(Darth Vader followed the trail of the stolen Imperial shuttle. He knew the shuttle wouldn't get far because it wasn't given a lot fuel. They only intended to use it to transport Kylo Ren to the Star Destroyer. The trail lead Vader to Ilum , and from what he tell he was the edge of Old Republic territory.
He set down close to a hidden Jedi Temple. Upon inspecting the shuttle, Vader found he was correct, the shuttle was out of fuel. He then ventured inside the Temple, and found it to be very similar to one he went to when he was Anakin Skywalker. It was then he noticed the first signs that his supposed grandson was here. There were apparently many Temple Guards here, and upon further inspection Vader found their necks were snapped. Kylo had apparently gone even further into Temple after killing the guards into the cave where Jedi initiates would find their Kyber crystals. So Vader went into the caves as well. His breathing echoing in the cave as he walked through).
Kylo heard him, but only ran deeper into the Temple. Vader had made it clear he was uninterested in him, and what he had to offer: whoever was chasing him, he wasn't really in the mood to meet them. He had no idea where he was going, he just knew he needed to get away.
The icy tunnel he was fleeing down suddenly opened into a large crystal cavern, a beautiful sight, even to the grim Dark sider. A huge frozen waterfall on the far side of the room caught his attention, the gleaming blue, greens and purples shining beneath it's surface glittering like the stars in the skies. He ran towards it, all too aware of the heavy footsteps above him, the sound of his grandfather marching through the caves after him.
A twinge of foresight saved Kylo's life: being a Dark Sider, he was at an extreme disadvantage on the highly Light Side world, but his natural talent with the Force was still enough he could sense the blade flying at the back of his neck.
He leaped in the air, landing gracefully on the base of the waterfall and whipping around, drawing one of the golden blades he had taken from a fallen Guard. Three more Temple Guards, apparently waiting to ambush their mysterious attacker, brandished their own weapons and charged him.
He didn't have time for this!
(Kylo's eyes glowed yellow going into a frenzy of attacks so fast the Temple Guards were forced on defense. His attacks got faster and faster, until eventually one of the Temple Guards fell, then another. He started to pound away at the last one getting so absorbed in what he was doing that he forgot Vader was after him.
He was delighting in the fear he sensed from the remaining Temple Guard when the Guard was pulled back by the Force and on to a crimson red blade. Vader had caught up to him. Vader deactivated his blade letting the dead Jedi fall to the floor.
Kylo stumbled back, the yellow in his eyes gone as fear took hold of him for a moment).
Vader: "You're coming with me."
Kylo: "H-how is this possible? How can you be Darth Vader? Everything happening is wrong! It wasn't supposed to be like this!"
(Anger taking hold of Kylo seeing this as yet another figure he looked up to rejecting was about to charge forward when Vader blasted him with the Force pinning him against the wall.
Kylo growled trying his best to get loose but couldn't).
Jerec: "Abandoning your fleet and your mission to go on your own unapproved mission?"
(Vader turned around while still pinning Kylo against the wall to see Jerec and two other Inquisitors).
Vader: "Why are you here? How did you find me?"
Jerec: "I had agents within your fleet that told me you had left to go on your own personal quest. I followed both the hyperspace trails here. Don't worry The Emperor doesn't know... Yet."
Vader: "And what do yo intend to do?"
Jerec: "You've lost your nerve Lord Vader. I believe it is time someone more worthy took your place."
(The Inquisitors activated their lightsabers and started to circle around Vader slowly).
"You are a fool, Jerec." Vader said calmly. "I don't care if you're trying to stop me, or black mail me, but you are playing with a fire you can not control either way. My business is my own."
"I serve the Emperor." Jerec said smugly. "You can't threaten me, you can't frighten me, and the business of all his servants is the Emperor's business. Even yours, Vader."
"The Emperor is not here." Vader growled. "And you will call me LORD Vader."
The Sith Lord took a step forwards and the Inquisitors instinctively took steps back. Kylo watched in rapt attention, forgetting to even struggle against his grandfather's Force grip.
"Of course, Lord Vader." Jerec said, regaining his smug smile. "I meant no disrespect, of course. I am not here to try to black mail you or anything like that."
The Inquisitor strode past Vader, towards Kylo, igniting his Lightsaber.
"Like I said, I live to serve the Emperor." He continued, raising his deadly crimson blade. "And I am here to carry out his orders. Including the elimination of any potential threats to his power."
Vader's hand twitched and Jerec felt every bone in his sword arm shatter. He dropped to his knees, howling in pain, while his companions rushed forwards. They didn't get far, as another simple gesture from Vader activated the spin function on their lightsabers, using their own weapons to slice them to ribbons.
"No one. Touches. My family." Vader said uncharacteristically quietly, slowly walking up to the cowering Jerec. "Not the Jedi. Not the Sith, not the Rebels, not The Emperor himself and NEVER a little worm like you. NO ONE TOUCHES MY FAMILY! NEVER AGAIN!"
The cavern shook at the Force of Vader's roar. Jerec yelped, cradling his ruined hand, and fled. Vader watched him go, while Kylo watched Vader, open mouthed.
"That was..." He began, only to be silenced when Vader dropped him to the ground.
"That goes for you as well." Vader said, without turning to look at Kylo. "If you hurt my daughter know I don't forgive that easily: go home, boy, while you still can."
"But... I..." Kylo struggled to find words. "But Snoke will..."
"Did I say Snoke?", Vader demanded, rounding on him. "Did I say run back to those First Order fools? Go HOME, 'Kylo Ren', or whatever your real name is. Go where I cannot."
There was several moments of silence, before Kylo climbed to his feet and slowly left the cavern. He couldn't take the shuttle, but the Inquisitors must have come in some kind of ship. If Jerec was in his way... all the worse for him. Kylo was feeling the pull of the Light Side stronger than ever, but that wouldn't be enough to make him show mercy to an enemy.
Vader was still standing in middle of the cavern. He was deep in thought, completely unaware of the being lurking in the shadows, watching him.
A group of four had been following Vader, but Mara Jade was not like the dangerously ambitious Jerec: she would follow her orders. Plus, she had deemed it foolishness to engage the wrathful Sith lord: now that he had called down, though, maybe she could chance asking for a few answers...
------
Meanwhile...
(An Old Republic ship was being sent to Ilum to change out the guard there, and a few were allowed to hitch a ride with them).
Obi-Wan: "For the record I don't like this."
Dooku: "Was it not part of our agreement?"
Obi-Wan: "It was... I'm not comfortable with it is all."
(They agreed to take Dooku to the Temple on Ilum after some discussion, but not all were on board with the idea. Ahsoka and Satele were there as well sharing stories about their masters. Anakin was originally going to join them but ever since the investigation on him had intensified he wasn't allowed to leave The Galactic Republic's Coruscant).
Kao: "Kenobi my friend I understand you're history with the Count, and I understand the reason you feel the way you do, but the Count is unarmed save for that non-functional saber hilt he has. And on top of that he helped save our Temple, and repaired the damages."
Dooku: "If it makes you feel any better Kenobi, I do regret my actions when I served Darth Sidious. I see now he only wished to use me. As soon as the galaxy is at peace, I intend to step down as leader of the C.I.S. and allow elections to begin. I intend to retire soon after."
(Kenobi could tell Dooku was telling the truth, and his actions were sincere).
Kenobi: "I didn't expect that from you, but I am glad you've changed your ways. And you really intend to retire after this?"
Dooku: "I'm an old man Kenobi. I can't do this forever. I might as well do some good before I'm gone."
(Kenobi was about to ask something of the Count when Satele ran up to them).
Satele: "Masters, the Temple isn't responding!"
Kao: "Is it a bad transmitter?"
Satele: "No they would've put out a beacon if that happened."
(Master Darach went to a window overlooking Ilum and concentrated on the Temple and after a moment).
Kao: "The Temple has been breached! I sense great Darkness and conflict down there!"
(He turn to Temple Guard).
Kao: "Call for reinforcements!"
(The Temple Guard went off doing as she was told).
Kenobi: "Should we wait?"
Kao: "No I say we go down. Whoever is down is powerful, and we need to stop him now!"
Dooku: "Do we even what we're getting into?"
Kao: "No. But that doesn't matter. We're Jedi Count, and we're here right now. Reinforcements will be here shortly enough anyway. We're going in."
Kenobi: "I have bad feeling about this."
(The Jedi exited near the Temple to see a few Imperial starships near by).
Ahsoka: "That can't be good..."
Kenobi: "Master Darach have the Temple Guards form a perimeter around the Temple! We're going in."
(After Kao Cen Darach had organized the Temple Guards into a perimeter around the temple, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Satele, and Kao were about to enter when Dooku spoke up).
Dooku: "And what about me?"
(There was a moment of silence between all of them for a moment).
Kao: "He hasn't made any attempt to stab us in the back. I say we bring him along, even Dooku just using his abilities with The Force would be useful."
(After another moment of silence they all reluctantly agreed. They all then went into the Temple together).
Mara Jade slowly approached Vader, making sure he heard her footsteps so she didn't startle him. That would end quite badly for her.
"So, Jerec and his worms had some company." Vader said without looking up. "I should have known the Emperor would not have trusted keeping an eye on me to such a fool. Tell me, Hand, do you plan on pursuing my Grandson?"
"Is he a threat?" Mara replied simply.
"To himself, mostly." Vader said thoughtfully. "With proper training he could rival me, or even Anakin Skywalker. But no, not to his majesty."
"Then I don't care about the boy." Mara said simply. "All I care is that you disobeyed the Emperor's orders, struck out on your own and invaded a Jedi Temple. The Merge has thrown everything into disarray: our master needs all his followers, especially his closest lieutenants, to follow his orders to the letter. No exceptions."
"Perhaps you are right.", Vader admitted. "Just this once. In the future, I expect you to stay out of my way, Hand. Now, we need to leave before-"
The sound of four lightsabers igniting interrupted Vader.
"Hello there." Kenobi said, performing an Ataru opening stance.
"It seems we've found our communications issue." Kao added, brandishing his own weapon. "The great Lord Vader himself! We've all heard a lot about you, it's an honor to finally meet face to face. Er, metaphorically speaking."
"Master, please..." Satele groaned.
"Sky guy's the same way." Ahsoka told her sympathetically.
"And this must be the infamous 'Emperor's Hand'." Kenobi continued, eyeing the Lightsaber Mara had drawn. "We actually had a better idea of what your weapon looked like than you yourself! Until now, of course"
"Don't count on living to report my face." Mara said coldly.
"Now then, to business." Said Kao. "You've made quite a mess here, killed a few of our friends, and several of your own by the looks of it. You know we can't-"
"I don't believe it." Dooku interrupted, stepping past the Jedi.
He eyed the Sith Lord's black armor, designs of which he had seen Sidious proudly display, for shadowy 'future use' with Skywalker.
"The rumors are true then..." The Count said grimly. "Palpatine did enslave you."
(There was an awkward tension and silence. Dooku felt the pull back to the Light more everyday, and he had never felt it this strong before upon seeing Vader. He felt partly responsible).
Dooku: "Skywalker... I'm sorry."
Obi-Wan/Ahsoka: "What!?!"
Ahsoka: "Wait? How is that possible?"
Dooku: "It was Sidious's plan. Apparently he succeeded wherever Vader came from."
Mara: "Lord Vader let us destroy them, there is no way they can-"
Vader: "Is Padme still alive in your Republic?"
(Vader said cutting Mara off).
Obi-Wan: "Yes but why... Oh."
(Obi-Wan came to a realization. Why hadn't he seen it before? And it all made sense with the investigation on Anakin going on.
Vader seemed to pause for a moment).
Mara: "Lord Vader don't even think about it! You know your place! It is serving the Emperor like the rest of us!"
(That struck a nerve in Vader as he blasted her to the nearby wall. She stood up with fury in her eyes igniting her lightsaber).
Vader: "I don't serve anyone! Not anymore!"
(Vader ignited his saber and walked towards her).
Satele: "Um... What do we do? Which one do we fight?"
"I think we should probably just stay out of this one", Kao told his apprentice.
"Not if that really is Anakin!", Ahsoka protested.
"Well said young one.", Obi-Wan said in agreement.
Obi-Wan and Ahsoka went to charge in and join the battle, but were stopped by Dooku jumping in their way.
"I'm afraid the Anakin Skywalker you know is long gone. Vader is not the friend you once knew"
"I know. But...", Obi-Wan paused, "There must be something we can do..."
Kenobi watched helplessly as the Sith Lord and Emperor's Hand dueled.
"You're letting your emotions cloud your mind My Lord!", Mara yelled at Vader, "This 'Padme', she's not the woman you knew, not the woman who loved you!"
"Ignorant whelp, what do you know of love!?", Vader spat back, "You were born of hate and fed anger, you don't know anything beyond the Dark Side!"
"So why his majesty continues to rely on an impure pretender like you, instead of his personal enforcer, is beyond me."Mara said as their blades locked.
"Maybe because I actually accomplish my mission more often than not!", Vader countered.
"And yet, here you are trying to defect altogether!"
"My business is my own! Go do the Emperor's laundry or something.", Vader said his old self shining through.
Mara wondered if she had actually heard that right.
"Yep, that's definitely Anakin.", Ahsoka said.
"Here, look at this.", Kao told the others.
The others reluctantly turned from the ongoing duel to the Zabrak Battle Master, who was examining the fallen Temple Guards.
"These wounds...", Kao started, "They don't match Vader's fighting style, or his weapon for that matter. A handful of Inquisitors couldn't have killed so many guards either: I think we're looking at another force at work here."
(Dooku was about to chime in when he heard something. Something he had not heard since he was a Jedi. It sounded like singing and he knew exactly what it was. He walked away from the group looking for where it was coming from and after a few minutes of searching he found what he was looking for).
Dooku: "There you are."
(He sat cross legged going into meditation. The new curved hilt he had brought started to float and deconstruct itself partially as a crystal floated down from the top of the cave. When it was secure in the hilt of the saber he put it back together, and ignited the blade. It glowed a brilliant orange).
------
(Meanwhile the rest of the Jedi had engaged Mara Jade and she was pushed on her back foot. She knew she couldn't win this fight. She decided to use something only the Emperor entrusted three with including himself. She hit a button on her belt and Vader began gasping and fell over as all of his systems shut down).
Obi-Wan: "Anakin!"
(As Mara began to flee the Jedi gathered around Vader to keep him alive, using a Force healing technique to do so).
Kao: "Come on stay with us!"
Satele: "What about Mara Jade?"
Kao: "I don't think she'll get far."
------
(Mara began to run for the exit she need to get to her ship and slip past the Temple Guards, all that mattered was getting back to the Emperor and letting him know what happened. However she came to a dead stop when she ran into Dooku).
Dooku: "Going somewhere?"
(He said as he activated his new saber, and doing a Makashi salute).
"As a matter of fact, I was. If you're wise, you'll get out of the way."
"I'm afraid I can't do that: capturing you will win me a lot of trust with the Jedi.", Dooku told her.
"Not with the Emperor. I know you no longer serve him, it seems almost nobody does anymore, but surely you still have the good sense to fear him.", Mara told Dooku.
"Do you honestly think he'll even care if I kill you here? He never cared for any of us, 'Emperor's Hand', you'll find that out soon enough.", Dooku told Mara knowing how he was used.
"Don't assume that just because he correctly saw an old Jedi dropout for what he was that he sees no purpose in me.", Mara spat back insulting the Count.
"I prefer the term 'elderly', actually, and I think I'm done debating you.", Dooku said smirking, "Surrender, or pay the price."
Mara reignited her blade as the Count leapt for her. The duel was brief but violent: Mara managed to push past Dooku in the end, but not without sustaining several serious wounds. Ignoring the pain, she slipped by the Temple Guard reinforcements, struggled through the snow, made it to her ship and took off
Dooku, meanwhile, chose to check up on the others instead of pursuing the dark side assassin. He found Obi-Wan and Ahsoka supporting Vader, following Kao and Satele to the medical bay. The Sith Lord was making an attempt to resist, but even if he had not been in the weakened condition he was, they were only half hearted.
"I'm afraid this 'Mara Jade' character managed to escape.", Dooku informed them.
He tactfully chose not to mention his new lightsaber. At least not right now.
"What are we doing with Vader?", Dooku asked "He did slaughter many of your brothers and sisters after all."
"Well, first things first we're getting him medical attention. We can't just let him die, especially if he IS Anakin", Obi-Wan said.
"And like I said, I don't think Vader had a hand in this massacre.", Kao reminded everyone, "He won't say exactly what happened though."
Vader mumbled something about "Family business".
"As for what we plan on doing with him in the future...", Obi-Wan paused, "I just don't know."
"We can discuss it later: he really needs to see a medic now.", Kao stated.
Meanwhile, far off in deep space, Mara Jade's fighter floated lifelessly. She had made a quick Hyperspace jump to shake any pursuers, before attempting to contact her Emperor. Unfortunately, her wounds had gotten the better of her and she laid unconscious in her pilot's seat, her comm-channel still wide open. Luckily, some one had picked up this and was arriving to investigate: with a flash of light, the X-wing of one Luke Skywalker appeared near the free floating vessel.
Luke: "This is Red 5, I'm going to need a medical vessel at my location."
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