It was a hot day on the planet Dwésoon, with a hint of the planet's spring breeze in the air. The sky was a crystal blue with not a single cloud to cover it. The ground lay covered in shades of green and brown from the grass, trees and other native plant life, some in which even he couldn't name. The sun of the planet provided the light of the day, shinning almost straight down. Not a sound could be heard except for a faint hum.
        He looked down at his feet to the scene before him, to the source of the humming. At his foot, lying next to an open unmoving hand lay a lightsaber. Its purple blade extended, burning a small patch in the grass around it.
        The figure stared at it intently for a minute through his black hollow eyes. Then he ever so slowly made a gesture with his hand, waving it over the lightsaber, his long black sleeve quickly falling down to his wrist.
        The lightsaber deactivated.
        The black robed figure, hood still covering his head from view, looked then to the unmoving hand next to the hilt of the lightsaber, following the length of its arm to the body it belonged to. There the body lay, its torso stained with blood. Its chest never rising. He looked from the victim's chest up to its neck. But the neck was covered by the victim's other hand which failed to keep the blood from pouring out the slit in the throat.
        He smiled.
        He then turned again, this time to look at the face of his victim. The victim's eyes were dark brown, and forever opened wide. A constant reminder of it’s quick and sudden death. The victim's mouth was slightly open and speckled with blood that had been coughed on. And eventually choked on. His victim had never seen it coming.
        They never do.
        The black cloaked figure, a givin, looked up from the body into the sky, his hood blocking out the bright sun. There he could see flying creatures circling above now. The slain body and blood was already starting to create an odor. The creatures were hungry.
        He then looked out into the green fields around him. Not a soul around, not a creature or animal. The scene was still and calm. Almost peaceful. Such a contrast to what lay at his feet.
        But it was not the first time the figure had seen, had caused such contrast. He chuckled silently to himself at that. No, it certainly was not the first time nor would it be the last.
        For Jasti Pawes had a long journey before him. And Jasti Pawes was intent on reaching his destination, …whether that person was ready or not.
 

        "…And this concludes our council meeting for today."
        With that closing, Mace Windu bowed his head slightly to his fellow Jedi and all began to rise. Nothing new was reported in today's meeting and so it concluded early. The members of the Jedi Council however, were not restless due to inactivity. In fact, it was quite the opposite. After all, it was hard keeping peace in the galaxy. The Jedi appreciated whatever breaks they had. Also, it allowed for them to have time for their own personal lives, which is a rare thing for a Jedi.
        Now that the Council meeting has ended, most of the Jedi gathered in little groups to discuss what has been happening with each other. Others just stood at the huge windows in the chamber, staring out at the cityscape of Coruscant. They stood and watched ships of all sizes and design fly through the city heading to unknown destinations. Eeth Koth stood up deciding to take the extra time to read and as he turned towards the door, he saw Qui-Gon in discussion with Even Piell and Ki-Adi-Mundi. He decided to walk over.
        "Master Qui-Gon! How are you doing?"
        "Ahh, hello Master Koth. I am quite well, thank you. How about you?"
        "Doing as well as can be expected. How is your young padawan doing?"
        "Yes Master Qui-Gon. I have been meaning to ask you this as well. We have heard the official reports you present us, but what are your personal feelings towards his ability to learn the ways of the Force?" Even Piell inquired.
        "Xanatos is doing well. He learns quickly and surprisingly can do most things on the first try. But there is something…hidden about him. Something that is holding him back. I cannot say what it is for sure, though."
        Even Piell, Eeth Koth and Ki-Adi-Mundi all took this in and thought about it. Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke first.
        "Do you feel this might lead him to the Dark Side?" This drew the attention of Even and Eeth. Qui-Gon thought about it a few minutes before answering.
        "It is too early to be certain, but as of present I do not have any real concerns about it. Whatever it is, it will pass."
        The others could sense Qui-Gon holding back himself. Not revealing all he knew. Ki-Adi-Mundi was about to say as much, but as he opened his mouth, the doors to the chamber opened and in stepped a visitor. All the Jedi in the Council chamber turned to regard the new visitor and smiled slightly upon recognition.
        The visitor stood six feet four inches tall and skin as black as night. His eyes were two bright glowing red spheres that were in complete contrast to the rest of him. Covering his eyes were to clear lids that added a slight glaze effect, making his eyes look even more deep and mysterious. He wore no clothing except a long flowing black cape due to his body had no features, which was typical of shape shifters. He looked around and smiled back to the Jedi. Adi Galla was the first to approach and greet the visitor.
        "Welcome Slaixth. How are you this day?" Adi Galla welcomed, nodding her head slightly.
        "I am well, thank you. Though I am feeling somewhat restless. Not much is going on. I could use some excitement," he said as he smiled at Adi. I never get enough of staring into her eyes.
        "Slaixth, A true Jedi does not seek out excitement," Adi corrected. Slaixth shrugged and grinned.
        "Maybe, but I am not the average Jedi." As to prove his point, he pulled his blaster from his holster and quickly spun it upon his finger, then replaced it within the holster. All in the blink of an eye. She's got looks, but her sternness isn't flattering. But then, in that respect she's no different from the other Jedi.
        "Slaixth," came a voice from across the chamber, "to what do we owe your visit?"
        Slaixth turned to see Mace Windu walking briskly but mannerly towards him.
        "Greetings Master Windu. I just finished with some business at a nearby system. I thought I would stop by and see how things were here."
        "Things are well," started Mace Windu as he closed the gap between him and Slaixth. "There has been no significant trouble. And so far, all padawans in training are doing well." Adi Galla, who was still standing there, noticed a slight shift in Slaixth's demeanor. Master Windu picked up on it as well.
        "Fret not, Slaixth. Though it is unfortunate, an apprentice will ultimately be lost from time to time. No one is perfect and in the end it will help balance the Force." Slaixth looked at Windu with a confused look.
        "Are you saying losing one's padawan to the Dark Side is good?"
        "I believe what Master Windu is saying," interjected Adi Galla "is that without the Dark Side, there is no Light Side. Without one, there is no counter or balance to the other. Allowing one to have ultimate control of all. In a way, the clash between the Light and Dark Side is like a predator who eats other animals. It helps to balance an ecosystem. Making sure one doesn't over run things."
        Slaixth took this in and played it through his mind.
        "A very interesting perspective, Master Galla. Also a very accurate description." Adi Galla made a slight bow.
        "Thank you, Master Windu." Mace bowed his head in a silent welcome.
        "I see your point, Master Galla, but it doesn't change the pain of the loss." Adi Galla frowned.
        "No, I suppose not. But you cannot dwell on the past. Or it shall consume you."
        "Yeah, you're right. I just ---"
        "Uhg!" came a grunt from the back and cutting Slaixth off. Everyone in the Council chamber turned to see what was happening. "Trouble…I sense. Distant, but powerful."
        "Master Yoda, can you tell us more?" Mace Windu was the first to be at the side of Yoda, who had never left his chair." "What danger do you sense?"
        "Unable to say am I. Too elusive."
        "Can you tell us anything at all, Master Yoda?" This time is was Plo Kloon who asked.
        "A distant planet. …Slain a …Jedi is."
        "Can you name the planet?" came another's voice. Oppo Rancisis this time.
        "Dwésoon. The planet is Dwésoon." Everyone turned to face Master Qui-Gon. Yoda just bowed his head to confirm Qui-Gon's insights. Qui-Gon bore a face that looked as if he could see something the others could not. "With the Council's permission, I would like to go investigate."
        "All by yourself?" asked Windu.
        "No, I will go with him," Slaixth put in before Qui-Gon or anyone else could speak.
        "Slaixth, though you are an accomplished warrior and trained in the Force. You are not an official Jedi. There are still skills in which you lack. Do you feel you are up to the challenges ahead?" question Master Windu.
        This caught Slaixth off guard. He was well aware that, though he was an accomplished warrior, and has perfected much in the ways of the Force, he wasn't a Jedi. But the Jedi Council had always looked past his unofficial training and treated him more equal than even he thought he deserved at times. But now they were acting as if he wasn't ready to face danger despite he's faced plenty in his life time. Slaixth recovered quickly enough and straightened his stance as he addressed the Council.
        "Yes, I believe I can handle the challenges. But with all due respect to you, Masters…" Slaixth paused as he glanced to each of the Jedi, "as you have stated; I am not an official Jedi and therefor I do not have to obey your orders."
        That last statement brought about an eerie silence that was not filled for many minutes. Through the Force, Slaixth could feel the tension and doubt within the Council members and he guessed he wouldn't even need the Force to do so.
        "No, obey us not you have to. For that is the wrong thinking you possess, however. For do what is right one should do. Not out of order. But, despite this, we assign you to the investigation with Master Qui-Gon. Rather we have you somewhat unorthodox than disobey us in anger and lead to the Dark Side," finished Yoda and again all became silent.
        Slaixth glanced at the other Jedi expecting a protest from them. But since Yoda had given the command, only Master Windu would have been able to protest with any real influence to back him up. He was the second most respected Jedi on the Council. You didn't get there without others listening. When no protest came, Slaixth bowed.
        "Thank you, Master Yoda." And with that, Slaixth left the room to prepare. Qui-Gon started after him.
        "Master Qui-Gon," came once again Master Yoda's voice. Qui-Gon turned back around to face him. "Ask you do we to watch over Slaixth. Training has he, but incomplete it is. Flaws can he make. Make sure you must, that all goes well."
        Qui-Gon bowed and looked to each of the Jedi. "Yes, Master Yoda. I will watch him." And he strode out.
 

        "One minute till we drop out of hyperspace."
        "Is everything prepped and ready?"
        "Yes, Master Qui-Gon. I still say we should have taken the Raven, though," came Slaixth's response.
        "The Raven wasn't needed. Besides. If there is anyone down there looking for us, the Raven would certainly give us away. Your ship is not a common design," Qui-Gon interjected, shrugging off Slaixth's complaint.
        Back on Coruscant, Slaixth had insisted that they take the Raven. Qui-Gon had not agreed, thinking the ship too recognizable. It had made sense and at the time, Slaixth had dropped it. But now, as they prepared to arrive at Dwésoon, Slaixth had become a little edgy and wanted his ship. It was common to want something familiar with you when one entered an unknown situation, but must he gripe about it? Instead, they had taken a modified transport.
        "You're right, Qui-Gon. I just…I have a bad feeling about this." Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows in mild surprise.
        "Oh? I'm not sensing any danger at all."
        "No, not about this trip. About this overall event. It feels…cold, deadly."
        "I have a faint sense of it, but it seems elusive to me." As Qui-Gon finished the hyperspace alarm beeped its warning and then the transport dropped out of hyperspace, a dozen star lines stretching across space. And then, nothing but blackness and the twinkling of stars from afar.
        "How long till we reach Dwésoon?" asked Qui-Gon.
        "About five minutes. The Dwison system isn't that large; only a couple of systems orbiting a sun," Slaixth answered, playing his hands over the ship's controls.
        "Very well," came Qui-Gon's response and he stared ahead the rest of the trip as if staring death down till the end.
        The five minutes went by and the two Jedi found themselves approaching Dwésoon. Qui-Gon had yet to stop staring ahead. "Are you okay, Qui-Gon? You seem troubled."
        "No, Slaixth. Just, trying to get a sense of where on the planet to land. It's at these times I don't understand how master Yoda does it. It gives you an idea just how strong in the Force he is."
        Slaixth played that thought in his head over a few times and found he too was impressed. He himself was strong in the Force, as well as Master Qui-Gon. But not even the two of them, or even Mace Windu had the midiclorian count that Master Yoda had. It made one wonder what the galaxy had in store for Yoda that it gave him such a high count.
        "There," Qui-Gon pointed out the forward screen at a western part of the planet. "That is where we need to be."
        "Then let's land about four miles away from there. We don't want anyone still present to detect us," Slaixth put in.
        "You cannot hide from the Force, Slaixth."
        "No, but you can hide from scanners." And with that, Slaixth proceeded to land the ship four miles from the target area.
 

        It had been two hours since they had landed the transport and they were finally coming to the target area.
        "Do you see anything, Master Qui-Gon?" asked Slaixth, taking a look around himself.
        "No, but I sense something …an echo of what was a disturbance in the Force. Whatever was here, was powerful, strong in both strength and of the Dark Side," answered Qui-Gon, still looking the area over.
        "I sense it too. But whatever or who ever it was, they are long gone now." Slaixth was searching the area more of the Force than of physical site, so it came as little surprise when Slaixth almost tripped over something.
        "What was that?" he asked himself. As he looked down to his feet, it took a minute to register. Then shock and disgust hit him. "Qui-Gon! Over here!" he shouted, still somewhat unable to move.
        Qui-Gon walked up behind him. "What is it Slaixth?" Qui-Gon stopped suddenly as he looked down to the same location Slaixth was. And soon, he bore the same look of disgust and shock as did his friend next to him. For there, at there feet lay the fallen Jedi Yoda had sensed. Or, what was left of him.
        The Jedi's body was scared and drenched in blood. It's body releasing a fowl odor. Parts and cuts made by the planets predatory scavengers. However, it was not nearly as bad as a dead carcass would normally be. As if the dark powers of what had killed the Jedi were so empowered here, that it kept scavengers and other creatures away.
        "Qui-Gon, isn't that Brylm Chivat?" Slaixth almost had to force the words out. Brylm Chivat was a fairly new Jedi Knight. He was corellian and had been a kind and gentle soul. He had a gift in implanting images into someone using the Force, making them see whatever he had projected at them. Now he was dead.
        "Yes it is. He was a good man." Qui-Gon and Slaixth quickly recovered and began to search the surrounding area for any other signs of struggle. "Here," said Qui-Gon bending down and picking up a small cylinder. "His lightsaber." He stood up.
        "Look, his throat," Slaixth pointed out and used the Force to move Brylm's hand from his neck, "It's slashed. But such a slash was not caused by a lightsaber. He was cut by a metallic blade of some sort."
        "Hmmm." Qui-Gon stood there in concentration for a few minutes before speaking. "Look at the ground where his lightsaber was. It's burned, which means his lightsaber was laying there for a time while it was still activated. It was switched off long after he died."
        "Qui-Gon, I don't see much else we can do here. Let's take the body back Coruscant and report our findings as well as have a proper funeral."
        "Agreed, but first…" Qui-Gon stepped around to the other side of Brylm and lifted the fallen Jedi's lightsaber into the air, activating it. There, he reached out to the living Force and suspended the lightsaber in mid air. It's purple blade glowing brightly amid the sunset of the planet. Qui-Gon then detached his lightsaber from his belt and ignited it. The green blade from his saber gently touched that of the purple blade of Brylm's saber.
        Slaixth looked to Qui-Gon and smiled weakly. It was a sad day when Jedi did this for fallen comrade. Another small flame extinguished in the galaxy. Slaixth pulled out his own lightsaber and ignited it's one of two blades. The almost black blade, surrounded by a blue glow hummed to life and Slaixth touched it to both Qui-Gon's green blade and Brylm's purple blade. And both Qui-Gon and Slaixth bowed their heads down and held the stance for a time.
 

        Had either Qui-Gon or Slaixth looked to the top of the hills standing a few acres away, they would have noticed a single black cloaked figure standing there, watching through electro binoculars.
        The figure dropped the binoculars to his side, his long black sleeves falling to his wrist, and continued to stare at his subjects. His hood secured upon his pale white head. Down below he watched through hollow eyes as Qui-Gon and Slaixth (he shuddered at the thought of the name) raised their ignited lightsabers to the fallen Jedi's ignited saber floating in the air between them. Such a useless and pathetic gesture. Still, it is quaint to see them act so fragile despite that they held the key to the ultimate power. The power of the Dark Side. The fools. Jasti Pawes continued to watch them till the planet's sun had finished setting and the two Jedi, carrying their fallen comrade, returned to their ship.
 

        The trip back to Coruscant took nearly three hours and when Qui-Gon and Slaixth landed, the planet was in full night. Now, they and the rest of the Jedi were in the Jedi Temple's Courtyard. There, they held the funeral for a dear friend whom now was one with the Force.
        The Jedi stood around the center of Brylm's body as it burned into the night. Qui-Gon and Slaixth reported all their finding when they had first returned. Now this was all that was left. After a few minutes, Even Piell stood forward.
        "Brylm Chivat had been my padawan learner for over a year. I remember the first time he was assigned to me. I had tried to be a strict master as was expected, but I could not do so with him. He and I had become the closest of friends and I thought of him as a son. He was gentle and kind. Full of love and respect of the living Force. He was a quick study and was so eager to learn. I will miss him." Even finished his speech and stepped back. Nothing more was said. The funeral ended an hour later and all went to there respective quarters for the night.
        A couple of days went by with no new news to share. The mysterious Dark Jedi had not appeared again and though he was not forgotten by the council, he was no longer the top most thought.
        Qui-Gon had gone back to Xanatos to work on his Jedi training. Slaixth had gone to town to do some trade business and the other Jedi attended varies affairs. All was for now, as it should be. Now the Jedi were once again gathered in the Council Chamber discussing the current status with their affairs.
        "Master Qui-Gon," started Yoda, "How goes your training with young Xanatos, hmm?" Yoda leaned forward as if to hear Qui-Gon's unspoken words.
        "His training goes quiet well Master Yoda. I feel his training with me will be complete soon," Qui-Gon answered after a slight pause.
 

        Bzzt…weow, crshhhhh! …weoooooew…bzzt…Bshhh! Came the clash of two lightsabers, one orange and one blue. The blue one continued to block the attacks of the orange blade, waiting for it's own time to strike.
        "Why…why do you attack me? What have I done?" asked the owner of the blue bladed lightsaber. Again he blocked, this time from a downward swing.
        "Quite simply, Josis Hutieam. To send a message to the Jedi," answered Josis' attacker.
        "I guess a simple holo message is out of the question." Smart remarks were the only things Josis, a middle aged devaronian, could throw at his attacker that he couldn't block. Or didn't try to for all the good it did.
        The black robed attacker swung in fury and speed of one possessed. And in a way he was. He was possessed with the powers of the Dark Side of the Force and a powerful tool it was. His orange blade continued to swing, first upward then to lower left sided. The air around the combatants crackled with energy.
        Josis continued to block, his blue blade sparking against that of his givin attacker's orange blade. He parried high and low, left and right and no matter what, could not find an opening for a counter attack.
        The cloaked figure, using the Force, somersaulted over Josis and quickly spun around, lashing his foot out and knocking Josis's lightsaber from his hands. Josis quickly backflipped and stretched his hand out, using the Force to call his saber back to him. But his enemy would see to it he failed. The attacker ran over to Josis and kicked him in his gut, bending Josis over. The attacker then slashed through the oncoming lightsaber and finished the swing with a strike at Josis.
        Josis, at the last second rolled out of the way as his attacker's saber sliced a gash in the ground where he kneeled a moment earlier. Josis stood and lashed out with his foot, catching his attack in his thigh, but the attacker rolled with it thus dulling the blow.
        Again the attacker somersaulted over Josis and quickly spun around, but not lashing out with a kick as Josis had guessed. The attacker stood there watching Josis; watching the shock and horror as he grasped his neck. Blood started pouring from Josis' neck and Josis fell to his knees, never taking his eyes of his attacker. He looked to the attacker's hand and there he found that which had fatally scored him. On his attackers hand he bore a glove, each finger, except the thumb had a blade as sharp as freshly cut durasteel at the end. Josis saw his attacker smile slowly. And then death consumed him.
        Jasti Pawes, standing above his dead prey smiled not only cause of the death he caused, but of the irony that his prey had collapsed right between the two halves of his own lightsaber. I'm coming. Are you ready for me?
 

        "Soon to complete his training, Master Qui-Gon, mmm? Too soon it is." Yoda said after a slight pause.
        "I know it seems sudden, Master Yoda, but I assure you that --" Qui-Gon was cut off by the moans of not only himself but of a few the surrounding Jedi as well. The Jedi looks around dazed, but for mere seconds. It was all the time they needed to understand what had happened. "The Dark Jedi, he has struck again. This time, closer."
        "Seirtrum. The planet Seirtrum," came Ki-Adi-Mundi's voice, echoing the thoughts of Yoda, Qui-Gon and Mace Windu.
        "I shall take Slaixth with me and head to Seirtrum at once," stated Qui-Gon, already spinning around and heading out.
        "May the Force be with you," the Jedi Council said as Qui-Gon left through the doors." Qui-Gon started walking down the corridor and as he turned a corner he came face to face with Slaixth.
        "I was just coming to find you, stated Qui-Gon.
        "I was on my way back when I felt the disturbance in the Force. Another Jedi is no longer with us."
        "Unfortunately. But we know the planet. A planet called --" Qui-Gon was cut off by Slaixth.
        "Seirtrum," Slaixth finished.
        "Yes. The council has again assigned us to investigate."
        Slaixth sighed. "I will go power up the transport." Slaixth nodded and started off back the way he came. Qui-Gon went to his quarters to retrieve a few supplies and then quickly went to the docking bay where Slaixth awaited in the transport.
 

        "We're dropping out of hyperspace now," stated Slaixth as he pulled the lever control down. Suddenly the pink and blue energy tunnel around them disappeared, became a thousand starlines and then became a backdrop of empty space filled with tiny gemstones.
        "ETA to Seirtrum?"
        "Five minutes, Qui-Gon."
        "Good."
        "Qui-Gon, have you thought about who this Dark Jedi might be?" Qui-Gon thought for a minute and nodded his head in a no.
        "I have given it thought but as of yet I cannot determine who. There is no logical candidate. No Jedi in recent events has turned or lost a padawan to the Dark Side of the Force."
        "Except me," Slaixth slowly and softly spoke. The cockpit was silent for a minute.
        "Slaixth, there was nothing you could do. Besides, you said he had died in your last encounter."
        Another minute of silenced passed.
        "Yes…yes he died." Slaixth was the only Jedi, only person around during his last encounter with his apprentice, over two years ago. He had reported the events to the Council and had never mentioned it again.
        "Then do not fear that which is dead, Slaixth. Remember: Fear is the path to the Dark Side." Slaixth smiled faintly.
        "I know. It's just that he and I were close. It is not easy to forget such a friend." Qui-Gon smiled in understanding and rested a hand upon Slaixth shoulder. Just then the ship started to beep.
        "We're approaching Seirtrum now and I can already sense where we need to land," Slaixth said, veering to the left to the northern hemisphere of the planet.
        Indeed the Dark Side was strong at the landing site. The Jedi had landed the transport, this time right at the landing site due to the planet's harsh winter chill. It was quite the opposite to Dwésoon. Now the two Jedi were searching for the fallen comrade they knew they would find.
        "Slaixth, over here," came Qui-Gon's voice. Qui-Gon had almost immediately found the body. Slaixth ran over to Qui-Gon and looked to their feet. There lay the body of Josis Hutieam. On either side was a half of his lightsaber.
        "Qui-Gon," started Slaixth, pointing to Josis's throat, "look. His throat has been slit, the same as Brylm's." Qui-Gon immediately noticed and thought it over.
        "What could he be using to cause that? It's no different then on Brylm's. Which means he's using the same thing to do it. It's something he can bring along." They both thought about that. Slaixth spoke first.
        "A knife?" Qui-Gon shook his head.
        "I doubt it. With a knife it would almost be no different than a lightsaber. A Jedi would be able to block it and when he did, slice through the blade. No, it's something more subtle. Something that doesn't come into play till he's sure he will win."
        "So far Qui-Gon," Slaixth paused a moment, "he is winning." That comment caused the two of them to look at each other and frown. Just then a harsh chilled wind blew across the planet surface bringing both Jedi instantly back to the moment.
        "Come," said Qui-Gon, "help me get him inside the ship."
        Slaixth helped Qui-Gon and after they put Josis' body in the ship, Slaixth went back out to stand at the bottom of the ramp. He stood there, just watching the distant horizon as if seeing something no one else could. If he listened he could hear the cold wind whistling. Yet he continued to look on as if the freezing temperatures were nothing. The weight of a hand on his shoulder awoke him from his trance.
        "Are you okay, Slaixth?"
        "I'm…I'm fine Qui-Gon. I guess I am still feeling the dark echoes." Qui-Gon seemed to accept this.
        "Indeed. They are strong here. My guess is that they will continue to become stronger till he's stopped. If by then he can be." Slaixth shuddered at the thought.
        "Come on, let's go." It was all Slaixth would say. Qui-Gon nodded in agreement and followed Slaixth up the boarding ramp; the ramp hissing closed behind them.
 

        Jasti Pawes stood atop a small hill overlooking the field below. His black robes flapping harshly in the cold wind and the hood providing little cover. Jasti ignored it.
        In the field below sat a small transport, boarding ramp down. He watched as the two Jedi below carried the dead carcass of Josis into the ship. It was a few minutes before he saw either of them emerge again. The first was Slaixth.
        Slaixth stood at the bottom of the ramp and seemed to be lost within himself. No doubt submerged into the Force in an attempt to learn more about Josis' death. Just then Slaixth slowly turned his head towards Jasti's direction. At first Jasti ignored it for a casual glance in direction, but that soon ended. Slaixth remained fixed on Jasti's location almost as if seeing into his darkened heart. Can you see me, Slaixth? Do you sense my presence despite my mental blocks?
        Slaixth showed no response as to hearing the thought. Pity. It would be interesting to force a confrontation now. The cold and wind chill would certainly keep them in a weakened state. But…he sighed slowly, his breath rising in a warm frosty mist. The timing is wrong. And it would be dishonorable even for a Dark Jedi. No, we will meet soon enough.
        Jasti noticed Qui-Gon step out and place a hand upon Slaixth shoulder. Slaixth slightly jumped; apparently unaware even he was so deep in his thoughts that he had not known Qui-Gon present. They exchanged a few words and then both retreated into the warmth of their transport. Jasti stood there and waited till the transport lifted off and left.
        Jasti stood watching the ship leave, smiling to himself all the while. He then turned and paced down the hill. At the bottom his parked Sith Speeder awaited him. Of course, he knew he wasn't a Sith, but their look fit Jasti Pawes' personality so much more than a normal speeder. Besides, black was his color.
 

        For the second time this week, Qui-Gon Jinn found himself watching the burning body of a fallen Jedi. He found it almost symbolic. For every Jedi killed, their fire was slowly extinguished from the galaxy. And here they stood watching the fires of a burning Jedi slowly burn out. It was nothing if not eerie.
        "A newly appointed Jedi Master Josis Hutieam was. Knew him well I did for train him I did. Good person he was. Gentle soul, kind heart. The deepest commitment he had of the Force. Miss him we all will." Spoke Master Yoda and then the courtyard was once again silent as Josis' body continued to burn, it's flames flickering across faces and surrounding walls within the night sky. After another ten minutes, the fire burned out and the Jedi retired. Mace Windu took the opportunity to talk to Qui-Gon before he left.
        "Qui-Gon, a moment of your time." Qui-Gon spun around to face Master Windu.
        "Yes Mace, what can I do for you?"
        "I wanted to see how you were. After all, having to bring back two dead bodies is not an easy task." Qui-Gon frowned.
        "No, it is not."
        "You have any idea who the Dark Jedi might be?"
        "None. Though…I think Slaixth has a hunch. I don't think he's sure, but I think he's got a strong idea." Mace Windu looked at Qui-Gon curiously.
        "Oh?"
        "Yes. I'm not sure how to word it. It's just…the way he acts at certain times. Like he keeps seeing a ghost." Mace thought this over.
        "Well, you can hardly blame him. He's been through so much; it tends to make one tough. Makes you think a little more. He's lived quite a while."
        "This is true, but I still wish to speak to him tomorrow morning."
        "Very well, Master Qui-Gon. Till next meeting. May the Force be with you," spoke Mace Windu as he bowed slightly. Qui-Gon returned the bow.
        "And with you, Master Windu." Qui-Gon spun around and headed for his quarters.
 

        Slaixth removed his cape, folded it and laid it upon the nightstand next to his bed. It had been a long day and he was tired. Slaixth had chosen to skip the funeral. Such events made him feel somewhat uneasy. Besides, he still wasn't feeling right since he had been to Seirtrum. He felt a dark presence in the distance and every time he tried to touch it, to get a sense of it, it pulled away. But none of that mattered right now. Right now, Slaixth was tired and he wanted nothing more than to sleep.
        He lay down on the bed and rested his head upon his pillow. He closed his eyes and he could feel sleep instantly coming for him.
        "Slaixth…"
        It was a distant voice and Slaixth's conscience mind (what little was still awake) assumed it was part of a dream already starting. So he ignored it.
        "Slaixth, wake up."
        Again Slaixth ignored the voice.
        "Slaixth, we need your help. You must awaken."
        This got Slaixth attention and he quickly awoke and sat up. He looked around the room, but his vision was slightly blurry from being closed. He can hear no one in the room, no breathing or footsteps, but he could distinctly sense a presence in the Force. Just then his vision settled up a blue glowing figure, almost ghost like. Slaixth was fully awake now.
        "Slaixth, you must listen to me."
        "You…you're Brylm Chivat. But …you said 'we'. I only see you."
        "Yes Slaixth. I am Brylm Chivat. And the 'we' I refer to is myself and Josis Hutieam."
        "Josis, the dead Jedi Master Qui-Gon and I found today?"
        "Yes."
        "But," Slaixth paused, "How can I help? I mean, you two were killed. There is little that I can do."
        "Slaixth, a Jedi's spirit stays behind only when there is things left unfinished or incomplete in his or her life. And he cannot rest till those things are finished. We need you to finish things for us."
        Slaixth looked at Brylm in confusion. "That is twice you said 'we'. But I see no other spirit with you." But sure enough, before Slaixth finished his sentence, Josis' spirit appeared as well. Slaixth sighed. "Never mind. What would you have of me?"
        This time it was Josis who spoke. "Slaixth, you must avenge our deaths. You must kill the Dark Jedi who did this."
        "Kill the Dark Jedi? You know who he is?" The two spirits nodded in agreement.
        "Yes, and so do you," Josis answered.
        Slaixth was about to say he didn't but he stopped. Because they were right. Slaixth new, with all his heart and soul and with all the power of the Force, he knew who the Dark Jedi was.
 

        The next mourning went uneventful for Qui-Gon Jinn as he approached the Jedi Council. Uneventful until now. Five minutes early the council had received a message from a civilian on Coruscant about a mysterious black robed figure roaming around the city. The council took immediate interest and immediately awoke Qui-Gon Jinn asking him to come by quickly and to bring Slaixth with him.
        Qui-Gon had quickly dressed and went to Slaixth's quarters to awaken him. But when he got there, Slaixth had been gone. With no choice and no time to go looking for him, Qui-Gon went on to the council. That brought him to now as he entered the Council Chamber doors.
        "Master Qui-Gon," came Yoda's voice. "Where is Slaixth's presence, hmm?" Qui-Gon bowed slightly to Yoda in greeting.
        "I stopped by Slaixth's quarters but he was not present. I felt this too urgent to go look for him."
        "Mmm, quite right are you."
        "Is the civilian still on the vid screen?" asked Qui-Gon.
        Master Windu nodded once and gestured to the screen. "Please."
        Qui-Gon approached the screen. On it was a middle-aged man with short brown hair and stubble for a start of a beard. When he spoke his voice was husky and seemed to be more aged than the man looked.
        "Master Qui-Gon," the man bowed at the screen in respect and Qui-Gon returned it, "I know this seems like the rantings of crazy person but with the news of two dead Jedi I thought I would report it. Better safe than sorry, you know? Anyway, I saw a mysteries black robed given walking around. That lone doesn't seem like much but he just had this…feel of darkness about him. Like he was awaiting something he knew would come."
        Qui-Gon took the information in. "I will be there in ten minutes. We'll discuss it further then." The man seemed to be relieved.
        "Thank you, Master Qui-Gon I look forward to our meeting. Till then." And with that, the communiqué ended.
        Qui-Gon turned to face the council. "I will go and meet this gentleman now. If you see Slaixth, tell him to meet me there." The council said nothing for a minute.
        "Are you sure, Master Qui-Gon? Any of us can go in his place." It was Master Windu who spoke.
        "I will be fine and I trust Slaixth not to be gone long."
        "Very well then. May the Force be with you." And with that, Qui-Gon was gone.
 

        Qui-Gon approached the house of the gentleman he spoke with earlier at the council chamber. He had gotten the address from Adi Galla as he had entered the council chamber. He now stood at the door and waited for the man to answer his knock.
        No answer.
        He knocked again.
        Still no answer.
        "Sir, are you in there? It's Qui-Gon Jinn!" he shouted through the door. And again there was no response.
        Qui-Gon reached out to the Force and slid the door open. He quickly stepped inside and as soon as he did he saw why he received no answer. On the floor in the main room, lying in a pool of blood lay the man he had spoken with only minutes before. He lay on his back, throat slit and the look of utter shock on his face.
        Qui-Gon turned quickly away.
        He hadn't even been a Jedi.
        Qui-Gon closed his eyes and focused deep within himself. He pushed aside the anger he could feel there. Anger for the murder of two fellow Jedi. Anger for the butcher of an innocent man. He pushed aside fear of who might be next. He focused deeper within himself, bringing out of him an utter calm.
        And then it hit him full in the face. The Dark Side of the Force so strong and powerful in the room it threatened to overwhelm him. He was surprised he had missed it when he entered. But now, while he was in perfect sync with the Force, he could feel it penetrate him, flow through the house like a black hole. He made his blood run cold. The Dark Jedi was still close.
        Very close.
        Qui-Gon stepped back out and into a nearby back ally, allowing the Force to be his guide. So in tune with it he almost failed to jump out of the way when the Dark Jedi came down on him, swinging his orange bladed lightsaber at him.
        As Qui-Gon stood up the ally was aglow with a mix of orange and green. He had managed to ignite his own lightsaber now.
        "So, I now have a chance to match skills with a worthy advisary."
        "I'm sorry to hear Brylm and Josis was not skilled enough for you." Qui-Gon's face remained unreadable.
        "What can I say?" asked the Dark Jedi as he took another swing at Qui-Gon, this time to his left, "They bored me."
        Qui-Gon blocked the attack and made a swift slash for his attacker's side. The Dark Jedi blocked. "Who are you?"
        At that, the Dark Jedi stopped. "You mean …you honestly don't know? Oh, this is too good to be so." The figure laughed.
        "Should I know you?" asked Qui-Gon, posed in a defensive position, lightsaber in both hands.
        "No, I suppose not." And with that, the figure became a mad man on the attack.
        The Dark Jedi slashed downward at Qui-Gon was blocked and followed up with a strike to his middle. Qui-Gon kept pace blocking whatever was thrown at him. Quickly the Dar Jedi moved, thrust to the left, downward swing, stab to the middle. The blades of the lightsabers clashed violently together in a dance of death. The Dark Jedi then reached into the Force and flipped over Qui-Gon, taking a swing in mid air. Qui-Gon blocked and quickly spun around, swinging at his attacker's right shoulder. The attacker blocked and quickly kicked his foot out, catching Qui-Gon in the stomach and knocking the breath out of him.
        Qui-Gon dubbed over but instead of moaning in pain he lashed out punching the Dark Jedi in his guts causing the air to rush out of him as well. Qui-Gon followed up with a punch to the jaw, the hilt of his lightsaber adding a much more solid impact causing the Dark Jedi to stumble backwards.
        The Dark Jedi stopped and glared at Qui-Gon.
        "Indeed you are worthy of the fight."
        "I'm flattered," retorted Qui-Gon. And the battle resumed.
        The Dark Jedi rushed forward and swung his lightsaber in a downward thrust only to stop in mid swing and kicked out at Qui-Gon, connecting with his jaw. Qui-Gon took it in stride, not giving it a second thought and he blocked an upward swing from his attacker. His attacker made a stab at his side, which he easily blocked but it allowed his attacker the opportunity he sought.
        The Dark Jedi somersaulted over Qui-Gon. He landed spinning, knees bent. He kicked out knocking Qui-Gon off his feet. Qui-Gon used the momentum to perform a backflip only to be caught in the gut by his attacker's foot. The Dark Jedi followed up by ramming the handle of his lightsaber into the back of Qui-Gon's head. Qui-Gon fell to the ground face first, his lightsaber falling away from his hand. He looked up at his attacker.
        "Strike me down and I shall become more powerful than --" Qui-Gon was cut off.
        "Spare me, I've heard it before," spoke the Dark Jedi as he raised his lightsaber above him. And as he began to swing, he was stopped just as suddenly by the screaming of another voice.
    "JASTI PAWES!!"
        Jasti spun around and barely managed to block the black and blue blade of Slaixth's lightsaber. "So we finally meet again. And I can finally have my revenge for what you did!" Jasti swung his orange blade in a downward arc and followed up with a slash to Slaixth's side. Slaixth blocked and stretching out to the Force, Force pushed Jasti back.
        "It was out of my hands. Besides, … I thought you were dead.'
        "No!" shouted Jasti at Slaixth. You left me for dead!" And he resumed his attack.
        The two Jedi moved with speed that a Jedi could barely keep up with. Their saber's clashed with furious force. Slaixth swung in an upward arc only to be blocked by Jasti's downward arc. Jasti swung at Slaixth right, then left only to be blocked again. Jasti somersaulted over Slaixth and in mid spinning around, Slaixth ignited the blade at the other end of his lightsaber. The blade skimmed across Jasti's arm enough to leave a burn and slight cut causing him to bellow slightly in pain. Slaixth stood back in a defensive posture, awaiting Jasti's next move Jasti raised his saber in front of him and smiled darkly. Slaixth looked into his eyes.
        He saw only darkness. The light from the lightsabers were absorbed by his hollow eyes leaving nothing but the darkness of his soul to come through. Slaixth felt a chill run down him.
        Suddenly Jasti slashed at Slaixth's left, then right, then left again. Each swing faster than the next and Slaixth had to resort to reshaping his body (thank the Force he was a shape shifter) at odd angles to avoid a few slashes he was unable to block. Jasti's attack continued unrelenting. A slash to the left, right, then left again, followed by an upward swing to the middle. The tip of Jasti's lightsaber brushed against Slaixth's stomach leaving a burn scar. Slaixth let out a small moan of pain but held his ground.
        Jasti left little time to recover, quickly thrusting his lightsaber at Slaixth's side and then his shoulder. He then threw his hand out and Slaixth found himself being held in mid air by invisible hands and around his neck.
        "No more …," Jasti paused to catch his breath, "No more playing around. It ends now."
        "Finish me. There are others to stop you." Jasti Pawes narrowed his eyes in anger and with his left arm, which had remained under his cape until now lashed out at Slaixth. And in those seconds Slaixth saw the reason for the slashed necks on Josis and Brylm. On the end of Jasti Pawes' hand was a glove. On each finger tip a metal blade was extended.
        "NOOOOOO!" came a out from nowhere and the green blade of a lightsaber came slashing down between Slaixth and Jasti …and right through Jasti's left hand.
        "Uhg!" Jasti reeled in pain but Qui-Gon Jinn, thought to have been out of it, came on in full. He kicked at Jasti, knocking the wind out of him and spun tightly around, his lightsaber slashing out. And with that it was over.
        And all was silent.
        Qui-Gon and Slaixth looked down, Slaixth rubbing his neck, to the ground before them. Jasti Pawes former student on Slaixth, lay on the ground, head cut off. His blood pouring out.
        Jasti Pawes was no more.
        Qui-Gon Jinn turned to Slaixth. "Are you okay?"
        Slaixth nodded slowly. "I'm fine. Thank you for saving me."
        Qui-Gon smiled weakly. "You saved me first." Slaixth returned the smile. "Now," Qui-Gon started, placing his arm on Slaixth's shoulder, "Let's go back the Council Chamber and you can explain in detail how it is Jasti Pawes survived whatever death he claimed you left him to."
        Slaixth nodded in agreement but didn't say a word. The two Jedi walked off slowly, out of the ally and into the sunset towards the Jedi Temple.
        Despite all I've been though, I feel more …alive than I did in a long while. Slaixth thought to himself. But he was surprised when he heard the faint voice of Josis in his head in reply. "You have set us free, Slaixth. And by doing so, you have set yourself free."
        Indeed.