Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Twenty

EDITED 4/20/2019 Changed the description of Xiana's Jedi victim.

CHAPTER TWENTY

--Ossus--

    "Someone must be impatient," commented Lokai, Xiana's trusted enforcer and bodyguard, as he listened to the TIE fighters outside, firing upon the Jedi Temple. He turned to Xiana, who stood over the battered form of a Kitonak Jedi. "Shall we take our leave and let them have their fun?"

    Xiana sneered as she made a shallow cut across the Jedi's back with her saber, eliciting a scream. "Leave it to Imperials to take all the glory."

    "You didn't answer my question."

    Xiana glared at him as she made another slash, causing another scream. "We stay, of course. I'd sooner die than have a handful of hotshot pilots take the credit for the deaths of a hundred Jedi."

    Lokai smirked as he ignited his saberstaff. "I like the way you think."

    He then stepped forward and plunged the scarlet blade into the Jedi's back. He enjoyed watching the Kitonak twitch for a half-second before expiring. He then took the blade out and grinned at Xiana.

    "Better hurry though. Pretty soon there'll be none left for you to take credit for."

*  *  *

    "Is this the last one?" Anakin asked Jaina as she pushed Lexa Varr's bed up the ramp of the Millennium Falcon.

    "Yes," Jaina said, looking around the Corellian freighter as she stepped on board. "Okay, since when was this piece of junk here on Ossus?"

    "Dad sent it to me for repairs," Anakin said as he closed the ramp behind Jaina. "Said he trusted me more than any repair shop on Coruscant."

    "I thought he did his own repairs."

    "He does, but apparently he was needed for something urgent. Never got the chance to ask him for what." Anakin then headed for the cockpit and Jaina followed, letting Cilghal take Lexa to the sick bay. As Anakin was about to get into the pilot's seat, his sister grabbed him by the shoulder.

    "Have you ever flown this thing?" she asked.

    Anakin hesitated. "Maybe once... no, twice."

    "And how long ago was the last time?"

    He winced. "When I was seventeen."

    "Yeah, I think you should let me fly." Pushing her brother aside, Jaina settled into the pilot seat. Outside the cockpit, she could see Remker's ship -- a Corellian freighter of a larger model -- also preparing to lift off. From his cockpit the Zabrak caught her eye and gave her a nod. Jaina returned it before preparing the Falcon for take off.

    As she did, she glanced at Anakin, who was buckling himself into the co-pilot's seat, brushing off Wookiee fur from his pants.

    "Do you think Toah will be all right?" she murmured.

    A sigh escaped his nose. "I don't know," he replied. "At this point, I'm not sure any of us will be okay."

    Jaina started to say something but stopped herself. There was no time. Remker's ship was already taking off. They should be doing the same.

    The engines of the Millennium Falcon roared to life and the Corellian freighter followed the other out of the hangar and into the chaos outside.

--The Resurgent--

    "That'll do, Obsidian Squadron," Darth Taral said, having monitored the TIE fighters' attack on the Jedi Temple. "That should speed progress up sufficiently."

    "My lord, two Corellian freighters are leaving the temple," the leader of Obsidian Squadron responded. "Shall we shoot them down?"

    Taral did not answer right away. He pondered over this news: two ships leaving Ossus. No doubt carrying Jedi, fleeing from the massacre. Cowards, the whole lot of them. They deserved to die. But... did they?

    Undoubtedly these Jedi were heading back to Coruscant or someplace to spread word of what had happened here. To warn the Alliance. To give them time to prepare.

    That could be useful.

    "Let them go," he finally told Obsidian Leader.

    "My lord?"

    "You heard me. Let them go."

    Taral leaned back in his seat, folding his hands. He wanted the people to know of this event, to know of the Ossus Massacre. He wanted them to be afraid. To fear the wrath of the Sith. He could then use that fear to tighten his grip.

    It was why the Republic wiped out the Jedi the first time. It was why the Empire destroyed Alderaan.

    Fear -- and with it, paranoia -- kept people on their toes. It softened them up, allowed them to be manipulated like modeling clay. That was how any tyrant built the base of an empire.

    And this was Taral's chance to get the clay he needed.

--Ossus--

    Busy as he was directing his minions as they tore down the last statues on the temple grounds, Xaros noticed something was off. Not right. Everything had gone quiet, when just moments ago he had heard lightsabers clashing and Jedi dying. Had the fun stopped already?

    Turning around, he saw a dozen or so Sith walking out of the temple, carrying scars and bruises and two unconscious Jedi. Xaros' face twisted into a sneer at this.

    "Don't tell me we're taking prisoners," he said.

    "We're not," snarled a human Marked One as he unceremoniously dumped the Kel Dor Jedi he'd been carrying. A Nagai Sith then pulled the Jedi up to his knees and held a blade at his neck while Xiana knelt down before him.

    "The Grand Master of the Jedi Order." She spat in his face. "Congratulations. You've failed."

    Kro Sadoon said nothing. Xiana raised a hand to his face and curled her fingers around the goggles that covered his eyes. "What will happen if I take these off?"

    The silence continued. Keeping her hold on the goggles, Xiana then said, "Where is Toah Jarsan?"

    No answer. Xiana started to gently tug on the goggles. "My friend over there--" She inclined her head towards the masked man standing nearby, cradling an unconscious red-haired girl. "--says that he spotted Jarsan with you while the Imperials were attacking. Yet when he was finished with the girl, he was gone."

    She pulled harder on the goggles and a brief, near-undetected gasp escaped the Kel Dor. This brought a smirk to her face.

    "Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Jedi have the ability to just disappear when they feel like it.... except when they die." She leaned in closer to him, whispering in his ear. "But that's not the case, is it? You would know if he had died. You would tell us if he was dead. So, please, tell us... where is Toah Jarsan?"

    Sadoon took in a breath and released it as he said, "Even if I knew, I would not tell you."

    Hissing like a vexed nexu, Xiana tore the goggles from the Kel Dor's face and the Grand Master screamed as the oxygen burned his exposed eyes. The Nagai holding him then tore his blade across Sadoon's neck and the Jedi crumpled lifelessly to the ground.

    All of the Sith stood in a tense silence. Xaros looked from Xiana and Lokai to Kylo Ren and the girl. Then, clearing his throat, he said, "Are the Jedi all dead then?"

    "No," Xiana said darkly. "Two freighters carrying survivors escaped the temple. Apparently Taral let them go."

    "There are also a few members of the High Council left unaccounted for," Kylo said. "I don't believe any of them were on those ships. Plus, there is Jarsan...."

    "I'll have my men scour the ruins for them, as well as any other survivors." Xaros turned and called out to one of his Keshiri Sabers. "Xela! I want you and the uvak riders to start scavenging whatever's left of the temple."

    As the High Lord gave out these orders, one of Xiana's warriors approached her.

    "My lady, we have two other Jedi in our captivity."

    "What?" Xiana snapped, yellow eyes blazing. "Why did you not just kill them?"

    The Rodian Sith stumbled in his response. "I-- we-- Tasen told us to spare them. He... he thought they'd be useful."

    "How?" Xiana snarled, stepping up to the Sith as her fingers brushed the hilt of her lightsaber. "What use could two Jedi possibly be to us?"

    "One of them is a Kiffar -- they're known to have psychometry abilities."

    At this, Kylo Ren perked up. Xiana gave him a sidelong glance before turning back to the Rodian. "And the other?"

    "The other... isn't necessarily a Jedi per se," the other Sith said. "Tasen said he was once his master. I... believe he said his name was Kallus."

    A look of realization fell upon Xiana's face. "One of Taral's masters...."

    The gathered Sith looked amongst themselves -- save for Xaros. The disinterested High Lord simply laughed.

    "Ah, some days I wish I was on the same page as all of you."

*  *  *

    "Are they still out there?"

    "Yes. They've got these... flying animals searching the area."

    "They must be looking for Toah. We should lay low until they leave."

    "You were right, Solo. I should have listened to you when you said--"

    "Don't blame yourself, Noran. I understand why you didn't believe me."

    "What I don't understand is why you've been here all along and never revealed yourself to anyone except Noran. Your siblings would have been ecstatic at seeing you again."

    "I have my reasons, Kyle. All which will be clear in time."

    "Just 'Kyle?' No 'Master Katarn?'"

    "The order is gone and with it its hierarchy." Jacen Solo then turned, the unconscious form of Toah Jarsan propped against him, and headed deeper into the forest. "Come, my friends. Destiny awaits -- we shouldn't keep it waiting too long."

END OF PART II

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Nineteen

CHAPTER NINETEEN

--Ossus--

    "Is this all the Jedi have to offer?" laughed Lord Xaros as he stood atop a fallen pillar, watching with glee as the Jedi fell to his Sith Sabers and their barbaric Marked One allies. "How sad. After all these years, I'd been hoping for a challenge."

    "Lord Xaros!" One of his Sabers, a Keshiri female, came rushing up to him, red lightsaber in hand. "An opening has been made in the temple. Lady Xiana is moving us to attack those inside."

    Xaros' grin became a scowl. "Xiana may lead her flock wherever she likes, but you go where I tell you. Understood?"

    "But, my lord, everyone is going into the temple. Including all the Jedi. Would we not be of better use there?"

    "Oh, no doubt." Xaros took a perusing look around what appeared to be a garden of sorts. Whatever plants had been here had already been taken care of by the first wave of Sith... but there still stood a few statues of renowned Jedi. They were a massive insult to his eyes.

    "But first... I think some redecorating is in order."

*  *  *

    Toah's journey to find Anakin had been ended almost as soon as it had begun, and he owed it all to some man in black waving around a crossguard lightsaber.

    As he narrowly dodged the Sith's attacks, countering them with some of his own, he spotted Anakin, Jaina, and a red-haired girl rushing up to join him. Before he could say anything to them, his assailant pushed him down with the Force and sprinted past him, fleeing from the other three Jedi.

    "Well, that was a letdown," Toah muttered as he got back up. "I was hoping for some real action."

    "He's headed for the Council Chambers," Jaina said. "He must be crazy if he thinks he can take them all on his own."

    "Even so, we have to move quickly," Anakin said. Before he could head off, Toah grabbed him by the shoulder.

    "Wait, Anakin. I need to ask something of you."

    "There's no time. We have to--"

    "Anakin. We're fighting a hopeless battle."

    At this, the younger man caught Toah's gaze, blue eyes meeting brown ones. "Don't say that," Anakin said sternly. "We can win this."

    "No, we can't," Toah returned just as strongly. "We're outnumbered. Jedi are falling left and right. For every Sith we bring down, they bring down ten of us. There is no victory in this, Anakin. Not for us."

    Anakin opened his mouth to protest but Toah cut him off again. 

    "Listen to me: I want you to find as many Jedi as you can and get off of Ossus. Go to the Ileenium system -- I've gathered a resistance force on D'Qar. Tell them what happened here and warn them of the Sith."

    Anakin frowned. "What about you?"

    "I'll stay here and hold my ground." He stared firmly into Anakin's eyes. "The future of the Jedi depends on you, Anakin. Just like it did on your namesake. Don't let the Order down."

    Anakin looked from Toah to Jaina, pondering over his request. He then conceded with a sigh. "All right. We'll try to find as many Jedi as we can. I think there's a ship in the hangar that can hold up to a dozen."

    Toah nodded. "Then there isn't time to lose."

    "Right." Anakin turned back to Jaina... and frowned, realizing she was alone. "Where's Natia?"

    Jaina sighed. "Gone after that Sith, no doubt."

    "I'll go after her," Toah said, walking past the two Solos. "May the Force be with you both."

    "And with you," Anakin said before taking off with Jaina.

*  *  *

    Donhran Remker sighed through his nose as he closed the eyes of Master Kelbis Narik, the Rodian's body joining those of several others in the medical ward.

    He collapsed onto the floor, clutching his stump of an arm -- a "gift" he owed a Nagai Sith. He watched as Master Cilghal and her Nothoiin assistant rushed back and forth caring for the injured and the dying. He winced as he heard a Bith Jedi let out a blood-curdling scream.

    "Master Ahar!" Cilghal rushed over to his side, immediately applying her healing abilities to his ailing form. "Calm yourself. It's all right. It's going to be all right."

    Ahar simply continued to scream. Remker could not take anymore and got back to his feet. Walking across the ward, he surveyed those all laying in pain:

    Zaylii minus her wings. Zin Jato sans his left arm. Lexa and Serra with their arms in slings. Lowbacca with several patches of fur missing. The list simply grew the further Remker went down and the Zabrak had to stop, sighing again as he sat on the edge of a Padawan's bed, the young boy undisturbed from his rest.

    The future was not looking bright. It would appear he was going to witness yet another Jedi Purge, just as he had as a youngling six decades ago. And this time, he doubt he was going to survive.

    "Novah, fetch me a cover," he heard Cilghal said forlornly. "We've lost another one."

    As the Nothoiin went over to cover up the now-deceased Ahar, the door to the war opened and Jaina Solo came rushing in. Cilghal saw her and walked over.

    "What do you need, Jaina? Are you injured?"

    "No," the female Solo said. "Anakin and I are taking as many Jedi as we can to leave Ossus so we can warn the Alliance."

    The Mon Calamari shook her head. "I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere. None of these Jedi are anywhere near well enough to leave."

    "Master, they aren't going to get any better by staying here. The Sith are pressing their assault and will be here any minute."

    Cilghal opened her mouth to protest but Remker cut her off. "She's right, Cilghal. We have to leave, or else we'll all die."

    The healer frowned at him, although he could tell she knew arguing was futile. Turning back to Jaina, she said, "How do you plan on getting us off Ossus?"

    "Anakin's working on that bit. Right now, we need to get everyone to the hangar."

    "The medbeds are mobile, but I don't know if we have enough people to push them."

    "We do," Remker said, getting to his feet along with Zaylii, Lowbacca, and other patients still able to walk. "All we need now is time."

    "The faster we move, the more we have," Jaina said, already getting behind a patient's bed to push it. "Let's go."

*  *  *

    "Natia! Stop!"

    Toah's calls fell upon deaf ears as Natia Dorn charged towards Kylo Ren, who was locked in a duel with Masters Sadoon and Taana Di. The dark warrior saw her coming and pushed her back with a mere gesture before continuing his fight with the two masters.

    For all his show previously, Ren was clearly overwhelmed by the combined strength of his opponents. Sadoon was able to deal a blow to his shoulder, causing the Knight of Ren to step back. The Kel Dor Grand Master then pointed his saber at Ren.

    "Yield, Sith. There shall be no victory for you here today."

    Ren said nothing, clutching the wound in his arm while still holding his lightsaber. Behind him, Natia was back on her feet, her eyes burning with hatred.

    "Just end him now and be done with it!" she snarled. "He's nothing more than a monster!"

    "Natia, calm yourself!" Taana implored. "You must not give in to the dark side!"

    "This animal deserves nothing but death! You're dooming us all by keeping him alive!"

    "As I see it, nothing is stopping you from killing me," Ren said to Natia, keeping his back turned to her. "I am injured and your masters are too far away to intercept you. All you need to do is take a few steps."

    Natia remained rooted in place, hot tears stinging her eyes as she held her green lightsaber before her. Taana stared at her apprentice with pleading eyes.

    "Natia... don't do it."

    "Perhaps what she needs is some motivation." Kylo Ren suddenly raised his hand and seized Taana with the Force. Before the Togruta Jedi had time to react, he then pulled her towards him, at the same time raising his saber, and the unstable red blade went straight into Taana's abdomen. Natia's anguished cries echoed through the chamber as her master's lifeless form slid off the saber and collapsed to the floor.

    Natia exploded in rage, screaming as she lunged at Ren. Their blades met, causing red and green flashes to dance around the room. As they fought, Master Sadoon rushed over to the fallen Taana, cradling her body in his arms.

    It was upon this scene that Toah walked in, having finally caught up to the much quicker Natia. He came to a full stop, his eyes darting between the dying Taana Di and the raging Natia Dorn. His mind raced over which action to take next.

    As usual, fate chose for him.

    He heard the familiar screech before the TIE fighters unleashed their wrath upon the Jedi Temple. Chunks of stone started to rain down. Neither Ren nor Natia took notice, too absorbed in their duel. Toah rushed over to Sadoon, pushing a falling slab of rock away with the Force before it could crushed the Grand Master.

    "Come on," Toah said. "Let's get you two to safety."

    Sadoon shook his head. "It's too late for that now. We've done everything we could. The future of the Jedi now rests in the hands of others, as it had once mine."

    Toah scowled. "Stop moping and come with me."

    "Toah." Sadoon met his gaze and Toah could feel the Kel Dor's eyes on him even from behind his concealing goggles. "This is my destiny. I know it to be so. Yours lies with the future of our order. I know that to be so as well. Please, Toah... do it for me. Do it for all of us."

    Toah opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by another strafing run from the TIEs. A good sized piece of the ceiling fell down, narrowly missing Kylo and Natia. Realizing there was no time to argue, Toah gave a silent nod to Sadoon before rushing over to stop Natia.

    A slab of stone fell from above and made contact with his head, preventing him from doing that.

    Whatever his destiny was, fate really didn't want him to have it.

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Eighteen

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

--The Revenger--

    "We've got them, general. It's a big one."

    The seated Glorian general snapped the giant claw that served as his right arm, a yellow cybernetic eye glowing on the left side of his reptilian face. "Crew?"

    "Eleven, sir, not counting our operative."

    A mirthless smile stretched out the General's scarred visage. "Excellent. They shouldn't prove too much of a hassle then. Send a squad down there to apprehend them. I want at least half of them alive."

    "Understood, sir."

    The General leaned back in his seat, waiting patiently for events to unfold. He had a good feeling about today.

--The Eravana--

    Han Solo had a bad feeling about today.

    He, Chewbacca, and the Wraiths were in the cargo hold, arming themselves in preparation. While he was satisfied enough with his trusted DL-44, both Chewie and Sharr insisted he take a heavier gun and some explosives as well.

    "These guys are soldiers, Solo," Sharr had said. "We fought a blasted war against them and nearly lost."

    The Corellian couldn't argue with that, much as he wanted to. He did however object to being called "Solo."

    "I only let gold protocol droids call me that," he had muttered.

    Once they were all geared up, they waited near the entrance ramp for their captors to invade. Piggy and Huhunna had gone to retrieve Girdun from his cell and hide him somewhere, in case it was him the Glorians were after.

    "I don't see why they would be," Trey had said. "As much of a slimeball Girdun is, I don't think he would keep company like the Glorians."

    "Either way, I don't want to take any chances with him around," Han said before sending the two Wraiths on their way.

    The remaining nine waited by the entrance, blasters at the ready. They could hear footsteps approaching the ship, armored boots echoing as they hit durasteel floor. The sounds got louder as the Glorians got closer; Han could even hear their armor plates clacking together.

    He looked at Chewbacca and gave the Wookiee a curt nod. "On the count of three..." he murmured.

    Chewbacca nodded back and primed his bowcaster, aiming it at the door. Han slowly counted; as soon as he said "Three", he slammed the control panel and the doors opened. Chewbacca fired his weapon and the foremost Glorian was sent flying backwards. The other Wraiths then unloaded on the invaders, shooting them down before they had time to react.

    Green blaster fire was soon returned and the Wraiths were forced to take cover, retaliating with repressive fire. The Glorians seemed to have been focusing their attacks on Chewbacca, having just seen the effects of his upgraded bowcaster.

    Han tried to tell his partner to fall back to get to safety. But the Wookiee either couldn't hear him or just wasn't listening. Regardless, the point soon became moot when a plasma bolt struck him in the shoulder, searing off a patch of brown fur.

    "Chewie!" Han rushed over to his co-pilot and best friend, taking out the Glorian who had shot him. As he reached the injured Wookiee's side, he called over to the Wraith's medic Doc. "You! Get over here now! He's injured!"

    Doc did not move, staring vacantly at him. When Chewbacca's pained moans got louder, so too did Han's voice.

    "ARE YOU DEAF?! GET OVER HERE NOW AND DO YOUR KRIFFIN' JOB!"

    Doc's blank eyes met Han's raged ones. The medic's silence persisted and the other Wraiths looked to him in confusion.

    "Doc?" Sharr said. "Are you all right?"

    The doctor blinked and Han noticed a ripple wave across his face. He cricked his neck as a strange, inhuman smile stretched across his face.

    "I am," he said quietly. "In fact, I've never been better."

    He then raised his blaster at Han. Sharr let out a yell and he lunged at the traitor, grappling with him as he tried to take the weapon. Doc elbowed him in the face, freeing his arms and allowing him to strike Sharr in the temple with his gun, knocking him out cold.

    Preoccupied as they were with the Glorians, the other Wraiths barely had time to react and Doc brought down Myri, Thaymes, and Turman in short secession. Jesmin and Trey broke off from the firefight and tried to tack him but were sent flying by a prehensile whip of flesh that had suddenly emerged from his arm.

    Han watched in disbelief as Doc's appearance started to change, his skin bubbling and peeling back. Where once a meek human male was now stood a massive, disproportionate Shi'ido. As the skin-changer lumbered over to Solo, the Glorians from outside stormed onto the ship and started to put restraints on the defeated Wraiths.

    "Is this all of them?" one of the Glorians asked.

    "No," said the thing once called Doc, its deep set eyes focused on Han and Chewbacca. "There are three others: a human, a Wookiee, and a Gamorrean. Only the last two are armed; they shouldn't prove an issue."

    The Glorian nodded and took four others to find the remaining Wraiths and Girdun. The Shi'ido then bent down to pick up Han, only to have the barrel of a DL-44 press against his forehead.

    "If Chewie dies," the former smuggler growled, "I'll blow your brains out."

    The skin-changer snorted, a disgusting sound. "You're all going to die."

    "Then allow me to repay you up front."

    He pulled the trigger and the Shi'ido fell back, screaming in pain as it clutched at the missing chunk of its skull. One of the Glorians then strode over to Han and slammed the butt of their blaster into the Corellian's face. Everything went dark.

--Ossus--

    Jaina panted heavily as she clutched her side, wincing from the bruise a Gotal Sith had dealt her. At her feet laid the Sith himself, sans head, courtesy of her lightsaber. Joining him among the dead were Bal Jal'var and two other Jedi Knights whom she did not know. Now she never would.

    Master Plun Kil was still fighting, despite his mortal injury, and was holding his own against the Dashade Sith. Valisa was squaring off with a light-whip wielding Quarren while Natia and a Duros Jedi dueled with the one known as Kylo Ren.

    The dark warrior struck Jaina as familiar, his aura feeling similar to that of someone she knew. She just couldn't put her finger on it....

    Kylo Ren's blade came down onto the Duros and Jaina snapped out of her trance. Raising her violet lightsaber, she charged towards Ren and swung her blade at the masked man's head. He raised his saber to block her's and purple clashed with red.

    As she leaned into the attack, she gazed into the mask's visor, trying to get a glimpse of the man who wore it. Although she could not see them, she could feel his eyes meet her own and a sea of emotions flooded into her: Hate. Anger.

    Fear. Suffering.

    She took in a short intake of breath as it all came to her. This man, he reminded her of someone. More than one person, she realized.

    He reminded her of Anakin. He reminded her of Jacen.

    He reminded her of herself.

    Before she knew it, Kylo was pushing her blade back with his and she could feel the heat of the violet energy beam on her skin.

    "Jaina!"

    Barreling out of nowhere came her brother. Anakin Solo rammed himself into Kylo Ren, catching the latter by surprise and knocking him away. Jaina then called upon the Force and unleashed it upon the Knight of Ren, sending him flying several feet back.

    All bore witness to this and the Dashade Sith, now the sole remaining one with his Quarren colleague dead, set his sights on the two Solos. Baring his hideous fangs, he turned away from his duel with Plun Kil and started running towards them. Battered and bruised, the Besalisk Jedi Master took after him, yelling as he spun his two remaining blades at the Dashade.

    A clean cut across his torso silenced him.

    Natia cried out as Plun Kil dropped onto the floor. Despite Valisa's best efforts to restrain her, the redhead launched herself at the Dashade, screaming in rage as she held her blade high over her head. The Sith simply laughed and spread his arms wide open, inviting her to strike him down.

    Jaina acted quickly. Reaching out with the Force, she stopped Natia in mid-stride, pushing her away before she could reach the Dashade. As the Sith set his sights on her, she flung her lightsaber at the reptilian brute, controlling its spin through the Force. She closed her eyes as the purple blade cut through his neck, only opening them when the hilt returned to her hand.

    Natia was already back on her feet, storming up to Jaina furiously. "Why did you do that?" she demanded. "Why didn't you let me kill him?"

    "Because he wanted you to," Jaina said sternly. "He wanted you to embrace the dark side, which was exactly what you were doing."

    "You're not my master!" Natia retorted. "I don't need you lecturing me like a child!"

    Jaina opened her mouth to respond but was cut off by Anakin. "Uh, I hate to interrupt, but... where did our masked friend go?"

    Jaina frowned, realizing that the Knight of Ren was nowhere to be found. It didn't take long for her to figure out where he had gone.

    "He's headed for the Council Chambers."

    No sooner had those words been spoken than Natia was running in that same direction. Leaving Valisa to look over the mortally wounded Plun Kil, Jaina and her brother went after the redhead. 

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Seventeen

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

--The Eravana--

    "He won't break," Jesmin Tainer said as she stepped out of the cell they were holding Girdun in. "I've tried every technique and nothing."

    "Not even Zilaash Kuh could snap him?" asked Trey Courser, waiting outside with Turman and Myri.

    Jesmin shook her head. "He already knows it's me, which is probably why I wasn't effective enough. Maybe if Drikall was here with one of his sedatives...."

    "Well, maybe we can get something of him when we get to D'Qar," Myri said as she and the other Wraiths headed for the bridge. "Speaking of which, I hope I find my sister or parents there. It's been ages since I've seen any of them."

    "Wait, your dad is Wedge Antilles, right?" Turman asked. "I thought he had retired years ago."

    "Oh, he did. They still manage to drag him back out every now and again."

    "You think he'll come back out for this?" Jesmin asked.

    "I don't see why he wouldn't."

    Suddenly, the ship shuddered, putting the four Wraiths off-balance. They all grabbed onto something to keep from falling and waited for the turbulence to stop. They then rushed over to the bridge, where Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the other Wraiths were.

    "What's going on?" Trey asked. "I thought we were in hyperspace."

    "Something pulled us out," Han muttered, frantically working the controls. "I think we're caught in a tractor beam."

    "Is it the Alliance?" Jesmin asked, peering through the viewport. "Or the Empire even?"

    "Definitely not. Whatever this ship is, it's bigger than any in the fleet. Chewie, see if you can get a visual."

    The Wookiee growled as he set to work. In less than a minute he had come up with a result and showed it to Han. The Corellian swore loudly.

    "What is it?" Sharr asked concernedly. 

    Han leaned back in his seat and blew out his breath. "It's a Glorian warship."

--Ossus--

    Zarin's legs weighed like duracrete blocks as he dragged himself back to the Jedi Temple. His breath came out as short, sharp rasps; he felt as if he was being suffocated, like an iron hand was pressing down on his chest.

    Was this the dark side, he wondered. Did Jaden feel this when he used Force lightning against that Quarren Sith on Korriban?

    He tripped over a rock and he fell to his knees, his panting becoming heavier. As he sat there on his knees, a particular smell came to his senses -- the smell of smoke. Fire.

    He lifted his head up, hearing the sounds of lightsabers, the cries of death. The darkness in his heart inflated and newfound adrenaline propelled him to this feet. Igniting his saber and the one taken from Odan, he stormed back into the fray.

*  *  *

    "Naia! Behind you!"

    Anakin's warning did not come in time and he watched helplessly as the two scarlet blades came down onto his fellow Jedi. Immediately setting his sights on the tattooed Zabrak who had murdered her, he lunged at the grinning horned woman and his blade locked with her's.

    As he pushed his saber against the Zabrak's, he sensed someone rushing him from behind. Breaking off from the saber lock, he performed a backflip just as Tal Natura ran past him and ran his saberstaff into the Zabrak's abdomen, killing her.

    Landing on his feet, Anakin frowned at the Twi'lek. "Did you really have to do that? I thought you were a Sith at first."

    Before Tal had a chance to reply, both Jedi heard a voice roar out, "Sister!" and turned to see a male Zabrak charging towards them. Pushing Anakin aside, Tal raised his blade to meet the Marked One's and blue clashed with red.

    While the two dueled, Anakin spared a moment to survey the chaos around him. Everywhere he looked Jedi and Sith alike fought one another's, lightsabers of all colors flashing this way and that. He could see several knights laying on the ground, seeing faces he knew ever since he was an apprentice. If he ever saw Tahiri or his sister's face among them... he wasn't sure what he would do.

    A distant cry sounded in his ear. His heart skipped a beat, his going wide as he felt something wrong in the Force.

    Jaina.... Turning on his heel, he ran through the sea of fighting Force-users, heading back to the temple.

*  *  *

    "They're trying to break though!" Master Plun Kil hollered, struggling to keep the doors closed as a massive Dashade tried to get in.

    Behind him, Jaina Solo and other Jedi Knights stood with their blades ready, while experienced knights such as Valisa Tor and herself remained calm and composed, younger ones such as Bal Jal'var and Natia Dorn shook with apprehension. As she stood next to the latter, Jaina took a moment to rest a hand on the redhead's shoulder.

    "Relax," she said quietly. "Calm yourself."

    Natia shot her a look. "How can I be calm when we're all going to die?"

    "We're not--" Jaina sighed, trying to choose her words carefully. "Everything's going to be all right, Natia."

    "No. No, it won't." Natia shook her head. "I knew this would happen. This was in my vision. I saw it all."

    Jaina opened her mouth to say something but stopped when she realized something: everything had gone quiet. The Dashade Sith had ceased his attempts in breaking in. 

    The Jedi looked amongst themselves while Plun Kil remained at the door, waiting to see if the Dashade would return. After a moment, Bal asked, "Have they... stopped?"

    The Jedi Master said nothing, though his mouth hung open as his eyes narrowed. "I sense something," he then murmured. "I sense--"

    He was cut off by a scarlet blade igniting through the door and impaling the Besalisk's midsection. Natia screamed as Plun Kil staggered back and fell. Then, the doors opened, revealing a tall masked man clad all in black, an unstable lightsaber of ancient design in his hand. Behind him were dozens of Sith.

    Kylo Ren pointed with his blade. "Kill them all."

*  *  *

    "They've brought down the doors!" Master Jomesh called from the balcony. "They're getting into the temple!"

    Kro Sadoon started pacing frantically, giving out commands. "Master Solusar, take more knights down to help Master Kil. Master Maren, provide additional support to those hiding in the ward. If they lay a single hand on the children...."

    Toah Jarsan walked away, leaving the Grand Master to his duties. He had noticed the sudden disappearance of Lord Kallus and set out to find him, fearing the worst.

    After moving past several Jedi rushing to take position, he found the Sith Master slumped against a pillar, his gaunt features inexplicably more sullen than usual.

    "Kallus?" Toah asked, rushing over to him. "Master Viron? Are you all right?"

    "He's here," the Sith croaked. "He's one of them."

    "Who is? Who are you talking about?"

    "Tasen. My former apprentice."

    "Is he a follower of Taral like Odan?"

    "No, he was my Jedi apprentice. I haven't seen him since the Glorian War." Kallus took in a sharp, ragged breath. "But he's here now. He's among the attackers."

    "Are you going to confront him?" Toah asked.

    Kallus sighed. "As his master, I feel that it is my duty. After letting Koria down and failing my other apprentice... I would like to make things right with at least one of my students before I die."

    Toah looked in the direction of the sounds coming from down the hall. The Sith were getting closer.

    "Do you think you will survive?"

    Kallus shook his head as he stood up. "I know I won't. But that's never stopped me before."

    Toah nodded knowingly. "In that case, may the force be with you, Master Viron."

    "And with you, Toah Jarsan."

    Toah watched as the Sith Master departed. The sounds of battle were growing louder, closer. He wanted to go out there, to fight with his fellow Jedi. But if he did that and he were to die, then everything would fall apart. The Resistance didn't need him to operate, no, but they needed the Jedi. He had to make sure there was at least one survivor of this battle in order to warn the Resistance of what was coming.

    An idea sparked in his mind. It was a risky one, but one that was too good to not try.

    He did not need to survive. He just needed to find a messenger.

    He needed to find Anakin Solo.

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

--Ossus--

    "So let me make sure I've heard you straight," Master Plun Kil said. "You are a Sith."

    "Correct," said Lord Kallus, standing before the gathered Jedi Council.

    "But you say you're not like the Sith of old. How?"

    "The Order of Sedriss exists purely as a means to maintain the customs and teachings of the Sith without wreaking havoc on the galaxy," Kallus explained. "We were then meant to pass our knowledge on to our apprentices, who would repeat the cycle."

    "But your apprentices have already broken this cycle, haven't they?" asked Kro Sadoon. "This Darth Taral we've been hearing about... he's the one responsible?"

    "Yes. He was once called Varon Krul, apprenticed to my colleague Paxis. I do not know why he is doing all of this, but he has all of our apprentices on his side."

    "And Master Murk was one of them?" asked Nira Maren.  

    "Correct," Kallus muttered. "He was apprenticed to Lord Serpriss, whom you know better as Appa Nakil. He has since killed Master Nakil and is now somewhere out in the forest."

    Noran Raun leaned forward in his seat. "And you believe Taral's forces are on their way here?"

    "It is inevitable. Last I heard, he was on Dromund Kaas confronting Sedriss herself. If he survived that encounter, he is no doubt on his way here as we speak."

    "Then we have no time to lose," Sadoon said, rising up. "Master Katarn, gather the Temple Guards and your best Knights. Master Tionne, see the younglings to safety."

    "Wait," Plun Kil said. "You're trusting him? A Sith?"

    "He was once one of us, Master Kil," Sadoon said sternly. "Sith or not, I would trust him with my life."

    Kil grunted. "I hope you won't need to then."

*  *  *

    Zarin was sent flying by a Force push. He quickly reoriented himself to land on his feet, skidding across the dirt, before running again towards Odan. The fallen Weequay Jedi raised his twin blades just as Zarin swung his own and green clashed across blue.

    A devious grin creased Odan's leathery skin as he leaned into the Kiffar Jedi. "I can sense the darkness in you, boy. It calls to you. Pulls at you."

    Zarin glared at him with baleful eyes, gritting his teeth. "I should have struck you down when I had the chance."

    "And how would you have explained that to your masters? How do you think that would look on your part?"

    "I know what they would've thought and I would've taken any punishment," Zarin growled. "Because I would know I'd have done it for the greater good."

    "The greater good?" Odan cackled. "What do you know of the greater good?"

    The fallen Jedi then pushed the locked blades closer to Zarin's face, forcing the Kiffar to break off. He then rejoined with a series of ferocious attacks, cutting at Odan's head and arms. The Weequay easily blocked them all.

    "Yes, embrace your anger," Odan goaded him. "Give in to the dark side. If you wish to stand a chance against the coming storm, you must fight fire with fire."

    "Shut up!" Zarin roared, increasing the ferocity of his attack. "I've had enough of your lies!"

    One strike from his saber sliced cleanly through the hilt of one of Odan's. Thrown off by this, Odan barely had the reflexes to block an attack to the head. Sneering, the fallen Jedi retaliated with a series of moves that matched Zarin's in ruthlessness.

    Soon, both Jedi were immersed in the dark side. All barriers were broken; now, only unbridled rage and hate flowed through them.

    So vicious were their attacks, so haphazard their maneuvers, that Odan did not see his downfall coming until it was too late.

    One slip of the hand -- raising his hands a centimeter higher than he had intended to -- gave his opponent the window of opportunity he needed. One clean cut from the saber, and Odan's hand and weapon were both on the ground, still connected to each other.

    Odan screamed in agony as he fell to his knees. As he clutched the remainder of his wrist, the Weequay soon found a green blade at his throat. He looked up at Zarin, seeing the burning hatred in the Kiffar's eyes.

    The fallen Jedi chuckled, a ragged sound. "Well done," he said. "Well done. You have succeeded in becoming what you were sworn to protect the galaxy from. You have only further sealed the fate of the Jedi."

    Zarin said nothing, holding his baleful gaze. With the Force, he summoned Odan's remaining lightsaber and crossed it with his at the Weequay's neck. Odan merely cackled harder. His laughter rang throughout the forest, echoing out into the night.

    With a raged yell, Zarin uncrossed the sabers and all was silent.

--The Resurgent--

    "My lord, we have arrived in the Adega system."

    Darth Taral sat in his meditation chamber, surrounded by holoscreens that showed the rest of his armada jumping out of hyperspace. This was it, he thought. His plans were finally coming to their foreseen peak. Today would certainly be a day long remembered: it would see the end of the Jedi and the revenge of the Sith.

    Opening up a call to all of his forces, Taral gave the command. "You may begin."

--Ossus--

    The booming voice of Kyle Katarn could be heard throughout the grounds of the Jedi Temple. Knights scattered to take position, students were whisked away to safety by their masters. Fear and confusion were widespread among all.

    Relin Druur observed it all impassively. Since arriving here, he had felt disconnected from reality. This wasn't his time. These weren't his fellow Jedi. He did not know what was happening nor did he care. He felt nothing.

    Nothing but darkness.

    Relin took in a sharp intake of breath. He knew what he had to do now. What he was meant to do.

    He started walking against the surge of scurrying Jedi, headed in the opposite direction. On his way, he stopped a young male Duros, grabbing him roughly by the shoulder.

    "Do you have a spare lightsaber?" Relin asked.

    The other Jedi blinked his large red eyes. "Er, yes?"

    "Give it to me."

    The Duros looked him up and down, realizing he had an arm in a sling. "I don't think so. I think you should go to a medical ward."

    Relin tightened his grip. "Give me. Your saber."

    "I really don't think I sh--"

    The ancient Jedi cut him off by hitting him in the face with his elbow. The Duros did not have the senses to stop him as Relin removed the extra hilt on his belt before running off.

*  *  *

    Starkiller let out a gasp as Kylo Ren released his hold on him. The masked man clenched his fist as he turned away from the clone, having been interrupted by Taral's call.

    "We shall finish this conversation another time," Kylo said as he left the room.

    His shuttle soon joined up with the other vessels heading down to Ossus. The twin moons of Mim and Nerit illuminated the ships' path as they landed on the outskirts of the Jedi Temple grounds. His ship the last to land, Kylo Ren stepped out into a sea of red and black. Over a hundred Marked Ones and Sith Sabers stood before him, awaiting his command.

    He turned to Xiana, who wore a revealing black uniform that exposed the marks of her following. "You shall lead the first wave. Send in the weaker hitters first. Once the Jedi are preoccupied, I'll lead the stronger warriors to storm the temple."

    Xiana stuck her nose up at him. "Don't think for a second that you can command me, Ren, regardless of what Taral said. Only I may lead my brethren."

    Kylo stepped closer to her, concealed eyes boring into her's behind an opaque visor. "Here we are at our finest hour and you're stalling it over petty semantics. If we fail because of this, how do you think Taral will react?"

    Xiana glared at him, her yellow eyes seething. Then, with a sneer, she turned on her heel and signaled a number of Sith to follow her.

    As Kylo watched them go, he felt someone grab him by the shoulder. Instinctively, he removed his lightsaber hilt from his belt -- but did not ignite it -- and turned to face a strongly built Marked One. The red-faced man scowled at him.

    "Watch where you step, Ren. The next time I see you threatening my lady, I will gut you like a womp rat."

    "You do that," Kylo said calmly as he removed the man's hand from his shoulder. "Really. I would like to see you try."

    The man snarled, glowering at the Knight of Ren. However, before things could escalate, they heard a cry from behind them. Turning, Kylo saw Xiana and the others dueling a single Jedi, using only one arm to wield a lightsaber.

    The Marked One who had threatened Kylo moved to join in the fight but was stopped by Ren. "No. I want to see how this plays out." 

    Despite only using one arm, the Jedi was rather impressive in his fighting style, swinging his saber in wide arcs that cut down numerous Sith in one fell swoop. His spree did not last long however, as Xiana was able to sneak up on him just as he struck down a Sith Saber. Her blade cut right through his splayed arm before slashing across his back, bringing him to his knees.

    Kylo stepped forward and knelt down before the Jedi, staring into his worn face. "Did you actually think that would work?"

    "It did what it needed to do," the Jedi panted. "It bought time."

    "It won't be enough."

    "Maybe not. But at least I will die having done something useful."

    Kylo Ren stood to his full height and ignited his saber. "Not really."

    He then swung his unstable blade in a mortal swoop and brought the ancient Relin Druur to his end.

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Fifteen

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

    Starkiller awoke in pain.

    His eyes were bleary. It was difficult to make things out, but he could tell he was in some sort of chamber, shackled to some sort of interrogation chair. Once his vision had finally cleared, he immediately saw that he wasn't alone.

    "Comfortable?" Kylo Ren asked, standing across from him.

    Starkiller glowered at him, trying to bear the pain. "Get kriffed," he spat.

    "Now that's no way to speak to your host," Kylo said, stepping forward. "You didn't think I was finished with you, did you?"

    "A man can dream," Starkiller muttered.

    Kylo closed the gap between them, putting a hand over the captured man's face. Starkiller screamed as he felt the Knight of Ren's mind attempt to enter his own.

    "I'll admit that your resolve is impressive," Kylo said. "That also means what you're hiding from me must be important."

    Starkiller gritted his teeth, trying to push Ren out. However, he could already feel his barriers breaking down. This simply pushed Kylo to increase his efforts. Finally, an image flashed in the former Sith's mind, and his interrogator bore witness.

    "A woman," Kylo murmured, sounding almost surprised. "She's your secret?"

    Starkiller said nothing. Kylo pressed further, and against his better efforts, more images of his past resurfaced. The memories of Galen Marek, once thought eradicated, came to the forefront and Kylo Ren saw it all: the death of his father. His apprenticeship to Darth Vader. The blinding of Rahm Kota. His first "death". The forming of the Rebel Alliance.

    His first and last kiss with Juno. His confrontation with Vader. 

    His second death. His rebirth.

    The capture and rescue of Vader. The death of his doppelganger.

    The death of Juno.

    It wasn't until Kylo Ren had broke off the connection did Starkiller realize his cheeks burned with tears -- a result of both his pain and his anguish.

    Kylo Ren stared at him, his mask hiding all emotion. Even his voice betrayed nothing when he spoke.

    "Your life... it's been nothing more than the shadow of another man's."

    "Yes..." Starkiller croaked. It hurt to speak.

    "You lost everything that ever mattered to you the day you were created. You've been nothing from the start."

    "Yes."

    Kylo Ren tilted his head. "You wish to die."

    There was no hesitation in Starkiller's response. "Yes."

    "Not yet," the Knight of Ren said, once again putting his hand over Starkiller. "Soon, but first...."

    The former apprentice of Vader once again hollered in agony.

    "You shall give me what I want."

--Takodana--

    "Five baked cushnips with fral, please."

    The avian waiter squawked as he typed the order on his datapad. "Chadian or Ubese dressings?"

    "Um...." Ace looked to the other four, who all merely shrugged. "Chadian, I guess."

    The Kilmaulsi wrote that down before asking, "And drinks?"

    "One phibian beer, one ardees, and a Bothan grain wine," Ace said, having memorized everyone's preferred beverage of choice. "Oh, and Aquilie water for the kid."

    "Hey!" Vessin said. "You said when I turned twenty I could--"

    "That was on Phaeda," Ace replied. "I don't know what the rules are here so I'd rather play it safe."

    Vessin huffed but did not press the matter further. As soon as the waiter had left, Wiskin suddenly started sniffing. "I smell something," the Cathar muttered.

    "Sorry, that was me," Bedo said sheepishly, moving his chair away from the feline's. "Someone's already using the 'fresher."

    "No, no, it's not you." Wiskin continued to sniff the air, nearly getting out of his chair. "It's someone else... someone who's just walked in."

    Ace craned his head towards the entrance of the castle. Indeed, three figures had just walked in -- all wore recognizable Mandalorian armor, albeit two were without their helmets, revealing the visages of a fair-skinned human female and a blue Pantoran male. The third kept their helmet on, and although it had been several months since he had last seen him, Ace knew right away who it was.

    A smirk played on the Bothan's lips as he turned to Vessin. "Your dad's here."

    Vessin stared at him, her expression blank. "Don't joke about that," she said bitterly.

    "I'm not. Seriously, he's right over there."

    Vessin closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't care. I don't want to see him."

    "Why not? This is your chance to--"

    "I don't want to reconnect with him!" Vessin snapped, startling the others. "He abandoned me with no explanation, and right after I'd lost my mom and my brother!"

    Her voice could be heard by all. People were staring now; even the band had stopped playing. Vessin went on unabashed, tears starting to steam down her face.

    "I hate him," she croaked. "He never cared for me, or else he'd have never left."

    She left those words hang in the air before slumping over the table and burying her head in her arms, sobbing. Wiskin placed a hand on her shoulder while the others looked away, uncomfortable. Seeing that people were still staring at them, Ace shot them all a glare.

    "There's nothing to see here. Go about your business."

    Wisely, the other patrons did so and the music started back up as if nothing had happened.

*  *  *

    Kadar nearly tripped as he slowly sat down, his whole body shaking. Mirta moved to help him but he waved her off. Fortunately no one noticed his troubles, already distracted by his daughter.

    Planting his elbows on the table, he burrowed his helmeted face in his hands. Pangs of grief and guilt wracked his heart as the day he lost his wife and son -- and left his daughter in the care of others -- replayed in his head all over again.

    He did not snap out of this until he felt a hand grab his shoulder. He looked up to see Goran Beviin standing next to him, along with Medrit, Orde, and Tessa.

    "You doing all right, burc'ya?" Goran asked, a look of concern on his face. 

    "I'm fine," Kadar lied. Turning to Orde and Tessa, he said, "Your daughter is here."

    "You mean your daughter," Orde corrected him, his tone stern. "Where is she?"

    Kadar gestured to where Vessin sat, crying into her arms. Orde then grabbed him firmly by the shoulders, kneeling down to be at eye level with him.

    "Listen to me. You're going to go over there right now and talk to her. Apologize to her."

    "I can't."

    "What do you mean you can't? You're her father, for stars' sake."

    "She hates me, Orde," Kadar snapped, launching out of his seat. Once again, others directed their attention to the commotion, although the band tried to maintain its act. "I heard her say so herself. She resents me for what I did. And you know what? She should."

    Orde opened his mouth to protest but Kadar stopped him, already turning to leave.

    "I'm a monster. A monster and a coward. How could I even think to call myself her father?"

    With that, he made straight for the exit and walked back out into the forest. Seeing that the drama had ended, the other patrons went back to their activities while the six remaining Mandalorians sat in silence.

    "Well," Danjus finally said. "There goes another one. You sure you want to keep this revolution afloat, Goran?"

    "We'll manage," Goran murmured, not sounding completely certain of himself. "Besides, I wouldn't count him out just yet. He's probably just gone out to get some fresh air."

    "Yeah, I'm sure." Kicking back in his chair, Danjus looked around the castle for a passing waiter. "So, any idea what they serve here?"

*  *  *

    "Oi, did ye see who dat was there?"

    Jast Kyjar did not look up from the dessert he was enjoying. What he was not enjoying was the 'company' he had been keeping ever since the meeting. The blue-furred Squib was almost as annoying as Cyclops, who was also witting with him, but at least she knew when to keep quiet.

    "No, Pika, I didn't," Jast said through a mouthful of cake. "Who was it?"

    "Why, no' other than Kadar, da White Rider!"

    At this, both Jast and Cyclops perked up, The former quickly chowed down what was left in his mouth while the latter looked around shiftily. 

    "Are you serious?" Jast exclaimed. "The Kadar? The guy who killed all those Black Sun Vigos?"

    "Did he do that? I had no idea," Pika said. "Anyway, yeh, 'ee was right there. 'Ees gone now, me think. Just missed him, you did."

    "Wow," Jast murmured, completely astounded. "Wait until Karrde hears about this. This is big."

    "Yeah," Cyclops said, casually standing up and walking from the table. "It sure is."

Star Wars Endgame: Finale, Chapter Fourteen

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

--The Resurgent--

    "We should start the meeting now. We have nearly reached Ossus."

    "Not yet," Darth Taral said sharply, standing in his darkened room with three holographic figures. "Kylo Ren has yet to arrive."

    Darish Vol crossed his arms, frowning. "Is he really that vital to our endeavors?"

    "More than you would think," Taral said darkly.

    A long silence fell over the four as they waited for their fifth member. Finally, the last holo-projector glowed and the shimmering blue form of Kylo Ren appeared, closing the circle.

    "I apologize for my tardiness," the Knight of Ren said coolly. "Did I miss anything?"

    "We were just about to start." Addressing the four before him, Darth Taral said, "In moments we will be upon Ossus, home of the Jedi Order. Soon, all that Luke Skywalker has built will fall and the Sith shall at last have their revenge.

    "Kylo Ren, you shall lead the first assault, along with Xiana of the Marked Ones. Your forces will attack the Jedi Temple and deal with the bulk of the Order. In the meantime, Kaa'Zeth's Nightsisters shall create illusions spells to distract the Jedi and make them more vulnerable."

    Darish Vol scoffed at this. "Cowardly tactics, those are."

    Taral shot him a look, the silver eyes of his mask glowing. "I did not ask for your opinion, Vol."

    The Grand Lord sneered at him. "I did not ask to be dragged into your war."

    "Settle down, you two," said Mother Kaa'Zeth, folding her long hands on her lap. "Now is not the time for infighting. Stars know it's been the downfall of the Sith far too many times."

    Taral grunted. "Indeed. Do I hear any further objections?"

    There were none. Satisfied, the Dark Lord smirked behind his mask.

    "Then let us begin."

--Ossus--

    Masters Kyle Katarn and Odan Murk made their way through the forest, with Jedi Knights Jaden Korr and Koria Tyrnak close behind. Up ahead they could see the two ships, with three figures standing near them.

    "Wait a minutes." Kyle squinted his eyes. "Is that... Toah?"

    "With two Sith," Odan muttered, already igniting his twin azure lightsabers. "I'd recognize their presence anywhere."

    The Weequay Jedi Master moved to charge towards the three only to be stopped by Kyle. "We must be certain before heading into danger," the battlemaster said sternly. "Just because they wear black doesn't make them Sith."

    "Can't you feel it, Katarn?" Odan asked, sneering. "The cold? The darkness?"

    Kyle hesitated to answer. "Yes, but--"

    "I can feel it, too," said Koria, turning on her green lightsaber. "Let's take them now before it's too late!"

    "No, wait--!"

    Odan and Koria ignored his protests as they charged ahead. Kyle took a moment to exchange looks with Jaden before taking pursuit.

*  *  *

    "Ah," Lord Kallus said, seeing the two Jedi rushing towards them. "It would appear we have company."

    Toah held out a hand to halt the two. "Wait!" he called out. "They mean no harm!"

    If the Jedi had heard him, they showed no sign of it. The one in the lead, Odan Murk of the High Council, set his eyes on Lord Serpriss and made a straight line for him.

    "So much for civil conversation." Kallus brought out his red lightsaber, as did Serpriss. Knowing he could not prevent the inevitable, Toah moved out of the way just as Koria Tyrnak lunged at Kallus.

    Green and blue clashed against red. The Jedi pressed their assault hard against the Sith, who swiftly moved to block their attacks. Toah couldn't help but keep his eyes on Serpriss and Odan; he had never seen a Thisspiasian in a duel before and was fascinated by how graceful the serpentine Sith was in style, his long tail moving in majestic twirls.

    Toah then heard a voice cry out and turned to see Kyle Katarn and Jaden Korr rushing to join the scene.

    "You're making a mistake!" Kyle hollered. "These two are not our enemies!"

    "They are Sith!" Odan snarled in between strikes. "All Sith are our enemies!"

    "Not these two! They are fellow Jedi -- or once were."

    While Odan did not relent, Koria did, breaking off from her fight with Kallus to look at Kyle. "What?" she asked incredulously. 

    "Don't you recognize your former master?"

    Koria looked at Kallus, who had lowered his blade to smile at the Zabrak woman. She stared back, mouth agape. "Master Viron...?"

    Kallus chuckled, turning off his blade. "I'll admit, it's been a while."

    Koria said nothing at first, at a loss for words. Finally, she sheathed her weapon and bowed her head. "I'm sorry, master. I... I should have known."

    "Emotions always cloud one's judgment," Kallus said, throwing a worried glance at the still-going duel between Odan and Serpriss. "I would expect a Master such as himself to already know that."

    "This is getting out of hand," Toah muttered. "Those two should have stopped by now."

    Koria raised her hands to her mouth. "Master, stop! There's no need to fight! They're on our side!"

    But Odan did not hear or -- or, if he had, did not listen. He simply continued to press on his assault, growing more and more ferocious....

*  *  *

    "So it's come to this," Lord Serpriss said as his red blade clashed with Odan's, their duel taking them deeper into the forest. "And here I thought you could actually be reasoned with, unlike the others."

    "Apparently you don't know me as well as you think you do," Odan growled. He swung his two blades at Serpriss' neck. The Thisspiasian narrowly deflected them with his saberstaff.

    "Don't you realize Varon is using you?" the Sith Master said, blocking another attack to his chest. "I may not know what he is planning, but if he is like any Sith of the past--"

    "I am through with your lies." Odan swung his blades again at Serpriss' head. The Sith Master barely backed away in time and the two sabers singed off his beard. Before Odan could deliver another attack, Kallus and the other Jedi came rushing up to the two.

    "Wait, Odan!" Kyle said. "Don't you realize who you're fighting?"

    A wide, savage grin crossed the Weequay's face. "Oh, yes," he said, a deep chuckle coming from his throat. "I most certainly do."

    "He was your master," Kyle went on. "He taught you the ways of the Force."

    "Indeed he did," Odan said quietly, a tint of yellow appearing in his dark eyes. "But those days are over now."

    He readied his blades again, ignoring the others' protests.

    "And so are you, 'master.'"

    He then lunged at Serpriss, uttering a guttural yell. The Sith Master raised his saberstaff to defend himself but his former apprentice's blades cleaved right through the hilt. Before Serpriss could regather himself, Odan swung his blades again, striking the Thisspiasian across the chest.

    Yellow eyes briefly diluted before quickly shrinking, fading back to their natural brown. As he slowly slithered to the ground, Serpriss looked up at Odan, gazing into his now-yellow eyes. He took in one last breath.

    "I'm sorry," he exhaled before resting his head on the soft grass.

*  *  *

    The four Jedi and Kallus stood staring in shock. A stasis field projected by Odan had prevented them from interfering, only fading once Odan had delivered the fatal blow.

    Kallus let out a furious roar as he charged towards the Weequay, scarlet blade raised high over his head. Odan reached out his hand and sent a blast of the Force that flung the Sith back. Before Toah or any of the others could do something, the fallen Jedi Master turned and sprinted away, moving at speeds too fast for them to match.

    Kyle blew out his breath. "Well... this certainly complicates things."

    Toah turned to Kallus, who was getting back to his feet, and furrowed his brow skeptically. "You don't happen to know the deal between those two, do you?"

    Kallus sighed as he looked forlornly at the fallen form of Serpriss. "I think it's about time I met with the council."

*  *  *

    Odan did not stop running until he knew he was a good enough distance away from the Jedi. Upon coming out into a clearing, he came to a halt and took out his comlink, feeling almost giddy as he hailed his true master.

    "Varon? Varon, can you read me? It's Odan."

    "This had better be important, Odan," came the exasperated voice of Darth Taral. "I'm in the middle of something."

    "I did it, Taral," Odan said excitedly. "I killed him. I've killed Lord Serpriss."

    "Well done," the Dark Lord said. "Didn't you also say he was with another master?"

    "Yes; Lord Kallus. I was unable to deal with him, for the Jedi got in the way."

    "Not to worry. We'll be at Ossus shortly. The end of the Jedi is soon at hand."

    Odan grinned widely as he gazed at the sky. "I look forward to it."

    "It's too bad you won't be around for it."

    Igniting his blade, Odan whirled around to face the person standing behind him. Zarin Kal already had his emerald lightsaber, ready for combat.

    "I'll have to call you back later, Taral," Odan said into the comlink. "I have other matters to attend."

    He then tossed the device aside just as Zarin started to charge him....