**Chapter 390: Echoes of Heroes**
**Scene 1 – Anakin Skywalker's POV**
It was always Dagon this, Dagon that.
Anakin Skywalker stood on the observation deck of the *Resolute*, staring out at the stars as they streaked by in hyperspace. Three days had passed since the Naboo incident, and for three days the galaxy had been talking about nothing else.
Dagon Marek — the man who had single-handedly prevented the deployment of the Blue Shadow Virus on Naboo. The legendary hero who had shielded an entire planet from a CIS terrorist attack. The storm god who had destroyed the Zygerrian Slave Empire because his Padawan's mother and sisters had been taken. The Jedi who, when Zule sensed something wrong, didn't lecture her about attachments like Obi-Wan would have done. Instead, he went above and beyond.
Even now, Dagon was in a coma after losing nearly ninety percent of his body's blood during the purification ritual. He was recovering in the medical bay of the *Sovereign*, but the stories kept growing.
"Master, are you alright?" Etain Tur-Mukan asked softly.
Anakin turned to look at his Padawan. Etain stood there with her chestnut hair tied back, watching him with quiet concern. Even then, he still had a wife and his Padawan. He had a family. Yet everything seemed to revolve around Dagon.
"No, I'm fine," Anakin replied, forcing a small smile.
Etain didn't look convinced, but she nodded. "Okay, Master. Apparently we are being called to report for a new mission."
Anakin exhaled slowly. Another mission. Another battle. And somewhere out there, Dagon was once again the center of the galaxy's attention — even while unconscious.
**Scene 2 – Jedi Council Chamber, Coruscant**
"Thank you, Master Nu," Yoda said as the Jedi Librarian's hologram faded from the chamber.
The Council was in full session. The blue holograms of the Masters shimmered around the circular room.
"So it is true," Plo Koon asked, voice heavy. "Ashara's holocron is not here?"
"Sad news, it is," Yoda nodded. "Three individuals: one who risked his life for a people he once hated, only to come back… a girl of our Order, betrayed and possibly lost forever… and another — Dagon — who has risked his life many times to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
"Where is Nox now?" Kit Fisto asked.
"Back at Shili with Dagon's apprentice Ahsoka, to return the princess that was captured by the Zygerrians whom Dagon rescued."
"And his Padawan Zule?" Shaak Ti inquired.
"Never left his side, with her two sisters it seemed."
"She has grown a lot more attached," Shaak Ti noted. "I fear the relationship between Dagon and Zule may be more than Master and apprentice."
"Yes, Master," Even Piell added. "The time I have known Dagon and his companions, the intimacy I felt and noticed between the girls and him was very odd."
"They do have two Zeltrons, and Zule is part Zeltron," Even Piell pointed out. "Plus, in the Order, Zeltrons are granted certain… leisurely passes. Remember?"
"Yes, but I feel there is something more."
The Council fell into a thoughtful silence. The implications of Dagon's growing legend, his unorthodox methods, and his increasingly close relationships with his Padawans weighed heavily on them.
**Scene 3 – Senator Riyo Chuchi's POV**
After another long Senate meeting regarding the incidents on Naboo, Riyo Chuchi found herself lost in thought.
Dagon kept getting more and more famous. First the legendary general and friend of the Wookiees, now the ancient healer who had shielded Naboo from a CIS terrorist attack. Naturally, the CIS had denounced the attack, claiming those responsible had been found and executed. That had led the Loyalists — led by Bail Organa and, surprisingly, even Senator Amidala, whose homeworld Dagon had risked his life for — to still push for peace talks.
"Ah, Riyo my dear," Senator Lorian said, approaching her in the corridor. "What are you thinking about? You look lost in thought, and I know even in the boring Loyalist talks you still pay attention."
"I am having trouble with certain emotions…"
"Marriage problems with Cal already? I am not surprised. My own former engagement didn't even last a year."
"You were engaged?" Riyo asked, shocked.
"Ah, it was five years ago. Some third son to a Colonies agriculture world. He is now a fleet admiral under Dagon."
"Yes… Dagon. That is my problem."
"Hmm, I don't understand."
"Well, ever since I met him on the failed mission to Randon, where he promised aid to my planet at the beginning of the war… then his advice which led me to be with you and so many others on the Chancellor's block for the war… that, and sending additional forces to protect Pantora… and even when I contacted him about my engagement, he was glad and said he supported me. I partially agreed to Cal — apart from being my childhood friend — I think only because my mother suspected I might have feelings for Dagon, which I didn't."
Riyo stopped when Lorian raised her hand.
"So let me guess. Man, former absent and quiet, became a war hero only when war is going on. Felt there if there is no war he would seek it out. Went with noble son who had true affections but due to hierarchy in Pantoran politics was overlooked. Not that Dagon is becoming a bit of a legend, helping everyone — you feel like you should be with him."
"What? No, never. It's just… he doesn't contact me anymore. Why would he? At least after he nearly died so many times. Heck, the Clash of Immortals on Tatooine… I mean, what? And now healing Naboo… it's so frustrating."
"Ah, young love. At least visit him. It will help your need for closure," Lorian suggested.
"You sure? My mother…"
"Riyo, you are young. At least let him know how you feel."