Author's Notes: I have returned!
Alright, having been in exile for a bit; have finally had the chance and creative mood to sit down and start writing once more. As some of you have already seen with the posting of my newest fic titled Dead Winter's Reign.
Fear not, as stated in that one; updates for my on going stories take priority. So this story, Dynasty of Evil, and Shepard of Fire will take priority in updates. Enjoy!
Path of Destruction
Chapter 10
Sky paced back and forth in worry at the academy's entrance as he waited for Bloom to return from her trials. The Sith Lord had granted him the privilege to await her return, though he knew it was another ploy to mock him for his own amusement. Perhaps even more to bait him for a chance to shock him once more. It was even more evident by the way the Sith was playing around with the remote to the slave collar clamped firmly to the back of his neck.
"It's been over an hour." The blonde prince commented to Riven, whom was merely just leaning against the door frame of the massive structure. Timmy had opted to remain on the ship, not wanting to face what was inevitable, at least to him.
"It takes time I suppose." The magenta haired specialist stated. "Similar to how long it took for the girls to reach their new fairy forms each year."
"Should we really be talking openly about that?" Sky questioned, glaring at his friend.
"He already knows, so little point acting like it never happened." Riven shrugged.
Sky was about to retort when a movement from his right caught his attention, his eyes widening in horror. A slender figure making her way up the ramp, covered in blood from head to toe. Matting her red hair to her face, making her malice filled eyes stand out all the more.
"Oh god, Bloom!" He exclaimed as he went to rush towards her, not caring about the Sith Lord.
The blonde prince made it no more then three steps before being tossed by an unseen force into the wall next to Riven, barely giving the magenta haired specialist time to avoid being crushed by his friend.
Lowering her arm, Bloom finished her short trek to her master and presented her newly forged lightsaber as she knelt before him. Not saying a word, the Sith Lord grasped the weapon and ignited it. Examining it in detail for any flaws or defects. Clearly pleased in finding neither.
"The crystal is set perfectly." Viticus commented. "And I see no defects in the handles construction. Impressive."
"Thank you, my master." The young sith replied, bowing her head.
"You have completed your trials. Forged a formidable weapon to wield, and bathed in the blood of a beast seeped with the Dark Side of the Force." He continued. "Rise now, Darth Caleo."
Upon hearing her new title and name, something awakened within her core. A sense of pride and purpose she had never felt before. Her eyes lighting up as she rose from the ashes of her former self.
"Thank you, my lord."
"The ship is prepped and stocked, my lord." Quinn informed the Sith Lord as he approached the group.
Very good Quinn." Darth Viticus turned. "Please escort our young prince back to the ship. Now that he has seen his friend return safely."
Bloom didn't miss how Sky's jaw tightened to keep himself from lashing out again. It was amusing to see him put in such a position that he had no say in what was going on around him for once, she mused. As far back as she could remember, he was always in control when he was present. Even barking orders to her and the other girls at times.
"Jaesa, please take Lady Caleo to clean up and find a suitable attire someone of her stature now." The Sith Lord instructed. "We have a meeting with the Dark Council
"Thank you for allowing us to wait for Blo…, Lady Caleo." Riven expressed after correcting his mistake, catching the young sith off guard. Causing her to narrow her eyes slightly as to what the magenta haired youth was planning.
Not risking any potential confrontations, the blonde haired specialist turned to follow the Imperial officer without a word. Though he did cast a dirty look at his companion.
"The hell was that about?" Sky hissed.
"Unlike you, I am trying to stay on their good side." Riven replied as he watched Bloom and the other Sith woman enter the Academy, heading the opposite way talking amongst each other. Part of Riven wondered what the two women were talking about.
Meanwhile, the two Sith women made their way through the Academy to where the refreshers were located. For once, it was Bloom regaling her mentor and friend about the beast she had fought and it's unusual resistance to the Force.
"Sounds like you encountered a Terantek." Jaesa explained, reaching into the deep recesses of her brain for what she knew on the rare creature.
"A Terantek?"
"Yes, ancient creatures created by ancient Sith." The older Sith woman recounted. "Aptly named, Jedi Killer's"
"Well, I like them already." Bloom grinned darkly, earning a chuckle from the other.
"Though as you have noticed, they will attack anything that is force sensitive." Jaesa continued. "However, it should be noted that they will only attack those who are strong in the Force. So think of it as an honor that it thought you worthy."
"At least it put up more of a fight then the Jedi I have come across."
Both got a chuckle of this.
An Hour Later
With the help of Jaesa, Bloom had settled on a black leather like outfit that hugged her curves just perfectly that was sure to put any males in her vicinity off of their game; giving her a distinctive advantage.
On top of that, with some encouragement from the elder Sith woman; Bloom also got a sith marking tattooed over her right eye. It was a simple design, but one the former fairy liked. A simplistic red S shaped marking with a dash down the center. Having the first curve of the S outline the right side of her eye.
"Lord Viticus should be waiting for us with the Dark Council." Jaesa commented. "Best to not keep them waiting."
Bloom only nodded before following after the other Sith woman to the lift that would carry them to the top floor of the Academy that only Sith Lords and their slaves are allowed to enter. Just as Jaesa had said, her master was waiting for them to arrive just outside a set of double doors. Just on the other side she could feel the power of the Dark Side resonating through the door.
"Twelve of the Empire's most powerful Sith Lords reside in the room beyond." Viticus stated. "They are interested in my new protege and just how much potential you have. They will probe you, and bring out your darkest secrets."
"I am ready." Came Bloom's reply. Steeling her emotions and swallowing any fear she had; letting it fuel her own power in the Dark Side. Head held high, she entered the massive room.
Six large throne like chairs lined either side of the room. Masked figures of various builds resided in them, making it almost impossible for the young sith to discern what they really looked like. The only thing she could make out from their appearance is that there appeared to be only one woman on the council.
"So this is your new apprentice." Darth Ravage spoke, earning murmurings from the other council members. "I sense that she is strong in the power of the Dark Side, and she has completed her trials well ahead of others. Impressive."
"And she has killed a beast that few even encounter." Darth Jadus grinned from under his mask.
"As we are to understand it," Darth Marr began, quieting the rest of the council members. "You are not of our galaxy. Which makes it all the more curious that you are so adapt in the Force."
"That is correct my Lords." Bloom confirmed. "My companions and I where excavating ruins that had been unearthed at the academy I use to attend. Within it resided a machine of some kind that transported me here."
"Interesting." Darth Nox commented, rubbing the chin of their mask in musing.
"I believe that the planet I resided on is still somewhere within this galaxy. Just, elusive." The young apprentice surmised, which intrigued the council members.
"Do we know anything of who made this machine?"
"Nothing so far." Bloom hung her head, a bit disappointed at the lack of knowledge. "My only clue is that the markings on the device matched the language in this galaxy."
"And do you intend to return to this world?" Jadus asked, leaning forward.
"I am unsure." She replied honestly. In truth, returning to Alfea had become a distant memory.
"No, you will." Marr interjected. "A world away from the Jedi and it's Republic is ripe for the taking to exploit it's resources."
"Continue to seek out your missing companions, and look for clues that could lead you to your old world." Ravage instructed. "Then, use any means necessary to claim it for the Sith Empire."
"Of course my Lords." Bloom replied, bowing her head at her task. A glint of malice in her eyes as she imagined the reaction of Faragonda and the others as she conquers the world she had saved so many times before. Truly ironic.
"For now, go to Hoth." Jadus stated. "It should be an easy retrieval for you, as I believe the one you called, Layla is currently in custody at Dorn Base."
The fact that the Sith Lord knew of her companions name struck Bloom as odd. She had never discussed her situation openly with anyone outside of her master and his wife. It appeared that the confusion on her face was evident, by the dark chuckle that came from Jadus.
"Do not act surprised. It is our business to know what transpires in the empire."
"I will head to Hoth immediately then."
"Normally, your master would present you with a star ship of your own to carry out his orders." Darth Marr said. "However, considering your unique situation; it would be best if you continue to travel with him and continue to learn. For a Sith, never stops learning."
With a simple gesture, the council dismissed the young apprentice. Exiting the room, she let out a breath she wasn't even aware she was holding.
"You presented yourself well." Her master praised. "It is not often they trust such a complex mission to a newly appointed Sith Lord. They see great potential in you."
"Then I shall have to live up to their expectations." Was Blooms reply.
"Come, let us return to the ship so that we may be off."
"Besides, I am sure your loving prince charming is going to love your new look." Jaesa commented, earning a dark chuckle from the red haired sith.
Oh, Sky was just going to love her new look.
"How big of a fit do you think he is going to pitch?" Bloom questioned out loud.
"I'd wager a hundred credits that he will take at least three shocks from his collar." The older woman snickered. Causing Bloom to join in.
Additional Authors Notes: Alright, Bloom completed her Sith Trials and had an audience with the Dark Council. Not to mention a new outfit and look. For a visual image of Bloom's outfit, feel free to look up Thana Vesh's outfit. I always loved the way it looked and thought it would best fit our fallen fairy. Not to mention the added sith markings.
Hope everyone enjoyed and as always, leave your thoughts in the reviews!