Chapter 21: Round Three

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

Last Paragons

A month has passed since Leliana and the others rescued Alexandra. Even after being released from the hospital, the young Sith apprentice has experienced nightmares about her torment under Darth Vader, she would feel it in her sleep, the way her muscles all seized up at once, hearing his breathing and cold aura that came radiated from him before she would wake up screaming. Leliana comforted her. The terror of being held captive by Vader and the torture she endured seeped into her mind even during her training sessions with both her Sith Masters and Leon.

Taking a break from a combat training session under Leon, Alexandra feels the bottle of water in her hand shaking prompting her to grab hold of it. She grits her teeth when the shaking doesn't stop. Kenta places his larger hand over hers, giving a comforting squeeze.

He reassured, "We're here for you."

Alexandra said, "I...I..." The older Sith hugs her gently rubbing her back, Alexandra accepts it,.

Leon converses with Leliana on where they need to go next.

He said, "Let's head to Vjun, maybe we'll find some useful information about the Sith or Sidious."

Leliana hummed, "Vjun. I remember being there on a few missions, acid rain pours from the clouds. It's just a big dead rock."

Leon answered, "You are correct, but there's also a stronghold there that Dooku used during the Clone Wars. So it's a big dead important rock." The smuggler types in the coordinates for the planet, jumping to lightspeed.

As the Forgotten Star flies through hyperspace Leon thinks on his previous fights with the Sith assassin Marshall Wyatt.

The man is dangerous, there's no denying it. Powerful in the dark side and cybernetics allow him to move in ways that are otherwise be physically impossible for those in peak physical shape barring basic Force augmentation. During their fights with him Leon recognized Wyatt's preferred lightsaber form was Form VI Niman, called the "Diplomat's Form" and having used the sixth form as well but the way Wyatt uses it was different. Reflecting on his first encounter with Wyatt Leon wonders if the Sith assassin was merely testing him.

When they had their rematch, Wyatt was more serious and stated he was done toying with him much to Leon's delight. It's possible the ex-Jedi found someone who can put up a challenge.

Challenge or not, Leon's thoughts were, "It doesn't matter, he will fall like the rest."

The control panel beeps letting the group know they've reached Vjun.

Flying the Forgotten Star through the planet's atmosphere Leliana sees acid rain pouring. Soon Bast Castle appears and Leliana steers her ship into the hanger.

The group disembarks entering the structure.

Alexandra said, "Can't believe anyone would want to reside on this planet."

Leon told her, "It's ideal for a practioner of the dark side remember? No one here to interrupt your training. Form a barrier around you with the Force to protect against the rain, we'll be clear once we're inside." The group explores Bast Castle, their footsteps and storm raging outside being the only audible sound. They split up thinking they'll cover more ground. A flash of lightning briefly illuminates the interior of the castle followed by clash of thunder.

Leon breaks off from the group despite Yuna's advice of staying at least with her. He moves deeper into Bast Castle hoping to find anything to use against the Empire. He's soon disappointed to find no information.

The ex-Jedi regrouped with the fiery red-haired Sith Warrior asking, "Anything?"

Leon shook his head, "Couldn't find anything. How about you?"

Yuna held up a familiar pyramidal-shaped device, "A Sith holocron. I checked it over to make sure it was legit not some forged holocron. This means someone has set up residence here." They hear a rumble of thunder above their heads.

Leon told her, "Let's continue exploring this place." The duo venture further into Bast Castle until they see Marshall Wyatt appear seemingly out of the shadows. Yuna clips the holocron to her belt then reaches for her lightsaber, igniting her blue blade.

Wyatt said, "I wasn't expecting visitors, let alone my prey."

The ex-Jedi stated, "Clearly you don't know the difference. Prey cowers and dies. Predators fight back."

Wyatt paced back and forth, "And you expect it'll be different third time around? Foolish boy. I was hoping you learned your place after our second duel. Your stubborness will get you into trouble."

Leon laughed, "Hahaha, it's kept me alive more than it's gotten me killed."

The Sith assasin told his slightly younger opponent, "The Empire's growing faster than you or your friends can wreck it. Surrender, there's no need for bloodshed."

Leon stated with sarcasm, "Wow, what a very Jedi thing to say. But if it's all the same to you, I'm going to go with No."

Wyatt replied, "Guess I'll have to humble you a third time." He ignites both of his lightsabers albeit with some differences in terms of color. His primary blade was blood red while the secondary was a teal colored blade.

Leon ignited his blades, silver and red highlighting his grin, "Wonderful."

The Sith assassin said, "Come, fools." Yuna feels something is off about Wyatt's lightsabers.

Leon is the first to charge bolting towards Wyatt and executes a horizontal swipe Wyatt blocks it and counters bringing both of his blades down. Leon angles his silver primary blade to thwart Wyatt's attack. The Sith assassin jumps over Leon and targets Yuna, the Sith Warrior walks backwards as she parries the enemy's strikes, entering a saber lock with her. He suddenly brings his teal colored lightsaber to his blindspot stopping Leon now holding both fighters in a saber lock. Freeing a pair of fingers on both of his hands Wyatt blasts them with Force lightning sending them flying.

Skidding on his back Leon kicks up to his feet only to have Yuna crashing into him courtesy of Wyatt. He's upon them in an instant reversing the grip of his primary lightsaber Leon rolls them away just before the blood red blade stabs the ground. Leon jumps at Wyatt bringing his silver lightsaber up the Sith assassin calmly deflects it. The ex-Jedi uses his red shoto on his opponent's secondary blade however it's a ruse for Wyatt suddenly knock both of Leon's weapons away and viciously clips him in the shoulder with the teal blade.

The burning sensation is more intense than normal and Leon feels the way it burns, it was burning on the inside as well. Fighting through the burning pain Leon aims the silver lightsaber for Wyatt's chest but the Sith assasin taps the slightly younger man in the forearm, this time sending a numbing and draining sensation through the limb. The silver lightsaber falls out of Leon's hand falling to the ground deactivated. Wyatt pushes him away then executes the Cross Strike on him. A groan escapes Leon but the ex-Jedi refuses to quit, showing the stubborness that helped him through dire situations of the Clone Wars. Wyatt advances on Leon, who uses the Force to quietly bring his primary lightsaber up, pointing it at Wyatt's back then hurls it forward blade humming to life. The Sith assasin senses the attack coming and side steps and with the Force increasing its velocity Leon evades, the blade aimed where his chest was mere inches from his vital organs. Armed with the shoto now Leon needs to come up with a new strategy while avoiding Wyatt's swings. Soon the enemy's blood red blade touches his thigh causing Leon to feel the same draining effect as if Wyatt was somehow leeching the Force out of him without the usage of Force drain. Down to one knee Leon feels Wyatt's hand close around his throat lifting the ex-Jedi off the ground.

Eyes glowing with the power of the dark side, Wyatt taunted, "No matter how hard you try, you'll always fail in protecting others. You walked to your deaths coming here." He violently shakes Leon tightening his grip. The ex-Jedi feels rage beginning to fill him.

He hated being weak. Now this monster dares mock him?!

Just before he can counter Wyatt releases a powerful current of Force lightning gradually increasing the intensity. Leon eventually feels his clothes starting to singe from the heat threatening to catch fire.

Wyatt stops the attack without warning and tosses him in order to block Yuna's blade. They two clash under the raging storm when the fiery red-haired Sith Warrior kicks him in the chest as hard as she can. Wyatt responds with a hard right hook sending the young woman across the ground. Running at his downed prey Wyatt calls his secondary blade into his hand. Yuna returns to her feet deflecting Wyatt's Cross Strike.

He commented, "Hm, for someone lacking the Force you're quite skilled."

Yuna grinned, "Hard work and battles have their perks."

Wyatt replied, "Such a shame you aren't part of the Empire, you would make an excellent Hand."

Yuna snorted, "As if I'd serve that walking corpse!" Wyatt uses the Force to pin her against the wall beginning to choke her. He feels Leon approaching and without looking blocks his silver lightsaber using the teal one.

The Sith assasin told him, "I see you want more."

Leon grinned, "I'm a pretty stubborn man, after all." Leon broke the hold balling his fists, "Let's see how good you are in a good old fashioned slug fest."

Wyatt grinned with amusement, "Want more broken bones? Okay." Clipping the teal lightsaber to his belt but keeping a telekenetic hold on Yuna Wyatt balls up his fists.

Leon makes the first move thrusting his arm forward Wyatt deflects it, countering with a hard punch to the sternum then grabs hold of Leon's shirt collar pulling him close to headbutt him repeatidly. The third one busts the ex-Jedi open. Wyatt senses Leon's next attack and backs off.

Leon chuckled, "I'm surprised you sensed that coming."

Wyatt queried, "What was that?"

Leon grinned, "Oh, if you want to know you'll have to find out." They enter a contest of who can beat the shit out of each other more.

Leon lands a right hand, Wyatt counters with an ax uppercut to Leon's chin, punching each other in the face. Even imbued with the Force Leon can feel the bones in his hands being tested and the pain growing. Starting as a throbbing sensation and escalating into a fiery pain. They interlock hands Leon gritting his teeth from the exertion and finds himself being pushed back despite having his feet planted to the floor. A punch to the temple stuns Leon, leaving him open for Wyatt to grab his arm, pulling him forward, driving his knee into Leon's sternum and point of his elbow into the spine. Hard. A sharp uppercut knocks the ex-Jedi onto his back. He doesn't get a moment's rest when his opponent kicks him away. Returning to his feet Leon attempts to steady his breathing, he was beginning to understand Wyatt's cybernetics and reflexes

Leon chuckled, this is where he wins. Turning to Wyatt his raises his hand, gesturing for the Sith assassin to give it his best shot, a taunt that works. Wyatt, after dominating their encounter so far, feels fury as this insect taunts him and moves in for another attack, his arm thrust swiftly deflected by Leon who counters with a feint from his knee. The assassin takes a step back to avoid it he watches as the Sith's foot planted and his weight shifts forward the former Jedi's free arm thrusting forward, slamming into the enemy's chest a Force push accompanying the impact sending Wyatt into one of the decorative column in the room, knocking his helmet/mask off in the process. Leon rushes him intentionally telegraphing his attack to lure Wyatt's defense before the ex-Jedi slipped around to his side, his shin flying up to meet the back of Wyatt's knee causing the joint to buckle leaving him open to the next attack.

Leon grabs Wyatt's face and pushes him back slamming the Sith assassin's skull back into the decorative column before unleashing a flurry of hooks against the slightly older man's stomach ending with a heavy jab into his chest just below the throat and a hammer blow to the top of Wyatt's skull. With both hands he grabs the opponent by the head and violently flings him over his shoulder slamming the assassin's back into the floor. Leaning down he seized a handful of the enemy's hair and his lifts his head off the ground, his fist tight as a rock as it reared back and then flew forward a floored uppercut shattering some of the enemy's teeth. Feeling the fatigue getting to him Leon backs away, whatever crystal Wyatt was using in his lightsaber was draining his energy from him, it was time to end this.

Walking away from his opponent Leon retrieves his lightsaber and glances at Yuna making sure she wasn't too badly injured. Receiving a nod from the beautiful Sith Warrior he turns back seeing a teal light flying towards him, no not him, towards Yuna. He turns and reaches with the Force grabbing the thrown lightsaber just before it pierced Yuna's chest, tossing the weapon across the room Leon activates his own lightsaber before turning back to Wyatt who was slowly getting back to his feet, Leon's assault however brief did its damage.

Leon taunted him, "Who's the prey now, Wyatt?"

Wyatt seethes as he looks up, meeting the eyes of the ex-Jedi, perhaps entering a hand-to-hand fight with him was a mistake. He moves his eyes to the woman standing behind Leon, the false Sith and he raised his hand firing Force lightning at Yuna. Seeing the attack directed away from him Leon turns and grabs Yuna with the Force moving her out of the attack's path, only to see Wyatt's leg enter his vision prompting Leon to raise both arms to mitigate the damage. The Sith assasin doesn't let up now that his enemy is off balance eventually managing to grab Leon's leg and with a violent blow to his femur snaps the bone like a twig, the ex-Jedi's mouth open in a silent scream from the crippling pain.

Grabbing hold of his shirt collar again, Wyatt headbutts him several times followed up with slamming his skull to the ground and tossing him where Yuna is pinning them to the wall. He holds one hand out focusing the Force on their chests. An explosion of pain strikes them as Wyatt swiftly clenches his fist.

He mocked, "You are children playing war." He clenched his fist again, "Fools to think you could take on the Empire." His fist clenched a third time, "And like others before you, you shall fail."

Leon grunted, "Whatever you say, prey." Wyatt gets hit by a charged Force push freeing the two allowing them to breathe, coughing. They look at who saved them.

Alec came into view, "Why don't you have a crack at me? You two okay?"

Leon replied with sarcasm, "Peachy. I didn't ask for your help."

Yuna saw Alec give them a look and realized, "He's buying us time. Come on, Leon, we're going."

Perhaps his pride was getting the better of him, Leon protested, "No. I won't until this pathetic fool falls at my hands!"

Yuna said, "We can't defeat him at the moment, his power's too great. We're retreating whether you like it or not."

Leon gritted his teeth feeling the pain from the broken bone in his leg, "Fine."

Yuna pulled him up placing an arm over her shoulder, warning Alec, "Watch out for those lightsabers. They have some kind of numbing or draining effect."

Alec drew his blades, "Good to know. Get out of here, Yuna. Now." The two depart leaving Alec with Wyatt, who ignites his teal blade.

Wyatt asked, "Think you can prevail where your friends could not?"

Alec replied, "You won't psyche me out like you did with them. I've fought things scarier than you." They charge meeting each other head-on and collide generating a powerful gust of wind.

Leliana, Kenta and Alexandra regroup after their respective searches and now wait for the others.

Alexandra said, "I think this was a waste of time. Couldn't find anything worthwhile. At least on my part."

Kenta shook his head, "I got a few Sith texts on my end." Footsteps echo through the hallway causing them to reach for their weapons. Two figure emerge, a flash of lightning reveals them being Leon and Yuna, both injured.

Alexandra rushed over, "Leon! Yuna! What happened to you guys?"

Yuna said, "Ran into Wyatt. Beat us. Alec bought us time to escape."

Leliana noticed the way Leon's leg was hanging, "Did a real number on you."

Kenta asked, "Where's Alec?"

Yuna said, "Fighting Wyatt."

Alexandra ordered, "Let's go find him." The mentioned Sith Warrior steps into their view holding one arm.

Alec winced, "Fuck, Wyatt's brutal, I'll give him that. You were right about those lightsabers, Yuna."

Leliana took command, "We're leaving this planet. Get your asses on my ship."

Leon growled in frustration, "I'll beat you, Wyatt. I'll beat you and then I'll kill you, slowly." They board the Forgotten Star, leaving Vjun.

At the medical room, Leon and Yuna are having their wounds attended to and whatever effects Wyatt's lightsabers were purged via Force heal from Kenta and Alexandra.

Alec already used the Force on himself to purge the toxin effect out of his system.

Yuna gestured with her hand, "At least our mission wasn't a total bust. Got Sith texts and a holocron. Though I didn't expect Wyatt would be there."

Leon said, "Vjun is a dark side nexus. That's the only reason he was able to overpower me."

Yuna corrected, "Us, you mean."

Leon shrugged, "Okay. Us. The crystals in his lightsabers posed a problem."

Kenta asked, "What color were they?"

Yuna replied, "His primary was a blood red and secondary was a teal color."

Recognition appeared on Alexandra's face, "There's only one crystal that produced that color. The Dawn of Dagobah! I hoped it wasn't discovered again! Thought it wouldn't be discovered again!"

Leon asked her, "You've seen it before?"

Alexandra confirmed, "Yes. I was attending a trade deal with my dad one time. Some investor was interested in selling a lightsaber crystal to my family's company. When the investor showed him the item, there was something about the crystal that didn't sit well with my father. The moment he touched it for examination, he felt like he was being poisoned. He ultimately declined the offer. The investor hadn't come back since."

Yuna hummed, "Makes sense. The question is how did Wyatt get it?"

Kenta offered, "Could be any number of ways. What about his primary blade? You said it had some kind of draining effect?"

Alec said, "It could have been created by some dark side cult. I read that if an object such as lightsaber crystals are placed on a planet with a Force nexus long enough, they become saturated with the Force to the point where it effects someone on the other side of Force. For example, if a Jedi is attacked by a lightsaber filled with the dark side, it feels like they've been poisoned. The same effect can happen to dark siders. If they're struck by a lightsaber saturated with the light side, it feels like somebody poured lava on them."

Leon tapped a finger on his thigh, "Now we know the effects Wyatt's lightsabers have."

Yuna stated, "We need more allies. With just us, it'll take years to bring down the Empire. Start an army. A rebellion. Certainly there are Jedi who can help."

Leon looked at her, "I thought you hated the Jedi."

Yuna admitted, "Hate's a strong word, Leon. I said I don't hold the Jedi in high regard for their inaction to take more active roles. But, I'm willing to give the Jedi a chance to redeem themselves if they have the guts." Leon lists a few Jedi he suspected were still alive.

Alexandra told them, "Rahm Kota. He's one of the Jedi who helped Coronet City recover after the CIS attacked it to steal resources for whatever project they were working on at the time. I'm sure he would love to help make the Empire's life miserable."

Leliana chimed in, "I met him, too. He used his own militia, not clone troopers."

Leon said, "Don't know where he is."

Alexandra smiled, "You're in luck. Just before he left, Kota gave his holofrequency to me in case I needed his help. He said it was in case I needed an actual Jedi to come forth. I don't know if he was joking about the last part. When I look back on it, the man was sincere, perhaps with a little smugness on the side. He also promised the frequency was secured so no one can evesdrop."

Leliana said, "You can use my holocomputer to contact him. I'd like to see him again." Alexandra walks over to the console typing in the holofrequency. It's not before the former Jedi General's image appears.

He demanded, "Who's contacting me? How did you get this channel?"

Alexandra said, "Hello, Master Kota. I am Alexandra Wolf, do you remember me?"

Kota took a moment to study her then blinking in recognition, "Ah, Ms. Wolf. Good to see you again. I trust your parents are doing well."

Alexandra lowered her head, "They're gone, Kota. The Empire killed them."

Kota replied, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. You have my deepest condolences."

Alexandra casted her sorrow aside, "I wanted to contact you because we could use your help."

Kota asked, "My help?"

The young Sith apprentice nodded, "Yes. My comrades and I have declared war on the Empire but we need help bringing it down. Knowing you, I felt you'd be the person to call. Can we meet in person?"

Kota said, "We have to make it fast. The Empire is hunting down Jedi survivors. I'll send the coordinates. See you soon, Ms. Wolf. May the Force be with you."

Alexandra nodded, "See you soon, Kota." The image fizziles out and like he promised Kota sends Alexandra the coordinates of their meeting who in turn gives them to Leliana. The smuggler walks to the cockpit, hopping into the pilot seat and types them in. The Forgotten Star makes the jump to lightspeed.

Leon said, "I know some senators who can help us. They secretely oppose the Emperor's rule. One of them is Bail Organa of Alderaan. I've met him multiple times during the Clone Wars. I'm sure he would more than gladly aid us."

Alec added, "We should also convert some Imperials to our cause."

Leon stared at him, "Please tell me you're joking."

Alec shook his head, "No, I'm serious. With the right incentive you can turn an enemy to your side."

Leon growled, "If they serve the Empire, they die."

Yuna said, "I agree with Alec. It'll give us firepower plus a star ship. The Forgotten Star is a nice vessel but it lacks gun turrets."

Kenta agreed, "I'm with them, Leon."

Leon crossed his arms, "Do whatever you want, but I'm killing the ones I come across. They had their chance to do the right thing. If you want allies you can trust then leave that to me."

Yuna gestured with her hand, "Oh? Got someone in mind?"

Leon grinned, "Yeah I do. My old team, Titan Squad. We were invincible together, there were many that said my team and I single handedly turned the tide of the war. Baron, Boulder and Chip. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone more skilled or loyal."

Kenta liked the idea, "Hmm. Actually those three would make great instructors. I take it those men are in hiding as well?"

Leon told him, "Pretty much. The Empire's pretty damn strict when it comes to dealing with traitors."

Kenta looked at the floor in thought for a moment, "Okay, if they're with this Rahm Kota guy we'll enlist their help. The Emperor's time will come but not now."

Leon reminded them, "Just remember when that time comes he's mine."

Yuna said, "I swear sometime you act just like a child who didn't get the present he always wanted."

Alexandra told them, "Enough, you two. Kenta, Alec, help me finish healing them."

Leon said, "I can heal myself, thank you."

Alexandra ignored his request, "Not happening." Eventually the Forgotten Star exits hyperspace, reaching the destination.

The planet was located in the Mid Rim and recently came under Empire control as evident by a Star Destroyer in the planet's orbit prompting Leliana to activate the ship's stealth system rendering it invisible to both the naked eye and most sensors. Touching down outside of a city the smuggler deactivates the stealth system and shuts off the engines.

The group ventures into town noticing the residents giving curious looks at them. Soon Kenta picks up Kota's Force signature and leads them there. He suddenly ignites his saberstaff to block a green blade. Gazing at the wielder confirms the man's identity.

Kota queried, "What are you doing here, Sith?"

Leon told him, "Stand down, old man. They're with me."

Kota recognized him, "Leon. So the rumors are true, you are still alive."

Leon nodded, "Yeah, I am and I'm going to continue being alive until the Empire crumbles to dust, and while these individuals may be Sith, they are with me so stand down."

Alexandra said, "Master Kota. Hear us out and we'll explain." She saw the former Jedi General giving them a skeptical look, "These Sith aren't like Vader or the Emperor. Kota, believe me." The man breaks the lock putting his lightsaber away.

The former Jedi General said, "I'll take your word for it for now, it will take a lot of convincing to get me to believe they're not a threat. Come inside, we'll talk more." Once they are Leon tells him everything that's transpired so far.

Leon concluded, "And that's that."

Kota hummed, "So the Empire is hunting Jedi survivors. You and these companions of yours have declared war on it."

Leon corrected, "I've been raging war on the Empire since it began, they're recent additions."

Alexandra said, "We have to show the galaxy the Empire is tyrannical and must be destroyed. That being said, we need help. We can't do this ourselves, it'll take too long. In addition to you, we must locate any Jedi who are willing to take a stand against the Empire as well as recruiting Senators who'll provide the resources and stealing a Stardestroyer. We're thinking of stealing the one above the planet."

Kota grinned, "You got guts. It won't be easy searchinig for Jedi survivors."

Leon looked at him, "Probably because they're in hiding like you're supposed to be."

Kota replied, "And what about you, Leon?"

Leon reminded him, "I'm not a Jedi and don't start thinking I'm one of theme either." He motioned to the Sith he traveled with, "I am above both of your flawed orders."

Yuna told them, "If the Empire's not defeated the galaxy is doomed." While they're discussing their mission, Wyatt retires to his quarters on his Star Destroyer.

Removing his helmet/mask Wyatt places it on top of his drawer then looks at his reflection, his red eyes almost seemingly glow even in the well-lit room. His tanned skin a sharp contrast to his red eyes and black hair. His hand traces a scar wedged between his right eye socket and nose. An old scar. Shaking his head the Sith assassin sits on his bed then pulls his primary lightsaber off his belt to stare at it.

Both it and his secondary lightsaber were of a heavy duty design with a wide gray colored base that he used for bashing, rigged hand grips, simple activator button, blade guard to protect his hands and featured a hidden compartment that housed a device he could use as a surprise attack on his opponents, stunning them long enough for him to land the killing blow.

His mind drifts back to the time he lived before he became the Emperor's second right-hand man after Darth Vader.

He was captured along with his parents at an early age and were sold into slavery. First they were sold to a Hutt then to another Hutt before a Qurren. For 12 years Wyatt and his family were enslaved and forced to exhaustive tasks that nearly killed them, surprisingly through it all they remained together. Him, his mother and father and his sisters. As with many slaves he was forced to wear a heavy collar that would electricute him if he got too close to a marked perimeter and a remote activated shock if he'd disobey an order and coup de grace a neaural disruptor would paralyze him if it detected any trace of aggression in his pulse. It wasn't long before his will began to erode.

Marshall's family had heard tales of the Jedi Order freeing slaves as the Republic's war with the Separatists spread through the galaxy and one day soon they too would be freed as the Jedi came to save them. Sadly that day never came, slowly the Republic and Jedi were pushed back during the war and though they eventually managed to push back themselves and reclaim lost ground, continuing to fight and even come close to winning the war, the Jedi were destroyed as they tried to betray the Republic from within. Hearing of all these tales, Marshall slowly began to dismiss them as mere rumors and deluded hopes, only thinking of the Jedi as a selfish order that cared nothing for the blight of others. If they truly cared as much as others said they did, then they would have put an end to slavery everywhere. Marshall grew to hate the Jedi as much as he hated his owners, he was a fool to spend so many years hoping they would come to free him and his family and he was glad to hear they were destroyed.

The Republic, now known as the Galactic Empire had risen from the ashes of the war and began restoring order to the galaxy as well as hunting down any remaining Jedi. Every time he heard one of the overseers or taskmasters talk about the Jedi, Marshall's blood would burn with hate nearly causing his slave collar to incapacitate him, but it also gave him some degree of pleasure, knowing the Jedi were nearly eradicated completely. He could only hope that they would all suffer as much as he and his family did.

As they woke up one day Marshall and his family along with a mass of other slaves were rounded up, they had been sold again. This time to the newly formed Galactic Empire. They were herded onto a transport ship, something Marshall had seen too many times in his life and taken to another world where they would work for a new master.

Marshall and his father were forced to work in the mines of whatever world they had landed on and his mother and sister were to be servants for the officers that presided over the facility. The only solace he took if it could even be called that was that their slave collars were removed. Their new masters made it clear they were not concerned with any of them trying to escape as they had sentry droids and other guards posted everywhere and anyone trying to escape would be gunned down without hesitation.

Life continued as it had been for Marshall and his family, but one day everything had changed. After his work had ended for the day Marshall limped back toward the cramped dormitories where he and the other slaves were forced to live he saw one of the taskmasters forcing himself on his exhausted sister. Enraged, but too exhausted to do anything himself Marshall could only watch as the taskmaster threw his sister to the ground, ripping her shirt in the process.

The taskmaster saw Marshall glaring at him and drew his blaster aiming it at him telling him that if he got any ideas he's be dead. It was only then another of the Imperials showed up and put an end to it, but not for the sake of protecting Marshall's sister. As he talked the taskmaster out of his plan he made a remark about how the slaves "share" each other during their downtime and they are probably as filthy inside as they are on the outside, a comment that pushed Marshall over the edge.

Marshall in his rage, raised his arms imagining wrapping his hands around each of their necks and strangling them until the life faded from their eyes, it was then in his rage that something happened. Both of the Imperials began choking and clutching at their throats as if something was actually strangling them, somehow Marshall knew it was him, he squeezed his hands harder until their tracheas were crushed and they both died. Marshall didn't know how he did it, but he knew it was him and he reveled in this power he had awakened to.

The next day Marshall approached one of the other taskmasters and did the same, strangling him until he died, this time being witnessed by one of the facility's officers, who knew what this power was. Calmly he approached the slave as he was strangling the taskmaster and with his blaster set to stun, shot him in the back. The officer placed a new neural collar on the boy, knowing the disruption of his mind would prevent him from calling on the mystical power of the Jedi and then sent word up the chain of command that he captured a child with the Jedi's power and wished to personally deliver the boy to the Emperor.

Marshall awoke when the collar was removed and he felt an oppressive presence before him. Looking up he saw a wrinkled old man in a black robe sitting in a throne before him, his yellow eyes staring down at him. Beside Marshall stood the officer that captured him, he bowed to the robed figure and explained what had happened and that's when Marshall realized he was standing before the Emperor himself. Marshall could feel the power coming from the Emperor and fell to his knees, pleading for mercy, begging that the Emperor not have him killed. Saying if he was allowed to live he would willingly serve in whatever capacity, begging the Emperor to make use of his abilities, whatever they may be.

The Emperor grinned, he sensed the untrained power within the boy and this slave was already broken and would put up no resistance and would likely never try to betray him, but he sensed the slave wanted something in return for his service. Marshall dared not look upon the Emperor as he made his request, he only wanted his family freed from their servitude and given a comfortable life.

The Emperor could not help but cackle as he granted the slave his trivial request before ordering the Imperial officer away to see to it the boy's family was freed and set for life. After the officer left Marshall heard the Emperor speak to him, saying that his life was now bound to him and he would serve him for the rest of his life, the Emperor was quick to remind him that should Marshall ever displease him then his life would end much sooner than he would think. The Emperor first forced Marshall to submit to surgery, cybernetic enhancements would be placed within his body to make up for the frail frame of his slave life. He would be physically stronger and faster than normal people, though it would take time for him to get used to his cybernetics and therefore at first his reflexes would be slow.

The Emperor explained to him, that he would become one of the Inquisitors, tasked with hunting down any remaining Jedi or would be enemies of the Empire and eliminating them as he saw fit. He would outrank most Imperial forces only answering to any Admirals, the Emperor himself or the Emperor's enforcer, Darth Vader.

Within his first year Marshall was trained by Darth Vader, taught to fight and use the power he learned was called the Force and the even greater power called the Dark Side. He was taught the emotions needed to call upon the Dark Side and its power and then he was taught how to fight with a lightsaber. And when his training was complete, the Emperor had a new tool to use.

What used to be a weak slave now stood a deadly weapon ready to destroy any who dare oppose the Empire. Such as his current assignment of dealing with Leon and his ragtag of rebels who threaten the Emperor's plans.

Ending his trip down memory lane, Wyatt ignites his primary lightsaber, a blood red blade emerges illuminating his face. He swapped out the initial crystals after acquiring the current crystal he calls Vjun's Storm, named after the planet it originated from. His battle with Leon, Yuna and Alec was a test run for the crystal and is satisfied with the results.

Deactivating and setting the weapon on the desk, Wyatt next studies his secondary lightsaber.

He obtained the Dawn of Degobah from a scavenger and right away he felt the malevolent power of the dark side coming off the crystal. To safely utilize it Wyatt tinkered with his cybernetics. Once that task was complete he was ready to use to newly modified lightsabers to bring Leon and his ragtag of fools to justice.

Setting his secondary weapon on the desk, Wyatt enters meditation to keep his control over the dark side sharp.

A/N: Chapter 21 done finally. Life and work is kicking my ass.

Here Leon and the gang encountered Wyatt on Vjun where safe to say Leon and Yuna got their asses kicked especially with the new lightsabers Wyatt. Need to increase the threat level of him.

We also get a bit of Wyatt's backstory on what he endured prior to becoming the deadly Sith assassin he is now.

I also decided to bring in Rham Kota, a former Jedi General. He'll be making appearances here and there.

Read and review.

Stay tuned for chapter 22.

Vader 23A