Chapter One: State of Decay
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or the Old Kingdom Trilogy
Author's note: This story is set in the Star Wars universe with necromancy and the bells taken from the Old Kingdom Trilogy. It is set on Korriban and most of the characters are from the sith race native to that planet.
Timeline: Somewhere between Tales of the Jedi and the prequel trilogy. This might end up pretty AU which is why I'm leaving that wide range.
Shadows slid over the tombs and statues of Korriban as Azari made her way home. The valley she traversed was silent, save for the screams of various creatures who guarded minor tombs near the path. They did not worry her. Having been born on Korriban and raised amongst the dangers, she was used to dealing with the occasional squabble that ensued when she strayed too close to a territory guarded by one of these beasts. She was well equipped for a fight, having her sword by her side, which was strengthened by the Force, and a bandolier of bells whose notes had the power to command life and death. If she failed to protect herself with these her tuk'ata trotted at her heels, growling at just about everything that moved. The hound nudged her side affectionately with his massive horns. He was, however, distracted by something in the distance, he darted off and left Azari to come chasing after him.
"Sashir, return to me at once."
He was already around the bend, or he would have listened to the command. When she reached the other side he was laying down, claws gripping a bone and gnawing away at it. Next to it stood the translucent ghost of Neftal.
"I found something of yours Azari," Neftal said, gesturing to the massive beast at her feet.
"Something that will be punished when we arrive at home," Azari glared down at Sashir.
He whimpered and began to speak, but with the bone in his mouth. Finally he realized he was unintelligible and lifted his head up, "But you can use it for an undead creation after I finish chewing on it, Master."
"Some good a single massive leg bone will do when raised back to life," Azari muttered and then commanded him, "Stick close behind us and don't chase anything." After she and Neftal had walked ahead, she turned to her, "I need some advice."
"On how to get your tuk'ata to heel?" Neftal asked teasingly.
"No," Azari shook her head, "Could we talk seriously for a moment? I've thought of this for some time now, but I want you to help make a final decision."
"About your plan?" She asked.
"You lived in another age, and you've seen many more pass. I've tried to listen to the council but what they say is quickly leading to our demise. Korriban has been broken for so long. The Sith race has almost faded from existence." She clenched her fists as she felt anger and frustration well up in her. "A t the same time I feel something in the Force, and while what I should do seems so clear to me now, it is opposite of the council's orders." She looked Neftal in the eyes, "Is it worth it?"
"The way of the dark side is power, strength, and in the end victory. If what they tell you to do won't lead yourself or Korriban to any of those things, then you must decide what you are loyal to."
"I've followed the dark side my entire life, and will continue to do so until I die. Thank you, Neftal, I know I can always count on you."
After a small talk, they went their separate ways into the realms of the living and the dead. Azari knew she had to leave that night, before she had a chance to change her mind. There were too few of them left and she feared time was running out.