Obi-Wan turned to Cody, 

"Cody, are you ready to meet the new Jedi?"

Cody glanced at him, 

"Sir, shouldn't I be asking you that?"

Obi-Wan chuckled softly, 

"If Master Plo did not steal my padawan from me, I would have liked her to meet them right away,"

Cody chuckled, 

"Sir, I think it was Wolffe that stole her first,"

Obi-Wan chuckled, 

"That may very well be true...Come now, we mustn't keep the four of them waiting,"

Cody nodded, 

"Yes, sir,"

The two of them walked to the courtyard and spotted Anakin, Rex, Cal, and Nikki talking. 

"Hello there,"

Nikki felt her heart stop when she recognized his voice. Cal put a hand on her shoulder, and they looked over to see Cody and Obi-Wan. Anakin smiled at his old master, 

"Obi-Wan, this is Axel and Sora, I told you the story,"

Obi-Wan smiled and glanced at Rex, 

"Yes, it is nice to see that Rex is not always getting jumped on when someone new appears,"

Rex sighed, 

"Why does everyone keep saying that?"

Cody smirked, 

"Because you always are getting jumped by the Mils and Luiz,"

Rex sighed, 

"It was two times,"

Obi-Wan looked at the two new Jedi, 

"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, what are your names?"

Cal stepped closer to him and bowed in greeting, 

"It is nice to meet you, Master Kenobi. My name is Axel, this is Sora,"

Nikki smiled at him and bowed, 

"It is nice to meet you,"

Obi-Wan smiled at her and turned to Anakin, 

"Why don't we spar?"

Cal immediately perked up, 

"Spar?"

Anakin chuckled and turned to Rex and Cody, 

"What do you two think? Do you want to watch Sora and Axel spar? Obi-Wan and I will spar after,"

The two clones nodded, and the group walked over to the training center. Obi-Wan smiled at Nikki and Cal, 

"You two can start when I tell you to. We will all be in the viewing area,"

Cal and Nikki nodded and watched them leave. Cal turned to Nikki with a smirk, 

"Just like the old days?"

Nikki rolled her eyes, 

"We literally sparred last month,"

Cal laughed, 

"I know,"

With a quick nod from Anakin, the duel began. Nikki moved first, her speed a blur as she closed the distance between them, her lightsabers slicing through the air in a series of rapid strikes. Cal met her with equal ferocity, his blue sabers intercepting her attacks with precision.

The clash of lightsabers filled the chamber as the two Jedi tested each other's defenses. Nikki's movements were fluid and aggressive, her blades weaving intricate patterns that kept Cal on the defensive. Cal, however, countered with a blend of power and finesse, his strikes measured and deliberate. Obi-Wan brought his hand to his beard as he watched,

"Impressive," 

His eyes followed the swift movements of the combatants, 

"Their synchronization is remarkable."

Anakin nodded in agreement, his gaze never leaving the duel, 

"They've trained together for years. It shows."

Nikki spun gracefully, her left saber arcing toward Cal's midsection. Cal blocked it effortlessly with his right blade while his left saber aimed for her shoulder. Nikki anticipated the move, ducking under the strike and delivering a kick to Cal's midriff, forcing him to step back. Cal quickly regained his footing, 

"Nice try,"

Then, he launched a series of counterattacks. His sabers moved with a dancer's grace, their blue light casting flickering shadows on the walls.

"You're not bad yourself," 

As the duel intensified, Nikki and Cal pushed each other to their limits. Nikki's dual-wielding technique allowed her to attack from multiple angles simultaneously, but Cal's calm and calculated approach enabled him to parry and strike with precision. Cal saw an opening and moved swiftly, one saber locking with Nikki's while the other aimed for her side. Nikki twisted, her second saber intercepting Cal's attack just in time. They remained locked for a moment, the energy of their blades crackling in the air between them. Nikki pushed back and created some distance,

"Good form,"

"Likewise," 

From their vantage point, Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged knowing glances.

"They're pushing each other hard," 

Obi-Wan nodded

"They'll be excellent additions to the Order. Their bond is extremely strong."

Rex nodded, 

"It's impressive how well they complement each other's styles."

Cody glanced at the three, 

"I've seen plenty of spars, but the way they anticipate each other's moves is interesting."

With a sudden burst of speed, Cal launched into a series of aggressive strikes, testing Nikki's reflexes. She met each blow with fierce determination, her purple blades a blur as they intercepted Cal's blue sabers. The duel grew more intense, and the movements of the two Jedi became almost too fast to follow.

Then, something changed as Cal's saber came dangerously close to Nikki's side. Nikki's eyes widened in recognition. Flashes of past battles surged through her mind—memories of her confrontation with Darth Vader and when she had to fight a fallen Cal Kestis. Cal immediately noticed the change in her, 

"Sora?"

Nikki's eyes glazed over for a second, her mind trapped. She wasn't seeing Cal anymore. In her mind, she was back on that fateful day, facing a dark and fallen version of Cal. The darkness in his eyes, the anger, the overwhelming power—it all came rushing back. Her movements paused as she looked over at Cal, 

"Cal,"

Her voice had a spark of fear and rage. Cal's eyes widened as he realized what was happening, he was also praying no one heard her speak his true name,

"Sora, it's me! It's Axel!"

But Nikki didn't hear him. She lunged at him with renewed vigor, her strikes wild and powerful. Cal was forced into a defensive stance, his blue sabers barely keeping up with the onslaught, 

"Sora, snap out of it! It's not real!"

From the platform, the four watched with confusion and concern. Rex turned to Obi-Wan, 

"General, is Sora supposed to be attacking Axel like that?"

Obi-Wan shook his head as he glanced at Anakin with concern, 

"No, no, she is not. Something happened,"

Cal ducked in time as Nikki went for his head, and he raised his lightsabers in defense as she collided hers with his, 

"Sora! Come on, snap out of it!"

But the vision of the fallen Cal was too strong. Her attacks became more aggressive, and her strikes aimed to kill. Cal struggled to keep up, his defensive maneuvers barely holding. He knew he had to reach her somehow. He looked at her and saw the glazed look still there. He sighed as he got an idea and flipped back to get some space between them,

"Sora, it's me, it's Cal. Snap out of it! I am still here,"

Nikki hesitated for a split second, her eyes flickering with confusion. Cal seized the moment, clashing her blades with his and pushing her back. 

"Cal?"

Nikki's breathing was ragged, her vision blurring between reality and the past. She saw Cal, his eyes filled with concern, and then the menacing figure of the fallen Cal. The conflict raged within her. Cal slowly took a step closer to her, never lowering his lightsabers, 

"Sora, listen to my voice,"

Nikki's eyes cleared for a moment, the vision of the fallen Cal fading. She looked at Cal,

"Cal,"

Cal immediately deactivated his lightsabers at the same time as her, and he immediately rushed over to her and hugged her, 

"I'm sorry, Sora,"

Nikki felt tears fall, 

"I'm sorry. I couldn't control it."

Cal shook his head, 

"It's okay, Sora. You're safe now. I'm here for you."

They heard running and looked to see Obi-Wan, Anakin, Rex, and Cody running in, 

"Are you okay?"

Nikki slowly nodded, 

"Y-Yeah...I'm fine now,"

Anakin frowned, 

"What happened?"

Nikki shared a look with Cal and glanced back at Anakin, 

"Just a small moment,"

Anakin slowly nodded, 

"Alright,"

Obi-Wan smiled,

"Shall we continue our training session? Anakin and I still owe you a sparring match."

Anakin nodded, a mischievous glint in his eye, 

"That's right. You two can watch and learn a few things."

Rex chuckled, 

"This should be good."

Cody smirked, 

"I'm looking forward to this."

As Obi-Wan and Anakin moved to the center of the training arena, Cal and Nikki walked with Rex and Cody into the viewing area. The clones settled into their seats, ready to witness another display of skill and teamwork. Anakin ignited his blue lightsaber, twirling it with practiced ease,

"Ready, old man?"

Obi-Wan activated his own blue blade, raising an eyebrow, 

"You forget, Anakin, that age brings wisdom."

Anakin grinned, 

"We'll see about that."

With a signal from Cal, the duel began. Anakin's aggressive style was immediately evident as he launched into a series of powerful strikes, his blade moving with incredible speed and precision. Obi-Wan, in contrast, adopted a more measured approach, expertly deflecting Anakin's attacks and countering with precise, controlled strikes. The clash of lightsabers filled the chamber, and the onlookers watched in awe as the two Jedi Masters demonstrated their mastery. Obi-Wan's defensive techniques were flawless, and his movements were efficient and elegant. Anakin's attacks were relentless, and his raw power and speed pushed Obi-Wan to his limits. Cal's eyes widened,

"Impressive. They're perfectly in sync with each other."

Nikki focuses on the duel, helping to ground her, 

"It's like a dance."

Rex and Cody watched with admiration, their respect for the two Jedi evident, 

"It's incredible how well they complement each other,"

The duel continued, and neither combatant gained a clear advantage. Anakin's ferocity was matched by Obi-Wan's skill and patience. With a sudden burst of speed, Anakin attempted to break through Obi-Wan's defenses, his blade a blur of motion. But Obi-Wan anticipated the move, sidestepping and delivering a swift counterstrike that forced Anakin to retreat. Obi-Wan smirked,

"You're getting slow, Anakin," 

Anakin smirked, 

"Just warming up, Master."

The duel resumed, both Jedi pushing their limits. Anakin's strength and determination clashed with Obi-Wan's experience and technique. The energy in the room was palpable as they continued to test each other. Finally, with a well-timed maneuver, Obi-Wan disarmed Anakin. His lightsaber flew from his hand and deactivated as it hit the ground. Obi-Wan held his blade at Anakin's throat, a triumphant smile on his face.

"Yield, Anakin," 

Obi-Wan's voice was calm. Anakin sighed with a grin, 

"I yield, Master."

Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber, extending a hand to help Anakin up, 

"Well fought, my friend."

Anakin took his hand, standing up with a nod, 

"You too, Obi-Wan."

Rex and Cody exchanged impressed glances while Cal and Nikki shared a smile.

"That was incredible," 

Nikki nodded,

"It really was. They're amazing."

Obi-Wan smiled at the four, 

"I hope you learned something."

Anakin grinned, 

"And remember, there's always room for improvement."

Rex chuckled,

"We'll keep that in mind, General."

Cody nodded, 

"Absolutely."

Obi-Wan nodded, 

"I say this calls for some food,"

Nikki nodded, 

"Yes, it does. I need one thing from my room and will join you in the mess hall,"

Cal glanced at her, 

"Okay,"

The five watched her walk away, and Rex looked at Cal, 

"General Axel, what happened?"

Cal sighed and shook his head, 

"That is a story for another time...I'm not fond of thinking about it,"

Nikki sat down on the floor and closed her eyes. She knew she had to let go of the past, to let go of the pain it caused her. She let her mind open up as she thought back to the time when her best friend fell to the dark side. 

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚅𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗

The rebel outpost on Garel echoed with the aftermath of battle, smoke and blaster fire fading into uneasy silence. Cal stood amidst the wreckage, his lightsabers still humming with energy, the lifeless body of the Tenth Sister Inquisitor at his feet. His chest heaved with exertion, the weight of his actions settling heavily upon him.

Nikki approached cautiously, her own lightsabers held ready but eyes filled with concern. She had witnessed Cal's unrelenting rage during the fight, the dark currents pulling at his resolve. Now, with the immediate threat gone, she hoped to reach him before it was too late.

"Cal,"

She slowly stopped right behind him, 

"It's over. She's gone."

Cal turned to face her, his eyes darkened with turmoil,

"She deserved it,"

Nikki took a step closer, her expression softening with empathy,

"I know, but this isn't who you are, Cal. We can't let this darkness consume us."

Cal glared at her, 

"Then you did not care for Merrin."

Nikki took a step back in shock, 

"What? Of course, I did! She was a part of my family!"

Cal shook his head, 

"You should have done better at protecting her then."

Nikki shook her head, 

"Y-You don't mean that...Merrin sacrificed herself so we could live!"

Cal glared at Nikki, 

"It should have been you! All this time, YOU have been the one to survive, and everyone around you dies! You should have never come here from Earth. Everyone would have been better off,"

Cal lifted his hand toward the Tenth Sister's Lightsaber, and the double blade flew into his hands. He ignited both ends immediately, 

"Nikki Mils. It is time for you to answer to all the pain you have caused."

Nikki shook her head, 

"Cal, this isn't you. Please-"

Cal interrupted her by dashing forward and bringing the red lightsaber down toward her. She immediately ignited both of her purple lightsabers to clash with the red. Sparks flew as their blades collided, and the force of the impact pushed her back several steps. Nikki deflected a rapid series of strikes, then spun on her heel, delivering a Force-enhanced kick to Cal's midsection that sent him stumbling backward. He recovered quickly, though, and unleashed a powerful Force push that sent her crashing into a pile of crates. She barely had time to roll aside as Cal's blade sliced through the air where she had been moments before.

Nikki was able to push him away just long enough to summon a powerful enough force push to breathe as the red blade deactivated. With a cry of frustration and sorrow, Cal reignited the Tenth Sister's double-bladed lightsaber. Cal glared at her,

"Nikki, fight me!" 

Nikki's heart sank, but she knew she couldn't back down now. Reluctantly, she reignited her purple lightsabers, their glow casting an eerie light over the wreckage around them,

"Cal, I don't want to hurt you," 

"You won't be able to!" 

He launched himself at her with renewed fury. Their lightsabers clashed again, the sound of energy crackling and sparking filling the air. Cal's attacks were wild, driven by emotion, while Nikki's were calculated and defensive. She parried and blocked, using her agility to avoid his powerful strikes. Cal growled, frustration evident in his every move. 

"Always the perfect Jedi!"

"There's no such thing as perfect, Cal," 

Nikki ducked under a horizontal sweep and countered with a quick strike that Cal barely blocked. 

"We're all just trying our best."

Cal roared in anger, his attacks growing even more erratic. Nikki could see he was tiring, the emotional toll of the fight wearing him down. She needed to end this before he did something they would both regret. Drawing on the Force, she pushed him back with a powerful blast, sending him stumbling. She followed up with a flurry of strikes, her lightsabers a blur of motion. Cal blocked and parried as best as he could, but it was clear he was struggling to keep up.

"Nikki, stop!"

Nikki hesitated, but only for a moment. It was enough for Cal to find an opening and lash out with the Tenth Sister's lightsaber. She barely managed to deflect the strike, but the force of it sent her sprawling to the ground. Cal stood over her, breathing heavily, his lightsaber poised to strike. Nikki looked at him with despair in her eyes,

"This isn't you, Cal. Don't let the darkness win."

For a moment, it seemed as if he would strike her down. He raised the red lightsaber over his head, but it was intercepted by a Beskar baton, 

"DAD! Stop!"

Cal looked to the side to see Astor standing to his side with tears running down his face,

"Astor?"

Cal's eyes faltered back to his normal blue. Astor nodded, 

"Please, Cal...I can't lose anyone else. I already lost my second mom...I can't lose my first one, and I can't lose my dad,"

Cal took a step back and shook his head, 

"Merrin is dead because of Nikki! She dies so she could live!"

Astor shook his head, 

"No! She died so we could ALL live! Cal, please come back to us!"

Cal shook his head and raised the red blade once again, 

"You are against me then. You are against Merrin."

Nikki immediately sprung up and blocked the double-blade from coming closer to Astor, 

"Cal, stop!"

Cal shook his head, 

"No."

Nikki screamed as she felt the heat from the lightsaber get closer to her shoulder. She gritted her teeth and, with a burst of strength, pushed Cal back again. He staggered but quickly recovered, his eyes burning with renewed anger. With a roar, he charged at her, spinning the double-bladed lightsaber in a deadly arc. Nikki dodged and countered, their blades a blur of red and purple light. She flipped over him, landing gracefully behind and delivering a swift kick to his back. Cal stumbled but turned quickly, slashing wildly.

Nikki blocked his strikes, the impact of their lightsabers sending shockwaves through the air. She could see the conflict in his eyes, the struggle between the light and dark within him.  Then she closed her eyes and centered herself in the force once again, 

"CAL WAKE UP! END THIS!"

Cal winced and took a step back, 

"What are you doing?!"

Nikki looked at him and raised her hand as she deactivated her lightsabers again, 

"Sleep,"

Cal collapsed, and Astor caught him, 

"Mama?"

Nikki looked at Astor and sighed, 

"He will wake up...now,"

Cal groaned and opened his eyes, 

"What happened?"

Nikki shared a look with Astor and looked back at him, 

"You collapsed after Merrin...after Merrin was killed...I'm sorry, Cal...she is truly gone,"

Cal felt the tears fall down his face, 

"I had a nightmare...that I turned to the dark side...did you see it?"

Nikki slowly nodded, 

"Y-Yeah...pretty intense nightmare, right?"

Cal nodded, 

"Yeah,"