REVENGE OF THE SITH
Part V – Reunited
For all of her life, Brianna Kae was taught to be a warrior — strong, proud, and thoroughly unafraid. She had gone through most of her life without the guidance of her mother, watched her father slip into utter despair at her mother’s death and then murdered by the man most thought to be a hero; and all under the scorn of her half sisters and her supposed mentor, Atris.
She had been sent aboard the former smuggling ship, the Ebon Hawk, as a spy for Atris. She had sensed a great conflict within the woman, though she would only later find out why when the white haired woman had turned on her.
In truth, the former handmaiden could understand the action — she had done what the exile had all those years ago, but it didn’t mean the pain no longer lingered. But she had endured that and was still a strong warrior. She had never truly been afraid.
Until now.
When she had become one of the dark apprentices to the new dark lord of the Sith, Darth Trayun, she knew deep within her that she was not wholly on the dark side. Though she could feel its undercurrents, she knew that she still had the presence of mind of the good that wrestled inside her. And she knew, that somewhere inside the dark lord that there was still goodness as well.
That’s why this new development unnerved her.
When they had returned to Yavin 4, she once again felt the power that the moon had over its inhabitants, especially when Ellis had her enter that temple by herself. The experience was not one she wanted to have again, however when she and Atton had met up, they had no sign of their current leader. But when they had found him…
That had been close to a week ago and the changes in her love had been quite…frightening.
He hadn’t told them what he had found within the temple he checked out, only that he would teach them to fully embrace the dark side. Atton of course was more than willing to sit at Trayun’s feet to be taught.
Brianna was hesitant about the situation and less than enthused. Atton may not have noticed, but she certainly did. Ellis looked…wrong…very very wrong. It wasn’t that his physical features changed, but Brianna knew.
The eyes.
There was something in his eyes that told her he wasn’t the man she knew and loved. The brilliant green they had been when she had met him on the snow capped plateau of Telos were different; they seemed darker…closer to a brown than they were green, and it was quite unnerving to her.
He had led them inside the temple and into what looked like a ceremonial chamber. There, he began their lessons — lessons that Brianna was sure the witch Kreia had not taught him — in the art of dark sided powers and Sith magic. Brianna had left that first session very frightened at what she had seen, but more importantly at the knowledge that Ellis now possessed.
Questions ran rampant in her head. Where had he learned these techniques in the span of a week? Had he always known these things? Somehow, she knew he hadn’t been taught by Kreia, but then how exactly did he come across these powers then?
Could it have been Visas Marr? Brianna had never trusted her, but after traveling with the crew, she realized these were feelings of jealousy and nothing of real value, but she couldn’t shake the thought.
However, they had not seen Visas since the Ravager had attacked Telos, so the former handmaiden had to dissolve that train of thought.
But she couldn’t shake the knowledge that something was wrong and that terrified her. She was completely worried about him; his transformation from wronged Jedi to bitter Sith Lord was now starting to scare her and for the first time since his shift, she wondered if he could indeed be turned back to the good man she knew he had been.
For now, Ellis had given directions to their ship that they would be returning for rest, where they would be given more of Ellis” tutelage. That was where the young woman found herself now, within the large outer room that served as their personal command center.
Atton had gone to the bridge, Ellis giving him complete command of the ship”s navigation, while she patiently — though some what not very patiently — stood inside their room, waiting for him. He had asked her earlier to wait for him while he and Atton did what ever it was that they were doing now.
She hadn’t waited long, only a few minutes before he entered the room, a strange look on his face. Upon seeing her however, he smiled sweetly before walking over to her. “I’m glad you came,” he whispered, his voice sounding relieved.
“You asked me to,” she said, stepping closer to him. “I could never refuse you.”
“You may.”
Brianna shortened the distance between them, embracing him. She felt his arms tighten around her back, while she gave his middle a slight squeeze. “Something troubles you,” she said. She felt the nod of his head, his chin grazing the top of her head, lovingly. “What’s wrong?”
He held her tighter, his hands running up and down her back. “I’m going to be doing something that you may not like,” he whispered. “Not that you”ve liked what’s happened so far.”
“Ellis…”
The young man chuckled. “I can feel you, Brianna,” he said. “I know that I have led you down a path you shouldn’t be on and I…I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted out of this mess.”
Brianna pulled back to look at him. The first thing she noticed was that the haunted eyes that had seemed maddened with power and evil were now returned to the dull green she had come to expect from him since his fall. “Why would you think I wish to leave you?” she asked.
“You should,” he whispered, his hand stroking her cheek affectionately. “Things are…not going to be pleasant from now on.”
She regarded him for a moment. “Something happened, didn’t it?” she asked. “On Yavin. You”ve gained so much knowledge about the dark side in such a short time.”
Ellis looked away from her, unable to meet her eyes. “I told you that I would need you,” he mumbled. “And I do need you, Brianna, I truly do, but once again I wonder…I wonder if perhaps I haven’t done right by you. You must know how I feel about you, what you mean to me.”
“I know you love me,” she said. “Just as I love you. I know what is at stake here, Ellis, and that is why I fear for you. I fear your anger and hatred will lead to your downfall…and possibly your death. And I don’t know what I would do if that happened.”
The young Sith Lord turned to look at her, his eyes watering at the fear that her eyes held. “If…” he began, suddenly unsure of himself. “If this were a different plane…I would court you properly. Then I would marry you. This…this is not…not the way I wanted…” He looked at her, his eyes going over her features as though he was tying to memorize them.
“I don’t deserve you,” he said, after a time.
Brianna stared at him before bringing his head downwards, touching her lips to his. It was the sweetest kiss they had shared, one that held promise as much as it held the fears they both had of losing the other. When they parted, Brianna replied, “Marry me.”
His face held a look of awe and longing. “Brianna…”
She stopped him with a kiss. “Make me yours,” she murmured against his lips.
Ellis chuckled against her mouth. “You’re very persuasive, you know that?” She laughed, a low murmur that sent chills down the young man’s spine. “I love you so much,” he continued, giving her smaller kisses along her face and neck. “I want you to be my wife and I want us to be together forever, but…”
She shushed him, lovingly kissing him on the ear. “Let us have what we can.”
He hugged her tightly before pulling away and taking her hands in his. “You are an amazing woman, Brianna Kae,” he replied, smiling at her. “Your parents would be quite proud. I…I only hope that I’m…I’m not ruining you somehow.”
The young woman licked her lips nervously. “You’re planning something, aren’t you?” she asked. “that’s why we’re still over Yavin 4. You have something planned.”
Ellis raised an eyebrow. He gave a brisk nod, a slight frown on his face. “I worry for your safety,” he stated. “But you’re correct. Something is in the air and we will be leading it.” He began leading her towards his bedroom. “But for now, my warrior, we have other things to discuss…”
Though he had refused a reward, Queen Talia insisted that a celebration in the city of Iziz was greatly needed. Word had quickly spread through the city that the beloved queen had overthrown her hapless, tyrannical cousin in order to regain control of the throne. Though it was suspect that some people would still oppose her, the whole atmosphere was that of happy elation.
For the friends and crew of the Ebon Hawk, most of the evening was probably very foggy by the time the sun began to rise in the sky.
For Bastila, the coming sun only illuminated the height of the situation she found herself in. She lay in bed, head reclining on her hand as she watched the sleeping form of her lover. She was quite surprised at not only the mindset Revan had been in yesterday, but with how much he seemed to want to drink his troubles away. She had lost count at how many drinks he had consumed, as she too had a lot to drink, which also surprised her as she hardly ever drank.
But she had to smile when she thought of their night; Revan was even more laid back and happy-go-lucky when he had a few drinks in him and apparently a lot more amorous as well.
It only seemed like one or two hours had passed before Revan couldn’t keep his hands to himself and — with a small smirk — she could admit that she hadn’t exactly been very shy about his advances, which had led the two to the cozy room that the queen had the hotel put up if someone wanted it.
Despite the wonderful sensation she still kept from last night, she was troubled by Revan’s apparent quietness. The young knight had always been so outgoing and a celebration by the queen should’ve been one that would put Revan into a partying mood. But the knight had kept quiet until he began to drink heavily.
And it seemed all night long, Carth had been sending her looks of concern, all while indicating Revan with a nod of his head. She gave him a sign that she would take care of it.
So now, as she lay watching her lover, she waited for him to wake up. And within a few minutes, he did.
Revan’s head hurt. It was a dull ache that seemed to be amplified by the brightness of where he was. Where was he anyway? He was in a bed, he knew that much, and the bed was soft. He tried to remember what had happened last night.
There was a coup of the current ruler and…oh yeah, Revan had killed him. That brought the knight’s confusion to a standstill, being replaced with guilt and a sense of foreboding. That had led him to drinking much more than usual.
He remembered the queen wanting to throw a celebration for her reinstatement and it seemed the whole city had heard about it and wanted to participate. He remembered accepting drink after drink and then…what happened after that?
It was at this time Revan felt the presence of another person, someone who lay next to him in his soft bed. This was when he also realized he wasn’t wearing any clothes, which could only mean his bedmate was also naked.
Taking a chance, he turned his head and opened his eyes. He squinted slightly, the brightness of the room giving him a painful throb in his head, but grinned when he saw who gazed down at him.
“Hello.”
“Hello,” she replied. “Remember me?”
“Sure!” he croaked, his raised voice hurting his head as well. “You’re…Belinda? Bella? Bas…Bas…”
“Bastila.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. He looked around the room a bit. “Where’d your friend go? I thought there were two of you.”
“In your condition, I’m surprised you didn’t see three of me.”
“Oh, I did,” he chuckled. “But I don’t think I’m man enough to handle three of you.” He again chuckled at her indignant huff, before turning and pulling her closer. “Did I hurt you?” he asked, nuzzling her neck and dropping a kiss on the love bite he had left there.
“I wouldn’t exactly call any of last night “painful”,” she retorted. “Though you did seem very…eager.”
Again he chuckled. “I’m always eager with you.”
Carth’s worried about you.
She heard him sigh, as he pulled her closer to his body. “I’m afraid there may be rough times ahead, darling.” He whispered.
Did something happen?
Yes.
Do you want to tell me?
I don’t know. I’m not sure myself, I just…
You’re confused and…worried.
Revan nodded against her shoulder. “I think…” he began. “I think we’ll need to destroy that outpost on Yavin.”
She raised her head to look at him. “Yavin 4?” she asked, nervously.
He nodded. “I know it”ll be hard for you,” he whispered. “I wish…”
She silenced him with a kiss. “I’ll manage.” She replied. “As Carth said, you’re heading this expedition and you know I’ll follow you.”
Revan hugged her, planting a kiss on her temple. They were silent for a bit, in which the former Jedi master began to drift off to sleep. “Revan?” He made a small murmur, wondering if it was something small she wanted.
“How do you feel about marriage?”
The young man opened his eyes, peering down at her. Her head rested on his chest, so he gave her a small pat, earning him a pinch on his side. “The wonderful institution between two people who love each other?” he asked, receiving a small nod. “I think it’s great. Why? You plan on getting married?”
“That was the general idea.”
He gave a small chuckle. “I hope I’m invited.”
She shook her head in mirth. “I don’t think there could be a service without you,” she replied.
Again, they were silent until Revan asked, “So, who’s the lucky guy?”
Bastila lifted her head to look at him in confusion.
“It’s Carth, isn’t it?” he asked. “I knew he was charming. He’s a charming guy.” Looking at her face, he asked, “Canderous? I didn’t think he was your type, but c’est la vie. He is kinda rugged and women do seem to like that type.”
Again, he looked at her, seeing an incredulous look on her features. “No?” he asked. “Don’t tell me it’s Dustil. I mean, I know you both get along well, but…well…I guess I could see you two together…”
“Revan!” she exclaimed, sitting up in their bed. “You, you daft idiot! I’m thinking of marrying you! Of all the…Canderous!? You truly believe that I would actually…and Carth? How could you even…?”
Her tirade ended as his lips descended on hers and he brought her back to lie on top of him. “You’re so adorable,” he murmured.
“Revan, sometimes…”
He chuckled. “I know,” he said. “But you love me.”
“I wonder why.”
“‘Cause I’m cute,” he stated, earning a giggle from Bastila. “And sweet. You like me.”
The young woman giggled, kissing her lover on the cheek. “Yes,” she replied. “I guess I do. You do provide me with humorous moments.”
Hugging her closer, he whispered, “I do a little more than that.”
Laughing, she replied, “Yes you do indeed.” She dropped a quick kiss on his chest before easing herself out of bed and wrapping the top sheet around her. “I’m going to the fresher.”
“By yourself?” he asked, a small pout on his face.
She sighed, dramatically. “I guess you could join me,” she said. “Though I’m not sure what good you’ll do.”
“I can wash your hair.”
“You never wash my hair,” she said. “In fact, you’re a distraction.”
“You like distractions,” he said, tugging on her sheet.
She giggled, leaning over and giving him a deep kiss. “Come on before I change my mind.”
The atmosphere aboard the Ebon Hawk was that of heightened suspicion. After Revan’s behavior concerning Vaklu, both Carth and Lynsel had stayed away from the knight, even though Carth was deeply worried about the younger man.
He hadn’t gotten a chance to ask Bastila what she managed to do, but he could tell whatever it was, seemed to at least erase some of the unease his friend had displayed.
On top of the fact that their leader seemed to be out of sorts, they were heading to the notorious fourth moon of Yavin. Knowing that Revan was being affected without even being on the moon, they didn’t want to think how the other Jedi on board would feel.
That was something Lynsel was thinking about as well. She had felt so uneasy being on Onderon, but she wasn’t sure why. And the fact that Carth had also felt something… That was strange. Was it because his son was a Jedi? Did the Force run in families? That was just another question added to her long list.
So absorbed in her thoughts, she nearly ran over Revan on her way to the cockpit. “Sorry,” she muttered.
“No prob,” he replied. He regarded her for some time before he asked, “Still mad at me?”
Lynsel gave a small laugh. “I’ve been a bit of a pain, haven’t I?” she asked.
The young knight shrugged. “No one ever gets along the first time they meet,” he said. “I don’t know why. I guess I seem to pick up polar opposites.” He looked at her again. “How long have you been with Intelligence?”
“A few years,” she answered. “Since the middle of the Mandalorian Wars.”
“that’s a long time.” She nodded. “Did you serve in the JC war too?”
“You mean did I fight against you?” He nodded. She looked away from him. “No, actually.” She replied. “I was…occupied.”
“Oh?” he asked. “Were you being trained?”
Lynsel’s eyes widened before narrowing in suspicion. “Trained in what?”
Revan shrugged. “What were you being trained in?” he asked.
The officer glared at the Jedi before folding her arms across her chest. “You can probably tell,” she replied, sarcastically. “With your Jedi mind trick and everything.”
Revan chuckled. He leaned closer to her, “It’s strange that you’re able to resist most Force powers, don’t you think? Especially when you’re not a Jedi.” He straightened back up, smiling at her.
“If you already know…”
“I don’t.” He shrugged again. “But I have a pretty good guess that’s what your training was.” Lynsel raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry,” he said, heading off to the port dorms. “Secret’s safe with me.”
“It’s not exactly a secret,” she said, causing him to stop. He looked over his shoulder at her.
“Really.” He turned to look at her again.
“Stop trying to read my mind.”
He gave her a smirk. “Jedi don’t read minds.”
“You seem to be very good at reading Bastila’s,” she retorted.
Again Revan chuckled. “It’s different with Bastila and me,” he replied. “We’re bonded, of course I can read her mind.”
“Is that normal?”
“As normal as Jedi falling in love.” He left her with a smile and continued on his way.
After that conversation, Lynsel was even more leery of the former dark lord. A very small part of her thought she should tell him everything, but most of her said the man didn’t need to know, especially when it wasn’t even important anymore.
However, it did begin to make her think more about her past. She was beginning to wonder if she hadn’t been hand picked for this assignment, given her previous run in with Jedi. Did her superiors know more than they told her?
The tension that seemed to gather within the ship was suddenly shattered when an incoming call was heard coming from the main hold. It came as a surprise, but even more so when it was revealed who the caller was. “Hello again, Revan.”
Though he was a holoized figure, Revan could still feel the dark side swirling in the man he had once called brother and it seemed in the time since they last saw one another, the evil in the young man had grown.
“It’s a little early to be bragging, isn’t it Ellis?” quipped Revan. “After all, you haven’t exactly won yet and I have managed to fix what you screwed last year.”
The younger man narrowed his eyes, before raising his eyebrow. “Always the perfect little puppet to the end, aren’t you?” he sneered. “Even with the entire Jedi Order wiped out, you’re still striving to be the poster boy of goodness. Just remember where that got you, Revan. Or are you still going by Jayden Korr?”
“Did you need something?”
“I thought we could finish our conversation from last time,” replied the dark lord. “Remember we were,” he took a glance at Carth before turning back to Revan, “Interrupted.”
“Any time’s a good time to stop you, Ellis.”
“Good,” he said. “Then you don’t mind meeting me on Yavin 4. Plenty of space for a nice little talk.”
“Where no one can hear me scream, huh?” the knight retorted. “All right. Just so happens I have business there I need to take care of.”
“I await your arrival,” the younger man replied, a small smile on his face. And then the transmission was over, leaving Revan to glare at the place the man had been.
“You’re walking into a trap,” Carth stated. “You know that.”
“I agree,” Lynsel replied. “Pretty convienant for him to just hanging out at Yavin 4, especially when we’re due to be there in a few hours.”
“Nevertheless,” Revan muttered. “It needs to be done. If I can stop Ellis now, we only have to worry about the Sith and I”d much rather concentrate on that. Ellis won’t be a problem.”
“You seem very confident on that,” Dustil replied.
“Why shouldn’t I be?” the knight asked. “While Ellis may be a very good duelist, I still far surpass him. And besides, the last I saw him, he had two apprentices. that’s hardly enough to stop me, much less all of us together.”
“that’s very overconfident of you, Revan,” admonished Bastila.
The knight shrugged. “I’m far more concerned over the real threat we’ll be facing,” he replied. “With any luck, I might just be able to get Ellis to help. I’m not worried. Ellis’ bark is far more dangerous than his bite. I want to concentrate on taking care of the true species of Sith and fixing what Ellis broke last year. I find that just a little more important that talking down a former friend.”
The speech stunned those in the room; not because of what he said, but indeed how he said it and the fact he didn’t seem to be overly concerned about the Jedi exile. He seemed very…blasé about the whole thing. It didn’t seem to phase him in the least that he could very well be walking into a trap.
On the surface of the moon of Yavin, an individual awaited a face he hadn’t seen until just recently. He stood at the entrance of a temple that was close to one that had been destroyed by the very man he waited for.
“Your emotions are swirling, young lord,” replied the specter that stood behind him. “You mustn’t strike right away, but use you anger to guide you.”
“And you, Master?” the young man asked, not bothering to turn.
“I will guide you as well,” the figure said, “Though I’m quite annoyed you sent me away while you were with your young lady friend.”
“I told you I would share everything with you,” the young man said, turning slightly to look at the specter. “But not her. She is mine. And when I have killed Revan, I will marry her.”
“Love is just as forbidden in the Sith as it is in the Jedi.”
The young man turned to look at the ghostly figure next to him. “I will rebuild the Sith,” he stated. “I will make it stronger than it ever has been.”
The figure nodded. “I have faith that you will, young lord,” it said. “Do remember to speak to your other masters when our work here is done.”
The young Sith Lord nodded, his eyes watching the skies. A small smile appeared when he glimpsed a familiar ship flying overhead. “It is time,” he said. He closed his eyes as the new sensation washed over him.
It was painful the first time he had done this; it felt like hot pin pricks all over his skin and then it ebbed to leave a heavy tingling sensation. This time, there was only the briefest amount of pain and the tingling started immediately.
When he opened his eyes, the dull green was slightly displaced by the color of brown and the increase in his powers was immediate. The young man looked to his left, a sinister smile on his face. “Soon,” he said. “Your reward will be here soon.”
Landing on the moon of Yavin took all the strength Bastila had not to cower in her bunk. The moon seemed to send waves of dark side energy to her, as though the thick metal walls of the Hawk were thin as paper. She felt herself shiver, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. Another pair of arms wrapped around her from behind, these settling on her stomach.
“It’s okay,” whispered a voice.
“How do you stand this?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “I’ve never had the problem most do when it comes to the dark side. I’ve never let it consume me, though I can feel it. It’s heavy here, but not as heavy as Malachor.”
“It was heavy on Onderon as well.”
He nodded. “I know.” His voice sounded steeled, as though he knew something she didn’t. He placed his lips to her cheek in a soft kiss. “I won’t be long.”
“You know this is a trap, don’t you?” she asked, turning to face him. “You know and you’re just walking in to it.”
Revan smiled at her. “I’m fairly certain that Ellis isn’t going to do anything to me.”
“Revan,” she began, “Do remember where that overconfidence has lead you in the past.”
“And you remember what inaction has cost us,” he struck back. “My goal is to try and reason with him, not something I would ordinarily do, I know, but I know…I know Ellis is good. I know he is. I’ve…come to rely on second chances,” he stroked her cheek. “Especially when I know the good that comes out of it.” He gave her more kiss before he released her and walked out of the port dorms.
Carth and Mission were waiting for him as he walked into the main hold. “We ready, then?” he asked, walking past towards the garage.
“You’re sure this is a good idea, Rev?” the Twi’lek asked, as they walked out of the ship and down the ramp.
Revan nodded, glancing over at Carth when the pilot sucked in a breath. “All right there, Carthy?”
The admiral sent a glare his way, smirking when Revan raised an eyebrow. “Don’t start,” he said. “I’m fine.”
The trio marched through the jungle grass, Revan looking around him for any signs of the temple he had seen. Off in the distance is where he spotted one that looked like it. Turning to his companions, he said, “Straight ahead.”
“Rev, what about that guy who threatened you?” asked Mission. “He said he would be here.”
“Again, Mish, don’t worry,” replied the former Jedi master. “I’ll take care of Ellis if he gives us a problem.”
The jungle was strangely quiet as the trio trudged through it. No bugs or even animals attacked them and there was a false sense of peace that came with their area.
Carth – whether it be from his years in the fleet or something else – knew something was amiss as soon as he stepped off the Hawk’s loading ramp. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he knew the three of them were walking into trouble.
As soon as they got within site of the main entrance, the three could see the lone figure that stood on the steps. All three were taken aback at the young man’s appearance.
He wore the clothes of a dark Jedi; his black cloak covered the black ensemble underneath; his red hair had grown out, more so than Revan remembered seeing, and his chin gizka was beginning to spread to his jaw and cheeks.
“Hello Revan,” replied the young man. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“I see you got a new wardrobe,” Revan said.
“Like it?” he asked. “I thought it went well with the new lightsaber I’ve obtained. You remember it, don’t you?”
“Fierce red,” Revan stated. “Not at all like I would’ve thought you to go for.”
“No?” Ellis asked, shrugging. “Oh well. Not that you’ll live long enough to really see.”
At that, Revan chuckled. “I’m not here to fight you, Ellis.”
“Ah, you never are,” replied the Sith Lord. “But you see, Revan, I can’t really let you just do what you did to your stronghold go unpunished.”
“What”re you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb, Revan,” Ellis mocked. “It does not suit you. I know you came to Yavin 4 to destroy your outpost that you had here.” At Revan’s confused look, Ellis bristled. “Don’t look at me like I’m crazy! Did you forget that I know of the outposts you set up? The ones you were going to show me!? I have a long memory, Revan. Do not think otherwise.”
“Ellis, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” the knight pleaded.
The Sith Lord waved him off. “It’s of no matter,” he replied. “I told you I was going to kill you and I shall.” He gave them a smile, one that sent chills down their spine. “I have a surprise for you,” he continued.
The trio before him looked confused until they heard the sound of movement. From the sides of the temple came five or six of the most hideous creatures they had ever seen.
It looked as though these…beings had been human once, but whatever happened to them had changed that. They were at least six feet tall and had dark red skin. Their faces — if you could call them that — were also hideous and deformed.
And right now, they looked angry.
The trio readied their weapons as the beast came lumbering towards them. The beasts were slow, enabling Revan, Carth, and Mission to hit them easily, but the creatures were also strong; When Carth had slashed at one of the beasts’ ribs, it roared and grabbed the pilot by the throat, and slammed him to the ground.
“Carth!” Revan swung around, shooting Force Lightning. The creature again roared, but the former knight had done the job of distracting the beast from his fallen comrade.
“No, no, no,” Ellis chuckled, highly amused at the scene he watched. He closed his eyes and concerned, only opening them when he heard the sounds he needed to hear.
The trio had managed to at least stun three out of the five beasts that attacked them, but it wouldn’t be for long. As soon as another one staggered, the sound of thundering steps caused the group to turn and for Revan’s jaw to drop.
Coming at them were three terentateks, vicious creatures thought to have been extinct and ones who were immune to Force powers. “Run,” Revan muttered, pulling his two friends with him as he turned and ran for the Ebon Hawk, the three hideous beasts and their followers right behind them.
“Where are you going, Revan?” Ellis shouted. “I thought you were having fun!”
The trio crashed through the brush they had come from, trying to put distance between them and the creatures that followed. Revan threw out random Force powers, not caring who or what they hit and knowing that at least the terentateks were unaffected. He saw, rather than heard Carth yell into his com-link telling someone on the Hawk to start the ship.
It seemed as though the run took forever, but finally the three reached the ship, the vessel rising in the air as the ramp slowly began to lift. Unfortunately it was enough time for one of the red skinned creatures to grab hold of the edge.
But Revan was quicker, whipping around and sending a Force Wave his way. Though the beast tried to fight it, it was enough of a push to have him grappling for a stronger hold and within minutes, he had lost it, falling to the ground below.
The three entered the main hold, a bit shaky, but it seemed Revan was more agitated by the encounter than anyone expected. “What’s wrong?” Dustil asked, seeing the former master’s pale face and the way he seemed to pace dispondantedly. “Revan, what’s wrong with you?”
“I’ve been a fool,” the former Jedi muttered, pacing back and forth. “I can’t believe…I’ve been so blind…”
“Revan!”
The exclamation from his lover made him stop, but when he did, those present were taken aback by what they saw.
A sheer look of panic.
What’s wrong?
“I’ve been wrong,” he said, shaking his head. “I’ve…been wrong about this entire thing.”
“What’s you talking about?” asked Mission.
“I’ve been convinced these were two separate missions,” he sighed. “And…I’ve been a fool. A stupid fool. These are separate…these are one and the same.”
“Revan,” Bastila implored. “You’re not making any sense.”
Revan swallowed, his panicked look gone, but replaced with one that was bordering on defeat. “I’ve been planning on taking both the new Sith Lord and the True Sith,” he whispered. “But I was wrong. The True Sith have returned and Ellis Yoly is leading the charge with them.”