Another Destiny: The First Year, Part One By KT THE HUTT, skywalker_2004@hotmail.com description: What if Qui-Gon Jinn was given the chance to live again, but as an immortal? What if Palpatine had a son? What if I told you Qui-Gon was Mara Jade's father? What if the Jedi Council survived the dark ages? What if Yoda didn't die? What would happen if the Jedi Academy was attacked by a cult called the 'Neo Sith'? What if they were all abducted by them and no one ever found out who did it? What affect would it have on Luke Skywalker? What would he do to avenge them? What if the Galaxy came to an end.... disclaimer: I love you, Mr. Lucas! And I'm only using your charaters 'cus I saw thing's I could change... Sue me not! Or sorry you will be... Prologue Three figures battle, two against one, all armed with some form lightsaber, a woman armed with a light whip, a snake-like humanoid with a single bladed lightsaber, and young man welding a double-bladed lightsaber, fighting the other two. The woman and the humanoid have been ordered to kill this former comrade, this traitor to the Sith Order. The woman caught the supposed Jedi off-guard, and the electrified coils of her light whip sliced through the black leather of his shirt, and dug in to the flesh of his right shoulder, drawing blood. He cried out in pain, turning his attack back to her, anger flaring. His attacks become more controlled, and his blows hit his targets with uncontrollable strength. He drives them towards the cliff's edge, his opponents concentrating so hard on the battle they do not see the almost endless drop, until it's to late. Luke Skywalker watches as the Sith fall to their deaths, and then heads to his X-wing. Skywalker strode down the death-cold hallways of the secret Neo Sith temple, just below the surface of Coruscant. The temple seems like an endless maze, but Luke knew exactly where he was going. After rounding the many twists and turns of the hallways, Skywalker reaches his destination, the throne room. He enters the antechamber, and kneels before a man engulfed in black robes, "Master," Skywalker addressed the dark man, "the assassins sent by the order have been eliminated, as you commanded." And some day they will be joined by you he thought behind his mind shields. There was a brief pause before the dark man answered, "Good, good. You have done well, Skywalker." he paused. "I have another mission for you. You are my only spy with access to the Jedi temple." Luke nodded, "What is thy bidding?" The dark man smiled coldly, "You will go to the Jedi Council, once inside, you will regain their trust, and then attack. Let no one in the council survive. Once they are dead the other Jedi Masters will come to you. Fifty of my Neo Sith will then join you and will destroy ALL of the remaining Masters. My Sith will bring the Jedi Padawans here so they can begin their training under me." Luke stood there, his feelings washing over him like a restless ocean. The Jedi were his family, how could he ever betray them? And yet, even now, he was doing just that. He was a traitor to the Jedi Order. To some he was known as Darth Bane, the bane of the Jedi, a betrayer. No, he could not do this horrible task. "But, there are twelve in the council, two blades against twelve is-" "They are no match for you," the dark man cut in, "I have seen you fight SEVEN Sith with ONE blade, and win. Twelve with TWO should be no different." *true* Luke thought, inwardly he sighed, "When...is this to be done?" he asked softly, defeated. "Tomorrow night, or sooner. I will know when to send in my Sith." "As you wish my...master." he bowed, and turned to leave-then froze as the dark man began to talk again, "Do not try to deceive me again, Skywalker. You know what will happen." Luke didn't bother to turn around, he knew what he'd see. Jal'has Narccus watched as Skywalker left the room. When Luke arrived at his apartment, not surprised that Mara wasn't there, the first things he did was change his clothes and attempt to change the bandages on his shoulder, though it was very hard to do with only one hand available. He went to the cooler unit and got out a beer, then, feeling that his bond mate was about to enter the room, got out a second one. "Beer?" he asked Mara as she came through the door, "Sure." she said and he tossed her one. They stood there, drinking their beer, each worrying about different things. They had been married for about five years, although many still considered them newly weds. "So," Luke asked, "how was your day?" Mara shrugged, "Nothing to unusual. Karrade needed my help fighting off some pirates, turns out they were really rebelling senators. Your sister has her work cut out for her already, now she has to deal with this. How was your day?" Luke shrugged and looked down at his feet, he had been wondering how long he could keep his involvement with the Neo Sith from her, he was about to find out. "OK," Mara said, walking over to him, "What's wrong?" She laid her hand on his shoulder. He flinched and cried out softly. In reaction to this Mara pushed down and squeezed hard. Luke cried out loudly as pain shot through his arm and neck. Mara let go, Luke tried to catch himself, but collapsed to the floor. Mara leaned down to help him up, but stopped when she saw blood soaking through the shoulder of his shirt, she knelt by her husband and began to take off his shirt, Luke didn't resist. Mara put her hands on his shoulder, gently this time, and began to unwrap the bandage. "What happened?" she asked him when she saw where the coils of the light whip had dug in to his shoulder. Luke didn't look up, "Luke, look at me." Luke helplessly lifted his face, the painful truth reflecting in his eyes. "No," Mara whispered, "No. Fight this, Luke, fight this. Don't give your self to the dark side." Luke closed his eyes, holding back tears of hopelessness. "I've tried, Mara, I've tried so hard..." Mara sighed softly, she gently wrapped her arms around her bond mate. Mara held Luke in her arms for several long minutes, until the door chime rang, shattering the mood. Mara got up to answer the door, an air of urgency in the room. Mara opened the door to come face to face with Qui-Gon, "Daddy, wha-" Mara stopped when she saw the urgency on her father's face. "What is it?" she asked, fearing the worst. "Mara, your husband is in grave danger. The Jedi Council suspects-" He paused, seeing Luke come up behind Mara, shirtless and clutching his shoulder with a blood stained hand. Qui-Gon felt the darkness radiating from his son-in-law, "They suspect his falling to the dark side, I hoped this not to be true...but..." he sighed, "You have to get off planet, and soon." Qui-Gon walked over to Luke, and laid his hand on Luke's shoulder. An eerie blue glow seemed to radiate from the Jedi Master's hand, but it faded as Qui lifted his hand from Luke's shoulder, revealing new skin, folding and healing it's self. "How does it feel?" Qui-Gon asked. Luke shrugged and then winced in pain, "Still a little sore. But it'll go away," Luke said, "Thanks." Qui nodded, "You'd better hurry, who knows how long until they come for you." Mara entered the room in witch Luke was changing, and grimaced in distaste upon seeing the black leather robes her bond mate had chosen, "Black?" Luke turned to face her, "It'll blend with the shadows, and it doesn't make much sound." he answered, "Any ways, a white shirt and blue jeans might stand out to much, after all, this is Coruscant." Mara nodded, he did have a point there. "Are you ready to go?" Qui-Gon asked. Mara nodded, and they left the apartment hurriedly. Luke, Mara and Qui-Gon made their way through the streets of Coruscant, using the shadows for cover. Mara suddenly realized that they were headed not for the docking bay, but for the gardens of the Imperial Palace. "Luke, why are you-" Luke put up his hand to quite her, "I have to see her before we leave." Mara shook her head, "It's to dangerous, you'll be caught!" Qui stepped forward, "I have to agree with Mara, this is too risky." Luke shrugged, "Then stay here. I'm going to talk with her like it or not." Mara hugged him, "Be careful, damn it." He nodded, "I will." she let go of her husband, and he made his way to the garden. "Be careful." Mara whispered again. Leia entered the garden and sat on one of the stone benches. She sat there watching the moons rise, waiting.... Luke, are you there? she called out mentally, hoping for an answer. "Yes, I'm here." Leia turned to the sound of her brother's voice, "Luke," she whispered, "must it end this way? I might never see you again." Luke sat next to his sister, "Listen," he said, "I'll always be with you, Leia. You will always have my love, no matter what." Leia felt tears running down her cheek, "But, why? Why does this have to happen?" she asked, "Why is life so cruel?" Luke held her close to him, "How do you know this is the end? I will always be here with you, sister. Just remember that." Leia buried her head in his chest, "I love you." *You've always been strong, Leia. Don't ever tell yourself otherwise.* Luke thought to her. "Luke! Hurry!" Mara called, "There are guards chosen by the Jedi heading this way!" Luke got up, "Leia, I have to go." His sister looked up at him, "I know." He nodded, and started running toward Mara, "May the Force be with you!" she called after him, "And good luck." They ran through the shadows, trying to put as much distance between them and the guards as possible. But their attempts were in vain, Luke knew this would only put his friends in to danger, "Mara, I have to turn myself over to the Jedi." "But they'll kill you!!" Mara cried, nearly giving away their hiding place. Qui-Gon put his hand over her mouth just in time. "No, he might stand a chance," he said softly, "Yoda's in the council, remember?" Mara pushed his hand away, "I don't care if Yoda did train Luke during the war, and neither will he!" she protested. Luke sighed, "Well, if you've failed to notice, they've got us cornered. Or did you have plan?" Mara felt tears coming to her eyes, but held back. She was the Emperor's ex-hand after all. "I don't want to lose you, Luke." she whispered, "I couldn't live if you died." Luke seemed to stare out in to space for a moment, his eyes glazed over. "No, no one would...if...oh gods." he looked like he was on the verge of collapse. Qui-Gon looked deep in to the boy's eyes, "What did you see, Luke?" Luke closed his eyes, trying to regain his strength. "I-I saw the future," he whispered, "Two galaxies... going... to... collide... a... a..." He never got to finish what he was saying, for even if his legs weren't about to give out it would have been too late any way. Mara and Qui-Gon heard the pounding foot steps of the guards, "Over here!" one of the guards called, and guards swarmed in to the small ally. Mara and Qui-Gon were to much in shock to try to defend their friend, and Luke to weak to fight back, the guards easily over powered them. Luke's hand were bound behind his back, and the guards started marching him toward the Jedi temple, not paying any attention to Qui or Mara. Mara and Qui-Gon had little choice but to follow precession of guards to the temple, so they could at least be there for Luke. Yoda was angry, angry at his foolish decision to train young Skywalker. Angry at Skywalker's own inner weakness that lead to his fall to the dark side. Angry that the Council ever let Skywalker become a Jedi Master. Angry at Skywalker being unable to save his students at the experimental Jedi Academy on Yavin Four from being abducted from an unknown force. Angry at the weaknesses with in the Council. Yadle, who sat on the other side of the room, felt Yoda's anger and gave him a warning look. Yoda took her subtle hint and tried to clam the waves of anger that toiled with in him. Mace Windu, who sat next to Yoda, gave his short friend a look as Skywalker, lead by a handful of guards, came through the door, followed closely by Mara Jade Skywalker and Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Two of the guards brought Skywalker forward and forcefully made him kneel before Yoda, not that they had needed to use much force. Luke bowed his head, to avoid looking into the eyes of his former master. Yoda hopped down from his chair and stood in front of Skywalker, he lifted his former apprentice's face, so that they were staring into each other's eyes. This was about all Yoda could take, He struck Luke across the face, his short stubby claws digging into Skywalker's left cheek, drawing blood. A collective gasp was let out by Mara and many of the Jedi Masters in the room, Yoda began to speak, "Final my decision is." he said, "Though agree with me many of you will not, this betrayal, ignore it we can not." The tiny Jedi Master turned to face the rest of the Council, "Death." a murmur went through the handful of Jedi Masters that form the Council, "Death I choose because most merciful it is of sentences. Death because completely cold hearted I am not. The Council vote may it now." Yoda concluded and returned to his seat. Luke bowed his head, not daring to look up. He heard Narccus' words in his mind, "...They are no match for you." Yes, this was his destiny. If he was to die he would take the bastard Yoda and his precious Jedi Council with him. An inner spark of revenge fired his strength, the binders that held him merely eggshells beneath his feet, the twelve Jedi Masters merely twelve harmless flies. Annoying flies. And soon: dead flies. Luke's rage made him stronger, yes, but made his destiny foggier still. Destiny? And what is destiny? Who says we all have written destines? Yes some do have unavoidable destines, but few have their whole life written down in a book. Who made up the part about destiny? What kind of raw deal is this... Destiny? Some say some time's Two galaxies are born, both alike in almost every way. But only one, one, event sets them apart. A Paradox. But one way or another, one of the two must die. This is the law of the Force. Qui-Gon knew this when he was given the choice to ether join the Force in death, or to return to the land of the living and to the arms of his lover. But this knowledge no mortal can have, and he remembered nothing of it. His decision made it so that the Jedi Council would survive the war. But is this a good thing? Or is this the death sentence for the galaxy? "Two galaxies... going... to... collide... a... a..." Paradox. Part One: The First Year The binders snapped open, Luke caught the guard off guard and reclaimed his lightsaber. With lightning fast reflexes the Jedi unhooked their lightsabers and prepared for battle. Luke shrugged like it was no big deal and cut side ways at the nearest Jedi whose lightsaber met his, crackling as they clashed. Another Jedi came up behind Luke, no biggie, he activated the other blade of his lightsaber, slicing through the Jedi's stomach, Qui winced in remembrance. Luke started his attack against the Jedi. Mara nor her father knew whose side they were on, they just stood there, kind of in shock. Yoda came up behind Luke, planing his attack, Luke felt his presence and held his saber in one hand and flung Yoda against a wall with the other. It was so quiet you could hear the tiny Jedi Master's ribs breaking. That ended the fight. Luke stood there, shocked at what he had just done, his feelings, loyalties tangled, a massive web of pain and anger. He shouldn't be shocked, he was supposed to kill Yoda any way. And yet... "Luke! Get out of here," Mara yelled, "Run! Damn it! Run!" But Luke couldn't, his legs felt so weak, or was that his confidence? Mara and Qui-Gon ran up to him and pulled him toward the window, they broke through and escaped in the cover of night. "You have failed." Narccus said as his guards lead Skywalker in to the antechamber, "I did all I could, Master." he said, "There were to many of them." "Don't lie to me, Skywalker!" Narccus stated, "It will do you no good." The guards forced Skywalker to kneel for Narccus, "So, what shall I do with you?" Luke refused to look at the evil man that stood before him. "Shall I kill you now or save that for later?" the dark man laughed and bent down to get a better look at his prisoner, he touched the scars on Luke's left cheek left by Yoda's rage. "I know," said Narccus, then addressing a guard he said, "Beat him till he can no longer scream. Then you will brand his left cheek, just below the scars, with the symbol of Jedi Masters." He looked down at Skywalker, "If I see you alive in three years I will kill you myself, if not... well you would have gone on to a 'better' place." Narccus' laughing could be heard as he went down the halls. The guard Narccus had been talking to pulled out a leather whip and headed for Luke. The guard ripped open the back of Luke's robes. *Oh Shit.* he thought, CRACK! *Double Shit.* CRACK! He couldn't take much more-CRACK! The whip hit his right shoulder, Luke cried out in pain. "Darth Bane!" Leia cried in frustration, throughing the report she held in her hand on to desk, "Darth Bane, Darth Bane, DARTH BANE!!!" she yelled again and got up from her chair and started pacing the empty office, "All I ever hear about any more is this Darth Bane!!" She plopped back into the swivel desk/computer chair, looking out the office window. Leia sat there for awhile, thinking, thinking about her meeting with her brother last night, pondering at his hurry to get off-planet. She had heard rumors about the conflict going on between Luke and the Jedi Council, but she had assumed them to be just that, rumors. But with these reports of a renegade Sith Lord called 'Darth Bane' making trouble for the Sith Order on Carishk twelve... could Luke...? No. But yet... Leia felt her brother could some how be tied to these events...But? "Who is he?" Leia asked as Han entered her office. "What?" he asked his wife, Leia turned to face him, "Darth Bane, who is he?" Han shrugged, neither of them had been to thrilled when the Jedi Council and the Sith Order had proposed an alliance eight months ago, even now it's still just an idea and not reality, but still there are protesters, like Darth Bane, out there, making trouble for the Jedi and Sith, and ultimately, Leia, Chief of State. Han walked around Leia's desk and put his arm around his bond mate, "Don't worry about this right now, OK? Let's go home, the kids are starting to forget what you look like." Leia's spirit lightened at Han's joke, yes, she would leave this all behind her, if only to come back with it snarling in her face the next day. The guards marched Luke down the cavernous hallways that lay even lower beneath the surface of Coruscant, where they were heading was anybody's guess. For almost half an hour they had been traveling down the maze of hallways, the walls of death close by as always. They were close, close to where? Luke had no damn idea and he felt that impending doom was waiting just around the bend, when wasn't it? *Where are you taking me?* he thought weakly, Narccus had said 'beat him till he can no longer scream' and the whip welding guard had taken him very, very seriously, Luke could barely whisper his complaints, walking was another matter completely. They were close. It was then, that very moment, he felt it...*Siarca?!* Siarca was one of Luke's Jedi students on Yavin Four, one of the many that were abducted that day, that horrific day... *Master Skywalker?! Is it really you?!!* Luke let her probe his mind, feeling her joy at his presence, horror at the darkness with in his soul... One of the guards opened a door and dragged Luke inside, once his head stopped spinning Luke was able to make out the inside of the torture chamber witch the guards had brought him to, several men stood before a stove, heating some thing... Luke saw what it was, *Oh, shit.* One of the men held a short metal rod, at the end was the round symbol of a Jedi Master, the end they were heating in the stove. Luke knew what they were going to do to him...*Ohh,SHIT!* The guard's grip on Luke's arms tightened, one of the men crossed the room with the rod, *Oh Shit.*, and pressed the tip to Luke's left cheek, just below the scars Yoda left him, *Son of a BITCH!!!!!*, Luke could smell his skin burning, and, some how, he found the strength to scream. The First Year Had Just Begun. TO BE CONTINUED.....