The debris surrounding Zakuul was disheartening to see. The once strong and undefeatable fleet was reduced to metal parts floating in space around the planet.

"I wasn't expecting this." Nico murmured, as he maneuvered his ship around the floating parts. Then he added. "Do you think anyone is still alive down there?"

Sitting beside him, Zallow gazed at the planet and then he said.

"Let's hope so."

Deep inside he hoped to find Vaylin. But seeing the damage caused by the Rakatan's, he wasn't sure if he would ever see her again.

"Oh, Maker no." Sidonie gasped looking outside. "They destroyed everything here as well."

"Indeed they did." Zallow replied with a frown.

Then he looked at Gilina sitting beside Sidonie and his mind went to Marr and the others.

When the attack came, everything happened so fast they didn't have time to warn them. The thought of Satele being hurt or killed disturbed him the most. He hoped she had got away in time and found a safe place to stay low. Then his mind ventured to Vaylin and their unborn child. The pain and torment he felt every time he thought about them was unbearable. He didn't want to lose them. He was afraid if he did, then his sanity will suffer tremendously. This could lead him down the wrong path which he wanted to avoid at all costs.

"Hold onto your hats and skirts." Nico said as he was about to land the ship on the spaceport of the decimated city.

After switching off the ship's computer, he turned around and said.

"Well, we are finally here." Then he added. "And from the looks of it, we might be the only ones."

"There have to be some survivors." Sidonie said, and then she got up.

"I wish I could share your optimism." Nico replied getting out of the pilot seat.

"I know it looks bad, but we need to find Arcann and Lana." Zallow replied. Then he got up and approached Gilina who blankly stared in front of her not wanting to look up.

"Gilina." Zallow said in a soft tone. "We have to go."

Shaking her head, with tear-filled eyes, she looked at Zallow.

"I know you're scared, but we have to find Arcann." Zallow said. "Come." He offered his hand. "Let's go."

Reluctantly, Gilina took his hand and they walked off the ship into the chaos that was left behind by the enemy.

"What about Jace?" Sidonie asked, thinking about the soldier resting in the medical chamber.

"He is safe on the ship." Nico said. "Let's see if we can find better care for him."

As far as the eye could see, the once proud and beautiful city was in ruins. Nico wasn't sure if they would ever find proper medical care. Only ashes and the strong smell of decay coming from the many fallen were left behind from the war.

Quickly covering up their mouths, they started to walk toward the palace or what was left of it.

The air felt warm and humid as they made their way toward the back of the palace. Nico loudly gagged when they passed a pile of dismembered bodies thrown beside the garden gate.

"What did they do with them?" He asked feeling disgusted.

"Looks like they were feasting on them." Zallow replied looking at the half-eaten bodies.

Letting go of his hand, Gilina turned away and threw up on the blood-soaked ground.

Sidonie felt the urge to throw up as well, but she quickly pulled herself together, and then she asked.

"Gilina, are you alright?"

Nodding her head, Gilina wiped her mouth with the sleeve of her shirt, and then she motioned for Sidonie to keep on going. The view and stench of the dead made her sick to her stomach, but I have to be strong, Gilina thought. She wanted to see Marr again and the others. And if she doesn't pull herself together she might never see them again. Due to her disability, she was always frowned upon in her Twi'lek village. They even tried to kill her a few times, to show her family that she was just useless and didn't belong there. When Marr showed up, that is when her life turned around.

The tall Sith with his calm attitude was what she needed. While he showed nothing but affection toward her, with others he was unyielding and unwavering to their pitiful pleadings and sniveling. She always felt safe when he was around, but now he was gone and she was completely lost without him. The thought of losing Marr was just too much to bear and she didn't want to think about it.

"Over there." Nico said grabbing Zallow by the arm. "Look."

Squinting into the early morning light, Zallow looked across the charred garden and saw silhouettes of people walking toward them. As they got closer, he realized who they were. A wide smile appeared on his face and then he started to walk faster toward them.

"Zallow!" Nico exclaimed. "Wait!"

"Master Zallow!" Aryn yelled seeing her former Master. Then she flung herself into his arms and squeezed him tight.

"How did you get here?" Zallow asked as he embraced her. Then his eyes landed on Gnost-Dural, Oric, and a few other Jedi standing beside them. Not seeing Orgus Din, he let go of her and asked.

"Where is Master Orgus?"

With a look of sorrow on her face, she replied.

"We lost him during the invasion of Tython."

"I'm so sorry." Zallow replied. "But what are you doing here?"

"After you told me about Arcann, I thought this place was a sanctuary." Aryn replied. "But when we got here we found nothing but devastation."

"And a few survivors." Gnost-Dural added.

"Arcann?" Zallow asked with a worried tone. "Did you find him?"

Shaking her head, she said.

"No one has seen him since the attack."

This is bad news, Zallow thought. Then his troubled thoughts were disrupted by Sidonie.

"Hello there. It's nice to see you all again." She chimed looking at the Jedi.

"Sidonie." Gnost-Dural exclaimed. "What a pleasure."

"What is she doing here?" Orin cut in staring at Gilina.

"She is with us." Zallow replied feeling annoyed by Orin's behavior. With slight cynicism in his voice, he added. "It's nice to see you too, Orin."

"Where is her mate?" Orin asked. "Is he dead?"

The mentioning of Marr made Gilina even sadder than she felt earlier. Looking at the ground she felt like crying again.

"No one knows." Sidonie said staring at Orin's smug face. She never liked his attitude and wasn't happy about seeing him again. "If he is alive, I'm sure he'll find us here." She added.

The last time she saw Marr was when she said goodbye to Vowrawn at Malgus's mansion. The kiss they shared before she left them there was still etched into her mind. Then chaos came and everything changed. She missed Vowrawn terribly, but she knew he was a survivor and she was certain they'll meet again.

"You said you found survivors?" Nico asked looking at Gnost-Dural. "Do any of them have medical experience?"

"Why are you asking?" Gnost-Dural asked.

"I have an injured soldier back on my ship." Nico replied. "He needs medical attention."

"I think I've seen someone attending to the injured." Gnost-Dural replied. "He might be able to help."

"Sounds good." Nico replied.

While Nico and three of the Jedi went to retrieve Jace, Zallow turned to Aryn and asked.

"Do you know if Vaylin is amongst the survivors?"

"I'm sorry, but no one has seen her or her brother." She replied. "The Eternal Empire is broken." As tears started to swell in her eyes, she continued. "We lost everyone. Only a handful of us were able to get away." With a shaky voice, she added. "It was a massacre."

Trying to comfort her, he gently embraced her and while she cried on his chest, he said.

"Shhh, Aryn. Everything is going to be all right. Please don't lose faith."

"I know it will be, because you are here." She replied in a hushed tone.

"Where are the survivors staying now?" Sidonie asked.

Letting Zallow go, Aryn wiped her face and then she said.

"The left-wing of the palace survived the attack. It's large enough to hold hundreds of people."

"Then we should get going." Sidonie said.

Hours later Jace opened his eyes and saw a blurry figure of a woman wiping his body with a cold, wet towel. As his vision started to clear, the first thing he noticed was her delicate hand as she slowly wiped his brows, then his eyes traveled up her arm and then his breath hitched in his throat.

"Satele?" He croaked looking at the young woman sitting beside him.

For a split second, she looked confused. Then a small smile appeared on her pretty face and then she said.

"You are the second person who has called me that."

"Who are you?" Jace asked with a look of astonishment on his face. He couldn't believe his eyes. The woman looked like the spitting image of Satele, except for her eye color. They were deep brown, giving her face a somewhat warmer look."

"My name is Yilana. I am here to help." She politely replied.

"Yilana." He whispered her name and then he leaned back on the pillow. "You're beautiful." He added looking at her face. Even her voice sounded like Satele's, he thought with awe.

Wringing out the cloth, she started to wash his right arm, and then she said.

"It's very nice of you, but I'm only here to help and nothing more."

"Oh, please." Jace quickly said. "I didn't mean to flirt. I'm sorry."

"That's okay." She said coyly. "I'm used to being treated like a piece of meat."

"What?" He asked. "Why would you say that?" Then he abruptly sat up and said. "Did anyone here hurt you?"

Shaking her head she said.

"No one is here to hurt me. I just said that because of my previous profession."

"Previous profession?" Jace asked confused.

With a sweet smile, she looked at him and said.

"Lay back. You need to relax."

"How do you feel buddy?" Nico said as he walked into the room and stopped at the foot of the bed. Then he winked at Yilana and said in a smooth tone.

"I can see you are in good hands. A pretty girl like her would make your ailments go away in no time."

After finishing washing his arm, she stood up and put the cloth back into the bucket. Then she quietly left the room, while both men stared after her like they had never seen a woman before.

Pointing behind him, Nico spoke up first.

"Did you see that?"

"Of course." Jace replied annoyed. Then he asked. "Did you do this to prank me?"

"Me?" Nico said pointing to his chest. "I would never do a thing like that."

"If you did." Jace said with a serious tone. "I'm going to get up and instead of kicking your ass, I'm going to hug you so hard you'll hear your bones cracking." With a wide boyish smile, he added. "She is just what I need."

"You know what." Nico said taking a seat in the chair beside the bed. "Let's leave the hugging for some other time. However, first I think you need to hear something about your little girlfriend."

After Nico explained to Jace about her background, Jace looked at Nico with concern and then he asked.

"Is she still you know...doing that?"

"Nah." Nico replied with a grin. "The pleasure house was destroyed and most of the women were killed or taken by the Rakatans. She was lucky to survive. And now as you see, she became a nurse." With a mischievous grin, he added. "She is very handy if you know what I mean?"

Ignoring the remark, Jace let out a relieved sigh, and then he asked.

"Do you think I have a chance with her?"

"Well, my friend." Nico chimed. "That is all up to you."

A few nights later, while sleeping in the hallway, Zallow woke up and saw Aryn going down the stairs.

Getting up, he followed her into the large chamber that served as a dining/kitchen area.

Sitting down at one of the tables and turning on the table light, she took out a leather-bound book and started to read.

"Aryn?" Zallow asked as he stepped closer. "What are you doing?"

Looking up, her eyes met his, and then she said.

"I had a bad dream and couldn't get back to sleep."

Gesturing toward the table, Zallow asked.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

With a tired smile, she replied.

"Of course I don't mind. Have a seat."

After taking a seat, he folded his arms in front of his chest and then he asked.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I'd rather not." She replied shaking her head.

Then his eyes landed on the book and asked.

"What are you reading?"

"Gnost-Dural's researches." She replied. "He is very good at recording important things about the Jedi and other interesting subjects."

"May I see it?" Zallow asked gesturing for her to hand the book over.

After handing the book over, and while he scanned through the pages Aryn silently watched him.

"Do you miss her?" She asked.

"Vaylin?" He said looking up from the book.

"Yes." She replied. "Do you think she is still alive?"

"I don't know." Zallow replied with a saddened face. "She is a strong person and I want to believe that she is alive somewhere out there."

Reaching across the table, Aryn placed her hand on top of his and as she lightly squeezed it she said.

"Let's hope everything will work out for us."

Pulling his hand away, he looked away from her gaze, and then he asked.

"What do you think might have happened to Arcann?"

Leaning back on her chair, she said.

"We never found his body and no one knows what happened to him. When we asked the survivors they all said the same. It was only chaos and the will to live. They hid or fought back, just like we did."

Turning to her he asked.

"What do you think is going to happen to us now? Where do we go from here?"

"I think staying here would be a mistake." She replied. "The enemy could come back again. I think it would be wise to find a small, insignificant planet and start over."

"And hope that they won't find us there?" Zallow asked. Shaking his head he added. "No Aryn. We can't just run away and hide hoping that they'll forget about us. We have to find a way to get strong again and fight back."

"And how are we going to do that?" With an upset tone, she added. "We lost everything and everyone. How are we going to fight back? We have no army, no weapons, and no one to lead us."

"Leaders are born in times of need. I have faith that someone is going to take this role and lead us to victory." Zallow replied. Gazing into her eyes, he added. "We are Jedi Aryn. We do not cower down in fear of a challenge."

Pushing his chair back, he got up and said.

"Good night."

After Zallow left, Aryn stared in front of her, lost in thought. She knew he was right about not giving up, but over the years she had lost so many and lost too much. She wanted to live in peace even if it meant to live like a coward. Picking up the book, she tried to read, but after a few minutes of reading, she couldn't concentrate. A foolish dream, she thought annoyed tossing the book aside.

A week later, as they were still cleaning the debris out of the palace to make more room for everyone, one of the Zakuulans rushed into the palace and started to yell.

"They are back!" He shouted with joy. "The Empress is here! We are saved!

Standing in the empty trophy room where he had fought Adraas, Zallow looked around. How everything was so different back then, he thought, as his eyes roamed over the empty spaces where the pods used to be.

"They took them." He murmured thinking about what fate these Force users must have faced after their abduction.

Then he heard people shouting outside. Quickly, he left the room and headed out.

When he reached the dining area, a feeling of euphoria enveloped him seeing Vaylin and Senya surrounded by the others.

Swiftly, he pushed his way through everyone and picked up Vaylin.

Holding her in his arms, he whispered into her ear.

"I can't believe you're here. I knew you were alive."

Cradling his neck, Vaylin felt ecstatic to see and hold him again.

"The baby?" He asked. "Is she alright?"

With teary eyes, she looked into his and said.

"Yes. She is fine." Then she added. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Zallow replied and then he pressed his lips to hers. He was just too astonished to see her, his heart was beating so fast it felt like it was going to jump out of his chest.

Vaylin broke the kiss when she felt a tap on her shoulder, and then she heard her mother.

"Vaylin?" She asked smiling. "Would you mind introducing me to the father of my grandchild?"

With a blushing face, Zallow extended his hand and said. "Ma'am."

"Nice to meet you." Senya replied shaking hands with him. "I've heard so much about you." She added with a smile.

"Nice to meet you too." Zallow replied smiling back at her. He wanted to ask how they found each other, but instead, he stayed quiet. I'll ask them later, he thought, looking at them both. Then his attention turned to Vaylin and said.

"I think we have a lot to catch up on." With a sorrowful expression, he added. "I'm sorry to tell you but your brother is missing."

"Missing?" Senya asked worriedly. "Arcann? He is not here?"

"No Ma'am." Zallow replied. "We don't know where he is."

"No." Senya said feeling lightheaded. She was looking forward to seeing Arcann to finally reunite her family. To see her beloved planet and city in ruins, and losing her son again, suddenly everything came crashing down on her and she had to hold onto Vaylin for support.

"Mother." Vaylin said as she embraced her. "We'll see him again. I know we will."

"What about Lana?" Senya asked holding back tears. "Is she here somewhere?"

Looking at Zallow's face, she knew Lana was gone as well.

"Mother. The people need us." Vaylin said looking at her upset face. "We have to get back on our feet and figure out how are we going to move forward. It's not going to be easy but we have to try, not just for us but for the people of Zakuul."

Placing her hand on her rounded stomach, she said.

"I want my child to be born in freedom and not in shackles."

"I agree." Zallow said. "We have to start anew and fight for our freedom. We can't let them get away with this."

Cupping his face into her hands Vaylin planted a kiss on his lips and then in a teasing voice she said. "I want a special celebration tonight. I hope you're up for a challenge."

Zallow cracked a smile and said.

"As you wish."

Later that day, while everyone celebrated Vaylin and Senya's return, Aryn quietly sat in the back of the room. She didn't feel like celebrating at all. Looking around, she saw many elated faces toasting to the Empress and her mother. From the Republic soldier who had a woman sitting on his lap that could have been a lost twin of Satele, her eyes traveled to the pilot that came with Zallow. Then she looked at her people and saw them having conversations with the locals. She even caught a glimpse of one of the Jedi unashamedly flirting with a young woman. The laws of this world were so different than what she was used to. These people didn't follow the Jedi code; therefore she tried to avoid dealing with them.

She was sure if they decide to fight back they will all die. She was not prepared to die, not yet, she thought watching Zallow and Vaylin's happy reunion with a pang of jealousy.

That night, after their lovemaking, and while Zallow lightly snored beside her, Vaylin was wide-awake staring at the ceiling. As her body started to change, sometimes she had difficulty falling asleep. Sitting up, she looked around the trophy room that now served as their bedchamber.

She was happy to be back, but the devastation that greeted them upon arrival still felt bitter. The place that she used to call home was nearly gone. Although she had some unpleasant memories within the walls of the palace, nevertheless she loved her home. To take all this from her family was beyond infuriating. Then she looked at Zallow and felt a warm sensation traveling through her body. She would have never thought that one day she was going to be involved with someone romantically. This sensation felt good and she didn't want to let go of it.

After the nightmares she had been put through since childhood, Vaylin felt isolated from others. Except for Arcann, she thought with a smile. Being a protective big brother she always appreciated his love. But now he was gone again, and this time, the great danger that cast its shadow over everyone felt just too close to home.

Gently, she rubbed her growing belly. Although her movements were barely noticeable, a few times Vaylin felt the baby pushing and stretching on the inside. It was the weirdest sensation she had ever felt in her life, however, she welcomed it with delight.

"And father wanted to take you away from me." She murmured looking at her belly. "Let's hope he is dead and this time for good."

"AHHHHH." Lana screamed in agony as another wave of pain rushed through her like a lightning strike. And when she thought it was over she heard that despicable voice again.

"Pain."

"Please." Lana begged. "PLEEEEASE STOP!"

With a sweat-drenched face, she looked at Arcann also strapped in a machine.

"Father please, STOP!" Arcann shouted.

"Why should I?" Vitiate replied with a flat tone standing between them. "Your suffering is my pleasure."

Turning to the Dread Masters and nodding his head, he signaled them to continue on with the punishment.

While Lana's agonizing scream filled up the room, Arcann looked away and stared at his father. Although he looked different, nevertheless Arcann recognized him. As much as he tried to block out the pain, it was impossible to do. Shearing pain like a burning hot flame shot through him making Arcann growl. With labored breath, and through gritted teeth he spat at him.

"I'm going to...kill...you...again."

"No son." Vitiate replied in a flat tone. "This time you are going to obey me and be a grateful son or I'll make you suffer more." Saying that he nodded toward Lana who trembled under the pressure of the Dread Master's spell.

Turning away from them, he looked at the Dread Masters and said.

"Just make sure they stay alive."

"Yes my Lord." They replied. Then they continued with the torture.

In his chamber, Vitiate gazed out the window watching the stars shining brightly in the darkness of space. This view always made him feel calm. Then his thoughts took him back to the day when the Rakatans attacked Korriban. He was shocked to see them returning from extinction. He had seen many strange things in his lifetime, but he had never seen this coming. With a handful of Sith, he barely managed to escape Korriban. However, he was strong enough to overpower one of their ships. After disabling the tracking devices and disconnecting the ship from the rest, they killed most of the Rakatans but kept a few, mostly officers, for information.

To his amazement, by torturing the prisoners, he found out that the rest of the Rakatans with their leader, King Zael, were located on Dathomir. Apparently, they used the ancient Kwa's knowledge and by collecting Force users they managed to resuscitate their species. Unfortunately, he couldn't get all the information. He wanted to find out more, but the prisoners couldn't give him the answers he was looking for. Feeling irritated by their incompetence, he executed them all.

After that, he decided to stay on the ship and use it as his base. He didn't want to take a chance staying on a planet fearing they might attack again. Of course, they were no match for his strength, however, he was outnumbered. Therefore, he had to be smart and not allow them to get too close.

Losing Senya and Vaylin was a bitter pill to swallow. He was certain they had stowed away on one of the ships and now they were most likely on Mandalore hiding somewhere. At first, he thought about sending the Dread Masters to collect them, but Vitiate had grown wary and he wanted to keep them close, like bodyguards. Having Arcann back was satisfying enough and Vitiate didn't want to risk going to Mandalore knowing that the Rakatans most likely attacked that planet as well. It was best if he stayed in motion. This way, he was not an easy target.

Then his thoughts went to Adraas and a deep frown appeared on his face. He wished he was here so he could punish him for his insolence and betrayal. But he was left on Korriban and by now, Vitiate thought, possibly dead.

Turning away from the window, he approached one of the chairs and slumped down.

There was also another thing that bothered him. This unpleasant thought kept coming back to his mind, giving him sleepless nights. It was the thought of a prisoner he once held in captivity. Through the Force, Vitiate felt him and he knew he was looking for him. In all his existence, he had never felt fear. But in his visions, that man and the purple light made him tremble with fear. He didn't understand the meanings of these peculiar manifestations, but he knew one thing, they were a bad omen and he wanted to avoid them at all cost.

Calling for Raptus, he waited for him to arrive. Within minutes he arrived.

Bowing his head he said.

"My Lord. How can I help?"

"Raptus, my faithful and trustworthy follower. I want you to scout out Dathomir and find King Zael."

"After I find him, what should I do with him, my Lord?" Raptus inquired.

"We don't know anything about him, yet." Vitiate replied. "Stay low but make sure to get all the information I need to defeat him." Then he added. "I need to know how many troops and weapons he has, and also what else he has in mind."

"As you wish, my Lord." He replied with a bow.

After Raptus left, Vitiate walked into the control room and ordered the pilot to set course to Champala.

"He is coming here?" Vowrawn and Marr exclaimed simultaneously. "Are you out of your mind?" Vowrawn asked looking at Malgus and Satele.

"We have a plan." Satele said.

"What plan?" Marr asked.

"A plan that will bring back Revan to his old self." Satele replied. After explaining to them about the spirit of Revan and what he is trying to achieve, Marr turned to Malgus and said.

"There are only the four of us, and I don't think you want to put Satele in danger in her condition, do you?"

"Don't worry about me." Satele said to Marr. "I'll be fine."

"Then it's only the three of us?" Vowrawn asked puzzled. "Against Revan?"

"Not exactly." Malgus replied with a frown. "We have Adraas as well."

"Adraas?" Marr asked confused. "You want to trust that son of a bitch?"

"I feel the exact same way as you do about him." Malgus replied. "But we need all the help we can get. And don't forget if Revan kills us all, he is good as dead."

"Malgus is right." Vowrawn said scratching his chin. "I don't trust him either, but I know he will do anything just to save his skin." Then he looked at Malgus and said. "He is your brother after all. I think it's time for you two to get acquainted properly."

Malgus was not happy to hear that word again, but he was right. It was time to step out of his comfort zone and have a talk with Adraas. Although he wasn't looking forward to doing that, it was a necessary evil.

That evening when his usual meal came, Adraas was surprised to see Malgus entering the room. After locking the door, he placed the tray on the table and then taking one of the chairs, he sat down and looked at Adraas.

"What are you doing?" Adraas asked staring at Malgus.

"Do you feel like your old self again?" Malgus asked.

"You want to know if my powers have returned?" Adraas asked taking the other chair.

"Yes." Malgus replied looking at him sitting across the table.

Shrugging his shoulders, he said. "Slowly but surely they're coming back to me." Then he asked. "Why are you asking?"

"I would never have thought in a million years that one day I would be asking something like this from you, but we need your help." Malgus replied folding his arms in front of his chest.

Pulling up one of his eyebrows Adraas asked.

"My help?" Reaching for his tray, he added. "Does that mean you are letting me out of this room?"

"For the time being, yes." Malgus replied with a bitter tone. Then his eyes landed on Adraas's hands and he noticed he was missing a few digits on his right hand.

Picking up the fork, Adraas started to eat.

With a mouth full of food, he asked. "So tell me Malgus, why do you need my help?"

"What happened to your hand?" Malgus inquired.

Scoffing, Adraas reached for the bread and then he said.

"It was Zallow."

"Zallow?" Malgus asked puzzled. "The Jedi?"

Stuffing the bread into his mouth, Adraas nodded his head and then started to chew.

"You fought him and you lost?" Malgus asked suppressing a smile.

Swallowing the food, Adraas took a sip of his water, and then he said.

"I got overconfident." Shaking his head he added. "It won't happen again. Next time I see his sorry ass, I'm going to kill him."

"I wasn't thrilled with him either." Malgus said frowning.

"What do you mean?" Adraas asked.

"He stayed at my house for a while, as a guest." Malgus replied. "Every time I looked at him, or heard his voice, for some reason I felt like I wanted to bash his head in." With a bitter smile, he added. "There's something about him that just doesn't feel right."

"I'll tell you what it is." Adraas said. "He is an arrogant Jedi who thinks we owe him something." Running his hand through his hair he added. "Unfortunately he is untouchable. Having Vaylin and Arcann at his back made him impossible to reach."

"Not exactly." Malgus said with a sly grin. "It's my understanding, you hold something against Vaylin that could compromise her, right?"

"Yes, I do." Adraas replied as he chewed his food. "But that is something I will never share with anyone." Pointing his fork toward Malgus he said. "It's my dirty little secret."

"Keep your secrets then." Malgus replied annoyed. "I just came here to ask you to join us to defeat someone who is heading this way as we speak."

"Who?" Adraas asked.

A sudden sly smile appeared on Malgus's face. Leaning closer, he looked into Adraas's suspicious eyes and then he said.

"None other than Revan himself. Are you ready for a challenge?"

From a state of surprise, Adraas suddenly burst out in laughter. Slamming his palms on the table he said laughing.

"Revan the almighty is coming here?"

"Do you think it's funny?" Malgus asked looking at him wiping his face. "This is not a joke. But why am I wasting my time?" Malgus said getting up.

"Hold on." Adraas stopped him. "Wait. Sit down." He said gesturing for Malgus to take a seat. "Don't get all pissy on me...Malgus."

"Are you with us then?" He asked watching Adraas's smug face.

"Tell me about this plan of yours." Adraas said lifting the cup to his lips. He was curious to hear what they had cooked up to trap one of the most powerful people in the galaxy.

A few minutes later, after hearing the plan Adraas put down his fork and said.

"It's risky but worth it." Then he added. "Do you think he is going to fall for that?"

"I don't know." Malgus replied. "We'll see."

"I just hope Satele is going to be alright." Adraas said. "It would be a shame if she gets hurt or killed."

"Don't worry about her." Malgus replied in a firm tone. "She won't be harmed. I'll make sure of that."

He was about to get up and leave when Adraas said.

"Do you want to know about HIM?"

With a puzzled expression, Malgus looked at him and asked.

"Should I?"

"I don't know." Adraas replied. "Should you hear about the monster who fathered both of us?"

"Monster?" Malgus asked.

"You see Malgus." Adraas started to say. "While you were spoiled and treated like a prince, I was beaten and humiliated every time I opened my mouth. My father, our father was not the nicest man. After years of abuse, he beat my mother to death. After her death, I became his victim. Every time he marked my body I wanted to kill him. But you see, I was young and helpless, so I endured and endured until I was strong enough to finally kill him. And believe me." He said with glowing eyes. "When I had the chance to get my hands on him, I made sure he suffered for everything he had done to my mother and to me before he died."

Somehow Malgus wasn't surprised about this revelation knowing Adraas. To think that it could have been him and his mother beaten and killed by that monster made Malgus bitter and angry. Growing up, he received nothing but love and respect. His mother and stepfather gave him a happy childhood that he was truly grateful for. To hear Adraas's story made him feel sad.

"I'm sorry about what happened to you." Malgus said feeling some compassion toward him.

"Yeah, I'm sorry too." Adraas said with cynicism. Then he added. "I just wish that I had known about you. Together we could've been something Malgus, but that's all in the past now. We are nothing but enemies. Even though we should just embrace our heritage and share the woman we both love." Saying that a wide grin appeared on his face.

"Leave Satele out of this." Malgus growled.

Lifting his hands, Adraas said. "Don't get upset. You and I know I don't have a chance with her. She loves you and carries your child, and that's all there is to it."

"At least we can agree on that one." Malgus replied irritated. He hated the thought of him even saying Satele's name.

Standing up, Adraas picked up the tray and said.

"Am I allowed to return this to the kitchen?"

"Yes." Malgus replied. "But after that, you are coming back here."

"Oh, I see." Adraas said with a grin.

"After you." He said gesturing for Adraas to go ahead.

Days later Revan arrived at Korriban. The devastation of the planet by the hands of the enemy was very noticeable as they approached the Valley of the Dark Lords. He had been here once, a long time ago with his old-time friend Malak. At that time, they were looking to find the Star Map to locate the Star Forge. However this time, he came for something else.

After landing the ship, he turned to the crew and said.

"I want you to stay on the ship. I'm going in alone."

"My Lord." One of the Revanites spoke up. "It's not wise to go alone. This could be a trap."

"Do you think I'm incompetent?" Revan asked staring at the man.

"No, my Lord." The man replied lowering his gaze to the floor.

"Wait here." Revan said as he walked past the man.

As he stepped off the ship, the late afternoon light blinded him for a second. Shielding the sun from his eyes, he started to walk down the path. The dry sandy ground loudly crunched beneath his boots as he made his way toward the tomb. There was an unmistakable stench of death lingering in the air. Cautiously he scanned the area. However, there was no one around, only a few pieces of tattered clothing were blowing in the wind, swirling above the ground.

When he reached the tomb he stopped for a second.

"She is waiting for me." He murmured gazing into the darkness.

After stepping through the threshold, he ignited his weapon to light the way. Then he kept walking until he reached a pit full of bones.

Satele's pulse elevated hearing someone crossing the pit. His steps echoed through the walls of the tomb, making loud sounds as he approached her.

Facing the altar lit up with candles, Satele slowly breathed in and out as he stepped inside the room.

After deactivating his weapon, he said.

"Bastila, my love." His voice sounded like Revan's, and full of anguish she thought, trying to control her breathing.

Facing away from him, Satele swallowed and then said in a hushed tone. "Revan."

Revan's pulse instantly quickened and he was mesmerized seeing her standing in front of him. At that moment nothing existed, only him and her. Wearing a light yellow dress that showed her curves, her dark hair was set in a bun exposing the back of her delicate neck. Not wanting to take his eyes off her, he slowly approached her. As he reached out to touch her, suddenly he realized he had made a dire mistake.

Out of the shadows came four Sith with weapons at hand.

Swiftly, Satele hunkered behind the safety of the altar. As she anxiously listened to the disturbing sounds of the fight, silently she prayed they were strong enough to take on this challenge.

To be continued...