Chapter 7: The Draw of the Dark Side

An: Welcome back All! Real quick be sure to check out my other stories. And as always gimme a review to hear what ya think!

A large building, twice the size of the Jedi Temple on Ibonihs, but of different design as well, it was made of a black, angular metal. Above the temple was a sky that was covered in dark clouds which poured down torrents of rain and barrages of lightning. In front of the temple's entrance was a lone Sith Knight, clad in the armor and robes of the Eradicator Class, but he wields an actual blade, it's longsword blade piercing the black stone as his hands rests upon the handle.

A dark guardian whom none may pass save by the will of his dark Master.

And yet behind him, over the rumbling thunder, the voice of Naruto could be heard, screaming in pain…

That night four Shinobi/Jedi awoke screaming in terror, but as they all were panting, their heavy sweating and shaking, they knew one thing…it was real, and that was the call that Darth Starkiller had mentioned. It was the call that could lead them to the answers about their friend.

"NARUTO! screamed Sakura, ripping off the sheets and reaching out for the phantom plaguing her dreams. Her fist was inches from the wall and yet it still made the wall crack.

Both terrible sounds...that made her daughter jump and scream from all the violence. Instantly, Sakura's own nightmare vanished as she bolted down the hall and held her child.

"Hey! Hey! It's okay honey, momma's here!" she said quietly as she held her little one.

Sarada gasped as she held her mother, "Mommy what's going on!?"

Sakura held her daughter close, "Shhh it's alright sweetheart. Mommy just had a nightmare too! Everything is okay!"

And yet...as she tried to ease her daughters fears, she began to believe that it was a vision rather than a dream. As she put her daughter back to sleep, she stepped toward the front door.

"I need some air…" she said as she grabbed her Jedi robe and put it over her Shinobi attire.

[Hokage Monument]

Ino Yamanaka was in her dark brown Jedi Robes covering her purple clothing and shielding herself from the elements atop the Fourth Hokage's head as she thought about a certain blonde, as well as the nightmare she had just awoken from. Her mind was in complete turmoil about what she had seen, especially when she thought about the Sith Lord's words…

"Can you resist the cry of a friend?"

Those words haunted her, every day since then, and now the nightmare, seeing that sky…the knight…and hearing Naruto's scream…it had made her cry heavily.

She had been having this nightmare time and time again since Ino and Hinata had revealed the truth of the scream to everyone a year ago.

And yet, despite all of the Ranger's and the Jedi scouring the galaxy, nothing could be discovered. The Sith had not been seen in over thirty years.

"Can't sleep?" asked a familiar voice.

Ino looked around to see another hooded figure, but the pink hair that escaped the hood was a clear give away. And she wasn't the only one, a taller woman in dark lavender robes stood beside her.

"Not really, you neither?" asked the blonde woman as the younger female removed her hood.

"No, had a nightmare, and this is where I come to think too, remember?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah, it seems to be the spot for several of us," Ino lamented, as one more person appeared.

Walking up to them was another hooded figure, though she had forgone the Jedi Robe and simply had her own red hood over her head..

"Hello Sakura," greeted Ino.

"Hey Ino..." Sakura warmly said as she lowered her hood. Though it was clear from her heavy eyes that she too was plagued by the vision.

"Let me guess, nightmares?" the blonde asked.

"How did you know?" asked Hinata, though the sober shaky look on her face made it clear.

They all experienced the same vision.

"Should we tell Sasuke about this?" asked Hinata, "I don't think I have ever seen him so...broken."

Indeed, the Last of the Uchiha had been devastated at the truth that their friend had been tortured the last six years...it crushed them. And swiftly returned him to the cold mission-driven mindset to return his brother home.

"No, he'd keep a close eye on us and not let us go, or worse, he'd go alone, as would all of the others," Sakure pointed out, the others nodded.

"So, would you have us just hide this information and ignore it?" asked Ino.

"No, I'm saying the exact opposite," she told her smiling, they looked at her shocked.

"I'm saying we go find our friend, Naruto is somewhere, I know it was him screaming," Sakura told her.

"I'm in," Ino said, determination in her eyes.

"As am I, I need to find Naruto-kun," Hinata found her.

"Don't think you are going alone," said a new voice. They whip around to see Neji, Tenten, Choji, and Shikamaru ready to join them.

"You'll need a few Ranger's for support if you're planning to go after that Sith," Chouji said with a grin.

"And I know you weren't planning to leave me out of the fun," Tenten said as she twirled her saberstaff.

Though they were surprised by the sudden visitors and volunteers to help them get their friend, they could not help but smile at the support. Though they had to wonder about the others.

"The others are playing interference for us to get off world," Shikamaru stated, "Giving us plenty of time before any...loose cannons get involved."

A certain Uchiha came to mind.

"Then we're all in agreement, pack everything you'll need for a rescue mission, departure at 0200," Sakura stated, they all nodded before vanishing to their homes.

[Two Hours Later]

[Empire Strikes Back OST: Imperial Probe Droid]

Before anyone could grant clearance or inspection, the U-Wing christened the Star Dust took off into the sky, blasting into hyperspace the moment they broke the atmosphere.

As soon as they entered hyperspace and they were in the clear, all fell silent. All were lost in their own thoughts, and their thoughts were on their friend, was he truly alive? Or it was a lie...yet, why are they hearing the screams of the dead?

But if he is alive, why would the Sith want their friend. They just couldn't wrap their minds around it…however they remembered how their Jedi masters all saying how the Sith were masters of deception and triggering emotion.

"There is something they are trying to figure out and need him for, there has to be…" Ino muttered. She didn't quite know what though, which puzzled her greatly. And so the hours passed, before finally the ship came out of hyperspace…

Above Korriban...the Ancient Birthplace of the Sith.

They all looked out the viewport with greatly concerned looks. Though the Ranger's only felt a sense of cold, the Jedi of their group were terrified. The ominous presence of EVERY Sith in history was resting among their dark brothers.

Within the Valley of the Dark Lords.

Knowing they had little choice, they watched as the planet got closer. As they reached the Valley, they found the massive, menacing statues looking down upon them. Titans of a bygone era.

[1:45]

"Neji," Shikamaru called as he drew his sidearm, "Any unwanted attention?"

"Nothing yet," his Byakugan flaring as he scanned their surroundings, "A few beasts of unknown origin and...wait...there's people following the beasts. It's a patrol!"

"We need to move!" Tenten whispered, "Cloak the ship and let's move!"

And so with their ship no longer visible, they all took off into the Valley.

"This place feels...wrong, twisted," Hinata shivered as they wandered through the desolate land. It was far too silent for anyone's comfort...and they were Shinobi. As they finally cleared the Valley they came across a bridge that split the Valley from what lay beyond.

They steadily walked across the bridge and looked off in the distance through the clouds that seemed to swirl around one point, seeing no other choice as they ventured toward the slowly swirling tornado.

Grabbing each other's packs, they formed a line as Neji lowered his goggles and marched into the tempest. Though it was not powerful enough to lift them off their feet, they were however greatly hindered in their sight by the kicked up sand. After an unknown period of time, they all finally made it through.

It was then that they gasped, sprinting for the nearest hiding locations to keep from being spotted. For standing up on the stop of a hill was an enormous black building, it was large and menacing, it was easily the most frightening thing in their lives…and Sith Temple that reeked with the Dark Side.

Rushing up the cliffside, they found a ledge that could lay down and scan the Sith Temple.

[2:30]

Yet it wasn't just a temple...it was a fortress.

Fortified, electrified walls with turbolaster, blaster cannon, and concussion missile emplacements on the walls. Outside of the walls as well as atop the temple stood Anti-Air emplacements.

And yet that was nothing...compared to the army of the deadliest warriors in galactic history tasked with guarding the temple.

"My god…" Ino gasped, "The Mandalorians."

Hundreds of Mandalorians marched around and on top of the temple. The most powerful out of their warriors were capable of taking on Jedi, and all armed with the usual armament along with short vibro-swords, no doubt made from Cortosis and other lightsaber resistant ore.

"It appears..." Shikamaru stated as he took the range-viewers, "Judging by the colors of their armor...members from every clan are here…"

His holo-net projector showed the symbols of every clan, "Vizsla, Saxon, Wren, Rook...All of them!" he finished with shock.

"Then wait...who are those two clans?" Neji asked.

Shikamaru looked to see two specific armor colors that made them both puzzled...and afraid.

One held the mark of the Mandalorian Protectors, their blue and grey armor clearly identifying them among the other clans.

"Not good...those are the Protectors," Shikamaru said as the data came up, "They are the Elite light troops that come from every clan, they specialize in fighter combat, dignitary protection, and counter-terrorism."

"In other words they specialize in taking on guerilla forces like us…" muttered Chouji, "What about the...the other guys?"

Shikamaru's holo-records were slower to scan these troops...but when it came up they all felt their hearts grow still.

"Death Watch…" he muttered, "The Mandalorian Super Commandos…"

And that was all they needed to know as they looked upon the crimson and black armor of the specialized troops who seemed to walk with the deadliest aura about them.

Where the Protectors were just that, the Death Watch were the Hunters.

And if they were spotted by them...they were in a great deal of trouble.

Currently they were handling all operations out in the courtyard, from logistics, maintenance, as the elders of the clans were teaching the Sith acolytes CQC styles.

"Crap…well this is a problem…" Ino admitted, the others could only nod, using their abilities to mask their Chakra and Force Signatures they silently snuck up one of the cliffsides to get a better view of the Sith Temple.

"Ok, now how are we going to get in so that we can find out how to get to Drommund Kaas?" Ino asked the others. Hinata activated her Byakugan and flinched when she saw the amount of Sith Acolytes inside, not to mention the Masters teaching them. She could also see the Mandalorian troops marching and training, the military atmosphere was certainly frightening to say the least.

Using her and Neji's abilities they both looked to see an Imperial Shuttle landing down, which slowly had a group of young Acolytes approaching the entrance of the Sith Temple.

Suddenly, they were sparked with an idea.

"If we can get on that transport, it will have a record of the Sith systems and hyperspace lanes!" Neji stated, "We just need to create a diversion…"

"Then it's a good thing that we have Arkanian Rangers don't we?" Tenten said with a smirk as she smiled at her husband who grinned right back.

"We'll open the door, you barge through!" Shikamaru said as Chouji pulled up his bag and unhooked the latch of explosives.

[Down Below]

The routine of the day was moderately dull. Apart from dealing with fending off the Sith Beasts and operating Mercenary and Assassination tasks through the galaxy.

As the Imperial Storm-Troopers could not be seen for the time being, many of the Galactic tasks fall upon the backs of their troupe for now.

That included securing the outskirts, maintaining security measures, and training the Sith pups in CQC.

Though both their Mandalore: Boba Fett, and surprisingly the Dark Lord himself had instructed them to not train the Sith Acolytes in ALL of their arts. He wanted the Mandalorians to keep their edge on all Force Users in the event of any...particular Sith go Rogue.

However, no matter how dull, or quiet things may have been, the moment that explosion ripped through the wall of the compound, every Mandalorian was up in arms.

Sith were forced inside so as to keep the true nature of the Temple's use a secret while Mandalorians began scanning for the attackers.

[Empire Strikes Back: Clash of Lightsaber]

Away from the landing platform over on the cliffside.

As the Mandalorian forces dashed for the explosion, the Jedi and Rangers used the chaos to run for the shuttle...however their exit was not to be simple. They had skill, but the Jedi among them were just barely knights.

And had no hope hiding from a Sith Master.

With a sudden impact, they felt their bodies being thrust forward telekinetically off of their feet and onto their stomachs. With years of Shinobi skill before being Jedi, they were able to be

"Intruders!" they turned to see what appeared to be a Twi-Lek with red skin and black Sith tattoos all along his flesh. From his robes he summoned his crimson Sith Blade, "Identify yourselves or I will-"

However as they rose through their feet, he noticed the sabers at their belts.

"Jedi!?" he said in shock, "I know not how you escaped the Jedi-Killer's wrath...but you will not escape mine!"

[0:40]

Rather than respond verbally, through Ino's psychic link, Shikamaru issues orders.

"Neji! Smoke!" and without hesitation, the Hyuga threw a kunai with a flimsy piece of paper toward their attacker. With a hand raised the weapons paused in midair.

"Such a primitive weapon…" the Sith mocked...only for the paper's sigils to glow before smoke exploded from the seal. Though the initial shock paused him, however with a wave the smoke dissipated.

Though he was forced to raise his blade as the Blonde attacked the Sith with her fellow Jedi not that far behind.

"Go!" she screamed mentally, "Get to the shuttle!"

With a nod, the three Rangers dashed for their objective and prep it for take off as the women set to work. With a lifetime of combat experience, and the bonds they had made since childhood they were able to work in unison.

Yet while they were warriors, they stood no chance against the Sith Master who picked up on their styles in a matter of mere seconds.

"Aaah...Aataru, Niman, Jar Kai, Djem So," he picked up on them, "And your cooperation is commendable...but your skills are nothing compared to the Dark Side!"

With a flex of his fingers, a massive wave of lightning struck the ground and rebounded, striking the Jedi under their raised blades. The sudden blast stunned and knocked them all off of their feet.

[1:20]

Just as the Sith was about the strike, another kunair came forward with an explosive tag. It went off in the Sith's face forcing him to throw up a barrier rather than strike his enemies.

Though by the time fire and smoke dissipated, the Jedi were gone, having fled for the shuttle which was off the ground and preparing to take off.

"ALL Forces converge! Do not let them escape!" he roared.

Darth Ruin knew that if these Jedi got off world, then the entire galaxy would know of their return. A revelation that could disrupt the Dark Lord's plan. Soon every Mandalorian was charging for the leaving ship. Though with Chouji laying down covering fire as well as activating the charges on the cliffside to block the road, they had little chance to stop the Jedi from reaching the Shuttle.

[2:55]

"GO GO GO!" Ino said in fright as they ran onto the shuttle. With a burst of speed the shuttle took off through the slow tornado and down through the Valley of the Dark Lords.

"What are you doing Neji!?" Sakura demanded as she rushed to the cockpit. Though her answer come by blasterfire hitting the hull.

"To lose them!" Neji screamed, on the scanners they saw four Gauntlet Starfighters on their tail. However no matter their skill they had no chance against the man with near 360 degree vision.

Along with the master strategist in the co-pilot seat.

"We need to lose them or else they will not stop until they have our heads," he contemplated...until the thought came to him.

"Sakura! Rip out the Nav-Computer!" he shouted so that the others could hear him.

"Are you insane!?" Tenten shouted, "We need that!"

"Not in this ship we don't!" he yelled back. And then they understood with a great deal of relief that he was on their side.

With a final four shots the shuttle went down in a ball of fire...hiding the escape pod launched just at the last moment.

[End OST]

As the Mandalorian ship passed over, the Jedi and Rangers were quick to leave the pod and dash to their camouflaged ship before they came around for another pass.

For a moment they were silent and praying to the Force that they were not discovered. After a few minutes they watched the fighters fly away, giving them a chance to breathe and take back off to the sky.

"Dromuund Kaas exact coordinates isn't in here...but a planet called Zakuul is," Shikamaru stated, "We can get more information there."

They once more leapt into hyperspace with a final thought, "We're on our way Naruto, just hold on."

AN: And so they make their way into Sith territory, along with faking their deaths to give them a head start.

But what will they find? And what will their friends and teachers do when they find out the truth of their departure?

And what of the Scavenger and the Jedi-Killer?

All will be revealed in time.