Million thanks to everyone who reviewed. Here's something new for your reading enjoyment!
Maxennce: Well, most SIth are not known for their congeniality. And as for Anakin, we are already seeing some changes this destiny has provided. How that will affect him in the future? Tune in for more to find out. Thanks for reading!
Gattaca: Ellise is already a good friend to Anakin; however, Padme remains his most closet. Where that will lead...keep reading to find out. As for this story, it should be another 10 or so chapters before it is done. I have a sequel already in the works that will take us into the AotC era of events. Thanks so much for your comments!
Emerald Green Queen: I agree. I think there were some very fundamental flaws in Anakin's and Obi-Wan's relationship that led to the eventual breakdown. I think they mostly steemed from his resentment of Qui-Gon leaving him with this awesome responsibility and young Anakin picked up on this right away. As far as Yoda and Mace, we may find that they are actually not as inflexible as we first saw them. Perhaps they had a visitor? The new Senator from Naboo is definitely not one of Padme's favorite people. We will see how they will 'co-exist' as time goes by. And yes, betrayal is very much of the Darkside. Seems Dooku's protege has learned more than he let on. Thanks so much for your review. Hope you enjoy this update!
NothingFeelsGood: Thank you so very much. Enjoy!
Pokey: Thanks!
Ghostrider: Welcome back! Lack of internet access is a bear. I feel your pain. Glad you are still enjoying.
James: Thanks and more to come!
Jedi Master 526: Thanks for the vote of confidence. As for Anakin not turning, I will do my best, but sometimes these characters have minds of their own. ;)
DannyBoi1689: Thank you very much. Hope you enjoy!
Flyboy-62: Thanks a bunch. Hope you enjoy!
LetNys: I know, hence the update ;). I appreciate you reading.
HGandRHrforever: Thanks so much. Since my last chapter wasn't long enough for you, I decided to update quickly ;). As far as Siri, I thin she's interesting as well. Unfortunately, we won't be seeing her for the rest of this story. There may be a couple of references about her, but no interaction until maybe the sequel. Glad to know that I could surprise you about Valkin. What I really wanted to show was Dooku's arrogance at what he believed to be his destiny, which was blinding him from seeing what was all around him. I'm happy to know you liked, despite the geometry reference. Math was definitely the bane of my existence during school. Hope you enjoy this update!
A/N: Many thanks goes out to Jenn who was kind enough to beta read this chapter for me. As always, all mistakes are mine. So now, sit back and enjoy the ride! As always, reviews are welcomed!
Darkness.
It was everywhere. His consciousness could perceive the void—the despair. Not only did it encompass Dooku physically, but he felt the emptiness from within. A lifetime of good deeds was stripped away and he felt deprived of fulfilling his destiny. The events prior to being assaulted and betrayed replayed in his mind as it tried desperately to awaken. However, the shroud of darkness was upon him, shielding him from the light. The night approached quickly with all the terrors that it held.
Sar Dooku was physically spent. He could not open his eyes, but through the Force he could visualize his surroundings. He lay upon a slab of obsidian permacrete with his hands and feet bound with Force inhibitors. However, they weren't powerful enough to alter his perceptions. This place was quite different from the hangar. It was ancient and had the feel of suffering and death about it. The whispers of the past resounded in the distance as they seemed aware of his presence. The Darkside was strong on this barren world—an ideal hiding place for a Sith Lord or an empire.
As the former Jedi was finally able to open his eyes, he spotted several lit torches hanging on every wall of the room. It was several meters long, with a width that was equal in distance. The walls were constructed with stones of different shapes; some of which extended outward, making the area seem smaller than it actually was. In the far left corner of the room, stood a table with several objects resting upon it.
Dooku was afraid--he feared for himself; he feared that he would not complete his mission. That he would die in this place at the hands of Darth Sidious. He angrily yanked his bound hands. No, it could not end this way. He would not fail Qui-Gon or his Jedi brethren that he still felt connected to. Nor would he allow the corrupted Republic to continue to spread its poison. The anger and the rage swept through him like an uncontrolled fire.
Dooku hated this weakness.
He despised being powerless to invoke change.
As if abruptly summoned, a sense of great power filled the veins of the former Master. Dooku stirred as he became aware that this place heard his plea. The sheer energy, the pulsing life that he called upon, felt almost tangible—all that was required was for him to submit. His conscience screamed to obscure the summons. Yet, moment after moment, the siren's song of the Darkside grew louder. It spoke to the part of his soul that wanted to fall into its embrace—to possess the mantle of power so he could make things as they should, or rather as he wanted.
Perhaps the Jedi's fear of this power was unfounded. If any were worthy to wield and control it, surely it would be him—Jedi Master Sar Dooku, master-swordsman, learned scholar and powerful Knight. This gift could make him the most powerful Jedi ever; even more so than Master Yoda. Yes, he would make them regret his departure…
The Dark Lord of the Sith stood nearby, quietly surveying the prone form of the former Jedi Master. Everything that he had foreseen was coming to pass as they approached the crossroads of destiny. However, victory was nowhere close at hand. Sidious knew that there were still uncertainties; however, with his new allies, he would not waste a moment of advantage. Meanwhile, Valkin Ord stood beside him silently as he contemplated his decision from which there was no turning back.
"Lord Ord."
"Yes, my Master," he replied obediently.
"Go to Geonosis and meet with Archduke Poogle. He has…plans that I think will interest you."
Valkin half-bowed as he asked, "What do you require of me while I am there?"
"You will make your vast expertise available then you will then report back to me."
"I will do so immediately, my Master."
As Valkin turned to leave, he gave a sideways glace towards his fallen friend as a surge of guilt echoed throughout his conscience.
"Is there a problem, Lord Ord?"
The weapons dealer shook his head. "No, my Master. I was only concerned about the Count."
"His fate should be of no concern to you. Friendship is not of the Darkside, only power which you so desperately crave," the Sith Lord grimly observed.
"I know Milord and I try to obey…" Before Valkin could finish his sentence, he felt his throat constrict, depriving him of air, which forced him to his knees. Sidious calmly walked around the slumping man as he struggled against unconsciousness.
"Perhaps you do not value power as you once did, my friend?" Valkin shook his head as he tried to speak, but lacked the breath to do so. Palpatine continued, "Or your plans to restore your Mandalorian heritage."
Despite the deprivation of oxygen, the rage at Sidious' remarks opened his connection with the Darkside of the Force. Moments later, he felt his airway open as he summoned his arched lightsaber into his hand which activated with an echoing snap-hiss.
The Dark Lord cackled as he mockingly applauded. "Good. Very good. Your hate has made you strong. In time you will learn to fully immerse yourself in the Darkside; but for now, obey my wishes and you will be rewarded."
Valkin subconsciously rubbed his throat as he extinguished and returned his weapon to his belt. "I will do all that you ask, Master."
Darth Sidious nodded curtly as the younger man left his presence. The young fool actually believed that he would be trained as a Sith to restore his people so they could rise again to seek revenge on the Jedi. While the Dark Lord never shunned a potential ally, he found the situation ironic given that it was the ancient Sith Empire that was truly behind the demise of the Mandalorians. Of course this fact escaped the pages of history, which recorded that the Jedi-led Republic military that mounted a crippling blow to that race of people at Malachor V; a few years prior to the horrendous Jedi Civil War.
What it failed to mention was that the ancient Dark Lords planted the seeds of discontent amongst the warrior race, knowing fully well that both sides would cripple one another, making them ripe for invasion However, being the power hungry fools they were, those ancient Sith lost control and nearly the entire Order at the Battle of Ruusan over a millennium ago. This was when the rule of two was adopted—a principle that Palpatine himself loosely believed in.
Sidious recognized that having more than two dominate Sith Lords at any given time in the galaxy was a recipe for disaster; nevertheless, those who could touch the Force minimally could be given limited training to do his bidding. For the moment, he would tolerate Valkin because his vast fortunes and limitless resources would be invaluable to his plans. The Dark Lord lacked the time or the inclination to train him as his apprentice. No, the Sith Master required one already trained, as well as knowledgeable in the ways of his enemy, namely the Jedi. Dooku would simply have no choice—he would turn to the Darkside and serve at his side. Death would not even be an option for him.
Palpatine strode quietly into the room where Count Dooku was being held. A satisfied grin filled his face as he could feel the former Jedi's struggle with the Darkside's seduction. He reminisced how easy it was when his Master, Darth Plagueis lured him with its call. Sidious deeply believed that he existed for the sole purpose of wielding supreme power over the masses. He and he only possessed the wisdom and the strength to guide the galaxy to its true purpose.
"It is such a quiet thing to fall," the Dark Lord muttered. Dooku looked up to see the hooded figure standing at his feet. "There is no clap of thunder; no cry of betrayal from the heavens nor demons rising from the abyss to lay claim to your soul when it happens." The Sith Master looked nearly placid as he seemed to be recalling something pleasant. As he spoke, he waved his hand out causing the Force binders to fall away. "You no longer need those."
The former Jedi rubbed his wrists as he carefully studied the Sith Lord. The energy of the Darkside billowed off the dark figure. "Who says I am falling?"
"Oh no, my friend?" Sidious smugly queried. "Then it was not your soul just now craving for the power only the Darkside can provide?"
Dooku looked towards the floor as he unconsciously shuddered at the Sith's violation of his thoughts. "But its promises are empty. It is unnatural."
Darth Sidious folded his arms as he calmly paced about the room. "A typical Jedi response from a rather atypical Master. Tell me, what was it that brought you here?"
"The Force summoned me to fulfill my destiny."
"And is it your destiny to kill me?" the Dark Lord added.
"If needs be," retorted Dooku.
"Then you must be the fabled Chosen One sent to balance the Force with my demise." The Count contorted his face with a mixture of frustration and anger at his comment. Palpatine continued, "But alas, we both know that you are not. Something else drove you here; something more…sinister."
Rage engulfed the former Jedi as his eyes spotted his metallic weapon, lying prone on a nearby table. As if following his gaze, the Sith Lord walked over to his lightsaber and patted it like one would a child. "You want this; don't you? Then what's stopping you? Take your Jedi weapon; strike me down with all your hatred and then your journey towards the Darkside will be complete."
The whispers grew louder in Dooku's mind, despite Sidious' proclamation. Everything he was taught, everything he believed in as a Jedi would be lost if he submitted. Yet, it seemed to be a worthy sacrifice. He would face the approaching storm of the Darkside and use it to crush its own creation. Then he would use the power to put things right. It was too easy. All he had to do was give in. Surely the Force would not condemn his soul to eternal damnation for killing an evil being such as this? On the contrary, he should be extolled for ridding the universe of the last of the Sith.
It was so simple.
Beware of the quick and easy path, for of the Darkside, it is.
The ire within flared once again at his former Master's words. What did he know? It was not his destiny to vanquish the Sith, despite his supposed wisdom. How dare that little green troll tell him to be fearful of such things?
Anger, aggression, fear, to the Darkside they belong.
An eruption of rage echoed throughout the room as Count Dooku yelled. At that same moment, his arched lasersword flew across the room and into his outstretched hand, which ignited the brilliant sapphire hued weapon. In one motion, the former Jedi Master swung his lightsaber towards the neck of the supposedly unsuspecting Sith Master. However, in the blink of an eye, a second snap-hiss resonated throughout the room as a crimson colored weapon parried Dooku's strike.
An ominous cackle filled Dooku's ears as he heard the Sith speak. "Good. Very good. Only your hate can destroy me."
"Liar!" The Count screamed as he initiated his counterattack.
Anakin Skywalker exhaled loudly as he tossed yet another datapad full of class assignments down to the floor. The young boy had been so consumed with work that he hadn't picked up his weapon to practice for weeks. Master Obi-Wan will be very grumpy when he finds out. However, he continued on with his studies because he feared the wrath of Queen Amidala if he were to ever bring home a bad grade.
Another standard hour would pass before he finished. It was late in the night and Anakin could feel Padmé, as well as all of the handmaidens sleeping peacefully in the land of dreams. It was at times such as these when the former slave felt the loneliest. Although he had Padmé, Sabé and all his new friends, Anakin found himself thinking about the man that saved him from a lifetime of slavery.
Even though he barely knew Qui-Gon Jinn, the boy had felt an immediate kinship with him. Perhaps it was the Force bringing their destinies together like Obi-Wan had taught. A pang of guilt resounded throughout Anakin's being as he thought about his Master and friend. While he was thankful for all that the young Jedi Knight had taught him, he couldn't help pondering how life would have been different had Qui-Gon survived the encounter with the Sith.
The Sith.
The memory of that monster still haunted Anakin. He felt pure hatred for the black hooded Zabrak that killed his potential Master. He stood up from his chair and walked over to his bed where he knelt down to pull out a metallic case stored underneath. Anakin placed the object on his bed and let out a deep sigh as he opened it. There laid the elongated, double-bladed lasersword that belong to that creature. The sandy haired boy shivered as he remembered the horrified look on Obi-Wan's face when he had found it in a hidden storage compartment onboard the Angel Queen.
'Where did you find this, Anakin?' Obi-Wan asked as he hesitantly inspected the weapon.
The boy turned around quickly and pointed at his ship. 'It was hidden onboard. What is it?'
'It's a lightsaber.'
'That's a lightsaber?' Anakin asked intrigued.
The Jedi Knight slightly nodded as he continued to turn the weapon over in his hand—a weapon very similar to the one used to murder his Master before his eyes. The pain of that day struck his spirit, causing him to replay that frightful moment over and again. Obi-Wan unconsciously sat on the hangar floor as his fists grew white from grasping it too tightly.
'Master, what's wrong?'
The young Jedi looked up at the small boy blankly as he tried to regain the moment. 'This weapon…just reminds me of something terrible.'
Anakin cocked his head to one side as his face seemed unreadable. 'You are remembering when Qui-Gon was killed, aren't ya?' Obi-Wan barely nodded in affirmation, as the boy asked, 'Were you afraid to die?'
The Jedi straightened at the sound of the question. 'A Jedi does not know fear,' he answered robotically.
'Then why does it scare you?''
Obi-Wan gazed at the determined look on the boy's face as he searched for answer. In all honesty he wanted to hear his own explanation over what truly happened. 'Because I came dangerously close to succumbing to the Darkside that day.'
A momentary flash of surprise registered on Anakin's face; however, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone while supplanted with a look of deep concern. The former slave was only vaguely aware of the opposing sides of the Force. He knew the Jedi were of the light side, while the monster known as a Sith Lord was of the dark. And it was Master Yoda who voiced concerns that to train Anakin could result in his falling down the dark path.
'What does it mean to fall to the Darkside?'
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin earnestly as he reflected on what he was taught at the Temple. He very nearly went off on a mechanically rehearsed answer when he thought of how Qui-Gon first broached this subject with him. Also, Anakin and he were sitting in a hangar on Naboo training instead of on Coruscant, so he deserved more than just the typical rhetoric. Clearing his throat to buy him more time, he finally answered. 'It is surrendering everything you are as a person to the false promise of ultimate power.'
A confused look crossed the boy's face; however, he remained silent in order to allow Obi-Wan to continue. 'It makes one believe that he or she has the power to control everything—even life and death.'
'But saving a person from death can't be wrong, can it?'
The Jedi Master arched an eyebrow, pleased that his student was listening. 'It can if it defies the will of the Force.'
'But what if you use your power to save those that you love?'
'A Jedi does not know love,' Obi-Wan unconsciously retorted, feeling hypocritical the moment those words escaped his lips.
A large frown grew across the boy's face as he muttered, 'But I will never be a Jedi.'
The young Jedi Knight placed a hand of comfort on Anakin's shoulder, offering him a smile in order to bolster his mood. 'As Master Yoda is always fond of saying, the future is always in motion; however, Jedi or not, as the Chosen One, it is even greater for you to obey the Force's will at whatever the cost.'
Anakin found this answer disturbing as he thought about his Mother, whom he loved deeply and Padmé, who was his best friend in the entire galaxy. How could he not save them were he to possess the power to prevent their deaths? But this power was wrong because it was of the Darkside and it was against the Force's will. How could saving your loved ones be evil? What harm could that truly bring?
As if hearing his thoughts, Obi-Wan sighed as he said solemnly, 'Anakin, I would have given anything to have saved Qui-Gon's life. He was more than a Master to me, he was like my father; however, I would have dishonored everything that he taught me to believe in and knew what was right if I gave into the Darkside.' He paused momentarily as he recalled that horrible moment when he realized that his mentor and friend was near death. 'And even if I did fall, there is no power great enough to avert the will of the Force; therein is the lie of the Darkside.'
A sigh escaped Anakin's lips as his head was swirling with thoughts. Obi-Wan grinned at him as he stood up. 'But enough of this talk. There will be another time to discuss this in more detail. Let's continue with your exercises."
Sparks danced about the room as azure blade struck crimson. The Force itself swirled like a cyclone about the two combatants who drew their strength from it. Count Dooku, former Jedi Master and accomplished swordsman had never before encountered a foe such as Sidious. For all his years of study and vast expertise on the little used Form II technique—which specialized in saber to saber combat, it mattered little, for the Sith Lord was a vastly superior opponent.
The two warriors moved with perfect synchronized precision as attack after attack was met with the proper defense. Had the situation been different, it would have been an amazing display of swordsmanship exhibited by both men. For decades Count Dooku had defeated the most promising of Padawans, as well as the most seasoned Masters, except for his own, in the annual lightsaber competitions. Jedi assigned throughout the Republic would return to Coruscant solely to see the grand Master display his prodigious skill with a lightsaber. Dooku had been part of a dying breed of Jedi—the weaponmasters who's connection with the Force was dedicated to the sole purpose of mastery over this elegant weapon.
However, all those accolades were far in the past as the former Jedi was fighting for his very life. Despite his strong attunement with the Force, Dooku was beginning to weaken; meanwhile, the Dark Lord was becoming stronger with each passing moment. The Darkside was physically bolstering the Sith as he channeled more of its power into his being. His wide slashes were becoming less predictable as the grey bearded man found himself in an unusual position—fighting a defensive battle.
Darth Sidious grinned wryly as he observed, "The Jedi have made you weak. If only they were stronger, then your beloved student would not have died at the hands of my mere apprentice."
The anger within him was swelling at Sidious' mentioning of Qui-Gon. Yet, the Dark Lord's smug grin made him realize that his chances of survival were diminishing by the second. The former Jedi Master placed his entire concentration into the Force to summon a push to throw the unsuspecting Sith against the hall of hangar. The Sith was stunned for a moment before returning to his feet. A short cackle escaped his lips as he said, "Good, use your aggressive feelings; let the hate flow through you."
The siren's song of the Darkside again called out to Dooku's spirit as it pleaded for him to tap into its vast power. Attempting to resist, the Count siphoned more energy from the Force as he unleashed a lighting fast assault on the still recovering Sith. Both combatants moved faster than normal human vision could perceive as they spun and jabbed their illuminated blades at one another. Trying to anticipate the source of Sidious' next attack, Dooku sidestepped his overly aggressive lunge, and with one movement he swung his arched weapon towards his torso, nearly slicing the Sith in half. However, the Dark Lord parried his attack with a reverse block, while focusing the Darkside on the Count's throat.
Dooku lost his center as he felt his airway constrict. He attempted to use the Force to block the invisible attack, but his senses were overwhelmed. The former Jedi stumbled backwards, lowering his still ignited blade by his side. Darth Sidious saw the opening and immediately lobbed forward to take advantage. As he pulled his lightsaber back in order to strike the killing blow, the Sith Master barked, "Your feeble Jedi skills are no match for my power."
As Dooku saw the red hued blade arching towards his head, he knew that he was about to die. He had failed and everything he was—everything that he believed in would be lost. His former Jedi brothers would only recall his deeds anecdotally and future padawans would be told of his place amongst the Lost Twenty. The name Sar Dooku would forever only be whispered amongst the great halls of the Jedi Temple. It would serve as a warning to future, idealistic students who dared question the irrefutable Jedi Code. The Jedi themselves would become even weaker and then would be ripe for this Sith Lord to destroy them. Perhaps they deserved to lie in ruin…
No, it could not finish like this.
He refused to let it end this way.
Sar Dooku would not allow the will of the Force to succeed.
The whispers of the Darkside became shouts as Dooku opened his soul to their message. The light that had once shown so brilliantly within him was eclipsed by the shadow of the Darkside. A base, but more intense energy pulsated throughout him as he felt the hindrances of old age depart from his body. There were no longer limits upon what he could do. Like a slave released from his bonds, Dooku raised his hand towards the attacking Sith Master and pinched his fingers together to choke the very life out of him.
Sidious' yellow eyes bulged from behind his hood as he felt his body being deprived of oxygen. Yet, no fear filled his essence because he knew that he had already won. He immediately twisted away from the former Jedi, dropping his saber to the ground as he hunched over in struggle. The Count became emboldened by the sight of the slumping Dark Lord, as well as the icy fury of the Darkside erupting within him. A wry grin formed on the face of the former Jedi as he fisted his palm to channel more energy; meanwhile, he summoned Sidious' fallen weapon into his outstretched hand, which instantly ignited.
The Sith swooned unsteadily as he felt the Force choke release. However, as he turned about, he saw the menacing glare of the Serreno Count as he crossed both blades in front of his neck. The Sith cackled gleefully as he bellowed, "Your hate has made you powerful. Use your weapons—I am unarmed. Strike me down and thus the apprentice shall become the Master."
These words caused the former Jedi to hesitate. He was about to become a Sith and there would be no salvation for his soul after this moment. Yet the power—oh the power was so great. He could do anything. Control everything and everyone. These thoughts bombarded his mind and were the last intelligible thoughts before an intense pain immersed his body.
At that same moment, Sidious sensed Dooku's momentarily loss of resolve as an opportunity to strike. The Sith raised his hands and unleashed several streams of Force lightening. The Count recoiled violently as he dropped both lightsabers to shield himself from the pain. The Dark Lord then rose to his feet, never stopping the barrage for one moment until he stood over the fallen combatant. "Old fool; your faith in the light will be your destruction."
Sidious again launched another volley of energy into the already injured man. Dooku tried desperately to summon the vast power of the Darkside to come to his aid, but his pleas went unanswered as the Sith Master unleashed his fury. Not only was he going to die in this place, but he was damned by a feeble attempt to defy the Force. He was no longer grace's child—a child of the light. Now, he was a minion of darkness and had only a single recourse.
"Please forgive me, my Master," Dooku begged. The blue lightening disappeared as Darth Sidious stood cautiously over the slumping man. "You were right about me. I crave the power and the knowledge only the Darkside…and you can offer."
The Dark Lord used the Force to summon his lightsaber back into his hand. The former Jedi winced, as he believed that the Sith was about to dispatch him anyway. However, Sidious, placed the weapon back under his cloak while he begun to circle the still lying Count.
"The Jedi are a cancer that is weakening the Republic with each passing day." Gazing at Dooku from under his hood, Sidious added, "It will be necessary to remove this disease from the galaxy."
"I understand, Milord."
"That means, you will have to kill your Jedi brothers. I'm not so sure you are up to the task," Sidious bated.
"Allow me the opportunity to prove myself to you, my Master."
A wicked grin grew across the face of the Sith Lord as he realized that Count Dooku was now his. "You are the tyranny that will gain our revenge against all those who dare to oppose us. From this day forth you shall be called Darth Tyranus. Rise, my friend."
The newly indoctrinated Sith apprentice stood and bowed humbly before his Master. He remained quiet until the Dark Lord spoke again. "I sense that you are still troubled with our plans."
"Forgive me, Milord; but, even with the immense power of the Darkside, we are only two and the Jedi are vast. How could we hope to fight them?"
The Sith Master turned his back to his new apprentice and walked several steps away. Still fearful of another attack, Darth Tyranus promptly sought out with his eyes, the location of his lightsaber, in case his Master was displeased. However, before he could act, Sidious spoke again.
"What if I told you that the Senate was under control by a Sith Lord?" Before Dooku could utter a word, the Dark Lord withdrew his hood and turned around to reveal his true identity.
"Palpatine," the Sith apprentice barely whispered as the Supreme Chancellor smirked knowingly at him.
"What if I told you that I am the Senate?"
A thousand thoughts descended upon Dooku at that very moment, yet everything made sense. The information that the Neimoidians gave him was not erroneous because somehow Palpatine or Darth Sidious had a secret base on Coruscant where he transmitted his orders. Yet how could a Sith Lord—A Sith Master to be exact, be at the central seat of power and the Jedi completely unaware of his existence?
Reading his thoughts, Palpatine interjected, "Because they are weak and pathetic, my friend. Their code is obsolete and their powers are feeble next to the power of the Darkside." He paused momentarily to see the clouds of doubt circulating upon the face of his apprentice. "Search your feelings, Darth Tyranus. You of all people know that the Jedi Order is in decline and is greatly responsible for the decay of the Republic. Even you, one of their most gifted could not sense my rise."
At that moment, the last remaining flicker of light that had resided in Dooku's soul was extinguished forever. Darth Tyranus was now a true servant of the dark and would do his Master's bidding, whatever it might be, for the moment. There was much he needed to learn before he had the power to usurp this fiend. The fallen Jedi still believed it was his destiny to kill Sidious; however, many of his former brothers and sisters would have to die to fulfill this task. Yet, once he ruled the stars, he would put things right in his image.
Realizing the Dark Lord was watching him intently, the Sith apprentice observed, "Still, even with control of the Senate, we cannot risk revealing our identities, lest the Jedi swarm upon us."
Darth Sidious nodded knowingly as he seemed to ponder something for a moment. "Perhaps it is time to start a war," he said more to himself than to Dooku. "However, all will be divulged in time. Now it is important for you to secure your path within the Darkside."
Darth Tyranus immediately knelt as he bellowed, "What is thy bidding, my Master?"
"Go to Nar Shaddaa and there you will encounter an old friend who has come into possession of some rather important information."
"Old friend?"
"Yes," Sidious hissed. "One named Sifo-Dyas holds the key to the future."
The Count braved looking up to see the pulsating yellow eyes of the Sith Master focused down upon him. "And what shall you have me do?"
"Allow the Darkside to guide you and all shall be revealed. If you are successful, Lord Ord will contact you with further instructions."
"I will do all that you ask, my Master." Darth Tyranus bowed before him then turned abruptly towards his shuttle. As he was about to board, the Dark Lord motioned for his attention.
"Master?"
"Before you go, Lord Tyranus, I think these are things that you could use to help you on your path." Darth Sidious withdrew two objects from his hood. One was a nearly transparent red focusing crystal for a lightsaber, the other was a hexagonal cube. The Sith apprentice looked at it curiously as realization of what it was suddenly swept across his face.
"A Sith holocron!"
The Sith Master nodded curtly as he said, "I'm sure you will more than take advantage of the knowledge stored in this vessel."
"Certainly Master and my thanks."
"Serve me well, Lord Tyranus and you will be rewarded beyond your greatest imagination. But fail me and you will die by my hand." Sidious warned.
"I understand, Milord."
The fallen Jedi then boarded his ship and departed the barren world in search of his destiny. At that same moment, halfway across the galaxy, Anakin Skywalker abruptly shot up in bed as the hauntingly icy voices echoed through his head in warning. The darkness is rising.
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