Chapter 19: Captured

Disclaimer: Disney owns Star Wars, I only own my Ocs.

Last Paragons

The Forgotten Star travels through space toward an unknown destination on autopilot, the crew laying in bed.

Leon wakes up shortly after 6:00 AM, walking toward the commons. Grabbing a cup of water Leon sits down, looking out the window taking an occasional sip.

After a while he felt a presence, "Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

Yuna walked over, sitting across him, "I could ask you the same, it's early. Something's troubling you."

Leon confessed, "I had a dream last night. Never told anyone this but I have a family back on Dantooine. They live on a farm, my birth place. I have a sister, I think she's Force sensitive. In my dream I was training her in lightsaber combat. Well, a bit older version of her. And this dream had no Empire."

Yuna said, "The Force works in mysterious ways, Leon. Even the most knowledgeable masters still don't understand it."

Leon leaned back on his seat, "I haven't seen my parents in forever. I'm shocked I still remember them considering I was taken to the Jedi Temple when I was a kid. I never really cared much about the Force. Sometimes I feel it's mocking us." He leaned forward locking eyes with the Sith, "So why are you up so early? Dreaming about me?"

Yuna shook her head, "No, I've always been an early riser. Allows me to think in peace or get my training in. You're lucky to have a family, Leon. Haven't seen mine ever since I joined the Sith. In all certainty, their skeletons have become dust by now. I pretty much grew up on the battlefield killing Jedi. They're just as guilty for causing chaos in the galaxy as the Sith. I never got the time to visit my family save for holocommunication. If I didn't join the Sith, I would have become an artist."

The ex-Jedi commented, "And I never expected you to wield a blue lightsaber considering every dark side practitioner wields a red blade."

Yuna said, "I know it's mockery for a Sith to wield different colored blade other than red since it reflects our passion, our hatred, our rage for the Jedi Order. I know you don't completely trust me, Kenta or Alec after the Empire took everything from you or the fact we're Sith but for goodness sake, Leon give us a break. We're trying our hardest to earn your trust and respect."

Leon told her, "It's not that easy, beautiful. I was betrayed by people I wanted to believe in, the Jedi turned their backs on me and Ahsoka. And a year later I was betrayed by someone I called a friend. You three are Sith, you're trained to expect such betrayals. It's of that betrayal that I lost everything, that's not something you can just come back from and I'm sure Leliana told you by now I came back from far more than any person ever should. But if it makes you feel better, you're getting there."

Yuna added, "I assume that extends to Alexandra as well. We'd appreciate it if you called me, Kenta and Alec by our names, not Sith losers."

Leon shrugged, "I can do that for you, those other two Kendall and Alice...can't make any promises."

Yuna's eyes flashed him a look, "I'm not kidding, Leon." She reigned in her annoyance, "You're not the only one who's suffered."

Leon admitted, "No, I'm not. But I've been through more than any of you, more than anyone should. Pray you never have to go through that, it nearly destroyed me."

Yuna said, "You'd be surprised. Kenta, Alec and myself have been down that road, our hands stained with the blood of many Jedi. It nearly broke us and yet we managed to pull ourselves out of that darkness. Alec said when he and Kenta felt the Thought Bomb detonate, the disturbance was so vast it caused Kenta to faint. Alec almost did. It was called a Wound in the Force. Surely you've heard of it."

Leon nodded, "I've read about them. Supposedly they are these terrible things, described as a hole in a spot or in rare occasions a person where the Force is gone. It occurs when there is a massive loss of life at once. There are no records of it in the archives or at least none I had access to that detailed any specific event. The Jedi were really stingy when it comes to certain events in galactic history. But it was described well enough to get the point." He looked out the view port, "I asked Jocasta Nu, the head of the archives if she knew anything about them. All she said was hope I never feel one for myself. I would imagine it'd only make my suffering worse."

Yuna answered, "There are two people who fit this category: The Jedi Exile and Darth Nihilus."

Leon gave her an impressed look, "You're very knowledgeable. Those two names that are supposed to be lost in history." He moved his eyes over her, "Anything else you're knowledgeable about?"

The redhead nodded, "During my time at the Sith Academy, I spent time in the archives learning about past Sith Lords and their accomplishments. Studying the past is important regardless of affiliation. Darth Nihilus was so powerful he had the ability to drain an entire planet of life. However, once he tasted it Nihilus began craving more Force users. This endless pursuit earned him the title Lord of Hunger. His connection to the dark side of the Force became so powerful it ravaged his body to the point where he fused his soul to his mask and armor to survive. He literally became a Wound in the Force. Nihilus is a celebrity among the Sith. Just like Darth Revan. As for the Jedi Exile, there are barely any records about her. I only heard whispers about her but from what I heard she played a major role in the Mandalorian Wars. She must have been very powerful and given enough time could rival Nihilus in terms of Force power."

Leon stretched before stating, "Her real name is Meetra Surik. She's only referred to as The Exile. Revan is mentioned quite a bit, even after he disappeared again. As far as Nihilus goes, just scarce mentions of him. A being that shouldn't exist, hunger given a physical form. Nothing conclusive but there was a record around the time he appeared that an entire enclave of Jedi had vanished at once, an echo in the Force immediately silenced. There's so much history from that era that's been lost."

Yuna agreed, "Yes. Future generations can learn a lot from the past. Especially the Old Republic days but the Jedi Order refused to learn from its mistakes. It's as if they don't want to. It took several losses for the Sith to change. It proved successful. The Sith rule the galaxy once again. The Jedi Order failed to see it. Failed to see the change the Sith underwent, they still believed their ancient enemy were warriors or cowards of the dark. They also thought the Sith were extinct for a thousand years. Hmph, bunch of fools the Jedi were. Their philosphy is antiquated and their teachings outdated. It needs to change. You are that change, Leon. Like how I see my apprentice as the change for the Sith Order."

Leon smirked, "If I decide to rebuild the Order, it won't be anything like it used to be. It will be done right with a different code." He took a sip of his drink and muttered with another smirk, "Especially the part with attachments or you know...more intimate bonds."

Yuna nodded, "I know what you're talking about. Another thing to change is not taking future members of the Jedi Order. That's one other reason I never liked them, they don't give that person a choice. They simply take the child to the temple and practically raise them to follow the Order's antique philosphy. They never got it through their heads this was one other reason why not all of the galaxy saw them in a positive light."

Leliana stepped into the commons, "Looks like I'm not the only one up early. Having a little date while the rest of us sleep?"

Leon nodded, "Yes, thank you for ruining it."

Yuna shook her head, "No, just sharing our thoughts about why the Jedi and Sith Order need to change. This eternal blood feud needs to stop. I think the Emperor fails to realize in all his wisdom that light and darkness are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other. Just like how without death there can be no life."

Leon snorted, "I think he's going senile."

The smuggler shifted her eyes between them, "If the two of you were to couple up I bet that could bring the Sith and Jedi closer."

Leon said, "I'm already taken, remember? Ahsoka."

Leliana smiled, "Oh I could never forget someone so pretty I just wanted her all to myself. But that slot's been filled with the girl of my dreams: Alex."

Yuna replied, "Besides his flirting would end up having my lightsaber pointed at his throat."

Leon answered, "Wouldn't be the first time. Where is Alexandra anyway, Leliana? Is still sleeping?"

As Leliana nodded he grinned, "That late of a night, huh?"

Leliana looked at him, "Wouldn't you like to know." She flashed him a smug grin, "Why? You jealous?"

Leon retorted, "Should I be?"

Leliana replied, the smug grin still on her face, "You probably are seeing as how I can get some whenever I want while you had only once while on Shili last night."

The ex-Jedi asked, "How did you know?"

The smuggler said, "It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. The next morning your skin had an extra shine to it. The kind of glow one gets from making love."

Yuna face palmed, "This really isn't the time for that, Leliana."

Leliana next looked at her, "And when was the last time you had a spot of passion?"

Leon turned back to Yuna, "Yeah, that's a story I'd like to hear."

Yuna said, "Never had one. Let alone searched for one. When you are involved in a war, your favorite hobbies take a back seat while driving your blade through the enemy. Besides some relationships aren't meant to be."

Leon rested his chin on a hand, "Pity. With your looks, any man and some women would be lucky to have you."

Leliana said, "Well, my dear Alex was having trouble sleeping so I helped her with that. I have my ways."

The ex-Jedi chuckled, "I bet." Alec comes in rubbing his eyes in a tired manner.

Yuna asked, "You okay?"

Alec waved it off, "Just had a nightmare, that's all."

The redhead queried, "About the New Sith War?"

Alec nodded, "Yes."

Leon said, "PTSD can do that to any survivor." Alec stretches, letting out a yawn and pours himself a cup of coffee that Violet set to brew.

Taking a sip, he feels the caffeine taking effect almost immediately.

Meanwhile, inside his meditation room on his personal Star Destroyer, Marshal Wyatt kneels before the holographic image of Darth Vader.

The Dark Lord asked, "How's your mission going, Wyatt?"

The Sith Assassin replied, "It's going mostly well. Leon and his ragtag group of friends are psyched out. However, Leon is stubborn."

Vader said, "That's what made him a hero of the Clone Wars, his stubbornness is one of his strengths. But it can also be his greatest weakness."

Wyatt informed, "He didn't know what hit him once he crossed blades with me. He was caught off-guard by me."

Vader complimented, "You are correct. If you get inside your opponent's head and mentally break them, you've already won half the battle. That is one lesson I taught you."

Wyatt assured, "I will continue hunting them and bring the girl to you, Lord Vader. I haven't failed a mission and will continue not to."

Vader warned, "Don't get overconfident, Wyatt. That will be your undoing. Also be mindful about Leon. Knowing him, he'll train to get better so that he won't underestimate you again. You must do so as well."

Wyatt bowed his head, "Understood, my lord. Once I have the girl in my possession, I'll contact you."

The Dark Lord nodded, "If she resists, you are free to disable her but don't severely injure her. Am I clear?"

His student answered, "Yes, sir." The image fazes out and he contacts Alana next.

The female Shadow Guard, "What do you want, Wyatt?"

The Sith Assassin ignored her shrewd answer, "I want you to join me on my mission. Here's the plan." While he discusses the plan with her, back on the Forgotten Star Kenta watches Alexandra wield his saberstaff, getting familiar with the weapon.

He informed, "A saberstaff is more difficult to wield than a standard lightsaber. You must be aware of both blades. Since mine isn't the traditional double-bladed, it requires more control and wrist strength if you choose to wield one-handed. Igniting the second blade can give you an advantage in battle, catching your opponent by surprise and score a precise hit if timed correctly." Alexandra ignites the second blade, twirling the weapon in both hands. Wishing to see how she'd fare using one hand the Sith apprentice removes her left and attempts to spin it but soon finds herself experiencing trouble with control, losing her grip and sending the saberstaff toward Kenta who catches the weapon using the Force, halting its rotation and grabs hold of it. Both blades retract into the hilt.

The Sith Warrior said, "Need to improve your grip and wrist strength, apprentice. If you don't you're more than likely to cut your hand off. Or worse your own head. Do you understand?"

Alexandra nodded, "Yes, Master."

Kenta added, "One other thing. Even if someone flatters you with sweetened words and has helped you get somewhere, you shouldn't completely trust them. They can have an ulterior motive they're keeping hidden from you. Hiding it behind a friendly persona."

Alexandra moved her head to one side slightly, "Aren't you speaking out of paranoia?"

Leon chimed in, "No, he's speaking from experience, Alex. I've been through it. Betrayal, especially by one you trusted, is one of the most painful things you can experience. Unless the person is someone close to you, be wary."

Kenta agreed, "Trust your instincts, apprentice. They can save your life." Suddenly Iron wheels into the commons, beeping frantically.

Leliana asked, "What is it?" The asteromech droid beeped rapidly and smuggler said, "Are you certain?" Iron nods.

Yuna said, "What's up, Leliana?"

The smuggler faced the Sith Warrior, "The Empire has launched an attack on a Mid-Rim world led by Wyatt."

Leon cracked his knuckles, "What are we waiting for? Let's go, round two. I've wanted to drop that bastard from the moment I met him."

Kenta said, "I don't know, this doesn't feel right. Why would the Empire attack a Mid-Rim world without provocation?"

Alec replied, "They want to draw us out like moths to a flame."

Yuna stated, "I say we exercise caution. My gut tells me there's more to this attack. But what?"

Leon said, "Let's go, Imperials to kill." As the the star ship enters hyperspace, on the Mid-Rim planet Wyatt leads the attack.

His holocommunication beeped as an Imperial officer said, "Wyatt, our scans have detected a light freighter exiting hyperspace."

Wyatt gave a calculated smile, "Excellent, they took the bait. Let them land." He contacted Alana, "They're here. You know what to do."

Alana said, "Yeah, yeah." The Forgotten Star lands and the crew exits, Leon anxious to even the score with the Sith Assassin.

Opening himself to the Force, he searches for Wyatt.

He soon found it, "Ah, there you are!" He turns on his heel lowering himself a little focusing the Force into his legs before taking off with a burst of speed.

Alec held out his hand, "Leon, wait! Damn it. Let's go. We can't let him get killed." Leon runs toward Wyatt, soon finding the man waiting for him lightsaber ignited.

He said, "Hello, Leon Solstice. Back for another humiliating defeat?"

Leon drew his main lightsaber, "I admit, you were a lot stronger than I gave you credit for but at best our last meeting was a draw. You never beat me." He set himself in the opening stance of Djem So, "And you never will."

Wyatt taunted, "Such arrogance. No wonder your Order fell." He entered the third Niman stance, "Come so I can teach you another lesson." Leon rushes forward swinging his silver blade at Wyatt who calmly parries with his red one.

Leon ducks a chop but leaves himself open to a powerful blast of Force lightning, launching him back. Quickly getting to his feet Leon sends a charged Force push at Wyatt, the Sith Assassin evades the attack. He decides to show Leon more of his powerful connection to the dark side. Red energy forms on Wyatt's arm and with a hidden grin, releases it. Leon jumps to the side watching it destroy a speeder with ease.

The ex-Jedi hummed, "Hmm, that might've been me. Too bad you missed." He's gripped by the Force and thrown into a nearby building. Eyeing two more speeders Wyatt picks them up with the Force and hurtles them at the ex-Jedi, igniting them with Force lightning.

Wyatt ordered, "Get up, Leon. I know you're not dead." The remains of the speeders are sent toward Wyatt. The young man casts them aside right as Leon pops out of the smoke, fists balled. With a war cry, he throws punch after punch at the enemy. Wyatt blocks them with unnatural ease, seeing Leon reach for his lightsabers. He catches the primary blade by Leon's wrist and the off-hand holding the red shoto that would cut into Wyatt's side.

He gives Leon a look that said "My turn". Freeing one hand, Wyatt gathers Force energy into his fist and rams it into Leon's still healing ribs. The sheer power sends the ex-Jedi crashing to the ground, digging into the cracked pavement.

After he came to a stop he groaned, "Damn it why is it the same one?!"

Wyatt mocked, "You're a failure, Leon Solstice. You couldn't save your master, failed to see the Sith were very much alive just grew, adapted, you couldn't kill the Emperor and unknowingly laid out the Emperor's rise to power. You can't save anyone."

Leon said, "You're just begging me to whip your ass, aren't you? Preying on my mistakes will cost you. And if you mention Luminara again, you will regret it."

Wyatt continued, "You have no hope of winning, the Empire's power is growing by the day and I won't let you stop it. Surrender now."

The ex-Jedi scoffed, "So I can be executed by the Emperor? I'd rather die but make sure to take the Emperor with me!" Wyatt is upon him landing a hard punch to Leon's stomach while dodging his opponent's counterattacks. Leon spots an opening and kicks Wyatt under the chin, the Sith Assassin stumbles allowing Leon to call his lightsabers to his hands and seeks to chop Wyatt's arms off. The slightly older man senses the attack coming and freezes the limbs in place. He feels Leon starting to break free so Wyatt kicks him in the shoulder joint. Hard.

Leon feels white-hot agony fill his nerves and his grip on the shoto weakens, the weapon slips out of his hand and onto the ground. Fighting through the pain Leon readies his primary blade when Wyatt catches the wrist and connects a savage right hook. Leon cork screws through the air and rolls on the ground before coming to a stop. Walking over Wyatt lifts him up and slams him onto the hood of a luxurious speeder, shattering the windshield. Not letting up, Wyatt next grabs his foot and spins Leon around then lets go. Like a human dart he crashes into a lamppost.

Despite the pain Leon grinned, "Come on, is that all you got?"

Wyatt said, "Last chance. Surrender, Leon." He senses a presence approaching fast and whips around activating his lightsaber to block Kenta's.

Kenta asked, "Did you really think he'd come alone?" He looked at the ex-Jedi, "Give yourself a minute to catch your breath, Leon."

Leon grunted, "I don't need a Sith tell me what to do." He slowly rises hissing at the pain still coursing through him, falling to one knee a second later.

'Fuck. Alright, bit of nerve damage...dammit. Can barely stand!' He thought.

He watches Kenta and Wyatt do a dance of swords, the former showcasing his skill with Djem So.

The Sith Warrior commented, "You're trained well."

Wyatt said, "You as well. You're a veteran of battles, shaking off rust." Pulling his sword arm back Wyatt targets the Sith Warrior's arm, Kenta blocks and grabs his throat and runs, dragging the Sith Assassin's head along the way.

Recovering from the surprise Wyatt grasps Kenta's arm pulling it from his throat and throws him overhead. Getting up he conjures Force lightning, projecting it to Kenta who meets it with his own Force lightning. They pump energy into the attack, the bolts growing in brightness. The attacks cancel each other out with a burst of sparks. Kenta conjures Force lightning again but this time, he focuses it into a ball.

Wyatt sees Kenta throw the ball, catching it. Suddenly he finds himself being slowly pushed back. Kenta uses the Force to push the ball closer to Wyatt's body. Sensing this attack will inflict serious damage he moves his arm up and tosses the ball of electricity toward Leon. The ex-Jedi sees the ball coming and forces his body to move. He gains enough distance seconds before the ball strikes the building. With a loud bang the raw power blows up half the building. Wyatt thwarts a strike from Kenta's saberstaff and draws his second lightsaber canceling a surprise attack from Leon. The ex-Jedi finds himself falling forward as Wyatt deactivates his second lightsaber, he connects a backhand to Leon.

'I hate this guy.' He thought.

Catching and angling Wyatt's blade away, Kenta lands a punch to the enemy's masked face launching him back. Kenta next raises his arms up to his sides, balls of Force energy materialize behind him soon taking the form of spears.

Leon can feel the Sith Warrior tapping into the dark side but refusing it to touch him.

Was this what Kenta meant embracing the light side just not with the die-hard mentality the Jedi did? Perhaps Leon was wrong about these three Sith.

He said, "Die, assassin!" With a wave of his hand, the spears are sent toward Wyatt, the assassin evading them. Kenta holds the final spear back waiting for his opponent to come closer. Avoiding a decapitation Kenta grabs the spear, condensing it around his balled fist and punches him square in the chest, a concussion wave spreads out in every direction. With a yell Kenta throws another punch this time sending Wyatt flying.

Leon recovered enough to stand, "Where did you hide this?" They both see Wyatt rise to his feet, brushing off his chest plating seeing cracks in the armor.

The Sith Assassin commented, "Your connection to the Force is extremely powerful but nowhere near the Emperor's. I'm guessing you're the strongest of your bygone era."

Kenta asked, "Why do you serve the Emperor? He's a monster."

Wyatt replied, "You could never understand. Enough talk. I'm done toying with you. Time to get serious."

Leon blinked in surprise, "What? You were holding back this whole time? Well thank the Force for that I was about to feel bad because I haven't even been fighting at half my strength."

Wyatt grinned under his mask/helmet, "Bluff all you want." He activated his second lightsaber again, "Come at me." Kenta and Leon charge at the same time.

Alexandra finds herself dueling Alana. She was initially with the others but the Shadow Guard appeared daring them to follow. The four gave chase but Dark Jedi and Inquisitors block their path, forcing them to stay behind. Eventually the Sith apprentice finds herself alone searching for Alana.

An evil laughter rings through the air causing Alexandra to look in all directions. Then the female Shadow Guard emerges from the shadows.

She greeted, "Hello, Ms. Wolf. Did you really think you could stay hidden forever?"

Alexandra drew her silver lightsaber, "More like wrecking Imperial property."

The Shadow Guard ordered, "Come with me, Lord Vader wants to have a word with you."

Alexandra shook her head, "I'll have to decline that offer."

Alana said, "I'm not giving you a choice, child." She raises her hand, gripping the young Sith with the Force pulling her close to the Shadow Guard. Instead of impaling her through an arm or leg, Alana flicks her wrist sending her away.

Recovering Alexandra enters the Djem So attack stance while Alana enters the Makashi opening stance.

Both combatants wait for the other to make the first move. Alexandra does, running at the Shadow Guard raising her blade to execute the Falling Avalanche. Alana raises her lightsaber deflecting the attack. She read about Form II's weakness against strength-oriented lightsaber forms like Djem So and thus decided to learn Soresu. Due to time constraints, Alana only learned the basics of Form III.

She blocked a side way chop, taunting the young Sith apprentice, "I sense much anger in you, Alexandra. Who is it directed at? The Empire? The Emperor? Vader? Yourself? Or all of the above? The dark side calls to you, child. I can see it in your eyes, you had a taste of its power. Embrace it."

Alexandra replied, "And let it corrupt me? No chance in hell!" She executes the Saber Swarm on Alana the Shadow Guard parries them, countering with a Force imbued kick. Alexandra uses her forearm to block it although the force behind the kick pushes her back.

Alana said, "Don't get overconfident, little girl!" She throws a Force push at the young Sith apprentice who blocks it, Alana runs, leaps into the air, diving toward her opponent.

Alexandra raises her lightsaber to thwart Alan's attack, the two entering a blade lock. Trying to gain the advantage over the other. Alexandra kicks Alana square in the chest catapulting the Shadow Guard back. Skidding on the ground, Alana directs the Force into her feet halting the movement.

Alexandra asked, "Why do you take orders from Vader? He along with the Emperor is causing untold suffering upon galaxy. Peace is nothing without freedom."

Alana replied, "He saved me."

The Sith apprentice was baffled, "Save you?"

Alana looked to her right, "When I was a teenager my home world was caught up in the Clone Wars, it seemed every planet was. My planet was occupied by the CIS, our people hoped the Jedi would come to save us but time passed and they never came. I felt my home world was abandoned by the guardians of peace. The feeling of betrayal turned into anger. I began to despise the Jedi Order and the Republic, they only cared about themselves, not others like they preach. Feeling betrayed, our people began fighting the Separatists. By the time the Republic came to help, the CIS was driven off the planet. Enraged by the Jedi's late response, the leader of my planet ordered them to leave and never come back. When news of the Jedi being hunted down appeared on the HoloNet, I felt justice was being dished out to those hypocrites. When I turned twenty I was involved in a terrorist attack. They bombed the shopping mall I was in with some of my friends and my parents went missing. I was able to survive but my friends weren't so lucky. I was buried under the rubble for who knows how long until the medical services arrived. As I was carted toward the ER, the only thing I could feel was rage and hatred, those emotions kept me in the realm of the living. While I was recovering from the surgery, Lord Vader appeared saying he felt my desperation to survive. In exchange to help train me, he ordered me to swear loyalty to him and the Emperor. To further entice me, Vader promised me he'll use the Empire's resources to locate my parents. I accepted his offer."

Alexandra said, "Have you ever stop to think it was a lie?"

The Shadow Guard snapped, "You know nothing of the pain I went through, little girl! The next three years were hell, literally! The training Lord Vader put me through was near-fatal but I kept telling me it was worth it. He taught me how to harness emotions such as anger and hatred, using them to channel the power of the Force. When my training was complete, he recruited me into his Shadow Guard. Since then, I've made it my mission to keep star systems from rebelling. He will open your eyes to true power."

Alexandra readied herself, "And like I said, I don't accept. The Empire is the reason I'm on this path." They charge, dragging their lightsabers along the ground. Once they're close they swing their weapons at the same time.

Alexandra spins on the balls of her feet, her blade meeting Alana's with a loud crack. Alana shoves her opponent back then delivers two vicious power swings that launch Alexandra. Landing she watches the female Shadow Guard advance in a menacing manner.

Alana barked, "I won't let you escape this time. I won't!" Alexandra feels Alana tapping into the dark side, a red aura surrounding her.

A sudden chill runs down Alexandra's spine.

Wyatt's fist collides with Leon's face earning a grunt of pain from the ex-Jedi.

'Who is this guy? I can't land a hit on him, even with Kenta's help. It's obvious Wyatt had cybernetic augmentation but he's handling us like we're amateurs.' Leon thought.

Kenta blocks a kick with his forearms but the force behind it sends him skidding on the ground, the Sith Warrior falls to one knee. Both men are bloody and bruised although Kenta has better luck than Leon, landing a few hits.

Wyatt said, "The moment you declared war on the Empire was the moment you wrote your death sentence. If you persist any further, you will die like all who dared to challenge the Empire. It's best if you called it quits."

Leon rose to his feet, "Like hell we will."

Wyatt scoffed, "So be it. Jedi."

Leon gritted his teeth, "Ex-Jedi!" He rushes at Wyatt looking to behead the Sith Assassin, Wyatt ducks before slamming the hilt of his lightsaber into Leon's chest sending electricity into him. A harsh kick repels Leon.

The ex-Jedi glares at Wyatt, promising a painful death. He runs at Wyatt again but only gets halfway when agonizing pain hits Leon's chest. He falls to his knees, covering his mouth with a hand as he starts coughing.

Kenta rushed to his aid, "Leon, you okay?" The ex-Jedi doesn't answer his coughing becomes more violent. Pulling his hand back Leon sees blood covering it.

His eyes widened in horror, "What? I thought the cure the doctor gave me destroyed it. Why did it choose to come back at the worst time?" He feels Kenta grabbing him and jumps to the side as a ball of Force energy screams past them.

Wyatt's holocommunicator beeped and answered it, "Yes?"

Alana informed, "It's me. I have the girl."

Wyatt nodded, "Good job, Alana. Pull back." Ending it he said to his opponents, "I'll have to cut this battle short. Maybe you'll put up more of a fight next time." Lightning starts crackling between Kenta's fingers when Wyatt releases a blinding flash of light, obscuring their vision. When the light fades, Wyatt is gone.

Kenta said, "Let's get you help, Leon." He puts Leon's arm over his shoulder but the ex-Jedi swats it away.

The ex-Jedi stated, "Don't touch me."

Forcing Leon's coughing to stop Kenta told him, "Let's regroup with the others."

Leliana finishes her opponent while Alec stabs a stormtrooper behind him. Yuna finishes her Dark Jedi opponent. They see Kenta and Leon approach.

The smuggler, "What happened to you two? You look like a Ranchor made you its plaything."

Kenta said, "We ran into Wyatt, beat us bad. Leon more than me."

Leon looked at him, "You got in the way."

Yuna asked, "Where's Alexandra?"

Neither Leon or Kenta answer so Leliana repeated, "Where is Alex?"

Kenta said, "Taken."

Leliana's eyes widened, "What?"

The Sith Warrior told her, "Wyatt was the distraction. This whole attack was a ruse. Alexandra was the real target. I knew I had a bad feeling about this but should have figured out the real reason sooner."

Yuna asked, "Where do you think Alexandra's being taken toward? I know Darth Vader but where exactly?"

Alec said, "Likely a planet that's saturated with the dark side. To turn her."

Leliana retorted, "No way am I letting that happening! Vader can do it over my dead body! Let's return to my ship, we need to find Alex!"

Kenta raised his index finger, "There's another problem."

Leliana asked, "What?"

The Sith Warrior answered, "During our fight with Wyatt, Leon was coughing up blood and his entire body seemed to seize up."

Leliana looked at Leon, "What does he mean?"

Leon waved his hand, "It's not important, now let's go. Need to find Alex." A wounded Alexandra lays unconscious on the bed inside Alana's Star Destroyer as the Sith Assassin and Alana talk with Darth Vader.

He praised, "Impressive work, you two."

Alana smiled under her helmet/mask, "Thank you, my lord. I promised you I'd capture the girl and I did. Although she didn't come willingly."

Darth Vader queried, "You didn't injure her too bad, did you?" There was a hint of threat behind it.

Alana shook her head, "No, my lord. Just enough to make sure she didn't put up a struggle on my way back."

Vader nodded, "As long as she's still alive, that's all that matters. Bring her to these coordinates, I'll be waiting."

Wyatt bowed his head, "As you wish, Lord Vader." The holographic image fazes out and the two rise to their feet.

Alana turned to Wyatt, "I've done my job but don't expect this become a daily occurrence."

The Sith Assassin crossed his arms, "That's not your call to make, Alana. Do you remember who it was that saved you from that pitiful life you once led?"

Alana clenched her fist, "I do, Wyatt. But if you bring my personal life into this conversation, I'll make you regret it."

Wyatt challenged her, spreading his arms, "Then do it. Strike me down."

Alana scoffed, "Not interested. I'm taking my leave and don't disturb me."

Wyatt said, "You act tough but beneath that tough exterior, you're still a scared little girl. You must break the chains that bind you to the past if you wish to become truly powerful, Alana." The female Shadow Guard response is giving him the finger.

Entering the bridge, Alana ordered, "Captain, set course to these coordinates. Lord Vader is waiting."

The captain saluted, "Yes, ma'am." The Star Destroyer enters hyperspace.

Inside her room on the Forgotten Star, Leliana lays in her bed. After returning and directed her ship off the planet she locked herself in her quarters. Her mind goes to the young Sith apprentice clenching the kaiburr crystal dangling from her necklace.

Leliana stared at the ceiling, "Alex. Please be okay." Tears form in her green eyes breaking her normal calm expression. Sobs escape her.

A/N: Chapter 19 done.

Things have taken a turn for the worst.

Alexandra's been captured.

Yuna revealed her knowledge about certain Force individuals.

Leon's disease has returned. For those who don't know, go read the Solstice Knight to learn more.

Read and review.

Stay tuned for chapter 20.

Vader 23A