CHAPTER SIX
"What type of planet is this?" Anakin asked as Mortis' season and time of day changed around him and Animus for the third time in the last fifteen minutes.
Animus, striding three feet ahead of him, spared him a quick glance. "Mortis is not your average planet. You wouldn't be able to spot it easily on a map...or at all."
Anakin stared at a nearby tree, which, only seconds ago, had looked beautiful and welcoming, but had now changed into an old, withered, and decayed look. Turning back to Animus, he said, "Care to explain its history?"
"Its history is irrelevant," the large man muttered and spoke no more on the matter. He remained silent as he led Anakin through a colorful, fluorescent forest that nearly morphed into a narrow bridge over a lake of lava. They soon reached what Anakin presumed was their destination: a large cave surrounded by strange plants.
He stared at the cave's opening maw which, to complete the look, had stalactites and stalagmites protruding from the roof and ground of the cave, giving off the appearance of fangs.
"Are you afraid?" Animus asked after Anakin stared at the entrance for a moment.
The young Jedi shook his head hastily. "No, of course not."
A wicked grin tugged on the corners of the larger man's mouth. "Then you will be."
Anakin turned his attention back to the cave. "What's in there?"
"Only one way to find out, right?"
Nodding slowly, Anakin took in a deep breath, exhaled it out, and stepped into the cave's vicious maw, becoming devoured by darkness.
* * *
The somewhat recently planted gardens located outside the Jedi Temple on Ossus was truly a sight to behold. Although it certainly wasn't as lush and widespread as flora was said to be before the Cron Supernova, it was nonetheless a step forward in restoring the ancient Jedi residence.
Jaina Solo had always enjoyed visiting the gardens ever since they had first blossomed, basking in the peace and serenity of it all, and even more so now, with the Glorian War going on. It was nice to take a break from flying with Rogue Squadron to enjoy some quiet time off for once, even if it was for a short time.
As she slowly made her way through the gardens, listening to the harmonic rhythm of the songbirds native to Ossus' forests, she suddenly heard a quiet voice say, "Focus."
She turned to see a red-skinned Nikto sitting nearby, dressed in the robes of a Jedi Master, with his eyes closed. Before him were two young Jedi trainees- a male Bith and a female Tholothian- sitting in the same cross-legged position as he was.
"Focus," the Jedi Master repeated. "Listen to the consistent and endless melody of the songbirds. Feel the light breeze that disturbs the trees' stillness. Become one with the Force."
Jaina smiled at the teaching session she was witnessing, being reminded of her own days as an apprentice.
"It's hard to be in a peaceful state with a war going on," she said quietly.
Without opening his eyes, the Nikto smiled by flattening the flaps at the corners of his mouth. "Even in darkness, there is light, and in the darkest of times, there is hope for peace."
He opened his brown eyes and aimed their gaze at Jaina. "You, of all people, should know that, Jaina Solo. Your grandfather is one of the greatest examples of that lesson."
He rose to his feet and offered her his hand. "I am Master Narrakar Von and these are my apprentices, Sadi Karria and her friend Bal Jal'var."
The two apprentices stood up and bowed wordlessly to Jaina, no doubt amazed by the fact that they were in the presence of whom they saw as a legendary Jedi Knight.
Kids these days, Jaina thought. If they found out that an Ewok was Yoda's cousin's former roommate, they would probably idolize it as well.
"Now then," Narrakar said, "what brings you here to the gardens?"
Just as Jaina opened her mouth to reply, a low, quiet hum sounded through the gardens of Ossus. The four Jedi looked up to see a black-colored T-65 X-wing starfighter. It looked remarkably similar to the StealthX fighters recently employed by the New Jedi Order, but its color scheme was a lot more darker.
"Sadi, Bal, return to the temple," Narrakar said urgently to his two apprentices. "And get Master Baran."
The young Jedi did as they were told and hurried back to the temple just as the fighter landed and a cloaked figure climbed out of the canopy. Once the stranger was out, they began walking towards the other two Jedi and Jaina got a good look at their hooded face. It was a young human male with dark skin and brown eyes, and he walked with swift, confident strides.
Jaina did not recognize the man but Narrakar clearly did, for he narrowed his eyes with skepticism. "Tasen Denon," he muttered. "I thought you and Master Viron had vanished on a mission to Boz Pity."
Tasen Denon nodded, coming to a stop five feet away from them. "Reports on our disappearance were accurate...save for one tidbit."
Narrakar eyed the man warily. "And what would that be?"
"At Boz Pity," Tasen said, "we came into contact with an organization, one which is based in the Esstran sector. We encountered the Dark Jedi Order and decided to join them."
Jaina's eyes widened. "The Dark Jedi Order? Are you saying that you and Master Viron have...fallen to the dark side?"
Tasen smiled tightly. "I wouldn't say we 'fell'. But, yes, we voluntarily turned to the dark side, alongside other like-minded individuals."
Narrakar crossed his arms. "Why are you here?"
The Dark Jedi's smile widened. "I think it would be best if I spoke with Master Baran."
* * *
The cold, damp cave was silent, save for the droplets of water that dripped from the sharp, seemingly lethal stalactites that hung overhead. Anakin had no idea how much further he had to go, or how far the cave even went, for he was completely blinded in the darkness.
He felt his heart beat with fear, but he tried to calm it down. A Jedi knew no fear.
A Jedi knows no fear, a voice from behind him repeated.
Anakin froze, the voice still echoing in his ears. Knowing it would be pointless to look behind him, he reached out with the Force. As far as he could tell, he was alone in the cave.
After a moment of stillness- and silence- he took a step forward. The voice returned. Nor hatred.
Anakin immediately stopped, his breathing suddenly heavy. "Who's there?" he called out.
No reply came. When one still did not after a few minutes, he took another step. Sure enough, the voice spoke again, this time sounding like a mere whisper in his head.
Nor love.
Taking a deep breath, Anakin closed his eyes (not that it made a difference) and reached out again, this time with his mind. Who are you?
I am what you once were, what you are now, and what you may become.
Footsteps. The slow but loud sound of armored boots hitting against the stone floor. Whoever was approaching him, Anakin could sense a strong 'dark side-aura' radiating from them. Was it a Sith? A Dark Jedi? Or some other darksider?
His questions were answered by the loud, almost clamorous sound of breathing, clearly emitting from a respirator of some sort. It was soon followed by the hissing sound of a lightsaber activating, its crimson glow illuminating the cave.
Letting his breath out, though it was not out of relief, he brought out his own lightsaber, igniting its azure blade.
"I take it that you're one of my trials," he said, trying to gather his strength.
"Do not try to mask your fear," Darth Vader replied. "The facade of confidence is one that's easy to melt."
Anakin turned around fully to face the masked phantom that stood before him, towering over him like a giant. He braced himself as he raised his blade to defend from the Dark Lord's assault.
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