Star Wars: Rebels: The Rising Darkness

Disclaimer: Star Wars Rebels and all Star Wars characters and Lore are not my property, as they are all owned by Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company.

A/N: And here we are everyone, the conclusion of The Rising Darkness. This is it, the ending of a new beginning. Enjoy!

Epilogue: The Light and the Dark

The moment Kanan and Zeb were inside the Ghost's loading bay, Hera turned the starship and took off, the boarding ramp retracting and the doors sealing as she did so. Three full squadrons of TIE fighters were bearing down on the Rebel vessel, their pilots immediately pulling the triggers to their laser cannons once they were in range.

"I've angled all deflector shields astern. Chopper, get on the tail gun!" the rogue Twi'lek pilot ordered her longtime astromech companion, who chirped in a binary agreement.

The evasive maneuvers their pilot was forced to take made it difficult for the wounded remaining members of the team to try and navigate the interior of the ship, but they made their way into the main hold nonetheless.

"Ezra!" Kanan finally got a good look at the state of his apprentice as Sabine held the unconscious young padawan against her.

"H-he's alive, barely. I- err, we, need to get him to a medical facility as soon as possible," Sabine stumbled over her words, worry evident in her tone despite herself. The three stumbled once again when the shots from a TIE met their mark on the stern.

"If the Imperials shoot us down, we're not going anywhere. Sabine, you and Zeb need to get on the guns and get those TIE's off our tail!"

"Kanan, you can take care of him, right?" Sabine asked cautiously while handing her wounded teammate over to the Jedi Knight. Zeb gave a knowing smirk as he grimaced through his own wounds.

"Of course I can, I'm his master, remember?" Kanan replied mock-indignantly, and the teenage Mandalorian felt flustered and embarrassed at her own question.

"R-right, right of course! Let's go, Zeb!" she abruptly turned and made for the turret, and Zeb ran for the nose gun.

The sheer numbers of TIE fighters made picking a target easy, the but the overwhelming amount of firepower pouring from the formations was forcing Hera to keep evasive maneuvers at a constant rate, making the task of locking target for her crew all the more difficult. In a move to try and stem the volley of lasers shooting at her ship, Hera took the Ghost down to the ruined cityscape below, gliding along the dirt and dust-caked streets that were flanked and strewn with the rubble of the fallen buildings.

The ploy worked; because they were no longer pursing a vessel in open airspace, the squadrons were unable to fly at enough angles to keep firing collectively. Suddenly, to the surprise of everyone on the Rebel starship, the three squadrons soaring behind them broke off their pursuit. Sabine alerted the others over the comm from her station in the turret, recognizing this move from her studies at the Imperial Academy. At this point they were on the southeastern edge of the ruined city, not far from the Imperial blockade on the outskirts.

"This isn't good. They aren't retreating, they're pulling back in preparation for a new strategy! Hera, is there anything on the sensors?" heeding the warning of the former cadet, the rogue Twi'lek pilot checked the console for her scanners next to her steering.

"Negative, no other ships are in the area. Also no active ground vehicles in the vicinity, and we're just out of range of that Star Destroyer," with her analysis complete, the Lasat warrior gave his own input over the comm.

"Sounds like we're in the clear to me, at least for the moment at any rate."

At that exact moment, as the Ghost, neared a tall section of a partially-upright, collapsed skyscraper, the Grand Inquisitor leaped from the top and barreled down into the top of the Rebel starship, stabbing his twin lightsabers into the metal plating to get an immediate grip while his cloak flapped violently in the intense wind billowing around the craft soaring at high-speed. Sabine caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye, and quickly rotated the turret to aim the dual cannons at the menacing Dark Side master. His glaring crimson eyes locked on to hers through her visor, and she felt a shiver run down her spine despite herself.

"He's back! The Grand Inquisitor is on top of the ship! Hera, knock him off!" the young artist relayed to the pilot over the comm before firing.

Nachtgeist swerved around his left saber, which remained firmly stuck into the top of the Ghost after he pulled his right saber out. Maneuvering around this anchoring point, he was able to dodge every laser blast fired in his direction, and his iron grip on the saber with his left hand kept him from being thrown off as Hera began to roll and dive suddenly at random in an effort to shake him off. The rogue Twi'lek pilot shifted the deflector shields to the right side of the hull where he was perched, preventing him from puncturing through the armored plating any further. Hera attempted to shock him off with two electrical surges to the outer hull, both of which he avoided by swerving around the left saber in the air just in time.

"It's not working! I got him pinned, but we'll never get him off like this!" Sabine felt a bead of sweat drop down the side of her face as she called out to the others.

Testing the position of the deflector shields, the Grand Inquisitor slashed his free right saber across the hull at his feet, confirming they were at full power beneath his perch. Seizing the opportunity, he hurled the free blade in a spinning throw, the saber rotating at high speed as it cut straight through the top ring of the starboard engine, effectively crippling half of the Ghost's primary thrusters. The vessel dropped in speed dramatically, and in an instant, Hera immediately recognized what was wrong without even looking over at the power console ringing in alarm inside the cockpit.

"Sabine! Are you all right up there?! He just knocked out an engine! I'm diverting some power back to the aft deflectors!"

"Karabast! He'll drag us down to the ground at this rate!" Zeb felt useless from his position in the nose gun.

"I won't let him!" the teenage Mandalorian urgently replied, desperately attempting to time her shots to every evasion the sinister Evocii made just outside the turret.

Quickly thinking of a new strategy, Sabine took aim and fired onto the outer hull just beneath his feet instead, knowing the deflector shields should be enough to disperse the blast on the ship, but not on the boots of their determined and fleet-footed adversary. Removing his left saber from the hull and leaping out of the way just in time as he recalled his right saber through the Force, Nachtgeist sent the latter spinning at the top ring of the port engine, but the blade bounced off the metal this time, identifying that the aft was shielded once again. So instead, the menacing Dark Side master sent the saber straight through the unshielded turret as he landed on the aft end of the Rebel starship.

Sabine was successful in ducking from in her seated position inside the turret and avoiding the saber throw, but the blade had cut clean through her firing controls as well as the back of her seat, and it had obliterated the glass dome completely. Suddenly, as her eyes locked with those of her daring opponent, she felt her spine go stiff, and her blood run cold. It was as if the piercing glare emanating from his crimson eyes was sufficient to paralyze her. She couldn't even move her arms to try and reach for her blasters that remained holstered on her hips. In complete silence, not taking his eyes off of her own, the Grand Inquisitor again pulled his spinning saber back through the Force, this time making sure it would strike the teenage Mandalorian right through her skull.

As this was taking place, down in the cabin he shared with Zeb, Ezra's serious chest wounds had been bandaged by Kanan, who still had yet to treat himself, placing the priority on his young apprentice. The Ghost had a limited emergency medical supply that was sufficient to stabilize serious injuries only; they would need to seek out more professional care and soon if Ezra was to survive. The boy had appeared to be a comatose state as the Jedi Knight treated the young man's wounds, his breathing steady and his eyes closed. Kanan hadn't missed how Ezra's breathing grew more and more erratic as the battle outside seemed to intensify. Subconsciously, the orphan from Lothal was sensing the growing and imminent danger.

Kanan was startled and pulled from his focus in bandaging his stomach when suddenly Ezra's eyes shot open, his blue orbs almost bulging from the sockets as he yelled out hoarsely at the top of his lungs.

"SABIIIINE!"

In that instant out on top of the Ghost, it was as though a massive outpour of raw telekinetic energy had phased through and surged out from inside the Rebel starship. Not a full second had passed, and before he could even react, the Grand Inquisitor was immediately and violently thrown through the Force and off from the top of the Ghost, both of his lightsabers going with him. Sabine let out a gasp she wasn't aware she had been holding in, the immense pressure holding her in place suddenly evaporating as quickly as it formed. She watched with wide eyes as the menacing Dark Side master tumbled through the air before straightening himself and recalling both of his now-deactivated lightsabers to him. And then, he was out of sight as the Ghost rounded a particularly tall, collapsed building.

Grand Inquisitor Dunkel Nacthgeist used his own power to cushion his fall as he landed atop another fallen pile of rubble. He sensed his foes becoming more and more distant as their craft sped out of his reach. He clasped his sabers back onto his belt, acknowledging they had evaded him, for now.

"Next time, rebels… next time…" his tone was solemn, and somewhere within, a hint of knowing.

Back inside the Ghost, Kanan found himself unable to look away from his young apprentice, watching him with surprise and contemplative worry as he once again slumbered steadily in complete silence.

"I'm going to take us out to the countryside, try to put some distance between us and the Imperials before they can send out another pursuit," Hera relayed to everyone in the ship over the comm.

Back at the Imperial base on the edge of the destroyed capital city, the gunship that had dropped the Grand Inquisitor off at the battlefield had returned with General Dodonna under trooper escort. The old veteran's suspicions were on high as he set foot off the atmospheric craft, finding that Governor Marensioun, Colonel Veers, HK-47, and Commander Alpha along with a squad from the 338th Legion were all waiting for him.

"Good to see you, gentlemen. I commend you on the timely rescue from my brutish captors," the wary, aging army officer tried playing it safe by sticking to the ruse of being an unwilling captive of the Rebels.

"You are most welcome, General Dodonna, sir," Alpha replied condescendingly as he gave a mocking salute. It was at that moment that the general knew he had been found out. His former second in command stepped forward as the troopers standing behind him raised their rifles to his back.

"Lieutenant General Jan Dodonna, for crimes constituting high treason against the Galactic Empire, you are hereby under arrest. As per instructions from Grand Inquisitor Nachtgeist and Vice Admiral Thrawn, you are to be taken into protected custody for immediate transfer to the high security prison on Ovoo IV to await formal charges and impending trial in the high courts," as Veers finished his informative declaration, Marensioun stepped forward next. The black-haired human male began speaking in a more personal, outraged tone.

"To say that I am disgusted would be a gross understatement, general. To think you could betray me when I trusted you so confidently! I look forward to hearing your fate from behind my desk once my office is repaired!" the governor's snide aura of superiority veiled by his anger was shattered as Alpha spoke up again, replaced by absolute fear at what he heard next.

"Not so fast, governor. Orders from the highest levels were very specific. You will be returning with the fleet to Coruscant. The Emperor himself wishes to address your failure in person."

"No, wait! I- AGH!" Governor Marensioun was cut off mid-sentence as a lone trooper from the 338th stepped forward and fired his blaster while set to stun, knocking the panicking politician out instantly. He and another of his squad stepped forward to drag the unconscious governor away.

"Suggestion: I say you allow me to blast the treacherous meatbags and save the loyal meatbags the trouble," the ancient assassin droid chimed in as he raised his blaster carbine for emphasis at his words.

"Preferable as that may be, orders are orders," the veteran clone commander replied drolly.

"Anything you have to say for yourself, general?" Veers asked as he turned back to face his former superior as a trooper clapped the latter in restraint cuffs.

"Nothing except this: I'm sorry it had to turn out this way, colonel," Dodonna told his former right hand man solemnly.

"As am I, general," Veers replied in a similar tone, with a similar expression, disappointment and regret.

Two Days Later:

After finding temporary sanctuary at the outlying farming community of Oradam, the crew of the Ghost were surprised to find that within a full day on Ord Mantell, twenty six standard hours, the Imperial Fourth Fleet had broken from their blockade in orbit and departed the system, with a smaller battalion of navy ships taking their place, their own complement reinforcing the garrison at the ruins of Worlport.

With the massive blockade that once barred their way off-planet now gone, the Rebels were finally able to break out from the atmosphere undetected and depart from the system as well. Their destination however was not Atollon; Ezra's condition was deteriorating as he remained comatose in his bunk. They would require a much closer alternative to the medical facility on the Liberator back at their unfinished base. The crew had received a tip from a local in Oradam that they could find the famous transgalactic hospital ship Haven's Salvation currently in orbit over the Mid Rim world of Grakouine. Fortunately for the Rebels, the bustling industrial planet was only another day's voyage from Ord Mantell.

Having checked in under assumed names, the Rebels were relieved to find the personnel on the massive hospital ship, a converted Lucrehulk-class freighter of the former Trade Federation repainted entirely in white, were willing to admit Ezra with few questions or credentials asked. Independently registered and financed, the Haven's Salvation was a notable exception to the norm in that she was permitted to operate without any direct Imperial oversight. This factor allowed the crew of the Ghost to breathe relatively easy as they waited on Ezra to recover. Hera was able to send word on their status back to the Rebellion on Atollon from the Ghost, now that they were at last out of reach of any potential Imperial surveillance.

Two more days had passed with Ezra still in a comatose state, but his wounds that once threatened to take his life had been healed thanks to the efforts of both organic doctors and medical droids. It was early afternoon when one of the doctors, a male Muun, checked up on the state of the young Padawan and relayed some much-needed good news to a waiting Kanan and Sabine, who were seated near the young man's bed.

"Well, we weren't too sure at first, but it looks like your friend here is going to make a full physical recovery. It's truly fortunate that whatever gave him those injuries missed his heart. The surgery to fix the punctures through his lungs and ribcage is holding up, and we expect him to wake up any time now," the Muun lightly smiled under his surgery mask at the relieved expressions on the guests in the room.

"That's great news. Thank you, truly," Kanan said in a sincere reply.

"Yes, it's a great relief. He… means a lot to us," Sabine added carefully, doing her best to keep her inner turmoil over the ordeal a secret.

"Well, he's truly fortunate to have people who care. He's definitely a fighter, that much is clear to us. Now if you'll excuse me, I have several other patients to check on," the Muun informed them respectfully before walking out of the room, and Sabine shifted her focus to Kanan as he stood.

"I'm going to let Hera and the others know. You need anything?" he asked the teenage Mandalorian, who shook her head before replying.

"No thanks, I'm good, here, for now," despite herself, her eyes shifted back to Ezra, her tone growing noticeably quieter and softer as she did so. She missed the knowing smirk Kanan sent her way as he nodded and then left. He had told her what Ezra had shouted when he re-awoke just long enough to subconsciously send their relentless attacker off the top of the ship, saving her life in the process. The news had surprised her, but she also realized after everything that had transpired over the course of this mission, everything she had learned about her fellow teenaged teammate, it made perfect sense to her now. She stood up and walked over to his bedside, smiling sweetly as she watched his slumbering face. She slowly leaned in closer before she could stop herself.

"Thank you, Ezra Bridger," she whispered against his lips before kissing him softly.

And so even amidst a rising dark reality that remained ever-present, an escalating war that would go on, a ray of light would remain.

The End…?

A/N: Well, there you have it everyone! I really enjoyed writing this story from start to finish, and your support and reviews have made it all worthwhile. So once again I give each and every one who took the time to read, as well as favored, followed, and/or reviewed my sincerest thank you and utmost gratitude. I do this for you and dedicate my work to you, my fellow fans! :)

Once again, I would consider it a privilege to read your thoughts on this story one last time, so please give me your feedback and leave a review. I currently plan to begin writing the sequel soon, but that is dependent on how much I see from you guys in reviews, here. So please, let me know your thoughts! Thank you again, and may the Force be with you all! ;)

Update: Due to the positive responses that this story has received, I have officially decided to go ahead with writing the sequel. Star Wars: Rebels: Obscured Ambition will be ready to debut sometime this month, with Chapter 1 already in progress. I look forward to seeing your thoughts once it's out, so keep your eyes open! I attribute my inspiration as a writer to the work of my fellow authors as well as the response I get from my readers. Each and every one of you make this possible, so again, thank you. :)

As a special bonus, enjoy this short preview of what is to come, soon:

As the young Padawan and the teenage Mandalorian advanced on their location, Nachtgeist turned to his subordinate from his position at the terminal beneath the massive bronzium statue above and relayed his orders. His expression fierce and demanding. There was no room for error.

"I need more time to finish the download. Starkiller, deal with our uninvited guests!"

"They will fall to their knees in an instant," the armored younger Inquisitor replied from beneath his helmet as he drew and ignited his doublesaber, the crimson blades providing stark contrast to Ezra's green blade.

"I've come for my holocron, Grand Inquisitor!" the orphan from Lothal demanded sharply as the standoff ensued, his saber raised at their immediate opponent.

"Ezra... remember our first priority is finding out what they're doing here," Sabine reminded her teammate in a concerned tone, both of her twin blasters raised at Starkiller as well, who regarded the two of them with a neutral expression from beneath his visor.

"The secrets of the Ancients are not for the likes of you, meddlesome insurgents," Nachtgeist tauntingly pulled the holocron in question out from his robes and displayed it for Ezra to see before continuing, "If you want this back so badly, you little trainee, you'll have to come and get it!"

And with that, Ezra charged with a roar of his frustration and anger, his path to the Grand Inquisitor firmly blocked by Starkiller, who readied to meet the incoming attack head on.

"Ezra, wait!" Sabine called out to her fellow teen, but it was too late.

So it was that atop the summit of the Temple of the Ancients, under the tropical mid-afternoon sun and beneath the gaze of the bronzium statue of Darth Revan, battle was joined at this historic location once more.

Update #2: The sequel, Star Wars: Rebels: Obscured Ambition, is now up!