Hello! Thank you for continuing to read this story despite the ever-increasing time between the chapters! I hope you will enjoy it, and enjoy the first cross over with my Sith Inquisitor story line, Lucrezia! (Well, I really hope you'll like it, because I plan to have more of this later on…).

The young Pureblood was awakened the next day by pounding on her door. Indicating her droid to see to it, she headed to the bathroom. As she had expected, the headache was still present but less heavy than the day before. Quickly reaching through the Force to see how her visitor was behaving, she was proud to notice that N8 had prepared breakfast and was serving coffee. During the night, he also had fixed her equipment, including her holocom and made a list of belts for her to look through. 'He cannot replace Hadi,' she thought, 'But he is doing well enough.' Knowing that her droid had the situation well in hand, she took her time to prepare herself.

As she exited her bathroom, she was surprised to find the daughter of her overseer sitting at her table.

"Good morning, Eskella," she greeted.

Her answer was a scornful look, thrown above a cup of caf.

"Is there a reason you were banging on my door at 8 in the morning?" asked the Pureblood.

"Father tried to contact you many times yesterday. As you were not responding, we all thought you dead until an acolyte saw your droid talking to a merchant earlier this morning."

Naricia used the Force to attract her holocom and checked her missing calls while munching on an andorian jelly toast: Tremel had indeed called her thirteen times and left seventeen messages throughout the day.

"I see. My holocom was broken during my fight and I came back very late yesterday."

"Gone for two whole days…It took you long enough to dispose of a small beast. So much for being the heiress of the great Attila Tivero," snickered the dark-skinned woman.

"You don't know what you are talking about," growled the Pureblood. She could feel her mockery through the Force, thinking she was stronger than her because she was here longer. How wrong she was. "Now, what do you want? You certainly did not come here just to see if I am alive."

"Of course not, I already told you I did not care the slightest about you. But Father wants to see you in his office and asked me to make sure you get there without any more delay."

"Then tell him I'm on my way. I trust that you can see yourself out."

Eskella sneered before standing up and exiting the room. Naricia stayed seated, fuming at the arrogant woman a few moments before instructing N8 to order the belt she chose. She would most likely need it for whatever Tremel had in store for her. Grabbing her blade, she rushed down to the Overseer's office.

As she was stepping into the corridor, she felt the presence of Dolgis seemingly waiting for her. Indeed, he walked up as soon as he spotted her.

"Well, look who's here. Remember me?" he asked.

"What do you want, Dolgis?"

"Vemrin thought I should conclude our last conversation. Notice anything interesting? No witnesses. No witnesses mean no rules. No more shortcuts. No more special treatments. You're just gonna be another dead failure on Korriban," he said as he drew his blade.

"Is that your final answer?"

The man didn't care to answer, instead rushing toward her with a loud cry. Naricia sighed, that was not going to help her headache, before drawing her own sword. Dolgis's moves were sloppy. He had brute force on his side but did not know how to use it. He also seemed hardly able to use the Force. It only took Naricia a few seconds to disarm him and to throw him against a wall before he started apologizing for his actions.

"No! Hold up, hold up! Look, I was wrong. What they're saying about you… totally true. So…strong. I don't wanna die!" he begged.

"Next time you won't be so lucky," warned the young woman before continuing to the office.

"You won't see me again. I promise," she heard him say.

Tremel jumped to his feet the second Naricia stepped through the door.

"What took you so long? Never mind, we don't have time for this. We must speak quickly, Lady Tivero, there isn't much time. I may have made a slight miscalculation. The beast of Marka Ragnos was a great source of dark energy here on Korriban. When it was slain, there was a tremor in the Force. Darth Baras felt that tremor and has become aware of you. He demands an audience."

"Tell me what to expect, Overseer."

"Baras is a serious man but a master of deception. Everything he does and says is calculated. He will attempt to trip you up, test your nature, get to the heart of who you are. Especially after he sees those eyes of yours. Always take him seriously. And I mean always."

"Considered me warned."

"We might not speak again, Milady. You're the best chance of stopping Vemrin. If you fail, I doubt there will be another strong enough. Good luck. Meet Darth Baras in his chambers. And hurry, he won't take kindly to waiting."

"Thank you for everything you have done, Overseer," saluted Naricia with a small bow.

"Thank me by becoming Baras's apprentice."

Naricia swiftly exited the room and headed for the stairs, scowling. She had expected to meet Baras at some point but not so soon. She remembered meeting the man when she was younger and distinctly remembered that neither of her parents liked him. She wondered how far he would go to get to 'the heart of who she was.' He would ask about her eyes of course, but what if he dug deep enough to find out about her Force-sisters? The young woman frowned; she could not let that happen. 'Maybe looking for Luce right now is not a good idea after all,' she thought. 'With her being Twi'lek, it would bring only harm to the both of us. Maybe I should wait until I am not on his radar anymore…' Her reflection was interrupted as she felt a group of people approaching her.

"There, Teeno, I believe that's the one," said a young woman.

"Really? All right. Hey, you!" shouted her companion.

"Careful, Teeno."

"Come on, I'm antsy for some action. You there! Are you the big shot they're all talking about? The one who's been personally summoned by Darth Baras himself?"

"News sure does travel fast," replied Naricia, observing her interlocutors. A small group, with apparently two leaders, the woman and the large man that was addressing her. She did not feel negative emotions toward her, just curiosity.

"Please pardon my overeager friend, Lady Tivero," interrupted the woman with a small bow. "It's just that we've heard so much about you."

"And we want to get in good with you," continued the male.

"Teeno! What my blunt partner here means is that if you need anything or anyone, say, dealt with, we'd like you to consider us, Milady."

"She's talking about Vemrin. We'll kill him for you."

"Sorry, I should have had Teeno muzzled. So, what do you say? We know Vemrin tried to have you killed. Would you like him eliminated?"

"I will not stoop to Vemrin's level," scolded the young Pureblood.

"No, no, of course not, you're too smart," continued the woman. "There are rules. Acolytes are not to openly kill one another. Everyone knows of your rivalry. If you kill him, the lords will presume your guilt. And even being the future head of the Tivero family won't save you."

"But if Vemrin croaks while you got an alibi, people might be suspicious, but they won't be able to pin it on you. See?"

"Thank you for the offer. But I will deal with Vemrin myself," said Naricia, as she resumed walking toward the chambers. The woman quickly stood in front of her.

"Let us prove ourselves to you, Milady. Spar with us, then decide if we have the skills to benefit you in this endeavor."

Naricia took a moment to observe them. She already knew they were not strong enough but maybe showing them would prevent them from getting killed later by Vemrin. He would not spare them like she did Dolgis.

"I'm warning you, I won't hold back. People are going to get hurt."

"We'll take our chances," replied the woman drawing her sword. "At your best, boys. It's time to audition for the big show."

As expected the two strongest were the man and the woman who had talked. The woman was especially cunning and constantly took advantage of the distraction provided by the other members of the group to try and stab her. A good tactic with a lot of potential but the spar only proved that they were nowhere near Vemrin's level. After a couple of minutes, all four of them were moaning on the floor. Naricia sighed as she approached the woman and handed her a medpac.

"You…still took all four of us apart," marveled the woman. "This changes everything. From what I hear, Vemrin's every bit your physical equal. If we can't even hold up sparring against you, we'll never be able to kill him."

"Vemrin won't have mercy. You should stay clear of him," advised the Pureblood.

"Well, this has been quite the sobering experience. Thanks for setting us straight."

"I don't get it. Are we…are we gonna kill somebody or not?" asked Teeno.

"No, Teeno. And I think we ought to rethink this whole Sith training thing."

"You have potential, maybe not as Sith, but you should not waste it," said Naricia. "I know someone who trains bodyguards and personal agents for powerful Imperial families. The work is not as prestigious as being a Sith but it's not as ruthless as here, and he will take time to develop your abilities. If you want, give him a call and tell him I sent you."

"We appreciate your offer, Lady Tivero," thanked the woman. "We will think about it."

Gesturing her companions to follow her, the group exited the corridor and the Pureblood ran to Baras's chamber. Stopping in front of the door, she took a deep breath. 'I can do it,' she thought. 'I already know what he is going to ask and I know what type of answers he will be expecting. I did it hundreds of time before. He is not the only master of deception. I am the queen of half-truth and double meanings.' She took one last deep breath before opening the door.

"Most of you will not return from this endeavor," she heard the Sith Lord say. "If you die, you will be forgotten. If you give up, you will be killed. Now, out of my sight."

He was exactly as she remembered: Average size, above average weight, wearing a strange mask, and a lingering oppressing aura.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," mumbled an acolyte.

"You should," sneered Vemrin. "This is the end of the line for you, Klemral. Just make sure you stay out of my way."

"Look here, Vemrin," continued the man. "I see the upstart but no sign of Dolgis."

"Klemral, Vemrin, you have been dismissed." interrupted Baras.

"Yes, Master," answered Klemral.

"I underestimated you by sending Dolgis. It will not happen again," snapped Vemrin as both of the acolytes left.

"Are you having trouble with Acolyte Vemrin, supplicant?" asked the Lord.

"A minor setback."

"He is fully capable of backing up his threats. Vemrin has paid his dues. He fought a deck stacked against him to get here. You, on the other hand… Let me get a closer look at you. Yes, as I suspected. Overseer Tremel has done you and the Academy a great disservice. Your warblade came early, prisoners flown in for your convenience, even a beast here on Korriban instead of off-world in the wild. The pacing of the trials is deliberate. Only full immersion over time produces results. Your mind is soft, dull, undisciplined."

"That did not stop me from going this far."

"Yes, let's talk about this. With your family history and your natural talents, I was expecting great things from you. I thought you would be coming to the Academy years ago. Imagine my disappointment when I heard you had lost your mind after your mother's death, refusing to even pick up a blade. For eight years, there were hardly whispers about you. And now, you stand in the Academy you so adamantly refused to enter. Why this change of mind? Since this is obviously not a change of heart."

Naricia grit her teeth, not missing the reference to her eyes. 'It's okay. I know how to answer to that.'

"I intend to follow my mother's footsteps. I will not let my family fade."

"You have three cousins if I remember correctly. You could let them take care of it."

"If you know about them, you must have heard how they are: useless children who only think about themselves, using the power of our name for futilities, and unable to do anything by themselves. I was my mother's only apprentice and heiress of her strength and will, the same strength that for a long time was second to only the Emperor's Wrath himself."

"And you intend on doing that without following the Sith code?"

"I am following the Sith code. The code says: 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 free me. My passion and will to accomplish my goal will give me the strength I need to overcome any trials. This strength will give me the power to rising in the hierarchy. With this power and influence, I will obtain victory over fools who threaten my family. And as I gain more victories, I will break free from other Sith manipulation attempts. My passion and my mastery of the Force will free me."

"Interesting interpretation of the Code, I can see the truth in what you are saying. However, you have a strange way of applying it."

"If you are referring to the fact that I am less prone than my fellow acolytes to torture and kill, dead people are often not as useful as living ones. Most acolytes would have killed the assassin Solentz instead of using her potential."

"Yet you let the forger go free."

"A life debt is something powerful. He will never forget what I did for him and is now my servant. Having a forger can be very useful."

Baras stayed silent a moment, his masked face still turned toward Naricia. The young Pureblood knew he would not sense lies within her, as everything she said was the truth. A half-truth, one that could only be truly understood by people who knew her whole story, but the truth nonetheless.

"Your ability is undeniable. But your readiness and understanding of the Sith way is corrupted. I am your master now. Tremel was becoming lax before you ever arrived. His unwillingness to adapt to the evolving Sith paradigm has become a liability. These are the actions of a traitor. Traitors are executed. I grant you immunity from punishment. Kill Tremel and bring back his hand as proof."

"I do not like the idea of killing him, but I'll do it if I must."

"I do not make requests, supplicant. Now, leave. I'm sure Tremel is still in his chambers. Don't return until you've killed him."

Naricia saluted the Darth before exiting the room and rushed toward Tremel's office. Baras was testing her, testing the 'I only kill if the person cannot be useful' argument she used. Tremel was useless to her and Baras knew it. If she did not kill him, it would tell Baras she lied about her reasons behind her merciful acts and destroy any chances of becoming his apprentice, if he did not kill her. The young woman felt her headache increase. Could she convince the Overseer to cut his own hand and leave Korriban? She arrived in front of his door before she had time to think a way out of Baras's demand. As she entered, Tremel looked up, surprised.

"I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Has Baras sent you back to me?" he asked.

"Your instincts are sharp, Overseer. Baras ordered me to kill you."

"Then I have been outplayed. Baras has the authority, but I did not think he would do something this overt. Either I die or he forces me to kill you and to destroy my own plan. A masterstroke. Very well. You have your orders, Lady Tivero. Know that it gives me no pleasure to kill you."

"Hold on, it doesn't have to come to this, Tremel."

"Do not hedge now. This is the way of the Sith. I'll try to make your end quick and painless. It's the least I can do."

Tremel drew his lightsaber and Force-jumped on Naricia. As he was about to hit her, the young woman quickly Force-jumped against a nearby wall and used it to propel herself behind the Overseer, her blade piercing his saber-holding arm as he turned to face her. But she was surprised when he barely winced in pain, never weakening his stance. Tremel used her surprise to Force-push her against his desk, breaking it to pieces, before Force-strangling her. Naricia saw her world darken under the combined pain of her headache, the pieces of the desk in her back, and the strangulation. Reaching through the Force, she impaled her blade into her opponent's foot, making him lose his focus and unbalancing him. As she fell to the ground, she gathered the Force in her hands and punched the ground, further weakening his unstable balance. Calling for her blade as she ran toward him, she dodged the pieces of furniture he Force-threw at her. She reached him as he was getting back on his feet and quickly slashed him on the shoulder. Unable to use his saber-holding arm anymore, the dark-skinned man grabbed his lightsaber with the other hand turned to face the Pureblood with a renewed determination. They exchanged blows for several minutes, neither of them giving up. But Naricia could feel her opponent weakening: he had trouble staying stable, his blows were slower for not using his dominant hand, and he was losing blood quickly. She needed to end the fight soon before he died. Taking advantage of a moment of unbalanced, she took a deep breath and gathered the Force in her vocal cords before letting out a loud, Forceful cry. She watched as Tremel froze disoriented for a second and quickly Force-pushed him against the wall while Force-calling his lightsaber to her, effectively disarming him. She stood away as he slowly got up, holding his side and looked at her.

"No. I'm…amazed. I knew you were strong in the Force, but not…like this. You're more than ready to challenge Vemrin. Baras…won't be able to deny that now. He'll have the satisfaction…of my death, but I die knowing my success. Go ahead… end this."

"You are getting ahead of yourself. I only need your hand."

"What? Wait… I think I understand. Baras demands my hand… proof of my death? I don't want your pity, Acolyte."

"It's not pity. I am making the selfish wish of refusing to kill you."

"Why?"

"Because this is the path I choose, the path that tells me to give second chances and to end a life only when there are no other choices."

"I'm a credit to the dark side… This path you talk about is the path of light. Are you asking me to betray everything I live for?"

"Light and dark sides are vague notions for me. It depends on people's points of view. I am asking you to live, to open your mind to other interpretations of the Sith way. The galaxy is changing and we must adapt to survive. I need you, who puts Sith values above everything else, to think of a way to create a galaxy where Sith can coexist serenely with other species while keeping its culture."

"Why?"

"There is something I want… Will you help me?"

"If I refuse?"

"Then I will grant your wish and kill you."

Tremel stayed silent for a moment.

"Minutes ago I was certain of my success. I thought you would protect our values. But you too wish for change. Still, I feel the truth in your words. I see our traditions dying, changing in the wrong direction. I chose you to answer that threat. And you are, in a way I had not expected. I will live… I will live to see how you create this new galaxy. Take my hand."

The Overseer took his lightsaber and swiftly cut his hand.

"Argh! Ha! Well, that didn't tickle! I'll rest and then leave Korriban…covertly."

"I wish the outcome were not so unfortunate."

"Agreed. But as long as you live, there is hope. I will be watching. Goodbye."

Naricia saluted her former trainer with a bow before making her way to her room, feeling the eyes of acolytes who heard the fight. 'Rumors will be spreading soon,' she thought. 'Maybe if Vemrin hears about this, he will stop bothering me.' Inside her room, she asked N8 to find a box and a cloth for the hand. She quickly showered and tended to her injuries before putting on a spare uniform. She then rushed to Baras's chambers.

He was alone; the other acolytes were probably not back from their own trials yet. She walked up to him confidently.

"What's that?" he asked. "The acolyte returns and with a bloodied weapon. I assume that means Tremel is no more. Give me his hand."

Naricia handed him the box. Baras opened it before handing her a ring.

"Here. Take this one ring as a memento. 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?"

"I did what was called for."

"You mask your feelings well. As long as you don't suppress them. 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."

"You've made your point. I understand."

"That's more like it. I had a feeling you'd be a fast learner. Now, your next trial will be held in two days. Use this time to train your body and your mind. You are dismissed."

Naricia saluted the Lord before exiting the chambers and slowly walked back to her room. She had two days to prepare herself to face Vemrin in an actual trial. She did not doubt he would try something then. 'I should rest tonight and try to lessen the headache. Tomorrow, I can talk to Overseer Rance. By then, my new belt should also be here. And about Luce, I probably should be careful not to draw too much attention but it's only a minor setback. I will find you.'

Time flew and she soon received a message summoning her to Baras's chambers. There were fewer acolytes than last time, but she recognized Klemral and Vemrin. She took place among them and listened to the description of the trial.

"There are sacred ruins in the tomb of Tulak Hord. The ancient inscriptions that once adorned the walls of each ruin lie in pieces," explained the Darth. "You will venture through the entire tomb, search all of the ruined shrines and bring me a shard from each of these inscriptions. You will do this before dawn or you will die. There are no rules regarding how to secure the shards. You are dismissed."

Naricia inwardly cursed. They had to explore a tomb! Again! And this time, he was not giving them any direction. She quickly grabbed her holocom and instructed N8 to find her direction to the tomb as well as maps. 'I don't even know how many shrines to look for,' she growled. 'It's going to take me forever!' She pointedly ignored the disdainful look Vemrin sent her as she exited the chambers. She watched as her fellow acolytes rushed to prepare themselves for the trial: some hurried to the library, others dashed to the merchants, and some simply ran outside; eager to get there first. The Pureblood smiled as her holocom beeped; N8 had already sent her directions to the tomb and would have the maps ready when she arrived there. The tomb was a few hours away by foot, so Naricia decided to go back to her room to grab her pack before heading there.

The trek was much easier than the one to the Tomb of Marka Ragnos as it took the young woman only a couple of hours and soon she spotted the entrance, half-engulfed under the sand. She rested against a rock near the entrance while she checked the data her droid had sent her. This tomb was apparently larger than the previous ones with several levels and many chambers. N8 had also found mentions of three shrines in the Antechamber, the Machine Vault, and the Archives but was unable to pinpoint their exact locations; she would have to explore all three areas to find the shards.

Turning to the entrance, Naricia let out a frustrated sigh but as she stepped in, she felt a familiar tug in the Force and images of an amethyst stone flashed in her mind. It was stronger than she had ever felt since her arrival. 'She is here.' was all she could think. The young Pureblood hardly noticed she was running, paying no mind to her surroundings, following only her instincts. She hurtled down a set of stairs, turning right and left as the Force guided her. She soon arrived in a chamber in ruins and stopped to catch her breath. 'Where is she?' she wondered, frustrated. 'I can feel her; she should be near. Or did I miss her? No, it can't be! I was so close to…' Her musings were interrupted by a feminine laugh from her right. Her eyes widened as she took a good look at the smiling woman: her red skin, the jet black markings on her lekku, her purple eyes. She had changed but there was no mistaking her.

"Luce," she whispered.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to find me," replied the Twi'lek.

This language. Their home language. The Sith felt a large small break on her face before she Force-jumped on the woman, laughing and hugging her.

"I cannot believe it!" she exclaimed. "I… You… Where have you been all these years? How long have you been here? Wait, what are you even doing here!?"

"You haven't changed, Ricia. I know you have a lot of questions and so do I but it's not safe here. Come, I know a place further down where we can talk."

The Pureblood barely took her eyes off her Force-sister as she led her. She had changed, decided Naricia, physically, as one would expect after eight years, but also in her behavior. Her once carefree smile seemed strained and did not reach her troubled eyes. She would jump and ready herself for combat at every noise, creating menacing lightning from her hands. 'What happened to her?' she wondered. They soon arrived in a chamber and Lucrezia swiftly sealed the entrance with debris from an altar.

"We should be able to talk freely here," said the Twi'lek, before turning to face the older woman.

Silence fell on the two of them as neither knew how to begin the discussion. Naricia let out a sigh before smiling.

"So, you are alive," she said. "Why did not you contact us? We looked everywhere for you."

"I tried but…I was on Ilum for a while and then I was sent here. I had no way of communicating."

"What do you mean?"

"Look, it's not easy to say but… that day, I… I managed to escape by hiding in one of the ships that headed to Dromund Kaas. When I got there, I tried to contact you but I got caught before I could."

The Pureblood frowned not liking where the discussion was headed.

"I was taken to a slave clamp. I tried to tell them to talk to you or Ti, but they laughed it off and they just shipped me to Ilum's mines in the next shuttle. After three years, they sent me here to work in the tombs."

Naricia felt her anger rise as her Force-sister told her story: taken as a slave, forced to work in mines and tombs! No wonder she had changed, eight years as a slave would change anyone.

"About a month ago, they discovered I was Force-sensitive and they sent me to the Academy for training," continued the Twi'lek. "I felt you arrive but I wasn't sure how to contact you since so many people were watching your every move."

"I should have felt you on Dromund Kaas," growled Naricia. "If only I had felt you! None of this would have happened!"

"Ricia, I don't blame you for any of this. It was so soon after that day. We were all in shock, we were not feeling straight, neither you nor I. I should have been more careful too."

"Still…"

"Look, everything is going to be fine now. Yes, the past years were hard but it was not all bad, and it will be over soon. I'll become Zash's apprentice, and then, I can use the influence and power I gain to make our wish come true."

The Pureblood stayed silent for a moment. She was wrong, Lucrezia had not changed; she was still the same: always thinking about her sisters first and making the best of any situation.

"It is good to have you back, Luce," she finally said, as she hugged her with a smile.

"It's good to be back," answered the Twi'lek, hugging her back.

Both women stayed a moment in each other's embrace, enjoying the familiar feeling that bounded them. Eight years was a long time, but now they had found each other again.

"Do you have news of the others?" asked Lucrezia.

"Only Ti. She is with Imperial Intelligence now."

"Really? I thought she wanted to enter the Diplomatic Services."

"Apparently, she is investigating her parents' murders and that day."

"She thinks the Empire has something to do with it?"

"I do not know, but I would not be surprised," growled the Pureblood. "If not, they probably have info. It's harder to keep in touch with the others myself, but they are fine from what Ti told me. Stella joined the Republic Army, Ash and Chi are on their own, and Aki, Dai, and Tess are still with the Jedi."

"Tess is with the Jedi? I'm surprised they let her."

"I do not have much more information. Last Ti told me, she was on Caamas."

Naricia watched as her Force-sister fell silent. She knew she was worried for her twin; very few Jedi had any love for her family.

"She will be glad to know we found you. They all will."

"Can I talk to them?" asked the Twi'lek.

"Not now. Once you become an apprentice, I will get you a special datapad so you can communicate with all of us without being… discovered."

"Thank you."

They stayed silent for a moment, each lost in their thoughts until the Twi'lek said:

"We should head back. Not that anyone'll be worried but, I absolutely have to pass this trial."

"You are here for a trial too?"

"Yes, my Overseer doesn't like me much so he sends me on so-called 'easier' trials, where I'm supposed to get lost, die, and never come back. Which is ridiculous since I know all the tombs like the back of my hand. It has been pretty easy so far."

"You would not happen to know where to find three shrines, by any chance…"

"Having trouble finding them?" asked Lucrezia with a smirk. "Has your sense of direction not improved in eight years?"

"I do not want to hear that from the girl who destroys datapads just by looking at them," muttered the Pureblood, as her Force-sister let out a laugh.

"I'm actually heading there to gather some texts. I can take you."

"I appreciate it."

Both acolytes turned to the blocked entrance and used the Force to move the rocks. Lucrezia then swiftly guided Naricia through the tomb first to a chamber in the Machine Vault in the East of the Atrium, then to one in the Archives, South of the Atrium, and lastly back in the South West area of the Antechamber. They barely had to draw their swords as Lucrezia seemed to know most of the runaway slaves who had taken over the ruins. The only real threats were the Shyracks guarding the shrines but with their combined strength, they easily disposed of them and after several hours, both acolytes headed back to the Academy.

"It's probably better if we keep our distance in the Academy," stated Lucrezia. "It could affect our chances of becoming apprentices."

The older woman frowned; although she knew the Twi'lek was right, she could not help but be unhappy.

"Fine," she conceded with a frustrated sigh, "But I will tell N8 to help you if he can."

"Okay, then. See you later, Ricia"

"See you, Luce."

The Pureblood watched as her Force-sister entered the building first. Many acolytes and soldiers were throwing disdainful looks as she passed. She clenched her fists as she felt her irritation rising. Those fools didn't know a thing about her, and yet they acted like they were superior to her. If they knew who she was, who her mother was, they would never behave that way. She angrily made her way to the entrance, fully enjoying the look of fear painted on their faces as they saw her, before heading toward Baras's chambers.

As she approached, she was pleased to see Klemral along with two other acolytes and was about to congratulate him on passing the trial when she saw his grave face. The young woman slowed her steps and mentally readied herself for a fight. She had not expected that from him, but in a life or death situation, people tended to throw always their common sense and risk everything. Still, she hoped it would not come to a fight.

"You…" he started. "You did it, didn't you? You got the shards from the tomb, and you're on your way back to Lord Baras."

"I didn't even break a sweat," answered the Pureblood, hoping he would get the 'I'm too strong for you' meaning behind her words.

"That's all I needed to hear," he replied, drawing his blade.

The fight was short as none of the three acolytes were anywhere near her level, but Naricia could feel their despair and their readiness to die trying to kill her. She felt a pang of sorrow as she realized that only Klemral had survived the altercation.

"Stop!" he begged. "I-I'm sorry, I made a mistake! I tried to get through the tomb, but there were just too many Shyracks. I barely escaped. I figured better to ambush you and take your shards. But I see that's just as futile. Vemrin is already inside with Baras, all the other acolytes dead. You were my only chance. Now I'm doomed, I'll never become Sith. Unless I return with the shards, Baras will have me killed."

"Why don't you flee, get off the planet, give up trying to be a Sith?"

"You can't get off Korriban without official clearance. I might be able to hide in the Wilds, but I wouldn't survive long."

"Take my shards to Baras as your own," said the young woman with a sigh. "I'll get more."

"Really? You-you're giving me your shards? Thank you, Lady Tivero! I-what can I do to repay you?"

"Just make sure they wait for me. I should be back before dawn, but barely. I need them to wait until the last second."

"I will do that. Also take this," he offered. "These are the keys of my speeder. Use it to get to the tomb faster."

"Thank you," shouted Naricia as she turned around and rushed to the entrance of the Academy.

She quickly located Klemral's speeder and stepped on the gas. It took her less than one hour to reach the tomb and she mentioned a few soldiers stationed there to guard the speeder until she came back. Looking at the time, she saw she had about two hours before the deadline. She would barely have enough time but she could do it. She took out her datapad with a relieved sigh, thanking the Force for the GPS function that showed the way she took with Lucrezia. At least she wouldn't lose too much time figuring out which way to go. Readying her blade, she jogged to the first of the three shrines.

Thankfully, as the slaves had remembered her and had agreed to help her get the shards, it only took her an hour to get everything and she hurried back to the Academy. Barely stopping as she parked the vehicle, the Pureblood paled as she saw the sun turning red, she only had minutes left. She Force-ran through the corridors and Force-jumped up the stairs. 'I can do it,' she thought, as she Force-pushed the door open and entered the chambers. After one last sprint to the office, she held her head high as Baras, Vemrin, and Klemral observed her entrance. She knew she was a sight to behold: sweaty, bloody, and dusty, with her hair falling from her braids, two shoot wounds in the arm from stray droids, several claws marks on her stomach and legs, and a half-burned uniform.

"The prodigal supplicant returns – and with all the shards from the tomb of Tulak Hord," declared the Darth. "Superb. It appears Klemral was right and you were wrong, Vemrin."

"Appearances can be deceptive," countered the acolyte.

"Excuse Vemrin, supplicant. He expected you to fall on your face."

"I have little to no interest in anything Vemrin says or does, Master," replied coldly the young woman.

"The tension is thick between you two. A great source of emotion to feed on. I wonder what will happen when it boils over. But first, a matter to clear up. There is very little that escape my scrutiny and I know, acolyte, that you provided Klemral with his shards. So, since it was only by your tolerance that Klemral stands before me, I leave his fate in your hands. What should I do with him?"

"He recognized his limitations, which has its own merit. But those limitations mark him unworthy to continue the journey to being Sith."

"Yes, the next trial would destroy him instantly. While he is not Sith material, he is a survivor, so perhaps he can be of some use. Klemral, I'm assigning you to oversee the Academy prisons. It's not a glamorous post but do your job, and you'll be respected here. Report to Jailer Knash immediately."

"Thank you, my Lord. And thank you, Milady," said the young man.

"He certainly lacks backbone, but perhaps he'll rise above that someday. Now, this trial is over and only two remains. Come back to my chambers in three days for the next trial. Prepare yourself well, for it will be your final. You are dismissed."

Both acolytes saluted the Darth before exiting the office.

"Enjoy these three days, Tivero, they will be your last," sneered Vemrin.

"You have been saying that for the past week, it is becoming boring," replied the Pureblood.

"This time, I'll take care of you myself."

Naricia watched as he stormed out of the room and made her way back to her room, eager to wash away the grim she had brought back from the tomb. As she exited her bathroom, she was surprised to see she had received an email from Phyne.

'Teeno and I thought we could kill Vemrin, and you talked us down. Now we owe you our lives.

I watched that monster go toe-to-toe with six other acolytes today. Vemrin toyed with them and laughed in their dying faces. He was still laughing when he fed them to a tuk'ata.

My hands are still shaking. That would have been us. I may never be a strong as you or Vemrin, but thanks to you I now know the limits of my strength.'

The Pureblood frowned as she read the news. Winning a six-to-one battle was not easy feat. She had clearly felt dark side energy surrounding Vemrin on more than one occasion but she had not thought much of it. She figured it likely came from his hatred for her but unless he can capable of harnessing it, he would not be much of a threat to her. Her daily regimen back on Dromund Kaas included practice with several apprentices et sometimes even Lords. She was not worried, she knew she had faced stronger foes before. Still it couldn't hurt to increase her training until the day of the trials. She quickly wrote back to Phyne, and then contacted Overseer Rance to see what training programs he had to offer.

I hope you liked it and I will see you next chapter!