ahsoka, Barriss, and Peter entered the cave.

All the while, the four Younglings had been walking together, trying their best to stave off the blistering cold.

"How are we supposed to find a Kyber Crystal in here?" Cal Kestis questioned.

Katooni frowned, mulling the question over in her head.

"Well… they never really specified that part. Master Secura said it was meant to be different for all of us." She quietly murmured.

Gungi let out a few moans as did Byph several warbles.

"They did say it was unique for each of us." Cal recalled. "But… well… what did you guys find on Tython?"

His fellow Younglings all pulled out small pieces of unique metals.

Cal tilted his head, looking at the metals and then at the others.

"What are they?"

"Ganodi told me these are metals once used to make Force Sabers before the time of Lightsabers." Katooni excitedly revealed.

Cal slumped slightly, holding a disappointed expression now. "Aw man, why didn't I get one? Did you all get it?"

Byph warbled in confusion as to why Cal doesn't have one.

Gungi let out a sympathetic whine but Katooni held a more contemplative look.

"Well, remember what we just discussed. This Gathering is supposed to be different from what we know. I mean, we know the Jedi is changing so even though we all got metals, maybe what you get will be even more unique."

Cal held his frown but nodded, all the same, before looking up to now see a litany of hallways and corridors surrounding them.

"Whoa, where are we?" He asked aloud, Byph letting out a few curious warbles.

Gungi grunted out a sense of uncertainty whilst Katooni rubbed her chin, looking anxious.

"M-maybe this is part of our test." She said though it was clear she wasn't sure. The young girl wasn't exactly keen on separating from her friends and fellow Younglings.

"So… does that mean we have to go down our own corridor?" Was Cal's somewhat nervous question.

Byph's head tilted up and a slightly frightened look was seen through his eyes, waving his hands and making sounds of protest at the thought of that.

Gungi made a sound of agreement.

Katooni fidgeted, not liking what she was about to say but knew it needed to be said all the same.

"I feel like we have to. If this is all about getting our own Kyber crystals, then going our own paths might have to be the only way to do so."

The others clearly weren't keen on doing this but they knew that time was of the essence. Thus, the four split off to their separate paths, going by instinct and the Force to guide them on their decision.

All the while…

"Oh man, it got colder." Peter bemoaned, shivering slightly. "I got internal heaters with the suit but still."

"I must agree." Barriss saw her breath with every word. "It has been some time since I last experienced such cold."

"And I thought Sokovia's winters were bad." Wanda commented, keeping Merrin and Illyana close to keep them warm. "So, what should we expect here?"

"Remember what we talked about, each trial and Gathering is different from one another. Similarities can happen but no two paths for a Jedi are ever the same, not truly." Ahsoka explained.

"Wouldn't this whole trial involve going on your own?" Peter brought up.

"Well," Barriss raised both her hands, bobbing them up and down. "Yes… sometimes no. Why do you ask?"

"Separating in dark caves, descending further and further with all the mysticism and the like… sounds like the start of some horror or bad fantasy film."

Ahsoka held a slightly flat look. "Really, Peter?"

"I am not entirely on board with such a notion." Wanda spoke up.

"That may be out of our control, unfortunately." Barriss revealed with a sad smile. "The Force pulls us in ways we may not expect."

"I thought we were voids." Maximoff stated.

"You two are more than that and you know it." Ahsoka shot back.

"What does Soka mean, Wanda?" Merrin asked, Illyana sharing her inquisitive query.

"She means we are special."

"Are we special?" Illyana asked and her caretaker pinched her cheek affectionately.

"Of course you are."

Everyone froze when they heard the flapping of wings followed by a familiar hooting in the cave.

The group saw a green feathered Convor perched overhead, looking down at them.

"Convor!" Illyana said in recognition.

Wanda squinted her eyes slightly. "Hang on… isn't that your owl, Ahsoka?"

"Convor and yes… I don't recall bringing her with us."

"How does Morai keep showing up all over the place?" Peter asked aloud. "She was back on Coruscant last I saw."

"And she definitely wasn't on our ship."

"So she is a magic owl." Parker declared, fist slamming into his palm. "She is both adorable and disturbing with how frequently this happens."

The Togruta rolled her eyes before addressing Morai. "You want to show us something, right?"

"Are you sure we should follow her?" Wanda asked.

"She's a magic owl," Ahsoka reiterated. "Plus, by this point, with how often she's done this, I've opted to trust her discretion."

Morai trilled happily at the praise, jumping down from her perch, her flapping wings keeping her aloft as she hooted at them, a signal for them to follow her.

"Come on." Ahsoka said, marching forward.

"Stay close together. We don't wanna get lost in the mystic cave." Peter stated.

"What about what you said before?" Maximoff brought up, directing the question at the two Padawans.

"I think the circumstances are different this time around." Barriss remarked, keeping her eyes on Morai.

The Scarlet Witch only hummed, holding Merrin's and Illyana's hands, keeping each other warm by huddling together.

Their trek was relatively silent. Only the ambient wind blowing through the caves coupled with their footsteps and Morai's flapping wings broke the silence. They walked down several wide corridors until arriving in a cavern with many pillars of crystals and stone. The ground had a deep mist with the lower parts of their legs disappearing beneath it.

"Ok… ominous." Peter commented. "Is there like some evil jump scare waiting to happen or…?"

"Let's not tempt fate like that, Peter." Barriss softly chided. "This may be a temple for the Jedi but the Force will not hesitate to test us."

"With what?" Illyana asked, looking up at the Mirialan.

The Padawan gave the child a kind but reserved smile.

"Present us with challenges or even our deep-seated fears."

The two kids were obviously frightened but Wanda quickly assuaged their fears.

"Don't worry, I'm right here with you both." She assured, kissing Illyana on the temple. "Nothing will happen while I'm-"

"Uh, guys…" Peter spoke up, nervously pointing ahead. "Moving fog."

All heads snapped in the direction to where Peter was pointing at and at first, they didn't know what he was talking about but a moment later, the mist on the ground began to swirl. Funnels started forming and they all tensed up, the four oldest in the group quickly creating a barrier, having Merrin and Illyana in the center between them.

Wanda stood at the head, holding a fierce expression, hands raised slightly with her palms facing her two charges, her magic flowing around her fingers.

"Easy." Barriss advised. "Though this place may give you visions, in all the thousands of years of the Jedi being here, injury or death was an extremity that seldom occurred. No need for rash actions."

The entire group was tense and ready for anything, watching as the swirling mist now produced multiple spires of fog, the wind making them grow and expand until there was a gust that blew all the mist upwards.

In an instant, Wanda used her power to try to dispel the fog only to be surprised by the mist surrounding and blinding them all to each other.

"Guys!" Peter cried out, his voice echoing around the large cavern.

"Merrin! Illyana!" Maximoff worriedly called out to her two girls, being met with a distant echo.

The Scarlet Witch grits her teeth, conjuring more of her magic only for her to hear another sound, one of a creepy and familiar voice that slowly makes her turn around, eyes narrowing in suspicion and getting into a guarded position.

While Wanda was distracted, Peter tried to go to where he had last seen Ahsoka and Barriss, but he ended up in a park with a single bench with one occupant. And the person on the bench turned to Peter and the young man felt his soul leave his body.

That face… that man… it couldn't… it couldn't be.

"U-Unc-Uncle Ben?" Peter croaked out, his heart hammering in his chest.

The man who raised him alongside his Aunt May smiled in that reassuring way that he always had, standing up from his bench and going over to his nephew.

"Peter," Came the familiar voice from his deceased Uncle and the teen nearly flinched when the man placed a solid hand on his shoulder. "Look at you, Peter. Growing up so fast, so strong. Becoming the man I always knew you would be and more."

Spider-Man didn't respond because he couldn't. His heart, body and mind weren't able to process it and slowly, the tears began to stream.

"Uncle Ben." Peter said once more and then, the dam he had been holding back burst open and the boy cried, almost jumping into his uncle's arms and the elder simply embraced his nephew wholeheartedly.

"It really is you," The younger Parker wept, clinging onto the man with all his restrained might. "You're actually here."

The older man chuckled gently patting his Nephew on the back, pulling away slightly a moment later.

"Come on, Pete, take a seat."

Wordlessly, the Avenger didn't even feel the sensation of sitting down, his entire being simply being overwhelmed by what he was experiencing.

Seeing this, his Uncle laughed heartily, clapping his nephew on the shoulder to snap him out of his stupor.

"Come on kiddo, you gonna look at me like that all day or are we gonna talk? I wanna catch up while I still can."

Peter blinked upon hearing this, his mind still reeling from what was happening but managed to find his voice, barely managing to form a sentence.

"I… this is… Uncle Ben… is this… please tell me, is this real? This feels too real to be a vision."

Ben simply shrugged, Peter seeing a ponderous expression on the man.

"Who's to say? This whole place is one big mystery, and well, who knows? Maybe this is the universe trying to throw you a bone." Uncle Ben held a mischievous glint in his eye. "But enough about that, what about you, Peter? How are those two firecrackers treating you?"

Peter now blushed up a storm, stammering repeatedly as he tried to mount some form of a response, getting his Uncle to laugh at his reaction, slapping his knee.

"Ah man, I've been waiting to do that my whole life." Ben jovially said. "Finally got to tease my boy about his love life. May must have had a field day."

"That's one way of putting it." Peter managed out with a weak smile. His expression then shifted, the more rational side of his brain now coming into play as he tried to make sense of all this.

As if reading said mind, Ben held up his hand before Peter had the chance to speak, resting it on his shoulder a moment later.

"I know, I know," He patiently said. "So many questions that I don't even have an iota of an idea of how to explain it myself."

"Y-Yeah, that's one way of putting it." Peter breathlessly chuckled.

His Uncle did the same, shaking his head, giving him a proud look.

"I'm proud of you, Pete, so proud." He declared. "I mean, when I told ya the whole Parker motto of Great Power and Great Responsibility-"

"I only understood what that meant after…" Peter inhaled sharply and shakily, fresh tears now streaming down his face. "After I let that robber go. That robber who killed you."

Ben became more solemn now, frowning at seeing his nephew in such a state.

"You couldn't have known that, my boy. One can never know everything nor predict what may come of their actions. All one can do is react to what happens, to make sense of it all, even at the worst of times and still press forward." Ben's smile returned slightly. "We're Parkers, Peter. Our lives are all about taking anything and everything that comes and still choosing to fight and rise above it. Like Rocky told us, It's not about how hard you hit-"

"But how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward," Peter trembled out reminiscently, a sad smile now in place. "I know, Uncle Ben. We only watched that movie a thousand times."

"And you can watch it a thousand times more." Ben argued. "The lessons still ring true."

Peter chuckled again, turning his head down, missing the shift in his uncle's demeanor but he heard it all the same a moment later.

"Listen, Peter." Ben quietly said, his tone becoming far more serious, getting the full attention of his nephew. "I know that there's a lot that plagues your mind. And I can understand your guilt but you cannot let that consume you. My death happened but it was beyond your control and choosing. What matters is what you do now."

The older man then had a beaming smile, full of pride and love.

"And I'd say you've done a helluva job living up to the old Parker motto and potential. Saving a galaxy? Now that's one for the record books."

Peter was now bashfully looking away, trying to hide his smile.

"Well, it's not like I'm doing this alone, Uncle Ben. You do know I'm an Avenger, right? It's a team effort."

"All the better for it, my boy, all the better for it." Ben praised. "I know it's been tough on you and your Aunt but you're not alone anymore. You never will be."

The younger Parker smiled at that and was about to respond but his Uncle still had a few more things to say.

"It's in that you must always remember, Pete, that even at the worst of your situation, even when you feel like the whole universe is coming down on you and you lose something you love, I need you to do something for me."

Peter blinked at this sudden change in mood yet remained silent all the same, waiting for his pseudo-father to speak.

"Whenever you feel down or you feel lost, hopeless and beaten, just hold up your hands," Ben did so to show his nephew. "And one by one, I don't want you to count what you lost or may lose. Count what and more importantly who you still have. Because you will always find those people waiting to be there for you, to fight for you and love you until the very end. And even if they're not around as they once were, just remember, they're always there in your heart. That memory you still have will always be with you, giving you the strength and spirit to overcome anything."

There was a prolonged moment of silence as Peter just stared at his Uncle, the words sinking in when Ben abruptly stood up, releasing a wistful sigh.

"Well, it was good catching up with ya, Pete," Ben kindly said with a sting of pain in his tone. "I know you probably want more time but right now, your girlfriends are who need you right here and now over this old coot."

That made Peter jolt, standing up from the bench in an instant.

"W-wait, what?!" His eyes conveyed pain and freight. "You have to leave? Right now?"

"It's not like I'm actually leaving, Peter." Ben shrugged. "Obviously, I'm just not gonna be around physically. But in spirit and heart? So long as you remember what I told you, I'm always going to be with you. Now go on, kiddo, Ahsoka and Barriss need you."

"But… you just…" Peter wracked his mind to come up with something, anything to keep his Uncle around for just a bit longer. "Was… any of this even real?"

He felt a bit stupid in asking but it was the first thing that came to mind. The Avenger watched as his Uncle thoughtfully frowned, rubbing his chin at that question when he reached into his pocket.

"I dunno," Was his vague response before he flicked something in Peter's direction, the enhanced human snatching whatever it was out of the air instantly. "You tell me, kiddo. Say hello to your Aunt for me, would ya?"

He gave a bewildered look, glancing down at his now open hand and saw a lone, rather tiny Kyber Crystal resting in his palm. Peter's face scrunched up in confusion, looking up to ask Ben just why he gave him this only to find that he was gone and the park they were in was slowly blown away.

As this had been happening, in conjunction with Peter, the others were experiencing visions of their own.

Ahsoka was "stumbling" over unseen objects, her sight obscured by the cold mist all while she called out to her lovers and Wanda and her two girls. She was met with silence, frustrating the Togruta.

What was happening?

She understood the Kyber crystal caverns of Illum would induce Force visions and hallucinations but she never recalled hearing something like this happening to Youngling. Certainly didn't happen to her when she came here.

Instead, this whole experience was more like… it was more like… like…

"Mortis." Ahsoka subconsciously said aloud and like that, the mist surrounding her began to swirl about.

The Togruta was tense and wary, eyes darting about as she tried to figure out just what was happening and how to react to it all when…

"Ahsoka!"

Her name came from the surrounding fog from a voice that she did not recogni-

"Ahsoka!"

Again that voice was one she doesn't… she doesn't…

The Padawan felt a bizarre feeling welling up suddenly from within. She was thrown off by this when she heard her name again be called out.

Straining her ears, she quickly ruled out Peter and Barriss, knowing she could easily tell them apart and if they were speaking. It wasn't Anakin or Obi-Wan, nor was it Rex or Plo Koon.

Why did she not recognize but still feel like she should know it?

Once more, she heard her name get called out from somewhere in the mist only this time, she heard something else. There was something else that was said and what she heard made her pause.

It was Togruti, the native language of her species.

What was-

"Soka." A gentle, warm, and loving voice said from above, and now, Ahsoka looked up.

And there she saw another Togruta but her face was obscured and hazy. She could barely make out any facial features and was only able to see a smile directed at her despite the unclear look of the taller Togruta's face. Speaking of which, Ahsoka came to a sudden realization that it wasn't the other Togruta that was tall.

She had shrunk!

More specifically, reversed in age.

Ahsoka looked down and saw she had somehow transformed back into a child, at the time before she was found by Master Plo and taken into the Jedi Order.

Looking all over herself, Ahsoka didn't notice the figure from before having knelt down to her level and placed a hand on her cheek.

The Togruta blinked at the sudden contact when she was awash with warmth that she hadn't experienced since… since…

"Ahsoka," The unidentified Togruta spoke her name once more, proceeding to speak with her in Togruti, talking kindly and lovingly. With every word, Ahsoka experienced a type of comfort and calmness she had never truly faced before.

Maybe it came some times when she was with Peter and Barriss but this one… this one was substantially different. A moment later, a male Togruta whose face was also obscured, came up next to the female, and like her, Ahsoka saw a bright smile directed at her.

The male began to chat happily and excitedly, making the female Togruta next to him shake her head in fondness.

Ahsoka found herself getting pulled into the interaction and she laughed happily, reaching out to them both and the male hefted her up and in that instance, the Padawan stumbled. The two Togruta were gone and Ahsoka was back to her normal self.

She blinked, looking down at herself, realizing she was in her proper age and body but at the same time… she was now experiencing this pain in her heart, one of longing and…

"Are ya gonna sit down?"

The Togruta looked ahead, seeing a table forming in the mist and there she saw Peter, Barriss and May Parker, the older woman setting up food for them all.

Without even thinking about it, Ahsoka subconsciously walked forward and seated herself next to her two lovers and contentment and love came over her.

She felt a slightly coarse hand grasp her left and she turned to see Peter smiling lovingly at her. Ahsoka smiled back and turned before pausing.

The Padawan frowned as May Parker vanished from her own seat. Feeling a sense of dread, Ahsoka turned and saw Barriss was starting to fade… no…

She was being surrounded by Darkness!

"Barriss!" Ahsoka cried out, jumping out of her seat and lunging at the Mirialan.

As soon as she grabbed hold of her girlfriend, the dark shadows around Barriss were expunged and Barriss, whose eyes were closed, fluttered open. Blue met blue and a sense of relief came over the Togruta.

"Barriss." Ahsoka whispered.

Wordlessly, the Mirialan smiled that same smile that Ahsoka had grown to deeply love, reaching up to cup her face.

"I love you." Barriss softly said, lowering her hand into Ahsoka's.

Tano opened her mouth to speak when she felt something placed into her hand.

Blinking, Ahsoka glanced down at her open palm and found herself staring at a small Kyber crystal. Bewildered by this, Ahsoka looked back up at Barriss only to jerk back in shock, seeing her girlfriend had been replaced by the Daughter.

"Y-You?" She said in surprise and the Celestial Manifestation of the Light smiled kindly at the Togruta, tenderly tracing her fingertips over Ahsoka's cheek.

"Remember, Love will save you, not condemn you." Her disembodied voice reverberated through her body. "Only together will you prevail over what is to come."

And like that, she was gone, only adding to the Padawan's confusion.

And as Ahsoka was experiencing her vision, so too was Barriss Offee.

The Mirialan found herself in her room back at the temple on Coruscant.

Rather than panic, she kept a composed and focused demeanor. She knew this was the work of the Force and fretting would achieve nothing. Stretching out her senses through the Force, though it was muffled, if that's how she could describe it, Barriss was able to pick up on the signatures given off by the others.

Ahsoka was there as were the two Dathomirian children. Wanda, with her unique power and presence in the Force, was easy to pick up on as was Peter.

They didn't seem to be in any immediate danger or stress but Barriss kept her wits about. She knew that just because she couldn't sense anything, doesn't mean her loved ones and companions weren't experiencing their own visions and illusions. Right now, the Padawan needed to figure out the purpose of this one.

She was in her room so was it something personal?

Looking around, she didn't find anything out of place until she directed her gaze at the door.

At first, Barriss didn't see anything unusual until she noticed a faint glow between the cracks of her door. Brows furrowed, she walked closer, only to freeze at smoke now wafting through the cracks.

Eyes widening, she moved forward. The door opened upon her proximity, and the Mirialan was met with a blazing inferno.

The Jedi Temple was on fire!

This startled the Padawan, a terrified sensation due to spotting a figure that seemed unaffected by the flames. And to Barriss, it was easy to recognize just who the figure was.

"Master Luminara," Offee croaked out, her voice trembling.

The older Mirialan looked back, her face unscathed by the flames around her, her Padawan seeing a look of… apathy.

"Master." Barriss said once more and this time, Unduli's expression changed into remorse before suddenly being consumed by the fire.

"NOOO!" Barriss cried out, rushing forward, ignoring the inferno around her when she froze.

Luminara was replaced by someone else. Someone Barriss knew all too well.

It was herself.

But not as she was.

This version of herself was cloaked in blackened clothing and her eyes were that of the Sith, a sickly yellow with a red outline that bore into her very being.

Terror now gripped her heart, her eyes widening and jaw falling slightly at the sight of herself, fallen to the Dark Side.

The Dark Barriss faced her with an unreadable expression, yet rage was evident in her eyes.

Taking a step forward made Barriss take a step back. Dark Barriss kept moving forward with the Padawan trying to move away from this version of herself when she lost her footing. And like that, she was now falling.

Barriss didn't know how or why but the burning temple vanished and she was now falling through a dark void with nothing around her. Her mouth was open but all that came was a silent scream, arms flailing about.

Even then, this experience was not too last. Despite the overwhelming helplessness she was feeling, a moment later, she saw a flash of light from above. Rocketing down to her, Barriss saw a figure in the streak of light and upon seeing the head shape, the individual inside was identified to be Ahsoka Tano.

Her girlfriend held a look of determination and love as she kept falling towards her hand outstretched.

*THWIP*

Offee's head snapped in the direction of the sound and out of nowhere, she saw Spider-Man swinging to her at full speed.

Not a moment too soon, both her lovers caught her at the same time, enveloping her in a deep embrace of protection and love, one that Barriss welcomed with all her heart.

"Peter, Ahsoka," She whispered, relieved to be in the arms of those she loved.

The sensation of falling was replaced by comfort, now finding herself in an entirely different room, being held closely by her two loves.

Whatever fear or feeling of Darkness was completely washed away when she was in the arms of them both.

They slowly pulled away from her, the duo taking both her hands in theirs and bringing them all together. Barriss looked between the two, some confusion as to what they were doing when she felt something in her hand.

Curious, she slightly pulled her hands back, Peter and Ahsoka letting them go as the Mirialan kept her hands together but spread them apart and there, between her palms was a small Kyber Crystal.

No sooner did she see this crystal did she feel a lurching sensation and a moment later, Barriss found herself standing back in the cavern where she was originally.

Her eyes widened and she whipped around, spotting Ahsoka and Peter. They too turned to her and they all immediately smiled in relief at the sight of each other when…

"Are you ok, Merrin?"

The Padawans and teen Avenger heard the question and all gazed in the direction of Merrin being helped up to her feet by Cal Kestis, of all people.

"Cal?" Merrin said in confusion. "Where did you come from?"

"I just…" The Youngling vaguely pointed behind him. "I don't know. I was walking alone and I just heard your voice. And you sounded scared. So…" The boy now rubbed the back of his head a bit bashfully. "I just ran to help you."

Merrin stared at the Youngling and found her face feeling a lot warmer suddenly.

Wanda scooped up and hugged the Dathomirian.

"Merrin." The Avenger shakily said. "Thank goodness. I feared the worst for you two."

The young girl hugged Maximoff back tightly.

"Merrin, Wanda," Unlike her guardian, Illyana appeared nonplussed. In fact, she was downright excited, waving one hand repeatedly. "Look, look, look. I got something!"

The girl opened up her hand and resting in her palm was a green Kyber Crystal.

"Oh my," Barriss spoke up.

"Whoa, you too, Illyana?" Peter said, making his girlfriend's turn to him.

"What do you mean?" Ahsoka frowned in surprise. "Did you get one as well?"

"Not as big as the one Illyana has but," Peter held up his hand and revealed his own Kyber Crystal.

"So you got one too, huh…" The Togruta mused and a moment later, she showed her own.

"It seems our venture into the caverns was successful." Barriss said, holding up her own crystal.

"You all got one." Wanda commented, frowning slightly at this.

"Hmmm?" Peter turned to her. "Wait, you didn't get one, Wanda?"

"Me neither." Merrin spoke up, Cal slumping a bit next to her.

"Same here."

Peter rubbed the top of his head, looking at his fellow Avenger.

"So~ I take it we all had trippy visions, yeah?" He got murmurs and nods of agreement. "What did you all see?"

Wanda was the first to speak. "I saw Gethzerion, the founder of the Nightsisters." She then placed her hands on Merrin and Illyana's shoulders, drawing them closer to her. "She… she had my girls hostage… and then I saw… I saw myself. But… like a worse, twisted version of myself. I had a different suit on and my fingers were pitch black. It was… I don't know how to explain it."

The Scarlet Witch eyed the two Jedi. "Was that some sort of future vision?"

"It might have been." Ahsoka answered. "A premonition or maybe, it's the Force manifesting your worst fears, both conscious and subconscious."

"The Force works in ways we know not." Barriss added on. "We can't say for certain what your vision means but perhaps it is not a premonition but a warning."

"A warning?" Wanda repeated, eyes narrowing at the thought of encountering Gethzerion.

Brief as it was back on Dathomir, Maximoff had been familiarized with the Nightsisters founder's history.

"What about you, Illyana?" Merrin asked, looking at her closest friend. "What did you see?"

Illyana scrunched her face up in thought, a small frown visible for the others to see.

"I saw… my mom. And our clan. But their backs were turned. Then I saw Wanda and you," Illyana pointed at Merrin. "And it looked like you were in trouble and I didn't even realize it was in my hand. I just wanted to help you."

Wanda smiled at that, patting her head in approval.

"Thanks, Illyana." Merrin sweetly said, making her best friend puff her cheeks out.

"But I didn't help you. Cal did."

"Still, you got yourself a Kyber Crystal." Ahsoka kindly remedied.

"We didn't," Cal spoke up, though he didn't sound as disappointed as they would have assumed.

Barriss picked up on this, going over to the Youngling and kneeling down to his level.

"Cal, where were you before this?"

Kestis rubbed the back of his head, face scrunching up slightly as he recalled what he had experienced in the cave.

"I… I honestly don't know." Cal looked down at his hand, a look of uncertainty mixed with concentration now. "I was walking alone, looking for my Kyber Crystal when I passed by this stalactite and stalagmite connecting and I felt this pull. There was a crystal lodged between the two but when I touched it, everything around me… well, it was and wasn't the same."

"What do you mean?" Wanda inquired and the Youngling tried his best to formulate what he experienced.

The Youngling concentrated, hands on his temples, eyes closed as he pictured what he had experienced.

"When I touched the crystal, it's as if I was in the same place but not at the same time." He spoke slowly, making sure he could make out every detail he could recall. "There were other Jedi around me… or, they weren't Jedi. I don't know. They didn't feel like Jedi."

"Did you hear them, by any chance?" Barriss asked and he nodded.

"It was hard to discern. So many were talking… or mumbling at once." Cal winced slightly, rubbing his eye. "I heard a few words here and there. Stuff about other planets with temples and Kyber Crystals."

"Really?" Ahsoka said excitedly. "Like what?"

"Tython, Jedha and… what's an Iego?"

The Earthlings turned to the galaxy natives for answers.

Merrin and Illyana could only shrug in unison, Ahsoka shaking her head.

"Not one I'm familiar with either." Said Barriss. "Perhaps something we'll need to talk to the others about. Now come, we should leave the cave."

"But I didn't find my crystal." Cal complained.

"Perhaps your crystal isn't here." Ahsoka stated. "After all, as Master Kuro said, this isn't a conventional Gathering."

"And my vision?" The Youngling added.

"Something to look into with someone more experienced."

"Maybe one of our masters might know." Ahsoka said with a smile. "This journey isn't over yet."

With that said, the group made their way out of the cave and headed to the entrance.

As they did so, they ran into the other three Younglings, Gungi, Katooni, and Byph proudly presenting their Kyber Crystals.

They all returned to the other Jedi and Avengers, the Younglings with Kyber Crystals holding them out for the Jedi Masters to observe.

"Well done, all of you." Plo Koon praised. "You have all taken large steps forward into becoming Jedi. take heart, young ones."

"We do seem to have one straggler," Anakin spoke up, eyeing Cal.

"Two." Wanda stated, hands on Merrin's shoulders. "Illyana got one but Merrin did not."

"Interesting." Jaro Tapal mused aloud. "I guess the Gathering is not over yet."

Plo Koon went over to Cal and Merrin, going down to one knee in front of them.

"Tell us everything." Plo instructed and they did so, the former more than the latter.

After the brief summary of events.

"Iego." Anakin said in recognition.

"You know it, Master?" Ahsoka asked in surprise.

He nodded, arms crossed in thought. "Back when I was still on Tatooine. The planet with a thousand moons. No one gets in or out."

"Then that means that's our next stop." Clint casually said.

"What about the others?" Wanda asked.

"We'll let them know." Jaro said. "In fact, perhaps we should all converge there. I have a hunch that their time on Jedha is nearing its end, if not already completed."

"We will join them at a later time for the next part of the Gathering." Plo declared, turning back to the Younglings who already had their crystals. "As for the rest, well, let them have their moments. There were many lessons you've learned in your time there: Courage and hope with patience and selflessness."

"Though new lessons arose in the meantime." Jaro pointed out, giving Cal an appraising look. "You may not have found your crystal, Kestis, but instead, you have tapped into a power gifted to you by the Force."

"One I am familiar with." Aayla spoke up, catching Cal's attention.

"Really? You have?" He excitedly asked.

"Yes, my former master has that same talent." Secura gestured for the others. "Come, we have much to discuss on our way to Iego."

-Scene Cut-

On the planet Jedha, much activity was occurring. A warmer climate with a far larger population of a standard inhabited planet. A stark contrast with how the others were doing over on the cold and desolate Illum.

The group that consisted of this venture into the ancient Jedi planet were Petro, Zatt, Ganodi, An'ya, Nuru, Luminara, Shaak Ti, Maris, Natasha, Scott, Hope and Hector.

Upon their arrival at this planet's temple, they were greeted by Chirrut Imwe, Baze Malbus and Fennec Shand, all of whom were garbed in new blue-themed outfits.

"Jedi," Chirrut spoke with deep respect, bowing as they drew near. "Master Kuro, welcome back to Jedha."

"Chirrut." An'ya greeted kindly, going up to the blind Force-User and embracing him. "It has been too long, old friend."

"You look well." Imwe cheekily said, Baze snorting beside him.

"Yes, I know Malbus," An'ya said in false irritation. "Even after all this time, his humor still remains the same."

Baze 'hmphed' in amusement, clapping her shoulder. "Good to see you, Kuro."

"You as well, Baze. And who is this? A new member of your team?"

"Fennec Shand." The woman respectfully greeted.

"I'll be damned," Black Widow suddenly said. "Another doppelganger."

Fennec regarded the former agent in confusion. "I beg your pardon."

"I'll tell you about it later," Natasha quickly said. "It's a long story."

Greetings were made all around and soon, the Guardians guided the Jedi and Avengers into the temple.

"Have things been well since we were here last?" Natasha asked Chirrut and Baze.

"In a fashion."

The response wasn't exactly what was expected.

"Mind explaining?" Scott asked.

Baze released a small grunt. "Aside from the galactic recovery going on from Ultron's actions, we've been doing what we can to keep up security."

"Is the issue you and Matt told us still happening?" Shaak Ti inquired.

"Unfortunately, yes." Chirrut confirmed with a shake of his head.

"How was it the smugglers kept getting the crystals out of this place?" The Togrutan Master asked.

"The temple is old while the surrounding city isn't. While homes and businesses were built, some walls and foundations could unknowingly breach the caverns. As such, it leads to many opportunities for theft."

"We, the Guardians, do what we can to find and seal up these breeches. Unfortunately, it was never that easy." Baze said.

"Was, you say?" Council Member Shaak Ti commented.

Fennec snorted, shooting the Jedi Master a wry and smug look. "Us Guardians have our Ravagers set up a base here. Less idiots inclined for theft."

"And the Jedi have frequented the Temple." Chirrut added on. "A greater deterrent for the scum and villainy in the system."

"Still, some cracks are always present. It's never perfect." Baze remarked. "We still have some bullheaded skuffers thinking they could make a quick credit here and there."

"Ah," Chirrut said suddenly. "Here we are."

They now stood before a large stone gate with decorative carvings of Jedi long since passed.

Once everyone was gathered, the seasoned Jedi and Guardians of the Wills gave their introductory speech to the Younglings. The customary discussion to fill their young, impressionable minds for what will occur to eventually construct their own lightsabers.

However, unlike the trial at Illum, there was no particular time limit to make them feel as rushed. However, if too much time does pass, the Guardians would go in and retrieve them.

An'ya, Luminara, Shaak Ti and Chirrut walked over to four indents on the sides of the stone doors and hovered their hands over them.

There was a pause followed by a pressure felt around them and suddenly, stones began to snap and lock out of place. The large doors rumbled open, their movement shaking the very ground they stood on.

"And now, it is time for your paths, young ones." An'ya said, holding out her hand towards the caves below.

As the younglings are sent into the cave to retrieve their own Kyber crystals, the adults began to converse amongst themselves to pass the time.

And of course, a small topic was brought up.

"Master Ti," Maris spoke up with a curious tone. "What's the difference of the crystal harvest between here and Illum?"

"Illum has its caves, making it rather difficult to know if a crystal is legitimate to just a piece of ice. As for here on Jedha, the concept still applies in a similar manner but not with ice." Shaak Ti explained, making Maris ponder her words.

It took some pondering for the Earthers to realize a particular detail.

Scott snapped his fingers, pointing at the Togruta. "There are more than just Kyber crystals in your caves, right?"

"Oh yes, precious jewels; primarily diamonds." Fennec answered.

"Huh… a cubic zirconium situation." Scott mutters to himself.

"You've been down there?" Romanoff asked, Shand nodding in response.

"Helping out Chirrut here and there and other Jedi that have been coming here."

"That must be rather complicated to differentiate." Nuru contemplated.

"Most certainly for those who are uninformed or not gifted with the Force." Chirrut clarified. "For the younglings, the Force will give them the guidance needed to find their own Crystal."

"Or they can get a diamond." Hector remarked in humor. "Don't know about the whole lot about your Order guys, but if one of 'em gets a diamond, would make for one hell of a wedding ring."

Hope let out an overdramatic hum, shooting her boyfriend a joking look with her chin upturned and her eyes playful.

"Now Scott," She slowly said. "I know that those days are well behind you buu~~~~ut, all things considered, ~~"

Lang snorted, bumping his shoulder against hers.

"Don't think the Guardians or Jedi would be too keen on an Avenger stealin' a diamond for a wedding ring."

"We can make an exception." Chirrut bluntly said.

Ant-Man paused, eyes widening. "Wait for real?"

Baze shrugged. "I don't think we would take issue, nor any Jedi, would you?"

"I believe it would be lovely." Shaak Ti kindly said. "A gift to our friends who have helped the Republic and our Order for so long now."

This ended up becoming rather tempting, but the idea had to be shoved aside for the time being.

"Are there any other places in the galaxy where Kyber crystals are located?" Natasha inquired.

"There are some, but are rather difficult to obtain." Luminara softly revealed. "Like it was said, unless you are a Force-User or well-educated on the matter, discerning Kyber Crystals is not easy."

"Mostly they are unusual with how they are and how to obtain them." An'ya added on. "Some people in our Order have gone out and done so for generations if they didn't want to go back to Illum for one reason or another."

Thinking about it more, Scott brought up a thought. "Could they be fabricated artificially?"

The Jedi all went silent, pondering the question until Nuru answered for them. "It's rare for it to be done on that approach from what I have read."

"They'd mostly be labeled as synthetic crystals or synthcrystals for short." Maris tacked on. "Why bring it up?"

"No reason."

Hope raised a brow at her boyfriend. "Really?"

Scott relents. "Okay, fine. Was somewhat thinking of comparisons to how synthetic gems are made back on Earth. Reminds me of an old story. There was a guy I knew who wanted to make a star ruby with Masonic etchings in the silk veins using an oxyhydrogen blowtorch to hopefully rewrite history. Sadly he had to stick with his one job at the time for a fake pigeon blood."

"Was it good?"

"Unless you put it under high magnification, then it passed as a genuine article."

As this conversation had gone on, one Jedi Council Member soon noticed the other had slipped away from the group. Shaak Ti caught Luminara quietly going down a nearby hallway and raised a brow as she sensed a troubled air radiating from the Mirialan master.

Silently excusing herself, the Togrutan master followed Unduli, seeing the woman had stopped at a window, leaning against the frame and staring off into the distance.

She made no movements or indication of acknowledging her fellow Council member but Ti knew that she knew.

"Luminara? Are you well?" Shaak Ti asked.

"Master Ti," The Mirialan absentmindedly greeted. "Is something wrong?"

The Togruta frowned at that. "Shouldn't I be asking you that same question?"

"Are the others worried?"

"You walked off rather discreetly but I imagine your missing presence will now be noticed after me going after you."

Luminara wistfully sighed, now turning to face Ti. "Apologies, old friend. I did not mean to make you and the others worry."

Now Shaak Ti was troubled, stepping closer to the Mirialan.

"Luminara," She slowly said. "I sense there is great… conflict within you."

"That's one way of putting it."

This response somewhat startled the Togrutan Jedi. It was so unlike Unduli to speak in this manner.

"I have recently been dealing with some… uncertainty, my friend." Luminara said after a few moments of silence. "Uncertainty with myself and worst of all, with my Padawan."

"Your Padawan? Barriss? Why? What happened? Is there something wrong?"

"Yes," Luminara flinched at her own words, obviously regretting it as she shook her head. "No, maybe, I meant to say," The Jedi Master looked positively miserable, something concerned Shaak Ti. "I am unsure as to how I should address a revelation from my Padawan when I myself have been dealing with other… issues."

"What kind of issues?"

Luminara raised a hand to her head as though it were aching and with the turmoil going on in her mind, it might as well be.

"That is a complicated matter to discuss freely, Shaak Ti. All I can say is that it is a reflection of the changing times of the Jedi and maybe… maybe it is I who is at fault here. But… I still do not know what to make of it. Or rather, how to respond to it properly."

Shaak Ti was silent for a few moments until now she stood shoulder to-shoulder with her fellow Master.

"Tell me without telling me," She instructed. "I wish not to know or intrude too much but perhaps I can still help if I can."

"I don't know if I can."

"I know Master Yoda may admonish me for this," Shaak Ti's tone was laced with humor. "Try to the best of your ability."

Luminara smiled weakly at the small joke before thinking about her current predicament.

"My Padawan… has been in my life for nearly a decade now." Luminara spoke with a fond tone for Shaak Ti to hear. "Watching her grow and develop has been one of the greatest gifts the Force has ever given to me. And despite the onset of the Clone Wars, she remained true and steadfast in her training and in keeping with our code. But perhaps, that is what I told myself. Like most of the Jedi, I understand our duty but at the same time, have we not been led astray? Have we not done right by the Republic and the Force? And more importantly, have we done right by our students and the future of our Order?"

"Many have been asking these questions, my friend," Shaak Ti remarked, having had these same inquiries herself. "But is there something more to this having to do with Barriss?"

Luminara hesitantly nodded. "She and I… spoke recently and Barriss revealed something to me about a change she's undergone in her life and… and… I… I'm afraid, Master Ti. Yes," She seemed to be speaking to herself now. "Yes, I am afraid. Afraid that no matter if I speak to her or not, I will say something wrong, something insensitive or insulting and… I am afraid that I may lose her. Not in the way that most would assume but… I don't know how to deal with this development and I do not wish to act on something I seldom understand."

Shaak Ti silently absorbed all this, managing to hide her internal shock at seeing Luminara, one who has always conveyed a calm and serene demeanor, show such… emotion.

Normally, the Togruta would go about reciting some old Jedi lessons or quotes about being mindful of their emotions, not letting their judgment be clouded, and such. But she felt it in her heart that these words would do little to alleviate the obvious turmoil her old friend was experiencing.

So Shaak Ti needed a different approach.

"Luminara," Her voice was calm and measured, her eyes locking with Unduli's. "I believe that in this instance, there can only be one solution but the outcomes may all differ. For one, if neither of you address this obvious rift that has formed, this shall only grow until the two of you drift apart and this shall always stain your hearts and minds for the remainder of your days. Cutting each other off suddenly will serve no purpose other than to bring pain between you two. Thus, it is either on your part… or hers to reach out, to bridge the gap that has been created lest it continues to grow by inaction."

Her friend opened her mouth to respond but Ti held her hand up to prevent her from speaking.

"I think, in this instance my friend, you should trust, not in the Force but trust in yourself and in your Padawan. Trust in her heart, her character, and the bond you both share. Trust in Barriss and this rift shall be mended."

Luminara didn't respond, head bowed down until she gave a heartfelt, appreciative smile at Shaak Ti and the pair soon returned to the others.

Eventually, one by one, the younglings made their return from the cave. Each proudly presented their crystals and spoke of how they found them.

After giving the younglings the talk after they completed their crystal harvest, it was time for the next stage of the Gathering. The others on Illum had reached out to them, telling them of a detour that they needed to undertake for one Youngling who did not get a Kyber Crystal, instead experiencing a vision of their next destination.

-Scene Cut-

Deep within Separatist-controlled space, three Republic ships came out of hyperspace. Two came from Illum and Jedha while the last is one that is rather old, which is known as the Crucible.

The two Republic ships reconvened after taking care of the crystal harvests before meeting up with the Crucible for the next part of the Gathering. But instead of heading back to Coruscant, the three made their way here to Iego.

"Are you sure we should be coming here?" Ahsoka asked a bit nervously in her seat.

"Yeah, we should be… I think."

"Master~" Ahsoka whined.

"Why can't we come here?" Petro inquired.

"This is Separatist territory." Luminara answered. "If the ceasefire and peace talks weren't happening, it'd be difficult to come here without being undetected."

"They might get suspicious but since this is Jedi business that doesn't have to do with the war, we can travel here with immunity." Jaro stated.

"Plus Paddy knows the Seppie governor in this system who's actually on the side of ending the war." Natasha interjected. "So that's an added benefit."

"Thank god for small miracles." Hector remarked.

As the ship drew closer to the planet of Iego, those within the vessel saw why it had earned its nickname.

"Now I see why it's called the world of a thousand moons." Nuru commented quietly.

"That's a lot of asteroids." Hope warily said.

And it wasn't just space rocks.

"Hey, look at that." Hector pointed out. "Those don't look like asteroids."

"A cruiser." Shaak Ti noted.

"Not just one." Ahsoka muttered, pointing at several other ships of varying sizes and origins.

"It looks like a graveyard… of ships." Scott murmured, slightly disturbed at the sight.

"What kind of place is this?" Clint tersely said, directing his gaze at Skywalker. "Anakin, you said you were familiar with this place."

"When I was a lot younger," Anakin recalled. "And I've only heard it in stories and passings."

"Look at this place." Peter said aloud in slight wonder. "These look like ships from different eras."

"How can you tell?" Hector asked.

The Queens native pointed at several ships floating nearby.

"When me, Ahsoka and Barriss were studying the history of the Republic and the Jedi, I saw some old ship designs. That there is a Thranta-class Hammerhead Corvette from over 4000 years ago. And over there is a Cruiser from the Republic dark age."

"It seems as though they are primarily made of particularly large ships." Nuru noted, eyes squinting. "I don't see anything like a frigate around. Cruisers, corvettes, carriers, battleships. Large ships predominantly."

"Likely torn apart by gravitational pull or colliding against larger objects." Plo surmised.

"Look, there's even a Venator. How in the galaxy did that wind up here?" Maris queried.

"Who's to say?" Natasha mused.

Anakin's eyes narrowed slightly. Something was not right here.

Everything felt… felt…

Slowly, Skywalker's eyes widened when he felt a shift in the Force. And the other Jedi were quick sense on the reverberation Anakin was experiencing.

"Master," Ahsoka spoke up, looking over to him and his gaze met hers.

"What… what is that?" Petro voiced the question the other Younglings shared.

"The Force," Shaak Ti walked forward to get a better look at the planet of Iego. Despite the hundreds of obstacles floating around the planet, their destination was clear in her sights. "Iego… there is something waiting for us on that planet."

"I sense something as well." Wanda stated, making some of the Jedi look at her.

"Truly?" Luminara said in surprise. "What is it?"

"I'm not entirely sure." She freely admitted. "Just that my power flared up slightly and that it's reacting to whatever it is Iego has."

"Seems coming here is much more complicated than we realized." Jaro Tapal commented, arms crossed with a deep frown.

"Is that bad?" Cal asked, looking nervously up at the Lasat Jedi.

Tapal's expression shifted into a sympathetic one, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I don't know, Cal. But what I do know is that your path led you here, led us here. There is a greater purpose at work now. Trust in your training and in the Force."

Cal had an appreciative smile now.

"What about us?" Asks one of the younglings.

"We'll figure things out once we land." Natasha said before pointing at them. "And when we do, do not wander off or go sightseeing without anybody with you. Lookin' at you, Petro."

The Youngling who had been singled out flinched and became flustered at being called out like this.

"Worry not, you all." Shaak Ti said, gazing at the young Jedi. "This will be the perfect time for you to begin constructing your lightsabers. Huyang has been waiting for a while now."

"Think you can maneuver us through this without crashing, Skywalker?" An'ya Kuro inquired.

"I'm not the best pilot in the Order by rumor, Master Kuro." Anakin confidently said.

"Ya know I've been keeping track of all the times you crashed your ship." Peter suddenly said, getting his friend to jolt.

"You what?" He said in disbelief.

Plo Koon chortled, patting Parker on the shoulder. "Don't distract Anakin just yet, Peter. And be sure to send me those recordings. Will make for a proper training vid for future pilots on not what to do."

Anakin hung his head at hearing that from the Kel-Dor master, the other best pilot in the Order.

"Plo, I thought you of all people would have had my back."

There was a light chuckle shared amongst the group whilst Anakin piloted the ship through the many "moons" orbiting Iego. During the quick voyage, the Jedi glanced around at the "graveyard" of ships, feeling the strange sensation in the Force only grow as they drew closer to the planet.

Passing through the planet's atmosphere, the occupants of two of the ships were astonished to find a city hidden beneath the clouds, a sizable one at that.

And one that appeared almost deserted entirely.

On their way down, they saw only two or three ships flying around and even less people on the streets or platforms.

"It's almost like it's a ghost town." Peter murmured.

"I sense the Force at work here." Barriss quietly said.

Anakin followed his intuition, landing on an open platform at the tallest structure he could see.

"How many of us should disembark?" Hector asked. "Feels a bit excessive if we all go together."

"I shall remain with my Padawan and assist the Younglings with their lightsaber construction," Shaak Ti spoke up, Maris nodding along with her master's statement. "Hector, would you be so kind as to stay as well?"

"Me? Ya sure?"

"It is you who brought it up after all." Brood said with a small shrug.

White Tiger couldn't fault her for that logic.

"What about the rest of us?" Ahsoka asked. "Still feels a bit excessive."

"No kill like overkill." Ant-Man spoke up. "And I think it's better we all go. I got a gut feeling that we're gonna need a lot more eyes on this place."

"Yeah, he's right." Hope chimed in. "This might be a whole Jedi thing but we're the insurance, remember?"

"And we appreciate your efforts." Kuro stated. "Come, we have much to do."

After finding a landing pad to accommodate the three Republic ships, their ramps folded out. As the large group of Jedi and Avengers exited the ship, Shaak Ti, Maris Brood and Hector took the Younglings with Kyber Crystals to the Crucible for the next part of the Gathering.

There, the architect and lightsaber designer droid Huyang greeted them all, promising them that upon the end of this journey, their lightsabers would have been constructed.

Meanwhile, the "recon" group now stood outside the ship on the landing platform…

And were now facing dozens upon dozens of battle droids all marching towards them.

"Whoa!" Ant-Man exclaimed, he and Wasp having their helmets form around their heads, the rest of the group all tensing up.

"Where'd they all come from?" Natasha warily said.

"Vultures." Anakin pointed out behind the B1s coming their way.

Ahsoka held her lightsabers up tensely. "Why are-

"Welcome to Iego. Roger, roger."

The group all paused.

"What now?" Hawkeye said aloud.

"Welcome to Iego. Roger, Roger."

The droids all collectively said at the same time.

Clint squinted slightly and saw that these battle droids were not… battle droids. They were but judging by the paint jobs, scribbles, replacements on their bodies and none of them were engaging coupled with that greeting…

"Weapons down people." Clint said aloud, lowering his bow and with a quick jerk, it shrunk down into a small rod that he clipped to his back. "They're not hostile."

Tentatively, their defenses lowered, lightsabers returning to their hilt and the Avengers relaxed slightly.

"What's with the paint jobs?" Peter pointed out, now noticing all the mismatching colors these droids had.

"The venerable Jaybo Hood requests an audience." Says one of the B1 droids.

"Jaybo?" Many parroted the words.

The droids all began parting and they were soon greeted by the sight of a preteen boy coming up to them.

"Well, ho-lee Kriff." The Preteen's voice echoed around him due to the volume he exuded. "Visitors. I'll be damned. Haven't seen new faces in some time. Welcome to Iego."

"I assume you're Jaybo?" Plo Koon greeted and the boy nodded.

"That's me."

"And these droids," Luminara looked around at them all. "These are all yours?"

"Yup." Jaybo casually said, going over to some other Vulture droids nearby.

The group spotted a hammock tied between two Vulture Droid legs and jumped into it.

"Huh," Scott couldn't help but chuckle, something Peter and Clint joined in with. "Clever kid."

"How'd a kid like you come by this many battle droids?" Anakin asked, now going over to inspect a B1 droid.

"Simple. A Separatist ship crashed here bout a year or so ago, I dunno, haven't checked my calendar." Jaybo said with a despondent sigh.

"So you programmed them to serve you." Jaro surmised.

"No reason to let a good droid rust, right?" The Preteen rhetorically asked.

"To do it to all these droids…" Peter turned a B1 around, he and Scott opening up its programming hatch.

"You didn't do it one-by-one," Ant-Man murmured with a hum.

"The wirings are jumbled but they're still functioning." Peter said before snapping his fingers. "You used a macro protocol to wipe them all simultaneously."

Anakin nodded his head, coming to the same conclusion. "Most impressive."

"I see you know your droids." Jaybo praised.

All the while, the Dark Woman was looking around, her senses outstretched and slightly on edge.

"How long have you been here?" An'ya questioned.

Jaybo made a face as he did the math in his head. "Two years… I think. Definitely more now that I think about it."

"Did these go… crazy on you in these past months?" Natasha inquired and Jaybo glanced at her strangely.

"Nope, why?"

"And are we the first set of "visitors" that you have seen come to this planet?" Luminara asked.

"Yeah, basically." He answered with a shrug. "Not a lot of people come here."

"These battle droids are clearly disconnected from the Separatist systems. Ultron wouldn't have infected them." Plo concluded, the rest of the group all murmuring in agreement.

"Ultron?" Jaybo repeated. "Who's that?"

Wanda Maximoff held a serious expression, walking forward and slightly bending forward, hands on her knees as her eyes locked on with the young genius.

"Jaybo," She spoke softly. "Where are your parents?"

The young man flinched and his reaction was all they needed to see.

"You're alone?" Cal Kestis said and Jaybo gave him a sad shrug.

"We crashed here over two years ago and… well, not hard to make your conclusions as to who made it."

There was a small, awkward pause before Barriss spoke up.

"How long has it been since you last contacted the rest of the galaxy?"

"Since when the Separatist ship I mentioned crashed here." He answered. "Last I heard, the galaxy was at war. After that," Jaybo gestured to the droids around him. "Made a life for myself here with what I could use."

"And you're all alone here?" Jaro said with a troubled frown.

"I've made friends while here. Practically everyone has been with each other at this point." Jaybo said. "We only have each other by this point. Them and the Angels."

"Angels?" A number of the group parroted.

"Yeah, them." Jaybo vaguely said. "They've been taking care of us ever since we got here. They grow food and heal and stuff. Any troublemakers, well… they usually don't last or wanna stay here long."

This place only got stranger and stranger.

"You guys… you guys are Jedi, right?" Jaybo abruptly asked, a hopeful tone in his voice that the group picked up on.

"Most of us are." Plo said and the boy seemed to jitter slightly, a glossy look in his eyes.

"Then, if you're here, you must be the ones the Angels have been waiting for. Four thousand years of it."

That certainly got their undivided attention.

Along with that statement came another sensation in the Force that the Jedi felt.

"Four thousand years." Natasha quietly repeated, looking to the Force-Users. "Any ideas?"

"None come to mind." Kuro answered with a frown. "A place like this… is it in the archives?"

"I knew about it in passing when I was on Tatooine." Anakin mused. "But never bothered to check on it."

"Whatever questions we now have may likely be answered here." Luminara resolutely declared.

"Say kid," Clint took the initiative. "Where are these Angels you mentioned?"

Jaybo grinned, hopping out of his hammock and gesturing for them to follow.

As they began their walk, Hope couldn't help but ask more questions, still befuddled about this planet.

"Is there a reason why you or anyone else hasn't made contact with the rest of the galaxy? Or even left the planet?"

The preteen native shrugged. "I don't have any other family that I know of. No point for me, honestly."

The parents in the group all winced at his words, their hearts clenching tightly at such a reality.

"As for everyone else, some have tried. Usually pirates the Angels chased off but they didn't get far. Any that did make it are far and few between. Though I've never seen any make it out of that field out there alive."

The morbid admission left mixed emotions with the Jedi and Avengers.

All the while, back inside the ships the Younglings that had stayed behind in, the kids were in the midst of constructing their lightsabers under the watchful eye of Shaak Ti and Maris Brood. Hector Ayala stood to the side, watching all this in slight wonder.

'Ava would have loved to have seen this.' He internally mused.

Nearby, Maris was speaking with Byph, holding a piece of the lightsaber he was building, giving him instructions which he listened to with rapt attention.

Hector's head perked up at the sound of a mechanical voice admonishing one of the Younglings.

"No, no, no." Huyang, the lightsaber droid architect chastised Petro. "Have it like that then you'll blow off your hand."

The lightsaber was quickly disassembled and the pieces were handed back to the boy.

"This time, follow the diagram and instructions," Huyang instructed sternly and Petro went right back to work.

The droid then went over to the Dathomirian Force-User, the young girl having yet to touch her crystal; let alone have the chance to be guided on the next part of her lightsaber construction. After all, she wanted to let the others go first while she was contemplating her thoughts.

"Now with the rest of the younglings taken care of," Huyang quickly garnered Illyana's attention, "I would like to assist with you." He pleasantly said.

"Of course, Master Huyang." She respectfully said, though her excitement was.

"As much as I'd want to go with the traditional route of asking what you possibly envision your lightsaber here and now, I overheard you mutter something on your crystal. May I see it?"

Illyana handed over her Kyber crystal, letting the ancient droid inspect it.

Huyang inspected the crystal on all sides and spotted a crack. "Ah, this clearly will change things. Makes things more unique."

"Is there a problem?"

"Not exactly." Huyang handed back the crystal to the child. "A rare crystal such as this is rather difficult to work with if you don't have the right hilt."

"How so?" Says Illyana.

"Cracked crystals emit more energy than normal ones. They become more unstable. As such, you'll need a cross guard." As he said this, the droid reached over to a nearby tray, grabbing the parts necessary as he described them and set them in front of Illyana. "The extra vents will be able to regulate the power. As an added bonus, they help protect your hands from offending blades. Though depending on how cracked the crystal is, the ignited blades will be more erratic."

Illyana looked at all the components of what may be her Lightsaber with open wonder.

"With this in mind, we can work through the standard kit with what you shall envision, swap out a few parts and go from there." Huyang said encouragingly.

Hector watched all this with interest when he heard a grunt of frustration next to him.

Glancing over, he spotted the young girl named Katooni let out a huff, glaring slightly at the scattered parts of her lightsaber.

Without even realizing it, White Tiger was by her side, going down to one knee and placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Everything alright, little one?" He gently asked.

Katooni only crossed her arms, huffing again. "I don't know. I just can't seem to get it right."

Next to her was Ganodi, the Rodian having her own troubles.

"It's so complicated." Ganodi bemoaned slightly.

Hector chortled slightly, giving them an apologetic look. "I can only guess. Still not used to all this, honestly. But tell me, why do you think you're not getting it?"

"It's just not coming together like I see in my head." Katooni answered, taking her Kyber Crystal into her hand.

The former wrestler had a thoughtful frown now, briefly turning to Shaak Ti, the Jedi giving him a curious look as to what he would say.

"Well, I don't know if this will sound right but with how the Force is described, you gotta let yourself do all the work."

"But I am!" Katooni whined.

"Hmmm, not the right choice of words," Hector muttered to himself, thinking it over intently until he snapped his fingers. "Ah, you have it in your mind but you're not letting your heart and this Force stuff do the rest. The schematics were given to you, so it's something to help you learn how to put things together. But from what I'm seeing, you're using your head too much. Your whole Order is about the Force and feeling it all, right?"

Katooni nodded hesitantly.

"Then focus on all those aspects," Hector held up his hand, seeing she was about to speak. "And whatever mistakes you make, don't beat yourself up over it. Instead, take note, look at it from all angles and keep going. You got this. You got here already so that proves you can do this."

The Tholothian stared at the Avenger before warm, thankful smile wormed its way on her face, becoming determined a moment later.

Hector remained by her side, giving her small words of encouragement here and there, telling her to remain focused, calm, not let the mistakes get to her, instead reminding her to take the lesson learned and course correct from there. The other Padawans had abandoned their own efforts in making their sabers, instead now watching Katooni bring hers together.

And after fifteen minutes…

"Ah~" Huyang chimed in. "Well done, Youngling Katooni."

The girl opened her eyes and let out a breath she had been holding. In her hands was her newly constructed lightsaber.

"There we go!" Hector exclaimed joyfully, hands on Katooni's shoulders and shaking them excitedly. "You did it."

Katooni laughed happily, shooting the father the largest smile she ever had in her young life.

"Now," Hector leaned in mischievously. "Why don't you show the rest of your friends how a real Jedi makes a lightsaber."

She giggled at his words, turning to Ganodi who began excitedly chattering about her lightsaber.

"Very impressive." Shaak Ti said with clear approval. "Most Masters in the Order should take some lessons from you as well, if you're willing to offer."

"Years of practice." Hector modestly said. "And a lot of mistakes of my own with my Ava. Being a father is all about teaching as it is about learning. You realize things about yourself you never knew you could do until you try it with your own kid."

Shaak Ti only hummed, eyeing her own Padawan who was now complimenting Katooni's craftsmanship and the Master smiled slightly.

"I see why Master Kuro selected you to join us, Mr. Ayala."

"Hector, please," He insisted. "Once I'm in my 40's and 50's will I accept the title of Mister."

"Of course."

Shaak Ti's expression suddenly shifted, her brows furrowing and mouth shifting down into a deep frown. Seeing all this, White Tiger was now on edge, watching as her head shifted around as if she were looking for something.

"Something wrong?" He tentatively asked.

"I… don't know." Shaak Ti concentrated, allowing the Force to flow through her. "I sense a disturbance in the Force… The Dark Side… it is shifting… moving…" Her eyes widened. "It's coming here!"

As all this was occurring, Jaybo continued leading the large group of Jedi and Avengers further down to the surface of the planet. On their way, they saw the other inhabitants of this planet. It was a mixture of other species, all of whom regarded the Jedi and Avengers with a variety of reactions.

Most were surprised, not expecting new faces to appear.

Others were a level of suspicion.

Yet some, those who were well traveled and knew their history, recognized the Jedi, gaping and pointing at them, whispering to those who were closest to them.

All the while, the group had made their own observations about the place.

It was like a harsher form on an embargo. Instead of it being forced from the outside worlds, it was just the residents of Iego who were apparently cut off entirely. There was this somber mood that permeated the air but it felt… unusual from what the Jedi were able to pick up on.

"How long has this all been here?" Barriss quietly asked in a troubled tone.

"4000 years, like I said." Jaybo answered, waving at an elderly Nautolan woman who smiled back at him. "This place isn't bad if that's what you think. It's just… few have ever successfully left this place. And for those who did wind up here, well, a majority never really have anything left to go back to. Case and point."

"That's troubling." Luminara softly said.

"It is what it is." The young preteen said with a shrug. "The only thing we have to worry about here is if we're short on a fruit or vegetable. No one's ever hungry here. No need for credits really, kinda useless to just exchange currency that won't grow or shrink. So it's all about trade, skill or possessions, favors and all that. Make do with what ya get. And despite it all, well, not like life is awful. Just gets dull after all the repetition. That Separatist ship crashing here was one of the craziest things to happen till all of you showed up."

More and more the mystery grows.

They soon exited the large structure Jaybo had guided them out of and were walking towards a nearby cliff.

"Alright, the rest is all on you guys." Jaybo said with finality. "See that path there? Straight shot to the bottom. The Angels will be waiting for you guys."

"Angels? You sure about that?" Clint asked, taking a peak over the edge. Despite his trained, hawk-like eyes, even he couldn't see the bottom. "Where we come from, Angels come from above, not below."

"Well, it's what most of the people here call 'em. Not that I can blame 'em at all."

"So, they're not ugly or scary, right?" Scott fidgeted as he asked.

Jaybo laughed, shaking his head. "No way. They're amazing to look at. And they're always kind, always helping. Anything bad happens, they usually help take care of it. We may be stuck here but hey, the hosts are nice at the very least. See ya."

With that said, Jaybo turned to leave, making the Jedi and Avengers all ponder on their next move.

"He said go down," Spider-Man now crouched on the edge, looking down at the seemingly endless chasm. "But~~"

"Yeah," Ahsoka squirmed. "Not too keen myself."

"It looks scary." Merrin admitted, clutching Wanda's leg with the Avenger placing a protective hand on her shoulder.

Jaro was silent for all this until he turned to the Youngling responsible for bringing them here.

"Cal." Tapal calmly said, getting the boys attention. "What do you think?"

The Youngling clearly wasn't expecting the question.

"M-me?" He stammered out, the others sharing his surprise. "Why me?"

"You had experienced your first taste of Psychometry back on Illum." Jaro explained, getting down to one knee, placing a hand on the boys shoulder. "Recall what Master Secura described it as on the voyage here. Now trust in the Force, trust in yourself. Reach out with the Force. Take your time."

Kestis looked at the Lasat Jedi in surprise, taking a moment to look at the others until seeing Merrin give him an encouraging smile of her own.

Becoming more focused and determined, Cal hesitantly walked forward, standing close to the edge.

"Don't worry kiddo, we're not gonna let ya fall." Hope quickly chimed in and the Youngling nervously laughed.

"Th-thanks."

Exhaling, he flicked his hands, shaking his head a few times before he closed his eyes and concentrated.

"This place has a natural connection with the Force." An'ya spoke up. "Let that be your ally, allow for Force to flow through the Planet."

"I…" Cal scrunched his face a bit more. "The vision I had. It's back."

"What do you see?" Jaro patiently asked.

The Young Jedi cleared his mind, zeroing in on the vision. "It's a bit clearer. Not visually, but… I hear things. Something… about a temple… a gateway… all meant to be hidden away… until the time was right."

The Jedi all exchanged glances.

"Anything else?" Nuru asked.

"Something's coming." Said Cal, now appearing nervous. "Something… cold… really cold."

Soon after this was said, the others attuned with the Force felt it.

The Dark Side of the Force.

And it was coming in spades.

"We best move, now." Anakin emphasized.

"I'll take point." Spider-Man jumped forward, firing a webline to attach to the side of the cliff and dove down.

"Peter!" Ahsoka, Barriss and several others called out to him.

"We'll back him up." Wasp declared, her and Scott shrinking down and chasing after the webhead.

"Come on, we must hurry." Secura said with an added emphasis of anxiousness.

Going down the path Jaybo had pointed out to initially, the Jedi and Avengers went from walking down the path to using their powers and skills to rappel down faster. Soon enough, they reached the bottom, seeing Spider-Man, Ant-Man, and Wasp waiting for them.

"Anything?" Clint asked with his teammates all shaking their heads.

"This place is clear, for the most part." Scott said.

"And what isn't in that "most part"?" Kuro cautiously asked.

"That." Hope said, pointing ahead to a rock formation eerily similar to a large stone gateway.

"Think that's where we'll find these so-called Angels?" Hawkeye asked with a skewed look.

"Nothing like the gates of hell to be manned by the fallen." Scott drably quipped, a feeling of anticipation building in his gut.

A moment later, everyone heard the fluttering of wings all around them and they all tensed up. The Jedi trailed their hands over their lightsabers whilst the Avengers were just about ready to spring into action.

The fluttering stopped after a few seconds, silence now permeating the air.

Anakin, Ahsoka and Peter all jerked their heads back at the stone formation, a strange sensation coming over them. This feeling soon spread and now the others turned to the "gateway".

Before their very eyes, the foreboding shadows and darkness that surrounded the formation seemingly vanished.

From between the opening within the rock formation, a bright, glowing light was seen. It slowly drew closer to the group and rather than feeling unsettled, a feeling of warmth washed over them.

For the Avengers, the tension they felt lessened considerably and as for the Jedi… for the Jedi…

It was as if they were basking in the purest form of the Force, of the Light.

"What is…"

The question went unfinished as the glowing light drew closer and from behind it, more lights joined in around them. The closest light was now standing before the group and the light dimmed enough for them to see the figure within.

It was a slender, feminine anthropoid being which glowed with a milky white body and yellow tinged aura. It stood two to three meters tall with six blade-shaped wings protruding from their back. It wore a brown and orange attire.

The Jedi's eyes all widened. For Anakin, Ahsoka and Peter, they were struck with the similarity this being shared with the daughter and the Force that radiated from this being was potent, to say the least. Two Jedi in particular couldn't believe what they were looking at.

"Diathim." An'ya and Nuru muttered in disbelief.

Luminara and Barriss recognized the name, turning to the pair.

"Diathim?" The former said in astonishment.

"I thought they were a myth." The latter whispered, looking back at the glowing being.

"We feared the worst." Nuru murmured, taking a step forward. "During our travels, Master Kuro and I were saved by one."

"She sacrificed herself to save our lives. We believed her to have been the last of her kind." An'ya's relief was easy to hear by the others.

The Diathim raised her head, the group falling silent.

"Jedi," Her voice was ethereal, warm, like that of a song. "At long last. Welcome to Iego. We have been awaiting your arrival for many millennia. Our purpose was to await your arrival, safeguarding that which has been tasked upon us."

"You were?" Ahsoka quietly asked.

"Yes. My name is Elowen, it is wonderful to meet Jedi at long last. Now if you would please, this way." The Diathim kindly said, gesturing to the path she came from.

All around them, the other lights, now identified as other Diathim, fluttered into the air, going ahead of them.

They followed the one that came to them first, with Barriss voicing a question many had on their mind.

"You said you've been waiting for us all this time, correct?" The glowing being nodded at her. "Then would you know the reason why the people of Iego couldn't leave?"

"Apologies," Elowen spoke with her tone filled with regret. "That was our doing. Unintentionally, unfortunately."

"Unintentionally?" Hope parroted. "What's that mean?"

"The Force is a natural aspect of our species." The woman's melodious voice carried wisdom and tranquility. "With that comes consequences we seldom account for. We are beings of the Force, of Light, yet we also take our duty and tasks to such a degree that it leads to unintended outcomes. The collective conclave here, resolute in their duty to safeguard our task inadvertently began moving the Force to correlate with our objective. Iego soon became a work of myth and fright, few coming here. While it has been a boon in keeping us hidden, it has also caused many to be trapped here, falling under a passive form of persuasion to remain here. Those who possessed strong wills escaped but the lingering effects created stories that have surrounded this planet for thousands of years."

Anakin frowned in thought, thinking back to his time as a slave and the rumors and conversations he's heard. "Some of the rumors spoke of there being a ghost of some kind, haunting the system."

"Ah yes, Drol," The Diathim seemed slightly amused at the name.

"Then the whole ghost of Drol…"

"Our unintentional doing, yes."

"And the essential ship graveyard in the planet's orbit…"

"That came naturally over time… or perhaps, it was the work of the Force, an added layer of protection." Elowen mused. "Answers that we do not have. But what we do have…"

Rounding a corner, the Jedi and the Avengers stood stock still, eyes wide in awe and astonishment.

"Is the relief of knowing we have completed our task." The ethereal being said with a wide smile. "Welcome to the Jedi Temple of Iego."

The Jedi and Avengers stood in open mouthed amazement, the sight of dozens, if not hundreds of Diathim flying around the temple, adding to the other worldly look of the temple.

It was considerably smaller than most temples they had all seen by this point but the air literally hummed with the Force, the vegetation was lush, a stark contrast to the surface and the light peaking down from on high added to the mysticism of the structure.

"Wow… this is… wow!" Peter breathlessly said. "It's like the ultimate high fantasy meets sci-fi type of stuff I read about. Dune and Lord of the Rings crashing into each other."

"It's beautiful." Offee murmured.

Jaro, all the while, patted Cal on the back, breaking the Youngling out of his stupor.

"Well done, Kestis." The Lasat praised. "Thanks to your gift from the Force, we now found another lost Temple."

The Youngling gaped at the compliment, about to rebuke it when someone else had their own two cents to add.

"Yeah, you're incredible, Cal!" Merrin cheerfully said, placing her hands on his shoulders and shaking them excitedly. "This place is amazing!"

The young boy soon had a face redder than a lightsaber, looking away from the girl to avoid her gaze. Wanda saw this and had a sly smile now, catching Clint's eye, the two sharing a private laugh.

"What's in this place?" Aayla couldn't help but ask.

"Knowledge, as all Temples have," Elowen answered. "But more importantly, it…"

The Diathim froze, her glow dimming considerably.

The others were startled by this and were about to ask when several things all happened at once.

The Jedi in the group sensed the Dark Side piercing through the veil of Light permeating the air. And the Avengers, not being distracted by this sudden Force disturbance, received a frantic call from White Tiger.

"Guys!" Hector frantically contacted through the comms. "We've got ships coming through and I don't know where they came from but Shaak Ti just told me they're headed your way!"

It was probably the warning they got from the Force.

*BOOM*

Yeah, definitely the warning.

And way too soon for comfort.

From above, where the light was shining, the stone that served as an obstacle was blown away and in came four pillar-like ships that crashed into the ground in front of the temple.

"Ah shit," Hawkeye cursed, immediately getting out his bow. "Should have known things would go sideways."

"How is this possible?" Aayla questioned, clearly troubled as she ignited her two lightsabers. "We had just found this place."

"No time for questions." The Scarlet Witch proclaimed, conjuring her power and levitating up off the ground. "We have incoming."

The four pillars opened up and out rushed a horde of enemies that none recognized. Not at first.

They were of varying sizes, some appearing to be the same height and mass as Jaro Tapal. The creatures rushing at them were blood red with glowing green eyes and veins running along their bodies, bone spurs protruding all over their bodies with tendrils that all hung from their cheekbones with Cartilaginous brows over their eyes, clawed feet and hands.

"What the hell are those things?" Ant-Man asked in alarm.

The Jedi, managing to get a proper look, took a few moments to realize just what they were looking at.

They had seen these beasts in the Jedi archives on Coruscant and now, reintroduced within the temples of Tython. These were an ancient foe, an old enemy that once waged war against the Republic, being led by a Jedi turned Sith Lord.

"Massassi!" Barriss exclaimed in shock. "It's the Massassi of the ancient Sith World of Korriban!"

"What?!" Several of the Jedi shouted in disbelief.

"How are they-"

"No time." Hawkeye interjected, pulling an arrow back and firing. "Here they come!"

His arrow lodged itself in the head of a Massassi and with Clint's actions, the rest all jumped into the fight.

Scarlet Witch levitated in the air, unleashing a wave of her power, sending dozens flying back. The rest of the Jedi and Avengers all engaged whilst Wanda flew back slightly, getting Cal and Merrin out of harm's way.

"Cal, Merrin, stay out of this." Maximoff ordered.

Elowen flew in, landing next to the children. "I shall take them out of your hands, my friend."

"Are you sure?" Wanda asked hesitantly.

"No harm shall befall them." The Diathim swore, carrying an unyielding tone and face to match her statement.

Knowing that now wasn't the time to be picky, Wanda simply nodded, watching as Elowen held the two children close to her, her wings fluttering a moment later. Maximoff turned back to the battle, catching sight of Elowen carrying Cal and Merrin towards the temple, away from the battle.

Scarlet Witch then saw several Massassi barreling towards her and the Avenger paused, her eyes narrowing at them. She caught them with her hex telekinesis, sending all away save for one. The Massassi struggled violently, hissing and snarling manically while thrashing its head forward in a vain attempt at biting the Avenger.

Wanda applied her power to lock its head in place, her eyes focusing on the Massassi's glowing green ones and the green veins all over its body.

This power… this magic… she had seen this before.

"Nightsisters," Wanda said aloud and an instant later, the Avenger was blasted away by a green energy wave.

"Wanda!" Hawkeye called out to her, having seen her get hit.

She landed hard on the ground. Clint came right next to her, and Black Widow appeared as well, helping their friend stand.

"You alright?" Natasha asked.

Her question went unanswered as Wanda glared ahead.

Both former SHIELD agents turned to where she was glaring and tensed up at the sight of a decrypt old woman surrounded by bone-white armor pieces coupled with blood-red garments with sickly green and black magic emanating from her eyes and hands.

"Wanda Maximoff~" The woman greeted in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Such a delight to see you here."

"Gethzerion." Wanda snarled, stepping forward with her own magic flaring around her.

"Gethzerion?" Natasha repeated. "Didn't you mention her once, Wanda?"

"She looks friendly." Clint casually remarked, notching several arrows in his bow.

"So this is your doing." Wanda said, levitating off the ground.

"My newest project." The Nightsister calmly said, a sinister smile in place. Around her gathered half a dozen Ichor-enhanced Massassi with Gethzerion casually petting one's head. "Do you like them? They are exceptionally violent."

"What's our play here, Wanda?" Barton asked, keeping his arrows leveled at Gethzerion.

"You know this stuff better than we do." Black Widow added, switching out her usual pistols for recently upgraded blaster pistols.

"I'll take her out." Scarlet Witch declared. "If she's defeated, the magic-enhancing lackeys will dissipate."

Gethzerion laughed snidely, an evil smile lacing her face. "Ooooh~ you defeat me? Darling, you have no idea just who you are dealing with."

Hawkeye and Black Widow shared a look before focusing on the Massassi.

"Kick her ass, Wanda." The latter said.

"With pleasure." The Scarlet Witch flew into the air, Gethzerion joining her. The pair conjured their powers and fired them at each other, exploding with green, red, and black energy upon contact with the opposing attacks.

Around them, the Avengers only had passing glances at Wanda's power yet some of the Jedi halted momentarily, feeling the reverberation in the Force from the collision of these powers.

"These Avengers," Kuro murmured in astonishment. "Continually surprise me."

"I'm just glad someone like her is a hero." Nuru breathlessly said.

Over with Spider-Man, the young Avenger threw his hand out, Simby forming a spiked pillar that slammed into a group of Massassi, scattering them. He then backflipped into a heel kick, knocking a Massassi away with Simby covering his back, lashing out with tendrils to send others flying back.

As he landed, his Spider-Sense flared drastically and a moment later, a clawed hand shot out amid the chaotic battle, snagging the teen by the throat. He was hefted high in the air before he was slammed down hard on the ground.

"Well~ Well~ Well~ Isn't this a surprise."

Peter's eyes squinted momentarily until slowly, his eyes began to widen, his lenses reflecting this as he struggled slightly to adjust his head.

He was now face to face with a woman with four additional rubbery metallic tentacles, two that turned into buzzsaws hovering over his head.

"Peter Parker. So good to see you." The woman greeted kindly though her sinister undertones were obvious to hear.

"Olivia Octavius?" Spider-Man quietly said, praying this was some kind of illusion. "H-How are you here?"

"I have to thank you and your variants for that." Doc Ock sneered, the grip around his throat tightening. The symbiote was doing its best to relieve the pressure, but the metallic limbs were counteracting it. "I would've been lost, let alone dead if I didn't come across quite the patron."

Suddenly, Octavius was sent reeling back an unseen Force, her tentacles helping her stay upright.

She snarled, righting herself to see Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee standing in front of Peter as he got back to his feet. Her snarl turned into a malicious smile.

"Oh~ friends of yours? It's always nice to see people making friends. It just so happens that I've also made some friends of my own since I came here. Say hello to them."

At the mention of this, there was a hum and buzz in the air, causing many to have the hairs on their bodies to stand up. A moment later, a torrent of blood red electricity zoomed and knocked away several Jedi and Avengers stopping next to Doc Ock.

Spider-Man couldn't believe what he was seeing and Ahsoka and Barriss nervously gripped their sabers tightly.

"No way." Peter murmured. "NO WAY! Electro?! You gotta be kidding me!"

"Kinda, sorta. Just not the one you met or the one I know." Was Octavius' response. "More of this universe's version."

"I told you, I am Da- Galvan, woman." The being of electricity solidified though sparks remained flying around him. "Is this the one? The one whom you staked your entire hatred on? He doesn't look like much."

"Don't underestimate him, Maxxy." The electrical being bristled, a torrent briefly crackling around him. "He's more of a headache than you realize."

"Woman, how many times must I tell you that is not my name?"

"How many times are you gonna respond to it?" Ock fired back snarkily. "The more you do it the more you-"

One of the tentacles snapped forward, intercepting Ahsoka Tano, grabbing the Jedi by her wrists only for Spider-Man to rush in and free her.

"Rude. We were talking." Octavius stated.

"Oh, sorry, I understand that therapy is hard to come by for villains." Peter quipped. "Just know that there are wonderful programs in prison. You get to draw with crayons and make macaroni pictures expressing the deep-seated self-loathing you all have."

Olivia released a false, overdramatic laugh that was as forced as they come.

"Oh that Parker banter. How I missed, yet loathed it." Doc Ock then regarded the two teens beside him. "So these must be Jedi, hmmm? Not as impressive as I had hoped."

"These are mere Padawans." Galvin stated, narrowing his eyes at them. "But what they both possess… how very interesting."

Hearing this made the Jedi regard the man with suspicion.

"Who are you supposed to be?" Barriss warily asked, getting into a Form I starting stance.

"I would love to brag and boast but all I can say is that I am just the vanguard of what shall be your undoing, Padawan." Galvan retorted, allowing his electricity to encompass him to become a being of pure red lightning.

He shot forward, going after the two girls but Spider-Man jumped in for a spinning kick.

Despite being made of lightning, he still felt something solid connect with his heel. But even if the contact was solid, Peter was still kicking a being of pure lightning, getting shocked with thousands of volts.

Simby screeched in pain, Peter doing the same as he fell to the ground, spasming about.

"Peter!" His two girlfriends were instantly by his side, Barriss calling upon her Force Healing to alleviate the pain.

"Ooooh that really hurt." He moaned, sitting up in spite of his body screaming in pain.

He saw Electro on one knee, rubbing his jaw and now glaring at him.

"Yes, I can see why Octavius despises you so."

All Peter could respond with was a dreaded "Ah shit".

Electro threw up his hands, firing a large onslaught of lightning that Ahsoka was about to try to deflect…

When Plo Koon jumped down from above, holding up his own hands.

"Master Plo!" Ahsoka cried out.

The Kel-Dor said nothing instead channeling the Force as the lightning struck his hands. Rather than being hurt or flung back, the Jedi Master channeled the red electricity around him, the color changing from its bloody hue to a calm blue and then into a fiery yellow. After several moments of changing the color, the enhanced Force lightning was then redirected right back to its sender. At first, Electro was about to catch the lightning itself but rather than aim it directly at him, Plo channeled it a foot in front of him. As a result, the lightning struck the ground, causing an explosion that blasted Galvin away.

Barriss gaped in awe at the display of power, turning to Ahsoka. "Did you know he could do that?"

"No. This is a first for me." Tano muttered, equally in awe at what he just pulled off.

Peter, on the other hand. "WOOOO, Master Plo! That was amazing! Where'd you learn to do that?!"

Plo winced slightly. Even though he had repelled the lightning, it still left some damage as evident of his singed clothing and slight burn marks.

"Oh dear, one moment Master Plo." Offee was quick to apply more healing, getting a grateful look from the Kel-Dor master.

"I had recently found a Holocron detailing the many means to use and counteract Force Lightning on Tython." Plo stated. "Plus, Master Iroh has given me quite the inspiration."

Peter gaped before throwing his head back and laughed. "Oh my GOD, that is awesome."

Plo rumbled a brief chuckle before becoming serious as Doc Ock had two of her tentacles elevate her off the ground, Electro sparking up next to her.

"Come, my friends." Plo Koon pulled his lightsaber out and ignited it, Ahsoka, Barriss and Peter all joining in. "It appears our fight is not yet over."

Elsewhere in the chaos, the Massassi warriors were combatting the rest of the Avengers and Jedi.

Having to cleave through the Massassi forces left and right, Skywalker was pushing himself more and more. He had to go so far as to pull out his Sith variant's lightsaber, ignite it and dual wield.

Next to him, Aayla Secura was moving about with graceful efficiency, wielding her own two lightsabers, cutting through the ancient Sith enemies.

"Massassi." Anakin grunted out, Force pushing one away. "Where in the hell did these bastards come from? Aren't they supposed to be extinct?"

Aayla cleaved through two, spin-kicking another in the jaw. "As Un-Jedi like as this may sound, I wish they were, unfortun- Look out!"

Upon hearing the warning, Skywalker quickly dove away when a pair of blue and green lightsabers came down from above. Coming out of the recovery roll, Anakin saw the perpetrator was a slick black figure.

Momentarily, Anakin thought it was Vader given how much of a resemblance there was. However, the overlap faded away when seeing more of the details.

The distinct figure was unmistakable. Even though the cybernetic frame was different and apparently enhanced, it was still the same Kaleesh warlord.

"General Grievous?" The dark-clothed Jedi said in slight horror.

"Ah, the famed Anakin Skywalker." The black armored droid general greeted with a gleeful contempt. "We meet at last. I would have thought someone of your reputation would have been more older."

"Well, that jab is new."

Grievous let out a raspy chuckle, now turning his gaze at the wary Twi'lek.

"Ah~ and Aayla Secura. You look better compared to when I last saw you on Hypori." He taunted.

This caused the Twi'lek to tighten the grips of her lightsabers in turn.

"I am not the same Jedi you encountered on that planet, Grievous."

The droid general laughed manically, his two arms separating into four as he now wielded twice the amount of lightsabers he had a moment ago.

"Regardless of whatever progress you have made since then, Secura, you shall meet the same fate as many Jedi have before you."

Even though they were on edge, Anakin couldn't stop his mouth from commenting.

"Huh, no more coughs. Seems those upgrades finally took care of that issue Obi-wan told me."

"As you can see, I have undergone a few "adjustments" since I last encountered a Jedi." Grievous retorted, his left foot scraping against the ground as he got into position.

He was joined by several of the Massassi, all of whom were wielding glowing green spears, hissing and growling at the Jedi.

"These Massassi warriors are far more competent than the droids I formerly oversaw." The Kaleesh praised. "What better allies than those who once waged war upon your Order."

They all screeched and roared, charging at the two Jedi with Grievous taking a moment to assess their fighting styles. Aayla was an obvious practitioner of Form IV with sprinkles of Form V and Skywalker was vice versa. But at the same time, he noticed that the pair were also utilizing fighting styles and techniques he had never seen before yet… no, he has. Just not in this style.

In all the recordings he had where he studied the Avengers, many of their members utilized these variations of combat, likely styles and techniques that originated from their home planet.

Concentrating back on the fight, Grievous rushed forward, choosing his first opponent.

Anakin Skywalker cut down two Massassi before spinning around and clashing his two lightsabers with the General's four.

Grievous then took note of the red-bladed lightsaber, which his eyes took on a glint of intrigue and desire.

"Quite the lightsaber you have, Skywalker. I can't wait to add both of yours to my collection."

"If you want 'em, then come and get 'em." Anakin goaded.

Grievous was eager to reply.

The two entered into a fierce exchange of clashing sabers, sparks and lights flashing all around them, Grievous laughing maniacally the entire time.

Blue and red blades were quick and able to bypass several of Grievous' swings. For an instant, Anakin thought he was about to disarm and cleave through the general's limbs. However, they merely bounced back. With his surprise briefly overcoming him, Skywalker had to quickly recompose himself and swiftly evade his opponent's coming attacks.

'Some sort of resistant material. This is gonna be far more tricky than I thought.' Was Anakin's assessment.

He honestly wondered how Obi-wan was able to fend off Grievous for all this time.

His distracted thoughts allowed for his opponent to kick him in the chest, sending the Jedi sprawling.

Grievous was about to pounce when he heard a buzzing sound pass by his hearing receptors. His face was suddenly stung from all sides, making the Kaleesh recoil and then he felt a pressure around his chest, the power behind the pressure sending him flying back.

The general growled like a beast, immediately knowing just who it was that attacked him.

"New model and paint job, yet the same flaws still remain." Ant-Man and Wasp grew to full height, the latter helping Anakin up while Aayla joined the former on his side.

"Hey Grief, how's it going?" Scott mockingly waved.

"Ant-Man." Grievous snarled venomously.

"I never would have thought someone would say that name in a manner that's actually scary." Wasp remarked, shuddering at the General's voice.

"Scary? I shall show you terror!" From Grievous' back came two metallic tentacles with three-pronged claws at the end, snapping at them.

"Oh… oh…." Ant-Man faltered slightly. "That's new."

Grievous laughed raspily, getting into a fighting stance before launching himself at them.

Ant-Man and Wasp shrunk down, kicking away the additional limbs the General now had whilst Aayla and Anakin repelled his lightsabers.

Over with Nat and Clint, the pair were fighting with Luminara, Jaro, An'ya, and Nuru, taking on most of the Massassi.

"Where did these guys come from?" Black Widow asked over the battle.

"The timing was too precise." Hawkeye said, planting his heel in the foot of a Massassi, eliciting a scream of pain, leaving its mouth wide open for him to fire an arrow into it.

"This is the work of the Dark Side." Kuro said, channeling the Force into a Repulse blast that made several Massassi go airborne before Jaro got them in a Force Grip and slammed down hard to the ground.

"The Massassi are a subspecies of the ancient Sith Species." Nuru quietly said yet this was still heard by the others. "Master… you don't think-"

His question went unanswered as a new player entered the battle, barreling straight for them.

Luminara Unduli reacted faster than the rest, unleashing a powerful Force Push that flung the newcomer back yet his muscular arms dug into the ground, preventing him from going back any further. The Jedi and Avengers paused, taking note of the new enemy and they all tensed up upon recognizing just who it was.

"Hello meat."

"Oh, great. Durge." Black Widow murmured.

"Durge? The guy who's been a pain in the ass for Rhodey?" Clint said, recalling the tales he's heard from the Avengers who've been here the longest.

"Yes, unfortunately, it is him." Luminara warily said, holding her lightsaber aloft.

They honestly wished they brought War Machine with them on this trip. With him here, he'd practically have Durge's undivided attention.

Sadly, they now have to contend with the fearsome Gen'Dai bounty hunter.

Where was a Hulk where you'd need 'em?

All the while…

Cal and Merrin were in the temple, Elowen guiding them deeper into the structure.

"Where are you taking us?" Kestis nervously asked, flinching at the sound of something loud going on outside.

"To complete your journey, young ones." The Diathim hurriedly said. "Your coming was long foreseen."

"Us? Really?" Merrin said in disbelief.

"It was never as clear," She quickly amended. "Only that when the Jedi would come, it would be those undergoing a journey of reformation and gathering. And seeing you are Younglings with quite the group-"

"But I'm not a Jedi."

"But you are of the Force, young one." Elowen countered. "Quickly now, this will also keep that which we have been tasked to safeguard from the Dark Side."

"What is it?"

"First, we must get you your Kyber Crystals. It will only open to those who are on the path of the Jedi."

"Won't that take a while?" The Jedi Youngling nervously said.

"Worry not, little one." Elowen assured. "In times of crisis, trust in the Force. It shall give you your answer."

As they rushed towards where the Kyber Crystals were being kept, outside, the battle raged on.

Luminara, An'ya, Jaro, Nuru, Clint and Nat had to constantly be on the move as Durge was moving about at a faster speed and consistency than when they last encountered him.

Despite all this, Jaro Tapal sensed something amiss, his head turning to the Temple.

His eyes narrowed, his senses in the Force reaching out to the structure when his eyes snapped open and he inhaled sharply.

"There are others in the temple!" He exclaimed.

"Jaro, look out!" Clint called out to him.

The Lasat hastily jumped in the air, avoiding a fist that Durge slammed into the ground where he stood a moment ago.

"This is all a distraction." Natasha shouted, jabbing her electrified tonfas into Durge's exposed leg.

He screamed in pain, swiping at the Avenger. She hastily rolled away only to get her foot snagged and she was flung into Nuru, the two collapsing on the ground.

"Natasha!" Barton exclaimed.

"We must go to the Temple." Kuro said aloud. "There is something in there that these fiends are after and the children are now at risk."

"How?" Luminara called out, slicing at Durge's arm that was quick to reattach itself. "There aren't enough of us."

As soon as she said that, large tigers made of Jade Energy pounced upon the Gen'Dai bounty hunter, clawing and mauling the being made of pure nerves and muscles.

Durge screeched in pain, trying to fight back against these tigers when he was violently Force Pushed away.

"Will we suffice as reinforcements?" Spoke a regal and calm woman.

They all turned to see White Tiger, Shaak Ti and Maris Brood having joined the fight and surprisingly of all was Huyang, armed with a metal staff.

"Dear me, it has been sometime since I was in combat." The droid airily commented. "I do hope these rusty joints hold up."

"Master Ti," Luminara said in relief, frowning a moment later. "What of the other Younglings?"

"They are safe," The Togruta Master assured, stepping forward and igniting her lightsaber with Maris doing the same. "We made sure of it before coming to assist you."

"And it looks like we came just in the nick of time." White Tiger remarked, eyeing the bounty hunter who had recovered. "So, who's this asshole?"

"Durge." Black Widow quickly said. "Not easy to kill."

Clint turned to the Jedi closest to him. "Jaro, An'ya, go. You need to keep those other kids safe and stop whoever else is in there with them."

"We shall leave you to it." Jaro said, not hesitating to run to the temple.

"Come, Nuru." Kuro called to her Padawan, the Chiss running by her side.

"You think they'll be enough?" Widow asked.

"They'll have to be." Hawkeye replied, notching more arrows in his bow.

Durge growled menacingly, being joined by some of the remaining Massassi. By this point, their numbers had dwindled considerably but they were no less dangerous.

Up above, the flurry of red and green magic continued, Gethzerion having a dozen green ethereal energy blades spinning around her whilst Wanda had summoned not just Darth Zannah's lightsaber. She now had an additional blue and green one that she had acquired recently from Anakin, calling upon Kreia's teachings as she continued her battle against the founder of the Nightsisters.

Peter, Ahsoka, Barriss and Plo were trading blows with Electro and Doc Ock, the former of which developing a seething annoyance at the Kel-Dor which was matched by Spider-Man's constant interference and prattling.

Anakin, Aayla, Ant-Man and Wasp battled against the upgraded Grievous who was proving to be a far more dangerous and deadlier than any of them had last encountered yet they remained strong due to their unified efforts.

As these skirmishes raged on, Cal and Merrin now found themselves fleeing for their lives as Massassi within the Temple chased after them.

Elowen was utilizing the Force to keep them at bay with other Diathim coming in but they too were being beaten back by a shadowy figure garbed in pitch black with literal black mist swirling around him. The Dark Side pulsed around him with every step he took, every motion he made, either incapacitating or killing any Diathim that opposed him.

"You know what I desire, foolish one." The voice was crackling, disembodied and malicious. "Simply direct me to my path and your lives shall be spared."

"Your words are as false as your promises." Elowen rebuked fiercely. "You shall get no answers from me."

"Then perhaps skinning those children shall make you talk." The dark figure casually said, his blazing red eyes now landing on the two kids.

Cal was terrified but his body moved subconsciously to stand protectively in front of Merrin, the girl clutching his back with a frightened expression.

Elowen held a defiant look, moving to stand in front of the kids, hands raised with her form glowing considerably.

"On my life, you shall not harm them."

"So be it."

The dark shadow unleashed a wave of darkness, the sounds of screams emanating from this attack.

Elowen held her hands up, erecting a literal barrier of pure light that kept the darkness at bay. She flinched, sensing the innate evil and suffering behind this attack yet she held strong. The Diathim felt her legs grow weak as the enhanced Massassi now joined in, unaffected by the Darkness, clawing and bashing at the barrier.

She struggled against the onslaught, feeling her arms shake which soon spread to the rest of her body.

"Elowen!" Merrin cried out in terror.

"When the barrier falls, be ready to run!" She called out to the two. "Do not look back."

"What?! We can't leave you!" Cal said in fright.

"You must. I would rather die than see you get hurt. Please, you mu-"

Before she could finish what she wished to say, a Massassi smashed its fist through the barrier and the entire shield collapsed.

Elowen was overwhelmed by this, her eyes rolling back and she fell to the ground, unconscious and out of strength.

The Massassi all snarled with hunger, eyeing the Diathim and drooling at her body.

"Well, if you are that starved." The Dark figure casually said.

Cal and Merrin gaped at what he just said.

"They're gonna eat her!" The Dathomirian cried out, tears peeking out of her eyes.

Just as she finished saying this did the Massassi pounce.

Cal Kestis didn't know what came over him but he couldn't let Elowen just die like that.

"NOOOOOOO!" He yelled at the top of his lungs, throwing up both hands.

Just as the Massassi were about to reach Elowen, they became blurry figures, frozen in the air with their eyes wide in confusion.

The Dark Shadows eyes widened slightly, taking in what just transpired.

"Well now, isn't this a fascinating development. You're more talented than I initially thought, young one. Force Stasis. How artistic. Truly, you are gifted with the Force. You are wasted on the Jedi, child. Perhaps I can help you reach your full potential."

Cal's arms trembled, the boy struggling to keep the stasis up, seeing how close the Massassi were to getting Elowen.

'Please, please, please,' The Youngling internally pleaded. 'Someone, anyone, come help!'

"I sense your turmoil, boy." The Dark Shadow conversationally mocked. "I fear that you are truly alone here. My allies are keeping those capable busy and the Diathim here are of no match to me."

"I concur. Then let us change that."

The Dark Shadow's eyes widened and then he was violently flung into the wall, the Massassi frozen in the air being sent back.

Cal and Merrin looked behind them to see Jaro Tapal, An'ya Kuro and Nuru Kungurama standing there.

"Cal." The Lasat was quick to go over to the kids, helping them stand. "Are you two alright?"

"Master Tapal." The boy could only say, utterly relieved at the sight of the Lasat.

An'ya kept her eyes trailed on the Dark Shadow, walking forward with her violet blade ignited.

"Nuru?"

"She's fine, Master, just exhausted." The Chiss quickly answered.

The Massassi that were in stasis moments ago were now free, snarling and hissing at the Force-Users.

"Who are you?" Kuro questioned, pointing her lightsaber at the Dark Shadow. "You reek of the Dark Side."

"As I am a servant to it. I live to serve the Dark, to enrich it with my works of art. That boy holds great potential. Perhaps if you hand him over to me, he can become so much more than a useless Jedi."

"You are truly delusional if you believe we will allow such a thing." Jaro Tapal fired back, pushing the Youngling behind him.

"So many have said such things. Said amount has failed to prevent it."

"Master," Nuru was uneasy. "This being… the Dark Side…"

"Yes, I know, my Padawan." An'ya warily said.

She was ready to fight, truly she was. But she wasn't a bullheaded fool.

This man, this being…

Right now, they were not ready to face such a foe.

"Nuru. Take the children and Elowen to safety now. Master Jaro and I shall hold these foes back."

The Chiss wished to argue that statement but his logical side took hold. There are two Younglings here with an unconscious Diathim and despite having been trained under Master An'ya Kuro, Nuru knew that now wasn't the time to fight back against his master's orders.

Hefting Elowen into a bridal carry, he told Cal and Merrin to run.

The two children didn't need to be told twice as they bolted, Nuru right behind them. The more seasoned Jedi covered their escape as the Massassi pounced at them. They were executing a strategic defense, taking out any Massassi that got in close while constantly moving back. They had tried collapsing the walls and ceilings around them but the Dark Shadow kept clearing the path.

It was unsettling at how this being moved with such ease, not even rushing after them.

The dark figure kept moving onward when he stopped, spotting something in his peripheral vision. Turning for a better focus, a small smile formed soon after.

"Ah~~~ there you are."

The Dark Shadow expunged a black cloud, shrouding his movement from the Jedi whilst he moved towards what he had come for.

Entering into a large, hollow chamber, the Dark Shadow regarded his objective with reverence and glee.

"Finally…" Taking long strides towards the main center of his attention, he placed a hand on its surface and felt the dormant power. "It is ours."

Pulling out a transmitter from his robes, the cloaked figure pressed the button which let out a signal to the one on the receiving end.

Outside, the battle was still as intense as it was when it started. The Jedi and Avengers had taken out most of the Massassi but the more enhanced individuals were still an issue.

During the battle, some of the opponents had switched around.

Ahsoka was now with Anakin, Aayla, Scott and Hope, helping them fight off the new and improved Grievous.

As for her replacement, it was quite the dramatic scene.

Plo and Peter had been busy tangoing with Electro, leaving Barriss to momentarily fend off against Doc Ock by herself.

"You must be Peter's little girlfriend." Olivia said, smiling manically. "I saw how he acts around you whenever you're near each other. Oh, how it would be wonderful to kill you in front of him."

Just as she finished that sentence, the woman was roughly pulled away by a Force Pull with a lightsaber near cleaving through her had her tentacles not protected her at the last moment. The mad scientist recovered in time to see Luminara Unduli standing fiercely in front of her student, her green lightsaber held up defiantly.

"Have care of whom you speak with." The Mirialan Master spoke with an even tone laced with a threatening edge. "I do not take too kindly to such threats against my Padawan."

"Oh brother." Octavius rolled her eyes at that. "Talk about a protective mama bear."

Barriss walked over to stand by Luminara, looking up at her with a glossy look in her eyes.

"Master." Barriss softly said.

Luminara simply smiled at her Padawan and the two got into the same Soresu stance, making Doc Ock's brow twitch.

"In stereo, huh? In case you forgot, I'm a dual quartet."

"As if that will make a difference." Offee serenely rebuked, irking the super villain.

"Ok, ya little bitch, let's see how you play together."

As the pair engaged the interdimensional villain, the clashing of magic continued in the air.

While combating against Maximoff, Gethzerion was wearing a sadistic grin as she traded magical blows.

"Oh, Maximoff, how your abilities can be so much more if you were willing to learn their deeper secrets."

"Yeah, from you, that's basically the purest form of evil." The Sokovian retorted. "In a way that would make my brother proud. Kiss my ass."

"How rude." Gethzerion tutted. "Come now, Maximoff, if you are to be the Scarlet Witch, at least carry yourself with some grace and dignity."

"Hearing advice like that from someone like you is like air in the wind." Wanda shot back. "It might as well be ash in my mouth."

"So uncouth."

Before Gethzerion could resume their duel, she heard a peculiar chime from her robes. She released a small sigh of disappointment, the ancient Nightsister knowing it was time.

"A shame we have to end things so soon." She said, flicking her hands up.

Suddenly, the fighting came to an abrupt halt.

In bursts of green fire, the opposition soon disappeared from the cavern, taking along any Massassi that was still alive.

Every Jedi and Avenger that were still in the midst of battle all froze, a few nearly stumbling over at the sudden end to the fight.

"Wh-what?" Ahsoka looked around wildly. "What happened?"

"Where'd they all go?" Spider-Man chimed in, glancing up at Wanda who slowly lowered herself to the ground.

"It was Gethzerion's magic. They fled." She informed the group with a bite to her tone, annoyed at what happened.

"How the hell did they do that?" Wasp asked.

"The Magic from the witches of Dathomir is unusual and different from how the rest of the galaxy interprets the Force." Maximoff stated. "You can say the closest way to describe it is this galaxy's version of the magic Strange, Celeste and their Order use, just within the confines of the Force."

There was a moment of silence as the group all took in the battlefield, bodies littering the ground now.

"Jesus," Scott murmured, rubbing his head, wiping away a bead of sweat.

"Yeah, you said it." Hector said, grimacing at the sight.

"So many dead Massassi." Barriss whispered. "Why were they here?"

"The better question should be how." Luminara said with a frown. "These creatures… they went extinct thousands of years ago. Where could they have been all this time?"

"A disturbing question, to be sure." Shaak Ti commented.

"If they are here…" Aayla had a disturbed look in her eyes. "This isn't just the Dark Side at play."

"The Sith Lord?" Ahsoka offered but Anakin shook his head.

"No. This was something else." He firmly said.

"How can you tell?" Clint queried and Skywalker gazed upon the corpse of a Massassi.

"This doesn't feel like something the Sith Lord we are looking for would do. He's been working in the shadows, pulling strings in the background all this time. This," Anakin made a sweeping gesture of the area. "This is too loud, too in the open, too in our face. Something else is at play."

"Like what?" Scott asked and Anakin directed his gaze at the temple, something the rest of the group copied.

Plo Koon contacted An'ya who was inside.

"Master Kuro, are you safe? Are the Younglings safe?"

He was thankfully met with an immediate response.

"We're alright." The Dark Woman sounded tired. "Elowen is unconscious but safe, as are Cal and Merrin."

Wanda placed a hand over her chest and muttered a thankful prayer.

"But we have some unfortunate news." Jaro Tapal's voice now chimed in. "The Diathim in the temple came to us with a troubling development. The Kyber Crystal cave here was raided and they took a large deposit of it."

"That feels a bit… lackluster." Natasha stated, frowning at that. "I know that Kyber is important and powerful, yeah, but just that? It can't be just that."

"You would be correct in your assessment, Natasha Romanoff." Kuro responded again. "They took something of greater importance."

"And that is…?"

-Scene Cut-

Within a sleek, silver ship making a beeline away from Iego, it managed to easily fly through the "thousand moons" orbiting around Iego before escaping it and going into hyperspace as soon as it was clear of the debris.

The occupants of the ship had gathered in the main hangar bay, assessing their operation into the planet.

"I say today's operation was a success." Said Olivia Octavius.

"But we were spotted by the Jedi and Avengers." Darth Galvan pointed out.

The scientist merely shrugged. "Nothing's perfect, Maxxy. We honestly didn't expect 'em to show up on Iego. At the very least we were able to do some field tests with the enhanced Massassi, your capabilities and Grievous' new body."

"I was unable to kill any of the Jedi." Said General growled.

"You'll have your chance, General." Gethzerion assured. "What's important is we have what we came for, do we not, Momin?"

The black mist swirling around the Dark Shadow disbursed to reveal the Sith Lord Darth Momin, his red eyes gleaming in satisfaction.

"You would be correct in that statement, Zerion." The Architect of terror and fear said with a pleased tone.

The Sith then held up his hand, lightly twitching his fingers.

Several crates floated over to them, gently landing in front of the group.

"Quite the trove of Kyber Crystals." Galvan noted.

"But is this all truly what we came for?" Grievous inquired with a slightly unimpressed tone. "Can we not simply kill Jedi and take from them their own Crystals?"

"Heh, it would make things more fun." Durge growled in gleeful agreement at the thought of killing more Jedi.

Momin ignored all this, instead walking over to pick up one of the larger crystals in the crate, examining it on all sides.

"Much as I would like to accommodate your desires, we must be tactful until our time comes."

Octavius then stepped forward, one of her tentacles taking a crystal as well. "From what I've been able to do, Synthcrystals can only go so far with our projects. Genuine articles are where it's at to properly powering the type of equipment we're working on."

"And it shall be required for our newest acquisition." Momin tacked on.

As this was said, the group made their way part of their base.

"After what Barel Ovair told us, the Avengers and Jedi have their way to Earth and soon, they shall be able to replicate that ability to traverse the galaxy with greater ease. It is only natural that we even the playing field." Darth Momin's smooth voice oozed with smugness. "And thanks to Lord Exar Kuns guidance…"

Massassi warriors used ropes and chains to lift up a large structure from the ground.

"We now have our own means of doing the same."

Before them was an Infinity Gate.

However, this one was far larger and more unique than the rest out there in the galaxy.

The Infinity Gates that the Jedi and Avengers are aware of form a circular arch, like that of a stargate, as Tony Stark opts to call them.

This Infinity Gate was built like a pyramid, a triangular shape instead.

"Is this truly what you say it is, Momin?" Galvan asked, hoping this was not an illusion.

"Yes," Momin radiated with evil glee at their acquisition. "Some believed it a myth but I know most myths come from truths long forgotten. The Prime Infinity Gate is ours."

-Scene Cut-

It all feels a bit pointless.

Resting in the palm of a Jedi Youngling was a Kyber Crystal.

Cal Kestis was positively exhausted after the events that had transpired and despite the encouraging and kind words he had gotten from everyone else, he just felt a bit underwhelmed by it all.

He had completed his first trials, received a Kyber Crystal at the end of everything that transpired and the boy felt a bit…

It wasn't that he felt bad about getting a Kyber Crystal, far from it, it's just… ya know…

Crazy things tend to overshadow these sorts of moments.

Off to the side were his friends, the other Younglings who had all finished constructing their Lightsabers. Illyana was showing off her unique saber to Merrin and Wanda, both of whom praised her for her accomplishment.

The former of the two caught his eye and smiled brightly at him and he smiled back, having a warm feeling rush through him.

"You've had quite a day, haven't you, young one."

Cal blinked at the familiar voice, looking up to see Jaro Tapal taking a seat in front of him.

"Though it is suffice to say that we've all had one." The Lasat remarked, holding out his hand. "Your Kyber Crystal."

Wordlessly, Cal dropped his crystal into Tapal's hand, the Master examining it.

"Interesting." He mused to himself. "Far more unique than most I have seen. Though it would make sense considering who harvested it."

Cal had a weak smile as he was handed his crystal back.

Jaro had a pensive expression as he gazed upon the young Jedi, leaning forward slightly.

"Cal, I understand that you feel conflicted as to what has transpired today. And there is a feeling of guilt that you hold, believing that you had led the Dark Side to this Temple. But you must not think this way."

"It sure feels that way." Was Kestis' despondent reply. "I get that vision and then we get attacked."

"You cannot believe that. Your vision has nothing to do with this attack."

"It should have." Cal angrily retorted, clenching the clothing on his knees tightly.

"Young one," Jaro now moved to kneel in front of the boy. "As Jedi, we are granted many gifts that allow us to conduct our duty as Jedi and carry out the will of the Force. But that does not make us invincible, omnipotent beings. We make mistakes, we stumble, we fall and we encounter unforeseen adversity and consequences. But it is in those results is where we are truly tested, where we can truly learn to grow and become better, stronger, in here," Tapal pointed to his head and then to his heart. "And here. You, Cal, like the other Younglings have that potential to become the future of the Jedi Order that will one day lead us into a better tomorrow. And I wish to be part of that. I wish to do my part in the service of the greater whole. But only if you allow it."

The young boy was confused at first, looking up at the Lasat Master in bewilderment until he began to catch on to what he was insinuating.

"Wh-are you-this is-"

"What I saw today from you, Youngling was one who holds the capacity and the makings of a true Jedi. One who utilized his abilities for the sake of the Order and for the sake of protecting those selflessly. Your Psychometry allowed us the path to rediscover another lost Temple and your actions in freezing the Massassi saved the life of Elowen. That is the makings of a great Jedi. And should you accept my proposal-"

"Yes!" Cal jumped off where he was sitting, now bouncing up and down excitedly. "Yes sir, I mean-"

Now he was cut off by Jaro laughing, patting the boy on the shoulder. "No worries, Cal. All I can tell you is that I will do everything I can to teach you to become a splendid Jedi. Is that alright with you?"

Cal Kestis had the widest smile he had today, nodding vigorously.

"I won't let you down, Master Tapal."

"As shall I, my young Padawan."

As the newly formed Master and Student had their moment, another pair were having their own.

Barriss found herself in what was the infirmary of the newly discovered Temple, tending to the wounds of the Diathim that had been harmed in the defense of this place. She had been so absorbed in her work that she failed to notice her Master approaching her.

Luminara gazed at Padawan with a proud glimmer in her eyes, seeing the younger Mirialan so selflessly work to heal those in need.

To see that her kind and giving nature had remained unchanged in spite of all that Barriss had endured was always a comfort in the eyes of the elder Mirialan. It was one of the many aspects of the Padawan that drew Luminara to her, to take her on as her apprentice.

And lately… she hasn't been the best Master.

Yes, she still found herself adhering to the old ways of the Jedi, or at least, the Jedi Order that she knew and understood that had been the way that it was for a thousand years. But after everything the Order had been undergoing, rediscovering old ways and practices, philosophical ideas and perspectives…

Shaking her head, mentally berating herself for her hesitation, Luminara cleared her throat lightly, gaining Barriss' attention.

The Padawan was surprised by her appearance, opening and closing her mouth a few times while gesturing to the Diathim she had been healing.

Luminara was about to nod and leave her be when another Diathim came by, giving Barriss a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Barriss Offee." Her voice was as melodious as Elowen's. "You have done more than enough. I shall take it from here. Rest."

Barriss only nodded, now rising from her seat, turning to face her master who held a strained smile.

"Shall we?" Unduli softly said, her Padawan silently nodding.

The pair left the infirmary, walking side-by-side in complete silence.

They soon arrived at the Temple's entrance, gazing out at the lush field and scenery in front of the underground structure. There they stood for a number of moments until Luminara broke the silence.

"I have been a poor master these past few days." She gently said, gazing ahead but sensed her Padawan's eyes on her. She was about to say something but Luminara went on. "Distant, neglectful, completely detaching myself from my duties. Yes, I have not been the Master that I must be for you, Barriss."

"Master," Offee quietly said, her tone a mixture of emotions.

"You told me something personal, something truly important for yourself and the two of whom you've started a relationship with… and I withdrew. I turned away rather than facing the problem head on as a proper Jedi Master must for their Padawan. I should have just listened rather than walk away at that moment."

The elder Jedi now faces her student entirely, her eyes locking on with Barriss'.

"So Barriss, please, tell me everything. How this all started and what led you to where you are now."

"A-are you certain?" Her Padawan nervously asked.

The gaze she bore was the one Barriss had seen many times. One of patience, tranquility and understanding.

"Yes. Please." She said.

Giving her a weak smile, Barriss started from the beginning. How the friendships she forged with Peter and Ahsoka began, how they drew closer, more personal as time had gone on. How in the back of her heart and mind, the seed had been planted in developing this growing attraction, desire and attachment which she knew she possessed after the Battle of Jabiim. How they played around their emotions for a number of weeks afterwards until Ahsoka's visit to Mortis.

After her return and the first date she had with Peter, they had crossed the threshold and became a couple. It was awkward and strange at first but that barely lasted a few days as the comfort, joy and love they shared filled Barriss with a warmth and feeling she had never experienced before.

Every time she spent with her two loves, she felt more vibrant, more energized, more joyful, more loving and so many other words that she could use to describe it and it still wouldn't be enough.

She even told her that the lightsaber she currently utilized wasn't one she found to replace the one she had "lost". No, the lightsaber she once made herself was one she freely gave away to her girlfriend Ahsoka, a physical and symbolic pledge of her undying love and devotion to her and Peter. The lightsaber she currently used was a placeholder until she made a new one, which she now could do, given she harvested a new Kyber Crystal for herself.

After all was said and done, Barriss strangely found herself out of breath. She was breathing heavily, looking at her master as she had made her soul lay bare before the woman who would be the closest thing she would ever have to a mother in her life.

Luminara didn't respond at first, standing in front of her student in silence, absorbing everything she had heard.

They had stood there for what felt like hours but it was only seconds until the Jedi Master held her hand up and placed it tenderly on Barriss' cheek.

A small but warm and loving smile soon appeared with Offee's heart skipping a beat.

"Thank you, Barriss." Luminara sincerely said. "And I am sorry for having walked away from you that day when you first revealed your relationship. That was wrong of me and I shouldn't have left you in such a state. I sensed your turmoil all this time and did nothing. No more. At one point, I would have decreed you had strayed from the path of a Jedi. But as of late, what that path is has come into question and it is not something meant for you to tackle alone. Peter and Ahsoka may be there to love and support you but as your Master, I hold as equal of a duty and responsibility to do so. To keep training and teaching you until the day I can step back and marvel at the Jedi you had become."

Barriss' lips trembled as tears now streamed from her eyes at Luminara's words, her master wiping her tears away.

"I… Master… You…" Barriss teary eyed smile made Luminara glossy in the eyes as well. "Thank you, Master. Thank you."

Unduli said nothing in response, instead opting to pull her protege in for a kind and loving hug, one Barriss reciprocated, the pair holding each other tightly. In doing this, there was an unusual but powerful and warm sensation within the Force, the pair experiencing something unique between them.

As Master and Apprentice, as most pairs develop overtime, the two had developed a powerful Force Bond after years being together. The bond was strained for a brief period, being the time they had after Barriss coming forward with her intimate relationship.

But now, something had changed. It's as if their bond wasn't just repaired, something had developed far more profound and deeper than they imagined.

And at the same time this master and student were having their moment…

"I don't know if today should be considered a bust or… or…" Anakin threw his hands up. "I got nothin'. I mean, yeah, it's great that the Younglings got their lightsabers, hell, you got a new Kyber Crystal. And we found this Temple and the people on this planet now have a chance to leave but then the Massassi attack and apparently, the Infinity Gate that was being safeguarded was taken."

"It could be worse." Ahsoka remarked. "Octavius and all the others appeared suddenly all powered up. We're lucky to be alive."

Anakin huffed, rubbing his chin. "Yeah, hard to argue against that. Still feels like we lost."

His Padawan could only shrug half-heartedly, placing a hand on her masters back.

"We're still here and whatever comes our way, we'll take it on together."

Skywalker gave a grateful smile, placing a brotherly hand on her shoulder, the two simply standing there in silence, enjoying each other's company.

Letting out a small hum, Anakin had a stray thought go through his mind.

"Say Ahsoka," He casually said, making her 'hmm?' in response. "I've been talking to Padme about our marriage lately and, seeing that we never had a proper one with friends and loved ones in attendance, we were thinkin' of doing a proper wedding this time around. And Paddy suggested you be her maid of honor."

Ahsoka's jaw dropped slightly, her head whipping up at her master in disbelief.

"Wha-Me?" She stammered. "B-b-but isn't that someone who should be… ya know, closer to Padme? I mean, it feels unfair that I would be chosen for something like that."

Anakin snorted, having an amused and mirthful grin. "Funny you say that. Padme actually guessed you'd respond like this. And if you did, she told me to tell you that since you're my Padawan and have put up with me for all these years on top of saving my neck, not as much as I have for you of course, that you are the only one she could think of to be her maid of honor."

The Togruta was certainly stunned by this and also bashful, turning away from her Master when she had a stray thought of her own.

Her mind randomly jumped to the day she learned of her Master's secret marriage to Senator Amidala back on Tatooine. She had a moment of uncertainty when she learned of Anakin's closely guarded secret but after speaking with Peter and coming to terms with her own attraction towards him and Barriss, Ahsoka found it unfair to have judged her Master on such a matter, considering she herself hadn't full divulged the extent of her relationship with Barriss and Peter.

And if her Master is trusting her with all his secrets, she should do the same.

"I… I'll do it," She said after a moment and Anakin lightly shook her in approval. "But-" He frowned. "Only after I tell you everything."

"Tell me everything?" Anakin parroted in confusion.

"Yes, everything involving me and Peter and… Barriss."

"Barriss? What's she got to do with this?"

Ahsoka was now blushing.

"Oh~" She laughed, sheepish and nervous. "More than you realize."

Ten minutes later…

"So yeah, Barriss and I basically forced it onto Peter and well… yeah, just… yeah…"

Anakin stared at Ahsoka for a prolonged period of silence until he huffed, snorting a moment later and mirthfully shook his head.

"I should be disappointed but that wouldn't be right. I should admonish you but that wouldn't be fair. I should scold Peter but it's not his fault."

"Than what will you do?" Ahsoka quietly asked, slightly jittery now.

Skywalker released a dramatic sigh, head turned upwards to the ceiling before facing Ahsoka.

"Do you love them?"

"Yes, with all my heart and soul."

Through their bond in the Force, Anakin could feel the absolute truth in those words and the intense love she held for them as she said this.

"And do they love you?"

He saw what could only be the sweetest smile he had ever seen from his protege.

"Yes," Her hand was over her heart. "I know it. I feel it every time I'm with them."

"Then that's all I can ask for." Anakin shook his head, a wry grin in place. "Should have figured that the student would try to one-up the master in terms of rule-breaking. You took it to a whole other level."

"You've been a bad influence on me." Ahsoka jokingly mocked, getting her face lightly shoved away, laughing at the action.

Anakin joined in, the pair having their moment until Elowen approached them.

"Master Skywalker, Padawan Tano." She greeted kindly.

"Elowen." The Jedi Knight nodded at her. "Shouldn't you still be in bed? I thought you were exhausted."

"I have rested enough." Elowen graciously said. "What I cannot delay any further is my duty."

"Your duty?" Ahsoka reiterated. "You mean the Infinity Gate?"

"That's kind of a moot point by now, Elowen." Anakin apologetically said.

The Diathim female simply shook her head.

"They may have stolen the Infinity Gate but it is clear to me that they did not take everything from this temple. More importantly, the other valuable gate that we have safeguarded was undiscovered and thank the Force, still untouched."

Anakin and Ahsoka immediately perked up, mouths dropping slightly.

"Other gate?" They both said at the same time.

"You're telling me there's another Infinity Gate here?" Ahsoka excitedly asked.

Elowen shook her head, her eyes glimmering as her form radiated more light.

"No, my young friend. This is something far greater than an Infinity Gate. Come, I shall show you."

AN

Hooooooooooo BOY was this a fucking long one.

In my mind, originally, this was to be called Younglings but then I thought… this should be something far bigger and grander. It should be about all the ranks and such of the Jedi and by god, if this, and this is a big IF, if this be the last chapter of 2024 for Infinite Wars, we might as well close it out with a fucking long one.

If not, at the very least, we'll be able to follow this one up quickly with the last chapter for Tales of the Jedi before moving onto the Avengers character arc, Tales to Astonish in 2025.

Originally, I had hoped we could have gotten all these character based arcs out faster but life wasn't too kind this year to us. Just a lot more bullshit outside of all this that we had to handle, you know how it is, personal priorities and such.

2024 was just… it wasn't a good year for me, honestly. It just wasn't. I felt stuck, stagnant and all that shit and it reflected in my lack of writing and some of you will say something nice but compared to last year, we didn't do as much as we could have.

Life blocks, writer's block, all that shit. We got our stride back towards the latter end of the year.

But with that said, let's hit a few pointers.

Jebest4781: So Star Wars Skeleton Crew… honestly it's rather surprising how unexpected it's going so far.

Granted from the initial teaser and trailer for the show, we oddly saw what was essentially a future suburb setting at first, which ended up giving off the whole future Goonies vibes. And this was around the time when promos for the Acolyte came out, making the reception heavily mixed.

However, things changed after seeing the first three episodes. With the odd mystery of the primary world of At Attin with occasional clues, it's giving off 'The Giver' and Village vibes. Oddly, I find myself looking forward to the new episodes dropping.

Secret Level came out and forgot it happened today. Will need to check out the first eight episodes when possible before the next batch comes out next week.

FMW: Yeah for Skeleton Crew, we got Goonies in space and I'm like… fifty-fifty on it. I can't lie, it is growing on me and I'm intrigued by the mystery of their planet. But oh dear god, I cannot lie when I say this, the setting of the planet bugs the living fuck out of me. When I see their suburban neighborhood, I don't see Star Wars, I see a typical suburb in America. This is supposed to be a galaxy far, far away not a neighborhood like one found here on Earth. After they left the planet, things got more interesting.

Also, quick points to address, the Diathim/angels, yes, we changed their species cuz this is an AU and we like to play around with concepts. Since they glowed a lot like the Daughter with their aura and such, we figured to make their entire species all naturally Force-Sensitives, like Yoda's species just rare.

And hey, now you guys know what we wanted to do for Iego and the plans for the planet are not done yet if you paid attention.

So next chapter, if you haven't guessed it yet, is the last chapter for Tales of the Jedi. And who have we excluded for a majority of this arc?

Hint hint, he's small, he's green and he's a bit impish when he talks.

We close this arc out with one chapter dedicated solely to Grandmaster Yoda.

Until next time, my fellow readers.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.