Refuge Interrupted

[Tugoro Taidarious]

"Of course, I will assemble our remaining numbers immediately," the investigator replied, knowing that they too would have to join [member='Ar'ekk'] in the field. Jedi matters were usually dangerous, if not outright deadly as the encounter just now had proven. "We engaged one of the hostiles, they were waiting for us. We've down two, sir. Wilhelm included. His pulse is faint and he's lost a lot of blood. There isn't much we can do besides patch him up," the investigator reported regretfully, hoping the news would not distract Ar'ekk from his mission.

"Did you discover anything of interest? Anything that might help us piece the clues together?" the investigator continued to probe, wanting to know any details that could help them move forward in the case. The repulsorlift raft continued on its course, steadily floating above the ocean surface towards its destination. Roughly thirty minutes passed, and soon a small island could be see nahead, which appeared to have a large cave opening dug into the side of the land form.

 

[Arekk]

"I have stumbled upon a cave of some sort. Besides that, nothing. Search the bodies of those fallen for any clues and report back to me. Make sure the team gets here." he said, before finally losing signal with the team on the other side of the island.

Ar'ekk stepped off the lift, wary of his sorroundings. The soft sand touched his feet and the large cave entrance peaked the Padawan's interest. He felt reluctant to walk towards it but perhaps the key to all of this was inside, so he did go forward with determination. The blue plasma beaming from his lightsaber served as a source of light and used that to his advantage as he continued ahead the dark and shallow cave.

Several sounds seemed to distract Ar'ekk, confusing him and aiding to his paranoia.

What else was ahead?

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The metallic raft powered down and set itself upon the shore, apparently programmed only for trips to and away from the cave. In [member='Ar'ekk']'s case, it would take him back to the island settlement were he to board it once more. The further Ar'ekk ventured, the more refined the cave became, turning into a corridor of solid stone beneath his feet. An archway ahead illuminated by torches revealed a large main chamber, with a dark durasteel throne looming over, reached by a staircase that led one up the elevated column. Upon that throne sat a robed man, who looked to be somewhat aged.

A dark cloak draped across their shoulders, shrouding his overall physique along with a hood that covered his head. Many who were identical to the foes Ar'ekk had faced earlier appeared as well, their desire to attack obviously held back by who could only be their leader. "Boy, you are one hundred years too earlier to face me. You dare come here alone?" He questioned, his voice authoritative and intimidating. The large chamber soon cleared, and only the duo remained.

 

[Arekk]

The dark cloaked figure's voice was eery. As he walked to the center, his eyes followed the ground in case the area was booby-trapped. Ar'ekk's gaze soon clashed with the old man's, tightening the grip on his already ignited lightsaber. He didn't seem to be fazed off by the loneliness that he suddenly encountered himself in. It was just the two of them.

"A hundred years, you say. I'm sorry to disappoint you but I have no idea who you are." the Padawan spew out, grasping to his quick-wit personality. The situation required a certain level of seriousness, so he held back to make sure the dark figure before him spoke in detail.

"I'm going to assume you're behind the disappearances. What's your goal here?"

The cave made the young one's voice echo by the hundreds. He waited for a reply.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Standing up from the throne, the cloaked man began to descend the staircase, all the while matching [member='Ar'ekk']'s glare as he spoke. "Who I am is not important, but I shall indulge you. I have taken the title Karkko, once one of the last remaining Anzat Jedi in the galaxy," his voice echoed out, louder now that he approached.

"But I have seen much in my one hundred and fifty years of age... Too much to continue blindly following the Jedi and the corruption they serve," Karkko then pulled down his hood, his face appearing mostly human until the two lethal proboscises detached from his cheeks, snapping viciously at the apprentice.

The Dark Jedi examined Ar'ekk briefly, nodding in what appeared to be approval before he continued, "You've seen war, but nothing compared to what I know. We feed to survive, and it makes us stronger. Consuming you will strengthen my bond to the dark side." With that, Karkko ignited his saber, a green colored beam extending towards the ground.

 

[Arekk]

The Padawan took one step forward as he adopted the Makashi fight style. The grip of his saber was tight as he moved around Karkko, forming a circle and wary of his movements. His eyes were glued to the Dark Jedi's and its tentacles, seemingly not distracting him at all.

"You don't want to fight me. Surrender now and I will spare you." the Jedi said with conviction. His display of bravery was deem worthy of admiration. The tenacity Ar'ekk had to handle the situation was great compared to his initial years as an apprentice. War had taught him many things, good and bad.

He maneuvered the lightsaber graciously which provoked it to do its signature swinging sounds. With one hand forward, he taunted Karkko to fight.

A smirk could be seen on Ar'ekk's face. At least on one side of it, that is.

He was ready.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Upon noticing the stretched side of [member='Ar'ekk]'s face, Karkko grew irritated, annoyed by the fact that the Jedi had the nerve to taunt him. The apprentice opted to circle the Anzat, an old tactic made to intimidate the target as if they were mere prey. The two proboscises retracted as Karkko suddenly smiled, the tentacles folding back into the skin of his cheeks as he turned his head to glance over his shoulder to the Jedi.

"I could crush you with my mind alone, boy. Didn't your master teach you patien-" Karkko would have continued, if he were not distracted by a sudden explosion that seemed to emanate from outside of the cave. Militaristic shouts could be heard as blaster fire echoed through the corridors, a sure sign of arrival of Ar'ekk's team.

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk took advantage of the explosions going off to go forward and launch a direct attack with his lightsaber. The duo engaged in a hard battle, where the new and old generation of Jedi fought to death. Only the best of the two would win against eachother but the question remained: Who would prevail?

"You really thought I'd come alone? Never underestimate your opponent, fallen Jedi." he said in a mockingly manner.

The Padawan made use of his newly self taught power; the force choke. The momentum had given him the upper advantage over his adversary and he was not going to take prisoners this time. It was either him or his opponent right now.

Blaster bolts went off around them as Ar'ekk's personal armada sorrounded the duo. Guns-a-blazing, the shots stopped with one brief hand gesture and instead ordered to aim against the masked old man in robes.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Though the explosions had surprised Karkko, the Anzat was able to manage a defense, quickly pivoting on his foot and raising his saber in front of his body just in time. Green and blue beams of plasma clashed repeatedly, casting sparks in to the air with every meeting of their weapons. Karkko was impressed, having initially thought that [member='Ar'ekk'] would be easily defeated. There was no rest in the battle, and so the Anzat was unable to employ his telepathic abilities effectively while moving about the large throne room, flipping backwards onto the staircase, away from a swing that would have cleaved a leg off.

The quick, hurried footsteps of soldiers could be heard once the battle outside calmed, the Sanctum forces having been victorious against the Anzat assassins. Ar'ekk would find that this opponent was not as easy to choke as the others, for a sturdy wall of force energy was there to meet the apprentice's efforts. Smirking devilishly, Karkko himself lifted an arm, not aiming at Ar'ekk but the ceiling above. Exerting waves of force energy, the man would have it flow into their surroundings, ripping chunks of rock and large boulders right out of the cave's structure itself.

The men rushing in to aid Ar'ekk found that their shots were impeded by falling debris, their attention now focused on protecting themselves and getting the Jedi out safely. Karkko too had decided to focus on escape, sprinting up the staircase and disappearing through a hidden door behind the throne. One of the soldiers ran up to Ar'ekk, lowering their blaster rifle as they clasped his shoulder. "We've got to get out of here, sir! The whole place is going to collapse!"

 

[Arekk]

The cave was falling upon him and the squad coming in the aid of the young apprentice as his enemy escaped from his grasp. He was indeed a more capable opponent, highly skilled and not so easily to manipulate with the Force. It was going to be a vain try to go after him so the Padawan decided to escape from the collapsing structure with his team.

The walls crumbled during their grand escape and if it wasn't for his quick reaction a big piece of rock would've fallen on everyone. The Force was his ally during that time of duress and by using it to his advantage, the chunk was thrown away and they made it out alive. Survived to fight another day, everyone thought. The answer to the disappearances had been solved although the mastermind escaped, the people of Sanctuary could finally put everything behind but their loved ones location remained a mistery. Ar'ekk knew who he was facing so it wasn't all of it a dead end.

He commanded one squad to set up a perimeter and secure the area as he made his way back into the island to report the current situation to the village's leader. It was time to let the people know what had occured and what's going on.

Ar'ekk's clothes were entirely dirty and cut off, showcasing wounds provoked by the falling walls and the rocks that fell on him and the rest of his saviour squad. This brought back memories and nightmares from the wars he fought. Wounds that would never heal.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

After navigating the cavern corridors and narrowly avoiding death, [member='Ar'ekk'] and his team managed to make it out safe and sound. Of course, the carnage of the attack was quite evident as they stepped out of the cave, dead assassins and even a couple soldiers spread upon the small beach. The repulsorlift raft had also been blown to pieces, its remaining smoking silently off to the side.

The shuttle began its descent once their team made contact, picking them up and soaring across the night sky. If he were to pay attention the apprentice would notice a sudden bright light, like a star in the distance as they flew, erupting into existence from an island top instead of the horizon, before dimming completely. Eventually the transport touched down, a crowd of settlers waiting eagerly near the landing pad along with the elder himself.

"Padawan Ar'ekk, do you need medical attention?" the old man questioned, somewhat disturbed by the young man's condition. "Not many were hurt in the attack, they all scattered once you left. What happened?" He asked incredulously, wanting to know all of the details.

 

[Arekk]

"No, I am okay. The wounds are superficial, nothing I can't handle. We've may discovered the source of everything that has happened the past time." the apprentice replied to the elder man with courage. He was still breathing heavily, as if the encounter drained his energy completely.

Though, he could've caught a breath for the duration of the evening but it was time to reveal all the details regarding the deadly encounter he had on the other side of the island.

"A soldier early today reported that his fellow companion was doing guard on a certain spot of the village when all of the sudden he lost contact with him. He came up to me and explained the situation so naturally we went to his last known location to investigate. We came across some individuals garbed in dark cloth and light armor and had Private Fawder in their custody, unconscious. They were on top of some repulsorlift raft whose navigational chart was set to follow an automatic path. Eventually, I battled with five of the assassins and took one down. I tried to interrogate him but he sacrificed his life for the major good of their evil plan."

Without catching a break, Ar'ekk continued to break down the story from start to end without skipping any details. This included the final fight between the Padawan and Karkko. His eventual escape made him reach a dead-end for the timebeing but the progress made tonight was important given the lack of progress made before the Jedi's arrival.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The elder nodded along with [member='Ar'ekk']'s words, relieved that the man was fine. The supplies they had were limited, but there was always some to spare, especially for one so apparently selfless as the apprentice. "Know that we are in your debt, Padawan Ar'ekk. Who knows how much longer this would have gone on if not for you." He bowed in respect, grateful to the Jedi for the effort he had devoted to the safety of the island and those that surrounded it. Most of the soldiers had parted, receiving medical treatment and reporting what had happened in the field. The investigators had been compiling information they had learned from the very start to the end of the battle, and believed they had a fairly sound case to present.

One of the men carried a datapad, that displayed how everything had been tied together. He presented it to Ar'ekk, before speaking aloud their findings for those near to hear. "The mystery would not have been solved, if not for Padawan Ar'ekk. After retrieving the body of a fallen assassin, we examined the corpse to find that they were Anzat, a race of humanoids with peculiar physiology, and the ability to utilize telepathic abilities akin to that of a Jedi," the man paused, clearing his throat before he continued. "This explains many things. At first one would think these people left willingly, no signs of struggle and all that. In all likelihood, they were put in some sort of trance and unknowingly guided off their island.

It would explain the Rodian's trance, and why he has no memory of it," the investigator then seemed to tense up, having the unfortunate responsibility of dropping the bombshell. "It is not certain, but there is a high chance that those taken did not survive." He then handed the datapad to Ar'ekk, looking away from the crowd as they bowed their heads in mourning. Soon the group would begin to disperse, heading back to their shelters in order to regain the sleep they had lost over worrisome nights. "I'd say that about wraps up this investigation." Another man said, pulling off a pair of bloodied gloves he had worn while treating the injured. "Shall we pack things up, sir?"

 

[Arekk]

The datapad's screen was bright and it shun its light on the Padawan's face. As per the soldier's suggestion, the words that came out of his mouth took a small moment to sink in with the apprentice. He liftes his head up and clashed gazes with the military man, replying swiftly:

"The mistery has been resolved at some level. I still have my doubts so I'll leave a small group here for a couple of days in case something happens, I don't want to take any chances. Besides that, we should pack up and head back home."

Home. That word had a meaning for the squad of brave soldiers, whether they'd return to their families or headquarters to reunite with their longtime war friends. But Ar'ekk had no place to be, not even Voss or Yutan. There was no reason to go back there.

Coruscant seemed like the only logical place to be or was it? Perhaps there was another destination where the Force would take him. Maybe fate or destiny. The apprentice didn't really know what to do now although he felt accomplishing this mission was a relief. After years of training and hardwork, he put everything he learned into work and would've made his masters proud.

The Force would be always with him.

It was time to go.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

All was quiet as the moon fell, a new source of light rising, besides the electrical lamps that had been placed around the settlement by [member='Ar'ekk']'s team. They began to gather their equipment, folding up the deploy-able shelters they had used for the night. One remained standing, for a group of soldiers would be stationed here for the next day or so on the Jedi's order. Eventually everything was packed into a crate and carried to the landing pad, where the shuttle's engine began to roar as it powered up in preparation for takeoff. The sun broke through the ridge, eventually rising over the islands to bask them in its warm morning glow.

"Almost a shame we gotta leave this place," one of the Silvers spoke, dropping his end of the crate and casting his eyes to the horizon. The other simply groaned, simply dragging the crate closer to the shuttle before pulling it up the loading ramp and into the main cabin. Not long after that had everyone boarded the transport, ready to leave the planet of Sanctuary behind. The village elder was there to see them off, graciously bowing to Ar'ekk as he climbed aboard. "I will do my best to spread the word of your work here. When we look to the fallen star, we will always remember your victory over the dark!"

Those who had gathered began to cheer, waving to the shuttle and those within as it began to hover, jettisoning off across the vast waters of the planet. More speed was needed before passing through the atmosphere, and so the ship soared over many of the islands nearby the one they had just left. It was still dark enough for shadows to still loom, the sun still just rising after all the hours spent. Though he hadn't noticed the earlier shine, perhaps the faint green glow on the island beneath them would catch his eye. The troop transport had not yet sealed its sliding doors, which were often used for quick deployment on the battlefield.

 

[Arekk]

The Jedi and his team finally departed Sanctuary after putting an end to the investigation. Although one question remained; If the Anzat would ever make a return. Nonetheless, the work done in the island paid off after long weeks of following false leads and dead ends. Where would destiny take the Padawan next? Another sort of investigation or simply remain hidden for the time being? The latter wasn't a bad idea for him as he had been doing so for last couple of years after the war ended.

Enclosed in the meditation room and in a deep trance, Ar'ekk took the time to gather his energy and let the Force flow through him. The door remained open although the inside was dark as he couldn't stand the light during meditation. Whoever approached him would have to lower their voice level to not break his concentration. His lightsaber rested on one side.

Levitating Muntuur stones was the first thing taught by his master back then as a new apprentice. This simple yet empowering task was part of his meditation routine, self-imposed. Brought him back to his origin, to the beginning of his training. To the times of serenity and peace, of learning from master Taidarious who he had lost contact years ago and wished to reunite with him once again

The rest of the ship was quiet given the soldiers were tired and unhappy that they had to leave such a beautful place as Sanctuary, who offered eye-candy landscapes and marvelous places to explore.

Although their departure had to be put on a halt for the time being because some strange green glowing coming from the island during take off caught his attention, so he commanded the pilot immediately to land and wait as he made his way to the island to investigate such occurence.

"Stay on the ship, I'll be back soon." the Padawan said to his soldiers, giving them an answer so they wouldn't worry in his absence.

Ar'ekk borrowed a lift from one of the villagers and embarked towards the source of such divine and mysterious glow. The person mentioned that something resembling a lightsaber was visible from here but he couldn't confirm it. This made the apprentice's heart race heavily as he thought it could be the Anzat coming back in an act of revenge. Whatever it was, he had to find out at once.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

The pilot was confused at first, having seen nothing out of the ordinary once they were in the air. They had only been flying for a few minutes, before once more descending on another inhabited island. The crew was restless, complaining about the delay until [member='Ar'ekk'] emerged from his chamber and left the ship without any actual explanation. Regardless they trusted his judgement, and nodded in compliance as the Jedi departed.

Ar'ekk would have little trouble commandeering another raft, though this one was made primitively out of wood and other materials. Drifting across the waters, he eventually arrived at the nearby island that the green glow had been spotted on, having to navigate the old twisted paths and terrain to reach his destination. An almost tangible hatred could felt as the Jedi progressed, screams of anger echoing out in the distance.

No doubt Karkko, and it sounded like he was looking for somebody. Soon, Ar'ekk would find his way along a stone staircase that led to a dirt clearing, tucked carefully within the island's eroded scape. There was the Anzat, his green saber already ignited in hand as he pivoted rapidly, obviously searching for something. He hadn't even noticed Ar'ekk's presence yet, it seemed.

 

[Arekk]

"Lost something, my friend?" the apprentice spew out, as his quick-witted personality took over. It was not wise to start cracking jokes at such a dangerous opponent so it was in his best interest to keep the Anzat within the range of sanity and not keep adding fuel to the fire about to erupt evilishly. He quickly unclipped his silver-lined lightsaber from his utility belt. igniting it. The blue plasma beam created a perfect party of lights alongside the green glowing one.

His stance was more of a defensive kind instead of the early ready-to-attack one he held in the previous encounter. To be fair, he didn't really want to fight this time. The Padawan could sense the anger and desperation within the Anzat, causing him to feel curiosity as of the reason behind these emotions.

"What are you looking for?" he asked, not really waiting for an answer given his enemy's personality.

What was going on here, Ar'ekk wondered. He wanted to find out just as his opponent wanted to find whatever he was looking for.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]

 

[Tugoro Taidarious]

Once [member='Ar'ekk']'s voice was heard, Karkko immediately spun around, facing the Jedi still with a scowl upon his face. Though his current state obviously was not directed at the apprentice, it was about to be. Lifting an arm, the Anzat pointed a nailed finger towards the youth, intently moving in his direction. "You're with him, aren't you? He abandoned me, and now doesn't even have the courage to face me!" Karkko yelled, his saber swinging by his side as he rambled hysterically. "I should have known better, and I should have killed you when I had the chance."

The man did not even acknowledge Ar'ekk's words, instead flattening the hand he aimed at the apprentice into a palm, releasing a surge of force energy that would ripple through the air in an attempt to knock Ar'ekk right back down the steep path he had come from. Regardless if he was successful or not, Karkko would brandish his saber, twirling it through the air before leaping upwards, hoping to come down with devastating momentum that would aid him in splitting the young man down the middle with an overhead chop.

 

[Arekk]

The force wave knocked Ar'ekk back, tripping against his back on the cold ground. He quickly maneuvered the lightsaber to overcome the incoming attack, blocking the strike as soon as it came with practiced bravado. The apprentice rolled on the ground and rose from it, swinging his lightsaber around and taking a more offensive stance to duel against Karkko.

His eyes turned yellow like those of a Sith and as if fire covered the entirety of his iris. Ar'ekk would take the momentum to send away a powerful force strike against the Anzat in an attempt to quickly end this battle.

The words that he mentioned early made no sense in his mind. However, the fight erupted like a volcano's inferno and their lightsabers clashed as if good and evil were fighting against each other. Who would prevail? The light side or the darkness? The key to the answer was going to be through their knowledge of the refined arts of lightsaber duel.

"Whatever's holding you back, you must let it go or I will kill you. Who are you looking for?!" the apprentice screamed at Karkko, seeking to understand his opponent's rage.

[member="Tugoro Taidarious"]