Chapter 66: Feer
"Are you well, my lord?"
Avaryss nodded, though, she had only just heard Holli's question. The Dark Lord wasn't focused on the material world at that moment, she had been in the Force and in her own head, playing the mental games she had been taught as a hopeful, readying herself for battle.
The final battle, she thought with a shiver of excitement. Every nerve ending was tingling, she felt like she had been tied to an active power coupling.
As the herald disappeared into the Council chamber, she found herself thinking about the past, and dozens of possible futures danced through her mind, moving almost too fast for her to make sense of any of them.
For the briefest of second she was back on that collection tower in the fields of her family farm, checking the collection reading.
So long ago, she thought, but that night has much in common with this one.
She smirked.
The galaxy itself…was about to change.
She had reached a shatter point in her life, so much was possible right now, so many endings to her story.
This could very well be the end, the cautious part of her mind warned. Feer was no mere Sith, he was her master.
Killing him…it would not be easy.
It was quite easy to be daunted in that moment, to question her decision, but…then as she peered into the dark side again, she was overwhelmed by a sense of cold calm and confidence.
One of the Emperor's shades could not stop me, she thought to herself.
My master…he…cannot either.
She tried to be patient as she awaited the door's opening, to hear the pure blood call out her name, to inform the dark council that she had come.
Whatever happened in the next few hours, everything would be different.
She took a shuddering breath, not of fear, but of excitement.
Yes.
Everything was about to change.
This is the end, she realized, the end of the beginning! The future awaits me like the coming of the dawn, only one final test remains, one final challenge to conquer.
The one TRUE challenge. The only challenge that ever matters to a Sith.
She risked a glance at her house, her followers, whatever happened she would show no weakness. Her house and allies were all gambling on her success. If she failed…
But that won't happen, the darkness within her purred.
I am ready.
She smiled beneath her mask, the scar tissue on her face twisting painfully.
I…AM…ready.
She drew strength from Lujayne's presence, grateful that the changeling was here. Taya offered similar support, her pet monster and apprentices remained vigilant, but guarded, but that was as it should be. One Sith Master challenging another was a major event, a solemn event that heralded the rising of a new era.
She was most eager to grasp it.
The doors began to open. She took a deep breath and she centered herself.
No more plots, no more training, no more excused, today was the day she had waited almost six years for.
Master versus apprentice.
She took a step forward.
She…was ready.
IOI
The Dark Council were deep in debate, they didn't even acknowledge the opening of the door. Avaryss heard several familiar voices, some she counted as allies, others…she did not.
"We all know whose fault the current situation is," Darth Ravage growled, "If Nox had done what he was suppose to, the Revanist threat would have ended before it had even begun."
"My forces are doing all they can, Ravage," the former pleasure slave responded, "Revan's talent for strategy cannot be underestimated, he is proving that on every theater of war we have engaged him on."
"And still he has not tried to contact this council," Darth Vowrawn said, the pure blood radiating curiosity, "As our dear brother Nox reminds us, the man is not a fool. Perhaps…he is playing a more subtle game, and is not merely interested in the throne."
"He is not that overconfident fool Malgus," Darth Nox reminded him, "Of course, he has his own agenda."
"I shall never bow to that former Jedi," Darth Mortis spat, "I don't care how skilled he is. He has no place amongst us. The Empire endures, we don't need his manipulations. Whatever he is planning it will fail."
"Revan is after something," Darth Marr agreed, "I don't know if even his followers understand his true goals, but it is more than simple power he is after. He attacks us. He attacks the Republic. Provoking such a war on two fronts makes little sense, especially for one known for tactical brilliance. It makes no sense."
"Maybe it is not meant to, Marr," Darth Feer said, his voice sending a chill don't Darth Avaryss' spine.
Her master chuckled.
"And in the end…it doesn't matter. My securing of our food and medical supplies now means that we are free of worry and can deal with all our enemies without the concern of getting a knife in our backs. Let Revan attack the Republic, let him weaken them, all it does is make things easier…for us."
"But it is not just them that his forces are disrupting, Feer," Marr reminded him, "He has struck at us, as well. We have all read the reports from Lana Benniko. We must do more to prepare for whatever endgame that Revan is planning."
"I'm not sure how much we can trust those reports," Feer replied, "Has the woman not been observed aiding both a Republic officer and a Jedi Knight? The same Jedi Knight that likely murdered our glorious Emperor?"
Feer sighed.
"Though…I should not be surprised that you would be willing to accept the woman's report, Marr. You have gone to the Jedi in the past when you needed aid in dealing with certain problems."
Avaryss felt a flash of intense anger in the chamber, one directed at her master.
She shook her head.
What was Feer doing? Was he actively trying to provoke Darth Marr?
That was not smart.
"What exactly are you implying, Feer?"
"Nothing, my dear brother," Feer said dismissively, "Only commenting on what I observed during the battle of the Inferno Nebula."
"The Jedi were tools, nothing more," Marr responded, "they were our pawns, and they performed their role famously."
"But were they mere pawns, perhaps you…"
Avaryss had heard enough, she let her presence in the Force flow outward, she had kept it small up until this point, let her master believe he was safe. That his own pawns were handling her, that they were capable of handling her.
Now that she fully opened up, she could sense his surprise.
He paused mid-sentence. His eyes turning to the open door.
"Apprentice?" he hissed.
She smiled.
Give the man a prize, she thought with a sneer.
Yes, I'm here.
She took a step forward, as the herald finally called out her name.
"MY LORDS OF THE COUNCIL, PRESENTING DARTH AVARYSS, DARK LORD OF THE SITH, AND HIGH INQUISITOR OF ORIDANNA!"
"AND," she chimed in, "Dark Lord of all of Oridanna, with the…retirement of Darth Sadi, I have assumed command.
She paused letting the council drink in her presence.
That is right, you collection of old fools, she thought to herself.
Mommy…is home!
She counted only four of the council members actually here in attendance. Nox, Vowrawn, and Mortis had all made the journey, no doubt eager to see Feer's success for themselves. Her master, of course, had needed to come, to prove that he had successfully ended the rebellion.
Like he did anything but try to hamper my efforts, she thought with a sneer. Now he thinks he can just swoop in and claim all my glory for his own?
That is NOT happening!
The rest of the council, with the exception their chairman were likely on Korriban or Dromund Kaas, Ravage's image, as well as most of the others were coming in strong.
Darth Marr's hologram was slightly out of focus, unsurprising considering that he was likely on a ship hunting the Revanists right now. She felt his cool regard, and, since adopting a faceless mask herself, now understood why the dark lord had always chosen never to reveal his face.
It was disconcerting to know you were being watched, but unable to see the eyes of the watcher.
Marr leaned back on his throne, he seemed…curious if nothing else.
"Lord Avaryss," he said, "This is most…unexpected."
"Not really, my lord," she said blandly, turning her attention to Darth Feer, a cruel smile spreading across her lips.
"In truth…this has been a long time coming."
Feer gave her a cold frown, she could sense him reaching out, trying to judge her intent.
In truth…he didn't need to reach out, she had made her reason for being here quite clear.
She was most eager to get down to business.
"Welcome, young one," Lord Vowrawn said with a cheery smile, the slender pure blood radiated a sense of eager excitement, perhaps sensing that they were in for a bit of a show today.
Mortis also had a hint of a smile on is face, he had clashed with Darth Feer in the past.
Perhaps he had also deduced what was coming, and was eager to observe what came next.
"You seem…changed, Lord Avaryss," he said, "I can sense the darkness writhing within you, your hate boiling just below the surface."
The councilor leaned forward, her eyes sparkling.
"Should we be feeling sorry for someone?"
Nox said nothing, he simply sat back and watched. His Deshade assassin stood in the shadows behind him, always on guard to protect his master.
If Zash was still part of the creature, she could not tell, not that it mattered.
That was Nox's issue, he would deal with it in the way that he wished.
Her only concern was Darth Feer.
The time had come to settle their accounts, once and for all.
Feer continued to regard her carefully, perhaps trying to think of a way to talk his way out of this, he must have realized by now that his old punishments would no longer work on her.
If he hoped to avoid this battle, he would need to come up with something else.
"You do have a sense of the dramatic, don't you, my child? To interrupt a council meeting like this, a wise Sith would have been more cautious."
"Caution has its place," she agreed, taking a step towards him.
"The time for caution…has passed."
Nox smirked at her, no doubt picking up on her meaning, having already dealt with his own master, he likely understood what she was feeling right now.
"You claim that you are now the dark lord of Oridanna," he asked, "That Sadi has been…removed."
"A necessary evil, my lord councilor, as my report to you will show."
"Indeed," Marr said drawing her attention back to him, "What have you discovered?"
She stood at attention, drawing all eyes upon her. She expected resistance from Feer, he would not like what she had to say.
Too bad, the truth hurt, but it was still the truth.
She would not be silent now.
"By all means, my dear," Vowrawn said gesturing.
"Please, make your report."
She stood at attention and smiled.
Here we go.
"My Lords, as Lord Feer has no doubt told you, the rebellion here on Oridanna has been crushed. While our brave warriors dealt with rabble, I took it upon myself to cut the head off the snake, seeking out the traitor Tahl Moritza, and ending his foul existence."
"We have all heard this part, and more," Feer said interrupting her, "We also heard of your death, from a very reliable source. A source, that it seems…was mistaken."
Avaryss smiled then, she noticed a familiar figure standing behind Feer's throne.
"Hello Beric," she purred venomously.
She giggled barely able to restrain the desire to snap his neck with the Force.
For the first time she sensed more than familial love from her brother, more than concern for her safety.
She felt…fear, true and honest fear.
She shuddered.
Good.
It tasted delicious on her tongue.
"Don't be shy, brother," she called out, "Stand up and be recognized, and yes, to all of you that didn't know, Captain Lylos and I are brother and sister, which…makes what happened between us that much more hurtful.
Beric stepped out, he was visibly pale, he looked over at Avaryss followers who stood in the doorway of the chamber.
He looked at Xen, his paramour.
She shook her head no.
She wouldn't come to his aid, not this time.
She knew the consequences if she did.
"My lord…sister," he stammered, "You need to know that I…"
She held up her hand; pinching her thumb and forefinger together.
Beric hiccupped, and found himself unable to speak.
He squeaked weakly, touching his throat.
She grinned, yet it didn't touch her eyes, if the council could see them, they would have seen only anger and the desire for vengeance there.
You will answer Beric, she thought.
Yes, you will.
"Your betrayal will be dealt with," she promised, "I just wanted to make sure that all could see one of the puppets before I finally dealt with the puppeteer."
She turned back to the council, Beric no longer mattered, he would be punished for his crimes soon enough.
"My lords of the council," she continued, "We have been lied to. Oridanna was always a jewel in the Imperial crown, a source of sustenance and healing for our army and navy, but in recent years that jewel has been tainted by greed, and mismanagement. Mismanagement that has resulted not just in loss of productivity, but forced the Empire to come down hard on what should have remained a loyal holding. We can no longer tolerate such willful and spiteful incompetence."
Feer's eyes narrowed.
"Hold on there, girl, you can't…"
"Since the death of Darth Daverus, my master has pushed to turn this productive and loyal world into a mailed fist that he could use to strike our empire with. Though I don't doubt the rule of the strong, and its value to our people. I do wish to point out that Lord Feer has done everything in his power to crush our own people needlessly, and all to fulfil some pathetic need to dominate others.'
Feer's jaw dropped.
Pathetic, that was the one word he was focusing on, his anger building.
Avaryss smirked, she wasn't done.
She had far much more to say, to fuel his anger.
She had much to say…period.
It had been far too long.
"Though, I'm sure that no one here will deny that it was my master's right to do with his holding as he saw fit, his actions here have done more harm than good. Take Darth Sadi's appointment, for instance…"
Her eyes once again fell on Beric, she wanted him to know just what had happened to his beloved master.
"As my master's apprentice, and a native of Oridanna, I would have been a natural pick to govern this world in your name. Yet, my master chose another, one whose skill at turning others against each other made her a poor fit to rule this world. There is little benefit to manipulating those that are already loyal."
She shook her head.
"Again, my master misread the situation, Sadi was more ambitious than he realized, and even worse, he let the woman take his son as an apprentice. He let her sink her claws deeply into the poor boy. He put the very future of his house into the hands of one who cared little for it, and all for…what was it master? A means to amuse yourself and degrade me at the same time?"
Feer said nothing, he was silent, gripping the armrests of this throne tighter and tighter.
Gather your anger, my lord, she thought, I want no doubt that you were at your best when I killed you.
She laughed.
"Feer made a choice, my lords, and this time, he chose poorly. The rebel leader Tahl Moritza reached out to her, offered her a chance to manipulate not just Oridanna, but the future of the Empire as well. Sadi seduced Bael Feer to her cause, and brought him in on the side of our enemies. They staged this rebellion to make the woman look more capable than she truly was. Either to elevate her above Darth Feer, or make her seem more valuable to his house than I…his chosen apprentice."
"And where is young Master Bael now, Lord Avaryss?" Vowrawn inquired, "His testimony on this matter would be most helpful."
"It would have been," she agreed, "Which is why Sadi made sure it would never occur."
She shook her head.
"Bael realized his mistake, he tried to make up for it. He died trying to help me defeat Tahl Moritza and Darth Sadi."
She sighed heavily, and looked at her master.
"You would have been proud of your son, my lord, he died a hero."
Again, Feer said nothing, he continued to glare at her.
She smiled.
He is smart enough to recognize the lie, and why I'm using it.
Feer had made no attempt to hide his lack of confidence in his son's abilities, that was part of the reason she was here.
Plus, her own animosity with Bael was well known, the fact that they had not liked each other would further sell the lie. Avaryss was not stupid, even after Feer died, she would need Cynn and Lady Synestra.
Time had made her realize that. Their presence would legitimize her reign, and by laying Bael's death at the feet of Moritza and her allies, she would bind the two to her.
She would be able to control House Feer's holding by proxy, at least until she had her new body.
When she was strong and healthy again, she would need nothing or no one.
She would finally be free.
She smiled up at her master.
"I've returned Bael to you and Lady Synestra. He should rest on Korriban with the rest of his brave forebears."
"And what of his murderers," Feer snarled, "What of Tahl Moritza? Captain Lylos has told me much about your involvement, and your…relation to the rebel leader. "
"I'm sure," she replied, "I was a bit surprised when I realized the truth."
She once again addressed the rest of the council.
"Tahl Moritza, otherwise known as Talitha Lylos, was my sister. She was strong in the Force and with the aid of Sadi, and other disloyal imperials, conspired to push Bael forward, and seek to infiltrate not only this council, but the Imperial bloodline as well."
She bowed respectfully.
"Talitha Lylos will no longer threaten this Empire, or this council. I have dealt with her."
"How," Nox inquired, "What punishment did you offer this traitor, your own sister?"
"See for yourself, Lord Nox," Avaryss nodded to Taya.
Her friend smiled and opened up the present she had brought to the council, dumping its contents on the floor and using the force to roll it into the center of the chamber.
Several councilors gasped in surprise, others giggled, or snorted with amusement.
Talitha Lylos' head rolled to a stop at Avaryss feet, its dead eyes staring up in a frozen state of surprise.
Avaryss smirked.
Count yourself lucky, sister, she thought, I could have trapped your treacherous soul in a crystal for all time, like I did with that fool, Terrog.
In this…I gave you the mercy of a quick death.
You should be grateful.
Beric looked down on the head with a look of pure horror! All color drained from his face.
He didn't need to speak for her to know what he was thinking.
Keera…what have you done?!
She laughed.
He would know soon enough.
Keera was gone. She had destroyed her. They were dealing with the true Darth Avaryss now!
She was the heir of Hecaetus and Feer, and she would birth many horrors upon her enemies!
All…would soon suffer!
Vowrawn smirked as he regarded the head at her feet.
"You killed your own blood?" he asked.
She nodded.
"It was for the Empire."
Vowrawn laughed.
"Oh child…I think you will do very well among us."
Mortis smirked.
"I've heard you were a bit of a soft touch, Avaryss. It seems that the rumor-mongers were wrong."
"I merely learned my final lesson, my lord," she replied, "True power comes not from knowledge, blood, or hope for the future. Power…true power…is power."
"Well said, child," Vowrawn said raising his cup to her.
She turned her attention back to Darth Feer.
"You created this situation, my lord. You tried to wipe out the Lylos family, and you failed. Darth Daverus' allies came back to haunt you. Andur Lylos' daughter turned your own son and chosen lord against you."
She hissed with distaste.
"You brought this chaos down upon us, Feer?" she spat his name like the insult it was.
She snarled no longer having to hide her rage…her hate.
"You are blind and foolish, and more to the point..."
She laughed coldly.
"YOU ARE WEAK! The Empire can no longer tolerate your foolishness!"
She took a step back and used the Force to pull her lightsaber from her belt.
"I CHALLENGE YOU! I will be the lord of your holdings! House Avaryss will ascend as it was always meant to…
She gestured to him.
"Step off your throne, you old fool. Defend it…if you can!"
Feer hissed with barely restrained fury.
She felt him trying to reach out to her as he had done in the past, to grab her and pin her in place, to reach into her mind and send it spiraling down into the darkness.
She resisted, the power she had taken from the spirit of Mya Moritza buffered her strength, that…and her understanding that the loss of hope was the beginning of true power.
Feer was no longer her master.
He was her rival!
And he would be tolerated…no longer!
"You," he hissed angrily, "You dare?!"
"I dare, Darth Feer," she purred, "Face me, if you have the guts!"
Feer looked at his brothers and sisters on the council, his fellow lords."
They were all watching eagerly.
"It sounds like you have been called out, old man." Vowrawn said.
Nox snickered.
"You will not let this slip of a girl talk to you that way, will you, my lord?"
Mortis sneered at Feer, and nodded to Avaryss.
"It is about time, sister," he said, "I've grown weary of this fool's prattling. Fulfil your destiny, and take your rightful place at our side."
Feer glared at Mortis.
"You will regret saying that Mortis."
The other dark lord shrugged.
"Only if the girl fails…Feer."
He laughed.
"The Tukata on the bottom is always hungrier than the one that has been on top for too long."
Darth Feer rose from his throne, his power seemed to fill the chamber, Avaryss could taste it on the air. Her master was shaking, she had never seen him so angry.
Good, she thought, angry people make mistake. Cold hate was far better, it helped you focus.
"Well," she said holding out her hands innocently.
"I'm waiting."
Feer roared.
The Force scream he unleashed shook the chamber. The councilors shielded themselves, some even covered their ears.
Avaryss remained unmoved, her sonic dampeners had done what they could to lessen the sound, but it had still been bad. She felt a brief moment of fear and indecision, but pushed it away.
His simple tricks would not aid him now.
She was too strong for them.
She took another step back. Gesturing her master forward.
"Come on," she said laughing.
"COME ON!"
"I'M WAITING!"
A maelstrom of Force lightning exploded from Darth Feer's hands.
Avaryss raised her hands. The lightning struck her Force shield, a bubble of energy that was as strong, if not stronger, than the one her master had summoned when they had first met on Korriban. His lightning wrapped around it; turning her shield into a crackling ball of blue violet energy.
She slowly began to drink it in, even as Feer threw even more at her. She held that back too, it was not easy, but the strain was bearable.
It is not even burning my robe, she thought with a smirk.
Well done, master.
You trained me well.
Feer briefly ceased his attack to gather more power, perhaps.
Avaryss struck back.
She fired all the energy she absorbed back in a single bolt of pure dark side energy.
Feer ducked underneath it, but it didn't stop. Beric squealed silently and dove for cover as the blast tore through the wall behind Feer's now vacant throne. Someone had been standing on the other side, they had been struck by her attack and had been vaporized in seconds. Avaryss felt their passing, reveling in their final scream.
She smiled.
It had been Moff Galek, she realized, the fat fool had been spying on the council, she sensed his fading echo in the Force.
She almost laughed.
Oh well, she had promised his job to Hissa, now there was no reason to drum up charges and kill the idiot.
So much the better, she thought, it seemed that the Force favored her little coup.
I can't be stopped, she realized.
The dark side loves me!
Feer stumbled to his feet, he found her standing before him, once again, she gestured him forward.
"Come on," she hissed.
"COME AT ME!"
Feer sneered.
"You have grown strong," he acknowledged, "But not strong enough."
His lightsaber emerged from his sleeve. Its crimson blade sprang to life.
"It seems the apprentice needs one final lesson."
He charged, he swung wildly, trying to take her head. He was all rage, and no self-control.
She flowed around him like water, drinking deep of his fury. She ducked and pirouetted away from each strike with the grace of a Twi'lek veil-dancer.
This is what true power is, she thought.
It is dominating the strong! Making them go where you need them.
And then…when you were ready, to grind them beneath your boot!
Feer was nothing to her now, he was a nerf to the slaughter house!
She could dodge all day, but that wasn't the point.
She sighed.
Finally, tiring of this game, she ignited her own blade.
Their weapons locked, as he tried to push her back.
She smirked.
She could see her reflection in his eyes, the distorted mirror-image of his own face.
You made me, she wanted to shout.
Now…you shall pay the penalty!
"Foolish ungrateful child," he hissed, "We could have done this together!"
"I'm greed itself," she purred, "I'm pure ambition given form."
She laughed in his face.
"I don't share power."
She thrust her mechanical hand forward.
For the first time in their relationship, Darth Feer had been caught flat footed.
He was launched through the air. He struck the window behind him with a crash.
He didn't scream, but he did gasp in surprise, and disbelief!
He flew through it in a shower of broken glass, flew out to the street far below.
Avaryss smirked.
So quickly, she thought, it was over…
She yelped as she was yanked up and out as well.
She shielded her face as she crashed through the glass next to the one her master had just exited through, she felt the shards cut her flesh, and tear her robes.
She didn't panic, she reached out to the dark side.
This is not over she thought as she fell toward the street below.
We're not done.
She saw Feer falling, the Force slowing his descent.
Her perceptions slowed as the dark side took over.
She dove after him, using her power to propel her like a missile.
She took a deep breath.
The duel…continued.
