Chapter 69: A Trial of Skill
Avaryss and the two Jedi continued to their ascent, there were no more turbolifts, only walkways leading up to the next level, leading up to more lab equipment, more growth chambers.
Four levels they had ascended without a single enemy emerging, only the humming of machines and their own breathing to let them know they still lived.
Occasionally they would hear explosions, and the station would rock beneath their feet, but these detonations were not enough to suggest that the either the Republic or the Empire had breached the station's defenses.
Avaryss felt a chill run down her spine.
What was going on out there?
Why was this place still in one piece?
They continued to follow Shyra, Fenn and her, the beast girl would stop every once and a while to sniff the air. Avaryss was not sure how good such a sense would be in a place like this, even if it was enhanced by the Force.
Her eyes drifted to the machinery as they passed by, the growth chambers, each glass container pulsed with a strange blue light; the fluids within hiding much of the creatures, how they might appear if they were given time to be truly born…or perhaps…fully created.
"Why does he have so many of these things," she heard Fenn murmur.
"What does he need so many of these things for?"
It was a good question, Avaryss thought.
Sadly, she could only speculate on the answer.
There were far too many creatures here to suggest simple scientific curiosity. Perhaps Terrog sought to grow an army? Perhaps these things would serve as his assassins and enforcers; weapons to carry out the dark lord's will.
What they had seen so far suggested that he had the means to create several hundred of…whatever it was that was growing in these tanks. She could not guess how long they needed to grow before they could emerge. What they would look like when they reached adulthood.
Maybe they are not soldiers, she thought, maybe the dark lord has something more diabolical in mind?
What if he never intended for anyone in the galaxy to survive his virus? What if these…things were meant to swarm and multiply, to replace the population of the galaxy after Terrog's virus had destroyed or changed all other life?
Such an explanation sounded insane, but was it any more insane than Terrog proclaiming himself the Living Will of the Force?
She didn't think so.
If he had the ability to create life on such a scale, why had he not simply given Fehl a brand new body? Or…better yet, why had he not used this technology to repopulate the pure blood people of the Empire? Surely he could have gained the necessary genetic material to do either, but instead, he had spent his time here growing…whatever it was in these tanks.
Avaryss glanced up at Shyra, say what you could about the mongrel, but she was both fierce and extremely powerful in the Force. Why had Terrog not tried to recreate what he had done with her? Despite her following the Jedi path, she did have an affinity for the darkness, her anger and rage boiled just beneath the surface.
Had she chosen it, to walk the dark path, she could have become a very powerful Sith.
Of course, if she had...she would have had to deal with the Empire's stigma against aliens. Most in the Imperial hierarchy thought that aliens were bad enough, how would they react to a hybrid creature that was strong in the Force?
Avaryss could not say of power alone would have one the day. Plus Terrog did not seem interested in training an apprentice to take his place. If Shyra had joined the Sith she likely would have remained Terrog's enforcer, or maybe she wouldn't have…
Power had a way beating the odds.
Shyra might just have well surpassed a Sith master.
Whatever Terrog's reasoning, it did not matter now. They were coming for him. She was coming for him, along with Fenn and Shyra.
They would see him answer for his mad dreams.
They heard another boom overhead, this one seemed closer somehow, Avaryss tried to reach out with the Force, try to get an idea that was happening with the fleets outside.
She was surprised to find her senses…muted.
She closed her eyes and tried again.
What she sensed…it made no sense.
She felt fear, hopelessness and despair. The Force seemed to hum with all three, but at the same time, she could also feel the eagerness of Terrog's forces, they were outnumbered and outgunned, and yet they still fought on…successfully.
That…that should not have been possible, Marr was no incompetent commander. She had no idea of the Republic admiral's capabilities, but it was safe to say that one did not survive a battle against the Sith navy without having some skill.
What was happening?
What was going on out there?!
Terrog's fleet continued to hold the line, continued to keep the bulk of both fleets away from the stations, the explosions they had heard were the last fatal acts of doomed pilots choosing to die trying to hurt the station. Men and women so lost in hopelessness that the only thing left to them was a suicide attack, even though they all seemed to realize how pointless it was, and doomed to fail.
Avaryss frowned, her brow furrowing.
And beneath the feelings of the soldiers on both sides, she could hear…whispering?
What was that now?!
She tried to make sense of what she was feeling, but to do that, she needed direct access to it, and more power. She tried to reach out and take it for her own, to draw on the pain and death around them as she had been taught.
She should have been able to feed off that despair. She should have been able to draw strength from it, to prepare for the next battle, and yet…she found that she couldn't.
As she tried to reach out and seize those emotions for her own, she felt her connection blocked, it was as if she was inside a shield, a shield crafted from the light. It was almost as if…
She looked over at Fenn.
"You are trying to shield me."
"Huh," Fenn replied he had likely only partially heard her; he seemed lost…the sense of foreboding of this place was dulling his senses.
"Fenn…you are trying to shield me from the darkness," she said flatly, "It is not necessary."
He gave her a surprised look.
"I'm trying to protect us," he said, ""I'm trying to blind the enemy to our presence."
Her frown deepened.
"You don't need to do that. I need full access to my powers when we confront Terrog."
She sighed.
"The fear, the despair in this place…I can use it."
"Lower your shield, save your strength for Terrog. I can take care of myself."
Her dream friend frowned; she could feel the conflict within him.
What did he think he was doing?
He knows what I am.
Surely he understands why I need full access to dark energies this place possesses.
She shook her head.
What was he afraid of?
He drew in close, to make sure that only she could hear what he had to say.
"When we first found you…when we joined forces," he whispered, "You were almost out of control. I've never seen you so ruthless. I…I never felt such bloodlust. You were barely holding it together."
"Ah," she said nodding. "That is what this is about."
She smiled.
"You're afraid that I will lose control. You are worried that I'll get lost in the darkness and turn on you and Shyra?"
"You don't think that is a possibility?" he asked.
She shook her head.
His concern was sweet, but it showed his lack of understanding.
Rather than get angry, she chose to explain.
"I know how to control my power, and besides, Terrog is my enemy, he owes me blood. If my hate and anger is directed anywhere at this moment, it is at him, not at you and Shyra."
She pursed her lips.
"That being said, if you do feel the need to try to shield one of us, may I suggest the mongrel. She needs your help far more than I."
Her suggestion caught him off guard.
"You…you want me to try and protect Shyra?"
She nodded.
"I can feel her anger; it has been burning hotter and hotter since we came up here.
She gave him a concerned look.
"You are worried about me turning on you. I can tell you now that I would be far more worried about Shyra. The darkness of this place is rising to embrace her, I can sense it.
"You don't want to be caught up in that storm when it finally hits, trust me."
"You don't have to worry about her," he answered, trying to sound reassuring, "I've known Shyra for years. She knows how to control herself."
"Are you so certain of that," Avaryss asked, "In a normal place, that might be so, but given her history, and her feelings for Darth Terrog…"
Avaryss shook her head.
"I know what it is like to hate someone…someone that had a hand in creating you. It is a bond that is far stronger than most people realize, and it can leave you vulnerable if you let it."
"Is that what happened to you," he asked, "Did your hatred leave you vulnerable?"
It was all she could do to keep from snapping at him.
It wasn't the same!
She had not…
Her mind drifted back to her first meeting with Darth Feer back on Korriban, how easily he had broken her to his will. How quickly she agreed to become his apprentice.
She found herself thinking about Vey Ilo, and how she said that she and Shyra were very much alike, she had tried to dismiss it at the time, but…
She wasn't wrong, Avaryss realized.
There are many similarities between me and the mongrel.
That realization did little to put her mind at ease.
They were alike, and that is why she needed to be worried.
If she was pushed, the beast girl might make the same choices that Avaryss had made.
If she did, they could all be lost.
"Master Vey recognized what she was; maybe that was why she told me that we were similar. What if Terrog offer's Shyra a chance to be more? What if he offers to make another like her, a male? As angry as she is right now, don't you think it is at least possible that he might try to turn her?"
Fenn gave her a curious look.
She hoped that he did not think that she was trying to drive a wedge between him and Shyra. She was capable of such an act and what she was saying now might come in useful later, but right now, at this time she was indeed telling the truth. Her concern for the mission was genuine.
She hoped that he could see that.
She meant what she said about wanting to take Shyra Viel's head, one day. It was a fight she desired. She did not wish to see the creature seduced to the dark side, not if it meant that her mission would fail.
"I'm surprised to find you so concerned about her," Fenn said, "It is clear that you two don't like each other."
"It is not concern for her," Avaryss said quickly, "It is enlightened self-interest. I'm thinking about me, about us. Terrog has enough weapons to point at us; I would not see him claim another."
"I can hear you two talking," Shyra growled over her shoulder.
Avaryss was not surprised. She guessed that those pointed ears were for more than just show. Who could say how acute the girl's senses were, and that did not even take into account her strength in the Force.
Fenn looked a little embarrassed but…
"She brings up a valid point, Shyra," he said.
The beast girl growled.
"You think she is right?"
"I think that you will be tempted," he said diplomatically.
"Hatred can be a powerful emotion; it can link you to a person as strongly as love can."
Avaryss smirked.
"Are you sure that you are up for this mongrel? If Terrog was smart, he will make an offer. Are you prepared to resist, or should we be concerned?"
She stopped in her tracks and turned to face them both.
"I will never side with that man. NEVER!"
She gave Avaryss an icy look.
"You don't know what it was like, how I was created. I would never go back to that, no matter what that…that…man promised me."
"The darkness' call is sweet to hear," Avaryss said sagely.
"Resisting it will not be as easy as you think."
Shyra sneered.
"Speak for yourself witch. I know where my loyalties lay. I won't make the mistakes that you did."
She turned away without another thought.
Avaryss shook her head.
Do not underestimate the power of a Darth, she thought.
Shyra would learn that soon enough.
She once again looked at Fenn.
"Do what you can to protect her," she told him.
He smiled slightly.
"Your compassion is showing again Keera," he said, "Isn't that unbecoming for a Sith?"
She frowned again.
She heard her mother's voice again, her distant lullaby.
You haven't made your final choice.
You can still come back.
She ignored such words.
She had no time for such childish hope.
"As I said, it is enlightened self-interest," she told Fenn, "Not compassion, you need to help her keep her head on straight. Terrog already had one apprentice, let's not give him another."
He nodded, finally accepting what she was saying.
Good.
"If you need my help…"
She smiled.
"I will ask, and thank you, your concern is touching, but unnecessary."
"I know how to control my power.
She felt it as the shield he had been trying to hold finally fell away, once clear of it, she felt the full power of this place once again wash over her.
The whispers she had been hearing distantly became clear.
Hopeless!
Hopeless!
FLEE!
No Hope!
NO ESCAPE!
No hope!
FLEE!
FLEE!
FLEE!
The Force radiated with those whispers filling the minds of all of Terrog's enemies. It was no wonder that the fleet had not breached the station's defenses yet.
It was all she could do to keep from running away herself, that or curling up on the deck and waiting for death to claim her.
Avaryss took a shuddering breath and took that despair into her. She let it wash over her, to feel the fear of all those soldiers outside, even now fighting for their lives.
She let the darkness draw on it, let nourish itself. Fear to anger, which turned to hate so quickly!
She smiled.
She had found it!
She had found the heart of darkness.
She let its power fill her up.
She let the hate flow through her!
She opened her eyes. The world had taken on a rosy tinge, she looked at the two Jedi and the bloodlust she had felt earlier returned.
It was all she could do to stay her blade, to keep from killing them both, Shyra for even thinking of trying to take Fenn for herself, and Fenn for trying to cut her off from the darkness.
The desire was there, she wanted to kill them both, but…she held it in check.
I'm not an animal, she thought.
I am a Dark Lord of the Sith!
I decide who lives and who dies!
The Force serves me, and through it the darkside grows stronger!
She smiled hungrily, her eyes blazing with crimson light.
Fenn need not have worried.
She was Sith!
She knew how to control her power!
She followed after her allies. The rage held in check, for now.
Her true enemies were waiting up ahead.
She would find them. She would destroy them utterly.
The darkness would have its due.
It always did.
IOI
Now that her full powers had returned, she tried to make sense of what was happening outside. What she was sensing through the Force.
Terrog's forces are bolstered; while ours seem to weaken the closer they draw to this station. The Force is practically singing with fear and hopelessness, far more than it should be, given the will and training of normally brave soldiers.
What was the traitor doing? She asked herself.
He was using the Force that was obvious but how?
She remembered reading about the art of Battle Mediation during her days as a Hopeful on Fury 9. It was said that the dark lord Naga Sadow had been extremely talented in the art, that he had been able to influence the full might of the Sith Fleet from a simple meditation ship. Fast forward a millennia and there had been the Jedi witch Bastila Shan, the one who had doomed Darth Revan's conquest of the galaxy. Darth Malak had said to have tried to turn her, but he had failed.
Is that what this was? Did Terrog have someone skilled in Battle Meditation at his side?
That would explain what was happening, but at the same time she did not get the sense that what they were facing was the result of a single Force user. Battle Meditation was a very rare gift, not often granted by the Force. Having the strength of will to use it to influence entire armies was rarer still.
When she tried to touch the mind causing this…disruption, she did not sense a single mind or will, it seemed almost…mechanical in nature. It felt like the mind that was doing this only knew the emotions that it was projecting, which made no sense.
The experiences of life went beyond hopelessness and fear. Even the poorest and most miserable wretch knew at least one moment of happiness...or fury.
The dark side filled her up as she drew closer to her objective, closer to her prey.
I will ask Terrog myself about this, right before I take his fool head.
Then we shall see just how brilliant he is.
Her hand went to the pouch on her belt and the crystal she had salvaged from Terrog's machine, the one she had filled with her own power.
It seemed to be almost vibrating, feeding off the anticipation of the blood that was to come.
Patience, she whispered, be patient.
You will get to fulfil your purpose soon enough.
We both will.
They finally came to the end of the laboratories, a turbolift door stood before them, the only way up to the next level.
Before they could approach it, the door hissed open, and more of Terrog's creatures filed out, armed with weapons and wearing the tattered remnant of Imperial uniforms. They filed out and took up defensive positions, blocking the three force users' path, and leading this rabble was a single cyborg, a Sith returned from the dead.
Fehl's face twisted into the grimace that passed for his smile these days. His eyes found Avaryss and he opened his arms in greetings.
"Welcome my darling wife," he said happily, his voice buzzing through the vocoder in his neck.
"I'm so glad you are here, that you have chosen to accept my master's offer."
Avaryss sneered.
Was this Terrog's lame attempt as sarcasm, or did the thing that had once been her lover not understand the reason that she had chosen to come here?
Had Darth Terrog left his mind so limited?
It was disappointing to say the least
She chose to enlighten him, no reason to leave him wondering why he was about to die.
"The only thing that I've accepted Fehl is that your master's time is at an end."
She activated her lightsaber; the whirling blade lit the room in ruby light."
Fehl paused; he did not seem to know how to respond to what she had just said.
She could almost imagine the droid processor in his head working, trying to come up with a response to what she had said.
Pathetic, she thought, pathetic and weak.
Her poor Fehl, he had fallen so far.
The time had come to end this mockery.
Her former lover deserved better.
The first time she had faced him, she had been in shock, seeing him back among the living had been her dream for so long, she had not realized that Terrog had corrupted it. That he had turned the man she had loved into a living nightmare.
Now, with time and perspective, she had let go of that shock and awe. She now saw Fehl in a different light.
It was not love she felt for this thing, not anymore, it was hate, black and cold.
Why had she not seen it earlier?
She had come to realize that the dark side had tested her back on Korriban, Fehl had been a test, a test of her commitment to the Sith. It had been a test that she had failed. She had been fully ready to leave everything she had fought for behind, and all for the promise that her loving husband would give her what she needed, and that together they would have the means to defeat Darth Feer.
She had been so naïve.
A Sith stood on her own two feet, or she did not stand at all. By accepting Fehl's proposal she had limited herself, and the dark side had made her pay for that moment of weakness. The damage done to her eyes and ears were a permanent reminder of her failure, a weakness that she would live with for the rest of her days.
She glared up and Fehl and his bodyguards, letting the rage build inside of her.
"You nearly made me forget who I was. My bloodline would have suffered for it. I would never have become as strong as I am at this moment."
Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her weapon.
She had been too weak to destroy Fehl the student, but now…looking on Fehl the monster, she realized that she no longer had any limitations.
She could do this.
She would do what the overseers back on Korriban had wanted in the first place.
She would destroy Fehl.
The two Jedi were at her sides, their weapon's engaged, a blade of blue and a blade of green at her side.
Fenn came up beside her, holding his weapon in the opening stance of Ataru.
"So this is Fehl," he said.
She nodded.
Fenn glanced her way.
"Wife?" he asked.
Avaryss' eyes narrowed.
"He asked for my hand, and I accepted," she informed him, "He was killed before we had the chance to say our vows."
"Oh," Fenn said, what he meant by that, she could not say, the Force was too chaotic here to pick up on any subtle emotions.
"And now he is back trying to kill you," Shyra said shaking her head, "You really know how to pick 'em witch."
"Shut up, mongrel," she snapped back.
Shyra gave her a toothy grin.
One day, Avaryss swore that she would smash every tooth out of that Jedi's mouth, but not today.
Today, there was Fehl to deal with.
He would prove to be challenge enough.
He looked at her companions.
"Jedi," he spat, "You have come here at the side Jedi?"
She shrugged.
What did he want her to say; they were useful tools, nothing more.
Fehl's strange eyes moved over her companions, Avaryss could feel him reaching out with the darkside, trying to take Fenn and Shyra's measure.
His gaze focused on Fenn and Fenn alone.
His mechanical fingers curled into fists.
"You desire her," he said in a voice as cold as space itself.
For the first time, Avaryss sensed real emotion in the cyborg, not just the simmering rage that had been left by his rebirth.
She felt jealousy, that and fury…hot and burning like a star.
Fehl's eyes seemed to glow, so great was his fury at that moment.
"You want her?"
Fenn did not answer; his focus was entirely on the battle to come.
Fehl laughed coldly.
"Enjoy my left overs Jedi, I taught this little whore everything she knows. Know that when you lay with her. It is I that you should thank for what she did. Know that I had her first, and broke her in for you."
If Fenn was angered or offended he didn't show it, his focus was entirely in the Force, on getting past Fehl and reaching his master.
Avaryss admired his control, another man would have been angry.
It was okay that Fenn was not.
She was enraged enough for two people.
Whore…he dares call me a whore?!
Her fury burned hotter, her desire for blood was like thunder in her ears.
She had had enough talk.
She started to raise her hand, to blast the abomination with Force lightning. She did not get the chance.
One second he was there, and the next one…he was gone, but not before he gave the order, not until he had addressed the things that had come down here with them. He said only three words, but that was enough…
"Kill them all."
Blaster bolts filled the air.
Avaryss and her allies tried to back pedal, to send the blasts back with Shien only to have Fehl appear right in the middle of them his hands split open, and two lightsabers shot out and into his hands.
He whirled around striking with a style that blended both Juyo and Jar Kai. That and one of the most powerful pulses of dark side energy she had ever seen.
The three were blown black sent flying through the air.
It took all Avaryss skill and training to turn the flight to her advantage, to be able to turn it into a defensive roll and find her feet again.
Fehl's guards gave her no time to center herself; they were on her almost before she hit the ground. Firing both blasters and attacking with cortosis weave swords.
She came up and found herself fighting for her life.
Her two allies were no better off.
Shyra was holding her own against the other half of Fehl's guards. The Jedi fell back amongst the lab equipment trying to shield herself from the blaster bolts and blades of Fehl's inhuman defenders.
As for Fenn, he was left to face Fehl alone; the cyborg was on him, spinning and lunging so fast that Avaryss could barely keep track of what was happening.
Her dream friend was holding his own, for the moment, but he was clearly being pushed to the limit.
Fehl had been the greatest of his class once. Terrog's enhancements had not lessened that skill, if anything he was faster now.
Fenn Shadowstone was in a fight for his life.
"You want to give her your heart," the cyborg laughed, "I will rip it out and give it to her. We'll see how much she wants you then."
Avaryss had no more time to worry about her companions, the guards continued to drive her back, continued to push her.
It was taking all her skill to stay hold them off.
One locked blades with her while two more try to circle around behind, to either stab her in the back or blast her from behind.
Rather than continue to push against her foe, she decided to roll backward, bringing the cybernetic creature down on top of her, she rolled through and kicked with her legs, propelling the creature into his fellows. The three crashed together and all went down hard. Before they could untangle themselves and continue their attack, Avaryss reached up with the Force, ripped up another of Terrog's growing tables and brought it crashing down hard on the guards. It hit with such a force that it literally dented the deck plate beneath it, fluid leaked from broken growth vats as the wreckage sparked and caught fire.
Avaryss whirled around to meet three more of the creatures, these she did not even bother trying to meet blade upon blade. She reached out with the Force again, drawing the torn cables from destroyed machine to them, binding them, and tangling them up.
She fell upon them before they could fully recover hacking and slashing with her lightsaber.
Losing a head meant nothing to these things, the body staggered around, still swinging its sword or firing its blaster.
Dismemberment seemed to be the only answer.
The only thing guaranteed to keep the things down.
Free of her attackers she leapt to Fenn's aid. He was holding his own against her former lover, but she could sense the exhaustion he was feeling, it was taking all of his strength to just hold the cyborg back.
She came at Fehl from behind, but he turned with unbelievable speed, his second lightsaber blocking her strike.
Their crimson blades locked, she stared into his eyes, hate and anger radiating through her.
"This takes me back," he purred, "You remember the Tomb of Ajunta Pal don't you my love?"
She did…
…this fight would not end like that one had.
She snarled and threw a force push; he resisted her attack and began to whirl back and forth, holding off both her and Fenn.
He is still good, she thought to herself, but it won't save him.
The dark side is with me.
I don't fear Terrog's mechanical tricks.
A pained yelp, drew her attention, she only just managed to back pedal and avoid Fehl taking off her head.
Shyra Viel fought like she was a Massassi warrior of old. She no longer resembled a human girl, any trace of humanity was currently submerged her neck and mussel were long her fur had turned thick and shaggy. It was almost impossible to believe that those large paws of hers could grasp a lightsaber, much less have the skill to use it.
In that moment, Avaryss got to truly see what it was that Terrog had created, and it was both beautiful and terrifying.
No wonder he had not wanted to face her on The Wreck.
The girl was a storm of teeth, claws, and lightsaber. While Avaryss had been forced to use her powers to evade and overwhelm, the beast girl was pure skill, savagery, and speed. Raw animal instinct that was far beyond anything that Terrog's science and alchemy could ever hope to match.
The sight gave Avaryss pause.
On the day that she finally faced the mongrel in battle, she would need to be at her best. She would need to be one with the dark side and free of any distraction.
Terrog was a fool, she thought, he had spent years working with cybernetics to create the perfect Sith weapon. Fehl had been strong, and before his death he very well might have been that weapon. He was still strong, but he was limited by what Terrog had taken from him, limited by what had been needed to make sure that Fehl came back.
Shyra Viel had no such limitation, had the dark side claimed her she would not have needed any cybernetics or further enhancement.
She was a weapon, a weapon that Terrog had let the Jedi take from him, to remake in their image.
The fool, she thought.
The arrogant, stupid fool!
ARRRRRROOOOOOOOOWL!
Victorious, Shyra threw back her head and howled!
Fehl thinking he saw an opening threw the lightsaber from his left hand at the girl.
Shyra did not dodge, she did not block; she did not even duck.
She held out her hand.
The blade stopped spinning a mere millimeter from her neck.
She snatched up the blade and whirled both it and her own weapon, dropping into a two handed fighting stance.
The cyborg leapt back, his left hand opened up again, revealing yet another hidden lightsaber; it ignited as he reset his guard.
He now stood alone, three against one.
Fehl had faced such odds before, and won, Avaryss knew, but those had been mere acolytes, learners.
Both Avaryss and Fenn were breathing hard, Fehl had pushed them, but they were still standing. Shyra was panting, drool dripped from her long mouth, but her eyes were cold focused, the animal was firmly back under control now.
"Are you okay, Fenn?" Avaryss asked.
"I am," he said.
"How about you, mongrel, you back in control of yourself?"
"Shut it, witch!" the beastling spat back.
Avaryss smirked.
Yep, she was okay.
Fehl looked back and forth, his three opponents began to circle him, he tried to maneuver back the elevator, but he was stopped at every turn.
The blades of his enemies blocked his path, he could try to fight through, but it would not be an easy escape.
Poor Terrog, Avaryss thought.
He is about to lose his most powerful pawn!
Fehl's eyes finally fell on Avaryss. She could sense his concern; perhaps the droid part of his brain had just realized just how hopeless his situation had become.
"It does not have to end this way love," he said, "You will not find what you need among these Jedi."
Avaryss smiled.
"Are we trying to negotiate now?" she inquired sweetly, "That is new…what's the matter, not so sure that you can win this fight?"
"Why are we talking," Shyra spat, "End this creature now!"
She seemed about to take a step forward, but Fenn shot her a look that stopped her.
"This isn't our fight now, Shyra," he said, "It is Keera's…"
He glanced up at her.
"Let her deal with this."
She gave him a grateful look.
Yes, she thought.
This is my fight isn't it?
My love for Fehl became an obsession. I've been a slave to it for far too long.
Through victory my chains are broken.
She nodded grimly.
I've grown weary of wearing this particular chain.
It is time to free myself of it.
Fehl must have realized what was happening, he watched as the Jedi stepped back, as Avaryss raised her weapon.
He looked at her with a mixture of surprise and dread.
"You cannot beat me," he said, "You were never strong enough to do that."
She nodded.
True, she had never beat him during their sparing sessions, but she had not really been trying truth be told.
She had been a slave to her love for him, she had always held something back, not wishing to injure him, and not wishing to anger him.
In short, she had never truly faced Fehl in open combat. The thought of doing so now…excited her.
This has been a long time coming," she said dropping into Makashi fighting stance.
"Let us end this."
Fehl adopted the opening stance of Juyo.
"We don't have to do this," he repeated, "We can go back to the way we were, my master can remake me if you desire it, give me the shape that you desire. My master has sensed your potential, your growing power…"
That old canned response again, she thought.
Enough.
Avaryss did not give him a chance to finish.
She lunged.
She got inside his guard, his two blades spinning quickly as the two of them danced back and forth. The Jedi did not interfere. They knew what needed to be done.
Avaryss did not hold back, her rage and hate lifted her up; her desire to reach Terrog and end this drove her forward.
Fehl was powerful, formidable, but he was also limited by what Terrog had done to him. He fought for Terrog because he was programmed to do so.
That was not the way of the Sith.
For too long Avaryss had been a slave to her desire to bring him back, now all she wanted was for him to be gone, to end the nightmare of his return in such a fashion.
She decided she did not want to have him in her life anymore.
She decided she wanted to win.
She sliced off the emitter of his lightsaber, the red blade winked out, and then she took the other one too, just because she could.
Fehl tried to push her back, with the Force but she blocked him. He had pushed his own limits during his attempt to hold off both her and Fenn, now his reserves were depleted, as was his resolve.
It left him weak, vulnerable.
She chose not to let him suffer long.
She reached out with the Force, pinning him in place while she choked him. His right arm opened up revealing yet, another lightsaber, but this time she did not let him use it.
She tore it from its sheath and used the Force to spin it around. The blade went back and forth, back and forth.
Fehl cried out, a sound that was half static and an actual scream.
The weapon struck at Fehl's waist and lower back over and over again. His armored cybernetics held for a bit, but after about four strikes, the weapon finally bit deep.
Fehl cried out again as his lower body came away, the smell of burned rotted meat and melted metal and plastic filled the air.
She let the body fall, and yet still…Fehl did not give up; he tried to crawl away, tried to make it to the turbolift.
Avaryss having grown tired of the game sliced off both his arms and shoulders, leaving the cyborg immobile.
Again she smelt burnt dead flesh and saw the sparks of damaged droid parts.
There had been so little of her lover left.
It truly was sad.
He lay on his stomach, panting, oil and other fluids leaked from his ruined body.
Avaryss used her toe to flip him over; she wanted to look him in the eye.
She wanted to see his face.
Now…that they were here at the end, she wanted him to understand.
"No," he gasped, "No, my love…stop…it…it doesn't have to be this way! We…we can come back! We can love again!"
"Yes it does," she said coldly.
"Yes, it does."
Avaryss stood over him; she felt wetness on her cheeks. She sniffled.
I'm crying, she realized, but it would not stop her.
She knew what must be done.
"Through victory my chains are broken," she murmured, "The Force shall set me free."
Fehl swallowed hard.
"No."
She brought the blade down, she sliced his head in half from the top of the head to his chin tendrils, her blade cut its path, sparks crackled as the droid part of his mind overloaded and melted.
Yes, the darkness whispered inside of her.
Oh yesssss!
The body twitched several times, its components responding to the destruction of the droid part of Fehl's mind.
Avaryss stayed with him in the Force, right up until the end. Only this time she had been ready, she was not left Force burned as she had been back on Korriban.
She felt Fehl fall away into the chaos, into the madness beyond death.
She did not try to save him, he was weak, undeserving.
She let him fall away.
She took a shuddering breath. She let emotions of this act wash over her, cleanse her.
She smiled slightly.
At long last, she had lived up to what people thought of her.
She had finally, truly killed Fehl, and at long last she felt no regret, no desire to bring him back.
He was gone.
Finished!
I've done it, she thought.
I'm no longer bound.
She almost laughed.
I'm free!