**Chapter 402: The Price of Promises**
**Dagon's POV**
The lowest level of the ancient Sith temple on Malachor I was a cavernous chamber filled with dust, faded runes, and the faint, pulsing glow of forgotten holocrons. We had searched every corner, every hidden alcove. Old Jedi and Sith holocrons lay scattered like discarded relics — some cracked, some still humming with residual power — but none belonged to Ashara.
I stood in the center, staring at the empty altar where the master holocron had rested. *Guess I'm back to the fail-safe,* I thought.
Nox stepped closer, his young face twisted with a mix of anger and sorrow. "There is still one thing we could try to help find her."
"How? She is not here," Nox said, his voice thick with frustration. "I can't believe I am saying this, but remember Jedi teaching — no attachments."
I turned to him, meeting his purple eyes. "There is something I know that you don't. Holocron fusion — the merger of a Jedi holocron and a Sith holocron. It can give those who perform it the answers to any questions they ask. It requires a darksider and a lightsider to work together, one to open each holocron. They were rarely performed."
I quoted the ancient text I had studied. "'When joined, any secret, wisdom or destiny can be seen through the Force. One could bring much chaos with such hidden truths.'"
Ahsoka's eyes widened. "Umm, Master… isn't that a little too extreme? I mean…"
"What are the consequences?" Zule asked, concern clear in her golden eyes.
"I'm not sure," I admitted. "Since it was only a theory. Dark siders and light siders ever became so desperate. Some problems might result in both users losing their eyes, their heads, probably dying, an explosion the size of a star, and a disruption in the threads of destiny. Probably a lot more. The Sith lord who studied it seemed to be on the crazy side."
"Or the normal side," Nox said darkly. "Dagon, this is dangerous. Are you sure?"
"It requires a concentrated mind," I replied. "Nox, focus on Ashara as your heart's desire while my desire is to fulfill my promise. Everyone else, clear the room."
No one moved. The girls stood firm, refusing to leave.
"No, Dagon. Enough is enough. This is dangerous," Ahsoka said, stepping forward. Her voice was firm, but her eyes were filled with worry. "You've already pushed yourself to the limit on Naboo. You nearly died. We won't let you do this alone."
Zule nodded, her purple hair swaying. "Master, we love you. We can't watch you risk everything again. Not like this."
Kayla's Zeltron pheromones filled the air with calm, but her expression was serious. "We're a family. If you do this, we do it together — or not at all."
Flare crossed her arms. "You always tell us to trust each other. So trust us now. This fusion sounds like it could kill you."
Stella stepped closer. "Please, Dagon. We've lost too much already. Don't make us watch you disappear."
Visenya lowered her camera, eyes pleading. "You're not alone anymore. Let us help find another way."
Chewbacca roared in agreement, his massive frame blocking the exit.
Ethan's voice came from the comm. "Statistically, the odds of survival for both participants in holocron fusion are below 23%. I strongly advise against this course of action, sir."
I looked at all of them — my family, my loves, my anchors. Their concern wrapped around me through the bond like a warm, protective blanket. For a moment, I wavered.
Then I steeled myself.
"I understand your fear," I said softly. "But Ashara deserves peace. Nox deserves his wife. And I made a promise. If there's even a chance this works, I have to try. You all know me — I can't walk away when I have the power to help."
Ahsoka's eyes filled with tears. "Then let us stay. At least let us be here with you."
I shook my head gently. "No. If something goes wrong, I need you safe. Take them to the ship."
Before they could protest further, several stun bolts shot out from Ethan's hidden systems and Chewbacca's bowcaster set to stun. I added a gentle thread of lightning to immobilize them safely, ensuring no harm.
"They are stable, sir, but might be a little sore," Ethan reported.
"Take them to the ship," I ordered.
Nox watched the girls being gently carried away, then turned to me. "You are a fool, Dagon. A brave, stubborn fool."
I smiled faintly. "Takes one to know one. Ready?"
Nox nodded, his expression hardening with determination. "For Ashara. Let's begin."