The memory shifts once again, and we find ourselves in the middle of a bustling makeshift town inside an enormous hangar. The noise is overwhelming—traders shouting, droids whirring, and machinery clanking all around us. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before. This place feels alive but dangerous, a world far removed from the forests and mountains of home. My senses are on edge.

I spot Ryu running through the crowd, his expression full of worry. That familiar IG droid, the one Lyra reprogrammed, follows him closely. My heart tightens at the sight of them. Something's wrong. Nikko clutches my hand tightly, her ears twitching as she glances around nervously.

"What's happening?" Nikko whispers.

"I don't know," I answer softly, trying to keep my own fear in check. But something feels terribly wrong, and we follow Ryu and the droid, weaving through the chaotic streets of this strange town.

As we reach the Crucible, the ship's landing ramp is still down, but the eerie silence inside sends a chill through me. Ryu slows, his eyes scanning the surroundings with an intensity that makes my heart race. Why is it so quiet? Where is everyone?

Then, suddenly, a figure lunges from the shadows, swinging a bladed staff aimed directly at Ryu's head. I gasp in shock, barely able to process how quickly it happens. Ryu ducks just in time, the blade missing him by inches. My breath catches as, in one smooth motion, he counters, knocking the attacker to the ground. The figure falls unconscious, and I gasp when I notice its face is a mass of tentacles, its expression frozen in shock.

A slow, mocking clap fills the air, and I flinch at the sound, my gaze snapping to the source. My heart races faster. A group of a dozen bandits stand in the cargo bay, their weapons trained on Ryu. Among them are squid-faced creatures and leathery-skinned beings with sunken eyes. Their faces are cruel, twisted with menace.

At the front of the group, Lyra and a humanoid creature kneel on the ground, their hands bound.

The figure bound next to Lyra looks even more peculiar now that I can see him clearly. His small, squat frame is covered in a patched-up, well-worn suit with multiple limbs extending from his torso. Four arms—each slightly disproportionate—are strapped down, though they twitch slightly, as if he's instinctively trying to escape his restraints. His entire body is covered in dark fur with the exception of his face, which is adorned with a pair of large, expressive eyes that flicker nervously between the captors and Lyra. He has a strange snout-like mouth, and on his head, a pair of goggles rest, giving him the appearance of someone who works in dangerous environments. This creature feels utterly alien to me, and yet, the fear on his face is all too recognizable. I can't help but wonder who or what he is.

The sight of Lyra in danger sends a wave of panic through me. She tries to stay calm, but I can see the fear in her eyes. Nikko presses closer to me, trembling.

"Why is Lyra tied up?" Nikko asks, her voice shaking.

"I don't know," I whisper, trying to calm her as we watch.

The slow clap comes from a man in the center, dressed in strange, eccentric clothing, his face split into a sinister grin. I don't recognize him, but his presence makes my skin crawl.

"Impressive," the man says with a sneer. "I expected nothing less from you, August."

Ryu straightens, his eyes narrowing. "Mr. Auris, why are you here?" he asks, his voice cold as his hand hovers near his blaster.

Auris stops clapping, his grin vanishing as he snaps his fingers. "If you make another move, your lovely mechanic and your friend will meet a gruesome end." His voice drips with malice, and one of the bandits presses a blaster closer to Lyra's head.

Nikko's grip tightens around my arm, and my own fear surges. I can't look away from Lyra, bound and helpless, with her life hanging by a thread.

IG-22, standing beside Ryu, raises its blasters, ready to fire. But Ryu holds up a hand. "Stand down, IG-22," he orders, his voice steady.

The droid hesitates, its glowing eyes flicking toward Ryu before it lowers its weapons. My heart races even faster. Ryu is trying to calm the situation, but the tension is unbearable.

Auris smirks, clearly enjoying the power he holds. "Wise decision," he taunts.

"Why are you doing this?" Ryu demands, his voice sharp but controlled.

Auris takes a step closer, his eyes locked on Ryu. "Because I know your secret."

I freeze, my breath catching. What secret? Could it be about... his past? I glance at Llamiryl, but she remains composed, watching silently, though her eyes flicker with a slight unease.

"What secret?" Ryu asks, though there's a tension in his voice now.

Auris's grin falters, his tone growing more irritated. "You know what secret." He steps even closer, his gaze like a predator stalking prey. "I've been watching you for some time now, August. I've always wondered about your quick reflexes, your instincts. And now? That little scuffle confirmed it. You're not just a smuggler, are you?" He lets out a cold laugh. "You're a Jedi in hiding."

I gasp at his words, though Nikko looks more confused than surprised. She tugs at my sleeve and whispers, "I thought Papa was an Acolyte of the Force, not a Jedi?"

Llamiryl nods slightly, her brow furrowed. "He is. But they don't know that. They think he's a Jedi."

Nikko's ears twitch as she watches intently, still puzzled. I feel the weight of the revelation sink in. This man, Auris, is clearly dangerous, and he's using what he thinks he knows to trap Ryu.

Lyra and the man kneeling beside her exchange shocked glances. They're clearly just as confused as we are. My pulse races. This is bad.

Ryu clenches his fists, his jaw tight. "You've got it wrong," he says, though I can hear the tension in his voice. "I'm no Jedi."

Auris laughs again, but there's no humor in it. "Oh, I think not. Your secrets are about to cost you dearly, my friend."

The room feels thick with tension, like a storm about to break. The bandits shift uneasily, their weapons ready. IG-22 stands at Ryu's side, motionless but alert. I can see Ryu weighing his options, trying to find a way out of this without endangering Lyra or her companion.

"What do you want?" Ryu finally asks, his voice calm but with an edge of steel.

Auris grins, savoring the moment. "Simple. The Empire has placed a heavy bounty on Jedi, and the price on your head?" He whistles mockingly. "It's sky-high. So, you surrender, and I let your friends go."

"And if I refuse?" Ryu's voice is cold, but I sense the danger in his question.

Auris's eyes gleam dangerously. "Then I'll make you submit, one way or another. Painful ways."

Llamiryl's expression hardens beside me, and I can see the tension building in Ryu. He's in a terrible position, but I know he's not one to give in easily. How is he going to get out of this?

The tension is suffocating as Ryu stands there, weighing his options. The client, Mr. Auris, is clearly enjoying himself, taunting him with the threat of the Empire and the potential death of Lyra and Willo. My heart pounds in my chest, and I grip Nikko's hand tightly, unable to tear my eyes from the scene.

"What guarantee do I have that you'll keep your word?" Ryu finally asks, his voice calm despite the storm brewing in the air.

Auris chuckles darkly. "Ah, the smuggler shows his true colors. Always looking out for number one, eh? But I assure you, I always honor my deals. You surrender to me, and your friends walk away unharmed."

I glance at Lyra, who's still kneeling beside the creature. Her eyes dart between Ryu and Auris, fear and confusion written across her face. I don't blame her. Everything is unraveling, and the danger is very real.

As the silence stretches, I see Ryu's hand subtly shift, his fingers reaching for something hidden beneath his coat. There's a flicker of movement, too quick for anyone but me to notice, and I realize he's preparing to act.

Mr. Auris's voice cuts through the tension like a blade. "You claim to be a Jedi, yet here you are, willing to let your friends die to save your own skin. Is that the way of the Jedi? To abandon those in need?"

My breath catches. It feels wrong, the way Auris is twisting things. Ryu isn't like that—I know he isn't. But I can see the weight of Auris's words settling on Ryu. He's being forced into a corner, and I feel helpless.

Nikko whispers beside me, "He wouldn't abandon anyone, right?"

"No," I say softly. "He wouldn't."

Suddenly, the room is plunged into darkness. I gasp, startled by the sudden shift, and Nikko lets out a small cry, her grip tightening on my arm. Blaster fire erupts in the chaos, flashes of light illuminating the chamber briefly as I hear panicked shouts and blaster bolts ricocheting off the walls.

As the room plunges into darkness, the sudden blaster fire lights up the chamber, and my heart leaps into my throat. The red bolts flash past where Ryu had been standing only moments before, but he's gone. Completely vanished. I gasp, unable to process what just happened. How could he disappear like that? Beside me, Nikko grips my arm tightly, her wide eyes reflecting the sudden bursts of light as more blaster fire tears through the air.

"Where did he go?" Llamiryl murmurs, even her calm exterior breaking slightly as the bandits yell in confusion.

I don't have time to answer as my pulse races, and I feel my breath catch in my throat. The room has descended into chaos, but the absence of Ryu in the midst of it all leaves me even more unsettled. My mind reels, trying to piece together what's happening.

"They're gone!" one of the bandits shouts, panic clear in his voice.

"Quiet!" Auris barks, trying to regain control. But before he can finish, a brilliant yellow light erupts in the darkness—a lightsaber, humming through the air with deadly precision.

I gasp as the blade cuts through one of the bandits with a flash, and I hear the sound of bodies falling to the floor. My heart races as I watch the yellow lightsaber ignite and extinguish in rapid succession, each time another attacker falls.

Lyra frantically scans the room, but the darkness and confusion make it impossible for her to see what's happening. I can't help but feel a swell of awe and fear. Ryu is moving faster than I've ever seen, striking down foe after foe. I've seen him fight before, but this... this is something else. It's almost as if he's become what he was meant to be all along—an Acolyte of the Force.

Amid the chaos, I hear a heavy thud as IG-22 slams one of the attackers into the ground. The droid moves with terrifying precision, adding to the confusion of the bandits as they struggle to find their enemies in the dark.

The lights suddenly flicker back on, and the scene before me takes my breath away. Ryu stands amidst the fallen bandits, his yellow lightsaber casting a soft glow around him. His chest rises and falls with each breath, his expression calm and determined, though there's an edge to him now—a dangerous edge.

Auris lies on the ground, clutching his leg where the lightsaber struck him. His face is twisted in pain and fury. My stomach churns at the sight of it, and Nikko hides her face against my arm, unwilling to look.

"August..." Lyra's voice trembles, filled with disbelief. She's staring at him with wide eyes, clearly struggling to process what just happened. The man she thought she knew as a smuggler has just been revealed to be something far more formidable—and far more dangerous.

"Are you alright?" Ryu asks, his voice steady but laced with concern as he looks at her.

Lyra nods slowly, her shock evident. IG-22 steps forward, scanning the room for any remaining threats, but the fight is over.

Ryu's attention turns to Auris, who's writhing on the floor. His expression hardens, and I feel a chill run through me as he approaches the man. "Now," he says coldly, "let's finish this."

Auris's face pales as Ryu steps closer. His eyes widen in fear as he notices something flicker in Ryu's gaze—a brief glow of orange before his eyes return to their usual gray.

"What are you?" Auris gasps, his voice weak. "Jedi don't act like that."

Ryu doesn't answer. Instead, he extinguishes his lightsaber and extends an open palm toward Auris. I watch in stunned silence as Auris is lifted into the air by an unseen force. His body convulses in pain as he's dragged closer to Ryu.

"I can handle getting hit, shot at, stabbed, tortured..." Ryu's voice is ice cold, each word sending shivers down my spine. "But your biggest mistake was hurting Lyra."

Auris struggles, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "It's against the Jedi ways... to take a life without mercy," he croaks, his voice barely audible.

Ryu's eyes narrow, and his response is chilling. "I'm not a Jedi."

With a final, agonized gasp, Auris's life fades away, his body going limp in the air before Ryu releases him, letting him crumple to the floor, lifeless. The sight makes my heart race, my hands trembling as I try to process what I've just witnessed.

Nikko's eyes are wide, her ears twitching as she watches in silence, unsure of what to make of it. I glance at Llamiryl, who looks calm but is clearly processing the gravity of the situation.

Ryu turns and approaches the creature, cutting his bindings with a swift flick of a blade. IG-22 does the same for Lyra, but she remains frozen on the floor, too stunned to move.

"Are you okay?" Ryu asks the creature, his voice softer now, filled with concern.

The creature nods, rubbing his wrists. "Yeah, I'm okay... but what just happened? What are you, if not a Jedi?"

"It's complicated," Ryu replies quietly, glancing at Lyra. "We need to leave. Now."

The creature shakes his head. "No, I've got connections with the Baron. I'll be fine. I promise I'll keep your identity secret."

Ryu nods, his expression grateful. "Thank you, Willo." He taps his communicator. "AP-4, are you there?"

The pilot droid's voice crackles to life. "I am, Captain. Are you and Miss Lyra safe?"

"We're fine," Ryu replies, glancing at the aftermath around him. "What's the situation at the bridge?"

"We have just finished removing the override. We are ready for departure, Captain."

Ryu breathes a sigh of relief. "Good. Prepare for takeoff. I'll send you the coordinates."

As the bandits' bodies are cleared off the ship, Ryu waves a final goodbye to Willo before turning back to Lyra, who is still kneeling on the floor, silent and unmoving.

He kneels beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Lyra... we need to go."

She looks up at him, her eyes filled with confusion, fear, and disbelief. "August... what just happened? What are you?"

Ryu's expression softens, his voice gentle. "I'm still me. But there's a lot you don't know. We'll talk later. Right now, we need to get out of here."

Slowly, Lyra nods, allowing Ryu to help her to her feet. IG-22 stands ready, scanning the area as they move toward the cockpit. As we follow them, my heart is heavy. I've seen Ryu fight before, but this... this was different.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory shifts abruptly, and we find ourselves on the bridge of the Crucible. It's quiet—eerily so—compared to the chaos that had just transpired in the cargo bay. The swirling blues and whites of hyperspace stretch out endlessly before us, casting a soft glow across the ship's interior. It should feel calming, yet the air is thick with tension. I can feel it. Something is wrong.

Ryu stands by the controls, staring ahead, his expression unreadable. I notice his posture—tense, rigid. He's troubled, but his emotions are buried deep beneath that calm surface of his. I glance at Lyra, standing beside him. Her eyes are fixed on the vibrant tunnel of blues and whites beyond the viewport, but it's clear she isn't looking at them, not really. She's lost in thought, her body slightly trembling. She's barely holding herself together.

Nikko tilts her head in confusion. "Why does Lyra look so sad?" she whispers, her little voice soft and full of worry.

I have no answers for her, but my heart aches seeing Lyra like this. The energetic, bubbly mechanic who would do anything for Ryu is now silent, her frame trembling slightly, like she's barely holding on.

Suddenly, the stillness is shattered. Lyra turns on Ryu, her face twisted in anguish, her body shaking with emotion. "What just happened?" she shouts, her voice breaking, the words barely forming as tears streak down her cheeks. Before anyone can react, she begins pounding on Ryu's chest, her fists hitting his armor as though trying to break through both the metal and his silence. "What are you? Why did you hide it from me? Why did you never tell me?!"

Nikko gasps, her ears twitching in alarm, and I feel my own heart skip. I've never seen Lyra like this—so raw, so vulnerable. She keeps hitting August, though he doesn't move. He just stands there, letting her vent all her hurt and confusion.

Llamiryl leans toward Nikko, explaining in a whisper, "Lyra is upset because she feels betrayed. She trusted Ryu, and he kept something important from her. She just needs to get her feelings out."

I glance at Ryu; the sight of Lyra's tears is clearly taking its toll on him. His expression is one of deep regret, but he still says nothing as she continues to cry, the sound of her labored breathing filling the space around us.

Finally, Lyra stops, her fists lowering to her sides. She's exhausted, shaking with the weight of her emotions. For a moment, the only sound is the hum of the engines and her uneven breaths. August hesitates, his hand hovering near her shoulder, but then he drops it, clearly unsure of how to comfort her.

"Lyra..." he begins, his voice thick with emotion. "I... I'm sorry. I should have told you. I wanted to, but I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?" she snaps, her voice sharp with anger. "Afraid I wouldn't understand? That I wouldn't accept you? I thought you trusted me, August. I thought we—" She cuts off, unable to finish her thought as another tear slides down her face.

"I do trust you," August says quickly, his voice pleading. "More than anyone. It's just... complicated. I've been hiding this for so long, Lyra. I've had to. If the Empire knew..." He trails off, but the meaning behind his words is clear. He's been hiding to survive, and it's cost him everything—even his honesty with the one person he trusts most.

Lyra shakes her head, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I don't care how complicated it is! You should have told me, August. We've been through so much together, and you... you kept this from me?"

Her words sting, even though they're not directed at me. I can feel the weight of her pain, the betrayal in her voice. And I can see the guilt in Ryu's eyes. He knows he hurt her, but he's struggling to find the right words, the right way to make it right.

"You're right," he admits, his voice soft and filled with regret. "I was wrong to keep it from you. Let me make it up to you." He pauses, glancing at her tear-streaked face. "Let's go to the galley. I'll tell you everything."

For a long moment, Lyra just stares at him, her face a mixture of anger and sadness. Finally, she exhales a shaky breath, her shoulders sagging in defeat. "Alright," she says quietly, her voice hoarse. "But this better be good, August."

Ryu manages a small, strained smile. "I promise."

I watch as they start to walk out of the bridge, feeling a heaviness settle in my chest. Nikko is still quiet, her ears drooping as she looks between them. Even Llamiryl seems more subdued than usual.

There's a lot that's still left unsaid, and I'm not sure how any of this will be resolved. But one thing is clear—things between them have changed forever.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory shifts again, and I find myself in the dimly lit galley of the Crucible, the hum of the ship filling the silence between Ryu and Lyra. There's an undeniable tension in the air. Lyra is seated at the small kitchen table, her arms crossed and her eyes locked on the steaming mug of caf that Ryu placed in front of her. But she doesn't touch it. Her fingers tap rhythmically against the table's surface, a clear sign of the emotions bubbling just beneath the surface.

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of the moment settle over me. Nikko presses closer to my side, her usual curiosity replaced by concern. I can see the confusion in her wide eyes as she watches Lyra, so unlike the cheerful woman we've come to know. Even Llamiryl remains unusually quiet, her sharp gaze flickering between Ryu and Lyra, sensing the storm about to unfold.

Ryu sits across from her, his own mug untouched. His face is tight with worry, his gaze occasionally shifting to the lightsaber hilt resting between them. That single object holds so much of his past—a past he's about to reveal, and I know just how much that weighs on him. My heart tightens, knowing what's coming. We've witnessed his journey, his secrets. The truth he's carried all this time.

Suddenly, Lyra draws in a sharp breath, her body stiffening as she finally breaks the silence. "Start talking," she snaps, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. Her eyes, usually so full of light, are now filled with pain and anger, locking onto Ryu like she's daring him to say something that could make it all make sense.

I flinch at her tone, and Nikko clutches my arm. "Why is Lyra so mad at Papa?" she whispers, but I don't have an answer. I only know this moment must be excruciating for Ryu, and as he takes a deep breath, I hold mine.

Ryu's voice is soft, but clear, carrying the weight of years of secrecy. "My name isn't August Sinclair."

Lyra's face twists with confusion and betrayal, her knuckles turning white as she grips the edge of the table. I can see the thoughts swirling in her mind—questioning everything, wondering if any of it was real.

"My name is Ryu," he continues, his gaze steady on her. "Ryu Chikara. August... August was my master."

Lyra's reaction is immediate. Her eyes widen, lips parting in shock. It's as if the very foundation of their relationship has been shattered, and for a moment, I wonder if she'll walk away. The silence that follows is thick, and I feel my own breath catch in my throat.

"I'm not a Jedi," Ryu says, his voice lower now. "But I'm not a Sith either."

Lyra's gaze hardens, her expression a strange mix of disbelief and guarded curiosity. "Then what are you?" Her words are sharp, but there's something underneath them—a desperate need to understand.

Ryu takes another breath, his heart heavy as he continues, "I'm an Acolyte of the Force. An Acolyte isn't bound to the Jedi Code, nor to the ways of the Sith. We use both the light and the dark sides of the Force. We seek balance between them."

"Balance?" Lyra repeats, her tone still sharp, but I can sense her mind working to piece it all together. "What does that even mean?"

"It means," Ryu explains, "That I'm not swayed by one side or the other. I walk the line between light and darkness, drawing strength from both, but letting neither consume me." He watches her closely, noticing the change in her emotions. "The Jedi believe in the purity of the light. The Sith crave power through the dark. But I believe that true power comes from balance—understanding both sides, and maintaining equilibrium."

Tension hangs in the air as Lyra leans back, crossing her arms over her chest, still clearly skeptical. "So you're neither good nor evil?" she asks, her voice quieter now but still laced with doubt.

Ryu's face darkens for a moment, and my chest tightens. I know what's coming next. "I'm human, Lyra. I've made mistakes. I've done dark things." His voice is thick with regret. "But August saved me. Before I met him, my path was much darker... crueler."

I wince at the words. We've seen what he means. The darkness that consumed him before August's intervention, the things he did... I can feel Nikko's tiny fingers tighten around mine, her face scrunching up in sadness. Llamiryl's face remains impassive, though I can tell she's reflecting on what we've seen.

Lyra doesn't react right away. Her gaze softens a little, but there's still so much hurt. "What happened to him?" she asks, her voice carrying a hint of sorrow.

"He died saving me," Ryu replies, his voice tight with emotion. "He gave his life so I could live. After that... I became a Temple Guard, hiding in plain sight, trying to atone for my past."

The silence that follows is heavy, as if the air itself is weighed down by the history Ryu is sharing. I can see Lyra processing it all, her emotions swirling beneath the surface. The sharp edges of her anger seem to soften, but doubt still lingers in her eyes.

"And then came the Empire," Ryu continues, his voice softer now. "The Jedi purge." He pauses, and I feel my own heart twist at the memory of what we witnessed—Order 66, the massacre, the betrayal. It all comes rushing back in a flood of images, and I can't help but steal a glance at Nikko. Her small face is scrunched up in confusion and sadness, remembering the horrors we've seen through Ryu's memories.

"To hide from them," Ryu continues, his voice softening, "I became August Sinclair. I worked wherever I could, taking jobs and hiding from the Inquisitors. But... I grew tired of running. Tired of being cheated, lied to... I was at my lowest. I even considered..."

Lyra's eyes widen, and I can almost feel the surge of worry from her. Her body tenses, and she leans forward slightly, her voice quieter but filled with concern. "What happened?" she asks, her tone betraying her lingering care for him.

Ryu glances down at his hands for a moment before he speaks. "I met a certain pushy mechanic who wouldn't leave me alone," he says with a faint smile, his gaze lifting to meet hers again. "You, Lyra. You saw the good in me when I thought there wasn't any left."

Lyra's breath catches, and a blush creeps across her cheeks. Her lips tremble slightly as she wipes away a tear that threatens to escape. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asks, her voice shaky, the anger still there but now tinged with sorrow. "Why keep this from me all these years, Ryu?"

"The Empire isn't kind to those who help people like me," Ryu says, choosing his words carefully. "I didn't want to put you in danger, didn't want to make you a target. But mostly..." He reaches out, gently taking her hand in his. "Mostly, I didn't want to lose you."

Lyra stares at him, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions that even I can't fully understand. The galley feels smaller, the weight of the truth pressing in on all sides. I watch her, my heart aching for both of them—Lyra, hurt and confused, and Ryu, burdened by a past he's tried so hard to keep hidden.

"Lose me?" Lyra finally says, her voice a whisper. "Why would you lose me?"

Ryu squeezes her hand, his gaze locked onto hers. "I've wanted to tell you for so long, Lyra. I love you... and everything we have together is real. But I was afraid. Afraid you'd be afraid of me, afraid you'd walk away."

"You should have trusted me," she says softly, but there's no malice in her tone.

Ryu lowers his gaze, feeling the sting of her words. He nods, knowing she's right. "I should have. And I'm sorry I didn't. I've wanted to tell you for so long, Lyra," Ryu says, his voice raw with the emotion he's been holding back. "What we have, how I feel about you—it's real. But I was afraid. Afraid you'd walk away, afraid you'd see me differently. Afraid you'd be afraid of me."

For a long moment, Lyra doesn't respond. Her eyes search his, as if trying to find something that will make all of this make sense. I hold my breath, unsure of what she's going to say, unsure if she'll forgive him.

Then, slowly, Lyra pulls her hand away, standing up from the table. Ryu's face falls, and I can see the panic flashing across his features. He thinks she's going to leave.

But instead of walking away, she takes slow, deliberate steps around the table, coming to stand right in front of him. Ryu watches her, frozen, his breath catching as she looks down at him. I don't know what's going to happen. None of us do.

Lyra crosses her arms over her chest, her brow furrowing. "You thought I'd fear you?" Her voice is sharp, almost biting. "After all this time, all the battles we've fought together, all the moments we've shared, you think I'd just... leave?" There's a flicker of hurt in her eyes, but beneath it, there's something deeper. "Do you think so little of me?"

Ryu flinches at her words, his breath catching. "Lyra, I—" he starts, but she cuts him off with a raised hand.

"You thought I'd be afraid of you?" she repeats, her voice hardening. For a moment, it feels like the weight of his secret is too much, that she's about to push him away.

But then... something changes.

Lyra's expression softens, her shoulders dropping as she lets out a long, shaky breath. She takes a step closer, her voice still firm, but warmer now. "August," she says softly, shaking her head, "We've been through hell and back. I've seen you at your best, and I've seen you at your worst. You think some secret—no matter how big—could change how I feel about you?" Her voice breaks slightly, but she presses on, her eyes never leaving his. "After everything, after all these years, do you really think I'd just... stop loving you?"

I glance at Nikko, who's watching with wide eyes. "Is Lyra still mad?" she whispers to me, her little voice filled with concern.

I shake my head slightly, sensing the shift in the air. "I don't think so," I whisper back. Lyra's tone, her words... they're not filled with anger anymore.

Ryu looks stunned, unable to speak. I can almost see the weight lifting off his shoulders, the tension that's been gripping him easing away. He watches her, his chest tight, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Lyra takes another step closer. "You're an idiot for thinking I'd be afraid of you. I've seen the worst the galaxy has to offer. And you? You're not even close." Her voice is soft, but her words carry so much weight. "You've never lied to me to hurt me. You've always done it to protect me, even if I hate it."

I can feel the warmth returning between them, the connection that was almost severed slowly being rebuilt. Lyra's eyes soften further as she looks at him, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile.

"I know you, August," she whispers. "And nothing—nothing—is going to change that."

Ryu's eyes widen, his body still as her words sink in. He looks like he's about to break, the relief flooding through him so intense that I can feel it from where I'm standing.

Without another word, Ryu pulls her into an embrace, wrapping his arms around her as if he's afraid to let go. Lyra doesn't hesitate. She wraps her arms around him, too, resting her head against his chest.

"I love you, you idiot," Lyra murmurs, her voice muffled slightly against him. "And nothing is going to change that."

Ryu's arms tighten around her, and I see a tear slip down his face, though he quickly wipes it away. I feel my own eyes misting up, and when I glance down at Nikko, she's watching them with a soft smile, her earlier confusion replaced by something much warmer.

Llamiryl remains quiet, her sharp eyes observing everything, though I can see a faint smile on her lips as well.

After what feels like an eternity, Ryu pulls back just enough to look down at Lyra. "You're not hiding anything else from me, are you?" she asks, her tone still firm, but playful now.

Ryu shakes his head, a small, almost bashful smile tugging at his lips. "No," he says softly. "I promise. No more secrets."

They stand like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms. No more words are needed. They've found their way back to each other, and the air around them feels lighter, warmer, as if the weight of the galaxy has finally been lifted from their shoulders.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, my chest feeling lighter as I watch them. It's not perfect yet. There's still so much they need to work through, but for now, they've taken the first step. And I think, maybe, they'll be okay.

I can't help but feel a familiar sting in my chest though. The depth of their connection, the way they speak to each other, it's so intimate, so personal. The warmth they share feels like a heavy weight pressing against me. I watch them embrace, Ryu's arms wrapped around her like she's his entire world, and the jealousy grows. I know this is just a memory, that it happened before we ever crossed paths, but that doesn't make it easier.

Nikko shifts beside me, her ears twitching, but she doesn't seem to understand the complexity of what's happening. She's seen how much Ryu cares for Lyra, and yet, it doesn't bother her like it does me. Maybe it's because she's still young, too innocent to grasp the pain of being an outsider in someone's heart. I can't help but wonder if there's any place for me in Ryu's life when it's so clear that Lyra already holds such a special part of it.

Even Llamiryl, standing silently next to us, seems more composed than I feel. But I can't shake the feeling that no matter how much time I spend with Ryu, no matter how much we've shared, I'll never reach that level of closeness they have.

I swallow hard, trying to push the thought away. This is Ryu's past. It's not something I'm a part of. But as I watch them stand together, their foreheads touching, their silent understanding shared in that moment, I can't help but wonder if I'll ever be able to mean something to him like Lyra does.

I force myself to look away, focusing on the distant hum of the ship instead, doing my best to quiet the emotions swirling inside me.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory shifts, and we find ourselves standing in a room, unlike anything I've ever seen before. The walls are cluttered with objects, strange devices scattered across various surfaces. This space feels more personal than other areas of the ship—a place of work but with a sense of attachment and familiarity woven through it. There's something in the corner, a tall object, covered by a cloth, but what lies beneath is a mystery to me.

The room is small, intimate, but the scattered tools and mechanical objects give it a lived-in quality, like whoever spends time here has a deep connection to it. It's nothing like the simple and straightforward rooms I'm used to—everything here seems to serve a complex purpose. The table, the shelves... all of it speaks of a life dedicated to machinery, to creation.

Ryu and Lyra step into the room together, their presence shifting the atmosphere even more. I glance at the object in the corner, sensing that it's important, but I can't make out what it is yet.

"You don't need to hide," Lyra says softly, addressing the hidden object. "He knows."

At her words, the cloth shifts. I take a step back, startled, as a droid steps out from beneath the covering. The fabric falls away, revealing a tall, sleek figure made of polished metal. The droid's imposing frame is painted a matte gray, its limbs long and precise, designed for something far more advanced than anything I've ever encountered. Its head is angular, almost helmet-like, with glowing optical sensors that sweep over the room.

I can't help but feel uneasy as I take in the droid's appearance, but there's something familiar about its design, especially the head. I glance at Nikko, who looks at the droid with the same sense of recognition that stirs within me.

Ryu crosses his arms, his gaze locked on the droid. "This is what you spent six thousand credits on?" he asks, his tone stern but curious.

Lyra gives him a sheepish smile, clearly not ashamed of her choice. "He's more than just a droid, Ryu. He's my passion project."

"Passion project?" Ryu raises an eyebrow, his arms still crossed as he watches the droid with cautious eyes.

Lyra nods, her excitement bubbling up in her voice. "I found him while walking by Vallus' stall at that little market place."

Ryu lets out a heavy sigh, shaking his head in disbelief. "From him? Of all the people, Lyra... Vallus is known for ripping people off."

"I know!" Lyra defends herself, holding her hands up. "But trust me, I studied the droid thoroughly before making the purchase. He'll be an extremely useful asset to our team, I promise. His frame, his capabilities... I modified him, upgraded him even further than he was originally capable of. He's not just some ordinary droid, Ryu. He's going to help us in ways you can't even imagine!"

Despite myself, I can't help but be drawn into Lyra's enthusiasm. She's so passionate about this creation, and the way she speaks about it reminds me of her love for tinkering with machines and improving them.

Nikko's eyes brighten with curiosity. Her tail flicks as she looks up at the droid, and I can feel her excitement growing. I recognize that spark in her—she's infatuated by this droid, just as she was with Apollo.

The droid in front of us seems to sense our curiosity. It turns its head slightly, the glowing lights from its optical sensors flickering as it observes us.

Ryu sighs again, but I can see the edge of his frustration softening. "Alright, but no more purchases behind my back," he mutters.

Lyra grins, her joy palpable as she wraps her arms around him in a hug. "I promise." There's something intimate about the way she pulls him close, and it sends a familiar pang of jealousy through me. I look away, trying not to let the feeling fester, but it lingers at the edge of my thoughts. They share a connection that I will never fully understand.

Ryu, though still cautious, turns back to the droid. "So, what's it capable of?"

Lyra beams with pride. "This was once an ST-series military strategic analysis and tactics droid from the Clone Wars era. Few were made, and they were known for adapting in combat and overcoming any scenario."

I glance at the droid, now understanding why it feels vaguely familiar. Its head reminds me of Apollo, but this one is more imposing, more advanced.

Ryu inspects the droid's chassis, running his hand along its metallic surface. "It looks like it's been through a lot," he comments.

Lyra nods, her excitement bubbling over again. "He was in terrible condition when I found him. Only the head and chassis were intact. I had to replace almost everything else, but I made sure to keep the memory processor. That was the key. Remember the cargo we were supposed to deliver?"

Ryu looks at her, his curiosity piqued. "The one we never actually dropped off?"

She grins. "Yes! That was a shipment of advanced droid chips. I used them on him. There's an IG-100 chip designed for combating Jedi, a learning software chip, and the processor chip of a protocol droid."

At the mention of Jedi, I feel a chill run through me. The memories of Ryu's past, of the wars he fought in, rise to the surface. I glance at Nikko, wondering if she's remembering the same thing, but she's too caught up in the excitement of witnessing this droid.

Ryu's expression shifts, showing a hint of surprise. "Learning software?" he asks, his tone laced with suspicion.

Lyra nods eagerly. "He can learn! Every battle, every interaction—he adapts and grows more efficient. Just think of how valuable he'll be!"

Ryu seems impressed despite himself. He steps back, looking at the droid more closely. "So, it's fully functional?"

"Fully," Lyra confirms, her eyes gleaming with pride. "I've already uploaded everything I could find from the ship's database—star charts, history, manuals, combat protocols. He learns fast."

Ryu crosses his arms, his skepticism slowly giving way to admiration. "That is incredible."

I watch the exchange, fascinated by the level of detail Lyra has put into this creation. It's clear that this droid is more than just a machine to her—it's a symbol of her skills, her passion, and her dedication.

As Lyra proudly explains the droid's upgrades and modifications, I try to follow along, but most of what she's saying about chips and learning software goes over my head. I admire her skill and passion, but the technical aspects are lost on me. However, the fact that Apollo is even more capable than before—that is something I can appreciate.

"What's its designation?" Ryu asks, still studying the droid.

Lyra's smile widens. "He picked out his own designation."

Ryu blinks in surprise. "Droids aren't capable of that."

"This one is," Lyra replies confidently.

She steps closer to the droid, placing a hand on its arm. "Go on," she encourages softly. "Introduce yourself."

The droid's head tilts slightly, its optical sensors flickering for a moment before it speaks. "Greetings. I am Apollo. It is a pleasure to meet you, Ryu."

Nikko's face lights up, her tail wagging with excitement. "Apollo!" she squeals, I can feel a spark of recognition. The name, the voice—it all clicks into place. Apollo. Nikko's eyes widen in awe, and she almost jumps with excitement, her tail twitching with delight. I can tell she's beyond thrilled to see him again, her guardian, the droid who has been by our side through so much.

For me, it's a mix of surprise and respect. We haven't spoken much before, Apollo and I, but I've seen him in action, and I know his capabilities. He's been a valuable ally, and seeing him here, reintroduced through Lyra's enthusiasm, fills me with a strange sense of relief. Apollo has always been reliable, even if not always a conversationalist.

Ryu, too, seems taken aback. "Apollo?" he repeats. "Why that name?"

The droid's optical sensors brighten as it explains. "In my readings, I discovered an ancient civilization that worshipped many deities. One of these deities, called Apollo, was the god of knowledge and learning. Since I seek to learn and gather knowledge as their deity did, I have chosen to adopt that name."

Ryu raises an eyebrow, impressed by the droid's manner of speaking. "You don't talk like a typical droid," he notes.

"I have been programmed with extensive linguistic capabilities, integrating protocol droid software," Apollo replies. "This allows me to communicate more effectively."

Lyra grins, clearly proud of her creation. She suddenly has an idea. "Ryu, although I've uploaded many combat protocols, Apollo hasn't actually fought anyone before. What if you two sparred?"

Apollo's optical sensors flicker as it turns to face Lyra. "Is that wise? Given that droids are stronger than humans, I could easily injure or kill Ryu."

Lyra chuckles. "The goal isn't to harm anyone, Apollo. This spar is just to see your capabilities. Ryu is a skilled fighter. He can handle himself."

I glance at Ryu, remembering all the battles he's fought, the way he moves through combat with the grace of someone who's trained his whole life. But the idea of him sparring with a droid like Apollo still makes my heart race. I know he's strong, but... I can't shake the worry that something could go wrong. Nikko, though, seems utterly captivated by Apollo, her eyes wide with admiration. For her, this is a reunion, a chance to see her beloved guardian again even if this is just a memory.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory shifts, and we find ourselves in a dimly lit cantina, where the air feels heavy with a strange mix of smoke and sweat. The low hum of murmured conversations surrounds us, but my attention is drawn to the hulking figure sitting in a booth nearby. He's unlike anyone I've ever seen before—a massive creature with four thick, muscular arms resting on the table in front of him. His face is wide and flat, with deep-set eyes and a grin that manages to be both welcoming and intimidating. I can't help but stare, startled by his sheer size and appearance. What kind of being is he? I wonder.

Nikko, standing beside me, tugs on my arm, her own ears twitching in curiosity. "Talia, what is that?" she whispers, her voice filled with awe. I have no answer.

Ryu and Lyra step forward, heading toward the strange being, who waves at them with one of his massive arms. They sit across from him, and soon, a service droid rolls up to their table. Lyra orders something to eat, her stomach clearly rumbling. "I'll have a nerf steak with a side of roasted nuna legs," she says casually.

The strange being in the booth leans forward, his demeanor shifting as the droid rolls away. He places a small device on the table, and suddenly, the image of Ryu's face flickers to life.

"You need to leave," the large being says, his voice low and serious. "I got this from a bounty hunter that's been snooping around my station. If he knows you're here, so do many others."

I gasp softly, the realization dawning on me. There's a bounty on him. This is dangerous. I tense up, feeling a growing sense of dread. My heart skips a beat when Ryu's eyes narrow, his distrust obvious. "How do I know you're not playing me, Varek?" he asks.

Varek lets out a deep, rumbling chuckle. "If I were gonna betray you, August, I'd have done it by now."

Suddenly, an alarm blares through the station, the loud sound making me jump. Lyra drops her fork in surprise, and the station shakes violently, plunging everything into darkness. My heart races as the emergency lights flicker on, casting an eerie red glow over everything.

Varek reacts quickly, activating something on his wrist. A new hologram appears in front of him—an enormous, menacing-looking ship hovers near the station. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's... terrifying. Nikko grips my hand tightly, her face pale. "What... what is that?"

I can't speak, too shocked by the sight. The ship feels oppressive, a force of impending doom. Dozens of smaller ships are leaving the larger one, and I can't tear my eyes away from them. Each of these smaller ships looks like deadly birds of prey, their wings angled sharply like knives. Everything about this scene feels wrong. What kind of power are they up against?

"The Empire has found you," Varek states, oddly calm given the situation. "The station's defenses are down at the moment, and we'll be boarded soon. If you want to escape, you need to do so now."

Ryu's voice cuts through the rising tension. "Lyra, we need to get back to the Crucible," he says urgently.

Lyra's expression shifts, the fear creeping into her eyes as she nods. "What about you, Varek?"

The hologram from Varek's wrist shifts, showing an overview of the station. Multiple red targets flash across the image, but one by one, they begin to turn green. A smile spreads across his face. "I will buy you some time. Now hurry!" he shouts, rushing out of the cantina.

Alarms continue to blare as Ryu and Lyra sprint through the station. Nikko and I follow closely, the panic around us overwhelming. People are everywhere—running, shouting, pushing each other in desperation. The stalls we passed earlier are now abandoned, merchandise scattered across the floor. Is this what happens when people are truly afraid? I think, feeling my own panic rising.

Ryu activates his communicator. "Apollo, IG-22, ready the Crucible for takeoff. We're on our way."

IG-22's voice crackles through the device, its tone as dry as ever. "Currently, the station is under attack by the Empire. Multiple boarding parties are breaching various sectors. Panic has ensued among the station's population, and the structural integrity of the station is compromised. Preparing the Crucible for immediate departure seems prudent."

Ryu snaps in frustration. "Just do it!"

I can feel the fear growing in Lyra. She's barely holding it together as we run. My heart races alongside hers, the danger closing in with every step we take. But then, we're stopped. Figures appear in front of us—dark soldiers in black armor, their helmets sinister, their red visors glowing ominously in the dim light.

A cold shiver runs down my spine. Something about them feels... wrong. Their armor is sleek and black, reminding me too much of the Sith Troopers we've seen before. And when Ryu ignites his yellow lightsaber, the scene becomes even more surreal. The crackling of his weapon, the snap-hiss of the blade lighting the corridor—it all feels like a nightmare.

The troopers fire their blasters, the red streaks of light flashing through the air. But Ryu is faster. He deflects the bolts with ease, his movements fluid and precise. Lyra, in a moment of panic, grabs Ryu's blaster from its holster and begins firing as well, her shots joining the fray. Blue bolts mix with the red as the battle intensifies.

There's a second group behind us. We're surrounded.

Ryu reaches out with the Force, ripping metal panels from the walls and hurling them at the advancing troopers. The force of the impact knocks them down, but more take their place. There's no end to them.

Lyra's voice shakes. "There are too many of them, Ryu!"

I bite my lip, feeling helpless as we watch the scene unfold. Nikko trembles beside me, her wide eyes fixed on the chaos. How can they win against this?

Ryu doesn't answer. His focus is entirely on the fight. His strikes are swift, deadly, as he cuts down the troopers in front of him. Behind us, he crushes the ones advancing from the rear with the Force, their black armor crumpling like paper. The corridor is filled with the bodies of fallen troopers, their weapons clattering to the ground, and finally, silence falls.

I exhale a breath I didn't realize I was holding. They made it through.

Ryu extinguishes his lightsaber, his breath heavy. He turns to Lyra, concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

Lyra nods, though her chest heaves with exhaustion. "I'm fine, just... shaken."

Ryu places a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Let's keep moving. We're almost there."

We continue running, the alarms still blaring in the background, reminding us that the danger is far from over. We need to get off this station.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We race through the chaos of the station, and my heart pounds in rhythm with the alarms echoing around us. The screams, the blasts, the heavy footfalls of fleeing people—it all blends into a frantic noise that makes it hard to think, let alone keep up. I catch a glance of Nikko beside me, her little ears flat against her head, her tail twitching anxiously. She's scared—how could she not be? I want to comfort her, but there's no time. We have to keep running.

Ahead, Ryu's communicator buzzes again, and Apollo's voice comes through. "The ship is ready for immediate departure."

IG-22's dry, mechanical tone follows, "Currently, the station's defenses have been compromised. Imperial forces are making significant progress in their boarding operations. Civilian evacuation is ongoing, but the station's structural integrity is at risk. Immediate departure is advisable to avoid capture or destruction."

I swallow hard, my throat dry. Capture or destruction. We need to move faster.

As we round another corner, Lyra suddenly speaks up, her voice trembling with confusion. "I've never seen these kinds of stormtroopers before," she says, her breath still ragged from the run.

Ryu glances at her briefly, his eyes scanning for more threats. "That's because they aren't stormtroopers," he explains between breaths. "They're Purge Troopers. Their purpose is to hunt Jedi."

At his words, a chill runs down my spine. Hunt Jedi? It makes me think of the Sith, of the darkness that always lingers just beyond the light. The thought that there are soldiers designed specifically to hunt people like Ryu fills me with a cold dread.

Beside me, Nikko shudders, clearly rattled by the revelation. "They hunt people like Papa?" she whispers, her eyes wide with fear. Llamiryl, running on my other side, speaks quietly to calm her.

"They do," Llamiryl says with a grim nod. "But he's not a Jedi, Nikko. They're probably hunting him because they don't know the difference."

Nikko tilts her head, confused. "But... why do they think Papa is a Jedi?" she asks innocently.

Llamiryl shrugs lightly, her voice calm despite the situation. "Maybe because they can't tell the difference. Maybe they just don't care."

I glance at them both, my stomach turning as I think about what's happening. This is bigger than us. Bigger than any of us could have realized.

We finally reach the large doors leading to the hangar bay. Relief surges through me, but it's quickly overshadowed by the fear of what still lies ahead. Ryu's communicator crackles to life again. "The ship is ready for immediate departure," Apollo's voice repeats, sounding urgent now.

IG-22 adds in its usual tone, "Currently, the station's defenses have been compromised. Civilian evacuation is ongoing, but the station's structural integrity is at risk. Departure is highly advisable."

We reach the large doors leading to the hangars, and my heart starts to race. I can feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me, but nothing could have prepared me for what happens next. The doors slide open with a hiss, revealing the vast hangar beyond.

My heart sinks.

Instead of the Crucible waiting to take Ryu and Lyra to safety, a legion of black-armored soldiers stand in formation—Purge Troopers. The lights reflect off their dark, sinister armor, casting sharp glints as they raise their blasters, spotting Ryu and Lyra.

I freeze. My breath catches in my throat. Nikko gasps beside me, her tail stiff with fear. Even Llamiryl, usually so calm and collected, looks shaken, her eyes narrowing in uncharacteristic unease.

Ryu turns with Lyra, trying to escape, but more Purge Troopers block their path. Trapped. Panic rises inside me as I realize they have nowhere to run. This can't be happening.

But then, something strange happens. The Purge Troopers lower their weapons.

A figure steps forward from the ranks, towering and terrifying. His armor is dark, adorned with crimson accents, and his helmet—stars, that helmet—it looks like a demon's face, with glowing red visors. A long, tattered cloak billows behind him. There's a menacing authority about him that sends a chill down my spine. Nikko presses close to me, trembling.

Lyra whispers, her voice full of dread, "Who is that?"

Ryu's voice is tight, filled with recognition. "That is an Inquisitor. A former Jedi turned Jedi hunter."

Inquisitor. Jedi hunter. The words make my stomach lurch. I feel my pulse quicken, fear gnawing at me. Nikko's ears twitch, her little hands clenching as she mirrors my nervousness. Llamiryl's fingers twitch slightly, her usual calm almost cracking. She understands. She must.

The Inquisitor speaks, his voice deep and distorted by his helmet. "I am the 12th Brother, and I have been looking for you, August." He pauses, the red visors on his mask flashing as he looks directly at Ryu. "Or should I say, Ryu Chikara. It's been a long time, brother."

Brother? I feel a jolt of shock, but it's Ryu's face—his expression—that makes my heart sink further. He knows him. This... this monster in front of us. He knows him.

Lyra's voice trembles. "Ryu... you know him?"

Ryu's jaw tightens, and for a moment, the air between them feels heavy with memories neither of them want to face. "Yes, I do."

The 12th Brother continues, his tone laced with mockery. "He never told you of his past, has he? Long before he knew you, he and I were Temple Guards of the Jedi Temple. I offered you the chance to fight with me that day, don't you remember? You turned on me and betrayed me."

The words hang in the air, dripping with venom. My hands tighten into fists as I struggle to understand. Nikko looks up at me, her wide eyes full of confusion and fear.

Ryu stands firm, his voice steady but grim. "It was you who turned traitor, Majel. You cut down our brothers and sisters when the clone troopers attacked the temple."

Majel? The name strikes me, a name I've heard before. The traitor from Ryu's past, the one who betrayed the Jedi. My breath catches in my throat. Nikko's ears fold back as the weight of the revelation sinks in for both of us. Even Llamiryl looks startled, her eyes wide with disbelief.

The Inquisitor's voice drips with contempt. "You've been wasting your talents, Ryu, hiding as a simple smuggler. Your abilities are far better suited for a higher purpose."

I can feel the tension in the air, my heart pounding faster. The Inquisitor—Majel—what is he trying to do? My eyes flick to Ryu, standing tall, his expression unreadable. Nikko's tail twitches nervously. I can feel her tension.

"And what purpose would that be?" Ryu asks, his voice calm, though I can sense the storm beneath.

Majel sneers. "As an Inquisitor, of course. Join us, and your talents won't be squandered. No longer will you have to hide who you truly are!"

I clench my fists tighter, the fury rising inside me. He's offering Ryu the same deal again—the same one that tore their world apart. My heart races, but Ryu's response is instant, his resolve unwavering.

"I'll never join you."

Majel tilts his head, his gaze sliding toward Lyra. "I can sense your fear, Ryu. But it's not for yourself—it's for her."

The words hit hard. My stomach tightens with dread. I glance at Lyra, who grips Ryu's arm, her eyes wide with terror. Nikko lets out a soft whimper, pressing herself against me. The Inquisitor's voice drips with mockery. "The Jedi are forbidden to love," he says, his voice dark and cruel. "How touching, yet so predictable."

With a sneer, Majel draws his double-bladed lightsaber. The red blades ignite with a terrifying hiss, bathing the hangar in an eerie glow. The sound of it alone sends chills down my spine.

Ryu lets go of Lyra's hand and ignites his own lightsaber, its yellow blade casting a warm light in stark contrast to the Inquisitor's red.

The Purge Troopers surge forward. They grab Lyra, and before I can fully register what's happening, they bind her hands with cuffs and start dragging her toward a nearby ship—one of those strange, wedge-shaped craft I've never seen before. It looms in the background, its engines starting to whine, its menacing form adding to the dread growing inside me. Lyra's scream rips through the hangar. "Ryu!"

I feel the panic rise in me. Nikko's claws dig into my arm as she watches helplessly. My heart hammers in my chest—Lyra's in danger, and there's nothing we can do. Nothing.

Ryu moves to intervene, but the 12th Brother is already blocking his path, their lightsabers clashing with a flash of light. My heart races as I watch the fight unfold—Ryu and Majel's blades whirling and crackling with energy. The air feels thick, heavy with the tension of their duel, and all I can do is watch, helpless.

"The years have made you weak," Majel sneers, his red lightsaber striking down on Ryu's yellow blade. The clash sends sparks flying. Nikko grips my arm tighter, her small body trembling. "A failed Jedi... hiding behind a smuggler's mask."

I wince at Majel's words, feeling the sting of them even though they're aimed at Ryu. He's trying to tear Ryu down, to make him doubt himself, and it's working. Ryu stumbles, his defenses weakening, and I feel my chest tighten in fear. Nikko's ears flatten against her head, her little voice whispering, "He can't lose... Ryu can't lose..."

Majel presses his attack, his strikes relentless, driving Ryu closer to the edge. I watch in horror, unable to do anything, my heart pounding in my chest. "You're nothing but a shadow of your former self," Majel taunts, his voice dripping with venom. "Lost, clinging to scraps and false hope."

Ryu falters, his movements slowing, and I feel my throat tighten. He's losing. Lyra's scream echoes in my mind—her desperate call for help—and I can't shake the fear that this is it. She's gone, and Ryu is losing. Nikko clings to me, her breath shallow and panicked. Even Llamiryl, who has been so calm through all of this, looks grim, her eyes fixed on the battle with a deep worry she can't hide.

But then something changes.

Ryu closes his eyes for just a moment, and I see it—the shift. His breathing steadies, and when he opens his eyes again, there's a clarity in them that wasn't there before. He's letting the Force guide him. I feel the tension in the air shift, and for the first time since this nightmare began, there's a flicker of hope.

Suddenly, Majel's strikes seem slower, less precise. Ryu dodges to the side, his movements fluid, his yellow blade moving with a newfound sharpness. He blocks a sweeping blow, countering with a swift strike that forces Majel back a step.

Majel snarls, his arrogance faltering. He swings harder, but Ryu is quicker now, more deliberate. Their lightsabers clash again, but this time, it's Majel who is being pushed back.

"You're wrong," Ryu says, his voice calm but firm. "I haven't lost anything."

With a powerful strike, Ryu slashes at Majel's helmet. Sparks fly as the mask splits, revealing part of Majel's face—green skin, face tattoos and an eye twisted with rage. The sight of his exposed, furious expression sends a chill down my spine. Nikko gasps, her eyes wide with shock. "That's him... that's Majel..."

Ryu presses his advantage, disarming Majel with a precise slash that sends his crimson lightsaber clattering to the floor. The Inquisitor stumbles, his broken mask sparking. He's vulnerable, exposed.

For a moment, I think Ryu is going to end it. He stands over Majel, his yellow blade raised, breathing hard. My heart is in my throat—part of me wants him to finish it, to end this nightmare once and for all.

But just as Ryu is about to strike, Majel sneers. He raises his hand, and with a powerful surge of the Force, he sends Ryu flying backward. My heart jumps as Ryu crashes into a pile of crates, but he quickly gets back on his feet, his yellow blade still ignited.

"Ryu!" I whisper, but of course, he can't hear me. None of them can. We're just observers in this memory, trapped in the horror of watching it unfold without being able to intervene.

Majel takes the opportunity and dashes toward the dropship. With a single leap, he vaults onto the landing ramp just as the TIE Reaper's engines roar to life. My heart sinks again, watching him escape. The ramp rises, sealing him inside the ship as it lifts off.

"No..." Nikko whispers, her voice full of fear and disbelief. "He's getting away..."

I feel the same dread, the same frustration. Llamiryl's calm facade has fully cracked now, her lips pressed into a thin line, her fists clenched. She knows the danger, and she feels the same helplessness that I do.

Ryu's voice cuts through the air, filled with desperation. "NO!" His eyes are locked on the dropship as it ascends, taking Lyra away. His heart must be breaking, just like mine is. I feel my breath catch, a horrible thought creeping into my mind.

Is this the source of Ryu's guilt?

The dropship disappears into the sky, and I feel a cold pit of dread settle in my stomach. Lyra is gone, and I can't help but think that she's at the center of all of this—the reason Ryu feels so broken, so guilty. My concern for her life grips me like a vice, and I can't shake the horrible thought that maybe... maybe she didn't survive this.

Ryu stands amidst the debris, his lightsaber still humming in his hand, his eyes filled with despair. My heart aches for him, for Lyra, for all of us. I glance at Nikko, her face pale, her ears flattened, and I know she feels the same. Even Llamiryl, who has always been so strong, looks deeply worried, her eyes shadowed with concern.

Majel got away. Lyra is gone. And we're left with the crushing weight of uncertainty.

Ryu pants heavily, his gaze fixed where the dropship disappeared, his pulse racing. The weight of everything that just happened bears down on him. I can feel it too—his desperation to save Lyra, his frustration at being unable to act. But there's no time to dwell on it, not with the Purge Troopers closing in, their blasters trained on him.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Suddenly, the sound of heavy blaster fire fills the air, sending the Purge Troopers flying. Ryu glances up, momentarily confused, and I follow his gaze.

It's the Crucible.

The ship swoops in above us, its ramp lowering as Apollo stands at the edge, waving Ryu over. There's no hesitation. Ryu leaps onto a stack of nearby crates and then onto the ramp, Apollo grabbing his arm and hauling him aboard.

"Let's go!" Ryu yells, already sprinting towards the bridge with Apollo right behind him.

Nikko is on edge beside me, her eyes wide, tail twitching nervously as we watch Ryu charge through the corridors of the Crucible. Even Llamiryl is leaning forward, her usually calm expression tight with concern.

In the bridge, we see the droids: AP-4, C1-B4, DP-7, and IG-22, all awaiting them. Apollo turns to Ryu, its voice full of concern. "What happened to Lyra?"

"They took her," Ryu replies, his voice tight with fury. "She's on that Star Destroyer. We have to rescue her."

I feel my heart sink at his words. They have Lyra. Nikko grips my hand, and I can sense her fear, her quiet worry. Even Llamiryl looks tense, her lips pressed together as she watches.

IG-22 interjects, its voice cold and mechanical. "That would be an impossible task. The Crucible won't survive an open firefight against a ship that size. Boarding is equally impossible."

I can see the frustration in Ryu's eyes. The words of that Inquisitor—Majel—are still lingering in the air, mocking him. Your sentimentality makes you weak, predictable.

Suddenly, Ryu slams his fist into the wall, leaving a deep dent behind. I jump at the sudden outburst, my heart pounding. Nikko lets out a small gasp, her ears twitching nervously, but neither of us is surprised. We've seen this before. Ryu is furious—desperate to save Lyra, just as he fought for us. I understand now. He'll do whatever it takes to protect those he cares for.

"We have to do something!" Ryu exclaims, his voice sharp with frustration.

Apollo's sensors flicker, scanning the room. Then, in one swift motion, it reaches into a corner and pulls out a small, struggling probe droid.

Ryu's expression turns cold. "Crush it, Apollo."

But Apollo holds up a hand, extending a hacking appendage. "If I may interject. This droid's code is Imperial and encrypted. If I can hack it and extract its data, I can upload it into the ship's systems."

Ryu looks skeptical. "What good would that do?"

"We can temporarily confuse that ship's systems by disguising the Crucible as a friendly vessel. It will allow us to fly close to the Star Destroyer without being fired upon."

Ryu's eyes narrow as a flicker of hope lights within him. "Do it, Apollo."

The bridge falls into tense silence as Apollo goes to work, its hacking appendage interfacing with the probe droid. Every second feels like an eternity. My fingers are clenched, the tension mounting in me. Nikko's small body is rigid beside me, her tail still, her eyes wide. Even Llamiryl is watching closely, her brow furrowed with concentration.

Apollo crushes the probe droid in its grip after extracting the data, sparks flying from its broken form. I feel a surge of relief when Apollo inserts the data into the Crucible's systems and announces, "It is done. We are now undetected."

Without hesitation, Ryu jumps into the pilot seat and pushes the Crucible to maximum speed. As they near the massive Star Destroyer, no fire comes from the ship. I exhale slowly, feeling the tension ease—just a little.

They approach a smaller hangar, and Ryu makes a rough landing. The ship's hull groans in protest as it touches down, but they're inside. My breath catches in my throat as the confused Imperial officers and Purge Troopers open fire.

"Take control of the turrets, B4!" Ryu shouts.

C1-B4 beeps and immediately takes control of the ship's turrets. Within moments, the hangar is cleared, the bodies of stormtroopers and Purge Troopers lying motionless on the floor, smoke rising from their scorched armor.

Ryu wastes no time. "Can you trace Lyra's whereabouts?"

Apollo scans the systems, its sensors flickering. "I need to hack into the ship's systems to do so."

Ryu nods firmly. "Come with me. The rest of you, secure the area." He turns to DP-7. "You're coming too. Your hacking capabilities are more refined than Apollo's."

Apollo bristles, clearly offended. "I am quite proficient in hacking."

Ryu places a hand on Apollo's shoulder. "But I need your fighting capabilities more. Let's move."

Nikko exhales beside me, her small hands clenching into fists as we watch Ryu, Apollo, and DP-7 move swiftly through the hangar. They make their way to a nearby terminal, where DP-7 interfaces with the system, projecting a hologram of the ship's interior.

Apollo points to a location deep within the ship. "A female prisoner has been brought to the 12th Brother's quarters, located here."

The map highlights a red path, marking the quickest route. I feel my heart lurch. Lyra's alive. Nikko lets out a small sigh of relief, though her tail remains stiff with worry. Llamiryl watches, her expression serious.

Ryu studies the map, then orders DP-7 to deactivate the gravity wells while he and Apollo rescue Lyra. The droid zips away, leaving Ryu and Apollo to sprint through the corridors. My pulse races as they fight their way through stormtroopers and droids, Ryu's lightsaber cutting down enemies with deadly precision.

The fear I once felt when watching him fight is gone now. I understand. Ryu fights to protect the ones he cares about. He's doing whatever it takes to save Lyra.

They reach the heavy doors of the 12th Brother's quarters, and with a single gesture, Ryu tears the door from its hinges with the Force. Inside, the room is cold, utilitarian.

And there's Lyra.

I feel a surge of relief seeing her alive, standing in the center of the room, though her eyes are wide with fear. But behind her, the 12th Brother looms, his mask cracked, revealing part of his green-skinned face.

"Commendable, Ryu," the 12th Brother sneers. "But it's all over."

My heart pounds in my chest as Purge Troopers file into the room, weapons trained on Ryu and Apollo. I feel Nikko press against me, her breath shallow. Llamiryl's gaze narrows. The tension in the room is unbearable.

"Let her go," Ryu demands, his voice calm but unyielding.

The 12th Brother chuckles darkly, igniting his lightsaber. "You've fallen into my trap, Jedi."

I hold my breath as I see it—the moment that changes everything. The 12th Brother steps forward, his lightsaber humming as he thrusts the blade into Lyra's back. The red light pierces through her chest, her eyes widening in shock.

"No!" I scream, my voice echoing in my mind as we watch helplessly. Nikko lets out a choked sob, her eyes wide with horror. Even Llamiryl's composure cracks, her face pale with shock.

Lyra collapses to the ground, lifeless.

The room begins to shake, the walls groaning under the pressure of Ryu's fury. I feel my heart racing, my mind barely able to process what just happened. Lyra—Lyra is dead. The weight of that realization crushes me, and I can barely breathe.

The 12th Brother laughs, triumphant. "Yes! I can feel your power!"

But his gloating is cut short as Ryu's power surges. He lifts the 12th Brother and the Purge Troopers into the air, choking them with the Force. Ryu's eyes glow with a menacing orange hue, his face twisted with rage. I feel the raw power emanating from him, and for a moment, I fear what he might do next.

But then, Ryu looks at Lyra—and I see it.

Her chest rises.

Barely, but she's alive.

I let out a shaky breath, feeling a surge of relief. Nikko's hands relax a little, her wide eyes filling with hope. Llamiryl exhales softly, her tension easing. She's still alive.

Ryu's voice fills the room as he begins to chant, calming himself, letting go of his anger.

Ryu's voice fills the room as he begins to chant, his tone steady and calm, cutting through the tension like a beam of light in the darkness.

"There is no Light without Darkness, nor Darkness without Light.
I walk in the space between to keep the Balance, and the Balance brings me closer to Understanding.
There is Passion tempered with Reason.
There is Fear tamed with Wisdom.
There is no Peace without Conflict.
There is no Victory without Sacrifice.
Through Knowledge, I gain Understanding.
Through Understanding, I gain Wisdom.
Through Wisdom, I gain Serenity.
Through Serenity, I gain Strength.
Through Strength, I gain Peace.
There is no Peace without a Passion to create.
There is no Passion without Peace to guide.
Knowledge stagnates without the Strength to act.
Power blinds without Serenity to see.
There is Freedom in Life.
There is Purpose in Death.
The Force is all things, and I am the Force."

His words reverberate through the room, a strange calm settling over the chaos as he speaks. I can feel it, the shift in the air. His voice isn't just meant for Majel—it's meant for all of us. It washes over me like a tide, lifting the fear, the confusion. It brings clarity.

His words echo in my mind, and as I listen, I feel... enlightened. It's as if his wisdom reaches me, too, a moment of clarity amidst the chaos. Nikko is wide-eyed, her ears perking up as she listens intently, understanding washing over her as well.

Nikko's ears twitch as she listens intently, her eyes wide as she takes in every word. Llamiryl, too, seems affected, her usual stern expression softening ever so slightly. There's a quiet understanding settling between us, like a light breaking through the darkest storm.

Majel's sneer falters, his eyes widening as he realizes what Ryu is doing. "No..." he whispers, but it's too late.

Ryu has found his center.

Ryu steadies his voice, locking eyes with Majel. "You made a glaring mistake, Majel. I am no Jedi. I never was, and I have no interest in becoming an Inquisitor or a Sith. I am an Acolyte, capable of channeling both the light and dark sides of the Force." He pauses, his voice firm and unwavering. "She doesn't hold me back. She makes me stronger."

I watch, holding my breath, my heart racing. I've seen Ryu fight before, but this... this is different. There's a calmness to him now, a balance in his words. I feel the same tension coming from Nikko, who's leaning in, her eyes wide and her tail twitching anxiously. Even Llamiryl, usually so composed, watches intently, her gaze unblinking.

With deliberate focus, Ryu gathers the Force, his energy radiating through the room. The Inquisitor and his Purge Troopers hang suspended in the air, helpless. A powerful shockwave bursts from Ryu, expanding outward like a rippling wave. As it touches the Purge Troopers, they disintegrate into dust before my eyes. Majel slams into the wall with violent force, his helmet shattering and revealing his true face—a man with green skin, traditional tattoos, and eyes now brimming with pain and hatred.

"Apollo, check on Lyra," Ryu commands, his voice tight with concern.

Apollo moves swiftly, scanning Lyra's unconscious form. "She's alive but requires immediate medical attention," the droid reports.

A surge of relief rushes through me. She's alive. I feel Nikko relax slightly beside me, though her small hands still clutch at my arm. I hope—no, I pray—that Lyra will survive. I glance at Llamiryl, and even her gaze softens, the tension in the room palpable.

Ryu turns back to Majel. "I don't know what drove you to betray your kin so easily, but it's my duty to bring balance to the Force."

The 12th Brother gasps for breath, his voice weak but defiant. "Jedi... don't take lives so easily."

Ryu's expression hardens, his eyes cold. "I'm not a Jedi. I am an Acolyte of the Force." He ignites his lightsaber and brings it down in a swift, final strike, ending the Inquisitor's life.

For a moment, the room falls into silence, the only sound the faint hum of the ship's systems. I'm frozen, unable to move, my thoughts whirling. I know Ryu had no other choice but seeing it—the finality of it—it makes my heart pound all the same.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

"Let's go," Ryu says to Apollo, his voice hoarse. Together, they carry Lyra back to the Crucible, alarms blaring in the distance as the Imperials scramble to stop them.

Stormtroopers rush forward, blasters raised. Ryu charges, his lightsaber spinning as he deflects their shots, cutting through their ranks with deadly precision. The smell of scorched armor fills the air. Apollo fires at a security droid, hitting it square in the sensor before Ryu slices it in two.

I watch in awe, my heart hammering in my chest, but this time, I'm not afraid of Ryu's fighting. He's fighting to save Lyra, to protect the ones he cares about. I understand that now. He'll do whatever it takes.

They face more resistance, but Ryu and Apollo push through, cutting down stormtroopers, droids, and officers with deadly efficiency. Every step they take brings them closer to the hangar, and every heartbeat that passes makes me more anxious. I feel Nikko trembling beside me, her tail still, her eyes glued to the fight. She's hoping, like I am, that Lyra will survive.

Finally, they reach the hangar. The Crucible sits under heavy fire, its hull groaning as it takes hit after hit from stormtroopers. Ryu deflects the blaster bolts while Apollo takes out stragglers, and together, they board the ship.

Ryu races to the bridge, jumping into the pilot seat just as the Star Destroyer's heavy blaster fire slams into the Crucible, shaking it violently. The ship rattles, warning lights flashing as Ryu grips the controls.

"We're taking heavy fire!" Ryu shouts. "B4, man the turrets! AP-4, get those shields up now!"

I lean forward, my heart pounding. Nikko is on the edge of her seat, her wide eyes darting between the controls and the view outside. I feel the fear building inside me as more shots hit the ship. Llamiryl's jaw is clenched, her usual calm cracking.

B4 beeps affirmatively, swiveling the turrets and firing on the incoming blasts. The ship groans under the pressure as the Star Destroyer's cannons continue to hammer them.

"Shields down to 42%," AP-4 reports, though its voice remains calm.

Ryu grits his teeth, maneuvering the ship through the barrage. More shots come, each one rattling the Crucible closer to critical damage. The Star Destroyer is relentless, green bolts of energy lighting up the void around them.

I clutch Nikko's hand tightly, my pulse racing. Every shot, every shudder of the ship feels like it's dragging us closer to disaster. I can hear Nikko whispering softly, her hands gripping her arms. "Lyra's gonna make it. She's gonna be okay..."

But I don't know if she's trying to convince me—or herself.

More blasts shake the Crucible, and I feel the ship lurch as Ryu pulls hard to evade the fire. But it's not enough. A final blast slams into the ship, nearly sending Ryu from his seat.

"We've sustained more damage!" Ryu shouts, struggling with the controls.

I'm barely breathing at this point, my heart racing so fast it feels like it might burst.

Just as they're about to escape the Star Destroyer's range, dozens of TIE Interceptors launch, closing in fast. They swarm around the Crucible like hornets, their green blaster fire hammering the ship from all sides.

"They're everywhere!" Ryu yells, pulling the ship into evasive maneuvers. "B4, keep firing! AP-4, reroute all power to the shields!"

The Crucible weaves through space, dodging the incoming fire by the narrowest margins. Every explosion shakes the ship violently, alarms blaring as the situation worsens.

I grip my seat, unable to look away, fear twisting my stomach. Nikko holds her breath, her small hands shaking as she clings to me.

"Shields down to 14%," AP-4 reports.

"We're not gonna last much longer!" Ryu grits his teeth, pulling the ship into another wild roll. "Come on, hyperspace drive—just a little longer."

At that moment, the Crucible's hyperspace drive comes online. "Punch it, AP-4!" Ryu orders.

Just as the Crucible prepares to jump into hyperspace, another shot from a TIE Interceptor slams into the hull, causing the ship to shudder violently. I grip my seat tighter, my heart nearly stopping as the entire ship lurches.

"Hyperdrive has been hit," AP-4 warns.

But then, an eerie electrical pulse surges through the Crucible's systems. The hyperspace tunnel forms around us, but instead of the usual blue, the tunnel glows an ominous yellow. My breath catches in my throat. I've never seen anything like this.

Ryu's eyes widen in confusion, but there's no time to dwell on it. His focus is on Lyra. "AP-4, how's the ship holding up?" he asks, his voice tight.

"The ship is functional. I can manage from here," AP-4 responds, though the strain in its voice is unmistakable.

For the briefest moment, I let out a shaky breath. We're safe—for now. But then my thoughts turn to Lyra. I hope—please let her survive.

Ryu doesn't waste a second. He rushes to the medical bay. Nikko and I follow, our hearts racing as we watch him disappear down the corridor. I feel the tension in the air. We're all hoping for the same thing—that Lyra will make it through this.

Inside the medical bay, Apollo is cradling Lyra's body, its sensors dim with sorrow. I can feel the dread rising in my chest, and I know Nikko feels it too. She grips my arm, her wide eyes never leaving Lyra.

"Why isn't she in the bacta tank?" Ryu demands, his voice trembling with fear.

Apollo's photoreceptors dim further. "I'm sorry, Ryu. She... she has died."

The words hit like a physical blow. I gasp, my heart clenching in my chest. Nikko lets out a soft cry, her hands flying to her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears. Even Llamiryl, who has held her composure for so long, looks utterly shaken, her face pale with shock.

Lyra is dead.

The memory shakes violently, the entire scene blurring and twisting around us. I feel the ground shift beneath me, like the fabric of reality is breaking apart. I clutch Nikko tightly, trying to steady myself, but nothing feels right. Nothing feels real anymore.

Ryu collapses to his knees beside Lyra, his face a mask of grief. His shoulders shake as tears fall freely down his cheeks, his voice barely a whisper. "It's all my fault," he says, the words broken by his sobs. "I'm so sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..."

My heart breaks watching him like this. Nikko is crying softly beside me, her small body trembling with sorrow. Even Llamiryl's eyes glisten with unshed tears, though she remains silent, her gaze locked on the scene before us.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The memory quakes again, harder this time, and I feel its presence closing in. Dark tendrils of shadow snake through the air, twisting and writhing, as the familiar coldness seeps into my mind. My breath catches, and I feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise. Nikko stiffens beside me, and I know she feels it too.

A voice echoes through the darkness—low, deep, and dripping with malice.

"You thought you could save him, didn't you?" the Shadowfell whispers, its words coiling around my mind like a cold, poisonous fog. "You thought, if you were fast enough, if you tried hard enough, you could catch up to me. But you were always too late."

The darkness presses in, suffocating. I struggle to breathe, my chest tight as the Shadowfell's voice slithers through my thoughts. Nikko clings to me, her small body trembling. Even Llamiryl, normally so composed, seems shaken, her eyes darting around the encroaching shadows.

"Ryu was never yours to save," the voice continues, its tone dripping with scorn. "You chased me through his mind, hoping to find the source of his pain, hoping to free him from the darkness. But it was all in vain. You failed."

The words feel like daggers, each one sinking deep. I thought we could help him—I thought we could catch up, stop the Shadowfell before it took over. But the crushing weight of the Shadowfell's power presses down on me, and I can't help but feel the cold sting of truth in its words. Nikko whimpers beside me, her fear palpable.

"You were always too slow, too weak," the Shadowfell hisses, its voice growing darker, more menacing. "And now look at you, clinging to your last scraps of hope. You've lost. Ryu is mine."

My breath catches. The darkness is too thick, too overwhelming. I want to scream, to fight back, but it feels like the air has been stolen from my lungs. Nikko tightens her grip on my arm, her small fingers trembling. Llamiryl's jaw is clenched, but even she looks cornered, the weight of the words bearing down on us.

"In this mind, in this place, you will die," the Shadowfell whispers, the finality of its words chilling. "Just like Ryu will die. Alone. Trapped in his grief, abandoned by those who thought they could save him."

The darkness presses closer, wrapping tighter around us. The Shadowfell's words ring in my ears, heavy with bitter truth. I tried to save him. I tried. But it wasn't enough. We were too late.

And then—silence.

The Shadowfell's presence disappears, leaving us in a void of shadows, alone, its taunts echoing in the empty darkness. Nikko's quiet sobs are the only sound, her small body trembling against me. Llamiryl's fists are clenched, her gaze scanning the blackness around us.

But there's nothing. Just shadows. Just emptiness.

I feel utterly defeated. The weight of everything presses down on me, crushing the last bit of hope I had. Around us, there's nothing but this dark, oppressive void. Nikko clings to me, sobbing into my side, her small body trembling with every breath. The ground shakes violently beneath us, as if the entire world is falling apart. We were too late. We couldn't save him.

Anger rises inside me like a fire—anger at the Shadowfell, but more than that, anger at myself. How could I let this happen? How could I be so helpless?

Nikko's cries tear at me, but I can't comfort her. I feel just as lost as she does.

"It's not too late," Llamiryl says, her voice cutting through the chaos.

I turn to her, my heart pounding. "What do you mean?" My voice is sharper than I intend, frustration bubbling over. "There's nothing around us! We lost! We need to escape before we die here!" The words spill out in a rush, laced with desperation.

But Llamiryl doesn't flinch. Instead, she steps forward, her eyes narrowing as she speaks in a firm, sharper tone. "It is not over."

Her words stop me cold, my anger faltering.

"Ryu is trapped in his subconscious, with the Shadowfell," she says, her voice steady. "There, we can go to save him."

For a moment, I stare at her, my thoughts racing. Could it be possible? Can we still reach him? I grit my teeth, impatience taking hold. "Then let's go," I say, urgency creeping into my voice.

Llamiryl closes her eyes, concentrating hard. The void shakes around us again, violently. She's struggling, and I can see the strain on her face. My heart races, and I grip my bow tightly, ready for anything. Then, after what feels like an eternity, a door begins to form in front of us—but it looks damaged, worn.

The door is made of metal, but it's covered in deep dents and scratches. Rust is starting to spread across its surface, consuming it slowly like a disease. It looks like it's barely holding together. Llamiryl waves her hand, and the door groans as it opens with a cry of metal scraping on metal.

For the first time in what feels like ages, a small flicker of hope ignites in my chest. I glance down at Nikko, who looks up at the door with wide, tear-filled eyes. She seems a little hopeful too, even through the tears. We rush toward the door, my heart pounding, and step through.

What waits for us on the other side is nothing like I imagined.

We're standing in the temple of Ryu's old master on Korriban, but it's... different. The once-proud banners that hang on either side of the hall are tattered and worn, their vibrant colors faded to dull grays. The walls of the temple are cracked and broken, pieces of stone crumbling as if the weight of time has eroded them. The air is thick, heavy with the smell of decay. It's like the entire place is falling apart, a ruin of what it once was.

At the far end of the room, where the throne should stand tall and commanding, it's now barely recognizable. The once-grand throne is heavily damaged, cracked and chipped, barely holding together.

And there, bound to the throne, is Ryu.

My breath catches in my throat. He's slumped against the seat, his head hanging low, his arms and legs pinned by shadowy tendrils that pulse with dark energy. The Shadowfell itself looms over him, a shapeless mass of shadow, its presence overwhelming. Tendrils of darkness wrap around Ryu, digging into his skin, draining him of his life force.

I can hear him muttering under his breath. "I'm sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..." His voice is weak, broken. Each word is filled with pain and regret, and with every apology, it feels like the Shadowfell tightens its grip on him, pulling him deeper into the darkness.

My heart shatters at the sight.

We need to save him.

The Shadowfell turns toward us, its two eyes narrowing into slits. "Thought you might come," it says, its voice low and dripping with malice. "But you are far too late. Soon, he will die, and there's nothing you can do to stop that!"

Its voice rises into a sharp shout, and the entire temple shakes violently, the crumbling walls groaning under the weight of its power. Dust and debris fall from the ceiling as the air around us seems to tremble with dark energy.

I grit my teeth, my hands tightening around the grip of my energy bow its power coursing through me. I pull the bowstring, the pink energy forming an arrow, glowing brightly against the darkness around us.

With a deep breath, I release.

The pink bolt flies straight for the Shadowfell, the air around it crackling with energy, but the Shadowfell raises a shadowy limb, and a dark barrier forms in front of it, absorbing the impact. The bolt smacks into the barrier with a bright flash of light, but it doesn't even flinch.

Nikko is hiding behind me, her small hands clutching at my leg. Her wide eyes are glued to Ryu, who remains bound to the throne, his body limp, his life force slowly draining away.

"Papa..." she whispers, her voice so small, so scared.

I lower my bow, my heart racing. "Nikko, stay close," I say, my voice as steady as I can manage, though I feel the same fear.

Llamiryl steps forward, her face set with determination, her hands glowing with golden energy. She extends her arms, and bolts of golden mana shoot from her hands, lighting up the dark room. Each bolt is a brilliant streak of light, but the Shadowfell raises its limbs again, and like before, a barrier of darkness absorbs each attack.

"Your attacks are useless!" it laughs, its voice filled with venom. The air grows colder, darker, the very essence of the place growing more hostile by the second.

The temple shakes again, more violently this time, the ground beneath us trembling as cracks splinter across the floor. I can feel the oppressive weight of the Shadowfell bearing down on us, the very air thick with its dark power.

"We're running out of time," Llamiryl says, her voice strained. Her eyes flick toward Ryu, still bound, his face pale and covered in sweat. "Only Ryu can break free and stop the Shadowfell. We can't do it for him."

Before I can respond, the Shadowfell lashes out, launching spheres of dark mana in our direction, each one pulsing with malevolent energy. Llamiryl reacts instantly, raising her hands and summoning a barrier of golden light. The dark mana crashes into the barrier with an explosive force, sending ripples through the air. Llamiryl winces as the energy reverberates against her magic.

"Quick, Talia!" Llamiryl shouts. "Call out to Ryu!"

I nod, stepping closer to the barrier as more dark mana slams against it, the impact shaking the ground beneath us. "Ryu!" I shout, my voice strained as I try to reach him. "You have to break free! You need to fight it!"

But he doesn't move. He doesn't hear me. He's still muttering to himself, broken and defeated, the words "I'm sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..." barely audible over the chaos around us.

The Shadowfell's attacks grow fiercer, the dark mana turning into tendrils of shadow that lash out against Llamiryl's barrier, battering it from every direction.

"Talia!" Llamiryl's voice is tense, her brow furrowed as she struggles to hold the barrier. "Ryu blames himself for Lyra's death! You need to break him free from his guilt!"

I feel a pang of frustration and desperation well up inside me. "How do I do that?" I shout back, panic creeping into my voice as the barrier shakes under the barrage of tendrils and dark mana.

Llamiryl's gaze flicks to me, her eyes hard with resolve. "You have to reach him!" she shouts, her voice strained as another wave of dark energy slams against the barrier, sending cracks rippling through the golden light. "If you don't reach him now, the Shadowfell will take him completely!"

I glance at Ryu, still bound, his body slack, his face pale. He's drowning in his guilt. The Shadowfell is feeding off it, draining him, and if I don't break through to him, it'll all be over. I feel the weight of it pressing down on me—the responsibility, the fear.

Another barrage of shadowy tendrils crashes into Llamiryl's barrier, and I can see it starting to crack, the light flickering as she struggles to maintain it.

I take a deep breath and grip my energy bow tightly. I have to get to Ryu. I have to make him see that this isn't his fault.

I cry out to Ryu, desperation clawing at my throat. "Ryu, listen to me! It wasn't your fault! Lyra's death—it wasn't your fault!" My voice shakes with emotion, my heart pounding in my chest. I can see the pain etched into every inch of his face, the guilt weighing him down like a crushing tide. But he doesn't react. He just keeps muttering the same broken words over and over. "I'm sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..."

Frustration surges through me. "Llamiryl, it's not working!" I shout, glancing back at her, panic rising in my chest. "He's not listening to me!"

Llamiryl's eyes flick toward me, her face tight with concentration. "You have to get close to him!" she says, her voice firm but strained. She raises one hand toward the Shadowfell, her other hand still holding the barrier in place, her lips moving in a whisper of an incantation.

"Avert your eyes!" she calls out, loud enough for both Nikko and me to hear.

I turn away, squeezing my eyes shut just as a powerful wave of energy bursts through the air. Even through my closed lids, I can feel the blinding brightness, a heat so intense it radiates across my skin. The release of power sends a shiver down my spine, and for a moment, everything around me stills.

The Shadowfell lets out a terrible, ear-piercing cry, its voice filled with pain and fury. The sound reverberates through the temple, shaking the very ground beneath us.

"Go now!" Llamiryl shouts, her voice filled with urgency as she starts firing spheres of golden mana at the Shadowfell. Each sphere lights up the room, glowing brightly against the surrounding darkness, but the Shadowfell raises a barrier of dark mana, blocking each attack with ease.

I don't hesitate. I bolt forward, my legs moving faster than I've ever run. My heart thunders in my chest, my eyes darting between Ryu, still bound to the throne, and the Shadowfell, which has resumed its barrage on Llamiryl.

But then the ground shudders beneath my feet, harder than before. I stumble slightly but regain my footing just as I notice something—puddles of shadow appearing all over the temple floor. Dark, thick pools of inky blackness spread out in front of me, rippling as if alive.

My breath catches in my throat as figures begin to rise from the shadows, their forms shifting and writhing as they pull themselves up from the pools of darkness. I take a step back, my pulse racing as I watch the shapes solidify, their blackness giving way to twisted, distorted versions of Lyra.

My eyes widen in horror. "No..." I whisper under my breath.

The Lyra figures—their faces twisted, their eyes empty, their bodies contorted—advance toward me, their movements slow but deliberate. I draw my energy bow, the pink light of the bolt glowing brightly as I pull back the string. I aim for the nearest Lyra, my heart pounding in my chest.

With a deep breath, I release.

The arrow flies forward, piercing the twisted Lyra through the chest. As soon as the arrow makes contact, the figure collapses into a puddle of black goo, splashing to the ground before disappearing entirely. The room trembles slightly with the impact, and then I hear it—"Lyra, no!!" Ryu's voice, filled with anguish and despair, echoes through the temple.

My chest tightens.

The other Lyra figures move in, surrounding me from all sides. The Lyra's are getting to close to use my bow so I press a button on the side, folding it in one swift motion, and sheath it behind me. My hands reach for the twin short swords at my back, drawing them in one fluid motion.

I grip the hilts tightly, feeling the weight of them in my hands. The Lyra figures move closer, their hollow eyes locked on me, their faces twisted in silent accusation.

I lunge forward, slashing at the first one. My blade cuts through her, the figure dissolving into another puddle of black goo as she collapses. The ground shakes again, harder this time, and Ryu cries out in agony. "No! Lyra... please!"

Each Lyra I strike down, the temple shakes more violently, and Ryu's cries grow louder, more broken. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Lyra!"

My heart pounds in my chest, panic rising inside me as I realize what's happening. Each time I kill one of these twisted Lyras, it's only pulling Ryu deeper into his despair. The more I fight, the worse it gets.

Another Lyra lunges toward me, and I sidestep, slashing through her with my blade. She melts into a puddle of goo at my feet, and the ground shakes violently once more. "No! Lyra, no!" Ryu's voice is raw with pain, his face twisted in grief.

I can't do this. I can't keep fighting them—it's only making things worse.

I sheath my swords quickly, dodging as another twisted Lyra lunges at me. I duck under her arm, narrowly avoiding her grasp, and move through the crowd of Lyras, my eyes fixed on Ryu.

I weave through the figures, dodging their attacks, my heart racing as I push forward. Every step brings me closer to Ryu, but the temple shakes more violently with each Lyra I leave behind. The ground beneath me is unstable, cracks splintering across the floor, but I keep moving, my mind focused on one thing—reaching Ryu.

I reach Ryu, my heart pounding in my chest as I see him up close. His body is slumped against the throne, the dark tendrils of the Shadowfell still wrapped around him, draining his life force. His clothes, the cloak, the armor—it's all the same as what he wore on Aranthia, but now it's like all the color, all the light has been drained from him. His hood is down, his face exposed, and I freeze when I see his eyes.

His pupils are pale, empty, as if the very light inside him has gone out. His gaze is distant, unfocused, staring off into nothingness. His lips are moving, but all that comes out is a broken mutter, "I'm sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..." Tears stream down his face, and the sight of it nearly shatters me.

Before I can move, the Shadowfell shifts, and from the darkness, tendrils fly straight toward me, fast and deadly. My breath catches in my throat, and I brace for the impact, but just before they can hit, a golden barrier flares up around me, stopping the tendrils in their tracks. The dark energy crashes against the barrier, but it holds—for now.

The twisted Lyras around me pound against the barrier as well, their faces distorted in silent screams, their hands clawing at the golden light. But the barrier holds them back, too. I can hear the strain in Llamiryl's voice as she shouts from across the room, "Hurry! I can't hold that barrier for long!"

I nod, pushing the fear down and stepping closer to Ryu. His muttering is constant, his voice raw and broken. "I'm sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..." The words are like a knife in my chest. I reach out, my hand trembling, and gently take his.

His hand is ice cold.

The shock of it sends a shiver up my spine, but I don't let go. I hold on tight. "Ryu," I whisper, my voice shaking, but he doesn't respond. His gaze doesn't shift, his eyes still staring blankly ahead.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Ryu, listen to me. This... this isn't your fault. Lyra's death... it wasn't something you could stop. You did everything you could. It's not your fault."

But the words sound weak, hollow. Even as I say them, I can feel how thin they are, how little weight they carry. Ryu doesn't react, his expression unchanged. His lips keep moving, his voice still a broken whisper. "I'm sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..."

The area around us shakes violently, the temple groaning under the pressure. Cracks splinter across the ground, and the air is thick with dark energy. I glance over my shoulder, seeing the strain on Llamiryl's face as she struggles to maintain the barrier.

"Hurry!" she shouts again, her voice tight with effort. "I can't hold it much longer!"

Panic flares inside me. It's not working. Ryu's not hearing me. I have to get through to him.

Tears well up in my eyes as I look at Ryu, seeing him so broken, so lost. "Ryu, please!" I beg, my voice trembling with desperation. "You have to let go! Lyra is dead, but it was not your fault!" My voice cracks as I cry out to him, but again, there's no reaction. 

His gaze remains distant, his lips still murmuring the same painful words, over and over. "I'm sorry, Lyra... I'm so sorry..."

My heart breaks as I watch him, knowing that every second we lose is dragging him deeper into this darkness. I step closer, reaching up with a trembling hand to touch his face. His skin is cold beneath my fingertips, but I gently turn his face toward mine, forcing him to look at me. "Ryu, please!" I cry, my voice thick with emotion. "It wasn't your fault! Majel killed her! You did everything you could, but you can't keep on living with this guilt!" Tears stream down my cheeks, my voice shaking as I lock eyes with him, pleading with everything I have.

For the first time, there's a flicker in his pale pupils, a faint spark of something—something that isn't the endless despair. His lips tremble as he tries to speak, his voice barely a whisper. "I-I..." He stutters, struggling to form the words. "I can't... She's gone..." Another tear slips down his cheek, and the weight of his grief is crushing, pulling him deeper into the darkness.

The Shadowfell's attacks grow fiercer, its dark tendrils slamming against the golden barrier that Llamiryl holds around us. Cracks form in the barrier, thin lines of weakness spidering across the glowing light. The entire area shakes violently, the ground beneath us trembling as the darkness presses in.

I don't have much time. "Ryu, listen to me," I whisper, my voice soft but urgent. "Lyra is gone, but that doesn't mean she's truly lost." I can feel the tears streaming down my face as I speak, the words coming from the deepest part of me. "She lives on in you, Ryu. Her love, her memory, everything she gave you—it's all still here."

I see the flicker in his eyes grow stronger, his gaze shifting ever so slightly. He's listening. "You carry her with you, always," I continue, my voice steady despite the chaos around us. "You don't have to live with this guilt, Ryu. Lyra wouldn't want that for you. She would want you to live, to keep going."

The cracks in the barrier grow wider, the shaking more violent as the Shadowfell hammers against it. "I don't know if I have the strength to do that..." Ryu mutters, his voice breaking. His shoulders slump, and I can see how much he's been carrying, the weight of it all suffocating him.

But I won't let him fall. I grab his hand with my other hand, holding on tight. "You do, Ryu," I say, my voice strong now. "Because you're not alone. You have Nikko. And..." I hesitate for just a second, my heart pounding. "And you have me."

His gaze meets mine, his eyes flickering with emotion, and for a moment, I see a spark of life there. The ground shakes harder beneath us, the barrier on the verge of shattering.

Suddenly, with a deafening crack, the barrier shatters, the golden light exploding in a burst of energy. The dark tendrils of the Shadowfell lunge forward, coiling and twisting as they surge toward us, ready to engulf both Ryu and me.

I raise my arms, bracing for the impact as the dark tendrils surge toward me. My heart pounds in my chest, the fear gripping me, but the blow never comes. Slowly, I lower my arms and open my eyes—and what I see fills me with a sudden rush of relief.

Ryu is standing.

His arm is raised, palm outstretched, and the dark tendrils are halted in mid-air, frozen in place. My breath catches in my throat as I stare at him. He's no longer slumped in defeat—he's standing tall, strong. The flicker in his eyes is no longer faint, no longer distant. It's him. He's back.

A smile spreads across my face, a wave of pure relief washing over me.

"Nooo!" The Shadowfell shrieks, its voice filled with fury and fear. It lashes out, unleashing spheres of dark mana, one after the other, the air crackling with malevolent energy. Tendrils fly toward Ryu in a desperate attempt to strike him down, but I watch as Ryu reaches for his lightsaber.

With a snap-hiss, the yellow blade ignites, glowing brilliantly in the dark temple. My heart races as I watch him, the Ryu I know, the Ryu who fights for those he cares about, standing before me.

He moves with precision and strength, his lightsaber cutting through the dark mana spheres one by one. Each tendril that flies toward him is met with the sharp hum of his blade, the ends of the tendrils burning away as his saber slices through them. The Shadowfell cries out in agony, its voice a piercing wail that echoes through the room, shaking the very walls of the temple.

Ryu doesn't hesitate. With a powerful leap, he lunges toward the Shadowfell, his lightsaber cutting through the dark mass in a single, clean stroke.

The Shadowfell's shriek rises to a deafening pitch as its form splits into two, the two halves writhing in pain as they burn away, the darkness dissolving into the air like smoke. The entire temple shakes as the Shadowfell's final, tortured cry fills the space, echoing and fading into nothingness before it disappears completely.

Ryu lands gracefully on the ground, his lightsaber still ignited, the yellow blade casting a warm glow in the aftermath of the battle. He turns to me, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I see him—Ryu, whole and present. His eyes, no longer pale and distant, are filled with emotion. His face, though weary, holds a look of deep gratitude, a thankfulness so profound that it takes my breath away.

His lips part, and his voice, steady and soft, carries across the now-silent temple. "Thank you."

The words are simple, but the weight behind them is immense. Relief, gratitude, and understanding flow between us, and in that moment, everything feels... right.

Before I can respond, a brilliant white light begins to fill the room, illuminating everything around us. The light grows brighter, washing over the entire temple, until it's all I can see.