The High Republic Adventures — The Monster of Temple Peak 4

Embark on an adventure-filled High Republic miniseries with former Jedi turned monster hunter for hire, Ty Yorrick, brought to life by Cavan Scott and Rachael Stott!

In this final installment, Ty discovers the hidden truth within the Gretalax's cave and faces a crucial decision: embrace the Jedi path or continue as a monster hunter? Her choice must be swift to safeguard the villagers and restore peace to the settlement.

Chapter 4: Bones of a Jedi

Tapel makes his way into a cave, calling out to see if anyone is present. He receives a response from Layton Wyke, and Tapel expresses his surprise at finding Layton and his people there. Layton clarifies that they are discussing their monster hunter, noting that no one has heard from Ty Yorrick since she ascended the mountain, leaving them uncertain about whether she has dealt with the Gretalax or not. Tapel suggests they allow her more time, but Layton retorts that he expected the beast's head delivered to him already, considering their payment. The group detects a sound and proceeds to investigate, with Layton instructing them to ready their weapons. Tapel emphasizes that no one should be in that area due to its danger, but Layton responds that it will be dangerous for whoever is lurking. Deeper within the cave, the group encounters a locked cage covered in cloth, and a Cerean observes that there is no sign of anyone. Layton orders her to inspect the cave as Tapel questions the situation, and the Cerean confirms that the locks are secure. However, the group is caught off guard when a voice contradicts that they won't be for much longer.

The voice belongs to Ty Yorrick, who materializes in the cave's center, wielding her lightsaber. Layton inquires if she has completed her mission and killed the monster. Ty responds negatively, and rushing past Layton and the others, she jumps onto the cage, asserting that the real monsters are within this cave. Tapel asks for clarification, and Ty retorts that she was informed the Gretalax attacked their village, but she should have questioned why, as she tears the cloth from the cage. Layton aims his blaster pistol at her and demands she step away, but Ty refuses, using telekinetically to push him back. He yells for her not to open it, but Ty cuts through the lock, revealing the creature inside and explaining that the Gretalax is not a single creature but two: the Greta, on the mountain, and the Lax, which Layton had captured and imprisoned. Together, the two beings are whole, and separating them was not only cruel but also agonizing.

Tapel turns to Layton, stating that he had expressed that this was wrong, but Layton strikes him and tells him to be silent. Ty shouts that Layton should have heeded Tapel before hiring her to resolve his problem. Layton asks if this is when she defeats him, the intimidating monster hunter with the glowing sword. Ty suggests he trust her as he does not want that. Smiling confidently, Layton agrees, and Ty collapses from a stun blast fired from behind. Layton commends Tapel on his accurate shot. Tapel responds that Layton didn't need to hit him so forcefully, and Layton replies that they needed a distraction. As the Lax is forced back into the cage, Layton orders that both the animal and the hunter be secured to prevent any surprises. A disoriented Ty mutters that this cannot be happening.

In a flashback, Tylera exclaims that this cannot be happening as her friend and fellow Padawan, Klias Teradine, cries out in pain. Tylera attempts to reassure Klias that he – or rather, they – can overcome this together. Klias admits his fear, and Tylera assures him there's no need, as she senses nothing there, but Klias insists that something is present as he can hear its voice. Clutching his head, Tylera tells Klias that whatever he's hearing and is doing this to him is not real, merely another trap to guard the Yallow Shrine's secrets, a remnant of the cultists who once worshipped there. Screaming that she is a liar, Klias pushes Tylera away, as she questions his actions and pleads for him to stop. Activating his lightsaber, Klias asks why he should, mockingly addressing Tylera as "Jedi" and advancing towards her. Tylera points out that Klias is also a Jedi, but the possessed Padawan claims that this is no longer the case, blaming Tylera for the change and stating that she should have stopped him. When she says she tried, Klias screams that she didn't try hard enough, engaging Tylera in a lightsaber duel. Tylera attempts to reason with Klias, urging him not to do this, but he tries to shift the blame onto her, saying that she should have made him listen to their Masters, or warn him of what was to come. Backed against a wall, Tylera begs Klias to stop, tears welling in her eyes. Klias is impaled on Tylera's lightsaber, and his last word as his mind momentarily clears is "Ty?" before he falls to the ground, dead. Tylera is filled with horror.

In the present, Ty mumbles Klias' name as she regains consciousness, finding herself suspended upside-down in the cave above a large crusher, watched by Layton and his associates. Layton expresses his satisfaction that Ty is awake and refuses to release her when she demands it. He proceeds to admit that Ty was correct: the Gretalax is the primary reason he and his followers came to Loreth in the first place. Describing the planet as inhospitable, Layton and Tapel explain that the creature's horns possess incredible power. Ty is skeptical, but Layton's envy of Force-sensitives surfaces as he says they always have it alright with their gifts, but on the frontier, there aren't always Jedi around to protect people. Tapel adds that he discovered ancient texts detailing how to create a potion from Gretalax horn that would grant them the strength to defend the planet from any threat. Ty is incredulous at their motives, retorting that she's never heard such nonsense in her life, adding that it doesn't matter since they don't have the Gretalax.

Layton, however, believes he has something superior, activating a switch while announcing that the bones of a Jedi should serve as an adequate replacement, even for a loner like Ty. She declares that Layton and his "foolish followers" are mistaken, as she is not a Jedi, and she is not alone. At that moment, Rock Weavers enter the cave from all directions. Panicking, Layton manages to activate Ty's lightsaber, but Drewen Qweebjillan, riding one of the giant spiders, swiftly retrieves the weapon, stating that no one touches it, before returning it to Ty. Catching it, Ty tells him not to push it, freeing herself from her restraints and quickly destroying the crusher. Noticing several of Layton's followers restrained by the Rock Weavers, Ty remarks that that's that for the settlers, and Drewen says the spiders aren't so bad once you get to know them. Ty notes it's a shame the same doesn't apply to Layton, and wonders where he is, Drewen replying that she has a point, as he thinks he got away.

Attempting to escape, Layton runs through a cave, but realizes he must have taken the wrong turn. Ty calmly points out the obvious as she appears behind him, igniting her lightsaber. Layton asks if she intends to kill him, but, recalling Klias' face, Ty responds that she never takes sentient life if she can avoid it. As the Greta appears behind Layton, however, Ty adds that she can't vouch for her friend. Panicking, Layton attempts to apologize to the creature, and Ty says that she thinks they've heard enough, addressing Drewen as Layton sputters in confusion. Becoming visible next to her, Drewen agrees, noting it's a good thing the Rock Weavers found Ty's commbud on the mountain, and he asks Kayel how it's going. Back on Ty's starship, the droid states that she's broadcasting the "pathetic little rust-weevil" as they speak, wondering what the town will think of their leader now. Continuing to panic and apologize, Layton asks what Ty intends to do with him, and as she and Drewen turn and walk away, she says nothing, since Layton's done enough by himself.

Drewen asks if everything is resolved, and Ty says not yet. As the two return to the cave with the cage, the Rock Weavers release the Lax, and Ty points out there's still time for a reunion. The Greta follows Ty and Drewen out of the cave, and it and the Lax run towards each other and reunite, beginning to glow. Drewen asks what's happening, and Ty says she thinks they're healing each other before the real work begins, as the spiders carry Pela into the cave. Ty tells Drewen the girl's name as the Gretalax begins its work, pointing out that she had been trying to stop everyone, including her, from hurting the creature, saying "hi" as Pela wakes up. Able to speak once again, Pela responds, asking what she's missed.

Later, Drewen expresses surprise that Ty is leaving so soon after everything that has transpired. Ty responds that there's nothing to keep her there, especially as Pela and the other residents of Wyke Town have pledged to live peacefully with the Gretalax. Kayel interjects that it's a shame they won't be getting paid, and Ty tells her to be quiet, to which she responds sarcastically. Drewen asks if he will accompany Ty, or if she needs to consult her Verazeen stones, and Ty, remarking that she thinks it's time she started making her own decisions, hands him the bag with the stones, telling him he should consider them a parting gift. As Drewen stammers, Ty walks away, saying she works alone and it's better for both of them that way. Drewen pleads that he doesn't know where he'll go, and Pela, approaching, asks him why he has to go anywhere, telling him that Ty told her he needed a home, and her village needs more people now than ever. As Ty's starship takes off, Drewen says he doesn't seem to have much choice.

Onboard the ship, Kayel suggests that they could have brought Drewen along, but Ty responds that she doesn't want to discuss it, although the droid persists that they worked well together. Ty asks the admin unit if her audio sensors require recalibration, and Kayel remarks that she'll never change. Agreeing that that's the general idea, Ty says they're going to need several new jobs, asking "Klo" what she's got. Kayel is surprised that Ty actually used her preferred nickname, but Ty continues that she has to train and to let her know if something comes up as she walks off, and Kayel agrees. Ty hits a button and mutters to herself that there goes nothing. On Loreth, Drewen is surprised by some beeping and pulls out the commbud, with Kayel being pleased he still has it when he answers, before telling him to keep her voice down. Drewen asks why she wanted to keep in touch, and the droid explains that as they both know, Ty Yorrick doesn't always know best. She asks Drewen if he still wants her to train him, and he says that he wants that more than anything. Kayel tells him that they should work on a way for him and Ty to cross paths again, accidentally. Drewen asks if she'll be cross, and Kayel agrees that Ty will be furious. Watching Ty train with several remotes, Kayel points out that that's half the fun.