STAR WARS: CONFLICTED

CHAPTER II - THE VISION

The village had been almost disintegrated into the dirt. Flames grew and sparked across the town's old-fashioned buildings, and there was almost no sign of life anywhere. The only living organisms to be seen were engulfed within a circle of flame, almost so that no one could see what was going on. The sun set beyond the horizon, sending an orange colour across the clouded, smoking sky.

"You claim a Jedi was here," said one of those within the circle of fire, as he clutched what looked like a crimson-coloured lightsaber, with a hilt design which seemed very unfamiliar, "and yet, I find no one." He finished. He flicked his cloak back to reveal a masked face, and it spoke with such a distorted voice, the true identity of the creature could not be distinguished.

"They'll be back, I know they will. I should be rewarded for this!" Cried one of the younger villagers, who had been tied down and was on his knees before the creature.

"You lie to me, and expect Imperial favour?" The creature snarled, holding his red blade up to the neck of the boy, searing the short hairs on his neck.

"He's not lying." Came a familar voice from behind the creature.

Nathan woke up suddenly, whacking his head on the bedframe above him. He was beyond confused. Who was that voice he heard at the end? It sounded so familar to him. And who was carrying the crimson blade?

He had heard the tale of Darth Maul, a Sith Lord who had been slain by Master Kenobi over 10 years ago on his home planet of Naboo. He carried a blade similar to the one the creature had in his dream, or vision, whatever that was. It couldn't have been, could it? The creature said "Imperial favour". Maul was assumed to be the apprentice of another Sith Lord, which would indicate he sided with the Seperatists, and they were obviously not Imperials. Besides, he was dead anyway. Nathan considered the possibility, but he was so confused by it all, that he thought it best to ask someone who might know a little more.

The canteen was due to close any moment now, and there were few Jedi left within. Nathan was able to recognise some of them, such as Master Ki Adi Mundi, Master Luminara, and her padawan, Barriss Offee. They already looked deep in conversation, however, so he opted to find someone who might be able to understand him best. Someone like the man who had slain Maul all those years ago.

"Hello, Master. May I?" Nathan asked, indicating to a seat beside him.
"Ah, Padawan Tynan. I actually intended to catch up with you this evening."
"You did?" Nathan asked nervously. It wasn't often the hierarchy of the Council required his presence, other than his Master of course.
"Yes. Master Ti was very impressed by your test earlier on. Such creativity and thinking on the spot will serve you well in the future, I am sure of it." Master Kenobi said clearly.
"Well, thank you, Master Kenobi. I appreciate that."
There was a slight pause as Kenobi finished the last of his food, before looking back up at Nathan.
"Was there any reason in particular you wanted to accompany me, Nathan?" Kenobi asked curiously.
Nathan hesitated. He had already half forgotten about the vision, and his mind was fully occupied by his Master's praise. That meant a lot to him.
"Uhh, yes, actually, there was." Nathan replied slowly, trying to explain the vision in his head before saying it.
"Well?"
Nathan paused, and begun to describe every detail he could remember, up until where it cut off, as he heard a female voice interrupt the creature.
"Hmm," Kenobi paused, "strange. And have you ever had a vision or dream like this before?"
"No, Master."
"I only really know of two stories where this has become a problem, and the vision has been carried out in reality." Kenobi said.
"Come, Nathan. Let us go for a walk."
He got up, brushing himself down, then setting off with his hands behind his back, with Nathan following beside him.
"The first of these incidents involves a Jedi Master I knew a long time ago. His name was Syfo Dias." The Master raised a hand to his beard, focusing fully in order to remember.
"His vision came before the Clone Wars had even begun. He foresaw a conflict, one of such a large scale, involving thousands upon thousands of battle droids. To counter this, he ordered in an army of his own, one to counter such a large scale battalion." The master said.
"He ordered the clones?" Nathan asked, confused. Because of a vision?
"Yes, he did. He ventured to Kamino, and visited a facility in Tipoca City, one known widely for its ability to clone. Once there, he asked for a full army, to fight for and protect the Republic."
"What happened to him?" Nathan inquired.
"He was presumed dead not so long afterwards." Kenobi frowned. "Although the circumstances of his death are not known."
"So because of his vision, we now have a full army to help us fight the Seperatists?" said Nathan.
Kenobi nodded, and went to continue.
"The second vision I know of wa-"
"Master!"
Both Kenobi and Nathan spun round in surprise, as Anakin Skywalker rushed up behind them, struggling for breath as he spoke.
"Anakin, could you not approach us normally? We are trying to discuss something here." Kenobi frowned at his former padawan in disappointment.
"Yes, sorry Master." Anakin bowed his head.
"May I know what the trouble is?" Kenobi asked.
Anakin glanced at Nathan, and then back at Kenobi.
"Yes, but could we preferrably discuss this on our own, if that's okay?" Anakin said carefully.
"It's okay, I can go." Nathan said. "I'll catch up with you later, Master." He nodded at Kenobi and Skywalker, before turning to leave. He was still incredibly confused.

However, he did have a feeling he knew who the voice at the end of his vision was. Tommorow, he would speak with her about it.