As the New Republic clashed with the rogue Imperial forces, Piper descends into the Sith Temple, knowing Darth Cyclonis and Dark Ace would be waiting for her. Piper could feel the overwhelming presence of the Dark Side lingering in the Temple. She could sense the great battle that took place here thousands of years ago. Piper faced no resistance as the sounds of battle could be heard outside the Temple. Piper knew the stakes of this confrontation. If she failed, then the Galaxy would be in grave danger. The power that Darth Cyclonis wielded was too dangerous to be left unchecked. To Piper, stopping Darth Cyclonis and Dark Ace was the only way to ensure peace in the Galaxy. If necessary, Piper was ready to sacrifice her own life in order to end the threat of Darth Cyclonis. Soon enough, Piper made her way to the Inner Sanctum of the Sith Temple. As she walked through the open doors, Piper saw Darth Cyclonis and Dark Ace standing before Tulak Hord's Mass Shadow Generator. 

Darth Cyclonis: Piper. We have been waiting for you. 

Piper maintained her composure as Darth Cyclonis cast her gaze on the young Jedi. A sinister smile fell on the ancient Sith Lord's face as Darth Cyclonis looked upon not only Piper, but the place where Piper stood. 

Darth Cyclonis: Do you know where you are standing, Piper? You are standing at the exact same spot where I struck down my master when we discovered this temple. That was also the same spot that the Jedi stood when I unleashed the power of this weapon upon them. 

Piper felt a physically sick to her stomach. It was as if the ancient Sith Lord's dark aura was a toxic cloud that destroyed all it touched. Despite this, Piper stood tall before the Sith Lord. 

Darth Cyclonis: Your silence does not hide your emotions. Your emotions betray you, Piper. I can feel your anger. It gives you focus. It gives you strength. We need not be enemies, Piper. Join me and we shall rule the Galaxy. Think of all that you can achieve under my tutelage. I could complete your training. You and Dark Ace could become my heirs. You could inherit the Galaxy. With our combined strength, we could destroy all who threaten us and at last bring order to the Galaxy. Join me, Piper. Join me and the power of the Dark Side will be yours to control. The Galaxy could be yours. 

As Darth Cyclonis attempted to turn her to the Dark Side, Piper thought about everything that had happened on the course of her journey. She thought of all the friends and allies she had made. She thought of Aerrow who she cherished with all her heart. She thought of her training under Rahm Kota, Starling and the Jedi Sage Arygyn. She thought of the guidance she got from the spirit of her mother Anyarah. As she glanced over to Dark Ace, a sense of anger fell over her. Both Darth Cyclonis and Dark Ace could sense it. 

Piper: Ace, you were once a Jedi. Surely can see that what you're serving is wrong. 

Dark Ace: I was a Jedi. I was Jedi for all my life. You could never understand the Jedi. All you've ever known are the idealistic stories of the guardians of peace and justice who served the Light. In reality, the Jedi were blind and arrogant fools who served under a corrupt Republic which died a slow and painful death. When the Jedi Temple was sacked, I turned on the Jedi not because of self preservation, but because I found purpose within the Empire. But that was a lie. I was nothing but an expendable tool. When I awoke Darth Cyclonis, I became much more than that that. 

Piper: You of all people must know the true nature of the Sith. There can never be peace from within the Sith. The Sith will always betray one another. When you outlive your usefulness, Cyclonis will cast you aside and leave you to die. 

As Piper said this, Dark Ace glanced over to his master. As the former Inquisitor looked upon the ancient Sith Lord, he showed no visible emotion as he focused his attention back to Piper. 

Dark Ace: Do you know what your mother said to me before I cut her down? She said that there was no death, only the Force. It is the same words Kota muttered. As did the Jedi Sage. Ironic. The Jedi always said that there was no death, only the Force. Look where that got them. 

As Dark Ace said this, anger began to boil over Piper. Darth Cyclonis could feel the young Jedi's anger. 

Darth Cyclonis: You want to kill us, don't you? You want to take your Jedi weapon and strike us down, don't you? 

Piper: I....am not like you. I am nothing like you! 

Darth Cyclonis: Don't be so sure of that, Piper. I started out as nothing. Like you, I was set to live a life without meaning or purpose. But I became something more. I went from being a slave girl to the most powerful being in the Galaxy. That could be your fate if you join me. The Force is strong with you, Piper. A greater destiny lies before you. 

As Darth Cyclonis continued to tempt Piper to the Dark Side, Piper continued to resist the temptation by falling back on her Jedi teachings to resist the temptation. Doing so became more and more difficult as the ancient Sith Lord continued to tempt her. 

Darth Cyclonis: You've come here to kill me. You were destined to kill me. Do it. Strike me down with your anger. 

Piper could see what Darth Cyclonis was doing. She was trying to tempt her into killing Cyclonis so that she may fall to the Dark Side. She glanced over to Dark Ace who had his hand on his Lightsaber, ready to fight. Darth Cyclonis then glanced over to Dark Ace and nodded to him. Without hesitation, Dark Ace approached Piper and ignited his Lightsaber. 

Dark Ace: You will join us or you will die, girl. 

Piper: I won't join you, Dark Ace. Only the weak follow the Dark Side. 

Dark Ace: If that is true, then why am I still here? Why am I still here when Kota is not? Why am I still here when Starling is not? Why am I still her when your mother is not? 

Dark Ace's taunt struck a chord within Piper as her anger began to boil over her. Piper found it more and more difficult to contain herself. Not giving in to her anger, Piper reaches for her Lightsaber and activates it. Piper and Dark Ace locked eyes and they clashed blades. Darth Cyclonis would watch as Piper and Dark Ace dueled against one another. In that moment, Piper now found herself in a battle to the death against the man who had killed her family. In the Inner Sanctum of the Sith Temple, the Jedi and Sith would clash once more.