[i][b]"Leave me."[/b][/i]
[i][b]"No, you're coming with me. I'll not leave you here, I've got to save you."[/b][/i]
[i][b]"You already have, Luke. You were right... you were right about me. Tell your sister... you were right..."[/b][/i]
[i]~Anakin and Luke Skywalker[/i]




"... You lied to me."

Kajex smiled. "No, Locke, I didn't. You just didn't ask the right question."

Locke frowned. "I asked you if you were a Jedi Knight. You said you were not."

The gray wolf nodded. "And I was telling the truth. I was never officially knighted by the Jedi Council. I was far too young at the time, didn't have enough experience. If you want to call it a lie of omission... then go ahead. But I had my reasons for keeping it hidden."

"Why?!" Syrra snarled, anguish on her features. "Why didn't you [i]tell me!?[/i] Why did you make everything so [i]fucking hard [/i]for us?!"

Kajex looked away, feeling absolute shame. "Because I made a promise to my dad and Jedi Master, Bran- to keep myself hidden and safe. I tried to honor his final wishes, and for the most part I succeeded." He took a deep breath. "You were the first person I wanted to tell in a long time, Syrra. Retsa knows, Rik knew, and even Master Skywalker was able to figure it out. Ray on Southern Star Station and Ranger Captain Barnn, they both knew I was a Jedi as well; because my second father, Kane, served as an Antarian Ranger alongside them- and they both knew me from before the Jedi Purge. That's why the jacket you're wearing right now is the same kind that Talrik is wearing."

She stared at him, anger etched in her features, trembling while tears streaked down her face.

"... Syrra... I'm so sor--"

She lashed out, her palm connecting solidly with the side of the wolf's face, the blow hard enough that the sharp crack that accompanied it echoed between all sides of the basin. Keris gasped, Locke winced, Miles cursed in concern and Talrik wore an expression of shock as the wolf's head twisted from the blow. His only reaction was to deactivate his weapon- nothing else. Yet he could tell everyone could see the understanding and pain in his eyes as he turned his head back to the Trianii Padawan. Her breathing was accelerated, a glare burned from her eyes directly at him, even as tears continued to fall while she shook violently. Nobody spoke as the two stared at each other for what seemed like a lifetime- it wasn't until she fell forward, sobbing and wrapping her arms around him, that the wolf held her close and continued.

"I'm so sorry, Syrra. I never meant to hurt anybody with this."

She nodded, her face hidden as she cried into his chest, shaking uncontrollably. "I know you didn't... I wish you had told me... but... [i]why...?[/i]"

"I wanted to, Syrra. If nothing else, please believe me when I say I didn't want to hurt you, and that I love you so much." She nodded into his neck, calming down as he ran his paw down her back, soothing her gently as he returned her embrace. It was some time before she had steadied herself, looking up into his golden eyes.

"I believe you..." she choked out, shivering. A shaky paw caressed the spot she had struck him. "... Come back to me alive, Kajex... because I'm still not done beating the shit out of you for this," she said with a shaky smile.

He nuzzled her gently. "I'll tell you everything if I make it out of this alive, Syrra... I promise." He held her for some time as she leaned into him, his eyes flicking up and looking at Locke, who merely nodded. There did not seem to be any real hurry, though Syrra eventually drew away from him reluctantly, backing away as Talrik took her paw.

The fox regarded Kajex worriedly. "Don't die on us, Kaj... or else you'll make the times I've had to save your ass useless." He pulled Syrra back gently, an arm around her shoulder as he led her up near the central lip of the basin.

Keris stared at Locke before approaching him and holding him close. "You don't need to do this," she whimpered huskily, ear flat against her head.

The white wolf nodded, pressing his lips against her forehead. "I know. I'm choosing to. In the end, I hope you'll understand why. Please wait with Syrra and Talrik, love."

Keris glanced at the gray wolf sympathetically. "I'm sorry, Captain Surnahm... good luck to you. I promise I won't harm Syrra ever again if... I mean... I just won't. Ever."

He smiled back at her. "I appreciate that, Keris. Keep yourself safe."

Both wolves watched as Miles and Keris trotted off next to Syrra and Talrik, sitting on an outcrop of rock that offered a clear enough view of the environment. Once they were seated, Locke turned to his Jedi counterpart, sighing.

"You understand that I'm not doing this because I hate you in any regard, right?"

Kajex nodded. "I don't feel it coming off you. If you hate anything right now, it's that you're in this situation to begin with."

Locke nodded. "So... what are the rules, then? I'd prefer to fight you on equal footing."

Kajex paused for a moment before slowly drawing his blaster pistol and tossing it far from them. "Lightsabers, martial arts and telekinesis only. You can control the environment and alter your body, but no fucking with each other's minds. Physical misdirection is in." He paused again. "No [i]dun moch[/i]. I respect you too much to resort to shit-talking, and I know you're too respectable to do it. Finally... clean deaths. Don't draw out the pain, just end it if it happens."

Locke nodded. "Agreed." He raised his lightsaber, the blue energy blade flicking to life as he assumed a classic, high-guard position. "I just hope you can keep up, I can only assume keeping your Force sensitivity secret for such a long period of time might make you rusty. I confess that despite my aversion to killing... I do enjoy a good duel."

Kajex found himself smiling despite the somber mood. "You know something, Locke?" he asked, as he activated his weapon and got into a two-handed low-guard stance, his blade angled back. "So do I."

Both wolves regarded each other carefully, eyes locked on the other as they waited for the first move. Silence, save for the crashing of the waves against the cliffs and the hum of their weapons, hung in the air as the tension mounted. Without warning, Locke sprang forward and slashed downwards.

The duel had started.





Kajex moved with a deftness Syrra had never seen from him, raising his weapon and blocking with alarming speed. A series of inhumanly fast strikes followed, Locke battering against Kajex's guard repeatedly as they circled each other. Syrra realized that despite having trained in swordplay with her lover for over half a year, Kajex had clearly been holding back. Displaying skill with a lightsaber she never would have expected from all but Battlemaster Katarn and Master Skywalker, his defenses held firm. It was a perfect display of [i]Soresu[/i]- a relic from before the Clone Wars, she realized.

Within the opening sequence of strikes, it immediately dawned on her that she was looking at a classically trained Jedi, instead of a New Jedi Order student. While Locke's style was strong, powerful and well-trained, the same could be said of Kajex- no strike of the white wolf was defended against without a counter-attack to answer it, no change in position was made without Kajex adapting almost instinctively. She had seen Locke in battle before, and knew full well she could not stand up to him. That Kajex was not only able to keep up with him but match him blow for blow was nothing short of amazing to her.

The battle paused briefly. The last cadences of their dance ended as they drew back. Locke looked bewildered, impressed. There was no fear on his features so much as amazement- a similar expression was on Kajex's face, one mixed with caution. As impressive as he had been in weathering the assault, it was clear he had every intention of taking Locke seriously.

All four of them watched as the duel joined again, the Sith Knight's attacks flowing smoothly as he sought to penetrate Kajex's defenses. A shift in styles followed, as abrupt as it was unexpected. Three skilled blocks were preceded by Kajex ducking and slapping his palm into the ground, releasing a burst of Force energy between them. The explosion kicked up centuries of untouched dust, dirt and debris into the air as the blast echoed within the basin. The sight of the battlefield became obscure as the wind kept the dust airborne for a few moments. Locke's lightsaber remained lit, and although his face could not be seen it was clear that he was apprehensive, confused by the trick. Kajex and his lightsaber were nowhere to be seen as Locke turned slowly, cautiously. A snap-hiss rang out and the Jedi Sentinel's yellow blade flickered through the dust at high speed- Locke's blade intercepted the strike and the battle was met again, blade crashing with rhythmic pacing.

The difference in fighting styles and approaches were easy to identify; Locke was the aggressor, a force that crashed against the enduring defense of his Jedi counterpart. Yet for all his lunges and strikes, for all he did to attempt to unbalance Kajex, the gray wolf controlled the pace, causing breaks and pauses as he defended, feinted and counter-struck. Blue met gold and bled into white flashes as they continued- dust kicked up from their frantic footwork, burns scorched into the boulders around them as Locke slashed savagely and gouged into the rocks. A swing at Kajex's legs- the gray wolf leaped and landed on a stone. Another slash at his knees and he'd backflipped to the other side, landing cleanly before side-kicking into the boulder with the heel of his foot. Absurd as it looked, the massive rock dislodged from the ground and sailed into the air towards the white wolf, forcing him to roll under the projectile. Battle resumed as the tremendous crash of the rock shook the earth around them, the shock unsettling all 4 spectators as they continued to watch.

A whimper brought Syrra's attention away from the battle. Keris had her knees up to her chin, rocking back and forth repeatedly as she watched her master, her lover, engaged in combat with someone she realized was his equal in a fight. Despite her own fear of losing her own lover, she felt sympathy for the Sith apprentice. Hesitating for only a slight moment, she shuffled next to Keris, the vixen looking up apprehensively as the Trianii seated herself beside the woman who used to be her enemy. Her bottom lip trembled for a moment as Syrra wrapped an arm around the Amaran female's waist- the gesture seemed to have broken the dam holding back her emotions as she leaned into Syrra, hugging her tightly.

"I hate this, S-Syrra..."

The Jedi Padawan nodded, finding it hard to swallow. "So do I..."

"This isn't right," Talrik said aloud, looking torn apart by the situation. "Why is Locke [i]doing[/i] this, Miles?! I've only seen them interact once in my entire life, they seemed so close they were like brothers! What the fuck [i]happened!?[/i]"

Miles stared at the two dueling wolves with a heavy expression. "It's not about killing Kajex, Talrik. It's about Locke trying to find peace with himself."





Another shift in the battle occurred. Locke's strikes became more erratic, seemingly random and difficult to defend against, forcing Kajex to backpedal away cautiously. Another flurry of blows followed, but this time the gray wolf identified the pattern, twisting his weapon around and intercepting each blow expertly. His eyes narrowed as he backed away again. "[i]Vaapad[/i]," he remarked softly, recognizing the seemingly chaotic and erratic form.

"[i]Juyo[/i]," Locke corrected him, advancing and striking hard, their blades crackling in a saber-lock as they glared at each other. "The Jedi can credit Mace Windu 'perfecting' it and call it whatever they want- but Juyo is a Sith style, and has always been." With a grunt, he elbowed into the Jedi's chest, knocking Kajex back a few feet. Once again he lunged forward, their blades glancing several times in succession before another pause followed. "Devote your time and energy to [i]Soresu [/i]and [i]Niman[/i] as much as you'd like, Kajex, but you're putting yourself at risk every moment that you do."

The gray wolf shook his head as he stepped back- it had been 15 minutes since the duel had started, and while Kajex was certainly feeling the rush of adrenaline with an accelerated heartrate and heavy breathing, it was Locke who was panting slightly. "You're the one losing endurance, Locke." Another strike, another block, and this time Kajex struck back, scorching the cloth of Locke's robes. "And you don't have it in you to hate me to draw from the dark side- emotional drive is integral to your style."

Locke glared. "You're right, I'm not angry enough." He lunged, feinting left before striking from the right with a stab, drawing out a yelp from Kajex as he managed to burn a shallow hole into the Jedi's left thigh, causing him to stagger back in pain. "But I have plenty of fear to draw from, and that shall be enough to overwhelm you."

He backed away a step, his left paw outstretched as he lifted a boulder from the ground and lobbed it at the wolf with a snarl. Kajex dove out of the way, rolling back up to his feet with his weapon up. Another rock hurtled towards him and he leaped into the air, vaulting over the stone and landing cleanly- only to raise his weapon too late when Locke sprung forward and slashed his weapon out, slicing into the gray wolf's shoulder and leaving a burning cut. Kajex snarled in agony, the growl cut off as Locke planted a boot into the Sentinel's midsection and sent him sprawling, his weapon clattering away.

Kajex stared up at Locke, expecting him to have raised his weapon for the killing blow- only to find that the Sith Knight looked... confused. Worried. As if things were not happening as they should. There was a moment of clarity for the Jedi Sentinel as Locke seemed to shake himself out of his momentary daze, raising his lightsaber overhead just as Kajex pulled his weapon back into his paw and reactivated it, catching the blow in time and kicking out, slamming a boot into Locke's chest and knocking him away.

They both sprang back to their feet, Locke lunging in again- but rather than meet the battle, Kajex dodged away, rolling under Locke's head-level swing and slammed a paw against the ground. The blow released another explosion of Force energy, knocking Locke off balance as dust flew into the air, obscuring their vision once more. The sound of the Sentinel's blade deactivating reached his ears and Locke waited.

But there was no attack.

A full minute went by before the dust settled, revealing Kajex standing a distance away from Locke, breathing hard and holding his sore midsection. He kept his lightsaber in his paw, but it remained deactivated. "You can stop now, Locke."

The Sith Knight glared. "Turn the blade on, Kajex."

"... No." Kajex frowned. "Come clean with me, Locke. Tell me why we're here."

"To settle this, Surnahm!" the white wolf snarled. "Activate your weapon!"

Kajex stepped back warily. "You had me dead to rights just now. You hesitated. You're not a killer- the fact is... you're barely even a Sith."

"I'm a [i]murderer[/i], Kajex!" the Sith roared angrily, advancing on his opposite.

"You're not a murderer, Locke. 'Murder' is premeditated, executed with malice. You don't hate me, and you could have had multiple ways of ending me the moment I came off the ship. You're not trying to murder me," the gray wolf said softly as he backed away, a slight limp in his retreat.

"I've done it before!"

"You've been forced to kill people before, yeah," Kajex agreed, regarding Locke sympathetically. "How much of it do you regret?"

"[i]Every single death, every single fucking day[/i]!" Locke howled, anguish etched into his features. "I hate everything about myself, Kajex- I hate that I'm too weak to resist my own master; I hate that I've complied and caused so much death and suffering; I [i]hate[/i] that my own attempt to rescue people I've come to love and care about has put them at all at [i]risk[/i]!" He grit his teeth, glaring at Kajex through his tears. "This... I don't want to [i]be[/i] this, Kajex..."

Sadness welled up in the Sentinel as he stopped retreating. Their eyes met and Kajex could see the pain of causing so much suffering and loss in his eyes- a haunting opposite to the sensations of loss and fear of loss Kajex seemed to face every day. It was enough anguish for Kajex to confirm what he had guessed at.

"You didn't lure me here so you could kill me, Locke."

The white wolf stiffened.

"... You brought us here so you could try to make me kill [i]you[/i]."

A strangled cry left Locke's muzzle as he sprinted towards Kajex with speed, recklessness and rage. Expecting the Sith Knight to slash, Kajex reactivated his weapon- only to be caught by surprise when, at the last possible moment, Locke ducked low and slammed his shoulder into the Jedi's chest, wrapping his arms around him and picking him up. A roar sounded as Locke kept up the momentum, charging blindly forward with Kajex still winded over his shoulder, feet digging into the dirt with each Force-powered step until he came into a dead stop, slamming the gray wolf hard into a massive boulder.

Kajex felt his eyes bulging as every molecule of air in his lungs seemed to be expelled from his body- several sharp pains shot through the sides of his chest as he perceived dull cracks from his ribs. The momentum of the blow tossed his head up, slamming the back of his head against the stone with sickening force. All of it was pain he had experienced before in his life, but not all of it at the same time, and never with such intensity. He wanted to howl in agony for all he was feeling, but his lungs had ceased to function properly. Locke tumbled away from him, blood dripping from an open cut on his forehead, having struck his face against the boulder. But while Kajex struggled to remain on his feet wheezing, Locke was already standing and charging again for a killing blow.

It was a ruse. Kajex knew it in his mind. But in a moment of panic, he had forgotten restraint and acted instinctively. His wrist flicked up and he thrust without thinking.

Locke gasped, his eyes going wide as he stopped only a foot from the gray wolf.

"... N-no..."

They both looked down. The hilt of Kajex's lightsaber was pressed firmly into Locke's midsection, the yellow energy blade protruding from the Sith Knight's back.

"... No!"

Kajex looked back up, panicking, switching his weapon off and dropping it, paws grabbing the Sith Knight's upper arms as his own lightsaber fell out of his grip and deactivated. Locke's eyes relaxed into a dull stare, a small, sad smile forming on his muzzle as he reached up and touched the Jedi's face.

"... Thank you... Kajex..."

"[i]LOCKE, NO!!![/i]"





Keris had screamed and lunged away from Syrra the moment Locke started falling to the ground. The Trianii didn't bother to hold her back, grief overwhelming her senses as she staggered towards both wolves. Kajex was shouting obscenities at Locke, his face wet from tears and perspiration.

"Why did you make me do it, Locke?! Why didn't you fucking stop?! I didn't want this, I take it back, [i]I TAKE IT BACK[/i]!!!"

Keris reached them first, dropping to her knees and hands several feet from the injured Sith Knight, her paw reaching out. "L-Locke...!"

"I-it's alright, Kajex... it's fine," he gasped, shaking. "I wanted this."

"You stupid fucking son of a bitch- [i]why!?[/i]"

"Because... it's what people like me deserve..."

"[i]FUCK WHAT YOU DESERVE, LOCKE!!![/i]" Kajex howled into his face. "It wasn't [i]this![/i]"

Syrra staggered forward, breathing hard. "K-Kaj... lay him out."

"Syrra, you have to believe me," he said, looking up at her pleadingly, anguish on his face as he held the albino wolf like a wounded brother. "I-I didn't want to, I swear!!!"

"Lay him out, Kajex!" she shouted.

Trembling, the Jedi Sentinel complied, whining as Locke groaned and stirred feebly. Syrra dove down over him, tearing his robes apart and exposing the wound, paws running over his midsection as she focused. Keris was sobbing into Miles' shoulder while Talrik had held Kajex from behind as the wolf tried to crawl back to Locke- but she shut all of this out as she focused on the patient. Seconds crawled by as she delved past the pain, gazing into the wound deeply and assessing the damage with the knowledge she had gained- Locke's body was identical to her lover's in every respect.

Her eyes snapped open. However bad it looked on the outside she was nevertheless relieved by what she saw inside. Calmness seemed to flood back into her as she turned to Keris, putting a paw on her shoulder. "We can still save him. He's in bad shape, but we can save him if we get him back to the [i]Gold Rush[/i] and into the life support unit."

Locke stirred. "Don't... I don't deserve..."

"Shut the fuck up, Locke!!" Kajex snarled, wiping his eyes. "This was fucking stupid, all of it! I'm not going to judge you for having a shitty life and a shitty upbringing! You need help and protection, not a death wish fulfilled because you can't live with the things someone forced you to do throughout your life!!!"

Locke grimaced. "I could've turned away... I could've died instead of hurting so many people, K-Kajex... I [i]should [/i]have died before I did... I killed children..."

Syrra grabbed his paw, sympathy for Locke at its highest. "The fact that you regret it shows you're not a monster, Locke," she said sadly. "It's not fair to ask someone to die just on the slim, unreasonable chance that it might spare someone a terrible fate. I wouldn't have asked that of you if I'd known everything about you."

Miles nodded, looking pale and worried. "It's like I told you earlier, Locke- if you'd refused to kill those two Jedi, Inquisitor Voyde would have killed you, me and Keris... and [i]then[/i] he would have killed the Jedi anyway. Whatever Inquisitor Voyde has been telling you, whatever he's been whispering into your mind every night is a fucking fabrication."

Locke writhed, coughing violently and spitting up blood. "He makes me relive it... every time I disobey... my first kill... she was only 7..."

Kajex grabbed the Sith's shoulders. "SHUT UP! Just... SHUT UP!!!" Syrra watched as the both their eyes met, the gaze calming Kajex down as Locke finally silenced himself. The Jedi swallowed, taking a deep, shaky breath that nevertheless seemed to calm him down. His next words were steadier, quieter, as he ran a paw through his kin's hair. "This is what's going to happen... we're going to get on the [i]Rush[/i] and hook you up to the trauma unit. We're going to transport Miles, Keris, and your sorry, stupid ass to Yavin 4 so we can look after you, get you proper medical attention and healing. And then you're going to live on my ship for the rest of your fucking life and never leave my sight ever again, because I'm [i]not[/i] going to let go of the one person that could ever come close to kin!"

"But—"

"Shut [i]up, [/i]Locke, no 'buts'," Kajex said, nuzzling his forehead. "You don't get to have a say right now, I probably severed your spinal cord- you're in no position to refuse." He turned to Miles and Keris, pain and regret in his eyes. "You understand what that means, right?"

The Miralukan soldier sighed, nodding. "Yes, Captain Surnahm. Er... Mast-- … Yeah, Kajex," he said clumsily. "I understand that I'll be in New Republic territory."

Keris wiped her eyes. "I'll become a Jedi instead if that's what it takes for you to save Locke, Kajex," she snuffled quietly.

He shook his head. "You won't have to. I just want you guys to be safe, to not have to put up with this Sith bullshit." He wiped his face, doubling over with pain and groaning. "Fuck... Syrra... I'm not in so good shape, you and Talrik will need to move him."




They started to move back to the [i]Gold Rush[/i] slowly, Talrik and Syrra carrying Locke on each side, while Miles supported Kajex as the wolf limped behind them. Self-loathing tore through the gray wolf as he realized Locke's legs weren't moving- the mortal wound had, as he'd pointed out, likely severed his spinal cord, rendering him paralyzed. Keris led the way, glancing back every few moments at her lover, her face painted with a mixture of relief and fear. They were all aware that until they reached Yavin 4, they were not out of the woods yet.

They had reached the middle of the basin when it happened.

It was not difficult to hear the rocket's approach- silent as the environment around them was, everyone's attention turned in the direction of the city as they heard a hissing sound from the distance. They all froze as the ship the Sith trio had used exploded in a massive fireball, shrapnel flying in every direction.

"What...?"

A second blast tore through the silence, this one high-pitched and mechanical in nature. Kajex watched as a long, bright blue bolt of energy struck the [i]Gold Rush[/i] directly against the hull with enough for to tear a shallow hole into her thick skin. Tendrils of electrical discharge sparked along the surface of the ship as the ion blast coursed through her, until she was smoking from several areas of the hull.

He swore loudly, groaning as the exclamation made his chest burn. "F-fuck! Ship is going to be sealed until she self-repairs, who the [i]fuck[/i]--"

"No..."

Locke was staring away from the ship, at the center of the basin lip. Everyone's gaze followed his, watching as over a dozen dark-robed figures appeared at the lip of the basin. One by one, they ignited their weapons, pillars of red light burning from their hilts. Stormtroopers lined up next to them on either side, their rifles pointed at the frozen group- but Kajex felt true, cold fear as a massive figure ambled into the middle, throwing back his hood.

"No... that's not possible... how...?"

He was massive, taller than any man present, his icy blue eyes peering at the group, a leering grin spreading across his face.

"... [i]I KILLED YOU, YOU FUCKING BEAST!!![/i]" Locke howled, despite his terrible injury- he coughed and spat up blood, moaning loudly as the effort of screaming his disbelief seemed to drain away what little energy he had left.

Kajex staggered back. "How is he alive...? I... I saw Locke fucking cut him in [i]half![/i] There's [i]no way he could have survived that![/i]"

"Oh, I agree, scum."

If none of them had been looking at Sith Knight Ulfric in wonder and fear, they all would have asked who had spoken. But there was no mistaking it- his mouth had moved and his words, while low and heavily accented, were easy enough to hear. He moved his gaze to the injured Sith wolf, glaring at him.

"To be fair, Knight Locke [i]did[/i] kill me, back on Southern Star Station. I was dead for a grand total of 8 hours, yet my spirit lingered, strong enough to be siphoned by what few Dark Jedi remained on the station. You see, unlike the Jedi and their foolish acceptance of death, the Sith have spent millennia studying the secrets and effects of death, learning how to cheat it outright. If you think Emperor Palpatine was the only one capable of spirit transference... you are sorely mistaken."

Keris stepped back. "You're a clone," she said softly.

"I am still Ulfric," the giant responded. "And I have not forgotten the pain I suffered at the hands of you miserable dogs."

"Sounds like you fortunately remember how to use your frontal lobe for speaking again, at least," Miles noted dourly.

Ulfric nodded, grinning maliciously. "I do enjoy my improved articulation. It was necessary in order for me to relay the message I was told to deliver to you- mostly you, Knight Locke."

"S-save your f-fucking breath," Locke spat between wheezing breaths. "I know what you're going to say, you f-fucking freak... Voyde never intended to let any of us live, did he? His command for me to kill Kajex and steal his pendant was a r-ruse... one you were to make use of to follow me, using Katarr's wound in the Force to cloak yourselves from our sight and ambush us." He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth and hissing through them as he breathed slowly. "Take out... several insects with one oversized fist.... is that it?"

Ulfric nodded. "That's more or less the jist of it. Are you really so surprised, Locke? Surely you were aware your defiance was going end in retribution. Surely you considered that Tesque would be [i]livid[/i] to know that I, her finest student and creation, had been killed due to your betrayal. You've been little more than a weak link all these years, always having to have someone control you to get results, and working to our detriment when you were let off the leash. The [i]best[/i] that can be said is that your retrieval missions have been exceptional- that is all. You have been fortunate enough to deliver good items to the Circle... essentially amounting to little more than a glorified, Force-sensitive [i]scavenger[/i]."

Kajex glared at the Sith Knight. "I liked it better when you were just dumb muscle, too simple-minded to string words together. You talk too fucking much."

"You're hardly in any position to silence me, whelp," Ulfric replied as his eyes flashed dangerously.

"That's where we'll have to disagree."

He had to move quickly in order to do it, groaning as his arm shot to the right- with incredible focus he latched on to a massive boulder and propelled the stone directly at the Sith Knight. He knew it wouldn't work, but he needed at least a few seconds of time, and he got it as Ulfric drew his thick lightsaber and clove the stone into two halves- each half smashed into the Dark Jedi on either side, dispersing them momentarily and stunning the stormtroopers around them as the Jedi and Sith trios backed away quickly into the cover of another stone, managing to get into cover just as they began firing at their position.

Kajex whined as agony wracked his midsection. "Worst day ever," he remarked, keeping his head low. His ears flattened to his head as the mechanical whine and explosive burst of Talrik's concussion rifle sounded- Miles followed up with several blasts from his heavy repeater.

"I'm... sorry Kajex," Locke mumbled, his breathing labored. "I swear... I didn't know..."

"I believe you, Locke," Kajex responded dully, "now save your strength so we can save you. Miles, how many are we looking at?"

The Imperial specialist seemed to gaze through the boulder, scanning across the lip of the basin. "By quick count... 90 hostiles." Talrik's C-rifle exploded again. "Make that 85. But it won't be long before those Dark Jedi decide to join in."

"Talrik, do you still have your mines?"

The fox ducked back into cover, narrowly avoiding a barrage of blaster bolts. "10 charges, default set to proximity," he shouted over the din, reaching into his satchel and tossing a bushel of explosive charges to the wolf.

"Miles, are they moving in yet?"

"Not quite, but they're looking about ready to."

Kajex swore, passing explosives to Keris and Syrra. "Stay in cover, get these stuck onto the boulders out there, anywhere it looks like those bastards will walk through." He coughed, hissing as pain shot through him again. With intense focus he ignored the pain and started levitating the explosives over the boulder, reaching out with his senses to hide suitable places to secure it. The thundering of Talrik's C-rifle echoed as if from a great distance as he latched 4 of the explosives into place- he gasped, bringing himself out of the trance just as Miles started laying down suppressing fire.

"Here they come!" the Miraluka shouted.

Kajex peered over the boulder, watching as no fewer than 20 saber-wielding Dark Jedi leaped down from the basin lip and charged into the boulder-laden field with a chorus of battle cries. The wolf found himself laughing in panic. "Heh... heheh they... they need [i]so many[/i] of these bastards just to [i]kill us[/i], Locke... it's like we're badasses or something, isn't it?" He groaned even as he grinned, the laughter aggravating his internal injuries.

Locke managed a weak smile. "It... does say something of our... potency, when we're teamed up... doesn't it...?"

Two explosions rang out, engulfing at least 3 Dark Jedi and causing a hesitation in the ranks as they slowed down. Talrik leaned out from cover and fired his last round, blowing apart another two. The fox cursed as he leaned back in. "That was my last shot, and now the ground troops are coming in."

Syrra and Keris stood, glancing at each other grimly as they ignited their weapons. "If this is where we must die today, there's no reason we can't take as many of these bastards with us as we can," Syrra said boldly as she held her saber at the ready.

"I don't think we will, Syrra," Kajex responded, his eyes widening as he gazed into the sky.

"What makes you say that, Captain?" Keris asked, growling as the Dark Jedi approached slowly, threateningly.

He pointed up into the sky, at the 3 drop ships that had only just broken the cloud cover above.

"The Jedi are here."





There was a noticeable pause in the battle as the New Republic Multi-Altitude Assault Transports approached at full speed like three hawk-bats closing in for the kill. Once the MAAT's were within range they opened fire, launching scores of missiles at the basin lip and engulfing the ridge with explosions that tore through the stormtrooper and Dark Jedi ranks- save for Ulfric, who had jumped from his position and descended into the bowl. Syrra watched as the dropships sailed overhead and turned, drifting and leaning to their sides just as their port-side hatches opened above them- 9 figures, 3 from each dropship, fell from the sky and landed easily like acrobats in front of them. 9 Jedi in all- Kyle Katarn, Corran Horn, Simetra, Garrett, and several other Jedi, all of them sprinting ahead and into the fray as explosions tore through the stones and lightsabers clashed. But none of them stunned Syrra more with their presence than the one that landed nearest to them, a Trandoshan she had not seen in over half a year.

"... Master Moarn?!"

The green-scaled Jedi Master looked around at the sound of his former student's voice, spotting her quickly and looking hesitant. "Hello, Syrra."

She stepped forward, unable to believe her eyes. "Wha... why are you here?"

"I... I returned to request your forgiveness and explain my actions, only to hear you had left minutes before my arrival. Once I knew where you were headed, I requested to join to help you and your... your mate," he finished quietly, looking at Kajex in concern.

Gratitude for her former master welled up in her. "We could certainly use the help," she said, relief coursing through her as Moarn knelt next to Kajex, putting a claw against the wolf's midsection carefully and peering into him.

"What's the situation in the air, Moarn?" the wolf groaned.

"A single Imperial Light Cruiser was discovered in orbit, I assume it came out of hyperspace immediately after you arrived. We thought it would be best to leave 30 minutes ahead of time. Rogue and Wraith Squadrons have been deployed to engage- all things considered, we were able to set up a response force in fairly short order thanks to Master Horn's connections and Master Skywalker's influence." His expression became sympathetic as he pulled his hand back with a sigh. "You're in no immediate danger, yet you are also in no shape to fight, Sentinel. Will you allow me to wield your lightsaber for you?" the Trandoshan asked hesitantly.

Kajex nodded, leaning back against the rock next to Locke with a wince, holding out his Jedi weapon and handing it to the Trandoshan. "Sure thing, Master Moarn... just don't let those Sith bastards take it, there's something important in it that I might need. I'll... I'll try to keep my friend here stabilized."

Syrra frowned. "You... you knew Kajex was a Jedi?"

Moarn held up a claw to halt her questions. "I'm sorry, Syrra, but now is clearly not the moment to discuss this. I'm certain Kajex will explain everything to you, as will I, once this is all over. If you're capable of fighting, Padawan, then help us beat back these shadows."

She glanced at Kajex, who nodded. "Go get 'em, kitten... save our lives again."

Moarn squeezed her shoulder and she and Keris followed behind closely, the three sprinting into the fray as the din of clashing energy blades rang through the air, sounds of combat and screams piercing echoing in the basin as the first real battle ever fought on Katarr in over 4 thousand years reached a fevered pitch. Syrra watched as Moarn ignited his lightsaber, a broad emerald blade snapping out from his right hand as Kajex's gold blade sprang to life in his left, snarling as he barreled into a pair of Dark Jedi and began a frenzied, acrobatic assault. Keris, meanwhile, charge ahead of him and advanced towards the column of approaching stormtroopers, deflecting their fire and send it back to their shooters expertly.

She had no time to watch as another dark side combatant approached, swinging wildly and missing as Syrra sidestepped and countered, only to find another red blade blocking her strike. A second Dark Jedi female knocked her back with a body blow, causing her to stagger in reverse as they advanced. Knowing better than to initiate combat recklessly, she backstepped and blocked as they moved in tandem, attempting to strike from multiple sides. The human female fighter overlunged and Syrra sidestepped again, grabbing her weapon arm and slicing it off easily, the woman shrieking in agony and falling to her knees before Syrra silenced her with a kick to the jaw. The second Dark Jedi attacked; Syrra blocked again and, still holding the severed arm and active lightsaber, brought her off-hand around and slashed across the Dark Jedi's chest, dropping him quickly.

Before she could move on, however, she felt a tightness around her throat close in. She gasped, choking as an invisible vice clenched around her windpipe, releasing the severed arm as she nearly fell to her knees. The only thing that stopped her from dropping to the ground was the choke hold Ulfric had her in, through the Force. As a red haze filled the corners of her vision she could feel herself being lifted into the air, the Sith Knight approaching slowly with his dual-bladed lightsaber ignited. She writhed, kicking into the air futilely as she drifted unwillingly towards him, his weapon drawn back as he aimed to stab her.

A snarl sounded as a blur of dark-red fur, wearing a brown leather jacket, slammed into the distracted Sith human's upper torso. Syrra dropped, coughing and struggling to get her breath back, eyes looking around frantically to spot her savior. She caught sight of a glint of silver, her eyes falling upon a drawn combat knife in Talrik's right paw, watching, as if in slow motion, the weapon descend and sink directly into Ulfric's collarbone. Ulfric roared, grabbing Talrik by the neck with his free hand and Syrra nearly screamed at what might happen next- yet the pain Ulfric seemed to be enduring compelled him to toss the Amaran into a boulder instead of stabbing him, the fox yelping as he hit the rock. Syrra gasped in relief as Talrik staggered back to his feet, looking rattled but otherwise fine.

Realizing she had a moment to gain the upper hand she sprinted toward Ulfric as he staggered to his feet, forcing him to be on the defensive as she assaulted him with a series of spinning, glancing strikes. She focused intently on the Sith as she nearly became a blue of gold and blue, striking from multiple angles as she allowed the Force to guide her footwork and agility. Despite the tension around her, she felt a flowing calm within her, a veritable eye in the storm as her blade landed a shower of blows against the Sith Knight. He attempted to counter-attack, slicing at her head; she ducked and poked the tip of her blade into his left knee. Another slash towards her midsection; she intercepted the attack, maneuvering her blade down the length of his and slashing at his face, leaving a deep gash from his nose to his ear. He roared and attacked once more, stabbing towards her chest; she sidestepped and swung upwards, her lightsaber chopping the hilt cleanly and causing one emitter to cut out completely.

There was a pause as she watched Ulfric toss away the useless weapon half. She had dropped her guard, and realized it too late as he swung an enormous arm at her, catching in the face and sending her flying, landing some distance away and crumpling into a heap. Pain radiated from her jaw and temple, the Trianii spitting out blood and a molar from her muzzle as distortions in her vision caused lights to blink in and out. She whimpered, trying to get back on her feet, only to feel a heavy boot slam into her chest and force the air from her body as Ulfric started to crush her under his enormous foot. She writhed beneath his heel, slashing deep into his legs with her razor-sharp claws desperately as her eyes bulged, finding it impossible to breathe.

He lifted his boot briefly and she gasped for air, only to scream when he lifted his hand and unleashed a storm of electricity from his fingertips. Pain unlike any she had known before coursed through her body, the feline writhing in agony as every nerve in her body shrieked in anguish and torture. How long it lasted, she didn't know, but every moment of the assault was a moment in hell, a moment where she longed for death rather than this cruel torment.

It stopped and she gasped again, shaking uncontrollably, unable to move voluntarily as the Sith Knight stood over her.

"... You're the slut who belongs to Surnahm, aren't you."

She found it in her to glare up at him defiantly. "F-fuck... you..."

He raised his hand and she braced herself for another assault.

It never came.

She watched as a royal blue lightsaber blade slashed from overhead behind Ulfric. The Sith Knight turned and caught it easily with only a gloved hand, as if it were no more than a stick. He sneered down at his attacker- Kajex, glaring back at the knight as he held Locke's weapon in his paws. The base of the shaft of blue light seemed to crackle, physical shards of hard energy forming on the surface and flaking away into the wind.

The wolf growled and pulled the energy blade from Ulfric's grip, kicking the giant back with renewed strength and advancing quickly. Syrra struggled to get up as they moved from her sight, feeling incredibly tender- a pair of paws grabbed at her shoulders carefully and helped her up- Keris pulled her into a sitting position, worry on her face. "Are you alright?"

Syrra nodded distractedly, her eyes still on Kajex as he put the pressure on Ulfric, combining powerful blows and bursts of Force energy to knock the Sith Knight off balance, backing the giant towards the cliffs slowly. Ulfric's eyes were burning with anger and rage as he fended off the attack... yet Syrra could feel the twinge of worry in the massive human as room started to run out. Without another lightsaber blade at the other end of his weapon, Ulfric's form was sloppy, lacked defense and wasted too much movement and energy on defending the wide open parts of his body.

Just as Syrra was certain Kajex was moving in for the kill, the battle turned rapidly. With a roar, Ulfric landed a clean, two-handed strike that Kajex wasn't prepared for, Locke's lightsaber tearing out of his grip and flying into the air. Before he could summon the Force to bring it back to his paw, the giant reached out and grabbed the wolf around the throat, squeezing hard.

Syrra found her strength again as she jumped to her feet and snarled at the giant. "[i]PUT HIM DOWN!!!"[/i] She staggered towards the two as quickly as she could, only to be blasted back by a pulse of Force energy from Ulfric. Syrra snarled in pain as she slammed into a rock, her singed nerves rattled as she fell to her knees, her newfound strength fading quickly. She raised her head only to watch, unable to avert her eyes.

Ulfric grinned maliciously. "Ironic, is it not, that you should die the same way Locke did." Kajex struggled in his grip, unable to speak but glaring back. "At least Locke will know that he outlived you." He held his weapon back, aiming for the wolf's heart.

It happened in a matter of seconds.

A glint of silver flew from Ulfric's shoulder and into Kajex's paw, shortly before a boot kicked out and slammed into the forgotten wound in the Sith Knight's shoulder, causing Ulfric to scream in pain as his grip slackened. Paw high in the air, Talrik's combat knife held tight in his grip, Kajex swung the blade down with all of his strength, sinking every inch of the blade into Ulfric's skull and silencing the man's scream in an instant.

Kajex fell to the ground as Ulfric's arm went limp, the wolf landing unsteadily on his feet. Ulfric sank to his knees, still positioned on the edge of the cliff. The Sith Knight did not seem to have motor function anymore, though his eyes followed the wolf as he approached.

Keris appeared at Syrra's side. "C'mon... up you get, bitch..." she said softly, as she helped the Trianiii stand.

Syrra hissed slightly in pain as she got back onto her feet. The Amaran at her side helped her as they walked towards the cliffs. Syrra became dimly aware that the battlefield was silent again, looking around to see who was left- Kyle was still standing, as was Corran. Simetra was nursing a broken arm as Garrett held her close,both looking exhausted and shaken. Talrik was moving back to them, looking disheveled but intact; Miles followed him, a few scorch marks on his black armor and a gash above his right eyebrow, but otherwise fine. One Jedi, a blonde human male, was mourning over the bodies of two of their brethren; while another, a dark-skinned female, comforted her grieving friend. And finally, walking slowly towards Kajex and the incapacitated Sith Knight, Master Moarn.

The Trandoshan stared at the wolf as the latter panted- he turned his cold eyes to the unmoving Sith Knight. "He still lives, Sentinel."

"... Do you have my lightsaber, Master Moarn?"

The reptilian Jedi held it out to him. Kajex took it and approached Ulfric. The Sith Knight's eyes followed him, glaring at the wolf even as Talrik's knife remained embedded in his skull, blood running down his face.

Kajex regarded him with disgust. "You can hear me can't you, you son of a bitch."

Ulfric glared at him, yet said nothing.

"You couldn't just stay dead, could you. You had to violate the nature of the Force by cheating your own death. The last time a Sith did that on this planet, he left a wound in the Force when he committed genocide on the population here."

The lightsaber ignited, its glowing blade humming as he held it out.

"Because of that, no life grows on this planet anymore. Anyone else would just die and be one with the Force, but people like [i]you[/i]...? No. People like you get to traverse through that wound, twisted and changed, forced to be tethered into Chaos- the way you should be."

He raised his weapon.

"The dark side didn't corrupt you, Ulfric. Your kind of evil exists all over the universe, without aid of the Force. Everything you've done, you've chosen to do gladly- haven't you."

Ulfric sneered as blood poured down his face, a deep cackle rumbling through him. "Going to be like every other Jedi and let me live? Or kill me? No... you Jedi were always too weak cut down true power."

Kajex shook his head. "I'm a Jedi Sentinel. I'm used to making tough decisions- and someone like you just makes the decision [i]so much easier[/i]."

The gold blade of light swept sideways, a sickening slicing sound ringing into the air as it severed through flesh and bone. Everyone watched, frozen and silent, as Ulfric's head toppled backwards off his shoulders and off the cliff. A moment later, his body leaned back and followed, falling into the crashing waves below.

"... Gods dammit, Kajex... you owe me a new knife."





"You... came back..."

Kajex knelt next to the white wolf, smiling tiredly as Syrra, Keris, Miles and Talrik stood a few paces away. "I said I would, as soon as I was finished with Ulfric."

Locke nodded weakly, his silver-blue eyes dull. "I felt it... you... you did well... I'm just sorry... it came to nothing..."

Kajex shook his head. "I have what I need in here, Locke. You're going to live." He drew his lightsaber and a began to dismantle it swiftly. Everyone watched as he unfitted the emitter by hand, sliding the crystal chamber out and fishing out a glowing, gold and orange gem that matched his eyes.

Syrra's eyes widened. "That... is that...?"

Kajex nodded. "A Healing Crystal of Fire, Syrra. One of probably only two left in existence, unless more have grown and been uncovered." He set the dismantled lightsaber off to the side for the moment, beckoning to her. "I need your help, Syrra."

The Trianii approached hesitantly. "Why? You're a Jedi Sentinel... you've got to be better at healing than I am, right?"

Kajex shook his head sadly. "I'm actually really bad at Force healing, kitten. I feel like my lungs are still bruised, and I still have the wounds on my leg and shoulder- that was just me trying to heal myself with the first stone." He took her paw, looking to the Sith Knight as his breathing became weaker. "Locke... he's dying. I'll try to help, but you need to be the one to save his life. Please..." He looked into her eyes sadly. "... I know I'm so close to losing you because I lied about who and what I am, and I deserve nothing less... but please; help me so I don't lose [i]him[/i], too."

Syrra squeezed his paw. "You're not going to lose either of us, Kajex."

She allowed her paw to be directed to the hole in Locke's midsection, the feeling of uncertainty fading away as she got to her knees and cupped the crystal between her paw and his. She watched as Kajex started to focus, eyes relaxing as he seemed to go into a trance. She felt a deep warmth from the crystal, a pleasant feeling she could only describe as pure light, and she followed suit, pouring her concentration into the gem between their paws.

It was a sensation that was both alien and comforting; strange but kind. It felt like the exuberance and energy she had once felt as a cub on Ekibo, playing chasing games with her father from what seemed a lifetime ago- yet somehow, it had a form. A pliability she found she could control. And through the vision she could visualize herself being in the crystal, a part of it- through the translucent facets, should could barely, somehow, make out Locke's inert form, even though both her paw and Kajex's should have been covering it. She disregarded the irregularity and guided herself through the facet, towards Locke.

Once she passed through the surface, she knew everything was going to be alright.

Despite her trance, she was dimly aware that Locke's midsection was glowing and the Sith Knight was stirring beneath their paws. She focused deeper, pouring the Force into that wound and filling the gap, feeling the effects of her efforts, supported by the Jedi Sentinel at her side. Bone and nerve renewed itself, Locke's legs stirring and returning to life; organs repaired itself, no longer in danger of shutting down from the trauma of his injury; flesh and sinew grew back, sealing Locke's midsection until barely any trace of the wound was left; and life returned to the albino wolf's silver-blue eyes as he gasped, writhing slightly as he sucked in lungfuls of air.

Syrra removed herself from the trance, feeling alarmingly lightheaded, and Kajex grabbed her as she fell forward with a low moan. He straightened her up as he turned his eyes to Locke, who was staring up into the sky as his body relaxed, groaning.

"... I don't know what you did... but I feel great..."

Keris lunged forward, sobbing as she embraced the white wolf tightly- Locke brought his arms around, holding her close as the tension seemed to fade away.

Syrra felt a calm within her as she smiled, watching both their tails wag. She squeezed Kajex's paw.

"... How did I do, Master?" she asked, turning to the wolf.

He smiled at her proudly. "... Outstanding, my apprentice."





"Are you sure, Kajex?"

Kajex sighed. "Yeah, Syrra... I think it's for the best, right now. At least until we get back to Yavin 4. I can get medical attention once the ship powers back up. Besides, someone has to get the [i]Gold Rush[/i] back home..."

They were standing outside his vessel. Despite Locke being healed and brought back from the brink of death, he still required moderate medical attention. Miles and Keris had been allowed to depart on one of the the MAAT's once they had surrendered their weapons to the Jedi- they handed them over without argument, simply glad everything was over. Syrra was happy to see that they were being treated much like refugees as opposed to prisoners. Now only one MAAT remained on the surface, along with Kajex's vessel. Captain Lynch was staring at them from the cockpit, offering a little wave towards the wolf that he returned.

Syrra frowned. "You told me once this was all over, you would tell me everything about you. You don't need to hide anything else from me, Kajex- I'm not going to leave you."

Kajex sighed. "I wouldn't blame you if you did... but thank you for saying that, anyway," he added, rubbing the back of his neck and shifting a bit. "I swear, I [i]will[/i] tell you everything... but right now, it would be easier if we waited until Locke fully recovers and we can get everyone together. They... they have a right to know- Kyle, Corran, Locke, Keris; there are things I haven't even told Master Skywalker yet. I promised I'd tell him once I finally decided to reveal what I was."

"Kaj is right, it'd be better if we wait until we get everyone in one place to talk," Talrik said with a nod. "Besides, things are still a little hectic- Cilghal didn't come with the cavalry. You're going to need to be there to tend to the injured." He looked to Kajex. "And... you guys probably do need a little time apart. Not too long, just... for now."

The Trianii sighed, finally nodding. "Alright, then..." She hesitated, then approached the wolf, staring up at him. He tried to look away, but she turned his face to hers.

"... I still love you, Kajex."

"... Do you trust me?"

"... You think because you kept a secret that I can't trust you?" She smiled, shaking her head. "You saved my life, love, as you've done before in the past. I trust you."

She kissed him gently, a tired purr rolling from her chest as she embraced the man she still loved, still trusted. It had been a grueling, emotional day, but they had come out of it alive. Kajex pulled her in close, returning the kiss.

She broke off, touching his face. "We'll get through this, Kajex. We're stronger than a well-meaning lie."





They both watched as the MAAT lifted off, Syrra waving from the open side hatch. Kajex waved back, his tail wagging slightly. Once they were out of sight, he sighed, leaning against one of his ship's landing struts and sliding down it all the way to the ground. He whined anxiously, banging the back of his head against the landing gear deliberately in self-punishment.

"... I'm such a fucking idiot, Talrik."

"Cut it out, boss," the fox said sternly, tossing his satchel to the ground. "You gotta stop beating yourself up over it. You said you had a good reason to keep a secret, and I think I see why."

"Yeah?"

Talrik nodded, digging into the satchel and pulling out a pair of bottles.

"... Kit... did you pilfer ale out of my motherfucking ship before we stepped off earlier?"

"Yeah? I figured if things panned out amicably, we could just have a drink while talking things out. What are you going to do about it, 'Sentinel?'" Talrik challenged.

"... Gimme the fucking bottle, I'm thirsty." The fox tossed it to him and he caught it cleanly, cracking open the top. "So... what is it that you think you know?"

"Oh come on, Kaj," Talrik replied, rolling his eyes as he opened his bottle. "You, a Clone-Wars era Jedi with a Jedi Master and Antarian Ranger dads, carrying around a pair of crystals that can bring people back to life? Somebody probably wanted to kill your ass dead a long time ago, I'm guessing..." He paused. "And they nearly did, didn't they?" he added softly.

Kajex stared at him dourly. "... Shut up and drink, kit. You'll hear it when I tell everybody else."