We follow the remaining guards as they move through the temple, trying to hold their position, but it''s chaos. More and more soldiers appear, their white armor gleaming under the temple lights. They fire without mercy, their blaster rifles sending out rapid volleys of blue beams that scorch the walls and floors.


    Behind them, I catch glimpses of devastation—dead Jedi, children of varying races running, their eyes wide with fear, and more soldiers marching through the halls like an unstoppable tide. The center of the temple is a battlefield. Lightsabers clash with blaster fire, and the screams of the fallen echo in the distance. It''s horrific. The very heart of the Jedi Order is being torn apart, and we''re powerless to stop it.


    "Llamiryl!" I shout again, desperate for answers. "What is this? Why are they doing this?"


    She grits her teeth, her face pale. "I don''t know," she whispers.


    My eyes dart around the temple, the walls that once felt like a sanctuary now nothing but a graveyard. I can barely breathe. This is a nightmare.


    As we move deeper into the memory, the remaining Temple Guards—now only six—fight desperately to survive. They cut through the soldiers, but they''re attacked from all sides. I can barely keep up with the scene, my eyes darting everywhere, watching in horror as more and more guards fall. The blue blaster fire is relentless, and the guards can only deflect so much. The sound of lightsabers crashing and the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground fills the air.


    We''re nearly at the end of the hall when I realize... Ryu is the last one standing. The last of the Temple Guards. It hits me like a punch to the gut. "That''s Ryu," I whisper, the realization dawning on me, my voice thick with emotion.


    Nikko stares up at me, her eyes filled with fear and confusion. "Papa?" she whispers. "Is he... is he going to be okay?"


    I can''t answer. My throat feels tight, and my chest is heavy. All I can do is watch as Ryu fights on, his lightsaber spinning in a blur of yellow, deflecting the blaster fire with practiced precision. But the soldiers in white keep coming, their blue beams lighting up the temple like bolts of lightning in a storm.


    Ryu pushes forward, trying to reach a group of Jedi in the distance. They''re cornered, fending off a squad of soldiers, but before Ryu can reach them, they fall—cut down by the relentless blaster fire. My stomach churns as I watch him, helpless, deflecting the beams too late. He doesn''t stop. He moves forward, cutting down soldiers as he goes, his movements precise, controlled.


    Suddenly, a familiar figure appears ahead—Jedi Master Va''Ruun. Relief washes over me, Nikko, and Llamiryl.


    "Master Va''Ruun," Ryu calls out, his voice shaky but strong.


    Va''Ruun turns, his green lightsaber ignited, fighting off the remaining troopers. "Ryu? Am I relieved you are still alive," he says, his voice tight with exhaustion.


    Ryu blocks another volley of blaster fire before asking, "What is going on Master? Why are the clones turning on use?"


    Va''Ruun grimaces, deflecting another shot. "I don''t know. The Clone Troopers just suddenly started pouring in from every entrance."


    Their conversation is cut short as more clone troopers round the corner. They fight back, their lightsabers deflecting the blue beams with swift precision, but Va''Ruun is hit in the shoulder. He stumbles, clutching the wound, but doesn''t falter.


    "Ryu, we must save as many younglings as possible," Va''Ruun says through gritted teeth, his green lightsaber flashing as he takes down two more troopers.


    "Are you suggesting we should flee?" Ryu asks, his voice filled with tension, his lightsaber still spinning through the air as he blocks another barrage of fire.


    Va''Ruun nods, his face grim. "The clones are too many. I sense this is happening all over the Galaxy. I fear, this will be the end of the Jedi Order."


    Ryu hesitates, his movements slowing for just a moment. "Master, I swore an oath to defend this temple with my life. I will not abandon it."


    Va''Ruun''s face softens, but there''s a weight in his words. "You also swore to defend the Jedi, and now your duty is to save and protect as many younglings as you can."


    My heart pounds in my chest, the scene playing out like a tragedy we can''t stop. Llamiryl, Nikko, and I are left on the edge, not knowing what will happen next. My heart pounds in my chest as I glance around. Bodies—Jedi and soldiers alike—litter the floor. The once-pristine temple is now a war zone. The air is thick with the acrid scent of burning flesh, metal, and despair.


    "What of the Council? Where are they?" Ryu asks, his voice tight with urgency. I can feel the tension in him. He''s doing everything he can to hold it together, but I see the weight of this devastation pressing down on him.


    Va''Ruun looks grim. "Master Yoda is on Kashyyyk, Master Kenobi on Utapau. Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Aayla Secura... all of them are scattered across the galaxy, leading clone forces in battle."


    Ryu tightens his grip on his lightsaber. "And the others?"


    Va''Ruun sighs, frustration evident. "Masters Mace Windu, Saesee Tiin, Agen Kolar and Kit Fisto—they left the temple before the attack to confront Palpatine. I haven''t been able to reach them or the other council members. All communications are being jammed."


    I feel my stomach drop. This is much worse than I thought. The weight of it is pressing down on me, suffocating. I glance at Nikko, who''s trembling beside me, her small fingers gripping my arm tightly. "Why... why would they do this?" she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sounds of battle.


    "That leaves only Master Shaak Ti. Where is she?" Ryu asks.


    "I don''t know. I haven''t come across her. I hoped you did. She could be anywhere. I hope she is still alive."


    My heart sinks further. I glance down the hallway, hoping—praying—that we''ll find some sign of hope, but it''s just more destruction.


    "What about the younglings?" Ryu asks, his tone growing more desperate. "Where would they be hiding?"


    Va''Ruun''s eyes harden with resolve. "In case of an attack, they are to hide in the Council Chamber."


    "Then we must go there," Ryu says, determination clear in his voice. I can feel his resolve strengthening, even as everything around us crumbles.


    Va''Ruun motions forward. "Let''s go."


    ?????


    We follow them as they rush through the temple, their lightsabers blazing a path through the chaos. My heart is racing, my pulse thundering in my ears as more soldiers pour into the halls, firing blue beams of light that crackle through the air. Ryu and Va''Ruun deflect them effortlessly, but there''s so many of them. Too many.


    I stumble as I step over the body of a fallen Jedi, my stomach churning at the sight of their lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling. This place that was once so peaceful, so serene, is now a graveyard. I want to scream, to run, but I can''t. I have to keep moving.


    "Papa will save them, right?" Nikko''s voice trembles as she clings to me. "He''ll save the younglings... won''t he?"


    I squeeze her hand, though I''m not sure if it''s to comfort her or myself. "He will," I whisper, though I can barely believe the words myself. The temple is falling apart around us, and I don''t know if how Ryu can make it out of this alive.


    Ahead of us, Ryu and Va''Ruun fight off wave after wave of those soldiers, their lightsabers flashing in the dimly lit halls. The walls bear the scars of battle, the once smooth stone now riddled with burns and cracks. I see Jedi cut down, younglings sprawled dead across the floor, trembling in fear. It''s a nightmare. One I never imagined could be real.


    Finally, it seems we are nearing the Council Chamber, a large spiraling stair case climbing up the inside of a large tower. My heart leaps with a flicker of hope. Maybe... maybe they''ll find survivors. Maybe they can save them.


    But then, a figure steps in from behind..


    At first, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Va''Ruun even lowers his lightsaber slightly, his posture softening. "Am I glad to see you are alive," he says, almost sounding relieved. But something feels wrong. There''s an overwhelming darkness surrounding this figure.


    I watch as the man in dark robes steps forward. His face is sharp, intense, and for a moment, I think he''s human. But his presence... it''s cold. His eyes, though focused and unwavering, have a terrifying emptiness in them. They burn with something I can''t describe. And before I can make sense of any of it, the man''s lightsaber ignites with a hiss—a blue blade.


    I scream as the man drives the blade straight through Va''Ruun''s chest. Va''Ruun gasps, his green lightsaber shutting off. I see the shock in Va''Ruun''s eyes as he staggers backward. There''s no time to react—no time to stop it. With a single motion, the man pulls his lightsaber back and then, with horrifying precision, beheads Va''Ruun in one fluid movement.


    The Jedi Master''s body crumples to the ground, his head rolling to the side. My breath catches in my throat.


    "No! No!" I can barely recognize my own voice as it leaves me, but it''s too late. The man, whoever he is, has already turned his attention to Ryu.


    "Papa!" Nikko cries out, her voice breaking. Her hands are shaking so hard she can barely hold on to me.


    Ryu doesn''t hesitate. He charges at the man, his yellow lightsaber igniting as he swings at him, but the figure blocks the attack with terrifying ease. The clash of lightsabers echoes through the hall, the blue and yellow blades dancing through the air, but the man is too strong.


    Ryu fights with everything he has, but it''s like battling a storm. The man''s movements are fluid, precise, and before Ryu can land another blow, the figure slices Ryu''s lightsaber in half. The yellow blade flickers and dies as the pieces fall to the ground.


    I barely have time to react before the man raises his hand, and with a single, powerful motion, he sends Ryu flying back with the Force. Ryu slams into the wall with a sickening thud, and I feel my own body flinch in pain as I watch him collapse to the ground.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Everything blurs. The memory flickers, becoming fuzzy, the edges of the scene darkening as if the world itself is crumbling. For a moment, there''s nothing but blackness.


    ?????


    And then, just as quickly, the memory snaps back into focus. The hallway is empty now. The man is gone. All that''s left is the lifeless body of Master Va''Ruun and Ryu lying unconscious against the wall.


    I collapse to my knees, my chest heaving with shallow breaths. "He... he just killed him," I whisper, my voice breaking.


    Nikko clutches at my side, her tears staining my robes. "Papa..." she sobs, her voice desperate.


    I want to comfort her, to tell her everything will be fine, but I don''t know. I don''t know if anything will ever be fine again.


    The memory sharpens as Ryu, still dazed, rises to his feet. He stumbles forward, his gaze locking onto the lifeless body of Master Va''Ruun. He crawls over, letting out a heavy sigh as he places his hand on Va''Ruun''s chest. For a moment, he lingers there, as if absorbing the reality of the loss. But then, he jerks his head toward the hallway, eyes focused. I feel it too—the realization that hits him like a lightning strike.


    The younglings.


    Without a word, Ryu springs to his feet and takes off, sprinting up the stairs. I barely have time to process before I find myself running after him. Nikko and Llamiryl are right behind me, but I can feel the panic rising in all of us. We rush up the steps of the grand tower, the sound of Ryu''s footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls.


    Finally, the massive doors of the Council Chamber slide open with a hiss, and we all come to a halt.


    My breath catches in my throat.


    The chamber—so grand and magnificent, with towering columns, a circle of chairs of various sizes in the center, and wide windows offering an awe-inspiring view of Coruscant''s endless cityscape—is a scene of devastation. Younglings, tiny and fragile, are strewn across the floor, their lifeless bodies scattered like broken dolls. The large circular windows at the top of the temple frame the horrific sight. Beyond the temple''s peak, the vast, sprawling city stretches on endlessly, its lights twinkling far below, oblivious to the slaughter happening inside. Fires burn, licking the outside of the temple and smoke rises high in the sky.


    Ryu''s gaze falls over the younglings, and I can feel his devastation. He collapses to his knees, the weight of failure crashing down on him. He was too late. My chest tightens painfully, and Nikko clings to me, her small hands trembling. "No..." I whisper, my voice barely audible. "The children..."


    Ryu clenches his fists, his entire body trembling with rage. But before he can react further, several white-armored soldiers run into the chamber, their blaster rifles raised. Ryu doesn''t even hesitate.


    He stretches out his hand, and I watch in horror as the lead soldier''s hands fly to his throat, choking as he''s lifted into the air. One by one, the other soldiers follow, their bodies convulsing as they''re dragged into the air by some invisible force. Their helmets tilt upward, hands clawing at their throats, but there''s no mercy in Ryu''s gaze. With a flick of his wrist, he sends them crashing through the wide window, their screams vanishing into the void as they plummet to their deaths below.


    I take a sharp breath, stunned. I''ve seen Ryu fight before, but this... this is different. The fury radiates off of him like a storm, but something changes. His breathing slows, and Llamiryl, standing beside me, whispers, "He''s trying to calm himself... not to give in to his anger."


    Ryu reaches behind him, and I gasp when I see what he pulls out. It''s his lightsaber—the one I''ve seen him wield so many times before. He stands tall, posture stiff, the anger still simmering beneath the surface. But he''s fighting it. I can tell.


    The temple has gone deathly quiet. Too quiet. No more blaster fire, no more cries of terror. Just an eerie silence that feels like the calm before another storm.


    Ryu moves now, silently and with precision, his body low as he slips through the temple halls. He moves like a shadow, avoiding any remaining soldiers as we follow closely behind. The hallways, once vibrant and alive with the presence of the Jedi, are now filled with death. Bodies of Jedi lie scattered, some still clutching their lightsabers, others broken and motionless.


    Nikko squeezes my hand, her grip tight with fear. The silence presses down on me, thick and oppressive, as if the entire temple itself is holding its breath.


    ?????


    Finally, Ryu reaches an exit—a side passage leading out of the temple. But something stops him. A figure stands in the doorway, tall and unmoving. My heart pounds as I realize it''s one of the Temple Guards, his double-bladed lightsaber resting on his belt. Before him lie the bodies of more Jedi, cut down by what I can only assume is betrayal.


    The Temple Guard tilts his head, as if studying Ryu. Then, to my shock, the guard speaks. "I''m surprised one is still alive," he says, his voice calm, almost amused. There''s a pause, and then his head tilts further. "Wait... is that you, Ryu?"


    "Majel?" Ryu''s voice is filled with disbelief. His grip tightens around his lightsaber, and I can feel the tension building between them. "What are you doing?" Ryu demands, his voice low and dangerous.


    Majel laughs softly. "Picking the right side, of course."


    A cold chill runs down my spine. Majel... one of Ryu''s comrades... betrayed them all?


    "I''ve always hated the Jedi," Majel continues, his voice dripping with bitterness. "They preach about balance and peace, but all they do is hold us back. My talents were wasted, my potential squandered. I was never given the chance to prove myself."


    I feel my stomach churn at his words. How could someone like him turn against everything he once stood for?


    Ryu steps forward, his lightsaber still in hand. "You betrayed us. You betrayed the Jedi."


    Majel shrugs, his face hidden behind his mask, but the casualness of his posture infuriates me. "The Jedi are weak, Ryu. Blind to the truth. I''ve seen the way things are. This was inevitable."


    "How could you?" I whisper, my voice barely audible over the tension crackling between them. I feel sick to my stomach, knowing that someone could betray their own like this.


    Majel''s gaze narrows as he steps closer, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "You''re not like the others, Ryu. You are far stronger than them yet you are held back like me. You must feel the same I do."


    I feel the tension building, my heart pounding in my chest. There''s something chilling about Majel''s tone, something dangerous.


    He gestures to the dead Jedi around them, his hand sweeping in an almost mocking manner. "Join me, Ryu. Together, we can hunt down the remaining Jedi. Your talents won''t be wasted anymore. You don''t belong with them. Use your powers for something greater instead watching over old relics. What do you say, my friend?"


    My stomach twists as I glance at Ryu, wondering if he''s even considering it. The silence between them is heavy, the weight of it pressing down on me.


    But then Ryu takes a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling with the decision he''s made. "I don''t walk that path anymore," he says quietly, though his voice is firm. "The Jedi gave me purpose."


    Without hesitation, Ryu steps forward and takes a fighting stance, igniting his yellow lightsaber with a sharp hiss. The glow illuminates his face, casting long shadows across the temple''s cold walls.


    "I will do what I must, to do right. If it means fighting you, then so be it." Ryu says with a deep breath.


    Majel lets out a sigh, almost regretful, as his own double-bladed lightsaber ignites with a menacing hum. " Very well," he says, his tone devoid of emotion.


    And then they''re on each other.


    The clash of lightsabers is deafening, the yellow blades sparking violently as they collide. Ryu moves with fluid grace, every strike and parry precise, while Majel counters with equal skill. They are perfectly matched, their movements almost like a deadly dance.


    Ryu presses forward, his strikes faster and more aggressive, but Majel spins his double-bladed weapon with expert precision, blocking each blow. The fight is a flurry of light and motion, each strike met with an equally powerful counter.


    Majel swings low, aiming for Ryu''s legs, but Ryu leaps into the air, flipping over the attack and bringing his blade down toward Majel''s shoulder. Majel spins, blocking the strike, and counters with a powerful horizontal slash. Ryu barely manages to deflect it, his feet sliding across the floor as he regains his balance.


    "You''re wasting your potential, Ryu," Majel calls out, his voice calm despite the intensity of the fight. "You know you are wasted with them."


    Ryu remains silent, not responding as he swings his lightsaber toward Majel''s chest. Majel blocks it easily, the two locking blades for a moment, their faces inches apart. "You''re better than this," Majel hisses, his voice low.


    Ryu pushes him back with a grunt, breaking the lock and launching into another series of strikes. Their lightsabers blur as they clash again and again, neither gaining the upper hand. The tension is palpable, every move charged with deadly intent.


    Then, just as Majel lunges forward, aiming a strike at Ryu''s chest, Ryu rolls to the side, dodging the blow. He rises quickly, turning back toward the exit—but before he can react, the sound of blaster fire fills the air.


    I gasp as more of those white-armored soldiers storm into the chamber, their blasters raised. Blue bolts of energy streak through the air, heading straight for Ryu.


    Ryu spins, his lightsaber a blur as he deflects the bolts with precision, sending them ricocheting back toward the troopers. One of the bolts strikes Majel in the arm, and he lets out a sharp grunt of pain, his grip faltering for a moment.


    Seizing the opportunity, Ryu reaches out with the Force, sending a powerful wave that knocks the troopers and Majel back, their bodies crashing into the walls. The troopers are thrown off their feet, their weapons clattering to the ground.


    Without wasting another second, Ryu turns and runs, shutting off his lightsaber as he runs for the exit. The troopers shout, scrambling to get back on their feet, but Ryu is already gone.


    ?????


    The memory shifts, and we find ourselves standing in the crowded streets of Coruscant, rain pouring down relentlessly, bouncing off the metal surfaces of droids and the slick pavement. Ships buzz overhead, their lights piercing through the dark, clouded sky. All around us, beings of every imaginable kind press in, the street filled with the murmur of conversation and the hum of activity.


    Then everything stops. A flicker of light draws my attention, and a massive hologram appears on the side of one of the towering structures. A figure, draped in dark red, regal robes, materializes before us. The entire crowd falls silent, eyes fixed on the man whose presence commands immediate attention.


    I hear someone nearby murmur, "That''s Chancellor Palpatine."


    My stomach twists. The man''s voice booms through the streets, and it chills me to the bone.


    "The Jedi Rebellion has been foiled," the man announces, his tone calm yet filled with undeniable power. His face is lined with deep scars, the toll of conflict clear on his features. He pauses as applause from within the hologram echo across the street.


    "The remaining Jedi will be hunted down... and defeated!"


    The words hit me like a blow. I can feel Nikko tense beside me, her small hand tightening around mine.


    "The Jedi..." she whispers, her voice trembling. Llamiryl, standing stiffly beside us, says nothing, but her eyes are wide with shock.


    I can hardly breathe. Rebellion? Hunted down? What is happening?


    The man pauses, and his face hardens as he continues, "The attempt on my life... has left me scarred... and deformed."


    I gasp, remembering Master Va''Ruun''s words. He said some of the Jedi Council went to confront this man—Chancellor Palpatine.


    "But I assure you. My resolve has never been stronger!" Palpatine continues.


    Was this the result of their attempt? My mind races, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. Is this why the temple was attacked? Is this why those soldiers turned on the Jedi?


    "In order to ensure the security... and continuing stability," the Chancellor''s voice rises with authority, reverberating through the street, "the Republic will be reorganized... into the first... Galactic... Empire!"


    The Galactic Empire? The words send a shiver down my spine. It sounds too familiar, too much like the Sith Empire. I glance at Llamiryl, who meets my gaze, and I can see the same realization dawn on her face.


    "For a safe... and secure... society!" Palpatine declares, his words punctuated by the deafening silence of the crowd.


    Nikko looks up at me, her face filled with confusion. "What does that mean? The Republic is gone?" she asks, her voice small and scared.


    I don''t have the heart to answer her. My throat feels tight, and I can''t stop the sinking feeling in my chest. The Republic... gone? Replaced by this... Empire?


    The crowd around us stirs, and then, to my horror, many begin to cheer. A loud, resounding applause fills the air as countless beings raise their voices in support of this new Empire. My heart sinks even further as I see the faces of those celebrating this announcement, as if they have no idea what this means, no idea what they''re supporting.


    As the crowd erupts into cheers, the man in the hologram raises his arms, embracing the adulation of the masses. His dark robes billow slightly with the movement, and a faint, unsettling smile curls at the corners of his mouth. The sound of the applause swells, echoing through the streets, while the rain continues to fall, almost unnoticed by those lost in their celebration.


    Yet, I also notice confusion and uncertainty in others. Some remain silent, looking around as though they too, are trying to understand the gravity of what has just been declared.


    "How can they cheer for this?" I whisper, more to myself than to anyone else. The thought of the Republic, the hope it represented, being swept away in a moment like this feels unreal.


    Llamiryl shakes her head slowly, her voice quiet and filled with disbelief. "Poor Ryu."


    Nikko squeezes my hand, her voice trembling as she asks, "What does this mean for Papa?"


    I don''t know what to tell her. The sight of the crowd cheering for this so-called safe and secure society while I feel nothing but dread. The words echo through the street, but they feel hollow. I can''t believe it. Not after everything we''ve seen, after everything we know is happening. How can there be peace in something born from so much destruction?


    The crowd continues to cheer, but all I can do is stand there, gripping Nikko''s hand tightly and feeling the weight of the truth pressing down on me. The Republic is gone. The Jedi are being hunted. And now, I fear Ryu will have had faced something far, far worse.