Chapter Text
Jorus was having a vision. They always came to him in dreams.
He didn't know why he had been so gifted with visions, but they had always been accurate in predicting on coming danger. When he was still a youngling, he had a dream that one of his fellow initiates had been killed by a cave in. Only a day later, they traveled to Illum to earn their lightsaber crystals. When they entered the cave, Jorus recognized it from his dream. The initiate who had died in his dream, a boy named Ka-Vin, was about to travel down the very same passage way Jorus had seen in his dream. The same passage way that had caved in, killing Ka-Vin.
Jorus quickly pulled the boy back and away from the passage. As the boy started to protest, the passage way collapsed into a heap of rubble.
Jorus had undergone long and difficult training to try and hone his skill in visions, but even all these years later, the visions didn't always make sense to him or the Council. Most were vague, and many other visions seemed to describe events so far distant or past that there wasn't anything the Council could do except record them for future Jedi. However, there were other rare visions he could receive.
Visions that were always so... dark.
Watching Jedi gunned down by obscured armored warriors, Coruscant as a violent jungle wasteland, a vast ocean filled with the rotting corpses of Quarren and Mon Calamari, visions of Dark Jedi.
This current vision was like one of those, a vision that was so... dark.
Before him was a Jedi, one he recognized as Vergere. She was strapped to some kind of living device. A machine made of membrane and flesh, with plant-like tendrils that enveloped and coiled around her body. Vergere was in pain. This machine or creature was hurting her, tearing her already tattered robes, and ripping into her flesh and plucking her feathers. All around her, stood shadowy beings. Figures that, somehow, seemed completely there and not there. Existing and not existing simultaneously. They watched Vergere, ignoring Jorus completely, and seemed to cheer on the machine. Encouraging it to continue inflicting pain on Vergere.
These filthy beings, these animals, dare to torture a Jedi? Jorus thought darkly.
Jorus had enough, he pushed past several of the figures and began ripping the tendrils of flesh-like vines off of Vergere. The tendrils were tough, and were covered in thorns and tore through Jorus' hands. Biting through the pain, Jours ripped a tendril off of Vergere, then another, and another. The machine squealed in pain, wriggling its dismembered tentacles and spraying blood all over him. Jorus ignored the blood, and kept ripping at the tendrils. Finally, Vergere was free.
Her robes were nothing but a shredded mess now, and she was covered in oozing wounds, and she was drenched in blood. Blood from the machine, blood from Jorus, and her own blood.
"Vergere! We must leave this place, quickly!"
Jorus grabbed Vergere's hand and tried to pull her up, but Vergere wouldn't move. She stayed seated in the maw of the living machine, staring sadly at Jorus.
"Vergere, what's wrong? We need to get you out of here!" Jorus yelled as he tried to pull her up once more.
Instead of following, Vergere pulled him closer to her. She took his hand, and pushed against his own chest. She stared into Jorus' eyes, and gave a small smile.
"Thank you my friend, but my place is here. Please, don't look for me."
"What? Vergere, please, before-" Jorus began to say.
Jorus was then grabbed from behind and shoved roughly to the ground. The shadowy beings, the monsters, had finally taken notice of his interference.
"Life is pain, and pain is life!" They snarled and jeered at the Jedi.
"We will have years to explore you, to test you, to strength your flesh!" They chanted.
"You have no right to do this to her! To any of us!" Jorus screamed at them.
"What right have you to deny us?" One of the figures asked mockingly.
"If your flesh is weak, then you do not deserve to exist in this world, in our world!" The figure cackled.
They lifted Jorus up, holding him by his hands and feet. They dragged him to another corner of their chamber, and strapped him to the same kind of living machine that had been torturing Vergere. The tendrils of flesh enveloped him, and Jorus began to feel excruciating pain. Blinding white hot burning sensations of pain. Feeling needles slither into his pours, feeling his blood being pumped with some kind of chemical, and feeling something in his very soul staring to unravel.
His screams almost drowned out the sounds of laughter coming from the shadowy being. Mocking his cry's of pain.
Then, it was all over.
Jorus shot up in bed, drenching with sweat. His heart was racing faster than a speeder bike and he was breathing heavily, like he had spend days running without stopping to catch his breath. Jorus sat up straight, and tried to calm his breathing. Deep breaths in and out. After a few minutes, his heart rate began to return to normal. He stood up, took a shower to wash off the sweat, then slipped into a pair of clean Jedi robes.
Checking his chronometer, Jorus saw that there was only two hours left until sunrise. Being unable to sleep, and not seeing the point of trying, he decided to go for a walk through the temple. His mind drifted again and again to his vision of Vergere. He hadn't known her as well as he'd have liked, but they had gone on a few missions together. She was a bit unorthodox in her views of the Force, but Jorus had liked her well enough. Besides, he himself was considered unorthodox at times. His mind then drifted to her time in that machine, and his own time in that machine.
If her pain was anything like his, or even half as bad as his....
Why would anyone do that to a Jedi? What would drive someone, a whole culture to even inflict that upon someone?
After some time wandering around, Jorus found himself near a dojo. One that was used for Lightsaber training and sparring sessions. A few Jedi and padawans were already practicing, either waking early to get in more training, or being unable to sleep like him. Wanting to clear his mind of the experience, Jorus decided to spend his time practicing. While he preferred using the Force to solve his problems, both in combat and outside of it, Jorus knew it was important to keep up his skill with a lightsaber. He was by no means a bad duelist, being able to keep up with the likes of Mace Windu, it was just not his preference.
Upon entering the class, the other Jedi instructors bowed to him, and he bowed back. Scanning the room, he searched for a clear space that he might be able to use for training. Then, something caught his eye. In the corner of the room, practicing with a dueling droid, was Anakin Skywalker. His speed was incredible for a padawan of his age, approaching the speed of Jedi Knight. Jorus moved in close to get a better view of the duel. After a quick series of parries, Anakin slashed the droid's head off, killing it instantly.
"Very impressive Anakin." Jorus said.
Anakin turned around, clearly shocked, then brightened when he saw who it was.
"Master C'baoth." Anakin said as he bowed.
"Please, you can just call me Jorus." Jorus said with a slight chuckle.
"What are you doing here so early?" Anakin asked.
"I could ask you the same thing." Jorus replied dryly.
"I asked first."
"Heh, very well. I was having trouble falling back asleep, so I thought I might spend my time doing something productive. How about yourself?"
"I couldn't sleep either, so I figured I'd get some extra practice time."
"I see it has paid off." Jorus said, staring past Anakin to look at the destroyed droid.
"Definitely." Anakin said rather confidently.
Jorus considered for a moment, then asked, "Would you like to be my sparing partner?"
Anakin, shocked at first, quickly responded with enthusiasm, "Yes!"
After setting their lightsabers to the training setting, the two of them stepped onto the mat, and bowed respectfully to each other. Anakin ignited his blue lightsaber and took a fighting stance. Instantly, Jorus recognized his stance to be Djem So, the Fifth Form of lightsaber combat. Jorus readied himself with the fighting stance of Shii Cho, the First Form of Lightsaber combat. Jorus ignited his saber, turquoise blade glowing softly, and waited for his opponent to strike. Anakin studied the older Master, recognized Shii Cho, and rushed towards Jorus.
Jorus, gripping his saber in his left hand, swung his blade in a wide arc to cut the boy off. Anakin, rather than blocking the strike, pushed the blade along its path with his own blade. Leaving Jorus wide open. Anakin thrusted his lightsaber forward, both hand gripping the saber tightly, only for Jorus to side step his thrust. Then, only a second later, Jorus snatched Anakin's hands and held them in an iron grip.
Anakin tried to push through the grip, but Jorus pushed against Anakin and kept his hands in place.
"Find the path of least resistance, like you did a moment ago. " Jorus replied.
Anakin considered, then stopped pushing against Jorus. With Anakin's resistance gone, Jorus grip now pushed Anakin back. Anakin used the momentum to pull himself free from the grip, and back flipped away from Jorus.
"Very good." Jorus said with a smile.
Anakin smiled back, then rushed at Jorus again. This time, Jorus met Anakin's strike with a block. Anakin pushed Jorus' saber aside, and went in for another strike. Only for Jorus to swing his lightsaber in a wide arc, forcing Anakin back.
Anakin, growing impatient, rushed at Jorus and swung with a series of close strikes, forcing Jorus to swing and block more conservatively. Anakin pushed on, pressing his attacks and forcing Jorus back, towards the end of the mat. As they neared the edge, Jorus suddenly flipped over Anakin's head, then delivered a thrust through the chest.
Since the sabers were on their training setting, the blade passed through Anakin harmlessly, only delivering a mid electric shock.
"Thought I almost had you there."
"Precisely what I wanted you to believe. Still, you did quite well Anakin. I suspect you'll become a Knight in no time at all."
"Thank you, Jorus!" Anakin said as he gave a deep bow.
"Anakin! There you." The familiar voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi called out.
Kenobi strode down the isle of sparring matts until he stood in front of Anakin.
"Why are you here so early?" He asked the boy.
"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd get in some more training."
"You should have informed me first." Obi-Wan said.
Anakin scoffed and said, "I don't need your permission for everything."
"Anakin..." Obi-Wan began.
"Anakin!" Jorus said.
Both Jedi snapped to attention and turned to face Jorus.
"Obi-Wan is your Master, please give him the respect he deserves." Jorus said, more calmly this time.
"Yes, Jours. Forgive me, Master." Anakin said, bowing slightly to Obi-Wan.
"And Master Kenobi." Jorus said, turning to Obi-Wan.
"Your apprentice hasn't done anything wrong, and he is allowed time for himself."
Obi-Wan accepted Jorus' advice, and turned to Anakin.
"I am sorry Anakin. There was no reason to be cross with you, and I'm glad you're taking your training seriously. But, you must let me know where you are. I get worried." Obi-Wan said.
"I'm sorry too, Master. I'll try to inform you next time. If its okay, I'd like to train some more with one of the dueling droids." Anakin said.
Obi-Wan nodded and Anakin began to train with another droid. Obi-Wan studied his apprentice, while Jorus stood beside him.
"His skills are impressive for someone his age." Jorus added.
"Yes, but I'm worried about how that will affect him. He's already started to grow an, attitude, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do." Obi-Wan said, his frustration evident in his voice.
Jorus chuckled at that. Obi-Wan turned and gave him a confused look.
"Most Padawans at his age start to develop an attitude. Its part of growing up and part of being a teenager." He said again with a small chuckle.
"That's not very reassuring." Obi-Wan said.
"No, it isn't." Jorus agreed.
After a moment of silence, Jorus turned to Obi-Wan.
"Have you thought more on my offer? Its not too late to join the expedition, we can easily make room." Jorus asked.
Obi-Wan considered for a long moment before finally answering.
"I'm flattered, Master C'baoth, but I'm afraid I must turn down your offer. I don't think it would be good for Anakin. He needs to train here, and to be perfectly honest, I hate flying." Obi-Wan said.
Jorus laughed again.
"Fair. Still, if you change your mind, let me know. We're only a few days away from launching."
Obi-Wan nodded and turned back to watch his apprentice. Jorus turned, and exited the dojo.
“Are you still sure about this, Jorus? The Separatists Movement is gaining greater support, we may need every Jedi we can get.” Mace Windu asked.
Jorus stood in the center of the Council Chamber, right in front of Masters Windu and Yoda. In just a few hours, Outbound Flight would be arriving to Coruscant. Jorus, the rest of the Jedi volunteers, and the last a handful of passengers would finally be boarding. Joining one of the biggest Republic expedition projects since the time of the High Republic.
“Yes, I still think Outbound Flight is of utmost importance. In fact, my resolve has only grown stronger.” Jorus answered.
“Why is that?” Mace asked, eyebrow raising.
“A few days ago, I experienced a vision. It was about Vergere.”
A few of the other Council members stirred in their seats, and began to whisper among themselves. Master Yoda, raised a hand, and the whispers stopped.
"Continue, you may." Yoda said.
Jorus explained his vision. From the torture device, to the invisible beings, and even Vergere's request.
“Difficult to see the future, always in motion it is.”
“I know Masters. I don’t fully understand the vision myself, but I feel it is a sign from the Force. If Vergere were simply dead, then there would be no purpose to this vision. Besides, we owe it to Vergere to try and bring her home.” Jorus said.
"Even if you were to find her in the Unknown Regions, what of her request? The vision asked you to not look for Vergere, would it not be wise to heed its council?" Mace asked.
Idiot. You think I didn't consider that? The angry thought bubbled up from the surface of Jorus' mind. He quickly suppressed it, chastised himself for thinking like that, then answered Mace's question.
"Perhaps, but my visions are not always reliable. Besides, I can not abandon a fellow Jedi so heartlessly. If she really is suffering like that, then she deserves rescuing. But rest assured, I will not allow my search to endanger the mission or the passengers." Jorus said.
"Very well. We leave this in your hands, Master C'baoth. May the Force be with you." Mace said.
"And may the Force be with you." Jorus said as he bowed.
Jorus exited the chambers, then entered his room to grab a simple travel bag. Upon exiting, he found his apprentice, Lorana waiting for him outside. There was something about her countenance that was off. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she was gripping her travel bad tightly. Had she been, crying?
"Lorana, what's wrong? Has something happened?" Jorus asked worriedly. Then added darkly, "Who did this to you?"
"No one, Master C'baoth." Lorana said, voice breaking.
Jorus pulled Lorana in closer, and gave her a hug.
"Lorana, you don't have to go if you don't want to. I know you've been putting off deciding for awhile. I can make arrangements. You can stay here with a different Master." Jorus said softly.
"No!" Lorana yelled, and hugged Jorus tight.
"I want to go. I want to stay with you, and I want to get away from here." Lorana said, tears soaking Jorus' shoulder.
"Get away from here? Lorana, what happened?" Jorus asked again.
"Please, Master. I just want to get away from here." She cried again.
"Alright, Lorana." Jorus said as he hugged her more tightly.
He decided not to press her on what had happened. When she was ready to talk, she would come to him. For now, he could be a shoulder for her to cry on.
Eventually, the time came for them to board the shuttle. They walked side by side, Jorus' right arm around Lorana's shoulder, and boarded. Eventually, all the Jedi and the passengers boarded, then the shuttled launched. The shuttle buzzed with excited conversations, but Jorus and Lorana stayed silent. They stared out the window, and watched as the Coruscant city-scape grew smaller and smaller. Then, finally, the shuttle docked with Outbound Flight.