Yavin was silent , Unnaturally so , The black clouds floated overhead , The torrential downpour had ceased for the time being.
The high reaching trees flowed quietly in the wind .
Vaylin ignored all this , Concentrating as sweat poured down her brow as she levitated her love through the forests , Taking care not to bump him on anything as she slowly made the trek back to the X-70.
She could feel the presence of her lord slowly bleeding throughout the lands , The power coursing through him ever growing as it pricked at her skin, The cold washing over her , But she endured it , She would never turn away from her lord and love , No matter what became of him or what he did , He accepted her , Her , For all the mistakes she had made , For the monster she was , He still accepted her , And by his name maybe love she one day .
She shook her head , Shaking the thoughts from her mind , The whispers in the back of her mind receding into her subconscious .
Vaylin nearly stripped over a large stump as she stumbled into the clearing , The X-70 sat with its ramp down .
Sighing , She moved Nox ahead of her as she cleared the distance between them and the ship.
Vaylin stopped , Glaring over her shoulder towards the treeline behind her .
" You're not going to try and stop us are you " Vaylin sneered as she unclipped her lightsaber , Slowly turned to face the foliage as she deposited Nox's Unconcious body onto the ramp of the X-70 .
Whispers bled from the dark forest as they assaulted her ears .
" No ... The herald shall not be impeded , Thus is my decree , The dark lord of the Sith , The great dragon , Conqueror or conquerors Has nothing to fear on his own lands " A spectre whispered as it flowed just beyond the line of sight before receding away .
With a scowl , Vaylin clipped her lightsaber to her belt before levitating Nox once more , Walking up the ramp of the ship silently to deposit him onto his bed .
An apparition of a young man slowly bled together from the entrance of the temple he haunted .
Slicked back black hair with two strands hanging over his eyes , Branding in the centre of his forehead while he glared . A dark of the likes he hand never felt radiated from not too far away .
Exar could feel the affect the entity had on the lands around it .
' A worthy vessel if I've ever felt one ' Exar smirked as he made to intercept whomever it was .
" That would be an unwise course of action " Exar stopped as a flicker announced the arrival of Marka ragnos .
" And what would you know about this ... thing " Exar scowled at the blue skinned sith as it floated near .
" I have seen a great many things during my time as the living and dead , Curiously I have encountered this being once before , As have you but I am sure in that state you were unaware of his presence , Back then he was simply a whelp seeking power ... but he's changed ... he's become ... more " Marka sneered at Exar as the young humans arms tensed , Clenching his fists as he glared over the lands .
" We're just going to let it leave " Exar snapped before he was flung back by the shade of ragnos , the entities obsidian skin glistening in the passageways as Exar flew back .
" You will do nothing , You will scamper and you will hide . You will hope he comes not to devour you , This beings journey will not be impeded by the likes of you , For should you move against him you shall be sent to oblivion , Now flee , Hide and cower " Ragnos sneered as Kun slithered deeper into the tombs , His shade bleeding into the ancient stone .
The ancient shade looked towards the silver ship that sat situated in a clearing .
" The conqueror of the great conqueror ... I shall wait until the time of which you seek me out " Ragnos mused as his shade vanished after sending a burst of energy towards the Unconcious sith entity .
Vaylin removed Nox from his armour , Placing each piece carefully on its stand before lowering the Unconcious entity to his bed .
With one last worried look for the sith , Vaylin moved to the bridge of the ship , Lowering herself to the pilots chair as she engaged the thrusters .
" Chart a course for Dromund Kaas " Vaylin ordered as the console acknowledged her command .
Guiding the ship through the planets atmosphere , She sunk back into her chair as the streaks of light , Signifying the jump to hyperspace leapt across the view port of the bridge .
Kanya drummed her hands over the arm rest of the pilots seat , Worry plaguing her features as she sat impatiently .
Seated beside her was Padme , Seated in the co-pilot seat of the nubian starship .
" What's going on " The teen Padme asked urgently as Kanya closed her eyes and reached out through the force .
" I ... can't feel anything ... " Kanya began to panic , Fear clutching at her soul as the room around the two shook , Metal bending under the waves of energy releasing from Kanya's body .
" Ya... Kan ... Kanya " Padme's voice broke through the dark thoughts swimming through her mind .
Calming her breathing , Kanya closed her eyes and centred herself in the force .
" Please work " Kanya pleaded as she interacted with the main console .
After several moments , A holo projection leapt from the console .
" Father ... Father are you there " Kanya urgently asked before the Holo showed the form of Vaylin .
" High justice ... where is father " Kanya asked as she minded her words carefully ,The ever present scowl of Vaylin easily visible on her face as her eyes narrowed , The woman knowing Kanya's tag along .
" Princess ... his majesty is with me , Resting , He is currently recovering on our route to the Kaas system" Vaylin answered as Kanya released a heavy sigh .
" We'll meet you there " Kanya soon responded as Vaylin nodded before looking in the direction of Padme .
" I suggest you make sure there aren't any ... security risks " Vaylin ground out before the Holo disengaged .
Padme grew worried at Kanya's silence , The young woman squinting as she contemplated .
" Padme ... you have been privileged to learn of the existence of our people ... But you're about to see a secret not even ninety nine percent of our people are aware of , I implore you keep it a closely guarded secret " Kanya asked as she turned to a nervous Padme .
The young woman squirmed lightly under the heavy gaze of her friend before she gave a resolute nod .
" I swear , I will not tell a soul about anything that we encounter on our travels " Padme promised as Kanya looked at her for several more seconds before nodding .
The young princess input the new coordinates into the nubian royal starship , The hum of the hyperdrive activating before they were sent hurtling through hyperspace .
Obi-Wan looked at the excited Anakin as the young boy scurried around the ship .
" I haven't seen someone so excited to see a world like this in well ... ever " Siri commented as the blonde Obi-Wan slowly looked at her with a raised eyebrow .
" You do know he was raised on Tatooine until about a month ago ... don't you " Obi-Wan responded as Siri made an 'O' figure with her mouth .
Tugging on Obi-Wan's sleeve , Anakin looked up at the Jedi Knight with shining eyes .
" Wan what's it gonna be like " Anakin asked as Obi-Wan knelt down to delve into explaining what the planet is like .
Siri watched on sadly as she thought back to the early days she shared with Obi-Wan .
She had recently seen and loathed but their friendship had drifted apart after their confession to each other . Their vow to never do anything on their love had seperated them in ways she wanted to stop .
There were times that their old friendship would shine through , A breath of fresh air for the young blonde girl , She cherished those moments more and more as time passed , And now .. she hoped to rekindle some of that old friendship .
Slowly she moved forward to join Obi-Wan as he spoke to Anakin, The boys open joy warming the room as she knelt .
" but be sure to keep your cloak nearby , Unlike coruscant or Tatooine the temperature changes quite rapidly , It can get really cold sometimes " Siri put in as Anakin turned to her .
Obi-Wan looked at her with a small smile before he added to her words of wisdom .
" But you don't want to over dress either as it can suddenly get really warm " Obi-Wan explained as Anakin nodded , Ideas forming in the young man's head .
Siri snickered to herself at the boys expression while Obi-Wan held a small smile .
Yes ... this was the way to rekindle what they once had ... what they could one day have if everything went well for her .
IOKATH - THE SUBJUGATION
Hego da mask opened his eyes
as he slowly rose form the bacta tank , The mu'un breathed a breath of fresh air as he took the breathing apparatus from his mouth .
Several droids worked on lowering him to the ground gently , Opening his eyes as he lowered and gazed around .
Slowly the droids dressed him in dark robes , A perfect fit for his body as he was guided to a nearby bed for him to use in the med bay .
" Welcome " A familiar voice announced as Hego turned to face the synthetic voice .
Behind him stood three entities , First being the easily recognisable Scorpio , The one whom controlled a great deal of the eternal empires facilities and forces under the command of her emperor .
The second and third were harder to recognise , One was easily discernable , A HK unit in design , A long range rifle on its back and a blaster rifle held in it's arms .
The third however was entirely unrecognisable , It stood hulking over both droids , Golden plating and glowing red eyes while it had a giant vibro blade equipped to it's back .
" I assume you a able to manoeuvre on your own volition " Scorpio asked as Hego nodded before stepping forward , Swaying lightly but catching his footing quite easily .
" Come along then , His majesty has left orders for me to relay to you " Scorpio announced as Hego fell into a slow stride with the droid .
The other two droids looking at each other before silently following .
" And what would these orders be " Hego asked as he fumbled with his mask , Stewing over his thoughts and emotions as he spoke .
" Not so much orders , More like an investment , His majesty has provided a lab for you to continue your experiments on , Resources would be supplied at your discretion , Your starship along with your droid 11-4D have been recovered and are currently stationed within the hanger situated alongside your facility on the surface of Iokath " Scorpio explained as Hego nodded lightly .
" And may I ask whom is accompanying you " Hego asked as he looked back at the two droids .
" Meet HK-51 and HK-55 , They are trusted followers of our majesty , They are needed for a set of missions I am assigning them on once I arrive on the bridge " Scorpio replied with the barest of information on both droids as they nodded .
" Greetings , It is a pleasure to meet a colleague of master's " The golden chassis droid 51 introduced , It's friendly demeanor significantly different from its hulking and intimidating stature.
The other droid , HK-55 was more quiet as it simply regarded Hego , Foregoing introducing itself and deciding to simply silently walk .
' A conversationalist and a silent guardian ... I would think they were two completely different droids ' Hego thought as they arrived at a small transport hanger .
" A small crew of Zakuulan scientists and the like have been provided to assist in your research , They have already been shipped to the facility and are awaiting your arrival , This shuttle here will provide you immediate transport to the facility " Scorpio announced as a Zakuulan shuttle opened its doors ready for departure .
"I ... appreciate the efforts you and his majesty have taken to accommodate me and my studies " Hego announced as Scorpio nodded lightly .
" It is solely by his majesties orders that this has been carried out , I am sure he himself will overlook some of your studies personally , But I fear I must cut this short , I am needed on the bridge post haste " Scorpio curtly finished as Hego nodded in response .
" Until next time , If there is anything you or your majesty should need , I will endeavour to fullfil any task your have " Hego finished before walking towards the Zakuulan shuttle .
" Do you think he can be trusted " HK-55 asked as he turned to scorpio .
" No ... A sith first and foremost does what must be done out of greed and a want for a personal objective to be completed , He will do what is best for himself first and our empire second " Scorpio announced HK nodded .
" I will eliminate him should he prove to be a threat " 55 replied as Scorpio looked at the fellow droid before turning away from the hanger and leaving the mu'un to board the shuttle .
" So you should " She replied as the two HK units moved to follow .
KIROS
Anakin paced back and forward as the ship they were on lowered to the ground , Obi-Wan waited next to the boy , Watching over him with a small smile .
Siri waited by the room entrance for them to touch down .
Clearing his throat , Jedi master Qui-gon jinn walked into the room with a regal grace .
" Master " The young Padawan Anakin cheered as he approached the bearded male .
" Excited " Qui-gon asked as the ship shook, Signifying their landing .
" I am , I can't wait to see what it's like out there " Anakin beamed as Qui-gon placed a hand on the boys shoulder and guided him towards the ramp of the ship .
Anakin could barely contain his excitement as the ramp lowered , Strong winds whipping the group's hair around as hissing escaped the hydraulics .
Anakin's smile widened before his eyes opened in open awe at the plain lands Infront of them . Blue skies with rolling white clouds . High glasses rolled under the heavy winds .
" Woah " Anakin ran down the ramp , Leapt into the air before landing facedown on the soft grasses .
Both Anakin and Qui-gon smiled at the small boys antics as they strolled down the ramp .
Watching Anakin roll around on the ground , Siri lidded her eyes as she watched Obi-Wan begin to joke around with the young boy .
Siri slumped her shoulders as she descended the ramp to follow the trio , Her master watching with curled eyebrows as she watched with a worried gaze , her apprentice slowly descending the ramp , Sombre mood felt easily by end master .
" It's a wander isn't it ... Such innocence " Qui-gon remarked to Obi-Wan as the young knight smiled lightly at anakin's giggling .
" It's ... refreshing ... " Obi-Wan took on a complicated expression for several seconds before turning to his old master , Sensing his master's emotions .
" Obi-Wan , During our battle with the assassin , I nearly died . I had a revelation over the past few weeks . I am prepared for whatever the force has in store for me . But if I am to ever pass ... Anakin will be left without someone he can trust , Someone to teach him the ways of the force . I ... am aware of how the Jedi master's perceive him ... how his classmates treat him " Qui-gon spoke honestly as Obi-Wan grew more and more alarmed at his master's words .
" Master " Obi-Wan began before he silenced himself to listen to his father figure .
" I'm getting older Obi-Wan ... I'm not who I once was . Obi-Wan ... I have to ask , If I ... leave you two ... will you take Anakin under your wing , will you teach him the ways of the force that I know only you can , you're the only one I can trust to bring him to his full potential as the chosen one " Qui-gon confided as Obi-Wan was rooted to the spot .
Several questions plagued Obi-Wan's mind as he looked up at his master's eyes , The sheer worry plaguing the man's eyes shaking him to his core . Slowly , Obi-Wan's gaze became stone as he nodded .
" Master I don't know what's going on ... what's going through your head , But no matter what happens , I will be there for him , Through thick and thin , I will be by his side to guide him in his darkest moments " Obi-Wan promised Qui-gon who slumped , A small smile on the aging man's face .
" Thank you Obi-Wan " Qui-gon pet Obi-Wan's shoulder as Anakin sat up , Questioning the interaction the two had before shrugging and laying back onto the grass .
Obi-Wan looked towards Anakin , Smiling at the young boy before he grew worried at his master's words .
' Master ... '
KAAS SYSTEM
The X-70 dropped out of hyperspace , The planet of Dromund Kaas visible through the view port , Several fleet warships flew through the atmosphere of the planet , The two moon's of the planet were visible over the planets horizon .
The never ending storm of Dromund Kaas hung over the planet , The eye of the storm centred over the dark temple .
Slowly the ship dropped through the electricity supercharged sky , Lightning flashing ever few seconds as Vaylin steered the ship through the turbulent skies .
Breaking through the perpetually storming clouds , Vaylin stayed close to the ground as they approached the restored citadel , Another two warships hung over the city as sky trooper and builder units slowly worked on restoring the ancient city .
The dark wood tries reached for the silver ship , The canopy of the trees flowing under the stormy winds as the ship roared over their tops .
Vaylin steered the ship into Kaas city , Lowering the ship into a hidden hanger within the citadel's higher levels .
Rain could be heard pelting the outside of the ship as lightning struck a large pylon in the distance .
Standing from the pilots seat , Vaylin walked from the bridge , Around the corner into the central lounge before walking straight to Nox's chambers .
With the doors to his room opening , The cold assaulted her body as the lights within the room flickered , The dark radiated from Nox in palpable waves of dark energy .
" What's happening " Vaylin asked as the shade of Aloysius flickered into existence , The entity walking towards his ancestor .
" From what I can gather , My heir has perfected his ritual , He has bound the spirit of Tulak hord to himself , And in doing so has perminantly taken his power , His memories and his knowledge . The only draw back I can see is the merging , The power Hord had is merging with his , Hord's memories have been added to his own and is currently experiencing them , By the end of the day my heir would have lived Hord's entire life and undeath until the binding " Aloysius explained as Vaylin looked on worriedly as the force warped around Nox before rupturing outwards to knock the two backwards , The room creaking under the pressure being released by Nox .
" This isn't going to ... change him is it " Vaylin asked as she stood back to her feet , The assault of energy ceasing for the moment while Aloysius shook his head .
" Fear not , Had any other entity used such an unpredictable ability ... I would have feared for the outcome . But I have faith , I have seen and felt the will of my heir , His will is such that the Dark cannot sway him , The lightside cannot enter without permission , His will has changed the very universe itself , Cowed the force , His will dominates the lands and minds of those unwilling . World's have submitted to him in reverence , Enslaved nations and forces of nature , Colloidal titans and even the undead . No ... He will not change ... For he is the one solely capable of resisting the residual affects of his ritual , He may have assimilated Hord , He may have assimilated tenebrae and everything they were ... But he was and forever will be Obrunik Kallig " Aloysius assured as Vaylin too placed her faith in her love , Moving forward and gently stroking his cheek which was cool to the touch.
Kanya could feel it as they approached , The dark washing over the stars , Barely hidden by the shroud of the Darkside as the temperature within the nubian shuttle dropped as they hurtled through space .
The dark , Her masters presence rippled uncontrollably as its inky tendrils reached for her , Slithered throughout the star systems as everything fell to its embrace .
" It's cold " Padme whispered as mist escaped her lips , Drawing the blanket she had acquired closer to her body .
" It's father " Kanya admitted as Padme's teeth clattered in her mouth .
" What do you mean " Padme asked in curiosity as they bide their time .
" How do I explain this ... it's quite difficult to explain to someone who already understands " Kanya began as she chose her words carefully " You know how a Jedi can be perceived as light ... warm " Kanya asked as Padme nodded .
" Then what is the dark " Kanya asked as Padme sat up .
" The dark is ... endless , Entraps all and ... cold " Padme stopped as her mind went into overdrive " He's like a Jedi ... he can use the force "
" Yes Padme , But unlike the Jedi who use the light , Father does not fear the dark he embraces it " Kanya explained as Padme grew enraptured by Kanya's words .
" I've heard tales , About the Jedi who resist the call of the dark ... they say those who cannot resist go down a path of bloodshed " Padme asserted as Kanya shook her head .
" The light side is warmth , It is like following a predetermined path layed out for you , You follow its will to the letter and you are rewarded " Kanya explained " The light side is slow ... building you over time "
" And the dark " Padme asked unsure .
" The dark is different , It offers you great things , Greater power , Tempts you with whispers and promises , It attempts to change you in the process . Consider this , The light gives you control but low power to start with , The Darkside gives you copious amounts of power immediately but negligible control . In a scenario , A newly acquainted dark side user is drunk on his new power , He doesn't exercise restraint of control and lashes out at everything he perceives as a threat . A light side user is calm , They know not their path but place faith , They are at peace with what they have and follow the will of a higher power . The two meet , The dark sees the light as a threat and moves to eliminate the light , But in the process destroys itself , This is what my father taught me " Kanya continued as Padme looked engrossed in the lesson .
" But if you father is dark ... shouldn't he have destroyed himself " Padme asked unsure as Kanya nodded .
" Normally ... But father is different . He taught me to break beyond my limits ... he does not fear the dark , Because he is not it's slave , He does not fall to fate of the light ... because he does not listen . Father has the the copious amounts of power provided by the dark , And the sagely control of the light " Kanya stated as she observed Padme , Waiting to see if the woman would connect the dots , And after several moments she saw it in the young woman's expression " I see you've come to realise ... father isn't using the dark or the light . You see , Father is unique ... he is using the force in its purest form , No light , No dark , Just the force . And he has been gifted by it ... I do not know what ... I do not know how , But father ... he cannot be swayed by whispers , Cannot be controlled by fate , If the light were to blind us , Father would provide the shade , If the dark would smother all light in the world , Father would become the sun to provide us the light we need , Father doesn't fall to either because he must not ... he has to do what he must ,For himself , For us all " Kanya finished as Padme looked amazed .
" When you're close to father you'll feel it , The absolute dark of a black hole , The cold that cools the desserts , But you'll also feel the light that radiates , Melts the frozen lands of hoth , Father provides our people comfort , They know he will stand alone against the endless waves of enemies , The first and last defence against our extinction , And our people in turn would do the same , Each and everyone one of them from child to old man would proudly stand alone against armies , stare death in the face without fear as it embraces them , Proud in their last moments , Knowing that their sacrifice drives our people on , That they are not alone but apart of something far greater than themselves , That they shall not be forgotten , They would do anything for their home , For their ruler , As he would for them " Kanya explained as Padme nodded along , the non force user could practically feel the admiration , The determination flowing from her long time friend .
" Your father ... your people are truly something " Padme commented as Kanya smiled .
" We have a reason to be proud after all " Kanya commented , Padme herself no longer feeling unease with the cold that grew stronger with each second , Instead desiring to embrace it , Let it was over her as she imagined what it would be like to be force sensitive.
After several more minutes , The ship dropped out of hyperspace , A planet covered by storms visible in the windows as Padme looked on , Noting several of the warships she was acquainted with monitoring the planet .
" What is that " Padme asked as kanya took control of the ship .
" That ... is one of the many places I call home , A world known as Dromund Kaas , Once the seat of a great past empire , Father's family line is tied to this world as like your own . And this is where he is , Beware , The planet is a great source of the dark , It is ... hostile " Kanya explained as the nubian descended , Lightning flashing directly next to the starship as Padme grabbed ahold of her seat as the ship rattled .
" Yea ... hostile " Padme mumbled as more lightning nearly struck the ship .
" Nearly there " Kanya mused as they dropped through the bottom of the clouds , Making a bee line for the citadel as the sheep tore through the skies.
Vaylin stared up over the towers of the citadel towards the south , Feeling lade creath's approach through the force .
The entrance to the Sith citadel directly behind her .
She watched as the nubian shuttle screamed through the city before slowing to a stop , Descending onto the nearest do the three platforms before two panicked women soon descended the ships ramp and ran in her direction .
" Where is father " Kanya nearly demanded as Vaylin witheld a sneer .
" He is resting within the sanctum , Come .. I will take you to him " Vaylin turned and quickly departed, Eager to return to her loves side as she was followed by the two women .
" What happened " Kanya asked urgently as Vaylin resisted the urge to completely ignore her , Instead she decided to bend the truth until her love could decide to handle the explanation .
" He was ... attaining new power that left him indisposed " Vaylin explained as Kanya wanted to throttle the woman's obvious half arsed answer .
Padme herself looked unsure of the two obviously powerful women's interaction , Feeling some kind of tension between the two as the entered a giant hexagonal room .
Looking around , She was amazing as she watched droids fusing steel beams together , Looking over the edge of the walkway they walked , She couldn't see the bottom of the drop below them , If the floor gave way there was no way they'd survive the fall .
' Maybe that was intentional ' She thought before looking up at the impressive architecture to distract herself from her potential demise by fall .
Droids flew overhead as they continued with construction , Pieces of ceiling missing which were to be reconstructed at a later date .
" This place is amazing " Padme commented , Onto to be ignored by the quickly arguing women she was with " I guess I'll keep my thoughts to myself "
" And whatever happened ... you simply let it happen " Kanya accused Vaylin whom wanted to run down her lovers apprentice with her Lightsaber ... or choke her to death with glee .
" I let nothing happen , I have worked to my fullest to ensure his safety , Had I been able to , I would have ensured this hadn't have occured to begin with and he would have ascended without draw backs " Vaylin snapped as they entered a narrow hallway , Quickening her pace , Not wanting to deal with the apprentice more than what was needed .
" Oh I'm sure " Kanya growled as she was tempted to grab her lightsaber , She was however unable to do so as they soon entered an elevator .
Padme herself looking between the two in exasperation .
' Finally ' Vaylin , Kanya and Padme all thought as the entered a lowly lit room .
" What " Vaylin mumbled before rushing forward to where she had deposited her love , Only to find him missing from where she left him , Instead , the dark room was cratered , Shattered and cracked , Lights flickering in the ceiling while scorch marks marred the wall .
" What have you done " Kanya snarled as she drew her lightsaber , Sure in her belief Vaylin had done something to her father .
" I left him right here ... we need to find him at once ... let's " Vaylin didn't get to finish as she leapt away from a piercing strike from Kanya's lightsaber .
" You traitorous cunt , You've done something to him " Kanya yelled before leaping at Vaylin whom drew her own weapon to defend herself .
" I haven't done a thing " Vaylin countered as she blocked another strike from Kanya .
" Then where is he , What sick things have you done to him " Kanya accused once more , Igniting the fires of wrath within Vaylin as the woman snarled and unleashed a barrages of strikes at the apprentice , breaking the apprentices defense's before kicking her In the abdomen across the room .
With a snarl , Kanya leapt to her feat , Both her and Vaylin leaping at each other to strike .
Both were paralysed in the air , Freezing for several moments in the air as they desperately tries to brake the embrace they were caught within .
" That's quite enough of that " The familiar voice of Nox carried out throughout the sanctum , The man sting up at the two women before willing them onto the ground . Kanya wilted under his gaze as he raised an eyebrow at the two assailants , Vaylin herself had the decency to look away , Feeling wholeheartedly she had done nothing wrong.
Instead of chastising the two women , He turned to Padme , A small smile playing on his lips as he acknowledged her .
" Care to join me for some sight seeing and a meal, I'm quite famished " Obrunik offered as Padme dipped her head in acceptance , If Obrunik wasn't worried about them re-engaging their fight , He knew the both of them better than any other so if he wasn't worried then she wouldn't either .
" I'd love to " Padme responded as Nox smiled before the two left the two women in the room together until they would awake .
Padme followed Nox as he lead her around the citadel , Once more admiring it's architecture openly .
" This place is amazing " Padme announced in an effort to make conversation with the older male .
Nox looked at her with a raised eyebrow for several seconds before releasing a small chuckle .
" I should hope so , Afterall this is world my family comes from " Nox told a half truth as Padme grew more interested .
" Really , I thought you came from Zakuul " Padme responded as Nox shook his head .
" No , You see , A great amount of time ago , Almost four thousand years actually , The war between the Jedi and their great enemy raged , The republic and the empire battled each other , They battled across the stars , Unaware of another faction preparing for war . A young man , A slave , Served the empire before it was discovered he could use the force , Before long he was being trained in their arts much like the Jedi , As the years went on he grew in both personal and political power , Becoming one of the twelve to rule the great empire under their emperor , This was one of the citadels they ruled from " Nox taught the young woman , Heavily detaching himself from his past deeds to make it seem like another history lesson .
" Four thousand years , so long " Padme mumbled as she looked around , Finding it ahead to believe the halls they were walking through were so old .
" Indeed , However , Before his ascent he found out he once hailed from some very important families ... one family being the Hord family ... the other ... the Kallig family " Nox announced as Padme immediately knew the relation between himself and the family name .
" The man ... is your ancestor " Padme stated Nox nodded before they exited the hallways and into the hexagonal room with the bottomless pit .
" Yes ... He simply went by Kallig , In honor of his ancestor Aloysius kallig . My family was once betrayed by the hord family , Cast down as they fled , Eventually falling so far as to become slaves , Until this young man ... Kallig found out about his heritage ... vowing to restore them to their deserved greatness ... and he succeeded . You see , While the empire and republic battled , The eternal empire came from the unknown regions and swiftly brought both factions to heel " Nox spoke as Padme stopped , Stunned by the revelation that the empire she saw was capable of forcing two great fighting forces to kneel .
" After years after his disappearance , Kallig came back , he fought against this empire , Rallying the republic and empire into open war with the eternal empire once more ... The battles were long and filled with bloodshed , It came to a head when he stormed the royal spire ... having slain their emperor and his younger sister , He took the eternal empire , Became it's emperor ... and my family has ruled it since " Nox finished his story as Padme took in what she had learnt .
" Your family has ruled Zakuul for so long , And there haven't been any issues with that " Padme asked as she looked towards the young emperor .
" Nothing of the sorts with my people ... the galaxy at large However was different , my family grew distasteful with the republic and empire , Seeing both as soon to fail , so the eternal empire detached itself from the larger galaxy , Fading into obscurity until the time of our return " Nox told Padme , Not entirely a lie as Scorpio had withdrawn the entirety of the empire back to Zakuul and Iokath , Removing any possible traces of their people , It however had nothing to do with him since he was ... travelling through time .
" And that time is now " Padme half asked as they walked out onto the platform which housed the nubian shuttle .
" We shall see , I haven't made up my mind yet " Nox informed the teen with but a shrug .
Vaylin glared hard at Kanya , Wanting nothing more than to smite the apprentice from the face of the world .
But she knew she could not , Lest she draw the ire of her love and lord , Much the same for Kanya who could not openly kill the high justice without retaliation from her father .
Both were in a stalemate as they glared at each other .
" I don't like you " Kanya growled out as Vaylin rose to her feet .
" A dragon doesn't worry about the feelings of the worms it crushes , I don't know why his majesty keeps an existence like you around rather than slay you out of pity " Vaylin sneered before simply leaving Kanya to pick herself up from the ground .
Hate flared within the young apprentice as she stormed from the room towards the entrance of the building , Hoping to find her father and her friend while Vaylin made her way towards the X-70 in the upper levels , Wanting to wait for her love and earn his forgiveness in private , No other should be allowed to see her vulnerable but him , And that's exactly how it would remain as long as she had the power to ensure so .
Padme laughed at the light banter she shared with the other monarch , Both seated within the nubian as they ate .
" Did she really " Padme asked as they conversed about one of Kanya's more ... unintelligent moments .
" Sure did , She came back with a face full of soot and a broken speeder left in the garage . Her intentions were pure ... but she didn't know a thing about how it worked " He smirked as he ate a piece of jogan fruitcake he shared with the teen .
" I would have paid anything to see that " Padme chortled as Nox laughed along .
Padme payed attention to the man as he ate , Relaxing in his presence as they conversed .
" You know , Anakin wasn't much better , More than enough cut fingers when he tried making something , Tell you what though , There's nothing they can't achieve when they out their minds to it " Nox spoke , His eyes heavy with memories of raising both under his wing .
' I wander if it would've been the same with my own ' Nox thought back to Lana and his promised .
" I've been thinking , Perhaps you'd like the your people join the republic " Padme asked as she looked hopefully towards Nox .
" I ... am unsure , You see , My people are as proud as they are loyal , A foreign government taking power would cause unbelievable backlash amoungst them , They would push for war , Revolt , Cities would fall and the planet would be sent into chaos " Nox informed as Padme drew a gasp .
" They wouldn't would they , You can't know that for sure " Padme asked unsure as Nox nodded , Feigning sadness in his gaze .
" Don't I ... My people are accepting , But there is a limit to what they'll accept form a people they do not know , They trust me .. my family with their well-being and safety , They look to us for guidance and purpose . They have no reason to trust a foreign entity with which they battled with in the past " Nox told her as Padme grew conflicted .
" They'd ... just accept dictatorship " Padme herself was confused , She believed in democracy , That the voice of the people should be heard not guided by the hand of a ruler ... that the people of a whole planet would willingly let their voices be silenced under the rule of a sole person ... was inconceivable to her .
" It is all they know " Nox replied as he took in Padme's down cast expression " But perhaps , it doesn't have to be this way forever "
The hopeful look Padme sent him was akin to a small furred pet looking towards it's master for food and affection . Nox however had no intention of ever turning over his throne or empire ,And he knew his people were of the same mind , They always were , Loyal to a fault .
The duo soon moved on to happier topics as they resumed their meal , Padme returning to her previous happiness while Nox did as he did best ... manipulated events to what he desired .
Turning his head , Nox caught the gaze of Kanya , Her eyes shying away from his own as she approached .
Padme paused in her eating as she noticed her friends arrival , Eyeing the two before making to leave , However being stopped by a simple wave from Nox .
" Father ... I've come to apologise , In your time of need I failed you , I allowed my distrust , My anger to get the better of me , Instead of looking for you I lashed out and attacked someone you trusted , Attempted to harm them , please forgive me " Kanya pleaded as she got on her knees and prostrated herself , Forehead to the ground .
Padme herself was shocked at what she was seeing , Never in the entire time she had known Kanya had she seen the girl literally beg for something , Let alone forgiveness .
Nox smiled lightly at Kanya as he rose , Kneeling down before guiding her back to her feet .
" Kanya , You were scared , You thought something terrible had become of me . I need you to know , I trust Vaylin with my life , She can be brash , downright mean to those she doesn't like , But she has my best interests at the forefront of her intentions , She can be trusted to look after me . In time I hope you will see it as I do . But now ... you are forgiven , But you must learn from this , Don't just jump to conclusions , Analyse the situation properly before hand , And once of clear mind , Do what you think is right " Nox instructed as Kanya sniffled before drawing Nox in for a hug to which he reciprocated slowly.
Nox departed the Nubian starship with a sigh , Watching the ship lift into the stormy sky before his eyes shifted from blue , To yellow to entirely black before he evaporated into a haze of purple energy .
Reappearing within the X-70 B , Nox , Controlling the ship with his implants guided the ship out of the citadel hanger and into the skies in the opposite direction of the nubian , Forcing the ship into hyperspace enroute to Nathema.
" Are you well " Vaylin asked as she sat patiently on his bed , The force entity removing his cloak from his body as he moved to the shower .
" The ritual was a complete success , the assimilation took longer than expected but I took in far more than I originally thought I would " Nox announced as he began to shower under the pressurised jets or water .
" You're not mad ... are you " Vaylin asked , Unsure in her questioning .
Nox stood in silence for several moments to ponder .
" Had it been just the two of you ... I wouldn't have acted and let it play out , Neither of you were in any mortal danger as I was merely in the other room , However the young monarch of naboo was present , She is a pivotal piece in quite a few upcoming events ... it'd be ... unfortunate to be on bad terms with her " Nox explained his reasoning as Vaylin squinted , Not knowing what her lover was aware of but being able to put her trust in him .
Rising from the bed , She made to remove her robes as she stepping into the joined bathroom .
" Let me help you "
YAVIN
Master Yoda , Mace Windu , plo Koon and yaddle observed the battle scarred land .
" I can feel it , The great darkness we felt was fought and vanquished here " Koon announced as the force drew around him .
The residual energies of the class till heavy in the air .
" Vanquished yes ... but by what , I feel only this ... dark from earlier " Windu put in as he looked at what remained of a throne , Rubble laying around as he moved several rocks around .
Seeking guidance from the force , Grand master Yoda came up short as the force offered him no explanation , Only silence .
The little green creatures eyes observed the land before chuckling to himself , Drawing the attention of Koon and Windu in the process .
" Care to share " Windu asked as he came to stand by the ancient Jedi .
" A great evil , Slain here it was , Offer no answer the force does , Know we are not meant to , What occured here . So worry I will not " Yoda announced as Koon and Windu drew a blank .
" Whatever occured here is of great importance , surely you won't just ignore what has happened " Windu slowly grew irritated by his master , The little green creature hobbling back to the ship .
" Ignore it I will , Faith in the force I place , As should you , A secret the force wants kept , Best do as it wishes hmm " Yoda chortled , Hobbling up the ramp of the ship with his stick as Windu's brow twitched , Koon chuckling to himself before following the grand master with yaddle .
" A major waste of time " Mace grumbled under his breath as he too followed the other Jedi back to their ship , Content with letting secrets lay .
Soon after , Their ship departed the planet's surface , Unaware of the danger they had narrowly escaped , Had they decided to stay , Ragnos would have been forced to act against them , Whether slay them or posses the lot , He would do so in order to ensure the secrecy of his successor .
A FEW DAYS LATER
- NATHEMA
Nox walked towards his vault through the halls of the sanitarium , Zealots roamed the halls , Guarding every hallways diligently as he passed each one .
Vaylin herself remained on the ship, Hips sore and tired as she stuck to the warmth of the bed .
The hive species of Nathema remained stationary as it guarded his personal vault , The force having given them sustanence as the guarded the hulking doors .
Standing Infront of the doors for a few moments , Registering his presence before a rumble announced the opening .
Nox waited for the doors to stop their opening before stepping into the room , Twisted with foul energies that were absorbed by the dark entity as he entered .
Nox ignored all this as he made his way up to the second floor , Passing countless artefacts of varying power , Holocrons he had already pilfered , Weapons of great power .
He ignored all this , Making his way to one of many sarcophagus at the far end of the second floor .
Stretching his hand outwards , Nox drew in the residual energies bleeding from the sarcophagus , Using his other hand to lift the stone lid as stale air crept from within .
Walking forward , Nox stood over an assembly of bones and husk like flesh .
" Hord " Nox muttered as he outstretched his hand towards the bones of Tulak hord , The residual energies released by the heavily dark side infused bones of the ancient sith being consumed by Nox in their entirety as the lights surrounding the sarcophagus flickered on and off .
CORTEX OF MEMORY
Beside the three bodies of Tenebrae , As they knelt beside the throne , Black whisps bleeding from the expanse as they came together beside the throne , An obsidian skinned human Sith-Pureblood hybrid knelt beside the throne , Black hair swept back , Ridges of bone jutting out of its chin and eye brows .
As the body finished materialising a metallic substance morphed into existence around the beings body , The armour forming into a more solid form before the helmet formed , Arcane energies bleeding together as the helmet formed , Black empty eyes , White around the nose and cheeks while silver coated the remainder of its surface . His lightsaber materialised , Clipped to his belt where it would forever remain .
The form of Tulak hord was complete , Kneeling as it's eyes snapped open along side the three bodies of tenebrae , The four now sharing the eyes of Nox as he controlled all four .
Hord's mind destroyed , His body and soul now one with Nox , The new and fourth took the southern guarding position around the throne within the cortex of memory , The four closing their eyes as Nox focussed on the outside world
OUTSIDE WORLD
Nox stared down at the sarcophagus , Sinister smile playing on his lips as he re-sealed the lid , Leaving the remains in place for future purposes as he swivelled in place , Beginning the march back to the X-70 as he soon became enraptured by his thoughts .
With the vault sealed once more after his departure , Nox made his way through the sanitarium , He was nearly at the entrance when he stopped and stared off into space , Looking in the direction of Iokath before he snapped his attention forward and doubled his pace towards the landing platform .
" It seems my ... pet is awake " Nox mused , A small chuckle rumbling from his throat as he prepped the ship for immediate departure apon his arrival " Time to go tame a beast "