We are back again, here for another awesome chapter. It is time my friends, time to introduce Shaak Ti! Yea i know took me long enough right believe me i wanted to put her on page one, but then again i wouldn't be able to have the stage set up just right for her. But without further delay here the next chapter.
Unlocking the Force
Devin Smith Pov
"Come in." It was Clyde from my journey through the forest. "Hello there, Margrave, right?" "Yea, but please Clyde call me Devin, the word Margrave just doesn't sit right with me." He laughed heartily. He then looks at Celene and Kanira laying on me. "Right or not, I see you are enjoying the perks of it." He smiles gleefully. Kanira found it amusing and Celene rolled eyes her and says, "Are you here for something or are you going to crack jokes all day?" Celene aggressively say. Stern as usual, but it didn't make his smile disappear. "Now, now, you know me, I always like to crack jokes. But your right." His expression turned serious. "I interrogated the prisoner, apparently, not only an admiral was involved but the twenty-six of his captains we also in on it. Though it wasn't as masterful as we thought since that most of them mutinied against it. Once the captains were detained and all those who followed them were incarcerated. The next ranking officer on each ship took command. We currently have at least one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two being imprisoned. Also Duncheraunt has been taken into custody as well as half of his house, and fifteen other nobles who were also contributing in this scheme. Kotkin sent me to deliver this report and asked permission to interrogate the nobles, with violence force if necessary." A fleet's worth of personnel, and half of the noble houses were against it, partially because they wanted the throne and partially because they hated me. It was understandable but it was also inexcusable. But do I have the right to give such an order.
"Sir?" Clyde called out, breaking me out of my thoughts, I looked around and everyone in the room was looking at me, waiting for my decision. "Tell him to do what he has to. Also to make sure that they think twice before threatening anyone. Not just the royal family, but their own family, friends, and most importantly the people. Anyone who does not submit to this reality, I want put to death before they cause any further harm." I hope that's not too harsh, but as a 'king' I have to not only show compassion, but also set the standards. If I don't, someone may try again and next time, someone I care about may die, I can't allow that. "Yes sir!" He walked out of the room and closed the door back. Suddenly I was being kissed on the jaw from both Celene and Kanira, "Good Job." Kanira says as the both snuggled against me more, almost making it impossible to breath, but still I'm not complaining. Not. One. Bit. Three hours has past and we are still in high alert. The ladies have fallen asleep, and I was stuck, I asked one of the royal guards over to help lift Celene off my lap. As comfortable as it was to be there I needed to get up. She lifts her up, and when I got up and out the way she sat her back down next to Kanira. I thanked the guard and grabbed a couple blankets and covered them with it. As I walked around I thought about what has happen in the past couple days, also the events that were happening. No matter how much I think about it, I just can't help but thinking this would be a good scenario for a game. Some random stranger coming in doing a couple strange task, nearly avoiding the death sentence, becoming a noble in a town…wait a minute, doesn't Skyrim start off the same way. I laugh to myself at the thought of this, but seriously I almost wasn't strong enough to protect those two, what would have happened if. Maybe I should take Asajj offer, but can I trust her. Suddenly the door opened up and Mr. Kotkin walks in. "Devin, sir, everyone involved in the coup has been detained, we are still in the process of questioning them but in the meantime we can lower the high alert." So, it's finally over. "Alright, Great work. Make sure you get some rest at some point, you deserve that much at least." He bowed respectfully as he left, along with the royal guard and then the men outside. I looked back at my two sleeping beauties, as lovely as they were, I had to get them in bed. I carefully picked up Kanira first, and took her into the bedroom and laid her across the bed. Now for the fun part, I undressed her till all she had was her top and underwear, I pulled back the covers on one side the bed and then laid her in there, she stirred a little, but remained asleep. I went back to the living area, grabbed Celene and did the same thing. After they were both tucked away I walked back and took one more look at them before leaving the room. I sat on the couch, when I look at the time is being half past midnight. Then I drifted off to sleep.
I woke up early, in the morning and the sun was barely up. I went and took a quick shower, got dress in fresh cloths. As I got my weapons I stole a quick glance at Celene and Kanira still sleeping, then left out the door. As I walked out into the courtyard, I notice a familiar figure in the shadows of the palace wall. I stopped a good distance away, and she just had a smirk on her face. "I knew you would make the right choice, I take you accept my invitation to becoming my apprentice." I took a deep breath. Even though this needed to be done, it still feels like I am selling my soul to the devil. "Yes, I do." She motions me to follow her, and I did. I followed her out the city, and back into the forest.
Celene Pov
I woke up in a strange but familiar sensation. I opened my eyes to find that I was not on the couch but in fact I was in my bed with Kanira who was also starting to wake up. I uncovered the sheets to find that I did not have my clothes on, I looked around to find them on a small table nearby. I got out of bed and promptly put them on. "Hey Celene, how did we end up in the bed?" I turned to find Kanira sitting up. "I imagine it was Devin doing." She then notices that her clothes were missing and blushed. "He put your clothes next to you on the table." She grabbed her clothes. "Never pegged him for being so bold." She giggled like a teenage girl who never had this kind of treatment before, I just rolled my eyes and went to take a shower. When I left out I found her reading a note, as I was getting a fresh set of clothes I ask, "What's that?" "It's a note from Devin. He says he's going to train, and not to worry about him." I grabbed the note and read it for myself "Oh boy." In some way, I suspected this would happen, but I didn't think It would happen so soon. I got on the com asking if anyone saw the Devin. Apparently, the morning watch saw him walked off with Asajj and has one of Clyde's scout have eyes on eyes on him. He is expected to call in at any moment. I won't pretend that it made me happy that he will have help if things go south, not that he would need help. I recalled the time he summoned lighting against her, his eyes were so red and cold that he scared me. But for his sake he better be safe. I make my way to the underground prison camp to see someone.
Devin Smith Pov
I only been out here for three hours and I feel like half day went by. "Again!" Her yells are unbearable. I held out my arms to lift a bolder up, but all it does is shake. "Pathetic, you can call your swords and push people, but you can't a lift giant pebble?" I was getting really tired of her. "Think about someone you hate and try again." That should be easy, as bad as Asajj was I hated the nobles more, especially Duncheraunt. Every time I thought about him I want to strangle him, I felt my eyes burning. I tried to lift the rock and it shook for a bit, then I lifted it in the air. This victory didn't last long as the rock came hurdling down. She smirked "About time, now do it with one hand for ten minutes' straight." One hand?! I was barely able to do it with two, and on top of that I got to do it for ten minutes! She is a hard case. "Well, see you later." She started to walk away. "Wait you're not going to stay and watch?" "Fuck no, I have better things to do then to watch your ass fail all day, hell I bet you can't do it by this evening." Oh big mistake, I love a good challenge. "And what if I do?" I asked her. "What?" "What if I can complete this by this evening." "Hmm if you somehow manage to, we will see." She then walked off, whatever it is, might be good. So I got back to training.
Asajj Ventress Pov
As soon I was out sight of Devin, I made my way to the scout who thought he could hide from me. After I thoroughly scared him when I snuck up on him, I told him "Make sure the brat doesn't hurt himself while I'm gone." I made my track back to the city and walked to the entrance of the underground prison, and what do you know I run into little miss guard captain. "Well, well, looks like I'm not the only one who has someone to see here." She looks back in surprise. "Asajj! Where is Devin?" "He in the forest, training. Don't worry, your lover-boy is being watch by your scout." She looked surprise, but then realizes there is no sneaking up on a Sith. As we walk in I decided to ask. "So do you know who this Duncheraunt is." "He was a noble, one of the more annoying one, he been trying to court me for years. How you know about him?" "Oh please I am a Sith assassin, I tend to find out about things here and there. Beside the only reason Devin is progressing at all is solely because of his hate for this guy. I'm curious to say the least." After I said that she seems to understand, few moments later we arrived at the cell. "Duncheraunt!" She called out to him, I'm simply just going to watch the show. He got up and faced Celene. "Celene! My lovely flower, my beautiful Gem. You are fresh drink of water in the desolate desert. Have you come to take me away from this cold stone cell." Oh for fuck sake it's a dam worm. "Enough! Why did you plot to steal the throne?" "I did it for you, I wanted to free you of that wretched human. An outsider like that doesn't deserve you, much less to represent us." He was getting really annoying real fast, and by the look of Celene, she felt the same. She gave me a look, I recognize it anywhere, she wanted me to show him how much of a bug he is, and you know what? I am more than happy to oblige. I gave a quick nod as I used the force to pick him up and toss him hard into the back of his cell, I proceed to make him like a rag doll in his own cell, making him bounce off the walls and ceiling, but I was also careful enough to make sure he stayed alive. Celene gave me a signal, so I stopped and brought him forward making sure his feet didn't touch the ground. "Listen, because I am only going to say this once. That human is my husband, YOUR margrave, he may be an outsider, but he represents us better than you will ever hope to be. Yet, you spit on his name, and betrayed the people, and insult my judgment. Give me one good reason to let you live! Just one you honorless piece of shit!" She drew her blade and deactivated the ray field to the cell, I dropped the worm and watch him cower in a corner trying to justify his existence as she drew closer. I must say it was enjoyable to see her get mad, but then she did something unexpected. She put her sword away. "Wha-what!?" She walked back out and reactivated the shields, he stood back up. "I am going to leave you alive for one reason, and one reason only. To let my husband, decide your fate, though I am sure he will finish what I started." She walked away and I have to say the look on his face being wretch with fear was exquisite. We left out the underground prison and Celene stopped to face me. "I should have killed him." "Now, now Celene, you were right to let him do it, if he die by your hand he would have probably like it. Let him be killed by someone he hates. That will break him further." "I should return to my duties, make sure Devin gets back in plenty enough time for dinner." "Yea, yea." Time to see how the kid doing, it already in the evening by the time I got back to him. I saw him holding the rock up with one hand. I have to say I am impressed.
Devin Smith Pov
I was holding the rock up with one hand. I was tired and exhausted, but I was determined to meet and beat the challenge. Then I noticed a shadow out the corner of my eye, I look over to find Asajj there. "Hello there, don't mind me just over here beating your challenge." I said cockily. She cocks her hip to the side and place a hand on it, and had an actual smile on her face. She actually looks cute when she smiles, though I'll be dammed if I tell her that. "Well I guess you're not totally useless after all, how about a test. It is about a fifteen-minute walk back to the city, let's see if you can walk back while holding that rock." Oh boy, well I came this far, lets step it up. "Alright I'll take anything you dish out." She laughs a little as she starts to walk away, I followed with the rock in tow.
Fifteen minutes later
We finally reached the wall. I had to make several detours because the rock couldn't fit in between certain trees, and not only that I had to catch up after said detours because Asajj was walking ahead like normal, and I am pretty sure she threw small rocks at me which I had to dodge to avoid getting hit, I learned to use my other hand to deflect them so that helped out. Oh yea, climbing up a steep hill instead of going through a smoother path, I had to lift the heavy son of a bitch higher so I wouldn't fail this 'test'. So as soon as we reached the wall I dropped that rock and I soon followed, because I was done. I hardly have any strength left. I was on my hand and knees gasping for air when I heard her clapping, I looked up to find her standing over me smirking again. "Not bad kid." She offered a hand. "I told you to stop calling me a kid." I took her hand and she pulled me up. "You have to earn that. Come on time for your prize." I wonder what it would be. We strangely entered underground, but it didn't take long to figure out it was a prison.
We stopped at one cell, that had Duncheraunt in it, my anger boiled just looking at him. "Your reward is to decide his fate." He looks back at me. "What do you want you filth, come to gloat, make me beg for forgiveness, don't bother! You already have that stupid hoer of a queen. Now you made my dear Celene ignorant of truth, but once you're dead, I will claim her as mine." The more he talked the madder I gotten. He insulted me, my queen, and Celene. My eyes burned hot like they were on fire, the guardrail that was behind me started to bend and warp, but I didn't care. I lowered the ray shield and Asajj raised it behind me. I drew my sword at the now scared noble, he used one of his arms at an attempt to block a fatal blow, but I cut right through his arm and blood started to gush out. I swiped at him but he ducked out the way and proceeded to pound on the ray shield begging to be let out. I used his now dismembered arm with the force and place it on his shoulder to turn him around. He was crying in fear but he had this coming. I cut off his other arm, he fell backwards on the floor. "Please, have mercy." This is laughable after all that big talk he thinks I'm going to spare him, well, maybe I should. "Alright, I'll show you mercy." He stopped trembling after that. "I'll slice your dick of so you can properly think about what you said." He tried to prevent it but without any arms that impossible. I raised my sword then stabbed him right where his dick should be at, his screams gave me so much pleasure. I did him a favor, I enabled him to think clearly before his death. I'm sure everyone nearby can hear this guy. I proceeded to do several stabs, I went straight up with each stabs getting closer and closer to his head. He was spitting blood by the time I got to his head. But instead of finishing it, I watched him die slowly. It was such a nice site that I think I even cracked a smile. I walk out the bloody room to see Asajj smiling gleefully. I walked a few steps before blacking out.
I woke up not knowing what had happen. A migraine, sore eyes, and my whole body was a mess, it hurt almost too much to move. I open my eyes and sat up to find I was on the couch. "Devin!" It scared me so much I had my fist raised, but realized that it was just Celene. She ran up to me and hugged me tightly, when I groan in pain she released me. "Sorry, are you ok?" She asked with genuine concern. "Yea, what happened? Last thing I remember that I was heading underground." Celene looked at me in at a shocked expression. "You mean you don't remember?" I was confused what she was talking about. "Give him a minute, I'm sure it will come back to him." I turn to see Asajj standing near the door, before I could ask how long she been standing there, all my memories started to flood back. What I did, how I did it, and the feeling I got from killing him. "I, I killed him, butchered him." I looked at my hands as if they were not my own. "It's ok." She hugged me trying to comfort me. "How can it be ok, I just killed a defenseless man in his cell." Asajj laughed. "You should have seen your girlfriend; she was about to do the same. But she wanted to save the honor for you, and I have to say it was interesting watching you at work." Celene glared at her "Not helping! Listen Devin you need not worry, what he did was a capital offence, he was yours to judge and yours alone. Everyone knew he deserved to die, so try not to dwell on it ok." I honestly had no idea what to think about it. "Well he did great in my books, that worm needed to be dealt with, and he did splendidly. But finish your pity party now, because you still have a lot of training to do in the morning." She leaves out the room. I was comforted by everyone, including Asajj of all people. I won't say that I feel better about it, but it was nice to know that I have their support. Then a thought accord, "She says you was going to kill him too, is that true." I asked Celene. "I was, he was insulting you, so I wanted to kill him. But judgement is supposed to decide by you." "So he was badmouthing to you too huh." "Hmm, what did he say to you." "Uh nothing, nothing." I wasn't very convincing, but I really didn't want to tell her, not yet anyway. "Hmm alright, well I should get back to preparing dinner, Kanira should be back from a meeting any minute now." She got back up, to go cook, and on que Kanira walks in. "Ah Devin, darling your awake, how you feeling." Awkward way to greet someone but…. "I feel like crap but otherwise, ok." "Welcome back Kanira, dinner should be ready in about ten minutes, so go ahead and relax." She didn't have to tell her twice as she took her former wear off and toss it on a chair. What I didn't expect was her have another set of clothes underneath. I swear I will only get a headache if I tried to figure out the mindset of these people, which in most cases I did. She joined me on the couch and laid across my lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. "So what was the meeting about?" I decided to ask her. "Oh it was a discussion on whether or not we display what you did to the people and the prisoner. We decided to just tell people you gave him the death sentence by your sword. However, we are going to show the prisoner who was involved with the coup the video of what happens when they cross you, so that that few who will be released will know not to cross you." My guilt came back in full force. I was on the verge of shedding a tear, not because I killed him, but in the way I killed him. Kanira sat up and gave me a kiss, which shocked me. "Try not to think about it too much, you did what you had to." "That's exactly what I told him moments ago." I look up to find Celene staring, I felt like I had my hand in the cookie jar. Except it was my ass getting caught kissing someone else…. here I am worrying about loyalty when my sanity should be questioned. I proceeded to eat dinner with them, they conversed with each other like everything is ok. Maybe it is and I'm just worrying more than I needed to be, in any event I finished eating and decided to turn in early. I wanted to be alone for a little while to get my thoughts together.
Celene Pov
Devin finished dinner and left to retire early. I was worried that he may still feel guilty about what happen. He did what he had to as our Margrave, but why can't he understand that. "It's probably his first time." I turned Kanira with a confused expression. "What?" "I said it's probably his first time, killing someone I mean. He just need time to absorb it all." I got up to clean but she beat me too it, I was going to object but she gave me a look that told me she got it. I went into the living area and saw Devin's Scimitar in a corner. I remembered that he didn't take it today, probably thought it wasn't his. I will have to catch him before he leaves in the morning. As I hold the sword close to me I remember my fight with him. I was coming at him without mercy, I wasn't holding back. I really had intended to kill him, but for some reason at the point where he gave himself up to me he found new resolve. The look on his eyes bore through my soul, and I wavered. I couldn't keep up because his will to live was almost tangible, but right at the moment he could have killed me he didn't. Why? Why put everything on the line, all that he worked for. Was he so pure that he didn't want any blood on his hands, or was it something else. There is still so much I don't know about him, and I want to know. But even if I learned his darkest secret, even if the worse may come, I will stand by him, to the death. I proceeded to get undress and retire for the night.
Devin Smith Pov
I woke up early, I jumped when I saw the queen in bed with me, but quickly remembered why. I will probably never get used to it, then I notice that Celene wasn't here, must have had an early shift. I washed up, got dress and got my sword from my home planet. I was upset that the sword I was given was destroyed, but in the short time I had it, it kept me alive, and for that I was grateful. I went into the living area to find Celene waiting for me near the door, and I note the sword in here hands. "Celene, thought you had an early shift, what's up?" She looked down for a moment then met my eyes. "So your really are going to do this." She asked. I didn't have to ask to know what she meant. "I am I have to get stronger in order to protect everyone. That night I was not able to save you without help from someone. If I had failed, one or both of you would have died, I can't let that happen, not again." She didn't say anything for a while, only looked into my eyes. Then she says, "Very well, if you are serious about, then know I will stand by you, whatever may come. Also you will also need this, this sword will remind you of the weight of our people you carry." She showed me a scimitar, it was similar to the one I was given but it was adorned with small gems, and the royal family seal on it. As I take the weapon, I noticed it was very much lighter than what I had before. "The sword is made of the Mandalorian Iron, it is light as a feather, yet can cut through mostly anything, one of the few metals that can hold up against a lightsaber. Because of this only people of the highest sword skill can ever own a sword such as this. Other than you, only three others were made. Me, Kotkin, and your predecessor, the last Margrave owned one. My only wish is that you use it to come back to me in one piece." I attached the sword to my waist, then pulled her close to me to give her a sweet kiss. "Know that nothing will keep me from returning to you, even if I have to defy death, I will come back to you." She hugged me tight as she kissed me. When I was released I made my way out the door, I spared one last look at her before closing the door. I made my way to the courtyard to find Asajj. "Your late, to busy playing house I assume, today we are doing a five hundred mile run through the forest. Let's move!" I strengthen my resolve knowing what I must do. "Yes…Master."
Coruscant
Jedi Temple-Counsel
Shaak Ti Pov
"We need to discuss another attempt at taking Togoria again with our army we could take them easily." Anakin says with immature confidence, though I have to admit he has been doing well. "Easy Anakin, may I remind you that your little skirmish in Tantillies, was brilliant but costly to the army you seem to think is at the ready." Obi wan, always the calm headed one. Sometimes I have to wonder how did those two ever work so well together. "While we do need to take the Togoria, we must first reinforce Tantillies so we can use it as a staging area. Once that is done we will then discuss further on a such a plan." Mace replied. "For now, to Dressel, you must go. Spotted, General Grievous is. Capture him you must." Yoda orders. "We will leave immediately." Obi-Wan says, as he and Anakin left out the room. "Anakin recklessness is becoming costly to the republic." Windu commented. "But you have to admit that same recklessness, has it's uses. He tends to drive forward towards any problem with such confidence that it bring the best out of everyone." Plo Koon defended. "I for one also have to admit how much progress he has made in these last few months, I'm interested to find what direction he will take." I interjected, few of the members agreed. "Well whatever direction he takes, I hope it leaves us with ships intact in the future. In any case we need to discuss our next move, we should move in reinforcement to Tantillies, once we provide aid there we need to …."
It's getting interesting aint it, now i know Shaak Ti, part isnt as big as you would hope, but trust me she will make her appearance know real soon. Until then, Stay tuned!
