Star Wars: The Sith Resurrection Part V: The Threefold War

[JediMaster12]

Andros sighed and gave a slight shake of the his head. They were going into the layer of the beast. He said, "Then we have no time to lose," and gave a shrill whistle that echoed eerily throughout the forest.

 

The response was an answering shrillness that became louder with a thundering of hooves. The leader was pure black with tawny colored eyes. The others were a mixture of creams, browns and blacks. Andros walked up to the leader who nuzzled him affectionately. He said, "Saluki stallions. Fastest of known carrier beasts and will be able to get us across the river and up the mountain." He stroked the stallion's nose and added, "Wonderful things the stallions can do: carry immense loads, extremely loyal and are said to have healing powers." He glanced at his companions before swinging up onto the black one.

 

Alkéa, not to be outdone by an old friend selected a tawny colored one and swung up astride. She grinned at her brother, "Come now Brother. You rode a kataran beast." There was teasing and a dare in it. As much as war was terrible, Alkéa liked a challenge and was ready for anything.

 

Tiye fluidly straddled a brown one with white feet. "We must go quickly and be across the river before dark." She then barked orders for her men there to take charge of the kataran beasts.

 

"For Clan Ordo!" They shouted, "For Mandalore!"

 

Andros gave a slight tug on the mane of his stallion to turn around towards the ruins. In his warrior's cry he called, "Kasam m'tale!," and he took off at a gallop with Tiye following close behind.

 

**********

 

The speeder was much quicker than by foot and they were at the camp before long. Jun-la noticed the group waiting outside and figured that the aura reader noticed one not being honest just as Tulre had. Before the speeder even stopped, she was out of it and striding towards the waiting group. She overheard the plan and Kalla's response. She said, "Not a good idea. Mando'a will be crawling with the enemy by now if they manage to land their oversize bulks." She had said it as if implying they were fat.

 

She walked up towards Andorra and gently said in a low voice, "I was hoping you would be more honest around someone who cared rather than those who are your guard. I was right."

[CommanderQ]

Garrick smiled as the Mandalorians of Clan Ordo still showed their true warrior spirit.

He knew that not all ties to their heritage had been cut, spirit in battle would always lead to victory.

 

Garrick remained quiet as he hopped onto a nearby beast and joined the journey to whatever weapons that would help his fleet.

[Alkonium]

"Onward, then." Komad replied, mounting one of the brown ones. Following suit, Gieph mounted a cream coloured one. Their beasts soon after started following Andros and Tiye through the dense forest.

 

"It was better this way. How was I supposed to know about what Darth Virul's capable of?" Andorra rhetorically asked Jun-la. "Kalla knew, but practically though firsthand experience."

[JediMaster12]

"Most all of us know but he is not as terrible as the master who rules all," Jun-la whispered, "Still we will find a way to find your mother. She is my tante." She gave a gentle smile and stood back to call out, "Auror Reader, no deception is here."

 

The Shreyites began to jabber and motion for the group to enter. Tahl, said, "We will regroup. As planned the squad will be moving towards the ruins."

[Alkonium]

"As long as we have a ship and a way to triangulate the origin of the return signal, we should be able to find her. Though we'd have to move fast once we know where to go." Kalla commented. "I know there's a huge risk involved, but it might be the only way. We have no leads as to where she was taken."

 

As the group rode to the ruins, Komad felt the need to ask, "Tell me more about these ruins. I want to know what we're getting into here."

[CommanderQ]

Durrel tried to get into a better position on the speeder. Something caught his mind and he looked to the Jedi.

 

"Where exactly is this hidden base of yours?"

 

 

 

 

Something hit Garrick's mind as Komad asked his question. Komad was right, they had no proper intel on the area, and from the sounds of it, the area had some sort of hidden and quiet danger to it. The most dangerous of all.

[Cyborg Ninja]

Wrath shook his head slightly and laughed.

 

"Lie to a sith lord!?!? You actually think I could get away with that?!?! Well I see you've made your choice master jedi." Wrath ignited his saber at his last sentence. "Now all you have to do is fight me to do so."

[CommanderQ]

Admiral Velerc stood as still as a statue as he stared out upon the planet below. The Ensign approached.

 

 

"Admiral, are we to engage the ships in orbit near us, sir?"

 

Velerc didn't move as he spoke.

 

"Engage. Send out all squadrons and order the destruction of all key points. Make it as quickly as possible, put their fleet into shock. Oh, and status report of the invasion force."

 

The Ensign nodded, "Admiral, the invasion force has been launched at the coordinates of Delta two-niner."

 

The Ensign pointed to a clearing on the holomap. The clearing would be approximately 3 miles from Komad's possible location, there were no confirmations exactly. Velerc could spy from his position the small dark dots that made up the large invasion force.

 

The Ensign continued, "Admiral, they are still in orbit, but they may be suceptable to fire from the surface. It will take a while for their descent."

 

Velerc smiled, "If I remember Amshrey correctly, I wouldn't expect there to be any turbo-lasers or heavier cannons on the surface. But, you never know, expect something, I don't know what. Get the force landed as soon as possible, Ensign."

 

The young officer saluted and moved quickly to obey his orders. Velerc watched silently as his ship and its fighters moved into battle formation.

[JediMaster12]

Andros didn't know where to begin but he had to let Komad see the danger they faced. "Amshrey holds many secrets, some as old as the days before the Republic. Where we go is where the last battle fought for Avalon was fought. In space and on land. These ruins we seek are what remains of the fortress of the Blood King."

 

Alkéa had been silent but she said, "I remember this. Kirabaros was said to have triumphed over death itself when he faced him."

 

**********

 

"Right now we need to come up with a plan," Matton said to the little party as they made their way into the Shreyite enclave.

 

"We also need to recuperate Cousin," Tonatius added, "It will do us no good should we attempt a rescue at half strength."

 

***********

 

"Why should you not lie?" Greea posed. "Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are your ways. Use them to your advantage." It was a gamble and she took it hoping the intruder would leave her be.

[CommanderQ]

Garrick steadied himself on the large beast as he listened.

 

"Obviously, there is something deep at work here, something ancient, and if I hear you correctly, definately evil."

 

Garrick didn't particularily like that combination of words, from past experiences. Mandalorian mandate, typically, didn't recommend disturbing ancient sites, accept in the most desperate of situations. This counted and Garrick brushed away the deep fears of such an ancient battleground.

 

 

Durrel tried his best to hop out of the speeder.

 

"My forces are at your disposal, do not waste them. We are among the best the clans have to offer. Let me know if any help is needed."

 

Durrel smiled at that last bit. He knew that the Avalonians needed his help, and they would definately lend it in payment of their debt of honor. Durrel looked at the enclave and began assessing defensible positions as his men made it into the clearing near the enclave.

[Alkonium]

"The same Blood King we're fighting now? That can't be good." Komad commented. He understood Garrick's hesitance at the prospect of going further. Kalla Vel had taught him not only of the ways of the Force, but also much of Mandalorian culture, including the language. "Think of the fame you will claim among the clans by vanquishing the ancient evils within the ruins." He said to Garrick, speaking perfect Mando'a.

 

"Even if the New Empire needs the Governor alive, she's still in great danger. I'm fairly certain Darth Virul would have to break her will before he can attempt to take over her mind." Kalla pointed out. "If all else fails, he might even find a way to preserve her memories and use them to his advantage."

[CommanderQ]

Garrick was once again completely and utterly surprised by the Jedi. He knew that there were Mandalorians on his side, and that he probably had a former Mandalorian friend or master, but this was unexpected. Everytime he thought he could read his former captors, they showed something of their personalities that made everything confusing. This was definately one of those things.

 

Garrick quickly responded back in his native Mando'a, "Even Mandalorians know when to be cautious, do not think that we would rush into every situation just for glory..."

 

Garrick knew though, that this battle, if there should be one at this ancient place, would be great.

[Alkonium]

"Of course. True warriors know the difference between bravery and stupidity." Komad replied, still speaking Mando'a. Ironically, he knew of an instance in which that was exactly what the Mandalorians had done. It was thousands of years ago, but he knew the tales of the Mandalorian Wars. His ancestor's significant involvement had led to his fall to the Dark Side, his loss of identity, and his eventual redemption. Some referred to the tale as the Legend of Revan.

[CommanderQ]

Garrick shuddered as he remembered past instances of overzealous attacks, and their horrible results.

 

"Yes, true warriors know the difference. I advise that we should move carefully through this place you speak of."

 

Garrick remembered numerous times in his clan's history of foolish attacks that had no hope. These things had happened for thousands of years, starting with Garrick's ancestor, Mand'alor the Ultimate. Garrick remembered a few of his own experiences as well.

[JediMaster12]

"Memories he will use yes," Jun-la replied, "Kill her and claim her...no. The very heart of darkness seeks the very heart of the light."

 

"So you are saying that the governor is more or less collateral damage?" Matton asked aware taht a strange calm had undertook Jun-la.

 

"Virul is only strong as he is weak." Jun-la eyed her audience intently.

 

Tulre had felt the same stirrings within his twin and continued, "He is an agent of evil but not evil itself."

 

"More like embodiers of the Force?" Andros was confused and looked to his sister. "Is that possible Kal?"

 

********

 

It was Tiye who spoke in the language of her people. The blend of Avalonian and Mando'a was rather harmonious, a contradiction given the nature and culture of Mandalorians, "These ruins was where the Light of the Force triumphed over the physical manifestion of his enemy. The Blood King is the name we call him. This Virul you spoke of is his agent along with Tyrannus, loyal family line of evil and some members given the honor of letting the Blood King reside in them."

 

"Yes," Andros added in the same language, "Evil must coexist in this galaxy but the Blood King desires rule. To let him would destroy us all. The ruins are over 4,000 years old. There my ancestor, Kirabaros, fought and triumphed." He looked at the ruins and studied them for a long time. In his mind's eye he could just about see what they had looked like when his ancestor traveled there alone on a stallion to confront his enemy.

[CommanderQ]

Durrel stood quietly, listening to the conversation. From the Jedi's words, he knew that in the next fight he'd need some help from one of the men. But not just a regular grunt, he would need someone who's wisdom and battle experience was legendary. That soldier would be able to help.

 

Durrel spoke, "Jedi, with permission, would I be able to summon one of my men to this planning session? A Mandalorian Knight, to be exact."

 

(I sort've created this type of Mandalorian, they are like Samurai in a way)

 

 

Garrick looked at the ruins, and he couldn't help but have an ominous feeling as he looked at them. He listened to his captor's Mandalorian and Avalonian words carefully. Somehow, he was able to understand it.

 

He spoke again in Mandalorian, "If this place is near four-thousand years old, than this would range back to my people's first leader, Mand'alor the Indomitable. I wonder if there are any connections...."

 

Garrick activated one of his helmet's scanners and tried his best to read the ruins.

[Alkonium]

"Embody the Force? One could say that is what all Force users do." Kalla replied, speaking in a somewhat philosophical manner. Truthfully she didn't know, but was open to the possibility. She hoped Jun-la was right. Of course, either way of looking at the situation carried massive risk.

 

Komad stepped off his mount and looked at the ruins before him. "The Dark Side is strong in this place." He commented, keeping his hands close to his lightsabers. "There is much danger beyond those doors, but it stems from nothing that lives."

[JediMaster12]

"Evil exists but does not live," Andros replied. He looked at the ruins again with a sort of apprehensive on his face. It was then that he noticed something in the shadows. Not hearing his Mandalorian companion, he raced towards the shadows.

 

Once there, he jumped off his stallion and barked in the warrior tongue, "Who goes there?"

 

Mist seemed to form but then cleared away revealing an old man. His eyes looked white like the Jedi witch he had seen once. The old man was wearing robes like the ancient masters. He said, "You have come to the ancient ruins. Why?"

 

"To defeat the one called the Blood King," Andros replied.

 

The old man looked at Andros and then at his companions not that far away. He then replied, "You do not have the ability to save the realms of honor. You are the son of two Jedi but you have fought your great battle."

 

"A person fights when he is called to do so," Andros replied.

 

"And you have," the old man replied, "But the two champions of the Light and Dark must meet. In order for the worlds to be balanced, they must fight. The Three Lines must fight. Half of one line you have with you."

 

"We know this," Andros replied.

 

"But ready you are not," the old man thundered. Electricity seemed to charge the air as he spoke. "Come within to learn of santou, all of you. Your fleet will be warned from within."

 

Andros looked at his companions. To the Mandalorian he asked, "Do you have contact?"

 

********

 

"Maybe she refers to the idea of someone with the highest concetratin of midichlorians?" Andros answered his sister. He was not sure whether or not to mention that he heard of somthing similar in an old legend. Instead he kept quiet while the Manadlorian offered a suggestion.

 

"Any help is appreciated," Tonatius replied to the Mandalorian much to his other half's scoffing.

 

"Yes," Jun-la agreed, "They will find the governor but we all must train in santou." She knew it would be difficult to explain so she tried, "Santou is the warrior word for combat. It comes from the myth of Miako, from where the first of my people come from. Most of the techniques learned in Bushida are from that but there are instances when the rules of nature can be broken. It is said to come from within."

[CommanderQ]

Garrick watched the old man carefully. His wrist-rockets were ready in case anything should happen. But Garrick didn't think that this old man posed much of that threat. Garrick blinked twice in his helmet, summoning up a comm screen, and a direct link to the fleet.

 

"Yes, I have contact. What do you need?" Garrick responded to the man. Garrick awaited the response and stared quietly at the old man.

 

 

 

Durrel did a small bow to the Jedi as affirmative and stepped out of the Enclave and did a small hand signal. He switched the comm on.

 

"Lieutenant Krek, send up Kajumo, the Knight."

 

"Yes sir, right away, sir."

 

Durrel could see Krek sending out hand signals. A Mandalorian in elaborately painted unique Mandalorian armor began sprinting to Durrel's position. The knight was armed with the regular Mandalorian wrist launchers, and two special Katana like swords.

 

The Knight was quick in getting to Durrel.

 

"My presence was required, sir?"

 

"Follow me, Kajumo, I need your strategic wisdom here."

 

The Knight nodded and followed Durrel into the Enclave.

 

Durrel waved a hand toward Kajumo and introduced him to the Jedi and her companions.

 

"This is Kajumo, Mandalorian knight and tactician. He may be able to provide any military tactics or wisdom in this planning session."

 

Durrel turned back and nodded at Kajumo who was relaxing and holding his sheathed blades.

[JediMaster12]

The old man said, "Tell him to send a message to your fleet and his. You know that this world needs a defense."

 

If Andros had been younger, he would have rolled his eyes in annoyance. It still irked though and he said, "Do as we planned. Contact the fleet." To Komad he asked, "SHould we continue to go into the ruins?"

 

**********

 

Jun-la eyed the Mandalorian as well as Matton but more in the manner as if judging his fighting ability. She asked, "Do you know of chimeiteki no sentou?"

 

Andros kept quiet but he couldn't help but feel confused. His master was actually talking of fairy tales and old stories. They needed a plan of action, not stories! He nudged his sister and whispered, "I think the battle got to my master. She speaks of old stories and myths."

[CommanderQ]

Garrick nodded and began keying in the fleet. He sent out to "pings," as fleet commanders called it, the signal for the assualt, or rather, the defense. Barek would be quick and effecient, as he always was. Garrick looked back at the group. He was sure that they were as uncomfortable at the presence of the old man as he was. There was something eerie and dark about the old man. Something ancient.

 

"The fleet is on its way. My Brother will be quick. What should we do now?"

 

 

 

Durrel and Kajumo both shook their heads as the Jedi spoke to them.

 

Kajumo spoke first, "We have not heard of this tale, or at least the name. We would be honored to be told this tale, though."

 

Kajumo's head twitched as he heard a small whisper that caught his attention. Unknown to even Durrel and many Mandalorians, Kajumo was force-sensitive.

 

"Any information would be appreciated, whether they be ancient tales or not, everything shared here will be of use."

 

Durrel nodded an agreement as Kajumo spoke. The Knight had been through many similar situations, his experience was obviously showing.

[Alkonium]

"Yes, of course." Komad replied, walking towards the doors. "I am one of the Line of the Warrior Returning Home. Open the doors." He told the old man.

 

"Possibly. When you mentioned midi-chlorians earlier, I remembered something. Isn't mom's midi-chlorian count exceptionally high?" Kalla whispered back to her brother. It was possible that both sides of her family had some part in this.

[JediMaster12]

"Chimeiteki no sentou," Jun-la began,"in the simplest terms means mortal combat. In the more flowery language of our people, it speaks of fighting until you have no life, almost like saying to the end.

 

"It is something that exists within the core of our people ever since the Explorers left the paradise realm of Miako. That's why we are called Explorers on many worlds that we have visited. In any sense, Miako is where our people come from and with us came the Force, the philosophies that later developed the Jedi. All a myth really."

 

Tulre gave his twin a nudge and said, "Now you know that is not true. We both know that Revan and Kirabaros journeyed there to defend Miako and our galaxy from that dark realm." This in a low voice he said, "Father's parents went there too."

 

Andros, upon hearing that whispered back to his sister, "Maybe, though I think this is riduclous. What point is there to a mythical place that both our familes supposedly have visited?"

 

**********

 

The old man looked at the Twi'lek/human and said, "I do not control the ruins though I will help you understand your sentou soul. Find the main cavern and you will learn." The charge that had been building suddenly erupted in lightening and the old man was gone.

 

Andros looked at Komad with a raised brow and said, "Well you certainly have a way with people. Shall we?"

[CommanderQ]

Kajumo nodded as he heard everyone converse.

 

"We Knights have a similar belief, mhi Ki youk'nojima, or in the ancient words of my clan: To the Last. This has often been interpreted also as death before dishonor, which is why my clan became legendary as the warriors of old, technically, we never lose, and never will. That is the closest belief we have."

 

Kajumo whispered to himself, "Probably why there are so few left..."

 

Durrel chimed in, "This myth, or rather place, how will it affect the battle against this 'dark realm' you speak of? How will it affect our situation?"

 

 

 

Garrick looked at his captors and brought his beast forward and motioned that they should begin moving. Time was of the essence.

[JediMaster12]

"It is said that the realms control the universe," Jun-la explained. She knew that her padawan thought her crazy but what better way to reveal truths now? "Each has their own philosophy and rules of government. The dark realm encompasses all that we call evil. The only way the dark realm can truly rule the realms is be defeating the champions of the realms in chimeiteki no sentou."

 

"So another cosmic battle of good and evil?" Matton asked.

 

"In a sense yes. Somehow though two separate things have become one so we are all tied into this no matter what."