Chapter Text
“Master… The coordinates indicate that we will be arriving at our destination shortly, so we are breaking out of the hyperdrive soon.”
The sound of footsteps came from behind.
“Already? Well, I was hoping you’d say the opposite.”
“Master…”
“What? I have every right to complain when we are about to be dissolved by the two great suns of Tatooine!”
‘Ah.’ Yuuji released a sigh internally. ‘Here we go again…’
As per request by the Jedi Council, Yuuji and his master, Satoru Gojo, were deployed on yet another mission.
Many rotations had passed since the appalling incident with the Sith, a reality that Yuuji still had a difficult time grasping in spite of himself encountering one with his naked eyes, much to his dissatisfaction. The distressing revelation that a Sith Lord has emerged out of nowhere certainly, and so nonchalantly, undoubtedly created a stir between the Jedi and the Senate themselves.
However, the Senate was much more vivid about the news and had taken a drastic decision in response. Unable to forget those moments, Yuuji recalls how it led up to this point, not desiring any further to accept the direction it took up to this day, which caused the immediacy of completing their current mission at hand.
It was already far too dark the moment they stepped outside.
The trip back to their ship was full of strained silence. Aside from the rustle of clothes and the pressing of the rough surface down their boots, Nanami busied himself peeling off his tight tie the instant they were out of sight and Yuuji simply pursued.
Fortunately, they weren’t caught by the Zygerrians; fleeing that perilous place as fast as they could, quietly and with careful consideration, before they faced even more trouble than they already did.
However, Yuuji couldn’t just keep quiet anymore. His mind is muddled with everything and nothing all at once. Deeply unsettled, his body itching for an action to be executed. He felt like there was a necessity to be done. Especially when things had turned out to be this way. And not when this matter has become so alarming. Not when things are changing completely for the Jedi at the sudden twist of events.
“Master Nanami… Wait!”
Their ship is in their line of sight now, but Yuuji can’t bear the thought of leaving when they barely did anything at all.
“S-So what do we do? We can’t just leave this place and forget what happened! We have to do something! We have to fight!”
Even though Yuuji knows that fighting would only equate to their demise as a result.
“No, Padawan.” The master merely continued striding to the ship without pausing, a look of exhaustion plastered on his face even though he tried to conceal it. “If you remember what the council had said, we are only here to investigate and nothing more.”
Yuuji had to catch up due to how fast his master was walking. “But they also said that we could apprehend him if we could!”
“But we couldn’t, Yuuji. That’s the issue.”
“Then, why? Why couldn’t we? Jedi are not one to give up!”
Nanami halted in his advancement which Yuuji mirrored. His shoulders heaved, releasing a silent sigh of resignation as the Jedi master tilted his head to meet the padawan in the eye. “Well, I suppose you have better ideas on capturing the Sith. With an army of Zygerrians protecting the castle and a team of criminals uniting about…”
That left Yuuji on pause. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.
It was enough of an answer for Nanami as he swerved around and resumed his walk. “No, I suppose not. Come, Yuuji. Let’s go home.”
Yuuji was still doubtful about this. Steps shuffling and small before running to keep up with his master once again. “But… The Sith… H-He’s—”
“We don’t know what we’re dealing with right now, padawan learner,” Nanami enunciated. “It’s becoming quite dangerous if we simply do without a plan. And now that we know a Sith is involved and is very much existing, the least we could do is to report our findings back to the Jedi Temple.”
“So we just leave? What about the sentients here? They’re not aware that the dark side is on them!”
The ramp of their starship opened with a silent hum. “The Sith isn’t so reckless to cause another havoc, I believe. After all, these sentients are as much as crime-doers like the Sith himself.”
“It appears I was right,” Master Mei Mei cocked her head high, and a slow and small smirk danced on her face. “I could feel such darkness looming in the galaxy already.”
“You shouldn’t feel too pleased about this, Master Mei Mei.” Master Yoshinobu murmured, a grave look plastered on his face. “This does not bode well for us all.”
“Indeed, it does not. Any schemes the Sith have in mind will have an impact on numerous planets. We have yet to conduct full preparation regarding safety protocol for the public. This took quite a sudden turn… One that is not welcomed by any means.” Master Yaga remarked with a disturbed expression.
Another Jedi master interrupted, but this time, her sole focus was on a certain padawan, who was twice as troubled as the rest. “Padawan Yuuji…” She calls, and Yuuji looks up to face her, blankly. “It takes courage to have come face to face with the Sith, and to emerge unscathed, too.”
But Yuuji fought the urge to blurt out the things he wanted to say. That, no, he wasn’t brave. That he barely accomplished anything at all! That he was shamingly dancing with their foe, though was compelled to do so, and had remained clueless about who this man was before revealing himself to be the Sith.
“Ah, why of course, I believe congratulations are in order. To have encountered a Sith requires confidence, and it is quite a feat to meet one after a thousand years of silence from them.” Mei Mei’s smile is broad, yet her eyes show a tinge of amusement in them.
“This is not something to drink a toast to,” Nanami’s strong voice resonated through the chamber. His brows are creased and eyes narrowed, and his lips curled into a frown. “Need I emphasize to you that this is a Sith we are currently holding in topic? A sentient who we, the peacekeepers, sought to prevent from happening? It doesn’t matter that the Jedi has not faced one for many years. The Sith means trouble! That is hardly a cause for celebration and not something to be ecstatic about.”
Mei Mei, however, seemed unfazed and instead shifted in her seat, sitting rather gracefully for someone delighted to hear the dire news. “My, you are right, Master Kento. I apologize if my words have offended you.”
Her tone certainly doesn’t sound like it. Yuuji’s lips were sealed tight as he studied the master before him. Surely, Master Mei Mei is quite a different case. She was the subject of several rumors. Numerous stories centered around her about how she dabbled in the art of the dark side once though eventually redeemed herself to become who she is today…
A loud thump on the floor echoed the room. “Silence, everyone, please be at peace,” Yoshinobu asserted, smacking his stick on the surface three times. When the room grew quiet, Yoshinobu took this opportunity to speak. “I have made my decision. I know that this seems abrupt but… the course of action to take, which I believe is necessary, is to report our findings to the Senate.”
All at once, murmurs erupted within the chamber. Yuuji cast a glance at Nanami who only returned his gaze. They all shared the same sentiment, it seems. All of them are hesitant to inform the Senate about this arising issue. One may consider such a moment as an understandable reluctance in the first place.
From the previous experiences they’ve accumulated in partnership with the Senate, they’ve encountered legislators with whom they frequently clash against their values. The Senate is also known for its lack of order and unfavored or biased debates over Jedi initiatives. Many of their wishes are met with selfishness and could often lead to rash decision-making.
But Master Yoshinobu made a point.
The Senate is the voice of the people. They are a group of powerful leaders who help foster many planets with their resources. As a result, the public puts their faith in them and listens to their words. So it was only fitting that the Senate make the final judgment on this matter. The Jedi could only hope that the action to take will be wise for this is not something to be simply disregarded or overlooked.
“However, to proceed, we must also have our perspectives regarding this issue to convey our thoughts to the politicians. We shall determine whether to keep this information hidden from the public… or not.”
“We must let them know!” A Jedi exclaimed from his seat. “If we are to keep this hidden, many would be unaware of the peril that lies ahead. To remain ignorant of the matter is an issue, and so I suggest that the presence of the Sith shall be made known to avoid falling into the hands of peril.”
“I agree!” Another spoke out. “At least with the knowledge they bore that a dark lord roams in the galaxy, they would be prepared and would expect danger. This shall enable them to be more attentive or careful of their surroundings.”
“But to raise this concern into awareness would mean insecurity, fear, and doubts.” A Jedi counters. “The dark side of the force has grown tremendously, and with the panic at present amongst the sentients, it would only garner more darkness! We do not want the people to live in fear, do we?”
“Then, let us vote.” Master Yoshinobu interrupted with a booming voice. “Masters, I understand each of your concerns, and all your thoughts in mind are considered to a great extent, but we do not need to argue over such a thing. To ensure equity, we shall see which one is the better option for the lives of others along with ours. In favor of announcing the truth to all sentients in the galaxy?”
And so, many hands among the council rose. Yuuji could count a handful who didn’t raise their hands. “Then, it is settled. The public will need to know of this, it seems.” Master Yaga concluded, catching the eyes of those who did not want this news to be leaked. “Now, I shall speak to the Chancellor about this to hold court. Tomorrow, we shall see results.”
Despite all efforts and persuasion, even going so far as to explain the history and providing shreds of evidence according to ancient textures about the depths of what a Sith could do with their presence gracing the galaxy with darkness…
The Jedi failed.
The general legislators had preferred to keep things silent rather than inform all sentients about the imminent danger. It was a meeting that lasted longer than the ones they had for the past month.
Yuuji frowned, shaking his head in disappointment once he heard the news.
According to the majority of the senate representatives, they wanted to obscure the truth that a Sith had emerged. They intended to keep the same rumors circulating; allowing the public to think that it was just a random force-user who possessed no knowledge of the true power of the force resulting in the accidental killings of the warriors.
As Yuuji lay down on his mattress with a bitter heart, he could only wonder what the Sith might have planned for the rest of the world with this unexpected favor placed on him.
“It can’t be that bad.”
From his seat, Satoru gave his pupil an overly-narrowed glare as if he just heard an offending joke directed at him. That exasperated look on his face says it all. “Considering that you have not exactly gone there until now, you’re one to talk! If my memory serves me correctly, which it usually does, by the way, this will be the first time you are to visit that horrible, despicable, and vile place?”
“But I have heard!” Yuuji announced with confidence, his loud voice surpassing his own master. “Fushiguro has told me enough about his expedition at Tatooine! He claimed that although it’s extremely hot, it is tolerable once you’re too preoccupied with completing the mission at present.”
“Extremely hot?” Satoru scoffed, bearing no amusement in his tone, incredulity written on his vexed face. “What a quaint way to describe such a treacherous planet. Perhaps the right word for that is extremely scorching hot, comparable to that of the planet Mustafar, from the endless waves of heat a sun—two suns, may I repeat—could ever grant! And tolerable? Last, I checked, it was unbearable on my end! Have you consumed another sentient before? Because I guarantee you that is the only planet that can grant you one for free, freshly cooked straight from the beautiful suns!”
“Master!” Yuuji gapes at his teacher in horror, the latter’s expression only turns sour as if the thought of the planet repulses him. “I understand your immense distaste of Tatooine but you certainly do not need to share your disturbing thoughts with me.”
Distaste is an understatement. Based on the creases forming on his master’s face, Yuuji could only believe that this sentiment bordered immense loathing on said planet. Satoru’s verbal complaints squashed down any hopes Yuuji had on that planet. If such quibbles are being sprouted by the lips of none other than the strongest Jedi there is, then it certainly means that one shouldn’t attempt to expect something high on one thing regardless of what others might think.
“Heed my word, my dear padawan. There’s a reason why I’ve gone there once and had ever since rejected every mission that requires my attention on that planet.”
Yuuji, despite himself, throws his head in laughter.
~~~
Their new mission is undoubtedly concerning the discovery of the Sith’s existence.
Now that Satoru is unoccupied with other tasks, the Jedi Council decided to put him into another assignment in which his presence is most required out of all. Their new mission? To find out the reason behind Sukuna Ryomen’s attendance at the party; the new and emerging Sith Lord, after a thousand years of disappearance.
The Zygerrians wouldn't ever dare share information, an unfortunate revelation when Jedi Master Mei Mei and Utahime were dispatched to further investigate the matter despite their efforts. However, it wasn’t entirely for naught.
They have a lead…
During the masquerade party that the Zygerrians had heralded, none other than Jedi Master Kento recognized one of the well-known leaders of the Naboo Royal Advisory Council, present at this said party. This individual held the title of Governor and was highly trusted by the Queen herself. Additionally, the Governor had previously run for the Senate of Naboo. A disheartening reveal as the Queen, the moment she took the news, had ordered her soldiers to capture the traitor for indulging such heinous crimes.
For certain, this governor had partaken in the pleasure of purchasing slaves of their own, bearing the fact that the Zygerrians only handed invitation cards to those who were in business with them.
A friend of the Jedi contacted the Grand Master in coded transmission and disclosed to them the whereabouts of this now-former governor, saying that they’d gone into hiding at Tatooine in hopes not to get caught.
And so, Yuuji and Satoru have been sent to capture the governor for further questioning.
Now, shortly after their landing and making sure that their ship is hidden from the thieves and ship scavengers, Yuuji steps outside with his body covered with extra layers of clothing for better protection against sandy winds and sweltering heat.
In an instant, he now completely understands his master’s hatred for this place.
‘I wish Fushiguro should have properly emphasized how hot it was… Because I certainly feel like getting cooked alive!’
“Welcome to the outer surface of hell!” Satoru yips cheerfully beside him. His voice was nearly drowned out by the howling of the strong winds. “Where the suns loves to greet you every day with a loving embrace, full of most appreciated warmth, and the sand soft to touch beneath your feet! Though I don't recommend removing your boots to know what the sand feels like!”
Yuuji giggles at his master’s attempt to reassure himself. The padawan himself already having a difficult time adjusting to the sheer brightness of the light provided above even when his surroundings were slightly cloudy from the sand particles being blown around.
“Is it usually this hot?”
“On most days, it isn’t. However, we arrived at quite a bad time of the year. It is no wonder why this governor chose this place to hide… Many wouldn’t dare step foot in such awful weather.”
Regardless, this did not deter them at all.
The mission began once they arrived. Even with the unrelenting heat of the suns beaming down at them, Satoru’s expression morphed into one of calm determination, which was previously humorous and light, but now focused and attentive to the responsibility ahead as a Jedi.
“Let’s go.”
Luckily for both of them, they were handed out a list of possible locations where this governor could hide… And it did not take long.
They caught her at one of the local bars just on the outskirts of a village. It was small and dimly lit. Quite a few sentients are present in the confines of these walls. The governor was difficult to spot at first, but with the highly-coveted skill in the force belonging to a powerful Jedi and the sharp senses that were honed from rigorous training along with multiple experiences under his disposal, it didn't take a while to find her.
The governor sits at the very end of the corner on a booth with a hood covering her face.
Yuuji trails his eyes over her spot and notices that she is encompassed by a large group of sentients playing Dejarik. He wonders what appropriate action to take without enraging those behemoth creatures for the disturbance. However, he did not have to ponder for long as his master sauntered to the table as if he owned the place.
The padawan shook his head in amusement and followed in silence.
Satoru walked with great strides and soon paused at the specific table before him. With the Jedi’s peculiar appearance, the sentients glanced up in confusion at the looming figure interfering with their rather peaceful game, and not even a few seconds had passed, proceeded to give the man a menacing glare after their observation.
“Greetings!” The Jedi’s voice was unnecessarily loud in such a tranquil place. The situation only worsened when his wide grin was visible on his face; so unlikely and too out of place from a dull environment. “I am terribly sorry for disrupting your game but may I speak with this lovely woman over here privately, if you don't mind?”
A Trandoshan slammed the table with a loud bang bouncing off the walls. “I do mind. I was about to win but you just had to interrupt! Now get out, you eyesore!”
“My, how rude—”
“Unless you’re here for a game and got some credits in your pocket, we might consider.” One of them, a Klatooinian bearing a difficult accent, cuts in. “But if you're just wasting our time then leave.”
However, Satoru only laughed in response, seemingly unfazed by the unwelcoming glare shot his way. “Ah, well, unfortunately, I don't exactly have the time to play.”
“Out of our sight then, idiot!”
‘And with that, all good things come to an end.’ Satoru smiled. Because one thing is for certain, these sentients are not aware that they merely cemented their near future with a delightful experience. A sly look replaced the Jedi’s usual gleeful expression as he whispered to no one but himself. “I believe I shall say the same to you.”
Satoru’s plan was in motion the second he raised his palm slightly. He beckoned the force to do his bidding, flowing through him and singing in a silent song, and soon, the tension in these walls dropped significantly as he unleashed it. “Don’t you think you need to stand in the sun for a bit? You all stayed here for quite some time, so you should leave.”
At the sheer command of a Jedi, the previously uncompliant visitors had now stood up submissively from the formidable call of the force and departed without a word. No one in the bar, exempting the padawan along the governor—the latter was sitting very still in her seat—took notice of the sudden departure of these intimidating figures, perhaps too focused on minding their business.
“Now then,” Satoru effortlessly slid to the booth and settled comfortably as he leaned back at the cushioned chairs, acting as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. “Yuuji, come on. The seats are unoccupied.”
The mentioned Padawan only smiled at his master’s tactics and moved to take a seat beside him.
The lone individual sat with her shoulders taut and her fists clenched. Soon, the governor gave up on pretending and removed the hood on her head, revealing quivering lips and a terrified expression.
All thoughts of capture were erased the moment they saw dull, tired eyes and trembling form.
In front of them was a sight to behold. From a strong, confident, reliable, and compassionate leader who represented the world of Naboo, standing with their Queen along with the rest of the Royal Advisory Council members, reduced to this; a shriveling woman with fear written all over her face, fighting back tears like she could burst any second… It was shocking and unsettling. Enough to question if this is the same person who had aided the Queen with her intelligence.
After one short observation of her form, Yuuji was quick to assure her. “We do not mean any harm, governor. All we need is—”
“I don't know anything!” She cuts him off before he can finish. “Please, I don't want to be locked away! T-The jail is the least place I wanted to be in!”
“Then, you won't be in any trouble if you answer our questions with honesty.” Satoru’s voice turned gentle as if he was speaking to a terrified creature. Which, in a way, she is. Yet he sounded strict and firm to ensure that he wasn’t just there to console her, but to perform his mission as a top priority no matter what. “Lies are not appreciated on my end, governor. If you have been lying, the force will tell me, and as of right now, you just did. So do tell us what you know.”
“I told you, I-I don’t know anything.” Her voice became meek at the eyes centered on her.
Satoru leaned forward, now determined to extract the information from her. His fingers are entwined in concentration as he rests his arms on the table, which the holographic board game is still powered on. His posture says it all. Because it cannot be denied that he is twice as stubborn as she is. “Let’s try that again, shall we? So… A dark lord made his appearance at the masquerade party established by the Zygerrians to honor the founding of their empire. They sent out invitation cards reserved only for those the Zygerrians are very much familiar with, including you.” The woman flinched and looked down in shame.
“But why? Why was the Sith there? What was the purpose of that party ? Is it even called a party…?”
The lady in front of them remained mute.
“You were there, weren’t you?” Satoru urges, tilting his head to meet the governor’s eyes. “You noticed that the place is heavily swarmed by crime syndicates.”
She averted her gaze to stare at her shaking hands but the Jedi Master goaded on relentlessly. “Jedi Master Kento had reported numerous sightings of crime syndicates in Zygerria. Our initial belief was that these group of strange individuals were there to indulge themselves in the celebration and purchase a slave or two but…” Satoru trailed off as if he was expecting her to finish his words.
“Please, we need your cooperation, governor.” Yuuji inserts after a whole cycle of a minute has passed. The woman is quite adamant about remaining silent. It seems Satoru wasn’t the only stubborn one. The two Jedi remained patient yet they both knew that time was not with them. They still had a lot of things to do and they had to act fast before the Sith could. “We will protect you if there’s any harm on your way.”
After what seemed like decades, the governor finally raised her head slowly, glancing back and forth before settling on the padawan. She swiveled her head to the side with caution as if to see if someone unwanted was listening. Her gaze returned as she stared intently at Yuuji. “The invitation cards…”
Both the Jedi had to lean close to hear properly. Her voice is too small and terrified, making it unclear to decipher.
“The invitation cards… It contains hidden codes.” She gulped the thick lump in her throat before she, too, was leaning as well. She was almost whispering and her eyes remained fixed on Yuuji’s. “The purpose of those invitation cards are not to simply allow entrance to the castle for those who are invited by the Zyggerians… It is a…” She paused, appearing hesitant to continue, inhaling a sharp breath.
However, Satoru’s patience is wearing thin. His tone is implied as such as he urges her to go on. After all, it is just maddening to know one half of the story. “Please, it is what, lady?”
“A gathering! Specifically organized by that man! A gathering for the crime syndicates, and killers, and hunters, and whoever is willing for chaos and war—” She released a shaky breath, “—to happen! T-They were there to plan something… Not to celebrate!”
‘What? Does this mean…’ Yuuji paled from the revelation.
It was hard to digest that the masquerade party was perhaps a disguise or a cover for whatever the Sith had planned, rather than just a celebration for all sentient beings to enjoy. As Yuuji started organizing the puzzles in his mind, he became aware of one thing. To some extent, the Zygerrians served as a diversion—a perfect distraction—leading others to believe that this was an annual tradition observed by these sentient beings. The invitation cards were designed to allow many people to assume that the event was exclusive to special guests only. However, if the governor's claims were accurate, those cards would also call out particular dangerous sentient groups to come and begin their schemes.
The planet Zygerria is their meeting place. A starting point.
‘But what plans they are forming?’
There is one thing for certain… They were already far too late.
How the Sith managed to gather dangerous species from all across the galaxy, be united as one, and get them all to follow him, the Jedi might never know…
Yet this implies something. Something much more dangerous and dark. ‘How many men did that Sith accumulate under his disposal?’ Yuuji mused, his concern palpable in the air. Not to mention the fact that numerous crime syndicates have their allies, too. So, if the leaders of those syndicates submit to the Sith, then that means their allies would as well.
The number of soldiers the Sith had was enough to induce war—
It was a startling idea to think about, but a possibility nonetheless.
A startling shuffle was heard from beside.
The next thing Yuuji knew was his master standing up in such haste, surprising him in the process. Satoru leaped across the table—since Yuuji was in the way—and eyed his padawan with unknown intentions after composing himself.
“Yuuji!” His master slapped his student’s back, eliciting a small yelp from the padawan. “I entrust you to watch over her while I go and have some interesting talks with one of the prominent crime syndicates residing on this damned planet!”
The padawan widened his eyes in alarm. “Wait, the Hutts?”
“That’s right! So, keep her safe while I do some business with them, alright?”
Yuuji didn’t know what compelled him to agree. He supposes that he wants to come with Satoru and help him. However, their main priority was to find the governor and take her back to Coruscant. And yet from the sudden decision made by his master who is only making things twice as difficult, Yuuji could do nothing but do as what was ordered.
“Of course, master.”
“Then, please excuse me!” And then, he left. His robes fluttered about as he dashed to the exit.
Yuuji leaned back to the chair with a distracted hum once his master was out of sight. His mind still lingers on the potential conflict, greater than they all experienced, might ensue. He couldn’t understand the intentions of the Sith at first but now that they finally have the general idea why the Sith was there at the party, it only bodes more issues to the Jedi.
It was all thanks to Master Kento, with his sharp eyes and great analytical skill, who had identified prominent leaders of specific crime groups present in the party that he began to feel suspicious. His suspicion only doubled the moment he took sight of the dark lord.
Yuuji was still eyeing the exit door, deep in his thoughts when a warm palm touched his arm, and Yuuji snapped his gaze back to the woman before him.
“Please, I don’t want to go to jail.” She pleads. “I-I know someone who’s been at the party as well. They’re here, too, and they know better than I am! I can take you to them… please!”
The suddenness caused Yuuji to blink in surprise, and his mind began to race away from the revelation. She looked quite desperate and afraid. Yuuji shuts his eyes and extends his senses to the force… only to find it dark and hazy as though the dark side of the force clouds his vision. ‘Well, we couldn’t exactly leave this place without Master Satoru’. Without much of a choice, he opens his eyes and allows himself to make a decision. “Fine… Lead me to them but you must stay close. We have to be quick about it.”
The governor cries out in relief at the declaration as she stands up and holds his arm with a strong grip. “Oh, thank you! Thank you!”
~~~
Instead of a ship, they rode elderly Eopies to reach their designated location. The heat was unbearable and the harsh wind constantly blew sand on them to the point that Yuuji had to cover his whole face with his clothing to protect his eyes, only relying on the force to see and feel his path.
He made sure that he trailed behind the governor lest she tried any means of escape, yet after an arduous and rather long trip to get there—long enough that the harsh wind stopped and the suns starting to set—Yuuji concluded that she did not bear the resolve to try and leave.
The governor did not look at him anymore the moment they left the bar, leaving Yuuji to wonder what kind of sentient they were about to meet. They soon finally came upon a big dome-like house, standing alone in the middle of nowhere.
Yuuji, once more, uses the force for guidance to sense if this is the right path he should take. However, all he could feel was the dark side obscuring his vision again. He frowned at this and followed after the woman who dropped off from her Eopie and began to walk to the house without looking back to see if he was following.
Yuuji rushes to her, undressing the cloth wrapped on his head, and stops when the governor halts in front of the gaped-open entrance to the house.
“They’re inside…” She says, her voice empty, and walks with silent steps into the house.
‘Something’s wrong in here.’ Yuuji mused. ‘This place looks abandoned.’
However, he disregards the unease from the force as his master’s orders to watch over her reverberate in his mind and Yuuji is left with no other option once again but to stride in to pursue her.
The moment he steps in, he knows that there are no other life forms residing in this place.
Everything about this place is old and forgotten with only the smell of the dust and the feel of the sand beneath his boots to greet him. It is dark with not even a single ray of light from the bright sun peeking through the gaps of every crack or crevice on the walls. Yuuji took his gaze off from his surroundings to look at the governor, whose back was on him, staring off at the darkness before them.
Yuuji shakes off the feeling that he’s being watched. The force is unsettled.
“No one’s here… Perhaps we should leave—”
“And leave to where?”
A familiar sound of a lightsaber being activated resonated within the walls, casting the place with an ominous glow of bright crimson.
Yuuji, at the speed of light, took hold of his lightsaber but it was all too late. Warmth permeated the padawn’s back and a sinister drench of darkness in the force heavily imbued the air so oppressively that Yuuji couldn’t breathe.
The imposing figure held an unspoken promise of danger. Yuuji felt a breath heating his exposed nape, causing the hairs on his skin to stand from the prickling sensation of malevolence looming over him from behind. The deadly aura was enough to make Yuuji render motionless from the shock and unanticipation.
It’s a repeat of the party all over again. Being apprehended from behind…
The Sith Lord seized this advantage as suddenly, a large palm, calloused and warm, snaked on his frozen form and grasped his throat in a firm hold—the heat of the Sith’s hand imprinting on Yuuji’s neck.
‘What? How could I not sense him?’ Yuuji’s thoughts ran wild, all the while, heavily aware of the hand grasping around his throat.
He couldn’t move. Unable to. Not when the Sith’s strong palm trapped him in place, ready to strangle him as he pleases, and—
Especially not when the blade of the lightsaber, coating the area with sickening red, is positioned too close beside his legs. If Yuuji were to move even slightly, the risk of getting his legs sliced off is dangerously high. The Sith Lord is never one to allow his captured prey to run away from him.
“Only the heat and the sand welcome you once you leave this place, brat.” Yuuji tilted his head oh-so-carefully to the side to watch the long foreboding shadow of the man towering over his small frame. The Sith lowered his posture slightly on Yuuji’s height to whisper. “So, why don’t you stay here for a little while longer? At least you’re safe here.”
The padawan could just see the Sith Lord’s wry smile without looking. Then, his shoulders grew tensed, inhaling sharply when he felt Sukuna’s lips brush against his ear. “Ah, Padawan Yuuji.” He purred. “It seems we are fated to meet again.”
The urge to fight is strong.
In the heat of the moment, Yuuji immediately considered using the power of the force to escape the hands of the Sith, disregarding the fact that his throat might get crushed and that his legs would be taken away from him in one swift move from the larger man. Suddenly, however, a shrill cry reverberated within the house.
“Lord Sukuna! Have mercy on me, please!” The governor had dropped to her knees, with her forehead kissing the ground. The sight greatly appalled Yuuji, his stomach churning. “I have brought the Jedi to you! They were to sabotage your plans! Please, t-they’re going to imprison me! Please! I don’t want to go to jail!”
The woman’s unbelievable actions made Yuuji pale. It was shocking as it was sickening how fervently she knelt and how much trust she dared to place in the Sith. But why? How could she result to such a thing? For her to seek assistance from the Sith Lord… All for her to avoid prison? He knows all too well that the Sith won’t be so kind, especially with their ambiguous, unpredictable, and selfish nature!
The Sith Lord demonstrated this much when he took delight in the pitiful sight before him. “What’s this? For one to be considered so selfless and strong, praised by the civilians and leaders alike, I personally don’t see it.” The woman flinched, digging her forehead deeper into the dirty sand in shame. “Such sentiments proved to be a lie, I suppose, given your cowardly actions and running away from responsibilities.”
The woman released a distressed sniffle, visibly shaking in her position. Sukuna released a sinister chuckle, relishing the woman’s fear permeating the air.
“Must you fear imprisonment so much?” Sukuna’s words are full of feigned sympathy as he continues addressing the kneeling woman. “How humiliating. You ought to be aware that there are other worse things to be afraid of.” He tuts, his amber eyes gleaming amidst the darkness.
“But don’t allow your pretty little head to worry, governor. I could give you the safety and protection you need. However…”
If the arrival of the Sith Lord brought an overwhelming weight of dread, the next thing that happens is only amplified by a hundredfold.
Yuuji’s heart stuttered when the governor made strange noises at the back of her throat. She abruptly sat up in a panic and Yuuji watched, horrified, as she desperately clawed at her neck, as if trying to remove the invisible chains wrapped around her throat. Her eyes started rolling back and drool slipped down from her opened mouth. The sound of her choking grew louder.
The sight was sickening and unbearable.
“Stop this, immediately!” The padawan moved in instinct to save her— to do anything at all— but stopped when he, too, felt the tightening of Sukuna’s fingers wrapped around his neck and the heat of the lightsaber getting closer to one of his legs, preventing Yuuji from executing any reckless actions.
“Move, and I will kill her.”
The weight of Sukuna’s warning was heavy, drilling deep into Yuuji’s blood that he had no option but to heed. Like a servant would to a King.
The governor was helplessly lifted by the dark side of the force until her feet were dangling from the ground, slowly ascending until she started desperately kicking her legs to be free. Yuuji couldn’t do anything as the governor was force choked by the man who had just stated he’d guarantee safety for her.
Such power, such cruelty… Yuuji felt his blood run cold at the sheerness of it.
“I am displeased,” Sukuna uttered, his voice deep and void of emotion. “I am starting to question your intellect. I barely understand why they even grant you the position of a ‘governor’.”
“P-Please…” She croaked out the words with a hand weakly reaching out to them.
“My orders were specific. But, of course, unless your hearing needs correcting… ‘Bring me the master and the pupil.’ What is about it so confusing?” He scoffs. “How disappointing… And I thought you could do any better.”
The governor stammered. “I… I—”
“So what of the other Jedi, hm?” The garbled noise of the strangled woman only signifies that the force is tightening the hold on her throat. “A Jedi Master, no less than that. I give you ample time to do your assignment, but at what result? And so here you are, bringing along the lone Padawan with you.” To further emphasize his point, Sukuna clenched his fingers on Yuuji’s throat.
A sound of whimpers escaped from her lips.
“You have failed me, governor.” Sukuna spites, the title was said in a way that implies insult. A discontent expression formed on Sukuna’s face before releasing the woman abruptly, causing her to gasp, heaving her chest with desparateness, and coughing loudly whilst rubbing her neck to ease the pain.
The dark side of the force slowly dissipates. Its chilling presence left Yuuji shudder in discomfort. If Yuuji could move to see the Sith Lord’s face right now, he would’ve been surprised at the sight.
Because even though Sukuna had outrightly declared the governor’s failure, the scowl was replaced with a satisfied smile and a dangerous glint in his yellow eyes adorning his striking face. The switch of expression is dangerous.
“But I guess your efforts aren’t as useless as I believe. After all…” Yuuji felt the Sith’s chest pressed on his back, and the gap between them finally closed. Sukuna leaned forward to lick at the shell of Yuuji’s ear, earning a surprised gasp from him. “I wouldn’t dare refuse a delightful-looking gift.”
The padawan began to struggle but released a pained groan when Sukuna tightened the hold on his throat once again. “Something you want to say, brat?”
‘I hate when he calls me that,’ Was all Yuuji’s thoughts before forcing himself to calm down, relaxing his body to act unassuming and compliant even when his instincts told him to lash out and fight. Struggling is of no use anymore. The last thing he wanted was for him to suffocate even further with a simple clench of the larger man’s fingers on him. “W-Why are you here?”
A foreboding silence welcomed itself, and only the sound of the wind howling outside resonated in the dreary place.
Then, Sukuna elicits a small laugh as he watches the Jedi remain pliant under his grip, knowing full well underneath that false compliance is a wild beast ready to pounce. “How your superiors allowed you to rank up as a padawan is beyond me.” Sukuna drummed his fingers almost playfully on Yuuji’s neck, yet still holding him tightly. “But haven’t you figured it out?”
“Why are you here!?” Yuuji snarled but flinched when the lightsaber moved all of a sudden at such speed that it was now hovering near his face.
“I would watch my tone if I were you, Jedi brat!” The baritone voice was filled with warning as the dark lord applied another squeeze on the padawan’s neck. “If you have forgotten… The precious governor is watching.”
At the mention of the woman, Yuuji’s eyes focused on the individual still kneeling on the floor, openly watching them with immense fear in her eyes. Sukuna took delight in the way Yuuji’s lips pressed tight, perhaps thinking that if he made even the slightest bit of noise would mean death. “Hm. You learn fast.”
‘Think, Yuuji. What can you do?’
He is a Jedi. He may be still a padawan but he is a Jedi ready to serve the galaxy and keep the peace. All this training and all the lessons drilled into him when he was a youngling and up to now will be for naught if he doesn’t make a single move. ‘But how? How can I face someone stronger than me? Perhaps even stronger than Master Satoru?’ Because the ability to hide such an undeniable weight of pressure requires immense skill and mastery, especially when Jedi are trained to detect and use their senses to feel their surroundings. But for this man to hide his presence— this force— speaks volumes of how powerful and great this man is.
It is intimidating. Yuuji’s power is subpar compared to Sukuna’s even when he doesn’t witness the other in action. Other than that, he has yet to complete his training despite his prowess in battles. There is a reason why this man is a Sith Lord in the beginning. The path that leads to the dark side comes with tremendous suffering that makes them stronger and stronger.
As if he could sense Yuuji’s resignation from the force, Sukuna simply smirked, not drawing his blade away. “At least you are smart enough to acknowledge my superiority.” A wicked glint flashed in Sukuna’s eyes. “And for that, I shall ignore your disrespect towards me and answer your question… For now.”
“Why, you ask? Well, I know you are aware of who is running this place. The Hutts, though disgusting as they are, do have some favorable resources that I could put to use and connections that are necessary for my plans. Of course, for expansion purposes.”
‘Expansion purposes?’
“You see, Yuuji… I have gathered many criminal organizations and capable men to serve me. To begin with, the Hutts are essential for the success in completing this project of mine. For what purpose? That, I cannot tell. However, with your Jedi Master at present, well…”
Sukuna’s eyes lingered on the padawan. “If the Hutts know better than to risk their lives, then they would do what I recommend them to do.”
“No!”
“Yes,” Sukuna laughed when Yuuji began to struggle once more. All thoughts about keeping calm are erased the moment he knows that his master’s life is in danger.
“My master is strong! He will not perish, but you will! You will fall!”
Sukuna rolled his eyes, almost as though he had grown bored listening already. “So I have heard… Many have said the same thing but here I am, thriving and alive. Where are the ones whom they deem strong enough to defeat me? Hm?”
For the first time in Yuuji’s life, he felt fear seeping deep into his heart, rendering him voiceless to retort even as he attempted to scratch the hand gripping his neck.
But like a predator sensing his prey, Sukuna closed his eyes as if he were savoring an unforgettable moment. “Ah, yes. Fear. I always like to partake in such an exquisite moment, and a Jedi at that?” He grinned venemously. "It's always sweet to the taste."
And suddenly, Yuuji was pushed forward, causing him to stumble. However, he regained his footing as he grabbed his lightsaber attached to his hip, activating it. The blue blade glowed in the dark, clashing against the red from the Sith. Yuuji assumed position, ready to fight without any thought. The only thing he has in mind is his master, who might be surrounded by hundreds of opponents belonging to the Hutts.
Yuuji sees Sukuna’s face for the second time, and the expression he was greeted with was a malicious grinning face.
“I think I’ll keep you, brat.”
It wasn’t even a fight to begin with. The Sith is not one to be fair. Yuuji should have known.
The padawan charges, swinging his blade high, but then his body floats mid-air.
The dark side of the force engulfs the Jedi whole. It was quick and violent. Yuuji barely had time to react as he felt the force around his neck, suffocating him. He couldn’t process it in time, realizing that the force was blocking his airways, unable to breathe. He opened his mouth to bring oxygen to his lungs but to no avail.
‘What…? How can he…’
With all the air out, he could feel himself fading.
The governor gasped in terror as she observed what was taking place in front of her. The Jedi was carried aloft without mercy, just as she had been moments before. The padawan was unable to respond promptly due to the rapid pace of events.
In an abrupt moment, just as when she thought he’d die of suffocation, the Jedi was thrown against the wall with a loud thud. The impact was hard enough for the padawan to let out a pained grunt and go limp, falling to the ground. This earned a distressed yelp from the woman. In her position, she watches with a fearful gaze if he is even breathing and conscious enough to fight. Fight because their lives are in danger. However, her fear increases when he remains motionless.
A prickling sensation came out of nowhere and the feeling of being watched was directed at her, and so her frightened gaze met the steely eyes of the Sith. He stands there, menacingly and in all his glory. His red lightsaber hummed as if waiting to shed blood.
She gave a shaky breath, paralyzed by fear.
“You’re a liability.” The voice of the dark lord rumbled as her breathing became rapid. “I have no doubt the Zygerrians wouldn’t mind losing one of their business partners.”
What she was seeing wasn’t just a man who bore powers akin to those of a deity… But death himself, taking the form of a human.
“You know too much of my plans. So much so that I loathe for you to live to tell the tale.”
It was like watching flames dancing and flickering. The next thing she saw was the glowing crimson blade of his weapon gracefully gliding through the air and to her.
~~~
‘This is bad… This is really bad.’
Satoru runs with the aid of the force bestowing upon him. He ignores the harsh wind and the sand grazing his face, he ignores the way his legs seem to sink deeper into the surface of the sand, and he ignores when his eyes and mouth are invaded by these particles as he runs and runs and runs.
It’s a sandstorm. The foggy terrain was challenging to maneuver and to see, but as a Jedi, he had no problems locating a certain place no matter what.
He only has one goal in mind.
To reach his padawan before it’s too late.
The force is surging and he opened his sense of awareness to it.
Right there in the farther distance, an unidentified ship rested and is now humming to life. The engines activated, and light permeated the area slightly. It was too late.
‘No, Yuuji!’
Just as when the ship ascended for departure, Satoru concentrated and allowed the power of the force to flow naturally within him. He could sense everything as he opened himself to the gift. Within the ship, he could feel his padawan’s force, bright and pure, and another life present. However, it was overtaken by another stronger, powerful force-sensitive individual, much darker and more sinister, clouding Satoru’s perception in such a way that it equals to his own overwhelmingness.
Yuuji’s force is completely enveloped with darkness, curling around him almost possessively as if it was covering him whole, concealing the light with its thick and dominant power of the dark side.
Satoru could still sense Yuuji, reaching out to touch the presence of his padawan, but with the way Satoru flared the force within him, that meant the Sith would sense him as well.
As the ship left the surface of the planet, Satoru lifted his arms in the air while attaching himself to the call of the force, directed to the ascending ship. He closed his eyes and concentrated and pulled.
The force was there with him, guiding him, allowing him to assert his immense power as he hauled with all his might.
As a result, the ship faltered mid-air, unable to accelerate to its maximum potential and take off even when it wanted to. It was as though there was heavy friction preventing the ship from moving forward. It was pulling the ship back down and down and down.
Few Jedi could do the same thing with the force, and Satoru could perform this move with ease. However…
“My lord, there is something wrong with the ship. The engines have become unstable and it looks like we’re being dragged down by the sandstorm!”
The Sith sensed that the force was disturbed. He was quick to ascertain what, or rather who caused such disturbance. “No, it is not the storm that caused all this.”
“My lord?”
“Hmph.” The Sith gently swept the messy pink hair and stroked the brow of the sleeping Jedi next to him. “Very well. So, he’s come to save his student.”
“Are you going to fight him, my lord?”
The man contemplates for a bit. “No, it shall be done in all due time. This storm dampens my mood to do so.” He stands from his seat, not looking away from the lovely face of this brat he had chosen to keep. “Uraume, continue at full speed. We shall be out of here in no time.”
Satoru continued dragging the ship down with the force when he was suddenly hurled off the ground, sending him flying a few feet away.
It was like someone was pushing him hard and all so abruptly in front of him even though there was no one there. Satoru knew immediately to sense that it was the dark side of the force. It was only a matter of time before the Sith noticed him and did something anyway. And now Satoru has caught his attention.
But still, Satoru was not one to give up. Before the ship can recover and fly away, he quickly reaches out to the force once again. The pull of the ship returns and so is the push on his figure.
The more insistent Satoru is the harsher and more frequent every push on him. But Satoru quickly adapted, shielding himself and pulling with great effort, and by then, the ship was nearly touching the surface.
‘Almost there.’
Suddenly, the pushing on his form stopped.
“How boring of you.”
The Jedi Master swears he could hear a voice.
Satoru nudged on the force and pulled the ship down one last time—
The force blared in alarm.
His eyes grew wide as a blast shot fired on his form from the ship's turret. If he hadn't released the force in time and pulled his lightsaber to deflect the heavy fire, he would have been killed.
But it was all the time they needed.
Because the ship was at maximum speed and with the friction of the force gone, along with the constant firing on the Jedi, Satoru couldn’t stop the ship anymore. With a heavy heart, the Jedi Master looks up at the pitch-black sky in the middle of a storm, with only one pained thought in mind, ‘The Sith is not one to fight fairly…’
The ship flew from his sight, vanishing into space. And along with it is his padawan, the presence of the force disappearing slowly.