Monster

After betraying Ventress, Count Dooku travels to her home planet Dathomir to seek out and speak to Mother Talzin, the village elder and leader of the Nightsisters: a clan of female warriors trained as assassins, in order to replace Asajj with a more powerful apprentice.

After Dooku's ship landed on the planet close to the Nightsisters' village, Mother Talzin walked up to the old Sith Lord and greeted him politely. "Count Dooku, come. We have much to discuss." She said as they walked through the village.

"Thank you for receiving me, Sister. I believe the old alliance can again be what it once was. You need only pledge your clan's allegiance to the Separatists' cause. We could certainly use the powers of the Nightsisters against the Jedi." Dooku said, trying to convince Talzin to forge an alliance with the Separatists in order to use the Nightsisters' powers against the Jedi.

"No! I will not give another of my children to you, Count. I know what you did to my daughter, Asajj Ventress, and I won't let you do it to another 1. The only reason that I am helping you not, despite what you did, is because, long ago, you chose to help me. After I give you what you came for, I hope I never see or hear from you again." Talzin said with a bit of anger but restraining herself, knowing that it would put her and her entire clan in danger of facing the wrath of Sidious.

"Perhaps if your daughter had not been so rebellious and defiant to me or my master, she'd still be alive. But...as you wish. After I have what I want, we no longer see or speak to each other again." Dooku said calmly, but secretly planning to eventually kill Talzin and her clan for her refusal.

After they went inside Talzin's council room, the Clan elder gave the old Sith Lord a cup of Black Root to replenish his strength after his long journey to the planet before speaking. "You have heard of the Sith Warrior Darth Maul, have you not?"

"Yes. He was killed on Naboo at the hand of Neyla when she was only a mere child." Dooku answered, as he was indeed familiar with that name of the Zabrak warrior Neyla killed on Naboo and the 1 who had killed Qui-Gon Jinn many years ago.

"A few still remain in his bloodline. The men dwell on the far side of Dathomir. What if I could provide you with another of his kind?"

"A warrior of the same caliber?"

"Yes. But I warn you, men are easy to acquire, but hard to control." Talzin warned, knowing from experience.

"With Ventress dead, and the Jedi's attacks against me more than likely to increase, procuring a new personal assassin is essential." Dooku countered.

Talzin then advised Dooku to go to the far side of the planet and seek out a Zabrak warrior from the Nightbrothers' village and he politely thanked her for her time before getting on a transport speeder that would take him to the Nightbrothers' village.

Meanwhile on Coruscant

After Ahsoka got Asajj to the medical bay unnoticed, Sly, Neyla, Shaak-Ti, Qymaen and Yoda had entered the medical bay to talk with the ex-Sith assassin. Neyla stated simply. "Good to see your still alive Ventress. Sly and I saw you make it to your fighter, but when the flag ship exploded..."

Asajj stated while smiling softly at Ahsoka. "I almost didn't make it...if Ahsoka hadn't found me when she did." Both Qymaen and Shaak-Ti could tell by the soft smile that Ahsoka and Asajj shared that the two of them were in a romantic relationship and couldn't help but smile and chuckle softly.

"Looks like there's a 3rd secret couple in the temple, my Togruta beauty." Qymaen told his rose skinned Togruta beauty through their mental bond.

"Indeed, my handsome general. And when this insane war ends, we're going to change that by removing that worthless no Jedi should love rule from the code. As far as I'm concerned, it's nothing but something that holds the Jedi back." Shaak Ti told her boyfriend, vowing to make the council lift the no love rule from the code.

Yoda stated with sympathy to the ex-Sith agent. "Both Sly and Neyla informed me, Qymaen and Shaak-Ti about the battle in space they did. Unfortunate Dooku betrayed you when you needed help it was. But, alone you do not have to be. Welcome to join our cause, army and family, you are, Ventress. But discuss this matter with the Council first we must."

Ahsoka and Asajj smiled as Yoda had offered her a place in the Jedi Order and Clone Army, but grew a bit concerned when he said that they needed to discuss letting her be part of their Army with the rest of the Council.

Half an hour later

After meeting in the Council Chambers and sitting in their respective seats, the council began discussing Ventress. Windu was angry that Ventress was in the Temple and Ahsoka had rescued her. "Master Yoda, you cannot actually be considering allowing Ventress to join our ranks!"

Master Tinn agreed with Mace. "I agree with Master Windu, despite the fact that Ventress is no longer with the Sith, she has killed many of our Clones and came close to killing most of our Padawans and fellow Masters."

Master Fisto stated while feeling that Ventress could prove to be a valid asset to their cause. "Despite the horrible things she did while fighting for the Sith, Ventress could prove to be a fine addition and asset to our Clone Army and the Order."

"Master Fisto is right. General Qymaen was the same as Ventress, but when Neyla and Shaak Ti showed him the truth, he defected from the Sith. And now because of them, he's not only a powerful ally and a great leader of our army, he is also a good friend to most of us here, including Sly, Neyla and their team. Ventress was betrayed by Dooku, so she deserves the same chance general Qymaen had." Master Plo added after his friend, sticking up for Ventress.

The discussion then turned into a heated argument: half of the Council siding with Windu against the idea of letting Ventress be one of them while the other half sided with Yoda, Sly and Neyla, seeing that Ventress should be given a chance to prove herself, just as Qymaen did.

Qymaen then offered an idea to the council. "Excuse me, Master Yoda, but may I offer the Council a suggestion?"

Yoda nodded. "Speak, General Sheelal."

Qymaen then shared his idea with the council. "Why not simply give Ventress a mission to prove her worth and trustworthiness to the Council? If she succeeds and passes, she's one of us...but if she fails...we at least give her the chance to be sent to a peaceful planet in the Outer Rim where she can live in peace."

Shaak-Ti then spoke before the rest of her fellow Masters. "Master Yoda, if the Council doesn't object, I think that would be an excellent idea."

The Council agreed to the idea, as they had no problem letting Ventress prove herself by testing her.

Windu stated, as he had the perfect mission in mind. "I have the perfect mission for Ventress to prove herself: we've heard rumors of Dooku traveling to Dathomir searching for a suitable replacement for Ventress. We can send her there on a recon mission to confirm it."

Qymaen stated, shocked by that mission. "Are you out of your mind, Windu?!"

Shaak-Ti added, siding with her secret boyfriend. "That's a death sentence Mace! We agreed to give Ventress a mission to test her, not have her killed!"

Master Fisto asked while turning his head to their Grandmaster. "What do you think, Master Yoda?"

Yoda gave a deep sigh before answering. "Agree with Qymaen and Shaak-Ti that sending Ventress to Dathomir is dangerous, I do. But...confirm the rumors of Dooku's new apprentice, we must."

Shaak-Ti and Qymaen turned to each saddened that Ventress would have to travel to Dathomir to prove her worth, but knew they didn't have a say in the matter.

The Togruta master then asked the Council for a request. "Master Yoda, before we send Ventress to Dathomir, could we at least send someone with her as backup to ensure she returns alive?"

The Council took her request to heart and agreed with letting Ventress pick someone to accompany her on her recon mission to Dathomir. After informing Ventress about the Council meeting and their decision to send her to Dathomir, Shaak-Ti let her know she was able to let her pick someone to go with her.

Asajj stated softly, as she had the perfect partner in mind. "I would like for Ahsoka to come with me to Dathomir...Master Ti."

The red skinned Togruta Jedi Master smiled and stated, along with Ahsoka as she was more than happy to accompany her new girlfriend. "I couldn't think of a better candidate myself.

Once they had all the necessary equipment for the recon mission and before they took off, Ahsoka stated with love. "Asajj, I'd like to thank you for letting me tag along."

Her new girlfriend said with the same love while smiling softly at her Togruta princess. "It's the least I can do, my sweet Togruta princess, especially after everything you've done for me." Before the two young ladies shared a sweet loving kiss before activating the ship and heading for Dathomir.

Meanwhile, back on Dathomir

Shortly after leaving the Nightsisters village, Dooku had traveled to the far side of Dathomir and arrived at the village Mother Talzin had spoken of: the home of the Nightbrothers Clan. After stepping foot in the village, the elder Sith Lord would be surrounded by a number of Dathomirian Zabraks warriors, who showed no fear towards the elderly man. Dooku stated politely. "Please warriors, lower your weapons. I have no quarrel with your village home or clan. I am merely here to offer you Nightbrothers an extraordinary proposition."

The entire Nightbrothers Clan had turned to each other, as they were rather intrigued by what sort of proposal the elder Sith had to offer them. One of the Nightbrother warriors, Savage Opress asked with his younger brother, Feral, standing right beside him. "What sort of proposition do you speak off, stranger?"

Dooku answered with a coy smile.n"A once and a lifetime opportunity to become the most feared and renowned warrior of the entire Nightbrother Clan...and proving yourselves worthy of becoming my new apprentice serving the Sith."

The entire Nightbrothers Clan had murmured loudly, as they couldn't believe they were being given the opportunity at joining the Sith...while Savage was considering it: especially since he would finally avenge the death of his and Feral's brother, Darth Maul and learn the identity of the Jedi who murdered him. Savage would state while stepping forward. "What must I and my fellow warriors do, stranger?"

The elderly Sith would answer with a simple smirk. "I'm so glad that you asked."

Meanwhile

after leaving Coruscant with her secret girlfriend to prove her worth to the Jedi Council, Asajj and Ahsoka had exited Hyperspace and arrived outside Dathomir's orbit. Ahsoka asked, as she could sense the dark nature of the planet itself. "This...is where you were born, Asajj?"

The ex-Sith answered while intertwining her fingers with her Togruta princess.' "Unfortunately, this is indeed my home world Ahsoka...and you should prepare yourself before we land on the surface: the Nightsisters have a strong connection to the Dark Side of the Force...and they are hostile to outsiders, especially Jedi and...deserters."

Before they could find a suitable place to land their ship, Ventress heard a voice call out to through the Force. 'Asajj...my child. You have returned home. Come to me, my daughter. Come back to your Sisters.'

Ahsoka noticed that her girlfriend seemed distracted and asked softly. "Asajj, what is it? Is something wrong?"

Asajj answered honestly. "Nothing is wrong Ahsoka...there's just someone that I need to see, who could help us locate Dooku if he is here on Dathomir."

Ahsoka asked, as she was intrigued by who it was Ventress needed to see. "Who?"

Asajj answered softly. "My village Elder and leader of my village warrior clan: Mother Talzin."

After they found a suitable area to land their ship, which was safely outside the Nightsisters' village...Asajj and Ahsoka were surprised to see several Nightsisters appearing from the shadows/tall grass and swiftly attacking them without any hesitation after seeing the young Padawan.

Both Ventress and her young Togruta girlfriend were holding their own, until they and the Nightsisters heard Mother Talzin shout out. "That's enough!" The Nightsisters would immediately bow down respectively before their Elder, while Asajj was surprised to see her mother still alive after so many years. However...once Mother Talzin saw Ahsoka with her daughter, she simply ordered while pointing at Ahsoka. "Seize the Jedi."

But before any of the Nightsisters could even react, Asajj stood in front of her girlfriend to protect her and countered. "None of you dare touch her!"

Mother Talzin stated with a look of surprise and disgust that her daughter would protect a Jedi. "Ventress, what are you doing? Why are you protecting a Jedi? They are our enemy!"

Asajj countered by defending and justifying her actions. "I used to believe that the Jedi were my enemy Mother. I believed in that so fiercely, that I slaughtered many Jedi across the galaxy...but I was a fool. The Sith simply counted on me to hate the Jedi so much...that I never bothered to consider they would betray me and try to have me killed once I outlived my usefulness to their insane schemes. But this Jedi...no, this young woman helped me open my eyes and saved my life."

Ahsoka smiled warmly at her girlfriend as she softly interlaced her fingers with Asajj's, which she gladly returned, which made Mother Talzin to realize her daughter's relationship with the young Padawan and would provide the two girlfriends the information they needed: telling them that she sent Dooku to the far side of Dathomir towards the Nightbrothers village and informing them that the elderly Sith had visited their village first...hoping to recruit a Nightsister into becoming his new apprentice, only she refused to hand over another of her children.

After they were given the information they needed, Ahsoka attempted to thank Mother Talzin, only for her girlfriend's mother to say. "Just promise me that you'll be good to my daughter, young Padawan."

Ahsoka stated plain and simple. "I give you my word that I'll treat her like the princess she is to me." She vowed before they headed to Dooku's location.

Meanwhile

In order to find the perfect candidate for a new apprentice, Dooku suggested that there be 3 tests to determine which of the warriors would be his new assassin. The 1st test was a test of combat, which all but Savage failed, due to having watched his dead younger brother, Maul fight in combat all his life via hologram recordings. Dooku became impressed with him and when the 2nd test: learning to fight the Force by seeing things in the dark, which got all the warriors except Savage and Feral killed, he easily passed the 3rd and final test by surprising Dooku with a talent for using the Force by using it during combat. Feral, on the other hand was easily beaten and in Dooku's eyes, was nothing but a waste of time, so he selected Savage as his candidate.

"Well done, Savage Opress, you have passed the tests with excellency and have proven yourself worthy of becoming my apprentice." Dooku said with an evil smile.

"Of course, my Lord." Savage said before looking at Feral. "I'm sorry, brother, but I must go now." He said sadly before they departed to the Nightsisters' village the next day.

Meanwhile

But while the tests were happening, Ahsoka and Asajj were secretly watching the whole thing. The ex-Sith had showed her Togruta princess her way of spying without being seen, which was going well as they were recording everything to their hologram device. And when they saw that Savage Opress was the same race as the dead Sith Lord Darth Maul, they went back to their ship and contacted the temple.

"Master Yoda, Cooper, we know who Dooku's new apprentice will be. He's of the same race as Darth Maul." Asajj reported with concern.

The others were shocked by this, especially, Sly, Yoda and Shaak Ti, as they became concerned about Neyla. "Are you sure of it?" Sly asked with concern, wanting to be sure.

"Yes. He saw him with our own eyes. And what's worse, we believe that he may be a part of Maul's bloodline." Ahsoka answered with dread.

Yoda closed his eyes as he began to think about Neyla and the trauma that she still went through today. He then told everyone very seriously. "Left out of this affair Neyla must be. If hears of this, she does, resurface fully, her trauma will."

"Master Yoda is right. My sister can't know about this. If she sees Maul's relative, all she'll see is that monster and it'll affect her mind and she will do something that will get her hurt or worse. Believe me, I don't like to keep anything from Neyla, but this is for her own good." Shaak Ti said with sadness, as she knew that Neyla's trauma will affect her mind and actions and it'll more than likely get her hurt or worse.

"Then we all agree that Neyla doesn't know about Maul's relative...to keep her safe." Qymaen said, agreeing with everyone that they would keep this from Neyla for her safety.

"I agree." Sly said regretfully, knowing that he didn't want to lose Neyla.

"Me too, Master Yoda." Ahsoka added while looking at her secret girlfriend.

"Myself as well." Asajj said in agreement before they sensed Dooku coming. "Dooku's close. We have to get off the planet now while we still can. Dooku cannot know that I'm still alive. We'll head back to Coruscant immediately." Asajj said before breaking off contact with her new allies. The 2 girlfriends then quickly activated the controls of their ship and got off the planet as quickly as possible before Dooku could arrive. Once they were offworld, they entered hyperspace and headed back to Coruscant.

Meanwhile in the Nightsisters' village

After Dooku had brought Savage to Talzin, the village elder put the Zabrek warrior into an enchanted sleep and used her magic, with help from other Nightsisters to transform him into a more monstrous warrior, but with a little bit of knowledge from Dooku as an extra in the ritual until the transformation was complete. After Savage was awoken, he looked at Dooku, got to his feet and bowed to him. "What is thy bidding, my master?"

"Excellent. Bring in the prisoner." Dooku said before Feral was brought before them and thrown to his knees.

"Savage?" Feral asked with shock on his face.

"As your 1st test of loyalty to me, Savage, I order you... to kill him." Dooku told his potential apprentice.

"Savage, you know me. I am your kind. Do not listen to him. Please don't." Feral pleaded.

"You always were the weak 1, Feral. You should have been stronger than this, you weakling. I don't know why I always had to save you my whole life." Savage said with disgust before he Force choked Feral to death, killing him.

"Good. You will learn to draw your strength from your anger and your hatred. They will feed you. Never sympathize with the enemy, even for a moment." Dooku told the transformed warrior.

"Yes, my Master."

Dooku then got out the hilt of a double-bladed lightsaber from his cape and handed it to Savage. "Consider this lightsaber...a gift to start your new life, Savage."

"Thank you, my master." Savage said as he took the hilt and activated both red blades before deactivating them.

After getting Savage a set of special armor, the 2 left the planet and went to Dooku's homeworld before heading inside his palace and into his office. "Even though I saw your skills on Dathomir, Savage, I require further proof of your abilities as a warrior." Dooku said as he brought up a hologram of a temple. "The Jedi are in control of a vital outpost on the jungle planet of Devaron, a temple."

"What's so special about a temple?" Savage asked, wondering why a temple was so important to the Jedi.

"Because the temple serves only as a front for the military operations of the Republic. It is essential that we seize the temple if the Separatists ever hope to take control of that corner of the galaxy. You shall go to Devaron and take what is rightfully ours." Dooku explained, wanting the temple taken.

"Then...it shall be done, my Lord." Savage said with an evil smirk.

Later at the temple

2 Jedi and their clones were fighting off several battle droids and we're mostly successful. That was when Savage's ship landed and he spoke to the droids. "Droids!" He called out, getting their attention. "Out of my way. They're all mine." He ordered as he activated 1 of his blades before effortlessly killing the clones with great skill before facing the Jedi. "Jedi. I've been waiting for this."

"Who are you?" The Jedi Master asked, wanting to know who this warrior was.

"Save the questions. You both won't be alive long enough to get answers!" Savage said as he engaged the Jedi Master, using the 7th lightsaber form before he killed him in a matter of seconds.

"NOOOOO!" The Jedi padawon yelled out before Savage used the momentary distraction of grief to Force choke him to death!

Savage then contacted Dooku as the droids walked up to him. "My Lord."

"Is it finished?"

"Yes. The temple has been taken."

"And the Jedi?"

"Dead."

"Very impressive, Savage. Return to Serenno immediately." Dooku ordered, impressed with Savage.

"Very well, my Lord." Savage said before breaking contact and looking at the droids. "Call in reinforcements to ensure this temple stays taken. I don't want anyone knowing of my involvement."

"Yes sir, um...what do we call you?" A droid asked with confusion... before getting destroyed by Savage.

"You may call me...Lord Opress." Savage said darkly before leaving the planet and heading back to Dooku.

Later in Dooku's office

Savage stood before Dooku as he spoke his plans for him. "You have done well, Savage. I'll have much use for you."

"Thank you, my Lord."

"I foresee we will do great things together. Your powers are evenly matched for your late great brother Darth Maul. But soon, they will surpass even his. And in time, you will face the Jedi responsible for his untimely demise and you will avenge his death. And eventually, we will become even more powerful than Lord Sidious himself. And once is dead, we will rule the galaxy together...my apprentice." Dooku said evilly, vowing to make Savage stronger than even his brother and for 1 day to avenge him by killing Neyla and eventually killing Sidious and ruling the galaxy together with his new apprentice.

"I am your servant, Master. And I look forward to everything we will do together, especially avenging my late great brother." Savage said with an evil smile, knowing that his time to avenge his brother had come at last.

There you go, my friends, the Monster episode is complete. Savage will be more skilled, intelligent, and powerful as a Sith warrior than he was in Canon. Asajj and Ahsoka will be the ones to track down and kill Savage before he can endanger Neyla in any way...but won't be able to protect her for long when a certain thought to be dead Sith Lord comes back for revenge. Rate and review. See you soon, my friends.