(Alzoc III, Year 21 BBY, Outpost Command, Hours after encounter with Separatist PD MK.I prototype)
Calena- "He's gone. He was literally gone. Dead to every one of us here. Kydan Witress, the Dark Mercenary of the Republic, the rogue padawan of the Order...my closest friend...was dead.'
'I...I don't even know what to say...or even how to feel right now. I feel angry, worried, sad, depressed, every single negative emotion running through me all at once. My mind and self-conscious can't fully take in what just all happened. Once moment he was here, joking and laughing like always...then the next...he was gone. Falling right into the eternal darkness below him. He was really just...gone.'
'I can't stop crying...my heart can't stop hurting...and my mind won't stop thinking about it all. Why? Why did this happened? How could the Force take him away like that? What did he do to deserve all this?...What did I do to deserve this punishment?'
'Now...I didn't get to tell him...I didn't get to say it, and now...I will never be able to tell him..."
_________________________
Hours had passed since Calena, Egile and the rest of the surviving soldiers got back to base. They nearly escaped with their lives when the prototype tried to take a shot at them all, just barely getting away in their speeders. It had been nearly hours since returning, and ever since then, Calena had put herself in a dark corner, her head staring at nothing but the wet floor in front of her.
Her eyes were red and glassy, tears still formed in her eyes and rolling down her red puffy cheeks. She didn't say a word since, and the entire 117th, including Egile and Tanga Squad, were getting seriously worried about her. A few of the clones went to make sure she was alright, but were all answered with nothing but silence and quiet sobs and sniffles from the general.
Standing beside the control room, Egile, Breona, Burner, Patterns and Degree were all gazing at the sobbing Siruhnian Jedi in the corner, unable to think of anything to comfort her when she needed it at the moment.
Patterns- *Sighs* Poor general...
Breona- *Shakes his head* I still...can't believe he's gone. Of all the other times we were in trouble and danger, this had to be the one to do it it...
Patterns- And with him gone, she ain't any better. We literally had to pull her out of there before we were all dead by that machine.
Degree- *Growls in frustration* Damn that machine! When I see it again, I'll...I'll...
Not able to stand the sight of the depressed girl any longer, Egile begins to take a step towards Calena.
Breona- Where're you going?
Egile- Someone's gotta' talk to her. She's in pain, and she needs any comfort she can get right now.
Understanding the issue, the others encouraged him with a nod as Egile immediately to the Jedi. He knew how she felt right now. He knew her too well. She was like a little sister to him, which made her feel like family. In fact, not a whole people know, but he had met her when she was younger during the time of becoming a mercenary. Though, she wouldn't be able to remember because of how long it has been.
He knew from the start that she had gained a crush on Kydan, mostly after the Battle of Jabiim ended. He would always listen to her, and some times she would ask him for advise, which he happily obliged of giving. Nonetheless, he knew that her heart was shattered into a billion pieces right now. And he definitely knew that she would never be able to tell him at all. And he didn't blame her because of it.
Hearing footsteps coming towards her, Calena didn't even pick her head up or perhaps gaze at who had approached beside her. She just thought that it was the clones checking up on her, which she appreciated greatly. But right now, she didn't want a single soul to talk to her. She just wanted to go back and cloak herself from the world and galaxy. She felt lonely once again, and heart broken. She even wished she was dead as well. That way, she wouldn't have to feel the constant pain and sadness in her heart again.
However, when she felt a hand on top of hers, she looked up ever so slightly to see Egile trying to comfort her somehow. His face was full of sincere concern, but at the same time, comfort too.
Egile- I know it's hard Calena...I really do.
And immediately, as his words hit her, she began to sob again, only harder and louder. She hugged Egile as she cried into his blue, winter outfit, burying her entire face into the wet and soft clothing. He hugged her back, comforting her in any way he could think of. She was definitely hurt, both emotionally and physically. And that pained him so dearly, even to the point of having his own tears begin to fill within his eyes.
Calena- *Sobbing and muffling* I miss him Egile! I miss him so much!
Egile- *Teary* I know, Calena. I miss him too...
The more she cried, the more it brought tears to Egile's eyes. He missed Kydan a lot too. He had always thought of him as one of his little brothers, even treating him as one of sorts. The pain in his heart was all the facts that he needed to know that he was missing the young mercenary. Even the clones, especially the two loyal droids, were all feeling the same. Everyone around them missed their friend and master. And there was nothing they could do, except mourn him. This was the hardest thing that any of them could possibly go through.
_________________________
(Alzoc III, Underground, Many hours after the ambush)
Breona- I...can't believe he's really gone...
Egile- We all miss him...
Calena- *Sobbing* Why?! Why did he have to go?!
Dark- Kydan? Kydan! Kydan, wake up! WAKE UP!
Opening his eyes immediately, Kydan began to breathe in the air heavily, as if he hadn't had a breath of air in years. The expression on his face was almost traumatizing it was like he was hyperventilating. Dark, who had sat beside him, did his utmost to calm the young man down. Being attacked from an unknown enemy and then falling to what it could have been death can take a toll on anyone. Even Kydan as well.
Dark- Kydan! Calm down, it's alright! Just take it easy!
Taking in more deeper breaths to finally calm his nerves, he slowly took in of his new surroundings.
The last thing he remembered was falling down a large, dark pit after just barely escaping the Separatist's new prototype's barrage of blaster fire that he somehow dodged. The last bit of memory he can hazily remember was when Calena had her hand stretched out to him, as he tried to grab it in time. But then he fell into the pitch black...and then woke up here. Well...whatever here was.
The place he was in was mostly covered in frozen rock and ice, with sharp stone spikes pointing down straightly above his head. The last thing he needed was a large stick rock plunging through his head. The rest of the area around him was no more than frozen ground, as well as some unusual crystals all around.
However, the more he looked around, the more he could actually find some detailing around the place. Some of the walls looked more like ancient writing that seemed to be hard to encrypt into words alone. Even old, symbol-like slabs that had unusual markings were formed into the frozen walls around him.
He started to think that this wasn't no ordinary cave system. It was more like an ancient ruins of some sort. Picking himself up and back on his feet, he looks towards to Dark, no doubt confused and curious as well.
Kydan- Where...where are we?
Dark- Not sure. Though it appears that we stumbled upon some kind of ancient ruins...
Kydan- More like a frozen chamber, if you ask me...
???- *Gruffly* Actually, both of your theories are correct, gentlemen.
Quickly grabbing his pistol from its holster, he turns around and aims his gun at whomever had spoken to him and Dark from behind.
The figure was an old man, wearing a brown cloak and robes. His age was probably around in the middle sixties, as well as was his clothing. His robes seemed to be old fashion of the sorts, with little tears here and there. In the palm of his hand was what appeared to be a custom walking stick.
The presence of this stranger was rather strange. For Dark, it felt very familiar in some way, as if they should know who this older man was. However, that was not the case.who are you?
Dark- Kydan, I can sense something strange within him. It's as if...
???- So you have a Forgula with you, hmm? Quite the sight indeed.
Kydan- Wait...you can see him?
Chuckling slightly, he started to walk towards the two, with Kydan keeping his guard up as he straightened himself more. He didn't know this old man, nor was he very fond of him knowing that he could see Dark.
???- *Smirk* Of course I can! You aren't the only Witronian in the galaxy that can see him.
Kydan- *Raises his eyebrow*Huh? What do you mean?
The older man ushers his cane towards Dark, who stood behind Kydan.
???- Your Black Forge there...that one brings back many memories.
Not taken back at the slightest, he looks at the older man suspiciously, and somewhat with curiosity.
Dark- Who are you, exactly? And how do you know about the Forge?
Not immediately answering Dark's questions, he walks towards to one of the old door and slides his wrinkled hand over the markings carved into it. Immediately, the door's markings started to glow a light shade of blue, though much darker than the color of the crystals themselves.
Suddenly, as the chamber began to shaken underneath their feet, though not deterring the old man at the slightest, the large, stone door that was frozen in ice began to separate slowly, revealing another chamber on the other side.
???- Come with me, and I shall answer both your minds of curiosities.
_________________________
(Separatist Base, Comm Room, Moments after Kydan awakens)
???- You are sure?
???- I am positive, Lord Quiese. The prototype had come back with it's records. While fighting against the Republic forces in Sector 9, it had captured the moment of the Dark Mercenary falling to his doom. There is no way that that child could possibly survive the fall.
Lord Quiese- Do not be so overconfident, Dr. Vinscti. You're prototype may have succeeded on holding back against the Jedi, but do not underestimate the Witronian.
Dr. Vinscti- You have nothing worry about, my lord. With my machine, the Predator Droid MK.I, at it's fullest capacity, we shall have no trouble dealing with the Republic and their Jedi. 'And', even 'if' he survived from the fall, then my machine shall finish what it had started.
Lord Quiese- You seem to believe that your little machine is unstoppable. As if the Jedi nor their clone soldiers can defeat it in combat?
Dr. Vinscti- That is merely impossible. A machine is just a machine, and like all machines, they can be broken. No...what I am merely stating is that this machine is possibly even greater. And with it being much larger and more feared, I could bet that it could kill more Jedi than Grievous himself could possibly handle.
Lord Quiese- As I said, do not be over confident with that machine, doctor. After the Republic in the Alzoc system are dealt with, you are to rendezvous to Corellia and begin manufacturing more of the prototypes for our armies.
Dr. Vinscti- But of course, my lord! It shouldn't be too long before our forces join the rest of the fleet. When our fleets join forces, the Republic won't stand a chance. They will be forced to retreat from the system.
Lord Quiese- I hope so, doctor. Lord Nedoura is eager for the results to happen. Remember, he is not as patient as his Acolytes are.
Dr. Vinscti- I understand, Lord Quiese. You will not be disappointed.
Lord Quiese- I hope not...for your sake, doctor.
Bowing before his lordship, the hologram of Lord Quiese evaporates from the panel, leaving the Neimoidian doctor himself to his thoughts.Hearing the sounds of clattering metal, Dr. Vinscti turned his head to the Droid Captain who was approaching.
Dr. Vinscti- Yes, what is it?
Droid Captain- We have detected enemy signatures in Sector 5. They are advancing their positions to the base. Scans indicate that they will arrive in a matter of one hour.
Dr. Vinscti- So the Republic was able to find us, eh? Then this will be where my machine will be put to the test...Captain! Prepare our troops for battle!
Droid Captain- Yes, doctor.
Dr. Vinscti- Guards, come with me!
Giving off a strange electric sound, the two mechanical guards started to follow right behind the doctor towards the doors.
Dr. Vinscti- *Smirks* I think it's about time my prototype gets it's first hands-on experience with the Jedi. Lord Quiese will no doubt be impressed with the results. And, perhaps, gain Nedoura's favor. Heh heh heh...
_________________________
(Underground, Ancient Tombs)
???- Welcome to my home, gentlemen.
Kydan- This is your home?
Dark- Too cold and beaten up, if you ask me...
???- Perhaps to you. But this place...has much meaning to me than you could possibly imagine.
Kydan- Why's that?
Placing his cane beside some strange type of box-like thing, the old man ushered the two to take a seat beside it. Shrugging at one another, the two pair silently took a seat on both an old chair and the stone, cold floor.
???- This place dates back years before the Great Hyperspace War, and when the Republic was at war, yet again, with their rivals; the Sith. It was a place for meditation, for training...and much more.
Kydan- I'm surprised such a place as this is even standing underneath this barren ice.
???- It wasn't always like this. This temple was the solitude of those who studied in the arts of both the Force...and the Forge. It was to help bind and connect those who weren't able to use their abilities wisely. Even those who weren't able to join the Order back then came here instead, and where we trained them all one by one.
Dark- Why would anyone want to have others train here of all places? Likely, there was more suitable planets than this place.
The old man just chuckled at Dark's curiosity and statement.
???- Ah! But this place was suitable for generations! In fact, this place was possibly, what scientists and archaeologists figure, built during the time after the galaxy's longest war in history. I bet you two know which one I'm speaking of, don't you?
Kydan looked at the old man curious for a moment, his mind beginning to ponder further back in his later studies. That was when his eyes widened a little as a thought passed through his memories.
Kydan- You're talking about the Forcro War?
???- *Smirks* So you do know it? Yes, possibly then.
Dark- If that was the case, then these ruins are older than the Republic itself. Even the ancient Jedaii themselves.
???- *Laughs* Well, well! It's a good thing you two know your histories of our ancestors. I would have thought you were fakes. Or perhaps worse.
Kydan- Fakes? Why do you say that?
With a grin on his face still, he walked towards an old, deactivated panel. However, it wasn't just some old ordinary computer panel. It was rather different.
Only moving his hand over the panel, the computer came to life as weird sounds started to be heard from it. Mere moments after, the box-like thing next to the two came to life as well, revealing a hologram of what appeared to be an old temple that look quite large, even if it was just smaller in their point of view.
Kydan- Is that...a temple?
???- Not just any temple. It was one of the main Witronian Temples.
Dark- Witronian? But that can't be. The last temple of the Witronians was destroyed thousands of years ago. The Sith had bombed it from orbit during the chaos between the Old Republic and Jedi.
???- Yes, but not all of them. This is just one of the few that have been kept in secret for as long as I can remember myself. Very few Witronians know of their locations, and only few of these temples still stand today. Hiding themselves from the rest of the galaxy for thousands of years.
Kydan- So...how do you know of this? You said only Witronians would know of them. How could you possibly know?
Answering the mercenary's question, the older man removed his hood from his head and revealed his face to the two.
???- That's because I am a Witronian. My name is Zechora, Zechora Vioxiz Witress.
Kydan- Zechora?...Why does that name sound familiar?
Pondering and pondering for a few more seconds, his mind suddenly clicks as he stares at Zechora wide-eyed. His mind raced immediately with questions and words.
Kydan- *Studders* Y-Y-You mean your--
Zechora- One and the same, young Witress. And before you or your Forge there ask, yes, I know who you two are. I've been watching you two for some time now.
Dark- But your dead! You had perished during the devastating Battle of Malachor, did you not?
Zechora- Correct. I had past away afterwards. Though my mind and Force essence is still intact, even being beyond centuries ago. Besides, how else do you think I am able to talk to you now?
Kydan couldn't believe what he was witnessing; here was a man, who had past away thousands of years ago, was here and now speaking to him and Dark. Was it that they were going crazy, or was it something more? It just didn't seem possible. Maybe he hit his head far too hard? Sounds possible enough.
Kydan- I-I don't......then why? Why are you here? Why reveal yourself to us now?
Zechora looked over his shoulder to Kydan and smirked.
Zechora- Because the Force and the Forge have commanded it.
Kydan- *Taken back slightly* What?
Zechora- It wasn't just a mere coincidence that you two have come to this place. The Force and the Forge have both wanted it to happen. Because of that, is the only reason you are both here speaking to me now.
Dark- But why us?
Zechora- Because...I have for-seen your destinies.
Kydan- *Raises his eyebrow* Destinies? I don't follow.
Zechora- *Chuckles* Well, if you remember your history correctly, I had possessed the ability to forsee the future. Not in the far, distant future, only some years of now. The Force and the Forge have both come to me and asked to show you two what is to come.
Dark- And what would that be?
Zechora steps to the two and stretches his hand out to them as he closes his eyes in what appeared to be in deep meditation.
Zechora- What you are about to see...is entirely up to you to believe it or not...and for you to either take action...
Immediately, both Kydan and Dark started to for-see whatever it was they were seeing;
First, the two saw a major battle taking place above the skies, as well as on-board a giant battle station. Between the two were the Separatist against the Clones, with Kydan leading, followed by Calena and Tanga Squad following closely behind. The battle seemed to be a glorious one for the Republic's side.
But in the second, they were immediately seeing a lightsaber duel with one of the Dark Acolytes against Kydan and Calena. In the vision, it looked like the Acolyte was winning by far, as Kydan was seen being sent flying across the ground, wounded tremendously. As for Calena, however, it was even worse.
Injured and weak, the Acolyte disarmed her saber and knocked her back to the ground. Then quickly, to Kydan's utter horror, the Acolyte raised his blade at her and swung it at her, ending her. Kydan watched in horror as he screamed her name out to her, only to be met with reality once more, the vision quickly ending.
Kydan quickly feel to the ground and onto his knees, shaken to the state of shock and fear. Dark, who was also shaken, at his best stayed calm as he tried to comfort his mercenary friend. Shaking his head ever so slightly, he spoke out to Zechora, not even moving an inch of his gaze to him.
Kydan- *Panting* W-What was......s-she...she was...
Zechora- *Closes eyes* Mmm...what you have seen...was no doubt the near future.
Dark- *Shakes his head slightly* It felt so...so dark...so much chaos all around...
Zechora- *Opens eyes* It was the evil and darkness you felt. For some reason, it is growing ever so slightly. And it will only get worse as time passes.
Kydan- C...Cale'...sh-she was about to...
Zechora- Ah, the Sirunian. Yes...I have seen and heard much about her. Her future...well, it is not good.
Kydan- You mean she could...
He didn't want to start thinking about it. He didn't even want to even have a stray thought of those facts. Losing her...was inconceivable.
Zechora- Yes. However...there is a way to change it.
Kydan- *Eyes widen* How? Is there really a way save her? Please, tell us!
Zechora smiles slightly at the young mercenary, a look of knowing.
Zechora- You seem to be close to her, am I correct?
Kydan- Of course! I've known her for over a year, ever since the Clone Wars began!
Zechora- Ah, but something else tells me that you have some form of an attachment to her......a form of a relationship, hm?
Kydan's face turns to a slightly pinkish color. True, he had some form of relationship with her, but nothing farther than the fact that they were friends and partners. Just thinking about that kind of thing made his stomach turn, almost to the feeling of mynocks in his stomach.
Kydan- *Slightly blushing* W-We're...we're just friends...nothing more.
Zechora- *Grins* That expression itself tells me otherwise.
Hearing that from the older man made Kydan's cheeks even darker, now visible to them all.
Kydan- *Stutters* W-well...It's not like...
The older Witress laughs ever so softly, not at the mercenary, but of the situation. Reaching down and helping Kydan up to his feet, he places his hand on the young man's shoulder as comfort.
Zechora- Young Witress, there is nothing to be ashamed about. All Witronians are meant to have attachments. It is our way of culture, our life span. The older we get, the more we want to share our lives with the ones we love. And for a Witronian and a Sirunian to have these forms of attachments...well, let's just say that it is even greater than anyone could imagine. There is no shame or embarrassment to show about that. In fact, it is an honor and a great thing to have. Without it, the Witronians couldn't exist.
Feeling Kydan's emotions settling down somewhat from Zechora's words, Dark took the chance to speak up before Kydan could feel anymore embarrassment.
Dark- You said there is a way to save Calena?
Zechora- Yes. But that I cannot say, sadly.
Kydan- *Eyes widen a bit* Why not?
Zechora- Because it is up to you two to change that. I am simply a helper, not a man of miracles. It is your choices that will have an impact in the future. And if you choose to follow these visions, then you will be prepared for what is to come.
Dark curiously stared at the older man for a few moments before speaking up.
Dark- ...There's something you're not telling us. I can tell from your emotions.
Zechora- *Chuckles* Well, I guess my reputation proceeds me, then. Yes, there is one last thing as to why I have come before you both.
Walking up to the hologram table, once again he waves his hand in front of it as a sound of stone what heard scrapping against stone. Realizing what was going on, the two saw that the hologram has quickly disappeared, and the table was opening up slowly to them all.
Inside the table was a black object that resembled that of a lightsaber hilt. Though in a different style, it was far from any other ordinary sabers they have come across or seen before. The hilt had a sharp piece at the end of it, with details that have very few words that was hard to encrypt. From the looks of it, the object was indeed very old.
Kydan- What is that?
Zechora- That, young Witress, is a Forge Blade.
Dark- A Forge Blade? I have never heard of it.
Picking up the black hilt, Zechora studied it for a mere moment before explaining to them.
Zechora- After the first Forcro War, and after the Witronians and Forgula's first major victory, tons of our brothers and sisters were killed in combat, making our numbers thin. The Forgulas were the same, dying off ever so slowly. However, our great grandfather, Xxelvio Witress, discovered that the crystals the Forgulas used, even to this day, had some meaning to them. So after studying them for many years, he found that they had the same energy that came from the original Kyber Crystals that the Jedi and Sith used. By using the knowledge he had, and by combining techniques of the Force and the Forge together, he was able to break through the laws of power and pursued something that the galaxy only knew to be legends and myths to this today.
Kydan- What did he do?
Zechora- ...He was able to preserve the minds and essence of the Forgulas, creating an infinite life span to those who were dying. In basic terms, the Forgulas were able to use their powers to connect with the living Force, making their bodies turn into different kinds of elements when they past away.
Dark- So you mean that us Forgulas have been able to stay alive...for generations?
Zechora- Precisely. Though, at the cost of this, many Forgulas that went through this lost many of their memories, almost forgetting their past lives. Sad to say, even 'you' have lost your old memories of old.
Kydan- Is that even possible, Dark?
Dark- Honestly...I never thought about it before. Though have I never had the knowledge of it as well. It would make a whole lot of sense.
Zechora- But because Xxelvio felt sadden and guilt of that utter cost, he created the Forge Blades to preserve the Forgula's memories whenever it was used, storing any knowledge they would have of the past. And for generations, each memory of a Forgula was stored into these blades. It's as if you could say, they were like holocrons, storing hundreds and hundreds of knowledge.
Dark- So my people's memories...are stored into these?
Zechora- Yes. And even though there are many others in the galaxy that are unknown, this specific blade is...special.
Kydan- Why is that one special?
Zechora looked at the blade for merely a moment before stretching his arm to Kydan and Dark, aiming the blade's hilt directly at them. His expression was now seriousness, as if whatever he was about to say was no doubt important. And that was...
Zechora- Because this blade...is yours, Forgula Dark.
_________________________
Hmm...quite the background story of the Forge, huh? Don't worry, there's a lot more to explain later on. This just scratching the surface of the shell. Also, somewhere within explaining the Forge and whatnot, there is a small hint of what is to come in our Season 2 series that will be coming out either Mid-Winter or Late Winter. If any of you can find it, then let us know...or just keep it hush-hush for the time being and see if you got it right lol.
We really enjoyed writing this one, to be honest. Even though this wasn't an action chapter at all, I think it turned out pretty good. We wanted to introduce a bit of background of what the Forge and Forgula's were, as well as a few things here and there you all don't know about yet. Nonetheless, this was a fun chapter for us to write about.
Speaking of Season 2, we have a little bit of news. Now this is just in the talks at the moment, but myself and the crew of CGN have recently been discussing about having the next new characters in the next season start to pop out and get a bit of story from them before Season 2 comes. Now, like I said, this is just in the talks, but we are thinking about it. We will let you know later on on what happens :)
Well, I think it's about time we head out and work on the next pair of chapters. So thank you all for your wonderful and countless supports on our comic series, and please, continue to give us feedback on how the story is going and what we could do to improve on. So again, thank you guys for your faithful supports and, as always, have a fan-tucking-tastic day/night. See ya' in the next one.
- Director K.W., CGN Crew
![[SW The Dark Mercenary] Chapter 20 - Beneath The Ice](https://live.staticflickr.com/4584/37932958195_4922c72fa8_z.jpg)
![[SW The Dark Mercenary] Chapter 20 - Beneath The Ice](https://live.staticflickr.com/4584/37932958195_e0c19e699c_o.jpg)
