Chapter 24: Only One Shall Remain

Through the optical sights of my rifle, I watched as figures in black cloaks began to gather at the temple’s exit.

A natural hollow in the rock provided excellent cover. I had a clear view of almost everything occurring within the massive crater where the temple stood, while I remained virtually invisible. I had only to use the Force to subtly reshape the rock walls to brace the rifle more comfortably.

Seventeen people crowded near the entrance, warily monitoring the beasts approaching them.

Sibar sat atop the largest of our tamed creatures. He likely imagined himself a prince on a white steed, though to my eyes, he looked more like one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. His tattered clothing revealed more than it hid of his scorched body; one could not look at his face without shuddering. Even the beast he rode was loathsome to behold.

Our fighters crouched behind boulders, waiting for the command to open fire. I sat perched at the very summit of the crater with my sniper rifle, simply observing. According to my own plan, I had been assigned the role of overwatch. But why on earth should I actually perform it? I would watch, and then I would vanish into the night.

The distance between the two groups closed to a hundred meters. I couldn't hear from my vantage point, but Sibar appeared to be shouting something—no doubt a demand to hand over the Twi’lek girl or some such nonsense.

Two figures emerged from the temple. Their faces were hidden behind hoods, but I was certain it was Number One and Tifa. The ragged lines of acolytes parted as they approached, letting them pass to the front.

A light gust of wind caught the fabric covering their faces, and I saw the girl’s pretty features twist in a faint grimace. She had clearly caught sight of the "handsome" suitor who had come for her.

My former partner rode forward, even leaning down to offer his hand to his beloved, seemingly expecting her to rush into his embrace. Instead, she stepped behind the back of her new... well, let’s call him her boyfriend. To be honest, I have no idea how to define their relationship.

They seemed to exchange words, after which Number One threw his head back and laughed. Since I could only see his wide-open, silently quivering mouth, the effect was macabre. Then, turning, he kissed the Twi’lek girl squarely on the lips.

A crimson blade ignited in the rider's hand, and the beasts lunged forward with a savage roar, obeying their alpha’s will.

Jumping back, the Leader and Tifa vanished behind the backs of their minions. Sporadic muzzle flashes lit up the slopes of the crater as fire rained down on the acolytes huddled on the bridge.

The satisfaction of a successfully played gambit began to fill me with a pleasant warmth, causing a dark smile to creep across my lips.

I felt no pity. They had wanted me dead; my... well, probably my friends at this point, had likely been killed. Of course, what transpired here between me and Kamma cannot be easily forgotten, but it doesn't erase everything that came before.

There is no point in showing compassion to those who brought me so much grief. The right of vengeance is sacred to me. So, I simply sat and watched the spectacle unfolding below. And what a fascinating picture it was.

The beasts slammed into the ranks of the acolytes, dying but striving to take at least one enemy with them. I had to admit, it was effective.

Maintaining a Force shield while powerful monsters are battering it from the outside is incredibly difficult, especially when maintaining it collectively. It only takes one weak link for the entire structure to collapse.

That was exactly what was happening before my eyes.

A beast managed to thrust a claw through the defense and simply hurled an acolyte into the bottomless abyss. From that moment on, the battle entered its active phase. The formation broke, and the students were forced to fight the creatures almost one-on-one.

In the general crush, every sweeping blow from a beast threatened to send a distracted Force-user into a flight that would end in a brutal fall from a great height.

Further chaos was sewn by the erratic shots flying into the melee. I wasn't sure if they were hitting anything, as I had the only rifle, but they certainly added to the defenders' stress.

Sibar spun into the chaos like a whirlwind, dealing blows left and right, unconcerned about hitting his own people. His gaze was fixed on two specific figures who remained motionless behind their guard.

Through the sights, I saw Number One raise a hand as if giving an order.

A green blaster bolt punched straight through the head of a beast as it swung at an acolyte. Two more shots arrived from other directions, picking off the shooters who were already hiding behind the rocks.

Ho, interesting. Mentally calculating the trajectory of the shot, I quickly located one of the snipers. He was positioned so that he was practically invisible from below. But from my side...

Well, it’s not in my plans to let some snipers slaughter all the beasts. If they do, the beasts won't have time to sufficiently thin the ranks of Number One’s henchmen.

Adjusting my grip on the rifle, I aimed directly at his head. He seemed to sense something and began turning his head rapidly from side to side.

Too late, buddy. A blue flash crossed the distance in seconds, and a neat hole with scorched edges appeared in his head. Two left. But now they knew about me.

Pressing myself against the rock, I began to crawl slowly down the slope on the outside of the crater. I needed to change positions before firing again.

And just in time, a pair of scorch marks appeared on a boulder exactly where I had been lying a second ago. They were fast.

Scraping my hands against the sharp stone edges, I managed to shift a decent distance to the side relatively quickly.

Peering slightly over the edge, I tried to find another shooter. But it wasn't so simple now; no one was in a hurry to poke their head out and offer me a clean shot.

A flare of precognition forced me to shove myself back. A green flash hissed past, singeing a few tufts of my hair. Blast, I wasn't the only one who thought to change positions. This could take a very long time. We could circle this crater forever—it was several kilometers in diameter, providing more than enough places to appear unexpectedly. But that wasn't part of my plan.

Worst of all, I couldn't even see where the shot came from. I could tell it was from the right, and that was it. Now what?

At the very least, I needed to move again. Risking exposure where I’d already been shot at was plain stupid.

Crawling to a new spot, I peered out again, only to dodge another shot. Well, that’s better; I managed to see one bolt fly toward me while another flew into the melee, taking down another beast.

But this time, I spotted both points where the blaster flashes originated. One was quite close, only about two hundred meters away.

A plan formed instantly. Adventurous, but it would allow me to quickly eliminate one of the two problems. Setting aside the rifle, I ran toward the spot where the shooter was hiding.

As I carefully lowered the rifle onto a flat stone, I heard a faint beep from below. Strange, is that how the safety works? I didn't think so. Never mind, no time for that now.

Trying to run without sending the loose stones underfoot clattering, which would have cost me precious seconds to regain my balance, I surged forward.

I was certain he noticed me, as my sense of impending danger triggered almost immediately, faint at first, but screaming of greater peril with every step.

Since I was running along the outer rim of the crater, I didn't have to worry about the other sniper. But I still had to act fast. If this dragged on, the second one might make it to our party, and that was undesirable.

A green flash erupted from behind a pile of rocks. I was expecting it. I tilted my head slightly to let the bolt hiss past, but as luck would have it, the stones under my foot gave way, forcing me to shift my center of gravity. A hot sting burned my cheek, leaving a thin line across my face. A couple of centimeters to the left and I wouldn't have gotten off so easily.

I didn't intend to give him a second shot at point-blank range. Now I could see the faint glint of his optical sight.

Precognition warned of my imminent end; if I hadn't moved, the bolt would have taken me right in the chest. But history doesn't care for "what-ifs."

At the last moment, I used the Force to jerk his barrel up and to the right, diverting the shot as much as possible. The blaster bolt went wide into the crater and vanished into the night.

Only a few meters separated us. A crimson blade ignited behind the rocks, and a Zabrak lunged at me with a primal scream. His face was twisted in a mask of indescribable rage; he likely felt he wouldn't survive the night.

He turned out to be a swordsman, though far less skilled with a blade than a rifle.

A direct, sweeping strike intended to cleave me in two never even finished. My hand caught the enemy's wrist, preventing him from bringing the saber down. For a second we froze, straining against each other. But in a fight for your life, there are no "fair" or "unfair" moves, only effective ones.

A kick to the knee buckled his leg, breaking his balance and causing his grip to slacken for a split second. That was enough to twist his wrist. The hilt tumbled from his loosening fingers, only to land in my hand.

A single swing, and a bisected body fell at my feet. That makes two down, one to go.

I hoped the rifle wasn't badly damaged. Going back now would be a waste of time. I was lucky; the carelessly discarded weapon was still lying on the rock, free of bends or cracks.

The situation below had changed drastically.

Almost all the beasts were dead, but the survivors had pushed back the acolytes, who had also suffered losses. Sibar literally flew into the resulting gap like a red whirlwind, single-handedly pressing the last two guards separating him from his target...

Bitch!

I had to dive behind a rock as a small boulder next to me shattered into a cloud of shrapnel, leaving a few small scratches on me. Hutt. I wasn't hit, but the barrel of my rifle was irrevocably ruined.

The jagged remains of the muzzle made it crystal clear that I wouldn't be taking any more shots with this weapon.

The shot had come from a direction I hadn't expected at all. Apparently, while we were busy with our little song and dance up here, an acolyte had descended into the crater and was now hiding down there.

Another attempt to peek out nearly resulted in a new hole in my head. Another flanking maneuver? To where? I had no idea where he was hiding.

I could just leave, of course, but helping Sibar finish the job would be the best outcome. Even better: help him, and then finish him off from here to avoid "accidents," so to speak. Only the Force knows what’s going on in that lunatic’s head now after being rejected.

My thoughts were interrupted by that faint beeping again. Where is it coming from... Ah, from under my bracer. No way? Sure enough, the extracted beacon was showing signs of life again. It meant one of my people had survived and was somewhere nearby. But should I go to meet them now?

If it’s Lana, then yes. But I doubt she managed to survive. As for Kamma, it’s better not to cross paths; his brain has also leaked in the wrong direction. You never know what he’ll think or do next. Dammit, another variable in the plan. Maybe I should just call it, the minimum objective is already met...

Two shots ringing out close together merged into one. In the same instant, I had to make an impossible leap from my current position, lunging upward to dodge a blaster bolt.

If they shoot me while I’m in the air, they’ll likely hit...

But no, thank the Force, I was clear. No one shot at me.

Landing, I peered cautiously from behind the rock, ready to dive back at any moment.

A body in a black cloak dangled from a large rocky ledge on one of the many stone spires flanking the crater. Scorched edges were clearly visible on the back, standing out sharply against the dark fabric.

A rifle slid slowly and mournfully downward, dragging small streams of pebbles with it. And where I had dropped my own weapon, a blue head peeked out from behind natural cover among the rocks.

As if sensing my gaze, he turned and leveled a barrel at me. I couldn't see it, but I felt it very clearly. However, after a few seconds, the rising tension vanished.

Stepping out from behind the rock, Kamma slowly set down the weapon and just as slowly raised his hands. He froze in place, as if waiting for an invitation. Well now, this is interesting.

Rising so that I was clearly visible, I waved him over. But he never made it to me.

Glancing at the battlefield for a second, I saw Sibar literally crushing one of his enemies with the Force and hurling the remains off the bridge. Now only one battered defender remained. Tifa and Number One were slowly retreating into the depths of the temple, abandoning their people, who were still fighting off the beasts, to their fate.

Oh no! That won't do. The survival of that "power couple" is definitely not in my plans. Jumping from cover, I ran toward Kamma, or rather, toward his rifle lying on the slope.

But no sooner had I moved than my comlink emitted a deafening beep. The exact same sound echoed from below.

The blinding glare of spotlights hit my eyes. Several Imperial transports roared overhead. Four of them were descending into the crater; one was flying toward us. Turning toward the island stretching out beneath us, I saw at least a dozen more ships touching down in various locations. No way!? Why now!?

The hologram of the Director flickered to life over my bracer.

"I greet you, survivors. The trial is over. All are to cease combat immediately and board the transports."

Naturally, the demand was ignored. Barely half of the acolytes from the bridge were finishing off the last of the beasts. And Sibar had just decapitated the last person standing in his way.

Suddenly, the hologram flickered with static and was replaced by the image of the Grand Inquisitor.

"This message is addressed to the Fifth, Thirteenth, and First brothers who have taken the best positions in this trial. You are all currently near one another. Because you may be in a state of shock, I will repeat the names: Sibar, Number One, and Set. We have decided that there can be only one 'best.' If you do not resolve this matter within the hour, you will all be destroyed. The victor will be rewarded and granted the right to claim the artifact hidden in the temple for himself. I can also guarantee that you will be personally noticed by the Emperor himself."

Master, you are cruel. Setting a trial for your own apprentice while simultaneously looking for a replacement. To hell with you, the Emperor, and the entire Empire. I need to get my revenge as soon as possible and figure out how to desert the ranks of the glorious Inquisition. But that’s for later; for now, I have to survive.

"See you later, Kamma. Rest assured, we have much to talk about."

I leaped down, covering a significant distance in a single bound. There was no point in hiding anymore.

Two men were walking toward me. One was wrapped from head to toe in a black cloak with a mask on his face. The second was in nothing but tattered shorts, his body mutilated and his hands covered in blood.

A ridiculous excitement and the anticipation of battle began to fill my consciousness.

"Hello, brothers. Shall we dance?"

Soldiers in white armor formed a wide ring. Their helmets caught the lunar blue light. Red and black flashes from the blades cast somber glints on the dark barrels of the blasters. About a hundred black muzzles stared with hollow eyes at the three teenagers who were slowly circling, in no hurry to engage.

The "Beast" broke first and attacked his most dangerous and sincerely hated opponent. His animalistic nature could not accept that someone else claimed his spot as alpha, that someone else had stolen his woman.

Two blades clashed with a dull hum. Sibar pressed with all his savage might, forcing Number One to constantly retreat. This monster in a human body doesn't think about tactics or strategy. For him, there is no such thing as a calculated attack. He simply strikes from every possible direction.

A saber strike is followed by a kick to the stomach, despite the risk of losing a leg. A jab to the face for the chance to sneak a saber strike to the thigh. He is ready to sacrifice any part of his body just to get to the enemy.

But the other is no simpleton. His retreat is orderly. An unexpected blow always meets a Force shield or hits empty air because Number One has already moved off the line of attack. Rare attempts at a counterattack yield no results due to the unpredictability of his opponent's movements.

But then, one single reckless lunge, and the hand holding the crimson blade flies to the side, while its owner, hurled by a Force push, is launched into the air. His scorched face twists in a grimace of pain. Covered in wounds and scars, dazed, betrayed by everyone, I even felt a little sorry for him.

It seemed the fight was over, but the unexpected happened.

The crimson blade stopped spinning in the air and shot like a lightning bolt into Number One’s chest. He managed to deflect the attack at the last moment. But the saber cut a hole in his robes, and metallic armor glinted in the red light.

The Beast landed near me and attacked immediately, hurling one of the nearby corpses at me. For a second, I saw his eyes... They were the eyes of an animal, not a man. No reason remained, only a total transformation into a monster bringing nothing but pain and destruction.

My blade cut through the surrounding gloom in a black-and-white flash. I felt the edge slice his arm. His arm!? I didn't have time to finish the thought; a powerful blow hurled me back several meters. If not for my precognition, already wound to the limit, my chest might have been crushed; as it was, I got away with a few fractures.

But it didn't end there. I barely managed to roll away to avoid a stomp that crashed down from above. I literally felt the ground nearby bulge in a wave and begin to settle. Cracks tore through the seemingly indestructible stone layer.

No, one-on-one, it’s by no means certain that I’d emerge from a fight with either of these monsters without serious injury. If I was lucky enough to survive at all.

Well then, let’s add a little intrigue to this fight! Let’s try to set up a Mexican standoff.

A dash to the side, and I’m running with all my might toward the enemy standing frozen a few dozen meters away. You weren't expecting us, but here we are!

Our blades lock, and my sense of danger screams louder than ever about an attack from behind. At the last moment, I manage to duck under an arm to move aside, and my two rivals clash with each other.

Of our chaotic struggle, I have only distinct, sharp memories. The tempo of our battle was such that the brain simply couldn't fully process everything that was happening.

One moment a crimson blade appears before my eyes, another second and I’ll be cleaved, but a fist slamming into my ribs helps me let the strike pass by. Right into the enemy.

I find myself hurled into the air by a massive push, and from several meters up, I see Sibar’s saber flying around his enemy, nearly taking off Number One’s leg. And then I’m the one who has to parry a blade that suddenly changed direction...

My lucky feint bypasses his defense. A large wound appears on his thigh, which even the protective plating couldn't prevent. My enemy’s face twists in pain; I can see it even through the mask. But in the next instant, the blade that had been hovering nearby the whole time catches me in the shoulder. 

Number One caught Sibar mid-leap and slammed him into the floor with the Force. Our synchronized attack impales the Beast. But overcoming the pain, even as he cuts himself further on our sabers, he begins to choke us with the Force. My feet leave the ground; fighting the panicked urge to claw at my throat and remove the invisible fingers from my neck, I drive my blade even deeper into him, trying to inflict as much damage as possible. It seems I succeeded, he dies before he can finish his dark work.

Our bodies fall to the ground. A quick exchange of glances, and we both understand the unspoken agreement. We each have a minute to catch our breath.

Coughing, we stand and look at each other. Both covered in mud and wounds. Neither willing to surrender his right to a place in this damned world.

The first drops of rain hiss as they evaporate against our sabers. Cool water runs down my face, washing away some of the exhaustion.

A quick exchange of blows, and we jump back. Our capabilities are now almost equal; everything will depend on hidden aces and the will of the Force.

My enemy thrusts out a hand, and blue-white lightning erupts from it, nearly scorching me. At the last moment, I manage to jump back, clearing the kill zone. If I slip up even once, it’s over, I lose.

But I have cards up my sleeve, too. Reaching out with the Force, I snatch Sibar’s saber from the ground. Excellent, controlling it isn't that hard; it’s well within my power. Throw, pull, repeat. My wounded arm barely obeys, but through the flashes of pain from every movement, I force it to work. I’ll suffer later; the main thing now is to survive. The new element quickly integrates into my combat style.

Another attack fails. We have been fighting for several minutes now. A crimson veil clouds my eyes; I feel warm blood trickling from my nose. My arm hangs limp at my side, refusing to obey despite all my mental commands. But Number One is also struggling more and more to put weight on his injured leg.

This will be the final attack, after which I’ll have to drop the precognition, or my body won't hold out. In the seconds we are apart, I feel as if something is burning my brain from the inside; I won't be able to endure this for long. Only the Dark Side of the Force is keeping me from collapsing right now.

Well, if it’s going to end, it should end beautifully. I take my stance and offer the traditional salute of Form II. I am answered in kind. A second of silence that lasts an eternity, and we surge forward.

A brutal vertical strike from the Shien style hammers against the enemy’s defense, but he holds. I pour everything I have into it, all my reserves of Power, all the hatred and pain I’ve accumulated. But it’s not working; Number One huddles down, trying to ease the pressure on his wounded leg, but it still looks like he might succeed...

I remember my very first fight in the training hall. How I defeated droids that outmatched me in technique and strength.

I press even harder on the saber, and then suddenly deactivate it. The movements of Makashi help me now more than ever. A step, fluid and rapid at the same time.

A black blade, accompanied by a high-pitched hum, pierces the opponent’s side and emerges from the opposite collarbone. I see it in his eyes, he knows it’s the end. A final desperate strike intended to take me with him cuts the air swiftly but clumsily.

I release the saber and simply jump back.

He takes several staggering steps forward. A hand with whitened fingers gripping the saber reaches toward me. Falling just short, he collapses face-down and moves no more.

Fragments of his mask are scattered a meter in all directions, glinting like black drops on the stones. The rain evaporates with a hiss against the still-humming red blade that his dead fingers never released.

Now I hear only the pulse of blood in my head. The pleasant rain washes the sweat and dirt from my face. The first gentle rays of the morning sun illuminate the somber temple, near the walls of which many gifted beings died today.

I don't even notice the world tilting until I’m staring straight into the morning sky of this thrice-cursed island. Fuck. I survived. I SURVIVED, MOTHERFUCKER!

"Hah... hah. HAHAHA...."

A nervous, raspy laugh filled with an unutterable mixture of joy, fear, sorrow, triumph, pain, and much more besides echoed off the rocks, seeming to reach every corner of the island and making the stormtroopers imperceptibly shudder.