Glitter & Gold (Marvel/Star Wars Crossover)

Chapter 57: Facing Our Fears

I closed my eyes as I said to myself...This isn't real, this isn't real. Once I opened my eyes, Phil spoke. "You're afraid of yourself?"

"No, not quite. You see Storm's afraid of turning into the monster her grandfather created when she was brainwashed and tortured. That persona is Naexle Dooku, the same person she took the identity of while helping you and your team, Coulson." The illusion of me stated before looking over at me. "Admit it, Storm. You're afraid of turning into your grandfather. You're afraid of being compared to him."

I shook my head as I felt my hands ball up into fists. "That isn't true..."

I closed my eyes as I felt my anger rise. I then heard Master Jinn's voice in my mind. "Remember your training, Storm. Remember the trials you faced while on the Force planet."

At his words, I opened my eyes, uncurling my fists. I took a deep breath before facing the illusion of me. I stood my ground as I let my arms fall to my sides. The illusion of me looked prepared to attack me. I on the other hand knew better.

"What you are is a part of me. The dark side that is deep within me, ever since the Jedi Purge...I've been so terrified that I was a monster, that I'd turn into one of my family members like my evil cousins Ihsa, Hatro, or Vorlega, or like my Aunt Asajj..." I confessed. "But one person helped me to see that I'm no monster. I'm nothing like them despite sharing their blood. So I accept that you are a part of me, but you have no power over me. The Light Side of the Force is strong with me. It is one with me as I am with it. I reject you...just like I did on The Wellspring of Life."

At that moment, the illusion of me changed into Dooku. My face fell. A wicked smile appeared on his face. "Did you miss me, Storm?"

Phil furrowed his brows. "Who's he?"

"Dooku, an evil Sith Lord, Separatist Leader, and traitor to the Jedi and the Republic!" I spat. "He was an apprentice to the evil and vile Palpatine."

"And I happen to be her grandfather." Dooku added.

Phil was taken back by this. Dooku kept his eyes on me as his face softened. "Storm, M'ry Vly'Storm."

My eyes widened. "You know Echani?"

Dooku took a step me. "I did it to get closer to your grandmother who I love dearly."

I scoffed. "Until you turned to the dark side."

"I thought I was doing the best for my family, because I truly care for you, Storm." Dooku replied. "I spared you those multiple times we faced each other during the Clone Wars because I couldn't kill you. You're my blood, my granddaughter who resembles so much like me."

Dooku then extended his hand. "Come with me...into the light. And I'll make it up to you. Remember when you were just a mere child. You wanted to be just like me, you were so fascinated with the tales of what I've done. You saw me as your grandfather when I took you in as my padawan. I promise to make things right."

I wanted to believe there was still some good in him, I looked up to him as a child. I wanted to be his padawan, and learn all that he did. I took a step towards him, raising my hand. Phil was fortunately there to snap me out of it. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Storm, snap out of it. Don't listen to him, he's only trying to distract us."

I hesitated as I turned back towards Dooku, taking another step towards him. Dooku wore a smile as he kept his hand out for me to take. "That's it Storm, just a little further. I'll be the grandfather you always dreamed of."

I then stopped when I was only an inch away from him. I narrowed my eyes. "I may be your granddaughter, but I will not ever be like you. Despite what I've done in the past, it does not define who I am today. I know who I am and what I stand for. I, Storm Odinson, am a Jedi Master, and I'm loyal to the Jedi Order, to the Republic, to my true family, to the Avengers, and to S.H.I.E.L.D. I reject you, the Sith, Hydra and all evil of the galaxies."