Jedi Insurgency 262

AN: Guess rn who the MC could be fighting this chapter, then compare that thought once you reach the conclusion (hint it's someone famous in Legends) XD

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Before finding his quarters for some much needed sleep, Corvus decided to look for Keira. Sensing her through the [Force Bond] that they had established between one another way back during their stint in the crystal caverns of Illum, he found her relatively easily. 

Approaching uncloaked, he knew that he couldn't evade fighting the battle maniac in a spar, and was looking forward to see how far she had grown. Although he had sensed that the last six months she had spent on Tython were excellent for her growth, sensing was one thing, and experiencing it irl was another. Much like how a picture on the internet could never emulate a lived experience, Corvus was eager to see first hand how strong his sort-of-maybe-possible love interest was. 

Approaching a wall in some obscure dimly lit corner-that for all intents and purposes was rather ordinary-he sensed that she was behind it. Gamer sense tingling, he placed a hand on it, but only felt cool stone. No special pulse in the Force activated. However, that wouldn't stop him. Gathering some strength, he raised his boot, and forcefully stomped down on the wall. 

A second later, he stumbled through the illusion, and found himself in a new room. 

The chamber beyond was vast and circular…the color and concentration of power strongly reminded him of Yoda's [Wall of Light]. Even the floor was perfectly flat without the slightest crack or blemish. Inside, twelve elevated stone seats stood around the perimeter, each positioned as though awaiting the arrival of councilors long since returned to the Force.

Corvus's attention was practically forcefully drawn towards the ceiling, where a giant symbol of the Jedi Order was embossed in the wall. It slightly glowed green, reflecting the light of the pure floor. Information penetrated his mind, informing him about the use of this room. 

It was a trial chamber. One where Padawans could undergo the trials, one where Masters could be tested in their auxiliary, as well as combat. This was a place where prospective High Council members had once been tested.

The Force lingered heavily here, and he swore he felt the presence of a Force Ghost waiting just out of sight. Whilst he was lost in thought considering what a great boon this trial chamber would be towards the Order’s development, he finally noticed her. 

Sitting in one of the council seats behind him to the left was the women he had sought. 

She was a Mirialan, her skin a vibrant green marked with elegant geometric tattoos upon her cheeks. Short blue-black hair fell to her kneck, slightly disheveled in a way that suggested practicality rather than vanity. She wore a sleek, skin tight combat outfit showing off well toned muscles, and a core that could do 100 situps without the slightest burn. 

A pair of lightsabers hung comfortably at her side, and she appeared to be in that sweet spot between youth and maturity. If he had to guess, he'd place her somewhere between 28 and 34 years old. 

Despite his impression of her as a battle maniac, the Force around her possessed the calm steadiness of someone who had already survived many battles. Like a warrior that had seen it all, she had nothing to prove, and pride wasn't a concern. 

Corvus smirked, pleased with what he saw. It wasn't for nothing that he had sent her, Zork, Linyin, and Paratus to Tython ahead of time. A funny thought emerged as he turned towards her. He still owned the Crown of Verity, which made the wearer unable to tell a lie. It had been rusting away in his inventory, due to his Jedi Shadow ability that let him detect lies. But, after defeating Keira all those months ago, she still owed him a question & answer session with it. 

Fun thoughts aside, he was eager to learn of her experiences on Tython, and pick her brain for ideas. Keira's knowledge regarding local threats, and unique locations would be vital for the growth of the Order. 

Whilst he ran these silent calculations, the Mirialan studied him in turn. Inclining her head, she acknowledged his presence. 

"Master Revan."

Her voice was composed, and reserved, much like the standard Clone Wars era Jedi were wont to do. However, she was neither cold, nor unfriendly. 

Corvus offered a slight bow in return. 

“Master Keira. It feels good to address you as such. When we departed, you were at the peak of a Jedi Knight's skills. Now you have advanced beyond those ‘ordinary’ Masters. Did this trial chamber aid you in that pursuit?” He both praised, and asked, fishing for information. 

A small grin tugged at one corner of her mouth. 

“Between us, Corvus, Keira is fine.” She said, being one of the few people aware of his dual identity. 

Corvus found himself studying her for a moment longer than was strictly necessary. Not because she was attractive-and man were those thighs toned-but because there was something unusual about her presence.

She possessed the restraint expected of a Jedi Master, but beneath that calm surface lived an unmistakable eagerness. A warrior's excitement. The sort of person who tried very hard to appear serene, yet secretly enjoyed combat far more than she would ever admit before her peers. Ordinarily, she could block this prying, but due to their bond, this insight was as available to him as a quick search online. 

Keira noticed his expression, and huffed a strand of hair out of her eyes. 

"I spent years mastering Forms I, III, IV, and VI. Your judgemental look only makes me want to test the sharpness of your blade.” She said good naturedly, and openly. 

The smirk on Corvus's face stalled, as he was unaccustomed to other people who didn't fall into his tempo. 

‘Interesting.’ 

“Well, I apologize that it took so long to gather the Jedi survivors. Between securing the remains of the Republic, and establishing a foothold, seven months have passed before I knew what was going on.” 

“You promised to reunify the Jedi, and so you did. Your goal has been achieved, what's there to apologize for?” Keira asked, and tilted her head to the side in confusion. 

Corvus narrowed his eyes for a moment, wondering if he was being played, but then he smiled in happiness as he realized what was going on. Keira was incredibly blunt. 

For him, someone who dealt with pirates, mercenaries, gangsters, killers, and all sorts of interesting characters, it was incredibly refreshing to speak with someone who held no malice or blame towards him. For all intents and purposes, his actions had exiled this green tomboy to the middle of nowhere. Supplies were limited, technology was cutoff, and entertainment was practically nonexistent. Most combat oriented Jedi-like Anakin-would feel claustrophobic away from the battlefield for too long. Heck, Corvus himself was somewhat addicted to the adrenaline of a good fight. But Keira, she didn't blame him at all! 

Her straightforward bluntness was refreshing! 

For a brief moment the room felt strangely comfortable. Keira seemed at peace, as if his arrival was just as expected as the rising of the sun. That the Force had fated this meeting to occur. 

“Heh. Well then, if you want to spar. How about now?” He asked, unclipping his lightsabers from his belt. 

She shook her head. “This is a trial ground.” 

“Hm?” He frowned. 

“We can test one another at a different time. But now, we must work together. Training here, I have reached my individual limit, but now that you're here…we can have a little fun.” 

After speaking so calmly for so long, the short-haired romboy finally smiled. It was a thing of beauty, and dare Corvus say, savage ferocity. 

Then the floor beneath them suddenly vibrated.

‘By the Force, this minty-green bitch is going to get us killed!?’ 

Facing a trial that she couldn't activate on her own…just how potent would it be?! He was still tired & sore due to the fight against Vader nearly 20 hours ago or so. Spamming the [Shadow Wrath State] beyond its time limit, his molecules were still settling down. 

The trial ground machine on Coruscant was extremely advanced, but the one here on Tython felt completely different. Here, the air was extremely thick and potent in the Force. He could tell that whatever they faced would be no advanced technology, but some of the most advanced mysticism that the Jedi Order of old could wield! 

Both Jedi instantly became alert as the symbol above them started to grow brighter and brighter. A deep mechanical sound echoed throughout the room as a door slammed shut at the entrance. 

Keira immediately drew her lightsabers, twin blue beams burst into life. Corvus ignited his own weapons a heartbeat later, joining her with a crimson & azure blade. 

The Force surged, and the entire room began to change its scenery. Everywhere he looked, the walls and council seats dissolved into particles of light, whilst the floor below them temporarily became solid black like the void of space. The air shook, and reality stabilized. 

One moment, they were in that all black area, the next, it was as if a loading screen had finished, and the scenery had shifted. 

Just like his first day in this galaxy seven months ago, that day he first met Keira, he was now at the entrance of the Coruscant Jedi Temple. 

Corvus's eyes widened, and he tightly gripped his lightsabers. For a second, he had PTSD of Anakin marching up those steps, and swallowed a dry mouthful of saliva. Rationality quickly reasserted itself, but the air, the taste of the place…it was indistinguishable from real life! 

Every detail was perfect. From the columns to the murals and artwork. Keira slowly lowered her blades, and wearily scanned the area for enemies. 

"He's coming.” She said in a serious tone. 

Corvus felt a tidal wave of Darkside energy no lesser than that of Vader’s. And it was leisurely approaching them, as if everything was under his control. 

Both Jedi looked upward simultaneously, and at the top of the temple steps stood a towering armored figure. Hooded, and wearing all black, with a cape billowing behind him, he looked like generic Sith 47. However…that rebreather mask, that scarred pale head, it couldn't be! This was the trial?! 

Then a booming voice echoed throughout the sky.

"TRIAL OF THE COUNCIL."

The words shook the ground.

"DEFEND THE TEMPLE."

The Sith slowly ambled his way forward, and he began to speak, his raspy voice echoing through the great hall. 

“Our time has come. For 300 years we prepared, we grew stronger while you rested in your cradle of power. Believing your people were safe and protected.

You were trusted to lead the Republic, but you were deceived, as our powers of the Darkside have blinded you.

You assumed no force could challenge you and now, finally…We. Have. Returned.”

Upon finishing this sentence, a large gunship crashed through the entrance to the Temple, and smashed its landing, sliding towards them. From the darkness of its hold, hundreds of masked, cloaked Sith Warriors, dozens of Lords, and a handful of Darths emerged, red lightsabers blazing. 

Behind Corvus and Keira, scores of Jedi Knights materialized, as well as two more Jedi Masters. At their lead, Jedi Master Ven Zellow raised his green lightsaber high. However, the Sith outnumbered them two to one. 

The trial had well and truly begun, and the man playing the villain's role was none other than the devil of the SWTOR era…

DARTH MALGUS. 

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AN: Okay, so I'm sure some of you think feelings and growing the Jedi Order with slice of life is boring. Okay. Well, bet you never had Revan vs Malgus on your bingo books for this story! Yippee Ki Yay, motherfuckers!