'Sup guys! This is our first fanfiction ever so it might be pretty rough. So yeah, I guess we should probably say something about how we're just borrowing these characters and instances from SWTOR, as well as from other real players in the game, such as myself. You'll find me on Harbinger, you know, Mass Effect fan didn't even check the server.
We expect this story to be a bit challenging to write, because we will be going off POV with at least two main characters and maybe a few of their companion characters, as well as using some but not all of Bioware's dialogue and instances. Also, we will not be doing explicit romances, there will be romances, but we are not going into extreme sexual deviant detail. Even if they are our characters well we preferably wouldn't even want to know. We also might skip parts of the stories that we feel were a complete waste of time for us.
So, I guess we should give you some info on the two main characters. We have a Sith Warrior and a Sith Inquisitor. Both are also cherry red Dathomirian Zabrak. The plan is to add another main character later down the road, but hey shit happens.
SWTOR: A Galaxy in Turmoil
Prologue: Korriban
Cyndirious POV:
The second I stepped onto the damn shuttle I knew my life would be completely different. Now I'm not quite sure whether or not it was a great idea, I'm surrounded by at least ten other Sith acolytes, only one other person on this flight looks to be just as uncomfortable as I am about the confined space. Although, he looks as though he wants to kill everything in sight. He looks over in my direction as though sensing me watching him.
Thankfully we had an amateur pilot, because he looked like he was about to pounce before the ship unexpectedly lurched. When I stepped out of the shuttle I suddenly felt the darkness gripping at my heart, and I welcomed it in as though it was a natural feeling. That's when they separated us out between the two overseers, a dude named Tremel and some bastard called Harkun. I noticed that I was one of only three other acolytes to go with Tremel, while the scary guy went over to Harkun with the other five acolytes.
"At last you've arrived. I'm Overseer Tremel. For decades I've administered the trials that determine who join the Sith Order. Those that don't pass the trials will die, there's no other option."
"I was born to be Sith," I said with confidence I wasn't sure I really felt, it's possible he saw through it but I noticed the subtle smirk that flashed across his face, which was gone just as quickly as it appeared.
"The Trials are meant to weed out the weak. However, I expect full obedience from all of you. I have foreseen that only one of you will make it to the Sith Academy with the War Blade, it is fair game." He said as he left us to go into the ruins after the War Blade.
Well he seemed a bit rattled, which likely meant something interesting was going to happen. Though I wasn't really sure why, just a bad feeling I guess. Oh well, I had as good a chance of dying in the ruins as everyone else did, before I could figure out what was bugging him.
Reshnar POV:
Damn I hate this fucking planet already, looks like a wasteland. Why did the Sith really care about taking this place back? The pull of the darkside is strong here, I'll admit that much, but still why such a shitty place. It's like a desert here.
I was really getting sick of the shuttle ride anyway, all those other acolytes were just way too close for comfort, especially that other Zabrak. She looked just as ready as I was to be off, but she made me feel very uneasy.
Ugh and that's not the worst fucking part of this Force forsaken rock. This overseer is really getting on my nerves calling me a slave all the damn time. What was his name… Harkun, right the little bastard couldn't be more annoying. Oh here he goes again.
"Listen up whiney maggots, I'm only gonna say this once and once only. You either are going to run into that tomb go talk to a hermit and go to the Sith Academy, or you are going to die a slave of the Sith, either way you're fucked!"
Harkun paused and looked at me, and for lack of a better reason said, "Don't think you're special, don't want to think freedom got to your head now, Slave." Then he carried on staring at the rest of the acolytes with dimly depressing eyes. Like I said, annoying, at least he isn't groaning on about the empire, just let me go before I lose my sanity.
Cyndirious POV:
Well this isn't so difficult just slash away at anything that moves. It's actually pretty fun. Blow up some big insect looking things. These other dudes were sorta annoying they took a little more time to die. My first kill wasn't so bad it actually felt vaguely satisfying listening to the dude's screams.
Then I realized there wasn't anyone else to kill through the red haze that was starting to cloud my vision, I noticed ahead of me that that one Zabrak fellow was shocking one of them to the brink of death laughing all the while, then he let him beg for his life, before granting his wish, of course, he was lying and just stabbed him in the back as he turned around.
I yelled out at him, "What the heck dude?!" He merely just glanced at me and said, "What? I was just having some fun." All I could do was just smile and shake my head at that.
I continued on toward the room I needed to go to, all the while knowing he was following me, and I decided it was time he stopped.
3rd POV:
Well the game's up, Reshnar thought. As he saw his prey backflip in the air igniting her practice saber, he used the force to shove Cyndirious into a wall and then used force lightning, that was reflected back at him. Cydirious then jumped on top of him, and pinned Reshnar with her practice saber hovering over Reshnar's throat.
Reshnar POV:
Well this is a better way to die than dying of boredom, or shining a master's shoe. Wait a second. Why am I not dead yet? I should be dead! What's she waiting for?!
Cyndirious POV:
Kill him said part of my mind. The other said he could be useful to you. Then another voice in my head said, what if that was you. I froze, I couldn't bring myself to kill him even though his plan had been to kill me. I couldn't do it.
I got up and continued on to the room that held the saber I would need to continue my training. That's when he yelled rather anxiously, "Hey! Why didn't you kill me, you crazy bitch?"
I just kept on walking.
I continued on my way and defeated the droids that stood in the way of my goal with ease using my hatred and fury to destroy them, and headed on to Sith Academy to find Overseer Tremel.
Reshnar POV:
Man this guy talks a lot. "Old guy just tell me what to do and I'll get it the fuck done."
"Kill the failed acolytes," he responded flatly.
I walked down the steps, slightly afraid I'd be overcome again, but quickly shoved the thought away. The first two came and I sliced their heads off in one slash, then the rest came, I decided to have a little fun with them, so I electrocuted them all with a force lightning field. Personally I think that is a rather satisfying considering how I just got my ass handed to me earlier. I look around the area for anymore failures, perhaps death by the new acolyte was too good for them. When no more appeared I breath a sigh of contempt.
"Wow, is that the best they could do? CAN I GO NOW!"
Cyndirious POV:
Thank the force I'm out of there. Although, the Sith Academy isn't really an inviting place to be quite honest. Oh well.
"Hey there acolyte. Hold on a moment let me get a look at you." Great, another person wants my attention. "So you're Overseer Tremel's secret weapon, impressive to be sure. Afraid the old man waited too long to make his move though."
"I'm Vemrin. And unlike you I have fought and bled for everything I have. I demand respect," he said, seeming to enjoy his self importance.
"You're hilarious. Why should I give a damn about you?" He seems way too comfortable and cocky for someone as inept as himself.
Vemrin scoffed, "Please everybody knows what Tremel's doing. If the overseer had his made his move a year ago when I first arrived he might have had a chance, but now, too little, too late."
His henchman spoke up, "This is stupid Vemrin. Let's just kill this bitch and hide her corpse."
Vemrin rolled his eyes and said, "How many times do I have to tell you Dolgis. We are not on Balmorra any more, there are rules, traditions. We shall leave the shortcuts to Overseer Tremel and his last pathetic hope here."
"Dude, I will take everything you have and destroy it, you cannot stop me."
Like the idiot he is, he ignored me, "Coming Dolgis?"
"Be right there Vemrin." He nodded and left, leaving Dolgis to try to intimidate me, as though he could ever scare me.
"Listen here you useless priss," Dolgis spat, "Acolytes aren't allowed to murder each other. But accidents happen."
"Then I will be sure to 'accidentally' place my War Blade through your damn throat, bub." Oh force he smells awful.
"Am I seriously the only survivor." I said in utter disbelief as I walked into Tremel's office.
"Yes you are, as I foresaw and expected you would be. That is why you are here earlier than most others." Tremel said, as though I should have also expected this outcome.
Tremel continued, "The trials themselves are challenging enough. But they are not the greatest threat that you will face. There is an acolyte here called Vemrin, he is your rival and he will try to kill you. You must be prepared"
"I've already seen his worthless ass. If he tries I shall destroy him."
"With my guidance someday you shall crush all of your enemy's."
Reshnar POV:
I wonder if Harkun has an off switch. He yaps way too much for some lowly overseer. It's like he thinks people actually value his opinion. I saw him killing that girl from a mile away, she looked like a sad excuse for a toothpick.
"Meet our newcomer Ffon Althe. This is real Sith strength, and he will tear you apart and crush your bones, slaves!" He said ridiculously.
Of course, being the annoying and sarcastic person I am, I couldn't just let the opportunity pass me by, "Wow how terrifying, bow before Ffon everybody."
"Get over here, I want to speak to you privately, Slave. You're nothing. And don't you forget it! The rest of you, continue your trials!" He yelled out like a child who didn't know his place.
"Am I supposed to be scared of you." What a waste of life. He seems way too proud of his lowly position, doesn't he want something better than loudmouth asshole for his position name?
"Lord Zash has requested for you to meet Inquisitor Zyn in the jail. He will fill you in on the details. Hopefully hastening your demise to the point of no return."
"Uh-huh, I wouldn't get my hopes up. I don't die easily, especially if it is your kind of arrangements." That should annoy him, kinda fun actually, I need to do this more often.
"I don't want to see you till you're back from the jails, slave." Looking suitably pissed off.
Priceless
I guess I can celebrate with this field trip.
Cyndirious POV:
"Sorry to make you wait, acolyte. These interruptions are incredibly annoying." Tremel begins
"Firstly the assassin. She was sent to kill an imperial agent, but you spared her and sent her to intelligence instead" he paused "An excellent decision. A potential resource should never be wasted. And besides, it never hurts to have one more assassin in our pocket."
Why would that impress him, anyone who didn't do that would be stupid. "It was an obvious decision. I was always taught to never waste a potentially useful resource."
Tremel shook his head, "It may have been obvious to you, but unfortunately it was not obvious to so many others who have come through the academy. Now Devotek, the failed warrior. Why grant his wish for a trial by combat?"
"Respect for previous service, and maybe I was getting a little bored."
"We don't have time to honor yesterday's accomplishments. Devotek was a waste of space. Once something is no longer of use, it should be eradicated. Remember that."
So what he's dead ain't he? Surely he could look past that.
"Finally, the forger you sent back for more torture even though he seemed innocent. Very good, leave no stone unturned, he could very well be hiding something."
That and it's fun watching him suffer all day, I wonder if the overseer is into that.
"You're beginning to understand what it means to be Sith, but you're far from a finished product." Tremel continued, "Now onto your next trial. You will proceed to the tomb of Marka Ragnos. Once there meditate at the central altar and wait for the beast he placed there to guard his legacy to appear. When it does, destroy it."
"Any idea what sort of creature this beast is?"
Tremel shook his head. "Anyone who has been sent to confront the beast has not survived. If you do this you shall prove to Darth Baras that you are truly worthy to be his apprentice." Great this should be fun.
Reshnar POV:
"Unsurprisingly, Ffon has passed his first trial. It's only a matter of time before he tramples you all underfoot." Harkun says, seems to be pleased for the moment, that won't last long.
"I'll tear you apart where you stand slave!" I hear Ffon say, wonderful, not even a week here and someone already made me their bitch.
"Patience, Ffon, an accident in the tombs is much more convincing." Yeah much like the assassins who wanted to kill you on the day you were born.
Now, I want to speak to Ffon and our latecomer." Great always wanted to be bored into submission.
"Now, slave, according to that dumbass, Zyn, you handled yourself expertly, which is unfortunate. Lord Zash is apparently also satisfied with his evaluation, which I find difficult to believe." Ha, ha, get it through your head dumbass, I'm better than you anticipated, how boring.
"Undoubtedly, Zyn helped you in some way, but you will not be able to beg for his help on the next trial." Oh give me a break.
Cyndirious POV:
I knew something was up when I saw Tremel pacing around looking worried.
"Acolyte it is good that you have returned. When I sent you into to the tomb of Marka Ragnos, I may have made a small miscalculation." Uh-Oh that doesn't sound very good.
"What kind of miscalculation?"
"The Beast of Marka Ragnos was a great source of dark side energy here on Korriban," Tremel explained, "When you killed it there was a tremor in the force. Darth Baras has sensed that tremor and is now aware of you."
"Uh that thing died pretty easily, no way it should've given off any sort of tremor."
"He demands an audience, regardless."
"What can I expect from Baras, Overseer?"
"Baras is a serious man and a master of deception. Everything that he does and says is calculated. He will attempt to trip you up, test you, and get to the very core of your being."
"You must always take him seriously. And I cannot emphasize enough that you should always take him seriously." That ain't gonna happen.
"I should be able to handle Baras with little difficulty."
"Baras is usually the one who does the handling," Tremel countered. "This may be the last time we speak, Cyndirious. You are the best chance there is to stop Vemrin, if you fail now I doubt there will be another acolyte strong enough."
"Now meet Darth Baras in his chambers," he handed over a map to the location, "and be quick about it. Darth Baras doesn't take kindly to waiting."
"Well it's about time he learned how to deal with annoyances."
As I left the room I wondered why Tremel had called me by name. Was it possible that Tremel considered me to be something special and not just a pawn for his own advancement?
Reshnar POV:
"Ha, those fools didn't know what was coming!" I think to myself as I'm slicing up an imperial guard, wait, why am I talking to myself?
No matter, I can't believe I got the drop on 3 failed acolytes sitting out in the open! Flesh is no match for a practice saber, regardless of how rough the skin. The imperial guards aren't any better, slashing a 'saber at them probably wasn't the wisest considering they're firing at me almost point blank range, but Harkun's comments still pissed me off, so I needed to blow off some steam. Ah fuck it, I'm just going to electrocute them.
"Ahh!"
"Bitch you know you like it! Ah-HA HA HA!" I say, as their bodies are burnt to a light crisp. I dodge another shot in an attempt run for the distant guard.
There are always MORE! The guards had to be idiots. I threw my saber like a boomerang and causing most of them to duck but a few lost their heads. Allowing me time to charge the frightened guards. I caught my saber as I jumped in the air and used force lightning on two of them at once, while cutting the legs off three more in my spin to the ground. The last guard tried to run, but I ran after him and wrung his neck with my bare hands.
So what did I come here to do again? "Right, Get the holocron." There I go talking to myself again.
Cyndirious POV:
After killing Dolgis, who was indeed as much of a waste of space as expected I headed up to Darth Baras' office.
As I stood there waiting on Baras he was giving out another trial for another group of acolytes that included Vemrin. After Vemrin threatened me Darth Baras yelled, "Vemrin, you have been dismissed."
"Are you having trouble with Acolyte Vemrin, supplicant?"
"If he insists on getting in my face like that, that worm's going to have some trouble." I spat out with absolute venom.
"Vemrin has been turned into a lethal machine, he has paid his dues, and he is thoroughly capable of backing up his threats. You on the other hand... Let me get a better look at you. As I suspected Overseer Tremel has done you a great disservice by giving you every convenience: your war blade came early, prisoners flown in, and a beast here instead of off world in the wild. Vemrin has fought a stacked deck of cards." Baras rambled on my rather "easy" tasks. "Your mind is soft, unhoned, undisciplined. Only Full immersion over time produces results."
"I disagree emphatically."
"The first month should be spent on philosophy, recite the Sith code and explain its meaning in war, battle, and politics."
"Peace is a lie. There is only passion.
Through Passion, I gain strength.
Through Strength, I gain power.
Through Power, I gain victory.
Through Victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall set me free."
Damn that's a mouthful. I had been taught that from the day I was taken from my murdered family when I was around five.
"You are an insolent child, no matter, I am your master now. I am ordering you to kill Tremel for his inability to evolve with the Sith paradigm. He is a traitor and traitors are executed. I grant you immunity from punishment."
"I don't like the idea of killing him, but I will do it if I must." I had expected him to make that order, so I had been trying to come up with a plan to spare Tremel, as I did not trust Baras enough to do everything he said blindly, and I believe Tremel to be my only ally on this rock.
"I do not make requests supplicant. Bring back his hand after you kill him as proof." Darth Baras demanded.
Reshnar POV:
Well now that wasn't so bad my only question is how has this Holocron been sitting in that pyramid for so long, all I did was shoot force lightning at it. Nothing special really.
The trip back was fucking boring, nobody was around for me to kill. Cowards, I thought as I took my time wandering the Sith Academy halls, why not let Harkun think I've been killed then walk in like, "Sup bitches, did you miss me? Come, let's see your destiny now." That's when I heard the sound of a lightsaber being ignited. Of course, my extreme amount of boredom got the better of me. I turned the corner and looked into the room and saw the Zabrak that kicked my ass, fighting an Overseer, oh what fun.
Clearly this Overseer had underestimated her, and was currently paying the price as she was keeping him at bay with a defensive approach catching his lightsaber effortlessly at every swing. However, the fight came to an end when she ducked a wildly undisciplined swing and stabbed him in the arm. I looked at the scene before me, this was awesome! However, usually this is the part where the victor slaughters the loser or becomes a total dumbass and becomes sympathetic. Things seemed to be shaping into the boring end of the spectrum. Dammit, every single fucking time!
"I only need your Hand." The woman announces, rather idiotically I might add.
His response allowed me to understand what was going on, "Baras demands my hand… Proof of my death? I don't want your pity, Cyndirious."
I knew immediately what was going on as soon as I heard the name Baras, interesting. I had heard the rumors that an acolyte was brought here way ahead of schedule, lucky bitch, and from the looks of it, Baras was trying to send a message in the most beautiful way possible.
Her response was atypical compared to what I had been used to from the other acolytes I had observed.
"It's not pity, I don't want you to die." What a softie. That's when he cut his hand off.
"Take my hand to your master. While I get as far away as possible from this rock. My hopes rest with you."
Once he passed by without noticing me, I stepped into the room.
"Bravo, I must say that was an unexpected turn of events, coming from a bitch." Man that startled jump was priceless, if only that worked on Harkun.
3rd POV:
"Damn and here I thought I'd done this cleanly." Cyndirious said, reaching for her warblade.
"You aren't as subtle as you'd like to think." Reshnar said as he began to circle around her. He knew full well that provoking her wasn't smart, but since when did he care.
"How much did you hear?" Cyndirious was getting that vibe that if she didn't choose her words carefully she'd be screwed, but it didn't seem to matter, Reshnar clearly looked comfortable and held the cards.
"Oh you know this and that and a few other things." Reshnar said with an almost too casual tone in his voice.
"Stop playing around, what's your name anyway?" She replied trying to throw him off.
"Ahh you're backed into a corner now aren't you, how laughable. Name's contain power, you know. Why should I give you mine, Cyndirious?" Placing as little effort as he possibly could into emphasizing her name, just enough for her to realize he was in complete control of the situation whether she liked it or not.
"I just defeated an Overseer and I can help you bring down your own if you want me too." Cyndirious was merely grasping for any kind of leverage she could get her hands on, but it seemed to have struck some interest in Reshnar.
"Hmm Harkun is a pain in the ass, but he's my prey, not yours. Although, I wouldn't mind if you were to kill Ffon Althe, you know that Pureblood bastard." Honestly, Reshnar didn't really give a damn about the situation mostly because he only felt like making Cyndirious uncomfortable.
"So does that mean I don't have to kill you?" Cyndirious said with a feeling that Reshnar was finally getting bored.
"Yeah fine. I don't really care what you do. I just need to find a way to piss off Harkun."
"Shouldn't be too hard I hear Harkun gets annoyed by everyone. Anyways, what is your name?"
"Ah fuck it it's Reshnar." Somehow Reshnar had gotten to the point where being anonymous was annoying even himself.
Cyndirious POV:
Well I guess that could've gone much worse than it did. Still sucks to know I'm gonna have to watch my back constantly for Reshnar in the event that he decides that it would be useful for him to divulge such info. Now that I think about it won't Baras be able to sense that I didn't kill Tremel? Hopefully, he is too preoccupied trying to decide who is worth more, me or Vermin, to notice the difference. Oh well better to get this over with than annoy him with further waiting.
"What's this? The Acolyte returns and with a bloodied weapon. I assume this means Tremel is no more. Give me his hand." Well now doesn't he sound excited. "Here. Take this one ring as a momento. Remembering the past can strengthen resolve and embolden the spirit. I am impressed you had the fortitude to destroy him. You know, he thought of you as family. How did it feel to betray him?"
Time to see how well I can lie. "We worked quite closely together. It was difficult to say the least, master."
"Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, apprentice. Remember that. You have taken your first step to truly understanding the Sith Code. By embracing the code and destroying Tremel, you have freed yourself from his shackles. And escaped his fate."
"The way I see it I'm exactly where I started." Duh, c'mon Baras do you think I'm that stupid not to realize I'm now in your shackles. Although, I will admit he did seem sincere in his choice of words.
"You'll find a marked improvement with much greater potential range. Now, there are sacred ruins in the Tomb of Tulak Hord. You will venture through the tomb, search through all of the ruins, and bring me a relic, it will be clearly different from all the others that can be found in the tomb. You will do this or you will die!"
As I walked out of the room, I gave a huge sigh of relief over the fact that Baras didn't seem to have any idea of the deception. All I had to hope for was that Reshnar would keep his end of the deal while I was still on Korriban. For some strange reason, I feel like he and I will one day end up owing each other more favors than is wise for any Sith to make.
I needed a break so I decided to just sit on the rail overlooking the main hall of the Sith Academy, despite the obvious need to finish my training I felt there was no way I would make it through the challenges the tomb offered compounded with the anxiety I was feeling over the events of the day, so much accomplished in such little time. So I just watched what was going on, relaxing as I did so. Stupid, should never let your guard down in a place like this. Oh well, I may as well go off to find some relics.
Setting out for the tomb I came across a madman talking about some red machine, whatever it was, I had already taught myself awhile ago crazy people are usually obsessed with things that really aren't as grand as they believe.
So I continued on toward Tulak Hord's Tomb, to find a ton of failed acolytes and crazed soldiers of the Empire, who seemed hell-bent on stopping anyone from getting through to the tombs, but I would not be denied so easily.
I charged out towards a group of ten, force choked two within a few seconds, sliced the guns of the six Imperial soldiers before they could fire at me and force blasted them out of my vicinity. That's when the last two acolytes pounced on me already getting over the shock of my attack they took a little longer, while dueling the last two, one of the the acolytes attempted to stab me from behind while my attention was diverted, so I backflipped over him, and he rammed his saber through the other acolyte. I began to laugh at his stupidity and cut him down without hesitation.
With that done I continued on into the tomb killing slugs and bats, who felt it was necessary to provoke me. I grabbed as many relics as I could while I was there knowing they could sell for a small fortune. Then amongst the last of the relics I found one that was different and had a lot of inscriptions over what appeared to be ways to gruesomely manipulate the force. This was probably what Baras wanted, so I stashed it in a separate pack and left the tomb.
Reshnar POV:
"Hey bitches, I'm back, what do I win dammit!"
"Well, I'll be damned, you somehow managed to make it back alive." Harkun seemed a little shaken by my appearance, have I finally destroyed the will of this fucker?
"But that doesn't matter now, there is no way you could have retrieved that holocron all by yourself, so why don't you hand it to me." Harkun's attitude changes frighteningly fast, like watching my lightning strike an imperial guard in the face.
"And you think I'm going to let you take my prized possession from my bare hands? Ha! You must be dumber than the Jedi who exist on Coruscant!" I laughed, not because Harkun was threatening me, more so on the fact that he thinks I had help, does he even realize what is down in those tombs? Like jeez, even a bastard like him could make it unscathed.
"Keep talking like that, slave, and I will kill you personally" Harkun replies, rather coldly I might add, he is dumber than I once originally thought, then again, I've never seen this guy fight, kinda has my curiosity.
Before I could say anything or move, Ffon pulled a fast one on me and forced the holocron out of my hand and returned to Harkun's side to hand him the holocron, like the little dog he is.
"Thank-you Ffon." Harkun begins, probably relieved, or angry, can't really tell by his blank facial expressions.
"You son of a-" I started, pretty pissed off by both Ffon's dick move and Harkun's usual bitch of a face I severely wish to punch inwards.
"The next task," Harkun cuts me off before I could spew anymore profanity.
Cyndirious POV:
As I walked back into the Sith academy one acolyte, think his name is Klemral, doesn't matter, anyway he decided to attack me so that he could pass onto the next stage into becoming a Sith, because the Tomb scared him. Apparently he thought killing me would be easier than conquering his misplaced fear, boy was he wrong. So I'm just kinda replaying all this because right now I have the chance to either spare his life or kill him.
See the difference between Reshnar and Klemral is that Klemral honestly seems like a waste of space, not a capable Sith even if he got another chance. So I told him to go back to the tomb and face his fear. Of course, as I expected he refused. So I told him to be ready to die with his head held high. So I stabbed him and watched him fall to the ground as if in slow motion knowing I'd just killed an unarmed person who had already surrendered to me, the guilt began to gnaw at me until I rationalized he likely would've stabbed me from behind once he'd got his practice saber back.
As I walked into Darth Baras' office I realized he was waiting for me, while also not paying attention to a word that Vemrin was saying to him.
"The prodigal supplicant returns from the tomb of Tulak Hord with what I sense to be many relics, but only one that I want. Superb." As though he was impressed that I had chosen to do more than just follow his will blindly. "Looks as though your hopes have been dashed, Vemrin."
"Looks can be deceiving." Vemrin responded with agitation.
"The tension between the two of you is strenuous. An enormous source of emotion this is to feed on. I am most curious as to how it will boil over. You both stand on the precipice of becoming Sith."
I was getting excited and I sensed he was about to reveal who his choice would be and felt myself being drawn towards him. "But only one of you will be able to claim the lightsaber of Naga Sadow and become my apprentice. I believed it would be Vemrin, but I have a changed my mind, you, Cyndirious are to be my apprentice should you survive this last trial. If you are unable to do so Vemrin will be given a shot."
"What?! I've done everything you've asked better than all of the others the honor should be mine!" Man, someone's having a bad day.
"Admit it, this isn't really that much of a surprise Vemrin, I have been your better since birth." Rubbing salt in the wound is always fun.
"Today, Vemrin is every bit your equal but the force is stronger with you, and there is a sleeping power residing in you. It was quite an easy decision." Equal my ass, now he's just trying to make sure he doesn't completely offend Vemrin in the event that I fail. "Now, Vemrin, go wait in my antechamber and await further instruction. Now!"
"I hope you realize how very fortunate you are to be singled out as my apprentice. The galaxy will bend before you."
"I can't wait to start killing." Man that sounded better in my head.
"The lightsaber you seek is housed in a forbidden cavern in the tomb of Naga Sadow, a place few Sith have set foot and survived. Almost no one knows how to find the secret entrance, but there is a Twilek in the holding pens who was caught breaking in there. I've heard she's willful, but I would consider her to be a useful tool."
"I've seen her, she seems fun if you ask me." I said, quite thrilled to be getting someone who seemed to be good at lightening the mood.
"This test will determine whether you become Sith, bolster yourself and prove that you belong at my side. I await your return or the sense of your demise." Yay, not sure if that was supposed to be a vote of confidence or an attempt to scare me. All it did was make me nervous.
Reshnar POV:
"Yes-yes, remarkable. Magnificent." Alright, who's this crazy old lady? Wait, is that lord Zash? Well shit, I should wipe the other slaves blood off my boot then and not do something too stupid, yet.
"You there, slave, no, accolytle," now that's more like it. "You're the one who brought me this magnificent holocron from the tomb of Marka Ragnos, yes?" Do you always ask questions you already know the answer to? I wanted to say that, but that would be unwise on my part, especially if I don't want my arm cut off.
"Yes, Lord Zash," I finally replied, got to be formal sometimes I guess, as much as it pains me after coming from Harkun and the poor saps that got stuck doing his bidding.
"Unbelieveable, one thousand years buried in that tomb, Sith Lords passing it by. And then, the most unlikely person comes along, Tell me, how did you manage it?" Zash pauses for me to answer. Really? Despite the thousands of acolytes that have gone through here, not one thought lightning would work? What kind of world do I live in, and how the fuck do I get out of it? Fine, I might as well keep it a hidden trait I possess, for now.
"I intend to keep that secret," I say, maybe a little too harsh, oh well.
"Good, you appear to guard your secrets well. That can be considered a credit to you and your source of power, though I personally prefer to be more open." Zash, stops once again, then continues on.
"Your work so far in bringing back this holocron and the text from Tulak Hord's tomb has me intrigued. I am watching your progress eagerly acolyte, I have high hopes for you, sky high in fact." Wait, what text? Oh yeah, that one, forgot about that little fun journey to the depths of hell. This surprises me, I was not expecting a high ranking Sith to respect me or my insane actions, there has to be some catch here.
"Really?" I begin, "because Harkun seems to favor that fool Ffon." Right, let's see how this goes.
"Harkun's only purpose is to weed out the weak, beyond that, his actions and opinions are meaningless to me, or the other Sith Lords for that matter. Good luck acolyte, good luck." Zash finishes and begins walking the opposite direction over the dead bodies of the slaves, not even batting an eye towards their worthless corpses.
Right, I don't need to see Harkun for another hour, perhaps this would be the perfect time to screw around with the Mynocks living in the second floor ventilation shafts, they've been driving me nuts since one stole my lunch the other day.
-About an hour later-
"Well, look who showed up at long last," Harkun begins, seems rather surprised I'm alive, showed him once again when you assume anything about me. "I half expected to hear you crossed some Dark Lord upstairs and finally got yourself killed. It would also appear none of the others have shown up either. I assume their dead by now, so that just leaves you and Ffon to do my bidding." Oh great, me and the spoiled brat, what's next, wait, where is that little bastard?
"Speaking of which," I began, wanting to milk this insult for every penny it's worth. "Where is your little bitch Ffon, is he out kissing the shoes of an overseer of higher standing that you can never hope to achieve?"
Oh my, I never thought I'd see someone's face get as bright of a color red as my own. So what will it be, another insult or some proper information?
"You only wish it, slave. No, because you took so long returning, I decided to send Ffon ahead." Oh that bastard, that was a little bit of both, now I'm pissed because of that dick move.
"Your final trial will be to retrieve an ancient map from the innermost chamber from Naga Sadow's tomb, which has never been breached in thousands of years." Funny you should mention that Harkun, I believe you said that about the Holocron awhile back, it's quite hilarious that this cliché has returned.
"But before you can get the map," Harkun continues, almost smiling. "You have to awaken an ancient assassin called a Dashade that sleeps in the tomb, you cannot access the map without him, understand?" Ah, there's the catch, I'm going to get a pet and humiliate him by defeating him first, it's a cruel world.
"One more thing, you will be competing with Ffon for this map. Whoever brings it back will be Lord Zash's apprentice, the other will die. Ffon's already started, so here's my advice, run slave, run." Now I'm really pissed, that has to be one of most bullshit moves you could pull on anyone, though, I doubt I'm totally screwed, so much for a joy ride however.
"Ahem, a moment please," Lord Zash walks in from the office entrance, how long has she been sitting there? Harkun is totally stunned as well.
"Lord Zash, what are you doing here?" Harkun begins, something tells me this might be interesting.
"Overseer," Zash begins, "Are you implying that I - A Lord of the Sith - don't have the right to go where I please in the Academy of the Sith?" I'm really starting to like this lady, that's twice now she's shut down Harkun's usual insults or opinions when I'm around.
"No, of course not Lord Zash." Harkun replies almost worryingly, he knows something is up.
"Good, I saw the last acolyte arrive. I wanted to see the hopefuls out on their final trial, where is -oh, what's his name- the red one, Ffon?"
"He finished his trial early, so I sent him on rather than keeping him waiting for this-" Zash interrupts Harkun before he could throw an insult.
"Pity, I just finished translating this wonderful text this acolyte brought from Tulak Hord's tomb, and it's most illuminating." Oh, this is gonna be good.
Cyndirious POV:
So into the spooky tomb we go. I decided my job was just to let Vette do all the puzzle solving, while I gave her time to do it. I have no idea how anyone was supposed to figure out that this random statue had something to do with opening a stone door. Especially when there's all these other acolytes around to kill you. Clearly that meant I had no business getting myself killed pretending to understand how this crap works.
"Ya know, this is a really idiotic place to keep a lightsaber. I mean seriously anyone could accidentally find it just by touching some statues."
"Well, Vette, it has been laying around in this tomb for at least a hundred undisturbed years." I said as I was busy fending off five acolytes. Managing to cut the leg off one by ducking a swipe aimed at my face, while stabbing the dudes knee and jerking the War Blade side to side.
"Really you call all this undisturbed?! How do we even know it's here?! Think about it, if acolytes have been sent here for however long they've been down here how does Darth Scary Face even know it's still here?!"
"Good point but I can feel it in the force or at least something with power. I also think it's an old tradition to be buried with your lightsaber along with a few traps so that nobody disturbs the dead." I killed another two by force choking one and electrocuting the other.
"Whatever you say boss. I'm just here to make sure you get in and it looks like all I have to do is open the last door." Turning around, Vette shot the last two acolytes between the eyes simultaneously.
"And pick off any stragglers it seems."
"I can't have all the fun, that would make your life boring and we can't have that."
"Well this is it. The secret entrance to the hidden cavern is in here."
Immediately I could feel another presence in the force, knowing without a doubt it had to be Vemrin. I waited till he got close enough behind me to spin around and kick him to the ground.
"I have to say that was the worst assassination attempt I've ever seen."
"Yeah keep working that door Twi'lek so I can take the lightsaber back to Baras instead!"
"That's not about to happen Vemrin." I said beginning to circle around him.
"You realize you are outmatched you wretch. I could end this without even raising a finger."
I began pulling stalactites off the ceiling with the force sending them at Vemrin. He managed to dodge them all and finally came at me attempting to take me by surprise he feinted a backhand attack and instead attempted a stab. I fell for the feint and barely moved quick enough so that his war blade only grazed my side. That pissed me off and fueled my rage for the barrage of quick backhanded and powerful front hand strikes that he could barely defend. I finally regained control of my senses, noticing he was worn out I jumped and twisted in the air over him to land a crippling laceration across his back.
"I've been waiting a long time to put you in our place. Considering how killing you was easy." And with those final words I cut his head off and watched it roll away from his corpse.
"Wow, nice work."
"Glad to impress. You get that entrance?"
"The secret entrance is right here."
Once Vette had finished the two statues rotated towards the entrance and the door opened.
"Uuh… you're welcome!"
"You've been most helpful, Vette."
"It's nice to be acknowledged, Thanks."
"Now let's go see what's waiting for us in this creepy tomb."
We walked into the tomb and immediately the smell hit us, the smell of rotting flesh, and the view of at least one a hundred Sith statues. At the top of the steps was what I assumed to be the tomb of Naga Sadow, and also a statue I assumed was supposed be of Naga Sadow's likeness.
I walked up the steps and the lightsaber just rose up as if on it's own accord, so I took it. Then a few of the statues began to attack Vette. So I jumped into the mess and force pushed them into the walls and watched them crumble into dust.
Reshnar POV:
"Ha, defeated! Defeated! Why did you not come for me, Tulak? Why have you allowed your servant to be reduced to this?" The Dashade drags on in his rather cryptic language, not happy about losing this little duel, which I have to admit was not as easy as I once believed, thank the Dark Lords for healing abilities, I might have lost an arm if I continued bleeding.
"Fine, little one. In my great weakness, you have defeated me, so I, Khem Val must serve you, this is the law that binds me. However, you are not my master!"
"Oh is that so?" I start, wanting to savor this moment of true victory. "Last I recall I defeated you, not the other way around, so I am your master." Ironically, I believe the proper term is slave, or pet, but I rather hit that part of the road after I deal with Harkun.
"As you say little one. I do have a question for you however, how did you get into this tomb? Force lightning?"
"Force Lightning," I reply, almost laughing a little in the also massive irony that comes with doing the Holocron task.
Val's expression changes, not sure to what though, "I should have figured, Tulak had a thing for lightning."
Cyndirious POV:
It took a good half hour to leave the tomb. Only a couple truly stupid acolytes attacked me but they never lasted more than a few seconds.
"I gotta say I'll never get used to walking into this awful building."
"You and me both, do you imagine Darth Scary Face will be happy we killed that other dude?"
"If not, well, I guess he'll just have to deal with it. Not like he can bring him back from the dead."
"YOU! YOU BITCH!"
"What did you do Cyn?"
"I honestly have no idea."
"My father was a staunch traditionalist and especially hard on me. But he's my blood! Did you really think you could kill him and get away with it!"
"Refresh my memory. I've killed a lot of people's fathers."
"You seek to add insult to injury. Remember Overseer Tremel? Remember killing him?!
"I didn't kill Tremel I let him live, surely he at least told you if you are his daughter."
"So my family name now has to live in shame? I must go find and kill him to restore our honor."
"Now that is something I can't allow. I've worked too hard for it all to come crashing down now. Vette."
How short could a fight be you might ask? Apparently as I figured out it can take about two seconds plus ten minutes of strangling. Vette shot both of her lackeys and I merely began a simple force choke on the acolyte. It's a real joy strangling someone and letting them believe they're about to die, then loosen your grip before tightening again multiple times. Of course, all good things must come to an end. I was beginning to sense Baras was getting impatient.
"I am impressed, besides myself not only did you get the Twi'lek to cooperate, but you completed the task and claimed Naga Sadow's Lightsaber. It seems I chose correctly. Vemrin wasn't in my chambers as I instructed. I take it he tried to claim the lightsaber as his own?" Wait a sec isn't this the same guy who was calling me naive and undisciplined earlier.
"He tried and failed. Vemrin was nothing if not consistent." That was a bit of a lie, he managed to defeat the all of the other acolytes. Looking back on it I wish I had used him in some capacity as a spy or something.
"Impressive I see you may indeed become one of the strongest Sith in the galaxy. Although I was planning to use Vemrin as another agent you will be capable of more than he could ever have achieved. Your trials are now over, you are now my apprentice. You are now Sith."
"It took you long enough to see what was right in front of you." I said with a sneer.
"Mind your tone my young initiate. This is only the beginning with you as my right hand we shall strike fear into The Empire's enemies. I must convene with The Emperor and inform him of your progress. This shuttle pass will get you a ride to Dromund Kaas meet me in my office at the citadel there."
"As fond as I am of this shitastic planet it will be a pleasure to leave."
"I'm sure you will find Dromund Kaas more stimulating. Take the Twi'lek slave as my gift, do with her as you wish."
As we walked out I noticed Reshnar was walking towards Lord Zash's office, apparently he had also passed his trials.
"Looks like we'll be seeing more of Reshnar, Vette."
"Who's Reshnar?"
"Big red, 9 o'clock." I said, hoping she wouldn't gawk at him, but of course what did I expect.
"He looks impressive."
"More like an animal from my experience, Vette."
"What did you jump on his bones?" She said emitting a chuckle.
"No! Why would you even suggest that?"
"You know you left yourself wide open for that, you need to loosen up Cyn."
"Whatever let's get to that shuttle. I've had enough of this planet."
Reshnar POV:
"I'm telling you overseer, it cannot be done! I went to the tomb, I saw the Dashade across the chasm but could not get to it." I hear Ffon and Harkun arguing about their mistake, it's almost beautiful to finally watch these two suffer.
"But the map!" Harkun cries, getting desperate. "Lord Zash is adamant, she will not have an apprentice without the map!"
"I'm telling you," Ffon starts again, boy this guy has a whiney mouth. "Lord Zash wants the impossible, no one is ever going to get that map!"
"No one except this asshole, I believe you mean." I say rather pompously, pretty proud of how I handled this seemingly difficult task.
"The map, and oh shit, the Dashade. G-get that monster out of here this instant! And give me the map!" Harkun is now trembling, almost in fear thanks to the Dashade.
"No, it's not possible, you wretch, you filth!" Wow, the bitch is now finally starting to insult me, at least he's got some balls. "You must have cheated somehow, how did you do it? How did you release the monster?" And that so called sense of balls has now dropped to the floor, he's now being stupid and just as desperate as Harkun.
"I am not a monster," Val begins almost pissed at the thought of being a monster. "I am Khem Val, servant of Tulak Hord, devourer of rebels at Yn and Chabosh, consumer of the Dromund system. And I am sure as hell hungry." Well, he forgot that I'm his master now.
Ffon looks a little scared now, perfect. "Right, you must have cheated, you must have. You'll pay for this!"
"Ffon, patience!" Harkun appears to be calming down for some reason, what's this bastard up to now?
Without much warning, Harkun charges me before I could do much and steals the map from my hand. Before I could even land a blow on him, he's immediately back next to Ffon, handing him the map.
"You will have your chance at this welp, after you personally deliver this map to Lord Zash."
Alright, it's about time I found use for Val.
"Khem, you have my permission to eat them both, may they be delicious to you."
"With pleasure Reshnar." Val begins walking towards the two, probably smiling if I could ever read his face.
"Keep your pet at bay for just a moment acolyte. I would like to have a moment with Ffon." Good heavens, where the fuck does this lady come from? She's starting to scare me now. Come to think of it, Ffon appears to be scared shitless, good.
"Lord, Lord Zash?" Ffon asks, I think he knows what's coming next, wonder if he's ever had a conversation with Zash.
"Yes, Ffon, now where's my map?"
"R-right here, Lord Zash, h-here." Ffon is so fucking nervous right now it's almost priceless.
lol
"You found it for me Ffon? How wonderful." Such a rhetorical question, there has to be a catch to this.
"Ohohohoh, you are a dead man" I say, feeling ready to electrocute all of them should I have to.
"Silence! Ffon will tell me what happened, won't you? You wouldn't dare lie to me, would you, Ffon? Because it would be a real shame if you lied to me. Now one more time, did you bring this map back from Naga Sadow's tomb?" Zash awaits an answer from the now shivering Ffon, well, I know she's skeptical now if she wasn't already.
"I-I-I, no. No I didn't. I'm sorry, I'm sorry…"
Without as much as a warning, Lord Zash electrocutes the shit out of Ffon, killing him without a second thought. Good riddance you bastard, I think this is proper punishment, despite me not being the one who puts that fool out of his misery.
"Harkun you fool, what were you trying to prove!" Zash begins once again, exceptionally angered to the point of probably breaking her personality, and Harkun's body.
"That you could outsmart me? That you knew better than me what kind of person I wanted for an apprentice? There's your pet now, Harkun, we are done here! Apprentice, meet me in my chamber upstairs." Without a second thought, Zash leaves me and Harkun again in the same room. Now that I know Harkun is a true coward, this no point in killing him now. Perhaps I'll come back one day and kill him for sport, yeah, I actually like that idea. With not much else to say, I turn foot and head for the door, following loosely behind Lord Zash and Val.
"This is not the end!" I hear Harkun say, how cliche of him, it's like those old simulators I saw other apprentices using in the training room upstairs.
"Yeah, yeah, and good day to you, you whiny little bastard." And that is the proper way to say goodbye to fool such as him.
It took some time after briefly passing Cyndirious, but Val and I finally followed Lord Zash to her chamber, for which she shared her news.
"I was just looking over this astonishing map you brought back, and I can tell we have a lot of work ahead of us." Zash begins, obviously very happy about her treasure.
"What is this map, if I may ask?"
"We can't talk about it here, there are too many unfriendly ears. You must meet me on Dromund Kaas, there we can talk more about this little adventure." Finally, I can leave this god-damn planet.
"Understood"
"Also, this is the lightsaber I had when I was an apprentice, I want you to have it." Woo-hoo, I was wondering when I was going to get one of these.
"Thank-you, my master"
"Excellent, I'm glad you like it, it served me well."
Now to get off this fucking planet.
-END
A note for anyone curious for whom is writing each part as the writing style tends to differ (a lot):
-Darth Lakob32 writes the parts for the character Cyndirious
-Lord Reyems writes the parts for the character Reshnar
-All 3rd person POV's are a collaborative effort between the both of us
We hope you enjoyed this "Little Slice of Heaven." Please review makes this worth our time and depending on how we feel we might ask for possible character add ins. We are going to do our best to add in stuff from the Jedi Classes, that we feel is relevant to this storyline as well.
-Darth Lakob32
-Lord Reyems
