[SW The Dark Mercenary] Chapter 24 - Down to the End

Year: 20 BBY, Few days before the battle

Planet: Corellia

Location: Separatist Battle Station, Viewing Room

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Quiese: The Republic is coming here?

???: Yes. The Republic have already left Coruscant and are on their way to Corellia.

 

Quiese couldn’t believe what he had just heard. How did they find out about their secret space station?

 

Quiese: But how? How did they find out about this facility?

???: Undoubtedly, Darth Sidious revealed its whereabouts. However, this was to be expected from our master.

Quiese: Why, my master?! Why would he do such a thing?

???: No doubt that this is part of his “ultimate plan”. Although I do not fully understand why or how this all fits into it all, but we will listen and follow his command.

Quiese: For now…

 

A small smirk formed on his lips just as his acolyte let out those words. True, one day, they won’t need to listen to Sidious’ orders anymore. Just following them now has already cause problems for the man, such as now. However, he was patient enough to wait right now until the day where he will no longer need the Dark Lord, or his future Empire.

 

???: For now, yes. But until that time comes, my acolyte, we will use him and his connections to continue with my own plans for the future. When the time comes where we no longer need him or his resources, we will completely destroy him and his empire.

Quiese: As you say, Lord Nedoura. However, as for the Republic forces…what would you have me do?

 

Nedoura grinned and turned his hologram figure around, facing towards whatever he was facing to.

 

Nedoura: Lure them into the station. Let them think that there wasn’t much resistance inside the facility, and allow them to wipe out our personal droids…

Quiese: With all respect, my lord…but losing those droid, would it not create much a hinder in your plans?

Nedoura: I am aware of the details, my acolyte. However, we need to fool the Republic one way or another. But as for their generals…

 

He then turned back to face his acolyte, his expression turning to a serious one.

 

Nedoura: The Jedi will send some of their best to you, likely the two Siruhnians and Witronians to deal with you. I want you to capture the one with any means necessary.

Quiese: Capture?

 

His expression was that of confusion. What did Nedoura mean by that? He couldn’t possibly…?

 

Quiese: *Eyes widen* The Dark Mercenary…he's coming here?!

Nedoura: I have no doubt about it. Just to ensure that he does, I have already discussed this with Sidious. Curiously, he complied.

Quiese: Do you think he suspects anything?

Nedoura: Unsure…however, that will not matter. Once my plans begin, none of it won’t matter. I will have Kydan at my feet, and my enemies at their mercies.

Quiese: As you command…what of the others?

 

A small, psychotic looking grin formed on his lips. It was as if, whatever he was going to say, was going to be enjoyable.

 

Nedoura: ...Kill them…All the Jedi…and their clones…

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Year: 20 BBY, Present Time

Planet: Corellia

Location: Separatist Battle Station, Hallway

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Remembering everything that his master had commanded him days ago, he could not help but feel a bit of excitement running through him. It wasn’t every day that you were given permission to kill your foes with any means necessary, especially with Jedi around. To kill both the Jedi, their clones and their entire fleet…what dark side user wouldn’t want the chance at that!

 

But it still bothered him somewhat with his other mission; capturing the Dark Mercenary. He and other acolytes had all discussed this at length about why this Witronian was so important to their master. Once or twice, they had heard Nedoura argue with, not just Count Dooku or General Grievous, but with Darth Sidious too. Most of the time, a heated argument would ensue between them all, until Sidious would cease their hostilities with one another. Surely, this would cause much suspicions about Nedoura and his connection to Kydan Witress. As of how and why, no one knew, perhaps not even Sidious knew. But one thing was for sure…

 

Nedoura was insistent about the young man, maybe even obsessed over him.

 

But he couldn’t focus on such trivial things. Quiese had a mission to accomplish, and a goal to achieve. But he wasn’t going to get far until he deals with the chasing Siruhnian that was behind him, her double bladed lightsaber in her right hand. They had both halted in their tracks multiple times to cross blades, even if they were for just a few seconds. But, for what it was worth, his plans were coming along very smoothly. Not much longer, he would have, not just her, but the mercenary in his trap. The more he thought about it, the more he started to grin.

 

Everything was going according to plan…

 

She was slowly getting tired out.

 

After spending quite a bit chasing after the dark acolyte, her energy was slowly draining. Truthfully, she wasn’t to the point of exhaustion, far from it. She could feel the energy flowing through her, ready to be summoned at her will. Mostly, she was getting tired chasing after bad guys every single time. She sometimes wished that they would just stand still and fight for real rather than running all the time.

 

But something else plagued her mind; Kydan. She pondered on the things that have been happening as of late, such as “why these assassins, or Acolytes, were so keen on wanting Kydan so much?” She remembered hearing the name “Nedoura” a few times since the beginning of the Clone Wars. Many rumors were told about him, but what made her more curious about him was when Kydan mentioned him a couple times before. She could see every time, whenever that name was brought up, his expression looked so angry, a dark moment passing through him when pondering. Whatever his connection to this man is, it was unclear, but she could guess that it wasn’t anything good. Nonetheless, that had only made her curiosity peek even more.

 

But that wasn’t the only thing that she wondered about. She kept going back to what she and Kydan were talking about a couple days ago, before they were…professionally interrupted. Exactly what was Kydan going to say to her? Ever since then and up to when they were in the gunship, his worried expression still lingered on his face. There was so many possibilities that could make him concerned…especially if it had to do something with her.

 

Wait a minute, she immediately thought just when she dodged a few objects that were flying pass her, Quiese trying to hit her. Did I do something wrong? Is he mad at me for some reason? If so…what did I do? She couldn’t think of any reason that Kydan would be upset with her. Sure, every time they are always on an adventure or mission together, something always risks the danger of life or death. Especially when it always happens to Kyd--…

 

He’s…he’s not mad cause I put him in danger, is it?

 

Calena broke from her trance of thoughts as she saw Quiese enter one of the elevators that headed upwards. She halted in her tracks and immediately looked around for another way. Looking behind her, she saw a duplicate of another elevator that appeared to go up too. Using the Force to open the sliding door, she entered the elevator quickly as the doors closed behind her, shooting straight towards the next floor above them.

 

She was unsure what was set before her, a good possibility that it was all a trap. But whatever lied ahead, she was more than ready to face it head on. She would stop Quiese, one way or another.

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Kydan continued to run across the halls and sharp corners, trying to catch up to the both of them. Almost every turn he came to, right on the other side, he could always see debris and saber marks left and right. The more he saw, the more worried he was getting.

 

He could tell that Nedoura’s acolyte was just toying with Calena. If he really wanted to, he could have just taken her out that much sooner. But he didn’t, and his concern for her was growing more and more. Yes, he was concern for his own men, but he trusted them enough to hold out against those walking heaps of metal. It was the fact that she was up against another Force user who was trained under Nedoura, who could easily match against Dooku.

 

Nedoura…no matter where he was in the galaxy, he would always find where Kydan was. He hated knowing the fact that every time he was faced with anyone who has dealings or trained under him, there would always be some kind of trouble. That was another thing that made him worry even more about Calena. He would need to catch up to them fast enough, or else…

 

He didn’t want to think of such a thing! He was worried enough, he didn’t need to start thinking about that too. Not again.

 

Reaching to the point of a dead end hallway, he saw two elevators that presume to go upwards towards the high tower above him. That could only mean that both Calena and Quiese were up there, fighting each other to the death. If he wanted to get up there, he would have to move fast. He started pushing both control panels on both sides and waited for one of them to start coming back down. His patience was growing thin, and the elevators weren’t going fast enough.

 

Dark: Stay calm, Kydan. Worrying more and more isn’t going to help you.

Kydan: Easier said than done…

Dark: Do you trust her?

Kydan: Obviously!

Dark: Then trust that she can handle herself until we get up there.

 

He was about to shoot back another comment, but decided against it. Although he was getting more anxious and worried, it wasn’t doing him any good. He needed to stay calm and keep his focus in check. He really did trust her, even if he didn’t think he would be able to handle herself. But she was a Jedi Knight for a reason, a Jedi general of the Galactic Republic that the order entrusted her enough to receive such titles. So letting out a loud sigh, he forced himself to keep as calm as he could.

 

At that moment, the doors before him slid open as he rushed inside and rapidly pushed the buttons on the panel. The doors then closed back up and the elevator started to move up towards the battle above him. He gripped his lightsaber hilts in his hands a bit tighter than usual, feeling the adrenaline and anxiety rushing through him. He really hoped that he would make it in time.

 

Hang on Cale’, I’m coming…

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The duel between the two of them was equally matched. Each of them colliding with their sabers at precise timing, sparks flashing off from each other and onto the metal floor underneath them. Neither one of them were letting up against the other, their attentions focused on the other as each of them looked for a weakness.

 

Although they were evenly matched, the Siruhnian's quick reflexes and form was much more faster and quicker than that of the Acolyte himself. She, however, felt like she wasn't focused at all. Her mind kept wondering to Kydan, about if he was okay and what was so important that they needed to talk. She kept trying to push those things aside 'til after the fight, but it wasn't doing her any good. As for Quiese, he was starting to lose his footing against her. Although he was trained under his master, he still wasn't prepared enough to face someone like the Jedi Knight before him.

 

That was when he noticed something was off. As more time passed between the two of them, her speed and slashes at him were slowing down and becoming almost lazy. He wasn't entirely sure what was causing this outcome, he didn't really care. This was his chance to finally bring down the Siruhnian Knight.

 

When she went for one more hit, he side steps to the right, causing her to express her surprise as he used the force to push her back towards the window where the battle outside was still consistent. She smacks into the wall with force, pain ensuing her body as she struggles to pick herself up from the metal and glass detailed flooring. He slowly approaches her, chuckling wickedly due to the outcome before him.

 

Quiese: Poor, poor Jedi. To think that you could defeat someone in my caliber. You probably would had a chance, if only your Witronian friend was here with you. But...that doesn't seem to be the case...

Calena: *Groans* You won't win this battle...

Quiese: I doubt that, Siruhnian girl. Farewell, Jedi, it was fun while it lasted.

 

As she tried to fight the pain that she was feeling still, Quiese raised his blade as he prepared to strike her down with a single slash. Her mind raced, not understanding why this was happening. How could all this happen?! Every time something like this happens, it always ends with...

 

...it always ends up with Kydan saving the day...and suffering.

 

As her thoughts passed her, the red blade came right down towards her, just barely an inch away from her head before a purple blade collided between them. With her eyes clutched closed, she opens her left eye as she sees Quiese struggling to hold his hold against no one else but Kydan, who was staring down the Acolyte with anger. She could see his eyes turned from the once gentle brown eyes to the now crimson rose red. The last time she had seen something like that was back on Alzoc III.

 

Kydan: Stay. Away. From. Her!

Quiese: *Growls* You blasted dank farrek!

 

Putting all his effort into his hold, Quiese was unable to hold off for long before Kydan pulled the blades away from Calena before a quick block and hit duel commenced 'til he kicked and Force Pushed the Acolyte across the room, rolling and sliding across the floor. Still keep watch, Kydan rushes over to her as he reached his hand out to her, a concern look plastered on his expression.

 

Kydan: Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?

Calena: Y-Yeah...I'm fine.

 

Taking hold of his hand, he pulls her up and onto her feet. Her expression was still stunned.

 

Calena: Kydan...I--

Kydan: Save the thought for later, princess...

 

Calena turned her head away in shame before turning it back to see him holding her saber towards her.

 

Kydan: *Smiles* Ready to do this together?

Calena: ......*Smirks* Yeah...I am.

 

With a single nod, the two reactivated both their blue, purple and pure black lightsabers and took their stances towards Quiese, who was just rising to his feet in disgust and annoyance.

 

Quiese: You fools...you have no idea who you are messing with.

Kydan: Actually, we do.

Calena: And it just gives us more reason to stop you.

Quiese: *Snarls* Your overconfidence will be you downfalls!

 

Reactivating his red blade, Quiese readied himself as Kydan and Calena came rushing towards him with their blades at the ready as well. As Calena gave herself a small but quick boost of speed to hopefully overcome their enemy, Kydan leaped into the air as he crossed both his blades together as he tried to pounce on him. Quiese had little time to react, but he was able to successfully dodge Calena's attack while, at that exact moment, block Kydan's air attack, just barely making it all in time.

 

Their duel against one another continued for what felt like hours, but in reality, was only minutes. Both sides were exhausting themselves out, and they were reaching their limit of physical strength. It was this point that Quiese just had enough of this conflict; he needed to complete his mission for Nedoura, or he would suffer the dreadful punishment of his master. With all the power he could muster up, he blocked both Kydan and Calena's attacks at the same time. Catching them off guard, he first use the force to choke Kydan, putting him in a spot where he was struggling to do much. Calena saw this and rushed to aid Kydan as fast as could. Quiese looked over to her before calling out loud to no one in particular.

 

Quiese: *Eyes narrowed* Enough of this foolishness!

 

Still holding Kydan in mid air, he force pushes Calena to the floor once again, causing her to roll across the metal. He then slams Kydan down to the middle of the room, smashing and cracking the glass under them and leaving a large dent on the floor. Without letting up on anything, he then starts to electrocute both of them, sending sheers amount of pain to course through their entire body as they both screamed out loud. Quiese, amused by the outcome of his actions, starts laughing wickedly as it grew louder and louder. At that moment of the battle, he felt assured that he had won the duel between them.

 

He halts his attack on both of them and stares at Kydan, who was still in pain from the attacks, for just a few moments before looking towards Calena who was also in a similar state. He then starts approaching the Jedi Knight as he reactivates his crimson blade.

 

Quiese: I told you both before...you could never win against me. Now, Dark Mercenary...you get to watch your Jedi friend...die.

 

Kydan, trying to get himself back up, looks over to where Calena and Queise were before realizing what was about to happen. Quiese slowly raised his arm up, the red energy sword pointed to the ceiling as the cruel acolyte took a moment to revel in his success. The mercenary's eyes widen in shock, knowing what was about to happen.

 

His heart raced...his mind immediately returning back to the first day of the Clone Wars...remembering everyone that had perished; both his clone troopers who followed him to battle, his old crush Relicia who died by the explosion and debris that had fallen on her, and now...now the image of Calena being slain by the hand of one of Nedoura's acolytes. He wasn't sure what was happening to him, but it was at that moment that something snapped. The red rose eyes became even more crimson than before, streaks of black lines crossing over each other across his pupil. How he did it, he wasn't entirely sure, but it was at that exact moment that he quickly got up and ran with all his might towards them.

 

It almost seemed like time had stopped completely, but he just barely made it in between the two of them, not entirely sure what he was going to do. His body reacted to the danger before him as he raised his left arm in front of him, shielding him from whatever outcome was to come. Quiese's saber came down and made a clean slice right through the Dark Mercenary's entire left arm, dismembering him completely. Quiese and Calena looked very stunned, not even sure how he got between them so fast. As the acolyte was still in shock, where once his left arm was started to form into a black substance, long armored-like lance, much like how he made one back during the Battle of Taris years ago. With one swift thrust and yell, Kydan pierced right into Quiese's chest, puncturing his stomach and his heart right through as he raised him into the air. He gasped for air, finding it much more harder to breath now as small droplets of blood ran out from both his chest and his lips.

 

How this happened, he still wasn't sure, but he knew that he had failed his matter at that moment of time. His last thoughts were that he would at least not be feeling the wrath of his master's punishment no longer. He looked down at Kydan, slowly fading to nothing as he murmured something to him that would cost him.

 

Quiese: *Soft tone* Heh...I knew...that you were...a...monster...

 

With a growl and another yell, Kydan plunged Quiese right down to the very spot that Kydan was just at, shattering the glass and ripping a hole through the metal with sheer force of Kydan's powers. He then began falling down towards the surface below as he disappeared through the clouds. Kydan, now exhausted from using so much of his strength and Forge power, made his left black arm lance disappear to nothing but the fresh cut as he collapsed to his knees, still staring down the hole of where the Acolyte had fallen.

 

Calena, who was now sitting up, saw the entire thing before her. She was glad that the fight was finally over, as well as Quiese being defeated even if it wasn't the greatest course of action. But she wasn't happy of the consequences that occured; Kydan having his left arm dismembered by the dead man. Although it wasn't her fault, she still blamed herself for what happened. All because I was being so foolish, she thought sadly to herself. If I had stayed calm and focus, I could have...and Kydan could have...

 

Slowly picking herself up, she started walking towards the injured mercenary, who still hadn't move from his spot nor tearing his attention away once. When she got close to him, she knelt to her knees as she stared at his other hand that was hanging loosely to his side. She started to reach for it, just centimeters away from grasping his hand, but then stopped for a moment and then pulled away. From behind, Kydan heard her speak but not in her normal and happy voice. Rather, it was more sad than anything.

 

Calena: ...I'm sorry...This was all...this was my fault, wasn't it?

 

Unable to hold it anymore, tears began to drop and onto the cold metal floor, her body shaking at the same time. Finally tearing his attention away from the hole before him, he turned his head to her as he saw her sad and crying expression. When he saw that, his heart began to sink. He hated seeing anyone, especially her, look sad.

 

Kydan: Calena...

Calena: I'm so sorry! I...I shouldn't...I shouldn't be near you anymore...

 

Kydan's eyes widen ever so much in response, not understanding what she meant.

 

Kydan: Calena, what are you talking about?

Calena: It's...it's my fault that you're like this...If...if I had just...

 

More tears ran down her cheeks as her voice cracked little by little, having a hard time trying to bring out the right words. Kydan's heart just sank even more, having the urge to wipe the tears away from her eyes and hug her to try and make her feel better. But he stood there, still surprised by her words.

 

Calena: ...I-I have to...stay way from you...before...before you get hurt...

Kydan: ...

Calena: Cause I...I can't stand...losing you because of me...So for now on...I'm...going to stay away--

 

At that singular moment, not able to hold back the urge anymore, Kydan calmly shushes her by placing his right hand on her cheek before closing the gap between them and catching his lips with hers. Calena slightly jumped in surprise by the sudden actions, not knowing exactly what to do. However, it only took a moment before she recuperated and let the feeling sink in, pushing her lips a bit more forcefully to his. After their moment lasted a few, the two broke away from the kiss as they both gasped for air, both of them carrying a small blush on their cheeks. With a small smile, he takes his hand and wipes the tears away from her eyes, unsure of what to really say or do in the moment.

 

Feeling a bit of confidence, from what happened and seeing Dark behind her urging him silently, he began to speak.

 

Kydan: I would never blame you, Calena. I know you could never hurt me. And don't ever think that you need to stay away. You means so much to me than you could ever know.

Calena: Kydan...

Kydan: I will always need you. Because I...I...I love you.

 

Her heart began to race after those three words left his mouth, much more faster than it has ever beaten. Even her cheeks grew just ever so red as well. Did she hear him right? Was this a dream? She had to be sure this wasn't any illusion, or something else.

 

Calena: You...you love me?

 

He nodded fervently, somewhat embarrassed as his own cheeks grew even more red from what he said. Although she was still shocked, she couldn't help feel happy and excited. She had always believed that she would have to be the one to tell him one day, just she didn't exactly know how. But to think that he would build up the boldness and courage to kiss her and confess to her. Realizing that she was thinking for too long, she smiled herself as she pulled Kydan's face to hers, capturing his lips this time. When she pulled away, the look on Kydan's face was priceless, making the Siruhnian girl giggle in response. She placed her hands on his and looked into his eyes.

 

Calena: I love you too, Kyie'.

 

Even though the outcome and consequences were fatal, it couldn't deter the way that these two felt for one another. It even came to the point that they didn't hear the clone soldiers marching into the room and rushing to them both. The smiles on both their faces never faded...

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So I just have to say this......HOLY CRAP THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING!!! I am to blame though, considering that I procrastinated for nearly 3 years straight. But wow, am I glad that I finally finished this long and challenging chapter at last!

 

As for the build; this is a photo that is about a couple months old, during when I was experimenting with my skills. We promise that the next set of chapters will be much, much better. But either way, I am still happy with how it looks, especially adding the scenery of an air battle happening in the background there.

 

If you are new to our and wish to catch yourselves up with all that is happening, check out and click "The Jedi Mercenary" album to read more of the earlier chapters before this one!

 

We really do hope you all enjoyed this long awaited chapter, cause I sure am lol. We are looking forward to finally introducing you you a few brand new characters that will be added to the series starting next chapter. We have spent a long time working on them and are very excited to show you what we have to come. Also, if you can, leave your thoughts in the comments below and leave a like to show us how much you all enjoyed this. Thank you all as always, and as always, have a fan-building-tastic day/night! See ya' next time!

 

- Director KW & CGN Crew

 

Done