Beginings (Part 1 of a trilogy)

Sephiroth · Beginings (Part 1 of a trilogy)

The Gearorian Sector on Kiffex

Smoke billowed from the small gathering of people as a fire raged throughout. They were being cut down left and right, crying out in pain as they fell to the ground. A few tried to resist, but the mysterious horned assailent proved to much for them. Soon, all in sight were dead.....save one. Having grabbed a vibroblade he tried to kill the murderer, but to no avail. The horned foe simply swung his red blade of death, and with a rage-filled scream, cut down the last of the clan. The warrior looked upon the chaos he had caused and vanished into the depth's of the night. The fire engulfed everything, leaving no signs of life anywhere near the destruction. In the distance, in the endless number of clouds, a face seemed to appear. An old man with a dignified and serious demeener. However the identity of the man was unclear as everything faded into nothing in the blink of an eye.

Korag awoke from this horrible sight crying in his bed. He rose up to wipe the still-flowing tears from his eyes. When he finally stopped crying , he made his way from his room to another room.
"Ugh...Master Hui, I had that nightmare again." Korag managed to say as the tears starrted to flow once more.

Relin Hui was a 33 year old Grey Jedi who left the Order when she was 26.
"Oh, Korag it's ok. It's over now, you don't have to worry about it. Come on, take this and you'll sleep better." Relin said as she handed Korag some sleeping medicine and sent him back to his room. Huh, I'm going to need help with this very soon. It seems to be getting stronger as time passes. Relin thought to herself as she worried for Korag.

Sephiroth

Chapter 2

Korag awoke from his sleep to a beautiful cloudless morning. The sun shown with great brightness as he got out of bed and put on his clothes for the day. He made his way, very slowly as he was tired, to the kitchen to get some breakfast. Upon entering the room he saw Master Hui already had their morning meal prepared.
“Oh, hello Korag, I didn’t expect you up this early.” Hui said as she sat down at the table.
Korag sat down as well and rubbed the sleepiness from his eyes, “After I went back to bed I was able to sleep better.” He said as he took a bite of toast and a drink of blue milk. “Well, I’m glad to here it.” Hui replied with a smile.

1 hour later

Hui and Korag finished their meals and put the leftovers inside the storage unit. Then as Hui handed a plate to Korag she asked, “Korag, can you clean up for me while I make a quick holonet call?” Korag looked at her with a puzzled expression, but simply answered, “Of course,” with a smile on his face. Hui made her way to the holonet and looked through it for a specific person. When she finally found it, she pressed the call button.

“Hello?” “Abba, it’s me Hui.” Hui said with a smile. “Oh, Hui how are you?” Abba asked at the surprise of seeing her old friend for the first time in years.
“I’m fine, but I have to discuss an important matter with you.” Hui said her smile fading away. “What is the matter?” Abba asked with concern. “Remember that boy I told you about, Korag, well I think it’s time I brought him to Bakura and let the Jedi train him. Lately, the nightmares he has have become more and more frequent. He needs to be taught to control his power, I have taught him the basics but I feel that you would know someone more able to teach him. And on a softer note I thought it was time to see some of my old friends again.” Hui explained to her friend. Abba looked at her and thought for a second, “Ok, bring him to us and we will train him and assign him to a master. Thank you for calling me about this.” They said their goodbyes and Hui shut the holonet off. “Korag, could you come here please?” she asked as she made her way to the main room. “Yes, want is it?” Korag asked as he returned from cleaning in the kitchen. Hui looked at him and took a deep breath, “In a few days we’ll be leaving to travel to Bakura.” She said as she rubbed his soft dreadlocks. “Bakura, what are we going there for?” he wondered. “Well, I think it’s time you were trained by an official Jedi. They can help you to quell those nightmares and to help you with other things.” Hui said as she looked away from him. She didn’t want to take him away from the only home he ever had, but it was necessary to deal with what was happening before it was out of her control.

3 days later

“Are you all set Korag?” Hui said as they boarded her ship, a Delta-7 class Jedi Starfighter that was modified with an extra seat. She had taken it with her when she left the Jedi Order as it had saved her countless times, she had a weird sort of bond with it. “Yes, I’m ready. I think I will get some sleep during the hyperspace trip.” Korag replied with a smile. With that, Hui activated the repulsorlifts and set her navicomputer for the planet Bakura.

On Bakura 2 days later

“Hui, it’s so good to see you again.” Abba said as she hugged her old friend. “Yes, I would have been here sooner but you know how it is.” Hui said with a laugh. She then felt a Korag hiding behind her, “Korag don’t be shy, this is Jedi Grand Master Abba. She’ll be helping to find you a Jedi Master to teach you.” Korag poked his head out from behind Hui and managed to say, “Hu..hu…hello my name is Korag.” Then he emerged from behind her completely and bowed to Abba.

Sephiroth

Chapter Three

For the next few months Korag trained to be a Jedi with the other children. However, he faced a constant problem along the way.
"Korag, you need to focus yourself! The other students have already learned how to use the Force levels above you, yet you still have problems with predicting where the training sensor will fire." Master Sauv barrated as Korag once again failed to deflect a bolt from the training drone. "I'm sorry Master. There's just....the Force....I mean....everytime I use the Force I get.....scared." Korag said rubbing the spot on his arm where he was hit. "Well you need to learn to overcome it, otherwise you won't be a successfull Jedi at all. Now do it again and stay in control this time!" Sauv commanded. Korag attempted to deflect the fire again, and was met with the same result. He blocked a few bolts, but then the Force told him to block left with his training saber. He did so only to be hit from the right. The other students laughed at him again and though he acted like it didn't bother him, deep down it hurt him very much. "Korag you need to establish control over your mind so you can accurately feel what the Force is saying. Huh, class we are dismissed for today." Master Sauv said with a large sigh.

Korag made his way slowly to the eating area to get some food for lunch. After he recieved his tray he sat down at a table, alone, as always. Maybe it was because he was a failure or maybe it was for no reason at all, but whatever the reason nobody would be his friend. Everyday was the same, he failed at something, he ate alone, people ridiculed and laughted at him, some stared at him as if he were an abomination. "I can't believe he's still here.""Yeah, I mean he's such a failure.""He'll never get a Master to take him." he heard some students at another table say. When he looked at them they quickly turned back to their meals, as if they were afraid. After he finished his meal he made his way to his room. But along the way he heard two voices talking low as if trying to hide something. His hearing for some reason had always been better as if he could pick up the sound of things much easier than others. He crept over to the open door and hid against the wall so as to eavesdrop."...he just doesn't belong here Hui. No matter how much I try to teach him he just can't learn." Sauv said with large emphasis. "Look, you must understand that he's obviously been tramatized by what happened. He'll get past it soon just be patient with him." Hui said trying to calm Sauv down. "Listen at this rate he will never become a Jedi. And with that being said he'll never live up to the other Jedi from his clan. He'll never develop his sonic Force powers, nor will he ever avenge his clan's death against those responsible for it's massacre." Sauv said as he took a seat. Korag was completely stunned. He had never known he even had family, and now to learn that his entire clan, even those who had possibly been Jedi, those who loved him, had been killed.
Tears started to come down his cheeks as he stood up and entered the door. Sauv and Hui were shocked to see him, expecially after their conversation. "Haven't you people ever heard of closing the damn door?!" Korag yelled. He then ran as fast as he could outside. He ran to the nearby cliff that the Temple was partially connected to. When he finally reached it he stood near the edge. He began to think about a few things. He now knew why he had the nightmares as far back as he could remember. He thought about the mysterious killer and why he had destroyed his clan. He looked down into the dark abyss, Maybe it would be best if I joined my clan in death, he thought. "What are you doing?" a human Jedi asked as he stretched his arm.

"I'm not doing anything. Just leave me alone." Korag said as he looked at the abyss again. "Huh, what a drag. Don't be an idiot. You've got more to live for than you think." the Jedi said. "What are you doing here anyway?" Korag asked as he was getting annoyed. "If you must know, I was actually sleeping. I've got something important coming up and I was tired, plus it's nice out here." the Jedi said as he sat down next to Korag. "What do you care?" Korag asked. "Well, it would be a real drag if I had to jump down to save you." he said with a tired shrug. "Look, go back to the Temple. You'll see I'm right in the end. I mean, I wouldn't be a Knight if I didn't know what I was talking about. Do you not have a Master?" the Jedi asked. "No...I don't even have any friends." Korag said sadly. "Huh, I see, that is such a drag. Well I have to be going to my trial. But I promise I'll see later." the Jedi said as he got up to leave. "And I know you won't jump so just go back." he added. "What's you name?" Korag asked as he stepped away from the edge. The Jedi turned, his hands in his pockets as if he didn't want to deal with it, "Leon....Danex. Remember me later. As I said, I'll see you later."

Sephiroth

Chapter Four
*39 ABY one day later*

Today was the day, it was the day the Knights and Masters who were ready to take an apprentice did so. Korag stood in line with the other younglings as he watched many students choosen and, as always, none of them picked him. He started to feel worse than usual after what he'd heard about his family and what Sauv said to Hui. After about 30 minutes all of the Masters were gone and Sauv turned to the crowd.

"To those who have been choosen to learn the advanced ways of the Force, you have my praise and may the Force be with you. As for the rest of you patience is the key to success. The next time some of you will be taken, and some of you will not." Sauv said giving a quick glance to Korag. "Now, it's time to return to our studies.." he started to say as he was interupted. "Oh come on Sauv would you lay off it for once?" a voice said that Korag was surprised to hear. "Ugh...Danex once again you show no respect for anyone." "What...disrespect? Are you serious, I'm just a little annoyed at how you have to be so stern and serious like this all the time. It can get to be a real drag sometimes." Leon said as he approached Sauv with his hands in his pockets. "Hm, you're nothing but a lazy shirker. I remember how you were a few years ago." Sauv replied.

"For the last time I'm not lazy. I just don't like to do a lot of work, there's a difference." Leon said as he rolled his eyes.

"Well maybe if you had worked a bit more Mirus and Satsuma wouldn't have disappeared!" Sauv said angrily. Leon looked at him with one of those I don't care looks and simply shruged his shoulders.
"Look I'm not here to debate this issue with an idiot. I'm here to take a Padawan if that's ok." Leon said with a sigh.
"Well maybe you shouldn't have been late like you always manage to do." Sauv said with a cross look. "So, who will you take as an apprentice?" he asked impatiently.
"The only one I know, that Kiffar boy over there." Leon said with a yawn. Man I'm tired as a Hut. I didn't sleep much with all the noise. he thought.
Sauv felt as if he'd been punched in the mouth. Korag was the worst student in the Temple, yet Leon picked him without a second guess. "Are you serious?! He is the worst student we have. You would be better off not having to train anyone." Sauv said.
"Would you shut up for once? Your really bugging me and you're hurting his feelings. Ever ask yourself why you're such a drag?" Leon said scratching his back.
"Very well, a lazy shirker and a failure, the two of you are made for each other." Sauv said as he lead the rest of the Younglings away.
"What a drag...well come on uh...uh, what's your name? In all the excitement yesterday and today I never did get your name kid. " Leon said with a smile and laugh. He sure changes moods like it's nothing, Korag thought. "Korag Tonnika.....my name is Korag Tonnika." he said.

Leon thought hard of the situation, Hm, a Tonnika...this should be very good, as my first apprentice to train is one of them, he thought to himself. "Korag let's start our training." he said as the tired "lazy" expression returned.
"Our training?" Korag asked confused.
"Yes, while you are training and learning what you need to know, I'm also going to learn a few things. And.....maybe I'll tell you a story or two."

*Tatooine*

Leon activated the landing sequence on his Delta-12 Skysprite starfighter and landed with a thud on a tall sand dune. "Perfect, just where we need to be." he said jumping down from the cockpit.

"Um....Master what are we doing in a desert?" Korag asked as he fell down into the sand.

"Why, we're going to train Korag." Leon said sitting down on the hot sand and sticking his hands into his pockets like always.

"Ok, but how are we going to train here?" Korag asked with a frown.

"Heh it's simple really, you're going to learn to use sand as a weapon." Leon answered with a smile.

Sephiroth

Chapter Five
*39 ABY Tatooine*

Leon laid in the hot Tatooine sand staring at the blue sky, not a care in the galaxy. I wish I were a cloud, at least then I could just float by without anyone or anything bothering me, he thought as he yawned. However his peace was shortlived as Korag yelled in frustration at the desert sand and his master.

"Master, this isn't working! At the Temple I could barely control the Force to accomplish the training I managed to complete from Master Sauv, yet you expect me to be able to mold the sand and use it to my will?" Korag yelled as the sand he was levitating fell hard on the ground.

"No, I don't expect you to be able to, you expect you to be able to." Leon said simplistically.

"What?! That makes no sense at all." Korag replied angrilly.

"You're right that didn't make any sense. Remind me never to say something stupid like that again." Leon said, his palm on his forehead. "Listen Korag, you can't do it because you keep doubting yourself in the back of your mind, not to mention the fact that your control over the Force is not very good as you increase the amount of the Force you attempt to draw upon." Leon added as he extended his hand and molded a pile of sand into a perfect replica of his face.

Korag stared in awe and excitingly said, "Wow it looks just like you Master."

"You see Korag, it is an extension of yourself. In a way the sand has the same personality as the one who uses it." Leon explained, moving the sand face's lips to mouth the words as he did.

"Master, how will this help me if I'm fighting a Sith? I mean, I'm sure a lightsaber could vaporize the sand with relative ease." Korag said, his face a look of skepticism.

"What do you mean how will it help you? Sand is very dense when it is packed together, in fact it can produce pressure enough to kill a Krayt Dragon." Leon said with disbelief at Korag's ignorance.

"So why am I learning this technique instead of a normal Force power like other Jedi?" asked Korag.

"Because you are not like other Jedi, you are....different. And I'm a teacher of a different sort from the rest." Leon said smiling.

"I'm sure you're the best for the job." Korag said sarcasstically.

"You really don't know how amazing a guy I am do you?" Leon said eyes rolling.

"Well, Master Sauv said you were powerful but a waste of the Force." Korag answered.

"Yeah, that sounds just like him. Korag there's something I want you to have." Leon said morphing the face of the sand into a goard, adding more sand to it and making it harden so he could hold it without the sand falling apart. He handed the sand goard to Korag and started to explain, "This goard is made of the hot sand's of Tatooine. I used the Force to bind the grains together and it is filled with unbinded sand to use for attack and defense. Once you learn control you yourself will be able to bind and unbind the sand that the goard is made of as well to use. This will be the first weapon from me to you Korag." Leon finished as Korag strapped the large goard to his back, which was as tall as Korag and heavy to boot.

Korag adjusted the goard and kept his balance carrying the heavy item on his back. He then looked at Leon and smiling said, "Thank you Master. No one has ever given me anything like this before." he said surprised at the gift. Leon placed his hands in his pockets, "Now let's get going. We have more training to do." he said as he led Korag to the Delta-12 Skysprite.

"Where are we going Master?" Korag asked.

"There's a few places left here on Tatooine where we can get some good training in. I mean, I've never molded the sand like that before. So like I said before, you get to learn and I get to learn." Leon said smiling and patting Korag on his head.

"Hey, you'll mess up my locks." Korag laughed.

*Kiffex*

The room was dark as night, with shadowed figures moving about. Faces hidden and everyone silent. Just then a new figure entered through a black door with authority.
"He is growing quite fast and learning at a faster rate than I originally foreseen." the powerful woman boomed.

A horned figure approached and gave a respectful bow, "Shall I do what I do best Klist?" he said with a smile.

"No, there is no need for your psychotic slaughter." Klist replied.

Another figure approached and too gave a respectful bow, "I have a suggestion, perhaps we should send a small group to test them. Maybe you would like to lead the group Ernum?" the man said turning to another dark figure.

"As long as I can destroy that pathetic drek of a Kiffar named Korag." Ernum said, his anger instantly rising and his eyes turning blue and red.

"If you can actually destroy someone whose past is connected to you. I'm not so sure you will be able to beat him. Seeing as how he is formidable with Danex training him, not to mention he has the elements of Sand and Sound in his arsenal. Along with the spirit of a dark one. If you fail to finish him, I may as well finish what I started seven years ago." the horned figure said licking his pointed teeth.

Sephiroth

Chapter Six
*39 ABY Tatooine*

Having traveled halfway accross the planet, Leon and Korag finally reached the Jundland Wastes that Leon had plotted a course for earlier. They landed softly on the canyon bottom and jumped from the cockpit of Leon's Delta-12 starfighter.

"So are you ready to learn something new?" asked Leon.

"Yes Master, I am." Korag replied.

"Very well, now let me tell you something. While the sand I gave you is quite a powerful ally to be used against enemies, there will be times when it will not be the best choice to aid you in battle. Therefore I believe you should learn a technique I picked up from and Echani once." Leon said taking his cloak off so as to begin the training.

"An Echani taught you a Force power?" Korag asked.

"Yes, as you know the Echani are very proficient in hand-to-hand combat. And that alone is deadly, yet he showed me a way to use it to win even if the odds were stacked against me. If you channel the Force into your feet, hands, and fingertips you can become a weapon of nearly unstoppable prowess. Like this for instance!" Leon explained as he charged a large boulder. He extended his right arm and hit the boulder with his middle fingertip. At first all Korag could see was a small indention his Master's finger left. He was quick to assume his Master was an idiot. As he started to speak so as to criticize once again, he heard a cracking sound and saw a sight to see. From the small indention many lightning like cracks in the rock spread out and snaked around the boulder until finally momments later it crumbled into hundreds of tiny pieces.

"Um Master, so if I use this on a person will they die?" Korag asked.

"Not immediatly, you see if you were to use this technique on someone trained in the Force they will be able to block some of it's effects. Since you would use this to attack the organs and circulatory system of sentients, they can deafen the damage to a certain degree and continue to fight. Others who are not trained in the Force however..." Leon answered, "well they're not going to be doing so good." he said with a small laugh. "When used in the right spots on the body, this technique cause the blood stream to hemorage and stop blood flow at a proper rate, which is going to cease the major activity of the heart and brain. And when you target an enemies organs, they can be damaged and start to bleed causing pain and making the bodies healing system go into overdrive. It is a deadly technique, and can be mastered to the point of a one man army." he finished with his eyes closed.

Korag looked at his Master with awe, Who would have thought that someone, whom everyone says is lazy, would turn out to be such a powerful, and practically a genius, Jedi. he thought. Korag made a silent promise to his Master and to himself that he would learn control and that he would master not only the two techniques he'd been taught, but also every other training his Master would give him.

"Oh and just so you know, using Force Sight can increase the effectiveness of this power. However you can learn that power later." Leon said yawning.

"But Master, I already know how to use Force Sight. Master Hui taught it to me." Korag said proudly. He concentrated the Force into his eyes and started to see everything like the Miralukan species. His eyes turned all white, his pupils disappearing into the white.

"Well I feel a bit tired so I'm going to lie down." Leon said as he fell asleep on a rock.

He's always wanting sleep, but I guess I should start, Korag thought to himself.

*Bakuran Jedi Temple, 34 ABY*

Lyn Korak and Leon Danex walked forward to meet with the four people waiting in the Temple's entrance.

"It is good to see you were able to join us. Leon you haven't met them have you?" Lyn said as they reached the group.

"No I haven't Master." Leon replied.

"Well this is Master Yocer and his apprentice Satsuma Kazu." Lyn said pointing to the Twi'lek Jedi Master and his Falleen apprentice.

"Hello." "Hey what's up?" They said, Yocer giving a bow and Satsuma giving off a "cool" look with his hands pocketed.

"And these two are Master Sauv and his apprentice Mirus Cristo." Lyn said turning to the Human Jedi Master and his Togrutan apprentice.

"It is an honor." Sauv said bowing. "Heh, hey it's nice to meet you." Mirus said smiling, her beautiful young face blushing at having met Satsuma and Leon. Leon himself blushed after seeing Mirus' beauty, but with his dark skin you couldn't tell.

At fourteen years of age Leon was a strong young man, and he could tell that both Mirus and Satsuma were the same age he was. Yet dispite making two new friends he felt as if there was some alterior motive to his Master's decision to bring help with them. Though Leon was strong, he had known for years that Lyn was disappointed with his progress at times and some of his choices. And though he'd never talked to Mirus or Satsuma, he had heard they were the top two apprentices from the same class that Leon was in, with Leon of course barely making third place.

"Shall we be going now? I believe the shuttle that is taking us to Geonosis should be arriving now." Master Yocer said.

"Yes let us be on our way." Lyn said as they all left the Temple.

*39 ABY, Tatooine*

Leon slowly opened his eyes and started at the blue Tatooine sky. That brought back memories, and things I don't want to think about right now. he thought as he took a big yawn.

"Finally you're awake Master, I thought you would be asleep all day." Korag said breathing heavily.

"Yeah, so did I. Have you been training the whole time I slept?" Leon asked, pocketing his hands.

"Yes I've been training, nonstop for three hours. And I finally got the two techniques in the bag." Korag said, he then turned to a large boulder, one much larger than the one Leon destroyed, and got into his Teras Kasi stance. He concentrated the Force into his left hand and struck the boulder with his fingertips. Like his master, Korag left an indention in the boulder, but seconds later the boulder made a loud cracking sound and a large split down the middle appeared. The boulder split in two pieces and spread dust everywhere.

"How was that Master?" Korag asked with a smile.

"Very good, as I thought, you are quite a good learner and a powerful Jedi. I am proud of your dedication and determination. I know one day you will show everyone just what you're made of." Leon said smiling and patting Korag's head.

"I'm made of Carbon and Water. Thanks Master, now do you want to see my control over the sand?" Korag asked.

"No I don't. You see right now there's about ten darksiders planning to kill us up on the canyon wall. Fighting them is gonna be such a drag, since I don't really want to bother with it right now. But at least you can test your new powers in a battle." Leon said yawning loudly then smiling.

"Kill them both!!" Ernum commanded to his group.

Sephiroth

Chapter Seven
*39 ABY Tatooine*

Leon stared at Ernum as eight darksiders jumped to the canyon floor, lightsabers activated, ready to kill.

"So, are you one of Satsuma's underlings?" Leon asked, not taking his eyes off of Ernum.

"No, that pathetic drek is not associated with me at all. I work with people much more ambitious." Ernum replied.

Leon continued still with his gaze upon Ernum as one of the eight darksiders that surrounded them ran at him, lightsaber intended for slaughter.

"Master, look out!" Korag yelled.

But Leon did not move, nor did he even seem to hear Korag. He was still glaring at Ernum as if his mind was gone. The darksider was still coming at him, yelling a battle cry. It seemed like he would strike Leon down, but at the last possible second Leon shoved his right fingertip into the attacker's arm, forcing him to drop the lightsaber. Then without any effort at all, Leon hit the darksider in his chest with his palm. Immediatly the darksider coughed blood and fell over dead, his heart mortally wounded.

"Now I'm a little angry." Leon said turning his gaze to four of the seven remaining darksiders. "Korag use what I taught you about the sand."

Korag nodded to his Master and telekenetically pulled the cork out of his sand goard. He unleashed the hot sand in a stream-like way, to the three darksiders closest to him. The sand grabbed their legs so they could not escape, it then curled around the rest of their bodies and began to compact and pressurize. Korag squeezed his hand into a fist and with that commanded the sand to crush the three darksiders. Their bodies exploded from all the pressure, sending blood spewing everywhere. When Korag called the sand back into the goard, the bodies were gone, and the goard smelled of blood. Korag turned to see his Master killing the last darksider of the four he fought. Leon pummeled the darksider's entire front side with his Force-infused hands and fingers, hitting every vain, artery, and organ until the darksider bled from the mouth.

"So the stories of your power are true Leon Danex. But I'm afraid that you've lived long enough!" Ernum said drawing his lightsaber, it's red blade a symbol of death.

"You can't kill me. Many have tried, always coming up short, and you are no exception." Leon said as he drew his lightsaber, it's curved handle and blue blade shining bright.

Ernum jumped down from the canyon wall-top and brought his lightsaber down with both hands. Leon raised his saber with his right hand, intercepting Ernum's saber just in time. The sabers clashed with tremendous force, sending a shock wave outward and sinking Leon partially into the hard ground. The two combatants backed away from each other, Ernum's eyes angry and red, Leon's eyes calm and brown.

"You are powerful in your own right. But you can't beat me, so I'm giving you the chance to turn around and leave." Leon said glaring at Ernum.

"As if I could do that, besides you're underestimating me." Ernum said smiling and pointing his saber at Leon.

Leon took a deep breath, "To be honest I thought we could avoid this fight but you leave me no choice. And I'm actually overestimating you." he said exhaling.

Leon unleashed a burst of the Force at Ernum, but it was deflected with relative ease. Ernum started his fury of swings from all directions, yet Leon parried every blow as if it were nothing. Korag contemplated whether or not he should step in and fight as his Master continued to parry every swing of Ernum's blade.

"He's an excellent duelist isn't he?" the ninth darksider asked with a smile.

"Stay away from me!" Korag said as he summoned his sand, ready to defend himself.

"Hey hey calm down now, I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanted a better view of Danex's skills." he said holding up his hands in protest.

Leon started going on the offensive, giving quick jabs and sharp swipes. He forced Ernum back with a constant array of elegant attacks, while at the same time, blocking every counter-attack Ernum attempted to make. Leon's barrage was very graceful while it was also affective, his lightsaber was constantly moving, as he did not let up. The two duelists locked sabers and glared at each other with respect towards the others skills. Leon began to tilt Ernum's saber, having the advantage with a curved hilt, and looked as if he were about to cut off Ernum's hand. Instead however, he hit Ernum in the middle of his chest with his palm, using the Teras Kasi technique.

"He could've ended it there, I wonder." the darksider said.

Ernum backed away and coughed up a handful of blood, "You, you're going to pay for that."

"I already am." Leon replied returning to his stance.

Once again they started striking and blocking. Leon thrust his saber forward, but Ernum ducked and struck Leon's lightsaber with such strength it flew from his hands. Ernum tried striking Leon down, but Leon avoided each strike easily. Out of nowhere Leon kicked Ernum in the side of his face with his boot, sending him off the ledge. Summoning his lightsaber, he jumped down after Ernum. The two fought in the air like birds, swinging sabers and not worrying about the ground they were about to hit. The second they landed Leon pressed the attack once more, not missing a step in his form. Ernum couldn't find a single opening with which to counter-attack, having to stay on defense, making him even more angry.

Leon made a feint attack, then quite easily swept Ernum off of his feet. He rose his lightsaber for the killing blow, but Ernum managed to kick Leon in the stomach before he could kill him. Ernum used the Force to throw a large rock at Leon hoping to hit his head. Leon double-up his fist and punched the rock, shattering it to pieces. Ernum cursed as he jumped to a ledge close by.

"I've had enough of this!" Ernum yelled shooting a powerful burst of Force Lightning at Leon.

Leon put up his hand deflecting the Lightning into the ground, "Didn't expect that move, but coming from you it's nothing like the real thing." he said blatently.

Leon deactivated his saber and returned the favor. He shot Force Lightning from both hands towards Ernum. The sheer power sent Ernum flying off the ledge, and though he activated his lightsaber to absorb the Force attack, Leon's power was so strong parts still crackled off and hit. Forced on one knee Ernum held his ground as Leon approached, still shooting Force Lightning from his hands with tremendous power.

Leon sighed heavily, "Just give up. I'll let you leave if you do, I don't want to kill you." he said

Ernum struggled to stay on guard, "I...can't...do that. I'll be...punished...like..Sat.....Satsuma." he said as his nose and eyes leaked blood.

Leon stopped his assault and looked at Ernum with concern, "That's a big drag, but I don't want to kill you." he said grabbing Ernum's lightsaber. He threw it in the air and sliced it in half.

"You'll pay..some day. One day we'll kill you." Ernum said barely conscious.

Leon punched Ernum with enough force that his jaw broke instantly, "You can't kill what's already dead." he replied softly.

A lightsaber fell out of Ernum's pocket as he lay face first on the ground. Leon picked it up and studied it, and curved hilt like his.

"That once belonged to Nara Tonnika, a powerful Jedi Master, and a member of the Shadow Warriors, a Captain to be more precise. She was also a good friend." the darksider next to Korag said as he picked up Ernum's unconscious body.

"Just who are you?" Korag asked.

The man smiled and said, "My name is Cyrus Baumel. I am the Captain of Squad Two of the Shadow Warriors. I was here to examine your lightsaber skills Leon Danex, and I am very pleased with the results. However I feel more data is needed." Cyrus explained.

"Why? Just who are the Shadow Warriors?" Leon asked.

"We are balancers, that is all I can say for now." he said leaping to the canyon top, Ernum on his shoulder.

Leon handed Korag his relative's lightsaber with smile, "Well, destiny seems to like you. This saber has history behind it, take care of it."

Korag activated his new lightsaber to reveal a sparkling silver blade, "It belonged to family and now to me, I will keep this forever." he said happily.

Sephiroth

Chapter Eight
*39 ABY, 3 days later, Bakura*

".....so that's what basically happened." Leon finished explaining to Lyn.

Lyn's demeanor was a serious one, "Could Ernum's supperiors be after the spirit of Darth Tyrannus?" he asked Leon.

Leon turned his attention to Lyn, "Good question Master Korak, but for now it's of no consequence to me. Korag will be fine, you can see it can't you?" he said turning to the window.

Lyn looked confused at what his old apprentice said, "See what Danex? That you're more awkward than a game of Dejarik?" he asked with a smile.

Leon closed his eyes as he explained furthur, "Whether it be from his training, his friends, his family, or from his own determination, that boy will always pull through. I can see it, one day his actions, his decisions, will change everything and everyone. He will heal others, while others heal him. He will help others find happiness and love and most of all....purpose. It's hard to find the right word but that boy is......fascinating." he said looking back to Lyn.

Lyn chuckled a bit, "Leon the way you say that makes you sound like a child kidnapper or something."

Leon started laughing as he became annoyed, "Yeah I know, but I couldn't think of another word that suited my liking." he said still laughing.

"Leon take care and teach that boy everything you know until you can teach him no more. Now go, I know you have things to do." Lyn said happily.

Leon headed for the door after bowing to his friend. But as he opened it he turned around and stood, staring at Lyn like he was on spice. Out of nowhere he gave Lyn a thumbs-up and a large smile, his pearl-white teeth almost giving off a sparkle. And with that he took off.

Lyn shook his head slowly, "That boy is weird." he said almost laughing to himself.

"It's because he's trying to deal with the pain in his heart." Master Gal said bowing to Lyn.

"The pain huh, I understand." Lyn replied.

"He aches over the loss of one dear to him. And a part of him, as much as he hates to think it, believes he really is responsible for Satsuma and Mirus leaving. He may not show it, but inside he's all torn up." Gal said with concern for Leon, who's smile was at times just a mask to hide his broken spirit.

Temple Courtyard

Korag sat on the steps leading into the main part of the Temple as he waited for his Master to return. Leon told him he was going to speak with someone about getting an assignment for them to do. Thinking about all that had happened within the past week Korag wondered if they would have more encounters with darksiders.

I have a feeling things are going to be like this a lot more in the future, he thought stretching and popping his back. Petals from the hundreds of flowers in the courtyard floated through the air, making Korag feel calm and at peace. He rose from the stairway to make his way to a large patch of flowers where he sat down and took a deep breath, smelling the flowers and suddenly feeling like everything was ok. Laying back in the flowers he began closing his eyes to enjoy a short nap, but before he could do so he noticed someone sitting next to him.

"Do you like the flowers too?" a girl who looked the same age as Korag asked.

"Uh...um, I geuss." Korag replied looking at her surprisingly.

"I love flowers, they can mean so many different things. They're just so pretty." the girl said smelling a yellow flower.

"They really make you tired and calm that's for sure. Um, who are you?" he asked.

She looked at him with a smile, "My name is Ira Yawadah." she answered with a laugh making Korag blush. She was very pretty, with shouldar-length blonde hair, blue eyes, and a smile that could stop a rancor.

"And my name is Korag Tonnika. If you don't mind me asking, why do you like the flowers so much?" he said.

She laid down next to him to stare at the sky, "I used to be the princess of Onderon, when I'm 15 years old I'll become Queen. But one day a Jedi came and told my I was Force Sensetive, and that I could be a powerfull Jedi. My parents were against it, but I begged the Jedi to take me with him." she explained.

"Why would you want to leave? Having the money, anything you want, everyone likes you, I'd love to have that life." Korag said confused.

"Well, that stuff was nice and all, but I wasn't allowed to leave the palace. I was too important, see my parents believed I would be a potential target of assassination. It was horrible never getting to go anywhere. The only good thing about it was all the flowers we had, there were so many, and I could just be around them and my troubles would fade away." she said smelling a pink flower.

"Wow, that sounds worse than my life, I don't know how you could stand to live like that." Korag said.

"Yeah I wonder how myself. But everythings been great since coming here and learning what I can. Master Ver has only taken me on two assignments so far, but I feel like I know so much already." Ira said happily.

The two continued to talk as Leon watched from afar. Well, looks like he has no problem making strong and odd people his friends, he thought. Maybe she can come along with us. He slowly walked over to the two young ones with his hands in his pockets.

"Well Korag I see you've met Ira Yawadah. But we now have an assignment, so we must be going. Of course Ira, you're welcome to come along as well." Leon said yawning.

"Master Ver has been ill as of late so, yes I'll come with you." Ira said smiling.

"Good...now, the transport taking us to Boz Pity is departing soon. So I suggest we go immediatly." Leon said turning to leave the courtyard, Korag and Ira in tow.

Kiffex

Ernum walked down the hallway to Klist's debriefing chamber, wondering how he would explain his failure to kill Danex and capture Korag.

"Dead man walking." Kenolis Zinfighter said with a sinister smile.

"Keep saying that and one day it'll be you." Ernum said angrily.

"Sending you was a bad idea, Danex is stronger than ever it seems. I would've sent either Axlous or myself." he said eyeing his sword.

"Whatever, I'm sure he'd beat you too." Ernum replied

"You say that so rashly, you know my strength Ernum." Kenolis said rising from his seat, towering over Ernum.

"Why don't you space off?" Ernum said walking away to meet with Klist. He entered the debriefing room to see Klist reading a profile of Danex.

"Jedi Knight Leon Danex, age 19, Makashi and Jar'Kai user. Wide array of Force powers to use in battle, both Light and Dark. Superior physical strength, speed, and endurance. Practically a genius, as he was trained by Lyn Korak. Current reward for his death....10,000,000 credits paid by Empress Saber herself. Reasons for assassination, Treason of the Sith Order, the murder of his Master...Sith Councilman Darth Xaldus, the murder of 31 Sith Temple students and staff, the theft of 9 Sith Holocrons whose location are currently unknown, assault and attempted killing of Sith Student Satsuma Kazu, stealing the ancient sword of Darth Nebulous, conspiring a civil war within the Sith, hacking the database and stealing all information from the Korriban Sith Academy, and finally, the destruction of the Sith Academy on Korriban. Present location unknown, one of the 17 S-class enemies of the Sith. Kill on sight." she read as Ernum took his seat.

"Yes, he has quite the rap sheet. But respectfully, may I ask what the point of this is my lady?" Ernum asked bowing his head.

"You knew all of this info, yet you only took weaklings with you to confront him. Not to mention, one of them was a spy. Good help is hard to find these days." she said standing up.

"I was there to test him like you asked." he said defensively.

"There's a difference between what you did and what I asked you to do." she said angrily.

"I'm uh.....sorry." he said trying to calm her down.

Klist grabbed his tunic and pulled him close, "Seven years ago you swore to obey me and do what it took to achieve this organizations goals. When Satsuma failed, he was subject to Sith experiments. If you fail again, that will too be your fate." she said.

"Of course Master Klist." Ernum said frantically.

"From now on your training is intensified ten-fold. You will be trained from now on by Zeast, since I'm busy." she said.

"Yes Master. Whatever you wish." Ernum said with a bow.

Sephiroth

Chapter Nine
*39 ABY 2 Parsecs from Boz Pity*

Leon,Korag, and Ira sat cloaked in the cafeteria of the Cyclonia, an average-sized public transport tht traversed the galaxy, waiting patiently to arrive at Boz Pity. Having accuired their meals, they remained silent and oblivious to those around them.

"Master I feel something......something near." Korag said quietly with his hood over his head and his face in shadow.

"Yes, most likely space pirates hoping to make a quick credit or two." Leon replied with a quick nod, careful not to draw attention.

"What should we do Master Danex? We don't know how many there are so a head-on confrontation could get ugly." Ira asked with a look of anticipation that had beauty to match.

Just then they heard the large sound of a ship's tractor beam, a sign they were being boarded, "Stay calm and stay still, when the time is right the two of you use what you know to repel intruders." Leon explained as seven men charged into the room with blaster rifles.

"Alright everyone, shut up, hand over your valuebles, and no one gets hurt." a Devoronian yelled loudly, waving his Aratech carbine at the crowd. The other six gathered what was offered, sticking it into satchels, until they reached three hooded figures.

One of the men noticed something odd on the floor, "Huh, sand in a place like this? Boss come look at this." he said calling over the Devoronian.

The Devoronian's face turned from confidance to confusion, "What the....where is all that sand coming from?" he asked in an anxious state.

Bridge of the Wildheart

"Captain we have a report of hostiles on the Cyclonia." a newly reqruited thug said panting and sweating, having run halfway accross the ship.

"Do we have a patch into the Cyclonia's cameras?" the captain asked, not turning around.

"Yes sir!" the young thug replied.

"Show me what this hostility is then." the captain commanded.

The captain turned to a viewscreen as his request was carried out. The cameras of the cafeteria showed a sight that surprised him. Two young children, a male and female, were fighting off his pirates. The girl using an aqua colored lightsaber and the boy using a silver colored lightsaber, as well as what appeared to be a goard full of sand. There were bodies everywhere, some would and some dead, and some covered completely in blood. Just as he was about to give the order for his most elite crew to kill the young Jedi, he saw a dark-skinned human appear in the picture that nearly made his feet falter.

"Leon? No....why now of all times?" he said eyeing the screen.

"Sir, what do we do?" the second-in-command asked.

"Well my dear, we bring them here." the captain replied with a grin.

On the Cyclonia

Leon,Korag, and Ira finished clearing the halls of the Cyclonia, yet they knew there job wasn't finished. They needed to get on the other ship and settle this.

Korag scoffed, tossing his deactivated saber back and forth between his hands, "Pff, these are space pirates? I've had nightmares scarier than them, not to mention..." he said activating his silver blade, "I haven't had a good fight yet." pointing his lightsaber at a dead corpse.

Leon managed not to laugh at his apprentice's eagerness for blood, "You know...you're just like me when I was young, wanting to test my skills against everyone, hoping I'd get to fight whenever I was on an assignment. But you cannot keep your thoughts on that too long, otherwise.........you could be consumed by it." he said, his facial expression becoming very serious.

I wonder what he meant by that, oh well. Korag thought to himself. Lose yourself and I'll be free. he heard a voice whisper to him in his mind. Korag brushed the voice off, believeing it was his imagination, and continued to the nearest door with the others. Leon opened it slowing, checking the perimiter, then signaled for Korag and Ira to follow suit.

Out of nowhere the communications system cackled to life with a man's voice checking to test it's functionality, "Yes now, you three Jedi come to the bridge if you would please. I've ordered my men not to attack you, as well as return to our ship. However the continued delay you take will result in me having to override this order, and allow my men to resume the destruction." the mysterious pirate captain said with cold effecientcy.

This captain....he seems familiar but, who? Leon pondered as the apprentices talked with each other. "Listen you two, we'll do what he says but be careful, as well to be prepared for a trap also. Understand?" he asked, to which they nodded in agreement.

"Master Danex, I have a small talent for Mind Disruption techniques, so as to confuse and disable my enemies. If the situation turns ugly, should I use them in the battle or run?" Ira asked, not sure what to do.

Leon looked at her and drew a breath, "You must do what you feel is right of course." he said patting her blonde hair.

"Heh right, thanks." she said as they went on their way.

10 minutes later

The door to the bridge openned with a hiss, the Jedi entering cautiously in case of a trap. As they walked, Korag could feel the stares of hate, the stares of curiousity, and the anger at the loss of their commrades along with the rage they were barely able to withhold. Well this crowd sure likes us, he thought sarcasstically as they stopped.

Leon stared at the rotating chair where the captain sat facing the monitor on the wall, whoever it was his presence was so familiar but he just couldn't quite remember, "Ok we're here, now tell me just what the hell you want." he said very tired and annoyed.

The captain turned to reveal himself. The captain was a blue Twi'lek in his late 20's, he had an X-shaped scar on his chin; most likely caused by a sword or quite possibly a lightsaber. Korag also noticed that one of the Twi'lek's head-tails was shorter than the other, probably injured in a battle. Rising from his seat the captain had a smile on his face, "Danex it has been a while hasn't it? I wonder if I should just kill you now or let you watch them die first?" he said eyeing Korag and Ira.

Leon stepped in front of the two young apprentices and prepared to fight if necessary. Korag, concerned over Ira's safety despite her knowledge of the Force, planned to unleash his sand and kill every enemy in the room. The Twi'lek and Leon were eye-to-eye, they looked as if they could start fighting any second. But out of nowhere they started laughing, and to which they hugged each other.

"Oh wow, Nilo I haven't seen you in so long! And to turn up here of all places, destiny is a tricky lady." Leon said with a smile.

"Let's sit and talk for a bit. I'll let the ship we captured go and we'll take you to where you need." Nilo said assuringly.

"Yeah yeah, let them go. And do you have anything to drink?" Leon said yawning.

Nilo signaled for his second-in-command to bring them a bottle and two glasses. "I trust you like Nar Shaddaa brandy yes?" he asked pouring the dark colored alcohol.

"Are you kidding? It's one of my favourites!" Leon replied taking his glass and gulping down the wine.

Korag took a seat next to Ira with a confused look, "Master who's this Twi'lek?' he asked.

"This is Nilo Thrax, he's an old friend of mine. I met him 3 years ago on Cato Nemodia, during a campaign against the Sith. My master and I were the Commanders of a squad of specially trained mercenaries, who joined the Jedi/Republic forces for a few credits. During one of the battles I temporarily became leader and had to charge head-first into the fight. Long story short, I saved Nilo's life and we've been friends since. You still owe me that favor don't you?" Leon explained as he drank three more glasses of brandy.

Nilo looked at Leon with a small grin of embarassment, "Yeah I still owe you. So what do you three plan on doing at Boz Pity?" he asked giving Leon more brandy.

"We're going there to settle a border dispute. And we're to talk with the Governor about something else as well." Ira chimed in.

Leon scoffed at hearing it, "The only downside is they said it'll take a week to completely approve and finalize everything. So we could be there a while, it's such a drag." he said finishing off the bottle.

Nilo's face was deep in thought as he listened, "Since we need to refurbish our supplies we'll stay until you're all done, then we can take you back to Bakura." he said extending his hand.

Leon shook his hand and they left for the crew quarters. He knew that, even though it was a peace mission, there was going to be fighting......he could feel it. There was someone or something on the planet drenched in evil, and it was another familiar feeling to Leon. When they finally arrived it was around 11:22 at night so they couldn't start the mission until the next morning. Oh man, this is such a drag!, Leon thought loudly.
They said goodbye to Nilo and made their way through the capital, seeing all the shops, resturaunts, and inns along the way. Korag and Ira were chatting about all the sights with such joy, Ira never getting to leave her palace and Korag having lived in relative poverty his entire life. They were so caught up they didn't notice Master Danex had left. Leon had stopped to look at the front of a building that looked a bit odd. When Korag looked at the establishment he was immediatly shocked by his Master, for it was a place where a person could pay credits to be intiment with women. I can't believe this. Is this really my Jedi Master? he thought with a frown.

"By the Force, you two head on to the inn we were given reservations for. I'll join you later." he said handing Ira the datapad with the information on it.

I don't believe this, Korag and Ira thought simaltaneously, with looks of embarassment.

You know what they say. When it rains, it pours, Leon thought with a large grin accross his face.

Sephiroth

Chapter Ten
*39 ABY 4:30 A.M. next day*

Korag awoke from his sleep upon sensing his Master's presance outside the door of their room. He rose from his bed to unlock the door, but halfway to it the door unlocked and openned by itself. Leon stood in the doorway looking down at the floor, panting and smelling of alcohol. He stumbled in, still staring at the floor and mumbling to himself. "Master are you okay? You kind of look....well." Korag said forcing a small grin.

Leon lifted his head to look upon his apprentice with bloodshot eyes, "I feel awful, and.....that's a drag." he said collapsing face-first to the ground, hitting his head hard on the floor. The noise awoke Ira, who turned to see Korag trying to help Master Danex.

She rushed over to them and checked Leon's pulse, "He's alive and he seems to have put himself in a healing trance. But he needs a medic, with that hit to the head, just to be safe." she said, immpressing Korag with her ability to detect Leon was in a trance.

So not only is she able to use Mind Disruption powers, but she's also quick to identify when others use Force powers. While I on the other hand....am only useful in powerful attack-style powers. He thought looking from Ira, to his Master, to his goard, and back again. I'm disappointed in your pity and doubt, for you are more than that. the voice from yesterday whispered in his mind.

Ira's attention turned from Danex to Korag within seconds. She sensed a dark presance eminating from him. His iris' were red as blood, and his eyes looked a bit zoned-out. He put his hand on Leon's forehead and started healing him in some advanced way. Fifteen seconds later Korag lifted his hand and turned his focus to Ira. "He'll be fine now. I've stopped his brain from bleeding furthur, and his healing trance can take care of the alcohol poisoning. A few good hours of sleep and he will be in top shape again. And now..." he said, extending his hand towards her, "you must sleep as well."

38 ABY

Leon sat quietly in the Library of the Academy with his mind on one goal, research. For the past twenty minutes he'd been reading various topics ranging from ancient techniques of the Force, to the political history of Coruscant. All of the Library's information was always carefully analyzed and then catalogged in an easy-to-access, highly organized database. Having finished reading a topic about the great Art of the Small Force power, he moved on to a file labled Jedi Knight roster. Leon scrolled through the list of Jedi with anger, looking at the faces of those who belittled and betrayed him, at least in his mind. Muldo Gal: age 20, Shien-form, status: active. Relin Hui: age 32, Ataru-form, status: inactive. Yocer: age 35, Juyo-form, status: deceased. Well yeah, Satsume really saw to that fact, he thought with a smile.

Leon went down the list more until he saw a name that instantly angered him, Lyn Korak. Just seeing his name made Leon's anger shoot through to the stars, so much so he felt as if his emotion could burn the air. Suddenly he felt like assaulting the nearest person with his lightsaber, but was approached by a Kaleesh instead.

"Getting that angry by just seeing a name will get you nowhere in a place like this Danex." the Kaleesh said in a deep voice, attempting to goad him.

"I don't care much for your opinion right now Zlan, so if you desire to make it past today I think it would be best if you shut the hell up. Leon said angrily.

Zlan advanced upon Leon and vice-versa. They both reached for their lightsabers, ready to kill each other without a seconds notice. Before he got the chance to kill however, a red lightsaber blade appearded behind his neck, as well as one behind Zlan's neck.

"You two should have more control than that. If you really hope to become excellent Sith you'd better calm down now." Darth Xaldus said with force. The Councilman was known for being fair and letting people choose their actions carefully. While some Sith considered it weakness, he considered it to be quite right.

"Yes Master." Leon and Zlan said appolagizing. With that, Xaldus left the Library and headed for the Training Rooms. For a minute, the two stood thinking of a way to settle their dispute.

Just then an idea came to Zlan, "Apprentice selection is tomarrow, so why don't we let the Masters do the talking. Since we show our combat skills and then they choose, that will determine the winner." he said licking his teeth.

Leon gave him an evil grin in return, "Yes, that sounds good. We both know who has the better skill anyway."

"Please, you must be chewing spice. You're one of the only people in this entire Order who use Makashi, a dying and obsolete form. You can't use Force Lightning yet, and those training ideas for a future apprentice you've been talking about are completely outrageous. Sand as a weapon? Give me a brake!" Zlan said harshly as he left the conversation.

Leon was hurt by those words, but he wouldn't be discouraged. He knew when the time was right, he would find a great master. The next day he made the Training Arena his first destination, not wanting to miss the selection. He arrived late, for which he was hounded by the Arena procter.

"Now for the four Masters here who are ready, we will begin the tournament in five minutes. The first match, Leon Danex vs. Zlan Stios." the procter said to the audiance. Leon was prepared to face Zlan, but he knew there were others he would fight wo were as strong, if not stronger, than Zlan. Some included Satsuma Kazu, Kenolis Zinfighter, Saul Trask. They and others would all fall before him however, he felt it.

"Um....hey Leon, do good out there ok. I don't want to have to beat you up." a blonde haired girl said to him, giving him a smile and a thumbs-up.

Leon blushed and looked away for a second, "Oh..uh, yeah I'll do my best Cereena, but you have to do the same." he said to her. What a drag, he thought calmly.

More like you'll end up dead, Satsuma and Zlan thought simaltaneously. "And now, the first match will begin!"

Leon woke to find himself staring at the ceiling of the inn they had reservations at. He rubbed his head and sicovered a small bump. Then he remembered what happened to him, Oh what a night. he thought looking at the clock, which read 9:30 A.M. He scanned the room until he found the bag he'd brought with him last night, the bag containing 100,000 credits he won gambling, and the ten bottles that had been full of Corellian whiskey. "Well, looks like it's me:one, alcohol induced death:zero." he said yawning. It's almost time to be at the Governor's office so I'd better wake them up now, he thought agitated, but that's always such a drag. And that dream, I remember exactly how that turned out.

"Hey guys, time to get up. We need to go now." he said shaking them. Korag and Ira slowly rose from the beds, both rubbing their head. "What happened last night?" Leon asked checking them.

Ira looked from Leon to her hands, "You were on the floor, and I was helping you. Then Korag....he..." she said trying to find the right words.

So Tyrannus is able to take control in dire situations, it won't get out of hand though. Leon thought grabbing a few things and preparing to leave. But it's nothing but drag after drag after drag.

Sephiroth

Chapter 11
*39 ABY*

Korag and the others arrived at the Governors building with quickness, not wanting to be late. They knew getting to their destination on time would look better for the name of the Jedi. Normally Leon didn't care about that sort of thing, but he was beinhg paid a hearty fee.

Panting they finally made it to the top of the entrance steps, "Ok....now we need....to get to his office." Leon said, restoring his stamina with a healing power. He showed the security gaurd their paperwork, then they began to go, until the gaurd stopped Korag.

"Son I'm sorry but you're going to have to leave that gourd here with us." the gaurd said sternly.

"Why? It's a part of me, I have to have this with me." Korag said confused.

"Look the rules are rules, you can't bring items like that in the officies." he said attempting to take the gourd, only to be met with sand covering his hands.

Korag stared at the gaurd with an icy expression Leon saw quite often in the elder Masters, "If you ever touch me again, you won't be able to touch me again. Am I clear?" he said.

"Ye...yes. I'm.s...sorry." the gaurd said frantically.

"This is stupid." Leon said bored, "Let's just go now." They made their way up a flight of stairs and when they disappeared from sight, Leon gave Korag a swift punch to the head.

"Ow! What did you do that for Master?" Korag asked, rubbing his head.

"Pff, are you trying to get into a fight with random people? That guy deserved it possibly, but that can be done later when we're not on a money-making mission!" Leon said with a large frown.

"Hmph, money so you can buy alcohal and women." Korag said to himself.

"I heard that." Leon said with a yawn.

Office

"Ah welcome Jedi, I'm glad you were able to make it. I trust you remember what I requested your presense for?" the young governor said politely.

Leon yawned and had a look of agitation, "Yes. You need us to oversee this border dispute, and you said there was something else you needed for us to do." he said

"Yes, while we aren't dealing with the border situation, I need you to watch over my son Imos." the governor said sitting in his seat, looking out the window.

"What? Ugh....what a drag. Alright, we'll watch your kid." Leon said accepting defeat.

"Father, why did you bring these Jedi here? There just gonna get killed by Dif and his men, especially that kid with the gourd." said a kid a few years older than Korag.

"Imos, I thought you were with your mother. Come give me a hug." the governor said.

"This is a drag." Ira said with a frown. Leon looked at her with surprise, "You say it all the time, thought I'd try it."

Public relations chamber 3 days later

"Well, I'd like to believe we can make this deal work. Is everything to what you expect?" Governor Ilos asked handing the holosheet to the Rodian accross from him. The Rodian studied the planned borders, and after a bit of consideration nodded in approval. Ilos and the Rodian shook hands and concluded the meeting.

"Now, since this has been completed I would like for you to look after my son for the day." Ilos said with a bow.

20 minutes later

"So, are you going to go into politics like your father?" Ira asked as they walked through the market.

"Maybe....I don't know. It's boring so, there's a chance of no." Imos said frowning.

"Well politics are stupid anyway. You'd be better off trying to become Boz Pity Military Admiral." Korag said rolling his eyes, hiding his true emotion.

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea." Ira said shaking her head.

Imos started to protest, but was cut short as a sword flew throgh the air and into his leg, "Aghh.....w-what....where did this come from?!" he screamed as he fell to his knees.

Ira and Korag scanned the surrounding area not only with their eyes, but with the Force as well. Sure enough someone was there, and such was his speed he was in between them before they knew it. With a quick spinning kick the attacker sent the two young apprentices in opposite directions. Ira was sent flying into a pile of trash, while Korag met with a duracrete wall.

"Such pathetic skills, you Jedi are worthless." the Kaleesh attacker said standing up. "Why, I wonder where your Master is?"

"Right here, I see you haven't changed a bit Zlan." Leon said as he placed his saber's blade next to Zlan's neck.

Zlan's eyes went from the saber to Leon's face, "It seems you've improved quite a lot since I last saw you. But I wonder how much?" Zlan said activating his lightsaber and spinning to meet Leon's lightsaber in what seemed like flash-speed. This quickness put some space between the two, but almost immediatly Zlan charged. Bringing his saber down to lock with Leon's.

"You didn't beat me last time, and I'm not gonna let you like this time around!" Leon yelled as he attempted to slice Zlan's hand off, only to be met with a punch to his face.

"Oh I beg to differ. You act like your the greatest Jedi ever, but have you told the young ones how you earned the title "The Slayer"?" Zlan asked as he twisted his lightsaber hilt, extending the blade to 300 cm and changing it's color to an orange with a yellow center.

Zlan came at Leon swinging his saber in a diagonal arc, but Leon easily parried the attack and was ready to parry more strikes. Zlan pressed the offense again, attacking with a flurry of strikes from all sides, hoping to catch Leon's gaurd in a weak spot. But such was Leon's skill that he found no weak spot, he would just have to call upon his anger to increase his power of his Djem So style. Leon did not allow him to attack however, he twitched his wrist in quick succession to attack with his agile and graceful Makashi swipes. Using only his right hand, his left at his side, Leon slashed his saber in x's and various patterns to keep his opponent on constant defense. Leon and Zlan mommentarily locked blades, only to have Leon slowly turn his saber and slip it behind Zlans. Zlan managed to jump back to avoid having his hands taken off.

"You know, I'm almost glad you've kept up your skills. Otherwise I'd have no challenge." Zlan said as he shortened his lightsaber back to normal size and color.

"Yeah, getting completly beaten down like a nerf would be a real drag, but beating you like a nerf without getting to really go all out would be a bigger drag." Leon said giving a Makashi-salute.

Zlan jumped at him and they began to duel again, this time Zlan using more of his speed than just power. Leon moved backwards at a steady pace aas he parried each of Zlan's quick strikes. Zlan brought his saber into an upward arc that would surely have cut Leon from abdomen to his right shouldar, but Leon blocked the strike with a fast downward swipe. Zlan saw an opening and took advantage, with a strong kick to the chest, Leon fell back over the edge to fall through the roof of a building on the lower area. He hit the floor, of what seemed like a gambling hall, hard on his back. But he shunted away the pain and rose to his feet. Zlan had jumped down in time to again start his offense. Leon angled his saber and blocked all of Zlan's attacks, but he began feeling the affects of the fall and Zlan appeared to be increasing in speed. Their sabers locked and they stared at each other with a fiery determination.

"Is your fear rising? Or is it perhaps you've come to realize you can't win?" Zlan asked as the sabers cackled and sparked.

"No, I lost all my fear long ago, it was to much of a drag to keep with me. If you want to talk of fear, why don't you stop being an idiot and think about how you were." he said with an annoyed expression.

With that comment Zlan angrily powered Leon away and back a few feet. His saber rising in the air, only to be met by Leons. He swung from all sides that he could swing from, a flurry of left swings, right, down, up, striking in a diagonal arc. Zlan locked sabers for a second and was finally able to break Leon's defense. Placing his lightsaber behind Leons, he struck his right arm, then the left one. He did the same with Leon's legs, dropping him to his knees, but his objective was not to dismember Leon, only to temporarily disable him.

"And now Leon, you're finished!" Zlan yelled as he pulled a silver device from his belt. Pressing a red button, he slammed the device onto Leon's head revealing the device's identity....a mind-disrupture. "With this in place all your skill and power are nothing. You won't be getting away from me, ever again."

Korag and Ira finally caught up with the powerful duelists to witness Leon's capture, "Master, we'll get you out of that thing, just wait." Ira said activating her aqua blade, Korag followed suit brandishing his silver blade.

Zlan looked at them and laughed, "Two children taking me on?I wonder, what forms do you use?" he asked mockingly.

They looked at him with faces most serious, "Soresu." Ira said, "Makashi." Korag said.

But they've yet the training nor the years required to have reached a decent level of their forms, they can't beat him head-to-head, Leon thought to himself as his arms hung next to him, what a drag.