Chapter two:
Valen followed his new mentor through the hallways of the Korriban Academy, it seemed like a huge deal for a slave to enter the academy, he got plenty of stares on his way. He took Valen to his new chambers, and was met by a young Zabrak boy, his horns sharpened to a point and his tribal tattoos his face in the shape of a human skull.
Lord Rankin? Who is this? The boy asked.
This is Valen, my new apprentice and your new roommate. Replied Darth Rankin. The boy looked at Valen with a glare of envy.
This is Venrin, an acolyte and among the strongest of your age group. Darth Rankin then whispered to Valen, Beware of him, he is extremely dangerous with a training saber. He then left him with the Zabrak.
You think you're so special? Venrin sneered. Valen looked at him and shrugged. He didn't need to answer him. Y"gonna answer me fresh blood? Venrin asked. Valen looked him in the eyes and clenched his fist. Suddenly, Venrin began to and grasping his throat, as the guards had. At every step Valen took towards him, his throat tightned up more. Suddenly, Rankin returned and saw Venrin on his knees holding his neck. Valen! Enough! He commaded. Valen scowled at the Zabrak, then released him. The weekend acolyte coughed and gasped for breath. He crouched down and whispered to Venrin. You should thank the Force that Rankin came in, or you'd be dead on the floor right now. He spat on his horned brow and stood up, then he bowed to his Master.
Valen, report to the duelist Master, Lord Zyn, he will train you in the dark arts. Darth Rankin instructed. Here is your equipment. He handed Valen a box with a practice saber, a black cloak with a hood, and a pair of slacks and padded boots. He expects you there shortly. Valen nodded and bowed.
Yes, my Lord. I will leave immediately. Replied Valen. He put on his gear and swung the practice saber in a figure eight, then sheathed it on his back. He proceeded down the hallway to the training room where he was greeted by an obese, elderly Sith with markings on his face. Valen could feel the dark side's ripping from him. He was not to be challenged. Ah, acolyte, you must be the one Darth Rankin spoke about. Valen nodded and bowed. I am, my Lord. He smiled warmly and replied. Bah, I do not need to be recognized by such a title, Zyn is fine, my lordship is long expired young one. Valen shrugged and looked around. My Master said I would come here for training. Zyn nodded and gestured his head. On the other side of the room, there was a giant empty space, elevated slightly with a bunch of other acolytes. You are not the one Rankin has chosen, Valen. Zyn chuckled. If you want to become a Sith, you need to fight for it, then you shall receive my instruction. Zyn said. Valen looked at the arena, hesitant if he was able to accomplish such a task. Remember, Zyn continued. The dark side is your ally, let your anger and passion, your desire for survival and the title Sith be your fuel for strength, and victory. Valen nodded and unsheathed his weapon, then engaged the power, and headed for the arena. He would not die as a slave, he would not die an acolyte, he would live and become a Sith. May the Force protect anyone who dared stand in my way... because it's victory, or death...