Chapters Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Having received their assignment, Jedi Knight Tempest Shadow and her new padawan, Roseluck headed toward the landing pad of the temple to proceed. “Master, I know we were instructed to travel incognito, but are you sure you trust this...pilot to get us there in one piece?” The two looked ahead as they spotted the crimson painted ship, which Rose identified as a YV-545 freighter, that would ferry them to their destination. Outside a young humanoid male with slightly tanned skin and spiked orange hair on his head stood outside the vessel as several of the landing pad workers loaded cargo into the ship. His attire was what one might expect from a freighter captain; A red jacket over a plain white shirt, loose black pants and a pair of dark brown boots that were halfway to the knee.
“Come on, come on,” he complained. “I don't want to be here any longer than I have to.” He noticed a purple and green astromech droid attempting to plug itself into his ship and gave it a good kick as it spun sideways. “Don't even think about it, junk pile.” The small droid opened a compartment on it's head and shocked the man with a taser to the leg. “Ah! Why you little...”
Tempest's chuckles as she approached broke up the minor scuffle. “You'll have to forgive Spike. He has a knack for exploration.”
Rose looked the rather scruffy looking spacer over before speaking. “I take it this is your ship?”
“Yep. Captain Garble at your service.” He extended a grease covered hand to the young lady, who hesitantly shook it. “Don't let her looks fool you. The Shock Jackal is one of the finest ships out there.” He tapped the hull of the ship as a panel came loose and he hurriedly tried to fix it.
“I feel so assured.” Rose said sarcastically as she and Tempest boarded the vessel. Garble soon came aboard himself once everything was loaded up and he joined the two Jedi in the small cockpit of the ship.
“Alright, ladies. Let's get this show on the road.” He cracked his fingers and firmly locked them around the ships controls as the crew on the loading docks got clear and the vessel was soon on it's way out of the planet's atmosphere. Once the vessel was clear, they made the jump to hyperspace. “Well, think I'll call it a night.” Garble stretched in his seat before spinning around and getting up.
“But we just got started.” Rose stated as she watched him head to the doorway.
“That's why the auto-pilot was invented. Shouldn't take more than a day or so to get there. You two can have cabins two and four. I'll be in my private quarters. And no peeking.” He flexed his arms as he made the final statement.
Rose rolled her eyes as she sat back. “Don't flatter yourself. Just make sure this rust bucket gets us there in one piece.”
“Don't worry about it, doll,” he winked at her before departing. “I'm the best there is.”
“Gross. How do you know him again?” The red haired girl turned to her master who had been silent throughout the entire exchange.
“A few months before I found you I was on a mission on Onderon when I came upon him. The poor thing had involved himself in a weapons deal gone wrong. The buyers had decided to save a few credits by cutting out the middle man and Garble was on the chopping block. After all the fighting was done, he said he owed me if I ever needed anything and here we are. I know Garble can be...infuriating at times but I don't fault him for that. He's had a difficult go of things.” Without elaborating further, Tempest arose from her seat and headed out as well. “I'll take cabin two if you don't mind.”
“Yes, master.” The padawan eventually got up herself and made her way out to the hall. “This ship is filthy. Which way is it again?” She whispered as she attempted to navigate the ship, maneuvering around the many crates and barrels that littered the halls. After a few moments she spotted light coming from an open door and moved toward it. Peeking in she saw that she'd found the wrong room and caught sight of the captain of the ship, his back turned to her as he removed his shirt revealing his muscled back. Rose found herself blushing slightly before she noticed two large, jagged scars that ran vertically on either of his shoulder blades.
At that moment Garble froze and in the blink of an eye turned to the doorway. Luckily for Rose, her Jedi reflexes kicked in and she vaulted to the ceiling, supporting herself between two beams. The freighter captain peered out into the hall and looked around to find the halls empty. He then stuck out a forked tongue, seemingly smelling something before he shot his head upward only to find nothing there either. He grunted before heading back in and shutting the door.
Back in her room, Rose breathed a sigh of relief as she had narrowly avoided being seen. She flopped on the lone bed of the room and put her hands over her face. “I can't believe it. He's hot!” she kept her words muffled under a pillow as she shut the lights out and went to sleep.
The remainder of the trip was without incident as the ship soon reached it's location the next day. Rose and Tempest emerged from their rooms and met on their way to the bridge. “Morning, master. Sleep well?”
“Not very, I'm afraid. I've never been quite comfortable sleeping among the stars but it's only a short voyage so not much to worry about I suppose. There will be time to rest once we're planet side.”
“Morning, ladies.” Garble greeted the two as he faced the controls. Rose entered the room and kept her distance, sticking close to the entryway. After the incident that had transpired, Rose made every effort to avoid the reptilian being, which had not gone unnoticed by her master, who merely chuckled at the girl's awkward behavior. “You'll be happy to know we've just arrived. Welcome to Kentoph.” The ship approached the planet but found a fleet of about two dozen ships orbiting it.
“Unidentified vessel, you are in restricted space. Slow your speed and identify yourself immediately or be fired upon.” A voice said over the com channel. Rose and Garble were both a bit nervous as several of the vessels began to train their guns on the small freighter.
“Allow me.” Tempest stepped forward and placed a hand on the console. “This is Phantom-1, requesting approach vector to the capital.”
After a rather tense moment of waiting, the voice answered back. “Identity confirmed. Welcome. Please conform to the transmitted vectors and to the approved landing pad.”
Garble sat back and looked impressed by what had just happened as the guns that had been trained on them moments before had went back to their original positions. “Well that's an unexpected surprise. Let's hope there aren't any more.”
“Scared?” Rose chided with a smirk.
“Pfft, as if.”
Soon the ship had entered the atmosphere of the world below and entered the designated docking bay. The ship touched down as the docking crew walked onto the pad. “Alright ladies, here we are. Just call me when you're done. I'll be here when you're ready to leave.”
“Thank you, Garble. I doubt this will be long.” Tempest patted him on the back and she and Rose left the cockpit and exited the ship from the now down ramp. The two are greeted by two mean in white and gold silk robes. The mean bow briefly before addressing them.
“Master Shadow, we're honored you have decided to grace our world with your presence.”
“The honor is all ours.” Tempest bowed in kind as Rose followed suit. “I take it Pharaoh Hisan is awaiting our arrival.” A confirming nod from the escorts answered her question and the group were soon on their way by shuttle to the large capital city. While Tempest stood with a quiet composure that became her, Rose couldn't help but take in the wonder that was the capital in all it's resplendent glory. She stopped once she turned to see her master's calm demeanor and assume a similar pose.
“We are here.” The guides said as the shuttle touched down on a landing pad on the massive palace that acted as the seat of government for the world. They were led directly to the throne room where Hisan himself, dressed in military regalia, waited while a woman with light velvet skin and similar attire stood beside him. He arose from his seat and held his arms out toward the new arrivals.
“Ah, greetings to you Master Jedi.” He descended from the throne as Tempest and Rose both dropped to one knee and lowered there heads.
“Blessed be you, Pharaoh Hisan.” Tempest said with a humble voice.
“Arise my friends.” The pharaoh offered a hand to her to help her up. “I am honored that the council saw fit to send you in these desperate times.”
“The Jedi Council, as representatives of the Republic have sent us to help assess the situation to determine the proper course of action to best resolve the matter.”
“You mean find an excuse to interfere with our business and roll over us if necessary.” The woman who stood next to the throne commented as she approached.
Hisan took a step back to introduce her. “I'd like you to meet my queen, Sunny Flare.”
“I'm also his chief military adviser. A pleasure to see you again, Master Shadow. And you would be?”
Rose quickly gave a light bow. “Padawan Roseluck at your service.”
As they talked, two aids arrived in the room. “My lord, we apologize for the intrusion but your presence is requested for the festival preparations.”
“Of course,” Hisan turned to the two Jedi. “I must apologize but I must take my leave for now. So many things to be done. Flare will fill you in and provide you with everything that you need. Farewell and may the force be with you.” He gave a slight bow of his head before he turned and left with his aids. Rose noticed a slight roll of the eyes from Sunny as she addressed them.
“Follow me, ladies.” She led them down a hall as she began to explain their visit. “I understand that the rebellion in the southern sector of our planet has caused no end of concern for your Republic.”
“The facilities in those sectors are of keen interest to the Republic. It provides key raw materials for ship yards. We are simply here to negotiate a peace between your factions.” Tempest explained.
“That's funny because from what my sources tell me, your senate is planning a coup to get it's hands on our resources for a fraction of what we charge for them.” Sunny never turned her face to the Jedi as they continued down the hall.
“That...would indeed be news to me.”
“Understand, Master Jedi, calling for your Council's intervention was Hisan's idea, wholly. But I chose you specifically out of all the members of the Order because of your connection to this world.”
This comment caused a bit of confusion with Rose as she realized she was falling behind and picked up her pace as Sunny Flare continued. “That being said, I'll need some assurance of the Jedi Order's goodwill in this matter.”
“We'll do whatever we can to make ourselves of service to you.” Rose spoke up, soliciting a smile and a brief chuckle from Flare.
“Eager, I like that. I have some tasks that need doing and only a small time frame for them to be achieved. To that end, I'll need you to choose one to undertake to prove yourselves. First and foremost, the Celestial Knights touched down here a few days ago.”
“Celestial Knights?” Rose asked as Tempest turned to her.
“A group of force sensitives that search the galaxy to destroy the dark side wherever it exists. They are staunchly opposed to the Jedi and our teachings. They believe force should always be used first to solve situations.”
“Despite their aggressive nature, I've had good dealings with them in the past. If they arrive somewhere, there is usually a very big problem so I convinced Hisan to let them be for the time being. I know your groups don't see eye to eye but them being here is a concern. If you could facilitate communication with them to find out anything about their purpose here it would be appreciated.”
“Hmm,” Master Shadow had a bit of hesitation in her voice. “That could prove to be rather problematic. You mentioned another task.”
“Indeed. This may prove to be a little closer to home, I'm afraid. As you know, many tribes dot the planet's landscape. In light of the rebellion, I convinced our military to recruit many of them to our side through various provisions. It seemed to be an effective means of keeping them out of the larger conflict. Unfortunately, we've had an unfortunate incident between two of the tribes I believe you are quite familiar with: The Changeling and Zebra clans.”
“Very, I'm afraid.” The Jedi Master answered as the queen continued.
“These two clans have been in constant conflict up until recent times. With the death of their ruler, Chrysalis, the Changeling Tribe splintered into two factions, one led by her daughter, Pincer and the other led by a tribal named Thorax. Pincer and her faction have joined the rebels while Thorax sought out a peaceful coexistence with their neighbors. They came for peace talks and the tribes we gathered agreed to stand with us if the rebels should take action against any one of them.”
“I'm sure there is more to it than that.”
“You'd be correct. We also asked that they set aside any past frictions they might have had. Looking back, that might have been a tall order. Still, many of them kept to it. But the Zebra clan has not. Their war chief has attacked Thorax's tribe without relent. I've done what I've could to try and settle things but...”
“The blood between the two tribes runs much deeper than many know. That may not be a rift anyone can fix, I fear.”
“So it would seem. But if I can't stop the attacks then many of the other tribes may question this alliance and go back to fighting or worse, turn to the rebels. I can give you some time to think this over. As I said before, the choice is yours. I'll provide you with my own personal transport with my best pilots to get you where you need to go. They have the coordinates to the clan's new main camp as well as to the last sight of the Celestial Knights.” She gestured to one of the doors in front of them. “These will be your quarters for the duration of your stay. When you're ready to depart there is a communicator inside. Good fortune to you, Jedi.” She bowed before turning and leaving.
Rose and Tempest entered the lavishly decorated room and looked around as Rose spun in awe at her new surroundings. Tempest, for her part, immediately sat on her bad, crossed her legs and began to meditate. Her apprentice stood by for a long time and waited for her to come out of her trance. Eventually Rose decided to get some sleep and laid in the large, soft bed provided her. Sometime later she was awoken. “Master? What is it?”
“Come, it's time to depart.” She only spoke briefly as the two gathered what they needed and headed toward the palace hanger bay. Any questions Rose may have had, she kept them to herself as Tempest had a rather grim look on her face. The two were silent until they arrived at the large hanger and walked to the heavily modified gunship that was being prepped for takeoff.
The two were greeted by two pilots who saluted them, one a woman with cloud white skin and hair and the other a man with blue skin and short cut green hair. “Ma'am, Captain Vapor Trail at your service. This is my co-pilot, Sky Stinger. We're ready to take you wherever you need to go. Just say the word and we'll have you there.”
“Very good. Load up.” Was all Tempest said as she and Rose boarded the craft and the ground crew finished the preparations.
Author's Note
Alright. To all who have read this far, I wanted to do something a bit different and give you, the readers a little say in this first chapter. After your review, put an A or a B at the end to vote on where Tempest and Rose will go.
A) Will send them to the Celestial Knights camp and will be a lore.
B) Will send them to the Zebra Tribe and will aid a bit of history to Rose and Tempest.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
The custom transport ship blazed a trail through the sky as it ferried the Jedi to there destination. “So, Jedi huh?” Vapor asked the two. “Interesting work you do, I gotta say. Me? I've just always loved flying. Sky, here is a born flier himself.”
Sky Stinger turned to them briefly. “Most of my family has served over the years and I guess it was my turn this time. Got an older sister in the army and my little brother is in the training corps. Vapor here showed how good she was as a fighter pilot and Queen Flare made her the pilot for the royal transport. Me, I was her wing-man so she talked her into getting me in as well.” He pointed down to a grassy plain that was just off a jungle. “Here we are.” The transport descended and finally touched down. The two Jedi disembarked from the craft and grabbed their packs.
“Thank you,” Tempest said as they bowed. “We'll contact you once our business is finished.”
Vapor and Sky saluted them. “Good luck. And be careful. Tribals will eat you alive if you aren't careful.” The drop ship lifted off and headed back in the direction of the capital city.
“Come on. We don't want to be out here after dark and we've got a long walk ahead of us.” Tempest led the way as Rose followed closely behind. “Just remember, these tribals have there own culture and customs, so we need to use a bit of tact.”
“Don't worry, master. I'm well versed in tribal life.” Rose responded as she walked alongside her.
“Really?”
Rose chuckled as they moved through the thick brush. “I grew up on Tatooine. My family, my original one anyway, were moisture farmers out on the edge of the Jundland wastes. I was four I think when our farm was attacked by Tuskens. I don't remember all that much. Just that they scooped me up and took me far, far away from anything I ever knew. Thought they'd eat me like all the stories said.”
She paused for a moment as she ducked under a branch. “Thing is, they didn't. They fed me, covered me up and raised me like I was one of their own. They taught me their ways, how to forage, hunt, fight once I was old enough.”
“I-I wasn't aware of that.” Tempest commented with a bit of shock. “What brought you to the Jedi?”
A frown ran across her face as she walked on. “Master Starswirl. We'd raided settlements and caravans off the wastes for years. Suppose the settlers and officials finally had enough of us. The old man came to our village to...put an end to things. He didn't understand our ways. He ripped the language from our mouths and demanded our way of life to stop just because he said so. Our chieftain was furious and ordered his death. For that, he slaughtered us.”
At that the master Jedi froze. “That doesn't sound like Master Starswirl. Are you certain?”
“Oh I know what I saw. He didn't stop until all of our warriors were dead, my adopted father along with them. Many others fled into the wastes but I stayed. A little girl stayed and challenged a Jedi master. I attempted to kill him but he easily disarmed me. The only thing that saved me was my force sensitivity. He detected my potential and after he'd detained me he offered me the opportunity to be trained and join the Order.”
“After all that, I can't imagine you'd join so easily.”
“Oh I joined right away if, for no other reason, for power. I wanted revenge but I knew I'd never be able to match his power without the strength he possessed. So I accepted with the prospect that one day I would grow strong enough to kill him. And then, one day, he vanished without a trace on some backwater Outer Rim world. I felt cheated. Cheated of my mission and justice for the family he'd massacred. I was angry for a long time after that until....” She stopped as Tempest, who had been walking slightly ahead of her, placed a hand on her chest.
“Don't even breath.” The two froze where they stood as several men and women, all with pale white skin, emerged from the vegetation around them wielding spears, axes and blades. Some wore loin clothes and bands on their arms and legs while others wore clothing that would be see as acceptable to the galactic community. Despite the differences they all sported the same black stripes on the exposed parts of their bodies. They began shouting at the two in a language that Rose could not comprehend. She was more than a little shocked as Tempest began to use the same tongue to communicate with them. Soon the tribal group lowered their weapons and one stepped forward as if to take a closer look at Tempest before he began to laugh and hugged her. He then gestured for them to follow the group.
Tempest turned to Rose with a smile and took the stunned girl by the hand as she guided her along. “Don't worry. We're safe.”
“How did you do that?” Rose questioned.
“That's my cousin, Zed.” The two walked along with the tribesmen and eventually arrived at a sprawling village surrounded by a wall formed from spiked poles. “Welcome to my old home.” They made their way into the camp as the new arrivals drew the attention of the locals. Soon, the two had been taken a single decorated hut built into one of the walls. Their guide led them inside and after seating the two down on a set of mats in a small inner room with a fire in the center, excused himself. They waited as they patiently knelt down on the mats.
“Welcome.” A voice came from the doorway. The two turned slightly as an old woman with golden skin came in, her fading orange hair tied back. She was dressed in tribal garb like some of the others in the camp and held a cane in her left hand. Slowly she positioned herself on the other side of the fire and sat down. As the light illuminated her face to the Jedi, she bore a bright smile. “It's been too long, Fizzy.”
Tempest strained her eyes in order to get a better look at the woman before she spoke up. “Zecka? Is that you?”
“In the flesh, Fizzy.”
Hearing the name again caused the Jedi master to blush slightly as Rose chuckled. “It's-It's Tempest Shadow now.” She cleared her throat as she regained her composure. “Anyway, good to see you. It's been too long. I had no idea you'd become the village shaman.”
“There were some objections to my taking the position but for the most part the other villagers seem happy with how I'm managing. And who might this be?”
Rose lightly bowed her head in respect. “Padawan Roseluck. Pleasure to meet you.”
“So what brings you back here? I thought when you left to train that that would be the end of things.”
Tempest ends her relaxed composure and looks at the shaman. “The conflict on the planet, I'm afraid. Pharaoh Hisan has sent us to negotiate a peace.”
“We agreed to pledge to not rise up against him or side with the rebels.” Zecka said as she stood up.
“Yes, but so have the Changeling clan and you continue to attack their settlements.” Tempest responded.
“Tempest, you know the situation, the history between our people. Even if the days of all out war are over, the scars from those times still remain.”
“I understand, Zecka. You need to understand that these Changelings are different. They are peaceful. By attacking them you risk sending a ripple through to the other clans that could result in chaos, chaos that could be used to destroy all of you.”
Zecka turned away from her for a moment and leaned against a table against the wall. “It's not that simple, Fizzy, you know this. Te elders of the village must all be in agreement for these types of decisions and the others side with the battle master.”
“Right. Perhaps I can persuade them.”
“That may prove to be problematic, I fear.” She paused for a moment and let out a sigh before answering. “Zwide is the new battle master.”
Tempest responded with a light smile and raised eyebrow. “Little Zwide?”
“Not so little anymore. While you were away, he's proved himself time and again a capable warrior. He is an idol to many of the younger ones in the village. They follow him without question. You know his history. You know he hates the Changeling clan with a passion.”
“I know. I assume he is in the clan lodge at this time.” Zecka gave a confirming nod as Tempest nodded and slowly got up to leave. She gestured for Rose to exit first as she followed behind, stopping briefly as she looked over her shoulder at the older woman. “I have to say, you surprise me. I thought that, given your past with them...”
The Jedi master was cut short as Zecka responded. “Even the hottest of tempers can cool given time. I've learned that lesson all too well. Others, they fan the flames to keep them hot. Unfortunately, Zwide is one of those.” Tempest left as the woman resumed her spot next to the fire.
Rose was quiet as the two approached an elongated wood structure in the camp. Tempest entered first as they were greeted by many eyes of the clan members present. Rose shrunk back a bit as the intense stares from the clan's many warriors intimidated her. Tempest quietly motioned for her to stay close as they approached the center of the room and she spotted the person she'd come for. “Zwide.”
A man around her age stood up. His skin was decorated with the iconic stripes and mohawk hairstyle of the clan but his skin was a brilliant gold collar. He wore a pair of goggles that rested on his forehead. He turned to her and squinted for a moment as his brain was seemingly trying to solve the mystery of this newcomer. Finally he smiled at her and stood up. Fizzle? Fizzlepop Berrytwist?!”
Rose chuckled hearing the real, full name of her new master. “Sorry, master.”
Zwide rose from his position and approached the two, hugging Tempest briefly before stepping back with a smile. “Almost didn't recognize you.”
“You either,” Tempest noted. “You've really grown since the last time I saw you.”
“And who might this lovely young lady be?” He looked to the red haired girl standing beside her.
“This is my apprentice, Roseluck.” Rose nodded her head lightly as her master introduced her.
Zwide patted Tempest on the shoulder. "What brings you back here, sister?"
Tempest cleared her throat before speaking. "It's about your attacks on the Changeling clan. We've been sent on behalf of Pharoah Hisan to ensure they come to a halt." This immediately put a frown on Zwide's face as he chuckled a bit.
"So Hisan asks for our help and now he thinks he can tell us how to handle our business? No. The Changelings need to be wiped out for what they've done to us."
"To us or to you?" Tempest countered. "Don't let the past dictate what you do now."
“Careful, Tempest. You don't want to go down this path.” Zwide and Tempest traded intense stares for what seemed a long time.
Tempest, never taking her gaze off Zwide, gave a small gesture to Rose. “Wait outside for me.”
Rose, seeing the tense situation, quickly excused herself. Stepping outside she waited for her master to exit as well. While waiting, she began to draw attention from many of the locals who seemed none too pleased with her presence. The padawan took note of the signals and shuffled off only to bump into Zecka. “Pardon me.”
“No worries, young one. I take it...” The older woman gestured to the meeting hall.
“Yes ma'am.” Rose's response was met with a sigh from Zecka as the two walked through the camp.
“I fear this will not end well. Zwide is...difficult at the best of times. I suppose I am mostly to blame.”
Rose looked at her, puzzled. “I don't understand.”
“What's that charming old saying? The devil is in the details. You must have noticed that Zwide and I don't exactly match the herd around here. He's my son. I wasn't always here with the tribe. I was once a scavenger, roaming world to world in search of a good haul. Then I crash landed on this planet. They nursed me back to health and soon I found myself staying, taking on a new name and a new purpose.”
“I can relate to that.” Rose spoke before letting the elder continue.
“Yes. After that I settled down with a warrior of the tribe, Zwide's father. The tribe was fighting a war against the Changeling clans. Zwide was only a boy when his father fell in battle and I...I was bitter. I had lost the only man that I had truly loved. In my anger, I made him swear to me that he would never make peace with them, that he would never rest until he had wiped them off the face of this world. To my everlasting shame, he did.”
“But you said earlier that you are against further war. What changed your mind about the Changelings?”
“One day after the warriors had a successful raid of a Changeling village, they returned with...trophies. One look and...at that moment everything hit me at once. I trained him, raised him up with the sole goal of eradicating an entire people, making them less than people and now what I've created threatens everything. He won't listen to me and the tribe has been swept up in my vengeance. I only hope that your master can speak reason with him. They have always had a close bond.” As the two walk, they see Tempest emerging from the meeting hall with a stern look on her face.
“Master?” Rose and Zecka approach cautiously. “Did it...go well?”
Tempest merely let out a sigh before she spoke. “Zecka, forgive me. I wasn't able to convince him, but what is happening here, what's at stake...I could only see one other course of action.”
Zecka, seemingly fully aware of what Tempest was getting at and with a stoic expression on her face, gave a light nod. “I will address the other elders and prepare. Padawan Rose.” She gave another nod to the young jedi before setting off.
Rose watched as Tempest turned herself and began to head to another part of the encampment and followed. “Master, what is going on? Tell me something.”
“I am afraid that when words are not enough we find ourselves having to resort to more...definitive measures. As a tribe member, even if I have been gone for some time, I am well in my right to challenge Zwides authority through combat. If I am victorious, then the raids will cease.”
“And if you lose?”
“I will be banished from the tribe if I'm lucky.”
“If you're lucky?” Rose paused as she realized what was at stake. “Master, you can't! Master!” She called to Tempest who refused to slow her pace as she went to prepare. “Master Tempest, there has to be a better solution than this.”
“Believe me Rose,” Tempest spoke from behind a curtain in one of the huts. “I would not be doing this if I hadn't exhausted all other options. Zwide will not be reasoned with and he could ruin everything.”
“But do you have to do this? You are putting your life on the line.”
“I would have thought someone of your character wouldn't shy away from a fight.” Tempest emerged, barefoot wearing tribal garb consisting of a pair of black shorts and top as well as gold bands on her wrists and ankles. In addition, she was now sporting the same black stripe markings adorning all the Zebra tribesmen, albeit hers were painted on.
“It's not that. It's....” Rose was unsure of how to word what she was thinking and paused as her master put a hand on her shoulder.
“You don't need to worry. I know what I'm getting myself into and I'd never do anything to leave you alone. I need to finish my preparations. I'll meet you in the center of the camp.” Tempest watched as a still concerned Rose exited the tent before she turned and knelt in front of a small fire in the hut and began to chant quietly.
Sometime later, the entire camp had gathered in the village center where a circular ring had been carved in the dirt. In front of the large gathering, Zecka and the other elders stood as she stepped toward the two contestants. “You two know the rules of the challenge. Zwide, the challenge was issued to you. As such you are allowed to choose the terms of combat.”
Zwide had a cold expression on his face as he stared at Tempest. “I will fight her with all her arsenal. Her Jedi weapon and abilities. I will win this battle with the power of my clan.”
“So be it.” Zecka turned to address the crowd. “The rules have been set. Let the contest begin!” She joins the other elders as well as Rose, who waits nervously by her side as Tempest and Zwide stand opposite each other. A few moments later a bell sounds as the two opponents begin to circle each other, Zwide brandishing a steel short spear and shield and Tempest with her lightsaber.
“Forgive me, but I'm not familiar with your rules of single combat.” Rose addressed Zecka who was intently watching the duel.
“The rules are fairly simple: The first to force their opponent out of the circle, force them to submit or...kill them wins the duel.” She notices the nervousness of the red haired girl next to her. “These duels rarely end in the third, though I'm afraid, given the stakes, these two will fight to that degree.” This did nothing to settle the padawan as she was even more fearful of the prospect of losing yet another master.
Tempest kept a high guard as the two continued motioning around each other. Zwide occasionally clanged his spear and shield together in an attempt to break her focus. He suddenly lunged forward with his shield first as Tempest leaped to his left side and swung downward only for her opponent to sidestep her as well and promptly slashed at her stomach with his spear. She stepped back and slashed at his shield only for her lightsaber to somehow bounce off it as he forced her back. “Not this time.”
“What?” Rose was shocked at what she'd just witnessed. “The only thing I know that can block a lightsaber is cortosis weave. How could he have gotten his hands on that? I sure hope...” She watched as the two clashed weapons, Zwide's spear holding up against the saber as well. “And of course it's cortosis as well.”
Zwide put his foot forward and kicked off Tempest to give him some space and leaped in again with a slash that cut her right forearm and knocking her saber out of her hands. He went on the offensive forcing her back time and again, maneuvering in a way that kept her from retrieving her blade that was still in the combat area. Tempest soon found herself on the rim of the circle unable to move in any direction unless she wanted to be disqualified. Zwide slashed her again on her left side as she screamed in pain.
“Master!” Rose shifted forward, intent on stopping this only for her to realize that someone had seized her shoulder, preventing her from continuing. She turned her head slightly to find a stern faced Zecka holding her back, the woman's eyes fixed firmly on the battle.
“Do not interfere. This must play out, no matter how.” This forced Rose to watch as Tempest looked to be finished as Zwide closed in.
She quickly dropped to one knee and grabbed a hand full of gravelly dirt and threw it toward her opponent's face, who instinctively used his shield to protect himself. She took the small window of opportunity to rush forward and put her foot on the surface, using the large shield to springboard herself over him and rolled across the ground to retrieve her lightsaber which she quickly reignited.
“Give up, sister. I don't want to kill you.” Zwide, implored as he approached.
“Where's that conviction, brother?” Tempest asked as she clutched her wounded side before standing up and taking her defensive stance. Zwide gave out a loud battle cry as the Jedi did the same before he let loose with a furious assault of swipes and shield attacks. Tempest continued to move backward, evading or blocking the incoming attacks. A missed spear thrust from Zwide was all she needed to turn the tide as she lifted and brought down her right leg and pinned the spear to the ground before she performed a spin kick to her opponent's face that forced him to release the blade. Zwide soon found himself on the defensive as Tempest let loose an assault that pushed him back despite his best efforts.
The Jedi Knight performed several flips to maneuver herself around his shield and, with blinding speed was able to disarm him, removing the hand that held the shield in one swift motion. No sound came from the Zebra clansman's mouth as he fell to his knees in disbelief. Everyone stood in stunned silence as Tempest put her blade close to his neck, the heat singeing his skin. She closed her eyes for a long time before letting out a deep breath and opening them again. The Jedi switched off the blade and turned to exit the circle.
“I don't yield!” An angered Zwide shouted as he clutched the stump of his severed limb. “We aren't through! You know the laws!” Tempest ignored him as she stepped out of the circle. He looked down to his spear that rested at his feet. In one swift move, he grabbed it and rushed an unsuspecting Tempest as Rose shouted to her and the others were shocked.
Tempest quickly turned as she saw that Zecka, with the same speed, had intervened, having ripped the blade from the hand of her son and pushing him back to the ground. “It is finished. All of this is finished. You've fought for so long to avenge your father and so many others that have fallen in battle. That was your life, the life that I set upon you. For that I am sorry my son. But this senseless killing will destroy us all. I beg you, let it go.”
Zwide sat in disbelief for a moment before he struggled to his feet. He shook his head as he stared at the ground before clutching his arm and walking away. Many of the other tribe members attempted to help him but he brushed them off and soon walked off into the jungles as they could do nothing but watch. Zecka herself held back tears and headed toward her own dwelling. Soon the large crowd dissipated, needing time to sort out what this would all mean.
Rose rushed over to Tempest and neither of them spoke for a long time until the master broke the stone silence. “We should report to Flare.” She led Rose from the village and back to the clearing as they signaled for the for the dropship. The ride back was completely quite as both meditated on the situation. Before they realized it, they were back at the capital and reporting back to Flare as the Queen and Tempest stood on a balcony and discussed the situation.
“This is good news.” Sunny Flare said. “I am sorry for how things had to turn out. I know it couldn't have been easy...fighting someone that you saw as family.”
Tempest stared out at the setting sun as she responded. “He allowed hate to fill his heart and guide his hand. I've been in that position but I had a hand to guide me away. Zwide wasn't as fortunate. What's done is done. We need to move forward.”
“I couldn't agree more. With this alliance strengthened, we do have a minor problem. The Zebra clan as you know are powerful warriors but the kind of war that they will be fighting as our ally will require more than spears and arrows. They need modern weaponry.”
“I sense a “but” coming after that.” Tempest gave a light smirk.
“You'd be correct. While I'd like to supply them with equipment, at this point in time we simply don't have the resources to supply them and our own front line troops. Many of our facilities were on the other side of the planet and our either in rebel control or destroyed. My sources tell me that the rebels are planning an attack soon. I have no clue where but I have reason to believe they will try to attack wither a weak point in our lines or one of our allies. If we can supply them with better gear we can ensure that they won't be a one of those weak spots.”
Tempest thought for a moment before coming to a realization and smiling. “I think I know just the person to solve our problem.”
Later
“Hey hey! What are you doing?” Garble yelled as soldiers unloaded crate after crate from his ship. “Tell them to stop.” He shouted at Tempest, who stood by with Rose as the soldiers continued on.
“These weapons are going to a good cause, Garble.” Tempest said simply.
“They were already going to a good cause. Selling them to line my pockets with credits.”
“Queen Flare has assured me that you will be well compensated once this crisis has abated.”
Garble's shoulders slumped. “I've heard that before.”
Tempest walked toward him as the last of the crates were taken from the ship. “Taken however you wish. I do, require one more thing from you. My padawan needs to be transported back to the Jedi Temple.”
“Master Tempest...” Rose said as she stepped up.
“Don't argue with me, padawan. It's not up for debate. With this new turn of events I can't leave the planet. The tribe needs me for stability. Without it we'll be back at square one. The council will not look favorably on my actions but I need to see this through to it's conclusion.”
“Then I'm staying with you.”
“Rose, don't...”
“Please. No one else understands me like you do. I don't have a place there if it isn't with you. I don't want to lose another master. I beg you. Let me stay and fight by your side.”
Tempest looked down to her before giving in. “Fine.”
“Thank you master.” She excitedly hugged her only to realize what she had done. “I uh...don't know what came over me.” Rose was surprised as Tempest reciprocated the gesture.
“Well I'm not leaving til I get my credits, so I guess you're stuck with me too.” Garble interjected as the two separated.
The trio soon left the landing platform and headed back toward the city. “The council will not be happy when they find out about what we're doing here.” Tempest commented.
Rose gave a sly smile. “So what else is new?”
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Aria walked down the halls of the empty ship that silently crept toward it's destination. The only sounds outside of her footsteps were the sounds of electricity sparking and the subsequent screams. She casually rounded a corner and opened a door to a room that was aglow with the electricity, her sister Sonata's force lightning the source of the light. The blue skinned woman's target was their capture, Flash Sentry, whom she'd spent the better part of a month interrogating for information. “So how are we today?” Aria asked humorously as Sonata stopped and turned to her.
“Just making sure we've gotten every ounce before we arrive.”
Flash weakly moved his head to the side as he was suspended from a harness of four energy cuffs on each of his arms and legs. “I told you....everything...I know.”
Sonata swiftly turned around and shocked him again as he cried out. “Uh uh uh, speak when spoken to.” She turned back to her sister. “Are we almost there?”
“Yeah, we'll be arriving shortly. He'd better be telling us the truth.”
“If he's not, what we have planned for him will be more than adequate punishment.” Eventually the vessel approached the planet as Aria and Sonata sat in the cockpit and activated the cloaking device that shielded them from detection from the planet's military as they sailed right to opposition territory on the other side of Kentoph. Soon they touched down on a landing pad that appeared from a cloaked base located within thick jungle. No sooner had it landed that the ship an base disappeared just as quickly. The two Sith disembarked, Aria pushed Sonata aside as she made sure she was first down the ramp. Sonata stopped momentarily but continued on shortly after.
They were greeted by a woman with blue hair and lighter blue skin with dark patches. She was dressed in a white lab coat with black boots. “Greetings. I must say I am so pleased to finally meet you both in person.” The woman said as she furiously shook Aria's hand as the latter wedged it free and pulled it back.
“Right, anyway...” Aria said as she wiped her hand on her cloak.
“Oh my. So sorry. There were some experiments that demanded my attention before you arrived. Right this way.” She guided them down a hall. “I must say, General Zap has been anticipating your visit ever since you reached out to us. Your funds have done wonders in advancing my...the cause.”
“I'm sure, Dr. Patchwork. Oh and before I forget I've got a present for you. Sonata!” Aria shouted and gestured for her sister to return to the ship. Sonata rolled her eyes and headed back to the ship. “Another little gift for...all your hard work. Now then, how has the project been going?”
Patchwork picks up her step to keep pace with Aria. “Things are going very well. Organic testing has moved from flora to fauna. The results have been...promising.”
“When do you think it'll be ready?”
“With a few extra hands and some “volunteers” I should have it ready by the end of the month.”
“Excellent. Before we head out to meet the troops...” Aria stopped and turned as Sonata pushed a cuffed Flash in front of her as she finally caught up with her sister and the doctor. “Here's one extra set of hands. Doctor, meet Flash Sentry, former officer in the Republic Navy. Had a good career, that is until he threw it all away to join a rogue Jedi's quest for power all because some woman batted her eyelashes at him. Should be good for a bit of poking and prodding, right?”
The doctor walked over to Flash and looked him over, putting her hands on his face and moving it side to side. She stepped back and clapped her hands together. “Splendid! He'll make the perfect compliment to my other assistant. Oh Wallflower...” She shouted as a door opened a short ways away and a sickly looking young woman with green skin and darker green, shoulder length hair came shuffling toward them. Outside of her dead eyes and emaciated appearance, what really stood out was the top of her head that had been completely shaved with cybernetic implants in place of the removed hair. “Ah, Wallflower, my trusted assistant. Allow me to introduce Flash Sentry, your new partner. Isn't he just scrumptious?”
Wallflower let out a small grunt and nod in agreement as she stood hunched slightly, a trickle of drool on the corner of her mouth. Patchwork noted the disturbed looks from the others. “Yes, she was one of my earlier experiments. My attempt at cybernetic soldiers: A soldier with all the dexterity and ability of an organic with the blind obedience of a droid. Still needs some fine tuning. In the meanwhile, she is the perfect assistant. Fun fact, she was a Jedi herself so you two should get along well. Wallflower, take our new guest and get him the proper equipment for the job while I finish with our esteemed guests.” With another compliant grunt she grabbed Flash by the wrists and began to lead the weakened prisoner away.
Sonata quickly ran over and put her hands to Flash's face. Her eyes were wide with emotion as tears formed in them. “I know we've only spent a short time together and it was magical, but this is your new home now. I need you to be strong, Flash Sentry.” She released him and began to walk back toward Aria. “Perhaps are paths will cross again.” As she said this, lightning danced across her fingertips as her face twisted into a demented grin and dark shadows appeared around her eyes.
“Oh, I hope not.” Flash uttered as he was led down a hall away from the group who pressed on down a hidden tram system. The speedy transport quickly ferried Aria, Sonata and Patchwork to their destination as several armed rebel soldiers greeted and escorted them through a series of tunnel checkpoints and up to the surface where they entered a large encampment with a large ancient temple in the center of it. They headed up the steps and inside the stone structure and traveled down several halls until they finally reached a small room that housed a single bed in the corner, a sofa in the other and a desk in the center that faced the door. At said desk sat a woman with a tan complexion and swept back blue hair with goggles resting on her forehead. She didn't seem to notice them as she and a woman with long green hair stood over the desk blocking the door as they were going over some sort of plans.
Aria interrupted by speaking first. “General Indigo Zap, I presume.” This caused the green haired woman to turn around and step aside as the general was allowed to see who it was that addressed her as she smiled with a wide grin and got up to meet her long awaited arrivals.
“Greetings, my friends. You don't know how long I've been dying to meet our very generous benefactors face-to-face.” She rose from her seat and walked around the desk.
“The pleasure is all ours, I assure you.” Aria answered.
“Would you care for a tour of our facilities? I'm sure you'd like to see that your contributions are being put to good use.” She gestured as they took a tour of the large encampment that was fully protected by a ray shield. “As you can see things here are as well as can be expected. Thanks to your donations we've been able to recapture some of the heavy industries on this side of the planet. Hisan's government had put a considerable amount of funds into these facilities and he wouldn't dare risk destroying them if at all possible.”
“Though I fear without additional support our ground forces are no match against their air power and without this shield protecting us they'd simply bomb us from orbit and let it be the end of things.” The green haired woman walking beside Indigo chimed in.
“Commander Zest is correct. With the air superiority on their side we don't stand much of a chance since they've reorganized under Hisan's new fling. That woman knows military strategy like no one I've ever seen. I've heard she's even got rogue Jedi to join her cause. If she and these new commanders of hers let loose, they may very well write these factories off as acceptable losses.”
“We'll see to it that more generators are delivered to better protect them from these aerial bombardments and more battle droids will be sent to protect from ground forces.” Sonata said as Aria turned an annoyed look to her.
“Thank you...for everything.” Indigo said with a sincere smile. “These weapons, these supplies even that doctor you've sent, they've all gone a long way to helping us. All the same I have to ask why you would do all of this for us.”
“My sister and I have seen how time and again good people trampled on by those with their own agendas. You fight to aid the people of your world who are suffering under a man who could care less if the poor have enough food to eat or clothes to wear or homes to live in. The Republic offered meager support to you and worse, the Jedi they send to mediate clearly favor the royalists.” Aria stated. “With our connections, if we can aid groups like yours and help them fight another day, how could we not? Just keep fighting the good fight and soon your world will be liberated from these oppressors. That's all we ask.”
“Thank you, Ms....”
“Aria. Aria Blaze.” The two shake hands as they head back to the tram system. “We really should be getting back to it. Many things need to be done for the next shipment. I can promise you that our support will continue as long as you are willing to fight.”
“Don't worry about that. There is plenty of fight left in my soldiers.”
“Good to hear.” Aria and Sonata board the tram and say their goodbyes as it exits the station and back to the labs. “Sonata...” Aria turned as she choked her sister with the force. “Don't ever speak unless I've commanded it. Understand...apprentice?” The girl gave a gasping nod as she was soon dropped to the ground. A few moments later Aria's communicator began to blink and she answered as Patchwork was on the screen. “Everything is set doctor. We'll drag things out as long as we need for you to finish your work. Together we'll bring the Republic to it's knees and you'll have exactly what I promised you.”
Six Months Later
On the planet Equus, the Council of Friendship was in a heated debate over the events that were transpiring on the planet, Kentoph. “I don't like this.” Dash, who had been the most vocal of the members, said. “It's been six months since we assigned them that mission and all we've got are vague descriptions and stalling.”
“True,” Rarity chimed in. “They were expected to resolve the situation promptly.”
Twilight put a hand to her chin as she thought things over while the others continued to discuss things. “And the reports we've received ain't exactly promising.” Applejack said.
“If they're true then the situation on the planet has escalated, not been defused.” Rarity commented.
“It was a mistake putting those two together.” Dash said in frustration. “We've given them more than enough time. I say we go there and bring them back to the temple so they can explain exactly what they've been doing because it certainly isn't what we sent them there to do.”
“I don't think that will be necessary, Rainbow.” Twilight interrupted her fellow council member. “We don't want to cause an incident. Remember, Tempest was specifically chosen for this mission because of her connection to the Kentoph and it's people. If she is as instrumental in what is happening there as the reports say, then recalling her to Equus might not be as simple as you might hope.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“We take a slightly more diplomatic approach. Sunny Flare is a former Republic naval officer, was she not?”
“Yeah, until she went rogue and joined up with...” Rainbow's eyes grew wide as she locked eyes with Twilight. “You can't be serious.”
“They share a camaraderie. Perhaps that could be enough to bridge this...'misunderstanding'. Honestly, she might have been the best choice to send to begin with.” Dash sat back silently as Twilight turned to the others to get their opinions on the matter. Each and everyone gave a confirming nod, including Dash, who was the last one to do so and even then, begrudgingly.
“It's agreed, then. I'll contact Sunset Shimmer in the morning and get everything set. Unless there are any other concerns.” No one said a thing as the meeting was convened and the various members departed.
The next day, Sunset stood on one of the landing pads as her ship was being loaded for the trip. “Master!” She turned to see her padawan running up with a pack full of equipment as the astromech, Spike followed behind her with Rainbow Dash in tow. “I'm sorry I'm late. Master Fluttershy wanted a word with me before I left.”
Sunset laughed lightly. “It's quite alright, Zaza. Why don't you and Spike get your things on board and I'll meet you inside?” The orange haired girl nodded and ran up the ramp as Spike beeped and rove inside the ship. This left the two older Jedi on the platform while the loading crew and engineers finished up their work.
“How are you feeling?” Dash said as she walked up and stood next to Sunset as the ship was being prepped.
Sunset turned her head slightly and flashed a half-hearted smile. “Excited, nervous, wishing they would have picked someone...anyone else.”
Rainbow chuckled as she stared out at the fields of green just outside the temple. “You know,” She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “This isn't really easy for me to say but I wasn't completely on board with you going on this mission.” Sunset's gaze dropped a bit as Dash cleared her throat. “But the council has made it's decision. More importantly, Fluttershy trusts you and I've always trusted her judgment.”
“The things I've done in the past won't just disappear overnight but maybe my past is the key to completing this mission as quickly as possible. I was given a second chance and I swear I'll do my best not to let any of you down.”
“I suppose that's all I can ask. May the force be with you, Sunset Shimmer.” Dash lightened up a bit and with a small smile, playfully punched Sunset in the arm before she turned and walked off. “Just make sure you look after the kid. Fluttershy will have your head if anything happens to her.”
Sunset herself had a small, nervous smile as she headed onto the ship as the ground crew were clearing the platform. “Ouch.” She said under her breath as she rubbed the pain out of her arm and headed toward the ship for the voyage.
Capital City, Kentoph
Rose, alongside her master, Tempest as well as Garble and a small group of royal guard, stood on a landing platform. The red haired girl fidgeted with her now more militarized gear as they awaited a new arrival. “Does my hair look alright? What if they don't even recognize me?”
“Calm down, Rose. Everything will be just fine.” Tempest said as she stood calmly.
“I haven't seen either of them in almost a year. I'm just nervous I guess. I can't imagine how much they've changed. I know I have.”
“Hey,” Garble said as he bit down on a piece of fruit in his hand. “Is that their shuttle right there?” He pointed into the sky as the others looked but saw nothing yet. A few moments later a craft came into view.
“How did you see that before we did?” Rose asked.
“Dragon Clansmen have exceptional eyesight. Makes them invaluable scouts, among other things.” Tempest answered as they watched the shuttle touch down. Rose takes a deep breath as the landing gear settled and the ramp slowly came down. Several individuals stepped out until she spotted who she was waiting for.
“Girls, over her!” Rose called and waved to them.
“Rose!” Two girls one with pink skin and blonde hair and the other with a slightly lighter skin tone and curly green hair, ran toward Rose and the three celebrated with a long embrace.
“Daisy, Lily, it's so good to see you girls. It's been too long. Glad you could come.”
“Are you kidding?” Daisy said. “When we heard from you, we didn't hesitate.”
“Though I can't help but think the temple staff won't be happy when they find out what we're doing. But forget them. We're here to help any way we can.”
Rose smiled and looked to her master. “Girls, this is Master Tempest Shadow.”
Tempest gave an acknowledging nod. “Pleasure to meet you both. Rose speaks fondly of you.”
Lily looked over her friend's shoulder and noticed the man behind them. “Who's the fiery haired guy?”
Rose turned back to Garble who was still chewing on his food. “Oh, that's Garble. He was our pilot to the planet.”
“Hey, what's up?” He said nonchalantly as the group gathered.
“Well, let's get going girls.” Rose said as they headed to a large drop ship. “We'll explain everything on the way to the base”
“Base?” Daisy asked as she and Lily looked to each other.
Rose took the two by a hand each and led them along. “Well it's more of our forward command post that we've been operating out of. It'll help you guys acclimate...in style. Come on! You can ride with us in our transport.”
“Listen, I got some stuff to take care of. A shipment is supposed to come in soon and I got to be here to see it through.” Garble said to the group. “Catch you later.”
“Stay out of trouble this time.” Rose said playfully.
“No promises.” He winked as he took another bite of his food. As they walked away, Daisy and Lily traded humored looks.
The group made it to the custom, heavily armed transport vessel and hopped aboard and got seated. “Lily Valley, Daisy, I'd like you to meet the best pilots on this rock, Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail.”
“Aw, you're too kind.” Vapor said as she fastened her helmet. “Now hang on everybody. We're going to be double timing it.” After everyone was secured onboard, the vehicle took off toward the HQ.
“So, what have you girls been up to since I left?” Rose inquired.
“Oh you know. Same old temple guard stuff.” Lily responded. “It's so dull. Watch that hall, watch this hall, over and over and over. At least we didn't get roped into managing the archives or hyperspace mapping.”
“I just think it's so unfair that we gave everything up to be Jedi and when we don't cut it, we end up doing menial chores like someone's errand boy.” Daisy added.
“I will admit that I have found fault in the Order when willing younglings were relegated to other assignments simply for not being chosen as Padawans.” Tempest chimed in.
“That's exactly why we came. We want to actually make a difference in the galaxy, not just sit around in the temple all day.”
“I just hope you are ready for what we are in store for out here.”
“We are ready, Master Tempest.” Lily assured.
“There is conviction in your words, Lily Valley. A shame you weren't selected. I sense you would have made a fine padawan.”
“Thank you, master. And thank you for taking care of Rose.” Lily and Daisy then shot playful looks at their friend. “And it looks like you aren't the only one.”
Rose sat back in her seat with a raised eyebrow. “What's that supposed to mean?”
“That Garble. You and him...” Daisy said as her eyes lit up.
“He and I what?”
“Your thoughts betray you, padawan.” Tempest commented as she then relaxed in her seat, a wide smile on her face, while Daisy and Lily drilled their friend for details and she vehemently denied everything.
Sky Stinger and Vapor turned to each other laughing lightly. “This is going to be fun.” Sky said as the ship sped toward its destination.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
A few hours after the last arrival, the Jedi craft touched down on a small, remote landing pad in the Kentoph capital city. The engines slowly shut down and soon the three crew members walked down the ramp onto the sparsely populated dock, a few personal dotted around the platform. “They certainly rolled out the red carpet, huh?” Sunset joked as Zaza and Spike stood by her side, her humor going seemingly unnoticed. “Anyway...looks like we're on our own for transport. Good, we needed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Come on you two.” They secured the ship before heading out on a speeder that had been prepared for them, toward the palace in the center of the city. The pilot drove through the bustling streets of the capital as Zaza looked around in amazement.
“This place is so huge.” She exclaimed. “So much bigger than the temple on Equus.”
Sunset chuckled as she relaxed in the seat in front of her new padawan. “I know it's a lot to take in, but I need you to focus. Places like this, they look safe but there are always hidden dangers around every corner. So-called sophisticated planets like these are just as dangerous as...” She turned her head back to find that she was talking to herself as both Zaza and her astromech companion had exited the speeder mid ride and were traveling down the street a good distance behind. “For crying out...” She leaped from the vehicle herself as the pilot shouted incoherently at her. Sunset struggled to maneuver through the thick crowds as she did her best to follow her protege. Finally she caught up to the girl who had Spike not far behind.
She reached out and grabbed her protege by the right arm as the girl looked back. “Where are you going?”
“He needs help.” The girl responded with concern in her eyes. Shortly after, Sunset released her hand and followed closely behind as they raced down an alleyway. As they drew closer to wherever the padawan was leading them, the girl slowed and crouched down as voices were heard.
“Seriously, I'll get you guys the credits. The queen owes me a ton of...”
“The queen? Yeah, tell us another one. You don't have our blasters or the credits to make dealing with you even tolerable.” Zaza and Sunset peered around a corner and witnessed several beings in the alley. Two Nikto, led by a Rodian who held a young near-human male with red and yellow hair by his shirt. “Which means we are going to take it out of your hide right now.” The Rodian threw him to the ground and pulled a blaster pistol out.
“That's enough!” Sunset stepped out into the open as Zaza stood beside her. “Leave. Now.”
“This doesn't concern you, lady.” The Rodian said as his two guards turned to her. “Now run along or you'll get hurt.” Two more blasters were drawn as the Nikto trained their weapons on the two.
Sunset sighed before igniting her lightsaber with Zaza. “Alright then.” Blaster fire erupted as the three shot at the two Jedi who quickly deflected the projectiles. Spike beeped frantically and moved to cover behind a stack of crates. Zaza jumped into the air as the two Nikto turned their fire on her. The pressure taken off her, Sunset rushed forward and swiftly disarmed the leader, cutting his blaster in half before he could even react. Her blade was held close to his throat as he barely had enough room to breath. “I don't know what all this is about, but is he really worth all this stress?”
Combat had ceased at the moment between the others as they watched the scene unfold. The Rodian contemplated his options for a moment before making up his mind. “Fine, he's off the hook...for now.” He gestured to the other two as they put away their weapons and cautiously walked off.
Sunset walked over and helped up the young man. “You alright, Mr...?”
“Garble. And I'll live.” He responded. “Thanks for the assist.”
“You should be thanking Zaza here.” The girl leaped down from the roof she had positioned herself on. “If not for her, I'd never have known anything was going on. What was that all about anyway?”
“I owed them some weapons that I “donated” to some of my associates. They're good for the credits to pay me back but with things the way they are on Kentoph these days, the funds ain't exactly flowing.” He dusted himself off before noticing the purple droid that came out of cover. “Trash can?” He joked as the droid came close and shocked him with one of his internal devices. Garble jumped back and held off from kicking the droid over. “Yeah, that's you alright. You guys must be from the Equus temple.”
“How did you know that.” Sunset inquired.
“I was there a few months back to drop off Tempest Shadow and her padawan. They're the reason I'm still here, I guess.”
“Do you know where they are now?”
“You just missed them. They left on a mission a few hours ago. I was on my way to fix this deal and that went belly up as you can see.”
“Well we were headed to the palace for some business of our own, but I doubt our driver waited up for us. Bad way to make a first impression.” Sunset rubbed the back of her head nervously.
“Well, after what just happened, things will probably be better for me if I head back there anyway. You can hitch a ride with me if you want.” Garble led the three to his red and gold speeder and hopped in. “Consider it a thank you for saving my scales.”
“Thank you.” Zaza said as she gave a brief bow. It didn't take long for the group to arrive at the palace as two security speeders gave them an escort in that surprised the two Jedi as they landed on the platform with a greasy smuggler, an area usually reserved for the royals and honored guests. “Thank you again for the ride, Garble sir.”
“No problem. Thanks again for the rescue,...Zaza, right?” She nodded lightly. “See you guys later.” He walked off as the guards secured the speeder. “Got some VIP's here that need to see Pharaoh Hisan.”
The two Jedi and their droid companion were soon escorted off the platform and onto a lift that took them to a reserved area of the palace. The portion of the palace was even more elaborate and ornately decorated then could have been imagined. Zaza was in complete and utter owe at her surroundings as the group eventually stopped at a large set of double doors. “Right this way.” The guard opened the door and the two entered into a large aviary that overlooked the large city below. Inside stood a familiar figure to Sunset Shimmer as the guard announced the Jedi's arrival.
“It's good to see you again.” Sunny Flare said with her body turned slightly toward the two arrivals, a red feathered bird of prey on her right arm. “It's been far too long, Sunset Shimmer.”
“It's certainly been a long time. I see you're doing well for yourself since we last met.” Sunset greeted with a respectful bow as Zaza did the same.
Flare smiles lightly as she sets the bird down on a stand and walks over to them. “Those times seem like so long ago, don't they? But, we aren't here to reminisce. The Jedi Council sent you all this way when they've already sent Tempest Shadow and Roseluck. I must say they have proven to be invaluable in our fight to quell this uprising.”
Sunset sighed for a moment. “Yes, about that...”
“It's good you're here, though. Combined, they won't stand a chance against us. The two of us together again, just like the old days.” Sunny begins to trail off as she excitedly talks tactics as Zaza is lost as to the meaning of terms and Sunset simply sighed again.
“Sunny Flare...!” Sunset blurted out as the other woman turned to her. She cleared her throat before resuming. “I came to negotiate a peace between Pharoah Hisan and the rebels.”
Flare frowned slightly as she regained her composure. “I'm afraid he is unavailable at the moment. As his queen and more importantly, as his chief military advisor, I will handle any and all matters having to do with the rebellion. Of course, any negotiations are certainly out of the question.”
“And why is that?”
“We're winning. My forces are mere months from completely routing Indigo Zap and her ragtag band and ending this once and for all.”
“Your forces?” Sunset questioned as Flare smirked.
“Of course. Who did you think? Hisan?” She laughed. “He's just as he appears, a figure head. He was barely keeping his head above water when I landed here two years ago. His father may have left him the throne but Hisan was never meant for it. I saved his capitol city from being overrun, pushed back against the rebels and convinced and recruited the regional tribes to fight for him. I'll admit, he does have his uses in...other areas.”
“You're using him.”
“You make it sound so dirty, Sunset. I mean, in the end isn't that what you did to Indigo, to Flash and myself?”
Sunset hesitated before she responded. “That...that was different.”
Flare's face became even more stern than before as she put her full attention on Sunset. “Was it really? You convinced us to challenge the Republic we served to join you. My fleet was at your command. We pledged ourselves to you and for what? So you could claim power for yourself and show the Jedi Council how great you were.” She watched Sunset lower her head, seemingly in shame as she clenched her fists. Zaza, on the other hand could feel the pressure emanating from her master as she watched as the glass shielding the aviary from the outside world began to crack.
“And just look at where we are now. Me, I'm a queen. You? You're still under the Jedi's thumb.”
Spike beeped in fear as he could see the cracks moving down the glass, getting close to the breaking point. Zaza fought off the fear in her body and quickly grabbed Sunset's left wrist. “Master?” She said quietly. This seemed enough to cause Sunset to realize what she'd been doing and she swiftly recomposed herself.
The Jedi Knight took a deep breath before she responded. “It would seem fortune has shined on us in rather different ways, old friend.”
Sunset's shift in demeanor caused Flare to resume her initial cordial reaction as well. “It would seem so. Thought, I suppose I should thank you for that at least. When I served the Republic, we were bound by the whims of the Senate. Here, I feel I can make real change.”
“I know this is a difficult situation for the both of us. I can't say that I agree with what I've heard, but I respect you enough to reserve my judgment until I see for myself exactly what's going on.”
Flare bowed slightly. “I suppose that's all I can ask.” She extended her hand to Sunset and the two shook. “It really is good to see you again, Sunset.”
“You as well.” Just then, Sunset felt a sensation travel up her arm before she smiled lightly. “We should really get to work. Don't want to take up too much of your time. I'm sure you have a lot on your plate.”
“Well, there is one thing. A group of Celestial Knights had landed here almost a year ago. We gave them space to do whatever it was they were doing. About two weeks ago we got reports of a fire in the jungle and thought it might be rebel activity. When my troops arrived we found the Knights camp utterly destroyed. Just about everyone was either dying or dead.”
“Just about?” Sunset questioned further.
“Our soldiers found one of their knights alive among all the carnage. He was barely clinging to life when we found him. There...there was a teenage girl among them as well, still in shock but otherwise unharmed. We brought them here to heal and rest. He regained consciousness just before you arrived. No idea what that means but perhaps you can get some information about what happened there. I'll have my guards take you to him.”
“I'd appreciate it, though I'm not sure he'll want to talk to a Jedi. May have to come at this from another angle.”
“Well, you have always had a way with words, Sunset Shimmer.” Sunny extended her hand as the two shook.
“Seems you have one more thing to fight for.” Her gaze shifted down toward her friend's stomach.
Sunny giggled. “Can't hide anything from a Jedi, can I? Just please don't tell me 'the force is strong with this one'. I don't know if I can handle a little Jedi running around the palace.” Sunset smiled mischievously as she, Zaza and Spike turned to leave. “Sunset? Seriously, tell me. I command you.” she jokingly shouted as the trio exited the aviary. “Just like old times.”
Sunset and her wards are eventually led to the private quarters where two guards stood on either side. Sunny had already sent word for Sunset to be allowed in as the guards deactivated the door lock. “Zaza, you and Spike wait here. I'll talk to him alone.” Sunset motioned to enter, but stopped briefly and leaned down to Zaza. “I need to thank you for your help back there. Seems Fluttershy was right to put us together. I won't be long.” Zaza blushed as her master entered the room.
The Jedi Knight entered the room that, despite being for recovery, had all the luxury of one of Corucsant's most high level apartments compressed within it; A bedroom, small living area, a restroom and eating area that sat off of a balcony that overlooked a portion of the city. Sunset walked in cautiously for a moment and, not seeing anyone in the other rooms, slowly headed for the sleeping area. The door closed behind her and before she could act, a blade was put to her throat as someone restrained her from behind. “Don't even think about it.” A young woman's voice said in a cold voice. She relieved her of her lightsaber and forced her forward. “This way, and no sudden movements, Jedi.”
“Relax, kid. I'm not here to fight.” Sunset said to reassure her captor.
“My name is Therma. Now keep quiet.” She led her to the room on the right side of the domicile that had two beds in it, one occupied by an older man with grayish skin and red hair tied in a short ponytail. He held a data pad that he scrolled through before taking notice of the new arrival. “Master, we have a visitor.”
“So it would seem.” He put down the pad as he leaned back against the tall head of his bed. “What brings another Jedi Knight here? Thought the two your Order had sent would suffice.” He gestured for Therma to release her as the girl stepped back and lowered her weapon before returning the Jedi's weapon. “Crimson. Captain Crimson.” He introduced himself.
“Sunset Shimmer. Sunny Flare sent me to speak with you...about what happened. I know our orders are opposed but....”
“Anyone that could do this to an entire clan of Celestial Knights is clearly a threat.” He finished. “Leave us.” He gestured to his apprentice.
“Master, I...” She began to protest.
“Now.” He urged her as she hesitated before begrudgingly leaving and closed the door behind her. “You'll have to forgive Therma. She is a dutiful apprentice, but headstrong. The last few days have been...trying for her, to say the least.”
“So I've heard. I know this must be hard for you but any information you could share would be invaluable to our efforts.”
“And you are working for Flare?” He questioned.
“Working with her, actually. We want to try and solve this whole civil war if we can.”
“Not sure that's possible. Certainly wasn't why we were here to begin with. Though I suppose I can tell you what I know. The least I can do considering they could have left us to rot out there.”
“So what happened? I thought Celestial Knights always traveled in clans.”
“We do. There were thirty of us; Knights, apprentices and our families. We were on Tatooine when our collective sensed a disturbance in the force and we packed up immediately to meet with another knight that had traveled ahead of us to get here. Our clan head guided us to settle in the mountains so we could observe both sides and discover what it was that brought us here. We scoped things out for a month or two, had a few scrapes with those rebels, nothing that seemed strange. Then...” He paused for a moment and stared down at the floor with a dark look on his face.
“What?” Sunset asked that seemed to snap him out of his trance.
“Two of our sentries returned early from their duties with some robed woman. We questioned what was going on. She didn't answer and neither did they. Then she did... something. A song, something like that. She used some kind of force ability, trying to break us.”
“A Siren.” He nodded in acknowledgment.
“We fought back and then she commanded our sentries to attack us. It was hard enough to fight our own, but she was like nothing I'd ever seen before. She slaughtered us. Our Knights, the women, the children. Therma was knocked unconscious during the attack. She...her mother died in her arms and I was barely clinging to life. Everything became clear then.”
“The Siren. She has to be manipulating things. Sewing chaos is their specialty. Thank you, Crimson. And I am truly sorry for the loss of your clan. I should be on my way.” She gets up to leave.
“Wait. I'm in no condition to go, but take Therma with you. She's strong and well disciplined. She'll be invaluable to you.”
“I appreciate it, but...” Sunset was stopped as he got up from his bed, on shaky legs but still standing.
“I understand your reservations, but please hear me out. Therma is not just my apprentice. She's my daughter. She watched everyone she's ever known be massacred in one day. The entire time I was out she guarded me and now that she knows I'll live, her inclination is to get revenge. I've done my best to talk her down but every second here only makes her more restless. I won't be able to hold her back for long, but if she was out there with you...”
“I'll keep her safe. You have my word on that.”
“Thank you, Master Jedi. You know they always told us that Jedi were uncompromising and thick headed. Nice to see that our order was wrong on at least that.”
Sunset chuckled. “Trust me, those claims were never truer than seeing me back in the day. A little bit of empathy and time can work wonders.”
Earlier
“'Come to Kentoph', you said. 'It'll be good to see Rose again', you said.” Lily said angrily as the drop ship she and the others were traveling in, among about a dozen others, was in the midst of being shot at from the ground by small arms laser fire and shoulder rockets as they neared the front lines.
Daisy held on tightly to her harness as the ship shook from the fire below. “Your attitude in this situation is not helpful in the slightest.” She fired back as both Rose and Tempest sat quietly, seemingly used to this type of action during their months on the planet. “Why aren't they worried? Why are they not worried about this?!”
“Relax,” Sky Stinger said from the co-pilot's seat as Vapor worked the controls to avoid the enemy fire. “we've been through these situations before and trust me, we'll all be fine.” Not three seconds after giving his reassurances, a missile ripped through one of the other drop ships on the fringe of the formation as it burst into flames and careened toward the ground. “Most of us. Most of us will be fine.”
On the ground, the ambush unit that was assaulting them took aim with a tripod mounted heavy laser and fired. The shot struck the starboard engine of the transport as red alert lights flashed on the control panel. “Sky, I love you like a brother, but please keep your jinxing mouth shut!” Vapor said as she fought the controls to keep them airborne, to little success. “Everyone hold onto something!” The ship clipped the canopy as it went further below and nicked the wide trunk of one of the many tall trees, which sent the vehicle spinning violently onto the jungle floor as it skidded several hundred feet before finally halting. Vapor pulled off her helmet and groggily shook her head as blood ran down from just above her hairline. “Is everyone...alright?”
“We're alright.” Rose responded as she heard a groan next to her as she was shocked to find that a metal rod had pierced Tempest's right shoulder. “Master!” She unfastened her harness and checked on her master's wound as she was a bit panicked. “Oh no!”
Tempest strained as she felt the metal in her body as she stretched out her left arm to feel it, grunting in pain for her trouble. “Don't try to move. I can help.” Daisy said. “I have medical training. Let me see what I can do.”
“Looks like we got company.” Vapor says as she checks the dash board. “Thermal scanners are picking up movement. It's probably our welcoming committee.”
Sky pulled out his pistol and unfastened himself from his seat before heading to the emergency hatch. “Well then it would be rude to not be here when they arrive. You see if you can get the distress beacon working. I'll buy you some time.”
“I'm going too.” Lily said as she grabbed her rifle as well.
Rose hesitated to leave the wounded Tempest as Daisy tended to her. “You're going to be alright. We'll handle these rebels and clear the area for the rescue team.” She ignited her blade and headed out with the two others and almost immediately upon exiting, a blaster bolt hit the side of the downed vehicle as the rebels began appearing from the thick jungle. Lily and Sky opened fire and rushed for cover in the nearby brush as both sides exchanged a flurry of shots. Rose stood in the open, deflecting shots and began to walk toward the enemy as her two allies put down covering fire for her, managing to down several of their attackers in the process. She moved at full speed into the dense brush as Sky and Lily followed a good distance behind, grabbing the more powerful rifles dropped by their former attackers.
Rose rushed through the jungle as two rebels popped up and opened fire on her. She deflected one of the shots that hit the lead rebel in the chest, putting them out of commission. The second fired several more shots as the Jedi passed them. The padawan motioned her blade behind her, covering her back and deflected the shot into the remaining assailant. As she moved closer to her destination, a large group of rebels stood between her and it as a wall of blaster fired flew towards her. Thinking quickly, she leaped up into the trees, the thick foliage hiding her from her enemies sight. She hopped from branch to branch, sometimes narrowly avoiding stray shots as they ground troops attempted to pinpoint her location.
Reaching into the satchel clipped to her side, Rose pulled out a thermal detonator and armed it before placing it back in the bag with about half a dozen others. She drops the bag down through the trees in the vicinity of the blaster fire. A few seconds later a large explosion ripped through the air as fire soared up through the trees. Rose flipped and landed down in the clearing where the heavy laser cannon that had downed the drop ship sat, surrounded by several rebels who fled upon seeing her ignite her blade. She rolled her eyes before hurling her blade, slicing the barrel off the cannon. The blade flew back to her outstretched hand, only for it to change direction and found itself in the hands of a cloaked figure, a hood obscuring.
“Your master should have instructed you to stay focused in battle, child.” The figure said in an echoed voice. Rose moved cautiously around them as the mysterious being stood completely still. “Believe me, if I'd wanted you dead...” Before they could finish the sentence, Rose unleashed a blast of force energy that smashed them into a tree.
“Who are you?”
The being laughed as they moved their hands freely, seemingly ignoring the Jedi's hold on them. “I know you, Roseluck. I know what you and what you truly fear.”
Rose faltered for a moment before reaffirming her grip on the unknown person. She was alarmed as they put their feet on the ground and walked toward her, despite the padawan still exerting her force powers. “I don't...”
“Don't attempt to deny it. I see through you.”
As they moved toward Rose, she snatched her lightsaber from them and ignited it. She charged and swung repeatedly at them, only to miss time and again as the cloaked figure effortlessly evaded each blow that would certainly spell instant death if they were to land. “I sense it. You fear for your friend. You know she's made a dangerous mistake. But she won't see...not until it is too late.” They flip backward, avoiding a horizontal slash at their midsection as Rose attempts to use more precision strikes. “You truly understand the danger she poses, but they've ignored you. They will all die...she will die, unless you do something about it.” An overhead strike was blocked as the figure grabbed Rose's wrist and twisted it to gain possession of the blade. With a swift motion, they forced her against the trunk of a nearby tree and drove the blade into her left shoulder which caused the Jedi to release a blood curdling scream. Despite the pain, she put her energy into staying erect as the alternative was to let the blade slice through her as her body fell downward.
“I hope I have your attention now.” The figure gripped Rose by the face and forced her to look into the seeming void that was their face. “If you want to save her...save them all, then take this.” Through the force, they levitate a black leather necklace up to Rose. In the center was a golden holster with a red gem seated inside of it. “Use this, show them all who...what she truly is. Save your friend, your Order before it's too late.”
“Rose! Rose, are you there?” The familiar voice brought Rose back to the real world as she opened her eyes and jerked around in a panic. She found herself still standing near the destroyed cannon. She moved her right hand over to her punctured shoulder only to find that there was no wound. The pain had felt so real a moment ago. It had to have been real, right? As she looked herself over, finding everything to be in place, Lily called out again as she emerged into the clearing, Sky Stinger not far behind with two wounded soldiers. “There you are. I was worried. We managed to reach the other gunship. These two were the only ones that made it out. Good thing you took out that gun. The rescue team is on it's way to the crash site with the others. We'd better get back there.”
The padawan was still a bit in a daze as she was having a hard time discerning reality from the fantasy that had just played out in her head. “Right, right.”
Lily looked down with a curious look. “What's that?”
To Rose's horror, she looked down to find the same necklace from what she thought was a hallucination, gemstone and all, in her left hand. Her eyes widened as she gripped it tightly before relaxing her grip and calming herself. “Nothing. One of those cowards must have dropped it.” She reassured her friend before tucking the item away in her pocket. “Let's go.”
In time the group made it back to the crash site as the rescue vessel arrived and ferried them to the forward command center. Upon arrival, the medical team immediately got the wounded, Tempest included, to the medical station. “You'll be alright, master.” Rose reassured her as Tempest smiled lightly and lightly placed her good hand on Rose's, just before they hurried her away. She reached into her pocket again to confirm that the item was indeed real and very much still there. “We should...get you two settled in.” She said to Lily and Daisy as they nodded. As they headed to the barracks they spotted another drop ship make it's approach and touch down in the landing zone. “Must be another straggler. You two head on over there. I'll meet you.” Rose headed over to greet the late arrival.
The doors to the craft opened up and Rose was very surprised to see Knight Sunset Shimmer emerge. A moment later, Rose was less than pleased as Sunset's young padawan exited the vehicle as well. The golden haired girl happily hopped down with her purple astromech droid companion. Her eyes widened as she sensed the other padawan's presence and turned to face her. Zaza herself froze as she spotted Rose and the two locked eyes, various emotions stirring within both of them.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Rose was livid to put it lightly as she spotted the young girl disembarking with the older Jedi. “What is she doing here?!” She said angrily, catching the attention of several nearby soldiers before Sunset put herself between the two padawans.
“Watch your tone, Padawan Rose. Now.” Sunset said with a similar fury in her eyes. “Now, we need to speak to your master.”
Rose glared at her for several seconds before turning around and walking away. Sunset looked back to Zaza, who was still hiding behind Spike. A small nod of the head encouraged the unnerved padawan learner to follow her master behind Rose. Spike stayed near the shuttle platform as Therma exited the ship and stood next to the droid. “I feel an...uneasiness between them.” Spike gave a low beep in agreement.
The walk through the camp was chillingly quite as Sunset was met with uneasy looks from men and women dressed in military uniforms as well as members of several of the local tribes, wearing a mix of their traditional garb with things like arm and headbands or shirts, all with the colors of the loyalists to show their allegiance. Rose eventually lead them to a two story building that was being used as a field hospital that she entered. Sunset moved up but stopped as she turned to Zaza. “Wait out here for now. I shouldn't be long.” The young girl shakily nodded and stood watching her master disappear inside.
Rose and Sunset moved through the facility where the latter witnessed a number of soldiers bed-ridden with varying degrees of injury. Others were submersed in bacta tanks as their injuries were far more severe. “You should have seen how bad things were before we arrived. A lot of these soldiers wouldn't even have it this good.” Rose said as she led the way.
“The Council asked that Master Tempest to broker peace, not get involved. We are a neutral party, not soldiers for one side or the other.” Sunset countered.
“This coming from Sunset Shimmer.” Rose shot back. “Well things don't always work out the way we plan now, do they? If you'd seen the things that have been going on out here, you might not be so quick to judge.”
“I've seen exactly where this is leading.”
“That's right, Queen Flare has you to thank for helping her get on the throne.” Rose said in a mocking tone. “Joining your quest for power gave her the drive she needed to carve out something for herself. Seems your own ambitions were...lacking.”
“Excuse me?” Sunset scolded which caused Rose to turn violently towards her and grabbed her by her robes.
“I've excused you just about enough! You've got a lot of nerve yourself, bringing that...thing here!” She stopped as the two noticed the alarmed staff and guards before Rose released her and regained her composure. “Talk to Master Tempest yourself. You might just learn something.” The two resumed their silent, if not somewhat tenuous walk as they went up a set of stairs and the staff did their best to calm everyone down. A few minutes later they entered a room marked as private.
The two entered and were greeted by Tempest Shadow as she was still being tended to by the medics for her freshly wounded shoulder as she laid in bed. “Sunset Shimmer. This is certainly a surprise.” The two medical staff members left after Tempest gestured to them.
Sunset bowed lightly to her with a smile. “It's good to see you again. I just wish it were under different circumstances.” She sighed as the smile vanished from her face. “The Council has sent me to retrieve you. They have agreed that you have exceeded your mandate and have asked that I come on their behalf to assess the situation.”
Tempest nodded in agreement. “I fully understand. Understand, things here are complicated. Far more than we initially realized. Rose, why don't you go and see how the others are doing while Master Shimmer and I discuss matters?” Rose hesitated for a moment before Tempests stern gaze urged her on and she departed.
The padawan soon found herself walking back through the facility, being mindful to take an alternate route outside, partially to avoid the staff that she'd disturbed minutes prior but mostly to avoid...her. Her mind raced as she couldn't believe that the Council would send her to this world of all Jedi. She reached back into her pocket yet again and saw the pendent glowing faintly as she walked outside before putting it away. Rose knew this couldn't have been a coincidence that of all the Jedi in the galaxy, this Zaza was one of two that had been sent. She thought back to the Siren that she'd battled earlier. A vision? A construct of the force perhaps, guiding her down a path? If so and to where, she didn't know at the moment.
“I wish I'd have gotten selected by a master when I was your age.” Rose heard as she exited the facility. A few dozen feet away, she saw Lily and Daisy conversing with the young girl who had earned, quite rightly in her mind, all her scorn and disgust. Daisy noticed her and waved her over. “Hey Rose, check it out. Looks like we got some reinforcements. This is...”
“We've met.” Was all Rose said as Zaza recoiled a moment as the red haired padawan's gaze seemed to burn through her.
Meanwhile, Sunset and Tempest discussed what had transpired since the assignment began several months ago. Sunset paced back and forth as she contemplated what she'd heard. “I can see why you went silent with this for so long.”
“The dark side of the force surrounds this world. Someone powerful is manipulating events in their favor. To what ends, I don't know.” Tempest responded.
“Sunny Flare certainly had no short list of enemies when I knew her. I'm certain that list has grown exponentially since she came here. Question is, who could be supplying the rebels with this level of tech and in these quantities? Battle droids, anti-ship platforms, star-fighters...None of this is adding up.”
“Anyone on this planet opposed to Hisan with that level of wealth perished shortly after he claimed the thrown. Sombra, Fleur, Cadenza...they all fell in battle or to the loyalist forces years ago.” Tempest laid back as the two continued to converse. She sighed as she looked at her wounded shoulder. “Sunset, I know full well the council doesn't approve of my actions here. Neither do I sometimes, but I know that without our intervention, something worse will come from letting things run their course.”
Sunset sighed herself before turning to the other knight with a smile. “You said it yourself; the dark side of the force surrounds this place. No one knows that better than us, huh?” This response garnered an uncharacteristic chuckle from Tempest before she groaned as she lightly held her shoulder.
“Ah! Don't make me laugh please. Barely keeping it together as is. Sunset, I know this is asking a lot of you, given everything that is happening, but...”
“Don't worry about it. You aren't the first one to ask me today. Rose?”
“I brought her here to help her deal with her...situation. Seems the force has seen fit for her to deal with it head-on. You're well aware of the history between our padawans. They need this if either of them is going to get passed this block that has been placed in their paths.”
“I have no doubt each of them was placed under our tutelage because we have experiences unique to their particular conditions. I'll do my best, for the both of them. You heal up. We'll do what we can and investigate. With any luck, we might just uncover exactly what's going on here before it's too late.”
Tempest once again had an unsure look on her face. “Too late for what, I wonder.”
“Let's just hope we won't have to find out.”
Later
Within the temple that acted as the rebel's base of operations, Indigo Zap was working feverishly over several sets of plans in her private quarters. Her eyes darted periodically to each grouping as she worked out strategies in her head, muttering to herself every so often to help keep track of her thought process. A sudden buzz came from the door of her room as she looked up briefly. “Enter.” Lemon Zest walked in as she saluted. The gesture seemed to go unnoticed as her commander had already went back to the task at hand. “Hey Lem. Really don't have time to talk right now. Busy planning our next move.”
Lemon looked around the desk her friend was working at to see piles of papers and food. Worse though, were the empty adrenal packs around the desk, normally used on the battle field to boost a soldiers stamina and restore energy. “When's the last time you've gotten some rest?”
Indigo merely grunted in annoyance as she kept working. “Was there something you needed?”
“Indigo. Indi, would you look at me?” Indigo groaned before turning her attention to the other girl. “I'm worried...about you...about all this.”
“What are you talking about?”
“All this. When we started this, you said this would be over in a matter of months. We're going on what, three years now? Things are really getting messed up.”
“We're close to winning this and stopping all of this.” Indigo assures as she stood up.
“That's what you said last month and the month before that and the year before that! Indigo, this is getting out of hand. Getting pirates to drop in weapons and supplies is one thing, but now you're working with that doctor and those two...I don't even know what they are.”
“They offered to help us.”
“They have a frickin' army! Starships, battle droids, huge sums of supplies and munitions that they are just willing to give away. And that doctor they brought on... We've been diverting tons of raw materials from the facilities we captured to her mystery project. Materials we could be using to help people like we came here to do. None of that seems strange to you?”
“I'm trying to win this war by any means necessary.”
“That's what's worrying me. We've been at this for years...and I've seen you killing prisoners of war and having the troops burn fields and villages and everything you taught me a soldier should never do. This is getting out of hand, Indy. I can't help but think you're doing all this just so you can get back at Sunny Flare.”
Indigo leaped forward in a fury at the sound of that name. “She betrayed us!”
Lemon didn't budge one inch from her position. “And that let's you throw away your moral code just so you can even the score? No! All these deaths...it isn't right Indigo, and you know it. This has to stop. We want to do good, then we need to start acting like it again. If we just called a cease-fire...”
“Don't ask me to do that.” She turned and marched back to her desk, using it to support her tired body.
“This has gone way beyond what we intended, you've got to see that. Now we've got Jedi on the field leading the royal forces. It won't be long before the Republic gets involved in this. What then? Our benefactors aren't gonna be able to help us.” Lemon slowly approached her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “ I've always had your back, Indigo and I always will. You've done more than anyone could have asked of you, but maybe it's time we deal while we still have the leverage.”
Indigo looked across the room at a wall mirror and viewed her reflection. Her ragged appearance; ruffled hair, bags under her eyes and pasty complexion all spoke volumes of her constantly burning the candle at both ends. At the same time she considered the words of her friend. “Okay. Okay you're right about one thing. I do need some rest. Look, Lemon, this is a war but you're right, we have to be better than they are. I'll sleep on this, heaven knows I could use it. Wait. I've got a bunch of planning meetings with some of the officers and our benefactors over the next two weeks.”
“Let me take care of those for you. All it is is a bunch of debriefings, charts and graphs...blah blah blah. Just rest up. You're no good to anyone worn out like you are. We'll talk more after you've gotten some rest.”
“It's not just that. It's strategies, implementing new weapons, troop rotations.” Indigo stopped and thought before sighing. “Okay. If you can promise me that you won't go overboard and go spouting all this peace talk stuff before I get back, I think I can entrust you with the responsibility.”
Lemon saluted her. “Ma'am, yes Ma'am.”
“Good. Everything you need is on the desk right there. I'll get packing my things for the retreat. Nothing says relaxing like living it up in the summer home you captured from the royal family. Thanks, Lemon. Thanks for sticking with me through all this.”
“Don't mention it. Now go on. I got this.” She moved her friend toward her bedroom before heading off to prepare herself for the meeting. As Lemon walked the halls she bumped into a small green skinned alien. The creature was little over two feet tall, wearing a blue body suit and a black hood with blue lens goggles covering his eyes. The most noticeable feature about him were the four mechanical, spider-like legs that lifted the diminutive alien off the ground. The collision had caused him to drop a data pad as well as several other items. “Sorry, Zurb. I was in kind of a rush.”
“So was I.” He said in a monotone, raspy voice as he went to retrieve his items, with Lemon aiding him. “Have you seen General Indigo? I needed to speak with her concerning the staff meeting later today.” Despite his small stature, Zurb had been one of the most effective commanders in the rebel faction. No matter what he was doing at any given time, he always seemed to be crunching numbers, analyzing every event and conversation. He disturbed some around the base but for the most part he kept to himself.
“About that...I'm actually going to be taking charge of things. The general is in no condition right now to be handling such matters and so she's tasked me with overseeing things until she's back on her feet.”
The antennae on Zurb's head perked up at hearing the news. “I see. Well, you are her trusted second-in-command. If anyone can handle things, it's you.”
“Thanks, but no one can match Indigo when it comes to tenacity and passion for what they fight for. I'll do my best though.”
“I'm certain you'll do just fine.” He gathered his belongings in his arms and organized them once again. “If you'll excuse me, I have a few other matters that need tending to before our next scheduled debriefing. I'll address my other concerns then.” He dismissed himself and moved down another hallway as Lemon went the other way. Zurb eventually made his way to his quarters and made sure the room was secured before he opened a communicator. The image of a hooded figure appeared on screen as his mechanical limbs lowered him to the ground in order to kneel. “My Lord, there may be a slight...change in plans. It would seem that Indigo Zap has entrusted the planning for the next phase of operations to her loyal second.”
“What do you think of this Lemon Zest?” The figure asked.
“She has taken a much softer stance on the war effort and has countermanded the decisions of many of the more hard-line on the command staff and has on several occasions made vocal her desire for a peaceful solution to the conflict. The fact that she has a direct line to General Zap gives her much more power than any of us. As stubborn as Indigo may be, when Lemon speaks, she listens. Given all available data, it's not unreasonable to believe that Lemon may well be able to convince other members of the general staff to see things her way.”
“Unacceptable! This conflict must continue for us to achieve our goals. Steps must be taken to ensure that. Make it happen, commander.”
“It shall be done, My Lord. What of the Jedi that are aiding the loyalists and their allies?”
“Concern yourself not with the Jedi fools. Wheels are already in motion to neutralize them as a threat, permanently.”
Inside Patchwork's expansive laboratory, the Siren Aria was in the middle of training with the scientist the sole member of her audience. The session took place in a pit that had been constructed for other experiments but had been repurposed just for her. Her opponents were five loyalist POW's armed with vibro-blades as they circled the sith. She smiled widely as she ignited her twin crimson blades and leaped into the air. The maneuver put her outside the circle as she rushed one of them, slicing him across the chest before he could react. Before he even hit the ground, she charged another, knocking his blade aside with her strength behind her lightsabers and slashing him across the mid-section.
Two of the remaining troopers charge her and force her back with their dual assault. This success lasted about as long as one would think against a savage fighter such as Aria. She forced them back as they locked blades with her and she stepped around to her right and slashed the first in the abdomen before rushing the second and violently slamming him against the wall, cracking the surface. Aria turns with a bored look at the last of the troopers, a woman, seemingly frozen in fear as the sith shuts off the blade in her left hand and puts it away, taking a relaxed stance. The female trooper sweats heavily as Aria eyes her for what seems an eternity. She looks to the ground, to her fallen comrades and then back to her opponent. Releasing a scream of fury, she charged forward and threw a powerful overhead strike. Aria planted herself and blocked the shot and then headbutted the woman followed by her grabbing the woman's left arm and, with a savage motion took it off with her blade before slamming her to the ground.
“And that's time.” Patchwork said as she stood up and approached the sith. “So, did you feel any difference?”
“Not much of an egghead but I have to say, these implants of yours are amazing.” Aria said as she put away her weapon. “I feel stronger and faster. You know what you're doing with these things. Just wish I had more of a challenge than these wimps to give these a real test.”
“Believe me. The time will come. Until then, I'll get to upgrading the implants to improve your reaction time and even your durability.”
“Personally, I think it's creepy.” Sonata entered the room accompanied by her pet, a blue furred anooba, that walked beside her.
“Personally, I don't care what you think.” Aria shot back. “Where have you been anyway? You've been gone for the last three days. Not that I minded the blissful silence for once.”
“Some troopers were giving me a tour of the front lines and I had some fun. Besides, I came back yesterday and you were no where in sight either.”
“Don't spin this back on me. You don't go anywhere without my knowledge. Is that understood, apprentice?” Sonata seethed at the use of that title. She hated it but she had no choice but to submit. “Sonata! Answer me!”
“Yes.” She said under her breath.
“Yes, what?”
The blue skinned Siren bit her lip before answering. “Yes, master.”
“Good, now go get things ready. We'll be moving out soon.”
Sonata turned to leave as the anooba snarled at Aria. “Remo, come.” She called as the animal soon turned and followed her.
Aria simply sneered at the two as she turned her attention back to the doctor. “Sometimes she simply needs to be reminded who exactly is in charge.”
“I completely understand,” Patchwork responded. “That Flash Sentry you gifted me was a handful at the start but after a few weeks and a bit of 'positive reinforcement', he came around to how things were going to work.”
As the two conversed, Flash Sentry, alongside Wallflower Blush worked on their assigned task of taking account of the chemical supplies. They were positioned in a room with a tinted window that overlooked the area where the doctor and sith were located. “Ones a user of the dark-side of the force who slays people for fun. The other is making us keep account of every single thing in this facility down to the milliliter, trying to kill us with boredom. I can't tell you which is more evil.”
The small attempt at humor garnered a chuckle from the girl with the shaved head. “You fu-u-unny, Flash.” She managed to stutter out. “G-g-good have here. Alone long time. Hard.”
“I can imagine. Not exactly a quality work environment. Once I figure out how to slice into these collars...” He then looked around the room at the materials they were taking account of. “Wish I could figure out exactly what she's using all these chemicals for. Worked a lot of jobs and I have no idea what kind of cocktail she's cooking up. And these Sith can't be any good if my past dealings with them are any indication. I just can't put my finger on....” As he turned, his datapad accidentally connected with a vial of some unknown chemical. “Jeez!” He said as it tumbled off the counter top. Inches from hitting the floor, it was caught by Wallflower who moved with blinding speed. “Wow! I knew you were fast but wow all the same.”
“Brain no-o-ot work good wi-i-ith words but fast still.” She placed the vial back on the counter.
“Wouldn't expect anything less from a Jedi Knight. As smart as the braniac down their things she is, she couldn't pick up on that. Good thing too. Last thing we'd want is for her to put you back under the knife before we can figure out an escape plan.” Wallflower gestured in agreement as the two got back to work. Unknown to them a hidden camera on the wall had recorded their entire conversation. On the ground floor, a digital visor appeared over Patchwork's eyes and fed her information. She smiled curiously. “Intriguing.”
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Master Twilight sat in the meditation chamber inside the Jedi temple on Equus as she collected her thoughts. Her eyes closed and her mind focusing, her power in the Force caused several statues in the room begin to levitate slightly. Just as her mind was achieving a semblance of peace, the doors to the chamber opened and Knight Rainbow Dash rushed in. “She's gone!” The abrupt interruption caused the Jedi to lose her focus as the statues fell back to the ground with a thud. “She just up and left without telling me! Left a recording saying she had to go to Kentoph and that something felt wrong!”
Twilight opened her eyes slowly and merely sighed in minor frustration. “Fluttershy.” She said plainly. “She told me as much last night.”
“You knew?!” Dash was a bit shocked. “What is going on?”
“That I can't say. Fluttershy aired her concerns to me. She was worried, and though I couldn't sense anything, I urged her to go.”
“All due respect Master Twilight, but are you insane?! You let her race off without knowing what to expect, possibly headlong into danger like...”
“Like you?” Twilight finished her sentence as Dash stood there with wide eyes of realization. The Jedi Master stood up from her meditation and walked over to Dash, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Have faith in her, Rainbow Dash. You know how strong she truly is. You've trained her to take care of herself, now you need to let her do that.” The knight looked at Twilight with a smile as she nodded in acceptance. “Come, I think a little meditation may just be the thing you need right now.” Twilight resumed her seated position as Rainbow assumed a spot across from her.
Kentoph
The morning was still a long while away as Rose had made it back to camp after her encounter with Zaza. She was still very much unsure of what to do with this situation and hoped some rest with provide her with the clarity she desired to give her the answer. So far there was no such luck as she lay under her blankets, trying to make sense of everything. The girl was still a dangerous threat, a thermal detonator that could go off any moment and kill who knows how many around her when she did. Right? She'd seemed so sincere when talking to her only an hour or so back. It was all just a trick to get her to lower her guard, wasn't it?
Rose continued, wrestling with her thoughts until the moment she heard something in the distance. It was a familiar sound, one that she'd heard countless times. She immediately got up and slowly and quietly made her way outside and followed a short ways out of the camp. Once a few dozen yards out she found the source; Fellow Padawan Zaza practicing with her lightsaber. She watched for a time as the girl made several awkward swings of the blade, on occasion fumbling with the weapon, almost dropping it from her hands. Rose rolled her eyes at the painful display as she turned to make her way back to get some sleep. If her intentions were to kill them all, then when the time came, Rose was certain she'd do a very poor job of it. “Keep your base solid.” She heard the familiar words of her former master, Sandalwood echo in her mind. “Don't tense your muscles when you swing. Makes you way too rigid to be effective.”
Zaza attempted a horizontal slicing motion that almost knocked her over. She regained her balance and attempted a follow up. “Ahem.” The sudden sound caused her to stagger and toss her weapon several feet away, shutting the blue blade off. She turned to find Rose standing with her arms crossed and a cocked eye brow. “Oh, I'm sorry. I-I couldn't sleep and...I didn't mean to...to disturb you. I...” She stuttered through her words as she attempted to apologize to the hostile padawan.
“You're doing it wrong.” Rose stated simply as she interrupted the girl.
“W-what?” Zaza said confusedly.
“You need to work on your foot placement. They need to be curved out to an angle to keep your base solid when you defend or attack. Your grip is all wrong as well.” She pulled out her own blade and ignited it before showing her the proper stance. “Like this.” She performed several graceful motions on both attack and defensive movements, slowing them down for her to see them properly performed. “Now then, try again.” Rose levitated the fallen saber over to Zaza as she gripped the weapon again before the older padawan walked over to her. “Don't tense your muscles when you swing. Makes you way to rigid. Every motion, foot or hand should have meaning, conservation of energy.” Rose instructed her long into the night hours as she guided her in improving her basic defensive techniques.
The next morning, Rose woke up in her tent, a bit tired from last night but still rested enough to meet up with the rest of their group. She was stirred from her sleep as she felt something next to her. Rose looked over lazily as she saw the still sleeping form of Zaza nestled against her, a comfortable smile on her face. She gently stroked the young girl's hair and got up so as not to wake her before heading out of the tent. The red haired padawan wasn't sure what had softened her enough to even speak with the younger girl last night, let alone give her combat tips, but she definitely felt better somehow, like a she had been carrying an unnecessary weight on her shoulders and finally decided to cast it off. She looked over at the remains of the campfire as they had long since flickered out before turning her attention to the distant form of Lily, who was resting by a tree, apparently having kept watch all night.
Rose casually walked down the path to the outskirts of the camp to Lily and shook her shoulder. “Hey Lil, rise and...” Her eyes widened in horror.
“Oh my god. Lily! No, no no no!” Daisy said as her eyes welled with tears over her close friend, a knife stabbed into the blonde girl's chest. Rose knelt down to her and put a hand to her cheek.
“Came all this way just to get knifed by some coward in dark.” She covered her friend with a sheet before she got up and turned back to Daisy, placing her hands on the green haired girls shoulders and bringing her in for a tight hug. “I'm gonna miss her too.” She said trying to hold back the tears in her own eyes. “I need you to be strong, for Zaza. Get her ready to go. She...she doesn't need to see this.” Daisy headed back to the camp, wiping her eyes. Meanwhile, Rose worked to dig a shallow grave for her friend until they could return to retrieve her later. After completing the task, she returned back to camp, where Zaza and Daisy had already packed things up. “Alright you two, let's move.” She walked passed them and began to lead the way.
“What about Lily? Zaza asked as she fixed her backpack while the group were leaving the campsite.
“She's...going to catch up. Just wants to make sure everything is all...taken care of. Don't want to leave any tracks behind.” Daisy answered as she stepped up the pace behind Rose. Zaza was uncertain as she took note of the worried expression on Daisy's face. She also noticed that ahead of them, Rose was carrying Lily's blaster rifle on her shoulder. “Zaza, why don't you scout out up ahead, make sure the path is safe for us? Rose and I will...guard our flank.”
Zaza gave her an odd look before nodding in acceptance. “Oh, okay. I can do that, I guess.” As she ran ahead, Daisy turned to Rose with a stern face.
“Rose, we need to talk. What is going on with you two?”
“I don't know what you're talking about.” Rose shifted her eyes away from her friend.
“It's obvious something is going on with you and Zaza. We saw the way you treated her when we first set out, like you had some kind of score to settle with the kid. Now you're being nice to her? What is this all about?”
Rose sighed as the two walked and finally spoke. “She's the reason Master Sandalwood died.”
“What do you mean?”
“She's the one that killed him. She's...a siren.”
Daisy had a bewildered expression on her face. “You-You're going to have to explain this to me.”
Meanwhile, Zaza had put some distance between herself and the others. Unknown to them, she had doubled back to the campsite, as something just felt off to her. She figured she'd make sure things were okay and quickly rejoin Rose and Daisy before they were any the wiser. The girl jumped down from a tree into the area as she looked around. “Lily? Lily, are you still here?” She heard something rustle in the bushes a short ways away and made her way over. “I was worried about you. Rose and Daisy were acting really...” The young padawan froze as she spotted the freshly dug grave that had certainly not been there before. Her emotions swirled as she took a few steps back in fear and confusion. “Lily...”
“Such a shame, isn't it?” She turned as she heard a voice say, only to find no one around.
“Who-who's there?” Zaza drew her saber and backed against a tree.
“Someone who's here to help you. A friend.” the voice carried over the air.
“A friend?” The padawan's eyes shifted around the area in an attempt to pinpoint the voice's source. Her eyes widen as she tightens the grip on her blade. “You-you killed her?”
“That was....regrettable, but I couldn't let her stop me from completing my mission; To save you.”
“Save...me?” She momentarily lowered her guard a bit to hear an answer.
“The ones you travel with are deceiving you. Don't tell me you can't see it. Haven't you seen the way Rose treated you, felt her anger, her hatred?”
“I understand her anger. It was my fault for what happened to her master.”
The voice began to laugh. “You have no idea how true that really is. It's not the whole story though. Tell me what you know of your time before you became a padawan.”
Zaza paused to think and suddenly found she couldn't recall anything from more than a year prior. The earliest moment she could muster was being saved by Fluttershy from Rose. “I...I...”
“You must realize why that is, don't you? The Jedi did something to you, stole who you really are and Rose had a hand in it.”
The blade fell from the girl's hands as she held her head. “No, she...”
“...was kind to you? You truly believe she doesn't have other motives, that last night really meant anything to her? She is merely following the Jedi Order's wishes, as much as she hates it. They need you compliant, comfortable, so that you won't discover the truth.”
“No...no! You're lying! They wouldn't...” She fell to her knees, covering her ears in an attempt to shut out the voice.
“If you don't believe me, search her belongings. There is a crystal that she carries with her. It contains your power, your memories, your true self that they have stolen from you. See for yourself, see whether they aren't lying to you.”
Zaza opened her eyes as the voice faded away and she found herself left alone. She was visibly shaken as tears streamed down her face. The girl mustered up her strength to get to her feet before retrieving her blade and ran off back to Rose and Daisy. As she sped through the forest, jumping through the trees, her mind raced with all that she had just heard. 'Who was that? Could she really be telling the truth? No! Fluttershy would have told her, wouldn't she?' She kept thinking the entire time until she spotted Rose and Daisy. Instead of rejoining them, she kept herself hidden in the branches above as the two talked.
“Are you certain you weren't just hallucinating all of this?” Daisy questioned.
Rose sighed before reaching into her bag. “I wish it were, but I have this to show for it.” She pulled out the red gem she'd been carrying ever since the dropship incident. Zaza's eyes widened then narrowed as she looked closer. “I got this from the encounter. It's supposed to change her back into what she was before.”
Daisy looked at the pendant in horror before looking up to Rose. “What are you going to do with it? Are you giving it to her.”
“I-I can't. I thought I could but I just can't. I have to get rid of it somehow. Once we meet up with Master Sunset, I'll tell her about this and maybe she'll know a way to destroy it. Just please, promise me you won't speak a word of this to Zaza. I don't know what she'd do if she found out about any of it.” Daisy gave a small nod in agreement. The golden haired girl couldn't believe what she'd just heard and saw. The voice was right, they had been keeping a secret from her, and even Daisy was now complicit in the lie. She grit her teeth and clinched her fist in disbelief and rage.
Rose tucked away the gem once more. “Come on. We should find...” She turned around and was shocked to see the young girl standing in front of her, and unpleasant expression on her face. “Zaza? What-what are you doing here? I uh, thought you were scouting up ahead.”
“It's all clear. Come on.” She said quickly before turning away and headed up the path as the other two followed behind her. Zaza kept up a brisk pace as Daisy and Rose continued their discussion.
“Maybe-maybe you should say something to her. I know not 'that', but something.” Daisy said quietly.
Rose relented and picked up the pace and caught up with the girl. “Hey uh, Zaza. Appreciate you scouting for us. Can't be too careful out here in enemy territory.”
“Uh huh.” Zaza half-heartedly acknowledged the other padawan's comments as she kept walking.
“We should meet up with Sunset and Therma on our way east and head back to the main camp. Hopefully, she found out something useful we can use.”
“What about Lily?” The mention of her friend's name almost made Rose freeze in place, but she quickly regained her composure.
“She'll meet us back at camp.” She did her best to cover up what had happened only for Zaza to turn to her.
“Stop.” the girl said abruptly.
“What is it?”
“Stop lying to me!” Zaza blurted out furiously. “I went back to the camp, I saw the grave! What happened?”
Rose was dumbstruck for a moment as Daisy stopped as well. “I...kid listen...I didn't-I just didn't want to...”
“I heard you talking to her,” She pointed an accusatory finger at Daisy.
“Let me explain.”
“What else are you lying about?”
“I need you...to calm down.”
She watched Rose discreetly clutch her satchel, which only strengthened Zaza's suspicions. “All that last night, you were just pretending...because you know what I really am, don't you? Don't you?!”
Rose backed away slightly before Daisy interceded and placed a hand on the young girl's shoulder. “Let's just calm down, you two.”
“Don't touch me!” Daisy was hurled backward over a dozen yards by a force push from the angered padawan. She groaned in pain as she struggled to sit up. Rose was shocked as she rushed over to Daisy to see if she was badly injured. Zaza's arm was still outstretched in the green haired girl's direction as the realization of her action had just hit her. Her eyes were wide in horror as she slowly retracted her arm and clinched her wrist with her other hand. Daisy's frightened eyes seemed to burn into her soul as her body began to shake and her mouth opened slightly. “I...” She slowly begins to approach the two as Rose gets her guard up. Suddenly, an explosion rips into the ground, a crater replacing where Zaza once stood.
“I got one! I got one!” Sour Sweet shouted from the open hatch of her tank as she sat atop a distant hill with another armored vehicle flanking her right. “Direct hit! Now let's mop up those other two. Infantry, move in!” She signaled as about two dozen rebel soldiers moved in to finish off the remaining enemy.
Meanwhile
Far from the battle that the Jedi found themselves in, the general staff of the rebel forces had met, Lemon Zest overseeing the affair. She looked over at the one vacant seat left by Sour Sweet who, was of course, late yet again. Lemon sighed before addressing the concerns of the other staff members. Her talk of a peaceful solution to the conflict had not gone over well with a number of them. Many were shouting at each other across the large table in the room as Lemon banged her fist on the table. “Order, everyone calm down!”
“Why are we even having this discussion?” A man said as he leaned forward on the table. “With Dr. Patchwork's new weapon we could bring the royals to their knees.” The aforementioned doctor stood by the entrance of the room as the meeting continued.
“Instead of fighting a losing war of attrition with our forces throwing their lives away.” Another said.
Lemon hesitated for a moment as she responded. “General Zap is currently on leave and she has placed me in charge of these proceedings. Like it or not, I make the calls and I will not in anyway condone the use of chemical weapons of any kind on soldiers or citizens. That would make us no better than common terrorists.”
“We've been given the tools for victory and you'll throw them all away for your moral code?” The commander snapped back.
“As I said, I am in charge here, commander. Anyone who doesn't agree with my plans is free to leave.” She gestured to the door with a stern look on her face. Several of them got up, leaving only herself and about five of the twelve others originally present. Lemon was shocked to see even the diminutive Zurby exiting with the rest, alongside Dr. Patchwork. The latter turned slightly,with a smirk on her face as the transparent doors sealed behind her. Lemon raised an eyebrow as the doctor's eyes shifted upward and her eyes followed them to the rooms air vents. Seconds later a purple colored smoke began to pour from them as everyone in the room looked in confusion.
Lemon covered her mouth as she ran to the door and hit the button to open it only to find it did nothing. “Open this door now!” The other officers in the room began to run to the door as well as they pressed in behind Lemon.
The doctor as well as the other officers who left the room stood outside in silent defiance. “Lemon, Lemon, Lemon. “How do you like my new weaponized cloud? It's fantastic. Gas masks of any kind are completely ineffective against it and the results certainly aren't pleasant. Can you feel it? Your skin burning, lungs dissolving in your chest? It's so...exhilarating, isn't it?” Lemon couldn't argue the effects of the gas as breathing was becoming near impossible.
“It's too bad. You could have been a part of something so much greater.” Lemon Zest and the others furiously banged on the door to get it open as one of them was overtaken by the gas. “If only you could have seen things our way. My way. Such is life I suppose.” One by one, each of the remaining officers trapped in the room succumbed to the gas cloud. Lemon kept her hand over her mouth, though it was clearly not helping to filter out the airborne chemicals. “Oh well, I suppose once you've died in a “rebel chemical attack”, Indigo will be more than willing to listen to reason. Farewell, it's been...educational.” She turned and walked away as the others joined her.
Lemon banged on the glass one final time as her legs began to give out and she slowly crumpled to the floor. “You...traitors! All...of...you. Won't...get...” Her words trailed off as the last of her oxygen was spent and she fell to her knees as her body labored in futility to draw breath.
“Come, everyone. We have much to do.” Patchwork led the group away to prepare for the next phase. Zurby looked back to the door as a dying Lemon weakly looked to him. He didn't even want to contemplate what must have been going through her mind in her last moments and quickly sorted through the emotions and used his mechanical legs to follow the others.
Kentoph Capital City
The early morning sun was shining on the royal palace as Sunny Flare stood on the balcony of her room and looked over the city below. She was still in her golden night gown, her hair a bit messy, not having had it done yet, as she basked in the warmth of the morning light. A sigh left her lips as she looked somewhat despondent. The queen of Kentoph and also it's chief commander feels a gentle set of arms wrap around her waist as a pair of lips tenderly kiss her neck. “Coin for your thoughts.” The voice of Hisan said in a hushed voice behind her.
“I suppose I'm just...worried, about how all this is going to turn out.” Sunny said as she stared out at the horizon. “We're close to the end...of all of this. I'm just not sure how it's going to end.” She paused for a moment as she released herself from his embrace and began to walk back inside the building. “I got the reports from the front lines. An entire regiment was wiped out yesterday. We don't know how or by who. The rebels have never had any way to take us on toe-to-toe on that level. It makes me...worried.”
“That is a first.” Hisan said in a surprised voice.
“I guess...” She moved a hand down to her stomach. “...I'm seeing things differently now. It has me thinking now. Have I been doing the right thing? All this was supposed to bring peace. Instead, I've lost good friends and this conflict has gone on longer than anyone planned. Look at me.” She turned to him and gestured to herself. “I came to this planet to end the unrest and instead I decided to play queen of the castle.” Sunny had a pained expression as Hisan placed a hand to her face.
“You are my queen and that's all that matters. Things will work out, I'm certain of it with you taking the lead. I wished I would have had your tenacity and resolve. Maybe If I had, this civil war would never have occurred. We will get through this, my love. Believe me.”
Sunny Flare had to chuckle for a moment as she looked into his eyes. Her gaze suddenly shifted downward. “Hisan...I need to confess something. When we met, I...I mean at first....”
“You were putting on an act.” His words surprised her. “You didn't love me then. I know.”
She looked up to him again. “You knew?”
“I may be a good natured buffoon sometimes, but I am a good judge of character for the most part.”
“If you knew all along I was stringing you along, then why marry me?”
“I was admittedly a bit insulted at first, but you had a tactical mind that I could never match.” He surprised her with a quick kiss. “And I could tell that beneath that, you had a good heart. I'm glad I was right. After my father passed, I was never certain I could keep this kingdom together, but with you by my side, here and now, I know we'll all make it.”
Sunny closed in for another kiss. “This has been a morning of surprises. I'm glad there was something good that came from it. Do you think this ball is ill timed though, given all that's happened?”
Hisan smiled as he put a hand under her chin. “A celebration in the streets to raise the spirits of the populace, a ball in the palace to ensure them that this is the safest place on the planet. With everything that's happening, this is just what the people need right now.”
“I trust you. I suppose I should make myself presentable for this evening. Can't promise too many dances, though. This baby already feels like they weigh a ton.” The two laughed as they headed back inside.
Jungles
“Daisy! Daisy, snap out of it!” Rose yelled into the face of her friend who was still in shock after what had just happened. “We need to move! Now!” She pulled the green haired girl to her feet and moved further into the jungle as the rebel platoon was in pursuit.
The two raced through the thick foliage as blaster bolts zipped past them. Rose pushed her companion to the ground and drew her blade as she began to deflect some of the incoming fire. A well redirected shot found a home in the shoulder of one of the advancing attackers, another landed square in the the head of another, their helmet proving of little use as they collapsed to the ground.
Despite the successful take down of two more, the task seemed to be an uphill battle as the rebel numbers would soon overwhelm the lone padawan. Thinking quickly, Rose dove forward and threw her saber in a crescent motion as it cut through several trees that fell and impeded the attackers path.
On the nearby hill, Sour Sweet was not amused by the delaying tactics. “Marco, Quark, we're giving them fire support. Lock on the coordinates.” She commanded as the two tanks locked in the target range.
Rose was still defending the position as the fallen trees had bought her precious time and kept the troops in front of her from advancing, for the time being at least. A torrent of shots were fired at her as she deflected them in various directions. A shot came from behind her and took out one of the rebels as Daisy advanced up to her position to give her assistance, a look of determination on her face. Soon the two seemed to be turning the tide as the enemy troops soon began to slowly fall back until they were in full tilt retreat. “They're running?” Daisy asked as the two traded confused glances. Just then another high explosive round ripped into the ground near them, obliterating one of the trees that had been felled earlier. “Run!” Another shot came, then another as the tanks were doing their best to hit the two marks, seemingly as easy as Sour had blasted Zaza not long before.
The two were again racing for their lives to escape the hail of tank fire as the vehicles rained fire upon them. “We need to take them out or we're dead.” Rose stated as a small pause in fire had occurred, but she could see the troops from earlier coming forward again.
Daisy breathed heavily before calming down and getting a firm hold on her rifle. “Then go. I can keep them busy down here while you take out those tanks.”
“Daisy...”
“Go. I can take these fools. Right now I'm the most dangerous thing on this planet!” She jumped out and began laying down suppressing fire, yelling in a rage at the troops her dove for cover. “Go!” Rose raced out from her hiding spot and began to charge the hill that the tanks had positioned themselves on. A few of the troopers took potshots at the speedy Jedi only to be rewarded with either a deflected shot or a clear warning from Daisy that she should be their main concern.
Sour caught sight of the Jedi racing toward them as she peered through her binoculars. “Looks like we got a brave one. Fun.” Her tanks turret turned to the new coordinates and adjusted it's angle to fire on the advancing target. A shot quickly flew from the barrel only for Rose to swiftly sidestep out of the blast radius completely. “What?! Reload!” Another shot fired only to be ignored just as easily. The second vehicle fired it's own round as the padawan leaped into the air, landing about seventy yards from the position of both. She reignited her weapon and pushed forward as the tank commander seemed to be quickly regretting her current course of action. The padawan noticed something strange, however. Just as she was getting close, a smirk ran across the pink haired commander's face.
A second later an explosion tossed Rose back down the hill she had just climbed to reach them. She tumbled violently as her leg clipped a tree on the way down and vanished into the brush.
“Could you have cut that any closer?” Sour shouted as the recently arrived gunship hovered nearby.
Rose awoke in a clearing, face down on the ground as she weakly looked back up the hill, her vision heavily blurred. She was dazed but could still feel that she wasn't going to be walking on that leg without medical aid. Looking ahead of her she saw both her lightsaber and her satchel, the latter's contents having spilled over the ground, the red crystal included. Groaning from the extreme pain in her left leg, she struggled to reach her weapon as she could see the gunship turning in her direction. Just then, she heard the crunching of grass close by and someone walking by on her right. Her eyes widened as well as they could as Zaza walked past.
The young girl's clothing was damaged from the earlier blast and she currently only had one boot on, a result of having been flung so violently through the air. She limped ahead of Rose and knelt down to see the crystal that her fellow padawan had tried so hard to conceal from her. “No...” was all the red haired girl could utter as Zaza picked up the gem and looked back at her with disgust. She placed the necklace holding the stone around her neck as it glowed with a green aura and her eyes opened wide. The gunship then let loose with a barrage of missiles directed at them. The orange haired girl simply held out her hand and the projectiles halted in mid-air. A flick of her wrist was all it took to redirect them at the tank, flanking Sour's, destroying it and damaging hers heavily in a large explosion. The pilot then opens with it's mini-gun only for Zaza to pull out her saber and deflect the early shots with lightning fast speed before shifting to the left and hurling her blade that soon cuts the gun off, rendering the gunship unable to attack.
Zaza raised her right arm as the remaining tank was still somewhat functional. Blood ran down Sour Sweet's face as she looked angrily at the girl who had ruined her plans. Her surviving crew leaped out of the hatches below her as she yelled for them to return. She still had one round ready to fire and manually aimed at the defiant Jedi. The girl showed no signs of fear or any inclination to move, only an outstretched as she pulled the trigger. The shell flew from the barrel but stopped in the air as it spun around back toward the tank, Sour's eyes wide with horror, somehow ignoring the blood pouring into them. The girl gave a similar smirk to the one Sour had given Rose and, with a flex of her fingers, sent the shell right back into the barrel as the vehicle erupted in an inferno as the other shells went off.
She slowly lowered her hand as she turned back to Rose who had only managed to push herself against a tree. Daisy looked on in terror, along with the remaining rebel troopers who began to flee the field. Rose could see that the change had already occurred inside of the girl as the younger padawan attempted to take a step back towards her only to stop in her tracks as she clinched her chest in pain and fell to her knees. A moment later her body began increasing in age and size, her skin turning a paler shade, even her hair taking on a more puffed shape as she began to resemble what Rose had feared all along.
The now woman stood up, tattered, undersized clothing the only thing shielding her from the elements. Her blade ignited once more as she looked to Rose as Daisy stood by her. A moment later, Sunset and Therma arrived as they were beholden to the sight as well. The silent siren frowned and instead of engaging the group she leaped into the air and grabbed onto the side of the gunship, prying it's doors open with the force before stepping inside. “Take me to your HQ or I take your head.” She said as she put a blade to the pilot's neck. He responded with a slight night, being careful to keep his throat from the heated weapon and the ship soon sped toward the new destination.
“Are you alright? What happened?” Sunset asked as she received no answer. “Rose, what happened? Where's Zaza? Rose! Rose!” Rose gave no response as her eyes stared blankly forward, her arms wrapped tightly around herself and her mind trying and failing to comprehend what she had just caused.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
In the hours that Dr. Patchwork had been absent from the lab to attend the ill-fated meeting, Wallflower had managed to sneak into one of the secured areas that the doctor liked to keep closed off to anyone but her and had managed to slice into one of the terminals where she hoped to find something that could explain exactly what was going on here. The former Jedi scanned through the many files and logs in the private terminal. Despite the difficulty presented by the tampering that had been done to her mind, she still managed to understand most of what she was reading. Finally, after a seemingly endless amount of time, she managed to access the doctor's most recent logs about her research into the project she had put immeasurable man hours and testing into. Wallflower read what she could make out as her eyes widened. She quickly began typing and brought up video footage of the testing that Patchwork had been conducting filed “Project Noble”.
Her mind raced as she tried to put together the diagrams and blue prints of plans as they flashed across the screen and she did her level best to keep up. Lists of chemicals, droid designs, weapons and several scrapped blueprints for some kind of cylindrical type of spacecraft. “Have to tell...” She tensed up as she felt an arm wrap around her neck and a stinging pain soon after as something began to pump into her veins.
“Well, isn't this a surprise?” Patchwork said as she tightened her grip on the intruder. “And here I thought all my poking and prodding had reduced you to nothing more than an obedient, drooling imbecile. I can't tell you how happy I am to find out your real potential. To think all it took was introducing another variable into the environment to get you to show your hand. I'll have to thank Flash for that...one way or another.”
She released Wallflower from her grasp as the cyborg girl stumbled forward, clutching the injection site in her neck. She spun around to see the doctor standing calmly with her arms behind her back. “But that will have to come later...” Wallflower mad a desperate charge for the door and away from her only to collapse to her knees as whatever had been pumped into her system began to weaken her and her consciousness began to slip away. “For now, knowing what you're fully capable of, we have some big improvements to make. Ooh! The possibilities!”
Meanwhile
"Rose, what happened?" Sunsets' question continued to fall on deaf ears as the padawan was still visibly shaken by what had just transpired between her and the fully resurrected siren who had just departed. "Rose!"
"Master Sunset, please." Daisy interjected as she stepped forward. "That...was Zaza."
"What? How?"
Daisy briefly glanced at Rose and then returned her gaze to the Jedi Knight in front of her. "We were attacked and she used the power of a gemstone she...found. She saved our lives but it transformed her into that."
This news was not lost on Therma, who took an attentive ear to the information. "That is...not good. I have seen what they are capable of first hand. If she has been corrupted by the power she is a danger to herself and everyone around her."
Sunset turned to the Celestial Knight with concern. "I need you to understand this: We will do everything in our power to bring her back to the light. This power has a hold on her and I know first hand how difficult it can be to let it go. But some shred of her is still in there."
"Understood, Master Shimmer. I will follow your lead and I will save sister Zaza from this. She is as much a victim of this as any of us."
Those words hit Rose hard as her world seemed to be collapsing around her. Sunset scanned the area and quickly assessed the situation. "We need to get back to the palace and warn them. Do you still have the communicator?"
Daisy fumbled with her satchel before pulling out the disc shaped device. "Right here." She activated it as Vapor Trail appeared on screen. "Vapor Trail, can you hear me?"
"Daisy, it's so good to hear from you guys. After Master Tempest up and left I thought..."
Sunset reactively step into the image being projected alongside Daisy. "What do you mean she left?"
"She just left. Fought through half the medical staff trying to keep her here and said she needed to get back to the capital ASAP. Sky took her sometime around ten o'clock last night. If I may, ma'am, what's going on?"
Sunset released a frustrated sigh. "Nothing good. I'm sending you our coordinates. Pick us up as fast as you can. We need to follow Tempest."
"I'm on my way." She gave a salute before signing off.
As Sunset and the others awaited their ride, in the deepest part of rebel controlled territory, Patchwork stood on the landing platform of her base. Aria and Sonata flanked either side of her as a gunship touched down. The door opened as a none too pleased Indigo Zap marched out with a trooper following closely behind her. She was dressed in her full military regalia unlike most times where she chose to wear more casual fatigues. In a few moments she was face to face with the doctor and the siren duo. "Commander Zap, I can't tell you how relieved I am that you're here. The situation has become very dire in your absence. I must say..."
The doctor was cut off as Indigo put up one finger to pause her speech. "What happened to Lemon?" Her intense stare said all that needed to be said as Patchwork took a very solemn stance.
"I'm afraid Ms. Zest was the victim of a Loyalist trap. She was conducting the meeting of the general staff when they launched some form of chemical weapon. She gave her life to save as many of us as she could before being overwhelmed by the gas."
Indigo nodded in acceptance. "Just like Lemon to put others before herself. How could they have penetrated our defenses?"
"It was an inside job. The saboteur took her own life when we confronted her, but thanks to Commander Zurby and our siren friends here, we tracked her coconspirators back to their base. We've captured and brought back as much of the compound as we could and destroyed what we couldn't. I've been at work all night breaking down the agent to better understand it."
Indigo had a look of disbelief on her face. "I never thought Sunny Flare would stoop so low. What have you learned?"
"It's a liquefying agent. Once inhaled it breaks down the major organs, the lungs predominantly and causes violent asphyxiation within minutes. As far as my testing has shown, no form of mask or other agent is able to neutralize or filter it's affects."
"To put it lightly, it's not a good way to go." Aria chimed in as the group turned to enter the facility. "But now that we've captured the stuff, maybe we can make good use of it. Doctor Patchwork has already shown how effective her beam dispersion fog is against ground troops and even fighter and bomber blaster fire. With this, you could tip the scales in your favor."
"Indeed," Patchwork chimed in. "And with our allies' droid forces taking the field, your troops would be in no danger. If I were to modify my drones to carry the gas, we could use it in a controlled manor so that no harm would come to the civilian population. Surely Sunny Flare would never resort to using them as human shields."
Indigo thought for a moment. "I guess. Then again maybe I don't know her as well as I used to. Chemical weapons? The old Sunny wanted results, but this?" The other three looked to one another as Indigo contemplated. Just then, a shuttle appeared in the distance and the ground crews began to scramble to get the landing pad clear as the vessel raced in and an unsafe speed and angle.
"What is that pilot doing?" Sonata asked as she and the others began to back away while Aria stood her ground, a wide smile on her face. The shuttle that already occupied the pad barely cleared out before the other slammed down on the surface and skidded a few dozen yards. The vehicle was certainly still flyable but would need much work to make it safe to operate once more. The hatch door opened and a woman with golden skin and puffy orange hair stepped out. She was sporting a blue pilots suit, stained with fresh red splattered over the chest area. She wore a sinister grin as she exited the craft.
"It can't be." Sonata said in disbelief as she and the others held their positions. Aria on the other hand rushed forward and knelt down before the new arrival.
"Master Adagio, it's good to see you again." Adagio's smile quickly became a sneer of pure contempt as she looked down at the other siren. "I knew my plan would..." Before the words could finish leaving her mouth, a boot ran across her face, knocking her to the side. Indigo's guards aimed their weapons but were halted by their leader.
"You pathetic little idiot," Adagio shouted as lightning shot from her finger tips into the body of Aria, who screamed in pain. "What have you done?!" She launched another torrent of electricity as the purple sirens body convulsed.
The attack ceased and Aria, seized with pain and smoke emitting from her body and clothing, looked up to her former master. "But I... Isn't this what you wanted? I...I brought you back." She was soon lifted into the air by the force, clutching her throat as she was choked by the orange haired siren.
"Because you are weak. So dependent on my leadership, always needing someone to hold your hand. I laid out every step of this plan and you couldn't make it your own, be bothered to see it to the end. Even when everything has been set at your feet, you prove just how utterly worthless of an apprentice, a Sith and a sister you really are." Adagio made one quick motion with her hand and flung Aria into the wall of the facility as everyone looked on.
Adagio breathed out and dusted off her uniform before calmly walking toward the others. "Apologies, Ms. Zap. My name is Adagio Dazzle, I am the original mind behind the funding of your forces. Forgive my late arrival but certain circumstances prevented me from taking a more active role. I am here now and ready to serve in whatever capacity you please."
Indigo nodded in confirmation. "That's good to hear. You've arrived at quite the time, seeing as we need our best minds now more than ever. We can debrief you once we're inside, but what about her?" She gestured to the injured but still conscious Aria on the ground.
"She has proven an unworthy apprentice, but even a single-minded beast has it's uses. I will join you shortly." Patchwork nodded as she led Indigo and one of her guards down the hall as the other stood by on the platform. "Sonata, you are now my new apprentice. Don't disappoint me like my last one did, please. Show a bit more...initiative and you'll do fine."
Sonata immediately bowed to her. "Thank you, master. I will prove my worth."
"Very good. You'll find that being my apprentice comes with perks. Consider this your first." She gestured to Aria. "Enjoy your new pet but make sure she's...obedient." She walked of to join the planning as Sonata flashed two rows of razor sharp teeth.
After being brought up to speed on the current situation, Adagio looked over the plans set out before them. "I have to say things are going much smoother than even I imagined. We do need a swifter way to end this, I'm not sure the gas is the option though." Patchwork looked up immediately and interjected.
"Forgive me for speaking up, ma'am but this chemical is a powerful weapon. With it we could neutralize entire battlefields worth of troops and..."
"And draw unnecessary attention to the world. If you hadn't noticed, their are Jedi here. The eyes of the Galactic Republic are watching. If word got out that the chemical weapons were used they would overrun this world with troops and our victory would be hollow to say the least."
"The Republic is engulfed right now over the clone army debate." The doctor fired back. " We all know by the time the senate reaches a decision, there will have been another hundred conflicts across the galaxy and this war will be well and truly over and forgotten. Ms. Zap, clearly as a military strategist you can see the wisdom of using a weapon that will give us the swiftest results and a path straight to victory, correct?"
"I...I don't know. I think you might be right." Indigo scratched her head as she pondered.
"It's the best play we have if we want to knock the loyalist forces out for good. Plus the fact the facility we destroyed might not have been the only one means we may only have a very small window of opportunity to move on them."
Adagio noticed as she could see Indigo leaning more toward the doctor's plan and slowly, without notice, put one hand over her pendent as a slight green mist traveled from it to her palm. She then approached Indigo, placing the hand on her shoulder. "I understand your dilemma, I do. You want to protect the people under your command," Her hand shifted from the other woman's shoulder and placed it on top of the hand Indigo had on the planning table. "as many as you can. I know the feeling of losing someone. But would they want you to do this? What would she think?" The mist slowly crept over to Indigo as her eyes turned a greenish tint for a moment as she removed her hand from the table and put it to her head.
"You're... You're right." Seeing the siren convince Zap clearly upset the doctor but she quickly regained her composure. "There has to be another way. But we need to make a statement and I know Sunny Flare. She won't bend if we use the gas as an empty threat."
Adagio smiled as she moved in a bit closer. "Luckily for you, I have just the plan to topple this regime once and for all."
Tempest's drop ship touched down on the palace landing platform as she immediately disembarked to talk to the pharaoh. She made her way through the halls where preparations were already being made for the celebration that evening. Soon she found Hisan directing several staff members on the decorations and sampling some of the food. "Pharaoh Hisan!" She greeted abruptly as she bowed to him.
"Master Tempest, I did not expect you back so soon. Where is the rest of your party?"
"Forgive me, but certain matters demanded that I rush back rather than await their return. I fear that things have become somewhat more complicated."
Hisan, upon hearing this, gestured for his staff to continue on with their duties as he and Tempest walked alone. He silently led her to the gardens where they would not be interrupted or overheard as two guards outside barred anyone from entering. "What is the situation, Master Jedi?"
For the first time he can recall, Tempest seemed unsure on how to respond. "I felt a disturbance in the force."
Hisan cocked an eyebrow as the continued to stroll through the lush foliage of the gardens. "A disturbance? You'll have to forgive my ignorance, Master Tempest. I'm afraid I am unacquainted with such things. I concede they are difficult for me to comprehend."
"The best way I can explain them..." She motioned to the pond in the center of the grounds. "Like water for instance. It can be calm, tranquil. But there are waves that naturally ebb and flow on the sea." She held out her hand and caused small ripples that than formed small waves. "Events in the galaxy. Unfortunately occurrences such as what is transpiring here are still common but they can be managed. Then there are the disturbances I stated before. They are unnatural, forced along by the machinations of something...unknown. If left unchecked, it could spell disaster." The small waves grew in intensity until they had risen several feet and crashed over the edge of the pond and crashed into the flowers on the other side of the path.
"And you believe such a thing will happen? Here?" The Pharaoh was now visibly concerned.
"I can't say for certain where or when. I felt you should at the least know."
"Thank you. This celebration was meant to bring a sense of easiness to the people. Why is it that I feel more distressed now?" He chuckled for a moment before sighing. "Sunny Flare believes this should be put off and now, with what you've shared I think maybe she is right. What do you think?"
"Things regarding this matter are...cloudy, but I can assist in making things secure here. It is a risk and not one to be treated lightly. However, I think it should be allowed to proceed. I agree that the people need this to raise their spirits. And I highly doubt the rebels will attack any civilian targets given their history. As long as we make the palace secured, I believe things can go on without incident."
Hisan pondered for a moment, then answered. " Alright. I'll inform the queen while you take any precautions you deem necessary. Thank you, Master Tempest. These truly are trying times, but it is good to have you here." The Jedi nodded in confirmation before she departed. She was half way down the hall when she felt a sudden mass of pressure form in her chest. Her left hand clutched the area around her heart as she went down on one knee and breathed heavily as she began to calm both her mind and body. Tempest seemed truly puzzled at what had caused this. She simply attributed it to her not having fully recovered and, after composing herself, hurried on to perform her new assignment.
The flight back to the capital was certainly a somber one as neither of the two Jedi or Daisy spoke a word. Vapor read the signs well enough to keep from opening up conversation as the shuttle, after a few hours was on it's way to reaching the city. Rose, seated next to Daisy, was visibly shaking as her gaze was trained toward the ground. She was calmed a bit as her friend put a soothing hand on hers and they traded a short glance of reassurance. "It'll be okay." This action did not go unnoticed by Therma, who was seated in the rear as she meditated.
The drop ship eventually arrived at the city in the dark of night. The bright lights decorating the streets of the city as the celebration was beginning to get underway made things much easier for the approach to the castle, though the cheerful atmosphere around the capital did little to alleviate the tension aboard the vessel as it lands. The four rush out of the vessel as they head to the grand ballroom where the large party is taking place.
Meanwhile in the main ballroom, the guests, all wearing decorated masks, were on the dance floor as Hisan and Sunny Flare watched from their elevated thrones. "Okay, I have to admit, going through with this was a good idea." Sunny admitted as she smiled.
"Thank you, my dear." Hisan replied. "This is just what we need, a nice night of relaxation for everyone. Gives me hope that this war will come to an end."
Near to the throne, Tempest kept vigilant watch as she scanned the room and sporadically checked her com-link to see updates from the security teams around the city. Her focus is broken as she sees Sunset and her other charges appear in the doorway to the large room. The look on her face tells of the urgency of the situation. "Pharaoh, My Queen, if you'll excuse me for a moment." She bowed lightly as the two gave a confirming nod and she stepped down and navigated the perimeter of the room to make her way to the others. As she did so, a young man adorned in a gold mask with a brilliant blue and gold jacket, white pants and black boots calmly approached the thrown as the two guards at the base of the steps leading to them stopped him. He bowed before the pharaoh and his queen, revealing his short cut blue hair and gently offered his hand to Sunny Flare.
"My Queen, I know this is certainly a bold thing to ask but, might I have this dance?" He said in a light voice.
Sunny was amused by the offer and looked to Hisan who smiled. "Why not have a good time? Just save a dance for me."
She laughed and gestured for the guards to stand down as she slowly descended and accepted his hand. Soon she was whisked away to the ballroom floor.
Meanwhile, Tempest had just arrived to meet the others. "Sunset, forgive me for my sudden departure but something felt off and I headed back immediately." She paused as she noticed the expressions and tattered looks of the group. "What happened?"
Sunset stepped up to speak. "Something happened to Zaza. I was away from the camp scouting out the area when Rose and the others were attacked. We lost Lily as well. Zaza though...something worse has happened to her."
"What do you mean?"
"She's...she's fallen to the darkside. I'm not certain how but she's been overwhelmed and transformed by it's power."
Tempest's vision shifted to Roseluck as she avoided making eye contact. She could feel the uneasiness that emanated from the girl that she'd felt before. "Rose..." The padawan looked up to her as tears began to form in her eyes.
"I didn't...it wasn't supposed to be like this." Rose choked through her words as she fought hard to tell her master what had transpired. "I thought she was dangerous. The stone, they told me..."
"Who told you?" Before another word could be spoken by the master, Therma interceded between them, grabbing Rose by her robes.
"What did you do?!" Daisy and Sunset attempted to pull them apart as Rose's face was filled with hurt.
"I thought we couldn't trust her. You know what she is. I thought...I had to do something."
Tempest shook her head in disappointment. "Padawan, I understand what happened with Sandalwood, but this? This is not the way. You can't truly believe he made that sacrifice for you...for the both of you, just so you could have revenge."
Therma pushed Daisy away with disgust in her voice. "That's what this is? Your own petty vendetta? You allowed yourself to be twisted just so you could do this? Justify what you've done and give us reason to slay your 'monster'? Pathetic."
The atmosphere in the ballroom couldn't have been in starker contrast as many were on the dance floor, Queen Flare and her mystery partner at center stage. "I must say, my queen, Pharaoh Hisan certainly knows how to put on a show." He says as they dance with an elegant grace that makes them appear to glide across the floor.
Sunny's eyes shift to her husband who is still seated on his throne before her partner spins her. "That he does."
"Hope it makes up for his other failings." Sunny was taken aback by this comment but continued to dance so as not to cause a disturbance.
"I beg your pardon."
"No offense, my queen, but between you and I, I get the sense that Hisan lacks in areas outside of showy displays; Certainly in his choice of marriage mate, given your own...history."
Sunny's face was now an none too amused scowl from the personal attack. "I think we're done here." She motioned to pull away only to be forcefully pulled close to her dance partner as she felt something against her stomach, looking down briefly to see a small blaster pistol.
"If you don't want to die, right here right now, you'll keep your freakin' mouth shut and dance. Understand?" The queen said nothing while giving a confirming nod to her captor as she forced a smile and continued on. "I'd advise you stick close. Things are about to get very interesting in the next few minutes." A small light began to blink on the inner side of his collar.
As the streets were alive with excitement, several figures around the massive capital suddenly stopped partying as similar red lights blinked on various parts of their clothing and they moved about to designated locations. When they got into position, each one pulled out a small device and waited. Soon each of their devices lit green and they pressed the button. Suddenly, explosions occurred around the entire city as citizens panicked an guards did their best to maintain order and prevent unnecessary injuries. At the same time several crates around the capitol opened as battle droids emerged and began fighting the security forces.
At the palace, everyone was alarmed by the sudden jolt that resulted from the detonations. As an uproar began, Sunny's captor began to quickly ease her way out of the back of the hall. "And that's our cue. This way your highness."
Hisan stood up and began an attempt to get everyone's attention. "Please, remain calm! We will get everything under control I assure..." He noticed that in the crowd he did not see his queen. "Sunny...?" His thoughts were halted as several blaster shots followed by screams echoed through the palace halls, resulting in the the attendees to flee like frightened sheep. "Please, everyone remain calm! Everything is under control!" The crimson blade of a lightsaber appeared under his throat as his left arm was bent behind his back. The action got the attention of everyone, the Jedi included as Sonata Dusk held the ruler of Kentoph at her mercy.
"It's a shame you honestly believe that...Your Highness."
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
"Research log 453." Patchwork said as the data recorder played and she looked over the surgical instruments on her table. "I must say I was rather surprised on my arrival to my labs to discover I'd had an unexpected guest in my personal workshop. Subject 129, name Wallflower Blush, had sliced into my terminal. To say this was a shock would be an understatement as all data and test collected in the past from 129 led me to believe that all but basic mental functions had been permanently damaged beyond repair due to my previous work on the subject. 129 was not only found having hacked into my terminal but copying data." She looked over to Wallflower, who was semi conscious and strapped down on a steel operating table.
"Subject had to be sedated to prevent further damage and has left me even more fascinated then I had been prior. 129 is or rather was a Jedi Knight. I assumed my combat enhancement on force sensitives was all for naught when my barrage of tests showed that her mind had been irreversibly mangled, but perhaps given time, portions of the brain have repaired themselves. Another theory, perhaps she, with a combination of the force and a bit of method acting was able to fool my tests and she was always in control of what remained of her mental faculties."
"Whatever the case, this allows me to reopen an old avenue in my superior soldier project. I had all but thought it a failed endeavor without the proper subject to build upon. Thanks to my surveillance footage and Mr. Sentry, things are finally turning around. I'll have to remember to thank him, in one way or the other." She turned on her terminal next to the operating table and opened a folder that displayed several blueprinted images of some sort of armor design, some of which had multiple sets of limbs, clawed hands and feet as well as skeletal forms with odd masked face plates. Wallflower looked over weakly at the terminal as Patchwork looked down to her with a smile. "Subject will of course have to remain conscious throughout the procedure. It will certainly be an...experience for the both of us." She began to get her instruments prepared as she set the programs on the operating system.
"Oh, before I forget, we actually have a side note for this log. Adagio Dazzle, leader of the sirens has returned out of the blue. I suppose reports of her demise were greatly exaggerated. Upon returning, she got right back into the mix and put her former underlings back in their places. I should be excited about her return. After all it was she that made all of this possible. I'm not though. She seems...different now, like something has changed in her. Case in point: She influenced Indigo Zap not to go through with using the gas I cooked up on Loyalist positions and cities and instead has opted for a far more risky endeavor. I thought the whole point of this was to get the Republic's attention, draw more into this conflict an bring more to our cause across the galaxy."
"Now it seems she's intent on minimizing damage for what purpose, I don't know. I'll have to keep an eye out, figure out what's changed. She may no longer have our best interests in mind. But..." She turned back to Wallflower. "That's enough for now. There are other matters that call for my immediate attention. Patchwork, signing off."
Elsewhere on the base, Adagio walked confidently down the halls as everyone passing her instantly saluted her. She'd missed this, the command of respect no matter where she went, everyone falling over themselves to please her. Eventually, she arrived at a steel door where a guard stood on either side. "Open it." She said simply as they complied and she entered before they closed it behind her. The dim lighting in the room was shone on a single area in the center where a single device sat. It appeared to be nothing more than a solid polished stone slab suspended by thick chains over a pool of water several feet deep. The stone surface itself had bizarre markings engraved in it's surface and restraints for a humanoids single set of arms and legs. Oddly enough sparks sporadically flew from it's surface as a lone being was suspended from it, facing downward to the pool.
"Aria." Adagio uttered to the restrained siren. Aria weakly turned her head to her elder, revealing fresh scars up and down her face and body through her tattered clothes.
"Adagio..." She uttered with a choked voice, just uttering that seemingly causing her immense pain.
"You still have your senses about you. Interesting. You've managed to endure eight hours of this and yet your mind hasn't broken. Given Sonata's love of these 'toys' I'm surprised."
"I don't...understand."
"You never were too bright when it came to these kinds of things." Adagio walked closer and ran her left hand along the slab, near to Aria's head. "I had a plan. Everything laid out so perfectly, with the most tender of care and you....ruined everything for us. I truly thought you were the better apprentice. You had so much rage, so much passion, you just needed the drive to truly achieve your full potential. I had so much to teach you." Adagio's hand then ran over to the control panel next to the machine and turned a knob that sent a strong current of electricity through her former apprentice as she screamed out in pain. It lasted for several seconds as the orange haired siren grinned, only for it to change to one of discomfort before she turned the dial back down.
Aria's flesh smoked as she cried from the sheer pain she'd just endured as what little healing her body had managed between the last session and the current situation had all been undone. "It...doesn't have to...be this way. I...could...still learn. I'll do...better. "
Adagio walked back to her sister and leaned down to her level with a slight look of compassion and uneasiness. "I'm...I'm certain you could." She put a gentle hand to Aria's face and caressed it. "We had such dreams sister, you and I. But...things have changed, I've changed and we have a timetable to keep." Her demeanor changed from one of gentleness to stern and cold discipline as she got up and walked back to the controls. "I have an apprentice. What I need... is a wild beast." She dialed it to the max as Aria's screams were almost drowned out by the power output. A pull of the lever submerged the slab into the pool beneath her as it lit up from the high voltage current being run through it like an intense lightning storm.
Adagio left the room as the two unnerved troopers still stood at attention. She marched back down the hall to her personal quarters to prepare for the next phase of her plan. Everything and everyone had to play their part perfectly, no matter the cost. The siren told herself that repeatedly to believe it but, once no one else was in sight, she stopped and leaned against the corridor wall as she gripped her violently shaking hand as if a battle was being waged in her mind, the combatants and stakes clearly a mystery even to her.
Author's Note
A sort of midway point in chapter 8 that didn't quite fit in. This is a day prior to the final scene of that chapter to add some interesting tidbits as to what to expect in chapter 9. Hope you enjoy.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Above the planet Kentoph, the royal fleet's flagship The Somnambula , a Providence-class dreadnought accompanied by six escort vessels as well as several smaller support craft sat in their defensive formation to watch for any signs of rebel or other unauthorized attempts to enter their space. On the bridge of the capitol ship a male Chiss in the standard dark purple and gold officers uniform sat in his command station looking over a cube device in his hand that was little more of a brain teaser puzzle. He played with the object as he pressed several colored squares on each side, choosing carefully which one he put pressure on as little by little the colored panels vanished. "Admiral?" Someone called as he gave no response, his mind fully invested in solving the puzzle. "Admiral Semalir?" The second call just managed to catch his attention just as he finished solving it and all the colored panels were now gray on all sides.
"Hmm? Apologies, Juniper. I often get distracted with these little bobbles." He looked up to a young woman with her blue hair tied in two tight buns holding a datapad in her hands. She also wore a semi-translucent visor over her eyes as she had a look of annoyance on her face.
"Maybe I should find a different type of gift for you. Anyway, we've been trying to hail the supply depot in the capital. It's not like them to be late."
"Not strange. Pharaoh Hisan has all these preparations for the festival today. A lot of traffic. It's not abnormal for such an undertaking planned by him to get things jumbled." The admiral stated as he sat up in his seat.
"I understand that but we aren't able to reach anyone. No response on any channel we've tried."
"That's definitely a security risk. Take a team with you on one of the shuttles and let them know what's going on. The last thing we need is to be caught with our guard down."
"Sir, we're detecting multiple objects coming out of hyperspace!" One of the bridge crew sounded off as a small single seat fighter with a hyperspace ring attached appeared a short distance from the lead vessel. Semalir took note of the ship.
"That's a Jedi starfighter."
"Another one? Great." Juniper said sarcastically. "As if the ones we had weren't enough of a headache." Suddenly the other hyperspace detected targets appeared in the form of at least a dozen warships, among them two large carriers that began to deploy starfighters from their hangers. "It's a Republic invasion force!"
"I don't recognize the models." Semalir noted, his thoughts on the ship profiles cut short as his mind quickly switched to the task at hand. "All hands, battle stations." The Chiss said calmly as everyone rushed to their stations as the alarm was sounded. The ship gun batteries began to fire on the incoming fighters as they made attempts to counter with the thin patrol squadrons that were already launched while they scrambled to sortie more from their own hangers. Amidst the fire, the Jedi starfighter was targeted almost immediately as its pilot quickly ejected the hyperspace ring which was promptly destroyed. The pilot managed to penetrate the distracted fighter screen and heavy anti-fighter weapons, though a shot from one of the support ships hit one of the engines, sending it damaged but still flyable to the planet's surface.
Royal Palace
"I was hoping I'd get the chance to face you again, space witch." Celestial Knight Crimson said as he brandished a scimitar like vibro-blade in his left hand before switching it to his right. Not having time to done his full attire, he'd settled with a blue tunic and black pants with boots the same color as the shirt. "Time to die for what you've done."
Sonata shrugged at this comment as he charged her with several furious swings, which she managed to evade with a bit of effort. "Eh, I'll take what I deserve, but...who are you?" This response only warranted another series of attacks that forced her away. Before the fight could continue, Tempest and the four others entered the evacuating ballroom.
"Father!" Therma's call was just the distraction Sonata needed to make her escape as she force pushed Crimson back several feet and leaped out one of the windows and onto one of the lower balconies. The group looked out as they watched her run into the palace interior.
Hisan, now flanked by two of his regrouped guards, rushed to the assembled team. "They've taken the queen! They've taken Sunny Flare!"
"We'll find her, Pharaoh Hisan. I swear to you no harm will come to her." Sunset reassured.
Crimson steadied himself as he looked out the window. "They couldn't have gotten far. I'll go after this one. They have to be rendezvousing with each other if they were trying to get Hisan as well." He turned to his daughter. "Stay with Hisan, Therma." She went to open her mouth to speak before he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Keep him safe, apprentice. I know you'll make me proud." She balled her fist and her face was clearly showing that she was not pleased with this arrangement but she obediently nodded in agreement. Crimson braced himself and leaped over the side to pursue his siren quarry.
Sunset then got everyone else's attention. "Let's move. Rose, Daisy, you two find and protect any of the civilians caught in this. We don't know how many of the rebels have penetrated the palace. We'll go and rescue Sunny Flare." Tempest and Sunset ran out into the main hallway to track their target. Rose hesitated for a moment and raced after them.
"Master!" She shouted out as they stopped and she ran up to them.
Tempest looked at her with stern eyes. "Apprentice, you have your assignment. Go!" Tempest turned back to head her own way.
"Master, please...I...I'm..." Rose couldn't manage to get her words out, but Tempest Shadow understood all the same.
The Jedi sighed before answering. "I know, Rose. I know. It'll be alright." The two Jedi Knights raced off as Rose watched them depart before going back to join Daisy.
Down the hall from the ballroom, Sunny Flare and her captor used the crowd of fleeing guests to mask their escape. "This is Blue 1, I have the royal pain in the butt and I'm on my way to the extraction point. Come on!" She yanked on the queens arm as she led her down a side hallway to their destination where two guards stood.
"Guards, arrest him!" Sunny commanded as the two turned to her, their eyes a solid green color with blank expressions on their faces.
"Sorry to disappoint, Sunny. My friends have secured us an easy escape route, so please save your breath." Her captor finally removed the mask revealing Indigo Zap herself as she breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't need that anymore."
"Indigo?" A shocked Sunny Flare said as the other woman rubbed the short bristles on her freshly shaved head.
"Surprise. Be honest, is this a good look for me or no? You were always good at giving your own straight forward and unfiltered opinion." She joked as she pushed Flare along with the two troopers escorting them.
"You won't get away with this." The queen said defiantly. "The Jedi will stop you."
Indigo had a none to pleased look as she grabbed Sunny Flare by the face. "Believe me, nothing is going to stop me from making sure you pay for what you've done to these people, this planet... and Lemon."
"Lemon Zest? What are you talking about?" Her confused response was met with a pistol whip across the face that rendered her unconscious as the two guards held her up.
"Really wish you'd stop taking me for a fool. But we'll have time to sort that out later. Bring her." One of the guards lifted her into his arms as they continued on. "As for those Jedi, I've got a fix for them."
On one of the many high points of the palace, Adagio was knelt down, singing her siren song as the energy traveled through a section of the palace to maintain her control of a select set of guards that would help ferry the kidnapped royals to their extraction point as well as stop anyone attempting to interfere. The feat seemed a task easier said than done as her gem flickered on and off as she strained to maintain so many connections on her own, even with the steady flow of negative energy being generated. This was something that she would have previously been able to do with no problem at all. She simply chalked it up to being out of her original body for too long and stepping back into it far too quickly without either rest nor practice and went back to singing.
Inside and around the palace, battles had broken out as rebels, their battle droids and controlled guards did battle with the royal guard who did their best to reorganize amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Crimson Napalm stalked the halls as he was on the trail of the blue skinned siren. He rounded a corner that led to a hall filled with tapestries of the past rulers of the planet. The knight walked down the hall cautiously as he kept his blade close to his chest. A sudden movement of one of the tapestries to his left caught his attention as his eyes shifted that way only for Sonata to leap out of the shadows on the opposite side. The two clashed blades before he forced her back and charged with a series of heavy handed swings that put the siren on the defensive early. An overhead swing came at her as she shifted her body to the left and let herself seemingly go limp as her arms hung down freely and her shoulder were slumped. She began to effortlessly dodge each of Crimson's attacks and retaliated with a series of unpredictable and awkward movements that saw her swinging her blade wildly at different angles.
"Wait, now I remember you." She said as she backed away for a moment. "Yeah, you were one of those knight guys."
"You will pay for that." He said as he pointed the blade at her.
"Doubt it. FYI, if you fought with this much ferocity before, maybe they wouldn't have died." She casually reached into her pocket and pulled out a golden ring with ornate carvings on it. "I have to say, your Mrs. did have good taste."
The Celestial Knight's body shook in anger as he looked at the ring that had previously belonged to his wife. "Give that to me, now!"
"At the risk of sounding corny; Come and get it." She smiled wickedly as her charged forward and she fled further into the palace. Unknown to the knight, a green aura began to emanate from him as Sonata looked back to make certain she was still being pursued. The chase eventually led the two to the Sunny Flares personal aviary as Sonata looked around for a place to get out.
"No where to run, siren." Crimson said.
"Funny," Sonata aid calmly as she had her back to him. "I was just about to say something similar." She spun her head, showing her red eyes and the rows of sharp teeth in her mouth just before snapping her fingers. A sudden growl was heard as a blue furred anooma rushed out from some of the foliage and leaped at the surprised Crimson, knocking him to the ground as it clawed at him and made constant attempts to bite his face and neck. Sonata gleefully ran up to him and took her time to kick him as he used all his strength to keep the creature from finishing him. A sharp kick to his kidney was all it took for him to give way as the beast seized him by the left arm and began to violently shake him and toss him about. He landed on his back as Sonata laughed. "Remo, kill."
The anooma obeyed the command and pinned the Celestial Knight to the ground with it's paw and prepared to deliver the killing bite to the back of the neck. A sudden burst of blaster fire sounded off as the creature slumped over dead. In the doorway of the aviary stood Garble, a heavy blaster pistol in his left hand. Seeing her favored pet dead caused Sonata to let out a psychotic scream as Garble immediately responded by firing shot after shot at her, only for the projectiles to be deflected by her wild yet somehow accurate saber swings as she rushed him. With blinding speed, she came from under him and with a simple flip, took off his shooting arm up to the elbow, which caused him to scream in agony.
Sonata swung around for the final strike only to be blasted against the wall. She arose in anger and looked to find Napalm, his arm and palm outstretched, had hit her with a force push. He arose as Garble held the stump of his arm. "Go." The knight said as he raised his blade with his still functional arm and prepared for the siren's attack. Garble responded by picking up his blaster with his right hand.
"You need all the help you can get and between us we've still got two working hands. I figure that makes us a whole fighter still." He smirked as Napalm gave an approving nod. Sonata looked at them both and charged forward with blinding speed. Garble fired a flurry of shots as she either evaded of blocked them in her awkward style. She got between them and kicked Garble away before targeting Napalm. He did his best to parry her attacks but found few openings to counterattack as she pushed him back. Garble got to his feet and fired again, one of the shots hitting Sonata in the right ankle as she winced for a moment. Napalm took the advantage and began delivering powerful strikes that backed her up.
The siren flipped backwards and kicked the knight in his left arm that caused him no small amount of pain as he yelled. She followed it up with a spinning kick that caught him on the side of the neck and put him down. Sonata swiftly turned to Garble and used the force to pick him up and tossed him out of one of the glass windows of the aviary and onto the small balcony outside, rendering him unconscious. The sound of metal clanging hit her ears as she turned around to see the Celestial Knight getting to his feet, using his blade to support him. Sonata rolled her eyes before charging him again, this time with a continuing fury as he did his best to hold ground even for a brief moment. It wasn't long before he swung too widely and she parried the shot and ran him through the stomach with her lightsaber.
His body went limp as he fell to his knees, the crimson blade still firmly in his chest as he strained his remaining breaths. She stood over him and put her hands to his cheeks and caressed them softly. "Shh shh. It's okay. Just let go. You look tired. How about I sing you a lullaby?" She took in a deep breath and opened her mouth which unleashed a horrible wail in the knights face that shook the entire room and shattered the glass windows behind Napalm as any remaining birds that resided there flew off. Soon she'd stopped and looked down at her victim as blood trickled out of his ears and nose and his eyes were now completely blank. With a twisted grin, she pulled her blade out of him before releasing him from her grasp and allowing his body to finally fall to the ground. She knelt down and pulled the matching golden band to the one she'd possessed off his finger and, after spitting on him, left the room to rendezvous with the rest of her team.
Sunset and Tempest were themselves pursuing Indigo Zap and the kidnapped queen as they battled their way through about half a dozen battle droids and controlled guards, slicing the droids up but being careful to only disable the guards. Ahead of them Indigo and her controlled guards took the queen passed another checkpoint as they neared their escape. Indigo listened in on one of the trooper's headsets. "Dang! The Jedi are right behind us! We need to slow them down." After saying this, a black cloaked figure appeared from the shadows which caused Indigo to jump. "Jeez! Could you not do that? Well since you're here, stop those Jedi on our tails." The figure nodded in acknowledgement as Indigo and the others ran on. They stood in the center of the hall and awaited the Jedi who were in hot pursuit.
"Come on! I can sense them up ahead." Sunset stated as the two rounded the corner only to be met by the shadowy figure who stood in their path, perfectly still.
"Jedi." They hissed in a raspy voice as the cloak obscuring there face and body was removed and dropped to the ground. The purple skinned siren, Aria Blaze stood before them, her skin covered in fresh scars and burn marks, her singed hair allowed to flow freely and her right eye covered with a black patch, a jagged scar running along the skin under it. She smiled, several of her teeth having been removed. "Hehehe. Jedi...." She ignited her single red saber and stood in defiance of the two, using the weapon's heat to carve a line in the ground.
"We don't have time for this even with two of us." Tempest whispered as she and Sunset had ignited their blades as well.
"Right. Well...I'll give you an opening and you retrieve the queen. On my signal." Sunset rushed forward and engaged Aria as the siren blocked her first attack and pushed her backwards. The fiery haired Jedi charged again as the two opened up with a flurry of attacks against one another. Tempest saw her opportunity and quickly leaped over the two duelists. Seeing this, Aria gave a swift kick to Sunset's chest that knocked her down before she reached into the air, grabbed Tempest by her leg and tossed her back across the line. The two regrouped and charged at her in unison, this time finding success as Tempest dove under a swing from her opponent just as Sunset caught the red blade with her blue. Tempest came out of the roll and dashed forward, leaving Aria furious. She could do little however as she still had an opponent in front of her.
"One Jedi still dies by my hands. Then...she'll see. She'll see me." Aria ranted on as Sunset noticed the gem around her neck was taking in a green mist like substance. The siren began to change as the Jedi saw that the purple skinned girl's muscles became slightly larger and more toned. Aria breathed out as the transformation stopped and she charged Sunset, ignoring the line she'd drawn in the ground. Their blades collided as the ground beneath them cracked from the power of Aria's blow, sending Sunset staggering backwards. Sunset prepared herself for another attack as the siren swung with heavy blows that were delivered with a surprising speed as each pushed Sunset's defensive attempts away and she was pushed further back down the hall.
"Weak Jedi. I'll kill you. Then your weak friends." Aria swung widely across that tossed Sunset against a wall. The Jedi used force push on the siren who braced herself so that the attack didn't move her at all. She responded with one of her own that forced Sunset Shimmer through the wall and into the upper floor of the palace art gallery. Aria leaped through the wall and attempted to bring her blade on top of the Jedi who rolled out of the way and jumped back to her feet and charged the siren with a flurry of attacks. Despite the speed of the onslaught, Aria grinned and blocked each of the speedy blows. She kicked Sunset against the railing that overlooked the first floor of the gallery and brought down a powerful overhead strike that the Jedi dodged by rolling forward and delivered a kick to Aria's left kneecap. A cracking sound was heard as she screamed in pain and collapsed on her one good knee.
Sunset held her blade to Aria. "It's over. Give up and we'll show you mercy. You can't fight like that, no matter how strong you are."
Aria's one eye began to twitch as she looked to the ground. "I am strong. She'll see my strength." She muttered to herself as her gen began to absorb more of the negative energy that permeated the entire castle from the ongoing conflict. Swiftly, she ignited her blade and delivered a swing that knocked Sunset back and over the railing onto the hard floor of the gallery. Aria continued to absorb more as she grew stronger, her muscle mass increasing until she was twice the size she started out and almost half a foot taller. She jumped down, cracking the floor as she grabbed an injured Sunset Shimmer by the leg and tossed her about, smashing several ceramic vases on pedestals before throwing her into a wall. "Pathetic Jedi." She walked toward her and crushed Sunset's weapon under her foot. "I'll break your bones, shatter them into pieces. Let them put you back together and take you apart again." She grabbed Sunset's leg as she weakly tried to crawl away.
"E....Enough!" Sunset shouted out as Aria found herself flung across the room. Aria crashed into the wall which caused the paintings to fall to the ground and on top of her. She got to her feet as she was shocked as Sunset was furious, her eyes a bright yellow as she walked towards her. The Jedi raised her hands and the siren was lifted from the ground before being slammed against the wall. Aria fought in an attempt to break free of the force hold only to be rewarded with a stream of force lightning that hot from Sunset's fingertips. She screamed in agony as a twisted smile ran across the Jedi's face as she pumped more lightning into her body.
On the landing pad where the rebels awaited the arrival of their captives, Adagio had already made her way there and meditated in the gunship they had ready. Her breathing became erratic, her body shook and her brow furrowed as something seemed to be troubling her. Finally her eyes shot open as she came to the realization. "Master?"
At that same moment, her voice echoed through the force and into Sunset's mind, snapping her out of her current action. Sunset shook her head as her eyes turned back to their original cyan color. Aria was dropped to the ground as Sunset breathed heavily, looking down at her hands as she immediately regretted what she had just done and tried to calm herself. She closed her eyes, put her hands together and began to recite the Jedi code. "There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force."
As she did this, Aria struggled to get up to her feet and looked across the room at her opponent. "You...hurt me. Just like....her. Just like her!" She ignited her blade and charged at Sunset whose eyes were still shut. Aria let out a primal shout as she swung downward at the Jedi who, with lightning reflexes shifted to her left, evading the attack completely. The siren brought the blade up and across to hit her target's new position only for Sunset to spin away and behind her with seemingly little effort. She spun around and attacked again and again, each blow being evaded easier than the last as Sunset used ergonomic movements to evade the wild, telegraphed swings of the siren. Finally Aria had had enough and put all her power into a roundhouse swing, intent on taking the Jedi's head off.
In one swift motion, Sunset stepped forward, spun under the attack and deliver a single punch to the chest of her opponent as she opened her eyes with an intense expression. The blow sent a shock wave of energy clear through Aria's body as she dropped her blade and gasped for air. Her gemstone shattered to pieces as her body began to shrink down to it's normal size. She leaned on Sunset's fist for a moment before taking a few steps and toppling backwards. The Jedi quickly rushed forward and caught the girl before her head slammed against the floor and cradled her head in her lap.
"Should have..." Aria choked out with a small smile as she began to cough, a trickle of blood escaping the corner of her mouth. "Couldn't...make her see me. Not good enough....Useless."
"Shh, It'll be alright." Sunset assured her. "We'll get you help."
Aria looked up to the Jedi and held up a shaking hand that Sunset took into her own as the siren squeezed tightly. "I don't...wanna go...please." She cried out through the coughs. "I don't...I...I..." Her hand released it's grip as her arm went limp and her head drooped down to the side. Sunset retained her grip for several seconds before placing it on the siren's chest and gently closing the young woman's eyes. She got to her feet and picked up the siren's lightsaber as her own had been destroyed in the duel, and raced off to Tempest, hoping she'd have things well in hand.
On the landing pad, Indigo along with the controlled guards and Sunny Flare arrived as the queen was loaded into the gunship. One of the rebel troopers then stepped forward and shot both of the controlled guards in the chest, much to the surprise of Indigo and Adagio. "What was that?" Indigo shouted.
"Just following orders ma'am."
"My orders, by the way." Sonata said as she gleefully leaped onto the landing pad. "They served their purpose and we certainly weren't going to bring them with us. Right Master Adagio?"
The orange haired siren stood silently for a moment before speaking. "R-Right. Just...loose ends." She turned to board the drop ship as Indigo had a concerned expression on her face. "Hurry, we don't have much time before. We need to get moving while we still have a clear exit." The siren paused just before stepping onto the vessel and turned her head to see Tempest Shadow rushing to the landing pad. She jumped back off and ignited her blade. "Get on the ship and get out of here."
Sonata smiled as she prepared for a fight. "You heard her."
"You too, apprentice." Sonata gave a confused look before a stern glare from her master forced her to comply as everyone else jumped into the vessel and it prepared for takeoff. She began to walk toward the approaching Jedi and launch a short burst of force lightning at her as Tempest used her saber to absorb the energy of the attack. "That's far enough, Jedi."
"Stop!" Adagio's eyes shifted behind Tempest as Sunset quickly joined her. Adagio looked unsure of herself as the drop ship began to take off. "Zaza, don't do this. I don't know what's going on, but it's not too late to stop this. Please, just stand aside." Sunset took a step forward and slowly began to advance on her former apprentice. Her uncertainty turned into rage and then to determination on what she was about to do as she gave a small smile.
"Zaza? Zaza is permanently out of the picture." She focused for a moment before unleashing a powerful force wave that threw the unprepared Sunset back and almost off the platform as she barely managed to save herself. "You're dealing with Adagio Dazzle now."
Tempest sighed before adopting a combat stance. "I suppose that's it then." Opening quickly she rushed the Sith, releasing a powerful force push that Adagio held her ground against and took it full force. This turned out to be a ruse as the Jedi leaped over her and made a mad dash for the ship. She jumped onto the side of the vessel and began to cut into the door before Adagio used the force to pull her off the ship.
"Go, now!" Adagio yelled as the crew complied and sped off. Unknown to her or the crew, Tempest had slipped a tracker on the hull. The siren leaped into the air and brought down her blade onto Tempest, who managed to block the attack from her downed position. She forced Adagio's blade upwards and proceeded with a series of rolling attacks from her current angle, aiming at the siren's legs as she was forced to move backwards. Sunset had gotten to her feed and quickly ran toward the two as she stopped the action by grabbing Adagio from behind, locking her arms to her sides.
"That's enough! Listen to me!" Sunset tried to reach her former apprentice only for the siren to rear her head back into the former's nose and forced her to release her rip. She reignited her blade and clashed with the now upright Tempest and shot her with lightning, sending her far across the platform. "Listen to you? Listen to you?!" She screamed before she grabbed Sunset, punching her in the stomach and, when she was doubled over, kneed her in the face before throwing her to the ground. "All I've ever been was lied to! From the council.", she kicked Sunset in the side. "Fluttershy.", she stomped on the Jedi's right hand, forcing her to release her blade. "And you knew, didn't you? Didn't you?!"
She held her blade to Sunset's neck and looked down at her with a sneer. "I knew." Sunset admitted. "It was wrong to hide it. Zaza was a child. How would you explain that to someone so young? I...we wanted to protect her from that. Give her a new life, a second chance."
"Well it's a bit late for that." Adagio raised her blade to deliver the finishing blow.
"I don't believe that. She...you pulled me back from giving into my darker nature. I sensed it." The siren's face softened a bit as Sunset continued. "I know how you are feeling. I may just be the only one in the order who does. You may have Adagio's body, her power, but I know that somewhere in that shell Zaza is still there deep down. She knows and you know. You don't want to do this."
"I can't stop this. None of us can. She's on her way as we speak."
"Who?" Before Sunset's question could be answered, a yellow lightsaber flew through the air, barely missing Adagio's face, cutting off her left ear as she screamed. The blade came back to it's original position as Rose caught the returning weapon.
"Liar! " In her rage, Adagio lifted up Sunset with the force and threw her off the platform. She charged Rose as the two locked blades. She pushed the red haired girl back as she spun her blade and connected with a shot that put her opponent off balance before attempting to sweep her legs. Rose was quickly losing ground and found herself with little else to do but move away just as she blocked an overhead strike that began to force her to her knees. The padawan looked up to the furious siren as her abilities had already began to heal the damage done by the lightsaber throw and the ear was almost restored.
"You just couldn't leave well enough alone, could you?" Adagio asked as she brought down heavy blow after heavy blow on top of the defending Rose. She switched up her swing style and knocked Rose's blade over the side before she nicked both of the girl's arms with her blades. The strikes were not serious damage but made certain the girl wouldn't be fighting back again. Rose gritted her teeth and began to crawl backwards in fear of the siren, who held her at the end of her blade. "Why?" She asked her downed opponent. "Why did you do this?"
"I...I thought you were a danger...." Rose uttered before she was silenced with a jolt of lightning.
"Stop lying! Aria fixed all this. She told me so herself. But you...you went along with every step of it. You knew something was wrong and you did nothing to stop it. That little girl was happy. She had a life and you as good as killed her. Why?" She saw Rose shift her gaze down to something clipped to the padawan's side and Adagio instantly recognized the hilt of Jedi Sandalwood's lightsaber. "Your master? That's what this is? Revenge?" A mix of laughter and sobbing came out of Adagio's mouth as she suddenly stomped on Rose's right shoulder.
"You idiot! Zaza and I are not the same person! I can still feel her inside of me and I can't shut her out now. Sandalwood...he gave everything to give that child something, anything to hold onto and you took everything from her." She looked up to see Tempest getting back up and began to back away from Rose. "And now I'm going to take everything from you."
"No, no. Please no!" Rose pleaded as the Sith spun around and charged at Tempest Shadow, as the two locked blades and engaged in a high speed duel. Tempest form made it difficult for Adagio's speed to give her any type of advantage as the former's superior strength came into play as she was able to hold her own with the siren. The two sized each other up, making sporadic attacks as each probed for weakness in the other's form. Eventually Adagio rushed forward with a series of strikes that didn't move Tempest from her position as she was soon countered with a strike that sliced her right side open. The wound was temporary as it soon healed over without much effort.
The siren then opened up with reckless abandon as the Jedi's strikes connected but amounted to little as the injuries were soon patched up. A quick accurate strike cut the hilt of Tempest's lightsaber in half, leaving her without a weapon and only able to evade for the moment. Adagio eventually got through with a slashing attack that cut Tempest's left cheek and another that cut a shallow gash across her midsection as she went down to one knee. She prepared to finish the Jedi with another strike only for her to be surprised as Tempest leaped forward and tackled her to the ground. The Jedi fought through the pain and used her cybernetic right hand to deliver a rapid series of blows to Adagio's head as the siren tried unsuccessfully to block the hits. Again and again Tempest brought down her fist onto her target as the resistance from the siren gradually dissipated and she'd stopped moving.
"Master?" Rose called out as Tempest stopped herself, getting up quickly and turning her head away from the motionless body. She began to make her way over to her apprentice to aid her, only to fall down to her knees again from her fresh wounds as well as the ones that hadn't completely healed from the crash.
"I'll be okay. I just need to..." She looked to Rose whose eyes were wide with horror as she gave her a confused look before realizing all too late what was happening as she briefly felt the heat of a blade on the back of her neck.
"No!" Rose screamed out as the thudding of a body hitting the ground as well as the sound of a head rolling filled her ears. Adagio stood over her slain opponent as the bones of her previously caved in facial structure had mostly realigned themselves to there proper places. She began to approach the now defenseless Rose to finish things. She stopped suddenly as she looked into the sky to see a familiar looking fighter craft make an emergency landing on another nearby platform. "No. You haven't suffered enough yet." She threw herself over the side of the landing pad, both she and Rose knowing full well this was not the end of things. Rose looked in utter fear and shame as the recently landed ships occupant, Fluttershy, emerged and looked across to her.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Things are bad here. Worse than we thought. The rebels stormed the palace last night during the celebrations and managed to kidnap Queen Sunny Flare. The royal guard suffered heavy casualties in the defense of the palace and the capital. To add to it, a fleet of ships has blockaded the planet and chased off the Kentoph defense force out of the system. An attempt on Pharaoh Hisan was fortunately prevented by one Crimson Napalm, a Celestial Knight, though he was slain by one of the other Sirens. The losses have shaken the Pharaoh and he has been locked up in his quarters for the last few days while his highest ranking commanders are scrambling to come up with some sort of response. They've recalled many of the troops from the various campaigns to reinforce the capital for any further reprisals from the rebels and to aid the citizens who've had their lives disrupted again from this attack.
I also regret to inform you all that Master Tempest Shadow was also slain in the fighting. Zaza was...well...Adagio Dazzle has returned. She also defeated Sunset Shimmer. She was thrown from the palace ramparts. Fortunately, her body was thrown into the river and she was found by a local villager and brought back to the palace. The doctors say she'll live but she won't be getting around anytime soon. They have her in a bacta tank for now but she will need to be sent off world eventually for better treatment.
The members of the Friendship Council looked to one another in concern as Fluttershy finished her report over the long range transmitter. "Thank you for your report, Fluttershy." Twilight said as she thought. "And what of Padawan Roseluck?"
Fluttershy cast her gaze to the ground. "I...don't know. She took Tempest's remains with her wherever she went." The master could detect a bit of scorn in her voice before turning her attention back to the mission at hand.
"I see. In any case it's of the utmost importance that you help keep the situation stabilized. I'm not certain we'll be able to give you much aid."
"We'd never get close to the planet without a Republic fleet." Applejack commented.
"I doubt the locals would appreciate a Republic presents either." Rarity said. "Especially if the senate decided they wanted to station troops on the planet. And who knows what the political situation would look like."
"I'm afraid we can't give you additional aid at the moment, Fluttershy." Twilight stated as she began to rub her head. "It's of the utmost importance that Sunny Flare be rescued. I'm aware it's a task easier said than done but, she is a key to keeping things on the planet under control, however draconian her methods may be. Without her, I believe the civil situation on the planet may become much worse."
"Worse still if she's executed." said Applejack, "It would definitely embolden the rebels and could lead to escalated attacks against the military and civilian population on both sides."
Fluttershy nodded. " I understand. I will do my best."
"We know you will, Fluttershy." Twilight said before a look of concern. "And about Adagio...."
"I'll handle it, Master Sparkle. Don't worry." Fluttershy interrupted, a look of cold determination on her face. "Goodbye." The broadcast cut immediately as Fluttershy stepped away from the jury-rigged transmitter that had been assembled. The two engineers that had been working on getting it running took notice and rushed over as it sparked out.
"Well that was productive." The one said as he looked over the device. "With transmissions being blocked like they are, that was our one chance to get a signal past the blockade."
"You know how long it will take to get another of these working?" The other said. "Not to mention trying to get another coded frequency they can't detect. This one won't work again."
"I think we're on our own." Fluttershy said as she walked off. She went to her temporary housing in the palace as it had been reconfigured into a temporary headquarters and barracks for the troops as many of the troop quarters in the city had been destroyed in the preceding attack. Fluttershy knelt down on a mat on the floor of her room and quietly meditated.
Four Days Ago
Only minutes after landing on the palace grounds and before she could do anything, a number of armed troopers raced out onto the platform and aimed there weapons at her before one of them identified her as a Jedi. She was then promptly ferried into the damaged and smoking structure that was once the resplendent palace of the royal family. Soon she was face to face with a young woman with snow white hair and violet skin.
"Fluttershy?" She asked as a confirming nod was all she needed from the long haired Jedi before giving a brief salute. "Commander Sugarcoat. Please tell me you're here with reinforcements." She asked in a monotone voice, receiving only a disappointing shake of the head. "Of course not..."
Just then, and injured Rose, aided by a guard, entered the room as the two turned to her. "Fluttershy..." The normally calm and shy Jedi approached Rose with a frightening presents about her.
"What did you do?" Rose shook in fear as the tone of Fluttershy's words were unnaturally harsh coming from her lips.
Rose could do little but mutter a few words, unable to explain herself. "I...I..." Her friend, or rather former friend looked at her in contempt and disgust as she gestured for Sugarcoat to follow her.
"I need to be debriefed of the situation, commander." Sugarcoat nodded in confirmation and walked with her as they left a pained Rose there.
Present
Fluttershy's brow furrowed as she found herself dwelling on the errors of Rose and forcing her into the situation she now found herself in. She knew precisely what needed to be done. The queen needed to be rescued, the war was definitely coming to a head, unnecessary loss of innocent lives had occurred as well as the loss of Tempest Shadow. Thing was, her mind kept going back to one undeniable truth: Za...Adagio Dazzle needed to be....
"Fluttershy..." Her eyes opened as she found herself knelt down on an astral plan of white light. Similarly kneeling down in front of her was her master, Rainbow Dash.
"Master Rainbow Dash? What...what is this?"
Dash chuckled. "Well, since we can't get communications out to you the old fashioned way, I decided to reach out to you through the force. It's an old technique I learned from my master. Took some time but looks like I can do it." Her face takes on a more concerned look as she addressed her padawan. "Fluttershy, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She responded, her eyes refusing to meet with Rainbow's.
"Fluttershy, you know I'm here for you, anytime." She received no response from her as her apprentice's eyes never came back up to look at her. "Please. Don't do this."
"Don't do what?"
"Don't break my heart." The emotion in Dash's words caught Fluttershy off guard as she tensed up. "I've known you for a long time now. I was your teacher but I've learned something from you, something I had never had before I met you. Kindness, compassion, empathy. Those qualities about you are so beautiful and they've effected me more deeply than I can ever express. They are what made you who you are and gave you access to that." She pointed to the geode around her neck. "I can't claim to understand everything you're going through and I know you are hurting inside, but please don't let that change who you are."
Fluttershy kept her head bowed as she really had nothing to say to her master. Dash waited for a moment before closing her eyes as the connection between them ended. The Jedi Knight sat with folded legs in her quarters and looked to the Equus sky out of her window. "May the force be with you, Fluttershy."
At the main rebel headquarters, Adagio was in her private quarters preparing herself for the next step of her plan. She removed much of her gear that had been damaged in the palace extraction and put on a new set of black robes that matched closely to what she was accustomed to wearing, seeing as how Aria would no longer need them. It took her a moment as she lingered on her former comrade. She'd forgotten the link the three shared, how she could feel what they felt as long as they were in close proximity of each other. As Aria had fallen in that duel with Sunset, Adagio could feel her anger at her opponent, her frustrations that she could not come close to the goals she had failed to achieve, and her fears as she took her last breaths dying alone.
Adagio shook her head of these thoughts as she went to her mirror to make herself presentable for the meeting. She grabbed a brush and prepared to fix her hair when she looked into the reflective surface and saw a pair of innocent eyes staring back at her as the visage that gazed back at the siren was none other than that little girl again. The brush dropped from her hands as she was agitated that she had to see that face again. "You...What do you want?" She received no answer as the padawan simply kept her eyes locked with hers. "Why won't you just go away?" Still, no words were spoken from this apparition. "Say something. Answer me!" Her outstretched hand channeled the force in an instance and shattered the glass, sending it flying in shards across the floor with several bits cutting up Adagio's face and hand. "Why can't you just leave me alone?" She fell to her knees in frustration, tears rolling down her eyes as the mirror now perfectly reflected her mind; broken.
Her wounds proved only superficial as they rapidly healed even as she clutched herself tightly. "But...this is you." Her eyes opened wide as she heard a young voice coming from somewhere in the room. She crawled on her hands and knees, ignoring the glass that cut into her skin, until she found the source, a large shard of mirror that rested across the room. She peered into it to see the girls face again, this time appearing far more expressive.
"Get out! This is my body, it always was!" Adagio demanded.
"That's why this still appears to you. Don't you see, this reflection and you are one and the same? It's you, the purest part, the real you."
"No. This is the real me. Everything I've achieved so far for this moment. It is who I am." Adagio reaffirmed.
"If you really believed that, than why berate Aria for bringing you back? Did you not feel anger with her for pulling you back from what you truly were? You said it yourself and you were right. With the Jedi, with Sunset, with Fluttershy, you were happy."
Adagio covered her ears in denial. "Shut up. Just...shut up."
"Please, don't block out your feelings. You know it to be true. It's not too late. You can turn around, you can stop this before it's too late."
"I-I can't. They'd never forgive me. Tempest. She's dead because of what I've done."
"If you continue on this path, more innocents will die. You don't know what the Jedi will think, what they will do, but you know what must be done...regardless of personal cost." The reflection of Zaza pressed her hand against the surface. "You can't change what's happened, you can only move forward and learn from that." Adagio looked to the shard and hesitantly reached out her hand to it. No sooner had her palm overlapped the tiny one against the other side then her eyes shot open widely as her mind raced as the two halves became one in perfect synthesis. She breathed heavily as she looked back down to the mirror, seeing only Adagio Dazzle there and yet, there was something new, something different this time. She slowly rose to her feet and, after momentarily stumbling, headed for the door. No sooner had she opened it than she was met by Sonata on the other side with a stern look on her face. "Sonata?"
The blue siren didn't answer at first, looking her master up and down for a moment. "Everything...okay, Adagio?" The suspicion in her voice was all too apparent.
"Yes, yes of course." The elder warrior did her best to give a voice of assurance. "Just preparing myself for our final plans."
The answer seemed to satiate Sonata's curiosity as she smiled. "Of course. So exciting. Anyway, Doctor Patchwork wants us in her lab ASAP. She says it's something definitely worth seeing." She gestured down the hall as Adagio stepped out and the door shut behind her swiftly, though just slow enough for her disciple to notice the broken mirror before the two made their way to their destination.
In the depths of the base sealed off to all but those with the highest authorization were the prison cells, at this moment scarcely populated. The sole resident none other than Queen Sunny Flare, though at this point she looked anything but royal. Her elegant garb had been stripped from her and replaced with stained rags, her make-up mostly washed off, though some smeared portions still remained. All this was complimented by a shackle placed around her neck that was fastened to the floor by a chain. Sunny was curled up in the rear corner the cell as she shivered from the damp and cold conditions, a small tin of food sitting beside her, it's contents too repugnant for her to consume.
"Food not to your liking? You always were hard to please." A voice came from the cell door as Indigo Zap stood on the opposite side of the bars, a grim look on her face. "Hope you're enjoying your deluxe accommodations."
"Indy, you have to listen." Sunny said weakly, the
"You don't get to call me that! The only reason you're still alive is because the siren demanded it. If it had been up to me you'd be dead for what you did to Lemon Zest."
Flare looked to her in confusion and concern. "Lemon? What are you talking about? What happened to her?" Sunny is answered as Indigo slams her arm against the bars.
"Don't play dumb! You always did take me for an idiot. Your people and that gas attack on our HQ. After all those years of your 'moral high ground' talk and you pull something like this? Unlucky for you I wasn't there...but Lemon was and she and a good chunk of my command staff were and now you have to answer for that."
Sunny's mind tried to piece together the seemingly senseless rambling that was coming out of her former comrade's mouth. "What are you talking about, you idiot?! I never signed off on anything like that! Even when we were bogged down in the muck on Mimban, where death was a certainty, with Republic forces breathing down our necks, I shut down any plan to use chemical weapons! So, why would I even think about using anything like that now, especially against you?"
Zap looked her over and stared deeply into her eyes and could see something. Perhaps it was the truth, the Sunny she knew would never have agreed to that kind of attack, but still... "Maybe I just don't know you as well I thought I did. Never thought you'd stab me in the back either."
"We agreed, all of us did, Lemon included, that this planet needed our help to stabilize it." Sunny defended.
"Yes, stabilize, not stay here to become part of the ruling class. It was to help people! Who died and made you queen!" Indigo shouted.
"I am trying to do my best. Hisan's kingship is the best chance this planet has for cohesion. All those rebels that fight for you, they don't have a plan. The only thing they have is an agreed dislike of the royal family. After they've killed him, put his head on a pike and paraded it around the city before burning the whole place down, those 'freedom fighters', yeah, they'll implode on themselves. We have a plan. I have a plan! And none of it involved killing people with poison gas!" She stopped suddenly as she clenched her stomach and released a cry of pain through her clenched teeth.
"What's wrong?" Indigo showed some small look of concern for her former friend as she leaned against the bars.
"It's-it's the baby." She said in a strained voice.
Indigo's befuddled look said it all. "Baby? Baby?"
"Baby. Yes, a baby!" Sunny shouted. "Look at me! What did you think?!"
"I just thought you were getting a little fat from all that palace food."
"Oh my Gods! You always were an idiot!" Sunny continued to berate her even through the pain she was currently enduring. Soon she began to perform her breathing exercises as the pain and her temper began to die down.
"Geeze, Sunny, I'm...if I'd known I'd never have..."
Sunny let out a slow breath before calmly answering. "It's alright. I never imagined when we started out that things would get like this." Indigo's gaze was cast downward as she contemplated. "So, what do they have planned for me?"
"Exchange is my best bet. Trade you for prisoners or hoping Hisan will stand down with you at stake." Sunny nodded with acknowledgement. Given Hisan's character, he'd surely trade anything to get them back. "Or, more likely we'll hold you and barrage your forces, hoping that the royals will collapse without your leadership." She walked a short ways. "As for the gas attack; I don't know who's responsible. Now maybe it was someone under your command operating independently, but I know you had nothing to do with it. All I know is what I got from the command reports. I will get to the bottom of this...we owe Lemon that much." Sunny gave a stern, confirming nod. "I'll see if I can't get you something a bit more comfortable for you and the baby."
Just as she finished, the doors to the cell block opened up and two troopers stood in the doorway. "Ma'am, Dr. Patchwork requires your presence, both of you." The trooper gestured to Sunny Flare as she and Indigo traded quick glances. A few minutes later and Indigo was escorted by her two guards to Patchwork's on base lab in the belly of the fortress and behind her, two further guards escorted a handcuffed Sunny Flare. They were soon greeted by the doctor who was flanked on either side by the two remaining siren sisters. At a work station, the shackled Flash Sentry was silently at work, paying no mind to anything going on.
"Greetings!" Patchwork shouted in joy as they approached. "Glad you could join us, Ms. Zap..." she turned to look at Sunny. "and Queen Flare, looking as good as can be expected." The Kentoph royal sneered at the scientist who simply smiled back. "Well let's get down to business. As you know we are on the verge of winning this war..." Sunny scoffs at this as the doctor looks to her before turning her attention back to her words. "As I was saying, this war is ours for the taking thanks to the donations from our generous benefactor who has decided to grace us with her presence. We're ready for you." She spoke through her wrist mounted communicator as the doors on the opposite end of the room opened and a black hooded figure, escorted by eight commando droids, four in front and back of them, marched confidently up the walkway and stood alongside Patchwork. They were slightly shorter than the others in the room as the hood was removed and revealed a teenage girl whose stern face and pale complexion contrasted her vibrant violet, blue and pink hair. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce, Princess Flurry Heart."
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
"I'd say it was good to see you again Sunny, but I think we both know that would be lying." Flurry Heart said as she strolled over to the woman. "I have to say you look much worse for ware."
"You're...alive?" Was all Sunny could muster as she did her best to keep her jaw off the ground. "I..."
"Hardly recognize me? I'm sure. It's been what, five or six years since we last saw each other? Just before you stabbed us all in the back and wrestled control for yourself."
"It wasn't like that!" Sunny defended. "We needed everyone onboard for the reforms to work. If not, there would have been an uprising anyway."
"And all this around is what, exactly? Your 'reforms' dwindled down to you putting yourself and a few chosen others on top while everyone else got to sacrifice for the 'greater good'. When my parents and a lot of others felt differently, you shut them up for good."
The queen of Kentoph bowed her head for a moment. "I never wanted that."
Flurry's harsh gaze softened for a brief moment as she walked over to Sunny Flare and place her right hand on the left side of her face and spoke in a soft tone that was just loud enough for Sunny to hear. "The dead don't need or want your apologies and neither do I." She separated from her and marched over to Patchwork. "Get her out of my sight. Alright doctor, what do you have for us."
The guards took Sunny Flare away, she and Indigo trading glances as Patchwork clapped her hands together in excitement. "Something you'll love, I'm sure of it." She brought up several diagrams on a holo terminal in the center of the room which Flurry, Indigo and the remaining sirens gathered to. "I'd like to draw your attention to the model here." She pointed to a canister that took center point on the terminal. The model began to release a cloud and digital blaster fire was seen hitting it and dissipating. "As you can see, the blaster dispersion nanites are working well within acceptable parameters. All but heavy starship fire has any chance of penetrating effectively through the cloud these canisters generate and they are well under the acting commanders full control from the full safety of a command ship, able to move up with any advancing force or ship. Speaking of which..." She brought up a diagram for a fuel carrier. "We've also modified the fuel carriers in our fleet as well to ferry our remaining cargo off-world.
"Off-world? I don't understand." Indigo questioned as the duo turned to her.
"It's simple really." Flurry explained. "We're taking the remaining gas stores and taking them back to my fleet for further uses."
Indigo looked dumbfounded. "What?! You told me you'd destroyed the remaining supplies!"
"Why would I have done that?" Patchwork said with a smile. "It's one of my greatest creations."
"You....you did this!" Indigo's eyes widened in realization. "You killed Lemon!" She quickly drew her blaster pistol as the guard droids drew on her in defense of the doctor and the two sirens prepared their weapons. "Why?!"
"Because I want Sunny Flare and her forces crushed." Flurry said. "I entrusted you with that goal and gave you everything to that end. What I got was a slog and so you've forced me to handle things on my own. So it's with that in mind that I put my faith in the good doctor here to pull out all the stops for my plan. I had her work her magic in chemistry and she created this gas. The tunnels she's been constructing will provide the perfect ventilation system to pump it to the majority of the planets surface. It will rid me of all my enemies...and my untrustworthy allies."
"You're planning to kill everyone?"
"Of course not. True, Flare and Hisan will pay for what they did to my family, the others will pay for turning on them and you and yours will pay for your gross incompetence. I'm certain Hisan's forces will mobilize to attack soon and they'll end up right where I want them when the gas is released. With the royalists and your rebels out of the way my droids will march on the capital city and all the planets resources will be mine. Then we'll move on and take the fight to the Republic with our new alliances we've forged over the last few years. With our combined might, they won't stand a chance. As for you..." She gestured quickly as one of the droids fired a blaster bolt through Indigo's left shoulder that sent her flying across the room and into a terminal before she collapsed to the floor. This caused Flash to look back briefly as he unfortunately locked eyes with Patchwork who snapped her fingers.
"Right, last loose end. You'll get a kick out of this. Wallflower, come in here." The doors on the opposite side of the room opened as a tall, skeletal droid like figure with bronzed armor and a disturbing bug-like face plate emerged and walked toward Patchwork with it's pair of clawed feet. Flash as well as Adagio looked at the mechanical creation in horror as it approached the former. "I hope you like the new and improved Wallflower Blush. Put a lot of advanced features in her and I know it's a big change but the original is still in there...somewhere...I think. Anyway, Wallflower get rid of him."
The now mechanical being charged forward with lightning speed and grabbed Flash and lifted him off the ground above her towering head. "D-don't...please." Flash pleaded as he looked into her still human eyes under her face plate in the hope of still reaching her somehow. She blinked several times as she seemed to hesitate before tossing him across the room as he slammed into a wall and his limp body rolled down a ramp and into a large pit area under the station.
Patchwork clapped with excitement as Flurry gave a simple nod of approval. "Excellent. Let's move on, shall we? There's much to prepare before our departure. Though we will have to give an announcement to the troops on how Indigo died bravely in an unfortunately successful royalist assassination." The group walked off with the droids in tow. Adagio stopped and looked back to the fallen Indigo as she contemplated all of this. This entire operation was orchestrated by her old self and she knew she had to be the one to stop it. She was certain she was the only one who really could. Unfortunately, Sonata was watching her with suspicion before the two continued on with the others.
In Kentoph's capital city, a large group of soldiers and pilots had amassed inside the massive main hanger of the primary military base. Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger, along with a collection of other senior pilots had gathered anyone that would listen to formulate a plan and the former was the most outspoken in the matter. "We can't just sit around and wait. We should be out there fighting those rebels and rescuing the queen." She urged as some agreed and others murmured in doubt. "Thanks to Master Tempest Shadow we can do just that. Her tracking device is still active and it's transmitting the location of what could be their main headquarters. So I say, why not mount an all out attack and finish them off and rescue Sunny Flare. We owe it to her and everyone that gave their lives to defend this place?"
"Vapor's right," Sky stood up and said. "The queen has done more for us than anyone. She's kept this city and our territories safe for years. If not for her, where would we all be?" Many of them began to agree with them. "We should mount up with every vehicle we have, rally our allies and go and take the fight to them!"
"Wait." A young main with violet skin and a mop-top head of hair a darker shade of purple stood up. "I want nothing more than to stick it to those rebels but Pharaoh Hisan will never allow this. We can't make a move without his direct orders, not even the senior commanders can."
Vapor stepped up, visibly infuriated with this line of thought. "You want to wait around for him to make a decision? The hardest thing he's ever had to think about was what to have for breakfast! It's his queen that's in danger. He knows where she's being kept and yet he's shut himself up in his chambers. I say: Screw him! If he won't be man enough to rescue her and end this...well I guess a woman will then!" She received cheers from the others only for them to quickly die down as the large collection parted down the middle. Walking among them, looking much less regal than his usual joyous self was Hisan, flanked on either side by his guards and followed by Jedi Knight Fluttershy.
"Screw who now?" He said threateningly as he stepped to the front of the group, standing in the first row near the makeshift stage that had been constructed. Vapor's face went slightly paler than usual, though she still stood tall and kept her composure.
"With all due respect of course, sir..."
Hisan smiled and looked up to her with understanding. "No, you're right. You are completely right. For years I have played at being a leader, I've allowed others to take center stage, make the greatest of sacrifices. That ends today. Now those who I relied upon need my help and I must answer the call. I have been a coward and a fool but today I will make this all right. We will ride out and we will end this...under your leadership, Air Commander Vapor Trail." Everyone, Vapor included, was awestruck at the declaration.
The woman was amazed as every lower ranked trooper and pilot around her, Sky included, saluted her. "I won't let you down sir. Alright everyone, time is of the essence. Rally everyone. We'll need protect the city but anyone else that can still hold a rifle or pilot a ship is coming along. We need as many dropships and speeders as we can get our hands on. Pay any civilian in full for any vehicle we can use. We can't bring everyone but we will need the most battle hardened units that are here. Any units close to the rebel position who are not currently in an operation will be mobilized to aid our attack." The group scrambled as an alert was made throughout the city to every unit outside the designated defense force to prepare to mobilize. Vapor ran alongside Hisan as he headed out. "Thank you sir. I'm honored."
"Sunny always spoke highly of you and I have every reason that you'll exceed the expectations she had. I must prepare myself."
She slowed her steps slightly but quickly picked up her pace. "I don't understand."
"I've sat on the sidelines my entire life. It's high time I change that and lead by example. When Sunny was able, she always took the field and I should do no less."
"But heaven forbid, the worst does come to pass, we can't lose you both."
"Let's look on the bright side. Kentoph can't do worse than me." He said with a smirk as he left her and the others to prepare. A short distance away, Daisy and Garble had already agreed to make a detour in hopes they could drum up more hitting power for this strike force before it was too late. They had hopped aboard Garble's ship and soon made their way to the Zebra clan village. The ship touched down outside of the village and the two disembarked to a settlement full of activity as many of the clan's warriors scrambled around the camp, weapons in hand as many hopped on the few speeders and pack animal mounts, some piling on three on the same mount.
"Looks like they got the memo." Daisy said as the two walked, doing their best to avoid any rushing clansmen going back and forth.
"Greetings." An older woman with faded orange hair approached. "Forgive us. Things have gotten rather exciting in the last few hours. It's good to see you again, Garble." She bowed slightly as did he.
"Ms. Zecka. We came to find..." Garble said before Zecka gestured to a large hut behind her about a hundred yards back.
"She's back there. I've tried to speak with her but...maybe you'll have more luck. Excuse me." She moved on to help where she could while the two visitors made their way to the structure, a thick dark cloth acting as a door. They enter to find Roseluck knelt down before the remains of a funeral pyre, what smoke that had come from the dying light was escaping through a hole in the cone shaped roof.
Rose didn't open her eyes but acknowledged the new arrivals. "I can't hear her anymore." She said plainly, not turning to face them. "I've tried...but I can't hear her." Her voice cracked slightly as she continued to try and focus.
Daisy was the first to speak. "Rose, I know things are tough now after...what happened, but we need you now. Everyone is going out to try and rescue Sunny Flare and end this once and for all."
"Then shouldn't you be there?"
"Not without you."
"I ruined everything. People died because I unleashed that...thing again, just so I could have revenge. I betrayed the code, the order, Sandalwood." Garble decided to step up and speak.
"Rose, come on. You made some bad choices, we all have. But you can't live thinking about what you can't take back. I'm living proof of that. When I stole from my clan, they banished me, cut my wings off so I'd never fly again. If not for people like you and Tempest I'd have been dead a long time ago because I pitied myself, I just wanted to die and I did everything imaginable in the hopes that I'd get my wish." Rose looked at him slightly, the stump of his left arm in her sight. "Eh, don't worry, it grows back. My point is, you can't stay like this, things will only get better for you If you see the good you can do now and not what you could have done in the past."
Rose looked back to the pyre that slowly burned itself out and then back to her two companions as she got to her feet. She made her way to Garble and embraced him, the two sharing a passionate kiss as Daisy did her best to look away. "That's my girl. Come on, we need to get to the capital before they take off in a few hours." The three headed to the Shock Jackal. Along the way Rose saw Zecka standing among the rushing throngs of the tribe as the two shared a brief glance and a nod, silently saying their goodbyes for what might be the last time. The ship was soon speeding through the sky as Rose was still somewhat hesitant to head back to the place she'd ashamedly fled from a few days ago. Despite her internal objections, she knew that this was where she needed to be to make some semblance of amends. She lay on the bed in the cabin she had originally stayed in during the ships first travel to the planet and tried her best to relax until they arrived at their destination, with little success. Rose suddenly jumped up as she sensed something nearby and raced towards the hangar bay. She rushed over the manual override for the door controls and opened it as the craft was still in mid-flight. The walked to the edge of the ramp and hung on to the ramps hydraulic mechanism as she peered out.
The alarmed voices of Garble and Daisy were mostly drowned out by the stiff wind that blew passed Roses face and the rest she simply ignored as she stared towards the ground and found what she was looking for. A distance behind the ship was a lone speeder bike racing across the plains, it's rider opening it up full throttle as if fleeing for their lives. Luckily for the Padawan, the freighter's pilot had dropped the altitude to set the ship down for an emergency landing so as to save the passenger from harm. This was all she needed and after igniting her saber, Rose raced off the ramp and leaped in the path of the ground vehicle. Her swing missed the riders head but managed to glance the vehicle as it careened out of control and the single occupant was sent tumbling away from the soon burning remains. The Padawan for her made several tumbles to cushion the impact of jumping from such a height and made sure to shut off the blade of her weapon only a moment after it made contact.
It took Rose only a moment or so to gather her senses as she re-ignited her weapon and immediately advanced on her target who removed their helmet to reveal to her Adagio Dazzle, who had her hair combed back completely and in a single long pony tail instead of it's usual puffed up style. The siren looked in confusion at the angered Jedi. "Rose?" Adagio scrambled to her feet before she could speak further as Rose attacked with fury forcing the former to pull out her own laser sword to defend from the attacks that pushed her back each and every time. The two locked blades as Rose was pushing back with all her might as the siren did her best to hold her ground only to be forced back, bit by bit. "Rose, stop. Listen to me!" An enraged Rose released a primordial roar that shook the ground surrounding them and pushed with all her might, the resulting force knocking the weapon out of Adagio's hand.
A follow up attacked was stopped by the orange haired girl as she threw out her hands, holding back the weapons deadly blade with the force as she did her best to keep it where it was while her attacker was giving her all to push it toward its target. "Enough!" Adagio shouted as she force pushed, throwing the blade a distance away. The former padawan breathed heavily having just saved herself but being surprisingly exhausted from the effort. She'd never found herself this winded before and she was not too thrilled about the sensation in her chest as she placed a hand to the area just above her breasts. Being disarmed did nothing to dissuade the angered Rose who simple leaped forward and began to punch, elbow and backhand the other girl wherever she could before elbowing her to her head that caused Adagio's nose to bleed. She promptly threw her to the ground as Adagio attempted to crawl backwards, holding up one hand to halt the assault.
"Please, stop..." Adagio's pleading was met with a hard kick across the face from Rose who proceeded to jump on top of the siren and punched her repeatedly, screaming all the while. All the orange haired young woman could do was put her hands up in a futile attempt to protect her face. Rose only halted once she felt something placed against the back of her head and heard the sound of a mechanism.
"Rose stop! Please." The pained voice of Daisy said as her hand was shaking. "Don't do this."
"She...she needs to pay for what she's done." Rose said calmly, slowly raising her hands.
"Not like this. She'll get justice, I promise." Daisy placed a hand on her shoulder and Rose got up from her beaten opponent who lay there, bruised and bloody. "We'll take her back to base and they'll find out what she knows."
"Not like it'll be of much use." Garble said as he walked up. "The forces are already mobilizing, if we haven't already missed them yet."
"Have to....warn them." Adagio uttered as she coughed, trying to get up. "It's-It's a trap."
The three looked down at her before Rose spoke. "What?"
"Poison gas...set to go off in the midst of the fighting...will kill everyone. Had to warn them."
Rose was not convinced in the slightest. "And why would you want to stop this?"
Adagio managed to roll on her side and lifted herself up. "When I helped to start this war, it was so my sisters and I could feed. Fluttershy...I spent so much time with her when I was...not myself. It changed me, made me realize I didn't want this anymore until..." She looked up briefly at Rose who averted her gaze. "Even after I changed back I knew this was wrong. I tried to stop it, tried to alter the plan but my sister and my old allies are hellbent on moving forward with this. The Loyalists are walking into a trap. This has all the information needed to stop what my sister has planned." She pulled out a data drive from her jacket.
"They have enough of this gas to kill half the planet. You can't screen it through any type of mask and no known species is immune to it. They will make more and they will use it against anyone that stands in their way. Rose, I know you don't trust me and I know that I've done horrible things to you and so many others. I'll take whatever punishment you deem fit when this is over but don't let this world suffer any more than it already has because of me."
The Padawan looked down to her with a mix of confusion and anger as she walked and stood over her, picking up her saber along the way. Daisy began to raise her blaster slightly, only for Garble to stop her halfway. "I'll never forgive you for what you've done," Adagio winced as she closed her eyes and prepared herself for whatever came next. "but I can't forgive myself for what I've done either. I'm worse. You were right, my master gave everything to help you. You're his legacy and I spat on it, on you, because I let myself be blinded by my own anger and selfish thoughts." She leaned down and offered a hand to her. "I won't make that mistake again. I will help you and we will stop this." Tears welled up in Adagio's eyes as she took the girl's hand and got up, surprising Rose as she wrapped her in a tight hug.
Rose lightly returned the gesture as they separated and turned to the others. "Alright, let's hurry. Even if we can't catch them in time, hopefully the communication channels are still open." Rose said as they raced back to the ship and departed the area, hopefully able to catch the main force so as to warn them of the imminent danger.
In space, the invading fleet sat in it's position over the planet. A distance away a scout fighter clung to a asteroid before it detached itself and opened a set of solar sails as it silently headed off. It eventually reached it's destination which was the remainder of the Kentoph fleet which had fled from the surprise attack. The pilot eventually landed in the Somnambula's hanger and reported his findings to admiral Semalir on the bridge. "Well they don't seem to be moving from the position of sending anymore troops to the surface. They're waiting for something, retrieving something. Fortunately, we've gotten an encoded message from the surface. They've taken the queen but the Pharaoh is planning a counterattack. We have a timetable and if the fleet makes any type of move or anything leaves orbit, we'll move to engage them."
"I'll make sure everyone is on alert and ready to sortie." Juniper said as she left to prepare, leaving the Chiss admiral to formulate a new strategy.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Inside the now abandoned lab where Patchwork had been set up before the final phase of the plan, the sound of silence was broken as a hand reached up and pulled the body behind it up to the main station floor. "Jeez Wallflower, did you really have to throw me so hard?" He asked sarcastically as he managed to get all the way up before flopping on his back and catching his breath. Flash sat up and looked over at the terminal that he'd always seen Patchwork toiling at day after day before getting to his feet and rushing over to it. The blue haired man groaned as he found it locked. "Figures she'd lock it back, even if she was never coming back. Oh well. Time to put those skills to work for good again, Sentry." He got to working on the device, using his slicer skills to do his best to hack into it hoping to find some way to put a wrench in the plan of the siren and doctor.
Above ground and miles from the sight via the underground tram lines, the rebel forces, rallied by Sonata Dusk were shoring up their defenses for the incoming Royalist attack. Sonata walked along the upper level of the base as she watched those beneath her scramble to get the facility fortified. She chuckled as she pulled out her communicator and an image of Patchwork appeared with a cloaked cyborg Wallflower standing behind her. "Things are working out just as we planned." Sonata said. "My spies reported that the Royalist forces are on their way here right now. Not the full force but it should be sufficient enough to break their backs. So where is our generous benefactor?"
"She's headed out to make sure the transfer of the rest of the gas shipments are prepared to move back up to the fleet." The doctor said as she looked off to her left side to address a droid that had a tablet in it's hands as she scribbled something on it. "We'll be departing soon as well. I'd rather not be here when those vents start pumping. I'd recommend you do the same soon."
Sonata chuckled as she ran two small items through the fingers of her right hand. "In good time. I've got a rendezvous of sorts here. We do have a little time to amuse ourselves, and I'd love to see your little robot in action."
This comment caused Wallflower to grunt slightly only for the doctor to press a switch that sent a jolt of electricity into her brain to keep her submissive. "Sorry about that. Obedience training isn't fully completed yet. I'll have to get back in there and make a few more 'improvements.'" Just as Patchwork said this the alarms around the base began to blare. "Hmm, looks like they're early."
Miles off, the mass airborne force of the royalists were on their way to the main staging base of the rebel forces. Among the many troop transports that made up the impressive attack force were a few heavy transports, each carrying a medium tank on the underside for additional firepower. With them was the large number of fighter and fighter-bomber escorts, Vapor Trail leading the formation. "How's she handling?" Sky Stinger asked over the com system.
"Still fits like a glove even after all this time." Vapor responded. "Just good to be back in this cockpit."
"Same here." He replied as he saluted. "Wish I could be your wingman this time around but I got two newbies who need my supervision."
"Low blow." A young female voice sounded over the com. "Pick's the one that needs help. You should've seen him try landing last month. Sergeant nearly blew a fuse." She laughed as her brother chimed in over the channel.
"Shut up, Barley! We'll see who's laughing when I get ace status before you." He fired back as the two began to argue.
"Alright, pipe down you two." Sky ordered as they quitted themselves. "Neither of you should be focused on kills, your job is to make sure the transports get in. Got it?"
"Yes sir." The siblings said as they stayed in formation with the gunships and troop transports around them.
Inside one of the transports, Hisan sat in full strike force gear, tapping his foot and looking around nervously. One of the troopers at his side took notice of this. "Are your alright, Your Highness?"
Hisan casted his gaze downward at his still tapping foot as he fought to keep it still. "My heart is racing, my mouth is dry, I can hardly breath. I apologize but I am unaccustomed to this."
The trooper patted him on the back with a smile. "Don't worry Your Highness, that's all normal. Not a man in here feels any different. Just takes time to get your nerves under control." The pharaoh returned a still shaky smile as he gripped his weapon. All of a sudden red lights began to flash inside the dropship as everyone looked up. "Alright, everyone locked and loaded. Five minutes out." They heard over the intercom as the troopers loaded their weapons and prepared their gear.
Over the horizon the base was coming into view. Along with it, dozens of droid fighters began to fly out from the rebel base flight pads and roared towards the invading forces. Alongside them were manned fighters from the rebel forces who took off from nearby hangers Vapor Trail gripped tight on the control stick of her Porax 38 and let out a controlled breath. "Alright, here we go. Green Team, form up on me for interception. Everyone else holds formation. Protect the landing craft at all costs."
"Roger that!" The other flight leaders said in acknowledgement as Green Team kicked in their afterburners and shot straight at the enemy flight. The two groups met as some fighters on both sides were destroyed straight out and the rest broke off and began to engage in dogfights. A number of droid fighters bee lined towards the dropships, seemingly having been programmed to attack high priority targets.
"Everyone stick with your wingman and don't let them single you out!" Vapor said over the com as she caught one of the droid fighters in her sights and opened fire. "Heads up, landing force, they're headed your way."
"Roger that. We got them." One of the escort pilots confirmed as they stayed close to the dropships but just far enough ahead to intercept the droid fighters as the attack devolved into hard aerial combat. Near the same time the bases anti-air defenses kicked in. One of the gunships was almost immediately swarmed by four droid fighters as it's pilot did their base to shake them off. Two of the loyalist's Porax 38's joined to aid, taking out three of the attackers, the fourth breaking off. Sadly, it was a case of two little too late as the troop transport spiraled out of the sky in a ball of fire.
"Everyone stay focused." Vapor shouted over the communications as her group broke off to engage with another attacking wing of droid and rebel starfighters. "Regroup and don't let anymore slip through our screen!" She met two droid fighters accompanied by a single rebel ARC-170 fighter. She opened with her dual heavy cannons, sweeping across as the manned ship dove while the two droids were quickly shot down. "That's two!" She laughed as she sped passed and quickly circled around to pursue the one that had evaded here initially.
On the other side of the formation two rebel fighters had locked onto the rookie Pickle's fighter as they opened fire on him. "I got two on my 6!" He said in a frenzy as he veered right and left in a vain attempt to get them off him. "I can't shake them!" He dove low to the ground as they kept up the pursuit and we're doing their best to lock onto his craft.
"Hang on Pick. I'll save your butt." His sister Barley announced as she got behind the two fighters and prepared to fire on them, not noticing the lone droid fighter that had snuck up behind her. The droids targeting system gave it a clean shot as it prepared to launch it's missiles only to be destroyed by a royalist craft that swept in from 9 o'clock high.
"No, I'll save yours apparently." Sky Stinger announced as he swung around. "Now let's get those two off your brother."
Barley was left speechless as she hadn't even bothered to even check her radar for any threats but the ones dead in front of her. She took a small second to recompose herself before responding. "Roger that. Forming up with you." Sky took the lead and the two opened fire on the two craft in front of them and knocking them out of the fight. "Pick, you okay?"
Pickle checked his engines and the status on his consoles and saw that everything was in acceptable parameters. "Yeah, yeah, I'm okay."
"Good, then form up with us and stay close, we've still got a lot of fight left." Sky ordered as the three went back into the thick of the action.
All around, the defensive line had devolved into a mosh pit as fighters from both sides screamed around the troop and vehicle laden transports. Some rebel fighters did manage to get through to the landing transports. One or two of the droids even rammed the transports, either out of desperation, loss of control or just the onboard droid brain being unable to think fast enough to react. The majority of the ships did get through however and began to land as the fighters above kept the defense squadrons largely occupied. As they did so a torrent of blaster and rocket fire came from the rebel stronghold as they defenders and their droid troops attacked from their entrenched positions, determined to drive the enemy forces back. Royalist troops began to pour out of the dropships to the hail of fire as the larger craft dropped off the armored vehicles a short distance behind.
"Push up!" A commander shouted as the troops and tanks advanced through the withering fire from the rebels. Fluttershy and Therma leaped from one of the craft and joined the fray as the former deflected shots coming her way. Therma meanwhile had brought a heavy blaster rifle with her and returned fire with the troops around her. The Jedi quickly got her bearings and found Hisan and his special task force. "Pharaoh, are you alright?" She asked as he and his team took cover in the thick forest surrounding the large compound.
"Yes, I'm fine." He responded, though he was still a shaking a bit from being this close to the action. "Do you really think you can find a way in through all this?"
Fluttershy knelt down and placed her hand to the tree in front of her before closing her eyes. Her brow furrowed as she focused, channeling the force as it guided her sight through the trees outreaching roots. They snaked underneath the earth as they connected to other roots from the many plants around as she followed the path they led her through. They trekked beneath the battlefield and eventually led her to a neglected sewer tunnel that had long since been overrun by foliage that no one would even notice. She slowly released her grip and looked to Hisan and gave a confirming nod. "I've found a way in, follow me."
"What are we waiting for then?" Therma sounded off. "Let's..." Her words stopped as she sensed something off in the distance, through the enemy lines, seemingly beckoning her towards it. Fluttershy sensed this as well and quickly but gently gripped her arm.
"Don't, please. It's not worth it." The pink haired Jedi pleaded with her. The effort proved fruitless as Therma shot her a look that was a mix of both determination and anger before pulling away and rushing off into the battlefield. Fluttershy could only watch as she soon vanished from sight and into the thick of the fighting. The Jedi sighed in frustration but reluctantly stayed focused on the task at hand. "Follow me." As the group was making their way towards the back entrance, Fluttershy's communicator began to sound off.
"Come in. Master Fluttershy, do you read me?" The voice of Daisy sounded over the device as Fluttershy and the others took cover and she responded.
"Who is this? How did you get this channel?" The pink haired Jedi asked.
"Forgive me. My name is Daisy. I-I'm a friend of Padawan Roseluck." She hesitated in mentioning that name as she figured correctly that the Jedi may have some apprehension on hearing it. "I'm sorry but we have important information to relay and getting a message out before your attack was launched was impossible. I'm here with Rose and Adagio Dazzle."
"What?!" Fluttershy responded with excited confusion.
"They are both alright. Adagio..." Daisy handed over the communicator as the orange haired former Padawan showed up on screen.
"Master, it's-" She hesitated to speak herself. After what had happened she didn't feel worthy to be in her presence. "You are all in danger. This isn't a rescue, it's a trap! My former apprentice, Sonata and the rebel's lead scientist, a woman named Patchwork have created a powerful toxic gas and they plan to pump it miles around the rebel HQ. They have turned on them. They serve a young woman named Flurry Heart of the former House Cadenza. They plan to wipe out the bulk of both factions with the gas and take the planet. I know you have no reason to trust me, not after what I've done but I am telling the truth."
Fluttershy sat silently as the others around her stood and watched, half expecting this to be some sort of rebel trap and the other half fearful of the possibility of a chemical weapon waiting for them if they did not retreat now. Finally the Jedi spoke. "Where is this weapon? How do we stop it?"
A small smile appeared on Adagio's face as she was relieved to be given even a small amount of trust. "Thank you. There is a sub level of the base. You'll need to take a tram from there to a laboratory that houses the gas tank controls. It's also where they are keeping the queen. It's on a timer system so you'll need to hurry to deactivate it to save everyone. We'll be arriving shortly and see if we can't offer some assistance to capturing the base."
"Thank you for the help." Fluttershy said. "Despite everything, I knew that there was still good in you."
Adagio blushed slightly. "I had a good teacher in the kindness department. I hope we can talk after this is over. May the force be with you, master." She signed off as Hisan and the other troops looked ready to proceed.
Meanwhile, the battle that the group had sidestepped raged as the rebels and their droids pressed hard to push back the royalist forces as the latter advanced on their positions. Now spearheading the charge was Therma, brandishing a blaster in her left hand and her father's vibro-blade in the other. She led a large combined group of royalist troopers and their tribal clan allies that had joined the battle in charging one of the pillboxes that contained a rapid heavy blaster that threatened the advancing troops. It was one of a handful that the bombers hadn't flattened and between these surviving positions and the rocket launcher wielding anti-armor rebel troops, they were getting bogged down. Therma rushed forward and cut through two enemy troopers and blasting a droid before drawing the attention of the pillbox gunner as she tried to rush out of the line of fire. With her suitable distraction, two Zebra Clan warriors ran up to the box and lobbed two thermal detonators inside before rushing off as the explosives blasted the structure to bits.
Therma continued to fight her way through the battle lines as she and her team helped to target the rocket launchers and take them out of the equation. "Impressive." Therma stopped as she heard a woman's voice shout over the sounds of battle. She turned her head to see the Siren Sonata Dusk perched atop one of the destroyed defending vehicles as the troopers and warriors with the Celestial Night took aim. She looked noticeably different this time. She seemed to have some sort of gills on her neck which were certainly not present before, in addition to clawed hands and razor sharp teeth in her mouth as she smiled down at them.
This was stopped as the blonde haired teen stepped forward. "Keep moving, you have a war to win. She's mine." She dropped her blaster to the ground and brandished her father's blade as the other troopers around her moved on to aid in the capture of the base.
"Got to catch me first, chump." Sonata said playfully as she jumped down and raced off with her opponent quickly giving chase. The Siren proved a nimble foe as she weaved through the battlefield to avoid Therma, even managing to kill a few enemy troopers as she did using her lightsaber and claws to cut them down. She eventually hops over a wall as Therma followed, making several smaller jumps off objects of ascending heights to achieve the same feat. She touched down on the other side and looked up only to be greeted by half a dozen commando droids with Sonata smiling wickedly as the girl had fallen right into her trap. "Seems your rage has unbalanced you. That or your just really really dumb. Fire!"
The droids complied with the order and opened fire on the knight as she attempted to deflect the shots with her vibro-blade, though many of the shots hit her body and limbs. Fortunately, her armor protected her from the majority of the shots as she covered her face and charged forward. The blade managed to slice through the two droids on her left before she stabbed another through the abdomen and rushed it's body into a fourth, yanking the blade out and decapitating the other. The two final droids pulled out their blades and rushed to either side of her and attacked simultaneously, both sweeping their blades across. Therma evaded both attacks, somersaulting over the two and taking their heads off with one elegant motion before landing on the ground. The droid bodies lingered in place for a moment before collapsing, leaving a somewhat surprised Sonata alone with her foe.
"Nowhere to run monster." The blonde teen approached as she got into a combat stance. Sonata didn't say a word and baited her by flashing both a smile and the two wedding bands that adorned two fingers on her left hand. Therma rushed forward and swung a powerful overhead blow that came surprisingly quickly as Sonata blocked and stepped back before lunging forward with an awkward stab that got her opponent to move off the centerline and forcing her to the left before twisting her body in an odd fashion and leaping forward with a spiral motion. The knight fixed her feet firmly as she blocked the attack but the Siren used the block to push herself in the air and leaped over the girl before landing down behind her. Sonata swung her blade around in an attempt to take out the backs of her foes legs.
Therma counted by twisting her waist and planting her blade into the ground and blocked the sweeping attack before she spun around fully and pushed her blade up and knocking Sonata on her back. She lunged forward in a thrusting motion as Sonata did a backflip and landed on her stomach and popped up on her feet as her opponent's blade dug into the ground. The Siren lunged forward with another attack as she aimed over the hilt of the vibroblade and aimed at the head of Therma. The lightsaber was blocked as a second full blade extended from the hilt of the knight's blade, revealing it to be a dual-bladed weapon as the blonde teen pulled the weapon from the ground and swung the lower section up as Sonata leaped back but got caught on the chin as it left a large vertical gash.
The Siren gripped the new wound as her foe brandished her weapon and advanced slowly but surely. "You know, I have to say you've given me a better fight than your whole clan combined." Sonata smirked. "Especially your dear old daddy." A large smile ran across her face exposing her razor sharp shark-like teeth. An enraged Therma charged forward and opened up with her full arsenal of attacks that pushed back Sonata who evaded and rolled with many of the attacks coming her way. She shifted left and ran her lightsaber across the blonde girl's right side and causing her to stumble back, halting her offensive. Sonata then lunged forward and with one swift motion, removed Therma's left hand at the wrist.
A bloodcurdling scream was released from Therma as she dropped her weapon and fell to her knees. Sonata chuckled as she stood over her and slowly placed the blade of her saber close to her downed opponents face. "See ya." She pulled her blade back over her shoulder to deliver a full power swing that would take off the head at the shoulders. Just as she prepared to strike, Therma threw up he right hand and opened her palm revealing a built in lens that released a bright light that blinded her attacker. The flash quickly faded but it was more than enough time for her to sweep the legs of the Siren and force her to the ground, sending her lightsaber tumbling a distance away. The celestial knight apprentice jumped to her feet and picked up her weapon with her right hand as she made her way over to her disoriented opponent. Sonata finally regained her senses only to find the blonde girl preparing to deal her own killing blow and there was nothing to be done about it.
As she was about to bring down her blade, Therma's communicator sounded off. The distraction was all that Sonata needed as she kicked Therma's knee and brought her down as she scrambled to her feet and decided to retreat. The blonde got back to her feet in anger and prepared to give chase as she answered the call.
"Is anyone out there?" The caller shouted over the wideband call. "We're pinned down by droids! We are cut off from reinforcements and they're hemming us in. Can anyone give assistance? I repeat: Can anyone give assistance?"
Therma looked back to the battlefield and then to the fleeing Sonata Dusk that she was confident she could still catch if she pursued now. She bit down on her lip and clenched her fist tightly as she made her decision. "Forgive me, father." The Celestial Knight opened her com channel and raced back to join the battle. "This is Therma Knight. Give me your coordinates."
Inside the fortress, Patchwork had her droid workers as well as organic engineers scrambling to load up the fuel ships to maximum capacity with her stockpile of chemical weapon as she and Flurry Heart took notice of the encroaching army. "They'll certainly be in for a big surprise, won't they?" She said with a smile before a soft beeping emanated from her wrist device. "Someone is using the tram system. They must have breached our defenses easier than we expected."
"Should we be concerned?" Flurry asked angrily.
"Not in the slightest." The doctor reassured. "Even if they get there, there is not enough time for them to hack into the system and deactivate the countdown. All they're getting is a front row seat to their destruction. Meanwhile, we should be departing while we still have a window of opportunity. Each of the fuel ships is equipped with the nanite beam dispersion systems so no chance of getting shot down and our own vessel is equipped with a stealth field. We'll be nice and safe until we get to the fleet."
"Good, once Sonata arrives we'll..." Flurry's words ceased as the group heard several heavy thuds of metal hit the ground. They turned to see Fluttershy standing in the doorway of the room.
"Stop where you are." She ordered with her brandished blade as the engineers quickly fled the room from other exits. "This is over. Order your troop to stand down and cancel the launch."
Patchwork smiled. "Even if I wanted to, I can't. Everything here runs on a timer. These ships will launch, the gas will be released and you will die."
Fluttershy's eyes opened wide as she quickly shifted her blade to her left as two sabers connected with hers and she was tossed halfway across the room and hit the ground hard. She looked up to see her attacker; a bronze droid like creation of the doctor with clawed feet and hands and mandible like protrusions coming from either side of it's head. The being towered over her and wielded the two lightsabers that had sent her flying.
"Subject, finish her. We have a flight to catch." Patchwork ordered as she and Flurry headed toward their ship. Just as she had ordered, the monstrosity that was formerly Wallflower Blush charged at the Jedi as Fluttershy rolled backwards and got to her feet in order to engage the attacking cyborg. Wallflower charged forward and swung both blades at her target as Fluttershy used her defensive style to block and evade the shots as she is pushed back by the attack. The Jedi took a quick back-step as the cyborg swung her blades down before taking a half-step forward and with a quick motion swung her blade that slashed across her opponent's face. Normally this move would have ended the fight, but by a combination of her hesitance and the durable armor of the cyborg's body, the blow only cracks the face plate of the lumbering being.
The cyborg stumbles back and looks up to reveal that the right eye slot is gone, exposing the scared flesh underneath. Fluttershy watches as the abomination roars in anger and to the formers shock, the beings two arms separate into four thinner yet still strong arms as it displays and ignites two more lightsabers, doubling the attack power. "Oh my." Fluttershy says as the cyborg's hands begin to spin at the wrist creating four deadly windmills of fury as she begins to advance on the Jedi who slowly and cautiously backs away, preparing for a prolonged battle. The whirlwind of death continues to advance as the blades cut into the ground throwing up sparks and hot shards of metal in the Jedi's direction. Thinking quickly, the pink haired girl dashed forward and swung her blade down, interrupting the motion of the four sabers.
Wallflower locks the two upper blades with Fluttershy's as the two lower blades swing across in an attempt to bisect the young woman. Fortunately, the Jedi's reflexes saved her as she shut off her saber and dove over and under the two sets of blades as she leaped forward and between the machine's legs and reignited her blade. She is a bit disturbed as the torso of the cyborg spins 180 degrees and she continues her attack with increased fury, forcing the pace of the fight. Fluttershy is continually staggered from the power of each connected blow and is soon pressed against a wall. With nowhere left to run, she is forced to make her final stand her. The pink haired girl focused and dug her heels in for what was to come.
Patchwork's creation came down with a torrent of attacks that would have shredded even a Republic tank. This was not the end result against the young Jedi Knight as she calmly blocked and parried the incoming strikes. The lone bloodshot eye visible under the mask was wide with rage as the flurry of strikes were proving completely ineffective against this thinly framed force wielder. Amidst the numerous swings, a hand went flying, lightsaber still clutched in it as Fluttershy had managed to cut off the lower left hand, although this did not dissuade the attacks in the slightest. In quick succession, the right upper hand was removed and its lower counterpart had the lightsaber cut in half, leaving the Jedi's opponent with just one offensive weapon.
Fluttershy locked blades with the cyborg only for the latter to grip her by the neck with her other remaining hand and pinned her to the wall. The Jedi's signature weapon dropped to the ground as her opponent lifted her up, cutting off her air supply as the pink haired knight could feel her neck being crushed. "Die Jedi!" A garbled voice came from the cybernetic assassin as she drew her blade back to deliver the killing blow. Suddenly a bright pink light illuminated the area around the two, the source coming from Fluttershy's neck as her element powered up. A blast emitted from the stone that hurled the android back into a heap as the Jedi was dropped to the ground, choking to get air into her lungs but otherwise no worse for ware.
"Ugh, what...what happened?" The cyborg grumbled as the stump of her upper right hand was placed to her head. Her visible eye opened wide with shock as she looked down at her multiple sets of hands and looked to her reflection on the polished surface of a nearby container. She was horrified at seeing what had been done to her. She was an abomination, a monstrosity. Whatever had been left of her had now been taken by the doctor's sick experiments. The being that was once known to the Jedi Order as Wallflower Blush released a blood curdling scream that seemed to shake the room as she fled from a confused yet at the same time concerned Fluttershy and disappeared deeper into the facility. The battered force user decided against pursuing the poor creature and instead turned to her comlink that began to light up.
"I'm...I'm here." She managed to cough out as Hisan came on the screen.
"Master Fluttershy, are you alright?" The Pharaoh asked as she gave a confirming nod, her throat still very sore from the asphyxiation she had just suffered. "The machine has been shutdown, but..."
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
As the battle raged a few miles from their current position, Pharaoh Hisan and his commando team had arrived at Patchwork's main laboratory to stop the countdown and rescue the queen. “Split up!” Hisan ordered. “Captain, take your men and find the control room. You two, come with me and check the lower level.” Two soldiers immediately went with Hisan as the others rushed to their objective. The Pharaoh and his mean arrived at the dark lower level of the building as the dim lights flashed on as the motion sensors detected their presence. They saw that the room was nothing but barred cells that lined both sides of the long hall.
Hisan and his soldiers cautiously walked down the hall and peered into the cells, many of them completely empty with the exception of one. Housed behind the locked door was a lone figure with their back to the door and a dirty tattered blanket draped over their shoulders.“What? Come to gloat one last time?” Hisan heard the familiar voice say as his eyes widened.
“Sunny?” He called as his queen's eyes opened wide with the realization of who was on the other side of the bars. She turned to him, tears in her eyes as she got up and rushed to the bars. “Stand back.” He cautioned as she did so before one of his soldiers shot the control panel, unlocking the cell and freeing Sunny. “I'm so glad you're safe.”
“You too. I thought I'd never see you again.” She said with tears in her eyes as they embraced. She took a step back and looked him over in his military attire. “But … what are you wearing?” She giggled a bit.
“I thought it was time for a change.” Hisan explained. “Are you all right?”
“I'm fine. But we have bigger problems on our hands. This rebellion is being led by Flurry Heart of House Cadenza.” Sunny explained. “She's orchestrated all of this.”
Hisan thought for a moment. “I remember her, but she was just a girl the last time I saw her. This is … concerning. Come on. We need to get you out of here.” The four made their way back to the main floor of the facility to meet up with the other members of the group. Suddenly, the sounds of shouting and several blaster shots rang out through the halls. Hisan quickly drew his side arm as the group tightly hugged the walls. “Soldier, with me.” He addressed one of the men with him as he first reassured Sunny by briefly holding her hand before the two moved forward cautiously making their way down the hall and to the end that cut right. The hall opened up to an expansive area with monitors, consoles and work tables where the other soldiers stood around and checked the room. Hisan himself spotted a lone soldier on the far side of the area near a lone computer terminal, near him a fallen body lay sprawled out, faced down.
“Sir.” A nearby trooper called out and stood at attention as the others noticed their leaders arrival and did likewise as the Pharaoh walked among them. He kept walking until he reached the lone trooper near the body. Hisan looked down at the body of a blue haired man with a single blaster bolt through his back. “What happened here?” He questioned.
“We caught him working at this terminal. I ordered him to step away but he refused and I fired. I couldn't risk him doing … whatever it was he was doing, sir.” The soldier explained as a scream was heard as Sunny Flare raced as fast as she was able over to the body and knelt down next to him, rolling him over on his back as she placed a hand to his face.
“Flash? Flash?! No no no no no...” She rocked him in an attempt to unsuccessfully stir him back to life.
“You knew this man?” Hisan asked in confusion.
Sunny nodded in agreement, tears streaming down her face as she cradled Flashes head. “We served together in the Republic Navy. I haven't seen him in years. What was he doing here?” She said simply as she held him while Hisan turned to the terminal. He noticed the slicing device placed into one of the slots and began to type on the console. His eyes soon widened once several screens that detailed the gases being held in the facility and the actions that Flash had taken to shut the valves to prevent it from pumping to the surface and flooding the currently assaulted base.
Hisan left the console and immediately turned to the trooper that made the shot. “Congratulations, you just killed the man that saved all of our lives.” He furiously snatched the blaster from the soldier and turned to two others as Sunny rose from her position to join him. “Get him up. He was a hero and deserves to be treated like one.”
“Sir, over here!” Another soldier yelled from across the room, pointing a blaster down at something that was obscured from the view of the others from where they stood. Hisan and Sunny made their way over to the soldier who was looking down into a nook below one of the terminals. There they saw the wounded Indigo Zap, her face covered in sweat and tightly clutching her shoulder.
She looked up, breathing heavily but still put on a smile. “Hey Sunny. Your Highness.”
“Indigo, what happened here?” Sunny asked with concerning having just seen one of her old friends dead and the other very badly wounded.
“It was a set up.” Indigo said as she tried with some difficulty to sit herself up as Sunny got the trooper to aid her in this and getting him to apply some basic first aid to her. “Flurry rigged this place to go up. Pump the entire fortress, these tunnels and the area around it with gas to kill everyone. I guess Flash stopped all that. Is he...”
Sunny gave a grave confirming nod to her as she looked to the floor with a bit of sadness. “I see. But we've got other problems. They've got more of that gas and they're loading it on ships and preparing to send it off planet.” Indigo said before the trooper gave her an injection in her arm.
“There, that should give you a boost of energy to get you back on your feet.” He said as he stepped back.
“How can we stop them? They get off of this planet with that stuff it could spell disaster for any planet they go to.” Hisan said.
“Not to mention with that Dr. Patchwork they can produce as much as they want.” Indigo said before gaining a realization. “My men. We may not agree on a great deal but we can't let that happen. The only way for us to stop them is to stop fighting each other. Only thing is the droids are still under Flurry Heart's control and will fight us every step of the way. There should be a com channel nearby. If we can broadcast on all frequencies I can let my men know about the deception and you can get your troops to fight alongside us to stop that launch.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Sunny said. Hisan opened his com and quickly made a call. “Master Fluttershy, come in. This is Pharaoh Hisan.”
"I'm...I'm here." She managed to cough out as she appeared on Hisan's screen.
"Master Fluttershy, are you alright?" The Pharaoh asked as she gave a confirming nod, her throat still very sore from the asphyxiation she had just suffered. "The machine has been shutdown, but we lost a good man doing it."
“I understand. I'm sorry for your loss.” Fluttershy said over the com.
“We have the leader of the rebels, Indigo Zap with us. She's been betrayed by her comrades. It was her former allies who set this trap, and they are planning to escape with a deadly bio-weapon, but she is willing to help us. We are going to put out a call and try to end this fighting.” Hisan explained.
“Understood. I'll do what I can here to help. May the Force be with you.” Fluttershy ended her call as Hisan's soldiers aided a still shaky Indigo over to the communications terminal.
“Attention, all forces.” Hisan's voice called out over all channels to royalist and rebel alike. His next few words caught many off guard. “This is Pharaoh Hisan. All forces loyal to the crown, cease hostilities. I repeat, cease hostilities.”
“That goes for all rebel forces as well. This is Indigo Zap. I'm alive, despite what you've all been told. Our benefactors have betrayed us. They planned to use a biological weapon to kill us all. We've been at each other's throats just like they wanted us to.” Indigo announced to the shock of her troops who'd assumed she was dead.
“But they are now attempting to escape with more of this bio-weapon. As we speak they are preparing to escape this world with ships filled with it to cause destruction on countless worlds. I know we have been at each other's throats for years now but I ask...I beg you to put that history aside for now...” Hisan said as Indigo again stepped up.
“And work towards giving our world and many others a future. Go. Turn against their droid forces. Wipe them out and stop those ships from escaping this planet. And then, bring me the head of Patchwork and my traitorous former commanders!” Indigo said in a rage before calming down. “I know my troops. We've fought side by side numerous times and I'd like to think I know you all well enough that you will listen and do this for me, for your families, for the future of Kentoph.” She ended the communication and stepped back from the console. “I really hoped that worked.”
“The gods help us all if it didn't.” Hisan said as he looked to her before his communicator beeped and an orange haired woman appeared on screen.
“My Lord, I am Adagio Dazzle. Forgive me for the intrusion but have you captured Dr. Patchwork?” The siren asked.
“No, I'm afraid that she was already gone by the time we arrived.” Hisan responded.
Adagio looked even more troubled as she placed a hand to her forehead. “This is not good. Pharaoh, we may have a larger problem then. I'm afraid that the controls you deactivated may not stop this plan.”
“What do you mean, Ms. Dazzle?” he questioned.
“The station you are currently located at only controls the valves via network. The gas stores are kept far from there at another location. There the gas can be released via a manual valve system that, if activated would cause the same results. If Patchwork learns that her plan has been stopped she will send a force to that secondary location and vent the gas directly to the surface. I will try and rally who I can to intercept her.”
Indigo stepped into view of the com. “Send the coordinates Adagio. I'm on my way.” She received a nod from Adagio.
“What? You can't go. You're wounded.” Sunny argued.
Indigo turned to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Sunny, I helped cause this. I was willing to work with those maniacs instead of trying to resolve some other way. I was so blind to the people I worked with that now millions might die on top of those that have already lost their lives. I have to make this right and you...” She placed a gentle hand to her friend's stomach. “If I make it out of this maybe we can work this all out. Hisan, I need those coordinates.”
“Of course.” He said as he handed over his tracking tool and his blaster pistol. “You men, go with her. The rest of us will get the queen to safety.” He ordered two of his troopers as they made their way to the tram system.
Elsewhere, Patchwork along with Zurby and Flurry Heart watched as the ships carrying their gas supplies began to take off. “Truly a thing of beauty, wouldn't you agree?” Before an answer could come a device on her wrist began to blink red. She looked down to it with an annoyed expression.
“What is that?” Flurry asked.
“It seems that someone has deactivated the gas valves at our station.” The doctor explained as Flurry's face contorted into a furious scowl.
“I wanted those fools destroyed!” She shouted.
“Don't worry. I have a contingency for just such an emergency.” She pulled out a small device that opened to display a holographic image of a strange dilapidated structure. “The gas can still be distributed via a manual operating system here. Activating it there would pump it even faster, but it would flood the atmosphere and spread it's effects even further...though it would be a much slower and far more painful death for everyone.”
“Fine.” Flurry said coldly. “I'll send my droid guards to take care of it.”
“Of course... but wouldn't you rather be the one to do it yourself?” Patchwork said with a smirk as Flurry turned to her and pointed her blaster pistol at the doctor's head.
“And get myself killed? What kind of game are you playing?” She quizzed as the barrel was aimed squarely at the older woman's head.
“No game. I just thought you might get some use out of this...” Patchwork slowly gestured to Zurby who stopped loading up their escape ship and used his mechanical appendages to grab a gray case that he opened to show a white bio-hazard suit. “I made this to filter out the gas for just such an occasion or mishap in the lab. It's yours if you want it.”
Flurry glared at the woman further and kept the weapon in place. “I thought you said there was no way to defend against this chemical?”
“I wagered it would be best to keep that secret under lock and key in case one of our allies couldn't be trusted. And with Flash snooping through my files and Adagio betraying us it seems I was correct. And if Adagio is still alive then she already knows about the manual valve and has probably already told them about it.” Sweat slowly trickled down the doctor's face as Flurry held her position for a moment before lowering her weapon.
“You're right. Very well, I'll head there immediately to secure it and finish this war for my parents.” Flurry turned and gestured for her droids to follow. “Make certain those ships reach the fleet and be ready to depart once I arrive.” Flurry and the droids hopped aboard several speeder bikes and quickly vanished as the high speeds of the vehicles carried them off to their destination.
No sooner had they disappeared then the mangled mechanical abomination that was Wallflower staggered into the hanger. “Wallflower, what did that Jedi do to you?” Patchwork said as she rushed over to look at all the hours of work she had put in undone in only a few hours. “Oh well, a few more modifications and improvements and soon you'll be....” She was stopped as Wallflower lifter her off of the ground by her neck with one of her still functioning hands.
“You...you did this to me...” Wallflower roared. “I kill you!” With her strength it would only take a slight squeeze to finish off this insane doctor and end her twisted experiments. However, nothing happened. As much as she wanted to and tried, Wallflower couldn't bring herself to kill her.
“You can't. Because I won't let you.” Patchwork smiled despite her current situation. “Your psychological conditioning won't allow you to harm your creator no matter what. A little fail-safe I installed just in case. I'm getting good at that. Now, put me down.”
Wallflower was broken by this as she relented and placed the doctor down. “Good. Now get aboard that ship and be grateful I don't disassemble you here and now. If you're lucky, I'll keep your vocal cords intact.” Patchwork watch as the lumbering being shuffled aboard the ship as Zurby approached the former.
“Doctor, you never told me about that suit you gave to Flurry Heart.” He looked at her curiously.
“That's because it doesn't work. But she had to believe it did to get her to go and open the valve. With her out of the way, you and I will have unlimited access to her resources, not to mention an entirely new market of potential customers from all of her connections.” The doctor explained as she strolled back to the ship. “Now let's hurry. We don't want to be here in this planet's final moments, do we?”
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
As the rebel and royal forces engaged the former's former droid allies on the ground, the skies above likewise had erupted into a chaotic mash-up. The situation in the air was made all the worse by the fact that the gas tankers had just taken off and they could scarcely afford them the opportunity to rendezvous with Flurry Heart's fleet awaiting their arrival for pickup. “All available squadrons form up.” Vapor Trail called out over the channel to her allies as the few groups that were not immediately engaged with the enemy formed up on her location.
“We're with you Vapor.” Sky Stinger said as he and his squad joined the group.
“Those tankers can't be allowed to get to that fleet. They do and it's going to ruin a lot of peoples day.” She announced as they followed behind the tankers from a distance as they climbed. “We can't detonate them in the atmosphere and risk any of that gas raining down if it doesn't burn up.”
“That means we'll have to wait until they're in space. That's a risky move, Vapor. There's gonna be a thick fighter screen up there for sure.” Sky warned.
“Then we bring our best. This is all or nothing, everyone. We stick close and the second they are no risk to the surface, we let them have it. The others have this down here, but we need to make our half count as well. Now let's ride!” The large formation tracked the tankers from a safe distance, fending off the occasional droid fighter that strayed from the diminishing aerial combatants from Flurry's forces.
Among the various craft in the group was the Shock Jackal flown by Garble. Or rather it would have been. Since his encounter with Sonata Dusk, his lack of one of his arms had limited his ability to fly in a combat situation and despite his objections the astromech Spike had plugged himself into the controls. The captain of the ship had found himself relegated to the gunner position given the single control stick would still allow him to participate in the fighting.
“You better not mess up my ship.” Garble howled down the ladder that connected the gun to the cockpit. Spike let out several angry sounding beeps as a response. “Yeah, yeah. You're lucky Rose made me let you take over, rust bucket.” Spike jostled the ship from side to side and caused the captain to fall out of his chair. “Just wait til this is over.” He grumbled as they formed up with one of the squadrons.
“Would you look at that.” Patchwork said from the safety of her cloaked ship as it traveled alongside the freighters. “Those fools will be in for quite the shock once that gas starts pouring up to the surface. Almost makes me wish we could stay and watch, but we have a schedule to keep. Zurby, are our defensive systems in place?”
“The diminutive alien sat in the pilots seat and checked the readouts for all of the tankers. “All green across the board, doctor.”
“Good. We should have no difficulty once we get to the...” She stopped as a communication came through. A hologram of a human man in military gear appeared before her.
“Empress Flurry Heart, are you there?” The transmission fizzled out several times before a stronger connection was established and the doctor answered.
“Flurry Heart is...preoccupied at the moment. What's the situation?” Patchwork responded.
“We've been engaged by the remainder of the Kentoph fleet. They are putting up a more organized resistance. It might be best to delay the pickup of the tankers until...”
“No!” Patchwork interrupted. “No. We will press on, commander. The Kentoph forces on the ground are pushing deep into our positions and our allies have turned on us. This is our only chance. Now clear us a path.”
The commander gave a confirming nod as he order the crews of his fleet to increase their assault. Many of the already damaged ships of the Kentoph fleet were heavily bombarded, though they stood strong in the wake of this renewed onslaught.
“Hold steady.” Admiral Semalir ordered as he sat in his command chair aboard the bridge of the The Somnambula. “All ships focus all fire on that cruiser. And get those fighters launched. Our bombers are no good without cover.”
“Sir, we're getting readings that a large number of ships have just left the planets atmosphere.” One of the bridge crew reported. “A large group of tankers and a heavy fighter group behind them. They appeared to be making a beeline for the enemy fleet.”
“Why would the fighter escort be behind the tankers and not around to protect it?” Juniper asked as Semalir looked on.
“Sir, the fighter group is hailing us.” Another bridge crewman said as he listened in through a headset. “They say they are from the capital being led by one Vapor Trail. They say the rebel faction has split in two and one side is working with us to stop those tankers. They are filled with some sort of toxic agent and our trying to board the enemy carrier.”
Semalir and Juniper looked to each other and nodded. “Alright, get those bombers reequipped and back out there. Tell them they've got a new target, those tankers.”
The order was given as the crews were soon scrambled and took off, the bombers getting the fighter cover they needed while the Somnambula gave support fire with her big guns, taking down a nearby frigate.
“Looks like we've got incoming.” Patchwork said as she looked out the window of her ship which was still cloaked to keep it safe and for added measure had drifted away from the tankers. “Activate tanker nanite shielding.” She ordered Zurby as he complied and activated a switch on his remote. The signal was sent as each of the tankers quickly began spraying out the blaster resistant micro machines. “Activate magnetic coating.” She then ordered as the tankers activated a mag field around them that kept the nanites from drifting off into space. They were than manipulated to spread over the entire surface of the vessels now giving them a defensive coating of the machines.
No sooner had they done this then the large squadron that had been shadowing them from the planet had gotten into range and Vapor ordered all weapons to be fired. True to form, the nanite shielding easily dispersed even the heavy blasters from the fighter craft. “What the...?” Vapor shouted as she looked on in disbelief. “We didn't even dent it.” The fighters broke off into their respective squadrons as the droid fighters from the enemy fleet soon joined in and a fierce dogfight erupted.
“Barley, look out. You got two on your back.” Pickle called out as he maneuvered to get the droid fighters off his sister's tail, not noticing the droid that targeted him. Fortunately it erupted in flame as Spike and Garble shot it down and allowed for the younger pilot to defend his sister and claim two kills for himself. “Got 'em!” He celebrated, none the wiser of the near death experience he was just in. “You owe me one, sis.”
“Yeah yeah...” Barley said in annoyance as the two formed back up.
Spike released a set of excited beeps. “Eh, let him have this.” Garble said as they got back into the fight as the bomber squadron from the Kentoph fleet attempted to unload their ordinance onto the tankers. The effects of even the heavier proton torpedoes of the bombers were almost negligible as the nanites deflected a good chunk of the damage, many being destroyed but more spreading out to fill the vital gaps.
“We didn't even dent those ships.” One of the bomber pilots said just before his craft erupted into flames as the droid fighters rained down on the group as they broke off and the fighters engaged one another again as the escort helped to protect the bombers.
“We need more fire power if we're going to stop them.” Vapor said as she evaded another droid fighter on her tail. “There has to be...” She stopped and realized something. “The engines aren't protected by those shields. We focus fire on them and those things go up.”
“Good idea, Vapor. It's not gonna be easy with all these vulture droids all over the place.” Sky noted as he was currently involved in a heavy dogfight.
Meanwhile, the Somnambula was taking heavy fire while her crew fought to keep the enemy fleet distracted and to help prevent the tankers from escaping to the carrier. “We've lost the forward heavy cannons sir.” One crew member reported to Semalir as he sat in his chair.
“This is not good sir. Without those cannons we might as well be shooting blanks at that carrier.” Juniper said as she stood by him with a worried expression. “Our only hope is for our bomber squadrons to reload and get through that screen of point defense guns.”
The Chiss thought to himself before answering. “What's the status of our hull strength?”
“Hull holding at 95%, shield strength down to 40% and dropping.” Juniper reported.
“Prepare to divert all systems to the engines and prepare to order an evacuation.” He said calmly.
“Sir?”
“Order our bombers to land in the Sphinx's hanger bay. And have the Giza prepare for emergency pod retrieval in it's direction.” He still sat without much emotion on his face. “If we can't stop those fuel vessels from escaping then we need to cut off their escape route.”
His response caught Juniper off guard before it finally clicked in her head and she immediately opened a ship wide channel. “All hands, abandon ship. I repeat, all hands abandon ship.” Everyone was likely caught off guard as the bridge crew did as Semalir ordered and began diverting all energy to the engines before taking an orderly leave from their positions to the escape pods.
“Do you think this will work?” Juniper asked with concern as the admiral got up from his chair.
“Without those big guns we don't have much chance of destroying that carrier. If nothing else, seeing a dreadnought barreling towards them at full speed with get those guns focused on us and take the pressure off those fighter squadrons and give them a chance to down those tankers. Now go.”
“What about you?” His second in command wasn't planning on leaving him behind.
“Once everyone is accounted for and away safely, then I'll depart.” The Chiss was the picture of composure as he watched the battle unfold outside.
Meanwhile, the fighter squadrons had quite the task ahead of them. While getting behind the tankers sounded simple, it was a task made ever more challenging by the fact that the swarms of droids made it near impossible to slow your speed at the necessary angle to get clean shots on the engines. “Well, no one said this would be easy.” Garble muttered as he and Spike worked together to get behind one of the tankers with about four other fighters. Even after getting into a firing angle the group was set upon by the mass of vulture droids that picked at the group and forced two to break off. “Hold on there. Stay on target!” Garble shouted over the com to the two fighters that stayed on as he spun the freighter's turret around to ward off the attacking droids.
They responded by pounding the Shock Jackal with heavy fire. The ship weathered the storm of punishment as it returned fire. “Take the shot!” Garble shouted as the ships shields were wearing thin as the two fighters launched their remaining proton torpedoes right into the tanker's engines as the entire vessel ruptured into flames. The two craft quickly broke off as did the Shock Jackal as the fighter squadrons saw that it was not an impossible task.
Unfortunately, while not impossible, it proved to be quite difficult as others attempted to do the same with far worse results as more fighters began to fall from the swarms of droid fighters as they attempted to make their attack runs. With every failed attack, the tankers grew ever closer to their destination as the carrier awaited the arrivals, even as the Somnambula with it's engines in full blast, charged through the enemy perimeter. The enemy carrier and support ships continued to hammer away at it in hopes of stopping the massive vessel as the former ship could do little to evade it at this range.
The fighters kept up their attacks on the tankers which were still proving extremely difficult as the fighter screen was still considerably heavy despite a number of droid fighters breaking off to assault the Somnambula. “We've got to hurry.” Vapor shouted as she watched the dreadnought taking heavy damage. “I don't know if the Somnambula will even reach them but it's helping to take the pressure off of us. Form up with me I'm going in.” The remaining members of her squad then swung around as they made another assault against the tanker nearest them.
“I'm with you.” Sky called out.
“No. You stay with your squad. That's an order, pilot.” Vapor scolded.
Sky chuckled. “You already pulling rank on me?”
“They need you, Sky.” She said in a softer tone. “Don't worry, I've got this. Just keep them off our backs.” Vapor and her squad came in at an angle and like the last few unsuccessful attempts tried to target those engines. At the same time a flurry of droid fighters broke off as they went after the group. Vapor and her group came under intense fire as they did their best to maneuver to the exposed engines which was proving difficult as they had to constantly be wary of the swarm of fighters on their tail.
Sky quickly glanced away from his dogfight for just the briefest of seconds and could see the crossfire his friend was in. “Vapor, get out of there!”
“No. We can't let these ships reach that carrier. You know it and I know it. Stay focused. That's an order.” Vapor shut off her com channel and angled herself several times unsuccessfully to her target as the fire around her intensified. Her fighter took several shots from the droid forces, wearing down her shields and damaging the hull of her vessel.
“Vapor! Vapor get out of there!” Sky yelled to no answer as the twins managed to blast two fighters on his tail due to his distracted mind.
“Sky, look out!” Barley called to him.
“Don't worry, we've got your back, sir.” Her brother reassured as they duo took out another fighter in unison.
On the edge of the field of combat, Patchwork's stealth vessel circled the area, waiting for the right moment to approach the carrier. Onboard, the doctor watched in pleasure as her nanite defenses were getting the better of the combined force. She smiled as she watched failed attack after failed attack on the tankers as Zurby worked the controls. Behind them both the towering figure of the cyborg abomination that was Wallflower watched in horror. The former Jedi looked out to the carnage and then to the woman who seemingly held all the cards in the situation.
She thought about the control that Patchwork held over her and knew that despite her hatred for the woman there was nothing she could do to her. But that didn't mean that there was nothing she could do. The cyborg slowly approached the doctor who was adequately occupied with the action outside. Wallflower raised her hands high as her shadow enveloped Patchwork who turned around as her mechanical arms were brought down on either side of the woman, smashing the controls. Unlike the unfazed doctor, who believed that the attack was aimed at her and would be halted, Zurby dove for his safety as the control panel was smashed to pieces.
“What are you doing?!” Patchwork yelled as Wallflower continued to smash the controls as the systems began to shutdown. The ship's shielding went down and then the stealth field and finally the nanite controls went offline. “No!” The doctor quickly grabbed the remote from her pocket and sent an electrical shock through the damaged cyborg that sent her sprawling on the ground as she wails in pain.
Just outside the ship's failed cloaking system did not go unnoticed as a royalist fighter group spotted the ship. “Hey, Rolling Thunder, check it out.” A male pilot called over his com as a young woman with purple skin and a scare running over her eye answered.
“I see it, Short. It's not one of ours and it's making a bee line toward the enemy fleet.” Thunder responded. “It's not flying our markings, it goes down.” The small group of three fighters broke off and went after the straggler.
Onboard, Patchwork was still in the process of punishing her creation for it's impudence. “Zurby, get back on those controls, we need to get out of here.” The alien obeyed as he fought with the console to get something back online. The doctor placed a boot on Wallflower's head as the former Jedi could only look out to space through the window and see the telltale glint of the incoming fighter group and slowly closed her eyes as the woman over her continued her rant. “And as for you, once I'm finished you won't be able to...” Her dramatic speech was cut short as the small vessel turned into a ball of fire in space.
“Woo! Ain't that a pretty sight!” Short sang over the com channel.
“For sure, now let's get back to the action.” The group spun around and saw the new conditions of the battle. The tankers shielding had failed, the miniature machines drifting off into space in patchy clouds.
“Everyone, the shields are down. Give them everything you've got.” Vapor reopened the channel as all squadrons could now attack the transports from any and every angle they pleased. One by one the tankers went down in brilliant flashes of light, their contents departing the galaxy forever. Finally, the last one was hit with a series of proton torpedoes and just like that, the threat of the chemical agent was gone. The very real threat of the large swarms of droid fighters was still all too real however.
Aboard the Somnambula, Semalir watched on the bridge as the ship still barreled toward the enemy carrier that was doing everything in it's power to stave it off. “Sir, we need to go.” Juniper said as she and the Chiss wore fully enclosed space suits, the life support long since shut off aboard the dreadnought. The commanding officer sat still in his chair as he guided the ship manually to the target as the hull strength was now down to less than fifty percent.
“Semalir!” Juniper called again as he continued to wait, running the numbers in his mind. He made a few minor adjustments before nodding to himself as if confirming some small detail and got up.
“Let's go.” He said simply as the duo raced down the hall. “Forgive me. Needed to make certain this will hit clean. We take out that carrier and their droid forces are done for.” The two were met by a handful of other crewmen who had been waiting loyally by the final escape pod as they all piled in. Once everyone was secured the final pod jettisoned from the ship at high speed towards the rendezvous coordinates. The crew watched with baited breath as the burning dreadnought met with the rival capital ship and both erupted in a massive explosion that shook the pods even from that distance.
The crew as well as the fighter squadrons erupted in cheers as the droid fighters shut down and the remainder of the enemy fleet began to flee.
“We did it!” Sky sang over the com channel as he found Vapors fighter and flew above her. “That was some risky move you pulled off there, Vapor.”
“What can I say. I learned from you.” She laughed. She fought with the controls momentarily as the ship shuttered, several key parts damaged in that risky maneuver. Unknown to its pilot, the ships internals were barely holding together. “Hope that means the ground forces got some heat off of them too.”
“Me too.” Sky breathed a sigh of relief. “So, Air Commander, you think we can get a long shore leave after all this is over?”
“You better believe it.” Vapor said as she held tightly onto the stick to keep her fighter from shuttering. “We are definitely all gonna need it. It'll be nice to kick back and not have to worry about....” The conversation was cut short as the left engine of her ship outright burst into flames and soon she'd lost any semblance of control as it spiraled through space. Vapor tried to access the emergency panel only for the main set to explode in her face and rendering her unconscious as the craft continued to spin and tumble through space.
“Vapor!” Sky called out as he chased after her through the field of debris, not knowing what he could do but staying close all the same.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
Unaware of the events transpiring above the planet, Flurry Heart and her team of droids finally reached the old temple where the main gas tanks were hidden and ready to be unleashed upon the world with the turn of a valve. The teen dismounted her bike and marched into the decrepit structure, flanked on either side by her eight commando droids, headed directly for the main control system that lay in the center of the open air temple that had clearly seen better days. Around the area were several dilapidated pillars of various heights that had been eroded by time and the elements, though Flurry paid them little mind as she was focused solely on the console that controlled the release of the gas stores.
After equipping the mask given to her by the doctor, Flurry approached the console, prepared to flood the war zone and rid herself of all her enemies at once. Feet away from the controls, a blaster bolt crashed against the ground in front of her. The teen turned to find Adagio Dazzle and about six troopers with her, the former's red lightsaber lighting up the dark area. “That's far enough!” She commanded.
Flurry smirked under her mask as she looked up at her former partner. “Ms. Dazzle. Surprised to see you here. But maybe I shouldn't be. Are you planning on killing me?”
“If she's not then I am.” The two groups turned to see Indigo Zap with four additional troopers with her coming in behind Flurry's group. “Now drop your weapons or we drop you.”
“You won't stop me. Not when I'm so close...”
“To killing everyone.” Indigo cut the princess off. “You open those valves, you'll kill us all.”
“All of you? Yes, but I'll be just fine.” Flurry said confidently.
“No.” Adagio responded. “Whatever Patchwork told you, she's lying. That mask you're wearing won't save you. There's no defense for that gas. As smart as she is she never figured out any defense for it. She's planning on killing all of us to have everything for herself.”
All of a sudden, laughter echoed through the ruins as everyone looked around, aiming their weapons at the likely source of the sound. “This is a pleasant turnout.” The voice said as a figure began to appear out of thin air on top of one of the pillars. It soon became recognizable as Adagio identified Sonata Dusk. “Oh Adagio, the stories you tell. Flurry Heart, my sister is lying to you, trying to get you to stand down when you are so close.”
“Sonata, what are you...” Adagio tried to intercede.
“Nope. She's playing you for a fool. Just like she did to Aria and me. Only difference is that I wised up before it was too late. But I've got your back. All I ask for killing these fools is giving me enough time to get out of the blast radius, not having a mask and all.”
“You won't have to worry about that, because you won't be making it out of here alive.” Indigo said as she and her men aimed at Flurry and the droids.
Sonata simply shrugged and threw out her hand as a force push knocked Indigo and her men down. This action prompted Adagio's group to engage Flurry and her droids as blaster bolts flew across the room. Two troopers were initially hit in the exchange as the others scrambled for cover, Indigo and her men doing the same as they found their footing. Shots flew from all angles as Flurry took cover behind her droids, who proved their durability by taking heavy shots from the surrounding troopers.
Sonata laughed as several shots came her way, though she deflected them all and leaped down from her perch to attack with her red bladed saber. She quickly ran through a trooper who tried to stop her and targeted another before her blade was blocked by Adagio's own as the two engaged in a duel amid the firefight. “Sonata, stop this now.” Adagio commanded as she pushed back against her sister.
“You're not giving me orders anymore!” Sonata snarled as she bared her razor like teeth and rushed forward as she launched a flurry of strikes and forced her sister on the defensive. The final blow knocked Adagio back several feet as she felt a sting on her left shoulder and found a fresh cut from the exchange. To her surprise it was not healing up as her injuries previously had.
“Well, isn't that fun.” Sonata chuckled at her sister's discovery. “You've truly forsaken the dark side, and all the benefits that came with it. Meanwhile...” The blue siren's gem began to glow red as the nails on her hands and feet extended with sharpened points, patches of scales grew over her body and several of her fangs protruded from her mouth. “I've fully embraced what you taught me.” She charged forward as Adagio braced for the attack.
Meanwhile the shootout between the troopers and droids heated up as Flurry hurled a grenade that caused three of the troopers to break cover, causing two of them to be cut down by the droids as the explosion ripped through the pillar they hid behind. Indigo managed to covered the other trooper, shooting two of the droids down with accurate head shots. The troopers cut down two more droids and leaving the princess with only two remaining. “You will all die!” Flurry shouted in a rage as she shot furiously at her targets. “All of you will...” She was promptly cut off as a shot from Indigo struck her in the chest, putting her down.
“Kid just couldn't shut up.” Indigo said as another trooper found himself hit before she and the remaining four troopers cut down the final two droids. The group then turned their attention to Adagio who was life or death with the other siren as Indigo led the charge to aid her.
Adagio found herself in a position she'd never been in, with Sonata staying on constant offense. The elder sister soon realized that she had long neglected her martial skills as her dependence on the force regeneration had negated her need for superior sword fighting. Her original strategy to ware down opponents, letting them gas out as they struck her only for the body to heal was no longer an option. Eventually, she was driven back against a pillar and was forced to duck as Sonata's blade cut it clean through and the top half fell over with a loud crash.
“Looking a little green in the gills there, Adagio.” Sonata mocked as she charged towards her before her sister could barely get to her feet. The orange haired woman managed to get her saber up in time just to block her attack and staggered back only to be met with another onslaught. “You know, this plan was all me once I realized you weren't coming back and I was fed up taking orders from Aria. So I played dumb and let her believe she was in charge. All the while I worked with the doctor to make my plans a reality.”
Sonata leaped over her sister and delivered a light slash to her left leg, forcing her to her knees. “And then you had to come back. But lucky for me, you came back soft and all I have to do now is kill you, activate the valve and get out before it all goes up.” Sonata found herself surprised as the remaining four troopers and Indigo charged into the fray, firing a flurry of shots at the upright siren.
The blue skinned girl immediately leaped away from her sister and into the swarm of shots, deflecting some with her blade and avoiding others with her awkward, dance-like movements. Sonata quickly made her way into the soldier's ranks and effortlessly cut down one after another until only Indigo was left standing. The leader of the rebels marched forward without fear as Sonata deflected shot after shot, closing the distance as well. Finally the two were mere feet from each other as Sonata spun, cutting Indigo's blaster in two before dipping down and, with one swipe, removing her opponent's legs just below the knee. Indigo collapsed to the ground, her body in pure shock as she simply laid motionless.
Sonata twisted her head, facing her downed sister with a wide toothy grin as Adagio could only look on in horror. “Sonata, don't do this.” She uttered as she fought through the pain to get to her feet. “All this will do it...”
“Create more chaos. I know. It'll be magnificent.” The younger sister said. “Can't you imagine it? This entire world dying in a puff of smoke, both sides blaming the other. The death and destruction. And once we take this show on the road, this whole galaxy will erupt in war. I can almost taste it.”
“Yeah, but you'll have to get through us to do it.” A voice cried out as Roseluck leaped down next to a surprised Adagio, her lightsaber igniting upon her landing. “Having a hard time with this one?” She asked the former siren leader.
“It's not so easy as before. I could tap into the power of my pendent before. Now that I've rejected that, it's just a hunk of rock around my neck.”
Rose looked at her quickly as Sonata was busy sizing them both up. “You can't be serious. Your old siren style won't cut it anymore. Remember that night? When I trained you? Recall those fundamentals. Her style is tailored to what Zaza learned from Fluttershy and myself, so remember. Do that and we might just make it out of this.”
Adagio's mind suddenly began to race as all her combined memories were coming to the forefront. In the blink of an eye she had it all, the brief proper training from the two Jedi merged with her experience and current strength. “Right.”
Sonata rolled her eyes at the two before she launched herself several dozen feet into the air towards them. She performed a flip in midair and launched a wave of force energy at them as Rose and Adagio leaped to away in different directions as the force push collided with the ground, kicking up dust as the blue siren landed down amid the cloud. Through the kicked up sediment, she spotted the illuminated blades as the two Jedi rushed to attack her from both sides, she flipped backwards and landed behind Rose who was caught off guard but managed to spin and parry a swing from the siren in the nick of time. The red haired girl stumbled backwards as Sonata thrust her blade forward, aiming at the girl's midsection.
The attack was prevented as Adagio used force pull to draw her fellow Jedi to her as the two now stood side by side. The blue siren immediately charged in again, spinning and contorting her body into odd angles that were still catching the two off guard. By sticking together, though, the two padawans were able to fill in the defensive gaps of the other and make for a solid defense against their opponent.
Finding it near impossible to find an opening, Sonata took a leap backwards before launching a focused torrent of force lightning at her sister who initially blocked the attack before she was overcome. The blast lifted Adagio off of her feet and threw her back over twenty yards before she hit her back against one of the broken columns. Rose looked back to see smoke emanating from the now unconscious orange haired girl. Her attention was soon taken off of her fallen comrade as Sonata had lunged back into the action, swinging furiously at any and every angle imaginable and once again forced the lone Jedi on the back foot. Rose used every defensive trick in the book that she had studied and drilled for years to keep the siren at bay. The girl eventually shifted to the left as Sonata slashed downward before she brought her blade across in an attempt to slice open the padawan's abdominal section. Rose evaded the attack but the follow-up blow from her attacker sliced through the hilt of her weapon, rendering it useless.
Having no other option, Rose charged towards the siren and did a somersault over her, quickly reaching into her belt and drawing out a second saber, the blade of her old master, Sandalwood. In midair she took a swipe at Sonata's head with the green saber, the maneuver taking the blue skinned girl by surprise as she barely managed to bring her own crimson blade over her head to defend herself. Sonata collapsed onto her back, making her head the perfect target as Rose scrapped her blade across the ground. The siren managed to kick off the ground and hop back to her feet, narrowly avoiding what would have been the killing blow.
The siren spins around but is immediately put back on the defensive as Rose launches a flurry of attacks that pushes her back. Sonata is able to glide with one of the strikes and soon begins to do so with ease as more attacks are effortlessly deflected. Rose attempts a heavy overhead strike down the middle to end the fight only for Sonata to spin left off the center line and respond with a single stab that pierces the padawan's chest. The red haired girl falls to her knees, her eyes wide, seeming to try to come to terms with what had just transpired.
Sonata rises and stood over her for a moment before she instinctively brings her blade up to shield her face as another saber is deflected by her and returns to a now charging Adagio. The elder siren leaps into the air and lands down in front of her sister as Sonata rushes forward and thrusts a blow at her abdomen, the attack barely missing as Adagio leaps back. Sonata cartwheels towards her and then turns into a front flip with Adagio blocking the downward strike as the pair lock blades. Sonata uses the superior strength her transformation has provided to force the elder back before lunging in with a one handed, fencing style of combat, flicking her blade out, keeping Adagio on the defensive. Eventually, Sonata hits her target, cutting the hilt of the orange haired Jedi's saber in half, leaving the latter defenseless before another swing clipped Adagio's left arm.
Adagio staggered back as Sonata charged in to finish the fight. The orange haired siren charged forward and dove underneath the attack, causing her sister to miss wildly and lose her balance. As she spun around, Adagio felt something approach her and held out her right hand to block it, finding a familiar item land in her hands. She found Sandlewood's saber and looked up to see a barely conscious Rose, her hand outstretched and looking to her collapsing soon after.
Sonata had regained her footing and turned to see her opponent with a replacement weapon. The two sirens stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, both knowing that Adagio could not keep up with her sister for much longer. With that in mind, the elder sister charged at the younger, though her blade was yet to be ignited as Sonata smiled wickedly and responded with a charge of her own.
That final motion ended the fight as Sonata's blade ripped through her sister's left shoulder, just above the heart. On the other hand, Adagio had chosen to ignite her blade at the point of contact, letting her sister achieve her blow before switching it on, her attacking running the green blade right through her opponent's sternum. Both simply stood there frozen, each leaning on the other for support.
“I'm...sorry....” Adagio choked out, out of breath and in great pain from her injuries as she switched off her saber. “I never meant....”
Sonata's eyes were wide as she looked at the gaping hole in her body, her transformation reverting her back to her original form. Blood trickled from her mouth as she heaved out a few pained breaths. “Shut...up. We both....knew this...would only end...one way.” The light from her eyes faded as she fell over, taking her sister with her.
Adagio rolled onto her back and looked to her side to see the motionless body of Rose still face down. Slowly but surely, she fought through her pain to reach her fellow padawan, crawling little by little until they were side by side. She looked over to the red head and stretched out her right hand, taking Rose's into her own as she surprisingly felt a weak but determined squeeze. She chuckled lightly, expecting nothing less from the other Jedi, just before she closed her eyes and allowed her body to rest.
Several Weeks Later
“We can't thank you enough Master Jedi for all your help.” Sunny Flare said as she stood on the palace balcony overlooking the city that was still under reconstruction. In the weeks that followed the successful foiling of the Sith plot, the royals and rebel factions had called a temporary truce to aid the civilian population that had suffered.
Fluttershy stood beside her as she looked down as well. “It is a beautiful sight.”
Sunny turned her attention to a golden colored crib next to her where a small infant with violet hued skin slept. “Yes, she is.” She placed a hand down and gently caressed the child's face. “To think we never would have seen this day if not for the help of your order.”
“I simply wish it didn't have to come to this.” Fluttershy noted.
“Neither did we. But we let our egos get in the way.” They were joined by Indigo Zap, who was wheelchair bound as her prosthetic legs had not yet been completed. “But this is a new beginning for all of us if we let it.”
“I admit, things will be hard to say the least. Many are still distrustful of the other side.” Sunny said.
“But I'll try my hardest to keep the peace on my side too. But I can't stop those who want to go.” Indigo admitted.
Fluttershy acknowledged this. “That is admirable. And I will stay here long enough to oversee the disposal of all the chemical stores. But if I were you, I'd work hard on bridging those gaps. We weren't the only observers to this and once the Republic hears of this they might not be so understanding on what's been going on here.”
Indigo and Sunny looked to each other and gave a firm nod. “Of course. And you're welcome to stay as long as you like.” Sunny said. “Your padawan, on the other hand...I'm sorry to say, but many of my people are...uncomfortable having her around. I'm aware that she saved us all but it might be better for her to depart.”
Indigo interceded. “What Sunny means is that some of my people have been talking and the word is getting out on who she really is, or was. It might be safer for her if she wasn't around.”
“Then that will no longer be an issue. I've sent word to her already to depart with Garble to Coruscant.” Fluttershy explained as she refocused her gaze to the horizon.
In a field not far from the castle, Adagio stood over two freshly dug graves. One was for the Celestial Knight, Therma Knight and it rested with her father's grave directly on her right. Though she was not witness to it, the siren had heard the stories of the young woman's gallant feats during the battle; Rushing to save soldiers pinned down under heavy firing, and despite her own injuries, rushing back and forth through the lines to ferry the wounded. She was told how the knight didn't cease until her body finally gave out on her. Adagio had taken the time to retrieve the two rings from Sonata and had ensured that they were buried with her. It was the least she could do.
On the other side rested Roseluck, her fellow padawan, her bitter enemy and yet her closest friend. It was hard to describe exactly what the two were in the end but she'd like to think that in the final moments they shared, they had some sort of understanding of the other. Though tradition would state that the body be taken back to the temple for a Jedi funeral, a special request was made by Fluttershy to have her interred on Kentoph, where Master Tempest Shadow's final resting place lay. She gave one final bow to the two before turning and heading to the landing platform where a few others waited.
She arrived to find the Shock Jackal being tended to by her captain, Garble who, with his arm still having yet to fully regrow, was getting help from his new co-pilot, the R series droid Spike. The two were in a heated argument that resulted in Spike shocking the captain which Adagio couldn't help but chuckle at as she approached. Nearby, she also spotted Daisy who was laughing at the whole ordeal before spotting her comrade.
“Adagio, you made it just in time. I was just about to place a bet on who was winning this one.”
The orange haired girl chuckled before it soon faded. “So are you heading back?”
“To temple guard duty? I don't think so.” Daisy said. “Besides, I doubt they'd take me back after up and abandoning my duties like that, even if it was for a good cause. I think I'll stick with these jokers and see where that leads. What about you?”
“I will go back to the temple of Equus and Coruscant if necessary and find out what fate I am to meet. I will face up to my crimes, no matter the punishment.” She looked down in shame before looking at Sandalwood's lightsaber on her belt and handing it to Daisy. “Here, I should give you this. It isn't mine to keep.”
Daisy looked at it, smile and placed it firmly back into Adagio's hands. “Hold onto that. What is a Jedi without their lightsaber? And I know that Rose would want you to keep that. She'd be honored knowing that it was being used for good.” She placed a hand on her friend's shoulder as the two boarded the ship. “Perhaps I will accompany you to Equus as well and speak on your behalf, if you'd allow it. I know the word of a failed temple guard won't mean much but...”
“I'd be honored.” Adagio said as they were soon joined by the rest of the ship's crew and soon set off into the stars.
Author's Note
I know it isn't the best way to end things and it's not what I initially had planned but I didn't want to drag this on any longer than I thought necessary and I already had enough delays. So here we are at the end of the road. Some scenes did get cut as I had Flurry Hearts final scene much different but once I finished the duel it just didn't fit right anymore. I also had one final scene with Sky Stinger but that particular one didn't feel appropriate after the rewrite. Still hope everyone who read was at least entertained even if you didn't enjoy everything about it.
Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story
“General Jet Set, the enemy force is on the move.” A Kentoph royalist trooper enters the field command tent and salutes. The general, a gray skinned man with dark hair is at his desk and looks up, pushing the small pair of spectacles up his face.
“How many, corporal?” He asked as he stood up and exited the tent, the corporal following close behind.
“Estimates say around three thousand plus at least double the number in droids. Strange thing is they all appear to be armed with non-standard weapons: vibro-blades, pikes, slug throwers. Doesn't make a lot of sense.”
“No it doesn't, considering we still outnumber them four-to-one even with the droids. Seems the desperate times have mad them lose any semblance of tactics. Then again, I don't believe these rebels had much intelligence to begin with. Have our full force deploy and we'll crush them with a single strike and be home before the holidays.”
“Yes sir!” Soon the order was given for all troops to mobilize as they drew up in battle formation behind fortifications and in trenches. Jet Set sat atop a hill watching the approaching force march straight toward their mountainous position. “They'll never make it passed the first line of defenses. Prepare the artillery!” Jet ordered as the gunnery chief motioned and the guns began to triangulate their coordinates as the enemy force moved into position.
As the royalist forces took aim, several odd, probe droids emerged from the rebel formations and floated over them. They soon began to emit some sort of whit mist from vents on their frames and spread it over the advancing group until they were covered, mostly obscuring the force. Jet looked through his binoculars and chuckled to a trooper next to him. “Not much of a smokescreen if they were trying to flank us. It's just covering their current position. Open fire.” He gave the order as the troopers opened fire on the clouded, still advancing enemy force. The shots flew with lightning speed over the landscape toward the concealed targets. To the shock of the defenders, the blaster bolts dissipated upon contact with the mist that blanketed the rebels and their droid reinforcements.
“What the...” Jet Set said as the officers on the front lines called in that the flurry of fire was ineffective. “Give them everything you've got!” The troops fired their blasters into the thick of the quickly advancing troops but the effect was still the same. The com-links at the HQ were blasting from the officers across the line that the attack, even concentrated fire was having no success. “Open with the artillery.” The gunnery crews were doing their best to target the enemy force as one of them looked up in shock.
“Sir, we can't! Something is messing with our targeting systems. We'd be firing blind.” Suddenly they heard the distant sound of the slug throwing rifles that the enemy had armed themselves with as the com channels from the front lines blazed once again that the enemy had pierced their line and were overpowering their forces as the blaster proof cloud had overtaken the position as the droids continued to spread it in their advance. Reports came in that even at point blank range the bolts from the blasters didn't even travel a foot from the barrel. “We need to leave!” Jet rose from his seat where he'd previously been an entertained spectator before things had suddenly gone south for him and the communications from the front had gone silent and the menacing fog advanced with the sound of cheers and clanking droids in it's midst. “Gather all the....Gah!” He was stopped as he held his throat and his body floated in the air.
“Going somewhere...General?” Was all he heard before the very rare sound of a lightsaber caught his ear. “You should take a good look at what our brilliant minds in the lab have cooked up.” His body was spun toward the battlefield as he strained to see as his oxygen supply was steadily running out. He could just make out the stragglers of his former division scrambling to flee the cloud only to be cut down by the advancing rebel force that began to make itself visible. “Nice, isn't it? Trillions of nanites joined together to make a blaster resistant mobile cloud. Hisan and his beautiful queen will be in for a rude awakening very soon. But I think I've wasted enough of your time so...” The sudden burn of the intensely hot weapon burned into Jet Set's chest as he was allowed to take in his final breath.
A far ways away, the small team, led by Sunset Shimmer was on it's way through the jungles of enemy territory as she was hoping to find any type of lead that would explain the veil of mystery surrounding the true nature of this conflict. Alongside her were Zaza, the Celestial Knight Therma, and Rose and her two compatriots Lily and Daisy. The groups had been traveling unsupported aside from the supplies they carried from camp for about two days now. A pair of them would scout during the day while the others set up a temporary camp that they hunkered down in at night. So far they'd come up short on any solid evidence but they pressed on despite that fact. Zaza did her best to keep up with the group through the thick undergrowth as she hauled her pack of supplies, slightly lagging behind most of them.
The padawan's foot snagged on a tree root and she tumbled over under her pack. As she tried to get to her feet, Rose stepped over her, giving her a brief jeer of contempt as she passed her. Zaza managed to get to her hands and knees as an open hand was extended to her. Looking up she saw Therma who aided her and got her back to her feet. “Thank you.” She said with a small blush of embarrassment before the two walked in step with one another.
“Don't mention it. ” Therma glanced ahead at Rose who had picked up her pace. “Let's catch up, little sister.”
“Sister?” Zaza asked in confusion.
“Of course. Jedi, Celestial Knights, Zeisan Sha, even is we don't agree on everything, all of us are children of the Force. My father always says that makes us family.”
“Even the Sith?” The golden haired girl asked.
“Well, every family has those that need...correction.”
Eventually, the group made camp for a third night as they sat around a small fire. Sunset and Therma had left a while earlier to continue scouting the area for ambushes or any sudden movement of the rebels that might jeopardize their campsite and their mission. This left the others seated around the fire, with Daisy and Lily seated next to each other across from Zaza with Rose seated off to the side. The group passed the time by telling stories as Daisy was finishing off her tale as Lily did her best to hold down her laughter.
“And I swear, I never knew a Devaronian could turn any more red!” Her punchline elicited a few good chuckles from her compatriots as she turned to Zaza. “So, you got any good stories kiddo?”
“Oh no. I don't...well, I do have one about Master Fluttershy.”
“Well, let's hear it.” Lily said excitedly.
Rose rolled her eyes and, with a loud groan, she got up and turned to take a walk. “I'm going for a walk. I'll be back.” She marched off into the jungle.
Daisy and Lily looked at each other with concern before they noticed the downtrodden look that Zaza wore on her face. “I...think we've had enough stories for tonight.” Daisy said to break the tension as she placed a hand on the padawan's shoulder. “We've got another long day ahead of us and something tells me it won't be a peaceful one, so we better enjoy the rest while we can.”
“I'll keep first watch.” Lily said as she retrieved her blaster rifle. Daisy and Zaza went to their tents to get some rest. Daisy, albeit a bit put off by her friend's behavior, was eventually able to get some rest. Zaza, on the other hand, tossed and turned as she seemed to be fighting someone in her slumber. As she lay beneath her blanket, a mist rolled through the camp as Lily rested her back against the trunk of a tree. The latter took notice of the odd occurrence and, despite her limited training in the force, she could detect something wasn't right. Just as she was getting to her feet, a shadow sped through the mist and within seconds, she plopped back down and the figure crept into the campsite.
The shroud rolled into Zaza's tent as the young girl continued to turn uncomfortably in her sleep as the shadow seemed to wash over her, calming her night terrors as it made it's way into the tent on the opposite side of the camp, Rose's tent. It shot from one side of the temporary dwelling to the other, as if in search of something before it exited and saw a path cut through the dense jungle and followed the path to what it hoped was it's target.
Meanwhile
“There they are.” Sunset said as she sat in a tree while she looked through a pair of binoculars into one of the rebel camps. “Looks like they are fortifying their positions. They've got a gunship coming in too. Bigger than the usual models.”
“Might be for a commanding officer. Something big must be happening.” Therma said as she sat on the branch next to the jedi.
“Think you might be right. We should be careful if that's the case. They'll definitely be doubling up their patrols. Best we make ourselves scarce before first light. We should get as much rest as we can before then.” The duo stayed up in the tree, safely hidden from view from below by the thick leaves as they both rested on the wide branches. Sunset looked up as she could see the few streams of light that were able to pierce the canopy as she looked over to her temporary protege. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
Therma opened her eyes. “Ask away, Master Jedi.”
“I couldn't help but notice that your master, your father...he doesn't seem...”
“Old enough to have a daughter my age?” She chuckled. “Would it surprise you to know I'll be five this year?”
Sunset was certainly surprised by this news. “You're...a clone.”
“No. It's complicated. You see, I was born with a very rare disease. My parents and the others didn't think I would make it. I probably wouldn't have if not for a doctor on Kamino. They had some sort of chamber that they put me in and for the next few months that's where I stayed. It cost a high price for them but as you can see, I lived. The only side effect was an accelerated aging process. For the year I was in their, I'd aged thirteen years.”
“That must have been difficult for you. Having to grow up in such a unique circumstance.”
“Honestly, it never seemed that strange to me until I started to travel with them and saw other things. My training was the same, even if I had to train with other squires that were physically much younger than me. I still had to learn the basics, our code and combat. Though sometimes, I feel like my parents and I missed out on a lot on bonding like a normal family. It often felt like they were more stern older siblings than parents, but they loved me all the same. It's why I owe them to see this thing to the end.”
Sunset placed a hand on hers. “And we will. I promise you that. Things here are clearly not what they seem on the surface. A civil war and Sirens being here are undoubtedly making the situation immensely worse. Question is where are all these supplies...” She stopped as she sensed something as she and Therma both looked out in the direction of their main camp.
“I sense it too.” They leaped from the tree and proceeded to race back to the others.
Campsite
Rose stood on a cliff that overlooked the large jungle valley they'd marched through the last couple of days. She clutched her satchel close to her as she once again pulled out the gem that the specter had “gifted” her some days prior. The light of the full moon danced across its surface as she held it out. It was such a simple thing, but something that held the greatest of powers. That much was certain to her. She rolled it around in the palm of her hand before she sighed and looked up at the moonlit sky. “What should I do master? This...this has to be the way. It's the only way they'll see, isn't it?” She clutched the saber of Sandalwood, a weapon she never used, but likewise never left her side, as she grit her teeth. “I wish you were here. I need you now more than ever.” Her thoughts came to an abrupt end as she felt another presence behind her.
Quickly, she drew and ignited her own yellow blade and spun to face her assailant. Zaza stumbled back, her frightened expression greatly detailed by the glow of the drawn Jedi weapon. Rose's eyes showed the same disgust and contempt that seemed to be the only feeling she could express towards the girl as her words were cold and fierce. “What do you want?”
Zaza shook nervously, her hands starting to sweat as she was face to face with the anger filled Rose. She swallowed before she managed to utter out her words. “I wanted...to talk...to you.” Rose continued to train her weapon on the girl as she got her strength back and continued, though she turned her gaze to the ground. “I know you don't like me. Fluttershy...she told me everything.” This caused the other padawan's eyes to open wide as she looked in shock, having difficulty believing that Fluttershy would have told her the happenings of that day.
“She told me I was lost. That someone bad...used me as a tool to make them powerful. They used the dark side of the force to twist me into a monster, and I hurt people; a lot of people. You're master, Sandalwood...he saved me?” Rose, her eyes still trained on the girl, gave a small confirming nod. “Master Fluttershy told me that you loved him,” She began to get choked up as tears ran down her face. “and he died saving me. He'd still be alive if it wasn't for me. I killed him...and that's why you hate me and I'm sorry. If...I were stronger I could have...”
Rose stood for a moment looking down at the sobbing girl as she still held out her blade with her right hand while still clutching the stone in her left, keeping it hidden. She released the activation switch, shutting the blade off and turned away from the girl. “Go back to camp.” The young girl lingered for a moment as she brushed the tears out of her now red eyes. She slowly turned and walked back to the camp, stopping momentarily to look over her shoulder at Rose, who was once again turned back to look over the valley. The red haired padawan looked back down at the stone in her hand, a few tears wetting it before placing it in her satchel and turning back to follow Zaza, from a good distance of course.
A ways away someone is eyeing up the two of them as they disappeared back into the jungle. “Hmm, interesting. What do we have here? A couple of Jedi? It looks like that intel they fed us was correct after all. Things just got really fun.” A pink haired woman in military fatigues said as she sat in the commander's seat of her tank as she put her binoculars away.
“Commander Sweet, isn't Lemon Zest expecting you back for the meeting of the General Staff?” One of her troopers asked.
“Those meetings are all posturing and seeing who has the biggest set of...medals. Besides, I think she'll forgive me after I bag some Jedi and whatever loyalist contingent is snooping around in our territory. Get a few troopers with us and tell them to get that gunship ready. We'll hit them at the break of dawn.”
“Yes, ma'am.” The trooper raced off as she kept her eyes trained on the ridge and licked her lips with anticipation.
