The cold metallic walls of the ship's bridge hum with the sound of distant engines, the only sound in the otherwise silent room. I look around, the dim lights casting long shadows across the floor. Ryu is sitting at the pilot's seat, his armored frame still and rigid. His gloved hands rest on the controls, and L5, the droid, stands motionless behind him, its appendages retracted, as if awaiting further instructions. I can feel the tension in the air, a heaviness that presses down on all of us. Beyond the viewport, the vast planet of Korriban looms, its red surface scarred and lifeless, a planet filled with ancient power and darkness.

Farther in the distance, I see them. Harrower-class dreadnoughts. A fleet of them, their sharp, angular shapes hovering ominously in orbit, the engines glowing faintly in the darkness of space. The sight of those ships sends a chill through me. I know them. We've seen them before. They are symbols of power, destruction, and control, the very essence of the Sith Empire.

But the ship is stationary, floating silently before the planet, and Ryu... he is quiet. He doesn't move, doesn't speak. He's just staring down at the planet below, his fingers gripping the controls but not guiding the ship.

"What is going on?" Nikko asks, her voice soft but filled with confusion. She's standing next to me, her small hand holding onto mine tightly.

"I don't know," I whisper, my eyes fixed on Ryu's still form. Something about the way he sits, the way he's just... waiting, makes my stomach twist in knots.

Llamiryl, standing behind us, her gaze sharp and focused, seems to know more than she's letting on. "He is contemplating," she says, her voice calm yet heavy with meaning.

"Contemplating what?" I ask, my chest tightening with unease as I glance over at her. There's something in her expression—something more than just concern.

Llamiryl's eyes remain fixed on Ryu, as if she can see deeper into his mind than we ever could. "Whether or not he should fight... or run."

"Fight who?" I ask, a growing sense of dread blooming in my chest. Before I can get an answer, Ryu jerks the controls. The sudden motion pulls me forward, and the ship lurches violently as it begins to descend toward the planet's surface.

The atmosphere grows tense, and I notice the way Ryu is piloting—his movements erratic, almost frantic. The ship shudders, and my heart races as I spot a massive structure looming closer and closer in the distance. Its dark stone walls rise like jagged teeth, ancient and menacing. The temple, I realize. The one belonging to his master. Its spires pierce the sky, casting long shadows across the red desert of Korriban.

But something's wrong. Ryu isn't slowing down. The temple grows larger and larger in the viewport, the sharp lines of its stone walls coming into terrifying clarity. He's not stopping. He's not even trying to land.

"Ryu!" I shout, my voice trembling with fear. But he doesn't respond. His hands grip the controls tighter, increasing the ship's speed as it barrels toward the temple.

I can feel the panic rising in my chest, my breath quickening as the structure rushes toward us. "Talia!" Nikko's voice trembles as she grabs onto me, and I immediately wrap my arms around her, shielding her with my body. I close my eyes, the terror too much to bear, the inevitable crash moments away.

With a deafening roar, the ship slams into the stone walls of the temple, the impact sending us hurtling forward. The sound of metal tearing, stone crumbling, and the ship's hull groaning under the pressure fills the air. The walls shatter like glass, enormous chunks of stone collapsing inward as the ship plows through them. Sparks fly as the edges of the temple scrape against the ship's exterior, the sheer force of the collision throwing us around violently.

Everything shakes, the floor buckles beneath my feet, and for a moment, I can't tell which way is up or down. I hold Nikko tightly against me, feeling her trembling in my arms. I want to protect her from the chaos around us, but all I can do is hold on as the ship tears through the temple, stone and metal grinding together in a symphony of destruction.

The ship finally screeches to a halt, the sound of it dragging against the crumbling stone reverberating through the air. The sudden stop sends me staggering forward, and I hit the floor hard, gasping for breath as the ship finally settles.

I open my eyes slowly, my heart still racing, and look around. Dust and debris fill the air, but the ship is still intact, barely. I can hear Nikko sobbing softly against me, and I stroke her hair, whispering soothing words. "It's okay... it's okay..."

But nothing about this feels okay. Nothing about this feels right. I glance toward Ryu, who is still seated at the controls, unmoving, as if none of this phased him. My chest tightens with worry. What is he doing? What is going through his mind?

Llamiryl's calm voice cuts through my panic as I shield Nikko, her small frame trembling in my arms. "Remember, Talia, this is just a memory," she says, her tone firm but gentle. "We can't be harmed."

I try to steady my breath, loosening my grip on Nikko as I let the reality of the situation sink in. She's right. This is a memory, one we are helplessly witnessing. But it feels real—too real. The sights, the sounds, the weight of the crash are overwhelming.

I glance around the ship, its interior damaged but still intact enough to function. The lights flicker sporadically, casting fleeting shadows on the metal walls. The ship's design is compact, with consoles and panels along the sides, some sparking from the impact. The floor is littered with debris—shards of metal and broken glass from the shattered screens. It's claustrophobic, the walls closing in with the sounds of distant alarms, the sharp hum of electrical failures hanging in the air.

I catch sight of the window—shattered and jagged—revealing the interior of the temple beyond. Through the cracks, I see what remains of the once-grand chamber, its towering pillars now fractured from the crash. The walls are carved with intricate patterns, telling stories of old, but their beauty is marred by cracks and fallen stone. A massive hole in the far wall opens up into what seems like an endless darkness beyond, pieces of shattered stone scattered across the floor. One of the great pillars has collapsed entirely, its enormous form lying on its side, crushing part of the temple floor beneath it. What remains of the room still speaks of its grandeur, but now, all that's left is the ruin we've brought upon it.

Suddenly, L5 makes a whirring sound, lifting itself off the floor with a mechanical motion. Its limbs extend as it adjusts its position, though I have no words to describe what it's doing or how. I only know that it seems to have a purpose, its movements deliberate, despite the destruction around us.

Ryu, still seated in the pilot's chair, stands and turns to the droid, his voice low and commanding. "L5, can this ship still jam signals?"

The droid responds with a series of beeps, which seem to make sense to Ryu but leave me utterly confused.

"Then do it," Ryu orders. "Jam every signal coming in or out of this temple."

The droid beeps again, then rolls back to its original place, extending one of its mechanical limbs and plugging it into a nearby panel. I watch, baffled, as the lights on the console blink to life, the droid seemingly communicating with the ship's systems. Its appendages move rapidly, manipulating the controls with mechanical precision. It's a process I can't comprehend—technology beyond anything I've ever seen, something that feels foreign and almost magical to me. But Ryu seems unfazed, completely in control of what's happening around him.

He walks toward the landing ramp, and with a press of a button, the ramp lowers with a hiss, the sound echoing through the wrecked chamber. The view beyond the ramp is nothing short of catastrophic.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The grand chamber that we've crashed into is massive, with towering walls that once stood in silent strength. Doorways line each side, leading to different parts of the temple, though I can't tell where they go. The crash has left a gaping hole in the chamber's ceiling, sunlight streaming through the dust and debris, illuminating the destruction we've caused. One of the pillars supporting the room has been knocked over, its broken remains lying scattered across the ground. Pieces of the temple's stone carvings are strewn about, remnants of a once-beautiful place now reduced to rubble.

I turn to look back at the ship. It's a complete wreck. The hull is dented and torn, parts of the exterior caved in from the impact. Wires hang loosely from the ceiling, sparking intermittently, while the once-sleek design of the ship is marred by the crash, its surfaces covered in scorch marks and debris. The ship has gouged a massive hole through the stone walls of the temple, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Suddenly, the sound of doors sliding open fills the chamber, and I whip my head around to see dark figures pouring in from the entrances. Troopers—Sith troopers, I realize, their armor black and red, their visors glowing ominously—come rushing in, blasters raised. Their movements are sharp, efficient, as they position themselves for an attack.

Without hesitation, Ryu ignites his lightsaber, the yellow blade springing to life with a fierce hiss. The light from the blade casts an eerie glow on his armor, the angular edges of his helmet gleaming in the dimness. With a single, powerful motion, he charges at the troopers, his lightsaber a blur of motion as it cuts through the air.

I can't help but watch in awe—and terror—as Ryu moves with a deadly grace, ready to face the onslaught.

Ryu ignites his yellow lightsaber, the blade hissing to life as the light reflects off the stone walls of the vast chamber. Without hesitation, he charges at the first wave of Sith troopers pouring into the room, their blaster fire erupting in quick succession. His movements are a blur, precise and lethal. I can barely keep up as he slices through them, his strikes so swift that the first few troopers fall before they even realize what's happened.

I flinch as the loud, high-pitched sound of blaster bolts fills the air. The Sith troopers in their dark armor aim directly at Ryu, but he deflects the shots with ease. Each movement of his blade sends bolts ricocheting back into the soldiers who fired them, dropping them instantly. The air is thick with the smell of scorched metal and burning flesh, a sharp reminder of the brutality unfolding before me.

As more troopers storm in, I can feel the pressure building. Despite Ryu's immense power, the numbers are overwhelming. They keep coming, an endless tide of armored soldiers and spider-like droids scuttling into the chamber. The droids move unnervingly fast, their legs clicking against the stone floor as they fire energy bolts at Ryu. He continues to fight, blocking, parrying, and striking back with precision, but it's clear the situation is becoming more dire.

Nikko clutches my hand tightly, her small fingers digging into my palm. Her eyes are wide, a mixture of awe and fear reflecting in them. "Papa's so strong..." she whispers, but there's a tremble in her voice. I nod silently, unable to tear my eyes away from the battle. Despite the horror of the scene, a small part of me is grateful that Ryu is unleashing his power on such evil.

Suddenly, a massive mechanical figure steps into the chamber, towering over the troopers. It's one of the Temple Guardians—a hulking construct of metal and stone, carrying a massive spear. It charges at Ryu with terrifying speed, the spear aimed directly at his chest. I gasp, my heart pounding in fear.

Ryu spins on his heel, his hand snapping up, and the guardian halts mid-strike, its spear frozen just inches from Ryu's chest. The guardian's massive form hovers, suspended by Ryu's control over the Force. I can barely breathe, the tension in the air almost unbearable. The sheer power Ryu exudes is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

With a crushing motion of his hand, the Temple Guardian crumples in on itself, the sound of metal twisting and breaking echoing through the chamber. The lifeless heap of metal collapses to the floor, and with a flick of his wrist, Ryu hurls the mangled remains into the advancing troopers, scattering them like ragdolls.

More troopers flood into the chamber, their numbers seemingly endless. Ryu continues to fight, cutting down soldiers with brutal efficiency, but the sheer force of the enemy is overwhelming. I can see the exhaustion beginning to set in, though he doesn't show it outwardly—his movements are still precise, still deadly, but the relentless onslaught is taking its toll.

Just when it seems the troopers might overwhelm him, Ryu suddenly deactivates his lightsaber, the yellow blade vanishing with a hiss. For a moment, the troopers hesitate, confused by the sudden shift. Ryu stands still, crouching slightly as if gathering strength, and then leaps into the air. He hovers there, suspended by the Force, and I feel the air around me crackle with energy.

I hold my breath, my eyes fixed on Ryu as the energy builds around him, the air almost humming with power. The troopers below him raise their blasters, preparing to fire, but they're too late. With a sudden, explosive motion, Ryu releases a massive Force Repulse—a shockwave of energy that radiates out from him in every direction.

The troopers closest to him disintegrate instantly, their bodies vaporized in the force of the blast. The remaining soldiers and droids are flung across the chamber, crashing into walls and pillars with bone-shattering force. The entire chamber shakes, dust and debris raining down from the ceiling as the wave of energy reverberates through the space.

I stumble back, shielding Nikko with my arms as the shockwave passes over us. Llamiryl stands firm, her gaze locked on Ryu, her face unreadable. The sound of destruction echoes through the chamber, but when the dust finally settles, there is silence.

Ryu lands gracefully, his boots making a soft thud against the stone floor. The chamber is littered with the bodies of Sith troopers, their weapons scattered and destroyed. The remains of droids lay in twisted heaps, their once formidable forms now reduced to scrap. One of the massive pillars supporting the chamber has collapsed, leaving a gaping hole in the structure.

My heart is racing, my hands trembling. The sheer power Ryu unleashed is overwhelming. I glance at Nikko, her small body trembling slightly, but there's a look of relief in her eyes. She's shaken, but I can tell she's relieved that Ryu's power is being used to destroy such evil. Still, the magnitude of what we've just witnessed weighs heavily on me.

Ryu's gaze shifts around the chamber, as if assessing whether more enemies are on the way. But the doors remain closed, no more troopers storm in. The battle is over, at least for now.

Ryu clips his lightsaber back onto his belt, the yellow blade disappearing with a hiss, leaving the chamber bathed in an eerie silence. He doesn't hesitate as he strides forward, stepping over the fallen Sith troopers and destroyed droids with calm determination. The bodies litter the ground, twisted in unnatural angles, their armor scorched and blackened. The remnants of the battle cling to the air—the smell of burnt flesh, the hum of energy still crackling faintly from the destroyed droids.

Ahead of him looms a massive stone door, intricately carved with symbols that seem ancient, almost forgotten to time. The towering door stands at the far end of the chamber, imposing and impenetrable. Its surface is weathered, cracks running through it like veins, but its sheer size suggests that no simple weapon could breach it.

Ryu comes to a stop in front of the door, his gaze steady, unflinching. The quiet weight of the moment presses down on me, and I feel my heart pounding in my chest. He raises his hand slowly, his fingers splayed open, reaching toward the massive stone structure.

The air feels charged, heavy with an unseen tension. I can't help but take in the destruction surrounding us—the lifeless bodies of Sith troopers, the scattered wreckage of droids, and the shattered pillars that once supported this ancient temple. But none of that seems to matter to Ryu. His eyes are locked on the door ahead, and there's an intensity in his posture that I've seen only a few times before.

"What's he doing?" Nikko's small voice quivers as she clutches my arm tightly, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe.

"He's going to break through," I reply, but my own voice is shaky. I've seen Ryu wield the Force before, but this—this is something far more intense. It's terrifying, and yet... mesmerizing.

The energy in his hands grows into a swirling ball of brilliant blue light, expanding outward like a miniature storm. The ground trembles beneath us as the Force crackles in the air, vibrating against my skin, almost suffocating in its intensity. Llamiryl watches in silence, her expression unreadable, but there's no mistaking the flicker of awe in her eyes. Even she seems taken aback.

Ryu's eyes narrow, focused entirely on the door. He pushes his hands forward slowly, and the energy moves with him, growing larger and more powerful. The swirling blue ball pulses, sending ripples through the space around it, bending reality itself under its weight. The ground beneath my feet vibrates harder, the sound of the energy buzzing in my ears.

And then, with a deep breath, Ryu thrusts his hands forward, releasing the energy in a single, explosive motion. The blue light shoots out, slamming into the stone door with an ear-splitting crash. The ground shakes violently, and I instinctively hold Nikko closer to me as the temple seems to shudder from the impact.

There's a brilliant flash of light, blinding me for a moment. I hear the sound of stone cracking, breaking apart. Debris explodes outward, chunks of rock hurtling in all directions, but the blue energy disintegrates them as they fly, leaving nothing but dust in its wake. The once-impenetrable door is gone, reduced to rubble.

When the light fades, I blink, my vision adjusting. The door is shattered. The massive stone wall that once stood in Ryu's path is nothing more than a crumbled heap of stone and dust. I feel the charge of the Force lingering in the air, tingling against my skin like a static current that refuses to fade.

"That... that was incredible," I whisper, my heart pounding. I've never seen anything like this.

Nikko is still gripping my arm tightly, her eyes wide. "Papa did that?" she whispers in awe.

Llamiryl nods, her gaze fixed on the destruction.

Ryu doesn't say a word. He simply lowers his hands and strides forward, stepping over the rubble and into the passageway beyond. I take a deep breath, my legs shaky beneath me as I follow. The air is still thick with the aftermath of his power, and even though I know this is just a memory, the weight of what I've just witnessed lingers heavily in my mind.

We step into the vast chamber, and immediately, I recognize it. This is the place where I had seen Ryu before, kneeling before his master, broken, submitting to the will of a man who had shaped him into a weapon. The room is enormous, grand in a dark, oppressive way. The walls are lined with banners, each one tattered and worn, claimed from worlds and tribes that Ryu had helped to conquer. They hang like silent specters of the past, their presence heavy with the weight of destruction. There's something chilling about seeing them now, knowing that each one represents lives lost, civilizations crushed under the iron grip of Ryu's master.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

At the far end of the chamber, sitting on a high, stone throne, is Ryu's master. His posture is rigid, but there's no fury in his gaze. No anger. Just that same cold, calculating stare as he watches Ryu step forward. His eyes pierce through the dim light of the chamber, settling on Ryu with a familiarity that makes my skin crawl.

The silence hangs thick between them, broken only by the distant hum of the temple's machinery. Ryu stops in the center of the chamber, his shoulders tense, but there's something different in the way he holds himself now. He isn't kneeling. He isn't submitting.

"I see you've made your decision, my young Acolyte," his master says, his voice slicing through the silence with an unnerving calm. There is no anger, no disappointment—just a cold indifference, as though addressing a trivial matter. "You've succumbed to your inner turmoil."

He shakes his head slowly, almost mockingly. "Such a waste."

My heart pounds in my chest. The way he speaks to Ryu, the absolute authority in his voice—it's suffocating. I glance at Nikko, whose hand tightens around mine. She doesn't say anything, but her wide eyes speak volumes. She's scared. So am I.

Ryu doesn't flinch. He stands his ground in the middle of the chamber, surrounded by the banners of his past sins, by the man who forged him into the weapon I'm only just beginning to understand.

Then, from the shadows, Sith Acolytes begin to step forward, one by one. They emerge from either side of the chamber, their dark robes shifting as they move with purpose. I count five, no, seven—each one igniting a red lightsaber with that ominous, unmistakable hiss. They surround Ryu, forming a circle around him, their crimson blades casting an eerie glow on the stone floor.

I feel a knot form in my stomach. They're going to kill him. I look at Llamiryl, but she remains calm, her eyes sharp as they track every movement.

"No," Ryu says, his voice steady and resolute. He reaches for his own lightsaber, and the moment it ignites, its yellow blade shining like a beacon of defiance, I see something in him that I hadn't before. Not fear. Not doubt. But determination. "I saw the truth," he continues, his voice strong, unwavering. "And now, I will break the chains of your control."

His words echo through the chamber, reverberating off the stone walls. My breath catches in my throat. There's a weight in his voice that I can't ignore—something final, something that speaks of a battle not just with his master, but with himself.

"Talia, he's doing it." Nikko's voice is a quiet whisper in my ear, filled with disbelief and hope. I feel her grip tighten, but my eyes are glued to Ryu. This is it. He's made his choice.

The Sith Acolytes close in, their red lightsabers humming ominously as they prepare to strike. But Ryu doesn't back down. His yellow blade is raised, and I can feel the tension, the charged air thick with the anticipation of a deadly clash.

"Ryu..." I whisper, my heart pounding.

The Sith Acolytes stand in a circle around Ryu, their dark robes swaying slightly as they ignite their lightsabers in unison, the red blades casting a crimson glow across the chamber. Their masks—fierce, predatory, and without emotion—hide their faces completely, making them seem more like phantoms than men. The chamber feels cold, the oppressive energy building in the air, crackling with danger. I can hardly breathe as I grip Nikko's hand, watching as Ryu stands alone, his yellow lightsaber igniting with a sharp hiss.

Ryu doesn't flinch. His eyes are cold behind that mask, his stance unwavering. The Sith Acolytes circle him like predators, waiting for the moment to strike. My heart races, fear gripping me as I try to imagine how Ryu will fend off so many at once. But he doesn't move, standing there, waiting, letting them make the first move.

Suddenly, one of them lunges at him, his red blade aimed for Ryu's chest. With a swift motion, Ryu deflects the attack, his yellow saber flashing through the air as he spins, barely dodging another strike from behind. The sound of lightsabers clashing echoes throughout the chamber, their red and yellow hues dancing together in an intense blur of light and shadow.

My breath catches in my throat as the others join the fray, coming at Ryu from every angle. But Ryu's movements are sharp, calculated. He dodges, parries, and counters, each movement a precise balance between fluidity and aggression. His yellow blade cuts through the air with terrifying precision, but the Acolytes are relentless. I can see how much effort it takes for Ryu to keep up.

"He's... he's fighting all of them at once," Nikko whispers, her voice shaking. I feel her trembling beside me.

"Yes," Llamiryl replies quietly, her eyes fixed on the battle. "But it's too many..."

One of the Acolytes slashes low, aiming for Ryu's legs, but Ryu leaps over the attack, flipping in mid-air to land behind his opponent. With a swift strike, he cuts through the Acolyte's back, sending the masked figure crumpling to the floor, his lightsaber flickering out.

My heart pounds as I watch Ryu fight, his yellow blade moving in a deadly rhythm, cutting through the air with deadly grace. He's fast, but the Acolytes are skilled. Their red lightsabers flash dangerously close to him, narrowly missing his chest, his legs, his arms. At times, it looks like he'll be overwhelmed, like there's too much to handle all at once.

Another Sith Acolyte charges at Ryu, swinging his saber in a wide arc, but Ryu catches it mid-air, their blades locked together in a clash of red and yellow. Sparks fly between them as Ryu forces the Acolyte back with sheer strength, disarming him with a quick flick of his wrist before delivering a lethal blow. The masked figure falls to the ground, motionless.

More Sith Acolytes rush in, their attacks fierce, unrelenting. Ryu pivots, dodging a near-fatal strike from behind, using the Force to push his attacker away with a powerful blast. The Acolyte flies across the room, hitting the stone walls with a sickening thud. But even as he fends them off, the danger is growing. The Acolytes are closing in.

Talia's breath catches, watching as the Sith Acolytes surround Ryu. The red glow of their blades is reflected off the stone walls, casting a grim light on the banners of conquered worlds hanging above.

"He's going to be overwhelmed," Nikko whispers, clinging to Talia's arm. "There's too many of them!"

For a moment, it looks like Nikko's words will prove true. One of the Acolytes swings down hard, forcing Ryu into a block that nearly falters. The red blade is just inches from Ryu's face, and Talia's heart stops.

But then, Ryu's free hand stretches out toward the masked Sith Acolyte. With a sharp burst of energy, the Acolyte is lifted into the air, his body thrown backward with such force that he crashes into one of the stone pillars lining the chamber. Ryu's movements blur as he spins, knocking back another strike with ease before slashing through the chest of the next attacker.

The sound of clashing lightsabers fills the air. Red and yellow streaks move like lightning, each deadly strike sending sparks flying. The air is filled with the hum of energy as Ryu cuts down another Sith Acolyte, then another. But still, they keep coming.

"There's no end to them..." Llamiryl murmurs.

Then, from the shadows, a hulking temple guardian steps forward, its massive spear glowing ominously. It charges at Ryu, the ground shaking beneath its weight, and for a moment, it looks as though the spear will pierce him. I cry out, unable to look away.

But at the last moment, Ryu raises his hand, stopping the spear mid-thrust. The guardian freezes, its enormous form trembling as Ryu focuses the Force on it. Slowly, with a sickening creak, the guardian begins to crumble. Its metal body collapses in on itself, folding and breaking under Ryu's power until it is nothing more than a heap of wreckage.

Ryu doesn't hesitate. He throws the crumpled remains of the guardian into the remaining Sith Acolytes, their bodies flung across the chamber like ragdolls, crashing against the walls with devastating force.

It's horrifying. The sheer power that Ryu unleashes is unlike anything I've ever seen, a force so unstoppable that it's terrifying. My heart races in my chest as I watch the Sith Acolytes crumble before him, one after another, their numbers dwindling.

But it's not enough. More troopers and droids pour into the chamber. It seems endless.

Ryu stops, his chest heaving as he surveys the battlefield. His lightsaber hums softly, casting a pale glow on the dark stone floor. Then, in a sudden motion, Ryu deactivates his blade. He takes a deep breath, the energy around him building.

I watch in shock as Ryu leaps into the air, hovering just above the battlefield. For a moment, everything goes still, and then—

A massive shockwave of energy bursts out from Ryu, rippling through the chamber with an incredible force. The Sith Acolytes and droids closest to him disintegrate on impact, their bodies reduced to ash in the blink of an eye. Those farther away are hurled across the room, their broken forms slamming into walls and columns.

The force of the blast shakes the entire chamber, the ground trembling beneath my feet. Nikko gasps, gripping my arm as the aftershocks reverberate through the stone walls.

When Ryu lands, there's nothing left. The chamber is silent, the bodies of Sith Acolytes and shattered droids littering the floor around him. He stands in the center of the room, his yellow lightsaber flickering out.

"He... he did it," I whisper, barely able to believe what I just witnessed.

Nikko nods, her voice shaky but filled with relief. "Papa won."

Llamiryl is silent, her eyes fixed on Ryu, the aftermath of the battle hanging heavy in the air.

Llamiryl turns to me and Nikko, her voice low and firm. "It's not over yet."

I look back at Ryu, my heart pounding in my chest. His gaze is now fixed on his master, still sitting on the throne, calm and collected amidst the carnage of the battle. The chamber is deathly quiet, but the tension is so thick I can feel it pressing down on me like a weight. My breath hitches when I see Ryu's master rise slowly from his seat, his dark eyes locked onto Ryu with a cold, calculating stare.

"Very impressive," the Sith Lord says, his voice a smooth, chilling whisper that somehow carries through the entire chamber. I can barely believe he's offering praise, and for a moment, I feel a pang of hope that maybe—just maybe—this confrontation won't end in bloodshed.

"You've come a long way since Kessel," Ryu's master continues, his tone almost... nostalgic. But then his words twist, cold and venomous. "But in the end, you were nothing more than an accessory. A tool to serve my purpose."

The way he says it sends a wave of fury through me, and I clench my fists at my sides. How can he speak so calmly after all that Ryu has done, all that he's endured? But there's something about the way he stands, so composed, exuding a dark, oppressive authority that chills me to the bone. His very presence oozes with an overwhelming sense of control, like the room itself bends to his will.

Suddenly, before I can process it, Ryu's master moves with lightning speed. His arms shoot out, fingers extended, and from them bursts a torrent of crackling blue lightning, arcing violently toward Ryu.

My breath catches as the lightning courses through the air with terrifying speed. But Ryu is ready.

In a flash, Ryu shuts off his lightsaber, raising his free hand just in time to meet the incoming storm of energy. The blue lightning surges toward him, but with a swift, fluid motion, he directs the flow of power through his body, channeling the lightning along his arm and twisting it back in a graceful arc. The energy pulses with a blinding light, crackling with intensity as Ryu redirects it toward its origin.

The redirected lightning strikes at Ryu's master with explosive force, sending a cloud of dust swirling through the chamber as the energy collides where the Sith Lord once stood. My heart races as I watch, straining to see through the haze.

For a moment, everything is still.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

But then Ryu looks up sharply, his eyes widening as his master—no longer at the center of the room—suddenly appears above him, descending swiftly from the air. The Sith Lord's dark robes billow around him, and in one fluid motion, he ignites a brilliant red lightsaber, the crimson blade cutting through the dust as he brings it down with deadly precision toward Ryu.

Just before the red blade can strike, Ryu ignites his yellow lightsaber in a flash, meeting the attack head-on. The two lightsabers clash with a fierce hiss, sending sparks flying between them as the two warriors lock eyes in the heat of battle.

The air between them is electric, the hum of their lightsabers filling the chamber as Ryu's master regards him with a cold, predatory gaze. "Very good, Ryu," his master praises, his voice smooth, almost mocking. Their blades remain locked, but while Ryu grunts with the strain, the weight of his master's force pressing down on him, the Sith Lord remains calm, as if the battle is nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Ryu clenches his jaw, muscles straining as he tries to push back, but his master barely flinches. And then, with a sudden surge of power, Ryu's master shoves him forward, the force sending Ryu staggering backward. He barely catches himself, his boots skidding across the smooth floor, but before he can fully regain his balance, their blades clash again, the sound of lightsabers crackling with fierce energy filling the air.

I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I watch from the side, frozen in place. Ryu is giving it everything he has, but I can already tell... his master is stronger. Much stronger.

Their lightsabers flash and whirl, the glowing blades casting eerie reflections off the walls as they move in a deadly dance, each strike more intense than the last. Ryu swings his lightsaber in a wide arc, aiming for his master's chest, but his master parries the blow effortlessly, his expression never changing. It's as if he's barely exerting himself, while Ryu is fighting for his life.

"Come on, Ryu..." I whisper under my breath, clenching my fists as I watch, praying for him to find an opening.

But his master moves with terrifying precision, dodging and deflecting every strike as if he knows what Ryu will do before he even makes a move. Ryu grits his teeth and thrusts his free hand forward, summoning the Force in a desperate attempt to push his master back, but the Sith Lord merely waves his hand, deflecting the energy as if swatting away an insect.

"It's futile, Ryu," his master says, his voice calm, almost bored. "You've grown stronger, but not enough."

Before Ryu can react, his master reaches out with the Force, and with a flick of his wrist, large chunks of stone and debris break free from the walls of the temple. The massive slabs of rock float ominously in the air for a moment before hurtling toward Ryu with deadly speed.

"Watch out!" I cry, my voice barely audible over the sound of the debris crashing toward him.

Ryu dashes out of the way just in time, the stone slamming into the floor where he stood only moments before, sending cracks spiderwebbing through the polished surface. But his master isn't done. Another wave of debris flies toward Ryu, and though he dodges again, the strain is clear on his face. He's being pushed to his limit.

The two continue their fight, moving with blinding speed through the vast chamber, their lightsabers slashing and clashing in a flurry of strikes. Ryu tries to counter, swinging his lightsaber in a powerful arc, but his master sidesteps with ease, his movements fluid and precise. Then, with a swift motion, Ryu's master extends his arm, and an invisible force slams into Ryu with the power of a crashing wave.

Ryu flies back, his body crashing into one of the temple's stone pillars with a sickening thud. I wince, my heart skipping a beat as the impact shakes the entire chamber. But Ryu isn't down yet. He pulls himself up, breathing heavily, his lightsaber still ignited in his hand.

"Ryu..." Nikko whispers, clutching my arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear.

He doesn't stop. He charges again, his determination unwavering, but his master meets him head-on, their lightsabers clashing with an ear-splitting hiss. They move together, their blades a blur of light, but it's clear that Ryu is struggling. Every time he tries to gain ground, his master counters, forcing him back.

And then, with a sudden burst of power, Ryu's master unleashes a powerful Force push. The energy slams into Ryu like a battering ram, sending him hurtling across the chamber. He crashes through the wall with a thunderous roar, breaking through stone and mortar, and disappears outside into the open air.

"Ryu!" I scream, my voice raw with panic as I rush toward the shattered wall.

Llamiryl grabs my arm, stopping me. "Talia, remember. It's just a memory."

But even though I know that, my chest tightens with fear. Seeing Ryu like this, watching him struggle against a power so much greater than his own... it's terrifying. I glance at Nikko, who looks just as shaken, her small hands trembling as she clutches the fabric of my sleeve.

Through the gaping hole in the wall, I see Ryu land hard on the rocky ground outside the temple, the wind knocked out of him. But he forces himself to stand, his chest heaving as he reignites his lightsaber. His master steps through the hole with slow, deliberate steps, his presence as overwhelming as ever. The moonlight casts a cold, pale glow on the desolate landscape outside, illuminating the deep ravine that looms just beyond the temple's edge.

The fight continues, more brutal than before. Ryu slashes at his master with everything he has, but the Sith Lord is relentless. He sidesteps, parries, and counters with precision, every movement calculated to wear Ryu down.

I can see the exhaustion setting in on Ryu's face. His strikes become more desperate, his breathing ragged. His master, on the other hand, remains calm, his expression unreadable as he methodically breaks Ryu down piece by piece.

At one point, Ryu manages to land a glancing blow, the yellow blade of his lightsaber slashing across his master's arm. But the Sith Lord barely flinches, as if the pain means nothing to him. He retaliates with a vicious backhanded strike, sending Ryu stumbling toward the edge of the ravine.

"No!" Nikko cries, her voice trembling with fear.

Ryu catches himself just before falling, but his master is already upon him. With a swift, brutal motion, the Sith Lord slashes at Ryu, the red blade cutting across his chest. Ryu gasps, his body jerking as the searing pain takes hold, and he stumbles back, his hand clutching at the wound.

I feel my heart drop as I watch, frozen in place. Ryu... he lost.

The sight of him, bloodied and beaten, fighting with everything he has, only to be outmatched by the sheer power of his master... it's too much to bear.

The memory is brutal. Ryu collapses to his knees, barely holding himself upright with one trembling hand against the ground. His lightsaber clatters to the stone floor, its once-vibrant yellow blade flickering out, leaving him defenseless. Blood drips steadily from the deep gash across his chest, staining the ground beneath him in dark, crimson splatters. He clutches at the wound, his fingers slick with blood, and I can see his strength waning with every shallow breath he takes.

Ryu's master stands over him, towering, unyielding. The red glow of his lightsaber hums menacingly, casting long shadows across the ground as he steps closer. There's no sympathy in his expression—just cold indifference. The way he looks down at Ryu, defeated and kneeling before him, sends a shiver down my spine. It's a horrifying reflection of that first memory we saw, back on Kessel. The same cruel dynamic, the same merciless power exerted over Ryu, and my heart aches to see him like this, broken and vulnerable.

Then, with deliberate slowness, Ryu's master extends his free hand. My stomach drops. Ryu's body jerks, his eyes widening in shock as he's lifted off the ground, clutching at his neck as an invisible force wraps around his throat, choking him. His feet dangle helplessly as he struggles for breath, his face contorting with pain.

"This is my use for you ends," the Sith Lord says, his voice as frigid as ever. He raises his lightsaber, the red blade glowing with lethal intent, ready to deliver the final blow.

"No!" I want to scream, but my voice catches in my throat. It's happening all over again, and I'm powerless to stop it.

But then, in a last desperate act, Ryu reaches out with the Force. His fingers twitch, and his lightsaber, still lying on the ground, jerks into the air, spinning towards him. It ignites mid-flight, the yellow blade humming to life. Ryu's master notices just in time, releasing him from the Force choke. Ryu drops to the ground with a painful thud, the air leaving his lungs in a ragged gasp, just as his lightsaber whizzes past the Sith Lord's head, narrowly missing him.

Ryu hits the ground hard, his body rolling with the momentum, and I can't help the gasp that escapes me as he tumbles towards the edge of the ravine. His form disappears over the edge, vanishing into the darkness below.

"Ryu!" I cry out, my voice raw with fear.

But before I can move, the memory shifts. Everything around us darkens—like the world itself is folding in on us. I blink, my heart racing, and the next thing I know, we're standing back in the endless hallway. The cold metal walls and shadowy void surround us once more, the silence deafening after the chaos of the battle.

I can't contain it anymore. The tension, the fear, the anger—it all comes crashing down. "That monster!" I shout, my voice trembling with rage. "How could he? How could he do that to Ryu, after everything?" My fists clench at my sides, and I feel the tears stinging my eyes. I can't stop picturing the way Ryu was thrown around like a rag doll, the way his master seemed to enjoy every moment of it.

Nikko's sobs cut through my outburst. She's trembling, her tiny hands covering her face as she breaks down completely. "Papa... Papa's dead... He fell!" she cries, her voice choking with grief. "Papa's gone..."

I freeze, the anger in me fizzling out as I see Nikko's tear-streaked face. The raw fear in her eyes makes my heart twist painfully. I kneel down, pulling her into my arms, holding her tightly against my chest. "Nikko, no, he's not dead," I whisper, trying to soothe her even though I can barely hold myself together. "It was just a memory, remember? He's not dead. He's alive... somewhere."

Nikko sniffles, looking up at me with wide, tear-filled eyes. "But he fell... he fell so far... How could he survive?"

I don't have an answer, and I feel the weight of the uncertainty pressing down on me. How did he survive? I saw him tumble into that ravine, his body broken and bleeding. It didn't seem possible.

Llamiryl's voice is steady, though I can sense the tremor beneath her calm facade. "We'll find out," she says, stepping forward, her eyes fixed on the dark corridor ahead. "There's more to this... more we haven't seen." She raises her hand, and with a flick of her wrist, another door materializes before us, glowing faintly in the dim light.

I look down at Nikko, her tearful gaze still locked on me. "Are you ready?" I ask softly, brushing a few stray hairs from her face.

She nods, though I can see the fear still lingering in her eyes. "I want to know what happened to Papa."

"So do I," I say, squeezing her hand gently as we rise to our feet.

Llamiryl pushes the door open, the soft light spilling out into the hallway. She looks back at us, her expression serious but filled with a quiet determination. "Let's go," she says, stepping through the doorway.

I take a deep breath, giving Nikko's hand a reassuring squeeze before we follow. The uncertainty gnaws at me, the fear of what we might find next—but there's no turning back now. We need to know. We have to know how Ryu survived.