Chapter Seventeen:

Vexa's shuttle reverted from hyperspace above Rintonne, and she ignored the planet in favor of finding the messengers. But though she scanned with both the sensors on her ship, and in the Force, she could locate nobody in orbit on this side of the orb.

On the far side, however, were two presences who had an air of expectation, and she knew that they had to be the ones to contact her. Piloting her ship with confidence, Vexa made her way toward the two presences. Eventually, a ship came into view, one that gave the transponder code Slick Gundark. Vexa sorted in amusement at the name, but otherwise put it aside.

She was here for information, nothing more.

Opening a hailing channel, Vexa sent the ship a message. "This is Vexa Wran. I have come as requested. To whom do I owe the pleasure of speaking?"

The comm crackled, and a voice she did not know came over the line. "How can we be certain it's really you?"

Vexa lifted a brow. "Who else would dare claim to be me?"

There was a moment's pause, and then a snort of amusement. "You got me there. You're alone then?"

"I am." Vexa looked about. "Though this had better not be a hoax."

"Trust me, it's legit."

"Well then, let's have it." Vexa demanded. "What are your names?"

"You can call me Biggs, and my friend is Ziggy." There was a short pause. "I want your oath that my partner and I will remain unscathed, especially once we have finished telling you what we know."

"If you give me information that is solid, I have no reason to harm you, especially if it leads me to my missing asset."

"Alright then."

Vexa sat straighter in her chair as she sensed the other preparing to spill the beans.

"We came into some information while working. We thought it odd at first, but then it began to make more sense." Biggs told her. "A tan-skinned female Zabrack was mentioned in some notes from my commanding officer. This girl appeared only in his report on Bespin's incidents."

Vexa narrowed her eyes. "And how would you be privy to such information?"

"I was present when the station was infiltrated," Biggs replied grimly. "I served there for a while, and I really had a good thing going until it went up."

There was no mistaking the note of accusation in his tone.

"So sue me." Vexa growled. "Finish your report."

Biggs muttered something under her level of hearing, and then went on. "Anyway, I am in a position to get into some reports, and I really wanted to know more about the person responsible for ruining my career, so I dug into the file more. There were actually two teens who infiltrated, though I think you already know that. But the female was supposed to have been killed, yet my commanding officer's report suggested that may not be the case."

Vexa blinked. "You committed an act worthy of a court martial? Over a girl?"

"Over my career being ruined!" Biggs snapped irately. "Haven't you been listening? I had to start all over again! I was finally making a name for myself as one of the scientists on that station, and now I am nothing. And poor Ziggy was almost finished paying off a debt service. They have put his debt payment on hold, so now he can't work back to his freedom. See, he may have gotten into a spot of trouble, and was sentenced to work it off at the station."

A distinctively Wookiee-sounding growl interjected, and Vexa heard the reprimand in the tone, but Biggs spoke over his friend.

"Hey, why deny it? You know she won't be telling anybody."

Vexa ran a hand over her chin. So here were two disgruntled employees who had survived Bespin but were now essentially treading water thanks to the very government they had been serving. How ironic that the New Republic was losing its people from within because of small things like this.

"So, this is a revenge mission, then," Vexa surmised, "I can appreciate that."

"Well, I guess so, yeah. We just want something to come of our time there, ya know?" Biggs remarked. "So that it wasn't a total waste."

"Oh, believe me," Vexa murmured, "I understand perfectly."

And she did. She understood what it was like to have a good thing going, and for the proverbial rug to be yanked out from under your feet. To be left floundering for footing, and wondering what to do next.

"What else can you tell me?" Vexa asked, eager for more.

"Right," Biggs said, "so we don't have a name, or location, but the girl definitely did not die at Bespin. I found the records of the station medic, and the girl was evacuated with all other personnel. Why would they evacuate a stiff in the midst of an event like that?"

Vexa blew out a hot breath from her nostrils alone. "They wouldn't."

"Precisely."

A stream of Shyriiwook emitted from the communications unit then, and Vexa waited for Biggs to translate.

"Good point, Pal," Biggs said. "Ziggy said that it is likely that the New Republic kept her alive so she could be interrogated. Maybe she is at a black site location? Though where that could be I don't know."

Vexa pondered. In her mind there were two options here: either Samanda had indeed simply captured, or she had surrendered.

But Jayce had been certain that the girl was dead when he left. During Vexa's thorough interrogation of the young man after Bespin, Jayce had admitted to trying to off his partner. According to him, she had been dying when he had left, and Jayce had been certain he'd made a killing blow. But what if he hadn't?

What if Samanda had been captured, and hadn't surrendered? If she had been severely injured, she'd have been unable to stop the enemy from taking her away.

Still, Samanda had been hesitant to follow Vexa's orders, but not to the point of disobedience. She, like all the others, had lived in utter fear of her master, and Vexa took great pride in that.

But had Samanda been stupid enough to try striking out on her own? Jayce had also reported that Samanda had been acting off, and the young man had only brough Vexa partial information. Info that Samanda had downloaded.

Well, regardless of what had happened, or how, she needed to get the girl back where she belonged: in Vexa's clutches. After that, Vexa could worry about the other details and take proper actions accordingly.

"Is there anything else you can tell me?" Vexa inquired.

"Only that very few in the New Republic even know she's with us," Biggs replied. "Oh, and that Igeal had a hand in her being moved, since he was the admiral in command at Bespin at the time."

"Of course he was," Vexa muttered. Then she tilted her head, considering the other ship. "Are you two looking for payment? And what if I was to offer you an opportunity?"

There was a pregnant pause on the other end of the line. "What kind of opportunity?"

Vexa smiled at the tone of the other's voice, knowing that she'd lured him closer to the Rising's side of the war. She could play on his frustrations to serve her own ends.

"You are clearly upset with the way the New Republic has handled your situations. Well, what do you say to a bit more revenge, and to getting paid for it?"

"What exactly are you proposing?" Biggs inquired.

"That you play double agent. You stay in the New Republic, but feed me intelligence I can use against them. For now, mostly, I would love for you to dig more into the girl for me, and see if you can't get me her location." Vexa paused carefully. "The rewards would be handsome for you both."

The Wookiee made another remark, and Biggs spoke. "May we have some time to discuss this?"

"Take all the time you need." Vexa purred.

00000

His head hurt. A lot. He did not understand why it hurt, nor did he remember much at the moment. He was well aware of when he started rousing from his blank state, and he did clearly recall the utter agony that had engulfed him before he had really passed out. But that was all he knew for now, as he slowly but surely regained consciousness.

It was both cool and warm, though for some reason he felt lighter than he should have. A constant, steady sound reached his ears, and Ignis took the time to figure it out.

Pitter-patter, tap-tap-tap, pitter-pitter…

His nostrils took in the moist scent of greenery and soil, and Ignis understood that it was raining. He had always loved the smell of the rain, and it was something that comforted and soothed him a little bit now.

Now that he was paying more attention, he heard the occasional softly-spoken word, and Ignis' mind tried to sharpen enough to take in details. Although, the pounding in his head was making that a little tricky.

"… have to let him choose."

"He might not be able to leave her, regardless of what's changed."

Ignis thought those two voices sounded familiar, and he strained to remember. But his focus was interrupted by the shifting of something around his back, and the realization that he was in fact not lying on his back, but propped in someone's arms. That fact alone snapped Ignis to full awareness, and he instinctively jerked away from whoever held him, surprising them so that they let him go.

Ignis wasted no time in leaping to his feet…

…and instantly started swaying unsteadily as his world took a literal turn. Everything around him made a slow, steady loop, so much so that Ignis staggered horribly, losing his balance and falling back to the ground.

Or he started to.

Strong arms caught him under the shoulders, and Ignis panted as he fought both his dizziness and the person holding him anew. Now that his eyes were open, Ignis saw that night was almost upon them.

"Easy there!"

Ignis froze when the voice registered. That was Han Solo.

With the same suddenness that he'd leapt away from his original, apparent captor, Ignis' memory of the dogfight above Haruun Kal returned. Icy fear surged through Ignis, and he gulped in a breath of air. If Han held Ignis, then it stood to reason that Luke was also here. Ignis struggled against Han's grip, but the older man would not let go.

Ignis, unaware of the removal of his squid— that was something he did not remember— was under the impression that he was still to obey Vexa's orders. But regardless of his current circumstances, he was not going to go down easily if Luke and company had indeed come for revenge. Although to be honest, Ignis knew he deserved whatever they did to him, and that sobering notion cooled his afterburners a great deal.

Ignis tried to break free of Han again, he really did, but every time he made any sudden moves, the swimming in his head worsened.

"Take it easy Kid!" Han warned, his voice hardening slightly. "Ignis, relax!"

But Ignis continued to struggle, though he was panting from the effort of working through his muddled vision and swirling head. Soon, it got to the point that Ignis' stomach rebelled, and he finally did stop struggling.

Unable to help it, Ignis vomited, and Han did release him then so Ignis could pitch forward. Ignis went to his knees, panting from everything.

He sensed someone draw closer, and the presence in the Force was unmistakable. Ignis instinctively shied away as Luke Skywalker knelt beside the young man. But he did not get far before Luke's gentle fingers touched Ignis' temples and began to lightly massage the area. Simultaneously, Ignis felt a tendril of healing Force power enter his head, and slowly but surely the swimming stopped, and Ignis' equilibrium was re-established. Ignis did not know if it was permanent, and he sensed that his mind was still tense, as if it was not yet ready to be completely compliant with reality. Nevertheless, it was such a welcome change that Ignis did not move for long seconds, simply allowing himself a moment to enjoy having a clear head, even if it did still ache.

He could still hear and smell the rain, and yet he was dry. Ignis carefully shifted his head to peer above himself, and noted that a canopy had been hung between the Jade Shadow and the nearest trees.

Ignis still felt the fear, and he knew he was at the mercy of those with him, so Ignis slowly stood, grateful when his world stayed put this time. To his surprise, not only were Han and Luke there, but so too were Mara, Shmi, Lando and Chewbacca.

During the battle above, Ignis had not known that anyone but Luke and Shmi had been present. But here too were most of the others.

Ignis backed away even as Luke also rose to his feet. There was an emotion in Luke's eyes that Ignis did not understand, but he found himself unable to truly make eye-contact with the man, or even Mara.

He looked at the people around him, not sure what to say, what to do. Running off was out of the question. The remnants of Ignis' ship were in a tree somewhere, if he remembered the crash correctly. So, his only way off-planet was to either flag down the Rising, or to leave with Luke.

Eventually Ignis found his voice, though it was rough. "What do you all want? Revenge?" Ignis looked down. "Go ahead, take it."

Shmi stepped forward, and Ignis glanced at her. "We came to help you, Ignis."

Ignis thinned his lips, part of him wondering why he wasn't already attacking these people like Vexa had ordered him to. "Nobody can help me. I am past saving."

"I don't believe that." Shmi countered fervently.

"Well, that doesn't really matter." Ignis backed away when she came closer still, and he only realized he was out of his armor when the rain started soaking the under-clothes that he wore with his armor now. Ignis had decided that normal clothing was too stiff and hot to wear with his armor, so he had started using a thinner cloth.

Ignis looked to himself, and then it also belatedly clicked that he was not wearing his helmet and mask. This realization sent a shock of alarm through him, and he briefly wondered what Vexa would do when she knew about this. Though really, he stood by what he had said before: what more could she possibly do to him?

Her answer rang through his mind, and he recalled her revelations from a few weeks ago. Yes, indeed she could still toy with him in ways he hadn't seen before.

Ignis shivered with the sudden chill of being wet, and he folded his arms over his chest. "Just do what you came here to do, and get it over with."

He still could not look Luke or Mara in the eye, but he would take whatever they did to him on his feet. He would die with a shred of dignity left, at least.

"Ignis." Luke stepped forward, drawing Ignis' attention that direction enough to keep tabs on the man. "We did not come for revenge."

Ignis blinked, taken aback, and he looked to each person in the clearing, noting for the first time how nobody was angry. Uncertain what to do with that insight, Ignis remained still. His heart was growing heavy again, though, because he knew he would have to fight these people, and try to kill them. Vexa had ordered it explicitly, and the squid would make sure Ignis did what she said.

So then why did he not feel the urgency in needing to be obedient, like he had ever since the squid had been activated? Ignis was confused, but he was not helpless. In an effort to do something about the situation, he took in his surroundings, and spied Shmi's lightsaber dangling from a clip on her belt.

If he could arm himself first, he might stand a chance. Shmi was not paying attention to her weapon, which gave him an edge. With a flick of his wrist, Ignis grabbed the lightsaber in the Force and pulled it to himself in a flash.

The same moment it connected with his palm, Ignis ignited it. Shmi, having sensed him reaching toward her, misinterpreted his intention. So though she reacted, it was not in a way to stop him from taking her weapon.

Ignis surged forward, moving for the weaker members of the group with the intention of taking them out first. Making Lando his initial target, Ignis leapt high and swung the blade.

It was no surprise when two more lightsabers ignited, one a deep indigo, and the other a brilliant emerald. Mara was closer to Lando, and she intercepted Ignis' blow first, kicking at him and forcing Ignis back toward Luke, who was ready with his own blade. Ignis ducked below Luke's lightsaber, and whirled behind the man.

But this action sent Ignis into another dizzy spell, one that made him stumble enough that Luke was able to catch up to Ignis. The young man saw the emerald blade coming, and Ignis blocked it, blinking through his dip in equilibrium and wondering again at the odd lack of pressure from the squid. Had something happened to it? Was it malfunctioning? Was it dead?

The thought of having a dead creature in his head, rotting away, made Ignis queasy.

"I understand why you are attacking," Luke said softly, causing Ignis to focus on the Jedi Master. "Vexa ordered you to, right? And you have no choice but to listen to her."

Ignis didn't deny it, but to hear Luke finally acknowledge what Ignis had attempted for weeks to get Luke to grasp was gratifying.

"I also know about the squid, Ignis," Luke went on, "and I can assure you that you are free of it."

Ignis froze, his eyes widening in shock before denial set in, along with some anger that Luke would try something like this. "You're just trying to trick me."

"He's being honest," Han said, motioning to Chewie, who disappeared and then returned with a black case. Ignis' gaze was drawn to it, and when it opened to reveal two tubes, Ignis couldn't help but stare.

Each tube contained a scalpel squid, and while one— a female— was a white-clear hue, the other was a definite pink color. And it was a male, and clearly much healthier than the female appeared to be.

Ignis' mouth parted in disbelief, and he started putting some pieces together, looking about the group slowly, and taking in more information. Han was fishing out two pieces of folded paper from his pockets, and when he unfolded them for Ignis to see, the young man swallowed.

There were his two drawings, done on the way to Bespin for the battle. It was the young man's first physical cry for help from these people, at a time when he hadn't been able to get Luke to understand, and he'd been under strict orders not to speak directly about Boz Pity or the squid. Ignis had drawn and left these for Han, who had almost gotten Ignis to speak that day, before Shmi had interrupted them.

Ignis' gaze lifted to Han's, and Ignis felt the renewal of his emotions trying to get past his numbing barrier. Ignis felt it keenly, and yet he fought against the bulge, afraid of what would happen when the dam finally burst within him.

Shmi took a step closer. "Dad and I fought you to the ground so we could pin you down long enough to try removing the squid."

"And we were waiting nearby to offer assistance." Mara told Ignis, glancing at Shmi poignantly. "Some of us have been planning this rescue for a while now. We just didn't have final details until recently."

Ignis took in what everyone was saying, and he began to tremble, though he did not relax from his stalemate with Luke. Ignis finally looked to Luke, managing to meet he other's cerulean gaze, though it truly burned Ignis to do so. He felt so unworthy…

"Y-You came for me?"

Luke smiled in a way that Ignis did not understand, and again that emotion lit Luke's gaze. "We did. Once I was personally ready, I worked with my family to get close enough to you to help. I admit that while I intended to get you to ground, I did not mean to make you crash in such a fashion."

Ignis recalled the crash, and how his last thought had been that he was dead. But here he was, alive… and now free of the squid.

And while Ignis could see the evidence— stars, he now realized he had felt it— he could not quite bring himself to believe it. Closing his eyes, Ignis reached inside himself, feeling through his brain and coming up completely empty-handed. There was no trace of the scalpel squid in his head anymore.

The bulging emotions surged forward with renewed vigor, crashing against his barrier with more strength than ever before, and pushing behind it was a pulse of grief so intense that Ignis was powerless against it.

In truth, the grief had always been present, but Ignis had fought the hardest against it, because he knew it's power to overcome him. Ignis did not realize he was trembling until a gentle, but firm hand steadied his wrist.

Ignis looked through watery eyes to where Luke held his arm so Ignis did not harm either of them with his borrowed weapon.

In a moment of decision that was so sweet in that it was wholly his decision, Ignis let go of Shmi's lightsaber, took a step back, and instantly collapsed to his knees. There he pitched forward, clutching at his heart and gasping like a man who was drowning.

The emotional storm finally broke completely through Ignis' numbing wall, and the tidal wave that surged through overwhelmed Ignis. It had been so long that he had truly felt anything, that when everything hit him at once, it scalded him.

Ignis cried out, wrapping his arms around himself and hunching over his knees, panting heavily as he stopped fighting everything and just let it all wash over him.

Anger, fear, revulsion… the horror of the many murders he'd been forced to commit… sorrow, hatred… the utter isolation he lived in.

The loneliness was the worst for now, and it sank its teeth into him like a nek dog. The abandonment of his parents, the utter lack of kinship; the stark reminder of who he was after having been shown what might have been with Luke and family…

The understanding that as much as he longed to be with her, he and Anya would never be together.

The next emotion to grab at him was grief, and this one made Ignis feel as if he was drowning. He heard a keening wail, and did not understand it had come from him until a pair of slender, gentle arms encircled him from where he knelt.

But someone rested their chin on his head, and Ignis reacted instinctively, some base part of him seeming to recognize who it was even though he consciously did not know. Ignis sobbed heavily, so much so that he found it difficult to draw a full breath.

He was starting to get lightheaded again, and yet he could not help himself. He felt another pair of arms encircle him, these ones a little more defined. Ignis normally would have fought the physical touch, but for some reason he didn't right then.

And finally, a warm, strong pair of arms also joined in, and Ignis found himself in the middle of a huddle. Ignis intermittently sobbed, and endured thoughts that he should break away. This went on for an unknown amount of time before he calmed enough to function.

When he was able to form a coherent thought, Ignis took in the three who were holding him. Shmi had been the first, and Ignis recognized her spirit reaching out to his, like his reached to hers.

Mara was next, and then Luke.

Ignis felt both grateful… and woefully inadequate. He did not deserve their kindness… nor had Ignis accepted the claims that he was Luke's child. And even if it was true, Ignis was unworthy. Gently but firmly, Ignis pulled away, and they all released him.

He rose to his feet, still somewhat unsteady, and backed away.

"Thank you for what you have done for me." He turned, stepping clear of the shelter and feeling the rain begin to soak him, but he did not care. "I need time alone."

With that, he found a spot under a tree at the edge of the clearing, sitting and staring blankly into the growing night.

00000

Anya woke with a start, sweating profusely as her half-nightmare and seemingly half-vision reached a climax. Her chest was heaving, and she was trembling uncontrollably, even as she struggled to put the disturbing images behind her.

The longer they stayed in the Sith dungeon, which was doused in such a thick and ever-present cloud of the Dark Side of the Force, the more Anya was bothered by it. It had begun as whispers and temptations, and she had been able to mostly combat them by thinking positive thoughts, mostly about Ignis and she.

But the Dark Side had been relentless; steadily chipping away at both her shields, and her resolve. It had truly never left her alone, though it had retreated now and again to wait in the wings for her next moment of weakness.

But lately, her torment had evolved into nightmares and dreams that felt so real that she had to wonder if they weren't visions. Or perhaps they were just another layer of trickery from constantly being in such a Dark place.

Anya did not know for certain, but she was growing ever more tired of fighting off the Darkness, and she had to wonder if this had been part of Vexa's plan for her. Vexa knew what Anya meant to Ignis, clearly, and she wanted Anya to suffer in such a way that would likely send Ignis into a rage if he found out.

That fear clung to her like sap from a tree, making it easier for the Dark Side to prey on her. It turned her nightmares into hellish dreams of Ignis seeing her and flying into a fit of rage so intense that he lost himself entirely… and became every bit the monster he had worked so very hard to not be. Only this time it would be willingly, and everyone who had ever wronged him would suffer.

The galaxy would bow to him, and he would be its utter ruler.

Anya knew that Ignis would never want that, but she had seen what he had done when she had been almost gang-raped on Coruscant. Thinking back, Anya felt like that incident had been far less intense than what she faced right now. And if Ignis had gone into a fit of rage over that incident… what would he do when he found out about Anya now?

Surely that had to be the reasoning behind what Vexa was doing to Anya. Or at least a large part of it.

Lying curled on the ground beside Anya, though with her injured leg stuck out at an odd angle, was Arthalinea. The poor girl had steadily gotten worse, and her leg truly was gangrenous now. Even in the dim lighting, Anya could see the state of her wound, and the leg itself. Anya highly doubted that the leg would be salvageable unless they got the girl help now. And if they were somehow rescued, the girl would likely need amputation simply to save her life.

Anya could feel the pain radiating from Arthalinea in waves, and she wished there was something, anything that she could do to help the poor girl.

The child had stopped eating even the tiny ration bars that Anya had been managing to feed the girl. Anya simply wanted Arthalinea to try keeping up her strength, which Anya could tell was waning a little more each day.

Arthalinea was also so feverish that she felt like a small furnace to Anya. And while the warmth admittedly felt good in the ubiquitous chill of the dungeon, Anya feared for Arthalinea. How much longer could the child hold out?

Glancing to the water skins, Anya saw that they only had about half of their given ration remaining. Anya had insisted that Arthalinea at the very least stay as hydrated as possible. She herself chose to go without most of the time so Arthalinea could drink something.

It had been a few hours since her last portioning, and Anya felt that it was time to try again. Anya took up the precious source of water and gently lifted Arthalinea's head. The girl whimpered; her eyes cracking open to reveal a misery so complete that it broke the older girl's heart.

"Time for another sip." Anya's voice was hoarse, her own throat dry, but she was determined to take care of the injured Twilek first.

Arthalinea did not have the energy to argue, so she simply opened her mouth enough to accept the tiny dribble Anya usually sent into her mouth. Since the girl was lying down, Anya was careful to put the water into the girl's cheek so she did not choke.

Anya put a small amount of water in Arthalinea's mouth and then waited for the girl to swallow. She then gently settled the girl's head back down and rubbed the child's arm in a gesture of comfort.

Anya's stomach growled, reminding her that she had gone far too long without real food, or a full meal. She had eaten as few ration bars as possible in an effort to make them last longer. But Anya's strength was waning too, from the combination of not enough sustenance, the cold temperatures, and lack of exercise.

And she was exhausted, since Anya strove to sleep as little as possible. She hated the nightmares that came when she did sleep, and so she did everything she could to avoid doing so. But eventually exhaustion would claim her, and the hellish dreams would torment her further. Her only consolation in this dungeon was the fact that she was not utterly alone.

Arthalinea was with her, even though the girl was in rotten condition. But it was just enough to keep Anya from giving up hope.

She closed her eyes, pulling up the moment in her room when Ignis had kissed her, and focusing on how his love for her made her feel. And on how she loved him so completely in return.

00000

"We accept your offer," Biggs said. "In what way do we contact you when we have something to pass along?"

Vexa grinned happily. "I will send you comm codes to use. You are making the right choice, both of you, and you will be handsomely rewarded when the war is done."

"I hope so," Biggs muttered.

Vexa gave the pair all the information they needed, and then turned her ship to return to Haruun Kal.

00000

Ignis had no idea how much time passed before someone decided to keep him company. Ignis did not have to look to know who settled to the ground nearby him. They pressed their back to the same huge trunk that Ignis was propped against.

Ignis felt Luke there, but he did not speak, unable to truly identify how he felt right then. Ignis was utterly thankful, however, that Luke did not launch into a lecture, or start grilling him for answers.

No, the man simply sat there; offering his silent companionship as if he understood what Ignis was experiencing. And knowing who the man's father was, Ignis could imagine that Luke had indeed faced similar situations as he came to terms with the truth.

But the difference in his situation and Ignis' was that with Luke and Vader, it had been the father who wasn't worthy of the son. For Ignis… it was he, the son, who was unworthy to be called Luke's child.

Besides, it wasn't like Luke had validated the claim from Vexa. Ignis did not know what he would do if Luke did so.

One thing Ignis did know was that despite what the Skywalkers and friends had done for Ignis, he could not go with them.

"If you are hoping I will return with you," Ignis said softly, but clearly, "I will not."

Luke gazed at him, and Ignis felt the man's gaze keenly, though the young man held his ground.

"May I ask why not?" the Jedi Master inquired.

Ignis could sense that Luke likely understood why, but he wanted to hear it from the young man.

"Because there are things I still need to do." Ignis looked down. "Some kids I need to help."

"The kids from Boz Pity?" Luke asked sagely.

Ignis blinked at the man in surprise, finally meeting his gaze. "You know about the kids that were there?"

Luke nodded. "Yes. We figured that was where the training happened for Vexa's newest acolytes. But when we arrived, none of them were there."

Ignis nodded. "That's because Vexa moved them to the Dark Mystery for now. And yes, much of the initial training does occur there, at least until the basics are understood and mastered. After that, they start travelling and learning other skills."

Luke was silent for a moment. "May I ask where you learned to control a fall from great heights?"

Ignis grimaced. "A few different places, actually. Anywhere with steep cliffs… and nothing to catch us at the bottom. She did allow us a few… let's call them bunny-jumps… to get practice with the technique. But then we had to perform the real thing… or die in the attempt." Ignis shuddered. "I really thought I was going to die that day, and I very nearly did."

Memories assaulted him, and Ignis closed his eyes against them.

"What changed?" Luke wanted to know.

"I thought of Anya." Ignis disclosed. "It was when I finally admitted to myself that I saw her as much more than a mere friend. I found the strength and clarity of mind I needed to think, and I just… did it."

Luke actually smiled fondly. "Do or do not, there is no try."

Ignis blinked at him, confused. "What?"

Luke's smile broadened. "Master Yoda was fond of saying that."

Ignis pondered the phrase and found that it was not that far off of what Vexa expected of her students.

"Ignis…" Luke murmured, and the tone of his voice made Ignis wary. "I want you to know that I am not angry any longer over what you did before."

Ignis did not move, but his heart began to beat more erratically. "I… I never should have…" he faltered, then shifted course. "I tried to warn you… I tried so very hard to warn you…"

"I know that now," Luke replied gently. "I didn't understand then, but I do now. You were cornered so thoroughly, that you really did not have a choice. Yet… you still made the impossible one." Luke shifted to face Ignis more, and the young man looked away. "I am very grateful that you did not take Kodai to Vexa. I know the sacrifice you made in his behalf, and I will never be able to adequately thank you for that."

Ignis shifted uncomfortably. He was not used to such sentiments or praise. Finally, he spoke from the heart. "It was the right thing to do."

Luke and Ignis were silent for a moment, and then Ignis added something.

"And after seeing what Vexa did to Sylva… I am doubly glad I defied her."

Luke tilted his head, sensing Ignis' mood. "Who is Sylva?"

Ignis closed his eyes. "The Cathar Senator's daughter… the one I took to Vexa…" Ignis buried his face in his hands, ashamed of himself. "I had no idea what Vexa had planned for her… but even if I had, I would not have been able to stop it from occurring."

Luke shifted closer still. "What happened to her?"

Ignis did not answer immediately. "She stole the girl's essence… or at least, I think that's what she did. Either way, there was nothing left of the child but a pile of ashes."

Luke blanched. "And her father?"

Ignis flinched. "I was ordered to set him free… on Ziost. I guarantee he did not make it a day."

Luke flinched also, understanding what Ignis meant, and Ignis could feel his revulsion at knowing what Vexa had done to the child.

"I did not know such a thing was possible either." Luke admitted softly. "It makes me wonder what other Sith secrets she harbors."

Ignis shuddered. "She spent years alone, studying abroad. She has a vast arsenal of ancient knowledge at her disposal. Or that's my guess, judging from what I have seen."

Luke ran a hand over his wet hair, and Ignis noted only then that Luke was as soaked as Ignis was. In fact, Luke had willingly come to sit in the rain with Ignis. Something stirred within the young man at that, but he pushed it down, unable to take any other emotional roller coasters just then.

Ignis had one question, though. "How did you know where I would be?"

Luke shook his head lightly and focused on Ignis again. "I followed the Force."

Ignis frowned. "Why would you be search for me, though, if not for revenge? Force knows I deserve it."

Luke's lips turned downward in disapproval. "I disagree, Ignis. You are a victim, one who has been tortured long enough."

Ignis looked down. "I highly doubt she is finished with me."

Luke didn't refute that. "Well, I am here to help now."

Ignis didn't get a chance to respond, because Shmi appeared then. "Dad, sorry to interrupt, but Wes commed to warn us that Vexa is on her way back."

Luke nodded his understanding. "Ignis…"

"I can't go back with you." Ignis stated firmly.

"I know," Luke murmured, and Ignis did not understand why he seemed so sad about that.

Ignis' mind shifted to a question he'd had since the children from Boz Pity had shown up on the Dark Mystery. One very important person had not been present, and that worried the young man.

Turning to Luke, Ignis spoke. "While you were at the castle, did you happen to see a red-skinned Twilek girl?"

Luke hesitated. "She was not there… she had called me earlier and during the message she was attacked by some hounds. When we arrived, she was not at the castle."

Ignis sat upright. "Vexa's hounds got her?" He wrung his hands. "If she doesn't get treated for the bites… she will get very, very sick."

Luke tilted his head. "How so?"

"Vexa fed them a very specific diet, which makes their saliva full of toxic bacteria. It takes time for the toxins to spread, but they will definitely cause issues if she isn't treated." Ignis blanched when he recalled what else Luke had said. "She called you directly, and got caught? Then I highly doubt that Vexa treated her, wherever she stashed Arthalinea. So… she only has a limited amount of time left."

Ignis stood and began to pace agitatedly. So that was what had happened to Arthalinea. But where would Vexa stash the child? Or would she have left the girl in the castle, but in one of the oubliettes?

Shmi and Luke exchanged a significant look, and then Shmi stepped forward as Luke rose to his feet.

"Ignis, have you by chance seen Anya?"

Ignis stopped his pacing, frowning at her in confusion. "Why would I have? She's safely away from the Rising." He caught something in Shmi's' gaze and he stiffened. "…Isn't she?"

Shmi looked equally befuddled. "You don't know?"

Ignis stepped closer, eyeing her intently. "Know what?"

Luke stepped forward now. "Ignis… Arthalinea called to tell us where to find Hobbie… and Anya."

Ignis sucked in a breath, his world starting to slow, even as Shmi affirmed what Luke had just said.

"Ignis, Vexa has had Anya for a while now." Shmi looked down. "Anya was captured almost two weeks ago."

Ignis' heart stopped. Vexa had Anya?! She's had Anya… and Ignis was completely ignorant of that.

"You had no clue, did you?" Shmi asked.

Ignis shook his head, his voice coming out strained as Mara and Han joined the trio. "No… I thought she was safe with you guys!"

Shmi flinched. "Well… about that."

And she launched into an explanation about her and Anya's trip to try finding Ignis, and when she was done, Ignis was pale.

"What was she thinking?" Ignis asked hoarsely, looking to Shmi. "And you, what were you thinking? That you'd just whisk me away and nothing bad would happen to you? I was under the squid's control… Vexa's control!" Ignis ran his hands through his hair agitatedly. "I would have had to kill you both… and I would not have been able to say no!"

Mara stepped up, a hard edge to her voice. "But that did not happen, Ignis. Calm down, think clearly."

Ignis stopped, eyeing her now, and something about seeing his hero here, having had a hand in helping Ignis, indeed caused his mind to clear. He had always wanted to be like Mara, and now here was his chance.

Ignis thinned his lips and did think. Clearly Anya was no longer on Boz Pity, nor Hobbie, if Luke and Mara had been there. They would have rescued Hobbie… and Anya, if she had been there still.

Therefore, it stood to reason that Anya had been moved… and so had Arthalinea.

But where to, and why would Vexa keep this a secret from him? Ignis stilled, realization dawning on him.

"She has both of them…" Ignis said suddenly. "To try and get to me."

The others shared looks, and Ignis explained. "She has been trying to get me to willingly be her apprentice. I guess this is her backup plan should I continue to deny her."

Ignis clenched a fist, his resolve hardening to durasteel. "I will take Vexa Wran down if it is the last thing I ever do." He looked to Luke. "I am staying so I can be an inside man. Return my armor to me, and place me as close to the crash site as you can, and leave. You must be gone before Vexa returns. I do need a favor, though…" He faltered, realizing he was really in no position to ask that of these people. "Please."

Luke nodded. "Anything you need."

Ignis' insides knotted at that, and he didn't know why, but he pressed on. "I was given… charge of a boy, a Mirialan named Tharan. I need to set him free, but make it look like he died. I'll get him to an escape pod, but you will need to extract him please."

Luke was already nodding. "Of course. We will need a way to communicate."

Ignis hesitated. "Not with the Force, Vexa will sense it. I'll contact you once I set up a secure, closed frequency." Ignis paused. "The boy was abandoned by his father after Naboo was taken, so tread carefully. And… I was instructed to not be his… friend."

Ignis looked away, ashamed anew. He couldn't help feeling that way, victim of the squid or not. He had done many terrible things as Vexa's Fist. But that would change now.

Mara stepped up now, softening. "Hey, you have to work past the guilt…"

Ignis shook his head. "I can't. Not right now… and maybe never."

He saw Han had left, and was now setting Ignis' armor up under the canopy. He also had dry clothes for Ignis to change into so he could not be soaking wet under the armor. The group went to where the armor was, and the ladies bowed out to give Ignis privacy.

Luke and Han averted their eyes when Ignis changed his pants, but when Ignis pulled the wet shirt off, Luke stopped him.

"Ignis… where did the brand come from?"

Luke indicated Ignis' back, but the young man had already guessed what Luke meant. He had seen Ignis shirtless, and thus knew that this mark was brand new. Ignis did not answer, though his motions slowed as he drew the sleeves of his new shirt onto his arms in preparation to pull it over his head.

Luke eyed the young man, then ventured a query. "Did Vexa do it to you?"

Ignis didn't look his way, though he did respond honestly. "No."

Luke frowned, and Ignis would not meet his eyes anew, even as he finished donning his shirt. Ignis then began to pull pieces of armor to himself, and put them on with practiced ease. Luke and Han stood back as Ignis slowly became the image that had been terrorizing the galaxy of late. When it was only the mask and helmet left to go, Luke stepped up and placed a hand on Ignis shoulder.

"Ignis… doing that to yourself was unnecessary."

Ignis kept his eyes down. "Someone had to remember them."

"Remember who?" Luek inquired, though Ignis got the sense Luke already knew.

"My victims," Ignis whispered.

"But like this?"

Ignis could sense how much this was bothering Luke, but he pulled away. "Yes, like this."

Luke thinned his lips, and Ignis used the lull to don the helmet and mask, then he paused. "Thank you again for freeing me… it feels indescribably good to know that I am my own person again. I did not think that would ever again be in my future."

Luke stepped back, and Ignis could tell that Luke was not happy about the branding incident, but Ignis was ready to be done talking about it. Except that Luke asked one more question that Ignis couldn't ignore.

"The little star… there's only one." Luke looked Ignis right in the eye, despite the mask. "Is that for…"

"Sylva, yes," Ignis whispered.

He pressed on before the others could try to speak more on it. "Listen, I see Luke's fighter. Let me ride on the outside of it: you take and leave me. The X-wing will be much harder to spot. The others should leave in the Shadow."

Mara was there again, and she nodded, though she did come forward and take his arm in her hand. "You can do this, Ignis. I believe in you. We will keep an ear out for any information on Anya and… was it Arthalinea?"

Ignis nodded. "Yes, thanks. Expect to hear from me. Either way, Vexa's reign is at an end."

Shmi stepped up next, and she looked nervous. "Ignis…" She bit her lip, and then went on. "Please be careful. I… I don't want to lose my brother."

Ignis felt like she had sucker-punched him, and he back-stepped. "I'll…" he stammered, hating that he was such a wreck from that one statement. "I can't make any promises."

With that he turned, though he remembered Han and he stepped up, offering a hand. "I have you to thank for understanding my messages."

Han smiled softly, taking the offered hand. "I was happy to help Kid."

Ignis smiled softly in Han's direction, though he knew the other couldn't see it. Then he turned and walked with Luke to the X-wing while the others broke camp and piled into Mara's ship. Minutes later, the Jade Shadow was gone, disappearing into the atmosphere.

Then Ignis waited for Luke to get into his ship, though the man hesitated.

Ignis held his breath, wondering if Luke would say anything, and if so, what. What did Ignis want him to say? To Ignis' utter surprise, Luke reached up and removed the mask so he could see Ignis' face.

"Ignis… you will need to learn to forgive yourself." Luke reprimanded gently. "Believe me when I say I understand the guilt for ones' actions. Remember that it was I who took out the original Death Star, with all those innocent people on board. You haven't quite reached those numbers, nor have you become Darth Vader as much as people assume."

Ignis looked down. "I can't just let this go. I have a lot of baggage to work through."

"And you will," Luke said confidently, placing a hand on Ignis' shoulder. "In your own time, I know. Just… try not to torture yourself with anymore self-harm please."

Ignis frowned, looking to Luke. "Why would you care if I hurt myself?"

Luke looked him dead in the eye. "I care very much what happens to my son."

Ignis recoiled physically and mentally, seeing how much that hurt Luke. But Ignis couldn't help it. He turned away, his heart hammering so hard he almost couldn't breathe. His artery throbbed heavily with the blood pumping through him at a high rate now. Luke had finally verified Vexa's claim… and what Ignis had known, deep inside, and despite his denial.

To his further dismay, tears leaked from his eyes, and he took the mask back. "Please don't call me that."

Luke frowned gently, sensing Ignis' state of being. "Why not? I've spent most of these last many weeks learning the truth for myself. You are my son, and I love you."

Ignis shifted away when Luke tried to touch him. "I don't deserve it!" He hollered. "I am not worthy to be called your… your… s-son!" He closed his eyes. "I know what I wrote in my letter… but it can never be. I… am not a Skywalker."

He placed his mask back on and leapt to the spot on the hull of Luke's ship behind Artoo Detoo, leaving Luke on the ground. Ignis refused to look at him, even as Luke sighed softly and took to the controls, sealing the cockpit.

Moments later, Ignis was anchoring himself in place as Luke flew back toward the crash site. Ignis could sense search parties out, and he knocked on the canopy to get Luke's attention. He motioned, and Luke nodded, slowing to a stop.

Ignis leapt off and ran into the trees without looking back. He felt Luke's mixed emotions but pressed onward, working hard to clear his head and heart so he could function like he had before.

Ignis took his emotional baggage and sealed it away in a corner of his heart for now. With that task complete, Ignis worked his way to the closest search party, and met up with them.

"It's him!" a soldier shouted, bringing the attention of the entire group onto Ignis. "Vexa's Fist!"

The man rushed forward. "Are you badly injured Sir?"

Ignis stared at him, and the man indicated his helmet. Ignis had forgotten about the dent, and Ignis nodded. "I am alright."

"How did you get so far from your crash site?" the one in charge asked when he arrived.

"Natives tried to drag me off, but I took care of them." Ignis replied in an indifferent tone. "Get me out of here before any more show up."

"Yes Sir. May I ask how you survived the crash?" the same captain asked as they walked. "There wasn't anything left of your ship."

"I hit a tree first, and managed to get out before the ship fell the rest of the way to the ground." Ignis stepped over a fallen log. "But I didn't get far before those natives tried to take me. I suppose they thought I would become a bargaining chip."

"Guess they was stupid, eh, Sir?" one grunt asked with a mean chuckle. "They can't be too bright if they thought they could just take Vexa's Fist like that."

"Yeah," another joined in, "no wonder this planet was a breeze to take."

Ignis did not join in on their laughter, but he let them be, using his indifference to make them believe his story. He would have to work hard to spin this same story to Vexa, Ignis knew. But he could and would do it.