Chapter 26 - Ready or Not, Here I Come
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The Ghost followed the Imperial ship through its travel into hyperspace. The two ships slowed down, the image of the light blue vortex portal transitioning into the black void of space.
"Commander Sato and Ashoka are on stand-by should we need the assistance," Hera spoke through the com-link.
"Copy that, Hera," Kanan nodded, "We're going in."
Kanan detached the Phantom scout ship from the Ghost as the smaller ship made its way up towards the giant war ship.
"So how are we supposed to get in?" Ben questioned.
"Yeah, it's not like we can just ask them to let us in," Sebastian crossed his arms with a growl.
"Oh really?" The Jedi raised a brow at the boy.
There was a pitch of static coming in through the com-link as a male voice spoke through the speaker. "Unknown vessel you are entering restricted airspace. Identify yourself."
Kanan pressed the red receiving button, speaking up. "This is Imperial Shuttle B-1. I'm here to deliver two captured Wizards."
"Two more of them?" The Imperial soldier questioned. "Impossible! It was reported that the other two Wizards in the battle didn't not survive the explosion. There were no more life signs detected!"
"One of the Wizards used their magic to protect themselves from the blast, and they attempted to follow you. I was sent as a contingency plan, should they have survived," Kanan explained. "Agent Kallus' orders."
"What? He never mentioned a contingency plan," The soldier recalled. "I'll need to double check with him---"
Suddenly, Ben and Sebastian felt a disturbance, like a push through the air. Kanan closed his eyes as he waved his hand over the speaker. "You do not need to check in with Agent Kallus."
"... I do not need to check in with Agent Kallus." The soldier repeated.
The Wizards eyes widened with surprise as they glanced over at each other, their mouths gaped open slightly before focusing their attention back on the Jedi.
"You will allow me to board the ship, and deliver the Wizards." Kanan ordered.
"I will allow you to board the ship, and deliver the Wizards." The soldier repeated.
"Thank you," Kanan smiled as he ended the call.
He took the controls of the Phantom and steered it towards the docking bay of the Imperial warship.
"I can't believe they're letting us in!" Sebastian beamed.
"They're not letting us in, Kanan tricked them into letting us." Ben corrected.
"If all else fails, the Jedi Mind trick pays off in the end." Kanan grinned.
He steered the ship inside the docking bay of the Imperial Warship. Inside the bay, Stormtroopers were marching around as mechanics worked on repairing tie-fighters and loading and off-loading cargo. The Jedi parked and landed the ship on a empty landing platform with two Stormtroopers waiting for the trio.
Kanan got up from his seat as he walked over to a closet, opening the door as he pulled out a pair of handcuffs, tossing them to the boys. "Here, but these on."
"What are you going to do? If they see you, you'll be done for!" Sebastian stated, sounding tense.
"Not, if I'm seen as one of them," Kanan grinned as he pulled out a Stormtrooper helmet from the top shelf of the closet. "Now hurry up! The more time we waste, the less time we have to find your friends."
Ben and Sebastian slipped on their handcuffs as Kanan quickly strapped on the Stormtrooper uniform and helmet. He grabbed a blaster and stood behind the two Wizards, just as the back door opened and the three of them stepped off of the ship, meeting up with the two Stormtroopers.
"These are them?" the one to the left asked.
"It's them alright." Kanan nodded.
"Follow us to the detention hall." the Trooper to the right motioned behind him.
The five of them made their way out of the docking bay and entered one of the many hallways of the warship. The two Wizards were earned occasional glances and glares from other Stormtroopers and other members of the Empire.
"Have you ever been on an Imperial ship before?" Sebastian leaned over towards Ben, whispering.
"No, this is my first time," Ben shook his head. "I mean, I've studied about them and seen photos of them, but this?"
After walking for what seemed like forever, they entered the detention hall. It bared a incredibly similarity to the detention facility from A New Hope. At the console station, there was one more Stormtrooper keeping watch on the prisoners.
He looked up from his work, seeming puzzled. "Who are they?"
"Prisoner transfer from Omega Shuttle B-1." One of the leading troopers explained.
"What?" The Prison Trooper typed in some things into the console. "I have no record of that."
"There has to be some mistake," Kanan spoke up as he stepped to the side, making his way to the console. "I have orders to lock up these two Wizards immediately."
"But we've already got two of them locked up already---"
Suddenly Kanan grabbed the Prison Trooper by the helm and slammed his head on the console, smashing it as the Stormtrooper collapsed to the floor. This alerted the other two as they aimed their weapons at the Jedi.
"Hands in the air!"
"Now!" Kanan shouted.
Sebastian and Ben snapped the handcuffs off of their wrist, leaping forward as they tackled the two Stormtroopers to the floor, knocking them out. The three of them dragged the bodies of the Stormtroopers to the side of the room, propping them in the corner.
"Well that was quick." Ben commented.
"Hurry and find your friends," Kanan ordered. "It's only a matter of time before we might get discovered.
"Seb?" The blonde looked over at the British boy who nodded in reply.
"Ava? Kaitlyn?!" Sebastian called, running down the line of cells.
"Sebastian?" A female voice spoke up.
Sebastian knew that voice. He followed the sound to the cell at the end of the hall to his left. He pushed a button on the side panel and the cell door swung open. The British Boy took a step inside, spotting the sleek figure of Kaitlyn sitting up from her cell bench.
"Kaitlyn!" He exclaimed. "Are you alright?"
"I think so," She nodded quickly before straightening her hair with her fingers. "My hair is a mess though."
"Did you find them?" Ben called from the other end of the room.
"I found Kaitlyn!" Sebastian yelled back, before focusing his attention back at the ginger haired girl. "Do you have any idea where Ava might be?"
"I don't know," She shook her head with dismay. "After we got sucked up by the tractor beam, we got separated. I was brought here, but I have no idea what happened to her."
"Then we'll take a look around," Sebastian spoke with determination, taking Kaitlyn's hand. "Come on."
The two of them ran back down the hall as Kaitlyn took a quick glance at Sebastian's hand. She could have sworn she felt her cheeks warming up. Like she was blushing.
"Got'er." Sebastian flashed a thumbs up at the Jedi.
"Spector 1 to Ghost," Kanan brought out his communicator. "We found one of the Wizards. The Chosen One wasn't with her."
"They must have separated the two of them should we have planned to rescue them," Hera realized. "Do you have any possible leads as to where she could be?"
"I could try and sense her presence, but it might take some---GAH!" Kanan suddenly cried out as he knelt down to one knee, grabbing his head.
"Kanan?!" Ben shrieked as he came to the Jedi's aid.
"What's happening to him?!" Kaitlyn spoke with worry.
"It's not another Jedi mind trick is it?" Sebastian asked.
"No way," Ben shook his head. "This is something completely different."
Kanan gasped for air, moving his hands away from his head as he breathed heavily in and out. He glanced over at the three Wizards, the expression on his face was terrifying.
"I know where she is."
"Where?" Ben asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"She's with the Sith Lord."
******
I felt a terrible shocking sensation course through my body. I snapped my eyes open as I cried out a scream. When the shock was gone, I could feel my skin scorching with heat, smelling the odor of smoke as the faint trails sprout from my arms and floated into the air.
I looked around, trying to grasp the surroundings with my now blurry vision. The room was large, the walls and floor painted black. To the left was the elevator with two Stormtroopers keeping watch. Other to the right, behind a black metal throne was a giant window that overlooked that vast void of space, a small moon could be seen off in the distance.
Standing near the throne was a adult male in grey armour. He had light orange hair with sideburns, and blue eyes. He had some kind of bo-staff strapped to his back as he stood straight, his arms crossed as he sent a glare over my way, a smirk on his face. Next to him was a male figure with grey skin. He had red stripes under his eyes and along his forehead, with yellow eyes. He also wore black armour with the Empire's symbol on both of his shoulder guards. On his back was a cylinder shaped lightsaber.
"Where... am I?" I whimpered quietly.
My voice was followed by the sound of someone's breathing, and I flinched at the sound of it. I recognized that breath.
I slowly rose my head to see that a tall figure stood before me. He wore full on black armor with a long black cape on his back, and helmet that completely covered his face and head. A lightsaber was strapped to his belt on his side.
I gasped with fear as I tried to step back, but I tripped on something and fell back to the floor. The sounds of shackling caught my attention as I looked down to my ankles to see that they were locked in chains. Not only that, but I could feel that my hands were locked behind my back so I quickly came to the conclusion that they were chained up too.
The deep and heavy breathing of Darth Vader caught my attention as he grasped my chin, forcing me to look at him.
"There has been a disturbance in the force," he spoke. "Have you felt it?"
I could barely speak. I was in the presence of one of the most powerful Sith Lords in the Star Wars universe.
"Disturbance?" I repeated quietly.
"All of you Wizards meddling with dark forces that are too powerful for you to contain," He spoke. "The Dark Anomalies, they don't like it."
He let go of my chin, turning away as his cape slapped my face. He stalked over to his throne, sitting down as I slowly pulled myself up to my knees.
"What do you want with me?" I questioned him. "I never did anything to you!"
"No, but you are a threat the Dark Anomalies," Agent Kallus spoke up. "Therefore, you are a threat to us."
"What did you do with Kaitlyn? Where is she?!" I barked, eyes glaring in their direction.
"Yes, the other one..." Kallus rolled his eyes, seeming annoyed.
"She is safe in her prison cell for now," Darth Vader answered. "Your fate however is undecided."
"Not the first time my life has been on the line." I remarked with a grumble.
"You speak with confidence girl," The Inquisitor commented as he walked towards me, his hands behind his back. He then whipped out his lightsaber, powering it on as the red blade was just inches away from my face. The vibration sounds the weapon made echoed in my ears. "But deep down I can sense your fear."
The sudden gesture made me flinch backwards as The Inquisitor glared at me with grin plastered on his face.
"Inquisitor, that's enough," Darth Vader waved his hand. "I order you to yield."
With a disappointing sigh, the Inquisitor retracted his weapon, stepping away from me as he walked back to his spot near the Sith Lord's throne.
"You won't be so high and mighty for long," I spoke with determination in my voice. "When my friends get here, you're going to be sorry you ever messed with the Wizards."
"Your friends were destroyed in the explosion of Emperor Zurg's base." Agent Kallus recalled.
My eyes widened with terror upon hearing this news. I shook my head furiously, "No," Shutting my eyes before glaring at the Agent. "I don't believe you!"
"Would you believe this then?" Agent Kallus pulled out a remote, pushing a button as a holographic screen appeared in the middle of the room.
The screen showed a clip of Ben and Sebastian tossing Kaitlyn and I to the side, right before a pile of debris collapsed on top of them. The tracker beam appeared, lifting the two of us into the air, right before the entire base exploded in a ball of fire.
My mouth gaped upon at the sight as the image of the orange flames burned into my retinas. The screen vanished as tears began to perk up in my eyes.
"It can't be..." I mumbled.
"Face it Chosen One," Darth Vader spoke. "You are all alone."
"No! It has to be fake," I protested, standing to my feet as the chains kept my wrists down. "I refuse to believe any of that is real!"
"So you say." The Inquisitor muttered.
"The guys are alive, they'll spring Kaitlyn free and they'll come for me," I stated. "And when they do, you're all going to wish that you never messed with the Disney Wizards."
"We shall see, Ms. Macht." Darth Vader replied before thrusting his hand forward, using the force to push me back down to the floor, banging my head in the process.
I hissed at the pain as the Sith Lord stood up from his throne, glancing over at his two followers. "Prepare for our guests. They'll be here shortly."
"You mean, she was telling the truth, Master?" The Inquisitor questioned.
"During our encounter, I sensed the presence of a Jedi." Darth Vader explained.
"It's not doubt the one that is working with the Rebels," The apprentice remarked.
"Ah, yes," Kallus agreed, his face lighting up with a evil grin. "Kanan Jarrus. One of the only survivors of Order 66."
"But how is it that you can sense him and I can't?" The Inquisitor raised a brow at the Sith Lord.
"Kanan Jarrus' skills have improved since we last met. He is strong enough to elude you," Darth Vader growled. "But not me."
As the three of them conversed, a sound chimed as the yellow light of the elevator came to life. The three of them turned their attention to the lift as the doors swung open, the small space pitch black. Suddenly, two small red specks of light were tossed into the throne room, and exploded, setting off a grenade like blast that blinded the two Stormtroopers on guard.
Kallus quickly ran over to my side as he grabbed me with one hand and brought out his staff with the other, pointing it at my head as Sebastian, Kaitlyn, and Ben came running in, tackling the Stormtroopers out of their way. Kanan followed close behind, leaping forward as he activated his lightsaber and got into a defensive stance.
"That's close enough," Kallus cautioned, glaring at the three heroes.
"I'm impressed Jarrus," Darth Vader spoke up. "You have grown stronger since our last encounter."
"I've learned a thing or two since," Kanan commented. "Give us the girl, and we promise to not make a mess."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Jedi." Darth Vader explained as the Inquisitor stepped forward, activating his lightsaber.
"If you want the Chosen One, you'll have to come and get her." He said.
"Don't need to tell us twice!" Ben exclaimed, lighting up with his fists with a green aura.
The Inquisitor snarled as he charged forward, heading straight for the group. Kanan glared at him as he two charged towards him, only to be breezed by Sebastian and Kaitlyn who each activated their magic, summoning their own lightsaber blades as they clashed with the Inquisitor.
"Go, we can take him!" Kaitlyn yelled.
Kanan and Ben looked over at each other with slight uncertainty before nodding in agreement, running further into the room.
"Two against one, we can take him." Sebastian spoke, seeming confident.
The Inquisitor grinned at the boy, as he pressed a button on the cylinder handle of his weapon, summoning another lightsaber blade as the two blades began to spin around and around simultaneous like a giant fan.
Sebastian's eyes widened as he pointed a weak finger at the weapon. "I forgot he could do that."
Kaitlyn shot him a irritated glare, scoffing at the teenager. "Are you kidding me right now?!"
Kanan and Ben ran for the remaining two opponents left in the room.
"You're the only one strong enough to go up against Vader," Ben spoke up. "I'll deal with Agent Kallus."
"Right!" Kannan nodded as he sprinted forward, heading towards the Sith Lord who bared out his lightsaber.
Ben got into a battle ready stance, clutching his fists together as he stood a few feet away from Kallus, who had me clutched in his grasp.
"Take one more step, and I'll fry your friend to a crisp." He threatened.
"I have a better idea," Ben retorted. He activated his magic, summoning a tiny green orb around the top part of Kallus' staff. He thrust his hand forward, and smacked Kallus right in the face. Once he was distracted, Ben summoned green bubbles on my chains, incinerating them before he charged forward, punching Agent Kallus right in the face. "I'll fry you."
******
I was zoning in and out of consciousness since Darth Vader knocked me in the head. I remember Kallus grabbing me, and then a few moments later, he just let me go and I fell to the floor again.
I blinked several times as I moved over to my stomach, slowly pushing myself up with my hands as I looked around the room. Sebastian and Kaitlyn were in a rumble against the Inquisitor, Ben was fighting off Agent Kallus, and Kanan was going mono-o-mono with Darth Vader.
Wait... KANAN?!
I gasped at the sight of the Jedi. He was one of my all time favourite characters in Star Wars Rebels! If it wasn't for the fact that my friends were neck deep in trying to save my life, I would be fangirling so hard right about now.
Darth Vader suddenly jerked his hand forward, zapping Kanan with a electrical attack. There was something about it that felt off. I scanned the Sith Lord, and that's when I saw it. Black smoke was circling Vader's feet.
It's the Dark Anomalies! They were making him stronger!
"Kanan!" I yelped, jumping up to my feet as I ran for the Jedi and grabbed his hand. "Leave him alone!"
The electrical attack surged through Kanan's arm, and latched on to me. I screamed from the pain as the lightning like power coursed through me. My hand was locked onto the Jedi. I couldn't even move it an inch. I had to think of something quick, or the both of us would be done for.
So I closed my eyes and focused on my healing magic. I remembered one of the methods Fairy Godmother taught me during my lessons. Try to think happy thoughts. My hands suddenly began to glow a bright pink, and the magical surge spread to Kanan's body.
The sound of his screams whined down as he narrowed his green eyes at the Sith Lord, slowly but surely moving his body forward and raising his weapon back up into a stance.
"What?!" Darth Vader barked, taking a step back.
Using all of the might he could muster, Kanan closed his eyes and swiped his weapon down, grazing the Sith Lord's shoulder. The attack was enough to make Vader grunt from the pain, seizing his attack as he stumbled back, gripping his shoulder.
Kanan breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling as he collapsed to his knees, powering off his lightsaber. I moved my hand away from the Jedi, but I knelt down beside him, hoping to search for a sign that he was alright.
He glanced over at me, sharing a small smile. He survived, thanks to me. But barely.
"Impressive," The Sith Lord spoke, making the two of us flinch. "It's been a while since someone got the better of me."
I quickly took the time to scan the room, checking on my friends and their battles. Sebastian and Kaitlyn, despite the two of them working together, were struggling a little against the Inquisitor. But the British Boy managed to find an opening, and spin kicked the Inquisitor right in the face. He collapsed to the ground as Kaitlyn used her Illusion magic to summon a cage with her free hand, trapping the Sith Lord's apprentice.
I glanced over at Ben, who was neck in neck with Agent Kallus. The blonde shoved the man down with his protective shield, then pushed it against the Agent to pin him on the floor. He looked over at us, saluting in Kanan's direction.
"Therefore," Darth Vader spoke as he raised his hands in the air.
The cloud of the Dark Anomalies that surrounded his feet suddenly lurched out, covering the Inquisitor and Agent Kallus. At the same time, the giant smoke cloud with the giant yellow eyes appeared above the Sith Lord.
"No..." My eyes widened with fear.
"Destroy them!" The Dark Anomalies leader boomed.
The Inquisitor's lightsaber suddenly jabbed away at Kaitlyn's cage, slicing it apart as he rose to his feet. With thrust his hand out, force pushing the pair away from his as they skidded across the floor towards the middle of the room.
Agent Kallus growled as with his new found might, he pushed the green shield off of him and it whacked right into Ben. With the blode distracted, Agent Kallus knee kicked the boy in the gut before shoving him down to the floor, pressing his foot against his chest.
"Stop it!" I screamed, "You're hurting them!"
Darth Vader and the Dark Anomalies leader laughed in unison, mocking my pleas. Darth Vader used one hand to force push Kanan back against the floor, pinning him.
"Specter 1... to Ghost... about that... backup?" The Jedi choked through his communicator.
"NO--!" I screamed again.
I suddenly felt a squeezing sensation against my throat as I was slowly being levitated into the air. I could barely breath as I caught my neck with my hands, and that's when I realized; Darth Vader was force choking me!
"Take a good long look," The Dark Anomalies leader spoke. "You will all remember this day, as the end of the Chosen One."
My vision slowly started to become hazy again. White spots popping in and out of my eyes as I tried to grasp every spot of breath I could possible find.
Ben struggled to get Kallus' foot off of his chest as he leaned his head back, looking over at Sebastian. "Seb! ... It's time!"
Sebastian's eyes widened with surprise, as he looked down inside his jacket pocket, spotting the mirror. With a look of determination on his face, he grabbed the handle of the mirror and whipped it out of his jacket.
"Inquisitor!" The black cloud cried, his yellow eyes flaming. "Stop him!"
The Inquisitor spotted the mirror and he stalked towards the boy, swinging his lightsaber menacingly.
"Hand it over, now---gah!" He was interrupted when Kaitlyn sprang up, deflecting his weapons attack as she glanced over at the brown haired boy.
"DO IT!" She screamed with a hiss.
Sebastian jogged forward, grabbing the handle of the mirror with both of his hands as he raised it into the air.
"NO!" The cloud screeched.
Suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder, followed by some lightning as pink and green spirals of smoke circled around Sebastian like a vortex, high gusts of wind blowing against his jacket, shirt, and hair.
"Magic mirror I call upon thee," he proclaimed. "Bring me the one I seek!"
The glass of the mirror flashed as a large lightning bolt shot itself out of the mirror, striking the floor a few feet away from Sebastian. A purple vortex was made, and it spun wildly as sparks of lightning occasionally fired from the clouds.
And then, 'POOF'!
The vortex disbursed as the lights of the room gave out, the only source of light coming from the reflective light of the large circular window that looked out into space.
Standing in the spot of the scorch marks of the lighting was a human figure. He appeared to be a male, wearing dark clothing. He wore a black hoodie with a lose tank underneath, dark jeans and adidas sneakers.
I could barely catch a good look at the figure. When he appeared, Darth Vader was stunned by his appearance that he released me from his choke hold, and I collapsed to the floor, tumbling down the small flight of stairs.
I coughed violently, small spots of blood staining the floor as I slowly closed my eyes, and drifted back into slumber.
Nobody said anything. They all had shocked expressions on their faces as the hooded figure slowly stood up from his kneeling position. He glanced down at my body, his hands immediately squaring into tight fists as he glared at the Sith Lord and Dark Anomaly cloud.
"It's you..." The cloud spat.
The figure flexed his right hand out, purple specks of Illusion magic coursing around his limb. He missed the feeling and sensation of awakening his power. It had been too long.
He used his magic, summoning his own lightsaber. He sprinted forward, leaping into the air as he jump kicked Darth Vader right in the stomach and chucked his lightsaber into the air and stabbed the cloud.
"GAH!!!" It screamed as it incinerated.
No, he wasn't dead. Not yet anyway.
As the Sith Lord agonized his pain, the male figure turned around, his piercing brown eyes glancing down at me once more before he looked over at the blonde.
"Ben," he spoke with a Spanish accent. "Let's get out of here!"
The Wizards quickly rushed to action. Sebastian and Kaitlyn came to Kanan's aid, helping the Jedi to his feet as the male figure picked me up gently, holding me in a bridal position.
"Brace yourselves!" Ben exclaimed as he summoned a giant green bubble around the group.
"Sabine, Zeb, NOW!" Kanan yelled through the com-link.
Without warning, the faint sounds of laser fire could be heard, as red lasers pierced through the glass of the window, shattering it. With the new force of gravity entering the room, the bubble was sucked out into the void of space, floating around as The Ghost drew near it.
It opened its cargo load door, scooping up the bubble before quickly shutting it again. Ben deactivated the bubble and everyone dropped to the floor.
"Jumping to lightspeed!" Hera shouted.
The group felt the ship tug forward and it shot out in a flash before the Imperial ship could react.
Kaitlyn sighed, breathing in and out to calm herself down as she looked at the group with a smile. "I don't believe it," she placed a hand on Sebastian's shoulder. "You did it. You saved us."
"We had a little help," Sebastian commented, glancing back over at the hooded figure who sat himself up on a bench, still holding me in his arms. "You good?"
The hooded figure was gently stroking my face before he glanced up at the British boy. Reaching up, he removed his hood to reveal his slight tan skin and silky black hair.
"I'm good," he nodded with a small smile, "I missed you guys."
"We missed you too," Sebastian replied. "Santiago."
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